Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 25
"I knew she was a wench," the woman spat. "This just proves me right." She turns to the young woman in the room. "You see what kind of woman he married. I only want what's best for him. If he still has any doubts I'm sure you will be able to convince him."
The young girl nods.
xxxXXXXxxx
How long had it been since she had left? He wasn't sure. It was strange how so little time can seem like a long time. 'A week?' he thought as he readied his things in his handbag. Yes it had been a week since she had left, maybe a little over. He never thought she would be away this long. Yet, she knew about him and Eira. Maybe that's what was keeping her away. Yes, he and Eira had been going to family gatherings and talking but nothing else besides that. Arian loved her but somehow it didn't seem right. Maybe it was the awkwardness they both felt. 'What on earth was going on with them?' Bran and Hermione had decided on this matter so quickly.
He sighed. It's not that he didn't like spending time with Eira but the guilt that was swelling inside him. "You knew this didn't you," he thought allowed. "I bet you're having a good laugh." He stopped halfway as he was zipping up his bag and heard her voice in his head.
"You should feel guilty, you prat! You're getting just what you deserve!"
He could just picture her in front of him with her hands on her hips and her chin lifted up in a snobbish way.
"You don't feel so cocky now do you?" she smirked.
Arian chuckled without realizing it. His eyes then widen. "What the hell?"
"Arian!" came Unity bursting into his room. "You better be ready! We're leaving!"
Arian just turned toward her and blinked.
"Something wrong?" she asked him.
He shook his head. "No…just…," he paused and then eyed her. "What do you mean we?"
"I'm coming too. You need all the support you can get. Besides I haven't been to France lately and…"
"I believe you had to inform me first," he told her. "You're not going."
"Hey!" she argued. "I'm old enough to decide for myself and don't need you're consent."
"I'm still older than you and you're living under my roof…," he started.
"Well thanks dad but are going to give Eira the same lecture?" Unity smirked.
Arian then abruptly turned and spotted Eira at the door. She chuckled.
"Hold on," he said, "How was this decided?"
"Don't worry," Unity told him, "We'll behave. Besides Bran is coming as well."
"Bran?" Arian questioned with slight eagerness. He hadn't seen much of Bran since their "meeting."
Eira nodded. "He's at the owlery right now, though."
Arian sighed. "You don't give me much of a choice, do you?"
Unity just shrugged and walked out of the room, Arian and Unity following behind her. They arrived for breakfast and seated themselves.
"We only have little time, so eat quickly," Arian instructed.
"Where are we meeting?" Unity asked him.
"Quidditch pitch," answered Bran making his way toward them. "As usual. Then we take a bus."
"Bran," Arian greeted. "Um…it's good to see you."
Bran nodded. "You didn't think I would skip out, did you?" Bran was trying to have things back to the way they were.
An owl then flew through the window, that had been left slightly ajar. The owl flew above Arian, carrying his usual order of the Daily Prophet. Arian extended out his hand just as the owl let go of it. "Just in time," he said.
"Arian," Bran spoke up taking away the paper from him. "I think we should get going you know, we don't want to be late." He could feel Unity's questioning look boring into him.
"Alright," Arian agreed. "Everyone ready." When everyone nodded he started out of the door. Eira then stood beside Bran and took the paper from him.
"Here, Arian," she said handing it to him. "You wouldn't want to forget your paper."
He smiled at her in gratitude. "Thanks."
"Wait!" Bran said stepping in. "I-I mean…um…I didn't get my paper this morning. Would you mind if I read it first."
Arian thought Bran was acting suspicious but shook it off the feeling. "Sure," he said handing the paper to him.
Eira looked up at Bran surprisingly but Bran paid her no mind. "Thanks," he told Arian. "Now let's go." Bran waited for them to go ahead of him but Unity came by his side and crossed her arms.
"What's going on?" she demanded.
"Nothing," Bran lied.
