A/N: Thank you guys so much for the reviews/favorites/follows! They seriously make my day & this being my first fic, it's really exciting! Lol.
I've been so busy, I literally haven't had time to respond to the reviews, I've just been copying & pasting for the last two chapters. Lol. But believe me when I say they really do keep me motivated to post instead of abandoning because my ego is quite large, I will admit to that. LOL. So I thought I'd post this one early because you guys are amazing and I appreciate you guys reading this disaster of a fic!
I don't have a beta, so any mistakes— I'll get to them when I can. (:
See y'all next Wednesday!
Characters belong to JK Rowling! (:
Potential Threats & Revealed Secrets.
. . . .
"You have everything? Your books, your clothes, your shoes?"
"Yes, Mrs Daniels," Hermione muttered, clearly frustrated she was still in the automobile. "I'll be fine."
Opening the car door, Hermione sighed as the matron grabbed her arm. "Remember what I said, Hermione, dear."
Glancing over her shoulder, Hermione narrowed her eyes and sat back. "Now that you bring it up, what did you mean by that?"
"Nothing, just a matron fussing over her charge." Mrs Daniels smiled, shooing her out. "Go now, you mustn't miss the train. You heard what that dreadful man had said."
Chuckling, Hermione smiled and, pursing her lips, she reached over, giving the matron a hug.
Although she despised the auburn haired woman and everything she stood for, — there was no way anyone was that kind — she wasn't all that horrible and was really grateful someone actually showed kindness to her even if Hermione persistently pushed her away at every opportune moment.
"Thank you," Hermione whispered into her ear. She pulled away and gave the matron a small smile. "See you next year?"
"I'll be waiting." Mrs Daniels assured her, wiping at a stray tear. "Be safe, my dear."
Smiling brilliantly, Hermione pushed the door open and stepped out. She then grabbed her trunk from the backseat and slammed the door. Without a backwards glance, she deeply inhaled and let it out, her back straight and determined to find Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
Counting down the platforms, Hermione paused when she noticed there wasn't even a platform Nine and Three-Quarters, then cursing under her breath as she remembered there was no Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. She stood near Platform Nine, her brows furrowed in confusion.
It was a stupid mistake on her end to forget about the platforms and should've asked Severus how to go about finding it. There was no doubt in her mind Severus had done so on purpose— mocking her, the prick.
"Great," Hermione muttered. "Just great."
Rolling her trunk beside her, she leaned back against the brick arch between Platforms Nine and Ten. She fell back, yelping, as her trunk toppled over her. Groaning, Hermione cursed again under her breath, pushing her pack away and slowly stood.
Glancing around, she gasped, taking in the magical world before her— magic was truly amazing. Above her was a sign that read Platform Nine and Three-Quarters and she felt excitement course through her. It was sheer luck to stumble against the magical opening.
Fixing her trunk so it stood upright, she began to drag it behind her, passing through the excitement and loud chattering. Taking notice of what everyone else was doing with their luggage, Hermione followed, dragging her trunk onto the train.
Grunting in frustration, she kept tugging on the handle of her trunk, struggling with the weight of it until she was finally able to get it past the two steps. Sighing heavily, she dragged it behind her, searching for a compartment that was empty as she grimaced at the cheerful chattering around her.
There were so many children her age, and older, hugging and laughing as they gushed about being back and how their summer holiday went. It was annoying and Hermione sighed in relief when she came to the end of the express and found a compartment that was empty. Sliding the glass door open, she stepped in and shoved her trunk underneath the seat. There was no way she would be able to lift it over her head and place it on the rack lest she wanted the heavy thing to fall on top of her.
Finally able to rest, Hermione thought of taking the journal out, informing Tom she had boarded the Express, but changed her mind. She hadn't spoken to him since before her trip to Diagon and she was honestly dreading that conversation with him. She could only imagine the many things he would complain about.
The journal had been humming since last night and she refused to read whatever he had written for her to see. No doubt to curse her for being absent and leaving him in the dark. Thank goodness it hadn't sucked her in like before when she went to poke at it.
Hissing, Hermione shoved her sleeve up, sneering at Nagini. "Watch it."
"I'm hungry." Nagini hissed.
"Well, you're going to have to wait, serpent." Hermione growled. "There's no food near."
"There are children," Nagini suggested.
Hermione snorted, rolling her sleeve down, carefully covering The length of her body. "And how do you suppose I explain their disappearance, hmm? Not very smart, snake."
