Diagon Alley - Part 1
. . . .
"Hello, Severus."
Hermione smirked at his attempt at a smile. Did it really pain him to show a little happiness? Goodness, the professor was a nightmare. And to think, she would have to deal with his teaching her.
She guessed he wasn't all that bad, but his attitude would be the death of her. Or the death of him and his precious Lily if Hermione found out that he was the traitor. But it couldn't have been him, the memory Tom had spared his lover and the child. Unless Lily had convinced Severus into switching sides, which was also a possibility.
By the end of the day, Hermione had to find Thoros to see if he had followed Tom's instructions with the Potter boy, meet Draco Malfoy and become chummy with him and see if he knew anything pertaining to the Dark Lord's disappearance or resurrection— Although she doubted the bugger to know a thing, it didn't hurt to find out. She also had to purchase her school items, which Hermione was not looking forward to at all. She hated shopping.
Severus nodded curtly. "Time is of the essence, Miss Granger, if we want to be done by noon." His eyes shifted to the matron standing besides Hermione. "Lucius will escort her back home once she's done.
"You will need to take her to Kings Cross tomorrow morning and there, she will take the train to the school." He lifted an eyebrow. "Do you follow?"
Mrs Daniels cleared her throat and nodded. "I don't—"
"No," Severus sneered. "You do not need to do more than to drop her off. Is that clear?"
She nodded, dropping her head. He then turned to Hermione. "I don't need to tell you that if you miss your train, it is an automatic expulsion." He slipped her a note. "Directions to your destination if you cannot find your way."
Resisting to roll her eyes, Hermione gave him a tight smile as she slipped the note into her pocket dress beside the journal. As if she would miss her only opportunity to learn at Hogwarts. And if that were the case, she only needed to ask Tom how to get there and hopefully he'd help her out— but she highly doubted for that scenario to play out.
Without another word and a curt nod to the matron, Severus turned on his heels and strode out of the small office, his cloak billowing behind him.
Mrs Daniels sharply turned her attention to Hermione. "Be safe, dear, and remember; you are representing Saint Francis." The matron gathered her into her arms and whispered, softly, into her ear. "Do not trust anyone, Hermione. It is important that no one knows who you truly are."
Hermione's breath hitched as she quickly pulled away, narrowing her eyes. "What are you—"
"Go now," Mrs Daniels nudged her towards the door. "I'll see you later."
Standing on the other side of the closed door, Hermione wrinkled her nose.
"That was odd." She muttered under her breath. She couldn't possibly— no. There was no way Mrs Daniels knew who she truly was. She was non-magic.
Shrugging her shoulder, Hermione yanked on her turtleneck and grimaced as she pushed herself off the door to catch up with her professor.
The black dress that was made out of wool was a nightmare and she didn't know why she allowed Mrs Daniels to play dress up. Everything itched and her Mary Janes were too tight on her feet and her hair that was pulled back into a tight bun was causing her head to pound.
Casually walking through the Orphanage, Hermione smirked at the girls littering the halls as they began to point and whisper. It wasn't an everyday occurrence when an occupant of an orphan home was chosen to leave for the majority of the year and Hermione relished in their envy.
"How'd you do it, Granger? Bewitched the boarding school council?"
Stopping in her track towards the front door, Hermione slowly turned around. "Come again?"
It was an older girl Hermione wasn't familiar with. Keeping to herself, of course, she wouldn't know anyone other than her tormentors and the girls her age, but how could she have missed the brute standing in front of her?
She was a beast; manly looking, built like an ox that had a big, flat nose and acne spotting all over her face. It was amazing how truly hideous she looked. The creature seemed at least in her twenties. There was no way she was younger than seventeen.
"There are rumors that you're the devil's daughter." The creature said, her upper lip curled in derision. "Did you cast your spells?"
"Is that what everyone is saying?" Hermione tilted her head, a smirk on her face. "How fascinating."
"You're the devil's slag, aren't you?" The girl laughed.
"Make up your mind, will you?" Hermione said exasperated. "Am I the daughter of the devil or his whore? I can't be both, you know."
The girl growled. "You bitch. Think you're so smart and clever, huh. I bet you were all too willing to spread your legs for your professor to get out of this hell-hole."
Before Hermione could reply and put the bulking man in her place, there was a tap on her shoulder. Slightly turning her head, Hermione lifted a brow. Severus was observing the man-beast, his eyes narrowed and his lips pursed.
"Lets go, Miss Granger," Severus remarked, his voice calm and his eyes focused on the hideous girl.
"Oh, ho!" The creature went on to snickering and laughing from the other girls who had gathered. "Her brothel-keeper has come to her rescue."
