Her birthday had finally arrived! As Hermione sat down for breakfast and picked at her porridge and berries, she tried her best to ignore all the stares coming her way.
When she looked up at the Head table, Professor Dumbledore was busy talking with McGonagall, not looking too terribly worried or bothered.
Well that was interesting.
Then the mail arrived.
She waited and as predicted, several owls dropped off things for her.
There was a small box from her Grandmother. Another from Remus. One from Tonks and Andromeda. A letter from Molly and Arthur. And then a final owl, Adrian's owl—dropped off a letter too.
"Happy Birthday Mione." Neville piped up and she smiled and nodded.
"Thanks Neville."
"Harry said we were gonna have a party tonight in Gryffindor."
"He did?"
Neville blushed and nodded in reply—realizing perhaps he shouldn't have said anything.
"I'm sure it's not a secret Neville."
The other wizard just breathed a sigh of relief and went back to his morning rashers and porridge.
It was a few moments later that Harry and Ron came barreling into their usual spots with Happy Birthday greetings of their own.
"You got a few things." Harry grinned as he picked up the letter from Adrian...recognizing the handwriting and waving it in her direction.
Scowling, she ripped it away with a look of warning.
"Don't touch things that don't belong to you, Brother mine." She nudged Harry's shoulder and then gestured to Neville. "So what time's the party tonight? Did you invite Theo?"
Harry snorted and said, "Of course. Whether he braves Gryffindor is another issue altogether."
"Maybe you should have him invite a friend."
"I didn't think he was close to anyone in his house?"
"What about Luna? You invited her, right? They seemed to get along rather well this past summer."
Hermione watched Harry dish up his breakfast as he said, "I invited Luna too. Maybe I'll have Nott bring her when he comes. That way they won't feel too out of place."
"Sneaky." Hermione quipped, while Harry just smirked.
"I like Luna and she could do worse. I think Nott has a bit of a thing for her."
"Really? How can you tell?"
Harry just gave his sister a look that said, 'you're barking, right?'
"Mione, he pays attention to her ramblings and asks questions. Thoughtful ones." Ron offered in a voice that screamed 'isn't it obvious?'
"Am I the only one who doesn't see this stuff?"
"You have other things on your mind." Harry replied, pouring some pumpkin juice and offering her a glass, which she declined. "Open your gifts."
Hermione hesitated briefly before picking the one from Remus first. When she opened it, she smiled as it was a chocolate frog from Honeydukes and a package of sugar quills.
Leave it to Remus to get her chocolate.
Setting it aside, she opened the small parcel from Andromeda and Tonks and looked inside before waving her hand and enlarging the gift. It was a beautiful creme cashmere scarf and gloves that were fur-lined. Perfect for winter time.
Setting those aside, the next thing was the letter from Molly and Arthur. Inside were a several memory vials labeled. Hermione felt her hands shake as she gripped the tiny vials inside her hands.
"Are those what I think they are?" Ron whispered and Hermione nodded.
"When I talked with your Mum over the summer she told me she'd try to get a few memories together of my parents for me to see."
Ron swallowed, his eyes fixated on the gift. When Hermione looked up she could see Theo smiling softly at her. She nodded and mouthed, 'memories' and he just returned the gesture in silent understanding.
The next gift was from her Grandmother and when Hermione opened it her breath whooshed out in shock. Pulling out the small box, she enlarged it and then opened it.
Inside was a creme fur-lined Gryffindor red cashmere cloak with golden thread interwoven along the seams. She stood up and gently tried it on.
It fit perfectly.
"That's gorgeous." She heard Lavender Brown whisper in awe. "That has to be from Madam Pernelle's boutique on the Rue de Magique in Paris. I've only ever seen one other cloak like this."
Hermione took if off and gently waved her hand over the fabric, shrinking it back down and placing it back into the box to be stored in her book back until she got back to Gryffindor Tower after class.
The last letter was Adrian's. Taking a deep breath—she opened and read it.
Happy Birthday Little Witch,
I have missed you these past few weeks and as I'm sure you're aware...this is a special birthday for you.
