Chapter 29- You're going to do what
January 1994
"Do not punish the child for the sins of the adult," Elizabeth Lestrange.
"How was your break Millie," Neville asked as Millie had her head stuck in an old notebook of some kind.
"It was ok," Millie sighed, not once looking up from the book, her eyes appearing glassed over.
"Is something wrong," Neville asked. "How is Steve," Neville asked as the snake's head poked out of Millie's coat looking at Neville and then at the book. If snakes could glare Neville was pretty sure Steve was trying to shoot fireballs from his eyes at the book. With what could only be described as a frustrated hiss before he lunged at the book sinking his fangs into it.
"No Steve," Millie shrieked. "That's a bad Steve," she yelled as the Adder hung from the book by its jaws. "No biting things Steve," Millie yelled before Steve swung its tail up and smacked Millie across the face breaking her grip on the book. Freed from Millie's grip Steve was able to wrap itself tightly around the book as he drained all of his venom into the pages, before releasing it.
"Naughty," Millie said, picking Steve up and putting him in his glass enclosure.
"I don't think he likes that book very much," Neville said.
"Neville, when did you get here," Millie squeaked.
"I've been here the whole time," Neville said as the sound of the train rolling across the tracks filled the compartment.
"Oh," Millie blushed. "I don't know what came over me there for a second," Millie muttered.
"It's ok," Neville said seeing the light return to Millie's eyes. "You know we could ask Harry to ask Steve why he doesn't like that book of yours."
"I guess…" Millie muttered, putting the book away.
Break
"How was your break," Tracy asked Daphne as they walked up to the castle.
"It was enjoyable," Daphne replied.
"Did you get to do anything fun and exciting," Tracy asked.
"I was supposed to go to Russia for a ball, but mother decided at the last minute to only attend with my father," Daphne hissed.
"Why," Tracy asked.
"Because she was to introduce both her daughters to Baron Harkonen, but Astoria," Daphne growled.
"I'm sorry…. Eek," Astoria squealed as she tripped into a snow drift along the side of the path.
"I see…." Tracy said.
"Well my mom catered the ministry's New Year's Gala, and as such I was able to attend," Tracy said proudly.
"Oh yes, I remember seeing you there," Pansy said.
"Yes, your dress was lovely," Tracy said. "So what is the plan for our maids…."
"Millie still hasn't seemed to learn her place yet," Pansy said, still burning over having to be a maid for a day.
"What about Hermione, and …." Tracy said.
"I couldn't care less about those runts," Daphne huffed. "But we will simply keep the fact that there can only be one maid per year to ourselves. Hermione needs to remember her place, and my sister needs to shape up," Daphne said, not sparing a glance as Astoria finally pulled her head out of the snow.
Break
"So, did you here," Elizabeth said.
"Hear what," Anna asked.
"Liz made Astoria our maid," Elizabeth said. "I knew she wasn't anything special, but a maid really, that has got to be a major blow for her family."
"Why," Belle asked.
"Because, the maid or butler punishment is usually reserved for muggleborns and half-bloods to show them their proper place in society," Elizabeth said.
"Their place in society…." Anna and Belle said.
"Beneath purebloods of course," Elizabeth said matter of factly. "So, by making Astoria a maid, Liz is saying that Astoria and by extension the Greengrass family is no better than muggleborns," Elizabeth explained. "Not to mention it can also be seen as a move by the Tuttle family to increase their social standing above the Greengrass family."
"That's dumb," Anna said.
"And how do you know all this," Belle agreed.
"I am Elizabeth Lestrange, and despite my batshit crazy parents, we are still a respected pureblood family, and it is important that I know these things," Elizabeth said.
"We're first years," Anna said.
"It's never too early to start," Elizabeth said.
"Wait your mom is…...," Belle gasped.
"Yes, my mother and father are those Lestranges," Elizabeth said as the pair scooted away from her.
"And I care because…." Hermione said.
"Hermione when did you get here," everyone exclaimed.
"Long enough for me to hear your story," Hermione said. "And despite your parents, I think you are a good girl," Hermione said hugging Elizabeth.
"Wait what do you think you are doing," Elizabeth exclaimed as Hermione continued to hug her.
