Thanks so much for all the reviews of the previous 2 chapters; reading those is awesome and keeps me motivated to continue to write. I must say I got a couple of great ideas from the reviews and questions, so thanks to Ferrari08 and RonMoineOnly for that. Also, I know many are not in favour of the secret relationship, but there's a good reason for it, I promise. Special thanks to ObsessedR&Hshipper for her help as beta for this story.
Finally, sorry this took so long, my life has been a bit crazy lately, but I hope you like this one.
Christmas and a Toad
The train ride home was odd since most students were still rattled about last year's attacks. Aurors were stationed in every train car, with double the amount in the car in which Harry and Estella rode. The two YPS leaders decided to make everyone's lives easier by taking adjacent compartments and allowing YPS members to be with them. Ron and Hermione rode with Harry, as did Neville, Lee Jordan, and Alicia Spinnet. The twins, Angelina, Ginny and Draco rode with Estella. They had no private time to discuss the memories they had just watched the previous night and the travel time seemed to be twice the normal amount.
Finally they got to London and Professor Lupin saw them off the train and led them to meet Lily, the older Weasleys, Mad-Eye-Moody, Dedalus Diggle and Nymphadora Tonks.
"Mum!" yelled Harry excitedly running towards a big-bellied Lily. She beamed and met Harry with a big hug. Everyone greeted each other happily.
"Where is Dad?" asked Harry.
"At the Burrow. We thought it would be safer for us there since everyone knows we live in Hogsmeade. We'll be spending Christmas with the Weasleys."
Harry, Hermione and Ron all smiled in approval.
"We should be going," said Moody. "Diggle and I will take the Snapes and Granger. You two take Swanson and Malfoy," he ordered looking at Tonks and Professor Lupin.
"Yes, sir," answered Tonks moving towards Estella who was holding hands with George.
"Bye," Estella said.
"Come with us," answered George. Estella got close to him, murmured something in his ear and George nodded. Then he and Estella shared a quick peck on the lips and hugged tightly.
"Lover-boy, let her go so we can get a move on!" ordered Moody.
"Yes! Move on! And where is Fred?" asked Molly Weasley.
"You think I'm a lover-boy? Good luck finding him," he teased making all the teenagers snigger.
"Must you two always… urgh… Fred Weasley!" yelled Molly climbing into the train.
"If Mrs. Weasley actually saw them at Hogwarts…" Hermione murmured.
"She would end up in St. Mungo's," interrupted Ginny with a smirk.
"Enough of this! Small group, go!" ordered Moody. At that Tonks, Lupin, Malfoy and Estella moved to cross the barrier.
After a few minutes, Molly returned with Fred and Angelina, whose parents were waiting nearby. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were amiably introduced to Fred and Molly and talked for a bit. After that, Mad-Eye-Moody practically made them run through the barrier and get into Arthurs' old Ford, which somehow managed to fit all of them.
Hermione had never stayed in a completely magical home for more than one day before and she was thrilled! The Burrow was amazing. It was humble, with none of the bronze trim and spectacular rooms of Swanson Mansion, and without any of the muggle touches she had found at the Snapes. But it held a certain cosiness she had not felt at either of those places. Maybe the fact that remembering Swanson Mansion meant remembering a Griffin attack and the Swansons' deaths did not make that place as inviting as the Burrow. The Snapes' home had been fine, but all they did when she was there was pack and basically gut the place of the family atmosphere it held. She was very glad to be here getting ready to spend the Christmas holiday with Ron and his family.
Harry smiled when they arrived at his best friend's home and almost forgot about the issues plaguing his family. Severus looked paler than usual and restrained from practicing magic as much as possible, especially when Lily was around watching his every move like a hawk. Still, the potions' master was enjoying life taking care of his pregnant wife and spending quality time with Harry. After lunch, Severus, Lily and Harry decided to take a stroll into town and simply talk. Thank Merlin for that because it gave Ron and Hermione much needed time alone.
Since that very first meeting in the Room of Requirement, Ron and Hermione's need for each other had steadily grown. The trepidation and shyness they had experienced at their first touches were dissipating and now caressing her breasts over her jumper when they were alone was a regular occurrence. As soon as Harry left Ron's room to meet his dad, they looked into each others' eyes and within seconds they were snogging.
"I love you," he mumbled.
"I love you too," Hermione responded between kisses.
