The events of the winter holidays continued. Hermione speaks to both Harry and Sirius. The walls between Hermione and the Slytherins begin to crumble.
Hermione had just come downstairs from changing into her muggle jeans and a Weasley fuzzy jumper when she heard the floo and then angry muffled voices of several people. She quickened her pace, entered the Rose Room, and saw drawn battle lines. On one side was Kai, Viktor, Draco, and Theo. On the other was Harry and Sirius, both sides had wands drawn. In the middle sitting and doing a fine job of pretending all-out war wasn't about to erupt was her grandmother, Narcissa, and Professor Snape, sipping tea and chatting. The atmosphere was tense, and she stopped short watching Kai storm and tower over Harry, his eyes gleaming murderously as he hissed, "You best not upset my cousin today, Potter. If you do, Dumbledore will have to find a new Chosen One."
Hermione stood gobsmacked for all of two seconds, before plastering a smile on her face and breezed into the room. She ignored Harry and Kai for now and went to greet the adults in the room as she'd been taught. She bent down and pressed a kiss to Vinda's cheek. Hermione could see the censor in Vinda's eyes at her choice of apparel. But she wanted to be comfortable if things heated up between her and Harry. "Really, Mia? You have a full wardrobe of much more appropriate clothing. Why do you insist on wearing something so common?"
Hermione wanted to roll her eyes so very badly but knew it wouldn't be right or good to do. She answered, "I have a very good reason for wearing what I am, grandmother. I promise to change before luncheon, but I need to do what needs to be done with Harry and Sirius and I would rather be prepared for all eventualities. Please, just grant me this concession."
"Very well, child. You know my thoughts on the matter, but if you feel it necessary then I'll allow it," Vinda said before turning back to her conversation with Narcissa and Severus.
Taking Vinda's words for the dismissal they were Hermione turned back to the confrontation that was about to erupt. She hurried over and elbowed Kai as she squeezed between him and Harry. She turned her back on her cousin and wrapped her arms around Harry pulling him close, "Thanks for coming, Harry."
A throat was cleared beside her and Hermione turned at the noise, "What, no hug for me, kitten?" Sirius asked with a roguish grin.
This drew Professor Snape's attention and he hissed loud enough for all to hear. He set his cup down, stood and said, "I'm sure Miss Grindelwald is more than capable of deciding just who to bestow her affections," he gave her a meaningful look before he snapped, "Wands away! This is no place for a duel," he then pointed at Kai, Viktor, Draco, and Theo saying, "You four, come with me," he didn't wait to see if they followed, just turned on his heel and billowed out of the room.
She had to hold back a giggle as she watched him leave. She wondered if he charmed his clothing to swish as he moved.
"Kitten?" Sirius said, tugging on her arm and pulled her away from Harry's embrace. He pulled her close and kissed her temple before holding her at arm's length looking over her striking changes. Hermione was quick to suppress a shudder at Sirius' kiss, there was just something about it that felt wrong. It felt as if he did it only because he knew they were still being watched and he wanted to goad someone.
Hermione slipped from his grip and threaded her fingers through Harry's before pulling him to the side door that led to the eastern portico.
Hermione stopped several feet away from the edge of the portico leading out to the hedge maze before turning to face both Harry and Sirius. This conversation was going to be a difficult one to have. She loved Harry like a brother almost as much as she loved Kai. What she was about to do could very well hurt her more than she'd already been. Especially if Harry saw it as another so-called betrayal and severed all ties with her. She wrung her hands together, before taking a bracing breath. She'd decided that what she was about to do would be like taking a page from Dumbledore's book for the greater good,' she said to herself.
"Blimey, Hermione," Harry grumbled, stomping his feet while he wrapped his arms around himself to warm up, "Are you sure we can't go inside? Why must we stand out in the freezing cold to talk?"
Hermione looked back toward the house and it shouldn't have surprised her to see everyone crowding the windows to watch what was about to happen. Kai, the others, Professor Snape, Narcissa, and her grandmother all had varying looks of concern. What Hermione couldn't tell was if the concern was for her or Harry and Sirius. She shook her head at them and let out a small snort before turning her attention back to Harry and Sirius. She took out her spare wand, "Hold still."