Charging herself at the beastly girl, Hermione was yanked back— hard.
"Enough," Severus hissed, only for Hermione to hear, his voice hard and angry.
The girls chortled as Severus glided towards the man-girl and began whispering into her ear, his body relaxed and his hands clasped behind his back.
Glaring at the other girls who were still laughing and whispering, they began to back away almost silently, but mostly not. Her attention back on Severus and the girl, she raised an eyebrow as the beast's eyes filled with horror and she began to shake her head in fear. What was he saying to her?
Sneering as Severus pulled away, he sharply turned and nodded his head, casually stepping towards Hermione.
"Let's go." He stated firmly.
He walked past her and Hermione smirked at the girl who looked terrified. "I'll be back tonight, you foul creature, and we'll finish what you have started."
"No," she whispered, shaking her head rapidly. "I'm— I'm sorry."
"Too late," Hermione sneered. Taking a step closer to the ugly girl, Severus called out her name.
"Miss Granger," he warned. "Lets. Go."
Rolling her eyes, Hermione looked around towards the gathering crowds of parentless girls who were all looking on with confused demeanors. None were laughing now and they didn't dare begin their tittering.
Hermione then focused on the beast once again and smirked. "See you later," she whispered, maliciously, under her breath and beamed when the girl quivered.
What did Severus say to her? Hermione desperately wanted to know. Swiftly turning, Hermione skipped towards her professor standing next to the double doors, beaming brightly. Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath.
Pausing, Hermione examined her professor. "Are you alright?"
"No, Miss Granger," Severus sighed. "I am not." Looking over her head, he squinted his eyes.
Gazing over her shoulder, Hermione watched as the girls of the home began to crowd the beast who was standing there with a peculiar look upon her face. It was amazing how easy it was for the big girl to have everyone around tend to her and made sure she was alright.
A feeling of envy washed over her. She never was able to make friends who showed her concern. It was always the Grangers and even they didn't show it very often. Maybe, in another life where she wasn't kidnapped from her home, she would've had real friends and parents who showered her with affection.
It was hard to watch the beastly girl standing there in absolute terror and her friends whispering words of comfort and gentle touches of support. Maybe once she went off to Hogwarts, she would find that with her classmates, but she doubted that outcome. She would be going as a mudblood and if they were despised as much as Hermione believed them to be, she would be friendless— hopefully she could get the Malfoy boy as an ally, that would most definitely help her situation a tons.
A feeling of melancholy began to engulf her and Hermione swallowed, closing her eyes as she willed the sadness away. She was used to desolation and loneliness— it hadn't brought her down before and wouldn't now.
"Is this behavior frequent, Miss Granger?" Severus asked, his voice oddly strained.
Unable to take her attention off the crowded girls, Hermione's breath hitched. "It doesn't matter." Hardly shaking her head, she turned, unhurriedly. "Let's go."
Without waiting for her professor, Hermione proceeded out the double doors and passed the black iron gates. Slowing her steps and coming to a complete stop, she looked down one road, then the other. It was busy, as usual, with automobiles driving up and down the blacktop. It was a gloomy day and it made the world around her feel miserable with its grey skies and chilly air. She closed her eyes as she tilted her head back as she deeply inhaled through her nose.
It had been years since she was brought to the orphanage and once she crossed through those gates, Hermione had been suffocating since the age of six. And now, standing on the sidewalk on the other side of her prison, a feeling of freedom nipped at her skin.
"We're running late, Miss Granger." Severus interrupted her silence calmly. "We must go." He gave her a small smirk. "You can sniff the foul air later."
Opening her eyes, Hermione lifted both brows at her professor and smiled. "Funny."
Severus gave a curt nod. "Follow me."
She knew he was being, somewhat, friendly towards her because of the confrontation— but it still didn't change the fact that he was a mean man. Besides, she didn't need his pity. She could take care of herself.
Peering over her shoulder at the orphanage, Hermione sighed. She needed to find a way to leave this place forever. She didn't want to come back if she didn't have to. Reaching for her pocket, Hermione squeezed the journal. Maybe Tom would be able to help her find a place away from here. He had to know someone that would take her in. Hermione scoffed, Yanking her hand away from the diary. She really should stop referring to him when a problem comes about. That was trouble Hermione didn't need and she wouldn't doubt Tom using that to his advantage.
Furrowing her brows, Hermione followed Snape as he turned down an alleyway. He was standing in the middle of the walkway as he looked around— for what, she didn't know, but it was odd behavior, the way he was acting… like he was looking for something.
"This should do." He murmured under his breath, looking one way, then the other. Up and then down— again. He then turned his attention to Hermione. "We must apparate, Miss Granger, though I would have enjoyed this immensely before, now I pity you."
