A/N: Please forgive any typos...I have a horrible cold. It's hard to edit when you can't breathe. I hope everyone had a pleasant week, for those of you that celebrate Christmas, I hope you got what you wanted. Everyone have a fun and most importantly safe New Year's celebration. If you don't you'll miss the rest of the story. :).
*MP*MP*MP*
It seemed after the excitement of the first few days of school, the castle quickly fell into a routine. Classes continued while homework increased. The couple of weeks until Hermione's birthday flashed by and since Lucius was still present, it was easy for the boys to get presents she would like. Harry had requested a list of books from the Potter library and found one comparing wizarding and muggle myths. Knowing Hermione's love of reading, Harry hoped she'd like it and unsurprisingly, she loved it. Draco decided to go a different route. Instead of pulling something from the vast Malfoy vaults, Draco commissioned a small pendent and earring set. Since they were still children, the set wasn't anything like what Narcissa regularly wore but it ended up being Hermione's favorite present. Each piece was the same design, a small diamond with a sapphire set just below. The jewels on the pendent were slightly larger but still reasonable for a twelve year old to wear. Hermione immediately put on the earrings and allowed Draco to fasten the necklace around her neck.
After Hermione's birthday, Halloween snuck up on the students. Most had been influenced by the muggle take on the holiday; however, a more traditional observance of Samhain was also done. Hermione had heard some of the older students discussing the celebration and it peaked her interest. She read up on the Celts and their belief of the separation between the living and dead being at its thinnest on Samhain. The Celts annual celebration was adapted by the Romans to suit their beliefs before it was widely adopted by muggles. All of those odd things muggles did now made a bit more sense.
Hermione threw herself into the celebrations and left her own offering for her grandparents in the bonfire. As she set her offering of apples down and walked between the twin fires, she thought she felt her grandmother's presence. As she turned back to her offering, she noticed a wisp of something mingling with the flames. She was comforted in knowing they were still watching her.
*MP*MP*MP*
With November came colder weather and Hermione found it only made her dislike the required flying course all the more. After two months, the witch could fly but didn't find as much in enjoyment in it. Her friends would spend hours on their school issued brooms, if they could, while Hermione would happily turn hers over as soon as the weekly class was finished. Henry had been quite attentive and asked if she needed additional books during their first class in November. "I've noticed the last few weeks, you are the first to land." Hermione smiled and shook her head.
She appreciated his concern, he seemed to genuinely want all the students to love being in the air. "I think I just prefer my feet on the ground. If I have to fly, I can thanks to you but, I'll leave the sky to my friends." The other thing she was finding difficult was the weather change. "I doubt there is a book on flying in winter weather. The cold and windy weather is making it difficult to keep a grip on the broom. I think only practice will help that." She left off the part about fearing she would fall from her broom if she didn't have a firm grip.
It was just after Hermione decided she didn't hate flying, but certainly didn't love flying, that it happened. At first it was just a squeal and then quickly screams followed by yells for help. Hermione looked up just in time to see Lavender Brown free falling. Her broom was no where to be seen but her friends were flying as quickly as they could toward the blonde girl.
Henry was immediately on his broom and trying to intersect the young girl's descent just as Harry and Draco each grabbed a hold of her arms. Hermione watched in horror as Draco's grip on his broom began to loosen and his broom control began to lessen. It was to this anarchy that Hermione first heard 'Arresto Momentum' coming from all of the stands. Henry reached the falling girl and gripped her while Harry helped Draco regain control of his broom.
As Henry and a clearly unconscious Lavender landed there was silence across the pitch. The rest of the class quickly landed and Draco found himself a bit shaken. Never had he felt so insecure on a broom, in fact he was so dazed he didn't notice Hermione as she came running toward him. It was only when he realized Hermione was crying that he snapped back to himself. "I'm fine, I swear. See." Draco pulled back and looked at Hermione. She was still a bit shaken from just watching everything and feeling so helpless.
"I couldn't do anything to help you. I was frozen…I…". Draco pulled her back into his arms and tried to calm her.
