Chapter 36- Beach Day

August 1994

"The beach!" Hermione exclaimed, racing out of the hotel only to come to a sudden stop, feet flying into the air as her head snapped back.

"Hold on there, Hermione," Dan said holding the end of a long bronze ponytail.

"Dad…. what did you have to do that for?" Hermione moaned grabbing her hair.

"Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses," he said, holding up the items in question.

"With your skin you need to make sure you don't spend too much time in the sun," her mother added.

"Right, but did you have to do that to my hair," Hermione groaned.

"Well it is a convenient pull tag," Dan chuckled.

"Dad…." Hermione whined cradling her hair.

Break

"Ugh, mom, why," Tracy groaned.

"This is a prime spot and we should be able to make a ton of sales, and it happens to be the beach where the elite sunbath so there is that angle as well," Gwendoline said.

"This is not what I had in mind when you said we would get a chance to go to the beach," Tracy said, grabbing a popsicle to snack on.

"I know, but I can't let a good opportunity go to waste," Gwendoline said.

"Yeah, yeah," Tracy sighed.

Dear Rita Skeeter,

My name is Tracy Davis and I am reaching out to you because I saw how you were so rudely handled at the Medical Charity Gala in Monaco recently. I saw no reason for you to be thrown out for asking legitimate questions given the horrendous situation that occurred. A drunk Hermione Granger parading around like the retarded fool that she is. She is a dorm mate of mine at Hogwarts, and that is being charitable. She is 15 and should be a 5th year, but is only in 4th year Herbology, History, and Defense. Now that wouldn't be terrible but she's in 2nd year Potions, charms, and transfiguration. Clearly she is behind and should be removed from Hogwarts on grades alone. But the story gets worse, she was seen stumbling drunk at the Gala, falling all over herself and others before puking on Countess Greengrass. Clearly such a noblewoman would never have taught anyone to do such a thing. I can only think that the whole affair was a ploy to sully the good name of one of the most respected pureblood families in all of England if not the whole world. Pansy Parkinson was also in attendance and can corroborate my story.

Thank you for your time,

Tracy Davis

"Tracy, it's getting crowded. Could you go and sell some ice cream," Gwendoline said.

"Mom, that's embarrassing," Tracy whined.

"Embarrassing or not, I need you to do it," Gwendoline said. "I can easily charge several times what I could back in England. The profit margin is huge, so could you please stop eating the ice cream," Gwendoline said.

"I haven't eaten…." Tracy trailed off looking at the empty cups sitting next to her. "What, I was hungry!"

"Fine, then use all that extra energy you have and sell some ice cream, you owe me for purchasing that expensive outfit of yours and at the rate you're going you won't fit into it much longer," Gwendoline said.

"I am not fat," Tracy snapped.

Break

"Ice cream get your ice cream," Tracy groaned as she pushed a cart back and forth across the beach.

"Ugh, this is a nice spot, we'll make a ton of money,' she said. Mom is so full of crap," Tracy groaned.

"Can I…." a young boy asked holding a coin in his hand.

"Fine," Tracy said, snatching the coin out of his hand before tossing him an ice cream. "Now beat it runt.

"I am a baronet, I am better than this," Tracy groaned as she stomped along the beach.

Break

"Millie, I…. wow…. I mean just wow, Monaco has been good for you," Hermione gasped, dropping her stuff as she met up with her friend on the beach.

"You think so," Millie said fidgeting nervously.

"I know so, I mean what have you been doing," Hermione asked as they found a good spot.

"Well you know swimming and stuff," Millie said.

"Good for you," Hermione said.

"It's hard to avoid the ocean when you're staying so close to it," Millie said pointing to the high rise she was currently staying in.

"You got a place down here," Hermione asked.

"A long-term rental," Millie said.

"How in the world did that happen," Hermione asked as they set up an umbrella.

"It's kind of a funny story," Millie said.

"Now this I have to hear," Hermione said eagerly.

"As you know Gwendoline Davis "won" the contract for the gala, and you know there were vampires, and dwarves in attendance. The vampires have finicky stomachs and the Monaco government is trying to gain favor with the dwarves. Mrs. Greengrass said that she could provide food that they would love," Millie said.

"Don't tell me," Hermione giggled.

"She tried to pass off my mom's sausages as hers and got caught," Millie giggled. "She said that she had subcontracted the sausage production out to my mother, which my mom had no idea about. She thought she was just coming in as an extra line cook, and I was helping out as a waitress, which I didn't mind doing."

"What happened," Hermione said.

"Well they invited my mom down early to help prepare for the event and slashed Gwendoline's contract giving a chunk of it to my mom. Then she got to talking with some people and mentioned that she was looking to expand her charcuterie production, so yeah, the new facility is here in Monaco," Millie said.

"Way to go Millie, and no wonder Tracy was so freaking ornery earlier this summer," Hermione said high fiving her friend.

"You ran into Tracy at the Gala," Millie said.

"No, I saw her in June and she had a bigger stick up her but than usual," Hermione said.

"So, you haven't seen her recently," Millie said pointing down the beach

Hermione following her friends pointing hand towards the surf. "No… Freaking…. Way…." Hermione gasped staring down the beach.

"Way…." Millie said

"That's Tracy," Hermione said looking at the red-haired girl in an ill-fitting white swimsuit. She wasn't fat, but puffy or fluffy would be a good term to describe the scowling girl, who had spent far too much time in the sun.

"Yeah, that's Tracy, she snacks when she gets mad sometimes," Millie said.

"Beat it runts," Tracy growled sending several kids running in fright.

"She's killing the mood," Hermione said.

"Agreed," Millie said.

"We're in a magical area right," Hermione asked.

"Yes," Millie replied.

"I think I have an idea," Hermione said.

"Yes," Millie said.

"But I haven't told you what the idea is," Hermione said as several upset children walked by.

"Hermione you're holding a pale ice blue sapphire, it's hot out, and Tracy has ice cream. You're planning on buying Tracy's stock and then reselling it, using the sapphire to keep it cold," Millie said.

"No, I was just going to cool her off a little, but I like your idea much better," Hermione said.

"You can still do that too," Millie said as they walked over.

"Great, the fat ass, and the runt," Tracy groaned.

"Hey I grew an inch and a half this summer, and Millie's lost a bunch of weight," Hermione said proudly puffing out her chest.

"Like that …" Tracy said looking over at Millie as her eyes bugged out. "What the hell, I broke your nose, and Pansy smashed your jaw," Tracy gasped.

"Oh that, my dad's like really good and fixed it all up," Hermione said. "But Millie did all the hard work, swimming and stuff."

"Not like it mattered, you're still fat," Tracy said, poking Millie in the stomach.

Hermione opened her mouth to speak but Millie beat her to it. "Yes, I know I am still a bit heavier than I should be for my age and height, but perhaps people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones," Millie said.

"Are you calling me fat," Tracy hissed.

"No," Millie said.

"Millie won't but I will," Pansy said joining the group.

"Pansy what are you doing here," Hermione said.

"A little bit of modeling," Pansy said, showing off her swimsuit. "And I'm surprised you're actually showing your face after your drunken disaster at the Gala."

"Meh," Hermione shrugged.

"I am not fat Pansy," Tracy hissed.

Pansy turned to face her friend, her slim figure on full display in a green and yellow bikini giving Tracy a once over with her eyes as a frown formed on her face. "No, I cannot say that you are fat, but you are going a bit soft," Pansy said, pinching the side of her stomach. "And white is not really your color, it just makes you look fluffier," Pansy added patting Tracy's belly that just looked bigger with the white swimsuit clinging to it.

A sharp slap cut across the beach. "I am not fat you stupid bimbo," Tracy growled.

"Then stop eating the ice cream, and I would be careful who you strike Baronet Davis," Pansy said, flipping her blond hair over her shoulder. "Well I was going to invite you to join me, but I think you're eating too much of your product," she said before walking away. "Ice cream causes breakouts you know."

"Stupid blond bimbo," Tracy hissed stomping her foot which sent a ripple across the soft flesh of her thighs. "What do you dorks want," Tracy growled.

"How much," Hermione asked.

"It's not for sale," Tracy snapped.

Millie smacked her forehead. "Tracy that cooler holds what about 100 ice cream bars, 75 servings of gelato, 50 bottles of water, and 25 sodas, correct," Millie said.

"Yeah so what, I'm still not selling any to you," Tracy said.

"I'll give you 125 francs for the lot of it," Millie said.

"Bullshit," Tracy said.

"My money is as good as anyone else's," Millie said as Millie and Hermione pooled their cash.

"Make it 150 and we have a deal," Tracy said.

"Deal," Millie said, handing over the money.

"Good luck eating it all before it melts losers," Tracy said, dumping everything on the beach.

"Pleasure doing business with you Tracy," Millie said as Hermione created an ice bar on the beach.

"Did you just buy her entire stock," a father said, approaching with his children.

"Yes," Millie said.

