Draco and Theo learn something new about Hermione that surprises them.

December 1994

Hermione sighed as she closed the book she was reading. When she'd returned after Samhain to find that Harry had somehow been chosen as a Triwizard champion she knew that the year would be full of surprises. It was Ron's reaction to Harry being chosen that had caused a lot of friction within Gryffindor. It was sad that most seemed to side with the rest of the school in saying that Harry was a cheat. But Hermione suspected there was something else going on. What? She didn't know.

Now that the first task was completed, she was glad that Harry and Ron had reconciled. Everything had gone back to normal for Hermione, well, as normal as they could be considering her life had been flipped upside down.

She still thought about and was mourning the loss of her parents. While she knew they were still alive and well last she heard, it didn't stop the emptiness in her chest at the loss of their loving presence. They no longer remembered her and she had no way of finding them. That was for the best of all parties involved, she knew that, but it still stung. She missed them terribly and tried her best to remember all the happy times they spent together instead of the last time she'd seen them.

Her thoughts then turned to her grandmother and how supportive she's been since the beginning of this drama, she wouldn't lie to herself that she did feel great respect and love for Vinda and hoped that would continue to grow the more time she spent with her. But there was also a sense of resentment she couldn't help but harbour, that if Vinda had never shown up in her life she would still have her parents and an established sense of self.

Her thoughts segued onto another path. Even without Vinda and Kai and the continuing complications from her Rite, she was sure she'd still be involved in some sort of drama. She remembered just the other day...

She'd just left the Great Hall when from out of the shadows, Viktor had stepped into her path. She gasped and felt her heart race. Viktor stood there just looking at her, and then as if coming out of a trance; clicked his heels together and gave a short stiff bow.

"Her-my-o-ninny, I vould very much like to take 'dis opportunity to ask you to 'de Yule ball. Vould you do me 'de honor of being your escort?" he then grasped her hand, raised it to his lips and placed a soft kiss to her middle knuckle.

"Y-you want to take me to the Yule Ball?" she asked. Her insecurities coming out with her next question, "Why? I'm sure there are many much more worthy girls that would be honoured to be on your arm," she tried to extract her hand from his grasp, but he tightened his hold, shaking his head.

"No. None more powerful. None more beautiful 'dan you, Her-my-o-ninny," she could see the sincerity in his eyes. She felt a flutter in her stomach. Should she say yes? What would Harry and Ron think? What about Kai or her grandmother? She waffled a bit but drew on her Gryffindor courage and made a decision.

"Yes. I'll go with you, Viktor. Thank you for asking me. And please call me Mia," she smiled, her stomach still fluttering like mad.

"Very vell, Mia. I look forvard to dancing wit' you at de ball." he then bowed over her hand again before standing straight, clicking his heels together then spinning and disappearing down the corridor.

Hermione thought she must have floated back up to Gryffindor Tower, she was so happy. And if she had looked down at her feet, she would have seen she was indeed hovering an inch above the ground. She'd only come back down to earth when Ron had opened his mouth and shoved both feet into his gaping maw.

She could still feel her blood boil as she remembered them talking about the Yule Ball during the study period and seeing Fred ask Angelina out in such a brash way. And Ron, trying to imitate his brother turning to her and blurting out, "'Mione, you're a girl…" Her dry response and then him saying it was just sad that she couldn't- not wouldn't- but couldn't find a date for the ball. She remembered feeling hot and her vision turning red. She saw a flash of black and then Professor Snape being behind her. She remembered the feeling of his hand on her back and she calmed again.

Professor Snape had then punished both Harry and Ron for talking after she'd gotten up and handed him her notebook and her hissing that someone had already asked her.

She'd stormed up to her dorm room and slammed the door so hard that it startled both Crookshanks and Mahira. She'd thrown herself down on the bed, crying. Both the cat and bird had come over to her and begged for attention knowing that it would distract her.

After a few minutes of Crooks purring and Mahira mimicking him while preening her hair, Hermione had calmed enough to turn over onto her back. Crooks crawled up onto her chest and made like a loaf of bread, all the while still purring. Mahira flew over to her bedside table whistled inquiringly.