Ron knew he should keep some distance between them because his body would sooner or later react and he didn't want to scare her, but she felt bloody amazing. The curve of her hips, her breasts, her lips... they all drove him mad. His hands moved uncontrollably and cupped her breasts freely while they kissed deeply.
Hermione gave into their needs willingly and her hands moved to his bottom and gently squeezed it. He couldn't help the groan that he let out and then she felt it. She knew Ron tried to keep his hips a bit apart from her so she wouldn't feel the hardness he hid under his trousers. But, it was no use. She had come into contact with that body part a few times now, though she never said a thing. She knew she enjoyed feeling it, knowing that she had caused his condition, and that she was the reason for his body to show excitement.
Neither of them knew exactly how, but they ended up on the bed. Instinctively Hermione's legs began to part and cradled Ron right in the area between her thighs. The contact was mind-blowing and Merlin they had no idea how far this would go. They continued to kiss and suddenly their hips began to grind against each other. This was so scary and new, but thrilling and brilliant, all at once.
Then came the yell.
"Ronnie!" called one of the twins under a Sonorus charm so loud it could have driven even a deaf wizard mad. Ron and Hermione tried to ignore it, but it was unavoidable, and they heard another yell, "Ronniekins!"
"Bloody hell," he mumbled annoyed before moving off Hermione and allowing her to fix her dishevelled appearance. He had to take a couple of deep breaths before being able to say anything.
"What do you want?" Ron yelled.
"Get down here! Mum wants you to peel potatoes for dinner!" screamed either Fred or George.
"No, she wants you to peel potatoes the muggle way because you two are bloody gits!"
"Did you hear that?" chanted the twins.
"Ronald Weasley!" screamed Molly.
"Arrhhh!" he yelled in frustration knowing full well his alone time with Hermione was over and if he wasn't downstairs soon, Mum would make her way up to his room.
"I'm sorry," he said morosely while looking at Hermione.
"For what?"
"Well, I... I wish we could just be alone... and figure out... I..."
"I know... me too, umm... Ron?"
"Yeah?"
"We'll tell them before next Christmas, no matter what. Harry will just have to deal and we'll get all the time we need."
"You mean it?"
"Yeah, by next Christmas, they'll know to leave us alone," she said with a grin. He smiled brightly and looked ready to snog her senseless.
"Umm... you better fix that before your mum gets up here," she added looking at his tented trousers.
His ears went crimson and he stammered as he asked her to turn around. Hermione smiled at how adorable he was. Then she simply left his bedroom.
Three days later, the Weasleys, Snapes and Hermione got to go to Diagon Alley to buy the last of their Holiday gifts. They met the Malfoys, Tonks, Professor Lupin and Estella at the Leaky Cauldron and had lunch. Then they began their shopping trip under the supervision of several Order members and a couple of Aurors. First, they headed to Gringotts. Hermione had been to the wizarding bank many times, but this was the first time she was making a withdrawal from her personal account instead of exchanging muggle money with her parents. It was odd, but necessary and having Ron and Harry at her side was very helpful. Estella took the longest as she revised the security measures of the Swanson vaults with the Goblins.
Finally, after what felt like ages, they walked out to the cobblestone alley ready to begin their shopping. Unfortunately, they ran into Lucius Malfoy, who was accompanied by a young blonde witch. Ron, Harry and Hermione recognized her. She was a Slytherin student who had finished Hogwarts right after their first year.
"What do we have here?" asked Lucius with pure venom in his tone.
"A family outing, nothing more," answered Severus coolly. However, he stood defensively right in front of his wife and son.
"The truce means you can't hurt us," said Draco.
"I wasn't addressing you, forsaken brat! I'm addressing the Slytherin who pulled this off. Congratulations," he said sarcastically while looking at Estella.
"I believe the Slytherin you should be addressing is Severus."
"He's yesterday's news, practically dead and all," he answered with a sneer. At that Lily and Harry moved forward to try to get to Malfoy, but Moody, Severus and Arthur held them back.
"You and I, on the other hand... we're just getting started, aren't we?" asked Lucius.
"Stay away from her!" yelled George.
"Quite a shame... sleeping with a blood traitor, and befriending filthy mudbloods…"
"Shut up!" shouted Ron looking murderous after hearing that bloody term used to refer to his secret girlfriend.
"It's alright," murmured Hermione.
"Will you be bringing the meagre Weasley to the Ministry's Christmas party?" asked Lucius not paying any attention to Ron.
"Do not disrespect my family, you..." answered Arthur.