"Nut's," his children groaned.

"What would you like," Millie said. "Everything is 1 franc."

"Wow that's…." the man said.

"Let's just say I got a good deal," Millie giggled.

"Three ice cream bars then," the man said.

"A pleasure doing business with you," Millie said as Hermione handed over the bars.

Break

"Do I dare even ask what you are doing," Millie and Hermione's parents asked as they approached their little iceberg on the beach.

"Tracy was doing it wrong," Millie said.

"She gets this from you," Alex said.

"Oh, come on, I only did it once," Maggie groaned.

"I have to hear this," Emma chuckled.

"Dare I ask," Dan said to Alex.

"Alex," Maggie wined.

"Let's just say that she took over a crepe cart," Alex said.

"All we did was pool our money to buy out all of Tracy's stock at half price and then sold it, doubling our money," Millie said.

"Good girl," Maggie said, patting Millie on the head. "But where did all this come from," Maggie asked.

"Hermione did you use blue diamonds," Emma said.

"Mom, that would be overkill, it's just a few aquamarine gems that I will have to recharge tonight," Hermione said.

"Good girl," Emma said.

"This gives me an idea," Maggie said looking at the massive block of ice.

"Snow cones, "Millie said.

"Yes, it would be a shame to waste all this ice," Maggie said.

"But it would also be a shame to waste this nice weather," Alex said.

"I agree," Maggie said. "Oh, I know," Maggie said, clapping her hands. "How about you take your profit's and go try that mermaid scuba diving tour."

"Mermaid," Emma said.

"SCUBA diving," Dan added.

"Tour," the pair said in unison.

"Oh yes, apparently the Mermaids have a potion that turns you into a mermaid for a couple of hours and they take you on a tour of the local reefs and you even get to visit part of the city," Maggie explained.

"So fun," Emma said. "You have to go and tell me all about it."

"Sure," the girls replied before running off.

"Why don't you leave this to us, and go enjoy a nice swim," Dan and Alex said, sharing a look with each other.

"And how do you suppose I do that, I can't SCUBA dive, and I don't have magic," Emma said placing her hands on her hips shooting him a look.

"Hermione, correct me if I am wrong, but most potions use magic to work, and that it doesn't matter where the magic comes from," Dan stated.

"Well, yes, but…" Hermione said, gaping at her father.

"So, all you need to do is have your mother hold one of your gems, and theoretically that should work," Dan said.

"How, when did you learn all that," the group exclaimed.

"I got bored one night and couldn't sleep so I thought reading some of Hermione's old textbooks might help. They're as heavy as O-chem books, but more interesting," Dan shrugged.

"And if it doesn't work," Emma said.

"Most magical potions have no effect on non-magicals due to a lack of magic," Maggie explained.

"Go have fun," Dan said.

"Well it's not the strangest thing, I've ever seen," Millie said as everyone looked at her. "What it's not…"

"Right the chamber…." Hermione said softly.

"No Steve…" Millie said.

"Also, accurate," Hermione said as they walked along.

"You know, I don't think Millie was the only one to lose weight," Emma said looking at her friend as their daughters went ahead.

"I don't know," Maggie said. "I'm still fluffy."

"Oh, come on, you look fantastic," Emma said. "You are not fluffy, you are curvy, in all the right places," Emma said.

"You think so," Maggie said.

"Yes," Emma said. "Frankly I'm a little jealous. You have T and A, sure your stomach might be a little soft, but it's nothing compared to my flat chest, fat belly, and saggy ass." Emma enviously looking at Maggie's large chest, slightly convex belly and wide hips with a posterior that was firming up nicely. She was pretty sure if you looked up Hollywood pudgy in the dictionary it would be Maggie's picture.

Maggie Blustrode, I thought I heard your thunderous hippo steps echoing down the beach," Gwendoline called out from her little shack.

Maggie just sighed, hanging her head. "I can't win."

"That's right, thunder thighs, just run along with that old muggle travesty you call a friend. How much did you have to pay her to walk next to you so you would look better by comparison?" Gwendoline said.

Maggie's head snapped up as she stopped in her tracks.

"Did that touch a nerve," Gwendoline said as Maggie marched over.

"Gwen you are a pureblood and a bully, always have been and probably always will be, and I've gotten used to your taunts and stealing contracts from me over the years," Maggie said.

"So, your fat head can actually learn something," Gwendoline said.

"Shut up," Maggie snapped stunning Gwendoline. "I do not care if you make fun of me, but how dare you make fun of a kind hearted woman, who was nice enough to help me when I needed it. She didn't care about what others thought about me, and just wanted to be my friend, for me, and not because of what I could do for her."

"Stupid and foolish as always," Gwendoline said.

"I might be a stupid, foolish woman, whose heart is as wide as the ocean, but even I have my limits Gwendoline Davis," Maggie said.

"Is that a threat," Gwendoline said.

"No, but a word of advice, I can see several health code violations behind your bar, and did you get approval for all of this," Maggie said loudly, holding up her wand.

"You wouldn't dare," Gwendoline said.

"You're not worth it," Maggie said.

"Weak," Gwendoline said.

"No, it's because I won't have to and if you want real snow cones, and cold drinks there is a spot down the beach that is the perfect spot to beat the heat," Maggie said, turning towards the crowd as she walked away leaving a fuming Gwendoline behind.

"Maggie that was awesome," Emma said.

"She just really grinds my gears sometimes, and what she said about you was mean spirited and wrong," Maggie said.

"Thank you," Emma said. "But do you really think…."

"Alex is as good or better than me in the kitchen, and what's the worst that could happen," Maggie said.

Break

"Alex, are you thinking, what I think you're thinking," Dan said, looking over the large block of ice with spaces for the ice cream, gelato, and drinks.

"That it would be a waste to just serve what our daughters bought," Alex said.

"Yes," Dan said. "But have you ever heard of something called an ice bar?"

"Ice bar?" Alex said.

"Yes, it's a bar that serves drinks in subzero temperatures, while we won't be serving in subzero drinks, we could…." Dan trails off.

"Genius, I actually met Maggie while working as a bartender. She was the cutest line chef in the place," Alex replied.

"Nice I met Emma, in dental school. We were doing an outreach program and she ended up taking charge because it was so poorly run. I mean who doesn't love a woman who can take charge," Dan said.

"I agree," Alex said.

"Excuse me," a group of people said.

Break

"Why am I getting the feeling like it was a bad idea to let my idiot," Maggie said.

"Hang out with my idiot," Emma finished.

"I dunno how much trouble can Dan get into, I mean it's not like he has magic or anything," Emma said.

"That's not what Astoria told me," Hermione said.

"What did you dad do," Millie asked.

"Something with gems…. Oh crap…" Hermione said.

"What's wrong," Emma asked.

"Well I only brought a couple of diamonds, zircon, sapphires, and aquamarine, and left the rest with Dad…." Hermione said.

"Oh boy," Emma said.

"What did he do," Maggie asked.

"Dan likes to tinker," Emma said.

"Well I don't hear any explosions," Maggie said as they approached the diving location.

"Welcome to the Mermaid experience," a woman said as they entered a building at the end of the breakwater sheltering the beach.

"Are you really a mermaid," Millie and Hermione asked the woman as their parents smacked their foreheads.

"Hehehehe," I get that all the time," the woman giggled flipping her tail up over the counter.

"And I bet it never gets old," Maggie chuckled at her slack jawed daughter and friends.

"How are you not surprised by this," Emma said. "I mean I expected it, but to see it is another thing entirely."

"I've done some business with Mermaids before, they always have the best seaweed, scallops, and they are only providers of giant squid," Maggie said. "Plus, I did just strike a deal with them."

"Wait are you Margaret Blustrode," the mermaid said staring at Maggie.

"Yes," Maggie replied.

"The Margaret Blustrode," the Mermaid pressed practically leaning over the counter.

"Yes, but my friends call me Maggie," Maggie said.

"Wow, I get to meet the famous Maggie Blustrode, your food is so good," the mermaid gushed.

"Mom's sausages are da bomb yo," Millie said. "That's how muggles say it, right…"

"Americans…. So close enough," Hermione said.

"Maggie you didn't tell me you were so popular," Emma said as the Mermaid turned towards her.

"I'm not really," Maggie said.

"Oh, Poseidon it's, Emma Granger," the mermaid gasped.

"Mom, what did you do," Hermione groaned.

"Nothing that I know of, I mean I haven't met any mermaid children," Emma said.

"Your reputation precedes you Mrs. Granger," the mermaid said.

"I have a reputation," Emma said, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes, you are seen as a protector of children amongst the demi-human magical population," the mermaid said.

"Go mom," Hermione cheered.

"I'm sorry here I am gushing, when you are here for something," the mermaid said. "What can I help you with today?"

"We were hoping to take the mermaid scuba diving tour," Maggie said.

"Excellent, were you hoping for the full mermaid experience," the mermaid said.

"Yes," Maggie said.