"Oh, why does he have to be such a git? He finally notices that I'm a girl and it's only to mock me."

Mahira cocked her head as if to say, "Who?" and Hermione said, "Ron. He's the git. A giant ginger git!"

Mahira seemed to like the sound of the new word she just learned and began to bob in place saying, "Ron. Git, git, git. Ron is a giant ginger git, git, git."

Hermione began to giggle at the antics of her Myna bird. She reached out and softly ran her fingers over Mahira's breast feathers receiving purrs in return.

She nudged Crooks off her chest and he grudgingly got up. He hated it when his human was upset, or Hermione liked to think. She sat up and turned and addressed Mahira, "My talented lady, would you mind terribly taking a letter to grandmother for me?"

Mahira continued to bob up and down, but said, "Mia! Yes! Mia Mia!"

"Thank you, my talented lady!" Hermione summoned some parchment, her quill, and ink. She wrote a letter asking for help in procuring a gown for the Yule Ball. She'd even told her about Ron and what he said, just to get it off her chest. She mentioned that even though what he'd said hurt her, she would like to do something for him. That she'd felt bad when others had laughed at the dress robes his mother had sent but didn't know what as his pride would be wounded if she straight out bought him new robes to wear.

She sent the letter and later that same night received a reply, saying that Vinda had everything covered and to expect a package in a few days. She'd also said that she was sorry that her friend had treated her so appallingly. She closed her letter with, "It's the ones that are closest to us, that hurts us the most. But it's you who determines just how much."

It had now been almost a week since she had mailed her grandmother and they had just sat down for lunch; she was hoping that she would receive her package today. She was still a little angry at Ron, he had apologized without actually apologizing, and all she could do was sigh. It was doubtful that he would change.

Just then she heard the flapping of wings and she looked up from her book. She saw the sleek black and green feathers of Mahira and knew that today was the day. She felt a bubble of excitement.

Mahira landed in front of Hermione and held out her foot. Tied to it were several miniaturized packages and a letter. As soon as Hermione had untied them, the packages resized themselves with a slight shudder.

"Wha've 'ou go' 'here, 'Mione?" Ron asked, unsurprisingly with his mouth full. Hermione cringed and was about to answer him when Mahira turned and said loudly, "MAIL FOR MIA! NONE FOR THE GIT! RON IS A GINGER GIT, GIT, GIT!" and the Great Hall broke out into laughter.

Hermione quickly hid a giggle and admonished, "Mahira! That isn't very nice," Mahira just seemed to shrug, turned back to Ron and blew him a raspberry, before taking off. But not before saying once again, "Ron is a git, git, git!"

Ron finally swallowed his food and said, "Bloody hell, 'Mione! What is it about you getting animals that are such bloody menaces?"

Calmly she sipped at her pumpkin juice and said dryly, "I don't know what you're talking about, Ron."

"Maybe it's just his winning personality that brings out the worst in your pets, eh Mia?" Fred said having just witnessed the end of the exchange. He and George plopped down on either side of her.

"What did the very intelligent and observant bird bring you, Mia?" George asked, inching toward the packages.

Quickly Hermione shrunk all but two of the packages and the letter back down and stuffed them into her bag. "If you must know they are Christmas gifts. I asked grandmother to send them to me and wanted to make sure I got them in time." She then put one box in front of Harry and one in front of Ron.

"I don't know why I got anything for you, Ron. But it is the season of goodwill towards men, so I had grandmother pick this out for you. She said that it'll make you look dashing in your dress robes."

Ron picked up the box and looked at it like it was going to bite him, "Uh, thanks 'Mione. I guess anything would be an improvement. Do you want me to open it now?"

Hermione shrugged, "You can if you like."

With trembling fingers, Ron opened the small four-inch square box. He looked at the contents. At first, Hermione was sure he didn't like it, but then he looked up and smiled widely, "This is bloody brilliant, 'Mione! Thanks!" he then awkwardly patted her hand from across the table.

"Well, don't be stingy, mate. What'd Mione give you?" Harry asked, speaking up for the first time.

"Ah, this is the coolest thing ever, Harry! She got me this Chudley Cannons badge! I'm gonna wear it on my dress robes." and he held up the bright orange badge for all to see.

