Chapter 41- New Year, New you
January 1995
"Neville," Marcus called out to the pair as they mingled on the platform.
"Marcus," Neville said with a nod.
"How was your break," Marcus asked.
"Not bad, you," Neville replied.
"I guess I can't complain, but I'll tell you I am not missing the Lichtenstein Winter Festival next year," Marcus said.
"Really," Neville said.
"Dude Victoria had a concert there this year, and Astoria said she'd have one again next year," Marcus said.
"So, you and Astoria, aren't you worried about what Daphne might do to you when she finds out," Neville said.
"Hey Astoria and I are just friends, and besides have you ever seen a pissed off Hermione," Marcus said.
"Good point," Neville chuckled. "But still I am surprised."
"Surprised about what," Marcus said.
"Well considering your family, and…." Neville said.
"Yeah you're not wrong, but you know Victoria said something to me once," Marcus said.
"And that is," Neville said.
"Just because they are like that, doesn't mean I have to be like that," Marcus said. "Anyway, how are you and Millie doing?"
"What do you mean Millie is my friend," Neville replied.
"Merlin you are as dense as she is," Marcus sighed.
"I don't…." Neville trailed off his jaw dropping as Millie walked onto the platform.
"Don't what," Marcus said, looking at his paralyzed friend. "Hey Nev you ok, Earth to Nev, serious what is wrong with you," he said, turning to see what Neville was looking at. "Oh wow…."
Three girls casually walked across the platform towards frozen boys. The first was a Blond hair green eyed girl in a white sweater and blue skirt combination, with dark blue tights and stylish boots, holding a steaming cup of cocoa. The second had dark brown hair with twin ponytails that took a bluish sheen from the sunlight. Her hair bounced as she skipped along in a white jacket with two black straps one above and below her small chest. Black skirt fluttering in the breeze, warding off the cold with dark tights and white boots.
"Neville, Marcus, are you guys ok," the girls said.
"I think you broke them," the third girl said. Her long light brown hair seemed to shine like silver in the shadows. A long white trench coat flowing the breeze revealing a red sweater, black pleated skirt, thigh high tights, and heeled boots.
"And I don't know how you stand the cold," the other two said.
"I've got a jacket on," the third one said.
"That isn't buttoned up and those stockings don't help if they don't go all the way up," the one with the blue highlights said.
"It makes me feel taller, and it's not that cold out anyway." She protested.
"Hermione…." the boys said looking at each other. "Then that means," they said, turning back to the girls.
"Millie…." Neville stammered.
"Astoria…" Marcus gasped.
"Take a picture, it will last longer," they chuckled before the flash of a camera went off.
"Hey no unauthorized press pictures allowed" Hermione said, turning to see a boy vanish into the crowd. "Colin Creevey, you get back here!" Hermione called out chasing after him.
"Hahaha, that is going to keep her busy for a while," Millie said.
"Care to join us on the train boys," Astoria said.
"Um…. Yes," the boys stammered.
"Great, then do you mind getting our trunks, while we get a cabin," Millie said.
"Ok," the boys said watching them leave.
"Neville…." Marcus said.
"Yes," Neville replied.
"A 4th year and a 2nd year, that isn't weird is it," Marcus said as Astoria smiled and waved at him before stepping onto the train.
"I think she's taking some 3rd year classes now, and what about Victoria," Neville asked.
"Good, and for some reason I get the feeling Victoria is not going to mind," Marcus said with a goofy smile on his face.
"You know for some reason I think you're right," Neville said, catching a flash of blue hair as Astoria stepped inside.
Break
"Astoria where have you been," Daphne growled, marching up to her sister. "Why didn't you…."
"Yes, Daphne," Astoria replied, turning around her long hair floating through the air.
Daphne was frozen in shock staring at her sister, her supposedly 12-year-old sister, who was taller than she remembered. Her gaze naturally traveled downward past the small bust Astoria shouldn't have, to the belly that was missing. She let out a small sigh of relief as she noticed the slight bulge of a muffin over the top of the belt, partially obscured by her clothes. Thunder thighs that were beginning to lean more towards thighs than thunder in black tights, while the heels of her boots added to her height makes her only an inch or two shorter than her sister. "What happened to you…." she finally whispered before peering past the glasses to look her sister in her sky-blue eyes.
"I made a choice, Daphne," Astoria said.
"You said you were supposed to be with Elizabeth L'estrange for the break," Daphne said. "I checked and you weren't. What the hell were you thinking?" Daphne snapped glaring at her sister.
"Do not take that tone with me Daphne, I made a choice of my own freewill, a choice I made freely, perhaps the first truly free choice I ever made," Astoria said, matching her sister's glare.
"Astoria what the bloody hell is going on…." Daphne yelled.
"What is going on is none of your concern Daphne, my life is my own," Astoria said.
"That is crazy you are…." Daphne said.
"Your sister, the spare, or," Astoria said as Daphne back pedaled slightly. "So that's why…. Interesting."
"Just tell me what is going on you fat stupid little turd. I refuse to lose to you or anyone else," Daphne snapped. "So, I'd better like the answers or I will tell mom, you were not at the Le'stranges."
"You will tell on me, Daphne Greengrass," Astoria said, looking her sister in the eyes, matching her glare.
"Yes," Daphne said.
Astoria stepped forward invading Daphne's personal space forcing Daphne to back up slouching a bit as she hit the wall. Hands on her hips, Astoria leaned forward slightly looming over her sister. "So when it comes down to it, the great Daphne Greengrass, will go crying to her mother like the spoiled little girl she is."
