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O you are not lying in the wet clay,
For it is a harvest evening now and we
Are piling up the ricks against the moonlight
And you smile up at us - eternally.
Patrick Kavanagh
Chapter 10
Hermione meandered along the quiet corridor she'd slipped into to avoid Alice's fabricated apologies. She had no interest in making friends in a time when she had to act so contrary. She couldn't even fathom why Alice would be interested in her as a friend. She had been clear about her opinion on blood purity with her not so subtle query regarding Alice's family. Why would the girl what to pursue a friendship with someone who allegedly despised one of her best friends, the infamous Lily Evans? The same girl whose emerald eyes hurt something so deep inside of her that she couldn't so much as face her, which in turn added to Hermione's prejudice persona. She was glad she was maintaining a shred of the personality Severus had crafted for her, even if it was inadvertently. Hermione was so preoccupied with her suspicious thoughts she didn't even notice the two figures sitting on one of the deep window ledges a little way down the corridor.
"Going for a wander Prince?" A familiar voice called out to her, a grin clear in his voice. Hermione silently berated herself, annoyed that once again her near constant preoccupation had left her vulnerable. Without a second thought her wand was pointed out in front of her, the nerves from the day making the shake in her hand almost preposterous. "Settle down gel," he commented flippantly, his familiar red hair brighter in the sunlight streaming through the window.
"Fabian," she muttered distantly, her heart still racing from fright.
"The one and only," he commented. "This is my brother Gideon," he introduced casually with a wave of his hand towards the man sitting next to him. Hermione took a moment to study Gideon, who was a carbon copy of his brother. He was scrutinising her from above his battered potions textbook that she vaguely recognised. A sandwich lay discarded to his right, obviously she was interrupting something.
"A pleasure," Hermione murmured, not yet lowering her wand.
"Did you hear that Gid? It's a pleasure," Fabian mocked with a raised eyebrow, his incredulous expression directed at her defensive stance explained his glib attitude. Suddenly embarrassed she lowered her wand and conspicuously let her hair cover her face to hide the reddening of her cheeks.
"Don't be a twat," Gideon commented lightly. He assessed her with a cursory glance before returning to his book, obviously not finding anything that merited his attention.
"When am I ever a twat?" Fabian demanded jokingly as he reached over and took the sandwich from his brother's side of the window. Gideon barely spared him an incredulous look, suggesting that his immediate actions were evidence enough.
"You just startled me is all," Hermione muttered, trying her best to hide how uncomfortable the familiar banter felt to her. It wasn't so long ago that she had wandered these halls and would often come across Fred and George scheming up their next prank in hushed tones. They had been happy times, when days were full of light and fun surprises. No matter how much she didn't condone their actions they always tried their best to include her. The Weasleys had been the closest thing she had to family in the wizardry world and the twins never forgot that. They were a constant protective presence in her life, that she would have loathe to admit to their faces, provided much comfort in her early years. A dark shadow grew in her mind when unyielding flashes of Fred's prone body and George's empty eyes came unbidden to her. She flinched violently away from the thoughts.
"Rough first day?" Fabian asked suddenly, mistaking her grief for unease.
"I'm only half way through," Hermione responded evenly, glad for the distraction from the dark recesses of her mind.
"What did you have first?" Gideon asked, not looking up from his book to meet her eye.
"Defence actually," Hermione commented with a shrug of her shoulders that wasn't as casual as she would have liked. Fabian grinned before reaching behind him and producing an apple, he threw it to her expertly, but she barely caught it. Her hand eye coordination, never great to begin with, had worsened as the tremors in her hands had developed.
"Well don't stop there, it sounds like a riveting story," he commanded in what might have been perceived as a sarcastic tone if she hadn't been best friends with his nephew for the better part of seven years. His light blue eyes were so untroubled and full of life that she found herself leaning against the stone wall across from the two boys and sliding to the ground, not quite ready to leave their presence.
"Longbottom hates me," she confided, surprising herself. With a shake of her head at her silliness she took a bite out of her apple.
"Longbottom doesn't hate anyone," Gideon chipped in casually, finally lowering his book to study the girl.
"I think he's made an exception," Hermione answered glibly.
"What did you do? Kill his cat?" Fabian teased lightly before taking a massive bite of his sandwich, emulating his nephew more than he ever had.
"He has a cat?" Hermione asked naively.
"Not anymore apparently," Gideon responded with a small smile. The terribly random joke forced an unwitting laugh from her before she'd even realised what had happened. She hesitated slightly, shocked at how genuine the sensation of humour had felt. After the battle she had thought that laughter would always have to be feigned, which she knew would have been an affront to many people who had lost their lives, but she couldn't help it.
"See," Fabian commented with a wave of his hand in her direction. "It's hardly so bad if you're laughing," he expanded. Hermione rolled her eyes with a small smile that wasn't completely sincere.
"If only that was the sole criterium needed to judge how dire a situation was," Hermione muttered as she placed her head in her hands and released a sigh that straddled the line between exasperation and amused very delicately.
"It's only yourself that complicates things sure," Gideon reasoned with a shrug of his shoulders. He reached his two arms up to place them behind his head before reclining fully against the window and stretching out his legs; the poster boy for tranquillity.