"Great, but I am afraid…." she said looking at Emma.

"Would it be possible for you to tell me the elemental makeup of the potion and how draining it is," Hermione asked.

"Yes, but why," the mermaid said as Hermione held up several gems. "Oooohhhh… Wait, you can do that…"

"I think so," Hermione said.

"It's not a super draining potion, but the more magic you have the longer it lasts, and it's mostly a water-based potion with a small air component," the mermaid said.

"So two water gems, an air gem, and a magical battery," Hermione said stringing the gems together on a crude necklace.

Emma put the necklace on over her head before taking the potion. "Well bottoms up," she said, downing the potion. "Tingly, she giggled as the potion took effect, the gems glowing slightly.

"Hermione, did you rewrite the rules again," Millie whispered as Emma transformed.

"Oh wow," Hermione gasped as her mother changed. Short light brown hair exploded into a long yellow and orange mane that looked like the sun. Her body lengthened growing taller as her legs turned into a yellow-orange fish tail. Her belly simply vanished as her breasts grew in size, while her wrinkles vanished.

"Is an understatement, Emma said with a slight German accent as she looked at her tail.

"Do you have any idea what this means," the mermaid said.

"You can market to squibs now," Maggie said, taking her own dose of the potion turning into a stunningly beautiful blonde mermaid with a blue tail. "Don't worry I'll help arrange everything with Hermione and her mother."

"Hermione," Millie said having turned into a blonde-haired beauty with a green tail.

"Yes," Hermione said, her silver hair returning with a matching silver tail.

"I'm glad your silver hair is back. I think it suits you better, than brown," Millie said.

"Thanks, I like it too," Hermione said before jumping in the water.

Break

"Dang Millie you are really good at this," Hermione said, pushing herself to keep up with Millie who moved with ease through the water.

"Sorry," Millie said, slowing down.

"No, I could use the workout," Hermione said.

"Then try and keep up," Millie said, picking up the pace.

"You're on," Hermione replied.

"Girls it's not a race, and try to enjoy the scenery," Emma said as they swam over a colorful coral reef.

"We are," Hermione said as a group of colorful fish swam up alongside her. "I wonder what's down here…." Hermione said swimming to the bottom of a coral outcropping. "Eeeeeekkkkk," Hermione squealed as she hid behind her mother.

"It's just a turtle, Hermione," Emma said as the large sea turtle swam up to meet them.

"That is not a turtle," Hermione said pointing a finger at the large seagoing reptile.

"Yes, it is," Emma said.

"No, turtles are supposed to be small and cute, not big enough to bite my head off," Millie said.

"Awe it's not so bad, you're a nice Mr. Turtle," Mille said. "You're not a big meanie basilisk," she said petting the turtle as it swam over to Hermione.

"So, it's not gonna bite me," Hermione said nervously.

"No," Millie said as the turtle came over and pecked her on the cheek.

"So cute," Emma said as Hermione flushed.

"Wow, you guys adapted pretty quick to swimming like mermaids," their guide said.

"Yes," Emma said. "Is there a mental component to the transformation. It altered our bodies so I wonder if it also altered our minds giving us the instinct to swim like mermaids." Emma said as she swam over.

"Yes, there is a small mental component, but very few figure it out or even ask about it," the stunned guide said, looking at Emma.

"Interesting, the change is probably in our cerebellum since it is involved in coordination and motor control. It is also larger in fish, but our tails are horizontal like dolphins, maybe brain convolutions…." Emma mused.

"I guess I really shouldn't be surprised," the mermaid said, shaking her head. "My name is Ariel and I will be your guide for today."

"Sorry," Emma said scratching the back of her head.

"I'm Hermione and this is Millicent, she's a really good swimmer," Hermione said.

"Well I don't know about that," Millie said.

"Do not sell yourself short Melissa, from what I have seen, you have the beginnings of being a great swimmer," Ariel said. "But for now, let's enjoy the tour." She said leading them through the reef.

"The terrestrial settlement of Monaco dates back to the paleolithic period, but the first real settlement was made by the phoenicians, who used the port of Monaco as refuge from the cold north westerly winds or mistral during times of bad weather. You can see evidence of it here," Ariel said as they swam over the scattered remains of an ancient trading vessel.

"Wow," Hermione and Millie gasped, swimming down to get a closer look at the pottery, coins, and bars of bronze.

"One man's trash is another man's treasure," Ariel said.

"I guess I can understand that," Maggie said. "We do have a nasty habit of dumping refuse in the ocean."

"Yes, it is a growing problem as of late," Ariel said.

"I know it's not much, but I will try and see what I can do," Maggie said.

"Count me in," Emma said.

"Thank you," Ariel said.

"Was this ship from the bronze age," Millie asked, pointing to a hunk of bronze.

"No, but I can understand why you would think that," Ariel said.

"Ariel if you don't mind me asking, what is the exact origin of Mermaids. Almost every seafaring culture has a mermaid myth, and I am curious as to your evolution. Are you an evolved form of aquatic ape similar to Hardy's dismissed Aquatic ape theory of evolution from the 1960s? Or is it something more magical in nature, perhaps a permanent transfiguration not unlike what the potion is doing to us temporarily. Of course, the magic to maintain such a form would be immense." Emma asked as they swam along.

"You are surprisingly well knowledgeable for a squib," Ariel said.

"Oh no, I'm not a squib, I didn't know anything about magic until Hermione got her Hogwarts letter," Emma said, making Ariel come to a screeching halt.

"But… all those things I read about, and you're transformed…. That doesn't make any sense… there is just no way…." Ariel stammered staring at Emma.

"Hahahahaha, not to worry I've had similar thoughts as well. You just need to realize that Emma takes the phrase ``I reject your reality and substitute my own to a whole new level," Maggie said, putting a hand on Ariel's shoulder. "Frankly I wouldn't be surprised if she started doing magic one of these days."

"Oh, come on that is ridiculous," Emma said.

"Hermione," Millie said.

"Yes," Hermione replied, turning to face her friend.

"Why does the thought of your mother having magic both scare me and make me smile at the same time," Millie asked.

"Because she's probably go all explody on the bad guys like Catherine Greengrass," Hermione said giggling at the thought of her mother blowing that woman up.

"I wouldn't blow people up," Emma protested.

"This coming from the woman who throws wrenches at people," Maggie giggled.

"One time, you throw a wrench one time," Emma pouted, making the group laugh.

"But to answer your question, Mrs. Granger, it is a bit of both," Ariel said. "It's not normally part of the tour but if you don't mind a detour."

"Detour away," Hermione said.

"Alright," Ariel said, leading them to what looked like the remains of an ancient city littering the sea floor. "According to stories passed down from our ancestors we one walked on land with magical and non-magical humans. This ancient civilization was called Alteran, and was the pinnacle of everything humanity had accomplished since first wandering out of the forests and great plains of Africa. The Alteran civilization prided itself on its mastery of magic and technology, the crowning jewel of their civilization were seven cities."

"Was one of them Atlantis," Millie asked.

"Yes, Atlantis the city of water," Ariel said.

"Atlantis is real," Emma said.

"Sadly, Atlantis was real, it along with the other cities of the Alteran civilization were lost in the great collapse," Ariel said.

'The Bronze Age Collapse," Hermione whispered.

"Yes, that is what the muggles call it," Ariel said showing them the remnants of an ancient fresco showing a glorious city, a civilization at the height of its power.

"I know the Nephilim were used as slaves, but what sparked the revolt, and why were they so violent," Hermione asked surprising Ariel.

"A student of history I see," Ariel said.

"I like to read," a blushing Hermione said.

"The exact nature of the revolt is lost to history, but no intelligent being likes being a slave to another," Ariel said, showing them a section of a mural depicting people tolling under the control of another.

"How horrible," Emma and Maggie gasped at the violence in the scene.

"Yes, but not all Alternans saw the Nephilim as slaves and tried to work with them and integrate them into society," Ariel said brushing the sand off a happier mural. "Perhaps with time the rifts could have been healed, but a prominent Nephilim was killed sparking an uprising amongst the Nephilim that quickly spread. The Alternans lost control of Atlantis, eventually sinking part of the city in an attempt to wait out the unrest. Sadly, the rebellion spread, destroying the rest of the city including the mechanism needed to raise the city." she said showing them a mosaic depicting the scene. "However, this was when disaster struck, we don't know whether it was the Alternans or the Nephilim who released the kraken, but not even the heavily shielded core of Atlantis could survive it's onslaught. Using their power, the Alternans and Nephilim residing there used the last of the city's power to perform a human transfiguration into mermaids in an effort to escape."

"Fascinating," Hermione said. "Does this mean you can also walk on land?"

"Yes, there is a potion that acts in a similar fashion allowing us to live on land," Ariel said.

"But why did the ancient Mermaids remain in the ocean," Millie asked.

