When The Wild Meets The Forest
"So, in theory if a Dementor happened to meet a Thestral what would the outcome be?" Hermione asks Roxy.
Roxy thinks hard for a few moments. It is a fourth year question that Hermione feels is well in the capabilities of this creature fanatic, if she knows this piece of trivia she will trounce the third year exams no doubt.
"A Dementor would never harm another magical creature…but if it should…then a Dementor sucks the sorrow out of its prey. All Thestrals are full of sorrow but unless a Dementor has seen death it would only be sucking away at thin air. So IF a Dementor had seen death it would feed on the animal for hours. But this is where things get interesting because what makes Thestrals so sad is to do with the attacker's sadness. So all the Dementor would be doing is sucking the sadness out of itself. HOWEVER Dementors don't feel emotion. So the two creatures ever meeting in form will cause zero damage to the other." Roxy concisely deduces.
Hermione shakes her head in disbelief. "You have third year in the bag honey."
"Really?"
"Roxy you probably know more than Hagrid does about these creatures, and he is a close friend of mine so I mean that as a compliment to you, not an insult to him." Hermione tells her.
"What's Professor Hagrid like, he looks scary to me?" Roxy anxiously asks.
Hermione smiles. "He is more gentle than a new-born puppy; don't let his size fool you."
Roxy smiles back, then jots more words onto her parchment.
Hermione casually asks another question as Roxy writes. "Did your parents see any creatures on their travels?"
Roxy chuckles as if Hermione's question is silly. "They were bound to, you can't exactly miss dragons in Romania, it's a surprise that the Muggles don't notice them."
"Well, maybe I should rephrase, what creatures did they see?"
"Many, many, many dragons. They Iike to remind me of those a lot."
"Clearly they have a liking or loathing for dragons." Hermione states confidently.
"Dad told me that he had the opportunity to breed a Welsh Green, but his loyalties stayed with his travelling." Roxy never once looks up at Hermione during this discussion.
"When did the travels stop?"
"I don't know"
"It couldn't have been immediately before you were conceived?"
"All I know is they tried, got horribly sad because they couldn't have a child and then here I was." Roxy truthly answers.
Hermione has lost all subtlety by now in favour of quenching her confusion. "Why stay sad that long, why not travel again?"
Roxy looks up in polite pleading. "Hermione, I have nothing else to tell you about my parents."
Then Hermione, in her desperation, pushes too far. "Have you ever asked?"
Roxy frowns deeply. "No I haven't. Neither do I see the point either, they're happy now."
Hermione sees the suspicion in Roxy's eyes, she internally curses. "I didn't mean to offend."
"Then what did you intend, Hermione. Are my parents more interesting than me, is that why you're asking so many questions about them?" Roxy snaps.
Hermione tries to touch Roxy's hand, she pulls it away keeping her laser beam stare locked on the older girl. Hermione knows now this definitely went downhill fast.
"I'm waiting! What is so interesting about my parents that you want to know so much about?!"
"They do seem interesting. I mean travellers probably see loads of magic and people and culture and history. Not to mention creatures. Can you really begrudge my curiosity being peaked?" Hermione tries to salvage.
"But you are asking about their personal lives, what does my birth have to do with their travels?" Roxy asks.
"Well...It stopped them going on them."
Roxy glares even more intensely. "I trust you Hermione. Please don't make me regret it."
Hermione can say and do nothing, she blankly stares back.
"Can we get back to work now?" Roxy says more calmly, her eyes losing their tightness but retaining the frown.
"Certainly." Bang goes the avenue of questions about the Milanski parents, though it could've been completely worse. They finish their studying in silence.
Hermione is waiting in the courtyard, awaiting the arrival of her date. Hermione has put a lot of effort into how she looks today. Her dress, whilst unsuitable this time of year, was bought for her by Jessie who knows exactly what colour, style and look Alexis Moon enjoys most, as well as knowing how to bring out Hermione's teenage curves, her dazzling eyes and how to replicate her inner personality with said dress. It is beautiful on her. Made as if only for her. Jessie will get more than just a big thank you if Alexis likes it.