"That's, uh… Very nice, Ron." Harry said thinking that the bright orange of the badge would stand out like a sore thumb on those horrid dress robes Mrs Weasley had sent her son.

"Hey, Harry. Why don't you open yours? Maybe 'Mione got us matching badges?" Ron asked while reaching for Harry's gift. Harry's seeker reflexes came in handy when he was able to snatch it out of Ron's reach. He looked at Hermione with a bit of desperation and sighed silently in relief when she subtly shook her head, "No, I'll open it later." and stuffed it into the pocket of his robe.

Ron was busy admiring his new badge when he heard the rustle of parchment across from him, "What you got there, 'Mione?"

"Hmm? Oh, just a letter from grandmother saying that she hopes you like what she picked out and that she's looking forward to how the Yule Ball goes for me," Hermione said quickly refolding the letter she received, but what she didn't let be known was that within the letter from Vinda was another letter, from her grandfather, Gellert. Her attention was brought back when she heard Ron snort.

"Oh, come on, 'Mione! You aren't still trying to say that you have a date, are you? You just need to face the truth that no one asked you, there's no shame in going alone," Ron said, still playing with the Cannons badge.

Quietly, Hermione stood up and placed her letter back into her bag. She looked Ron right in the eyes and said softly, "Grandmother was right. It is the ones closest to us that hurt us the most. But Ron? I will not allow you to hurt me anymore about this."

Just then the bell signalling lunch was finished; rang out. "Come on, we have a double potions class next," she turned on her heel and marched out. She didn't see Professor Snape walk up behind Ron and accidentally smack him upside the head with the book he was holding.

The bell rang and everyone began to scramble to pack up their supplies, no one wanted to linger in Professor Snape's class. However, Hermione was taking her time, the letter from her grandfather seemingly burning a hole in her bag. Once she noticed almost everyone from class had packed up and left, Hermione began stuffing her belongings into her bag. She noticed that Harry and Ron were still waiting for her, she waved them off giving them a reassuring smile. "I'll see you in the Common Room soon, I have to ask Professor Snape a question about our essay."

Ron rolled his eyes at her while Harry gave her a small pat on the shoulder and left.

Hermione watched them leave and bit her bottom lip. The lies were coming easier for her these days, but she had an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, she needed to tell them the full truth. She almost felt like she was living in a glass box, one she thought would be easy to break but was proving almost indestructible. With each lie, another pane of glass was added. She just felt this need to protect her friends and it had only increased after her Rite. She knew that any further delay would only hurt them more. But how do you tell someone that you're not who everyone believes you are? She'd tried so many times to organize her thoughts, but she would just end up wanting to tear her hair out.

The classroom was finally empty, even Professor Snape had left as soon as he dismissed class stalking to his office. She couldn't blame him. Neville did have a knack for blowing up his potions. Though they had only spent the lab portion of class preparing their ingredients for their next brewing session.

After stuffing her supplies in her bag, she took out the letter that she'd received from her grandfather that afternoon. This was the last class of the day and she would have time to read it undisturbed. Taking a fortifying breath, she flipped over the letter and broke the seal and began to read as she walked slowly to the Common Room to drop off her bag and then to the Great Hall for dinner.

My dearest Hermione,

After reading your letter multiple times I thought it was time that I answered some of your questions. What you described during your Rite was exceedingly rare. Your grandmother had written to me a few days after the Rite with similar questions as to how to help guide you.

As you know, I'm an elemental, my affinity is Fire. My sons were born without the gift of elements, it shouldn't have surprised me that you and Kai have come into an element, but I was because, as I've said, being an elemental is exceedingly rare.

Rest assured, my sweet girl, there is nothing wrong with you. You've been marked for greatness. Being a Life elemental is even rarer than being one of the four basic elementals. I would embrace it.

As to why you noticed that your friend's mother seemingly uneasiness in your presence it's because elementals are considered stronger than most magical beings and I'm sure she could sense something from you, your magic will feel different if not stronger to others who are close to you. You'll notice that you'll be able to use wandless magic easier and can manipulate the elements you have an affinity for, in your case, which is all of them. There's not much known about us, and with that lack of knowledge comes fear. You are NOT becoming a monster, little one. You're a miracle.