I know you must be feeling all sorts of things these past weeks, and I wish I could be there to discuss this with you. I wrote to Theo a few days ago, and he explained about your conversation in the library.
Hermione, please don't worry about what may or may not happen. I have every confidence that when you're ready, your magic will know what is right for you and not a minute sooner. I'll admit—I'm a selfish wizard in that I'd hope your magic might choose me, but I do know that I don't get a vote. Not really. So what you need to know and what I need to say is that if you wish to continue seeing me, I would like nothing better than to make myself available to you.
But if you don't, I'd understand that too.
I wouldn't like it. Not in the least, but I made myself a promise when I decided to follow my heart and take this leap of faith—and that was to see it to whatever end.
Because you're worth it.
So...this Saturday is a Hogsmeade weekend. I would very much like to see you and spend the day with you. I do have a gift for you, but would prefer to give it to you in person—if you'll allow me the honor.
I've missed kissing you too—
Waiting patiently for your reply,
Yours, Adrian
Her face broke out into a happy smile and all the worry melted away as she re-read through the words one more time. When her gaze lifted again, she noticed Theo was watching her—as were several other people at the Slytherin table—so she just tapped her temple and watched Theo chuckle.
When she made the connection, she could feel his amusement.
"Adrian wrote to you?"
"He did."
"Why didn't you say something?"
"He asked me not to. I think he's just worried that you're going to overthink everything like you're prone to do."
"Not fair."
"But true."
She huffed silently and felt his corresponding mirth as she could sense him laughing at her pique.
"Can I trust his word?"
There was a momentary pause and then Theo replied silently, "I think Adrian cares for you a great deal. He's always had a bit of a thing for you, if I'm honest. I wasn't surprised when he decided to pursue you when your heritage became known. It gave him the chance he's always wanted."
Another brief silence and then Hermione said:
"Okay."
"You good?"
"Yes, thank you Theo."
Hermione broke the connection and watched as Theo's gaze cleared and he winked at her.
Her answering smile was bright and genuine.
Harry nudged her shoulder with his and then gestured to the letter, which she handed over with a sigh of exasperation.
It was a minute later he handed it back to her and said, "He seems genuine."
"He does."
"You going to see him Saturday?"
"If I say yes, are you going to play chaperone?"
"Nah, I have prefect patrols in Hogsmeade during the morning since Malfoy commandeered the Pitch, but I'm sure Theo will be happy to be your chaperone for the day."
"Prat."
"Sure Sis. Keep telling yourself that."
Hermione took her last sip of tea, stood up—placed a kiss on top of Harry's head earning a grin—picked up her book bag and made her way to Potions.
As she was walking down to the dungeons, she heard footsteps from coming up from behind her.
She sent out her senses and felt that there were three people...witches. She could smell their perfume and as she rounded the corner to head down to the dungeons—she sent out her mind and could hear enough to know that whatever they had planned wasn't going to bode well for any of them.
She fortified her shields and then called out for Theo and Harry silently—warning them when the first of three spells hit her shield.
Turning around she smirked at the three witches standing there—all with their wands raised at her.
It was their expressions that were humorous.
"Did you three really expect that was going to work against me?"
Pansy sneered, while Marietta's wand hand wavered.
It was Olivia Shardlow's scowl though, that made Hermione laugh.
"I suppose it's my turn, yes?"
Hermione held out her left hand and silently disarmed all the witches simultaneously. With her right one, she turned their hair different shades of colors as well as their skin.
Their screams were rather funny.
When Theo and Harry came running around the corner wands raised...followed by Malfoy, Ron and Zabini—the stunned looks on all their faces was priceless.
Then Professor Snape sauntered into view.
"I would ask what is going on here, but perhaps I don't need to?"
Hermione walked over to her Defense teacher and handed him the other witches wands.
"They attacked first. Pansy cast a freezing charm, Marietta a reducto and Olivia a severing charm."
Professor Snape's eyes widened as he took the three wands and stared down at them and then at her.
"Simultaneously?"
"Yes."
"I see." He drawled and then turned the full force of his stare at the three witches—who were all whimpering and cowering away from his wrath. "And your spells."