Daphne growled pushing off the wall forcing Astoria back. "I am 14, soon to be 15 you obnoxious little shit. You are the backup heir of the Greengrass family, which means you will do what I say and support the family or else."
"Or else what," Astoria said standing her ground.
"I will make what I did to that muggle upstart look like a walk in the park," Daphne growled reaching for her wand.
Astoria sighed, tears beginning to form in the corner of her eyes. "I see so it has come to this. I dreamed of Hermione being right, for a brief instance I thought maybe things could be different, but it seems we were both wrong. This does make the decision clear to me."
"And just what the bloody hell does that mean stupid," Daphne roared over the din of the train rolling over the train tracks. "Mother is going to….."
"Daphne Greengrass what the Countess Catherine Greengrass thinks or does is no concern of mine, though perhaps you should concern yourself more with your own problems," Astoria said tugging on a lock of Daphne's hair.
"I have no problems," Daphne hissed.
"Of course, you don't," Astoria said, examining Daphne's hair. "But I didn't know that the great Daphne Greengrass dyed her hair, and are these extensions?" she said, leaning in close to whisper in her ear. "Or wore a corset. "Did you perhaps enjoy yourself a bit too much over the break."
"Shut up little sister," Daphne growled, shoving Astoria roughly. However, she simply turned slightly letting Daphne stumble and slam into the opposite wall of the narrow corridor.
"You will stop these juvenile antics at once, or I will be forced to inform mother, little sister" Daphne said, breathing heavily.
"Feel free to tell her whatever you like Daphne Greengrass," Astoria said, turning to leave.
"Wait what are you saying, you stupid shit" Daphne gasped grabbing her sister by the arm.
"My name is …." Astoria said her answer muddled by the howling wind as the train crossed a bridge.
"Wait," Daphne said.
"You heard me Daphne Greengrass," Astoria said, turning hard on her heel, long blue hair filling brushing across her face obscuring her vision.
"Astoria," Daphne called out blinking at the retreating form of her sister as her vision slowly cleared, yet trying as she might the retreating form of her sister remained a blue haze.
"Tracy will want to know this," Marietta said from where she was observing through a crack in the door.
"Know what," another Ravenclaw said.
"Oh nothing," Marietta said before turning back to them. "So I've been meaning to ask you what you think about all of the exchange students at Hogwarts."
"You know I never really thought about it," one of them said.
"Are there that many," another one said.
"Well you've got the Patil Twins. What about Melissa, and Johanna in Slytherin, And there is that Japanese girl Sakura Lee in Hufflepuff. And don't forget Cho Chang." the group said, discussing the matter.
"More than I thought," one of them said.
"Agreed and why come to Hogwarts, when they have perfectly good academies in their own countries," Marietta said.
"The same reason we do, the Hogwarts Library," an older student said.
"True, it is a marvel of the magical world, but shouldn't it be the purview of British Citizens," Marietta said.
"Shouldn't knowledge be shared," a younger student said.
"True, but some knowledge is better kept for those who can be trusted with it, I mean they don't let us in the restricted section for a reason. I'm not saying I don't trust the exchange students, but it is something that I think is a topic at least worth discussing," Marietta said.
Break
"Astoria, you ok…" Marcus said as she sat down next to him.
"Yes, I am alright, but thank you for asking," she replied playing with her hair.
"Marcus, Neville, could you give us a minute," Hermione said.
"Sure, no problem," the boys said leaving the room.
"Victoria what happened," Hermione asked.
"I ran into Daphne," Astoria said.
"Oh," the girls said knowingly.
"Johanna, I know what you told me about the summer, and how you hoped Daphne has changed, but I'm sorry," Astoria said.
"Victoria," she said hugging her sister.
"What did she say," Millie asked.
"Her tongue was as sharp as ever, calling me a stupid little runt and threatening to make what she did to you look like a walk in the park," Astoria said.
""I'm sorry, I really thought she changed for the better," Hermione said.
"So, did I," Millie said. "But I guess she can't stand not being the lone girl on the pedestal."
"Yes, and I could take the names, and even the threats, but Daphne referred to me as that again, just like she used to," Astoria said, tears flowing freely.
"She called you that again," Hermione said, handing her handkerchief.
"Yes," Astoria said, wiping away the few tears that rolled down her cheeks.
"Called her what," Millie asked.
"The spare," Hermione said.
"Of all the…. Millie began.
"It's fine," Astoria said.
"The hell it is," Mille snapped.
"Millie please," Astoria said, reaching out to hold her hand. "Daphne Greengrass isn't worth it, and I couldn't care less what that stuck up British girl thinks."
Millie smiled softly sitting down next to Astoria. "I am sorry that it had to come to that, but I fully support your decision." She said hugging her.
"Danke," Astoria said, feeling the friendship and love of family and friends. The three sat there for some time, Steve diligently guarding the door with Trevor until the boys returned.
"Melissa," Hermione whispered in passable French.
"Yes, Johanna," Millie replied in French.
"Daphne is off limits, I refuse to stink to her level," Hermione sharply.
"You are going to sit back and do nothing after everything she's done," Millie said. "I understand turning the other cheek, but refer to her own sister like that, like she isn't even a person. Even my heart has it's limits."
Any further discussion was cut off by a knock on the door. "Gareth, Bedi, how was your break," Marcus said.
"Not bad, but can we sit with you guys," they said softly looking down the hallway...
"Ladies," Marcus said looking towards the girls.
"Certainly," Millie said with a beaming smile.
"Did something happen," Hermione asked.
"Daphne's on the warm path," Bedi said with a shudder.
"I'm so sorry," Astoria said, looking at Gareth's arm, the mark of a familiar spell.