"The world was in chaos, when the first mermaids surfaced, the Nephilim were still searching for any Alternans to extract their revenge on. So they remained in the ocean. The combination of magic and the environment dramatically increased the speed of their evolution leading to the mermaids of today," Ariel said.

"Do the mermaids actually know where Atlantis is," Millie asked.

"Sadly, no that has been lost to time," Ariel said.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said.

"Do not be sorry child, it is for the best, for if the gem of Atlantis or any of the Alternan cities were to be discovered destruction could be brought upon the world once more," Ariel said, causing Hermione to look at a large blue gem in one of the murals.

"Is there any chance we could try some mermaid food," Emma asked as her stomach rumbled. "Sorry I guess all the swimming made me hungry, and mermaid food is a thing right."

"Yes, it is very much a thing," Ariel said.

"Awesome I've always wanted to see how you guys cooked," Maggie said excitedly.

"I think a cooking lesson can be arranged," Ariel said. "Is there anything in particular you would like to try."

"Whatever you think is best works for me," Maggie said.

Break

"This is incredible, did you see how they used bioluminescent organisms as light sources," Emma gushed.

"Yes, and sponges for filters," Hermione added.

"I'm curious to see how they cook," Maggie said.

"Me too," Millie said as something bumped into her. "Oh, hello there Mr. Shark, aren't you a big boy," Millie said smiling as she swam around the huge 20ft shark.

"Melissa, I want you to swim away from that shark as slow as possible," Ariel said pointing her coral wand at the shark.

"Why," Millie said. "He's just being friendly," Millie said hugging the shark.

"Millie, I think that's a great white shark," Hermione said.

"I know that," Millie said. "Bruce just wanted to come and say hello, right Bruce," Millie said, turning towards the shark.

"Melissa, that particular shark is suspected to have," Ariel said moving slowly closer.

"Bad," Millie snapped, smacking the shark hard on the nose. "That's a bad Bruce, no biting people or mermaids, we are friends not food." Millie said. If sharks could whine everyone was sure Bruce would be doing it right now as he bent his head down the shark's eyes looking larger than usual. "There, there, it's alright, just be nice, and we'll be nice back. And if you're hungry come with me and I'll make you something yummy."

"Emma, did my daughter just smack a Great White Shark on the nose, and say she would make it some dinner." Maggie said.

"Yes," Emma replied before turning towards Hermione. "She got that from you."

"Oh, come on," Hermione groaned.

"How did you do that," Ariel asked as they swam along with a Great White shark glaring at any other sharks that even looked in the group's direction.

"I dunno, it's kinda like I can just feel what some animals are thinking. It's all Draco's fault," Millie said.

"How is it Draco Malfoy's fault," Maggie asked.

"Well he was the one that summoned Steve, and I couldn't just let the cute little adder freeze in the Scottish winter. After that it just got easier," Millie said. "But enough of that, let's go try and make some mermaid cuisine."

Break

"That was amazing," Emma exclaimed as the last rays of the sun dipped below the waves. "I still can't believe Mermaids are real, and that they have a whole civilization that has never been discovered."

"Well they are nomadic in nature not unlike the nomadic tribes of the steppe, only less violent," Hermione said.

"Yes, I don't think we'll ever have to worry about the Mermaids like Europe did with the Mongols," Maggie said. "And they really took a liking to you, Melissa," She said hugging her daughter.

"I didn't really do that much," Millie blushed. "And why did they keep calling me Melissa.

"Millie you got Bruce to promise to keep the other sharks in line, and go after the lionfish threatening the local ecosystem," Emma said.

"No clue, but I think it suits you," Hermione giggled.

"I guess," Millie said as all of their eyes bulged out of their sockets at the sight of a large beach bar built completely out of ice, packed with people.

"Why did we let our idiots hang out together," Maggie and Emma said to each other.

"I knew I shouldn't have left my gems with dad," Hermione sighed.

"Hello and welcome to the Monaco iceberg cantina," an exhausted sunburnt Tracy groaned.

"Tracy…" Millie exclaimed.

"Oh great it's the fatty and the runt," Tracy sighed.

"Hey part timer, put a smile on your face and get back to work," Alex called out.

"Stupid, annoying," Tracy grumbled marching off.

"Dan what did you do," Emma growled, marching up to the bar.

"Well you see it's a funny story…." Dan said. "Did you do something to your hair?"

"No, and that's not the point," Emma said.

"I'm just asking because it looks a little longer and shinier," Dan said as Emma glared at him. "Ok, ok, calm down, Alex and I got to talking and figured it would be a shame to waste all of the ice Hermione created."

"Dad I didn't make all of this," Hermione said.

"Well about that," Dan said scratching the back of his head nervously.

"We need to expand to meet demand," Alex said.

"Demand for what," Maggie said.

"Well it started with a few people asking us to cool their drinks, but then we figured we could make more by selling drinks, and Gwendoline needed to off load her stock for cheap, after getting busted for an illegal operation," Alex said pointing to Gwendoline who was working as a server.

"And the ice bar…." Maggie said.

"Well that was kinda sorta Dan's idea, to use Hermione's gems and my magic to create the rest," Alex said.

"Alex, I don't even know where to begin," a flabbergasted Maggie said.

"How about asking how much we made," Alex said.

"Please tell me you at least broke even," Maggie said.

"We made around 4,000 galleons," Alex said.

"Sales," Maggie replied.

"No, profit," Alex said. "So relax dear," he added pecking his wife on the cheek. "Oh and I'm in talks with the hotel to make it a permanent establishment."

"Emma," Maggie said, turning to her friend.

"Yes," Emma said.

"Pinch me," Maggie said.

"Ok," Emma said, pinching her friend.

"Ouch," Maggie squeaked. "Not a dream," Maggie said.

Chapter 36.5- Is it a race or a duel?

August 1994

"Come on Millie," Hermione said, pulling her friend along.

"Hermione, wait where are we going," Millie cried out.

"Shopping," Hermione said.

"Why," Millie said.

"To celebrate," Hermione said.

"Celebrate what…." Millie said.

"The fact that you've lost weight, and that you need new clothes, or that you are cooking for the VIP box at the sports fest," Hermione said.

"Well it's really my mom and dad…." a blushing Millie said.

"And who is making the deserts," Hermione said.

"I am," Millie said.

"Plus, I want you to meet a friend," Hermione said.

"Daphne you made it," Hermione said, waving to her friend.

"Wait, what…." Millie shrieked, digging her heels in the ground.

"Daphne, Millie, Millie, Daphne," Hermione said.

"Hello Millicent," Daphne said softly.

"Hermione," Millie said, pulling her aside. "Hermione, you know who she is and what she did to you, to me, to us…." Millie hissed as Daphne dropped her head.

"Yes, I am well aware of who Daphne is and what she did," Hermione whispered. "But I feel like Daphne is trying to change for the better and that should be encouraged. I understand if you want to go."

"I promise not to do anything, and Hermione will blow me up if I try anything," Daphne said softly.

"Ok," Millie relented. "But if you do anything, I will let Steve and Trevor into your bed," Millie said.

"I can live with that," Daphne said.

"So how was your summer," Millie asked.

"It was illuminating," Daphne said.

"Did you do anything fun," Millie asked.

"Well Hermione came over, and we both took lessons from mother, learned runes, and trained for a performance at the festival," Daphne said.

"Did you get to do anything fun," Millie asked.

"Tracy, and Pansy, came over for a visit so we could work on our summer homework," Daphne said as Millie sighed.

"She's a work in progress," Hermione said.

"And what is that supposed to mean," Daphne snapped.

"I think what Millie means is that you are still very guarded," Hermione said. "We're just three girls going shopping."

"But…." Daphne said poking her index fingers together.

"But what, do you really think either of us are going to stab you in the back. I know we have our competition coming up, and while I want to win, I want to do it fair and square," Hermione said.

"That's right, when I do better than you in Herbology it's because I want to bet you are your best and not because of some dirty trick," Millie said. "Now my summer was really busy but I got to attend the Med Gala, and not just as a server."

"I know, you looked cute dancing with Neville," Daphne said.

"I was so embarrassed I must have stepped on his foot like a million times," Millie said.

"I don't think he minded," Daphne said.

"You think so," Millie said.

"Neville is the kind of guy who speaks his mind," Hermione said.

"It's too bad Harry wasn't there, you could have danced with him," Millie said.

"No way, Harry is just a friend," Hermione shot back.

"But you work well together," Millie said. "You totally blasted the basilisk to pieces."

"Oh please he did most of the work all did was give him a power boost, which wouldn't have worked if you hadn't bound him in place with your plants," Hermione said.

"Wait you mean that Ronald Weasley's story is wrong," Daphne said.

"Yep," Hermione said. "But enough about that, it's time for shopping, and Daphne has an eye for color." Hermione said, pulling both of them into the store.

"She does this from time to time," Millie said.

"Yes, Hermione can be a force of nature when she sets her mind to something," Daphne said.

"So really did duel your mother," Millie said.

