Author's Note: Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed the last chapter! I have spring break next week, so I will not be publishing next week, but stay tuned for the week after! Enjoy!
Chapter 10
*Hermione's fourth year*
"Harry Potter!"
Hermione was really getting tired of things not going her way. She was ready for a year off; a year where she could focus on her friends and Draco. But no, she got to worry about Harry being entered into a competition that was meant to kill him and two other schools that were probably crawling with spies. She also was a little suspicious of the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Mad-Eye Moody. He seemed out of place and on edge. One glance at Pansy, who seemed curious and unsure of the new addition to the staff, and knew they were on the same page. Realizing that Harry was not moving and that everyone was staring at them, Hermione pulls Harry out of his seat saying,
"Harry, you need to go." Hermione felt a pang of pity at the terror on Harry's face, knowing that he wanted nothing to do with the Tournament.
"Hermione, I—" Hermione shook her head.
"Go." Harry nodded, and with a glance towards a furious looking Ron, he took a deep breath and walked to where the other champions were. Once Harry was out of sight, Hermione caught Blaise's eye. Slowly shaking his head while looking at the men from Durmstrang, Hermione knew that her friends in Slytherin were worried about the new additions. She didn't dare look at Draco; she knew he would be furious at the danger she was being put in by being associated with Harry. Her attention was diverted by Ron almost growling,
"It's always about him, isn't it?" Hermione turned to him, and whispered,
"Are you his friend or not?" He shook his head at her question, not wanting to answer her. Hermione rolled her eyes and glanced over at the international students, not even sure what she was looking for. She wasn't shocked that there was a gaggle of girls around Krum, and even less surprised that the Durmstrang students were sitting with the Slytherins. From the looks of things, Draco and Blaise were talking with Dark allies and confirming alliances. Hermione tensed up when she saw Krum give Draco an odd look, like he knew what Draco and Blaise were doing. Before she had time to react, Ron nudged her in the side and asked,
"What are you looking at?" Knowing that Ron was already in a terrible mood, she answered as sarcastically as she could manage,
"Malfoy trying to recruit some of the Durmstrang to the Dark side, what else?" Ron's eyes widened and hurriedly asked,
"Do you really think so?" Hermione rolled her eyes and answered,
"No, of course not." Ron frowned at her answer. "I think he's trying to impress Krum." Getting increasingly suspicious, Ron asked,
"Why would he do that?" Hermione looked at Ron with a you-cannot-be-that-daft expression on her face. "What?"
"Krum is an international Quidditch player, right?" She asked slowly. He nodded, not understanding where her line of thought was going.
"Yeah, so?" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"If you had access to a professional in your field, wouldn't you want to get their advice and help?"
"Oh." Hermione smiled, despite her irritation at how Ron deflated when he realized that Draco just wanted tips on his Wronski Feint, rather than planning to attack the entire Wizarding World with his evil followers.
"Oh." Hermione repeated, not being able to help the giggle that escaped. Ron scowled at her, before hitting her lightly in the arm, before also breaking out into a laugh. After they got control of their laughs, Hermione looked at Ron, completely serious, and asked,
"Do you really think that Harry entered this Tournament?" Ron tensed up immediately, his face reddening every second.
"Why wouldn't he have?" Ron spat out. "He can get even more fame and glory." Hermione bristled slightly at the accusation.
"You mean the fame he got from his parents being murdered?" Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes. "That fame?" Ron paled, looking down at his hands, but didn't give up.
"What about the money?" Realizing she was about to explode, Hermione tried a different approach.
"I know you are sensitive about money." She held up a hand to stop his protests. "But the money Harry has is money earned in the loss of his family. Do not penalize him for being rich, if that is the cost. I know you're angry, but you need to be there for him, or you'll regret it." Ron opened up his mouth to argue, but realized Hermione had a point.
"Fine." He huffed out, not knowing what else to say. Hermione deflated, relieved that Ron was seeing sense. After a moment, Ron turned back to Hermione and asked, "Should we go find him?" Hermione nodded, grinning.
"Let's go see how he's doing."
-00000-
As she laid on the couch in the Room of Requirement, Pansy turned to Hermione and asked,
"Who are you going with to the Ball?" Hermione groaned and hid her face in Draco's chest at the reminder. Draco and Blaise chuckled at her reaction, Draco tickling her sides to make her laugh.
"Will you behave?" Hermione demanded, blowing away the hair that fell in front of her eyes, glaring up at a smiling Draco. He bopped her on the nose and said,
"No. Will you?" With a cheeky wink, Draco tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Rolling her eyes, Hermione pecked him on the cheek, before turning to an amused Pansy.