"I'm helping," Hermione said. "I know some of the older kids who know your family are wary of you, and you like to put up a tough front, but I think you are a good girl."
"I…." Elizabeth stammered.
"You're going to say that you're not, and that I'm stupid, but you don't really think that do you," Hermione said releasing her.
"Stupid…." Elizabeth growled.
"Next she is going to ask me what I want," Hermione said to Anna and Belle.
"Wait, what, how," Elizabeth said.
"So, what do you want," Anna asked.
"I want to start a club," Hermione said.
"And you need Elizabeth for that," Belle said.
"Yes, because the only way she'd be able to start a club in Slytherin is with the approval of an older student, and Professor Snape," Elizabeth said.
"And that is never going to happen," Belle groaned.
"Unless I have the support of a student whose family is one you do not want to have on your bad side," Elizabeth said. "So, what exactly is this club you want to start?"
"Hee-hee," Hermione giggled. "How do you feel about throwing the social order of Slytherin into chaos."
"We are so in," Anna and Belle said.
"What are you going to do," Elizabeth said.
"We are going to start a Cafe," Hermione said.
"And how is this going to upset the social order," Elizabeth asked.
"It's going to be a maid cafe," Anna said.
"You can't do anything about the cleaning duties," Belle said.
"Yet," Hermione said.
"But we can all help run a cafe," Anna said.
"Which means that people can't be singled out, removing being forced to serve others as a punishment," Elizabeth said to a smirking Hermione. "But if it became popular and we opened it up to other houses then it would be something people wanted to do. Hermione you are a devious girl."
"Hee-hee," Hermione giggled. "So are you in," Hermione said.
"Yes," Anna and Belle cheered.
"Elizabeth," Hermione said.
"Alright fine, I'll help you on one condition," Elizabeth said.
"And that is," Hermione said.
"I want a super cute uniform, Harry Potter's autograph, introduce me to Neville in a way that doesn't get me hexed and what made you come up with this scheme. With Millie and Astoria both as maids now, Liz would have been forced to cancel your punishment" Elizabeth said.
"No problem, and Millie and Astoria are my friends. It's true that I could have forced the issue but Liz could just blast me again, and I do not want to go through that again. Although your saber alter is particularly good at dealing with nightmares. She doesn't like idiots and likes to shove her sword up people's buts." Hermione chuckled. "This way I can help Millie and Astoria even when they don't want my help."
"You're trying to help them, even when they don't want your help," Elizabeth said.
"Yes, because I am their friend," Hermione said.
Break
"What's up Neville, Millie" Harry asked looking up from his book.
"Still with that…" Ron began.
"Shut up Ron," the boys said.
"Millie has something she'd like to ask you," Neville said, pushing Millie forward.
"What's up Millie, oh hey Steve," Harry said as the snake slithered out of Millie's sleeve.
"Can you ask Steve why he keeps attacking my notebook," Millie said, holding out a notebook.
"Ok….." Harry said as the snake tried and failed to bite it again. "But I'm not exactly sure how it works," Harry added looking at Steve. "Think snake," he muttered.
"You've got the right idea, just look at me and concentrate on speaking to me when you talk," Steve hissed.
"Ok," Harry replied looking at Steve. "Why are you attacking Millie's book," Harry hissed.
"Because it's evil," Steve replied.
"He says the book is evil," Harry said looking at Neville and Millie.
"It's evil, but Tom seems like a nice boy," Millie muttered holding the book tight.
"It talks to you," Neville said.
"Yes, when I write in it a boy named Tom writes back," Millie said.
"There is an evil spirit in the book," Steve said.
"What," Harry yelped.
"What is it," Neville and Millie said.
"Steve says there is an evil spirit in the book," Harry said.
"Tom's not evil, he's my friend… Like Hermione used to be…." Millie muttered.
"Did something happen between you two," Harry asked.
"Hermione has been forced to live in the first-year dorms and you already know she is in remedial classes. As a result, Millie is taking the full force of the bullying that was previously reserved for Hermione," Steve explained.
"I see," Harry said.
"Steve you're not supposed to tell him that," Millie yelped.