"That's why there are so many adults during the class. No one wants that to happen but it's better to be prepared. Did you hear how many arresto momentums were called out. Have to admit it was a bit freaky to feel that." Hermione sniffled and found Draco handing her a handkerchief.
"I heard something but it didn't really register. What does the charm do?" Hermione continued to wipe her eyes and found herself settling as she reverted to her typical response, learn everything you can about what happened.
"It's a charm that slows things from falling. I suspect a few others were throwing cushioning charms in case Henry hadn't caught her in time. I don't know how much longer I could have held her and my broom." By this point Harry had made his way over and wrapped his arms around Hermione as well.
"Draco, I think Madam Hooch needs to speak with you on what you saw. I'll stay with Hermione." Harry pulled the girl he was thinking more and more of as a sister into his embrace. "It's ok Hermione, we are fine. So is Lavender. But I think Draco will be a bit, let's get back to the castle." It seemed almost everyone had already started to head back to the warmth. There was an air of worry since no one seemed to know what happened.
Harry waved to Draco, who was answering questions, after nodding his understanding, he returned his focus on Madam Hooch. Hermione gave Draco a little wave before she focused on Harry. "What happened?" Harry just shrugged.
"Not really sure, she was being her usual self and trying to show off. All of sudden she was diving and her broom just shot out from under her. Draco and I took off after her and you saw the rest. If I had to guess, she didn't have a tight grip and when she tried to pull out of the dive the broom kept it's course. It crashed over by the far stands. When she jerked she threw herself off of it. Not sure on the unconscious part, by that time Draco and I were trying to catch her and not really focused on what was happening." Hermione wondered if that was Lavender had been doing and how she ended up unconscious.
*MP*MP*MP*
Hermione found herself staring across the room at Lavender Brown. The girl had come around shortly after arriving at the Hospital Wing and after spending the night there, she had returned to the Tower just after lunch when she made a show of slowly making her way to her room. Since returning from dinner Lavender had been telling her story to anyone who would listen; it finally drove Hermione to pick up her bag and leave the common room. The story had been getting more and more fanatical as it was retold and Hermione just couldn't take it any more. She knew Lucius should be gone for the day, but with what happened the day before, she thought he might still be around. Deciding Professor Snape would probably be her best resource, Hermione turned toward the dungeons.
It took her a bit of searching to find the entrance to the Slytherin dorm and she knew Professor Snape's private quarters were a bit further down the hallway. But, as those were his private domain she paused and decided it was maybe best if she found Draco first.
It took a bit for someone to hear her knocks, but with as frustrated as she was with others believing Lavender's claims, it wasn't hard to continue to beat on the wall. Finally someone opened the door and agreed to find the Malfoy heir. Hermione leaned against the wall but her wait was quite short as Draco came out quickly with a worried look. "You ok?" Hermione just nodded.
"I wanted to talk to you father, but wasn't sure if he was here and I doubted Professor Snape would appreciate me just knocking on his door. I thought you could help me." Hermione shrugged a little knowing Draco would need to hear what she said as well so maybe this hastily thought out plan would work out better.
"Ok, let me go grab my shoes." It was only then Hermione noticed Draco was in only his socks. She nodded as he skidded into his common room. While she waited she tried to figure out exactly how to explain what Lavender was saying and not sound jealous. Draco was back a few minutes later and led Hermione deeper into the dungeons. "I'll knock and be prepared for him to be crabby. He has a reputation to keep and he won't know it's us here."
As Draco suspected, when the door was ripped open a very put out looking Severus Snape stood before the children. "I assume there is something important to discuss, otherwise you would not be disrupting me." Draco merely nodded and pointed toward the witch. With a louder than necessary sigh, Severus allowed the pair into his room. Hermione was immediately pleased to see Lucius and Regulus settled around the fire.
"Actually Professor Snape, I was going to ask if you know if Mr. Malfoy was still on the grounds but he obviously is. Would it be a great imposition for me to speak with him here?" Hermione stood as tall as she could but was still a bit nervous to be in this room. Severus just looked resigned and waved toward the other two men.