"I was thinking Ron or Harry, but things are still pretty tense." Under her breath, she muttered, "And honestly, I don't think they have any idea I am a girl anyways, so." Hermione shrugged, snuggling into Draco's arms. Looking up at Draco she asked, "Any ideas?"
"Krum or one of our friends from Durmstrang." Blaise looked up from his book and frowned.
"You're serious?" Draco nodded.
"We all have some things in common." Pansy whipped around to look at Draco. Hermione sat up and looked at the look on his face, realizing just how serious he was being.
"Really?" Blaise asked.
"We had a conversation."
"His Headmaster?" Draco smirked.
"An old friend of my father." Pansy's eyes rose.
"I can't say I'm shocked, but that doesn't answer my question."
"The Krums are friends of the Malfoy's." Before Blaise could ask the obvious question, he continued, "Much like the Grangers, they are new friends, but I believe that we have a lot in common."
"Please elaborate." Confusing Blaise, Draco just looked down at Hermione fondly, before glancing back up to answer.
"We both fell in love with a muggleborn." Hermione's jaw dropped, shocked that Viktor Krum could have fallen in love with a muggleborn and been able to keep it out of the papers.
"Is she here?" Draco nodded.
"She's French." Draco paused and continued, "She's a friend of Fleurs'." Hermione's jaw dropped even lower.
"You've been busy." Blaise said slowly, closing his book as he sat up. Draco smirked, and went back to twisting Hermione's hair after she laid back down.
"I've been social, yes."
"Social? Really?" Pansy asked, rolling her eyes. Hermione laughed, causing Draco to flick her nose. They all laughed for a moment, before the mood turned back to the somber that it was. Draco winked at Hermione before looking up at Pansy, his smile fading.
"We are building an army."
"Isn't that Dumbledore's job?" Hermione asked softly, twisting her fingers into Draco's. Draco squeezed her hand, bringing a smile to her face.
"He and I have a different agenda." Draco said, glancing up at Blaise.
"Will they fight?" Blaise asked. Draco didn't even pretend to not understand what he was asking.
"They said they would come running the moment I called." Pansy's eyebrows rose at the power of Draco's declaration, surprised that the Malfoy reach was so vast.
Blaise simply nodded, but internally was as in awe as he was the first day he had found out about Draco's true plans. Hermione nodded as well but didn't truly understand what Draco wanted to happen at the end of the war, but allowed it to slid by as she snuggled in closer to him, allowing his warmth to soothe her into a soft slumber.
-00000-
As she sat in the library doing her best to find any research on underwater creatures, Hermione heard a voice say,
"Her-mi-o-neeny?" She whirled around, breathing out a sigh of relief. She had been on edge since the night in the Room of Requirement. She hadn't dared seen her friends since; she knew that Mad-Eye was lurking around ever corner. And besides, something told her she never wanted to end up in a room alone with him.
"Viktor, hello." Viktor Krum's features were softer in person, kinder. In another time, Hermione could see herself being rather fond of him.
"May I join you for a moment?" Viktor asked, shuffling his feet slightly. Hermione didn't know the power she held in that moment, didn't know that her boyfriend was going to the ends of the earth to recruit her bodyguards, her soldiers. Hermione nodded.
"Of course." Viktor sat down, and they looked at one another for a few moments of uncomfortable silence.
"Is it safe?" Looking confused for a moment, Hermione tilted her head. "To talk. Is it safe to speak freely?" Viktor clarified.
"Yes." Hermione had charmed her little corner at the beginning of the year, knowing that she would need a quiet place to work without interruption. Hermione had no idea what Viktor wanted to discuss; she thought he would just ask her to the Yule Ball and they would be on their way, but he looked nervous, more nervous than he should be.
"Louise and I met when I was on holiday in Paris." His smile softened as he spoke, meeting Hermione's eyes. A subconscious smile creeped on her face as he continued. "Ve were young, happy. But, my friends and the Headmaster…" He sighed slightly before saying, "The Headmaster doesn't approve, but I don't care, I never have." Hermione nodded, hoping he would continue. "My friends have always been a… a darker influence on my life." He grinned slightly, looking at his hands. "But Louise has always been the light that guided me to Hogwarts."
"You talked to Draco?" Viktor nodded.
"He is lucky that his friends are so supportive." Hermione smiled and nodded. She was reminded time and time again how lucky they were that Blaise, Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle were always there for them. "I am glad to be considered a friend." Hermione's smile widened.
"We are lucky to call you a friend, Viktor."
"Vould you be so kind as to accompany me to the Yule Ball?" Hermione laughed and nodded. Her laugh caused a smile to break out on Viktor's face.
