Another year at Hogwarts. The Dark Lord was defeated and Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger were finishing their final year at the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Events were still fresh in everyone's mind, but for the sake of their own lives and those lost, everybody tried their best to move on. George Weasley took on a partner and was working on taking his joke shop national. Harry had permanently moved in with the Weasley family after their house was rebuilt and they were recovering from Fred's death smoothly since George had been adamant that Fred would hate everyone moping around.
Hermione Granger was Head Girl at Hogwarts and there earlier than the rest of the students to help Headmistress McGonagall prepare for the coming year. A lot of the seventh years Hermione had gone to school with would be returning since their year was cut short by the war. Although the Gryffindor had already passed her OWL's and N.E.W.T.'s, she still found it necessary to show she finished her schooling. The young witch was out by the lake on the summer afternoon reading when McGonagall came to find her.
"Miss Granger," The elder witch spoke quietly as she approached. The brunette looked up from her book and shielded her eyes from the sun. "We are going to be having a transfer student this year from America." Hermione shut her book and stood up as the headmistress started back to the castle. "I would like you to show her around when she arrives tomorrow."
"Of course Professor." The young witch agreed as they made their way past the Great Hall and down the corridor to the Headmistress's office. "What time will she be arriving tomorrow?"
"Sometime after noon." McGonagall shuffled through some papers on her desk. "Her name is Jade McHale, she is a half lycan, just so you're not surprised when you find out. She had the highest marks in her old school overseas, but her Uncle sent her to live with her cousin this summer and it seems she didn't want to go back." Hermione nodded as the headmistress continued to regale her with details on the new student. "Oh, I also sent an owl out to your friends to join us for the rest of the summer. Don't think I haven't noticed you spending too much time studying and I think you could use some relaxation."
"Thank you ma'am!" The brunette smiled brightly at her favorite professor as she was dismissed and immediately went to the owlery to contact her friends. She was rather nervous since she and Ron had just started their relationship and after the effects of the war wore off, so did her feelings for her longtime friend, but she didn't know how to tell him. After leaving the tower she briskly walked back to her private room to finish reading her book. Even though the muggle born had assisted in defeating Voldemort and yet she was still the same studious bookworm she had always been. She didn't take to the fame that surrounded their story and the trio themselves and Hermione tried her best to stay out of it. It was nearing the end of August and even though she looked the same, the young Gryffindor had changed in many ways. Her hair was much tamer than it used to be finally falling sleek and wavy instead of dry and bushy. She bore many scars that the war had left her and the brunette had even lost weight from traveling for horcruxes and eating less than nutritional food over that time. This summer she had just started to recover from reinstating her parent's memories and filling them in on what had really happened. If possible she had become more introverted from the casualties of the last year. The sun went down rather fast and she had fallen asleep long before she realized she had missed dinner.
x-x
The next day the Head Girl woke up starving and regretted falling asleep without eating. As she dressed and made her way to the Great Hall for breakfast she ran into someone solidly and cursed as she hit the stone floors.
"Jeez." A smooth voice sounded slightly annoyed. "Five minutes here and I'm already getting run over."
"I'm so sorry." Hermione started as she rubbed her lower back and bum. "I wasn't expecting anyone to be here yet so I wasn't really paying attention I suppose."
"You suppose?" The voice said again. The brunette finally looked up to see a black haired girl with blue eyes getting to her feet. "I suppose I should've noticed a girl running around the halls like a chicken with its head cut off." The girl offered her hand to the Gryffindor who was still on the ground. For a second the Head Girl just stared at it and then back up to the girl's slightly narrowed blue eyes. "Are you just going to stare or are you gonna let me help you?" Hermione snapped out of her thoughts and tentatively grabbed the hand in front of her face. The dark haired girl easily pulled the brunette to her feet and then began to dust off her clothes.
"I'm sorry again." Hermione stuttered out quietly as she brushed off her skirt. The girl straightened her robe and looked back with gentler eyes this time.
"It's fine." Her voice was less irate, but still the brunette could tell she was bothered. "I guess I could've been paying more attention as well. I take it you're the one who is supposed to be showing me around the school?"
"You're Jade?" The Gryffindor asked in a mousy voice. The tall girl smirked and nodded as she stuck out her hand towards the young witch.
"Yes I am," She answered as Hermione grabbed her hand and shook it. "And who are you?"
"Hermione," The brunette said quietly, releasing Jade's hand. "Hermione Granger." The blue eyes of the girl in front of her seemed to captivate Hermione's attention as she looked around the hallway. "I thought you were supposed to get here till later?"
"I was." Jade answered flatly as she walked towards the Great Hall. Hermione took this opportunity to grab some toast off the table and chug a glass of pumpkin juice. "But my cousin…well she had plans today and I decided to arrive early. Is that a problem?"
"Oh no of course not." Hermione answered finishing her piece of toast and brushing the crumbs off her lips. "I can show you around now if you'd like?" The taller girl nodded and the Gryffindor started explaining the Great Hall and the enchanted ceiling and the events that normally took place there. Jade seemed rather intrigued by the sorting hat and the ceremony, which she would be participating in shortly. Hermione showed her to all the dormitories and classrooms as well as the Astronomy Tower. Next were the grounds, the quidditch pitch included, as well as the lake and Hagrid's hut. The girl seemed bored, but followed Hermione obediently and listened as she spoke about the history and interesting things that had taken place there.
"A bit gloomy isn't it?" Jade asked the young brunette as they entered the castle and made their way to the Great Hall for lunch. "Being surrounded by all this stone and brick all the time?"