"Oh it was just something I thought of in the moment. Thought it might look good on them. Pansy looks rather fetching with chartreuse skin with black polka dots and yellow hair. Although the orange and yellow stripes on Shardlow, are my personal favorite."
"And Miss Edgecombe?"
"Oh, those are just a continuation of a little parting gift I left her with last year. It spells out 'sneak' all over her body instead of just her forehead. I'm afraid the scarring can't be removed by anyone but me."
Several guffaws and chortles were heard as a few other students walked down the corridor on their way to the dungeons. When Daphne Greengrass walked around the corner with her sister, she bowled in laughter.
"Oh this is brilliant! Well done Prewett! I don't think I've ever seen Pansy look better then at this precise moment."
"Fuck off Daphne!"
"Twenty points from Slytherin for use of foul language and another fifty for sheer stupidity. Fifty points from Ravenclaw as well."
"What?!" Pansy screamed. "Professor? Aren't you going to take points from Gryffindor? Where is your loyalty?"
Snape just stared at the young witch, before he spoke in his most annoyed drawl.
"I would hope that those within my own house would not be imbecilic enough to attack another student three to one...especially someone of Miss Prewett's magical capabilities. The fact that the three of you showed such poor judgement—I find myself quite disinclined to pander to your overwhelming idiocy. Therefore, all three of you will be referred to the Headmaster for disciplinary action immediately. If you will follow me."
Hermione smirked as she watched the little entourage of witches follow Professor Snape up to Dumbledore's office. When they were gone, Harry ran over and started waving his wand...checking to make sure she was fine.
"I'm okay Harry."
He just nodded and pulled her into a fierce hug.
She returned the hug and then pulled back.
She smiled at the relief she saw in Harry's eyes.
"Did they really cast at the same time?"
"They did."
"And your shield held?"
Hermione chuckled and nodded. "Harry, I've faced worse."
Harry grinned and nodded, deciding to let it go for now. Ron came over and gave her a once over, nodding to himself and his relief was obvious too.
But it was Theo's reaction that surprised her the most.
He looked pissed.
"Theo?"
The Nott Heir just glared at her and knowing him as she was beginning to, she went over and took his hand and led him into the same empty classroom that Malfoy had taken them to earlier in the month.
She closed the door and warded it.
"What?"
He stared at her for a moment before heaving out a shaking breath. She could see how upset he was so she came over and cupped his cheeks into her hands.
"I am fine. I heard them coming and I could hear them thinking. Their mental barriers aren't very sophisticated. I was in no danger."
Theo swallowed and nodded as his deep blue eyes stared into her own.
Then he pulled her into his embrace and hugged her.
Hermione smiled happily, as she returned the affection.
When Theo pulled back after a couple minutes his face was subdued and she could tell how hard this was for him.
He didn't have a lot of family.
"I nearly lost it when I heard you in my head. I ran out of the Great Hall with Potter at my heels."
"I'm okay. I know you've only seen bits and pieces of my powers Theo...but trust me when I tell you that there is no way they could've hurt me."
"I know it theoretically Hermione, but logically?"
"It's hard to wrap your mind around?"
Theo nodded.
"If I could show you? Would it make you feel better?"
"What do you mean?"
"If you could see for yourself...that night at the Department of Mysteries?"
Theo took a step back completely stunned. Then his eyes filled with wonder.
"You'd trust me enough to show me that?"
"We are family, aren't we?"
Theo just nodded, his voice not working at the moment.
Hermione just smiled at her cousin, who next to Harry was in more dire need of family than anyone she'd ever known.
"We need to get to class, but tonight after the party we will head up to the Astronomy Tower and I will show you, deal?"
Theo sighed in acquiescence. "Deal."
"Good, now lets get to class."
Theo offered his arm, which Hermione took with alacrity and together they left the room once Hermione had dropped the wards.
When they walked out—Harry was waiting for them as was Malfoy and Zabini.
"Did Ron leave for class?"
Harry nodded. "Everything good?"
"Yes Harry. We should get to class too."
Together they walked into Slughorn's classroom, the jovial Professor welcoming them in with a wave.
