Seeing as I didn't specify what day it was for the last few chapters. I'm making it Wednesday October 14th. About Two weeks before Halloween and the drawing of the tournament champions. Ty

A Siren's Song

Chapter 10

Previously Hermione leaves the Great Hall because she's snubbed by Ron because he can't get over the fact that she kissed Cedric Diggery in the library. Oh Hermione granger is no longer just one of the guys she's a girl.

Wednesday morning October 14th. Breakfast time (yes still)

Viktor Krum sat at the Slytherin table and watched as The-girl-who-saved-him, tried to give one of the redheaded Weasley boys a drink. He couldn't understand why he wasn't taking the drink, and was even more confused as to why she took the drink back and drank it herself. He leaned into the person sitting next to him, "what is she doing?" he asked.

"Depends on what you're talking about," his friend answered.

"The girl Hermione," Viktor said, "she looks upset."

"Perhaps you should follow her and ask her," his friend said, "it looks like she's getting up to leave."

"Alright," Viktor said, "I'll see you in class."

Viktor managed to leave the Great Hall without being noticed. He followed Hermione to the library, and watched as she walked to the very back and disappear behind a row of books. He followed her without thinking. When he came upon her again she was crying, although very quietly.

"What is wrong?" he asked, "someone has hurt your feelings?"

She turned around, after wiping the tears from her cheeks, "only a little," she said.

"Whether it is little, or a lot," he said taking a step towards her, "it shouldn't happen."

"I'm not usually very sensitive about this sort of thing," she said trying to explain, after all it wasn't Ron's fault that he was angry at her.

"Still is not right," he murmured. Somehow he had managed to come within touching distance. She suddenly felt short¸ her head only reaching his shoulders. She looked up¸ finding that his face softened¸ he was smiling.

She couldn't help but smile back at him, even though she was a little teary eyes, "why did you follow me?" she asked suddenly curious about his appearance.

"You look unhappy when you left Great Hall," he said, moving a curl from her face behind her ear, "such a pretty girl, should not be sad."

She didn't know what to say so she sighed, "thank you," she said breathily, "Ron and I, we had a bit of a falling out. It's been going on since we arrived back here. He doesn't mean to say the things he says, he just lacks tact."

"I see," Viktor said taking yet another step towards her. He was already so close if he stepped any closer he could wrap his arms around her. She must have noticed this as well because she took a step back; which cause her to bump into the bookcase. Turning around quickly so she was facing the book case, she pretended she was looking for a book. "I frighten you?" he asked.

"No," she said, still facing away from him, "It's just that…" she trailed off as his arms wrapped around her waist pulling her into him.

"You were going to say something," he said, trying to keep the smugness out of his voice. He had just caused her to forget her train of thought. To say that he was pleased with himself would be an understatement.

"Um, you," she stuttered, "What are you doing?"

"I am just wishing to comfort you," he said stroking her sides with his hands. Her body was humming in satisfaction, "I can move if you are not comfortable."

She didn't speak for a few minutes; this was the second time in 24 hours that she had found herself in a precarious position. Not to mention how compromising it was. She should move, or make him move. If someone came and saw, would they tell Professor Snape who had become a protector of sorts, because of her mother? Would he really assign her a whole month of detentions? Most likely. Did she care to find out? Not really.

"It's not that I'm uncomfortable," she said trying to spare his feelings, "because I find you're very comforting to be around; but we shouldn't be hugging in the library. I do thank you for trying to comfort me though."

She craned her head back, looking over her shoulder to look up at him. Reluctantly he stepped away, un-wrapping his long arms from around her mid-section. She felt bereft all of a sudden. "You are right," he said grinning, "I should not hug you in library, it was wrong of me."

She wanted to comfort him. She turned around looking up at him. She placed her hand on his and smiled. "Thank you," she said, "for cheering me up that is."

"You are welcome," he said, after looking at the clock on the wall he noticed it was nearing time for their first class. "Come I will escort you to class."

True to his word he walked her into the dungeons to her potions class. For some reason she had potions directly after breakfast every other day. She thought that perhaps they, the 4th year Gryffindor class were being punished for something. She shrugged inwardly at the thought before turning and thanking him for walking her to class.

"It is duty of man," Viktor said rubbing him thumb over her knuckles, "to walk pretty girl to class. You must not thank me, unless you want to."

"Oh but I do, thank you that is," Hermione said standing up on her tip toes before kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you Viktor, for walking me."