The flowy, soft fabric black dress hugs her body. Every curve, slope and dip is implied heavily but not completely displayed. The dress reaches her shortish thighs, complete with black leggings stretching from foot to just above the knee. Her upper chest is unspoiled by clothing from shoulder to shoulder and to the dip of her breasts, the tight but soft straps clinging to her upper arms keep the dress on her but appearance would seem that one misjudged contact could have the entire upper torso on show. This was Hermione's only worry when Jessie clothed her up, the older brunette then proceeded to place a complex sticky charm Hermione hadn't heard of before, it kept her dress on her body and would not budge unless she herself touched it. A warming charm on her legs finishes of the attire.
Hermione's reflection almost died of shock when Hermione stood in font of the Hogwarts mirror earlier, so she took that as a very good sign. Alexis kept telling Hermione all week that the verdict on the day would be biasly great anyway as Hermione always looks astonishing to her. But Hermione still dressed to impress. Girlfriend or not, she needed to be the centre of Alex's attention today and she is going to do her damnedest to make it happen.
Hermione even got there fifteen minutes early, whilst Alex is already two minutes late. Hermione starts to get worried when Alexis excitedly appears around the door and jogs up to Hermione. "Hey Hermi-WOAHHH!" Alexis did not fully take Hermione's appearance in until she is metres away.
Hermione giggles at her reaction. "I believe it's pronounced Hermione."
Alex observed her rapidly, doing laps of her entire body with just her eyes. "What did I do to deserve this?"
Hermione looks briefly crestfallen until Alexis explains hurriedly. "I mean, I would choose you over my Order of Merlin award any day."
Hermione is relieved but slightly annoyed. "Of all the things you could've said."
"My material is not all that great when my breath is taken away." Alexis admits. Hermione smiles.
"Not a bad recovery though."
Alexis takes Hermione's hand. "Sorry I'm a tad late...I had a quick errand to run but you'll find out what that is in due course."
Alexis certainly made an effort in her own right. Her hair is tied in a short bun kept in check by the bandana Hermione first met her in. Her normal loose-fitting top replaced by a navy t-shirt and her normal tight jogging bottoms replaced by tight-fitting black jeans. And to top it off, strong aftershave, and the smell definitely screams expensive. Hermione adores it.
"You can make up for your tardiness by kissing me." Hermione replies.
Alexis pulls her in, bringing both their joint hands to the side and interlocked whilst Alex chastely kisses her. Then she kisses Hermione's nose, eyes and forehead. Hermione positions her forehead against Alex's chest whilst she rests her chin on Hermione's head.
"Aren't you cold?" Alex asks.
"Warming charm. Although it is wearing off so I should reapply another one soon."
"Allow me." With a short trip to her pocket her wand is in her hands and Alexis immediately supplies Hermione with another dose of warming charm. Alex pulls out of the embrace but maintains hand contact with Hermione. "Not complaining by any stretch of imagination but why put so much effort into this? You are dateworthy beautiful in normal time, this is just boasting."
"Hermione Granger always exceeds expectations, this is about as important for me as my grades are." Hermione replies.
"Well I would give your efforts an Outstanding, hell I'd give it a diploma." Alexis compliments. They both begin walking hand in hand out of Hogwarts.
Hermione eventually clings to Alex's arm and rests her head on her shoulder. Alexis allows her as much comfort as possible, melting inside at how special this girl makes her feel, in turn becoming something very special to her. "There are rules to this date."
"Rules?" Hermione inquires playfully.
"Yeah. And being the responsible, law-abiding girl you are you HAVE to follow them."
"You forget, my reputation as a bright witch overshadows the many acts of rule-breaking I've been prone to. Are you sure I can be that trusting?"
"Indeed. You do have a streak in you, but I believe that no such streak shall continue today. I know this because abiding by these rules will benefit you in more ways than one." Alexis cryptically states.
"I am above curious now, what are these rules of yours?"
"Firstly, I don't want to hear a single utterance of the three letter abbreviation consisting of B, I and A for the entire outing. You regard those not present as friends, not allies. The BIA do not exist for the next couple of hours, and we are not heroines either." Alexis announces.
"I can meet those terms. Do continue."
"Rule number two, the same as before but subject replaced by the Tri-wizard tournament. You are no champion, there never was a goblet of fire and no future events in the tournament are in existence."
"Awwwh, and I thought I was the champion of your heart. Silly me."
"Don't go twisting my rules now, you know what I refer to when I say champion."
"I do apologize."