"Please take your seats. We will be starting here shortly but I wanted to make a quick announcement." Slughorn grabbed a sheet of parchment from the front of his desk and looked down at it nodding and to himself as he made a few adjustments—then he chuffed as if he was particularly happy with whatever it was before he addressed the class.
"This year in NEWT potions, it is important to prepare you not only for potion making but also for potion theory. For those of you who may go into Auror training or Healer training, learning how to brew potions is as important as identifying them and what symptoms a witch or wizard may present with when on a certain potion. As a consequence, you will have to learn how to brew a proper antidote and the mechanisms involved as such. As we know a bezoar is a curative for most common poisons and is a primary source ingredient for most antidotes. Therefore, you will in the course of this class be given a poison. You will have to identify it and then come up with a proper antidote for it. I would normally have students work individually, but for this class I will be breaking you up in pairs and will be posting it next class period."
He then waddled to the front of the class to discuss the potion they were going to be brewing for class that day.
"Today's potion is a treat. We will be making an Everlasting Elixir. Can anyone tell me what the some of the useful properties of these potions are?"
Hermione raised her hand and Slughorn nodded at her.
"Everlasting Elixirs are the type of potion that have the benefit of never running out or alternatively, working indefinitely. As an elixir by definition, it would be sweet and aromatic."
"Very good Miss Prewett, take five points for Gryffindor." Slughorn clapped in glee. "Now, it will be important to do well of this assignment as you will also be writing a thirty inch essay due next class on Everlasting Elixirs, their properties, uses and the property and history of the charms used in the making of these potions. Now please check on page 31 of your textbooks and begin brewing!"
Harry started setting up their cauldrons, while Hermione went into the potions storage room to get the ingredients. When she got there she noticed the sophorous beans and shrivelfigs were located on the top shelf.
She went to reach for them when she felt a presence at her back and a pale hand pulled the jars down and handed one to her.
Looking up over her shoulder, grey eyes were glinting at her in amusement.
"Nice work today Prewett."
Hermione's face pulled down in confusion before it cleared and she grinned.
"Shouldn't you be sticking up for your housemates, Malfoy?"
The blonde just chuckled and shook his head. "I might be a bit of a prat Prewett, but I'm not an imbecile."
"Might?"
Draco sighed as he counted out his sophorous beans and placed them in his jar, closing the lid.
"Touché." He sighed and gave her a considering look as he said, "I never did get the chance to properly apologize for my less than stellar behavior at my Mother's garden party this past summer. I'd realized after you walked away—that I had been out of line and I never should've allowed Pansy to disrespect you or Potter, especially in my home—and for that, I'm sorry."
Hermione just stood there in shock.
Did Draco Malfoy just apologize to her?
She sighed and shook her head, feeling like perhaps this rare moment might seek to forge a new start for the two of them.
"Well, apology accepted. I suppose in that spirit I have my own apology to offer."
His look of confusion was rather endearing and was another surprise.
"What for?"
"Adrian called out my behavior that day back in our second year. When I assumed that your Father..."
"Ah!" Draco put his hand up in understanding. "Say no more. Neither one of us was at our best that day Prewett. I said something to you in my anger that I couldn't take back and then I compounded upon it for years afterwards. I can't undo the past, but you have my word I won't use that word again."
"I know. Theo told me how you put Slytherin House on notice." She didn't look at him as she counted out her shrivelfigs and placed them into her silver cauldron.
"I'm not surprised." Draco admitted as he placed the jars back on the shelf and followed her out of the potions closet. "For what it's worth, you've given Theo family and while he and I have never been very close—I know how much family means to him. It's good he has you in his life."
Hermione's expression softened and she nodded. "Theo has been a godsend for me as well. I don't think I could've gotten through all this nonsense without him."
Draco smirked. "Don't let your Grandmother hear you calling her traditions nonsense, Prewett. Even I'm scared of Lady Prewett."
"Really?" She whispered conspiratorially.
"Most definitely. Next to my Mother, Lady Prewett is not to be trifled with."
"I'll mention to her you said so."
"Do." Draco winked and moved gracefully back to his seat where Blaise was writing down instructions and setting up their workstation.
By the end of the class Hermione had brewed an acceptable elixir, but once again—Malfoy's potion was the best.