Calling her powers forth she flicked her wrist and whispered a spell walking around them. Bluebell fire shot out of the tip of her wand as she twisted her wrist circling them completely. When she stopped in front of Harry and Sirius, she tried to give Harry a grin waiting on bated breath at his response.
"How…" Harry looked around feeling the warmth seep into his bones from the fire that surrounded them. It felt like a warm blanket and he reached out his hand toward the flames. They didn't burn as he drew near.
Hermione pocketed her wand clasping her hands together, "I'm an elemental, Harry," she said in a soft voice watching his face carefully for rejection. "The flames warm but won't burn because I don't want them too."
Sirius raised a brow at her and studied her. He'd seen and felt the changes in her immediately when she first arrived in the parlour. He could feel her magic when he was near her causing him to shiver in pleasure with a touch of dread. Then it clicked in his mind "You had your Rite." It was more a statement than a question, however, Hermione nodded all the same.
"I did. I won't go into specifics now, but I'll tell you that it was successful as I'm sure you can tell," she paused for a moment, this was as good a time as any to bring up something important. "Sirius, do you know how to occlude your thoughts?"
Folding his arms over his chest he scoffed, a superior look crossed his face, "I do. We Blacks learn that from the cradle. That's what helped keep me sane in Azkaban."
"Is it possible to teach Harry?"
He raised a brow at her and then looked over at his godson, "I could," he said slowly. "I have limited access to him so it may be difficult."
Hermione nodded, she knew that, but she hoped that it wouldn't be too long before that changed. "I'm working on taking care of that."
"What do you mean, you're 'working on taking care of that'? Sirius is a wanted criminal. I can't go live with him. I hardly get to see him as it is," Harry said as if she were dense.
He did have a point and Hermione wanted to blurt out that she was doing her damndest to locate that rat, Peter Pettigrew and make him confess, and ultimately free Sirius. However, the less Harry knew about that, the safer he would be at least until he learned Occlumency.
"We'll figure something out, Harry. I'm sure Dumbledore is trying to get Sirius a new trial."
Sirius let out a small snort and then looked away. Hermione heard and saw the derision on Sirius' face. So, it was not just wasn't her that saw Dumbledore's lack of support in getting Harry to live anywhere else but an abusive household. When she had time, she would think about the possibilities of communicating with Sirius and try to gain his allegiance. She didn't know if she could trust him, but she needed someone other than her family.
Her new position and location did have its advantages. She had a feeling her grandmother will support the Dark Lord when he returns, and he would return she was certain. She would have access to powerful people, something she wouldn't have as a muggle-born. She could find Peter and make his life a living hell just as he did for Harry with his betrayal of James and Lily Potter.
She couldn't give Harry his mum and dad back, it would be a fond wish. What she could give Harry was someone who would be his family, and that was Sirius.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione let it out slowly as the silence stretched on. Harry seemed to be okay with the revelation of her powers, so she braced herself for her final confession. "Harry, I need to tell you something else. It's about my grandmother. You know that Gellert Grindelwald is my grandfather but...my grandmother is Vinda Rosier, she was my grandfather's second in command."
"What? Rosier? Where have I heard that name before?" he began to pace in a small circle before stopping and whirling to face Hermione, "I remember… Rosier as in Death Eater Evan Rosier?" Hermione nodded.
"Evan Rosier was my Uncle, Kai's father."
"He was a Death Eater Hermione! Do you honestly think if he knew about you that he wouldn't have tried to kill you? Gods Hermione, you are the most intelligent idiot I've ever come across! Associating with family members of known death eaters, you're playing a dangerous game here!
Sirius placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and gave it a squeeze, "Calm down pup. I'm also related to Vinda, she's my cousin three times removed, do you think that makes me evil?"
Harry's shoulders slumped slightly while he looked over at Sirius. Finally, he shook his head slightly, "No, of course not. But you grew up in a dark family..."