"You can speak parseltongue," Harry said.
"Right like that idiot can use the noble trait reserved for Salazar Slytherin himself," Draco droned in as he walked by causing Steve to look at him.
"That's rich coming from a family that is more inbred than your average pug dog," Steve said as Harry and Millie burst out laughing.
"What's so funny," Draco growled.
"Steve said you're more inbred than a pug," Millie giggled.
"I am not," Draco growled stomping his foot.
"That's what they all say," Steve hissed making Harry and Millie laugh again before Draco left.
"Now where were we before we were so rudely interrupted," Neville said.
"Millie trust me Hermione is still your friend," Harry said.
"But she's so different now…." Millie said.
"I know, but she is still the same old Hermione," Harry said.
"How can you know that," Millie said.
"..." A fragment of a memory no more than a feeling passed over him. A fleeting feeling that told him, no matter what Hermione was a good person and, on his side, regardless of what might be happening. "I don't, it's just a feeling," Harry said as Millie frowned.
"Then why…." Millie muttered.
"We all have difficulties in our lives, some are just more public than others. I also know that people can act differently showing one side to the public and another more private face. However, when it comes to Hermione, I know that she is still your friend no matter what and that is a fact." Neville said.
"Ok," Millie said.
"Now about the book," Harry said. "Where did you find it," Harry asked.
"In the abandoned bathroom haunted by the creepy girl," Millie said.
"Moaning Myrtle's bathroom," Neville said looking at Harry.
"Sure, sounds like it," Harry said. "Millie do you mind if we keep the book for a while."
"Yes," Steve hissed.
"But Steve…." Millie muttered.
"A few days isn't going to hurt you," Steve said.
"Alright," Millie finally relented, handing the book over.
"How do you understand him," Harry asked.
"I'm not a parseltongue or anything like that," Millie said quickly. "It just I can just kinda feel what he's saying sometimes and it works better when I hold him," Millie explained.
Break
"I heard another student was found petrified," a girl said.
"Crap another one," her friend replied.
"Who was it this time," Astoria asked between cookies.
"Colin Creevey," the girl said.
"The boy with the camera," Astoria said.
"Out already here have some more," Tracy said, placing another box on their table table in the common room.
"Thanks," the girls said.
"Just try not to eat them all Astoria, you're turning into a fat little piggie," Tracy said. "Even your nose is starting to turn into a little snout," she added, pressing hard on Astoria's nose. "And try to study more stupid, what are you a retarded muggle born."
"You know Daphne would kill you if she found out what you were doing," Pansy said.
"Pansy, what Daphne doesn't know won't hurt her," Tracy said.
"True, but one has to wonder what you are doing here," Pansy replied.
"What do you want?" Tracy asked.
"Whatever do you mean," Pansy stated.
"What is it going to take to buy your silence?" Tracy asked.
"Well you can start with that dress you wore to the New Years Gala," Pansy said.
"No way that's a Versace," Tracy hissed.
"Then I guess I can tell Daphne that you are force feeding her sister," Pansy said.
"Come on," Tracy growled, pulling Pansy into their dorm room.
"I knew you would see it my way," Pansy said carefully, lifting the exquisite white dress from Tracy's trunk. "Oh and of course I'll need the shoes to go with it," Pansy said, taking the heels as well.
"Of course," Tracy said.
"My final question is why," Pansy said as she put them away.
"Why what," Tracy said.
"What do you hope to gain from all this," Pansy asked.
"I'm not getting out of this one am I," Tracy said.
"No," Pansy said, locking her eyes on Tracy.
"I want to make Astoria into such a fat little pathetic turd that they will have no choice but to kick her out of the family," Tracy said.
"Not like she'll need much help," Pansy said. "But why what's in it for you?"
"I do not wish to be just a Baronet," Tracy said. "Countess Greengrass is no fool, and most likely made plans involving both of her daughters."
"Ahh I see," Pansy said.
"You wish to take Astoria's place," Pansy said, placing a hand to her chin. "Interesting," Pansy said.
"Now what's in it for you," Tracy asked.
"Friends do friends favors," Pansy said. "Now let's do something a little more elegant with your hair."