"My father killed his grandfather," Hermione said abruptly, wanting so badly to ruin their comfort. Didn't they know what was coming? She thought angrily. They should have been preparing. Images of Harry, Ron and her relaxing on bright winter afternoons drifted into her mind. If only they'd been prepared for what was to come, maybe then they would have known what to do. Maybe then they wouldn't have fell about the place like a duckling without an imprint.
"Well that changes matters," Fabian granted after finally managing a hard swallow of a bite of his sandwich.
"Does it?" Gideon asked, not even phased by her declaration. He hadn't even sat up from his comfy position. "You can hardly take responsibility for either man's actions," he reasoned with a lazy roll of his eyes. "Frank will come around soon enough," he added when he noticed the dejected expression that covered Hermione's face. The first name threw her for a moment, briefly linking the mean Professor too closely to Neville Longbottom. She supposed the Prewett twins were no stranger to the Auror that was only a few years their senior.
"Some things aren't so simple," Hermione responded, annoyed by his blasé attitude.
"So, what do you have next?" Fabian cut across, obviously believing a change in topic was long overdue.
"Transfiguration," Hermione admitted grimly. She had no desire to sit through class with her childhood role model that now considered her a conceited spoiled pureblood. She took another bite of her apple lethargically.
"Ole Minnie's not too bad," Fabian pacified gently.
"At least you don't have NEWT potions," Gideon muttered as he once again lifted his textbook.
"I'm telling you mate, you should have given that up years ago," Fabian stated with little sympathy.
"And this is the man they made Head Boy," Gideon responded directly to Hermione in such a dry tone that she couldn't supress a small chuckle at the other boy's expense.
"Anything in particular troubling you?" Hermione asked, eyeing the potions book with jealous eyes. She'd give anything for an educational conundrum at that very moment.
"You any good at Potions?" Gideon asked incredulously. Hermione rolled her eyes, obviously the stigma Auror Longbottom had mentioned about home-schooled pureblood witches was accurate. Seeing her jaded expression, he reached down and pushed the open book towards her. "Slughorn said we'd be brewing Draught of the Living Dead today," he explained with a resigned sigh. Hermione lifted the book curiously, Slughorn himself had assigned her the very same challenge but she hadn't been a seventh year, it had been her first day in sixth. She guessed that curriculums changed with time, but a part of her believed that the older man had been assessing the class to spot those he'd like in his little collectors' parties. "I get so stressed trying to get the order right in potions like this," he admitted hesitantly.
"Well, make sure you crush the sopophorous beans with a silver dagger, don't cut them, and thirteen should be used not just twelve. The stirring is listed incorrectly here as well; it should be anticlockwise seven times and clockwise once instead," she imparted before she could help herself, the Half-Blood prince's words just spilling out of her mouth in a rush.
"You're kidding? How are we supposed to get any potion right if the directions aren't even correct," he growled, throwing his arms up in the air in frustration. Even though the two boys were identical, there was something about Gideon that resembled Ron more. Whether it was his mannerisms or his aggravated attitude towards Potions, she couldn't quite put her finger on it, but sitting there in the bright stone halls of Hogwarts she could almost pretend that this was just a normal day. Next Ron would insist that they stop by the kitchens before they went anywhere near their next class and then she'd disagree, like she always did, and tell him that he should take his education more seriously. Then it was Harry's turn to chip in and mediate between them, like he always did.
"The directions are more of a guide, there's supposed to be room for creative flair," Hermione mumbled with a small smile. She pushed the heavy textbook back before taking the last bite of her apple hesitantly, it was the first thing she'd eaten all day, besides at breakfast where she'd picked at a slice of toast, too unnerved by Alice's presence to actually digest anything.
"Who needs room for creative flair when you're learning how to brew the thing initially," Fabian criticised with a roll of his eyes. Severus Snape, the name flew through her mind as the obvious answer. Most of the NEWT level courses in Hogwarts were built for people who had a genuine knack for the subject, which was difficult if you just needed the grades to progress in your career choices. Hermione just shrugged non-committedly in response, there was no answer she could provide that would satisfy them. Even she had been annoyed when Harry had progressed ahead of her in Potion's class, admitting that she lacked that knack for potions brewing had been difficult for her. It's difficult to acknowledge imperfection when you feel like you have something to prove.
Suddenly Fabian rose from his seat and took one large stride towards her before sticking out both of his hands in her direction. His abrupt actions put her on edge, but somehow, she managed to prevent herself from withdrawing her wand. His face wore an expectant expression.
"Well come on then Lass, let's get you to ole Minnie's class before your late," he teased with an open happy smile. Hermione had almost forgotten that class was to resume soon enough. Hesitantly she reached out and allowed the boy to lift her to her feet, feeling curiously lighter than she had when she'd first hurried down the corridor.
…
"Your girl is already skipping lunch," Rodolophus muttered with a sly grin. He fell into the seat next to Severus who had been feigning interest in his transfiguration textbook that lay open in front of him, to dissuade people from dragging him into any conversation. He would have gotten through the entirety of the break without uttering a word too if it weren't for Lestrange irritating habit of engaging him about his new 'cousin'. Apparently, the possibility that Severus might be improving his status in society was the most interesting thing to happen in years. He had to resist the urge to snap back a sarcastic response towards the boy that was supposed to garner his admiration.
"I guess so," he muttered back quietly before turning a page in his textbook, just to encourage his preoccupied image. He knew the boy must thing it strange that he wasn't interested in discussing his climb on the social ladder, years ago he'd have given his right leg for this much undivided attention from Rodolophus Lestrange.