"That's neither here nor there, pup. Didn't you tell me about the conflict you felt when discovering your connection to Voldemort? That connection doesn't make you intrinsically evil. So, how can you think that it would change Hermione?" Sirius said and Hermione could hear the sharply indrawn breath of their audience at his casual use of the Dark Lord's name. She also saw the smirk that skated across Sirius' face, as he knew it would garner such a reaction. She needed to regain control of the conversation.
"I thought you would've suspected something considering I told you Kai Rosier is my cousin. Your reactions are precisely the reason I was hesitant to tell you in the first place. There is so much I want to tell you, Harry. I-I just can't right now. Until you can occlude your thoughts, it's not safe. Your mind is like an open book for any casual Legilimens to peruse at their leisure. You said it yourself, You-Know-Who is connected to you, he can read your emotions and thoughts, yes?"
Harry nodded; Hermione could tell that he wasn't at all happy. But it was for the best. She stepped closer and grabbed his hand, "When you learn to guard your thoughts, I'll tell you everything. Please know that no matter what you hear, no matter what you think, I need you to know that I love you. You're my best friend and that will never change."
Hermione's lip trembled and she squeezed his hand tighter needing him to believe in her, "Please promise me that you'll never forget that. That even when I pull away from you, it's because I must, not that I want to. I need to protect you."
"You're starting to scare me. What do you mean 'pull away''?"
"I think it's best that we maintain a certain distance when we return to Hogwarts. Dumbledore suggested to me before we left for the holiday. You know that...You-know-who is coming back and soon, you can feel it, I know you can. This year has a feeling of darkness on the horizon. If people should question our distance, you can explain it away as being associated with me may bring into question your loyalties. You saw the article. People will think you're turning into a dark wizard if you remain my friend."
"It doesn't matter what that bloody article said, you are my friend, Hermione. You've always been there for me and some stupid article and the opinions of others are not going to change that fact!" Harry growled, gripping her hand tighter.
Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry pulling him close, "I know that Harry. But it would be a plausible reason to distance yourself from me. I'm scared, too, and it's killing me to have to pull away from you, but I need you to be safe. You have to think about this logically," she whispered.
And she was. She was so scared to trust anyone, that if she placed her trust in the wrong person it could get her killed or hurt someone she loved. All these new emotions were making her second guess herself. That and the knowledge she learned about the person that Harry trusted above of all else. Albus Dumbledore was not the man they thought he was. How was she going to go against someone as powerful as him and survive? She wasn't sure she could, not alone at least and not with Harry by her side.
She would do her best to protect Harry and save him from the death that Dumbledore was marching him towards. He couldn't die, she couldn't live with herself knowing that if he did die, and she did nothing to prevent it, she would be just as guilty.
First, she had to investigate for herself and make sure that her grandfather was not playing her for a fool and pitting her against Dumbledore in a game they started more than seventy years ago.
She hated to think that either of her grandparents would use her for their own personal gains, but since she'd learned about pure-blood customs and politics, nothing was more certain to her than that loyalty and trust are commodities she could ill afford or rely on.
Shoving her worry aside she spoke again, "I promise Harry, I promise on my magic that everything I do and will do will be to protect you and that I'm on your side, no matter how it may appear. Dark times are ahead of us, and war is coming. I need to make sure you're safe and I can't be seen with you as much because that would make you a target."
Harry and Hermione shivered as her promise washed over them. Harry held her tighter and buried his head against her neck, his emotions raging within him. He felt as if she were giving a warning that she may have to do something that would cause their friendship to crumble or...he couldn't even think about her dying. He knew that he couldn't lose her, no matter what. She felt as close to home as Sirius, he would feel honoured to call her his sister.
He closed his eyes and let out a small breath hating that this may be the last time he could honestly hold her and be with her without worry. She was correct that war was coming, he could still feel that connection with Voldemort tickling in the back of his mind, playing with his thoughts and feelings.
Hermione being a confirmed member of the Rosier family he already knew where their loyalties most likely lay. He could see now that she was walking a fine line between her newfound family and the love, she held for him. He would trust her judgment and hold onto the promise that she gave, that she would do everything she could to protect him and that her love for him remained. He understood it, but it didn't mean he had to like it.