"Thirdly, leave outside problems, issues, dilemmas, challenging thoughts and negative emotions by the side of this path. This is a happy occasion and as such shall remain happy, any form of frown, any saddened look, any tense muscles are banned. If you shall begin to speak in any way that endangers these rules a warning will henceforth be given the form of bothersome tickles. Failure to comply to the rules will result in outright war upon your body and I shan't be held responsible for my torturous actions."
"I believe we have met an accord Miss Moon. I keep to my word like the rule-abiding girl I am. I must ask are there any rewards to my untouchable loyalty to these rules?"
"As long as you're abiding by the rules this date is your reward. The most spectacular, romantic, unbeatable date you will ever be a part of." Alexis says, kissing her girlfriends brow.
Hermione breaks character. "Oh Alex. I already know this is going to be brilliant."
Alex nudges Hermione who pulls away. Alex takes both Hermione's hands, steering her girl around until they are in front of her. Both girls face each other, smiles bright and loving. "Hermione Granger, I adore everything there is to know about you. However there is still a lot I don't know about you. That just will not do."
"Me? If you think you don't know much about me, it is still a lot compared to how much I know about you. You are the only puzzle I have ever had trouble solving, as well as the puzzle I most desire to complete." Hermione says, relocating her hands from Alex's own to the back of her neck.
"Then you have found your chance to satisfy your desires. Please, ask away."
Hermione frowns in concern. "Are you sure? I mean I know I'm your girlfriend and everything but you have only known me a couple of months. There are obviously things you have mentioned only between the girls and it's perfectly reasonable to keep your personal secrets. I wouldn't begrudge you keeping them from me just because you are obligated to tell me as your girlfriend."
Alexis tilts her head to the side and smiles wider. "You underestimate me. Either that or you are oblivious to how significant you are to earn the title of girlfriend."
Hermione's frown deepens. "You consider me that highly."
"The minute you opened my heart again, that was the moment when your own began filling the space left over from Kenz. Via your own actions I couldn't not consider you highly."
"But how can you trust me so much? I'm happy that you do but confused as to why."
"You've given me zero reason to not trust you, and you did what many could never do. You broke through my walls like they were merely open doors, and I felt scared and cautious. I could not stop you and it only fueled my emotions and it got to the point where I knew I had to do something. I had to carve a line in the sand, separating you from me and me from you. I was naïve and foolish, because despite the fear and the caution there were many things you did whilst breaking past my walls. Many good things. You brought true happiness back, you brought the true Alex back, you relit my passion, you resurrected my care and devotion. You healed my broken heart. If there is anybody I know I can trust, it is the person that got me over the tragedy of my past and the person I know will one day soon mean as much to me as one did before."
Hermione sighs and blushes. "I guess I can understand it when you put it that way."
Alex places her hands on Hermione's waist then rests her forehead on hers. "So, ask away."
"Do I remind you of Kenz in any way?"
Alex rolls her eyes and turns to look away but Hermione cups her cheek and brings it back. "I'm not asking out of self-doubt. I'm just merely curious. Like are our faces similar, are we both equally smart, do we have the same style of hair-"
"Hermione, stop." Alexis scolds. "All you need to know about Kenz is that a part of me will always love her as it should, what you also need to know is I'm over it. I have moved on. Any decision I make about who I care for and who I want to be with is never means for a comparison. I am with you because you are you, not because some parts of you may or may not be alike to Kenz."
Hermione nods. "You're right, I'm sorry. I'm just... You're my first girlfriend. I have had nobody before you, a girl like me would die to be the centre of your attention. You are already mine, but there is a lot I have to live up to in order to be yours because there has been one if not more people before me that you've cared hard about, and none more than Kenz."
"If you haven't noticed the centre of my attention has been your permanent residence ever since you stole my clipboard." Alex grins at her.
"You have been at mine ever since I chastised you for wearing that bandana." Hermione grins back whilst pointing at the very item of clothing she is referring to.
Alexis pouts. "This is my favourite item of clothing, do you really find it silly?"
Hermione leans forward and kisses the patch of skin just below the bandana. "It's not silly at all, it's sexy. Rough and mean are the greatest of turn-ons."
Alexis has a thoughtful grin as she bites her lip lightly. "Why don't you try it on?"
Hermione recoils. "Me, in a bandana. No way."