"You don't find that concerning?" He asked as he reached for a sandwich. "Who knows whose company the girl could find herself in," he added coyly. If Severus wasn't so sure that the man was already interested in Bellatrix for a wife, he'd almost think that he was angling for her attention.
"I'm sure she just wanted to avoid the majority of Gryffindor house," Severus replied keeping his face clear of the uneasiness that was developing in the pit of his stomach. He had hoped, somewhat naively, that her status wouldn't attract too much notice from his year mates when his intentions were already obvious. He should have known better, there was no loyalty in Slytherin. If she was a better match than Bellatrix, either financially or by status alone, the boy would feel obliged to investigate further.
"This casual attitude is most unlike you, my friend," Rodolophus answered with a raised eyebrow. Severus knew he should be doing his best to emulate his younger self, but he just couldn't muster up the energy to ingratiate himself to the older boy. Years of experience with the pureblood hierarchy had also taught him that the more blasé a person acted the more intriguing they appeared. Intriguing people were always a Pureblood's priority.
"Certain things are written in stone," Severus replied, finally lifting his eyes from the book for more than a moment to study the boy. What he found didn't please him, Slytherin's were taught to be coy and furtive with their inquisitions. Rodolophus was too curious to hide his attentiveness, which was more than a little unsettling for Severus. He was definitely interested in the girl, and something told him that the spoiled boy wouldn't stop his hunt until he'd expended all avenues with the pretty Gryffindor. Severus sighed, knowing that it would be a while before the novelty of the muggleborn would diminish to a satisfactory level. Things moved slowly at Hogwarts, which was blissfully closed off from the gossip of society, besides the occasional morning paper, news tended to last longer.
"Gaining a bit of confidence then Severus?" A feminine voice questioned as she landed heavily in the seat beside him and dropped her hefty bag to the ground. Despite his attempts to supress it, he couldn't help the surge of affection that filled his chest at the sight of the girl so young and carefree. It was a universally acknowledged fact that Andromeda Black wasn't as beautiful as her two sisters, but Severus had always found something appealing in her blunt attitude. Her eyes were always playful and easy to read, and while they lacked that demure quality all pureblood witches strived for, they always held a glimmer of mischief. He had to look away from the girl for a moment to hide a rush of guilt when an image of another girl that had held that same glimmer and a fondness for a certain werewolf flashed before his eyes. The death of Nymphadora had been an appalling tragedy that had hidden itself amongst a number of horrid catastrophes, and while he never allowed himself to know the girl, his faded friendship with her mother had made him feel it keenly.
"Are you implying that I was at one point lacking all confidence?" He asked, injecting just the right amount of indignation to make the girl laugh lightly at his expense.
"You were positively timid," she responded as she reached for some fruit in front of her. Severus felt Rodolophus tense beside him, he held no kind sentiments towards the brunette. In fact, if etiquette didn't demand it, Severus was sure they would have been overtly hostile towards one another. "Rodolophus, darling, perhaps you should be talking to your own intended rather than quizzing Severus about his," she advised with her legendary smirk, her eyes led his down the table towards where Bellatrix sat with her youngest sister. Severus watched them as they joked but didn't miss the surreptitious glances Bellatrix was casting towards Rodolophus.
"I was just heading that way now actually," Rodolophus commented stiffly before standing. He nodded once at Severus before he headed towards the two girls.
"You better be careful," Severus warned despite himself. Andromeda simply raised an eyebrow and sent him a challenging look.
"The Lestranges are harmless," she commented, sending a look down the table towards Rabastan who was currently struggling to butter his bread without tearing it.
"He's not like his brother," Severus added darkly.
"No," she conceded. "I supposed he's not," she admitted as she took a bite out of her pear, a dark look flittering through her eyes. "Mustn't let him get away with everything though," she added, her smile returning. Clearly, she'd overheard their entire conversation before she had taken her seat beside him and had come to the same conclusion that her soon to be brother-in-law's eyes were straying.
"I suppose not," he added, turning a page in his book to end the conversation which was suddenly becoming overwhelming. The untrained eye wouldn't have caught the surreptitious looks that the girl sent towards the Ravenclaw table which were so obvious now, he berated himself for missing them all those years ago. For missing the small smile that graced her face once she'd caught a particular boy's gaze, and the way she'd quickly rid herself of her joy once Severus had raised his head to study her. Andromeda had always been braver than him when they'd been young, she'd never bowed to the insecurities that society sought to impose on them. 'And that's why', he thought darkly, 'she'd received years of joy with Ted Tonks while I had ended up the Dark Lord's right-hand man.'
….
Lily filed into the familiar transfiguration classroom slowly, lunch had been interesting to say the least. The Prince girl was really beginning to rile the boys up more than she'd ever expected her to. Lily had been beyond astounded when the girl had sauntered over towards the Gryffindor table last night, it just didn't make sense to her. Why would a Pureblood Lady identify as a lion? There was no doubt she had been courageous facing off the three of them that day in the park, but she'd done it in such a surly manor Lily had been sure green was her colour.