Pulling away Hermione wiped her tears away and gave him a weak smile, "I love you, Harry James Potter."
Looking at Sirius she gave him a meaningful look as she flicked her wrist, her bluebell fire vanished in small whisps.
Sirius squeezed Harry's shoulder and let out a small laugh, "Why don't you go inside for a moment while I speak to Hermione, I'll only be a minute, then we can go to the Burrow. I'm sure Molly's beside herself because we're late."
Harry looked between the pair and pursed his lips but didn't say anything. He gave them both a nod and kissed Hermione on the cheek and left them there with a small squeeze of her hand before he sauntered off and entered the house.
Once she was sure they were alone, Hermione moved her body, so she was looking out towards the gardens and away from the eyes of the others. Merlin knows if they could read lips or how far a hearing amplification spell reached.
"Sirius, I hope what I'm about to say doesn't come back to haunt me, but I need to tell someone."
Sirius wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close resting his head on top of hers, so he was facing the gardens as well. If anyone were to look it just appeared as if they were just two close people visiting before saying goodbye, "You have my word as a wizard that nothing you say will be repeated."
Taking a deep breath, Hermione let it out slowly. The scent of stale cigarettes and parchment burned her nose. The scent of Sirius, the familiar scent relaxed her slightly before she spoke, "I think Dumbledore threatened me, at least it felt like a veiled threat. He told me to choose my loyalties and to stay away from Harry until I was sure where they are."
Sirius was quiet for a moment, his fingers flexed slightly against her shoulder before he spoke, "It wouldn't be the first time. He has a penchant for hinting to others if their actions go against his grand plan, so they have a warning before he acts against them."
"Do you think I'm in danger?"
"Yes. Sorry, kitten, but I do. Dumbledore is not someone you want to cross. I learned that the hard way. Why do you think I was sent to Azkaban without a trial? He knows people and is respected. People think he's this great benevolent Merlin-like figure who can do no wrong when we both know that's not the case."
Hermione let out a frustrated huff, "I think he's going to come after me and that's why I told Harry I can't be seen around him. If Dumbledore thinks I'm trying to convert Harry to the darker beliefs my family has, I fear what might happen to me, to Harry. Dumbledore is an accomplished Legilimens, he can see anyone's thoughts he wishes to see."
"You really are the smartest witch of your age," Sirius chuckled, "You're doing the right thing."
"I was serious when I said I'm working on clearing your name."
"If anyone can, I know you can do it, the question is how? You know Dumbledore won't let you if he wants Harry to stay with those dreadful people. I have my suspicions as to why and I don't think he'll let Harry come to me without a fight."
Hermione let out a small giggle, "Now that he thinks I'm being corrupted it will be easy for me to hunt for a rat and make his life hell until he confesses, that's another reason I can't have Harry near me. Dumbledore would know and we can't have that if this is going to work."
"Truly devious, I like this new side of you, Mia. Just be careful, and write to me if you need anything, yeah?"
Hermione slipped out from under his arm standing on her tiptoes brushing her lips against his cheek, "I will. Let's get back to Harry before he comes stomping out here to fetch you. You know he's not a patient person."
Sirius chortled as they walked back to the house side by side. She felt better now that she explained to Sirius why she was doing what things the way she was.
Step one...complete.
"You seem distracted, my dear."
Hermione blinked and looked over at her grandmother and Narcissa. Her mind was a million miles away still replaying the conversation she had with Harry and Sirius.
Harry.
Her heart was heavy knowing that her relationship with Harry was forever changed. Dumbledore had warned her before she left for home to choose which side she would fall on. She still didn't have any idea which side she would ultimately end up on, she needed more time and to do that she needed to pull away from Harry to avoid as much pain as possible.
Setting her tea-cup down gently she smoothed out her dress, she'd done as promised. Once Harry and Sirius left, she changed into something more appropriate to her grandmother's image of a proper pureblood lady, "I'm sorry, my mind was elsewhere. I apologize for my rudeness."
