Chapter 28- Ice Capades?
December 1993
"I couldn't tell you when the winter festival started, but I can tell you it wouldn't be what it is today without our Ice Princess," the people of Liechtenstein
"Did you do something different with your hair," Lavender asked.
"Hu…." Hermione said turning towards her.
"Your hair it's not frizzy," Lavender said.
"Lavender my hair is always frizzy," Hermione said.
"Come here," Lavender said, pulling her into a nearby bathroom.
"Ok," Hermione said.
"See no frizz," Lavender said pointing at the mirror.
"I guess Daphne burned off more than I thought," Hermione said looking at her hair sans the giant bushy frizz it normally had. "I still have split ends though," she muttered.
"Only you," Lavender sighed.
"Hey it's not like I asked to be blasted by fire," Hermione exclaimed waving her arms in circles. "Stupid Daphne picking on little kids like me."
"Hermione aren't you older than her," Lavender said.
"Doesn't feel like it sometimes," Hermione said.
"Doesn't look like it either," Lavender remarked taking keen notice of how Hermione hadn't seemed to grow at all since the previous year. In fact, the only changes seemed to be her hair growing out and losing weight.
"Hey it's not my fault," Hermione exclaimed. "I'm just a late bloomer," Hermione huffed.
Break
"Astoria," Tracy said.
"Yes," Astoria replied.
"Liz needs to see you," Tracy said with a bit of a smirk.
"Ok…." Astoria said as Tracy stepped aside revealing Liz holding a maid uniform. "No…."
"Yes, you fat little turd," Liz sneered. "And I never thought I would see the day that I would get to do this."
"You can't Hermione…" Astoria stammered.
"Isn't here, and can't stop me since she technically isn't a 1st year student," Liz said. "Of course, if she was, I could just blast her with something more than a banishing charm, perhaps a reductor and shatter her ribs," Liz mused. "So, what's it going to be, Astoria, Hermione's ribs or the uniform."
"What about Daphne…." Astoria stammered.
Liz simply held up a note.
"Shut up and do it. You have embarrassed the family enough already," Daphne.
"Crap Baskets," Astoria muttered, dropping her head. "Mom is going to kill me."
"Now put it on fatty, `Liz said, shoving the outfit into Astoria's hands.
"Well at least it fits," Astoria muttered.
"It looks like you were right, Tracy, she really has gained all the weight Hermione lost," Liz said.
Break
"Lichtenstein, Lichtenstein, Lichtenstein," Hermione sang bouncing in her seat as the Hogwarts train headed for London.
"Excited for the break," Anna said.
"Yes, I'm going to Lichtenstein," Hermione said.
"We know," Elizabeth groaned. "You've only been talking about for the last week."
"Sorry," Hermione said. "I'm just really excited."
"Hermione," Belle said.
"Yes," Hermione said, turning to her friend.
"Do you do compete at all," Belle said
"Oh no, I'm not good enough for that, I just do it to stay in shape," Hermione said.
"Argh, you are going to make me tear my hair out," Elizabeth groaned.
"Why…." Hermione said.
"Because you…. Nice…. Direct…. Humble…." Elizabeth said tugging on her hair.
"I think what Elizabeth means is that you are super good at stuff, but you don't show off, or use it to build your influence and prestige," Belle said.
"See Belle gets it," Elizabeth said.
"We're 11," Hermione dead panned as they stared at her. "Ok fine, you're 11 and I'm 14 but same difference," a red-faced Hermione huffed crossing her arms.
"Hey where is Astoria," Hermione asked.
"I dunno," the group said.
Break
"I still can't believe it," Emma said looking at Hermione as she found them in the station. Even out of her Johanna disguise she looked very different than they were expecting despite the pictures she sent them earlier in the fall. Their homely 14-year-old daughter looked more like a cute little 11-year-old girl, with the weight loss and improved hair. Even the braces just made her look younger than she was.
"Mom, Dad," Hermione yelled before tackling her parents in a hug.
"Well hello to you too," Dan said.
"Have you guys lost weight," Hermione said as their stomachs seemed less squishy than usual.
"I dunno maybe a little," Emma said. "I've kept up with the yoga and roped your Dad into it a few times.
"Congratulations," Hermione said. "I can show you some more over the break if you'd like."
"I'd like that," Emma said.
"Now who's ready for Lichtenstein," Dan said.
"Yes, I'm all packed," Hermione said, patting her suitcase," Hermione said.
"Oh and your mother has something to tell you," Dan said.
"Mom what did you do," Hermione said.
"I didn't do anything yet…." Emma said.
"The magical IOC asked her to help review their muggle repelling charms for the Olympics since she has a habit of walking through them," Dan said.
"One time," Emma groaned as Dan gave her a look. "Ok maybe more than once."
"What did mom do this time," Hermione sighed.
"She went with an international group to the UN safe zones in Bosnia to help administrer dental aid," Dan said.
"And she threw something again didn't she," Hermione sighed.
"It was only a drill this time, and that bastard deserved it," Emma huffed.
"What did he do," Hermione asked.
"He was going to pluck the wings off these little fairies," Emma said. "So I threw the closest object I had at him."
"Go mom," Hermione cheered.
"Well that's what he gets for being a big jerk. I mean seriously what is wrong with magicals. Every time I go and do relief work, I find some asshat being a jerk," Emma said.
"And bypassing every barrier they put in her way," Dan chuckled.
"Oh, please it's not like when you got shipped off to the Falkland's," Emma said. "That was tricky, this time it was just a big scary, there are landmines go away message, but I was in the middle of a UN camp far away from the closest minefield. Plus, there would have been signs and there were no signs so I knew it was fake," Emma said. "But enough of that it's time for Lichtenstein, and you have to tell me all about school," Emma said putting an arm around her daughter's shoulder.