He lifted an arm. "Grab my arm and be warned; this is the most tedious way to travel but we are running late, so we do not have a choice in the matter."
Confused, Hermione grabbed his arm. "What, exactly, do you—"
Her sentence was cut short. Her vision went completely black. She was squeezing her way through a tube that compressed her frame tightly and couldn't move any of her body parts. The air was tight and there was a queasy sensation that clutched her chest, her lungs, and Hermione thought she would die from lack of oxygen.
—Then it stopped. Hermione dropped her professor's arm and bent over on wobbly feet, holding her stomach as she hurled, beginning to feel light-headed. Slowly, she straightened, wiping her mouth with her sleeve, her vision a bit blurry.
Snapping her attention to Severus, she glared. "That was your warning? Tedious?!"
Severus smirked. "It is the thought that counts. Let's go. I'm sure we will hear an earful from Lucius, Merlin knows that bigot has a lot to complain about."
Hermione chuckled, but gasped in surprise as she took in the bustling street before her. It was swarming with crowds upon crowds of magical people hustling up and down the alley. There were owls flying above her and frogs and cats leaping down the cobblestone. Quaint shops on either side of the alley and everything seemed so alive and vibrating with jubilance. There was laughter and idle chit chat and they all seemed so happy to be around one another.
They passed so many shops, Hermione took it all in, her eyes roaming everywhere at once. There was a shop full of books in the window, another filled with cauldrons of different colors and sizes; there were ice cream shops and joke shops; a place for owls to rest and another to purchase clothing; eels and bats hung in one opening and exotic animals locked up in cages in the next.
"Here we are," Severus announced, grimacing at the crowd.
Hermione stopped, standing beside her professor, tilting her head back to gaze at the building they stood in front of. It was tall with two huge white columns evenly spaced out with double doors between them. The same Two columns held up a balcony that connected to two more white columns that held up the roof. The building was lopsided as if it would tip over any moment.
"Gringotts Bank." Hermione murmured under her breath as she read the black letters that were printed on the balcony's front surface.
"Yes," Severus confirmed. "Follow me, we are late."
Grimacing, Hermione followed Severus through the double glass doors as she watched creatures with pointy ears and pointy noses with their black beady eyes milling about. There were more sitting behind counters and Hermione could not, for the life of her, look away. They were—
"Goblins, Miss Granger." Severus answered her thoughts. "And if you do not arrange your face, they will be greatly offended and who knows what they will do to you."
Eyes widening, Hermione cleared her throat and schooled her features. She looked around in amazement at the tall ceilings and the chandelier that was made up of crystals and floating candles. There were long windows lining up on either side of the walls that showed the blue skies outside.
"Miss Granger," a voice called out to her.
Her attention brought to Lucius Malfoy, Hermione smiled, closed lipped. "Mister Malfoy."
"You're late—"
"I leave her in your capable hands, Lucius," Severus intervened, his tone bored and annoyed. "I'm sure you're more than adept to escort Hermione to the orphanage. I have lessons to prepare for." He then glanced at Hermione. "Do not, Miss Granger, bother yourself with petty bullying or you will be expelled."
Smiling, Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "See you tomorrow, Professor."
Severus narrowed his eyes and then sighed. "Indeed." He then nodded curtly to Lucius and turned on his heel, his robes flowing dramatically behind him.
Turning her focus back to Lucius, Hermione sighed heavily. "Shall we?"
"Of course, but let me introduce you to my son, Draco." Lucius said, nodding his head to the side.
Hermione blinked as she turned her attention to the boy she'd been waiting to meet. She hadn't even noticed him standing there. His hair was as platinum as his father's, but it was short and slicked back, the sides trimmed low. His eyes were metallic with mischief swirling in his irises. He had lips that were pale and thin and his nose was slender and rounded with high cheekbones and a sharp chin.
"Pleasure," Hermione addressed, her hand out for him to shake.
Draco smirked and quickly grabbed her hand as he placed a chaste kiss to the back of her palm. "Pleasure is all mine, Hermione."
Horrified, Hermione yanked her hand back and narrowed her eyes. Glancing at Lucius, who had a brow raised in amusement, she cleared her throat and gave Draco a strained smile.
"I've set up your account." Lucius said as he pulled out two sets of gold rusted keys. "For when you need to make a withdrawal.
"When it is time for you to make a purchase, anywhere, really, in the Wizarding world, and you do not have the funds with you, you can charge it to your account.
"You'll have to come back, I'm afraid, once you acquire a wand of your own to link it to your account. It'll be easy for you to use once you have that situated. Really, it's common sense; hand your wand over to the shopkeeper and it'll work out for itself."