"Don't be a pussycat now, I know there is a lioness beneath your skin. Come on, try it." Alexis says whipping the bandana from her head with one hand. She pulls Hermione in, not allowing her to escape despite the feeble struggles, and ties the bandana round the back of Hermione's head. Pulling away, Alex observed the new look. "There. Perfect."
"Take it off. It itches. And clashes with my dress."
"Nope. In fact I have a fourth rule. The bandana stays on for the entire date."
"I don't think so."
"You know the punishments."
"Alex, I will not walk into Hogsmeade with this silly thing on my head."
"Now it's silly, a minute ago you said it was sexy."
"On you, not me."
"Whilst I appreciate the compliment, it is bias and therefore invalid. By all means take it off, but prepare to pay the punishment."
Hermione huffs and folds her arms, accompanied by a deep frown.
Alexis chuckles and says. "If I didn't find that so hot you would be receiving punishment for breaking rule number three."
"I hate your rules."
"I dare you to say that to McGonagall."
"Idiot"
The Hogsmeade date was exceptional. Hermione did not feel awkward once, but as they had technically been together a week before their first actual date that was to be expected. Alex paid for everything, gave her attention at the right times, gave her space when she needed it, was as courteous as possible and even became her knight in shining armour when a drunken local began giving her lip. He wouldn't be taking another sip of booze for a week, that was for sure.
Hermione feels lighter than a feather as Alexis walks her down the street. Alex occasionally twirls Hermione around under her arm like a ballroom dancer whilst Hermione grins happily. Hermione then leans back into Alex and places her girlfriend's arm over her shoulder as the older girl embraces her. They move in comfort as they make their way out of town, matching grins plastered to their faces. Bandana was still encompassing the light head of the young Gryffindor.
"Onto the next part of your incredible date." Alexis announces excitedly.
Hermione sighs. "What else is there? I honestly can't find a single thing that will make me happier than I already feel."
"I can. Remember my delayed arrival."
"Yes. I was starting to worry actually."
"That's cute, it was only a couple of minutes. Anyway, I was just returning from an early trip here, leaving behind your remarkable surprise." Alex explains. With a smug sashay of her brow she adds. "It's just waiting for you."
Alex takes her down several slopes and paths Hermione hadn't previously known of. Past the Shrieking Shack, through a field and across a small bridge overlooking a heavy stream. Hermione soon grows a little concerned of their surroundings and her lack of familiarity with them. "Alex, if getting lost was your surprise then I have to tell you that it doesn't make me happier than before. Quite the opposite in fact."
"Give me some credit. I know where we are and how we are going to get back." Alex then shakes her head and giggles. "I cannot wait to see your face."
She drags Hermione further through the countryside to the point Hermione knows they are far from Hogsmeade village. Hermione is just about to insist they turn back when Alex stops her and quickly cups her hand over Hermione's mouth and stands motionless whilst she peers through the brush. "Shhhh! Don't make a sound." Is the whispered answer to Hermione's unvocalised question.
Hermione follows Alex's eyeline but can't make out anything. Hermione is about to muffle through Alex's mouth when she hears a horse's neigh. But something isn't familiar about the sound. Is it too high? Ponies? High but powerful, it sounds fuzzy too. It feels fuzzy. Happy fuzzy. Mystical fuzz. What is this animal?
Then another sound follows the horse-type creature. A screech like an owl, accompanied by...the clatter of hooves.
Hermione is way past curious, she notes Alex's bright smile as she lunges forward and parts a compilation of leaves.
The view takes away her breath.
Unicorns. Many, many unicorns, all grazing. Also here are hippogriffs, and...WAS THAT A PEGASUS? Winged horses, of all colours and sizes. It is like a giant sanctuary of horse-like creatures. The only odd one out is the incredibly beautiful Griffin, prowling around as if it is the leader of the gathering of creatures. "Oh my gosh Alex! What is this?"
"I heard this story a few years ago back when I was at Hogwarts, it was only a myth then but there was this story of how horses of all types magical and non-magical gather at the same time every year deep in the Equas Woods. Where we are right now. What we are looking at is the epicentre of those woods, Mare Moor. The story went that if you saw the gathering of horses at Mare Moor then you dream of nothing but horses for twenty eight days. Riding horses, talking to horses, living with horses, even being a horse; these are the type of dreams you would be guaranteed to endure for an entire month. It was not a bad thing, everyone hoped of walking into the woods and seeing it with their own eyes. People would brag about going there, only to be caught out as a liar. Others outright disbelieved the entire thing. I was one of them, not exactly one for superstition to be honest..." Alexis explains whilst transfixed with the incredible sight before them. Hermione is likewise entranced whilst she listens intently.