Lily took a seat next to Marlene but couldn't help as her eyes drifted to where Prince sat next to her childhood best friend near the back of the room. It seemed like they were destined to sit next to each other in every class. She hated the way her stomach flipped at every look that the dark-haired boy spared the young girl. To everyone else it might have seemed that he was hardly interested in the peculiar girl, but she knew better. She'd seen that same dedication whenever the boy had spotted his mother walking towards the shops on her own or collecting him from school. It was as if he was afraid she'd fall apart at any moment and that he'd have to be there to pick up all the fractured pieces. He cared, which unsettled her more than she'd ever admit.
"Welcome back everyone, I'm sure you've all had a very restful Yule but it's time to get back to work," Professor McGonagall called from the front of the classroom much to the chagrin of the class that universally released a resigned sigh. "If you could please pass your winter assignments towards the front of the classroom please," she commanded authoritatively. Lily watched as the older woman's eyes settled near the area of the classroom where she knew the Prince girl resided without any work. For a moment Lily felt a little satisfaction at the girl's expense which she quickly attempted to convert into pity. She tried to contemplate how awful it must feel to be years behind everyone else just because your parents had decided that your education wasn't worth their attention, but she couldn't supress a little glee. She could admit to herself that she found some solace in the fact that at least she had always challenged Severus, she wasn't some princess that was only known for her looks.
"Today we will be beginning the difficult subject of human transfiguration which will be a requirement for your NEWT levels," she declared primly. "There will be no room for horseplay," here her narrowed eyes settled on the Marauders, "or the fainthearted," she continued, her gaze once again falling in the direction of the Prince girl. "This is not an easy topic, nor is it one without risk so please tread carefully," She implored with a jaded expression that suggested that the subject was a challenge to teach every year and provided her with much exasperation. She withdrew her wand with an elegant flourish before waving it in a complex motion above her left hand.
"Mutare Manu Leonis," She called clearly, to the classes surprise her hand immediately changed into the immaculate paw of a lion. A few loud exclamations forced a small smile onto the older woman's face which she quickly supressed. "Please turn to page seventy-six and begin to attempt the spell. I will be providing individual tutelage during the duration of the class due to this spells complexity. I ask that you do not panic if you don't manage this spell immediately, for most it can take weeks," she finished before effortlessly reversing the spell on her hand and beginning to instruct the first pair of students to the right in the front row. Lily noticed, with barely contained amusement, that the woman had taken the quickest route towards Lady Prince.
"What's got you so smiley?" Marlene questioned miserably, startling the redhead from her thoughts. Lily quickly wiped the smile from her face before turning towards her friend.
"I just think human transfiguration is pretty interesting," Lily muttered. "Nothing to be pouting about anyway," she added when she noticed the despondent way Marlene opened her textbook.
"Sometimes I hate how cheery you are," the girl muttered under her breath which only succeeded in returning Lily's smile. Lily would have been surprised if even Professor McGonagall didn't know how much Marlene detested transfiguration, which was a requirement for the Healer course she had her heart set on. "Let's get this started before McGonagall gets over here," she continued throwing a panicked look at the teacher who'd by now moved onto the second table. Lily felt decidedly less worried at her approach, knowing that between her and the teacher was one Miss Prince, who she knew would hold up the Professor for a considerable amount of time.
"Snape and Luna aren't even trying yet," Marlene muttered with a shake of her head, she'd obviously come to the same conclusion as Lily. As inconspicuously as possible, Lily turned her head and noticed that the pair were indeed neglecting their practice. Their books were open, but they were occupied by what seemed like an intense conversation. Lily tried her best to listen in, but to her own bewilderment, could only hear a faint buzzing when she tried to focus on the pair. Finally, seeming annoyed, Luna rolled her head and nodded at the boy who looked just as irritated with her.
Trouble in Paradise, Lily thought smugly.
A few minutes later both Lily and Marlene paused in their furious practiced ministrations to listen as the strict Professor approached the couple who had halted their bickering. Lily noticed a few other tables pause in unison, the new girl was apparently more interesting than the difficult spell.
"Miss Prince, perhaps you'd like to demonstrate the spell. Seeing as you clearly feel you don't need any practice," McGonagall called, in a louder tone than she'd spoken in to the tables beforehand. It was obvious she wanted to make an example of the girl who'd had the audacity to enter her classroom without the required Exceeds Expectation in the OWLs. Luna passed one more biting look at Snape before she lifted her wand and waved it over her hand to produce a paw so perfect it rivalled even the Professor's demonstration. Lily was sure that the class held their breath at the girl's success, waiting for the austere woman's reaction. McGonagall bent down and used her wand to turn over the girl's paw/hand to examine the finer details.
"Extraordinary work Miss Prince, and silently too," Professor McGonagall muttered, that was the thing about the woman, she'd never deny excellence even if it might have felt like swallowing a lemon whole. "I wasn't aware you had been educated in Transfiguration," she continued, not removing her eyes from the flawless paw.
"You think I would enter a NEWT level class without any idea of the subject Professor? You must think me extraordinarily arrogant," Luna murmured with a small smile, that Lily was shocked to see the older woman returned.
"I wonder where I could have gotten that idea Miss Prince," Professor McGonagall replied with enough inflection on her name to tell the whole class exactly where the inkling had come from. "You must have had an extraordinary tutor during your home-schooling," she granted curiously. "I only know a hand full of people who could manage that spell as effortlessly as you did just there," she continued much to Lily's vexation.
"She was pretty amazing," Luna replied with the first genuine smile Lily had ever seen her wear. McGonagall paused for a moment, perhaps hoping the girl would expand on her comment, but when it became clear she was finished sharing she nodded.