"Dang it," Marcus sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Victoria, nein," Hermione said looking at her sister.
"You can't be serious Johanna," Astoria said in German.
"I refuse to stoop to her level, and I still think there is a good girl deep down in her somewhere," Hermione replied in German.
"Then what do you propose we do," Millie interjected with French.
Hermione grinned. "We simply show her that she is not the little miss perfect prissy pants that she thinks she is." She said in German.
"As Ethel Merman once sang Anything you can do I can do better," Astoria chimed in with German.
"Um, is someone going to be pranked," Gareth said.
"Yeah, that's the same look the Weasley twins get before pranking someone," Bedi said.
"Oh, heavens no, nothing like that," Johanna chuckled.
"Bull and shit," Neville whispered in Millie's ear.
Break
"You're late," Liz said as Millie and Hermione walked in the compartment.
"My apologies the most Honorable Lady Tuttle," Hermione and Millie said offering her a curtsey.
"Since when have you known or cared about that," Liz said.
"I've known for a while and I felt the situation called for it," Hermione said.
"Sadly, you're not entirely wrong," Liz said nervously wringing her hands.
Seeing the normally unflappable Liz unsettled caused a slight frown to form on Millie's face as she reached out to hold Liz's hands. Liz looked up at Millie smiling slightly. "Liz clearly something has unsettled you, so please tell us what is going on?"
Liz gazed at Millie for a second. "Ugh this is stupid, forget I ever said anything,' she said quickly standing up only to be pulled back down by Millie and Hermione. "Let go."
"No," the girls said.
"Liz, you reached out to us for a reason," Hermione said. "We're 4th years and not purebloods, you wouldn't have done this unless it was serious. Now what is going on, and if we can help you we will," Hermione said.
"I'm not getting out of this am I," Liz sighed.
"No," the girls replied.
"Now start at the beginning," Millie said.
"How much do you know about pureblood politics," Liz said.
"I know that the Tuttle family has the second highest title in Magical Britain, behind the Malfoy's but ahead of the Greengrass's, and that the wealth of the Greengrass family has put substantial pressure on the Tuttle family," Hermione said.
"That is surprisingly accurate," Liz said.
"But what does all of this have to do with school," Millie asked.
"More than you realize," Liz said. "Hogwarts is more than just the education you receive; it is about the friendships and connections you cultivate during your time there," Liz said pausing for a moment to think. "Those friendships and connections play a very large role in the Slytherin dorm."
"The kids do the battles the parents can't or won't engage in," Millie said with disgust.
"Yes," Liz said. "Regardless of what you might think of me, I have tried to keep the violence and bloodshed to a minimum."
"We know," Hermione said thinking back to when Liz stopped the trio after the battle with the basilisk.
"But something has changed," Millie said.
"Yes," Liz said, turning to Hermione. "Look I'm not blaming you for this, but your mother's takedowns of my mother was a serious blow to my family both in terms of prestige and finances. And like water it has rolled down the hill impacting me as well."
"So, the sharks are smelling blood in the water and instead of going after the old bloated whale they instead have chosen to attack the calf still struggling to find its way in the world," Millie said, hugging Liz.
"Um, yes," Liz replied, relishing the hug, but confused as to whether she'd been insulted or not.
"How utterly deplorable," Millie said.
"Why us though, surely there are others you could have asked," Hermione asked.
"Yeah, I'm sure Mathew would help you out," Millie said.
"I much as I don't like that idiot, I don't want to see him turned into a stain on the wall," Liz said.
"I think the lady doth protest too much," Millie said in French.
"Ja," Hermione giggled.
"English please," Liz groaned.
"Right, Millie and Hermione said.
"Still why us, we're only 4th years," Hermione said.
Liz turned to look at Hermione. "While we don't know exactly what happened during the battle in the chamber, a battle that shook the castle, everyone knows you were involved, and we do know you blew up Myrtle's bathroom. They might look down on you for being a muggleborn commoner, but they do respect your power," Liz explained now turning to Millie.
"And Millie, everyone saw what you did against the dementors, not to mention your mother has connections in Monaco, connections with money, and money talks," Liz said. "And this isn't even counting the sway you hold with a good chunk of the younger students."
"Outside of Elizabeth, why does that matter," Hermione said, putting a finger to her chin.
"She needs the cafe club," Millie said.
"Why does that matter," Hermione asked.
"Everyone loves the club, and nearly the entire dorm enjoys the food and drink we serve," Millie said.
"Exactly, while I am not Lucrezia Borgia," Liz said.
"No," Millie said, crossing her arms. "You even think about using my cafe to potion someone and I will feed you to Steve." She said the power of nature glowing in her eyes.
"Merlin, no I would never, God, I have my faults, but I would never do anything like that," Liz blurted out as a chill settled over the room. "I'm coming to you so I can stop that from happening."
"Good," Hermione and Millie said.
"Now what exactly is going on," Hermione asked.
"That's the thing, I don't know," Liz cried out. "All I know is that I can feel my grip over the dorm slipping, and without a big show of force, the traditionalists will go overboard, while the moderates might finally choose to retaliate, and if it all goes to hell mother will."
"Now, now, Liz just relax and let us help," Millie said.
"Yeah we've got this," Hermione said.
"No gems, no freezing, no exploding, no plants and no steve," Liz said.
"Aw but Steve is a good boy, aren't you Steve," Millie cooed, petting him as his head popped out of her coat.
"Millie why do you have Steve in your coat," Liz said looking at the snake who hissed in her direction.
"Protection," Millie said.
"From what," Liz dead panned.