"Until one day in my third year when we finally got to learn Care Of Magical Creatures. Mr Grubbly-plank brought to lesson a unicorn, teaching us about the first unit...You remember, Forbidden Forest Friends?" At Hermione's nod of understanding, she continues. "Someone mentioned the Mare Moor, and if he had seen it. He said he had been there...And the story was real. The superstition was not but the event does happen once a year he confirmed to us. He also said that area is supervised by official Ministry Magi-Zoologists. The whole wood is a sanctuary of land for one hundred horse-type animals. About twenty unicorns, twelve thestrals, twenty five normal horses, ten ponies, seven hippogriffs, nine other winged horses like Palamino and the very rare Pegasus you can see there, eleven zebra and five griffins. Although they technically aren't horses, but close enough. The hundred animals are protected and therefore cannot leave the sanctuary, but that doesn't mean that horses outside the sanctuary can't still gather here every annual year."
Hermione breathes out rather than speaks. "So, this is the gathering that happens every year?"
"Not quite. We missed the real one by three weeks sadly, if this was that gathering the whole meadow would be packed with them. However when I heard about Mare Moor again earlier this month from the Master I had the perfect idea for a date if we got together, and this was it. I met up with the staff in charge of the sanctuary and they put hazel dew out on the meadow which attracts approximately seventy percent of the sanctuary every hour until the dew wears off. This simulates the gathering in everything apart from the size." Alexis points out.
"But surely you would've needed the backing of an important Ministry worker to get confirmation?"
"You're right. Hence why I owled the Master a few days ago. He is still well regarded despite his reputation." Alex barely finishes her sentence before Hermione clutches her tightly in a hug.
"You did all that for me?"
"Of course. Well, I also thought you could show this to Roxy, to help things along. Just let me know when and I'll arrange it. But I thought this would be beautiful to watch and experience don't you think?"
Hermione nods heavily on Alex's shoulder, chin digging into the blades. Hermione feels tears well up in her eyes. "I can't believe you went through all this trouble for me. You are amazing."
"It was no trouble. It's never any trouble when you're involved." Alexis replies rubbing her back softly.
Hermione quickly pulls out of the hug slightly then just as quickly smashes Alex's mouth with her own deviant lips. She passionately delves around and discovers every contour of her girlfriend's mouth. Alex kisses back and submits to the powerful kiss she is being rewarded with. Hermione eventually retracts her lips, leaving only millimetres of space for air to seep into each others lungs.
Once Alex recovers she smirks impishly. "You see, now you know why I couldn't wait for this."
"Thank you." Hermione tells her with a much more gentle and brief kiss.
"Do you want to pet them, we have permission?" Alex asks.
Hermione's smile is enough of an answer for Alex.
Hermione finishes her third change of clothes in a single day, changing from her beautiful date dress to her more casualwear outfit. She had a thin grey fleece over a patterned cotton T-shirt. She had on black trousers with a decorative belt and heeled boots. The one item of clothing she did keep was Alex's red bandana, a consequence of how happy she felt after their date. She didn't have the heart to take it off.
Hermione quite possibly fell two whole notches in love with Alex, almost at the point where any day now she could say 'I love you' at any time without being conscious of it.
'I love you' is a very significant phrase to Hermione. She expects her partner to say it only if they truly mean it, and she herself will not say it unless she is to say it mind, body and soul. There is no 'in the middle' with that phrase, it's meaning is limited to the point of no return. You should not go to the point of no return if you believe, think or assume you know what the words mean. Even more so if you are saying it and KNOW that you do not. She adopts this philosophy from her mother, teaching her this from the moment she knew what feelings were.
Once you've committed to saying it there is an immediate bond, breaking that bond later because you only thought it was love, or for a more deceitful reason, is akin to nothing more than a betrayal. If some do not know what love is for whatever reason then rushing in and saying it because your partner said it or because it's expected is wrong. You always wait until you're sure, at least you can say you were honest the entire time and be given the benefit of the doubt whether you were truly in love or not.
Say it and mean it or don't say it at all.
Hermione is judging where she falls in her own philosophy. She decides to keep control on what she says until that moment arrives where she knows she will mean it.