"20 points to Gryffindor," she stated with a smile, her eyes assessed the girl once more before she shifted her attention towards the Slytherin to her right. "Have you been so fortunate to benefit from your partners wisdom?" Professor McGonagall asked Severus, her cold tone, which she reserved for particularly bothersome students, once again returning. Lily watched as the boy attempted the spell, granted with words, and managed to achieve a passible result, nowhere near the level of complexity Luna had, but still a remarkable feat. "Impressive Mr Snape, 5 points to Gryffindor," she allowed before she moved onto the next table.
Lily turned around to face the front of the classroom with a shocked expression painted on her pretty face. A hand full of people? Lily thought vehemently. How did the girl manage to get a better education than one of the best schools in the world at home?
"Thank Merlin," Marlene muttered in relief when she was sure McGonagall was far enough away from Luna. "I was worried there for a moment Luna would be in trouble," she continued as she shook her head before leaning down and rereading the directions in her book.
"Yeah," Lily muttered. "Thank Merlin," she repeated quietly. Once more she turned to watch as Luna flipped apathetically through her textbook, completely oblivious that the boy beside her lifted his gaze to study her every few moments. Though his eyes were completely devoid of emotion Lily knew then and there that he was concerned for the headstrong girl. Not too long-ago Lily herself had been on the receiving end of those looks and she couldn't help but hate that she'd been replaced so quickly, but more than anything she hated that she cared.
….
Hermione sat at the end of the Gryffindor table quietly fuming with her defence textbook wide open in front of her, hoping against hope that its presence might dissuade people from sitting down next to her. She was early for dinner and only a few seats at the table were filled, meaning that at least no one would be forced to sit by her which she was grateful for. She was still so filled with fury that Severus had insisted she perfect the spell in front of the whole class. Could he not see that they were drawing unnecessary attention to themselves? Sometimes she thought he really didn't want to go back to the future, that he was plotting a way to stay. Then she always berated herself, not trusting Snape had always been a mistake throughout her entire childhood. To her immense surprise someone she never expected sat down across from her, as if it were the most casual action in the world. His prematurely greying hair stuck out like a sore thumb and she had to wonder how anyone hadn't discovered the boy's secret
"Aren't you going to eat?" He asked and although his words were blunt there was a refined quality to them that verged on nostalgic for Hermione.
"I hadn't really thought about it," she replied honestly. Her eyes lifted to assess the wonderful selection of food that rested at the centre of the table. Her stomach turned at the idea of eating, her appetite had become almost non-existent since her journey to the past had commenced. She had only walked into the Great Hall because some ingrained internal clock had insisted upon it. It seemed her Hogwarts' habits hadn't diminished in her year long absence.
"It's pretty good stuff," Remus muttered as he shovelled a heap of potato onto his plate. He paused his movements for a moment before he lifted his gaze to meet hers. "Listen I just wanted to say sorry for how I behaved earlier. On the paper was a project I'd been working on for quite some time and it really hurt to lose it," he confided with a small smile. "I know how tough it can be when you feel like the odd man out, especially when it must have seemed like they were harassing you and your friends over Yule," he continued. "Anyway, it's no excuse so I'm sorry," he finished with a glimmer of friendship shining brightly in his familiar brown eyes. The same brown eyes that had excitedly shown her the pictures of his new born son. The same brown eyes that had remained emptily open as he had stared at the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall. Hermione felt sick.
"So, can we start again?" He questioned, not losing his smile or seeming at all deterred by her silence. Hermione could only nod weakly in return, the smell of beef dinner suddenly nauseating. Marlene landed heavily into the space beside Remus with a resigned sigh.
"First day back and I'm already counting down the days until our next holiday," she declared exhaustedly, completely dismissing any form of introduction. "Well done in Transfiguration today Luna," she added with a grin. "McGonagall really looked like she'd regretted pestering you," she continued as she reached for a chip and popped it into her mouth after dipping it in some gravy. Hermione just waved her hand modestly, attempting to dismiss the compliment. She was, after all, nearly two years older than them.
"You must have studied pretty intensively for that?" Remus asked as he and Marlene fought for a particularly nice-looking chip that had caught both their attention. Seeing her old Professor act so youthfully thankfully managed to put some distance between him and the man she had once known. Slowly the knot in her stomach settled bit by bit.
"It's really not that big a deal," she tried to dismiss once more.
"Alright Miss Modest," Marlene allowed with a smile. "Any other magical feats of genius that aren't that big a deal up your sleeve?" She questioned with a grin. Hermione shook her head but couldn't manage not to return the smile that was so genuinely given. James landed into the seat beside her so abruptly she jumped slightly.
"Jittery much Prince?" James questioned with a raised eyebrow. Hermione just shook her head, wondering bemusedly how suddenly all her year mates had decided to gather around her. "Sorry about earlier, maybe if we stop stalking you maybe you could stay away from our things?" James asked lightly, obviously his anger from earlier having dissipated.
"Maybe," Hermione granted slowly, she didn't miss that Sirius who had sat next to Remus was remaining stubbornly quiet. She was beyond grateful, already completely overwhelmed.
"You know you don't say very much," James continued as he gathered his dinner. "Unless of course we're asking little girls' questions," he muttered with a warm smile, she could tell that the comment was meant to be taken lightly but something about it rubbed her the wrong way.