"It's alright, dearest," Narcissa said kindly, "Is there anything you wish to discuss? You looked upset after Mr Potter left. Perhaps we can help put your mind at ease?"
Narcissa had an earnest look on her face and Hermione knew that she was concerned for her well-being. Although she hadn't known the woman long, they had formed an almost instantaneous bond. One she felt she could trust in. However, she would still have to be cautious as to what she divulged.
Clearing her throat delicately, Hermione shifted forward, "I appreciate your offer, but I think I'll go to my chambers for a while before dinner is served if it's all the same. I have some assignments I have to work on and I'm not feeling very well."
Her grandmother chuckled and shook her head giving her an indulgent smile, "Of course, go, you've had a very busy day today, we'll see you for dinner."
Hermione gave them both a kiss before she walked to her room in a daze. She stripped as she walked through her chambers and into her bathroom to run herself a bath. She would skip dinner and ask Tipsy to bring her meal here. She didn't feel like socializing. Dinner was not required to be attended; she would send word to her grandmother that she was still feeling slightly under the weather.
It wasn't a complete lie. Not only did the stresses of the holidays and all she would miss due to her changed circumstances have her out of sorts. But having the additional blow of having to pull away from Harry tore a little more at the hole in her heart. She would lose the comfort of Harry; she knew that all the friends she had in common with Harry would side with him. They always did. The only person that might still talk to her was sweet bumbling Neville. The very first friend she met on the Hogwarts Express.
Once the tub was filled, she pulled her hair into a sloppy bun and stepped into the tub sinking until her shoulders were covered. Wetting a flannel, she placed it over her eyes and tipped her head back. This is what she needed, to soak and relax. When she was finished, she would eat and work on her assignment burying herself in work to help her forget.
Much later a tentative knock pulled Hermione from her work. She had her books sprawled on the coffee table where she sat working on her Ancient Runes assignment. Thinking it was Kai coming to check on her since she hadn't joined them from dinner she didn't bother looking up when she called out, "Come in."
The door creaked open and there was a pause before the door shut once again. Hermione furrowed her brows and gripped her quill tighter and let out a small huff, "What do you want, Kai? I'm in the middle of my essay and if you're going to just stand there and gawk at me, then you can bloody well sod off."
Hermione looked up when she heard a throat clear and froze. It wasn't Kai, he was nowhere to be seen. Who stood there shocked her speechless, her mouth opened and closed several times before the person took mercy on her and spoke.
"I'm sorry for interrupting you, Granger."
Theodore Nott stood there with a satchel over his shoulder shifting his weight from foot to foot looking uncomfortable.
"It's Grindelwald," Hermione whispered.
"I beg your pardon?" Theo asked, stepping closer.
Clearing her throat, she spoke again, "I said it's Grindelwald now, not Granger."
"Yes...right," he placed his hand on the back of the couch, his cheeks flushed pink, "I... I was wondering if I could stay here and work on our assignments with you. Kai and the others are being loud and then your grandmother mentioned that you were working on an assignment I thought..." he nodded towards the table. "I leave you be if you wish."
"Yes, I mean no. What I mean to say is yes, I'm working on an assignment and no, I don't mind if you stay."
Theo's body visibly relaxed as he moved around the couch to sit opposite her, "Are you working on Ancient Runes?" she asked before he sat.
"Yes, I just wanted to get it finished before we have to return."
"You can come to sit next to me so we can share the text," she gestured to her right and moved her books over to give him room.
Theo blushed once again and gave her a nod before he settled beside her pulling out his own work.
Hermione had a hard time concentrating with him being so close to her. She could feel the caress of his magic against hers, it felt cool like a brisk morning breeze. She watched him out of the corner of her eye. He was handsome, his dark hair meticulously groomed even this late in the evening. At this angle, she really couldn't tell what colour his eyes were, but she knew they were light. He was slim but had the beginnings of wide, strong shoulders. She watched his hand gripping his quill, the palm wide with long tapering fingers. She had to wonder if they would be just as capable as Professor Snape's. She'd always been fascinated by how elegant and sure his hands were when demonstrating a new potion. Theo's hands looked just as elegant, and she could help but wonder how they would feel caressing her body. Her thoughts came to a screeching halt, she had reason to wonder about such things. She forced her mind to think of other things.