"I barely even notice anymore." Hermione answered honestly as they sat down and the house elves brought out a variety of food. "It's my second home, so I guess I've just gotten used to it. What was your old school like?"
"More like a muggle university I suppose." The dark haired girl answered as she grabbed a salad and began stabbing it with her fork. "Lots of windows and modern I guess, although we get more sun where I'm from. I'm still adjusting to all the clouds and rain." Suddenly Hermione heard footsteps and turned to see Harry, Ron, and Ginny walking into the hall. She stood as they neared and Ginny was the first to embrace the brunette.
"Hermione!" The red headed girl squealed delightedly. "We have missed you! How's your summer been?" Harry was next to hug his friend and finally Ron, whose hug was rather awkward even though they were together. Apparently he could feel the tension between them without the need for words.
"Oh you know." Hermione started as they all sat down again. "Studying and preparing for school is all. This is Jade McHale, by the way, she just transferred from America."
"California, specifically." Jade added as she made eye contact with the newcomers. Hermione introduced her friends one by one and they all shook hands. Jade again, seemed bored and after finishing her sandwich stood and excused herself. "I don't mean to seem rude, but it seems you all have catching up to do and I have to acquaint myself with the school. Nice to meet you all." As she left her black hair danced gracefully behind her. Hermione caught herself staring again and quickly averted her gaze back to her friends. Ron was sitting on her right while Harry and Ginny were on her left. It was nice to catch up with them since they hadn't seen much of each other that summer. Harry had actually taken a vacation with Ginny and her parents to Bulgaria to visit Viktor Krum and watch him play quidditch. Ron had gone to Romania to visit Charlie since George was busy with his business and Bill and Fleur were in France.
"It was actually really interesting." Ron said as he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend's shoulders. "I learned a lot about dragons and breeding. Might consider going that route after I graduate."
"That'd be splendid Ron." Hermione said trying not to make it obvious how uncomfortable she was under his limb. "At least that way you could spend more time with Charlie."
"So Hermione," Ginny started as she finished her sandwich. "Anything interesting about that girl we should know about? She seemed rather…aloof, when we met."
"I think she's just not used to being a in a place like Hogwarts." The brunette said after thinking about how the girl had acted. "I mean, she's very far from her home and it's not like she knows anyone here."
"Well hopefully she doesn't end up like Malfoy when we first met him." Harry said after taking a sip of his juice. "I mean, he's loads better now than when he was a dodgy bloke, but I'd hate to have another stuck up, better-than-you git walking around."
"I doubt she'll be as bad as Malfoy." Hermione said quietly as she finished her meal. "She just needs to warm up to the place is all."
x-x
The weekend passed swiftly without hardly a glimpse of Jade who had taken to staying in the Astronomy Tower for the time being until she was sorted. Hermione was confused as to why the girl never came down, but never dwelled on it too long. Today was the day that all the students would be coming back and she was getting everything ready and organized in the Gryffindor Tower. The day went by in a flash as the four friends spent their time lounging in the common room and before they knew it, it was time to meet everyone in the Great Hall. As they entered they met their friends from Gryffindor and Hermione saw Jade standing off to the side waiting to be sorted.
"Who is that standing up there with the headmistress?" Seamus asked as he stood up trying to get a better view. "She's a looker she is. Although I don't think I'd want to get on her bad side."
"That's the new transfer." Ron chimed in eyeing the dark haired girl closely. "She's from America and she's kind of stiff y'know? A little shady to me." Hermione didn't say anything as the boys talked amongst themselves. As the first years were done being sorted, Jade took her place on the seat and McGonagall placed the raggedy old hat on the girl's head.
"A new mind to read." The hat quipped as he hummed and ooo'd to itself. "A bright one you are, brave for sure, but you've got some darkness in you."
"I haven't had the best childhood." Jade replied coldly as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm sure I hold traits of every house here after researching them all, but it is your job to place me isn't it?"
"I see," The old hat chuckled quietly. "Would you do well in Gryffindor? You don't seem like the self-righteous type." Jade just shrugged and sighed getting irritated with how long the sorting was taking.
"I've never been one to stand up for what I believe in." The dark haired girl answered honestly. "Nor have I ever put someone down because they didn't agree with my thoughts or ideas, so I can't say I'd do whatever it takes to succeed, nor would I do whatever it took to do the right thing."
"A challenge you are indeed." The ragged hat quipped again. "You would do well in Slytherin, determined, self-preserving, but no…no you care, you have love in your heart. Hmm…all right then, better go with…Ravenclaw!" The Ravenclaw table cheered as Jade stood and walked over to join her new housemates.
"I thought she was going to be in Slytherin for sure." Ron whispered to Hermione as the Headmistress began to speak again. "Guess she's smarter than we think she is." The brunette nodded as she poked at the food on her plate. She didn't know what she was expecting to happen at the sorting. Surely Jade would not have enjoyed being in Gryffindor, but she would've been surprised if the girl had been placed in Voldemort's old house, although it couldn't be associated with pure evil anymore seeing as Draco was more of a Gryffindor than anything nowadays. As the feast ended, Hermione led all the first year Gryffindors through the corridors and up the moving stair cases to the common room. After telling them the password and showing them where their rooms were, she left to make her rounds for the night. Not surprising, Draco Malfoy was Head Boy. Though he wasn't the best student, he did have the best marks of any of the other boys at Hogwarts and they could tolerate each other now.
"Bout time Granger." The blonde boy said blankly as he saw the brunette approaching him in the Entrance Hall. "I figure I'll take the east wing and you can take the west and the astronomy tower?"