"Mr. Malfoy I must commend you on your potion today. And what is that I smell? Is that peppermint?"
"Yes Professor."
"Inspired! Peppermint has the added benefit of stabilizing the more dubious side effects of the cheering charm as well as the nose tweaking that can be inherently problematic with this particular elixir. Take ten points for Slytherin."
Draco nodded, and when he looked up—he caught Prewett's gaze and she rolled her eyes playfully at him—which earned her his best smirk.
When Slughorn got to her cauldron, he nodded—pleased.
"Well done Miss Prewett! Nice shade and consistency. Take five points for Gryffindor and perhaps you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy could stay back for a moment after class?"
Hermione nodded as she watched from the corner of her eye as Slughorn passed Harry's cauldron, hummed almost disappointingly and moved along.
When clean up was done and the class dismissed, Hermione made her way to the front of the class with Harry.
Malfoy was propped up against his table, looking for all the world—bored.
"Ah, yes...now!" Slughorn clapped his meaty hands together and smiled. "Thank you for staying as I wanted to take this opportunity to invite all three of you to my offices next Saturday evening for a little dinner party. When I was at Hogwarts prior I used to have these get together's once a month for my brightest student's and it was a chance for them to meet and greet those in positions within different fields of interest. For example, Saturday next we will be joined by Miss Gwenog Jones of the Holyhead Harpies, Mr. Gawain Robards from the Department of Magical Law and Miss Jezebel Brickard, Deputy Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation."
Draco lifted an eyebrow at the notable guest list, while Harry beamed at the fact that two of the guests would be people he'd very much like to meet under any circumstance.
Hermione just smiled politely and said, "Harry and I would be honored to attend, Sir."
"As would I, Professor." Draco drawled and Slughorn clapped his hands again and beamed.
"Well met! I will see you three in my offices at six pm Saturday next! Now, here's a note to take to your next class so you won't be called on for being tardy. Good work today."
Slughorn shoo'd them out of his office...leaving Harry and Hermione feeling a bit bemused.
"What was that about?"
"It's called the Slug Club, Potter." Draco offered, as he fell in step with them.
They were all heading to NEWT Charms anyway.
"Really?" Harry grinned. "Slug Club?"
Draco chuckled and nodded. "Yes. Apparently Professor Slughorn likes to collect students into his little soirées every year. It's a good way to make connections as you can see—and he fancies himself a kind of taskmaster for making introductions and as a consequence—having witches and wizards owing him favors. The man for all his posturing, is fairly well thought of...and he doesn't discriminate."
"What do you mean."
"Well, from what I've been told Potter...your Mother was one of his favorites, back in the day."
Harry and Hermione stopped cold and stared at the blonde Slytherin.
"And how would you know that, Malfoy?" Harry's voice was hard, and Draco scoffed.
"My Godfather, Potter."
Harry's face registered momentary surprise as he said, "Professor Snape told you about my Mother?"
"He did. Not much though. Just that they grew up together and were friends."
Harry nodded as he did remember a few things from his ill-fated and short-lived Occlumency classes last year when he'd breached Severus mind. He'd seen his Father in those memories and his Mother too.
It was enough for him to know that Snape had conflicted memories surrounding his parents.
"Thanks for the info."
Draco just shrugged as they headed into their class on the third floor. Potter entered first and as he held the door open, Hermione moved by him entering the classroom and he took the opportunity to whisper so only she could hear him— "Happy Birthday."
She turned her head up startled and caught him smirking down at her again—before he sauntered confidently away and went to sit with Zabini—who had saved Malfoy his usual spot.
Hermione followed Harry, who sat next to Ron while Hermione took her spot next to Theo.
Seeing his cousin's flushed expression, Theo leant over and said lowly, "You alright?"
She just nodded once, unsure how much more of this new and improved Draco Malfoy—she could take all at once.
The rest of the day went without incident and after dinner, the entirety of the Gryffindor Common Room was under siege by birthday decorations, butter beer, cookies, cakes and Honeydukes candies as everyone chattered and had a good time.