Hermione took the keys, absorbing the information Lucius had told her. Furrowing her brows, Hermione asked, "How were you able to make an account without my being there?"
"Do not worry yourself with such trivial matters, Miss Granger, it is hardly important." Lucius tapped his cane on the marble floor twice. "Let's get going, we have a lot to do before your trip to Hogwarts tomorrow."
Lucius sauntered ahead, his cane firmly in his grip. Sighing, Hermione glanced at Draco and rolled her eyes, following after his father.
"How'd you do it?" Draco asked, keeping up his pace. "How'd you get my father to sponsor you."
Hermione peeked at him sideways, lifting a brow. "Is it that shocking for him to sponsor another student?"
Snorting, Draco gave her a dry look. "A Mudblood? Of course, it is."
Hermione smirked. "I'll tell you my secrets if you tell me yours."
He chuckled, causing Hermione to smile in return. He grabbed her arm from walking any further and Hermione stopped, stepping closer to him.
Tilting his head as he examined her, Draco smiled. "I think I'm going to like you."
Hermione beamed. "Good."
Holding out his hand for Hermione to take, he smirked. "Friends?"
Slowly, Hermione took his hand and squeezed it firmly. "Friends."
Nodding in approval, as if she needed it, Draco lifted his arm for her to grab. "It's polite to offer a lady his arm."
Sighing, Hermione took it hesitantly. "You'll find soon enough, Draco, that I am no lady."
"Sure." Draco said, humor in voice.
Hiding her smirk behind her hand, Hermione allowed Draco to guide her through the magical town. She'd thought it would be a lot more complicated to get the little pureblood boy to be her friend, but it would seem luck was on her side.
They walked through the busy crowds to purchase the items required for their first year at Hogwarts. Attending with Lucius was quite amusing as he sneered at everyone walking near him. It was as if he was above the mass and Hermione couldn't help but think how ridiculous he was being.
Their first stop was at a shop called Potage's Cauldron shop. While Hermione bought herself the cauldron required on the list, Draco had thrown a fit — but, father! The Solid gold ones would help me better, wouldn't you agree? — and Hermione was shocked Lucius had conceded. Draco had gotten his way; two pewter, standard size and three pure gold cauldrons. For what— she had not a clue. But it was sickening to watch.
He was a spoiled child and Hermione knew she was going to have to mold him to her liking. She refused to deal with spoiled little rich kids getting their way. No. He would not grow up to be a pompous git like his father; Draco was going to be more. Hermione would give him a role to play and he would do it with honor.
Next, they entered Scribbulus Writing Instruments. Here, they have purchased their parchments and quills — "but father, I need the gold quill set that matches my gold cauldrons and it also comes with the green ink!" — glass phials, — "I'd rather purchase the crystals, father." — a telescope, — "do I really need one, father? I won't be studying Astronomy." — and a brass scale — father, I'll take the silver instead for better results."
Now Draco Malfoy was being beyond absurd. Surely he didn't act so annoying all the time? Did he have friends? Did they truly put up with his whininess? It was obvious his father doted lovingly on him, the same could be said about his mother, but now they were both being idiotic— peacocks, the both of them.
Rubbing her temples, Hermione followed the Malfoy's to the next shop; Twilfitt and Tatting's. Of course Draco had purchased the most exotic fabric for his robes— which was ridiculous. Hermione bought only what was required and that was it. There was no reason to purchase expensive clothing as of now since she knew she would grow out of them by the next year and the next. Unless there was a spell to readjust her wardrobe— she'd keep it simple.
As they trudged out of the clothing shop, Hermione mentally went through her school list. The only items that were left to purchase were her wand and her school books.
Now that she had met Draco, she was ready to be rid of his company, just until they began their schooling. It was the nagging and father this, father that, that had gotten to her. She guessed she couldn't really blame Lucius for spoiling his child. Hermione would do the same but her children would at least be less annoying and more disciplined.
There was nothing wrong with Draco— only that she couldn't be near him for more than a few hours. That was her limit. Unless he was putting on an act, which she doubted, then she could try to get to know him better when his father wasn't around to supervise.
"Draco!"
"Pale and pointy!"
Glancing back, Hermione watched two black haired boys make their way through the crowd with an elderly man right behind them.
Hermione took notice of both boys from afar and realized how opposite they had looked. One had windswept hair, naturally, and the other had hair that was parted neatly to the side.
Draco turned to her and beamed, grabbing her by the hand and meeting the other two half way, ignoring the shouts of Lucius from behind.
Hiding her smile, Hermione squeezed his hand in a firm grip, not wanting to lose him in the crowd. She also wanted to know who the two boys were. Letting go of her hand, Draco rushed towards the boys and they all began to— well, act like boys. Hugging and high-fiving one another with such happiness and vigor, it was quite a sight to witness.