If things like what happened earlier keep happening then Hermione and Alex are in for a much shorter wait then expected.
Hermione finishes curling her hair with her wand so that the curls are more controlled than just a frenzy of curly locks. With a final once-over and a second dab of golden lip gloss she is finished and packs away her make-up. She leaves the bathroom, grabs her leather jacket the girls gave her and puts it on.
A knock comes from the door. "Who is it?"
"It's me." Came Ginny's chipper voice.
"Come on in Gin." Hermione says happily with a small chuckle of amusement at her use of rhyme. Her mood is sky-high if you can't tell.
Ginny enters. When she spots Hermione her smile drops. "How was your date?" She says with no emotion whatsoever.
"Oh Ginny, I nearly died of happiness, Alex is so sweet and thoughtful. I will tell you all about it tomorrow." Hermione replies.
Ginny folds her arms, Hermione hasn't even turned to see her once. "Will you now?"
Not recognising Ginny's tone or choosing to ignore it, Hermione continues. "Right after our Channeling session and my BIA training of course."
"Of course." Ginny says pointedly. "You know I was going to ask you to study with us for a bit and chill, but it looks like you are going somewhere. Ultimately with Alex or the BIA again right?" Ginny says.
"Yeah. We realised we never celebrated my success in the first task so the girls organised a celebratory party for tonight. You could come?" Hermione answers attaching her fake ear rings to her ears individually. "These are cool right? Alex bought them for me in Hogsmeade, they stay attached just as normal ear rings do but without the piercing. They are beautiful, aren't they?"
"Lovely." Is Ginny's response. Hermione is not completely in the clouds to not notice a blatant sarcastic remark.
Hermione turns to her friend, observing her expression and body language. "Ginny, is there something wrong?"
"Oh no. No, no, no. Nothing's wrong Hermione. How could anything be wrong, clearly nothing is wrong in your mind, everything is all hunkey-dorey in Hermione's view, so that must mean everything is fine." Ginny performs.
"Ginny, stop acting childish and tell me what's wrong."
Ginny snorts. "Ginny is the childish one? Ginny is not the one prancing around the dormitory like a gazelle, acting like a love-struck prat and planning on abandoning her nearest friends of over two and three years for a bunch of controversial, shady teenagers who she barely knows from Morgana."
Hermione recoils and gasps. She stammers a response through an angered frown before finally replying. "Excuse me! But your problem is with me and not them! Say what you want to me, but leave the girls out of this!"
"You don't like me insulting your new friends. Don't like me bad-mouthing your new girl, who is like a bit too old for you by the way. Well tough, they are the problem because you spend all your time with them and not your true friends." Ginny responds.
"Too old?! Merlin Ginny, Alex is a teenager like me! And if you are supposed to be my friend you would not be getting so irked about who I socialise with! You yourself said you don't mind me having other friends! Suddenly that's not the case!" Hermione argues.
"Hermione. Me and Ron haven't seen you at all these last two days, and a week before then we only saw you occasionally. I'm surprised I've had the opportunity to confront you on it right now. If you're drifting away from us at least admit it. It's not the fact that you are that bothers me, it's the fact that you won't admit it to yourself."
Hermione tones her voice down. "Ginny, I'm sorry for my lack of attention recently, I have scarcely spent time with any of you and I know that. Once I settle down with my new schedule with the BIA and my normal day-to-day one, spending time with you lot will be easier. Things are just crazy right now. It doesn't mean I'm breaking away from you, or Ron."
"Prove it. Stay here tonight and study with us. I can give you time to message the girls and call it off for another night if you need to. It's just a party" Ginny pleads.
Hermione fidgets, huffs and puffs before replying. "It's short notice Ginny. And if we don't do it tonight our schedules will get in the way. The next Hogsmeade weekend isn't until mid-January and by then the second task will be here."
Ginny sighs and shakes her head. "Whatever. Come and see us when you actually have a better excuse to turn your nose up at us." Ginny turns and storms out.
Hermione is enraged by the implication that she is creating excuses. Like Ginny said it's only a party so why make such a big deal over something that's not even true. Hermione is not drifting away and she is not in denial. It is Ginny who is being unreasonable. But it is Hermione who is in the doghouse. Well, that just isn't fair.