"Every vonce in a vhile, you remind me of my Louise." He said softly. Hermione's smile was soft, her heart warm.
"You are too kind. I would love to meet her."
"After the var, you'll come and visit, da?" Hermione nodded. Her eyes twinkling at the thought of the joy that the future held for them, Hermione responded,
"Me and Draco would love to see you after the war is over." She paused, her smile fading. "At that point, though, we may me fighting side by side."
-00000-
Hermione spotted Draco the moment she walked in. He looked fantastic, and she had to cover her grin when she realized that he matched her dress. He was decked out in baby blue accents on silver dress robes, matching her dress perfectly. As she walked to the dance floor with Viktor, she followed his eyes to where Louise was standing. In a black strapless gown, she was stunning. Louise met her eyes and winked before looking over at Viktor. Her teasing grin turned into a soft smile, full of love. Moving her gaze to her date, Hermione smiled at the dazed look on his face, glad that he seemed to hold the same amount of love for Louise as she had for him.
Realizing who was escorting her, Hermione had to bite her tongue from bursting into laughter. Hermione turned to Viktor, with a disbelieving look on her face, and was greeted with a smirk.
"We decided to keep things close." Hermione snorted, causing Viktor's smirk to widen.
"How close?"
"You'll see."
Throughout dinner, Hermione grew more and more suspicious, but Viktor wouldn't let up on what was going to happen. She had all but given up on finding out what Viktor was so smug about when she heard someone stop next to her. She turned around to see a smug Blaise and a bashful Louise. Ignoring Louise, Harry narrowed his eyes at Blaise, who smirk had widened.
"Who let the snake in?" Harry ground out, angry that Blaise wanted to sit with the champions. Fleur responded before Viktor could,
"Louise is a great friend from home." Looking down at him, she continued haughtily, "Is there a problem?" Harry flushed and shook his head to Blaise's great amusement. It was a terrible inconvenience, of course, but both seats by Fleur were taken, so Louise had no choice but to sit by Viktor.
"I hope I'm not interrupting." Louise said with a faux shy smile. "I'm Louise, a childhood friend of Fleur." Hermione saw her eyes twinkle with mirth as she turned to Viktor. Fleur had looked back to her date, already trying not to laugh. As her date was in a daze, Hermione knew it was only Harry's reaction that they had to worry about, as Harry's date had long left him to find someone willing to dance with her.
"Viktor, oui?" Viktor glowered slightly. Hermione hit him, in false reprimand, already taking a liking to the girl. While she had heard a lot about this witch's spunk, she was loving seeing it up close.
"Be nice to the poor girl." Louise pouted slightly, winking at Hermione. Turning back to Viktor, she put an innocent face on.
"How long have you two been together?" Louise asked, causing Fleur to choke on her wine. Hermione hid her smirk behind her napkin. She was glad Viktor had such great taste in women.
"We've been going steady for about nine months now." Hermione said casually, when it was clear that Viktor was having too much trouble not bursting into laughter. Louise took a sip of her wine, her eyes laughing.
"Bit awkward as you've only known one another for five, yes?" Hermione grinned wickedly, before responding,
"Made the hello much more exciting, as you could probably guess." Louise laughed in delight and clinked glasses with Hermione.
"He seems like the type to enjoy a thorough greeting." Louise murmured, causing Viktor to redden. Hermione laughed, her head tilted back.
"I'll be sure to owl you after the goodbyes." Louise let out a laugh, causing Hermione to fall into giggles with her. Shaking her head at her friends, Fleur turned to Viktor, shaking her head, muttered in French,
"You are in so much trouble." He nodded in clear joy, causing Fleur to giggle.
"What is going on?" Harry asked exasperated, confused at the banter going on around him, causing the entire table to burst into laughter. The laughter caused Harry's brow to furrow even more, making Fleur roll her eyes.
"Louise and I are just good friends from the library." Hermione gasped out, trying to gain control of her laughter. Harry nodded as if that explained everything, causing Viktor to choke on his wine.
"Hermione, would you like to dance?" Viktor asked, knowing that they all needed to have a break before Harry grew truly suspicious. Hermione nodded, realizing the same. Hermione set her napkin on her chair, before turning to Louise and Fleur and saying,
"It was lovely to meet you." They smiled warmly back at her.
"Stay in touch." Louise said, reaching out her hand. Hermione grasped it and squeezed lightly. She could tell they would be great friends.
-00000-
Hermione risked a glance at Draco, looking him directly in the eyes. 'Run' he mouthed. She didn't argue; Mad-Eye Moody was with Harry and Hermione knew that she would be no help.
Hermione glanced around the Pitch for Fleur or Viktor, the tears blurring her eyes as she glanced over Cedric's body.