Nagini hissed her disapproval and Hermione sighed. "Alright. As soon as we get to the school, I'll let you go so you can hunt down… whatever it is you eat. Does that sound good to you, queen of the serpents?"
"Funny."
"You're the first to say that, you know." Hermione snorted, rolling her eyes. "Now, hush. I need to read Hogwarts: A History so I know what I'm getting myself into, yeah?" She sighed, rummaging through her bag. "For both our sakes," she muttered under her breath.
Flipping open her book, Hermione began to read and Hogwarts was literally the ideal school for magic. She read about the ceiling in the Great Hall being bewitched to display the weather outside. It was hidden from muggles so all that they saw was a sign that read 'DANGER DO NOT ENTER, UNSAFE'.
Each house was named after the school founders; Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff and Salazar Slytherin. She read about a secret chamber that Salazar had left behind when he split from the other founders on disagreements. She also read about the forbidden forest, the amazing feasts and how boys aren't allowed in the girls dormitories and if they tried to enter, the stairs turned into slides.
It had information about the Hogwarts library and how it was one of the biggest in the Wizarding world Britain— Hermione couldn't wait to get her hands on them and read everything she could about magic.
It was simply amazing.
Once Hermione was done with a couple chapters, she quickly put it away, reaching for the next book she wanted to read, when the compartment door slid open.
"Mi!"
Hermione jumped, yanking her hand out of her bag and turned to the door, scowling. "Really, Hadrian. You startled me."
He grinned. "Good. I've missed you! And, wow," he snickered. "Your hair." He tilted his head. "I like it."
Rolling her eyes, ignoring the hair bit, Hermione scoffed. "You do know we've just seen each other yesterday?" 'And we barely know each other for you to miss me' was what she wanted to add. Instead, she looked behind him. "Where's your brother, then?"
Harry shrugged. "Last I saw, stuck with Greengrass." He lifted his trunk above his head and shoved it onto the rack. "They're betrothed, you know." He rolled his eyes. "Since birth."
Hermione lifted an eyebrow. "How archaic."
Snorting, Harry sat across from her. "Pureblood idiocy, more like it."
"And are you betrothed?" Asked Hermione, tilting her head to the side as she observed Harry.
His face twisted into a sneer. "Unfuckingfortunately."
"Hadrian!" Admonished Hermione. "Language." Sighing at his lifted eyebrow, she asked, "who's the lucky girl, then?"
"Pansy Parkinson," Harry growled. "The girl's an absolute menace."
"She can't—"
"Oh, thank Merlin." Draco entered the compartment, slamming the door shut. "Pansy's on the hunt, Hades. She's looking for you."
"Oh, bloody lucky me then." Hadrian muttered under his breath as he stood and sat next to Hermione by the window. "Hide me?"
"You're ridiculous." Said Hermione, shaking her head at Harry.
"Hello, Mi!" Draco greeted, shoving his trunk up onto the rack as well. He then sat across from her. "I've missed you, you know." He smirked. "Terribly." He nodded his head. "Your hair, you plan on leaving it like that?"
"You're such a liar, Draco Malfoy," Hermione accused playfully, her voice monotone. "And what I do with my hair is no one's business, thank you."
He chuckled, laying back against his chair and throwing his feet up on the seat next to Hermione. "Where's Theo, then, Hades?"
"Daphne," he muttered, staring out the window.
Furrowing her brow, Hermione gently laid a hand on his. "Are you alright?"
He quickly turned to her and smiled. "Never better."
She wasn't completely daft to believe his words. Hermione could sense something bothering him but she wasn't sure if it was the Parkinson chit or life in general. He obviously had to know he wasn't a Nott, Tom specifically told Thoros to assure the boy knew he was his son and that Dumbledore had disposed of him. Did Harry know he'd be back though? Probably.
The compartment door opened once again and Hermione sighed. She should've expected to share it with the three boys, but she was hoping to get some reading in before that had happened.
"Hello, my favorite mates in the world," a voice she was unfamiliar with had greeted.
Glancing up, Hermione lifted both brows as she watched a tanned boy with light green eyes that was around her age step into the compartment, shoving his trunk underneath the seat. He then sat beside Draco.
"Blaise," Harry smirked. "How's your mother?"
The Blaise fellow narrowed his eyes. "How's yours?"
"Touché," Harry rolled his eyes.
Blaise then looked at her and blinked. "Well, hello, stranger. I don't think we've had the pleasure." He winked. "Blaise Zabini."