"It's not fair," Astoria mumbled watching Hermione leave with her parents, while her cheek still stung from where her mother slapped her.
Break
"Emma, Dan, Hermione, welcome back," Hans called out as they entered the hotel.
"It's a pleasure to be back Hans," Dan said.
"We have your cabin ready for you," Hans said.
"But…" Dan said.
"The fairies wish to express their gratitude for what you did," Hans whispered.
"Emma just does that sort of thing," Dan said looking at his wife.
"Dad can I…." Hermione said, already looking at the lake as she pulled her skates out of her suitcase.
"Sure, we'll catch up with you later," Emma said.
"Thanks mom, I'll see you later bye," Hermione said as she raced towards the ice.
"Ria!" Hermione yelled waving as she put her skates on.
"Hu," Ria muttered, turning towards the girl calling her name.
"Ria! It's me," Hermione called stepping onto the ice.
"Um excuse me do I know you," Ria said looking down at the girl.
"It's me don't you remember," Hermione said.
"Um….. Sorry…. I don't….." Ria said scratching the back of her head.
"Oh come on I got you an autograph…" Hermione pouted.
"Hermione!" Ria yelped as she fell to the ice in shock. "But how….."
"I lost some weight and well my hair had a little accident with fire," Hermione said nervously. "Does it look bad…"
"No, it's really cute," Ria said. "I'm just surprised it's like you're a completely different person."
"Sometimes I feel like I am," Hermione muttered as Ria stood up. "Oh and I've been practicing and took some ballet lessons. I'm like way better now," Hermione said as she spun in a tight circle.
"Show me what you've learned then," Ria said with a smile.
"You got it," Hermione said, building up speed as she circled the lake.
"She has gotten better," Ria said watching Hermione cross step as she took a tight turn. "Much better," she gasped as Hermione raised her right leg backwards parallel to the ice leaning forward with her arms out holding a long glide before she had to turn again. "Ok seriously where did she learn that," Ria blurted out as Hermione turned around out of the turn gliding backward as she pulled her left leg up and forward by the skate straining to hold the horizontal position as she drifted by Ria.
"Forward glide, backward glide and leg lifts, now for," Hermione said to herself swinging her leg back. "Bunny hop," Hermione said, jumping off her right leg and landing on her left in a tiny jump. "Hehehehe," Hermione giggled as Ria's eyes seemed to bug out of their sockets. "And spin," she said entering a spin. Hermione managed to hold it for a few seconds before falling over her eyes swirling.
"Hermione that was amazing," Ria exclaimed, rushing over to the fallen Hermione as several people who stopped to watch began clapping.
"Dizzy," Hermione muttered as the world stopped spinning. "I'm still working on the spins, do you think….."
"Yes, Ria said.
"I didn't get to ask anything," Hermione said.
"You are going to ask me to train you and the answer is yes," Ria said.
"I just wanted a few more lessons," Hermione said blushing as she looked down at the ice pressing her index fingers together.
"You don't need lessons, you need training, and time on the ice," Ria said. "So you are going to practice in the morning and then help me teach lessons as a junior instructor."
"Really," Hermione squealed.
"Yes," Ria said.
"When do I start!" Hermione said.
"Don't you want to know how much you'll be paid," Ria asked.
"I can worry about that later, so what do I do first," Hermione said.
"Go put on something warmer because you will be out here a while," Ria said.
"OK, I'll be right back," Hermione said, racing off.
"Is everything ok Hermione," Emma asked as her daughter barged into the cabin and grabbed her suitcase flying into her room.
"Yes, Ria offered to train me and make me a junior instructor, gotta change quick, be back for dinner, bye," Hermione yelled, racing out in a blue track suit with white stripes down the arms and legs.
"We will see you for dinner then," Emma said.
Break
"So like what do I do first," Hermione said, virtually bouncing in place in front of her.
"Well right now I'm about to start a group lesson," Ria said. "And you can help with the demonstrations and the little ones," she added. "This is my junior instructor Hermione, she will be helping us today.
"Ok," the group said.
"Hermione," Ria said pointing to a slightly older boy at the back standing nervously on the edge of the ice.
"Don't you want to join everyone," Hermione asked.
"Scary," the boy said tentatively, putting his skate on the ice.
"It's just ice, it's not scary," Hermione said.
"What if I fall," the boy stammered.
"It happens," Hermione shrugged. "But I'll tell you a secret if you want," Hermione said.
"What's that," the boy asked.
"I've fallen tons of times, so I'll do the falling for the both of us," Hermione said purposely falling onto her but making the boy giggle.
"Really," the boy said.
"Yes, so why don't we join the others," Hermione said holding out her hand.
"Ok," the boy said tentatively, taking Hermione's hand before stepping onto the ice.
"My name is Hermione, what's your name," Hermione asked. Slowly making their way to the group.
"Frederick," the boy said looking down at her.
"Wie frederick der große," Hermione said.
"Du sprichst Deutsch," the boy gasped.
"Vielleicht ein bisschen," Hermione said.
"Cool," the boy said as the lesson continued.
"Are you ready to try skating on your own Frederick," Hermione said.
"What if I fall," Frederick asked.
"The question isn't if you fall, it's what will you do when you do. Everyone falls during their life, but the real test is what they do when that happens," Hermione said.
"What happened when you fell," Frederick asked.
"It hurt," Hermione said thinking of her first two very long years at Hogwarts. "And I thought of giving up, but the thought of giving in hurt more than anything they can do to me."
"I'm sorry," Frederick said.
"It's not your fault," Hermione said as they continued.
"Did things get better," Frederick said.
"Yes, it's much better now, thank you," Hermione said.
"How did you do it," Frederick asked.
"Well, I kinda sorta got placed in different classes this year so they are leaving me alone," Hermione said.