"Yes," Daphne said.

"And took a Dragon Flame Buster head on," Millie gasped.

"I still call shenanigans on that, people can't just teleport, like that and the next time, she'll be the one getting blasted. I just need to come up with a super cool finishing move of my own," Hermione exclaimed.

"Dare I ask why your mother blew up Hermione," Millie asked.

"She stood up for me," Daphne said.

"Wait you mean that, Hermione told off your mother," Millie gasped.

"Yes, she called her a bitter old crone, along with a few other things," Daphne said.

"Yeah, I guess I can see Hermione doing that," Millie said thinking of the chamber and the slap that stung for several days afterward.

"Oh, Millie, this is perfect for you what's your size," Daphne said moving to the racks of clothing.

"I dunno, big," Millie said.

"You look about a size 10 to me," Daphne said looking over Millie.

"Daphne there is no way…" Millie said looking at the outfit Daphne was holding.

"Oh come try it," Hermione pestered.

"Ok but it's not going to fit," Millie sighed.

"She's a work in progress," Hermione said as Millie entered the dressing room.

"So are you ready for the event," Hermione asked.

"Yes, I have been training hard, and I plan to win," Daphne said.

"Ditto," Hermione said. "But I wanted to make sure you weren't injured."

"I am perfectly fine," Daphne said.

"Ok, but what's with all the long sleeves, it's Monaco in the summer," Hermione said. "It's like a zillion degree out.

"Hermione, you think anything above room temperature is to hot, and I have yet to see you complain about the cold," Daphne said.

"Well it's all your fault ya know," Hermione said.

"How is that my fault," Daphne snipped.

"Because….." Hermione began.

"Um, can I get a little help," Millie called out.

"Sure," Hermione said entering the dressing room.

"Wow, Millie you look great," Hermione said.

"I couldn't get the corset tied," Millie said.

"No problem," Hermione said. "Now tell me if I am tying it too tight."

"You're fine," Millie said.

"Good now it's time to show Daphne," Hermione said.

"But….." Millie said as Hermione pushed her out of the dressing room.

"So cute," Daphne squealed. "I knew it would look great on you," Daphne said looking at the green dress with a yellow corset with a blue hem. '"Green for nature because you're so good with flowers, yellow for happiness and you should smile more, and blue because you're the responsible leader of the cafe club," Daphne said.

"What, that's I mean, I'm, I can't…." Millie stuttered until Daphne pushed her in front of a mirror. "Is that me," Millie gasped.

"Yes," Hermione said.

"But I'm…." Millie said.

"Pretty, cute, attractive," Daphne said.

"But you said…" Millie said.

"..." Daphne paused looking Millie in the eye. "Maybe I need my eyes checked, do you think I would look good in glasses."

"Hhhhmm," Hermione said. "Let's find out," Hermione said, pulling out a cute pair of glasses and placing them on Daphne's nose.

"Well how do I look," Daphne said, fixing the glasses.

"Pretty good, but I think we can do better," Millie said.

"You think so," Daphne said.

"Yes," Hermione said.

"How about this one," Millie said, holding up a green sundress.

"Nice," Hermione said, giving her a thumbs up.

"Well let's find out," Daphne said, taking the dress.

"I think she likes it," Millie said to Hermione as they walked out in their new outfits, with Daphne doing a little spin.

"Yes," Hermione said.

"But I do have to ask," Millie whispered.

"Ask me what," Hermione said.

"Are you sure you didn't blow Daphne up," Millie asked.

"I did not blow her up," Hermione said.

"Did you throw a wrench at her," Millie said. "Because you know…."

"I didn't throw a wrench at her either," Hermione sighed.

"Do you want to check out the art exhibit," Daphne asked pointing to a display of art as they meandered through the festival

"Sure," Hermione said as they followed along.

"Hermione what is that," Millie said pointing at a very weird looking abstract painting that made her brain hurt.

"Honestly I have no idea," Hermione said tilting her head to the side as she tried and failed to understand the painting.

"It's surrealism," Daphne said. "It tries to take the unconscious thought and bring it into and combine it with reality to make a super reality. It tends to juxtapose uncommon imagery."

"I can see that," Hermione said.

"In this case the artist is trying to explore the idea that no matter how hard you try nothing can exist in isolation," Daphne said.

"Oh yeah, I can kind of see that now," Millie said.

"And what about this one," Hermione said.

"Truth is stranger than fiction," Millie said reading the description next to the picture.

"That's cheating," Hermione pouted.

"Well you never said I couldn't do it," Millie said.

"She's got you there," Daphne said.

Hermione huffed moving along to the next picture.

"Isn't that pretty much your modus operandi," Daphne said.

"It is not," Hermione said.

"Hermione, you started a maid cafe to skirt the rules of Slytherin, used magical figure skating moves in a duel, blew up a part of the castle, and got all of the first and second years to call you Johanna," Daphne said.

"She's got you there," Millie giggled.

"Ok, fine," Hermione huffed.

"Daphne what about these two," Millie said.

"The past doesn't always stay buried," Daphne said. "And the truth is not always what it appears to be."

"You're really good at this Daphne," Hermione said.

"I don't know…." she said softly. "I just like art," Daphne said. "Although renaissance, neoclassical, and realism are my favorites."

"Well then why don't we look at those then," Millie said.

"Really, because…." Daphne said.

"Pansy and Tracy aren't here, so who cares what those no fun girls think," Hermione said.

"Really," Daphne said.

"Yes, lead on fearless leader," Millie said as Daphne raced ahead. "No fun girls?"

"Big time, those two never do anything unless they think it will advance them in some way," Hermione said.

"So a typical British Pureblood," Millie replied.

"As much as I would like to protest that statement it is surprisingly accurate." Daphne said. "Now let's get going."

Break

"Wow, a VIP box, and everything," Emma said as she entered the expansive space.

"I hardly see this as something to be excited over," Catherine said.

"Well excuse me for not being super rich with more money than I know what to do with," Emma replied. "Speaking of which, how is the remodeling going?"

"It is on schedule," Catherine said glaring daggers at Emma.

"I'm glad. Hermione was very impressed with your home, and I would love to see it some time," Emma said.

"I agree, and I hear the gardens are top notch," Dan added.

"They are," Mr. Greengrass said. "But a muggle would not be able to take in their true grandeur."

"Why do you call them muggles, Mr. Greengrass," a woman said.

"Because that is what they are," he replied.

"But Emma went on a mermaid tour the other day, my daughter was telling me all about it," the woman said.

"You must be Melody," Maggie said from where she was placing a few of the buffet items. "I thought you looked familiar."

"I do not believe it is polite for the help to intrude on a lady's conversation," Catherine said.

"I was under the assumption that Baronet Davis was preparing the food for this evening," Violet said.

"She is," Melody said.

"Then why is she here," Violet said looking at Maggie calmly working at a small station.

"That is because I asked her to make the food for the VIP suites," Melody said.

"You would pick her over the esteemed Lady Davis," Violet said pointing at Maggie.

"Yes," Melody said.

"Then you are a fool," Violet said as a stressful silence settled over the room.

"Maggie could you come here for a second," Melody asked.

"Of course," Maggie said. "Millie can you keep an eye on this for me?"

"Yes," Millie said, taking over as her mother walked over.

"Ah Maggie, perhaps you could translate for me since my English is not the best," Melody said as Emma stifled a giggle.

"Of course," Maggie said. "Now what was it that you said Violet?"

"What I said, you overweight hack of a cook, is that this half fish French troglodyte, is a moronic fool, who should go back to swimming with the fish, and hope that she doesn't find herself caught on a muggle fish hook. Which is looking more likely since she doesn't know the difference between haute cuisine and slop meant for commoners," Violet said.

"Violet, I really think you should apologize," Maggie said.

"Why…." Violet said.

"Because my understanding of English is quite good, you English strumpet," Melody said.

"Why you," Violet said.

"I prefer to call things the way I see them, Lady Parkinson," Melody said.

"I am not a strumpet, you half fish beast woman," Violet said.

"And yet your low-cut dress says otherwise," Melody said.

"I will…." Violet said pulling her wand before a loud clunk echoed through the room and she fell to the ground.

"Sorry, but I do not permit such rudeness at my events," Maggie said holding a pan as a surprised Catherine looked on.

"You used a pan," Emma said.

"Well they always work so well for you," Maggie said.

"Hahahahahaha, interesting but effective," Melody laughed.

"If you are done playing around, I believe it is starting," Catherine said.

Break

"You ready for this," Hermione asked as they finished some last-minute stretches before their performance.

"Yes," Daphne said nervously. "But…."

"I know Ria never actually told us anything about tonight's performance," Hermione said.

"Does she want the entire thing to be an improvisation performance," Daphne said.

"Yes," Ria said, joining them.

"But that's insane," Daphne said.

"Well you can blame Hermione, and your mother," Ria said.

"Hey why is it my fault," Hermione exclaimed as Daphne gasped.