"Oh, you know, evil books, Draco, Voldemort, spiders, you know the usual sort of thing," Millie said.
A flabbergasted Liz just gaped at Millie. "I don't even know where to begin."
"But you know what," Millie said covering Steve's head with her hand. "I think he thinks I'm his pet human," Millie whispered which sent Liz into a fit of giggles.
Break
"Tracy," Marietta called out, racing up to her.
"Hello Marietta," Tracy said looking at Marietta slammed to a stop in front of her hands on her knees panting.
"Sorry, got a little too excited there," she said breathing heavily.
"It's alright," she said, helping Marietta to the side letting the others enter the castle. "Now what has made you so excited."
"Sorry it's just that I saw this new book over the break you might be interested in," Marietta said softly.
"Oh do tell," Tracy said, putting up a privacy spell with a faint flick of her wand.
"Daphne and Astoria had a fight," Marietta said.
"And I care because," Tracy drolled.
"Because Daphne and Astoria are done at least as far as Astoria is concerned," she said, explaining what happened.
"Which means she is most likely Hermione is done with her to, given how close Astoria and Hermione are," Tracy said. "I don't know why she hasn't told her mother already and more importantly I can tell Mrs. Greengrass where her daughter was before Daphne." She said watching the students filter in for dinner. "Keep an eye on Daphne until I get back. If she tries to leave before I return, stop her."
"On it," Marietta said as Tracy snuck off down the hallway.
Break
"Hot dam," Charlie Weasley whistled as a tall blond girl, no young woman confidently walked into the great hall. Her long blond hair, done up in princess curls with two large blue bows, in a matching long sleeve, full length dress, with white lace and trim up to her neck. Despite covering her entire body, it still left her large chest, and hips on display as the heel of her white boots clicked sharply on the stone floor.
"Is that Liz," Bill said.
"I think so," Charlie said blushing slightly as Liz looked in his direction before turning her chin up at him.
"Neville have you seen…." Harry said only for his jaw to drop at the girl walking next to Liz. "Hermione," he muttered.
"Hahahaha," Neville chuckled. "Cat got your tongue."
"Dude that's Johanna," Ron said. "Hermione's sitting over there," he added pointing to Daphne who had her back turned towards them.
"Right," Harry said, rubbing his eyes before Hermione looked in his direction and smiled, making his face light up like a stop light before waving back, which only made Hermione's face start to turn light pink before looking away.
"So cute," Parvati giggled to Lavender.
"I know right," Lavender said. "But when do you think he'll figure it out?"
"I dunno, but check out Daphne," Parvati said pointing to where she sat dark blond hair appearing even darker in the low light.
"Ron was right, she kinda does look like Hermione used to from the back," Lavender said.
"Karma is a bitch," Parvati said.
"I thought you said that influenced your next life," Lavender said.
"Eh who knows," Parvati shrugged.
"So you're with them now," Vainsely said as the group sat down at the table.
"Why wouldn't we be with our friend and team captain," Hermione said.
"Liz is like the dorm big sister so why wouldn't her little sister support her," Millie added.
"Do you really think they will help you," Lev said.
"Lev as much as I would like to let Mathew punch you again, I'd rather not have dinner with violence, so instead I will just remind you that…..." Millie said pausing as if to look for something. "There you are Steve," she said as Steve hissed in Lev's ear. Honestly you can be so naughty at times," she said taking him back as Lev froze.
"Oh Olga," Hermione called out to the Hufflepuff table.
"Hermione, I love your hair," Olga said walking over.
"Thank you, I like yours too," Hermione said.
"It's almost like we're related," Olga giggled.
"I know right, and I wanted to thank you for that help you gave me with Astronomy and if you liked the book on runes, I sent you," Hermione said.
"Yes, thank you," Olga said. "I particularly liked Gandr."
"Excellent then perhaps you could show Lev, I think he would be very interested in a first-hand demonstration," Hermione said.
"Of course," Lev said with a smile. "What sort of rune is it."
"It's actually a runic spell that causes the target to temporarily experience the worst symptoms of a sickness. The research I found said they used the Bubonic Plague as a baseline," Olga said with a smile.
"Still hasn't apologized for nearly blowing you up yet," Hermione giggled.
"Nope," Olga said. "Well I'd better get back, but thanks for the spell Hermione."
"My eyes are up here boys," Liz said crossing her arms underneath her chest which only made them bounce a bit more as she glared at them.
"Oh, come on," Hermione sighed, rolling her eyes.
"Well you're the one who told me to wear this dress," Liz said.
"I know," Hermione sighed.
"Well at least I know there is one thing I am superior to you in," Liz whispered.
"Hey I'm still growing," a red-faced Hermione groaned pulling her coat closed.
Break
"A letter from the school at this hour," Catherine said as an owl landed on the balcony illuminated by the light of the moon.
To the most esteemed Lady Greengrass,
I trust this letter finds you well. While on the train back to Hogwarts for the second semester, I overheard a conversation where I heard your younger daughter Astoria mention that she was not in fact with the L'stranges for the Christmas Holiday. Sadly, I was unable to determine where she spent her holiday, but she did return wearing a Volupsa dress, which as I am sure you are aware is the designer favored by Hermione Granger.
Your humble servant,
Tracy Davis
"Astoria," Catherine growled, crumpling the letter.
Break
"Duck and cover everyone," Vincent said, spotting a large owl carrying a bright red letter whose color, size, and shape was well known to the students.
"Think it's the Weasley's again," Gregory said.
"It's headed this way," several first years said ducking for cover as it landed in front of Astoria of all people.
"It looks like she found out," Astoria said, pulling her wand.
"Think Daphne told on you," Hermine said, glancing at Daphne.