Break
"Stupid Tracy, I'll show her, who the stupid little pig is," Astoria said stomping through the potions section of the library. "I'm gonna be just like Daphne, in fact I'll be so good that I doubt they will even notice a difference. I just need some polyjuice potion and I will be all set.
"Astoria," Neville and Harry said as she turned down the stacks facing them.
"Neville, Harry, what are you doing here," Astoria blurted out.
"Nothing," Neville said.
"We're just doing some research," Harry said.
"What kind of research," Astoria asked.
"Potions," Neville said.
"So am I, which one are you looking into," Astoria asked.
"Polyjuice," Harry said.
"Oh, I'm doing the same one," Astoria replied, her smile growing a little.
"Why don't we work together then," Harry said.
"Great," Astoria said.
Break
"You wanted to see me Professor Snape," Hermione said cautiously entering his office.
"Yes," Severus said from behind his large desk. "It is about your…"
"Did something happen to Valefor," Hermione said, quickly adjusting her large glasses.
"No, your bird is," Snape said.
"Is not against the rules and I told him not to eat any of the owls or the pets of other students including Steve and Trevor," Hermione said.
"Ms. Granger, you brought a Golden Eagle to the school, a rather large golden eagle," Snape said.
"I know, isn't she the greatest, Valefor is really good at carrying big stuff for long distances," Hermione said.
"Be that as it may," Snape said.
"But I'm not breaking any school rules," Hermione said.
Snape growled slamming his fists on his desk. "Miss Granger."
"Yes," Hermione said, snapping to attention.
"While it is true that you have not broken the letter of the rule, you are breaking the spirit of the rules, upsetting the culture of the school, and causing a disruption," Snape said. "And as your magical guardian…."
"You're not," Hermione said.
"I'm not what," Snape asked.
"I know that muggle born students have a magical guardian during their time at Hogwarts and that is typically their head of house," Hermione said.
"Which means I am your magical guardian," Snape said.
"You're not," Hermione said.
"You are a muggle born student Miss Granger, why am I not your magical guardian," Snape said glaring at Hermione, and her overly large eyes courtesy of her glasses.
"Because a student is allowed to find their own guardian, and Mrs. Flamel is mine," Hermione said, handing over several documents.
"She is not a British citizen," Severus said.
"Yes, she is," Hermione giggled. "She was born in England's former holdings in France, at a time when they still held French territory technically making her an English citizen, which makes her a British citizen in addition to a French one. She even gave me this letter explaining everything." Hermione said handing it over.
"Leave now," Snape barked before Hermione scampered out.
"Nut's I was hoping to hold on to that secret a little longer.
Break
"Albus we have a problem," Severus said standing in Dumbledore's office.
"What is it," Albus said.
"This," Severus said, handing him a letter.
Dear Little Brat,
Keep your hands-off Hermione, or I am going to take a walk. A very enthusiastic walk, and I am sure you remember what happened the last time I took a walk.
Perenelle Flamel
"Oh dear," Albus sighed.
"What did she do," Snape said.
"Like their muggle counterparts, the magical German forces had to pause in the early stages of the war. That pause allowed us to evacuate a large number of people. Now many assumed that this was because the forces were over extended. They were not in fact over extended, Perenelle Flamel single handedly smashed into their lines forcing them to pause as their army of inferi was burnt to ash. She forced the muggle and magical forces to reinforce their flanks before she cut a swath straight through their lines. Only Gelert was able to drive her off," Albus explained she was the reason we had enough time to evacuate at Dunkirk. "So, it seems we will have to take a lighter touch with Ms. Granger for the time being."
"Understatement, but why didn't she," Snape asked.
"Since the end of the 100 years' war the Flamel's have taken a wait and see approach and only step in if the situation is a major threat to the world," Dumbledore said.
"I see," Snape said.
Break
"Professor Snape," Elizabeth said, opening the door to his office.
"Yes," Severus groaned as the first year entered flanked by two of her friends.
"I would like to start a club," Elizabeth said.
"What sort of club," Snape said looking down at the girls.
"A cafe," Elizabeth said.
"A cafe," Snape said.