Realizing there was no one coming for her, Hermione began to walk towards the castle as fast as she could without running, and nearly ran over Louise.
"I'm so sorry." Hermione mumbled through her tears. Louise could tell Hermione was in some type of shock and moved to help her stand upright.
"Let's go inside, yeah?" Hermione nodded and followed her inside, trying to block out all of the yelling and crying she heard from below. "He is back?" Louise asked as she walked towards the kitchens with Hermione. She didn't even pretend not to know what Louise was talking about.
"Yes."
"That really sucks." Her response surprised a laugh out of Hermione, causing Louise to smile.
"Can Gertie get you anything?" A voice asked from below, causing both witches to look down. A house elf was standing by the table they were sitting at, wringing her hands nervously. Hermione managed a grin, despite her shock.
"Hot cocoa would be lovely, thank you." Louise said, smiling. "And some cookies, if you have any made already?" Gertie nodded and popped off. As they waited, Louise turned to Hermione.
"What happened?" Hermione sucked in a breath and sat up straight in her chair.
"The Dark Lord has returned." She paused, trying to keep herself from crying. "Hopefully he will be too busy the first year or so to bother with the Malfoys, but it seems to good to be true. He…" Her voice caught on a sob. "He killed a friend of mine in cold blood. And now all of my friends are in danger, and there is nothing I can do to help them." She leaned into Louise's embrace. "What am I going to do?" She pulled back to look her in the eye.
"Be strong for Draco and your friends and do whatever you can." She smiled sadly. "That's all you can do." Hermione nodded. They sat in silence for a few moments before Gertie came back with their cookies and cocoa.
"Thank you." Hermione murmured, holding the mug close to her.
"Gertie is always here to help!" She exclaimed before popping away. They settled back into the silence glad to be in the company of a good friend. Hermione was glad that she had met Louise, Viktor and Fleur. They seemed like they would be friends for a lifetime.
-00000-
"Stay in touch, yes?" Louise asked, pulling Hermione into a hug. Hermione nodded, trying not to cry as she was saying goodbye to all of the friends she had made throughout the year.
"Of course." Hermione promised, tightening her hug. Pulling away, Hermione wiped away a tear that had slipped down her face. She saw Fleur slide in next to Louise and waved slightly.
"Don't cry! You'll be seeing way more of us." Fleur smiled and continued. "I got an internship at Gringotts for next year, so I'll be around more." Fleur's smile turned a little more wicked as she nudged Louise. "Tell Hermione where you are planning on moving to after this year." Hermione turned expectantly to Louise, who was smiling sheepishly.
"I plan to move to Bulgaria after graduation." Hermione's smile turned wolfish as she practically jumped on Louise in excitement.
"Oh, I'll visit you!" Hermione exclaimed.
"You better!" Louise responded, hitting her in the arm. After a few more minutes of trying to stall, Fleur regretfully looked behind her and said,
"We really need to be going." Louise nodded, and gave Hermione one last hug.
"Stay in touch." Hermione nodded and waved Viktor over to give him a hug as promises to write to Viktor, Fleur and Louise, she tearfully waved them off as they went their separate ways.
"I didn't know you knew so many of the international students." Harry said, coming up behind her. Hermione shrugged, watching her friends get smaller and smaller in the distance.
"It's been an eventful year." Harry nodded, knowing just how true that statement was. As they turned to walk back to the Common Room, Harry asked,
"Were you close?" Hermione waited a moment before answering, watching all of the Hogwarts students walk throughout the halls, practically seeing the friends that just left in everyone passing by. She sighed.
"Yes, we were close." Harry nodded, as if that were the answer he was expecting. They walked back to the Common Room in silence.
-00000-
Looking down at the body in front of her, she finally decided on a middle name for Theodora. She and Draco had been fighting over it for ages, but she knew that Draco would have agreed with her, if his body wasn't in pieces.
She had found her, with her fiancé, lying near where Draco had fallen the night of the battle. It was in that moment that she realized what Draco had been doing all those years. It was never about establishing contacts, it was always about finding soldiers to fight, fight to protect her.
She put the hand that was not silencing her sobs over her belly, where Theodora was.
Thinking of her daughter, her daughter that would need her to be strong, gave her the strength to get up off the dirt. Pansy and Fleur were standing above her, silent tears sliding down their faces at their fallen friends.
She turned around and walked towards the castle with Fleur and Pansy on either side of her. They would be strong for Theodora Louise.
She would be strong for Theodora Louise.
-00000-
Author's note: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter (and that you don't hate me for the last scene!). Please review and tell your friends to check out What's in a name? See you in two weeks!
-Kat