"Yeah," Astoria sighed. "Not like it is any of her business anyway. Say Hermione can I borrow 4 clear quartz crystals."
"Sure why," Hermione said, handing her the gemstones.
"You know how Alexandra took me to a studio to do a recording," Astoria said as Hermione nodded. "Well that got me thinking, and after dad showed me some stuff, I had an idea," she said placing the 4 stones in a square around the howler. "Geräuschunterdrückung," Astoria said, touching the square just as the howler erupted.
"But you can't silence a Howler," Blaize Zambini said.
"I didn't," Astoria said.
"But," they said pointing at the screaming howler that seemed to just make a muffled din before exploding into confetti.
"Noise cancelation," Astoria said.
"So, you silenced it," they said.
"No," she said holding a single finger in the air.
"A silencio prevents you from making a sound by stunning your vocal cords, which is why it doesn't work on a howler, because it doesn't have vocal cords. Now sound as you all know is a wave that travels through the air," Astoria said.
"Ah ha," the group said.
"Hermione could you help me out," Astoria said.
"Of course," she said, catching the end of Astoria's magic whip with her wand and moving to the far end of the table. "Now watch," she said, flicking her wrist sending a wave down the strand of magic towards Hermione. "That was a physical representation of a sound wave traveling through the air. The thing is waves can interact with each other," Astoria said as Hermione sent a wave back to her. If the waves line up they get bigger," she said sending a matching wave that combined with the first making an even bigger wave. "But if they don't line up just right," Astoria said, sending a wave down the line canceling out the first one leaving a barely moving string of magic. "They cancel each other out. My magical construct senses the incoming sound waves and sends out a wave to cancel them out, thus leaving us with no noise." Astoria said.
"Why aren't you teaching us this," several Ravenclaws yelled towards the staff table.
"They've got a point," Lupin said.
"Shut it wolf boy," Snape muttered.
"Ugh," McGonagall groaned.
As interesting as the surprise lesson was Daphne was otherwise occupied staring at the letter in her hands.
Daphne Greengrass,
Why did I have to learn from an anonymous source that your sister, the same sister you are tasked with looking over, did not spend the holiday convincing the L'estrange air to support us, and instead was off somewhere galavanting with the Grangers, a muggle family. Know your place daughter or is your Greengrass blood so thin that I will be forced to look elsewhere for a suitable heir.
Countess Greengrass
"I know my place mother, and I am the heiress of the Greengrass family," Daphne said crumpling the letter as the crowd dispersed.
Break
"So how was your break," Hermione asked Harry as they walked between classes.
"Break was good, and thanks for the food it was really good," Harry said.
"I'm glad, everyone deserves a taste of home during the holidays," Hermione said.
"Right home…." Harry said, stopping to look out the window.
"Harry is something wrong, did something happen over the break," Hermione said.
"No, the break was great, Professor Lupin started to teach me the patronus," He said.
"Harry that's great," Hermione exclaimed.
"It's just well, I learned something," Harry said softly.
"What is it, you can tell me," Hermione said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"You know the escaped Prisoner Sirius Black," Harry said.
"Yes, he didn't just lead Voldemort to my parents he betrayed them," Harry said.
"What how…." Hermione gasped.
"He was their secret keeper, the only one who knew where they were hiding, and he told Voldemort. He is the reason that my parents are dead," Harry said.
"Harry I am so sorry," Hermione said.
"And he is my godfather," Harry whispered.
"Oh Harry," Hermione said, wrapping her arms around him.
"How could he do that, how could family do that, to each other" Harry said. "I don't even know what to feel anymore."
"Harry," Hermione said looking at his face.
"What do you feel," Hermione said.
"I don't know, should I feel angry at a betrayal at the hands of one that my parents considered family, sadness at what I've lost, frightened over the fact that he now wants to finish the job, wrath at the thought of taking revenge for my parents deaths, but most of all I just feel empty, like I want to cry but I can't. I mean should I even be crying right now. I mean I already knew my parents were dead, knowing who betrayed them doesn't change that fact. Am I so broken that I can no longer cry over my parent's death?" Harry said.
"Relax Harry, if you cannot feel anger then I will be angry for you. Angry at the betrayal done to you, saddened for what you lost, and frightened for what you may still face. And if you cannot cry, I shall cry for you. But be grateful you do not feel wrath, for such extreme anger and desire for revenge is never the answer," she said tearing up.
"How can you say that, he needs to pay for what he's done," Harry growled his magic beginning to bubble over.
"And he shall. Sirius Black will face justice for what he's done, but not like this. Stop him because it is the right thing to do, not out of anger," Hermione said.
"That is easy for you to say," Harry remarked.
"Trust me, Harry, I would like nothing more than to march down to Slytherin and start cooling heads, but that would not solve anything. Sure it would make me feel better, but I would be expelled and the issues would resume not long after I am gone," she said.
"It would be funny to see though," Harry chuckled.
"Yes, I'm sure I could make some wonderful statues," Hermione said as a gentle silence fell over them. Her head resting on his shoulder as they held hands, the coolness of her touch slowly cooling his vengeful wrath. "Harry never forget that you will always have friends and family at Hogwarts."
"Thank you, Hermione," Harry said as the day passed.
Break
Hogwarts was over 500 miles from the arctic circle, not that you would know it from the way the sky looked dark as night with a mixture of sleet, freezing rain and snow pounding the castle. The thick dark clouds blocked barely changing with the rising sun as the students slowly filtered in, cold and tired. "Ugh to cold," Lavender groaned, pulling her thick cloak tighter.