Unity sighed and shrugged. She started walking out but glanced back to notice Bran leaving the paper behind. 'I'll find a way to make him read that paper and when I do you are going to regret not letting him read it when he had the chance.' she smiled to herself. But what she didn't know was that she wasn't the only one hoping for that.
xxxXXXXxxx
Hermione was glad classes had been cancelled for the day but she also wondered if sleeping in late only applied to students. Last night had been exhausting but refreshing at the least. If it wasn't for Viktor, she would probably be drained of her confidence and return to the state she first started. Ginny and Luna hadn't come and bothered her for their after party, which she was glad but felt guilty about ruining it at the same time. They could always postpone it anyway.
It had been almost noon when she woke and she was famished. If it wasn't for her hunger, she would probably had stayed it bed. As she rose, she got the strange feeling that someone or something was watching her. Cautiously she turned around.
"Oh!" she exclaimed and fell back. Two pairs of owl eyes were looking right back at her. "How did you get in here?" Then she felt stupid. There was no way they were going to answer her back. Instead she sighed and reached out and grabbed her letters.
Dear Hermione,
Merlin, where do I start? As you see, I tend to sometimes write down what I'm thinking so I apologize for that. Well…still don't know what to say so I'll get straight to the point. I was worried about you yesterday. Krum went after you and told me you were calmed down but still I would like to hear from you and tell me (more like write) yourself. I had said to you to ignore them and that wasn't who you were. I had said that you weren't the one to blame and shouldn't feel like. Though knowing you, you probably still felt like that. I probably shouldn't even be bringing this up. Anyway, don't feel bad and don't fret. You are too kind, and have too big a heart. A frown wouldn't suit a face such as lovely as yours…
She paused for a while in order to regain her composure and loose the extra coloring the came about her cheeks.
You are bright and you out of all should know you don't deserve to feel bad. If you don't know then I will tell you, "You don't deserve to feel ashamed. All you deserve is happiness. You haven't given up in living the life you want to live, remember?" Take care Hermione and keep in touch.
Thinking of You,
Devonald Swancott
P.S If I ever get the chance I promise I'll come and visit.
She couldn't help but smile once finishing reading the letter. Swancott was really kind and caring. Regret filled her heart. If she had woken up earlier, she would have been able to say goodbye. She sighed, "There's no point in thinking on it now. It won't change anything." Lying back down, she couldn't help but feel that nice warm feeling inside of her. 'He cares about me,' she smiled to herself.
It wasn't until the other owl came, to stand at the head of her bed, and look down on her, that she remembered she still had another letter to read. She gave the owl an alright-I'm-going-look. At first glance at the envelope, right away she knew who it was from.
Dear Hermione,
It's great that you're at Hogwarts, must be nice to be back there again. I wish I had gone to a school. We never told you, did we? Me, Arian, and Eira were home schooled so as you can see I'm not sure I want to return to my schooling days. The tournament sounds great. I'm expecting a long letter from you. I want to know everything. Damn, sorry shouldn't have said that. I'm writing this in a hurry so no time to start over.
About the tournament, its front line headlines in the Daily Prophet but unfortunately it doesn't technically cover the tournament. That's why I want you to actually tell me the events and stuff. I don't want to worry you but I thought I should warn you before you look at the Daily Prophet or before the swarms of hate mail come. I hope you don't feel guilty, there's no need. I'm on your side alright. Remember that.
Well I best be going. Arian has a match in France, and I'm going along with Eira and Unity. Wish you were going but looks like you just started a great job. I know how much you can be dedicated to your work, which is not good because I need some support but you're too busy for me. Obviously I'm kidding. My boss would love it if I had half the determination and dedication you do. Me going to France is proof of that.
Take care Hermione.
Your Friend,
Bran
This time Hermione didn't smile. There was a strange feeling swelling in the pit of her stomach. 'What could he mean by that?' she thought. At the sound of whispers, she turned toward her chamber entrance. She got the strange feeling of deja vu. "Laia," she called.
The warrior appeared inside her chamber, in another portrait.
"Yes?"
"Who is out there?" Hermione asked.
