Hey Buddies!

LOL So Karaoke led to my lack of inhibitions (wink) I am a Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen) a dude actually jumped up on stage with me tonight (HA! Awesome), Why Haven't I Heard From You (Reba McEntire) and tonight's additions to my list were Jessie's Girl (Rick Springfield), Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cindy Lauper) and come on, you have to have Madonna with Material Girl. LOL Hell I was lucky to get 5 songs! Lol FYI my hardest karaoke song was Sara Bareilles Love Song. I had no idea there were that many words in the freaking thing. HAHA

Alright about the story. I can COMPLETELY understand why she feels the way she does. In many ways I am Hermione in this story. Not the poly-am, for I am devoutly monogamous, but the self-image, and doubt. I also have body image issues and feel forever that no one will want (Indicates up and down the length of my body with a 'hello' look) THIS. I hate making waves, and I would rather remain low key in my slightly radical way. I try to fix problems and tend to neglect myself. I, just like Hermione, want to be loved for everything I am. So yeah, girls got a lot of crazy stuff going on. LOL

I hope this chapter is to your liking. to me it feels a little weird, but eh. just have to get back into writing this bad boy again while they are at Hogwarts. Here we go. The Rise of Dark/Grey Hermione. (Kinds feels like a Star Wars title. I did watch Rise of Skywalker the other day ) LOL

Enjoy,
Snow

You Thought You Were Rid of Me

Arrivals

It was the First Day of school. Everyone was filtering into the Castle, saying hello, hugs, and talked of their summer. Some people boasted of the most wonderful summer ever but some people felt a loss. They felt as if someone very important in their life was missing and for those people their summer had been hell.

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Ginny Weasley walked into the castle but two of the three had long faces and slumped shoulders. Harry lost his sister, someone he loved without bounds, and he could not ever think to replace her. He spent the summer at the Weasley's as soon as his trial was over. Sometimes he wondered if the world would have really missed Dudley, but he knew Hermione would have given him that look, crossed her arms, and then stomped her foot. He could hear it in his mind. Harry Potter, you couldn't not have just let those Dementors have him, even though he is a prat. He smiled when he remembered her. Then his eyes clouded over.

He looked up at the castle from the gravel walkway he was on and wondered how his year would be without his best friend.

"Come on mate," Ron said placing a palm on his shoulder. Harry looked into Ron's eyes. He was all smiles as if he too didn't lose a person has been a part of his life for 4 years, saved his life over and over. Ron didn't even say her name over summer.

"Ron, I need a moment," Harry said and Ron and Ginny looked to each other.

"Is it Hermione?" Ginny asked softly. Harry looked away and stuffed his hands in his pockets and nodded. Ginny walked back to Harry and took him in her arms. He lifted his arms to circle her waist and he closed his eyes.

"I miss her Gin," Harry whispered, and his eyes filled, and he slammed them shut.

"Oy! Let go of my sister and let's get upstairs and put this stuff away. I would love to pick on some firsties when we get them after our feast," Ron said with a gleam in his eye. Harry looked to Ron as Ginny pulled away from Harry but Harry didn't let go of her hand. It was warm, and it anchored him. They followed the red head.

"I miss her too Harry," Ginny whispered, and he shook her hand.

"Narcissa, I can't do this," Hermione said as she paced the common room. Fleur had to help Professor McGonagall get some things in order for the feast, for Hermione's arrival.

"Hermione you will be alright. No one knows you are alive except for me, Fleur, Narcissa, Madame Pomfrey, and Professor McGonagall. I can't wait for your appearance," Luna said with a dreamy smile, "I can't wait to see their faces," the girl said as she seemed to envision the faces of the students and staff.

"Are you sure I can't just go to class tomorrow?" Hermione asked.

Narcissa stood up from her place on the sofa and held Hermione to her. Narcissa blinked and then held Hermione at arm's length and gave her a raised eyebrow look. Hermione sighed and then closed her eyes and felt her bond open.

"There," Narcissa said and then all a sudden Hermione felt Narcissa. It was as if she stroked her nerves with her own bond. Hermione smiled as she relaxed into Narcissa's arms. She chuckled as she felt Fleur from across the castle give her a playful nudge with her bond.

"See, shutting us out will not help you this year, but letting us be there for you will," Narcissa pulled from Hermione and looked into her brown eyes cradling her neck with both hands and stroked her cheeks with her thumbs, "Slowly, my love. Slowly temper the bond, but don't shut us out. Especially if you are anxious. Our bonds will help you through it. You can feel our love for you my Little Witch," Narcissa said and pulled Hermione toward her and softly took Hermione's lips with a soft languid kiss. Narcissa pushed her bond through to Hermione. She told her with her touch she loved her, told her with the chaste caress of her tongue that she needed her, wanted her, and grounded her with her heart as her hands never let her go.