"That's fine Malfoy." Hermione answered, a smirk spread across the Slytherin's face as they parted ways. "We will meet back here and do the other floors together in about an hour?" Draco nodded, they had never gotten around to using each other's first name after the war. It seemed more appropriate to them that they use surnames when addressing the other. As Hermione walked the dim lit hallways of the corridors that passed Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, she caught a few fifth years snoggin in a broom closet and a couple Hufflepuffs trying to sneak off to the kitchen for a late night snack. Other than that, it was a fairly calm night. As she reached the stairs to the astronomy tower, she heard footsteps ahead of her and she started walking a little slower so she could catch whoever was in front of her.
"You're not a very good sneak." A quiet, velvety voice danced in the air as Hermione reached the top of the winding stair case. She froze for a moment when she saw Jade standing with her back to the brunette, her hair blowing slightly with the soft breeze. "I'm out after hours, correct? That's not allowed I'm assuming."
"Curfew is ten o'clock on weekdays." Hermione answered as she took a step forward away from the stairs. "Did your school not have a curfew?"
"It did," Jade sighed as she turned and faced the Head Girl. "But it was never really…enforced unless you were doing something that really broke the rules. I mean, you're eighteen right?"
"Yes, nineteen in September." The Gryffindor said softly. Jade nodded and closed her blue eyes and took a deep breath.
"Well then, it kind of makes sense if you didn't have to follow curfew, being an adult and all." Hermione agreed, but she wasn't one to argue with the rules, even though she had broken many in her years at Hogwarts. She watched as a smirk grew on Jade's lips. "Are you going to give me detention?" Jade's cerulean eyes connected solidly with Hermione's and the girl strode over to stand a few inches from the brunette. The Ravenclaw was a few inches taller than Hermione and the brunette felt inferior under her intense gaze. She felt heat rise in her cheeks and Jade dusted off the Gryffindor's shoulder.
"I think I can let you off the hook this once." Hermione almost whispered as the blue eyed girl brushed the hair off of the brunette's shoulders. She felt feather soft finger tips brush against her neck with made Hermione blush even more. "Since it's you're first offense and new to Hogwarts." Another smirk and nod as she took a half step back to look into brown eyes.
"Suppose I shouldn't cross you again, hm?" It was almost playful the way Jade was talking to the Head Girl and it made the Gryffindor was slightly unnerved at the situation. The dark haired Ravenclaw flashed a small smile at the girl in front of her before walking past. "Have a good night Miss Granger, I'll make sure to follow the rules from now on." And with that she disappeared down the stairs, her footsteps being the only thing that gave her away in the night. Hermione sighed as she went back down the stairs to meet Draco again.
"You find anything interesting?" Draco asked as they met and headed towards the fifth floor. "All I came across was a couple seventh years pushing their luck and a first year who got lost."
"I caught some fifth years snogging and some kids trying to sneak to the kitchen." Hermione neglected to tell him about the encounter with Jade. "It'd be nice if it'd stay this slow all year eh Malfoy?" The blonde chuckled as they checked the prefect's bathroom and continued on their patrol.
"I like a little excitement now and then." Draco chimed as they moved on to the fourth floor. "Don't you Granger? We need something to do on patrol every now and then." The other floors were vacant and Hermione was pleased to get back to her room before midnight. She readied her bag and laid out her uniform for the next day and got ready for bed. It was surprising how tired she was as she slipped under the covers, sleep over came her almost instantly when her head hit the pillow.
x-x
The first day of classes was grueling for Hermione who was taking all the advanced courses she could fit in. For the rest of her friends, it was probably rather easy. She was surprised though to see that Jade was in her adept potions and runes classes. Not particularly courses you see seventh years taking since they weren't needed for most professions. There wasn't much room to chat until Hermione got to her DADA class with Ron and Harry. Fleur was the new professor there and was very knowledgeable in the subject. Jade was in this class as well and sat on the far side in the back.
"Welcome class," Fleur greeted as the last student came in and took their seat. "Zis is Defense Against zee Dark Arts VII and today we are going to dive right in and learn 'ow to defend yourselves against banshees." The class went on with the students learning how to cast a strong silencing charm to protect against the banshee's shriek. Hermione was impressed with Fleur's teaching abilities and even more impressed when she noticed Jade using wandless and nonverbal magic the whole time she was in class. After class, which was Hermione's last class, Ron came up and slipped his arm around her waist and she tensed at his touch. She still hadn't figured out how to break up with him and was starting to think maybe she should talk to Ginny. They never really had enough time for each other, him with quidditch and Hermione with her Head Girl duties and studying all the time. Honestly she was surprised Ron hadn't broken up with her yet.
"So 'Mione." Ron said as they walked towards the Great Hall for dinner. "I was wondering if you wanted to go to dinner this weekend in Hogsmeade since it will be our first weekend to get away. What do you think?" Hermione wasn't really sure what to say. She wasn't really sure, but maybe spending more time with the red head would rekindle what they were missing.
"Sure Ron." The brunette answered shakily as he kissed her forehead and walked ahead of her. Brown eyes caught a flash of blue and silver as a figure came up behind her quietly.
"That didn't sound very assuring." Jade said from behind the Head Girl who spun so fast she almost fell over. If it wasn't for Jade's arms wrapping around her shoulders she would've been on the ground. They were in a compromising position in the middle of the hall which resembled a dip in ballroom dancing, the brunette being held in the Ravenclaw's arms gently. Hermione blushed as Jade stood her up right again. "Are you dating that boy?" The dark haired girl asked as she arched an eye brow at the Gryffindor and nodded in Ron's retreating form.