It was true friendship that Hermione didn't have a chance to be accustomed to. It was a friendship she wanted. As she stood to the side while the boys caught up with each other, she crossed her arms against her chest and smiled. Draco Malfoy was a pampered dolt, but it was nice to see him carefree; a nice change from the whining and pouting.
Now that she could see the two newcomers up close, their resemblance stopped at the hair color. One had emerald eyes with soft features; small nose, chubby cheeks and a dimple in his chin with two thick eyebrows that were perfectly shaped. He was also the one with the windswept hair and a carefree attitude. The other boy had light blue eyes with sharp features. His cheeks were sharp, his nose was sharp and his eyebrows not too thick, but perfectly arched.
The three boys gathered together began to joke and smile and laugh, Hermione still smiling softly. They all seemed different from one another but were thick as thieves.
"Theodore and Hadrian Nott."
Alarmed, Hermione glanced sideways at Lucius, slowly dropping her arms to the side. "You don't say," she murmured, observing them both in a new light.
Carefully reaching toward her dress pocket, Hermione barely touched the journal and smirked. So it seemed Thoros had listened to his Lord's bidding. It was a good thing too— she didn't want to have to kill anyone so soon.
She wondered which one was the Potter boy. Although their features stopped at the color of their hair, they really could be considered as brothers. It was amazing and she was honestly impressed with Tom choosing Thoros to raise the boy.
"Hermione!"
Looking over towards the boys standing to the side, Hermione smiled at Draco and waved. He beckoned her over, excitingly, and the two boys watched on with curious expressions.
"Run along, child." Lucius waved dismissively. "We'll resume our shopping in a few."
Not needed to be told twice, Hermione took off, casually, towards the three boys across the cobblestone street. Standing next to Draco, more close than necessary, she gave a shy smile and waved.
"Hermione, this is Theo," Draco said, pointing to the boy who had light blue eyes.
Shaking his hand he had out for her, she smiled. "Pleasure."
Theo bowed over her hand as it barely touched his forehead and returned her smile. "Hermione."
"And this is Hadrian." Draco then gestured to the other boy with green eyes.
She then grabbed Hadrian's hand, her smile still in place. "Nice to meet you as well."
"Pleasures all mine, malady." Letting go of her hand, he held out both arms as he dramatically bowed low at the waste.
Snorting, Hermione shook her head, amused. "Funny."
So Hadrian Nott was Harry Potter and Harry Potter had not even the slightest idea of what had happened to his biological parents. It was sad, really, but at least he grew up with a brother that loved him and a father that cared for him— even if Thoros was given specific orders to do so. It was more than what she ended up with.
No point in calling him Hadrian when Hermione, herself, knew his real identity. Such a pity, honestly.
"Hermione." Theo said, grimacing. "Her-Mi-O-Ne. That is an awful mouthful."
"Yes, it is." She agreed. "But I like it."
"Shakesphere?" Harry asked, tapping his chin.
"No." Hermione answered.
"Greek Mythology!" Draco exclaimed, a triumphant smirk on his face as he wiggled his eyebrows at Hermione.
Chuckling, she shook her head. "You're ridiculous."
"It's too long though, isn't it?" Theo asked and the other two boys nodded. "Maybe we can shorten it?"
"No," Hermione said, firmly, a pointed look on her face. "No, absolutely—"
"Hermes!" Harry shouted, chortling, as he held his stomach.
"What?!" Hermione cried, shaking her head. "No—"
"Herms!" Draco added, he and Harry, high-fiving, as they snickered in amusement.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Hermione did not have the patience to deal with them at the moment. They were childish and immature and she did not think it was funny one bit since it was at her expanse.
From Draco: "Minnie!"
From Hermione, perplexed: "You can't be— you're serious?"
From Harry, ignoring Hermione: "No, sounds silly. Harmony!"
From Hermione, scoffing: "This is ridiculous."
From Draco, also ignoring Hermione, his eyebrows raised: "That is not even remotely close to a short name for Hermione, Hades."
From Theo, chuckling: You're an idiot, Hades."
From Harry, smiling: "Mione!"
Sighing heavily, Hermione shook her head, her hands out. "No, stop. Just stop. That is enough, form all of you—"
"Mi." Theo murmured, observing her from head to toe. "Mi. Her-MI-O-Ne. Mi."
Snapping her mouth shut, she slowly nodded. "Mi."
"Mi." Harry and Draco said simultaneously, then proceeded to laugh and playfully punch one another.
"Mi," Theo smiled. "Obviously, I'm the smart one."