"No, you can't be serious," Daphne said thinking of the duel from a few weeks back.

"Yes," Ria said.

"That's crazy…" Daphne said.

"Daphne, what do you mean, what is going on," Hermione asked.

"She wants us to duel while figure skating," Daphne said.

"Not exactly," Ria said before she began to laugh menacingly.

"I'm scared," Hermione and Daphne said hugging each other.

Break

"Do you have any idea as to the nature of the performance our daughters will be performing today," Mr. Greengrass asked.

"Not a clue," Dan replied.

"Useless," Mr. Greengrass muttered.

"I do know that Ria asked the dwarves if she could borrow a large number of dark blue, light blue, and clear gemstones for the performance," Emma said.

"And they just gave a squib a small fortune," Catherine said.

"Well she did ask nicely, and I vouched for her," Emma said.

"And that makes it ok," Catherine scoffed.

"Why not," Melody said, interjecting.

Catherine paused, choosing her words carefully as she was in no mood to upset a representative of the Mermaids. "Because she can not cover the loss, if any of the gems are damaged, or if Ria walks off with any of them."

"Oh… that's what you meant," Emma said. "1 I trust Ria, and 2 while it would be a bit of a setback, I can cover the loss of the gems in use today."

"Liar," Catherine said.

"I am not a liar, and business has been good for us recently," Emma shrugged.

"And she assisted in returning several pieces of lost artwork for us," Melody said. "I mean it was just sitting around collecting seaweed. I just think you should have taken more than 10%," Melody said.

"10% of 500 million was more than enough, Melody," Emma said.

"What could you have returned that was worth that much," Catherine said.

"7 missing Faberge eggs," Maggie said. "Oh it looks like they're starting." Maggie added with a giggle at the dumb founded look on Catherine's face.

Break

"Has everyone been having a good time at the Monaco Art, and Sport festival," Ria said as she skated onto a small ice rink. She paused as the crowd cheered. "Sorry I couldn't hear that," Ria said, waiting as the crowd gave an even louder roar. "Now that's more like it. Now I know some of you are here for the artistry of figure skating, and some of you are here for the sports, so I say why not both," Ria said, doing a little spin. "Today I am proud to announce the first of hopefully many Monaco Figure Skating Duel Grand Prix," Ria said as a large glowing diamond rose out of the ice. "Now you might be wondering what a figure skating duel is, well just take speed skating, figure skating, and duel, put it in a blender set on high," She said, touching the glowing gem making a track of ice circle around the stadium before leaving. "What I've just done is make a 10km race track around magical monaco. Our racers," Ria said waving to Hermione and Daphne who were illuminated by spotlights, will race around the track using and avoiding the obstacles to be the first to reach the finish line. They are allowed to use magic to speed up or impede their opponent, all while giving us an artistic display which can earn them or cost them points which affects their time. Oh and if you fall off the track you are out." Ria explained.

"Did you know about any of this," Daphne whispered to Hermione.

"No," Hermione said. "You."

"No," Daphne said. "But it does explain our costumes." Daphne said, pulling at the outfit she was wearing. A form fitting red and pink outfit that included tights and a short skirt with a holster for her wand. Hermione's was a similar form fitting blue and silver affair which was nice, but Daphne couldn't help but think it would work better with silver hair instead of Hermione's bronze colored tresses.

"Right," Hermione said. "And I don't plan on losing."

"Racers on your marks," Ria exclaimed.

"I don't either," Daphne said moving up to the line.

"Get set," Ria said as Hermione and Daphne took a three-point stance.

"Good," Hermione and Daphne said in unison, sharing a smile.

"Go," Ria exclaimed with a loud bang as the girl took off.

A sharp crack reverberated across the stadium as Hermione's skate cracked the ice as she fumbled the start crashing down on the ice as Daphne took the lead. "Eisstartblock," Hermione said pointing her wand at her feet forming a starting block capable of handling her reinforced strength. "Spiel weiter," she said grinning before rocketing off the block.

"It looks like Daphne has taken the lead," Ria said narrating the race. "But does she have the speed to make it up the first challenge, the ice spiral," she said as Daphne finished a lap around the stadium before it curved upward into a large spiral circling the arena before dipping down over the top of the wall. "The spiral challenges the skaters power and stamina while giving the leader a chance to snipe their opponent."

Using some quick blade work Daphne spun around skating backward as she pulled out her wand aiming at Hermione as she entered the spiral. "Incendio tela verberare!" Numerous dart shaped flames rocketed towards Hermione.

"Bergbrise," Hermione said clear blue sequins on her outfit glowing releasing an icy breeze diverting or extinguishing the darts as she soared through the air with a double toe loop. The crowd burst into cheers as Hermione rocketed up the spiral flying past Daphne who lost momentum with her attack.

"Daphne has proven that she is her mother's daughter with that impressive display, but she'll need more than that to stop Hermione's mountain breeze and it looks like it's cost her some momentum," Ria said at Hermione flew past Daphne as the spiral's incline increased towards the top of the stadium.

"Damit," Daphne growled pressing hard with her legs as she continued to slow. "Stupid mom, stupid diet. I am not going to lose!" Daphne growled gritting her teeth as she looked up the ice ramp spotting the contrail of a muggle plane in the distance. A spark of inspiration flashed through her mind as she turned around again pointing her wand down the ramp. "Afterburner!" she screamed firing a massive blast of flame down the ramp propelling her forward.

Even Ria was stunned as Daphne rocketed up the ramp. "Now that is something you don't see everyday folks!" Ria exclaimed. "What she lacks in physical ability she makes up with magic and ingenuity, now how is Hermione going to respond to this one," she said as they both reached the top of the ramp before it descended down out of the stadium.

"Eiswand," Hermione said pointing her wand at Daphne's track. "Oh, come on," Hermione hissed as instead of a thick wall of ice covering the entire track she got a number of thinner walls, incomplete walls Daphne could dodge or jump over. "Dummer Zauberstab!"

"Now, I'm told that Gilderoy Lockhart was their defense professor so let's see if she's learned how to DODGE!" Ria exclaimed as Daphne slammed into the first ice wall shattering it.

"Bad, speed, boosting, strategy," Daphne grunted as her back smashed into several more walls of ice before she could get turned around and doge the few remaining ones with elegant spin maneuvers.

"Nice recovery by Daphne, but Hermione has taken the lead," Ria said as several display screens appeared around the stadium. "Now for those of you familiar with the Monaco Grand Prix, you know what is coming next, the hairpin turn," Ria said, giving the crowd a preview of the tight turn.

"She's still faster than me on the straight aways," Herimone said using a spin to turn around. "Eispfeilfeuer," Hermione said firing off a small number of ice darts at Daphne frowning at the smaller than expected number.

"Protego," Daphne said, creating a streamlined barrier as she plowed through the barrage. "Hermione, how about you dodge, flamma murum," Daphne yelled, creating several flame walls on Hermione's track.

"Mistkörbe," Hermione hissed jumping over the first one, before sliding underneath the next one. Popping up she spun using an icy blast of wind to create a path through the last one.

"Try this on for size, flamma saepem coici," Daphne roared, creating a massive wall of flame across the entire track and several meters long.

"Well this is going to be a problem," Hermione said, pulling out a clear diamond. "Wärmeabsorption durch elementare Verklärung!" Hermione said pointing her wand at the wall of flame. A thin stream of red energy leapt from the flame to Hermione's wand.

"Oh my, I've heard about this, but I've never actually seen it myself," Ria said as the stream of magic grew thicker, the flames growing paler as Hermione rapidly approached. "Hermione is going to absorb the heat from the flames rendering them harmless."

"Impossible," Catherine scoffed.

"Why not, it's just an extension of elemental manipulation," Emma said as the flames grew pale and seemed to slow barely moving.

"In this case I have to agree with Lady Greengrass, Emma, heat is not an element," Melody said.

"But it is on Aristotle's diagram of the elements," Emma said, drawing a quick diagram.

"Those are attributes not elements, squib," Catherine shot back.

"Semantics," Emma said. "And I think the results speak for themselves as her daughter barreled through the pale blue barely flickering flames with a now blood red diamond in her hand.

"I stand corrected," Melody said. "And I would love to speak to Hermione in the future about that spell."

"I know it's really cool, and I've seen her change the size and mass of objects separately so you could probably manipulate the density of objects which would be a great boon to mermaids," Millie said, handing them their drinks as Hermione burst out the other side of the flames.

"If that had burned my hair Daphne, I would have been very upset," Hermione yelled.

"We're in the middle of a race and you care about your hair," Daphne shot back.

"Of course, dummy," Hermione snapped. "It's my pride as a magical girl!"

"Pride as a magical girl!, what are you talking about!" Daphne snapped as the crowd began to murmur.

"Some of you might not be aware of this, but the mahou shoujo or magical girl, is a genre of non-magical fiction. And one of the mainstays of the magical girl genre is that the magical has long hair, and the longer the hair the more powerful they are. As a fan of magical girls it is no surprise that Hermione has a preference for long hair," Ria said.