"You are welcome," he said in return. He watched as she turned and walked towards the door for the potions class. He watched as she turned and waved a little before pushing open the door and walking in. the door seemed to close in slow motion behind her.

After waiting a moment, Viktor headed off towards his own class. You see they were staying in the ship but they were taking classes with the 7th year class. They seemed to be on the same page as what they were learning back at their school in Russia.

x.X.x.

Hermione stepped through the doors to potions class to find almost everyone there already. She must have spent more time in the library than she realized. She looked towards were the boys were sitting to see a smiling Harry. He was beckoning her to come and sit with them. She smiled in return and headed towards their seat, only to see scowling at her. She stopped instantly and frowned, this cause Harry to look at Ron. Hermione backed up and asked Neville and dean if she could sit with them instead.

"Are you alright Hermione?" Neville asked concerned.

"I'll be alright," Hermione said smiling sadly at him, "thanks though."

"Are you sure," Dean said, "I mean I'd be happy to knock him upside the head with a bag of bricks if it would make you feel better."

Hermione giggled at the thought, which cause Neville to look at her a bit confused, "why would you want to hit someone with a sack of bricks?"

"Because it would be painful," Hermione said, "but perhaps a spade would work better."

"How about we lure him out to the lake, I'll grab some rakes and we'll hide them on the ground," dean said, "since he won't be paying attention he'll step on the rake causing the handle to come up and hit him in the face."

"ah a good plan," Hermione said as if she was really trying to work it out in her head, "but after the first rake the surprise would be blown and we'd have to come up with a another way of knocking him out."

"Why would you use a rake?" Neville asked, "Is that a muggle device?"

"A rake is a tool Muggles use to rake leaves that fall into the yard," dean said, "It can be used for raking almost anything that needs raked."

"Ah and having him step on the rake would be helpful how?" Neville asked still confused.

"It wouldn't be very useful," Hermione said, "but it would be very funny."

"I'll take your word for it," Neville said.

"It's one of those things where you had to be there," Hermione said, "or to have seen it before. Sorry Neville."

As they finished their conversation Professor Snape came storming in, robes billowing in all their glory. If Hermione were to rate him on it she would give him a ten. She laughed to herself and pulled out a piece of parchment and her quill and ink.

"Instructions are on the board," Professor Snape snapped, "you know what to do. Miss Granger, could you come here for a moment?"

"Of course professor," she answered putting her things down and approaching his desk, "you wanted to see me professor?"

"I wanted to see how you were doing after last night," Professor Snape said in low tones, "I also noticed you weren't sitting with Misters Potter and Weasley. Is something the matter?"

"Ron is a bit upset with me because of yesterday," Hermione said, "but Harry and the others took the news really well the twins aren't even mad about why they are attracted to me."

"This is good news," professor Snape said, "who all did you tell?"

"Harry, Ginny, Neville, and the twins," Hermione said, "they promised not to tell, swore an oath not to tell unless they wanted succumb to my wrath."

"Good to hear," professor Snape said, "why don't you come by after dinner and we can discuss this further."

"I would like that," she said, "don't worry I won't out you; but perhaps you should yell at me just in case."

"I don't think that will be necessary," Professor Snape said.

"Ok, thank you," she said.

"Make sure that Mr. Longbottom doesn't make blow himself up," professor Snape called out in a harsh voice that was meant for display only. She smiled a small smile and nodded.

"What did professor Snape want?" Neville asked.

"He wanted to know why I wasn't sitting with Harry and Ron like I usually do," Hermione said, "you know how he is, plus he said to make sure you don't blow yourself up. As if that's possible with me around."

"Good to know," Neville said, "so let's go get ingredients and then we'll get started. I can always get the potion started fine but I somehow manage to get it messed up after the first 4 steps."

"Don't worry," Hermione said, "I'll help you figure out what you're doing wrong. It could be as simple as stirring wrong or timing."

"You're a life saver, Hermione," Neville said.

"I'm not as good as all that," Hermione said, "come let's get our stuff and then begin."

They gathered the ingredients and then headed back to the desk. Dean had already started on his potion and he seemed to be on the second step of the potion.

Before they knew it class was over, and Neville to his surprise, had brewed a potion that might actually do what it was meant to do. It was all thanks to Hermione and her helpful hints. She didn't out right tell him what to do or not to do, but they did every step of the potion together, and he hadn't messed up. Perhaps that was all he really needed was a bit of extra help.