I would advise you not to share this information with anyone that you're not absolutely sure of their loyalty. Being a Life elemental can be dangerous and people will seek to use you for their gain, you must complete the task that was laid before you and find the four others that will help your power grow, they'll love you and protect you. I'm almost certain you're calling out to them as you read this letter.

As far as Albus goes, and as unpleasant as you will find it is, you must guard yourself. I know you idolized him, and while I do agree with your assessment that he's a powerful wizard, I'm sure since reading some of the letters he has sent me over the years, you can see he's very good at manipulating people and I fear what he may do to you if he were to ever learn of your new gifts. Take heed my sweet girl. You'll be the catalyst to some extraordinary changes to our world.

Write to me with any questions you may have and stay close to Kai. He'll protect you.

With love and devotion.

Your Grandfather,

Gellert

Hermione sighed as she read the letter. Her grandfather had just confirmed a lot of her suspicions in regard to the Headmaster. And while she wanted to deny them, she knew that it was impossible.

She continued to walk down the dungeon corridor, scanning through the letter again and again. Her mind running in circles trying to figure out what the Headmaster's end game was and how she fit into it. So, preoccupied was she, that she didn't see the hubbub ahead of her. Nor did she hear the shouting. So, she was taken completely off guard at what happened next.

Theo leaned against the wall and watched with mild interest as Draco and Potter threw insults at each other. Whilst this was common for them to have disdain for one another, Draco seemed to go out of his way to pick fights with Potter this year. He wondered if it was because she was always there.

Looking around the crowd, Theo didn't see the witch that was usually attached to Potter's side. He would never say it out loud, but he was disappointed that she'd yet to make an appearance.

He was conflicted about his feelings towards her.

He didn't feel repulsed about the idea of having her near him as he'd been taught from infancy, if anything he wanted, maybe even needed to be near her. If his father knew he started to fancy a Mudblood he knew that he would be in for a harsh lesson with the Cruciatus Curse, his father's favourite form of punishment to ensure that Theo learned each lesson completely.

Draco knew, of course, the feeling of being drawn to someone they'd been taught to disdain, Draco too suffered the same affliction. They were both trying to figure out why. Why were they so drawn to her? It was magnetic. He'd never in his life felt such a pull toward anyone, so why her?

Out of the corner of his eye, Theo saw the curly hair of Granger about to walk in the middle of the kerfuffle in the corridor. Everything seemed to move in slow motion, Theo tried to warn Draco, his body jerking forward to grab his arm just as he cast a curse at Potter. He wasn't trying to protect Potter, he was trying to protect her, the object of his obsession.

She was clearly not paying attention to what was around her and stepped between the two that were bickering as she was absorbed in reading a piece of parchment.

The curse hit true and Granger let out a startled scream. Her body pitched sideways into Potter and he was thrown to the ground with her. Her bookbag flew through the air, pegging Weaselbee in the face, the parchment swirled in the air before it landed gently in front of him.

Theo looked down and saw a name. Gellert. He knew that name, his heart thudded in his chest and he took a small step forward, placing his foot on the parchment to hide it from view, his robes making a nice cover. Gellert was a very uncommon name to have. He could really only think of one wizard who had that name. Could it be that Granger knew the dark wizard and how? Why would he be writing to her? Theo didn't know but suspected that whatever the parchment contained would hold the answers.

Theo kept his face blank as Professor Snape appeared as if summoned from the very pits of Tartarus, he snarled at everyone to disperse and demanded to know what was going on. Theo saw the brief flicker of concern when Snape's eyes landed on Granger's huddled form on the floor before his face smoothed over once again.

Interesting.

"Get out of my way!"

Kai Grindelwald-Rosier stalked down the hallway towards where Granger was, shoving people away as he neared her. Theo clenched his jaw and tried his best to remain impassive, but he felt pure jealousy flare in him at the way Rosier paid attention to her. It appeared he and Draco weren't the only ones obsessed.

"Mia," Rosier said and crouched down in front of her, "here, let me see."