Fred and George snuck into the castle for the occasion and were handing out some of their new wares to unsuspecting first years. When Hermione saw a Fred try and give Sally a fever fudge, she sent a stinging jinx to his arse.
His scream of 'Hey!' was fairly amusing.
"Fred Weasley!" Hermione accio'd the contraband and waved it at his face menacingly. "You leave the first years alone!"
"But Mione!"
"No!"
Sally giggled while Fred just pouted and left to another part of the common room, properly chastised.
"They're funny." Sally piped up and Hermione just scowled.
"Do not ever take anything anyone gives you without checking with me, alright? And definitely not anything Fred and George might try and ply you with."
"Okay." Sally agreed readily as one of her bunk mates pulled her away to play a game of exploding snap.
Hermione smiled at the little witch fondly, not noticing Theo come up behind her until he held a package in front of her face
"Happy Birthday."
"Oh!" Hermione took the gift and smiled. "Can I open it now?"
Theo nodded so Hermione didn't waste the moment and opened the pretty silver wrapped package.
Then she gasped at what was inside. Staring at the small silver basin, she just shook her head in wonder.
"Where did you get this?"
"It was my Mother's...belonged to her Father. The Nott Family has one already, but this was in my Mother's vault. My Father sent it to me. It's from the both of us. Aunt Muriel mentioned that Mrs. Weasley would be sending you some memories and he felt you might like to have this."
Hermione wiped a lone tear from her eye as she nodded. "That's very generous of both you and your Father. I will write him a thank you note tomorrow." Hermione wrapped an arm around Theo's waist and gave him a half-hug, which he returned a bit awkwardly. "Thank you too, Theo."
"I'm glad you like it."
Looking around, Hermione noticed the party was still in full swing and she had promised Theo that she would show him her memories.
"Come on, lets head up to the Astronomy Tower before curfew."
Theo nodded and together they made their way to the entrance of the Tower and headed up. When they got to the top, Hermione walked into the large parapet and immediately warded the area before she sat down on the steps facing the Black Lake.
"So, how do you want to do this?" Theo asked as he sat down next to her.
"I could pull the memory and you could watch it in the pensieve which might be easier than trying to link my mind with yours and trying to showing you. I haven't attempted a direct link memory regression yet and I'd rather not do it unless I know I'm not going to hurt you."
Theo swallowed heavily and nodded. "That would be preferable."
They both laughed as Hermione pulled out the gift and enlarged it before closing her eyes and gripping the bowl in the hands. She then released it and it levitated in front of her as she took her right index finger and pressed it to her temple. Then Theo watched in amazement as she pulled her fingertip away from her head and a wispy silvery substance followed.
She immediately put it into the bowl.
Before Theo placed his head inside the basin, his cousin set a hand upon his arm to get his attention.
"I'm not going to make you take a vow because I trust you Theo but I will ask you not share this with anyone under any circumstances without discussing it with me first."
Theo nodded and promised.
He then stuck his head into the basin and was transported back to that fateful night and watched in astonishment, awe and fear at everything that transpired from the time his cousin broke through the wards of the Ministry atrium, to her transformation and death of the Dark Lord.
When he came back to himself, he sat there white-faced and speechless. His deep blue eyes staring at his cousin with reverence.
"You killed the Dark Lord." He finally gritted out and Hermione nodded.
"I did."
"Your powers?"
"I know. It's a lot for me to process as well."
"How have you not?"
"I don't know honestly. I can't explain it either but my magic is constantly changing. Everyday something new happens. I'm becoming more aware of others, their thoughts...feelings...Magic. But there are some, I still can't sense at all. It's strange actually."
"Like whom?"
"Professor Snape...Dumbledore. I think it's because they can shield their thoughts and emotions with Occlumency so well. Even Malfoy is nearly impossible to read. I can't sense his thoughts at all and his emotions seem to be very well controlled. You're not an easy one to get a grasp on either Theo, but I'm still learning and my magic is still growing I think. Maybe in time that will change too?"
"Merlin!" Theo whispered in awe. "And your other powers?"
"My telekinetic gifts are growing as well." She stood up and walked over the rampart railing and stepped out into the night sky and then held her hand out for him. Theo just stared at her like she was barmy.