"Yeah," Parvati sniffled. "I'll take the heat of India any day of the week."
"Parvati," Lavender said looking across the way towards the Slytherin table where Hermione was wearing a cute and fluffy fur trimmed jacket over her school uniform.
"Yes," she replied as breakfast was served.
"I must be dreaming because Johanna is wearing a big fluffy jacket that looks really warm," she said.
"You're not, I'm seeing it too," she replied.
"Oh ok," Lavender said, her face lighting up as hot coco was served.
"Students I regret to inform you that the flying classes for today have been canceled due to the inclement weather," a soaking wet, windswept Madame Hooch announced.
"Lucky," Lavender groaned.
"Ditto," Parvati said.
"As a result, you will report to the Great Hall during your flying lesson and have a study hall," Hooch said after the cheers died down.
"Now if they could just do something about the heat," Parvati said.
"Tell me about it, divination is going to be freezing," Lavender said.
"Well it could be worse," Parvati said.
"I fail to see how this could be worse," Lavender said.
"Imagine if the twins somehow got an unexpected free period," Parvati said.
"Yeah bored Weasley twins are worse," Lavender said. "In fact, I can't think of anyone more chaotic than them."
"Good Morning," Astoria sang, skipping over to the Gryffindor table.
"Morning, Astoria," Lavender said.
"Go sit at your own table," Ron grumbled.
"Shut up Ron," Lavender quipped.
"I'm bored," Astoria said.
"You're bored," Lavender said.
"Yes, I finished all my work last night and now I've got 1st period study hall coming up, and I don't think they'll let me go practice music," Astoria said. "I mean they could have told us before coming to the great hall."
"Hey why don't you come with me to Divination," Lavender said.
"You want me to come with you to divination," Astoria said.
"Well it's that or you enjoy the weather walking to the stables for care of magical creatures," Parvati said.
"Divination it is then," Astoria said.
"Excellent," Lavender cheered, throwing her arms into the air. "Cold," she muttered quickly, covering back up.
"Here, is 100% Heidrun cashmere," Astoria said, giving Lavender her scarf.
"Thanks, but won't you get cold," Lavender said, wrapping it around her neck. "So warm," she muttered snuggling into the scarf.
"Nah I'm good," Astoria replied. "What's divination like."
"It's the science of seeing what can't be seen in order to predict the future," Lavender said.
"Oh please, it's a bunch of hooky nonsense," another Gryffindor girl said.
"It is not nonsense," Lavender snapped.
"So it seems, bullying is not the sole purview of Slytherin," Astoria muttered.
"I mean really the inner eye," Trelawny is so full of it," another girl said.
"Shut up," Lavender growled.
"You could at least pick a real class like runes," Kellah said.
"Too bad Lavender isn't smart enough for a real class," Faye added.
"Clearly it must be a real class if it is being offered at Hogwarts, and I am going to make a prediction, a prophecy of sorts, since that is the realm of divination," Astoria said.
"Oh really," the girls said.
"Yes, when you leave for runes you will trip and fall sliding out the door," Astoria said.
"Oh really," they said.
"Yes," Astoria said.
"Percy make sure she doesn't hex us," they said.
"Yeah sure whatever, just don't be late," Percy said with a wave of his hand while talking to Penelope.
"Oh, dear would you look at the time," Astoria said pointing to the clock over the door.
"Crap we're gonna be late," Kellah said.
"Move it Babbage hates it when students are late," Fate said, leaping up.
"Wait for it," Astoria whispered to Lavender as the girls raced down the great hall. Lavender's eyes glued to the girls as they made it 2/3 of the way down before slipping on the wet floor, their momentum carrying them out the door squealing.
"OMG, how in the world did you do that, did you set it up," Lavender giggled.
"Nope," Astoria said.
"Then how did you know, that would happen," Lavender replied.
"I didn't," Astoria said.
"Bullshit, you had to know something," Parvati said.
"Well I did know that the floor was wet as I almost slipped on it walking over," Astoria said. "And when they said that they had Arithmancy, I looked at the time, and since that classroom is on the other end of the castle. I figured they would be in a rush, and not see the water, and given their fashion choices they wouldn't be wearing non slip shoes. I mean isn't that divination? Take in all the information that people don't normally see and use it to make a prediction based on probabilities," Astoria said.
"No…." Lavender said as something Professor Trelawny said began to make sense. "Wait, I think it's exactly that."
"Wunderbar," Astoria said.
Break
"Professor Trelawney, my flying class was canceled today so I was wondering if it's not too much trouble, might I sit in on divination today," Astoria asked standing in front of her desk.
"Yes, it would be my pleasure, in fact I was going to speak to you about taking divination next year, so this is perfect," Sybil Trelawny said. "Now would you prefer to be called Astoria or Victoria," she said, giving her a knowing look.
"Thank you, professor, but I am afraid I don't know what you are referring to," Astoria said.
"Despite what my glasses might say I am not blind, and as an expert divination I am quite observant. So, I have noticed that whenever one Victoria Granger is present, Astoria Greengrass is conspicuously absent," Trelawny said.
"That's just a coincidence," Astoria said nervously fidgeting.
"Please do not take me for some daft old woman to set in her ways," Trelawny said. "I've seen how friendly you are with Hermione so only a fool would think that you wouldn't also be friends with her sister, unless you are said sister," she said. "Now which would you prefer to be called Astoria or Victoria, and do not worry your secret's safe with me," she said with a wink
"Thank you professor and I would prefer to go by Victoria Granger. It is a pleasure to be in your class," she said with a slight curtsey.
"You're welcome and why don't you sit next to," she said looking over the class.