"Charmed, I'm sure," Hermione sighed, agitation seeping through.
She didn't mind Draco and Harry, nor Theo, but she really wasn't in the mood for any more people sharing her compartment. She didn't do well in tight spaces full of people.
Draco chuckled. "So welcoming, Mi."
"You're welcome to leave and find another compartment. I was enjoying the silence before you lot came in and ruined it." Hermione retorted, sneering.
"Mi," Harry barked out a laugh, throwing an arm around Hermione's shoulder. "You know you love us."
Rolling her eyes, Hermione shoved him off, causing him to laugh again. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out Hogwarts: A History. There was no way she would pull out the other with these buffoons around.
"She seems nice," Blaise muttered.
Draco snorted. "You have no idea."
Before Hermione could retort, the compartment door slid open again.
"Thanks, Hadrian." Theo snapped, slamming the compartment door shut with a bang. "Thanks for fucking leaving me out there with Daphne bloody Greengrass!"
Shocked by Theo's outburst, she lowered her book as she watched him shove his trunk onto the rack with a scowl on his face. He kept glancing back, glaring at his brother while said brother laughed— poking the already riled up bear.
"Calm down brother," Harry drawled, causing Blaise and Draco to snicker while Theo looked at his sibling, his face set in an ugly scowl. "It couldn't have been—"
"You are such an arse!" Theo shouted, cutting Harry off mid sentence.
"Keep it coming, brother, I love it when you swear." Harry egged on.
Theo smirked evilly. "Your betrothed will be here soon enough."
Harry snarled, quickly standing on his feet, launching himself at his brother. Swiftly turning to Draco and Blaise, they looked on with amusement, not bothered that the brothers were about to fight. They weren't going to try and stop them, were they?
Were the girls they were betrothed to that awful? It couldn't have been that been. Surely they were acting out.
Growling, Hermione shot to her feet and pulled Harry away from Theo, pushing him down in the seat by the window and then turned, pushing Theo into his seat by the glass door.
"You both Listen now and listen good," Hermione snapped, pointing a finger at Harry then Theo. "I don't give a rats arse about your betrothals, but you will not disturb my fucking peace with your useless squabbling!"
She then turned to Draco. "And you!" His eyes widened. "Will do well to remember to keep them in check as well!" Focusing her attention back to the brothers, who were staring at her with shocked expressions, Hermione narrowed her eyes. "I don't give a bloody damn what you do to each other, but do it somewhere else where you're not being disruptive to my quietude!"
When the boys just looked on stupidly, Hermione growled. "Do you understand?!"
"Uh, yes," Harry said scratching the back of his head.
"I'm sorry, Mi," Theo uttered, looking down guiltily.
"Good." Hermione then sighed heavily, sitting between the brothers.
"Who are you?" Blaise asked, awestruck. "I don't think I've ever—"
"Hermione Granger," she snapped. "Mudblood extraordinaire.
Blaise's eyes widened in shock and he failed at hiding his disgust.
"Oh, don't worry," Hermione smirked. "You don't have to worry about my nagging." She then glared at Draco, Harry and Theo. "But these three, no such luck."
Blaise turned to Draco, who shrugged with a sheepish smile. He then turned to Harry who rolled his eyes and Theo who looked away.
Deeply satisfied, Hermione pursed her lips from smirking. She honestly didn't think that was going to work having just met the three boys and suddenly she wondered why it worked.
"You can't be serious," Blaise asked Draco, completely dumbfounded. "Your father—"
"Is sponsoring me, Zabini," Hermione sneered. "If my blood revolts you so much, you're free to leave." She shrugged," no one is stopping you."
"Wh— what?!" Blaise sputtered, turning to Draco. "Is that true?!"
"Why would she lie?" Draco queried, picking at his nails.
Blaise snapped his attention back to Hermione, his eyes widened in shock. He slowly nodded, his brows crinkled in consideration and Hermione wondered what he was thinking.
"Okay," He said slowly, leaning back as he made himself comfortable. "I'm down." He smirked at her. "If you want another pureblood to boss around, I'm in."
"Watch it," Draco growled under his breath, causing Theo and Harry to snicker.
Scoffing, Hermione looked down, flipping her book back open. These three would be the death of her and she refused to babysit them. Well, she didn't have to worry so much about Theo, — she wouldn't count his outburst she had just witnessed, it seemed out of character for him — he seemed more responsible than Draco and Harry— still, they had better not distract her from her schoolwork because that would cause problems with Tom and she didn't want to risk learning what he was willing to teach her.