"Isn't that kind of like running away," Federick said.
"Es ist nicht," Hermione shot back.
"Ja, so ist es," Frederick said.
"Es ist nicht," Hermione said, pushing Frederick.
"Hey wait what are you doing!" Frederick yelled as he stumbled for a moment as he began to skate across the ice.
"See I told you, you could do it," Hermione said.
"What….. Wait….. I'm skating!" Fredrick yelled.
"Of course you are dummy," Hermione said.
"I'm really skating," Fredericka said.
"Of course you are dummkopf," Hermione said, skating next to him.
"Thank you," Frederick said.
"You're welcome," Hermione replied.
"..." Frederick opened his mouth to say something but ended up tripping over the toe pick and tumbling into the ice.
"Are you hurt," Herimone said.
"Just my pride," Frederick said.
"Pride cometh before the fall," Hermione said. "And I told you it wouldn't hurt."
"Yeah, yeah," Frederick grumbled standing up.
"Hehehe," Hermione giggled.
"Good job today Hermione," Ria said as the lessons came to an end.
"Thanks," Hermione said.
"I didn't think I would see Frederick skating on his own," Ria said.
"He just needed some encouragement," Hermione replied.
"Agreed, but what were two arguing about," Ria asked.
"Nothing," Hermione said.
"Oh I see how it is…..," Ria smiled. "You like him…."
"No I don't," Hermione huffed.
"Hahahaha, I'll see you tomorrow morning," Ria said before leaving.
Break
"Care if I join you," Emma said as Hermione was about to start her yoga and pilates routine.
"Sure," Hermione said as they began. She patiently worked through the basics with her mother before adding in her more advanced poses as her mother repeated simpler ones.
"Hermione," Emma asked, taking a short break.
"Yeah," Hermione said, pushing up into a handstand.
"So I was thinking, your gemstones act like magical batteries right," Emma asked.
"Yes, some of them are basically magical batteries," Hermione said.
"Do you think I could use magic since the stones would provide the energy," Emma said as Hermione froze and then crashed to the ground. "Hermione are you ok, did I say something wrong."
"Ouchy," Hermione muttered. "What were you asking about?"
"I was asking if you think it might be possible to use your gemstones as batteries to power a magical spell. You know like putting batteries in a flashlight."
"Mom that's….. Not a crazy idea," Hermione said. "Whatever made you think of it."
"Humans can't make electricity biologically, but we use it all the time and it can be stored," Emma said.
"Right, I will need to mail some people," Hermione said. "So for now let's move onto Pilates and then some ballet to end."
"Slave driver," Emma groaned.
"It's your fault you know," Hermione said.
"How is it my fault," Emma said.
"You got me ice skates," Hermione said.
"That doesn't make any sense," Emma sighed.
"Just think of how much healthier you'll be," Hermione said.
"I bet your father will like that," Emma said with a sly grin.
"Mom," Hermione hissed.
"Hehehehehehehe," Emma said thinking of how Dan might like it if she had a little less junk in the trunk.
"I am too young for this," Hermione groaned.
Break
"So what am I learning today, how to spin without getting dizzy or those cool jumps you do, or….." Hermione said, vibrating with excitement.
"Nope," Ria said. "You're doing figures,"
"Figures," Hermione asked.
"Yes, figures," Ria said, carving a figure 8 into the ice with her skates. "It's the basics of figure skating, and teaches you how to use the edge. You have to know the basics before you do the advanced skills."
"Right," Hermione said.
Break
Dear Mrs. Tepes,
Merry Christmas, if vampires celebrate the holiday. I hope you are staying warm in Romania, and I have a question. It is actually my mother, but here it is. Is it possible for a person who does not have magic to use magic if it's powered by a charged up gemstone? I know there are items that run on magic provided by the user, but what if a gemstone provided the power? If a gemstone could act like a battery then a non magical person could use certain magical objects. If I could get it to work I could maybe make some sort of shield or protective jewelry so then my parents would have some defense.
Thank you,
Hermione Granger
"That is genius," Maria exclaimed. "Why hasn't anyone thought of that before."
"Thought of what before," Alucard said.
"Hermione wants to use charged gemstones to power a magic system that non magical people could use," Maria said.
"Like magical batteries," Alucard mused.
"Yes, she said that," Maria said, showing him the letter.
"A very curious girl," Alucard said.
"We should help," Maria said. "If she made it work, it could completely change the world."
"Agreed, I'll send her the books we have on gem magic and a supply of high quality gems," Alucard said.
"You big softy," Maria laughed.
"Just make her promise not to destroy the castle," Alucard said.
Hermione,
Your idea is not crazy or stupid it is very smart, and I only wish I had thought of it first. While there are some items that do not need magic to work like trunks, and bags with expanded storage, they are all passive in nature. No one has yet to make an active magical item like a broom that can be used by non-magical individuals. But with your gem idea it might actually be possible. Honestly I would start by looking at muggle items that use batteries for a base. Oh and I threw in a couple of books on runes, and magic circles as those will help you in your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Maria Tepes
PS- Alucard set along a supply of high-quality gems and just asks that you promise not to wreck the castle. I think he is still testy about when Sypha wrecked it several centuries ago.
PPS- give these to your parents, it's not much but it will give them a basic level of protection and you can recharge them when they run dry.
"Hermione you didn't by chance rob a jewelry store while I wasn't looking," Dan said, gaping at the sack of jewels laying at her daughters' feet.
"No," Hermione said. "Mr. and Mrs. Tepes sent these to help with a project I am working on.
"Ok, because that kinda looks like the hope diamond," Dan said.
"Oh please this is only 30 carats and the hope diamond is 45 carats," Hermione replied holding up a large blue diamond.
"I'll take your word for it," Dan said before walking away.