Hermione quickly storms after her, scampering down the stairs. Hermione rounds the corner into the common room and sees Ginny taking her seat next to the fire, Ron glaring at her and Harry who upon seeing her, pretends to be interested in the Daily Prophet he is holding open.
Hermione let's loose her tongue. "Right! So we are all in agreement that there is an obvious problem concerning the new company I keep! Correct!" Two of the people in attendance nod, the other keeps reading the paper and pretends there is no irked brunette breathing fire at him. Hermione glares at him and decides to just ignore him entirely. "You see, I don't think the problem is all my fault! A busy schedule and new relationship is more than a considerable reason for my lack of attention to you two..." Emphasis on the two. "...If anything it's to be expected. If either of you had been champion, or chosen as a potential recruit for something or even had a relationship with someone who you like very much, you can be damn sure that I too may feel left out at times! But you know that I wouldn't take it out on you or insinuate that I was breaking off! I think you are jealous and unreasonable, and the absolute last person you should be taking it out on is those three girls! This is a problem between us and only us! And I swear if I hear one more bad word aimed in there direction from any of you then you will be dealing with me personally! Is that clear?"
She doesn't expect a response or even a change in body language but she doesn't need one. They all know she does not make idle threats without substance.
Hermione bitterly offers them a good night parting and rushes out the common room. A short brooding silence follows until Ginny breaks it. "We should get back to studying."
"We all here?" Jessie asks, hands clapped together.
"Yes. Can't you count to four." Ashley replied.
"For now. Won't be able to in a few hours though. Girls, it's time to PARTY!" In her excited scream she waves her wand in an arc, illuminating the area with colourful fairy lights. In the clearing are muggle speakers linked to a small jukebox. Microphones are set up and plugged into a second set of speakers. A drinks table and buffet can be seen spanning the far end of the clearing, Muggle and magical varieties included. And where there would be uneven, earthy ground there now is a large square of astroturf, Hermione assumes this is the dance floor, or at least a close approximation of one.
Hermione is genuinely impressed with it. The party-goer of the group is definitely Jessie. She is the girliest girl out of them all. Naturally she would be the fashion guru, make-up artist, dance tutor, gossip queen and...Party organiser and DJ. Jessie has outdone even herself this time.
"Pretty decent Jess, you even took into consideration what material best soaks up vomit."Alex commentates jovially.
"No stone has been left unturned Alex. On show tonight are club classics, karaoke and hours upon hours of partying. But first, drinks." Jessie makes a determined dash to the table, gaining more than a few chuckles from the others.
Ashley turns to the couple who are always attached at the arm in some way. "Ready to live and forget?"
Alex whoops in response but Hermione's is much too tame. Ashley's brow furrows at the reaction. "What's bothering you?"
Hermione shakes off her downhearted expression and forces a smile. "Oh nothing. I will be fine once my mind is off it."
Alex soothingly strokes Hermione's hand. "Tell us what's wrong."
Hermione meets her girlfriend's eyes and sighs, her face falling more saddened and miserable. "I've fallen out with my friends, they resent how much time I spend with you three."
Ashley sighs and folds her arms. "And so it starts."
"Sorry, what starts?" Hermione asks.
Alex turns to Hermione with a wince. "The worst part of all this, losing the ones you care about."
Hermione remembers the Master and the girls mentioning that this business can mean separating yourself from your loved ones, they also said though that she should not follow by those guidelines. "I'm sure we will get through it, it's just a difference of opinion."
Jessie returns with three glasses of white wine and a coke for Hermione. Alex obviously previously warned Jess that she better not be the reason a minor is drinking alcohol underage. Hermione takes her coke with a nod of gratitude.
Ashley takes her drink whilst replying. "I hope for your sake that you're right Hermione, but we need to warn you because, whilst you can easily choose to keep your loved ones close, it's your loved ones that also have choices. Stomaching the neglect, fearing your safety, and mistrusting those who you spend your time with; it's all part of the turmoil you put them through. Not to say that you intended to put them through this, you just don't realise you already had the moment you agreed to it."
"But you all specifically said it was possible." Hermione says with a tone of panic. "And that I should stay close to those I care about."
"Yes we did." Jess adds. "You can always try, but they have a choice too. They will try and stick by you of course but after years and years of this, something that provides problems that don't need to be an issue at all, it is difficult to continuously fight them whilst remaining as close as you can be if the BIA never existed. One step closer to us could be one step further from your friends and family."
"It won't turn out that way, will it?"