"Less talkie more racing," Hermione said. "Oh crap sharp turn," Hermione squealed as they entered a hairpin turn.

"Time to take the lead," Daphne said to herself leaning deeply into the turn cutting it very close to the inside of the curve keeping all her speed as she rocketed out of it. Hermione took a wider gentler approach which cost her speed as Daphne retook the lead. "Eat my frost!" Daphne yelled using a blast of wind from her wand to blow shards of ice at Hermione.

"You forgot I love ice," Hermione yelled, bunny hopping over the spray, her legs making a perfect split. "Eisverklärung Eiszapfenlanze," Hermione said, turning the icy spray into a lance of ice that she launched at Daphne.

"Thanks for the weapon," Daphne replied, grabbing the lance and turning it into an ice sword as the course dove into the warm waters of the bay.

"How will our racers fare in the underwater world, home to the Mermaids of Monaco," Ria said as the displays shifted to the underwater portion of the race. A series of twisting dips and curves through the reefs just off shore. "Now this scenic portion of the race is the longest and easiest section. It poses an interesting question to the racers: do they back off and save some energy, or do they press on and try to take the lead?"

"Crap," Hermione hisses as the backlash of pain from her reinforcement becomes too much for her. Hermione's skating slowed as she cut the flow of magic to her muscles.

"Daphne smirked looking at Hermione's reflection in her ice sword. "But I'd better conserve some strength too. I don't know when she'll kick in that spell of hers." Using her wand she made a loop of cloth in her skirt to hold her sword, before moving her hands behind her back pressing onward with long graceful strides.

"Next year, I will be installing stands down there," Melody said as they watched the pair skate through the undersea landscape. Daphne kept her lead, but it was being whittled down as Hermione took advantage of every turn or dip to gain speed.

"Perfect," Hermione said looking ahead at three dips in the track in rapid succession. Spinning around she approached the first dip backward. The crowd gasped as Hermione drove her toe into the ice launching into the air spinning gracefully over the first dip. Just as her skates touched the ice her foot drove down into ice for a second jump again spinning over the dip in the track.

"Bloody hell," Daphne gasped, catching a bit of brown hair in her peripheral vision as Hermione nearly closed the gap now only a few steps behind her.

"I see but I don't believe," Ria exclaimed as the crowd roared. "A triple double, Hermione just used three double flips to skip the dips in the track and close the gap.

"Do not forget my daughter is still in the lead," Catherine said.

"We know, but that was still an impressive display," several people replied as Catherine scowled.

"Well we are now neck and neck as we climb out of the ocean, and ready for more dueling to begin," Ria called out.

"Eispfeil," Hermione said, firing off a series of ice arrows at Daphne.

"Too easy," Daphne scoffed, knocking the arrows aside.

"That's what you think," Hermione said. "Doppelte Massenverklärung," she whispered hiding a spell in her barrage of ice arrows

"What!," Daphne screamed as the sword in her hand seemed to double in weight as she stumbled on the ice, her skates feeling more like weights than skates.

"Oh my was that a mass transfiguration hidden under a barrage of ice arrows?" Ria exclaimed as Daphne slowed dropping her sword. "Oh my there was a second spell hidden under the ice arrows. Now mass transfigurations are difficult in the latin based system that Britain uses, but when you think about it, it's not that different from basic elemental transfigurations. I mean we can change the heat, cold, wet, and dry components of elements, so why not the mass or volume as they are basic properties. But I digress you came here for a race, not a lesson," Ria said.

"Finite…..." Daphne began to say as she spotted a tight downhill turn ahead.

"It seems that Daphne is not going to cancel the spell," Ria explained as the blond dug deep pushing her body forward, accelerating even more as the path descended. Using the extra mass to accelerate Daphne raced down the slope cutting the turn tightly pulling into the lead again before canceling the spell. "Now that is how it is done ladies and gentlemen, turning a negative into a positive. In fact, Hermione might have just given Daphne the win. All she needs to do is make it through the crystal ice cave," Ria said as Daphne entered a cave covered in clear reflective crystals.

"What the heck," Daphne said as her shoulder clipped a mirror.

"It's not just a straight shot, there are twists and turns, made all the more confusing by the reflections," Ria said as Daphne spun at the last second barely missing another obstacle.

"Argh, dam, reflections," Daphne said, canceling the mass transformation Hermione put on her, before focusing on the images. "It's like the hall of mirrors at a dam circus," Daphne said, trying to spot the path out of all the reflections. It was easier said than done as some looked just like her, one was her in the Lily outfit Hermione picked out for her, another in glasses and dress she wore with Millie another day. "What is going on, is it reflecting my memories. No, Ria's just a squib she couldn't have…," Daphne muttered as another reflection caught her eye.

"Hi my name is Hermione, what's yours," Hermione asked as she bounced with excitement as a first year on the Hogwarts platform.

"Ugh, who let the fat useless mudblood in," Daphne replied before shoving Hermione over.

"Yes, I did that," Daphne said sadly, trying to look away as she watched the replay of each and every act of violence she perpetrated against her opponent. "And that…" she muttered as a darker scene began to form.

"Well mudblood, it seems that it is finally time to show you just how inferior you are," a very different Da[hne said stepping out of the shadows.

"Daphne…." Hermione gasped looking at a pale skinned Daphne with platinum blond hair stepping out of the shadows wearing a black and red bodysuit and a matching cloak.

"Scared….. You should be," Daphne said as a glowing red sword snapped to life in her hand. The illusionary Hermione tried to back away as Daphne moved closer.

"No, don't," Daphne muttered crashing through a large crystal as she continued to barrel through the cave. Her cries went unanswered as the illusions began to battle.

"A mere mudblood like you couldn't hope to grasp the true power of magic," Illusion Daphne said, slashing through Hermione's defenses.

"No, no, no, that's not what I wanted, it's not what I want, I don't want this," Daphne cried out as the vision showed her slamming Hermione against the wall. "Stop it!" Daphne screamed slamming into a crystal barrier watching helplessly as evil Daphne prepared to skewer Hermione with her sword. Time seemed to slow as she watched the blood red sword drive towards Hermione. "I just wanted to beat her, and make her go away, not dead. I never wanted to kill her," Daphne cried as the illusionary hermione was run through coughing up blood.

Tears swelling up in the corner of her eyes, Daphne watched as the illusion Hermione flickered and vanished leaving a confused evil Daphne looking around her.

"What!" the illusionary Daphne roared swinging wildly at the air.

"You didn't really think I would let you do it," a tall busty girl with long rust colored hair said, stepping into view with a rapier in hand.

"Just how many sisters does that runt have," Daphne growled.

"More than you do apparently," the girl chuckled as Daphne growled stumbling as she ran the girl through with her sword only for her to vanish.

"Shut up and face me," Daphne growled.

"Catch me if you can, but that might be a problem for a girl of your proportions," the girl said.

"What did you say," Daphne growled as her cloak was slashed away.

"Nothing, but I do have somewhere else to be right now," she giggled, racing off as Daphne struggled to keep up, panting for breath as the vision ended.

"Daphne hit some hard spots but it looks like she has discovered the right path," Ria said as Daphne picked up speed finding an illusion free path. "Hermione has been doing good so far, but will she make it through the tunnel without losing her way?"

"I hate fun houses," Hermione groaned as she entered the crystal tunnel images springing up around her. Despite the images of her horrible past springing up around her, Hermione plowed onward. Images of a short fat ugly little girl meant nothing to her as she smashed through several in an effort to save time. Images of her old self meant nothing to her as smashed through or turned away from them, following the path of a silver haired girl. "Crap," Hermione hissed coming to a screaming halt as the path split, throwing up a spray of ice at a vision of herself at the beginning of the gala. The illusionary Hermione scowled at her trying to brush the snow and ice off her.

"Sorry who are you," Hermione muttered as the illusion stomped her foot. "Right, your Hermione," Hermione said as the illusion nodded in agreement. "It was nice knowing you, but I think it's time we part ways," Hermione said as the illusion stepped back in fright. "Now, now, it's not like I'm throwing you away, I'm just heading in a new direction," Hermione said pointing at the silver haired version of herself standing on the other side of the tunnel. "Think of it like evolving or something something," Hermione shrugged before racing off down the path lined with reflections of a silver haired girl, who gave Hermione an illusionar high five as she passed. Left unnoticed was the old Hermione's hair being infiltrated with silver hair as the lonely girl was flanked by a pair of ghostly sisters.

"Oh no bad call by Hermione, she has taken the detour which will put Daphne solidly in the lead.

"Crap baskets, but I'm never one to back down from a challenge," Hermione grunted as she reactivated her reinforcement while exiting the tunnel Daphne firmly in the lead.

"This course is never ending," Daphne groaned sweat pouring down her face as she pulled out every last bit of strength she had as she saw the final turn before entering the stadium.