"You two are gorgeous together," Luna said from the sofa. Hermione blinked from the kiss as Luna's voice filtered into her consciousness. She focused and Narcissa had yet to open her eyes. All the older woman did was tilt forward and press her forehead to Hermione's and then stole one last quick kiss and then turned to Luna.

"My dear, are you sure about living with us?" Narcissa asked. Luna smiled and for the first time ever Hermione saw the most focused, and serious expression on Luna's face.

"Hermione is my family," Luna said making Hermione blink. She was not aware of how deeply the girl regarded her. Luna stood and walked to Hermione, and Narcissa watched and moved to the side as Luna gently slipped her arms around Hermione.

"You never forgot about me. I felt it. You let me stay here in the safety of your home. You let me be a part of something so profound. I wish I was a part of your bond sometimes for I feel how beautiful and raw your love for the other is," Luna smiled and shivered, "I wish I could feel like I belonged like that," Luna said and Hermione let her friend go and then sighed.

"Luna you will always be a part of our lives," she looked to Narcissa, "Our circle. I could not have gotten through last year without you. I could not have given people a chance without you," Hermione shifted her eyes to Narcissa and she felt Narcissa's affection for the blonde girl before Hermione grow, "But most of all, you are a true friend to me," Hermione broke from the women and looked other room.

"I will not wear house colors. You and I… Luna do you want to be a part of a house?" Hermione asked waiting.

Luna walked to her own robes and sighed.

"I have not felt like I was a Ravenclaw for so long. How can we be anything other what we are?" Luna asked and Hermione smiled softly and gave her a scarf, and then tapped the scarf. It transfigured into a black and grey pinstripe tie. She held the same one in her hands, and Luna looked at her.

"I guess we will be grey house. No that doesn't sound right…" Hermione looked to Luna and Narcissa. Narcissa blinked shocked as she felt her lover's intent.

"Luna how do you feel being apart Veritas House, or Truth house in Latin?" Hermione asked.

"I feel alright with it. But…" Luna tapered off, Hermione shook her and Luna smiled, "That isn't what you wanted to ask me is it?" Luna asked and Hermione smiled.

"No, Little Imp, I wanted to ask if you would like to apart of Black House but the rest of the castle can't know she is alive you see," Hermione confessed, nodding to Narcissa.

"Well... Why can't I be a part of Granger House?" Luna asked and Hermione blinked and Narcissa smiled as the girl put Hermione at ease with a simple question.

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked Luna and the blonde nodded excitedly. Hermione nodded and took a breath. Hermione heard a chime. Narcissa drifted over to her.

"I will be right there, so will Fleur," Narcissa said and she kissed Hermione's lips. She turned away and robes flew to her form and she turned once more and cast her impenetrable glamour.

"I will be there," Narcissa said one more and looked to both girls with her new look. She was a dark, almost ash blonde, rounder facial features, and hazel eyes. Hermione nodded as she looked into her lover's eyes.

"Yes Dr. Blackwell," Hermione and Luna said and smiled as Narcissa walked from the portal. Hermione looked to Luna.

"You don't have much time. Where will you be sitting? I will sit with you," Hermione said as she snuck one more embrace from the willing girl.

"I will be at the end of the Ravenclaw table closest to the entrance," Luna said and Hermione sighed. Thank Merlin it wasn't to far.

"I will wait for you there, and will save you a spot, right on the end," Luna said, and was skipping out of the portal tying her new house tie about her neck. Hermione was left by herself. She knew she had to do this. She knew she needed to make a point, and a drastic one. She took a heavy sigh and went to her quarters.

She stood before the wardrobe her lovers set out for her. It was the exact set that needed to be worn to make a point. They looked into the rules, she shook her head. Screw it… she was technically dead. She shrunk the Hogwarts Robes and places it in her pocket, unnoticed for she cast an extension charm on her pockets then turned to her clothes. Black pants, black button-down dirt, and black blazer. It all fit her like second skin thanks to Andromeda making a run to Madame Malkin's for the coat. She straightened her tie Veritas House, the house of no man's land, the House of nothing. Hermione cast a small transfiguration spell, and made the pinstripe tie thinner, sleeker. Then she straightened her tie and then smiled. The House of Granger.

Hermione cast a notice me not spell and felt a weight on her shoulders.

"Blake?" she asked.

"Yes, mistress," he said.

"We have not consummated that bond how am I your mistress?" she asked curious when she stepped from their chambers.

"I … I took your blood into me that night. I forged a bond for I didn't think you would," Blake said and then Hermione stopped.