"You're two friends. The red head and the blonde," the woman answered.
Hermione pondered for a while. They already knew the password so why were they standing outside. "Let them in," she said.
The woman instantly disappeared and the portrait hole opened with Luna and Ginny stumbling in and falling face flat to the ground.
Hermione looked amused and went towards them.
Ginny and Luna grumbled as they looked up and saw Hermione looking down towards them. Suddenly, Ginny abruptly stood and placed her hands on Hermione's shoulders.
"Are you okay?!" she exclaimed. "You saw it didn't you. Don't feel bad about it, okay!" she paused and looked around the room. "I think that staying up here for the morning was a good idea. Well to give you time to think."
"Yes," Luna agreed. "But even if the article was partly lies, it's still could get really nasty."
"Don't worry," Ginny told her. "We're on your side."
Hermione looked confused. "What are you talking about?"
"C'mon Hermione, you can't stay locked up here all day," Ginny told her.
Hermione just blinked and Luna came towards her, staring her straight in the eye. In truth she got too close for her comfort.
"She's has no idea what happened," Luna said.
"Wait, what?" Ginny said. "Hermione, haven't you seen the Daily Prophet yet?"
Then it hit her. Bran's warning. There was no way things were going to be okay. "You guys don't happen to have a copy, do you?" she asked trying to sound calm.
"Sorry," Ginny said.
"But everyone else does," Luna told her. "It might be lunch but I bet anything they are still reading it. You might as well eat something while you're down there."
"Luna! How can you expect her to go down…"
"I'm going," Hermione interrupted Ginny, which caused her to gape at her.
"Give me a few minutes," she said running towards the bathroom. She took a quick shower, put on some jeans and long sleeve blue blouse, and held her hair up in a ponytail. 'I don't think I need my uniform,' she hoped. It had only been ten minutes when she presented herself to Ginny and Luna. She nodded towards them and made her way out of the portrait hole. Ginny and Luna just shrugged and followed her.
As she walked through the hall, those who were there glanced her way and started whispering. Hermione ignored it. She entered the hall and it immediately went quiet. Ginny encouraged her to continue her way to the Gryffindor table. As she did, murmurs and whispers broke out. Glares were sent her way, and they were pointing at her. Hermione betted anything that they were resisting from yelling out bad comments because the professors were present but also because she herself was part of the staff.
But when she sat down, the girls nearby made no attempt in keeping their voices down. Comments of her being unfaithful, sluttish, stuck up, came to Hermione's ears. Twenty minutes of hearing that had done it to Hermione. Why wasn't she allowed to eat her lunch at peace? Griping on to the table, she turned to the girl nearest her that had a copy of the Daily Prophet. Putting on a force smile, she said, "Excuse me, can I borrow that?" before the girl could answer, Hermione took it from her and looked at the front page. Her mouth fell slightly but she regain composure after finishing reading.
"Hermione?" Ginny asked in concern.
Hermione stood up, placing the book down. "Please excuse my absence, I will be back by dinner time," she declared loudly, turning to Professor McGonagall.
"Where are you going?" Ginny asked.
"To take matters into my own hands," she answered her before walking off.
XxxXXXXxxx
"You would think that by being wizards we could have apparated to France but no, instead we're in a bus for three hours," Tudor, the Catapults seeker commented.
Arian chuckled. "Three hours on a tour bus from Wales to France is magical transportation."
"I'm a seeker," Tudor told him. "I live for speed."
Arian chuckled again.
"Well you seem to be awfully cheery. Glad to see it," Tudor told him before returning to his own things.
Arian frowned. It had been like this since the morning. His teammates had been making of weird comments and gave him awkward glances. When he told Bran about it, he told him it was just his imagination. He sighed and returned to lying back down on the bed he was on.
"Is something wrong?" Eira asked him. She had approached him and sat at the end of his bed.
"No, not really," Arian said.
"Oh…we'll be arriving in about half an hour. Are you nervous?"