*MP*MP*MP*
After Hermione's hurried explanation, she didn't want to take too much of her Professor's time, she made toward the door only to be stopped by the laughter of both Regulus and Severus. Turning she saw how upset Lucius appeared and the look of utter joy on the other two men. She turned to Draco who was surveying the room with cool indifference.
"Really Uncle Regulus, I'm apparently fighting my best friend for an annoying chit of a girl and all you can do is laugh?" Regulus, who was still laughing so hard he couldn't respond, merely nodded emphatically. Lucius, who like Draco, did not appreciate the response of the others turned his attention to Hermione.
"So she is claiming the boys are fighting for her. What did she say about the accident? She hasn't provided any great detail on that part of the story." Hermione nodded and scrunched her nose as she thought about what she had heard. She had really tried to put it out of her memory.
"She said that after I landed, she wanted to show the boys not all witches are afraid of flying. I would like to point out, that until yesterday, I wasn't afraid per say. I just don't like it." The men in the room nodded in understanding. Hermione's voice became higher as she impersonated Lavender. "Both of the wizards love speed so I went into a dive. Like all the seekers do, it's easy really. I was really getting into it when the broom started to jerk and I don't remember anything after that. Next thing I knew I was in the infirmary and had two very worried wizards at my bedside."
Draco was stunned people were believing her. "She said I was there? With Harry?" Hermione nodded and rolled her eyes. "I finished speaking with Madam Hooch and then was in the Great Hall with you, Harry and Neville until curfew. Everyone saw us."
Severus sighed. "It seems seeing something isn't as exciting as hearing an unbelievable story. It's why Skeeter sells so many papers for The Prophet. I'm not sure the correct way to handle this." It was silence that met Severus's statement.
"Let me speak with Narcissa tonight. For now, Draco I want you to try and avoid the girl. Don't be rude, but be aware. I don't put anything past her or her parents at this point. Severus is there a way to get Harry down here? We need to get him onboard as well. Hermione, just let Severus know if you hear anything else." Severus stepped out of the room and sent a message to the young Gryffindor.
*MP*MP*MP*
After about fifteen minutes, a very upset looking Harry entered the room. "What is it with witches? No offense Hermione, but all of a sudden I have witches asking me to catch them. I mean what the…" Harry paused, he knew better than to curse in front of a professor. Lucius, however, finally had found a bit of humor in the situation and just smiled.
"It seems Harry, you and Draco should have just let the little bint hit the ground." Hermione gasped as Narcissa exited the floo and immediately whacked Lucius upside his head. "Yes, I know I'm the head of the Regents, but Cissy she is just as bad as her mother." Narcissa shook her head and turned to the children.
"Ignore him. Draco, Harry you did the right thing and I am incredibly proud of you both. Now to deal with the repercussions, I want both of the boys to avoid her. Don't be obvious but always have someone else with you and try not to allow her any room to wiggle. We will address her comments from the infirmary now and hopefully the rest of the students will see neither of you have an interest in her. Unless…". Narcissa let the comment hang and looked at both of the boys. Both had turned pale and an interesting shade of green. "Good."
Hermione just watched Narcissa direct everyone and felt even closer to the witch. "Hermione, I need you to be my eyes and ears. You are always with the boys and that is fine, but we need someone else to be around. Try to get Neville and Theo involved. Are there any of the boys in Gryffindor who you trust Harry? Slytherin Draco?" Hermione thought about the boys in her year and really there were only two that had made any type of impression on her. Dean and Seamus had become fast friends, much like Hermione with Harry and Draco had. Hermione noticed they were sometimes excluded from the larger group of Gryffindors.
"What about Dean or Seamus? They seem pretty neutral, all things considered." Harry nodded and agreed to speak with them before bed that night. Lucius and Regulus had settled back into their chairs once Narcissa had arrived. They weren't needed at the exact moment. Draco had noticed his father's reaction and felt it was probably best to follow suit, so he had settled himself on the large footstool and continued to watch the story that was unfolding.