"See a cafe, would allow us to learn and practice cooking which would benefit our skills in potions class. Taking orders and talking to customers improves memorization and social skills. No to mention leadership skills, and budgeting. Oh, and holding a full tray is really hard so balance and stuff," Elizabeth said as she began to babble.
"Enough," Snape barked as Anna and Belle huddled behind Elizabeth who despite trembling remained strong. "Give me one good reason as to why I should approve your little club."
"Crap, Hermione didn't tell us what to do if this happened," Anna whispered to Belle.
"It will be ok," Elizabeth whispered.
"What was that Ms. Lestrange," Snape pressed.
"Professor, I had hoped you would be reasonable and that it would not come to this," Elizabeth said.
"Come to what," Snape said.
"You know who my mother is, since you were both part of the same illegal organization. As such she knows many things, and while she is quite deranged, her memory is just fine and she has told me many things when I am allowed to visit her. Things that might include events that you do not wish to see made public," Elizabeth said.
"You wouldn't dare," Snape growled.
"Don't approve my club and I will," Elizabeth said.
"You're bluffing," Snape said.
"Try me," Elizabeth said. "Do you really want what my mom knows getting out."
Time slowed to a crawl as the seconds ticked by. The two glaring at each other. "You don't know anything," Snape finally said.
"Maybe, but now I have evidence of a teacher who is a former death eater, using legumency on a student," Elizabeth said.
"Prove it," Snape growled.
"Prove that you didn't," Elizabeth said.
"Fine, your club is approved," Snape growled. "Now get out."
Break
"We got it," Anna and Belle cheered after returning to the dorms.
"Thank you, Elizabeth," Hermione said hugging the girl.
"Don't ever make me do that again," Elizabeth said slumping over as the adrenaline left her.
"What happened," Hermione said.
"Legumency," Elizabeth muttered.
"I'm sorry, if I knew he would do that to you I wouldn't have asked you to do it," Hermione said.
"If he hadn't refused, I wouldn't have had to threaten to spill the beans on everything my mom might have told me," Elizabeth said.
"You did what?" Hermione said.
"I get two visits with my mother a year, on Christmas and my birthday. In addition to being insane she is also one of Voldemort's chief lieutenants and closest confidants. She knows things, not that she told me anything other than he is still alive every time I visit," Elizabeth said. "Professor Snape called my bluff, while looking me in the eye so I said that I would say that he used legumency on a student," Elizabeth explained.
"Why?" Hermione asked.
"Why what," Elizabeth said.
"That was not part of the plan. I never asked you to do that," Hermione said.
"No, you just asked me to get the club approved," Elizabeth said.
"Yes, but I didn't ask you to put yourself at risk," Hermione said.
"It comes with the territory," Elizabeth said.
"What territory?" Hermione asked.
"Being a pureblood from an ancient and noble family," Elizabeth said.
"Well it shouldn't," Hermione said. "And don't ever stick your neck out for me like that again."
"I'll try not to," Elizabeth said.
"Good," Hermione said. "And here is Harry's autograph," Hermione said, handing her a piece of paper.
"Lucky," the girls said, gathering around Elizabeth.
"One more thing," Hermione said, pulling Elizabeth out of the dorm room.
"Wait, what," Elizabeth squeaked.
"You said to introduce you to Neville," Hermione said, pulling her through the common room.
"Wait what now, I'm not ready," Elizabeth cried out.
Break
"Harry why are we going down to the dungeons?" Neville asked.
"Hermione wanted me to bring you down here," Harry replied.
"What for," Neville asked.
"I dunno," Harry said. "She just said that she was helping."
"This isn't going to involve anything crazy is it," Neville said.
"I dunno it's Hermione…" Harry shrugged as they turned the corner spotting Hermione and a girl with black hair currently grabbing Hermione by the shirt.
"Just remember that he's Millie's ok," Hermione whispered in Elizabeth's ear.
"What no, that's not why…" Elizabeth said, grabbing Hermione by her shirt. "You are insane, I wanted to meet him so I could apologize."
"Apologize for what," Hermione said.
"My mother cursed his parents, you moron, he had to grow up without his parents, and I wanted you to arrange it so he wouldn't curse me the moment he saw me so I have enough time to apologize," Elizabeth said.