Hermione and Neville took their potions up the Professors desk, "I seems you've manage to not mess things up per usual," professor Snape said to Neville, "make sure you thank her properly, boy, and perhaps she'll be persuaded to sit with you again on Friday?"

Hermione smiled at the professor before she and Neville left and headed towards their next class. After transfiguration they headed towards Herbology, where she worked with Seamus and Neville for whatever it was they were doing in class that day.

During lunch Hermione sat nearer to Ginny and Lavendar than she did the boys. It seemed that Ron was still ignoring her. The twins however kept her distracted away from them and she hardly noticed anything they did at lunch.

"What are you thinking about?" George asked, "you seem like you're a million miles away."

She looked at them and smiled, looking around her she noticed that Lavendar was in a deep conversation with Parvati and that Dean and Seamus were talking about Quidditch. In a low voice she said, "I was thinking about my parents. Professor Snape said he'd help me come up with something to write my father."

"That's good to hear," George said, "but you shouldn't be thinking about it during lunch."

"Sorry," she said with a smile, "so tell me about your plans for the tournament."

"Sorry love," Fred said grinning, "the answer is the same as yesterday."

"We can't tell you yet," George said, "it's still in the trail stage."

"Oh," Hermione said with a grin. If it was still in the trial stage that meant it was most likely a charm or a potion.

"By George I think she may be on to us," Fred said.

"I may very well be," she said airily.

As they talked some more, Ron and Harry stood, "were off to divination," Harry said, "We'll see you later."

"Bye," Hermione said, "Neville don't you have divination with Harry?"

"Oh yes," Neville said, scrambling around, "I forgot."

She nodded her head as if to say no problem, when Lavendar, Parvati, Seamus and Dean stood as well. "I guess I'm the only one not going to divination." Hermione said with a sneer, "We'll have fun, try not to kill each other off with your predictions."

"We'll try," Lavendar said with a smile and a wave.

"Well where are the two of you off to?" she asked the twins.

"We have to go to charms," George said, "sorry love; we've to leave you now."

"That's alright," Hermione said grinning, "I have to go to Arithmancy anyways."

"Oh well it's on the way," George said, "We'll walk you."

"Sure," Hermione said as she grabbed her bag, "Ginny do you have to go to class?"

"Yes," Ginny said, "I have Herbology, see you at dinner?"

"Of course," Hermione said smiling at the younger girl, "I will be a little late to the library this evening. Professor Snape asked me to come to the class room after dinner. He said he could help me write a letter to my father."

"That's fine," Ginny said, "see you at dinner. Anyway expect a full detailed report."

"Yes ma'am," Hermione said.

With that they headed off to their classes. Upon delivering Hermione to her class she kissed them both on the cheek before disappearing behind the doors.

By the time dinner rolled around, it seemed that Ron and Harry were even more put out about divination that Hermione had been the year before. At dinner that evening, they were both in a right state that Hermione had to ask Lavendar what the matter was.

Before Lavendar had the chance to speak though, Ron had to say something equally insulting. "Planning to betray Harry are you?" Ron said with a sneer, "Its bad enough you're hanging around with older boys you have to go and chat up a student from Drumstrang? What Hogwarts students not good enough for you."

"Won't someone tell me what the matter is," Hermione asked, "before we all go losing our tempers?"

"Professor Trelawney, predicted that someone close to Harry would betray him this year," Lavendar said clarifying the situation, "she also said he was likely to die; but she says that every year."

"So you just figure that I'm the one who'll betray Harry?" Hermione asked Ron.

"If the shoe fits," Ron said angrily.

For once Hermione didn't know what to say, "if that's what you truly think then we're not friends at all."

"Fine," Ron snapped.

Hermione made herself a sandwich and ate it fast. She was trying very hard not to cry, she didn't want to give him the satisfaction. Is this what her mother had been talking about? He couldn't see that she looked different so obviously she wasn't affecting him in that way. So perhaps he was just jealous that she was spending so much time elsewhere? Did he really think she was a traitor? Obviously, she thought.

Hermione stayed quiet for the rest of dinner. When she saw that professor Snape was leaving the Great Hall, she waited a few minutes and then headed to the Dungeons. With everyone still eating dinner, no one would think it odd that she left early.

Hermione knocked on the door, to Professor Snape's office. When she heard his commanding voice say, "Enter," she sucked in her breath and opened the door. She wasn't sure what to expect, and held her breath.

"Don't linger in the door way Miss Granger," he said, "come and sit down."

"Yes sir," she said.