"Well, I think we have a short term plan, you have potions first thing tomorrow, yes?" The trio nodded. "Good. I think it's time we return Severus's quarters to him. Lucius, are you coming home?" With an eager nod the blond wizard stood and waved to the gathering before following his wife through the floo. Regulus stood and nodded to the room before exiting the office as well. Severus looked to the trio who were still seated in his room, and motioned toward the door. The three quickly hopped to their feet and left the room, much to the glee of the potions master.
*MP*MP*MP*
The next morning Hermione sat up to find Lavender's bed empty. Hermione assumed she was in the common room again explaining in great detail that she had no idea what happened and how now she was in the difficult position of having two wizards fighting over her. Knowing what was expected of her, Hermione got ready for the day.
When she entered the common room she heard Lavender's voice explaining how difficult the decision between Lady Malfoy and Lady Potter would be. But she would follow her heart. Hermione may have gagged a little. She was startled to hear a chuckle from behind her. Turning she found Seamus sitting in one of the chairs. "I'm on look out for you. Stay here, I'll get Harry and Dean and we can walk to breakfast." Seamus popped up and was up the stairs before Hermione could register what he said. It seemed like Harry's request to them was accepted. Hermione quickly settled herself in the open chair and attempted to ignore the twittering that was going on. Hermione felt a light tap on her shoulder and she turned to see Harry, Seamus and Dean standing at the foot of the stairs.
The quartet quickly and quietly slipped out of the dorm without Lavender realizing they had left. With the first success of the day, the group made their way down the steps and found a small grouping of Slytherins standing next to the stairs.
"Thank Merlin you made it." Draco was seemingly hidden next to Blaise with Greg Goyle and Vince Crabbe standing in front of them. The Slytherins allowed Draco to pass them as he walked over to his friends. The two groups merged into one as Draco took Hermione's bag from her shoulder. Once settled, the motley group made their way into the Great Hall. The whispers from the Gryffindors who ate early were heard and passed through the other tables. Everyone watched as Draco walked Hermione, not Lavender Brown, to the Gryffindor table. The action hadn't been anything new, the boy had been doing it since the first day of school. But gossip said that he was pining for Lavender and lamenting that Harry Potter was in the same dorm as his intended and one true love.
Harry snickered at the looks on everyone's face. It seemed after Draco walking Hermione to her table, no one expected him to slap Potter on the arm and make a joke. Harry nodded in agreement and made the same move to the blond. People were torn, Lavender seemed so sure and as her story began to circulate the students began to notice differences between the versions. Everyone swore their version came directly from the young witch herself.
Looking at her watch, Hermione figured they had maybe thirty minutes before Lavender made her grand entrance. Mouthing thirty to Draco, the group quickly dug into their breakfasts. A quick twenty minutes later found Draco, and his security, standing beside Hermione as she, Harry, Dean and Seamus quickly left the Hall. The rest of the Gryffindor table paid special attention to the interaction between the groups. It really appeared as if there was no animosity between them. So what were they to think of Lavender's story?
Had the group waited another five minutes they would have seen lead article in The Prophet and changed up their plans slightly.
*MP*MP*MP*
Severus Snape did see The Prophet and left the clearly stunned Lucius Malfoy at the head table while Severus headed to the potions classroom and the group of children that were about to run into something completely unexpected.
As expected, the only students waiting outside of the potions classroom were the small group that had just left the Great Hall. "You all come with me. We need to talk." Severus waved them to the side and brought them into his office. "We don't have time for you to read this but apparently the Brown parents spoke to The Prophet about what happened to Lavender. In addition to her accident, the story of Harry and Draco fighting over her was included. The Prophet made it appear that Lucius has offered both boys and will be up to Lavender to make the decision on whom she will marry. I'm sure Lucius will be handling the press shortly but you need to know." All of those in the office were suitably shocked.