She was surprised that he made the overture to study with her in the first place. It hadn't been too long ago that he would have ignored her existence or sneered nastily at her. She'd taken his and Draco's words at the end of the Yule Ball with a grain of salt, sure that they were empty words said to rile up Harry and Ron. She'd never once thought that he would willingly sit next to her. He had always been quiet but now that she thought more about it, she'd noticed that he would watch her with increasing frequency.
With her introduction to pure-blood customs, she could understand why befriending any muggle-born was considered taboo. She could now look back on their attitudes with a better understanding, considering everyone, including herself, thought that was what she was, before the end of her third year.
Her grandmother had told her that she must be careful of who she bestowed her regard to in the future. She'd told her grandmother that she refused to follow the dictates of a society that didn't take the value of the individual into account to determine worthiness. She made friends based on merit alone and not someone's breeding. Her grandmother had given her a calculating look but let the subject drop.
Hermione, even though she was now a so-called Pure-blood. She still held tightly to her muggle beliefs because they made her who she was. She knew she was forever changed due to her new situation. But then again everyone changes as they grow and learn, those that refused would become stagnant and mired in antiquated ideals. Deep down she believed that Magic bestowed its gifts to those it found worthy. And just as it could give, Magic could take away, it didn't matter how 'pure' your blood was.
Theo was very aware that he was sitting next to Gran- Grindle- Hermione. He looked at her from under his lashes studying her profile, he could feel her studying him as well. It made him want to take her into his arms, his hand tightened on his quill to quell that desire. She was beauty incarnate to him from her now smooth curls, her perfect brow, her small, upturned nose, and her plump lips. Lips which she was chewing while she was in deep thought.
He'd been so nervous when he decided to come to her room, her sanctuary, to ask her if he could work on his essay. Try as he might, he was having a difficult time concentrating on the task at hand, she was that distracting.
Should he thank all the old gods and new for her heritage coming to light? He still felt guilty for how her heritage came to light, but not that it had. He still didn't know how that repugnant woman had found out. He would find out and exact his own revenge.
He'd been drawn to Hermione since their first year, he could admit that now, openly even if he chose to. He already told her in not so many words that he heard her call and would be answering it. There was only one problem that stood in his way that came in the guise of a giant of a man, Viktor Fucking Krum. His stomach still twisted at the thought of him being near Hermione, being granted the pleasure of kissing her, touching her. What on earth did they have in common? There was nothing as far as he could see. Viktor struggled with the basic rudimentary skill of communicating and he certainly didn't like the way Viktor looked at Hermione when she was unaware.
Theo remembered watching Krum this afternoon, he looked like he wanted to devour her. That would not be happening; he would make sure of it. It was bad enough that Viktor had been the recipient of what Theo presumed was her first kiss.
When the invitation from Kai arrived asking if he and Draco would like to spend a few days at the Rosier estate, he was more than glad to accept. Anything to get out of the oppressive atmosphere of his own residence. He and his father didn't see eye to eye on good days and the holidays were the worst. He wasn't even sure that his father knew he was gone, not that he cared. Nott Sr had as much regard toward his heir as one would have a house-elf.
His plan was just to spend a night or two at the Rosier estate and try to at least see Hermione even if it meant from a distance, but when they arrived and saw that Krum was also here, he and Draco came up with a contingency plan. They wouldn't leave until the last possible moment, they wanted to prevent Krum from having any other opportunity to initiate any intimacy with Hermione.
It was the Slytherin way after all. He was used to fighting dirty.
He just needed to bide his time until Viktor left at the end of the year and then he could make his interest more apparent to her. His body clenched at the thought of holding Hermione in his arms, to feel her body pressed against his and when their lips would meet for the first time. He was a healthy bloke and just because he had erotic dreams about her nearly every night didn't mean he wouldn't respect her. He was a gentleman, after all.