"Oh me, me, she can sit next to me," Lavender blurted out frantically waving her hand.
"It seems your seat has been decided," Trelawny said. "And if you have any questions do not be afraid to ask."
"Of course, professor," Astoria said, taking her seat.
"While we wouldn't normally cover this until much later, the present situation lends itself to it," Trelawny said looking out the window.
"Pyromancy," Harry said.
"Ah yes, pyromancy, divination by examining the flickering flames of a roaring fire, would be preferable on a day like today. The flames do have a tendency to reveal their secrets on damp, cold days like today, but alas, fire in a crowded classroom is not the best idea," she said.
"Oh, come on," the students groaned. "Can't you just predict if something bad is going to happen ahead of time."
"It seems my teaching of divination has been lacking if you think that I can just predict disasters," Trelawny sighed. "Contrary to what you might hear from others, Divination is not a unique branch of magic that can make grand pronouncements of the future, or a silly subject suited for the sideshow of a circus. Divination is much more than that, it is using all of the information that can be seen, and not seen, and processing that information to make an informed prediction of what might come to pass in the future."
"Professor," Astoria said, raising her hand.
"Yes, Victoria," Trelawny asked.
"Professor it sounds as if you are describing science along with statistics and probability," Astoria said.
"In a way I am," Trelawny said.
"Ugh I didn't sign up to take muggle studies in a magic class," a couple of students groaned.
"All knowledge is valuable, and magic plays a key role in divination. Did you know that we only use a fraction of our brains at any given time?" she said.
"Yes, isn't around 10%," Lavender said.
"Nerd," Ron coughed.
"Sadly, that is incorrect, although when your sample size includes Mr. Weasley you can be forgiven for making that mistake," Trelawny said causing a few students to snicker. "In fact, the percentage of your brain that you use and the areas of the brain that you use vary depending on what you are doing, but for simplicity's sake, during a test you might use about 35%. Now what divination magic allows you to do is temporarily tap into the other 65% and use it to make your calculations and predictions. It is complex and dangerous magic that can cause brain damage which is why some seers come off as batty. Thus, we will not be looking into those spells until 7th year. Now I think I've wasted enough of your time; it is time for today's lesson on Aeromancy."
"Isn't this just predicting the weather," Astoria whispered to Lavender as the lesson went on.
"I think so," Lavender said.
Break
"Now your homework is to use aeromancy to predict the weather for tomorrow," Trelawny said, putting a stack of paper on her desk. "I have charmed these papers to add a timestamp for when you finish your predictions, and there is a cutoff of lights out tonight so no waking up early and doing it tomorrow morning," she said as the storm raged on. "I will also know if you try and contact anyone for a current weather report," she said as the bell rang.
"You want to work together," Lavender asked.
"Ja," Astoria replied as they headed for their next class.
"Great," Lavender said, feeling a little self-conscious walking next to the tall elegant 2nd year. "Um, Astoria," Lavender said as they entered their next class.
"Yes," Astoria said.
"You do realize that this is defense," Lavender said.
"Ja, I see Professor Lupin," Astoria replied.
"Yes, but this is the 4th year class," Lavender said.
"Ja," Astoria said.
"But you're a second year…." Lavender said.
"I'm supposed to be in History right now and it's not like Binns will notice," Astoria said.
"True, but…." Lavender said.
"Move your scrawny ass nerd," Daphne said, pushing Lavender out of the way as she stormed toward her sister. "Just what are you doing here, thunder thighs," Daphne hissed.
"And here I thought that the Greengrass family was taught that it is considered rude to barge into another's conversation," Astoria said helping Lavender.
"I don't know what kind of game you think you are playing at but I will," Daphne said.
"Is there a problem," Professor Lupin said.
"Professor Lupin, I know this is a bit of an odd request, but might I sit in on your class today as Professor Binns is giving us the period to do research for an essay but mine is already complete," Astoria said causing Lavenders and Daphne's jaws to drop.
"Sure," Lupin replied.
"But Professor Astoria is…" Daphne said.
"Pretty talented and we are just going to practice the ridiculous charm, and have another round of the tournament, so there should be no problem," he said with a shrug. "Just find an open seat."
"You're moving quick," Hermione said in German to Astoria as Daphne fumed.
"An opportunity presented itself and I was bored," Astoria replied in German.
"I know 2nd year classes suck," Hermione replied. "But at least you don't have that stick in the mud McGonagall looming over you."
"She's still miffed about your festival performance," Astoria said as they lined up to practice the spell on a bogart.
Hermione sighed. "You have no idea sis."
"Hermione, how's the project coming along," Lavender said.
"Nun," Hermione said. "I've mapped out the new pathway to the stables, and green houses along with a path around the lake. I've even made the calculations and runic arrays needed to make them. I'm waiting on the boats before making the final design for the boat house, oh and Millie's helping me design a gazebo. Seamus and Dean want a soccer field, and I've been thinking maybe an outdoor amphitheater." she said in German
"Sorry I don't know German." Lavender replied.
"Sorry about that, we just kind of forget sometimes," Hermione said. "But it's going great."
"I mean I see you out there all the time working on it but I can't tell what it is," she asked.
"Ron's afraid of spiders," Astoria remarked as an acromantula formed.
"New recreational facilities for the school, and some upgrades to the greenhouses and stables," Hermione said.
"That sounds awesome," Lavender said.
"Neville's up," Millie said. "And he is afraid of…. His grandmother…"
"And is that Steve," Marcus said as he performed the spell, causing a giant snake to come out and smack the hat off her head with his tail and eat it."
Steve hissed staring at the event. "What did Steve say," Hermione asked.