"Yes," Hermione answered indignantly as she took a step back. "We have been together for a few months now." Blue eyes rolled as they walked down the hall together and Hermione couldn't help but feel a little insulted at Jade's tone. Little did she know that Jade had heard the apprehension in her voice that the brunette refused to acknowledge.
"It seems a little awkward between you two." Jade said as they entered the hall together. "I guess it's just because it's new is all."
"Actually," Hermione rubbed the back of her neck and stopped before they reached the Gryffindor table. "The war kind of pushed us together, but after it just seems like it was the circumstance that made us want to be with one another. In reality…he's really not my type, but I feel like I should try."
"Well don't try too hard." The taller witch chided as she started towards her own table. "If you have to force feelings, then you won't recognize them when they're natural." She flashed a smirk at Hermione before turning and taking a seat next to Cho Chang. Jade's words floated in the brunette's head as she thought about the upcoming date with Ron. If the date didn't rekindle anything, she made the decision that she was going to end it with her friend.
"So you're like the only one Jade talks to out of her own house." Ginny said as the brunette sat down beside her. "Is she like…super shady or something? Or are you just special?" Hermione tried to ignore the red head as she spoke, but it was hard with the girl's voice over powering her own thoughts.
"She's just new Gin." Hermione answered smoothly as she poked at her roast. "And it's not like we're best friends, just acquaintances really."
"Well still," Ginny said stuffing some potatoes in her mouth. "Everyone thinks you guys are secret friends the way you randomly speak to one another and how she looks at you." Hermione shot a confused stare at the red head. What looks?
"How does she look at me?" The brunette asked curiously. What rumors were being spread now? The younger witch giggled as she turned her blue gray eyes to look at Hermione.
"She just, I don't know she looks at you like she knows something about you." Ginny answered finally looking around as Harry came and sat on her other side. "Like she…wants to know something about you." Hermione was baffled, never had she seen anything like what her friend was describing in Jade's blue eyes. Playful maybe, sarcastic even, but never wanting or anything remotely close.
"You're daft Ginny." Hermione answered as she finished her dinner. She glanced over her shoulder at the Ravenclaw table and saw Jade speaking calmly with Cho and then blue eyes flashed towards Hermione. The telltale smirk of the dark haired girl flashed as she tucked a loose hair behind her ear and turned her attention back to her house mate. Heat began to rise in the Gryffindor's cheeks as she stood and made her way out of the Great Hall. How could a smirk make her blush so easily? A smirk from an American girl who just got here. Sure she was attractive, but did the brunette think that or was it just a generalization? She shook her head to clear the thoughts from her mind as she walked the corridors and to the library to study. The large room was fairly empty as the brunette picked a secluded table in the Runes section and she started on her homework.
"You look like you got more homework than I did." That voice again to her right. Hermione looked over to see Jade leaning against a book case nonchalantly. "Or do you always jump weeks ahead of the class?" The Gryffindor lifted her chin slightly as the dark haired girl approached and leaned on the table a few inches from Hermione's book. She wasn't going to let the other girl see that her presence had disturbed her slightly, or that she actually enjoyed her company at all.
"For your information," Hermione began turning a page in Runes book. "I was asked to jump ahead in the book." She watched blue eyes roll sarcastically as arms crossed and Jade leaned down closer to the brunette making red creep across her face mildly.
"You were asked?" Jade quipped quietly and arched an eyebrow at her playfully. "By whom? I can't imagine the professor asked you to. I'd like to know this imaginary person you're speaking with." That smirk spread across those lips and even though Hermione wanted to wipe the smirk off her face, she couldn't form words at the moment. So instead she just glared at the blue eyed girl who smirked at her. "Now why mar that pretty little face with a scowl?" Hermione's eyes widened as her jaw dropped slightly. Did she say what she said she thought she had said? Pretty face?
"I…uhm…" Hermione stammered as a Jade chuckled at the lack of speech escaping the Head Girl's mouth. Finally, the brunette slammed the book shut and stood abruptly. "Don't you have anything else to be doing tonight? A hot date perhaps?" Hermione shoved by the girl who persisted to follow her closely.
Why is she following me? The Gryffindor thought to herself as she made her way through the dark corridors.
"I don't mean to offend Granger," Jade said quietly as she caught up with the speed walking girl. "Just sayin' is what we say in America, but I'm just teasing you. I thought maybe you and that red head would be spending more time together to try and find what you've lost so to speak." Hermione sighed and stopped quickly so the dark haired girl almost ran into her.
"Why are you following me?" The brunette asked firmly, exasperated with the game they were playing. "Do you need something?"
"Maybe I just like talking to you." Jade answered with that damned smirk. Hermione blushed and she thanked the gods that it was dim in the hallway. She continued walking again as she tried to ignore the blue eyes following her. "Nice talking to you tonight Miss Granger." Jade called after her and despite the playful nature of their conversation, Hermione felt a small smile forming on her lips as she walked back to Gryffindor Tower. Ron never pursued her like this, when she didn't want to talk he would give up and sulk away, but Jade was persistent and playful as she tried to grab the girl's attention. And Hermione found herself liking the chase for her attention. As she reached her bedroom she sighed and stared at the ceiling dreamily letting her thoughts catch up with her. To her surprise she found herself thinking about the blue eyed girl and her infamous smirk as she looked at the clock and got up again to make her rounds.
x-x
Saturday came quickly for the brunette as she finished all her work for the next week on Friday and she found herself walking to Hogsmeade with Ginny to meet Ron at the little bistro in the village. To her surprise, she didn't find uneasiness in her repertoire of feelings today since it seemed like just a lunch with a friend.