"Professor I don't understand why they would do this. Wasn't their betrothal bid rejected?" Draco had mentioned something about that a few weeks into the year. Hermione wasn't exactly worried since the boys were adamant nothing would come of it.
"Yes, Miss Granger, although how you knew that…" Severus's gaze shifted from Hermione to Draco. Who just smirked and shrugged. "Yes, that is true so there are many reasons why this could be happening. My personal opinion is they don't think they can be caught out and believe the populous will see the boys as the villain if they don't enter into an agreement based on the article."
"So what do we need to do? I refuse to let either of them be pushed into something because of Lavender Brown." Severus smiled at the flash of anger in the girl's eyes. She would have been a great addition to his house.
"Keep the plan as decided last night. I'm glad to see Draco and Harry have three other people on their side. Make sure they are never alone. Understand." Severus looked to the five other boys first before turning his attention to Hermione, who was now more than just angry. "Miss Granger, I respectfully request the heir of the Ancient and Noble House of Black refrain from hexing Miss Brown. I believe she will get hers soon. Remember the hat said you would have been a good snake and revenge isn't always fast. You will get yours for what she's done. Just remember that." The witch nodded. "Let's get to the room then."
*MP*MP*MP*
Lavender Brown entered the Great Hall and looked for the two boys who would be fighting for her soon. Her mother had told her to take advantage of the accident and get everyone onside. It was simple enough and as she told the story she discovered it flowed off her tongue. Really there wasn't much of a story but she found with a few white lies, everyone became convinced she was torn between the two young wizards. She liked the attention and licked her lips to see what would happen now. She was disappointed to see neither of the boys were there.
As she sat, she found all the attention was still on her. A few of her housemates started to ask questions about her story. It appeared her stories differed and people had noticed. She started to explain that she was still experiencing some memory gaps because of her near death accident. Most seemed slightly mollified but when The Prophet arrived, Lavender almost squealed with delight. Her Aunt Rita was a writer for the paper and had done an excellent story on what Lavender had experienced.
*MP*MP*MP*
As soon as The Prophet arrived, Narcissa sent out two letters. The first was to Lucius promising she would take care of The Prophet and for him to stay at the school. She worried what Draco, Harry or Hermione would do when they saw it. The second letter was to a close friend, who happened to be the Editor in Chief at The Prophet. His response was almost immediate, with little time to dawdle, Narcissa stepped into the well appointed office of Edward Pennywright. Edward was not alone and sitting primly, with more than a touch smug, was Rita Skeeter.
When Rita heard the sound of the floo she was a bit surprised considering Edward had just called her into his office. When she turned and saw a witch enter the room, her first thought was Edward had a mistress; however, when she saw the elegant Narcissa Malfoy, Rita decided it really was her day. "Mrs Malfoy has Draco secured Lavender Brown's hand? How will you handle the conflict since you are guardian to Harry Potter? Will Lavender be provided with a token from her intended?" Narcissa walked directly past the annoying witch and plucked the quick quill from the air. Breaking it she set it on the desk.
"Mr. Pennywright, have you recalled all the papers and issued an immediate retraction?" Narcissa refused to acknowledge the other woman and that made Edward Pennywright massively uncomfortable. He had hoped to discuss the issue with Rita before Narcissa arrived but it seemed that wouldn't be happening.
"Not yet Lady Malfoy, I was just getting ready to address the article with the journalist in question." Narcissa internally scoffed at the title. "Why don't you stay and we can address your concerns together?" Narcissa turned to the other woman and flashed a feral smile that made the other woman shiver at was coming.
*MP*MP*MP*
Edward was fuming, he had made Skeeter swear the article was completely legitimate. He now regretted not making her take a vow. It seemed she had taken some very large liberties with the entire article. He was now backed into a corner. "Lady Malfoy, of course the issue will be immediately pulled and the article recanted. In our evening addition I will have Stephen Fernsmith rewrite the article. If it would be possible to get actual responses from Hogwarts, either your husband or Professor McGonagall, it would help. Also, I will be placing Rita on immediate suspension."