"Oh, you wish, you wanker—"
"Watch it—"
Tilting her head back, Hermione laughed. It was unworried and sincere as she held her stomach and laughed some more.
"Think he's funny, do you?" Harry said, his voice humorous as he reached for Hermione, tickling her abdomen.
Yelping in surprise, Hermione's laughter doubled as she tried, unsuccessfully, to push Harry's hand away.
"Stop it!" She breathed, slapping the back of his head, ignoring Draco and Theo's chortles.
Harry laughed as he continued his onslaught of tickles and Hermione watched, as a burly old man from Tom's memory placed a hand on his shoulder. Clearing her throat, she pushed Harry away and went to stand besides Draco.
He smirked at her and Hermione turned away, rolling her eyes.
"Hadrian," the man said, shaking his head but amusement shining in his eyes. "You know better than to act a fool."
"Sorry, father." Harry said, not sounding apologetic at all.
"Oh, I'm not the one your were harassing." The man said, sarcasm coloring his tone.
Theo snorted as he stood next to his family. "You know Hadrian, father. Gryffindor at heart."
"Watch it—" Hadrian began, viciously, before he was interrupted by his supposed father.
"There is nothing to be ashamed of, Hadrian, you're mother was Gryffindor, after all." The man pointed out, but his face bore a look of disgust before quickly arranging his features.
Huh. She didn't know what they were on about and she wasn't about to ask.
"This is Hermione Granger," Lucius had introduced to the man, who had appeared beside her from nowhere. "The sponsor I have spoken about."
The man's eyebrows raised in surprise as he held out his hand for her. "Thoros Nott."
Smiling, she took his hand as he shook it firmly. "Nice to meet you, Mister Nott."
"Since we're all together, we can take a break and grab a bite to eat." Lucius announced to the agreements of the boys. "Unless you're busy, Thoros."
"Of course not." Thoros said, his voice ruff. "The boys only have their books to purchase. We have time to spare. You know, your occupation as School Governor…"
Draco cleared his throat and grabbed her hand, waiting for the adults to walk ahead, their conversation fading.
"I'm sorry, Draco, but your father is the worst." Harry said, teasingly.
Snorting, Hermione pulled her hand away from Draco and walked behind as Harry and Draco went back and forth, teasing one another.
"Don't mind them," Theo said in a low voice, walking beside her. "They're not all that bad."
"Your father and Lucius or Draco and Hadrian?" Hermione asked with a lifted brow in amusement.
Theo shrugged. "Both, I guess."
Hermione chuckled. "I'm not used to all of this." She waved her hand indicating everything around her. "It's all pretty new to me."
Treading carefully as Theo guided her in the right direction, he said, casually, "I wouldn't think it was, no. You're born from muggle parents and being muggleborn can't be easy."
"Muggleborn?" Asked Hermione, a look of confusion marring her features.
He didn't have enough time to reply and he shook his head, mouthing the word later as they walked into a restaurant called The Spotted Toad.
As Lucius directed the boys to one table and he and Thoros to the one next to it, Hermione sat beside Draco. Now that she was seated, she hadn't realized how famished she was and hadn't eaten the whole day, skipping breakfast because she was too nervous to eat.
Not knowing what to pick, she ordered what Draco decided on: steak pie with chips on the side and a butterbeer.
Theo cleared his throat. "So, Mi. What house are you hoping to be sorted into?"
The waitress smiled as she set four butterbeers in front of the teens and Hermione gave a curt nod in thanks as she took a sip. Eyes widening, she took another, then another until her mug was empty.
"Another one?" Harry laughed. "Be careful, there's a small amount of liquor in that, you know."
Sputtering, Hermione pushed her mug away. "You can't be serious? They—"
"He's teasing you," Draco informed her, kicking Harry underneath the table. "Knock it off, Hades."
Hissing, Harry scowled, kicking Draco back. "Prick."
Rolling her eyes, Hermione turned back to Theo and shrugged. "I'm not for sure, you see. I don't really know much about Hogwarts."
Theo nodded. "There are four houses; Gryffindor—"
"Boo," Draco added while Harry snorted into his butterbeer in agreement.
"Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin." Theo continued, ignoring Draco's interruption. "Each house has its own traits and characteristics you are associated with—"
"Big words there, brother." Harry muttered with humor in his voice as Draco nodded in agreement, the two boy's snickering.
Rolling his eyes, Theo continued. "Slytherin is the house of ambition, cunning and resourcefulness. Others think they are involved with dark magic and the like, but that is only because—"
"It's true?" Draco questioned, an evil smirk playing at his lips that he shared with Harry.
Glancing from one boy to the other, Hermione had a feeling they were in on something and she wanted to find out what that was.