"Dad," Hermione called out.
"What is it," he said, turning around.
"This is for you," Hermione said, handing him an expensive Rolex watch.
"What's this," Dan said.
"Well um you see, I'm….." Hermione stammered.
"She worried for us and got her friends to make us protective items," Emma said, showing off her own watch.
"So is it like a James Bond watch, how do I activate it," Dan said excitedly.
"Dad, Dan," Emma and Hermione groaned.
Break
"That's a lovely owl," Emma said looking out the window as a large snowy owl landed on the porch railing.
"What color is it," Hermione asked.
"White as freshly fallen snow," Emma said.
"It's Harry's,'' she said jumping up from the couch racing outside.
"A boyfriend," Dan said as Hermione returned.
"He's not my boyfriend," a flustered Hermione said.
"Yet," Emma snickered.
"Mom, he is just a boy who is my friend, like Neville," Hermione said, opening the letter.
Merry Christmas Hermione,
I hope you are enjoying the holiday, it is as cold as ever here in Scotland, but something tells me you would enjoy that. Anyway I wanted to ask you if being a parseltongue makes me evil, because Ron says that Voldemort is evil and is Parseltoungue? Plus some of the other students seem to be scared of me now, because there has never been a good wizard who was a parseltongue. I understand if you don't want to be my friend now.
Your Friend,
Harry
"He did what!" Hermione screamed at the letter.
"Hermione what's wrong," Dan asked.
"Ron told Harry that because he can talk to snakes that he must be evil. So, Harry thinks that makes him like Voldemort," Hermione explained rapidly
"I feel I am missing some important information," Dan said.
"Long story short, Voldemort is a super evil wizard who is trying to take over the world, and Harry's parents fought against him. So Voldemort and his goons attacked them. Snape killed Harry's dad, and Voldemort killed Harry's mom, but she did something so that when he attacked Harry he lost his body," Hermione said quickly. "Did I say something wrong," Hermione said as her parents looked at her.
"You said Voldemort is not trying to take over the world," Dan said.
"And that jerk Snape killed Harry's dad," Emma said.
"And that Voldemort only lost his body," Dan added.
"Oh….." Hermione said before her head dropped. "Crap Baskets, can you just kinda sorta forget that part."
"Why…." Dan said.
"Because I don't want you to get hurt," Hermione said.
"While your father and I appreciate your sentiments, we are adults and not defenseless. Now how did you learn all of this," Emma asked.
"At the end of last year Harry and I faced Voldemort who was possessing Professor Quierell, and he kind of told us," Hermione said.
"Why," Dan asked.
"Because it's what you do," Hermione said.
"What you do?" Dan asked.
"Bad guys are stupid, so Harry kept him talking while I worked on getting us free," Hermione said.
"Smart girl," Dan said, patting her head.
"Oh and Dumbledore doesn't know that I know, because he erased Harry's memories, and well I kind of lied and said I didn't see anything because I was knocked out," Hermione said. "So please don't tell anyone else about this except Perenelle Flamel, she knows, because Voldemort got the Philosopher's Stone."
"Your secret is safe with us," her parents said, hugging her.
"Can you tell Ria I'm going to be late for the lessons because I need to write to some people," Hermione said after enjoying the hug.
"No problem," Emma said.
Merry Christmas Harry,
Stop being stupid, that's Ron's job. You are not evil, not now, not ever, so don't even think about it. You are Harry Potter, my friend. With that out of the way, how is the temperature of the castle, is it freezing? I thought it was bad in my first year, but now it's not so bad, of course Lichtenstein since it's way up in the mountains. Oh and the food is really good to German beef stew is the best. I hope Hegwid didn't eat all of it. I have to run, I am teaching lessons with Ria. Enjoy the stew and the presents.
Still your Friend,
Hermione
"You carried that all the way here," Harry said looking at the large container Hegwid was still standing on.
"Hoot, Hoot," Hedgwid replied.
"Yes, I know you're a strong owl, and I will let you have some," Harry said opening the container. "It looks delicious," Harry said as a smaller package fell on the floor.
"What's this," Harry said, opening it.
PS- These are quidditch goggles so you don't have to squint when going super fast or worry about your glasses getting broken during a game.
"Thanks Hermione," Harry said but what do I get Hermione, before slamming his fist into his hand. "Neville will know he's good with girls and stuff."
Break
Ms. Matou,
I was wondering if you might be able to tell me about parseltongues. See my friend Harry just discovered he was one, and his friend Ron Weasley told him he's evil because Voldemort is a parseltongue. So my friend thinks that this makes him evil, and he can't find anything about it. I would really appreciate it if you could help.
Sincerely,
Hermione
PS- Do you know of anything that can petrify without turning people to stone because a bunch of people got attacked at my school and are petrified. I heard it in the walls one night and Harry thought he heard it say kill.
"Anna sit down," a stern female voice said.
"But Mom," Anna groaned.
"No buts," the older woman with light purple hair said. "Now what has you all hot and bothered, is it that Gilderoy boy again.
"No," Anna squeaked.
"Then what is the problem," the woman said looking over Anna's shoulder at the letter. "Oh my that is a problem.
"I'm going to….," Anna hissed.
"Write a nice letter to Ron Weasley explaining things, and then you can do research about the monster in the walls," her mother said. "And I will call your sisters to make sure they aren't causing trouble.
Break
"Ron you have a letter," Molly called out.
"Who's it from," Ron said.
"A Miss Anna Matou," Molly read.
"Does dear Ronnikins have a girlfriend," the twins said.
"I don't know of any student by that name," Percey said.
"Ron what did you do," Bill said, rushing into the room.
"Nothing," Ron said.
"Ron you don't get a letter from her for doing nothing," Bill said.
"Do you know this girl William," Molly asked.