"So how does it feel to be going on a date with Ron?" Ginny asked as they walked in the fall air. "I mean, I know you guys have been dating, but you can't say he takes you out that often."
"Not really like anything." Hermione answered honestly. She hadn't really been looking forward to the date, but she had to give Ron credit for making it. He had never really taken any initiative before so she thought it was something to look forward to. "But maybe it just hasn't hit me yet since we haven't done anything with just us in a while."
"It's not like my brother is the most romantic boy in school." The red headed girl added sarcastically. "Maybe he'll step it up to be with you hm?" Hermione nodded as they neared the bistro and Ginny left in a different direction leaving the brunette to enter herself. As she entered the establishment she saw a few of her classmates and Ron in the back corner who waved at her enthusiastically.
"Hey 'Mione." Ron greeted with a bright smile as Hermione sat down across from him. "How are you doing today?"
"I'm doing all right, thanks Ron." Hermione answered as she gave him her best smile she could muster. "How about yourself?"
"Better now you're here." The red head smiled at her again and she gave a small smile back. His smile wasn't like the smirk she would receive from a certain Ravenclaw. And it didn't make her stomach flutter or her cheeks catch fire either, but Hermione tried her best to forget about the dark haired girl who pursued her so zealously. Their date continued in such a manner and Hermione couldn't help but compare qualities since last night was spent envisioning Jade's smirk and laughing eyes. Ron's smile wasn't as captivating and his eyes weren't mysterious like the enigmatic blue orbs. Still, the brunette did her best to seem interested in Ron talking about quidditch and asking for advice on homework and for her help writing an essay. After an hour or so the couple left into the fall evening and Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and interlaced their fingers. The Gryffindor girl obliged for the time being to see if anything else came from the date, but wasn't too hopeful. Whatever had been there earlier in the year with Ron was definitely gone now. She felt bad since it was such a short lived relationship, but she didn't want to pretend to be happy and get him even more attached.
"Oh look here." A voice said harshly as Hermione and Ron made their way back to the castle. "The mudblood and the weasel out on a date. How romantic." Pansy Parkinson narrowed her eyes at the Gryffindors as she walked past them. "Careful Weasley, you wouldn't want to get her filth on you, but I guess it's already happened hm? You do look rather muddy."
"Shove off Pansy." The Head Girl spat as they continued to walk. A good excuse, no matter how uncalled for, to let go of Ron's hand. "Don't you have somewhere else to be? A night alone dreaming of Malfoy I'd assume. Or maybe trying to brew more love potions and slip it in his pumpkin juice." The whole school knew that Pansy had always been attracted to Malfoy and he had publicly rejected her about a month ago because 'he wasn't looking for a relationship'. The Slytherin girl sneered and walked towards them.
"Watch what you say Granger." Gray eyes glared at Hermione as she spoke through gritted teeth. "Or maybe a curse will find you." Her hand hovered dangerously over her pocket as she kept eyeing the couple. Without warning a curse was sent towards the Gryffindor girl who didn't have time to react. She saw the green spell flying at her and closed her eyes waiting for the impact that never came.
"Tsk tsk tsk." Hermione's eyes opened to see Jade a few feet away with her arm extended towards the brunette. "How rude to begin a duel without the proper rules of engagement." She turned her eyes towards Pansy and lowered her hand. The blue protego spell that shielded the girl dissipated as she walked over to Hermione and stood next to her.
"This is none of your business half breed." Venom was dripping from Pansy's lips as she spoke at the interfering figure. "What is it to you if a curse the mudblood? Not like you guys are best friends, but I guess all misfits must stick together eh?" The American smirked and crossed her arms over her chest smugly before making eye contact with the Slytherin who now had her wand pointed at the Ravenclaw.
"True." Jade answered as she shrugged her shoulders. "But I wouldn't exactly say she's my worst enemy either. Surely not worthy of a poorly cast Impedimenta spell. Still you should've at least given Granger the opportunity to defend herself." Jade glanced down at Hermione and smirked. Gods damn that smirk. "If you want someone to duel how about you and I? I'm sure it'd be more exciting than fighting someone off guard." Pansy just huffed and shoved her nose in the air before walking away. Then without warning she spun and sent a red light towards the dark haired girl who lifted her arm and with a flick of her wrist sent the curse careening above her head where it burst harmlessly in the air. "I see you must not have been taught how to duel." Pansy stood with her wand drawn still pointed in Jade's direction. Hermione and Ron, and now a number of students and villagers were crowding around the two girls.
"Don't think because you can use wandless magic that you have an advantage." Pansy sneered as she shot another curse at the half lycan. "Silent magic is just as effective since you don't know what spell you're rebounding."
"Glad that you pay attention in DADA." Jade teased as she met Pansy's curse with one of her own and they collided violently causing a shockwave to hit the surrounding crowd. The brunette was dumbfounded by the skill her classmate had with wandless magic and how she hadn't even uttered a word to deflect the Slytherin's attacks. "I hope you don't think you have a chance at besting me though. I've been dueling since I was seven and practicing wandless magic since I was ten." That being said, Hermione watched as Jade thrust her hand into the air and started twirling her wrist in a circular motion. A bright blue ball of light began to form in her palm and she threw it at the pug faced girl in front of her sending her flying before she could conjure a sufficient blocking charm.