He lifted his head and really looked at Hermione when he felt something brush against his wrist. She hadn't moved. Looking down, he furrowed his brows at what he saw. Her hair was slithering around his wrist while she sat there looking down at her quill.
He always thought her hair would become bushier when she was upset but he didn't realize her hair was sentient. He looked back down curious about these new events. She appeared she didn't know her hair was accosting him, not that he minded. It felt like the softest of silk sliding smoothly against his skin, stroking him slowly.
He sucked in a sharp breath feeling his body respond. His stomach fluttered and clenched and he felt his erection press against the placket of his trousers. He never in his life cursed his body's natural reaction. What should he do? Should he point it out and have her look over at him and know he had a raging hard-on?
No. That wouldn't work, she would know and be disgusted with him and ruin his chances at courting her properly if she had any inkling that as he sat so close to her, he could feel her body heat that his cock was bobbing like a small toddler learning to walk for the first time. It wasn't his fault he knew, but she wouldn't see it that way and he didn't want her to hex his bollocks off.
Salazar this was a mess.
Before he could truly panic it was as if Salazar himself heard his plea the door slammed open and Hermione's hair retreated instantly as she jumped in fright letting out a small yelp.
Kai, Draco, and the beast sauntered in, and seeing him in Hermione's room was all it took for him to deflate in record time. He saw the quickly banked ire in Krum's eyes at how close they were sitting and couldn't help but smirk slightly. He also saw Draco raise his brow and then a subtle nod of approval.
He leaned back refusing to give up his spot for the rest of the night as they chatted and drank. He got to see a new side of Hermione, one where she was relaxed, and he heard her first real laugh. Granted it was at Kai's expense, but it was a genuine laugh, nonetheless.
He shared a look with Draco, and he knew he wasn't the only one who fell in love with her just a little bit more.
January 1995
Today was the day that everyone would return to Hogwarts and Hermione was miserable. She'd enjoyed the last few days of her holiday spending all her time with Kai, Viktor, and even Draco and Theo.
She hated to see it end.
On the second day of spending the day in their company Draco reached his limit of being corrected on her name, "Can't I just call you Hermione? This Granger/Grindelwald thing is making me spar."
"Only if I can call you by your given name, Malfoy," Hermione teased him.
"Done, and call Nott by his name, too. I know he feels the same way."
"Alright, but the first time you revert back to your prattish ways the deal is off, you'll have to continue going spar because I'm not putting up with you being an arse, friend or not."
"Oh, so we're friends now, are we?" Draco smirked at her.
For a moment Hermione lost all her bravado and just stared at him. Draco let out a small laugh and shook his head, "Calm down, Hermione. I promise that I won't go back to my pratish ways… At least with you, I won't. Can't make any promises regarding Pothead or Weaselbee."
She'd looked at him askance but then nodded. And he hadn't. He was going out of his way to engage her in conversation and going as far as to tease her good-naturedly. If she was being honest, she enjoyed this side of him. She just wished it hadn't taken almost four years of torment to finally see him as he really is.
When she sat alone on the Hogwarts Express Draco had approached her and asked if she would like to sit with him, Theo, and the other snakes. Looking over at the group for a moment she noted they were all looking at her. They didn't have a look of disdain or hatred, but she felt she needed her time alone before she returned to Hogwarts to get her bearings knowing it was going to be a difficult time for her being away from Harry. Draco just gave her a nod of understanding and sauntered away to join his friends.
The trip from Hogsmeade to the castle was quiet. The carriage that Hermione had entered had students from Hufflepuff. She had seen Harry and he gave her a small nod with a strained smile.
When she entered the Great Hall, she was waved over by Fred and George who had matching grins on their faces. Taking a fortifying breath, Hermione made her way and sat in between the pair.
Her nerves were a mess. She sat quietly and listened as the rest of the students filed in and made their way to their respective tables greeting their friends. The low hum of the hall gave her time to erect her shields around her heart and mind knowing that not speaking to Harry was going to be harder than she thought. He was a couple of seats away across from her and occasionally their eyes would meet. She could see the sadness and a touch of frustration within their depths just like her own, but she knew this would be for the best. He would be protected.