"She's not a girl…. She is a woman and the head of the Greek Hitwizard Corps, and the single scariest woman I have ever met," Bill said.
"Ron what did you do," Molly growled opening the letter.
Dear Ronald Weasley,
It has come to my attention that you consider parseltongues to be evil because of the actions of a few individuals. Now I realise that you are a child and as such have simplistic thoughts combined with a lack of knowledge. I can do nothing for your thought patterns but I can at least try to educate you. It is not a person's abilities that make them evil, but a person's words and actions. Snake's and those who can speak to them might be reviled in England but it is a different story in other parts of the world. Snakes currently have a prominent positive role in Indian Hinduism, Hatian Voodoo, and Japanese Shinto. Not to mention all of the ancient cultures that viewed snakes favorably. Plus they are very good at dealing with rodents. So I respectfully ask that you pull your head out of your posterior.
Please grow up,
Anna Matou
"I am so dead," Ron muttered.
"Ron, room now," Molly hissed. Ron didn't even bother to say a word as he raced up to his room.
"At least she stuck to words this time," William muttered.
"William, what did she do to scare you this much," Molly asked.
"Several Goblins called her a stupid human woman, so she gave them a time out," William said.
"That doesn't sound so bad," Molly said.
"With her eyes mom, she has mystic eyes and she froze them, and proceeded to kill the mummies the goblins accidentally released," Bill explained.
"That doesn't sound so bad," Charlie said.
"She melted them with a spell called Pandemonium Cetus fired from her mouth," Bill said.
"So she's kinda like a dragon… cool," Charlie said with stars in his eyes before Bill smacked him on the back of the head.
"No," Bill said.
"But…." Charlie protested.
"No…." Bill said.
"But how did she even meet Ron or know what he did," Molly asked.
"Ron called Harry evil, and I think Hermione knows Ms. Matou," Ginny said from where she was sitting in the corner of the room.
"RON!" Molly Weasley roared.
Break
Dear Harry Potter,
Being a parcel tongue does not make you evil. I should know, because I am one and the Greek Magical Government is not in the habit of hiring evil people.
Colonel Anna Matou of the Greek Magical Hit Wizard corp
"Thanks Hermione," Harry whispered, holding the letter close to his chest.
Break
"Is there a problem Gilderoy," Pomna asked, looking at the shock and horror written on the man's face.
"Nothing," Gilderoy squeaked.
"Oh that is not nothing," Septima said.
"Someone got a love letter," Babbage said.
"I did not," Gilderoy shot back as the letter was plucked from his hands.
"It's a woman's handwriting," Septima said, looking over Sprout's shoulder.
Dear Idiot aka Gilderoy,
Why is holy hell did you not tell me you have something at your school that can petrify people and can be heard by a parseltongue. Now don't worry I've already spoken to my sisters and they are not pulling pranks. Which means you have a problem, figure it out or I am coming up there as soon as my current assignment is done. Now don't you go dying on me you hear.
Anna Matou
PS- Don't make me talk to my aunt
Break
"Hermione," Emma said.
"Yeah mom," Hermione replied, poking her head out of her room.
"If we remember correctly you are allowed a magical pet at school," Emma said.
"Yes," Hermione said.
"Good because with all of the letters you were sending out, your father and I would like to get you a magical bird of your own," Emma said.
"Really," Hermione gasped.
"Yes," Emma said.
"Thanks mom," Hermione said, tackling her mother in a hug.
"Oof," Emma grunted. "I even asked Hans where to get one, and there is a shop in town that sells them."
"Awesome," Hermione said.
"There's no barrier," Hermione muttered as they walked into the magical section of Liechtenstein.
"That's because the magical community in Lichtenstein is pretty small and well integrated into the rest of the country," Ria said where she sat across the street.
"Ria you're a witch," Hermione blurted out.
"She's a witch," Emma said.
"I'm not a witch," Ria said.
"But you're wearing a robe," Emma said.
"It's cold out and it's actually an overcoat," Ria said, putting her arms in the sleeves of the great coat.
"But you're sitting in the magical section," Hermione said.
"The magical shops here cater to magicals and non magicals," Ria replied.
"... Oh…. I see where this is going," Emma muttered.
"See what, I'm not a witch," Ria said.
"But you are a Monty Python fan and let's stop before this gets ridiculous," Emma said.
"Spoilsport," Ria muttered. "I am what the British would call a squib. I can see the magic and use a few magical items, but I can't generate magic myself," Ria explained.
"I'm sorry," Hermione said thinking of and how he was treated.
"Don't be, Lichtenstein isn't like Britain or France, no bias against squibs here," Ria said. "Anyway I was going to ask you this later, but since you're here now I might as well."
"What's that," Emma said.
"Well the hotel was impressed with the little figure skating display I did last year and wants me to do a bigger one this year," Ria said.
"That was amazing last year, and I bet this year is going to be even better," Hermione gushed.
"Well duh," Ria laughed. "That's because you are going to be in it."
"Say what," Hermione said, gaping at Ria.
"Do you want to perform at the winter celebration we will be having after Christmas?" Ria asked.
"She says yes," Emma chuckled as Hermione remained frozen.
"Great, we'll start working on her performance tomorrow," Ria said before leaving.
"Mom what just happened," Hermione asked.
"Ria asked you to be part of the winter festival and I said that you would be happy to," Emma said.
"But…." Hermione stammered.
"But what," Emma said.
"I'm the uncute uncoordinated little runt, these sort of things don't happen to me," Hermione said.
"Ok that does it," Emma said, pulling Hermione along.
"Mom where are we going," Hermione asked.
"Shopping, it's time I put this to a rest," Emma said entering a small boutique that was just opening for the first time.
"Guten Nachmittag," Emma said as they entered the shop.