"That sure was something eh 'Mione?" Ron mumbled softly as Pansy's friends went to help their fallen friend. The girl huffed and turned on her heel towards the castle, mumbling something to herself about half breeds and mudblood lovers. Hermione turned to thank the dark haired girl, but she was already walking away towards the castle with many other Ravenclaws in tow behind her eagerly trying to catch up. "She's a strange one she is." Ron said quietly as they began to walk again. Thankfully for Hermione's sake, he didn't try and hold her hand their whole walk back to the castle. By the time they had gotten back it was dark and the brunette prepared for her rounds with Draco. She sort of wanted to tell him about Pansy, but had decided against it at the last minute as they met in the entrance hall at ten. Hopefully the night wouldn't be too exciting because Hermione really wanted to go to sleep.
x-x
September came and went, Hermione's birthday was most uneventful as she received gifts from her friends and family, but she spent most of the day studying. It was not the first of October and the weather was getting cooler as the last of the leaves finally fell of the trees. Hermione still hadn't broken up with Ron, but not due to lack of trying. They hardly saw each other and when they did it was either in class or at quidditch matches. The brunette was getting rather frustrated with the situation and on a Thursday night found herself fuming quietly in the library putting books away. As she entered one aisle of shelves to replace some books, she saw Jade sitting quietly against the window reading again on wandless magic, and another book next to her on Ancient Magical Creature History. The half lycan hadn't noticed Hermione yet who was debating on making herself known or not. She decided on the latter and merely watched the dark haired girl for a moment as she seemed so pleasant while reading. Her blue eyes were moving back and forth reading the lines in the book smoothly. Hermione couldn't help her stare or the breath that caught in her lungs as Jade flipped her hair over her shoulder gracefully.
"Do you always watch other people read?" Her smooth voice floated to Hermione's ears as she spoke without looking up from her book. The brunette's jaw dropped slightly as she came around the bookshelf and into full view.
"How…how did you,"
"I'm half lycan Granger." There was that playful tone again that Hermione could never make anything out of what it meant. "I heard your footsteps once you walked into the library, not to mention your scent." Hermione couldn't help herself as she lifted her sweater and smelled it. Jade laughed and shook her head, turning slightly to look at the young witch. "It's not a bad scent…it's just a natural smell you have. It's rather pleasant." Damn the blush that flooded her cheeks, and damn that smirk that played on those lips.
"I was just about to…uhm…put some books away and," Before Hermione could finish her sentence, Jade had closed her book and strode over to the Gryffindor stopping a few inches short of being toe to toe with her. "Well, and I've just never seen you so…relaxed before. I'm sorry that I was watching you."
"Don't worry about it." Jade sighed as she waved her hand in the air. "I've watched you before, so I guess we are even now."
What did she say?! Hermione's mind was reeling. She had watched her before? When? And where? Jade laughed at the look on the other girl's face and she inched forward gently taking Hermione's chin with one finger and closing her mouth.
"It's not like I watched you bathe Granger." She almost whispered as she smirked again, her eyes smiling at the Gryffindor, taunting her almost. "I've watched you in here as well, just reading and doing your homework. You look so…focused sometimes I'm surprised you don't set your parchment on fire."
"That's not fair." Hermione said finally finding her words. "You're a lycan, you can sneak and see better than I can."
"Oh," Jade quipped as she arched and eyebrow at the girl in front of her. "So you're saying you wish you could see better so you could watch me from afar, hm?" Damn that girl. Hermione raised her nose angrily and hoped it would distract Jade from seeing the red on her face.
"Th-that's not what I meant!" The brunette was getting irritated with the sarcastic tone and mocking manner of their conversation. "I'm just saying, it's easier for you to watch me and for you to go unnoticed."
"I can watch you blatantly if you wish." The dark haired girl bobbed her eyebrows at Hermione and that was the last straw for the Head Girl of Hogwarts.
"What is with you?!" Hermione's voice was rising with her irritation. "You tell me I have a pretty face, you taunt me, and now you're telling me you like to watch me? What are you playing at?!" Jade leaned down and brushed a lock of hair behind Hermione's ear which made the air catch in her lungs.
"Maybe," Another lock of hair behind the other ear. Another slight brush of Jade's fingertips on her jaw. "I like flirting." Another touch, another smirk, eyes that were now dark blue stared at her. "Maybe I like seeing you when you get flustered." Her voice was a whisper now in the brunette's ears as she continued to get closer. "Or maybe I want something from you." Brown eyes were threatening to close involuntarily the closer Jade's face got to her own. Hermione tried hard to maintain her composure, but something about Jade made her knees want to buckle and her breath to get heavy.
"Then what do you want?" Hermione was almost desperate to know why that smirk affected her so. Why Jade's azure eyes made it hard to look away from her. "Please just tell me, tell me why you're playing this…this game." The dark haired girl began to pull away slowly and Hermione found herself missing the heat from the taller girl's body.
"I think I'll let you figure it out on your own Granger." Jade whispered as that smirk taunted Hermione. "You're a bright girl, hopefully it won't take you too long." And with that Jade brushed past the confused Gryffindor and made her way out of the library with eyes still laughing at the Head Girl.
x-x
That night at the library plagued Hermione's thoughts for weeks as the days that followed lacked any presence of the half lycan. Glances in the hallway, exchanged stares in class, but no conversations, no meetings, no run ins like that night. The brunette didn't know why she found herself thinking of the girl so much, but she really wanted to find out. Maybe she had slipped her a potion? Or hexed her perhaps. Ron was still making his regular advances every now and then in between class and quidditch, but since they hadn't been spending much time together she had hoped he would drop the pursuit. Today was different, today was a quidditch match, Gryffindor against Ravenclaw, go figure. As Hermione walked with Parvati, Neville, and Luna towards the pitch she felt the bite of winter beginning to show its face in the wind.