Arian smiled. "Scared to death but excited to face it." He heard her chuckle. She had asked him that on his first match and that is what he answered. Now, it became tradition for her to ask him that exact question and for him to give that exact answer.
Unity couldn't help to glance towards her cousin, from the armchair she was sitting at. He was laughing and smiling with Eira. That was her queue. Luckily for her, Swancott was lying on the couch across from her, and Bran was all the way on the other sided of the bus.
"Well, you had a great time," Unity told Swancott happily.
Swancott then turned to Unity. "Huh?"
Unity smiled and got up from the armchair. She was giggling and all smiles. Without giving warning, she jumped at the end of the couch, causing Swancott to move up to prevent Unity from landing on his legs. "You know!" she beamed. This caused the attention of several of the players and Eira.
Arian noticed Eira's drifting gaze and followed it. Only to caught sight of Unity smiling at Swancott.
"What?" Swancott asked but he had a pretty good idea what. He like Unity, had somehow got the paper and read it.
Unity then turned to where she was facing everyone else. She placed her hand at the side of her mouth and yelled out, "HEY BRAN! YOU STILL GOT THAT COPY OF THE DAILY PROPHET?!!!"
Bran looked alarmingly at Unity.
"That's right," said Arian. He also turned to Bran. "Are you done with it mate?"
"Sorry," Bran said, "I seem to have misplaced it."
"Oh," Arian said.
"THAT'S ALRIGHT," Unity yelled. "SWANCOTT KNOWS WHAT I MEAN NOW. Do you Swancott?" Unity asked innocently turning her attention back on Swancott.
Swancott looked at her suspiciously. Was she implying something?
"Oh! I just thought she looked lovely, didn't you? Tell me the truth. Did she looked better upfront than in the picture?" Unity asked.
"Yes," Swancott answered simply still feeling uneasy.
Then she turned back to the others. "Didn't she looked lovely?" she asked the players. "Oh Eira! I just know you'll love the dress."
Eira's eyes grew wide. It was hard to believe what Unity was doing. This wasn't what she had in mind.
Arian looked confused. "What are you guys talking about?"
"God Arian, you're impossible," Unity told him, which caused the others to chuckle.
"Unity? Can I talk to you?" Bran said approaching her.
"Just a minute," she said as she stood up and went towards Tudor.
Tudor just glanced up at her.
"Let me burrow your paper," Unity told him.
"Unity," Bran said.
Tudor just shrugged and looked through his bag and handed her the paper. She knew, Arian was looking at her and following her every movement. As she passed Bran, while making her way back to Swancott, she whispered, "This could have been avoided."
"Swancott, tell us about the tournament," Unity said being chipper again.
Arian then remembered that Swancott had been absent in the last couple practices and the coach had told them he was chosen at the last minute for a school event but what Unity said next caught his attention.
"Tell me, how is Hermione? She seems to be doing well and by the way, you two look great in this picture."
Swancott was alarmed as Unity held the front page before him. Was she serious? How could she say that? Did she mean it or was she joking? Because the picture he was looking at was…
Arian then stood up.
"Arian?" Eira asked "innocently."
"Hey," Bran said standing in front of Arian. "How about we play a game of chess?"
"Later," he told him making his way toward Unity. Had he heard right? Did she say Hermione? On the paper? With Swancott?
"Oh, Arian," Unity said as he took the paper from her.
Arian then looked at it and his eyes grew wide.
TOURNAMENT LOVE SCANDAL?!
UNFAITHFUL MRS. BELTH? MARRIAGE OVER?
By: R.S Star Reporter
What can be said about the new named Mrs. Belth? Was truth spoken when she was claimed inappropriate for our lovable Arian Belth? Hermione Belth, formally Hermione Jane Granger, was present at a Quidditch Tournament held at Hogwarts but with Devonald Swancott and Viktor Krum, our little Hermione wasted no time. She was often spotted with both famous quidditch players.