She did her best to eat when the food was served but her stomach was in knots. She pushed her food around her plate as Fred and George engaged in conversation with each other over her head and with the others around her. She was glad that most people at the Gryffindor table would just glance at her and not try to speak to her. She wasn't sure she could fake being polite.
The low buzz of voices echoed in her head as the food was whisked away and Professor Dumbledore stood up. She looked up and their eyes met for the briefest of moments as he continued to survey the room. "Students, guests, and faculty; today marks a momentous occasion. This has happened only once before in the entire history of Hogwarts, a resorting." There was a collective gasp throughout the hall as everyone looked around wondering who was being resorted and why.
Hermione felt a ball of lead in her stomach and could taste bile on her tongue as her fear ratcheted higher. Harry met her eyes for a moment before looking back to Dumbledore. So, she wasn't the only one who thought it would be her that would be resorted. But why? To what end?
She dared to peek up at the head table to the other professors and they each had a look of confusion on their faces. Some were leaning close to one another speaking to one another in furious whispers. She looked for one particular Professor and found him sitting next to Professor McGonagall.
Outwardly, Professor Snape looked bored to near death. However, she could see his lips were into a thin line and his eye twitched minutely as he stared at the back of Dumbledore's head. McGonagall looked just as put out with Dumbledore. She had to stifle a laugh despite her fear, she expected Dumbledore's head to begin to smoke from the heat of their gazes.
The hall grew quiet once again and Dumbledore clapped his hands together, the sound echoed throughout the hall and with a burst of flames, Fawkes appeared carrying the Sorting Hat in his talons.
He glided over to the Headmaster and alighted on his shoulder, "Thank you, dear friend," Albus murmured and grasped the hat. He waved his hand and the three-legged stool appeared before him.
Setting the hat upon the stool, the Headmaster looked around the hall at everyone gathered, a strange gleam in his eyes, and in a clear voice called, "Hermione Grindelwald please step forward and be resorted."
Voices erupted around her and Hermione sat frozen in place. Fred leaned over and nudged her shoulder, "Hermione?"
Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat as she stood on wobbly legs. She remembered what Narcissa had told her when she was coaching her how to act when entering the room with Viktor. 'Keep your head held high. The trick is to appear bored and above reproach. Never let them see that anything they do affects you, dearest.'
She could do that. Taking measured steps, she walked with her chin tilted up as she approached the stool. Her eyes met Dumbledore's and tried to convey with just that one look alone that he wasn't fooling her, and that he wouldn't break her.
Dumbledore picked up the hat as Hermione sat on the stool and faced everyone in the Great Hall. She wished that Kai were there, but sadly, the guests from the other schools were not in attendance for their welcome back feast.
Hermione felt the weight of the hat fall upon her head and she closed her eyes waiting for the inevitable.
'So, we meet again, little one,' the hat's raspy voice whispered in her head.
'Just get this over with, please.'
'Oh, in a rush to leave the lion's den?'
"Of course, not! I'll always be a Gryffindor no matter what house I'm in.'
"While that is true, you have traits of all houses within you, my dear.' The hat sounded amused with her. He paused before he spoke again, 'Even though it's his will that you be resorted I think it will work out best for you to achieve what you must. He doesn't realize the mistake he's made with you. He thinks to isolate you, to separate you from your close friends. Soon he'll realize he's made a monumental mistake.'
Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she listened to the hat. She knew there was magic within the hat, but she didn't think that the hat was completely sentient. Apparently, she was wrong.
'When we first met, you had asked me to put you in Gryffindor because of him, you idolized Dumbledore and wanted to be just like him. At the time I conceded to your wishes even though I encouraged you to choose Ravenclaw. I didn't think it was wise of you to want that. Now, you're so much more, so much more than he's ever dreamed of being or could possibly understand. The place you need to be is with the house you're meant to be with, where you were supposed to be from the beginning.'
Hermione opened her eyes slowly as the hat bellowed, "SLYTHERIN!"