"Who do you think is going to win?" Neville asked as they took their seats in the stands with the other Gryffindors. Luna usually sat on the Ravenclaw side, but since she and Neville had gotten closer since the war she usually stayed with the boy and his friends. "I don't even know who the Ravenclaw seeker is since Cho quit last year. Do you know Luna?"
"Of course I do Neville," The absentminded blonde answered dreamily. "But I can't give away my house secrets." The boy groaned as she crossed his arms and Luna giggled as she watched the tall Gryffindor huff angrily. The game started as Seamus's voice boomed through the air signaling the start of the game. A whistle blew as the teams formed in the middle of the field.
"Is that Jade McHale?" Parvati asked looking through the binoculars. Neville grabbed them hastily and looked through them as his mouth fell open slightly. "She's the new seeker!"
"It is!" Neville exclaimed as he handed the spy glasses back to the girl. "I wonder how she is going to perform. I didn't even know she played quidditch."
"Perhaps Ravenclaw wanted to keep it a secret." Hermione added as she looked up at the raven haired girl hovering on her broom. "To make their opponents nervous?" Neville ignored her addition as another whistle blew and the quaffle was thrown in the air. Ginny caught it easily and flew towards the Ravenclaw goal. Bludgers flew past her and she dodged easily and the quaffle flew through the goal. The game went back and forth between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw scoring equally and suddenly Hermione watched as Jade shot towards the ground on her broom with Harry on her tail.
"And it appears that Jade has seen the snitch!" Seamus's voice rang over all the cheers of the crowd. "Look at how fast she's goin'!" Jade and Harry were zig sagging and diving through the air and soon the Gryffindor seeker caught up to his target and they were neck and neck.
"C'mon Harry!" Neville yelled loudly as if the boy could hear him. "You can beat her! C'mon!" Harry knocked himself into the girl clad in blue robes and she fought back with equal resolve as they both shot straight up into the sky climbing higher and higher.
"He's going to do the feint!" Luna cried excitedly. "Do you think Jade will be able to keep up and recover?" Suddenly Hermione was worried about the Ravenclaw seeker instead of her friend on Gryffindor. She watched them climb higher and then saw Harry drop back down after seeing a golden glint in the sun. Jade was quick to follow him towards the ground reaching a speed Hermione had never seen before.
"Do you think she's going to be able to pull up?" Hermione was leaning forward in her seating watching the two seekers plummet to the ground. Finally Harry pulled up and Jade continued to fall. "She's not going to make it!" Gasps filled the stadium as Jade stopped feet above the ground, spun on her broom to level herself out and grabbed the snitch out of the air. The crowd went crazy as Jade rose and held the gold ball in the air. Hermione sat down with a sigh and ran her hand through her hair. Why was she getting so worked up over a quidditch game? She should've been worried about Harry, but instead she was worried about Jade.
"That was bloody brilliant!" Neville shouted as they were leaving the stadium. "I can't believe she went even farther than Harry ever has! I've never seen anything like it before."
"Now you see why I couldn't tell you about the seeker." Luna added quietly as they waited for their three friends. "Jade was doing hard training since school started because she had never really played quidditch before." Harry, Ginny, and Ron soon appeared soon talking with each other seriously discussing the match the brunette assumed.
"You guys did great." Neville said as he greeted his friends. Ron and Ginny shoved off the compliment, but Harry smiled at him. He was never the one to be sore about losing, unless it was to Slytherin of course.
"Thanks Nev." Harry answered quietly as they all walked back to the castle. "I had no idea Jade was so good at flying. I thought I had her for sure when I tried the feint." Hermione listened quietly as her friends talked about the dark haired girl and her talents in flying. Ron was rather sore as was Ginny, but that's just the way of the Weasley. After dinner everyone went their separate ways, Hermione of course, went to the library to finish up on some homework for history of magic. Secretly she was hoping to see the Ravenclaw whose smirk could make that fluttery feeling in her chest. As she entered the smell of old leather and paper overcame her senses. She scanned the rows of shelves to find nothing so the brunette finally settled in the history section and opened a book on the French Rebellion against the Goblins. Every so often she would look up and glace around the library and listen for the smooth voice of the Ravenclaw.
"C'mon Jade." A male voice, Hermione's ears perked at the blue eyed girl's name and pushed a few books over to see Michael Corner, a fellow seventh year Ravenclaw leaning towards the dark haired girl who was up against a book case. An annoyed look on her face with her arms crossed over her chest. "You've only been here a little while and you've turned down every person that's ever asked you out. Why not just give it a go?"
"Please," Jade said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes. "If I found anyone worth dating I would've said yes by now. Take the hint and let's not waste anymore of our time ok?" Jade made a motion to move, but Michael didn't move, he placed his other hand on the shelf to trap the half lycan.
"It wouldn't be that bad would it?" He pressed as he arched an eyebrow towards the girl. "Just one date. Let me show you what it would be like to be with me." The boy leaned in and Hermione's eyes widened as Jade kneed him in the stomach. Michael doubled over and coughed hoarsely as he staggered back.
"Try and touch me again and I will make sure you don't touch anything ever." Jade's eyes leered dangerously at the boy as she walked away, her hair flowing gracefully behind her. Hermione gathered her things quickly and followed Jade who was walking briskly out of the library.
"Jade wait!" The brunette called after the girl. She saw the figure stop and look over her shoulder to see the Gryffindor advancing on her. Jade stopped as Hermione came closer and looked down at her with slightly narrowed eyes.