Granger swatted at his hands and curled further into herself letting out a choked sob.

"Take her to the infirmary," Snape said in a flat voice as he watched the pair. He saw Snape's hand twitch slightly as Rosier scooped up a distraught Granger in his arms.

Theo took a step towards them when Potter's arm shot out and grabbed Rosier's arm. "Wait, where are you taking her?!"

Turning slowly Kai looked down at his arm and back to Potter, "I would suggest you remove your hand from my person unless you want to lose it," Rosier said in a cold and deadly voice. "I'm taking her to the infirmary as Professor Snape ordered."

"I'm going with you," Potter said as he picked up Granger's bag.

Viktor stepped in Potter's way as Rosier gave Draco a glare as he walked past them. Theo saw Draco blanch at the rage that one look had. Potter was still trying to follow but was stopped at the menacing words that were heard, "You vill not go where Mia goes," he said in a low tone. Several other Durmstrang students stepped next to Viktor helping him block Potter's path.

This allowed for Professor Snape to step forward and grasp Potter by the collar of his robes and hiss, "You, Mr Potter will be coming with me to explain what has happened."

Potter protested, "But-"

"Silence! You know the rules about duelling in the corridors, Potter. Fifty points from Gryffindor for endangering a fellow student and causing unnecessary congestion. Now come with me," Snape then proceeded to yank Potter back to his office, no doubt to be interrogated and serve detention.

Theo really wasn't paying attention and didn't care what happened to Potter. His concern was focused on Granger. He was about to follow after Kai when the rustle of parchment under his foot reminded him of what Granger was reading when she walked into the path of Draco's hex. While everyone was still distracted, he bent over and stuffed the piece of parchment into his robes before he stood.

"Come on, Draco," he said when he stood and grabbed him by the arm. "We need to talk."

Draco's brows furrowed and looked down at the floor as Theo dropped his arm and led him to a private passageway that they had found last year knowing they could speak freely there without being disturbed. He wanted to follow his cousin Kai to the infirmary, he needed to know what his hex had done to Granger. But he allowed Theo to pull him down the corridor.

The tapestry of Salazar Slytherin standing with his arms crossed, with several dead bodies scattered at his feet, glared down at them as Theo pulled it to the side and slipped into the passage followed by Draco. Small sconces flared to life as they stepped inside. Stopping, Theo reached into his robe and looked up at Draco, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Granger dropped this," he said, the piece of parchment pinched between his elegant fingers swishing back and forth like a pendulum.

Draco crossed his arms and leaned against the stone wall giving a casual shrug feigning disinterest, "So?" he sniffed raising his chin in the air. "Why should I care what the Mudblood dropped. Burn it for all I care."

Theo chuckled seeing through the act. He could see Draco eyeing the parchment with interest. "I think you would be interested in who sent her this...letter." Theo turned slightly and unfolding the parchment began to read. He then made a tsking sound, piquing Draco's curiosity "Interesting indeed."

Draco let out a small grunt as he pushed himself off the wall and stood next to Theo leaning closer to see what was written. Theo heard the small gasp from him as he read along. Even he had a hard time not expressing his shock.

"Merlin's baggy y-fronts," Draco whispered and snatched the parchment from his hand holding it closer to his face to read once again. "There is no way that swot is…that she is..."

"Gellert Grindelwald's granddaughter?" Theo finished, "It appears that she is just that, Draco. It's no wonder that Rosier pays close attention to her. Isn't he Evan's son and Grindelwald's grandson? Do you think she really might be related to Rosier, sibling or cousin maybe?"

Draco looked up at him and then back at the parchment, "I don't know what their relationship is. What I do know is, we tell no one about this. If she really is Grindelwald's granddaughter, there has to be a reason she hasn't said anything. We need to find out from Rosier if this is true."

Theo nodded in assent and then he had an odd thought, "Wouldn't that make Granger your cousin, too?"

Draco scowled in his direction as he stormed off, "Fuck off, Nott. Come on, we need to head to the Hall for dinner."

Neither young man noticed a bright green beetle scurry through a crack in the wall as the tapestry swished closed behind them.