"Don't talk about Olive," she warned before she could help herself. James seemed a little taken back by the comment, but he nodded anyway.
"Not so proud of your dalliance with muggles now that you're at Hogwarts, Prince?" Black questioned from across the table.
"Sirius," Alice hissed as she took the seat to the left of Hermione who glared at the dark-haired boy furiously. She noticed Lily following suit sending her a curious look.
"Of the two of us Black, I don't think it's your family that has the higher moral ground here," she hissed, finally reaching her limit of snarky comments from the population of Hogwarts for the day. The hostility of her words surprised even her. A furious expression grew on Sirius's face at her words and a hush grew at the table.
"My problem isn't your last name Lady Prince, it's entirely you that pisses me off. At least I don't believe in that pureblood tosh, but don't think I don't see the way you look at Lily," Sirius responded bitingly. His grey eyes bored into hers so aggressively that she had to will herself not to break eye contact. It boiled her blood that she couldn't rebut his claims without spoiling her cover.
"Sirius," Remus warned darkly.
"Well how's my new best friend?" A masculine voice called from beside her. In the corner of her eyes she watched as Alice and James, on either side of her, were pushed down the table only to be replaced by two red headed boys. Fabian, who'd spoken, ruffled her hair in an overtly affection way that distracted her temporarily from her glaring match.
"Woah, is it tense at this little section of the table or what?" Gideon commented as he pushed James's plate down to the disgruntled boy before he gathered his own.
"Gideon, Fabian," Remus greeted perplexedly.
"Remus my dear boy, so good to see you," the Head Boy announced as he reached for the chips that were magically refilling as they spoke.
"I hope you're not aggravating my good friend," Gideon commented lightly as he threw an arm over her shoulder. To say she was bewildered by their actions would be an understatement of grand proportions.
"So, you've met then?" Marlene asked with an inquisitive smile.
"Hermione and I go way back," Fabian divulged with a wicked smirk. Hermione felt Gideon fiddle around in his robe pocket beside her for a minute before he produced a little vial for her attention.
"All down to you love," Gideon answered.
"A whole vial of Liquid Luck," Fabian expanded. "Think of the possibilities," he muttered more to himself than Hermione. Dread filled the pit of her stomach. Had her few words of advice really had such a massive impact on the boys, and if so who had she deprived of the reward? Whose future had she so gravely changed?
"Well don't look so worried lass," Gideon muttered with a grin. "We aren't planning anything too lethal," he added boisterously as he used the arm wrapped around her shoulders to pull her closer to him in a rough hug.
"Ever known anyone to use the stuff before? Seeing as you are the potion's queen," Fabian questioned as he shovelled some food into Hermione's empty plate. She was so distraught that she didn't even remember to raise her Occlumency shields.
"Oh Merlin, you totally do," Marlene commented as she easily read the expression on the brunette's face.
"You know it's a controlled substance," Lily informed aghast from down the table, now that two people were between her and Hermione she had to lean forward to address the whole table.
"It was completely legal," Hermione defended weakly, erecting her Occlumency shields in a rush.
"What did the lass do?" Fabian asked, pausing momentarily in his quest to fill her plate to the brim with random foods. Hermione rolled her eyes, suspicious that he was really searching for ideas rather than being genuinely curious. She looked around at the expectant expressions that surrounded her. Even Sirius looked interested, though he was trying his best to hide it.
"He attended an arachnids funeral," she responded truthfully as she lifted a bite of the food that Fabian had piled onto her plate to her lips, if only for the distraction.
"And that was lucky?" Gideon questioned, somehow managing to mix bemusement and disgust into his tone.
"Exceptionally," she answered. "It's a very long story," she added when she noticed that conversation hadn't picked up, everyone expecting her to continue with her tale.
"Poor bloke," Fabian muttered. "Merlin, I hate spiders," he added lowly as he shuddered involuntarily. Hermione had to supress a smile at the familiar words.
"I don't think he was particularly fond of them either," she agreed with a nod, though she couldn't quite meet their eyes.
"Well congratulations lads," Alice chimed in. "Don't do anything too crazy," she warned, but clearly her words were going unheard.
"We simply have to celebrate," Fabian declared suddenly. "The seventh years are planning a little 'first day back' party if you're up for coming?" he asked, addressing Hermione. "Of course, all of you are welcome?" He added, readjusting to include the large group of sixth years into the discussion with a wave of his hands. Hermione noticed the smile of glee that sprouted on Marlene's face for a moment before she quickly supressed it.
"Sorry, I have detention tonight," Hermione responded, not that she would have even considered going anyway. Even in her own time she'd only gone to the Quidditch parties because Harry and Ron had insisted, and if she was being completely honest because she enjoyed seeing Harry happy. So many dreadful things constantly bombarded his life that it made watching him laugh, just like everyone else, quite the refreshing sight.
"On the first day? You work fast," Gideon commented with a grin.
"Longbottom," Hermione explained simply. Again, she reached for another bite of the haphazard dinner in front of her just to spare her from speaking for a few moments.
"Hard luck, well we'll be seeing you around at least," Fabian replied, once more ruffling her unruly hair. Hermione glared at him before batting away his hand, which seemed to only increase his level of amusement. Just as suddenly as they had sat down they both rose simultaneously, carrying their packed plates with them.
"See you Luna," Gideon saluted before they both made their way down to the bottom of the table once more where the majority of the seventh years were sat. Hermione shook her head, completely thrown by their abrupt whirlwind of a visit.