"Reveal yourself now," she snapped and the elf did and shied but was proud.

Hermione held out her hand to Blake and Blake looked to her and reached for her hand.

"I wanted this. I just wish all of the bonds you had a hand in, I simply wish I was a part of it," Hermione said.

"I need one thing mistress," Blake said and then looked Hermione straight into her eyes, "For this to be a complete bond you need to accept it. Will you accept our bond?" he asked. Hermione smiled and took his hand and then he found himself on her shoulder sitting there as if a spectator to the things that were Hermione.

"I accept. I was going to accept before you messed with our bonds any ways. Now, after I have settled you are my friend, and I love you. I will accept what you offer," Blake nodded and then he made himself invisible and shifted to his snake form to distribute his weight.

"How long Blake?" Hermione stood off from the Great Hall Door. Hermione felt his weight vanish, and then was back quickly.

"Not yet, there is a speech," Blake said. He knew Hermione and the others wanted her to break through during the speech. But Hermione could not.

"Let me know when the speech is done and could you pay attention to each of the professor's expressions. I want to analyze them later." Hermione requested and Blake popped off once more.

Hermione leaned into an alcove, notice me not spell in effect, and protected and then she settled and she opened her bond for Narcissa and Fleur. She let their thoughts invade her mind. Since the other day they were finally able to send words and thought, not just emotions.

"I love you," boosted Narcissa.

"You are Brilliant," Fleur projected.

"We have you. You are our love little witch," Narcissa pushed her way.

"I will sit here and look on you and smile, knowing your lips are those that I crave and love. I also say this holding Narcissa's hand under the table. We are all together mon amour," Fleur said.

Hermione took a breath and then waited. Blake stood before her.

"It is time mistress," Blake smiled and Hermione smiled at the elf.

"Thank you, Blake," Hermione said then she faltered and then immediately Blake was about her shoulder, invisible. He wacked her with his tail

Stand straight, like a pure blood, like a person with their faculties and nothing to lose, he said in her mind.

Hermione stood straight and then her hand pressed against the wooden doors.

"Ready?" She asked Blake and herself.

I am here for you mistress. I will watch as much around you as possible, he said.

"Ok, here we go." Hermione said and then with a sigh she pushed open the doors.

Gasps.

Outrage.

Mixed emotions and murmurs.

Hermione stood before the pushed open doors. She stood strong and tall. She held her head high and then looked to the table. She eyed each and every one of her professors. She dared not linger on Fleur or Narcissa. She refused to look at the houses and then after a moment of standing before the suddenly silent crowd she turned her head to one person. She zeroed in on him, clamped his eyes with hers.

"Excuse my tardiness. I was delayed. Coming back from the dead and all," she said as she ground her gaze into Ron's and then looked away. She refused to look into Dumbledore's eyes, she will work on Occlumency with her loves later. She looked around.

"Does any person have a problem feasting with a dead woman?" Hermione asked. Then Luna raised her hand and Hermione scowled down.

"I don't. The seat is yours," Luna indicated from across her.

Hermione nodded and sat down and then partook of dinner. She heard the rumble, the murmurs about her.

"Luna, I think I have to retire," Hermione said as she shoved her dinner away. She couldn't take it anymore. Luna nodded.

"I'll bring you a tart, lemon, right?" Luna asked, and Hermione nodded with a smile and stood.

When she stood all eyes were on her. She held her head high once more and walked from the great Hall.

"You are not excused, Granger," clipped a snide tone. Hermione turned from the doors with a a twitch to her eye that no one saw and she looked to the professor's table.

"I believe that I am more than excused, Professor," Hermione said with a dark tone coloring her words.

"10 points from Gryffindor for insolence," Snape snapped.

"I don't see why you are taking points from them. I have no house," Hermione said and then turned and walked from the hall.

The entire room exploded, the only people steady were, Narcissa, Fleur, and McGonagall. Narcissa noticed the slight gaze on Dumbledore and frowned. He gave nothing away. But in Minerva's eyes he did.

On Fleur's side of things, she watched a specific Gryffindor, and he displayed none of the emotions of a relieved friend. Lost was his apathy, love, and comradery. No… he looked like he swallowed a curse, and was waiting to spit it out. He looked to Hermione when she stood in all her alive glory before the great hall and paled. She watched as he ruminated, and festered. He was not happy about her appearance.

They knew he was a threat. Ron would pay, but Narcissa and Fleur would leave that to Hermione. They both knew she would make his life hell. They just wondered how.

Hermione's departure soared along the staff. She was back. That was all Fleur and Narcissa heard.

They both sent waves of love and acceptance to the girl. Nothing hit, nothing went through, but eventually, judging by the time, once she gained admittance to the alcove Hermione let them in.