"Willkommen! Wie kann ich dir helfen," the saleswoman replied.
"Um sorry that's all the German…." Emma stammered.
"She said welcome how can I help you," Hermione said.
"Since when do you speak German," Emma said looking at her daughter.
"A while now," Hermione said.
"Good you can teach me some so I can read the menu," Emma said softly. "Yes, my daughter lost weight recently and I'd like to get her a new wardrobe," Emma said.
"Mom," Hermione said looking up at her mother.
"Sure you need cute clothes and stuff," Emma said.
"Yes, certainly is there a price range," the saleswoman said as Hermione translated.
"No," Emma said, surprising Hermione and the saleswoman.
"Mom….." Hermione said, pulling her down.
"Your dad and I are doing quite well these days, and I am allowed to spoil my daughter," Emma said.
"Skuld what's going on," another woman said entering the shop.
"Just our first customer mom," Skuld said.
"Welcome to our humble little shop, my name is Belldandy," the woman said.
"Did you make these yourself," Emma asked as she looked at the clothes
"Yes," Belldandy said hesitantly.
"Excellent, I love shopping in local stores," Emma said as the shopping spree began.
"Did you find something you liked," Emma asked.
"Yes," Hermione said with a handful of clothes. "And I found something for you."
"You did," Emma said.
"Yes, try this on," Hermione said, handing her several items as she pushed her towards a dressing room.
"Alright, alright, I'll try it on," Emma said. "Is this wool? It is so soft…." Emma called out looking at a simple white turtleneck sweater.
"Dahu cashmere to be exact," Skuld said.
"Dahu….." Emma said.
"Think of a magical mountain goat that grows the best cashmere," Skuld said.
"Amazing," Emma said, putting on the sweater, following it up with a calf length purple skirt, and leather boots. "And when did you guys grow," Emma said looking at her reflection in the mirror, her small breasts looking nearly a full size bigger.
"It's our patented wonderbra that accentuates and enhances a woman's natural attributes." Skuld said through the door.
"Come on mom," Hermione pestered.
"Ok, I'm coming," Emma said, stepping out.
"Nailed it," Hermione cheered.
"I will admit it is nice," Emma said. "But when did I get taller," Emma muttered looking at how she was further above Hermione than she thought, and closer in height to skuld.
"Heels, duh," Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
"And where is your outfit," Emma said. "Up there," Hermione said pointing to the counter.
"Would it be alright if we wore them out?" Emma asked.
"Certainly," Skuld said.
"I think you should wear the purple one, it's really cute," Emma said.
"Ok," Hermione said, racing off.
"We have a coat that would go well with that outfit," Skuld said softly.
"Are you trying to cross sell me," Emma said.
"Um…. Yes…." Skuld murmured carefully looking at Emma.
"Good job," She laughed. "Now where is this coat."
"So what do you think," Hermione said spinning around in her new purple overcoat that hung down to her knees, the hem of her white skirt showing slightly as it rose up. A tall purple hat, calf high boots, and a white scarf completed the outfit.
"Perfect," Emma said, giving her daughter a thumbs up.
"Very cute," Skuld said.
"Really," Hermione said excitedly.
"Yes," Skuld and Belldandy said.
"See I told you," Emma said. "And are you sure that's all you want," Emma said.
"Mom it's….." Hermione stammered holding up a price tag.
"Not a problem, so go find a few more, I'm sure Skuld can help you," Emma pressed.
"Yes, certainly," Skuld said.
"Miss I hate to ask but," Belldandy said.
"You do take credit cards, because I can go get a withdrawal from the local Dwarven exchange in the trade district, it's just all those coins are a pain to carry," Emma said, handing her a black credit card.
"No we take credit cards…." Belldandy said boggling at the card in her hand. "Wait….. You are that Emma Granger….." Belldandy gasped.
"Why does everyone react like that," Emma pouted.
"It's not everyday a person defends other magical races," Belldandy said.
"Why does that matter, kids are kids and should be cherished, who cares if they look or act a little different," Emma said.
"I agree, but some people….." Belldandy said.
"Will get in line or I will….." Emma huffed.
"Throw something at them," Belldandy chuckled.
"I only did that once, ok maybe a bit more than once, but good people get head pats, and bad people get the stick," Emma huffed as Belldandy laughed.
Break
"Mom, where did you put everything," Hermione asked as they left the boutique.
"You don't need magic to use an expanded purse," Emma said, patting her new purse. "Magic is amazing, can you imagine what the world could accomplish if science and magic were melded together," Emma said.
"Maybe a little," Hermione said as a mother and daughter came up to them.
"Excuse me," the woman asked in German.
"Ja," Hermione replied.
"My daughter really likes your hat and was wondering where you got it," the woman asked.
"It's from the new store Voluspa a few buildings down on the right," Hermione said.
"Thank you," the woman replied.
"What was that all about," Emma asked.
"They liked my hat and wanted to know where to get one," Hermione replied.
"I see, and you realize this means I'm going to have to learn German now," Emma said.
"Ja," Hermione said as not long after a woman was asking about Emma's boots.
"So is it just owls, or can you use any bird as a magical mail carrier," Emma asked as they entered a magical pet store.
"Not sure," Hermione replied.
"Well this is certainly more exoctic than our neighborhood pet store," Emma said looking at a cat with a snake like tail.
"I think that's a Tatzelwurm," Hermione said.
"How can I help you today?" the clerk asked.
"I am looking for a magical bird to deliver mail," Hermione said.
"We have plenty of owls," the man said pointing to a wall full of owls.
"These are very nice," Emma said looking at the owls.
"I know but I was looking for something," she said thinking of owls used by the trio. "A bit more regal, perhaps." Hermione said in German so her mom wouldn't know.
"Ah yes, we do have several eagles if you would like," the man said leading them into a back room.