"Ugh," Marlene groaned in irritation. "We were so nearly in," she continued dramatically.
"Excuse me?" Hermione questioned curiously, unaware of what she'd missed in the conversation that the girl had managed to glean.
"The Prewetts throw the best parties but we're never invited," Alice responded as she pushed her way back up the table and beside Hermione once again.
"Even the fifth year Hufflepuffs were invited to their Yule Party," Marlene complained as she aggressively stabbed a chip.
"And why aren't you invited?" Hermione questioned, pushing her plate of food away, her appetite once again lost.
"Let's just say they aren't overly fond of a certain group of boys," Alice said as she sent a glare in the direction of each member of the Marauders, which only succeeded in confusing Hermione more.
"Hey!" James complained loudly. "That theory was never proven," he rectified, raising his hands in an appeasing gesture.
"They stay a mile away from you any chance they can get," Lily chimed in from the bottom of the table. Suddenly Peter Pettigrew landed into the seat next to Marlene with a heavy sigh.
"Remind me why I take divination again?" He muttered as he immediately began to fill his plate. His presence was the last straw for Hermione's already fraying patience. In a rush she stood and started to gather her books into her bag carelessly.
"Leaving already Luna?" Marlene questioned.
"You hardly ate anything?" Remus muttered in exasperation.
"Detention," Hermione explained before promptly hurrying away from the table, even though detention wasn't to begin for another two hours. As soon as she inhaled the seemingly fresher air outside of the Great Hall she felt the relief seep into her bones. Sometimes it was as if every single person that associated with her in the past placed a lead weight on her soul, just begging her to save them from their fates. She wondered futilely how long it would take for her to get weighed down, or if she'd even have the strength to carry them all without taking action.
…
Frank Longbottom was not having a good day. The brief period he'd spent teaching at Hogwarts already felt excessive from his perspective. The appearance of a certain pureblood heiress had done little to ameliorate his mood for the day. He watched as a young muggleborn boy sat alone in his classroom in one of the front desks. Impatiently he lifted his watch from from the table, it had been irritating his wrist, and noted the time. He sighed, she wasn't even late yet. The eager to please first year had arrived nearly fifteen minutes early to detention, skewing his view on the time. The boy sniffled quietly, and Frank couldn't help the stab of guilt that shot through his heart.
After what felt like ages a timid knock on the classroom door startled him from his musings. Standing abruptly, he stalked towards the door quickly, making the already nervous boy jump slightly at the sudden movement. He opened the door with a little more force than was strictly necessary.
"You're late," he lied the second his eyes fell on the Prince girl. Her brown eyes widened at his declaration but other than that she remained expressionless, leading Frank to believe the girl had been educated in the mind arts. To his surprise she didn't try to argue with his assessment, like a small part of him at been hoping for, instead she just nodded weakly in return. He tried not to notice the dark shadows that lay beneath her eyes, which he found uncomfortably humanising. He knew there was nothing even remotely natural about the Princes.
He turned his back on her and led her to the front of the class where he pointed at the free space beside the first year, who was currently trying his best to hide his sniffles. Dutifully she sat without complaint, but she didn't raise her eyes to meet his. Instead she stared at her hands which rested on top of the old wooden desk, contrasting strongly with her pale skin.
"I want two rolls of parchments on how important it is to stay quiet during class," he ordered. He watched as her eyebrows lifted in confusion, obviously she'd been expecting something harsher. "If you don't finish today then you'll be back in here tomorrow night," Frank insisted strictly, surprised when the impossible length didn't even seem to phase her. "I have a meeting in my quarters, so I expect absolute silence," he commanded authoritatively. She nodded once, still not deigning to speak to him, which only seemed to incense him further. Releasing a long breath of frustration, he turned and headed towards the door to his office and continued towards his private quarters.
"Sorry about that Albus, I had to sort out detentions. You wouldn't mind if I threw up an Audi Secretum, would you? I've asked them to be quiet?" He posed towards the elderly man who had already taken the liberty of ordering tea from the house elves. At that very moment he was stirring his tea with a spoon wandlessly, as if the great feat of magic was nothing at all.
"Not at all my boy," Albus condoned with a wave of his hand dismissively. "Detention already? Must be quite the troublemakers," he continued as he dropped two extra sugar cubes into his tea. Frank only nodded non-committedly in response before throwing up the wards, not surprised when he heard absolute silence from the classroom.
"How'd things with the Order meeting go? I'm sorry I couldn't attend last week," Frank began, changing the topic. He reached for the silver tea pot and began to pour himself a nice black cup, just the way he liked it, having never been a fan of milk.
"Not to worry, I understand that duty calls," he responded, referring to the mission Moody had sent him on over the holidays. "I fear things are growing darker out there. Muggleborns are going missing before their letters are even being sent," he elucidated gravely. "It appears, just as you suspected, the Ministry have been covering up the number of registered muggleborn disappearances," he concluded.
"Damn it," Frank cursed loudly. "I knew that things would be bad when I stumbled upon that muggle detective that some how managed to evade the Ministry, but this? Covering up children's deaths? It's unforgivable," he finished in little more than a whisper. He placed his head in his hands and furiously rubbed his eyes, trying his best to quench his rapidly rising anger.