Rita was not pleased, her story was much better than what had actually happened. She had never let details get in her way and she wasn't about to start. In fact, she already had the rough draft of the article for Lavender's wedding. It didn't really matter which boy it was, they were both rich and interchangeable. Rita would, of course, have the only official story on the wedding. She was salivating at the thought only to be brought back when Edward slammed his fist on the desk. At some point Mrs Malfoy had left.
"This is the last time Rita, you are now suspended from all writing duties. Your job now consists of getting advertisements for the paper. If you screw that up, you are gone. I promise you, if that happens, all those little tricks you use to get your stories will be exposed. Now you need to get to your desk." Hitting the intercom Edward instructed his assistant to get someone to direct Rita to her new desk.
Rita left angry, she would get her revenge.
*MP*MP*MP*
As Narcissa was dealing with The Prophet, the children were settling into the Potions classroom. As usual, Hermione, Harry and Draco sat together at one desk. The desk next to them had Dean and Seamus, who promised to grab Tom or Jack (two of the other first year Gryffindor boys) to sit with them. Blaise, Greg and Vince took the desk directly behind Draco. With all of the adjacent desks occupied, Harry and Draco were as protected as they could get. The chatter of the students making their way into the dungeon was heard long before they arrived. Hermione groaned and placed her head on the desk; while Draco rubbed her back promising her it would be ok.
Hermione heard the shrill voice first. "Of course I will sit with both of them. Who else would?" Pavarti's voice filtered next and answered with the obvious response of Hermione. "No, she is annoying and they told me they are tired of dealing with her. I mean have you seen her hair?" The boys, all of them, mumbled about how insipid that response was.
Pavarti's chuckle was heard before she said. "It seems they aren't as sick of her as you think." Pavarti looked at Lavender and tutted before going to sit with Dean and Seamus, it seemed the girl understood more than she had let on. As she settled next to Seamus she muttered. "Blow anything up today and I will not be happy. Lavender is being a bit of drama queen and you are the lesser of evils right now." The Indian girl's comment made Seamus smile widely.
"I shall do my best."
Lavender walked up to the front tables and stood there waiting for someone to acknowledge her. In the end the person who did was not who Lavender wanted. "Miss Brown take a seat or lose points. Class has started." The imposing man dressed all in black stood at the lectern and stared at the young Gryffindor.
"I will once Hermione gets up. Dray-Dray said he wanted to sit by me today." Severus wondered if the girl was really that diluted.
"Since Mr. Malfoy sat next to Miss Granger I believe you may be mistaken. Again take your seat." At this point Lavender provided evidence as to why she was placed in Gryffindor. Going headlong into a lost cause without a plan, seemed pretty spot on.
"I understand if you haven't seen the paper yet today. Dray-Dray and Harry are both vying for my hand. I promised Dray-Dray to sit with him in Potions while I'll sit with Harry in Charms. You see the article…". Lavender was cut off by a hand slamming on the desk.
"No Miss Brown, I have seen the paper and I assure you what was written will be corrected. Most likely a new edition of the paper will be on the stands before the end of the day. So once more, take a seat. Additionally, fifty points from Gryffindor for sheer ineptitude." A groan the from the Gryffindors sounded as the young witch glared at her professor. Not willing to cost her house anymore points, she settled herself in the only open spot between Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode.
*MP*MP*MP*
Severus watched the girl depart with a slight shake of his head. He almost wondered what Lucius, or more likely Narcissa, would do. But now his job was to get everyone back on task. "Today is your practical day based on the discussion and preparations you did in the last class. Each of you have a box in the potions closet with your name. It contains ingredients you prepared during the last class. Go and collect them." The class stood and went towards the ingredient closet. Severus watched the jostling only to then notice three students who remained in their seats.
"We figured it would be safer if we stayed here until everyone was out of there. Can't blame me or anything if I'm with the professor." Harry leaned back a bit in his chair and stretched while waiting Lavender Brown to get out of the closet. "We will get in line when she sits back down." The trio just nodded to themselves. Severus continued to watch the mess, and not for the first time, wanted a better way to do this.