"I wasn't aware I was invited," interrupted Estella while holding onto George.
"But of course. As such an outstanding member of the wizarding community, you must attend. We wouldn't want the Ministry to believe the Swanson in charge cannot meet the new obligations as the heir to the largest magical fortune in England. If that was the case..."
"We will be there," interrupted Narcissa sternly.
"You?"
"Yes, Draco and I. As a Black, I hold the needed standing and don't need a man to climb the ladders of high society. I believe it was the other way around between us, wasn't it Lucius?"
"Bitch!" he yelled lifting his hand ready to hit the witch that had just defied him. At this, everyone in the group drew their wands out.
"I believe you've made your point, Mr. Malfoy. I will see you at the party," said Estella calmly.
"With her boyfriend," added George.
"George!" added Molly.
"Sorry Mum."
Lucius smirked and walked away. Molly looked at her son with obvious disapproval and walked away towards the second-hand robe shop.
"Molly," called Arthur as he followed his wife.
"Sorry," said Estella to George as she took his hand.
"Not your fault," he answered.
"Do you have the slightest comprehension of what you're doing?" asked Narcissa looking at George.
"Uh?" George answered confused.
"You just accepted an invitation to go with Estella into the snake pit," said Draco.
"He's exaggerating," assured Estella looking at Draco sternly.
"What are you planning to wear?" asked Narcissa.
George looked down at his clothes then back up at Narcissa.
"I figured," said Narcissa. "Better come with me to Madam Malkin's. We'll need someone to escort us so the rest can continue shopping."
"Wait… I can't…" George began to mumble.
"No excuses," interrupted Narcissa.
"I'll escort the two of you," added Shacklebolt.
Draco sniggered and George reluctantly separated from the group and followed Narcissa and Shacklebolt.
"What was that about?" asked Ron with annoyance.
"Apparently a party," answered Estella.
"As if, you know my bastard of a father is trying to get us to break the truce first," added Draco.
"Yes, I know," answered Estella.
"Why?" asked Hermione.
"Because he didn't want the truce in the first place; Marcus was the one that agreed to this and got him to give up Narcissa. He has more say than Lucius over the Black Hand," answered Estella. Then she hastily walked into the Apothecary followed by Draco and Professor Lupin. Everyone followed and Harry, Ron and Hermione perused through potions ingredients and watched Estella and Malfoy from a distance.
"How do you reckon she knows this?" murmured Fred to the trio.
"She did meet with McDavol and she's never told us what they talked about," answered Hermione.
"You're not suspicious of her?" asked Ginny who had overheard them.
"No, we are not," assured Harry looking at Hermione and waiting for her to agree.
"No, we don't suspect anything, I just wonder what he told her," said Hermione.
"Me too," added Ron.
With that, they joined the adults and later paid for several items.
On Friday, before dinner, George left the Burrow in some of the most expensive dress robes the Weasleys had ever seen. Ron told Harry and Hermione to eat everything Mum served and agree with whatever she said, or be ready to experience her fury. Luckily, everyone behaved. Even Fred acted like the most respectful and tactful of sons so dinner took place without much fuss. Thought everyone could tell Molly was sour all evening. The next day George returned after lunch with a huge smile and was eager to speak with Fred. Thankfully after he was back everything went somewhat back to normal.
Christmas day, itself, was wonderful. The food was delicious and sharing presents was great! Ron got Hermione the most unusual perfume and she got him a broom cleaning kit for the Cleansweep he had gotten from his family. The only thing that got everyone upset was reading the Daily Prophet which announced Dumbledore's replacement as Headmaster. The Minister proudly described the new Headmistress, Dolores Umbridge, as the most capable witch for the job of 'reforming' the magical education system. In addition, the newspaper's social section had several pictures of the Ministry's Christmas party, which included one of George and Estella. All Molly did when she saw that section was close the newspaper and shake her head in disapproval.
Estella came over late in the day, escorted by Professor Lupin. She was allowed to stay the night after much insistence from Ginny and George. That impromptu plan did not make Mrs. Weasley happy, but her beloved daughter convinced her. Later, the boys engaged in a game of Quidditch in the snow, while Hermione, Estella and Ginny claimed to be tired and went to Ginny's room. Ron looked at Hermione puzzled, but he just smiled and let it go. Having Hermione go to bed early wasn't weird, but seeing Ginny pass on the opportunity to play Quidditch was definitely suspicious.