"How are you feeling?" he asked and don't tell me alright. I know for a fact that you're not."

"It seems that Ron isn't a good a friend as I thought he was," she said trying very hard not to sound like she was whimpering.

"What did he do this time?" he asked.

"well they had divination today, and Professor Trelawney made a prediction that someone close to Harry would betray him," Hermione said, "that and he would die a most painful death. Not that I believe in anything she has to say; but Ron he said some mean things at dinner. He said that I would be the one to betray Harry. He said 'what aren't Hogwarts students good enough for you, you have to hang around with Drumstrang boys as well.'"

"What did you say to him?" he asked trying not to lose his temper.

"I said that if he thought for a moment that I would ever betray Harry then he and I weren't really friends." She said her eyes were starting to water, "he said 'Fine,' and that was the end of the conversation."

Professor Snape didn't quite know what to do. Should he act like a child and hex him when his back was turned, something that would cause him to say stupid things when he was attempting to be serious. Should he hex him so that every time he opened his mouth to talk to Hermione he started whinnying like a Jack Ass, oh the things that he could come up with.

"Have you thought about how to address the letter to your father," Professor Snape asked changing the subject.

"Mums letter suggested writing a letter to her cousin first," Hermione said, grateful for the subject change, "but perhaps I should tell you who my father is before you agree to help me?"

"Why do you think I would change my mind in helping you if I knew who your father was?"

"Possibly," she answered, "it's Professor Lupin."

"Whose professor Lupin?" he asked hoping he had heard her wrong.

"My father," she said.

Really? He thought to himself, now that he thought about it they were both really very similar. "Now that I think about it, I'm not all that surprised," he admitted to her, "the two of you are very much alike."

"Really?" she asked surprised.

"Yes," Professor Snape said, "I think your mother is right about writing to Black first. I imagine that she suggested that you send her letter along with it."

"She did," Hermione said, "will you still help me write to my uncle?"

"Of course child," Professor Snape said, "I promised to look after you, I wouldn't stop now."

"Thank you Professor," she said with a watery smile, at least he seemed to care about her. The same thing couldn't be said about a certain other person.

"Could I see your mother's letter?" Professor Snape asked.

"Of course Professor," Hermione said, "I'm sure she would have wanted you to read it."

As he read through it he couldn't help but feel Kathrin's love pouring out of the letter. "I think you should make a copy of your mother's letter. Keep the copy for yourself and send the copy with a letter to Black, but also include a letter for Lupin. Black can decide to give it to him on how he takes the news of him having a daughter."

"Alright Professor," Hermione said, "but how do I start a letter to my father without knowing if he'll answer it or not?"

"Just pour your heart into it," he said encouragingly, "bring it by tomorrow and I'll give it to him the day after, when I deliver supplies to headquarters."

"Alright," she said, "I'll see what I can do, thank you Professor."

"Your quite welcome," he said, "now I believe you said you had somewhere to go."

"To the library with Neville and Ginny," Hermione said, "were going to research Siren's, do you think magical sirens are anything like they were described in Greek mythology?"

"I'm not sure about the whole body of an eagle head of a woman thing. I'm not sure, your mother never really went into any of the detail. But if you did become a bird at least you still retain your human head, Veela aren't so lucky."

"You're very funny," Hermione said stifling a laugh.

"Don't going telling everyone," he said seriously, "if they believed you they would ask me to tell jokes all the time, I'd be a regular comedian, a laughing stock."

"You mean instead of an irregular one?" asked sarcastically.

"Exactly," he said.

She looked at him like she wanted to say something; but decided against it, "good night Professor," she said, "I'll get that letter for you by tomorrow."

"Good night misses Granger," he said.

Hermione headed towards the library, when she arrived, Neville and Ginny were already hard at work. She wondered if they had found any good information.

"Hermione," Ginny whispered, "how did your meeting go?"

"Professor Snape suggested that I write the letters on my own," Hermione said, "he thinks it would be better if I follow my mother's advice and write to uncle Sirius with a letter included for dad."

"I thought Sirius was your second cousin?" Ginny whispered.

"She did, but she said he was more of a brother to her so uncle seems appropriate," Hermione said, "do you mind if I start on it now?"

"Not at all," Ginny said speaking for herself and Neville.

After working on the letters for about 30 minutes, she finally came up with one that she liked. She put them in an envelope and tucked them into her bad. Turning back to her friends, she choose a book that they hadn't looked at yet and opened it.