After ten minutes of chatter, which just about cost both houses a couple hundred points, Lavender finally huffed out of the closet and sat. Hermione started to stand and noticed how quickly Draco jumped to his feet. Harry wasn't quite as quick but was standing soon as well and the three went and grabbed their ingredients.
"Now that you've all wasted a goodly amount of time, I expect quiet." With a flick of his wand, the recipe instructions appeared on the board. Everyone diligently began the first step of the potion. Hermione hummed happily as she counted to twenty before adding the valerian springs. Draco and Harry had expected these classes to be boring but discovered they were fine with redoing lessons because of Hermione's excitement. Severus walked along the rows and watched each of the students. He could tell you which students would excel and who would fail. It was a talent the man had. He warily approached the bench with Dean, Seamus and Pavarti.
The cauldron belonging to Seamus was neither boiling over nor emitting noxious fumes. Watching carefully Severus noted Seamus about to add the mistletoe berries whole into the cauldron. The result of which Severus didn't want to be near. But just as the berries were to be dropped, Seamus turned his head and the girl next to him raised an eyebrow. Seamus set the berries down and re-read the instructions. Quickly the berries were in the mortar.
"Miss Patil, I expect each to do their own work." Pavarti Patil jumped a little, watching her potion and making sure Seamus didn't screw up had allowed for the professor to sneak up on her.
"Yes Professor, I just wanted to avoid being covered in whatever whole berries would have caused. I've not told him what to do. Just cleared my throat to say he should maybe read the directions again." Nodding Severus stepped away.
"Twenty points to Gryffindor for saving me clean up time today." Pavarti sat a bit straighter as her housemates cheered the extra points.
*MP*MP*MP*
By the time dinner came around Lavender's triumphant day had melted into her worst day ever. She really didn't understand. She had done what her mother said and when the article appeared she was so excited. It just proved her future was tied up. Since she no longer needed to worry about befriending the Longbottom or Nott boys, she decided that letting them go would become a new wrinkle to the story and one that she happily detailed.
After the disaster of potions and then not being able to sit with Harry in Charms, Lavender spent afternoon coming up with how she broke the hearts of the boys from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. "You see, I just couldn't, in good faith, keep them hanging on. I know they were both willing to go to their parents and have them approach mine, but I must follow my heart, you see. I tried my best to let them down easily but their tears were so overwhelming. I ended up holding them each until they quieted."
It seemed this made Theo and Neville look a bit soft and both were on edge when they heard the story. It was only when they were able to provide iron clad alibis that Lavender was put on the spot. When she began to backtrack and change the story it seemed as most quickly caught on and began to ignore anything that came out of the witch's mouth. When dinner rolled around and a new edition of The Prophet set on each of the tables, the entire school saw the folly in believing idle gossip.
A week after her accident and four days after The Prophet had recanted the entire article, Lavender received a letter with the last thing she wanted to read from her mother. It seemed Lavender's parents were being sued for slander and liable because of what was written. Aunt Rita had been brought up on charges and happily admitted getting the story directly from her sister.
Lavender was shocked to find out her parents had tried to get a marriage contract for her with Draco and Harry. They had been laughed out of the house before being barred from any of the Malfoy and Potter properties. Lavender couldn't understand, she did everything she was told and wasn't even annoying. After reading her mother's letter, she heard one of the third years comment how ridiculous it was to have ever believed Lavender because of Hermione. Lavender looked up in time to see Draco pick up the other witch's bag and lead her out of the Hall. Harry Potter was walking on their other and all were laughing about something.
Lavender realized her problems weren't because of anything she did but because of Hermione.
*MP*MP*MP*
A/N 2: So this chapter wasn't the one that I had intended to post. Last week, after reading chapter 9 and moving into what was (at the time 10) I found Lavender Brown in my head. It's not a really good place to be. So to get her out, she got a chapter. FYI she wan't pleased to find out I wasn't going to have Harry or Draco end up with her. But she is a stubborn thing so it's likely she'll be back in the future.