"Wow," Emma gasped. "I've never seen a bird this big before," Emma said.
"Golden Eagles are the fifth largest species of eagle," the man explained.
"How about this one," Hermione said, picking the largest of the bunch.
"Hermione it looks like it could pick you up and fly away with you," Emma said.
"I'm not that small," Hermione pouted.
"No, but that bird is just so big," Emma said.
"I know that's what makes her so awesome," Hermione said.
"It seems we have a winner," the clerk said.
"I guess so, but can you even carry it," Emma said.
"Ja," Hermione said, activating her reinforcement magic to strengthen her muscles.
"I guess we have a winner then," Emma said with a smile.
"I'm going to call you Valefor," Hermione said as the Eagle trilled happily.
Break
"Are you ready," Ria asked as Hermione did some last minute stretches.
"I guess, I'm a little nervous," Hermione replied.
"That is natural," Ria said. "And remember no magic since this is open to everyone."
"Right ," Hermione said before skating out to the middle of the lake.
"I've been seeing it and I know it's coming but I still don't believe it," Dan muttered as Hermione waited for the music to play.
"It's like she's a fairy," Emma said as Hermione began to glide across the ice to a playful melody. Her blue and white outfit sparkling in the twilight as the moon rose into the sky. A smile on her face as she landed a simple bunny hop wobbling a bit on the landing.
"Who hasn't quite figured out how to fly yet," Dan said as Hermione stumbled falling onto the ice after another round of bunny hops.
"It's just a fall, I can do this," Hermione said looking at the ice.
"Du kannst es schaffen, Hermione," several of the kids she'd taught yelled.
"Yes, yes, I can," Hermione said, hopping up clapping her hands with the music as she rounded the lake building up speed and getting the crowd clapping along with her before entering a long glide her right leg up in the air as she leaned forward arms out to her sides, light brown hair blowing in the wind as if she was flying.
"But she does know how to work the crowd," Emma said as the crowd clapped and cheered along with her. Emma wasn't enough of an expert to know if it was planned, improvisation, or dumb luck, but as Hermione came to the end of a glide as the wind picked up wobbling as she entered a spin as if the wind knocked the fairy off course. Exiting the spin Hermione circled the lake building up speed, before swinging her leg back and launching into the air landing a single toe loop. The fairy finally took flight smiling as she finished up the routine with a second single toe loop ending with a spin as the music finally stopped.
"And she finally did learn to fly," Dan said with a smile as the crowd erupted in cheers.
"Mama Papa hast du das gesehen?" Hermione said racing over to her parents.
"Ja," Emma said.
"You did great," Dan added.
"I did make a few mistakes," Hermione said.
"It was your first performance, a few mistakes are a given, but you recovered well, and the way you got the crowd into it, amazing," Ria said.
"Thanks, it just seemed like the right thing to do. It's a festival everyone should be having fun," Hermione said.
"Hahahahaha, right you are," Ria said. "But before you go enjoy the rest of the festival I do have something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Did I do something wrong," Hermione said.
"No, nothing of the sort," Ria said. "There is a small magical figure skating competition coming up and I was wondering if you would like to compete."
"Magical….. Figure skating….." Dan and Emma said.
"Yes, you use your skates to carve runes into the ice, that you then activate to create an artistic display," Ria explained.
"That's why you focused on the figures so much," Hermione said.
"Guilty as charged," Ria shrugged. "So are you interested."
"Yes," Hermione blurted out.
"Great, it's the weekend after New Years, will it be a problem," Ria said.
"No," Emma said.
"That's going to make getting back for the train tight," Hermione said.
"No one said you had to take the train, and we'll figure it out," Dan said.
"Thanks, this is gonna be great," Hermione cheered.
Break
"Astoria!" Catherine bellowed and her voice seemed to shake the walls of the house. "Where is that girl," Catherine hissed. "Ugh the music room again," she groaned hearing the piano playing. "Well at least it's passable."
"Mom," Astoria squeaked looking up from where she was practicing.
"We need to talk," Catherine said, pulling out her wand.
"I'm sorry I didn't hear you. I was playing the piano," Astoria stammered slowly backing away.
"I am trying to consider what is worse," Catherine said. "The fact that you were playing the piano, when you are grounded."
"You only said I couldn't leave the house," Astoria murmured.
"Flagellum," Catherine hissed, slashing her wand at Astoria a yellow strand of magic cutting into Astoria like a whip. "Did I say you could talk,"
"No," Astoria whimpered.
"Now as I was saying the second being that you are a fat ugly child, who seems incapable of even following your diet," Catherine said with another slash of her whip. Astoria could do little more than cry out in pain and huddle in the corner as the blows came down. "Then there is the fact that you have been made a dorm maid. No Greengrass has ever had that punishment. I expect better of my own flesh and blood. Daphne is what a true Greengrass should be, so get your act together."
"I will try harder…" Astoria whimpered.
"No you will do better or suffer the consequences," Catherine said.
Break
Dear Emma,
I hope you and Hermione are enjoying the holidays, It's been horrible for me here, my mother keeps saying I'm a terrible person because I'm not like Daphne. I can't understand she's so mean and just so perfect do I need to just be mean to be a good person? Would Hermione still like me If I was like that?. I know Hermione and Daphne don't get along.
Astoria
Break
"Must rest brain," Hermione groaned as she stumbled into the cabin.
"That bad," Dan chuckled.
"Figure skating's easy, trying to do magic while figure skating not so much," Hermione said before collapsing on the couch. "And my braces hurting doesn't help matters much."
"I can help with one of those," Dan said, getting up.
"What makes magical figure skating so hard," Emma asked.
"I have to mark a magical pattern on the ice, which isn't too hard since Ria's been drilling me on skating figures. The hard part is focusing on the spell to make sure all the parts go off right. The height, color, temperature of the ice," Hermione said.