"Ravenclaw possesses the traits of cleverness, wisdom, wit and intellectual ability and creativity." Theo went on to explain, ignoring the two buffoons.
Glancing at Theo, he looked on with annoyance, but his eyes told a different story. He loved them, that was obvious, but he was more attuned with his surroundings and knew when it was time to josh around and when it was not. She wanted to collect him, have him as a close ally. If he was even okay with hanging around a pretend mudblood.
"Hufflepuff and Gryffindor?" Hermione asked, relieved, when the waitress had placed their plates of hot food in front of them.
Deeply inhaling the aroma of different spices, hermione picked her silverware up and began to dig in. The first bite of food had melted deliciously on her tongue and she held in her moan as she swallowed the savory substance down. It was beyond tasty than what she was given to eat at the orphanage and she hoped Hogwarts served food as flavorsome as the steak pie she was eating. The chips were crispy and delectable and, as hermione washed it down with her butterbeer, she quickly took another bite of her pie.
"Gryffindor's are known for their foolhardiness, harebrained, impulsive and rash decisions." Theo told her around a mouthful of food. "They are the worst and I don't think you'd be sorted into that house."
Hufflepuffs," Harry picked up the conversation as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Are sensitive creatures. They're loyal to a fault—"
"Slytherins are too!" Draco piped in, before taking another bite of his pie.
"And have a strong sense of justice. They're patient and hardworking and are always helping those in need." Harry finished, taking a bite of the salmon he had ordered.
"Including students from other houses." Theo added, pushing his plate away.
Hermione nodded as she took another bite, thinking about what house had suited her. She would want to be sorted into Ravenclaw, She knew she was smart and intelligent but Slytheirn seemed amazing too. She knew she wouldn't be sorted into Gryffindor, she wasn't rash in her decision making and the choices she made were never out of impulse. She planned and striked when no one was the wiser. Hufflepuff was not in the cards for her and she knew for a fact she was too vindictive to be sorted into that house.
All of them sounded amazing regardless of their characteristics just because everyone in their house was magical. She guessed it didn't matter to her as long as she got into the school.
"So?" Theo asked, drumming his fingers along the table. "What house are you hoping for?"
Taking her last bite, hermione wiped the corners of her mouth with her napkin and cleared her throat. "What house are you three hoping to be in."
"Slytherin." The three boys said, simultaneously, in a monotone voice.
Hermione chuckled. "And why is that?"
"Certain families are known for being sorted into certain houses." Draco told her, a soft smile on his face. "For example, the Malfoys and Nott's are known for being in Slytherin while the Abbotts and Bones family are known to be sorted into Hufflepuff."
"It's the sacred twenty-eight," Theo added, "but that is something we'll discuss later." He glanced at the table his father and Lucius were sitting at.
Nodding discreetly, Hermione replied to Draco, shaking her head. "That is ridiculous."
"That is wizarding Britain for you." Harry added with a dark look on his face. "Not to mention that dolt of a headmaster— ouch!" He turned to his brother, rubbing his arm, glaring daggers at him.
Theo cleared his throat and smiled at Hermione. "We're not sure how you are sorted, father won't tell Hadrian and I—"
"Mine as well," Draco added, glumly.
"But I'm sure it's not all that bad." Harry finished.
Heroine shook her head. "Well, then I want to be sorted into Slytherin."
"That is impossible, Mi." Theo said, a tint of pity in his voice. "You're a muggleborn."
"Muggleborn," She murmured. "Is that another word for mudblood?"
Draco coughed, his drink dribbling from his lips and Hermione pounded his back, a look of disgust on her face at the mess he was making. Harry barked out a laugh and Theo's eyebrows were raised high into his hairline.
"Who told you that word?" Theo queried.
"Erm, Lucius?" Hermione answered as she continued to thump Draco's back. "Honestly, Draco, control yourself."
Waving his hand, Draco choked out, "I'm fine, I'm fine."
Rolling her eyes, Hermione turned to the two black haired boys sitting across from her. "Why is it impossible for me to be sorted into Slytherin?"
"No muggleborn has ever been sorted into the house of Salazar." Harry shook his head. "It just isn't heard of."
"Well," Hermione sniffed, tilting her chin up. "I guess I'm going to have to prove you all wrong then, aren'tI?"
"You'll be tormented, Mi," Harry said, bemused. "You're going to have to watch your back at all times if that were to happen."
"Ravenclaw would suit you better," Theo stated. "There are muggleborns and halfbloods in that house that will accept you."
"You three wouldn't back me up if I were sorted into Slytherin?" Hermione asked.
She should have been offended, but she wasn't. These boys were raised in a household to hold prejudiced beliefs against mudbloods and once Hermione took over the Wizarding world, she would change that. It still irked her how unfair their world really was towards people that weren't from magical families.