Closing her book with a sigh, Hermione had a hard time focusing on the passage she was reading. Her mind was swirling with everything she had to do, she wished she could just complete everything now and be over with it. Of course, that was impossible, but it didn't hurt to wish, did it?
Not only was Hermione focused on her future, but she was reminded of what Tom had asked of her. She had absolutely no idea how to breach the subject. Maybe if she were to go for a stroll, she could eavesdrop and hope someone was stupid enough to talk about it? She didn't want to go back to Tom empty handed and disappoint him. If she was going to speak with him, she would go back with at least something to tell him that was worthwhile.
The train's horn whistled loudly and began to move forward.
"Nine hours of complete boredom." Harry muttered, lifting an eyebrow at Hermione. "You back with us?"
Confused, Hermione looked away, shaking her head. "I might as well stretch my legs. I'll be back."
She began to stand and Theo stood as well. "I'll go with you. I have to use the loo anyway."
Hermione smiled. "If you insist."
"Grab us something if the trolley comes, Hades." Theo told him, prying the sliding door opened.
Draco also stood. "I'll come."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly, you really don't have to if you don't want to, Dray."
"Dray?" He asked, perplexed.
Beaming, Hermione nodded. "My nickname for you."
"Dray." Harry murmured and smirked. "I guess it's alright. I would've came up with something better though." He pursed his lips and smirked. "Coco."
"No," Draco shook his head, vehemently. "Don't even think about calling me that, Hadrian!"
Hermione laughed. "Be my guest, Hades," ignoring Draco's outburst. "it's quite… girly and fits Draco perfectly."
"Your barmy," Draco muttered, scowling at Hermione and Hadrian as they continued their laughter.
"What about me?" Blaise pouted. "Don't I get a nickname?"
Hermione tilted her head. "I don't know— B?"
Theo shook his head. "Come on, Mi." He grabbed her hand, dragging her out of the compartment.
Once closing the door, he leaned against the wall next to it, hiding his figure from view as he pulled Hermione beside him.
"Tell me what you're really up to."
"Excuse you—"
Theo scoffed. "I'm not an idiot, Mi. I was watching you— you were clearly occupied with your thoughts."
Narrowing her eyes, she asked, "should I be concerned?"
"The fact that Harry and Draco were calling out to you and you blissfully ignoring them— I don't think you should be concerned with me at all."
"Oh, balls." Hermione muttered under her breath.
Were they really trying to conversate with her and she ignored them by being distracted with her thoughts. She'd have to remember not to space when around the three— around anyone, really.
"So tell me," Theo continued. "What's going on?"
"Nothing," Hermione bit out. "I'm fine."
"It's funny," Theo said, tilting his head. "I read a missive from Lucius Malfoy to my father a month ago. It had some very important information, stating he and Severus Snape had found the missing Tremblay."
Pursing her lips, Hermione shrugged her shoulder. "What does that have to do with me?"
"My father has dozens of journals, you see," Theo stated casually. "Recording his life since he started Hogwarts and continued to do so afterwards."
Hermione schooled her features into a look of boredom. This wasn't good. She would never understand why people decided to spill their life voyage onto paper so others could read. She guessed it was to keep their legacy from dying out, but honestly, Thoros couldn't find a proper way to keep what was highly secretive— well, a secret?
She hadn't even walked through the doors of Hogwarts and already Theo was on to her. Which meant Harry knew as well. Oh, gods. Thoros was an idiot and she would have to speak to Tom about his incompetence and what steps to take to eliminate his existence.
But then, he was also an idiot because he had kept a journal as well. What was wrong with wizards not being intelligent enough to hide their scheme for ruling and extracting mudbloods? Tom, at the very least, was able to divulge what he wanted others to know, but Thoros on the other hand— what. An. idiot. Literally, if they were set on world domination, it was best to keep that under wraps. And if they intend to jot it down, at least have the decency to hide their musings. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
"Hermione Tremblay, was her name, I believe." Theo pondered aloud, tapping his chin lightly.
"Get on with it Theo." Hermione ground out, her temper flaring.
"I want in." He declared, crossing his arms against his chest. "I want in with whatever you're a part of."
"That's where you're clearly confused, Nott, I'm not in anything!" Hermione growled, shoving at his chest.