Truth be told, it seems our Belth is having problems with his wife. She admitted to Devonald Swancott at the tournament that things were difficult between them. But why wouldn't they? They were paired up by a law after all. Of course problems are expected and understandable but how quickly does she move. Has she no shame. Her exact words were "I want a divorce." This was said to Swancott obviously to capture him because he then asked her to a ball being held after the tournament.
That's not all. She also seemed to be very close to Viktor Krum. Both boys seem to be smitten with her. I wonder how Mrs. Krum is taking the news. Rumor has it that both Mrs. Belth and Mr. Krum have some history together. Are they reuniting their love for each other? They used to be sweethearts during the school days. Keeping in touch in a long distance relationship. There is definitely love there. They shared a sweet embrace beneath the stars. Wait, did I say sweet? That is laughable. It was her that threw herself at Krum. Krum mentioned that what he felt for her was special but that now he had a wife and child. She on the other hand, didn't care about that and told him straight forward, convincing him to declare his love for her. But it didn't end just with him.
All through the night, Mrs. Belth spend it dancing, and may I say very closely, to Devonald Swancott. All through their dance, she whispered into his ear. After almost the whole night, they made their way to the table where Devonald was concern about her marriage problems. Mrs. Belth declared them unimportant. She declared Arian, an unimportant matter that shouldn't be worried about. She made her message clear when she allowed Swancott to kiss her. See as he leans in towards her.
I don't blame Swancott at all. Just look at her red attire. It, itself screams out scarlet woman. Obviously, Mrs. Belth chose her attire carefully in order to capture both men. No other woman can step so low. She herself is married and not only goes after another man but two, and one of them is already married and with a child! Not only that, Mrs. Belth is known to have a reputation for liking of famous men: Harry Potter, Viktor Krum, and now Devonald Swancott. Not to mention she's married to Arian Belth. She is known to be bright so it wouldn't come to a surprise if she placed a spell on these men. It could be she also placed a spell on the Administrators of the Law Department. How else did she ended up with Arian Belth?
Innocent, Ms. Smarty Hermione Jane Granger, a conniving, shameful, deceitful woman, seeking to capture the hearts of celebrities.
Arian was shocked. He didn't know what to think. The pictures presented, were the ones were Hermione was spotted with both quidditch players. The major ones were the ones where she and Krum were sharing an embrace and the one where Swancott was leaning in to kiss her.
"Arian?" came Eira's voice. "I was going to…" she stopped. Arian was still focused on the article. He was in the state where she knew nothing would be able to get through to him.
There was silence and all eyes were on Arian. He was motionless and not once did his gaze left the paper.
Swancott on the other hand couldn't take his silence. "Bullshit," he told him.
Arian then turned to him, his emotions masked away.
"If you haven't figured it out yet," Swancott explained, "It's all crap."
Arian narrowed his eyes and let the paper fall to the ground. "I know," he said darkly glaring at Swancott. "She's not like that."
Swancott then stood up not liking the look he was receiving. "What are you implying?"
At that everyone around them gathered and they could feel the tension building up.
"Arian…" Bran tried but was silenced when Arian held out his hand for him to stop.
"The picture speaks words for itself," Arian told him, not changing his dark tone. "It doesn't seem it was her who acted out."
Eira didn't like were this was going. Never had she seen Arian act this way. She could feel the anger swarming inside of him, his ill feelings he was feeling towards Swancott. It wasn't that she hadn't witnessed him like this before but it was the first time she saw the coldness and fire in his eyes.
Surprising everyone, Swancott loosened up and relax. His expression was shockingly calm. "I didn't kiss her Belth. Unfortunately, her friend has perfect timing," upon saying this he chuckled.
That laugh had just done it. He hated it how Swancott was all calm about this. Without second thoughts, Arian clenched his fists and sent one Swancott's way with full force. Swancott was thrown back, and Arian scowled down at him while gasps spread throughout the bus.
"Arian!" Bran said in alarm as he stood beside him, ready to hold him back if he planned another attack. Some of the other players helped Swancott, who was massing his now bruised cheek that was starting to swell.