Hermione knew the only reason they were playing nice with her was because of Lucius. If he hadn't sponsored her, she wouldn't be with them now.
This was the moment their fates would be sealed. If they rejected her and turned their backs on her when she was sorted into Slytherin, because that was the house she would be sorted into, all three of them would find themselves out in the cold, with their families, when it was time for her to rule the world and her identity, revealed.
If they couldn't accept her now, then there was honestly no hope in changing the Wizarding world on their ideas about mudbloods. She would have to take extreme measures to make it where they were accepted into their society and she really didn't want to go that route.
"Well," Draco began, hesitantly. "Father is sponsoring you…" He pursed his lips and slowly nodded, giving Hermione a small smile. "Friends, right?"
Relieved she had Draco on her side, Hermione grabbed his hand underneath the table and squeezed it firmly. "Friends."
"If Draco is with you, then so am I." Harry declared, lifting his butterbeer and tipping it towards her. "Consider me on your side, Harmony."
Hadrian—" Hermione snapped.
"Hades," he corrected her, smirking. "If we are to be close friends, Mi, you call me Hades."
Smiling gratefully, Hermione nodded, her annoyance forgotten. "Hades."
"I guess I can put my life on the line for a muggleborn. Besides," Theo rolled his eyes, tipping his head towards the other two boys at the table. "You're better company than these two wankers."
Harry threw his arm around Theo's neck, pulling him to his chest and began to mess his hair up. "Oh, com on, brother. I thought you loved me?"
"Hades, damn it," Theo cursed under his breath, trying to get himself out of the headlock he was currently in.
Hermione and Draco laughed at the brothers as they continued to wrestle for the upper hand.
She had gotten Draco Malfoy, Theo Nott and Harry Potter on her side. It didn't matter if it was a small victory, it still mattered to her in the overall scheme of things.
And maybe, just maybe, she had found herself real friends.
"Boys!" Thoros hissed from the table next to theirs. "Control yourself."
Theo and Harry immediately stopped their ruff playing and Hermione snorted. Before she could reply, Lucius had stood from his table and nodded for Hermione and Draco.
"We still have your books and wands to purchase,'' he told them.
Hermione and Draco, both, nodded as they stood from their chairs.
Hermione flashed a brilliant smile at Theo and Harry. "See you tomorrow."
Theo nodded, grabbing her hand and placing a chaste kiss to the back of her palm. "Until tomorrow, Mi."
He nodded at Draco and Lucius and made his way towards his father.
Harry smirked and wrapped his arms around Hermione in a hug, squeezing her for good measure. Letting her go, he wiggled his eyebrows. "Save me a seat on the express?"
Confused, Hermione just nodded as he turned his attention to Draco. Harry punched his shoulder and grinned. "Pale and pointy."
Draco scoffed but was also grinning. "Scarhead."
Hermione squinted her eyes at Harry noticing the scar on his forehead that took the shape of a lightning bolt.
"What happened?" She asked, curious.
"Fell off a broom when I was five." Harry answered, rolling his eyes. "It was one time. Of course Draco, being a prat and all, won't let it go and has dubbed me 'scarhead.'"
"Proves I'm the better flier." Draco grinned.
"I was five, you dolt." Harry muttered.
Draco shrugged, smirking. "Still counts."
They both laughed and Harry shook his head, sauntering towards his family.
"Merlin, Draco," Lucius said, shaking his head. "You are very aware that you'll see them tomorrow, yes?"
Hermione burst into giggles as Draco scowled at her. Clearing her throat, Hermione gnawed on her bottom lip, controlling her laughter.
"Come along, children." Lucius sighed. "Another hour before we're done with this disaster of a school list."
Agreeing wholeheartedly, Hermione followed Lucius, with Draco by her side, out of the restaurant. They strolled down the street to their next stop and she was growing tired of shopping for her things. She wanted to be done with it and take a nap.
It had been a long day that consisted of walking and more walking and oh, more walking and she was exhausted. At least the whole trip wasn't useless. She purchased more than half of the things she needed for Hogwarts, Lucius had opened up an account for her At Gringotts, Thoros was ever the loyal follower and she made companionship with Theo and Harry.
Glancing at Draco from the corner of her eye as they continued to follow Lucius, Hermione knew she was quick to judge him. He wasn't all that bad and was actually grateful he was fully on her side. She could handle his petulant and sulky ways if it meant having Draco as a— Hermione wouldn't say friend, per say, but maybe he would become one as with Theo and Harry. But for now, the outcome was still undecided.
Smiling softly, Hermione could honestly admit to herself that she was excited to begin her year at Hogwarts.