"It's safe silly. I promise."
Theo nodded and climbed over to join Hermione and then she offered her left hand which he took with his right one. When she stepped off into the air he made a little yelped sound as she pulled him with her but then...
They were both walking out into the night and Theo laughed as he looked down the hundred or so meters below with a huge grin upon his face.
"Amazing." He breathed out in wonder. Hermione winked and then quickly, he found himself standing alone back on the parapet staring at his cousin, who was about 100 meters away.
"How did you do that?"
"It's apparition—just different. Almost like teleportation...soundless."
"And the wards around Hogwarts."
Hermione laughed and turned around, waved her hand and Theo jumped back as he took in the kaleidoscope of colors surrounding the grounds.
"Are those what I think they are?"
"Yes," Hermione grinned playfully, "the wards of Hogwarts."
"Can you bring them down?"
She winked but didn't reply and Theo blew out a hissed breath as he stared at the majesty of the protective barriers surrounding their school.
Suddenly there was a cry, and Hermione looked to the east and saw a red speck flying towards her. A few moments later she smiled when she noticed Fawkes, Dumbledore's familiar—circling around her...it's Phoenix cry echoing into the night.
She expanded her aura out and felt the flames erupting along her body—from her hair down to her feet as Theo watched mesmerized. Fawkes cry reverberated, as he continued to circle Hermione in the sky and if Theo had to guess—the bird was communicating something.
And that was when he heard Hermione's voice inside his head.
"Theo..."
"Hermione." Theo's voice carried into the night, knowing she'd hear him.
"Want to see something cool?"
Theo chuckled. "You mean cooler than this?"
"Yep."
"Okay."
Hermione waved her hand and Theo felt some kind of additional protective barrier surround the parapet and he had to wonder just what else she'd done when he saw Hermione pull her arms out and with a crackling force like he'd seen in the pensieve just a few moments ago—her aura exploded.
And he stumbled back in awe as he heard her scream the cry of the Phoenix.
And then just as suddenly she was gone and sitting perched on the parapet was Fawkes, but he wasn't alone. There was another Phoenix next to him—brightly colored with a rich plume of orange, reds and yellow staring at him with iced blue eyes.
Theo moved over and held his hand out and the bird nuzzled into it—causing him to laugh. Then the bird's head turned quickly and eyed a spot on the far wall and cawed.
When Theo looked over his shoulder, a disillusionment spell dropped and there stood Draco, his face ashen and pale.
The grey eyes of his house mate held his and Theo noticed Draco immediately put his hands up in supplication.
"I was here first, and I disillusioned myself when I heard the both you come up. I tried to leave but Prewett must've warded the parapet."
Hermione in Phoenix form—cawed again, like she was chastising Draco—her feathers ruffled and irritated.
"Perhaps you should obliviate him, cousin." Theo smirked and Draco just growled.
"I am able to keep a secret Theo and I didn't intrude on purpose—but if Prewett requires a vow I am happy to take one."
Hermione in Phoenix form just tilted her head at the blonde wizard and flew over to where he was standing and repositioned herself on the rampart behind him.
It was strange being in this form, thought Hermione. She could see so much more of everything around her. She could see Theo's aura and Draco's too. It was how she'd known he was there...even through the disillusionment charm. Where Theo's aura was mostly made up of blues and greens...Draco's aura was different.
It was absolutely mesmerizing.
There were all different colors of the spectrum as they swirled around his body and she could taste his magic on the tip of her tongue.
It was odd and she didn't give it much more thought as she noticed the wizard put his hand out in her direction—so she nipped at it.
His shocked yell, caused Theo to laugh.
"So deserved that."
"Whatever." Draco took his wand and healed the wound, giving Prewett a look filled with amused irritation. "Vicious witch."
The resounding cries of both Phoenixes pulled Draco up short for a moment, and then in a flash...both were gone.
He and Theo ran to the rampart to look out over the Black Lake, but there was nothing.
No sign of Fawkes or Hermione anywhere.
"Where did she go?" Draco demanded, while Theo shrugged.