"Okay," Theo shoved himself off the wall, smirking. "I guess you won't mind if I tell Draco and Blaise? I mean, of course, Harry knows, so why not—"
Hermione blinked. "What did you say?"
"You know exactly what I said, Mi." Theo smirked. "So if you don't mind…"
Was he blackmailing her?! Oh, no. He had no idea who he was dealing with.
He began to walk off and Hermione grunted in frustration. "Alright, you bloody bastard. Get rid of Blaise and we'll have our little chat." She grabbed his arm, roughly, as she slid her sleeve up, revealing Nagini.
Theo paled, trying to pull away, but Hermione held firmly on to his arm. "You will tell me everything you and Harry both know and if I don't like what I hear—"
Nagini began to bob its head, hissing at Theo.
"—I'll feed you to my serpent." Hermione threatened menacingly. "Understood?"
Theo nodded his head rapidly, his throat bobbing as he swallowed audibly. She followed him back into the compartment they had taken over and Hermione internally sighed. So much for budding friendship. Why was it so hard for her to make friends? She couldn't trust the boys, no matter how much they knew. Although their father's supported Tom, her loyalty wasn't as strong.
If Tom decided to go on with his blood nonsense, he wouldn't have just Dumbledore to worry about but her as well. She firmly believed that mudbloods belonged just as much as any other magical being and she will get her plan to fall through. If not, then the wizarding world had better watch out because Hermione would not be a failure nor a witch anyone wanted to go against. She'd make sure of it. And since her secret was no longer a secret thanks to Thoros bloody Nott, she had to act as if she were fully on The Dark Lord's side.
She felt a twinge of regret the way she had threatened Theo, but she was angry— and, honestly, she wouldn't have gone through with it. She hoped he knew that. If he didn't, she would have to reassure him. Ugh. This was exactly the reason Hermione didn't make friends. She had forgotten that once you made friends, you began to care for them and made sure they were okay and— it was just a bloody mess.
As much as Hermione craved for it, she was better off on her own. She didn't have to worry about hurt feelings or caring for others and all the other responsibilities that came with friendship.
She cursed under her breath as she sat down, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared at the ground. Being angry was an understatement— she was fucking furious. Of course she knew she needed to calm down and realize the situation wasn't that serious, but it bloody was! Everything felt as if it were falling apart— which made her even more furiated.
"Mi?" Harry hedged carefully. "Are you alright?"
Hermione snapped her attention to him and glared, her eyes narrowed into slits. "Not right now, Hadrian."
Draco stood, shoving Theo. "What did you do?"
Theo shoved him back. "Don't assume you know what's going on, little Malfoy."
"That is my cue to leave," Blaise said, airily. "See you chaps later." He glanced at all three of them and then at Hermione and snickered. "Or not."
He strolled out of the compartment as he whistled a tune, leaving the door opened. Theo sighed as he shut the door, taking a seat near Draco.
So much for enjoying her first year at Hogwarts and acting how children should be acting once going to a new magical school for the first time. So far they had been bickering back and forth like toddlers over sweeties. It was ridiculous.
"Well, I guess I'll start off by saying—"
"Dray," Hermioene cut in, glaring at Theo. "Does the name Tremblay ring any bell?" Draco pursed his lips, glancing away and Hermione sighed. "Bloody great."
"Why are you so annoyed anyway?" Harry asked, staring at her skeptically. "It's not like you've been completely honest with us."
Snapping her attention to Harry, she sneered. "It's more than that, you pompous arse, not to mention I barely know you lot to spill my secrets to." She then looked at Draco, ignoring Harry mutter under his breath about not knowing her as well. "You knew this whole time, even before I met you, haven't you?"
Draco gave her a guilty look. "My father might have told me." He cleared his throat. "And he might have mentioned that it would benefit me greatly if I were to befriend you."
"You—" Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose, deeply breathing. "You knew that whole time yesterday and—" she chuckled, looking up. "You played me!"
"I— I was only following what father had instructed me to do, Mi." Draco admitted sullenly. "Of course I couldn't tell you."
"You sneaky snake," Hermione chortled, throwing her head back, unable to believe she was played by a whiny Pureblood. "Your acting skills are quite spectacular, you fool."
She turned to Harry and Theo. "You guys knew as well?"
"Father didn't tell us though. We found out by reading his journals." Theo said, shrugging his shoulder.
"And you all went along with it." Hermione stated, shaking her head.
"You are such an idiot, Theo," Harry growled, shaking his head. "You just had to go and open your big ugly mouth."