All three witches smiled and then Poppy, and Minerva smiled as well.

"Good having her back yes?" Professor Sprout asked Fleur and Fleur was taken aback.

"Yes, I suppose. I only know her from last year and she was brilliant. I am Professor McGonagall's apprentice now," Fleur said hoping to sever ties.

"Minerva is alright with us talking. What do you know?" asked the herbology teacher. Fleur adapted a sad look.

"Alas nothing Madam. She was secretive. She was strong, but of all else she would die for her fellows," Fleur said as she looked down, "I would know. I was in the maze with her. I was with her in the end," Fleur said and then stood.

"Did you know she was alive Miss Delacour?"

Fleur turned around to Professor Sprout and clenched her jaw.

"Non, I saw her fight, I saw her battle in a graveyard and then I saw her bleeding here at Hogwarts. I know nothing of Hermione Granger's fate that day. She was a phenomenal and loyal friend, we grew very close, but after that night, I know nothing, all I know is she saved my life," Fleur ended her speech and walked from the Hall.

Narcissa was felt the sit next to Minerva.

She needs us, Fleur projected.

Let it go for the moment, Narcissa sighed into the bond

You know how that will be, she needs us! Fleur argued back.

Yes, but how will it look it the assistant healer goes after the dead girl of Hogwarts? Narcissa countered.

Narcissa gritted her teeth. She wanted to follow Fleur, she wanted to be there for Hermione, for them both. Narcissa had a point, how would it look for the brand-new healer of Hogwarts to rush off after a girl she was not supposed to know? Then she felt it. She felt Hermione's bond. She closed her eyes and sent her love and assurance. She felt Fleur send her love and happiness. Narcissa smiled and then turned to Minerva.

"Are all feasts this exciting?" Narcissa asked and Minerva smirked and shook her head.

"No, Dr. Blackwell. Tonight, was a special type of exciting to be sure," Minerva said as they both played the part.

"I see, well this looks like it will be an exciting year," Narcissa said and then he heard a soft ahem to her side.

"I don't believe I know you," said a stocky woman dread all in pink. Narcissa narrowed her eyes. She knew full well who this woman was and she hated her with every fiber of her being.

"I don't believe I know you either, so I guess that makes us even," Narcissa said and then turned to Minerva, "I believe I forgot something very important in the infirmary. Thank you for the warm welcome," Narcissa said and then winked at her friend.

Narcissa walked out of the Great Hall and then sighed as she took the hall to their alcove. When she opened the door, she saw Fleur and Hermione sitting at the table with a tea service smiling.

"Non, you looked very good, in control, and dare I say undeniably sexy," Fleur said making Hermione blush. Hermione's eyes found Narcissa's. Narcissa went to her girls, kissed each on their head but Hermione shifted.

"What's wrong?' Narcissa said as Hermione got her a cup of tea and handed it to her as she sat down.

"I know this is going to sound funny, or strange, but I feel weird kissing you when you look like Dr. Blackwell," Hermione confessed. Fleur tilted her head and then smiled.

"I see," Narcissa said and then finited the glamour, leaned forward clasped Hermione's hand and kissed her palm, "Better?" she asked. And Hermione swallowed and nodded.

"Much," Hermione squeaked and Fleur grinned. She oh so loved seeing how adorable Hermione could get. Son Luna walked through their portrait, and sat at the table with the three witches. She handed Hermione her Lemon tart, and smiled as Hermione beamed at her.

"I have to say Hermione, you caused quite a stir at dinner. People could not stop talking about you," Luna said and Hermione shook her head taking a bit of the tart waving the comment aside.

"Oui, its what we were talking about. Professor Sprout thought I could give her all of the details about Hermione. Like we were lovers of something," Fleur jested and winked at Hermione, "I told her you were a phenomenal friend but I didn't know anything. I was just as shocked as everyone else to see you," Fleur said.

"Yes, well, the only person I wanted shocked was Ron. By the way," Hermione looked to Narcissa, "How was it seeing Draco, Love? Are you alright?" Hermione asked and everyone sat quietly for a moment.

"I am alright, but I really just wanted to run to him and take him into my arms. I am very relieved to see him doing so well. Andromeda has done well with him this summer, and so had Severus. I am grateful he had them," Narcissa said sadly. Fleur wrapped her up into her arms.

"Come, I know it is early, but why don't we all go to bed," Fleur said and Hermione nodded.

"You all go, I think I will stay up a while longer and talk to Mr. Blake," Luna said and sure enough Blake appeared next to her and nodded with a soft smile.

Once stripped down, and under the covers, the three women sighed, content, and happy. Tomorrow will bring the weight of the world back onto their shoulders, but in their bed, they will be at peace.