Hermione was nervous. She and Estella had carefully plotted this with Ginny's support. It was working quite well so far; Estella was here. But... what if they got caught when they left? That was a risk she would just have to take to visit them.
After talking for a bit they laid in bed and noxed all lights. Within minutes, Molly and Lily walked in to check on them; their routine was impeccable. Once the older witches were gone, Hermione stood and put her travelling cloak on.
"Ready?" asked Estella.
"Yeah," answered Hermione.
"What about me?" asked Ginny.
"We talked about this," said Estella.
"I know, but why do I get to stay and deal with the mess?" Gin said.
"Gin," pleaded Hermione.
"Fine, but if Lily and Mum notice..."
"Just blame it on me. It's not like your mum could hate me more, and Lily and Severus will forgive me," answered Estella with a calm convincing tone.
"Alright," said Gin.
Estella then pulled an old handkerchief and muttered all the incantations for an untraceable portkey. Then she and Hermione held onto the handkerchief and made their way to Spain to visit the Swansons and Grangers.
The trip was short. Once there, Estella insisted on collecting some items from the rooms upstairs. Then they visited the graves and Estella enchanted new flowers for her aunt and uncle and for the Grangers. Hermione couldn't believe it had been a year already. A part of her remembered that awful night as if it was just yesterday and another part felt like she had been missing her Mum and Dad for ages. But, she refused to cry. 'I'll make you proud of me; you didn't die in vain,' she thought.
At that moment, Hermione was glad that Estella was the one with her. She wasn't one to cry and try to share their pain or say words of comfort that could never measure up. The Slytherin was quiet and calm and Hermione felt as if both of them were thinking the same thing about their families.
Suddenly they heard footsteps and readied their wands. After a few seconds, they were met by the furious eyes of Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.
"Would you care to explain?" asked Severus sternly enough to make the two witches shiver.
"Sir, we..." Estella began to explain.
"We wanted to visit our families. It's been a year. We had to come and see them," explained Hermione.
"You should have said that instead of slithering around," said Dumbledore looking at Estella. "I would have brought you."
"You would have?" Estella asked with doubt.
"Take a few more minutes and say good-bye," answered the Headmaster with utter seriousness.
The witches nodded and did as instructed. Dumbledore then made a portkey and took everyone back to the Burrow.
Once they got there, they never heard the end of it. The entire Order was at the Burrow and poor Ginny sat in a corner looking like she had been yelled at for over a century. Dumbledore ordered Estella to head to Swanson Mansion immediately and stay there until the return to school or lose membership in The Order. Hermione was also sent with her and the Malfoys.
The New Year came quickly and though Hermione wished she could have been at the Burrow with Ron, she didn't regret sneaking around to visit her parents. Something told her that if she and Estella would have asked, they wouldn't have been able to go. She got a large room in Swanson Mansion and Estella showed her the Swanson library and the areas where different magical creatures lived. The library was amazing! She borrowed several books about blood magic, ancient charms and transfiguration theory to read at school. Also, the Griffins, Minotaurs, and other creatures found on the island were quite interesting. But she was still annoyed about the elves. They were treated nicely and had their own homes, but were still not getting paid. Estella introduced them all to her, eleven in total. All were loyal and had nothing but praise for their mistress and her friends. The elf named Kreacher, more than any other, was fervently devoted to the Slytherin. Even when she told him to rest or leave, he would wander closely, ready to cater to her every need.
Finally, it was time to return to school. The train ride was again highly supervised and most of the talk was kept to their Christmas presents. Once they arrived at school, everyone gathered in the Great Hall. At the Head Table, the students were met by the Minister of Magic, Lucius Malfoy, a woman in pink, whom they assumed was the new Headmistress, and all of the Professors. They ate amiably enough and once done, the Minister of Magic stood. He introduced the new Headmistress and then added, "She will ensure that you, the young witches and wizards that will take us into the future, have high educational standards and etiquette, and follow tradition and rules. Please welcome Headmistress Umbridge."
There was eager clapping from the Slytherin table with the exception of Draco and Estella who sat in a corner quietly. The rest of the hall was either quiet or clapped unenthusiastically.
"Good evening children," said Umbridge in a squeaky annoying tone.
The Slytherins fervently answered, "Good evening." A few others mumbled the same.
"Tut, tut, that won't do. I should like all of you to learn to reply 'Good evening Headmistress Umbridge.' One more time, please. Good evening children!"