"I don't care what you think, Hades." Theo snapped back. "Unlike you two dunderheads, I didn't want to start a friendship with Hemione based on lies!"
Hermione reeled back from the truth Theo had shouted. Did he really think that? That was sort of nice of him even if he did try to blackmail her in the process to get her to spill her secrets, but it was the thought that counted, right?
And she also noticed he had gone back to calling Harry by his false name. So Draco didn't know as much as Harry and Theo.
"That wasn't for you to decide!" Harry sneered.
Draco nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Theo. You should have asked us first. Who knows what father will do once he hears about this. It was meant to be a secret."
"He won't," Hermione interceded "She turned to Theo, regarding him warily. "Tell me what you know." She then turned to Harry and Draco. "All of you."
Harry scoffed, "I don't think so, Mi." he shook his head. "You tell us what you know first."
Sighing heavily, Hermione nodded and then she rolled up her sleeve, displaying the serpent wrapped around her arm. "This is Nagini."
"Bloody hell, Mi" Harry muttered, scooting as far as he possibly could away from Hermione. "I don't think snakes were on the list of pets allowed at Hogwarts."
"Where did you bloody get a snake?!" Draco shrieked, his back fully straightened against the back of his seat across from her.
"Voldemort," Hermione said, caressing Nagini's scales. "What can you tell me about him?"
Theo raised an eyebrow. "You're kidding, right?"
"Obviously, I'm not." Rolling her eyes, she focused her attention on Nagini. "Found her in Knockturn Alley yesterday."
"You're joking," Draco deadpanned. When she didn't reply, he sighed, shaking his head. "I can't even— do you realize— no, I'm not even—"
"Shut up, Draco," Harry snapped. He then turned to Hermione. "Voldemort was a dark wizard known as Tom Riddle."
Draco's eyes widened. "How do you even know his real name?"
"He and father were in the same year," Theo informed him. "Father mentioned it in his journals."
Hermione was shocked as well. Not because Harry knew his name, but because Voldemort was Tom Riddle. The boy she had conversed with. The boy she had planned world domination with. The boy who was currently trapped in the journal that she had in her cloak pocket. The boy she was dreading meeting face to face— well, not boy, but yet… he was only a couple years older than she, the journal version of Tom, at least.
Staring at the snake, everything finally clicking together, Hermione was appalled Nagini was Tom's snake! She should've pieced the puzzle together long ago when the serpent had mentioned bringing her master back because it was obvious she was going to try and bring Riddle back.
It also meant she didn't have to worry about disposing another wizard. It still amazed her Tom and Voldemort were one person. But why Voldemort? It was such a silly name. It clearly wasn't a name she would've gone with, that was for sure.
"That doesn't matter," Theo waved his hand, moving the topic along.
"I know you snooped through your father's office, Draco, so I know you know more than what you're letting on." Theo narrowed his eyes. "Spill."
Draco was tense, monitoring the snake around Hermione's wrist. When he was positive he wasn't about to get eaten alive, he somewhat relaxed in his chair.
"Father spoke of The Dark Lord," Draco said in hushed tones. "Not much, only that he'll be back as soon as they find a way to bring him back.
"Uncle Severus came—"
"Excuse me, but what?!" Hermione exclaimed, her mouth wide opened in shock.
Draco smirked. "He's my godfather."
"Wow," Hermione breathed. "That—"
"Mi," Theo snapped. "Let's stay focused before Blaise comes back."
Clearing her throat, Hermione nodded for Draco to continue.
"When uncle Severus came to visit, almost two months ago, he mentioned you," Draco gave Hermione a pointed look. "Telling my father he had finally found you by pure luck."
Draco furrowed his brow. "My father didn't believe you to be whoever you are meant to be. He wanted proof.
"Severus told him he was unable to read your thoughts, Mi. He said your magical aura was different.. stronger.. similar to the Dark Lord's.
"Severus said it was time to begin making moves to find out who had kidnapped you."
Hermione sat there, unable to speak as she stared without really seeing Draco in front of her.
"My father," Harry whispered. "In one of the journals Theo and I read, he mentioned the night the Dark Lord disappeared. It was the same night the Tremblay family had died and when the Lestrange's were arrested along with Barty Crouch Jr."
Theo was also whispering as he said, "A man named Peter Pettigrew, was it, Hades?"
"Yeah, some low death eater that was a part of Dumbledore's Order of The Phoenix, I think?"