"He said he'd rather eat vulture eggs than hats, but he would make an exception for a hat that ugly," Millie said.
"Millie why is Steve here?" Parvati asked.
"He was just checking in on me, while hunting with Trevor," Millie said.
"Hunting," Astoria said.
"Yeah Steve said he smells a rat and he loves rats," Mille said as Steve slithered off.
"But Trevor isn't he…." Hermione said.
"An African Bullfrog, and it eats everything, and I mean everything," Harry said.
"He tried to eat Scabbers," Ron protested.
"Seriously it was an accident," Neville said.
"Pansy's afraid of gaining weight really….." Lavender said.
"No surprise really," Hermione said.
"Oh, come on really," Lavender said as Pansy turned the boggart into a fat clumsy Hermione.
"Whatever works I guess," Hermione said.
"But she turned it into…." Parvati said.
"You know I think it looks more like Daphne," Lavender said a little to loud causing Daphne to flinch.
"Perhaps," Hermione said. "Millie your up."
"Watch and learn," she said as she walked in front of the boggart.
"Hello Millie, remember me," Tom Riddle said as the boggart changed shape. Millie took a small step backward as boggart tom spoke again. "So you do remember me, good…."
"Pas cette fois Tom," Millie said standing her ground.
"But where are your friends this time," Tom said.
"I don't need them for an imposter, Ridicule," she said as a flower began growing behind him. "Now say hello to Audrey, Tom," Millie said as the head of a giant Venus fly trap bit down on him, turning him back into black miasma as Millie giggled.
"Well that happened," a shocked Lupin said as the practice continued.
"Nice job Lavender," Astoria said, passing her as she walked up.
"This ought to be good," Daphne muttered, as the boggart to the shape of her mother.
"Hello daughter," Catherine said as Astoria just looked at her.
"Johanna, I think it's broken," Astoria yelled back in German. "It's trying to say it's mom, but it doesn't look like her at all."
Hermione sighed pinching her nose. "Yes, I can see that Victoria."
"Ok, just checking," Astoria said.
"I am your mother and you will listen to me," Catherine said.
"Nein," Astoria said.
"It is you who is wrong," Catherine said.
"Heute Victoria," Hermione groaned.
"Oh alright," Astoria said. "Lächerlich," she said, causing Emma to walk out of the smoke wearing a blue and white magical girl outfit.
"Maximum power absolute destruction," she yelled before pummeling Catherine with wrenches that appeared out of this air.
"Well at least she didn't through the kitchen sink," Lupin muttered. "Daphne you're up."
"It appears Daphne is afraid of…" Millie said.
"Her mother and turning into me, or at least the old me that's" Hermione said.
"Not all that surprising," Astoria said as Daphne put them into maid outfits. "Daphne can't imagine a world where she isn't on top. She can share, but she needs to be on top slot,"
"I guess," Hermione said. "And Tracy is afraid of being poor, and ignored, not to mention a cruel sense of humor."
"Looks like I'm up," Hermione said.
"Oh boy this could be…." Millie said.
"Yeah," Neville said.
"What I expected," Astoria said as Daphne, Pansy, and Tracy appeared berating her as Liz stood in the background.
"I was fully expecting Tom," Millie said.
"He is certainly scary but, those three were just an escalation of what she'd already experienced, and she dealt with them for three long years," Astoria said.
"I know," Millie said softly.
"It's not your fault," Astoria said as Pansy had glasses shoved on her face and forced to study, Daphne's clothes turned into a maid outfit, and Tracy had candy stuffed into her mouth and forced to eat until she comically ballooned.
"Ok last but not least Harry," Lupin said. "And for the love of Merlin be something normal."
"I'll try," he said as a hooded creature appeared looming over a silver haired girl.
"Is that…." the students gasped.
"No," Harry roared as it leaned down as if to give the girl a kiss. "Ridiculous," he bellowed, firing off the spell before Lupin could react. Despite the massive pulse of magic nothing seemed to happen as the creature continued moving as it kissed the girl. Only for the girl's eyes to snap open just before the ghostly lips might touch. Glowing blue eyes glared at the boggart, her small hand snapping up to push it away. "No, I am saving that for Harry."
"Kill me now," Hermione muttered in German as she began to turn red.
"No, means no, you big meanie, now back off or I will do all those things my mother told me not to do," she said floating into the air on pink wings.
A ghostly screech emanated from the boggart
"Well that wasn't very nice," spell Hermione said. "But if you go home right now, I will forgive you." The only reply was a second screech.
"Oh, now that was just rude," spell Hermione said. "Harry is not a useless meat bag, who is better off dead to reduce the surplus population."
"Note to self, kill the Dursley's," Hermione growled.
"Professor the dementor boggart is being a meanie, can I send it to the time out room," spell Hermione said looking at Professor Lupin.
"Make it stop," Hermione groaned as the others giggled.
"Um, yes," Lupin replied.
"Yay," spell Hermione clapped, doing a happy little spin and flip in the air. "Quintet Fleur," she said, leveling her wand at the beast before unleashing a massive blast of magical energy blasting the boggart apart.
"Did she just, did Harry just," the students gasped as the light returned to normal and what was left of the boggart snuck back into its trunk.
"Um, thank you," Harry said looking at spell Hermione.
"You're very welcome," spell Hermione said, flying down to peck him on the cheek. "Just make sure your next one is from the real me," she said before vanishing.
"Merlin's bloody balls what in blue blazes is the school teaching these kids," Lupin muttered.
"Um," Hermione," her friends asked, as the beat red girl bolted from the classroom as the bell rang.
"Johanna is going to kill me," Harry groaned.