"It's not over yet," Hermione yelled, approaching from behind.

Daphne didn't have the strength to dignify Hermione with a response as she entered the final turn. A million thoughts went through her mind as she leaned into the turn cutting close to retain the lead. "How can she still be friendly with me even after I did all those horrible things to her? How could I have done those things to her, when all she wanted was to be my friend? She's worked so hard for everything, and I've had everything handed to me? I don't want to be that girl anymore. Hermione deserves this win, " she muttered all at the same time as her skates caught on the ice sending her smashing into the soft barriers lining the track.

"And Daphne is down, I can't believe it Daphne Greengrass is down less than 800m from the finish line," Ria yelled as Hermione rocketed past Daphne entering the stadium.

"Argh!" Catherine growled crushing a champagne flute in her hand as Daphne staggered to her feet.

"Ah Mrs. Greengrass it seems I have won our little wagger," a petite blond haired woman said approaching her.

"Oh there was a wager," Emma said.

"Emma this is Monaco, you can place a wager on just about anything, including races," Maggie explained.

"You bet on the race," Emma said.

"Yes," Catherine growled, pulling out a bank slip.

"She thought her daughter would win against Hermione," the woman said.

"Oh…." Emma said. "... I guess I can see that, but my Hermione is a scrapper and she really hates to lose."

"She lost to me," Catherine said.

"True, but my daughter said that was just round one, and that next time you wouldn't have your home defenses to help you," Emma replied.

"Oh so it's true you really did use a Dragon Flame Buster on Hermione, and that's why you have to remodel your house," the petite woman said. "Victoria must bring Hermione along the next time she visits."

"Oh that would be lovely," Emma said as Catherine silently fumed. "But if you don't mind me asking how much was the bet," Emma whispered in Eliane's ear.

"Ouchie," Daphne groaned, slowly digging herself out of the barricade.

"You ok Daphne," Hermione said, offering her a hand.

"I'm ok," Daphne said as she stood up. "I take it this means I lost then?" Daphne asked.

"Sorry," Hermione said softly.

"Don't be, you deserved it," Daphne said as they began to skate back.

"What happened, I've seen you take tighter turns than this one," Hermione said.

"..." Daphne was silent as they approached the stadium. "I was still a little disoriented by the tunnel. The reflections were… Illuminating…."

"I know what you mean that tunnel was a little head trippy," Hermione said.

"Hermione….." Daphne said coming to a stop in the tunnel before they entered the stadium.

"Is something wrong, do we need to get you to the doctor…." Hermione said.

"No, I mean yes, but not like that," Daphne said.

"Ok," Hermione said standing in front of her. "So what is it?"

Daphne took a deep breath. "I'm sorry," she said softly.

"Sorry for what, you gave it your all today, and it was a great race," Hermione said.

"I'm sorry for bullying you, for forcing you to be a maid, for physically and magically assaulting you, for leaving you out for the Basilisk to find you, for everything I did to you," Daphne cried as tears began to pour down her cheeks. "You've been nothing but kind to me, and I've been horrible to you. Why?" Daphne said falling to her knees.

Hermione knelt down putting her arms around Daphne. "Because you are worth it."

"No, I'm not, I'm evil," Daphne said.

"Nope," Hermione said, poking Daphne's forehead.

"But…." Daphne began.

"Nope," Hermione said again.

"Hermione…." Daphne began before Hermione cut her off.

"I won't claim to be an expert on the subject, but I have seen evil and fought evil. You are not evil, maybe a little misguided at times, but definitely not evil," Hermione said. "So friends…." she said, holding out her hand.

Daphne slowly extended a trembling hand stopping inches from Hermione's. "No not yet, I don't deserve it, I need to earn it."

"That's dumb but ok," Hermione shrugged. "Now come here acquaintance skating buddy," Hermione said, pulling Daphne into a bone crushing hug.

"Can't breathe…." Daphne groaned.

"Sorry, I forgot Verstärkung was still active," Hermione said letting her go. "Now come on," she said pulling a dizzy Daphne into the stadium.

Break

"Mom," Hermione said as they relaxed after the long day.

"Yes," Emma said.

"You were right there is a nice girl inside Daphne somewhere," Hermione said.

"Excellent, so what happened," Emma cheered.

"She apologized for everything, and wants to earn my friendship," Hermione said.

"Oh my," Emma gasped. "That is quite the surprise."

'I know right, I think the crystal ice mirror tunnel during the race really messed with her head," Hermione said.

"Yes, her mother was most upset at her loss, apparently she put a nice chunk of change on the race," Emma said.

"Ouch," Hermione said. "I do hope they are ok, Cathy has a bit of a short fuse."

"They are both strong girls, they will be ok," Emma said.

"But what if they aren't," Hermione said.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Emma said.

"Ok," Hermione replied. "Hey mom?"

"Yes," Emma said.

"... If you were going to give me a German name what do you think it would be," Hermione asked.

"... You now I never really thought about it," Emma said. "Oh is this like when you take a language in school you have to pick a name to use during the class or something."

"Something like that," Hermione said.

"Well I guess Hermione isn't a very German name," Emma mused. "And Jean is French…."

"How do you feel about Johanna," Hermione said.

"Oh that name you used for that prank of yours," Emma said. "Johanna… hmm…. It does have a nice ring to it."

"I like it too," Hermione said with a smile.

"It is cute," Emma said. "Johanna it just sort of rolls off the tongue."

Break

"On a scale of 1 to 10 how mad do you think mom is?" Astoria whispered as they heard the sound of a distant door slamming shut.

"I don't think there is a scale," Daphne shuddered.

"Crap baskets, this is going to hurt," Astoria shuddered.

"Yes, but don't worry little sister," Daphne said as the doors to Catherine's study flew open.

"In my study," Catherine said, glaring fire at the girls.

"Yes, mother," Daphne said slowly entering as a silent Astoria followed her.

"Why," Catherine said.

"Why what mother," Daphne said, struggling to meet her mother's gaze.

"I would assume that it is obvious, daughter," Catherine growled. "Why did you lose?"

"Ria kept the details of the performance a secret till the last minute, so that neither I nor Hermione would have an advantage," Daphne said.

A sharp crack cut through the room as Daphne's head and body spun to the side, as she barely remained standing. "And yet you did nothing to secure an advantage?"

"What would you have had me do mother," Daphne said.

"What you have to do to ensure victory," "Catherine said, firing an electro shock spell at her daughter. "You are in Slytherin house, you could have done reconnaissance of the town, pressured Ria for clues. You spent weeks training with that squibs daughter," Catherine growled. "Sure, you would have learned something!"

"Mother….." Daphne began.

"Sermo," Catherine hissed. "Look at me when I am talking to you!"

"Yes, mother," Daphne said, struggling to meet her mother's gaze while the pinching spell shot pain through her body. "You know firsthand how strong Hermione is."

"I am well aware of that girl's power," Catherine hissed. "What I was not aware of was how weak my daughter is. I expected more from my heir."

"I am sorry mother, but Hermione was the better competitor," Daphne said. No sooner than she finished she found herself flying across the room slamming into the far wall.

"Pathetic," Catherine growled.

"Now Astoria, what can you tell me about, that squib mother of hers," Catherine said.

"Mrs. Granger is a squib…." Astoria whispered.

"Yes," Catherine snapped. "Now what can you tell me about that bitch of a woman?"

"She is a kind and caring woman," Astoria said softly.

"What are her weaknesses?" Catherine hissed. "You lived in her home for 2 months, what are her secrets, her weaknesses, things that she does not want to be made public."

"I…." Astoria stammered looking between her sister and her mother, thinking of the time she spent with Emma. Slowly she squared her shoulder trying to stand tall while looking Catherine in the eye. "Lady Greengrass, Emma Granger has no weaknesses."

Catherine's eyebrow began to tremble as Astoria took a step back. "What…. Did… You…. Say…." Catherine growled raising her wand.

"Mrs. Granger is a kind and caring German woman who loves children," Astoria said.

"Dolor," Catherine yelled a thick band of crackling yellow energy leapt from her wand.

Astoria froze as the world seemed to slow as the pain curse bore down on her. It was all she could do but watch and await for her world to explode in pain. However just as the spell was about to hit her a blond curtain cut off her vision as she was thrown to the side. A shrill scream assaulted her ears as she crashed to the ground, her eyes wide in shock. "Daphne…" Astoria whispered as her sister screamed in pain.

"What do you think you are doing daughter," Catherine yelled, ending the spell.

"As… the… elder…. Sibling….. Astoria's fault's are my faults…," Daphne panted. "So please allow me to face the punishment for both of our failures. It is my duty as the elder daughter…."

"Daphne…. Why…." Astoria whimpered.

"It's time I acted like a big sister for once," Daphne said. "Now go I will be ok…."

"If that is what you wish," Catherine said.

"Yes," Daphne replied standing up to her mother.