Theo sat forward, as did Harry and Draco. They were huddled close to Hermione and she grimaced.
"I've heard about that too," Draco added. Why was he whispering as well? "My father hates him, thinks he's lower than scum."
"But he was the one who had told father," Theo said quietly. "that Hermione Tremblay was still alive and that she was hidden in the muggle world. Of course no one took his word for it until Severus had found you."
"How do you know that?" Draco asked.
"Father mentioned it in one of his diaries along with other words that clearly stated his feelings on the man." Harry informed him and snorted. "Let's just say he really, really, loathes him."
"But why?" Hermione bit out, her voice was low as well. "Do any of you know why I— she was taken? There has to be a reason, right? Why take Tremblay's daughter and not anyone else? What made her so special."
"Erm—" Harry glanced around at the others, then turned back to Hermione. "Why are you referring to yourself in third person?"
Hermione shrugged, feeling insecure all of a sudden. "I—" she sighed, pursing her lips. "I— You know—" she growled in frustration, rubbing her temples. "Because that girl isn't me."
"How can you say that?" Draco asked, flabbergasted. "How can you—"
"Because I am Hermione Granger!" She snapped. "I don't know who those people are! I was raised by muggles then carted off to the orphanage!"
"But you are her, Hermione. Whether you want it or not." Harry told her truthfully. "You can deny it as much as you want to, anyway, but it doesn't change anything."
"This is too much." Hermione said, exhaustingly. "I can't even come to terms with how much you guys actually know."
"That's what happens when you record your life journey," Theo said with a snort. "You are bound to find something of interest."
"Yeah," Harry agreed. "It's ridiculous. I would never do such a thing. Quite ignorant on father's part."
Harry and Theo shared a look and burst into chuckles.
"I feel like I'm missing something." Draco said, looking between the two.
"It's nothing," Theo waved his hand. He then turned to Hermione. "You asked why she was taken, specifically, yes?"
Hermione nodded.
"Well, there was a ritual that was performed, did you know?" Harry asked.
Draco sat up. "I've actually read about that as well. Not from fathers journals, but mothers. She was distraught when father had left to attend the ceremony, which is what she called it."
"The Dark Lord had performed a ritual." Theo murmured. "On you—" he glanced at Hermione and cleared his throat. "On the Tremblay girl."
"Okay," Hermione said, acting clueless. "And then what happened?"
"Well, it could only mean one thing, right?" Harry said, lifting an eyebrow. "Someone snitched."
Draco furrowed his brow and nodded. "Yeah, if there was a ritual performed on Hermione Tremblay, it's only natural for them to kidnap her if they felt threatened or worse frightened of what could happen if she were to grow into a powerful witch."
"It's odd how they saved her instead of killing her along with her parents." Theo pondered aloud, earning a glare from the three occupants sitting with him. "What?" He shrugged. "I'm just being realistic. Why did they not kill her? What were they planning to do with her if they really felt threatened by her."
"But who do you think is the traitor?" Draco asked.
Hermione's breath hitched. This was probably the moment she found out who she had to kill to avenge her family. Excitement and anxiety coursed through her simultaneously.
Harry growled. "Father hasn't mentioned who was there, so we can't know for sure."
Disappointment crashed through Hermione.
"Well," Theo began. "We know father was there—"
"Along with mines," Draco added.
"— yes, and Lucius. We can count on Bellatrix and her husband being there—"
"Severus too!" Draco put in.
"— Severus, yes. I can't think of anyone else, honestly, and I don't think any of those we mentioned would be the traitor."
Hermione sighed. "It's pointless. We might as well discuss something else."
"No," Harry stated firmly. "No, were going to help you."
"Why?" Hermione asked, wanting to scoff.
"Because it isn't right what has been done to you." He replied, a look of pure determination flashing in his eyes. The 'and I know exactly what you're going through' was clearly left out.
"Besides, I think we should work together," Draco added. "Don't you think?"
"I don't know—"
"What do you have to lose, Mi?" Theo asked, interrupting her sentence. "You asked us yesterday if we had your back—"
"And we do." Draco finished.
"But why?" Hermione was clearly confused. "We don't know each other. I could turn on you if it benefits me in the end."
"Well," Harry said, his hand out. "I guess we have to take that leap then, yeah?"
Theo smirked, stretching his hand out as well, hovering it above Harry's. "You know I'm down, brother."