"I have no idea." Then he turned to face his fellow Slytherin and gave him a disgusted shake of the head before he went to grab the pensieve and placed it back into the box. He conjured a vial and deposited Hermione's memory into it—sealing and warding it before packing it into his pocket.
Draco couldn't help but notice the silvery memory. He was fairly certain he knew just what memory Hermione had shared with Theo.
"She showed you her initial transformation, didn't she?"
Theo didn't reply as he put the shrunken pensieve in his robes.
"Look mate, I know we haven't been the best of friends, but I do know more than you think. My Father took an unbreakable vow to make sure that your Father and the other Death Eaters who weren't tasked to be at the Ministry that night were spared reprisal by the Ministry and Dumbledore. I'd guessed on my own that Prewett had been the one to kill the Dark Lord, as there could've been absolutely no possibility of Potter doing the deed. I just had no idea how powerful she was and is," Draco shook his head in wonder, "and I have no reason to speak of it to anyone, Theo."
"And I'm just supposed to trust you, Draco? Hermione is supposed to trust you?"
Draco sighed and then shook his head in defeat. "I suppose not. Go ahead then. Modify my memory. I won't protest it at all, if you seem to think I can't be trusted."
Theo gaped at Draco in surprise.
"You'd really be okay with that?"
Draco just sighed and nodded. Inwardly he knew he wasn't alright with the fact, but it couldn't be helped. Perhaps this might serve to gain him a measure of both their trust.
Theo pulled out his wand and held it aloft at the other wizard before he thought about what memory he needed to modify and then went to cast the spell, when Hermione's voice inside his head stopped him.
"No Theo. Not like this."
Theo lowered his wand and then they both felt the wards around the parapet drop before Hermione was standing in front of them again in her human form—her expression contemplative but not exactly warm. She walked up to Draco and tilted her face up to his before she placed her hands on his face, locked eyes and silently asked him to bring the memory forward...which he did with ease.
She was surprised with how well organized Malfoy's mind was...it was logical, constructive and highly ordered. There weren't typical barriers one would associate with Occlumency...there was only a single white door. Curious, Hermione went to open it and she found another door...then another...then another.
Suddenly she heard a chuckle inside her head.
"Not nice Princess. You shouldn't go barging around in places you're not invited to."
"And you shouldn't eavesdrop on conversations you have no part in."
"Touché, but I didn't do it on purpose. Honest. Next time however—try casting a hominem revelio when you find yourself out here, or on a balcony somewhere."
He could feel her sudden surprised embarrassment and then anger as he silently felt her presence shift within his mind. The memory of this night was still at the forefront of his consciousness—waiting for her to take it or not.
So he decided to offer the choice to her. The thought that she didn't trust him and probably wouldn't ever—made his heart hurt but there was nothing for it. He organized the memory as Severus had taught him and then silently whispered to her..."Shall you do it or shall I?"
"What do you mean?"
In Draco's mind a small simple pewter box appeared and opened and Hermione watched as the memory molded into a coalescence and then she observed awed as the wisp floated into the box.
Then a key appeared.
"All you have to do is close the box, Prewett. Lock it and vanish the key."
"Malfoy, that's not possible."
"It is. You just have to remember where you vanished the key to. The memory will stay in the box."
"And you won't remember?" She didn't know why but there was a part of her that felt uncomfortable with the idea, but she immediately pushed that feeling aside in favor of the logical part of her brain that didn't exactly trust this particular wizard.
"No." His voice inside her head was resigned—and there was an edge to it she didn't understand but after a few seconds, Hermione closed the box and locked it—vanishing the key into her favorite book inside the Hogwarts library. When that was done she removed herself from Malfoy's mind—her senses picking up something different...empty...as she broke the link and took a step back simultaneously waving her hand and froze Malfoy before placing him back where she'd found him—then taking Theo's hand and teleporting them both silently out of the Astronomy Tower.
When Draco came to a few seconds later—he looked around in confusion, sure he'd heard a noise coming from the staircase but a quick revealing charm showed that no one was there.
Very strange.
Shrugging, he made his way down the staircase and back towards the Slytherin Common Room, unaware of Hermione's bright blue eyes following his progress as he passed by the Gryffindor common room.
An uneasy expression plastered upon her face.