"Good evening Headmistress Umbridge," the entire Great Hall chanted back at her, still without much enthusiasm.
"There now, that wasn't too difficult was it? We're already learning propriety and class. I should expect all your teachers to begin lessons with a greeting and have you answer accordingly."
Professor Lupin took a deep breath as did several others. Meanwhile, McGonagall's lips were scrunched in a line so thin that it looked like they had all but disappeared.
"Now that we have cleared that, we can get to learn about what to expect for this new term. First, I'd like to I thank Minister Fudge and Governor Malfoy for the opportunity to be the person that ensures that Wizarding Traditions are respected and maintained. Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, as that is as it should be, for without progress there would be stagnation and decay. There again, progress for progress' sake must be discouraged, for our tried traditions often require no tinkering. A balance then, between the old and the new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation...1"
It was kind of funny but whenever Dumbledore talked, the entire hall became quiet and every student hung on the
Headmaster's every word. That was not the case with this Headmistress. Ron was not paying one bit of attention to the toad looking woman in pink, instead his blood simply boiled from seeing Lucius Malfoy sitting at the staff table and being praised endlessly by the little woman. Then a soft giggling coming from another corner of the table got his attention. He turned and noticed Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil whispering. He turned back and looked at Harry who seemed completely unfocused, as if the words that woman was saying were nothing but gibberish. Yet, his hands were clenched into fists. Most of the students in the Great Hall had similar reactions, either angry or unfocused or simply gossipy. He looked to Hermione and she was her usual self, deep in concentration and probably catching every word that the old toad said. Suddenly he heard Harry letting out a loud, "What?"
"Mr. Snape, correct?" asked the woman.
"Yes."
"You may raise your hand if you have a question in class. Here however, you just listen," she added.
"You can't cut my hair! I've had it this way my entire life and don't need to change it now!" he yelled.
"Detention!"
"Why? Harry just doesn't want his hair short!" yelled Hermione suddenly.
"And your name?" asked Umbridge.
"Hermione Granger."
"Well, Miss Granger, as Headmistress I have the right to impose new rules. One of them is that boys in this school must have short, clean haircuts, and girls must wear their hair neatly in a bun. All students will abide by these new rules."
"Not if parents do not approve. Article twenty seven of the Wizengamot's laws over the school, says that any major changes in the rules must be approved by the Ministry of Magic and a committee of parents," answered Hermione.
"Correct," snarled Lucius Malfoy, "and these have been approved by the Board of Governors, which includes many caring parents of Hogwarts' students."
Hermione felt like she had been punched in the gut, but then she heard Estella.
"Yes sir, but any individual has a right to ask for an exemption from new rules if it relates to his health and safety."
"How is this relevant?"asked the toad-looking woman clearly annoyed.
"Madame Pomfrey, I believe you are the expert in this matter, so please correct me if I'm wrong, but health records are the most important documents to guide treatment of students in the school, right?"
"Yes."
"And those records include sections on consent for several different scenarios. Since Harry's hair is part of his body, health rules would apply, and his hair can't be touched, or treated, without either his consent or that of his parents. Correct?"
"Yes, my girl," said the Matron with her eyes expanding in glee.
"And exactly why are you sharing health regulations with Miss Swanson?" asked Lucius Malfoy looking at the Nurse.
"She's my apprentice," answered the Hospital Matron.
"Students normally do apprenticeships in the summer and you've never had apprentices before. How did she come to have this position?" asked the Minister.
"She couldn't do an apprenticeship this summer because of her injuries from the train attack. Her previous Head of House recommended her to me and I've very much enjoyed having the help in the Hospital Wing. There is approved documentation in the Headmaster's office. I assure you, it is all up to standards with the Board of Healers, since Miss Swanson had expressed interest in the profession for two years and achieved the required OWLs."
"Enough!" exclaimed the Headmistress. "Mister Snape, Miss Granger and Miss Swanson, you will come to detention for the next week for interrupting the feast. I will summon the Snapes to see why their son should be an exception for the new rules," she said looking at Madame Pomfrey with contempt.
"The rest of you, report to your common rooms at six in the morning for proper haircuts and hairdos. You're dismissed. Go to your houses!" she then ordered.
"We'll see about that," Ron heard Fred and George murmur.
Up next: The Reign of the Toad and then the Final Viewing of the Memories.
NOTE: All credit for the quoting of Dolores Umbridge in this chapter goes to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - American Edition.