"I knew you two would get me into trouble once we began our years at Hogwarts." Draco chuckled as he leaned forward, placing his hand above Theo's. He lifted a brow at Hermione. "Well?"
Rolling her eyes, Hermione shook her head. "Once we make this promise, there's no turning back, you realize that, yeah?"
The three boys stared at her, clearly understanding but didn't care, otherwise.
Sighing, she placed her hand above theirs and chuckled. "Now what?"
"My mother taught me something," Draco said, smiling softly at the mention of his mother.
He pulled out his wand with his other hand from his pocket, aiming it at their hands. Their initials appeared— TTN, HJG, DLM, HTR, written in elegant cursive, hovering above their stacked hands as it shone in white light, slowly merging together. It quickly formed a horizontal figure eight symbol with a curvy S crossing between the two loopholes that were connected, floating directly in front of their faces.
"It's a friendship symbol." Theo murmured, amazed.
"Look," Harry nodded to Hermione's hand.
The symbol that was hovering in the air before them had taken form on the back of her palm, right above her thumb knuckle in black ink.
"Uh, what's going on?" Hermione asked, suddenly feeling doubtful of the process that Draco had performed.
"It's our sign," Draco uttered, the symbol slowly disappearing. "It ties us together." He smiled, lifting his own hand showing off the symbol that was exactly the same as hers. "Harmless light magic mother has shown me." He lifted his other hand where there was a different symbol etched onto the back of his palm. "Everlasting love." He blushed. "My mother likes to remind me her love for me is stronger than any magic out there."
It was silent after he spoke.
Hermione smiled at Draco and clasped his hand. "I think it's lovely, Dray."
Theo and Harry were both quiet, staring at their own symbol, a look of melancholy marring their features. She didn't know what was going on in their minds but she didn't think it was her business to ask until they felt ready to tell her what had them in such a sullen mood.
"It's amazing, mate." Harry whispered.
"Yeah," Theo croaked. He cleared his throat as he sat back, rubbing his eyes. "Now that we have that settled," he turned to Hermione. "We're in this together now."
"Yep," Harry agreed, kicking his feet up and smirking at Hermione. "No more secrets, you know."
"This stays between us." Draco added. "Swear it."
Hermione softly began to chew on her bottom lip. It didn't sit well with her that she was tied to them— however light the magic was, she was bound to them. It forced her to put her trust in them, a feat Hermione hadn't yet accomplished, what, with being on her own all those years, she wasn't sure how to go about it so suddenly.
It was ridiculous to outright let them know she didn't know how to be friends— not just with them, but with everyone. She was used to being on her own. She was used to depending on no one, and if she wanted to achieve her goals— it was a simpler way to do it herself, then she wouldn't have to worry about anyone.
That was the world Hermione was used to. Draco had his parents and Severus, who was his godfather. Harry had Theo and Theo had Harry and his own father. She completely had no one to look after herself. It was poor judgment on their account to trust her so easily.
Despite scrimmaging through their fathers journals and eavesdropping on secret conversations, it still didn't change the fact that Hermione would never be able to share her thoughts with them. Her plans. It was too risky and she wouldn't take it— not now, at least. It was still too early. At least she had their trust. It wouldn't be so hard to mold them to her liking.
Guilt began to settle within her nerves, Hermione pushed it down. She had to look after herself— because at the end of the day, she was literally the only one who had herself completely.
Although she desperately wanted to trust them with every fiber in her being, her mind, her subconscious, her voice, wouldn't allow it to happen.
You have me, my little Hermione.
That's all you need.
Rubbing at her eyes, Hermione nodded curtly to the voice.
"Mi," Draco said softly. "Are you alright?"
She gave him a small smile. "Never better."
"We'll get through this, Mi," Theo told her. "We'll find the traitor, we'll restore your name, we'll help you any way we can."
"Thank you, Theo." Hermione expressed. "Truly."
"And once we figure that out, we'll take on the next battle waiting for us." Harry chirped, humor filling his voice.
"Let's not plan that far ahead," Draco voiced. "We're only eleven. Let's focus on getting through our first year, yeah?"
"Yes," Hermione agreed. "Enough of all the heavy. Teach me a magical game."
Theo beamed, standing as he dug through his trunk. "Exploding snaps!"
Hermione smiled as the boys began to set the game up, each shouting out directions to her, excited and carefree. No one said she couldn't enjoy her time with her boys and she planned to take advantage of every fond moment she shared with them during their first year at Hogwarts.