"We must not lose sight of our goals Frank, there is still good in this world," Albus said as he laid his cup down on the table gently. Reaching over he gripped Frank's arm tightly. "There is still good here," he repeated once he had caught his gaze.
"What ever good that's left is struggling, its fate dwindles with every passing day," Frank mumbled in defeat. Albus opened his mouth to reply but before he could a feminine voice echoed though the room. Jumping slightly, having forgotten entirely about the eavesdropping charm he installed, his eyes locked once more with his old headmaster.
"What has you so upset?" He heard Prince mutter to, he presumed, the distressed boy Frank had left her with. It took a moment but eventually the boy gave a reply that was drenched in tears.
"All of my teachers hate me," he mumbled.
"Sorry about this Albus, I'll just cancel it," Frank muttered reaching for his wand but Albus raised his hand to halt him.
"One moment, I admit I have been curious about the Prince heiress for some time," Albus explained in a hushed tone. How he knew, from one sentence, the girl in his detention was Lady Prince, Frank didn't think he'd ever know.
"I sincerely doubt that," Luna's voice answered back. Frank's eyebrows raised slightly, he didn't think he'd ever heard a Pureblood heiress speak with such a kind tone.
"It's true," the boy wailed, once again Frank felt guilt fill his chest at the pain in the boy's voice. "I didn't do any of my winter assignments," he continued, as if the first sentence had opened the flood gates to all his pent of emotions. Frank watched as Albus listened intently to the conversation.
"Well, why is that?" She questioned in a practical tone.
"My parents l-l-locked away my trunk for the holidays," he moaned miserably.
"Why would they do something like that?" Luna questioned. Frank froze at the direction the discussion was taking, having guessed immediately why the boy's parents wouldn't want his trunk around the house.
"They think it's e-e-e-evil," he explained wretchedly. And now the girl knew, Frank thought pessimistically.
"I'm Luna," the girl suddenly introduced, shocking Frank. The first year Hufflepuff was probably the only person in the entire school that didn't know of Luna Prince's origins.
"Albert," he muttered dejectedly.
"Well Albert, I think it's about time I taught you something that it took me years to learn," she declared, in an oddly practical tone of voice. Franks wand slipped out of his hollister as he prepared himself to jump into action at any sound of foul play. "Not all grown ups know what they're talking about, in fact, some of them are ridiculously moronic," she recounted, in what Frank supposed was an attempt to cheer him up.
"Why?" He heard the boy ask through his sniffles.
"Because they're scared," she answered easily.
"Of what?" He countered.
"Of anything and everything," Luna replied immediately. "Have you told anyone about this?" she pressed on.
"N-n-no, just you," Albert muttered. Obviously tonight had been the end of the eleven-year olds tether, Frank supposed grimly. "Please don't tell," he implored with a hiccup. "They're not so bad," he defended immediately.
"I had a friend like you once," Luna whispered after a pregnant pause.
"What happened to him?" The boy asked.
"He was just fine," she reassured, having apparently reconsidered her choice of confiding in the boy. "Just like you will be," she added.
"How can I be when my teachers all think I'm lazy? The Slytherins are already calling me the stupid Mudblood," he wailed, his previous calm completely disappearing. Why Albert was picking Luna Prince to divulge to about his blood supremacy issues Frank couldn't even suppose. Couldn't he tell she was a Pureblood? Couldn't he read it in the expression of distain that was probably painted on her face? He thought, completely bewildered.
"Don't ever call yourself that," she commanded firmly, astonishing Frank. "You're just going to have to work twice as hard to keep up for a few weeks that's all. You have nothing to prove here Albert. This is where you belong," she told, annunciating each word to get her point across. With a flick of his wrist Albus cancelled the listening charm effortlessly.
"Not what you'd been expecting?" The older man quizzed, his light blue eyes twinkling. He reached down and lifted his cup of tea once more, as if the conversation had been completely ordinary.
"Excuse me?" Frank questioned at the odd inquiry.
"Oh, please Frank, I'm old not senile," Albus responded with a small smile. "It was no coincidence that Albert Connelly, a muggleborn, was sat next to Lady Prince tonight," he clarified slowly. Frank dropped his gaze, ashamed that the Headmaster had seen right through him. Suddenly he wasn't an Auror, but an unruly student caught in the act of double-dealing. "What exactly did you want me to witness with that well-placed Audi Secretum?" He questioned before he took a long sup of his tea.
"I don't know," Frank admitted exhaustedly. The girl had completely shocked him with the kind words she'd mumbled when no one was looking. He'd half expected carnage.
"Perhaps there is more good in this world than you think, if only you were willing to see it," Albus remarked, his light blue eyes studying the Auror.
"Perhaps," he muttered more to himself, unable to excuse his actions. The heiress of the Prince title and wealth certainly had discombobulated him. He dropped his head into his hands once again that night and heaved a sigh. He wondered if, unintentionally, he was creating his own enemies. He shook his head regretfully, Merlin knew he had enough people to fight without creating more. His gaze drifted towards the heavy door that led to his classroom. Could he really pretend he hadn't been waiting since he'd heard his grandfather had fallen at the hands of a Prince all those years ago, for a fight. Waiting to battle the malevolent Prince household? Perhaps, indeed, his enemy was already long dead.
Please please please review. I hope you know that every single one encourages me! I hope I haven't overloaded you with characters the last few chapters. I promise some plot development soon, I pinky promise in fact :)