"I could definitely use Hermione right now," Swancott said looking at Arian who was about to lunge at him but was hold back by Bran who was glad he thought of it. "She's a great healer but you don't know that, do you?"
Arian then stopped struggling and stared at Swancott.
"She said things have been difficult between the two of you," Swancott told him. "The only thing I can think of is that you two don't know much about each other. That's why you can't communicate," he paused and for the first time, his calmness left his face and determination filled his eyes. "Hermione is beautiful, bright, kind, and caring. She's the most amazing girl I've ever met. You don't deserve her Belth. I don't give a damn if she's your wife. I won't just hand her over that easily. I will make her happy."
"The law bounds…" Arian started to argue but stopped himself. What was he supposed to say? The law married them for five years but that didn't matter to Swancott. He made that clear. If he tried to even oppose Swancott, the that would make him a hypocrite. He was after all in a starting "relationship" with Eira. He knew Hermione had been hurt that night and not once did he made the effort to confront her. Who was he to stop her from achieving happiness?
Everyone had been distracted by the scene before them that they hadn't realize the bus had come to it's destination. Arian surprised them all, even Swancott.
"Whatever," Arian told him turning away to get off. "I don't even care anymore." Eira went after him.
Soon it was only Unity and Bran on the bus. Bran turned to Unity and glared at her. "Are you satisfied? Tell me. What this part of your plan?"
Unity shook her head. "I never knew it would be this soon," she smiled. "He's ready to take this on by himself he just needs a little spark."
"Wait," Bran demanded. "Are you still planning something?! Didn't you learn anything?"
"Bran, when have you ever known Arian to give up?" Unity asked her.
"Um…never," Bran answered, confused.
"The rivalry between you two, when you were kids, was foolish," she told him. "Arian came to realize that and stopped the competition."
"I remember," Bran said.
"He never gave up his love for Eira though," Unity said. "Hermione is really something. She made the Arian Belth give up."
xxxXXXXxxx
Hermione stormed through the halls of the ministry, uncaring about the others' reactions. This Star Reporter was getting over her head and she was going to end it.
A woman with long black hair, and green eyes sat at her desk, smiling. She was around her mid forties. Satisfaction filled her eyes. Her article had made the front page. This was definitely a good day.
Her happiness was then ruin when she heard voices outside her door. Then a young woman came in and slammed her hands on her desk. The older woman smirked. "Mrs. Belth, what a surprise."
"Shut it, Rita Skeeter," Hermione told her.
The older woman just blinked. "I'm sorry but you must have me confused. Rita Skeeter? Never heard of her."
"Don't give me that Rita. We live in a magical world for crying out loud. Anyone can change their appearance and name. But you have forgotten that I know your way of writing and I know your secret."
"Are you threatening me?" Star Reporter asked her. "I don't know what you're talking about. My name is Ross Sanning."
"Don't give me that crap!" Hermione yelled angrily. "Trust me, Skeeter, you will regret the day you crossed me." Hermione heard scratching noise and turned to see a violet quill floating in mid air scribbling away.
"You know, Mrs. Belth," Star Reporter told her. "You really shouldn't accuse people without any evidence or come into the ministry and threatened them."
Hermione took out her wand, pointed it at the quill and blasted it. The reporter was shocked but especially when Hermione narrowed her eyes and looked at her with hatred. "You must be bloody brave to have shown that thing in front of me. Either that or you are just stupid. If I were you, I would be worried."
Hermione then turned to leave and stopped halfway out. "I know what you're thinking. Who would believe me, right? It's surprising that even after fighting Voldemort, people seem to underestimate me."
'That's right,' she thought as she walked out of the office. 'I'm stronger. Actually, I was always this strong. It's about time I start showing it.'
A/N I know I know, it took me long enough didn't it. Well either way here it is and I hoped you guys liked it. I know things are starting to get interesting especially Hermione's personality(hope that doesn't sound cocky cuz I'm not). I try to update sooner. I will. :p