"That does sound complicated," Emma said.
"It's like trying to look two different ways at the same time.
"Interesting….." Emma muttered. "Hermione can I ask you something?"
"Sure what is it," Hermione said.
"The circles you carve into the ice, they form the basis for the spell, using magic channeled through the blade of the skate correctly," Emma said.
"Um yes," Hermione said.
"So it's kind of like a computer program," Emma said.
"I guess so," Hermione said.
"So why can't add more to the figures you carve in the ice to take some of the pressure off like how wand movements make a spell easier. Oh and I think you're overthinking it again, magic works on concepts and ideas, remember," Emma said.
"Mom thats….. genius …"Hermione gasped. "And when did you know so much about magic…."
"She got bored and started reading some of your books, now open up," Dan said.
"Hey knowing is half the battle and if my daughter is going to magical school then I damn well better know what they are talking about," Emma huffed as a large owl arrived. "A letter from Astoria," Emma said, walking out to retrieve the letter.
"So how is it," Hermione mumbled as her father examined her braces.
"Looks like you're getting them off early," Dan said. "But you'll have to wear a retainer for a while."
"Yes," Hermione cheered as a distressed Emma returned. "Mom, is there something wrong."
"Hermione can I borrow Valefor," Emma asked.
"Sure whats up," Hermione said.
"How is Astoria doing?" Emma asked.
"She's kinda gained some weight, and isn't doing well in class, but she's not failing either, I did give her my old glasses because she's been squinting a lot. It's kinda been cray with the whole Johanna thing, and I wanted to catch up with her on the train but I couldn't find her," Hermione said.
"Did you look very hard," Emma asked looking Hermione in the eyes.
"Not really, I was having fun with Anna, Belle, and Elizabeth and figured Astoria needed some space. Why are you asking," Hermione said.
"Because Astoria just sent me a letter asking if she was a bad girl and if you were still her friend," Emma said holding up the letter.
"Yes, I'm still her friend," Hermone blurted out. "I'm gonna fix this," Hermione said.
Break
Astoria,
You big dummy I'm your friend, because you're you. And you don't need to be a terrible person to be any of the things that Daphne is. The world would be boring if everyone was like little miss prissy pants tomato face. If you want help on stuff all you need to do is ask.
Merry Christmas,
Hermione
PS- I hope you like the Chloe doll she is Ilya's twin sister
Astoria,
I am so sorry things are not going well for you right now. You are you, not a terrible person, not Daphne, and not your mother. Also I don't see how you can be good or morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious and terrible or extremely unpleasant or disagreeable at the same time. The two words are mutually exclusive and I think you are a good girl. You don't need to be anyone other than yourself, the kind girl I helped at the train station, and the girl who became friends with Hermione. If you need help being your best you, all you need to do is ask, and we will all help you.
Emma
PS- Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
"A Chloe doll," Astoria gasped, tears flowing down her face as she clutched the doll rereading the letter again and again. "But what does being my best me mean?"
Break
"Hermione what did you do," Ria said as Hermione came off the ice to loud applause.
"Magical figure skating," Hermione replied.
"I know magical figure skating, and that was not magical figure skating," Ria pressed.
"Yes, it was," Hermione said.
"No it wasn't, magical figure skating creates statues out of ice and sometimes illusions or one off effects. You made a fairy statue float into the air, without a wand," Ria said.
"It's all my mom's fault," Hermione said pointing to her mother.
"How is it my fault," Emma said.
"You said to just add stuff to the spell I was carving in the ice with my skates, so I added a float spell," Hermione said.
"She does have a point dear," Dan said.
"You can do that," Ria gasped.
"I dunno, nobody said I couldn't do it," Hermione replied.
"And it looks like the judges are as confused as you are," Dan said looking at the confused judges.
"Crap baskets are going to disqualify me," Hermione said as the deliberation continued.
"I don't think so," Ria said as the deliberation seemed to end.
"Oh, come on get on with it you old fogies," several people yelled from the crowd.
"How could you not see that was awesome," another voice cried out.
"So cool," several more chimed in.
"Oh, come on," more people yelled as the score came up.
"Boo, she deserved better," more people chimed in.
"I got 10th," Hermione exclaimed.
"Sure, looks like it," Ria said.
"I'm not sure the crowd agrees," Dan chuckled as a tomato was launched into the judge's box.
"I got 10th…. I can't believe it. I actually did good in sports, I never do good in sports," Hermione muttered still in shock.
"Not anymore it seems," Emma said.
"Who knew my klutzy daughter would turn out to be so graceful," Emma laughed.
"Mom," Hermione squealed.
"I'm with your mother on this one," Dan laughed.
Break
"Wait!" a breathless Ria cried out racing up to them as they checked out.
"Ria!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Norway, Olympics, opening ceremony, Hermione, perform," Ria said between breaths.
"Calm down Ria," Emma said.
"What's going on," Dan asked.
"I think we all want to know that dad," Hermione said.
"I just got a letter from the Norwegian Olympic committee, asking me to come up with a routine highlighting Sami culture, specifically they want a big moving ice sculpture for the figure skating portion of the opening ceremonies," Ria said.
"Congratulations Ria," Emma said.
"Small problem, I didn't teach Hermione how to do that, and I'm just a squib, I couldn't pull that off even if I tried," Ria said.
"So, Hermione can you help me," Ria asked.
"Yes, but on one condition," Hermone said, smirking a bit.
"What's that," Ria said.
"You are doing it with me," Hermione said with a face splitting grin.
"But how I can't do magic on that scale, I'm a squib remember," Ria blurted out.
"You just let me worry about that part," Hermione said.
"Hermione what are you doing," Dan asked.
"I'm helping," Hermione beamed.