There was a bunch of information about creatures that had Hermione's abilities. None of which were Sirens though. Closing the book she reached for another, which looked promising. 'Creatures and their myths' it read.

She opened it to the table of contents, 'Siren's, Page 194-199.' She turned to the section about Siren's, it read as follows:

Myth: Sirens are magical beings, that have the ability to catch the attention of virile males, and lure them into set traps, sometimes even to their deaths. They have the wings and body of a bird; mostly eagles and birds of prey. They often times will intentionally distract men in order to take them off the beaten path, sometimes causing death or dismemberment.

FACT: Sirens are misunderstood creatures of magic, although rare, there is only one at a time in any given blood line. The trait usually skips a generation, usually inherited from grandmother to granddaughter. Sometimes the Siren gene can be passed mother to child, if the mother dies early on in mother hood. Magical Sirens are known to look more attractive to viable mates. Sirens when cornered can render a person/ and or persons not their mate by loud wailing, which sounds like screeching. Their screams can even me mistaken for that of a Banshee.
Sirens may attract more than just one viable mate, in fact they are known to attract up to 5 or 6 at one given time. Although it is rare some women may be affected by the Sirens call, which is usually heard on the eve of coming into adulthood.
Sirens start to come into their birthright at about 16 years of age, sometimes earlier. This usually includes the changing in physical appearance. Although most people can see the change in appearance, there will be those who can't in fact see the change, even if they are close friends. At this time a young Siren may find herself surrounded by one or several boys that find her attractive and vie for her affection. A young siren may experience several changes in the next few years. This varies for every young Siren.
Changes can include, hair; the hair may become straight if it were curly. Become less frizzy and shinier, the possibilities are endless; hair may also change in color. Height may also change as well; again this also depends on the Siren and the Siren that came before them in their family. Eye color, Skin tone; the majority of these will change over time and without notice.
The ability of a full grown may vary based on their family line. Some Sirens have the ability to lull a crown with her voice. Some possess the beauty to distract, some the ability to do both, although the ability to do both is very rare; most are afforded the ability to shift into an animal or two. The majority of magical sirens have been known to take the shape of rare creatures to escape captivity or even lure hunters into traps.
Although none of the ancient myths are true of Sirens living at water's edge, on cliffs and rocks in order to distract ships from their path and into harm's way; some have been known to try. There were several Sirens in the past that were labeled as dangerous creatures and banished from the Wizarding world. However when a Siren mates, her ability to lull a crowd will lessen, and over the following years will cease to distract anyone other than her mated spouse or spouses. Some Sirens have been known you mate with more than one male. Once a Siren mates she is mated until her death. Once mated a Sirens mate shall not be able to die before his siren.
In some cultures Sirens are coveted because of the inability to die before the Siren. You'll find that Sirens are a dying breed; sometimes they can be mistaken for the very beautiful. If you've a siren for a friend guard her well, she may very well be coveted by an evil maniac.

Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the last part of the entry, "I think that this last line was added just for me," she said aloud.

"What's that?" Ginny asked pulling the book across the table. After reading the passage in its entirety she laughed, "Coveted by a maniac indeed."

"Gee Hermione," Neville said, "are you wanted by a maniac?"

"I hardly know," Hermione said, "did you guys find anything?"

"Just what you found basically," Neville said, "Ginny?"

"Same," Ginny said, "looks like this is the best were going to do. Shall we take account of everything that's changed about Hermione since the summer?"

"Shall we do that tomorrow?" Hermione asked, "I really need to get this note to Professor Snape tonight before I lose my nerve and put it off until next week."

"Alight," Neville said, "let's walk down to the dungeons and then we'll go back to the Dorms. You shouldn't be out alone."

"Neville," Ginny said giving him a kiss on the cheek, "my hero."

"Hardly," he said before the girls started giggling at him.

A/N: I want to apologize for the lateness of this chapter, it's been a busy week for me. with work and helping my parents out with moving. Thank you for your patience and for not flaming me for being a day late.

Snape and a few other characters may seem a little out of character from here on out. i can't guarantee that they'll be back in character before it's over. (no promises.) however i do promise that we'll hear from Remus and Sirius next chapter.

Ah the section on Sirens I came up with the benefit of future chapters, i didn't like the idea of Hermione turning into a bird to try and lure her male friends to their deaths so i changed things around, and came up with my own type of thing. if this frustrates you I'm very sorry.

P.S. I don't own Harry Potter, Nor do i plan on making any profit from this story.

Please review, let me know what you think.