"Would you be able to stick by someone who you never see, worry constantly about the well-being of, have no idea if they are even alive or dead? It takes a much bigger toll than you'd expect on people. If you could stomach that, well you're a bigger person than all of us." Ashley explains.
Hermione is visibly getting upset by this. Alex interjects "No more girls, this is supposed to be about forgetting about our worries so let it rest ok."
"Of course. I'm sorry about how harsh I sound, but I have to be honest with you. We understand your pain, like I said before I hope you're right." Ashley replies apologetically.
It goes without saying that it takes a while for Hermione to get into the spirit. It takes a combined effort of all three older girls, half-intoxicated and lively, to find a way to cheer her up. That is in the form of a sing-off. It starts off with Jessie singing a few cheesy numbers. Ashley is next to join her and they soon perform a duet to the couple watching with amused looks. The next song Ashley sings solo whilst Jessie dances like a fool. They even pull up a reluctant Alexis for a trio performance.
"What song shall the moon sing to us this evening?" Jessie asks, wobbling a tad.
"Well to sing it I need you two." The two girls join her at the mic. "Ok, this is for my Hermione, truly the only reason why I'm embarrassing myself like this. If you pay attention to the Muggle music charts this year Hermione then you will recognise this one. Tonight, for Hermione's ears only, I will be singing Kiss From A Rose by Seal."
Hermione hides her red face from view, embarrassed but incredibly touched. She leaves her eye out of hiding to watch her girlfriend signal to the Jukebox as it starts to beat. Ashley and Jessie chant the first two lines of the intro and Alexis opens her eyes in time to sing.
"Therrrre used to be a greying tower alone on the sea, Yoooouuu became the light on the dark side of me. Loooove remained a drug that's the high not the pill. But did you know, that when it snows, my eyes become large and, the light that you shine can be seen." Ashley and Jessie join in the chorus. "Babbyyyy, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey, oooooo the more I get a view the stranger it feels, yeaaaahh. Now that your rose is in bloom, a light hits the gloom on the greyyyy."
Hermione has indeed heard this song before, and she remembers listening to the lyrics and finding it referring to darker stuff to do with death and depression. But now, the way Alex is singing it, it means something much different. The theme of death is there still, but the message Hermione is interpreting is that Alexis was in a bad place and that Hermione has rescued her from that bad place by healing her inside. Knowing that, Hermione thinks there is no song more perfect to hear right now.
"Therrrre is so much a girl can tell you so much, she can say." She winks at Hermione who notices the slight alteration to the lyrics. "Yooouuu remain my power, my pleasure, my pain. Baaabbbyyyyy, to me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny, won't you tell me is that healthy baaaby. But did you know, that when it snows, my eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen."
They repeat the chorus whilst Hermione sits there happily tearing up.
The song continues until Alex's throat is sore and her heart has poured its share. They start to wrap the song up.
"Nooowww that your roooose is in bloom. A liiigghtt hits the gloom. On the. Greeeyyy."
Hermione happily claps whilst Ashley and Jessie embrace Alex in a serious hug. This is a normal party where you can just mess about, this isn't part of their date. That song is beautiful and for Alex to sing it to her new girlfriend, bringing up memories of her horrible grieving ordeal, in the way that she did with as much sincerity and passion. It is a brave feat of humanity, she didn't have to do it. She didn't even need to sing. She did it because she has fully accepted her new life, as well as to thank the girl who made it possible.
Hermione thinks internally with a broad smile 'Screw waiting, I know exactly how I feel after that. I am in love with this girl.'
An; end of chapter
Hippogriffs and Griffin's may not technically be horse-type creatures but I've always seen them most likely as a parallel to our horses except they can fly.
Researching the songs from the nineties I found Seal's Kiss From A Rose which I already have in a playlist on my tablet. I thought it was a noughties song but I was obviously wrong. From 1994, the same year Goblet of fire is set. I wasn't gonna use it though because I thought it was sending the wrong message in relation to Hermione and Alex, but looking over the lyrics AND allowing my own personal perspective to it, I thought in the context I used it in this chapter that it works amazingly well. It does sum up the Alex/Kenz ordeal to a tea. Therefore I felt that section of the story was over so no more self-doubt Hermione and afraid-to-love Alex.
Did you like my song choice, or just like the song in general?
Tbc...Becoming The Villains