"So that's why you run away when he comes around," Hermione said, smirking.
"Yes, he's likely to attack me the minute he sees me alone so it's been impossible to apologize," Elizabeth said.
"So, you want to apologize," Hermione said smiling.
"Yes, you idiot," Elizabeth yelled.
"Ok, because I think you just did," Hermione said before taking Elizabeth's head in her hands and turning it towards Neville. "Hi Harry, Neville," she said, skipping over to them. "Let's leave these two alone for a while," Hermione said, pulling Harry away.
"Um, Hello," Neville said as Elizabeth sported an impressive full body blush.
"My name is Elizabeth Lestrange and I'm sorry for what my mother and father did to your parents. You didn't deserve that, please don't kill me, bye," Elizabeth said about to run away before Neville grabbed her wrist.
"Why….." Neville asked, looking at Elizabeth.
"Because I know what it's like growing up without parents," Elizabeth said.
"I see," Neville said.
"But you are a Lestrange," Neville said. "I would have thought…."
"I would be a blood fanatic," Elizabeth said, pulling her hand away. "Look I still think purebloods have superior magic and should be in charge in the magical world, but I draw the line at wanton destruction and chaos, that is wrong, and my mother is insane. I don't care if she thinks he is coming back, I want no part in it. Your parents didn't deserve what happened to them, you didn't deserve it. How can we prove our superiority if we keep killing each other."
"She's a work in progress," Hermione whispered to Harry where they watched from around the corner.
"You'll have your work cut out for you," Harry replied thinking of Draco.
"Thanks," Hermione replied.
"I don't agree with your views, but I do accept your apology. This doesn't mean my Grandmother will stop pushing for their execution." Neville said before leaving.
"I can live with that," Elizabeth said before bolting down the hallway.
"Every journey begins with a small step I guess," Harry said.
"Something like that," Hermione added.
Break
Dear Ria,
These skates should let you truly perform on the ice. I know they might be a bit gaudy, but the gems are needed to power the runes and magic circles you carve into the ice. I'm sorry but you won't be able to actively control what you create…. Yet. So please be careful. I've included instructions on how to replace the diamonds after they lose their charge. I think I've included enough spares, but if you need more just let me know. Oh, and what do you think of this for our performance?
Your Student,
Hermione
"You have got to be kidding me," Ria said looking at the skates sitting in a box on her lap. "Mithril blades, diamonds for magical storage, sapphires for creating ice sculptures, pearls to regulate and activate the magic…. What did you do Hermione? I could never afford something like this…." Ria muttered as she found a note at the bottom of the box.
PS- this is going to be so awesome.
"Yes, it is Hermione, yes, it is," Ria said. "Now I'd better get practicing," Ria said, grabbing the skates and walking to her door. "It wouldn't do for the student to show up the teacher.
Dear Hermione,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. The skates work, sure they took some getting used to, but I can actually do magical figure skating now. You should have seen it; I made an ice sculpture with them. I'll have to check the rules, but I might actually be able to do a real competition now. This is just so incredible.
Now I looked over what you have planned and I like it, but what if we added a tracking element to the array, that way the reindeer would chase me around instead of just standing there. That would make the performance more engaging. It would also make for a bigger payoff when you come in as the moon goddess. How did you learn all of this stuff anyway?
I hope school is going well and are you coming over Spring Break?
Sincerely,
Ria
"Oh, she's right, that will be much better doing it that way," Hermione said looking over the notes Ria sent her.
"Hermione what are you doing," Astoria asked.
"Just revising the routine I am going to do at the opening ceremonies of the magical Olympics next month," Hermione replied.
"You are going to do what," Astoria said.
"The Norwegian Olympic committee asked me to do a performance celebrating Sami culture at the opening ceremonies," Hermione said.
"Why," Millie asked.
"Because they asked nicely," Hermione said. "And Millie don't worry about cleaning the 3rd year dorms today, I snuck in during breakfast and did it."
"Why…." Millie asked.
"Because you're my friend silly," Hermione said. "Now let's get moving. We don't want to be late to Herbology. See you later Astoria."