"Do you need something Granger?" She asked almost acidly. Hermione was at a loss for words before she shook her head.
"I…I just wanted to make sure you're all right." That was the truth, even though the Ravenclaw had handled herself well, she knew sometimes you could get more flustered emotionally than physically. "Are you all right?" Jade's eyes closed and she chuckled softly as she ran a hand through her black satin locks. As she looked back at the brunette her blue eyes were softer and showed signs of a smile.
"I'm fine." She laughed a little as she answered and turned to face Hermione. "You're very chivalrous aren't you? A Gryffindor trait of course. I suppose a thank you is in order even though it wasn't truly necessary." Jade extended her hand and Hermione took it timidly. Before realizing her mistake, the brunette crashed into Jade's chest and hot lips were pressed firmly against hers. Brown eyes widened as arms snaked around her waist and pulled her closer. Hermione whimpered slightly before her eyes closed involuntarily and she reciprocated the kiss slowly. What was she doing? Her mind was trying to race, but the intensity of the kiss was burning every possible negative thought that tried to invade her brain. She barely noticed as Jade pinned her against the wall and deepened the kiss, eliciting a quiet moan to escape the Gryffindor's throat as she felt Jade's tongue draw across her bottom lip. Jade pulled away slightly to look into Hermione's eyes that were starting to glaze over with lust. She smirked, which of course, only made the brunette want to wipe it off Jade's lips. Unfortunately the thoughts the Gryffindor was trying to keep at bay flooded her mind all at once. She pressed her hands against the taller girl's shoulders and pushed her back slightly.
"I…uhm, I have to go." Hermione stuttered as she rushed past the Ravenclaw and made her way to the entrance hall. She didn't notice Jade smiling as she fled or the fact that she forgot her shoulder bag on the floor where the taller girl stood. As she slowed, she saw Draco waiting for her patiently, he went to speak, but Hermione held up a hand silencing him and they went on their ways.
"Granger," That voice. Damn that voice. Hermione turned a corner to see blue eyes smiling at her. The brunette blushed, but held her head high as she walked past Jade. "Granger wait, I have your bag."
Damnit. The Gryffindor thought as she stopped and took a deep breath. She turned and saw the girl holding her bag out towards her.
"Thank you." Hermione mumbled as she swiped the bag from the Ravenclaw and turned to walk away. Or she tried to walk away, Jade gently grabbed her wrist and held her in the place.
"Wait Hermione." Jade hadn't said the girl's first name in a long time, she wasn't sure how long, maybe since that day they were first introduced. "Look I'd like to say I'm sorry, but I'm not and I know you may think you are now, but you kissed me back." That was true, Hermione had kissed her back and even though she wasn't ready to admit it, she had enjoyed it immensely. All she could think about now was Ron, she was supposed to be dating Ron despite their lack of intimacy or relationship in general.
"I'm…I'm with someone." Hermione answered shakily as she tried to remain composed.
"Weasley?" Jade scoffed mockingly. "Please, he's about as attentive to your needs and interests as I am to Slughorns's. He barely pulled out his wand when Parkinson was about to hex you into next week."
"And you know so much about me?" The brunette challenged as her eyes narrowed threateningly. "He knows enough about me, we've known each other for years."
"I do know you Hermione." The dark haired girl's eyes matched the Gryffindor's as she spoke. "We've hardly said a hundred words to each other since we met and I know more about you than that dolt does. Just because you've been friends for years doesn't mean he knows a damn thing about you."
"Then, pray tell what you know about me." Hermione wasn't used to the girl calling her by her first name.
"You obviously enjoy your privacy, you don't like a lot of attention." Jade started to name some things Hermione of course already knew. "You analyze things all the time, sometimes much more than needed and because of that you can never really enjoy anything since you've already figure it out. You're loyal to your friends and protective. Even though you like your privacy, you're lonely. I hardly ever see you without one of your friends except when you're in the library. You hate flying and you like Italian food, except spaghetti." Hermione was actually impressed with how much the Ravenclaw knew about her and they had never spoken to each other. "The one thing I've always found interesting about you Hermione Granger." The blue eyed girl began again. "Is that you find spearmint and parchment attractive, but you date that boy who always smells of body odor and…and moth balls! And I can hold a conversation longer than two minutes about anything other than quidditch." Hermione couldn't help the laugh that erupted from her lungs as she recalled Jade's lycan senses. The brunette had never noticed what Ron smelled like, except after quidditch when he just smelled.
"I'm surprised how much you pay attention." The Gryffindor said finally after she controlled her laughter.
"Glad that you find this amusing." Jade sounded rather annoyed. "Anyways, as I was saying. I'm pretty much a stranger to you and I know more than that boy does." Hermione couldn't help but agree, though she would never let Jade know that.
"I didn't mean to kiss you back." The brunette answered as Jade crossed her arms over her chest. "It…it just happened. I don't know what I was thinking."
"Well you didn't really seem to mind." That smirk again made Hermione's chest flutter. "I'll leave you for now, I just wanted to return your bag and let you know that I'm not sorry for what happened. And I know you're not either." Jade turned on her heel and headed towards her dormitory as Hermione stood there and contemplated what had happened. She touched her fingertips to her lips and an image and feeling of Jade's lips flashed into her mind. The Gryffindor sighed and closed her eyes as she turned and continued on with her patrol. Maybe it was time to end things with Ron, if she could ever get him alone. Why did Jade want to start pursuing her now? Why kiss her now? And why did Hermione enjoy it so much? These were the questions surrounding the brunette's thoughts as she walked the empty corridors.