Hermione Granger and the Scholar's Shroud
Author's note:
Hi Guys! This is the first time I've posted a story, so I am keen to receive reviews and constructive criticism. I would love to hear your thoughts and any questions you may have. I have completed the first 7 Chapters, and this story should have roughly 15-20 chapters altogether. I was thinking I would post one chapter per week. Thank you and I hope you enjoy!
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Chapter One
Hermione glared daggers at the lanky, auburn haired Weasley sitting opposite. To his credit, Ron had skilfully managed to avoid meeting her eyes within the close confines of the Hogwarts carriage for the better part of an hour.
As the Hogwarts Express snaked through the Scottish moors it was increasingly clear that the red head was stubbornly clinging to the hope that the problem would resolve itself if he simply ignored it. Harry, for his part, was preoccupied with his own troubled thoughts and was therefore blissfully ignorant of the bristling tension that enveloped him. As it was, he was currently staring at an unopened pack of liquorish wands as though the wrapping contained the very secrets of the universe.
'Hermione, would you like to have a-'Harry's expression visibly wilted as Hermione shifted her heated glare. ''Er... Never mind.''
With a beleaguered sigh, Ron Weasley abandoned his pseudo interest in the unchanging countryside and with all the bravado of a true Gryffindor, he met Hermione's glare with a scowl of his own.
'Blimey Hermione, you can't still be mad. You know I didn't mean anything by it. He's fine!'' Ron blustered, rolling his eyes.
''You were about to hex a third year Ron, he's just a child!'' Hermione hissed, startlingly reminiscent of her feline pet. ''And you are a prefect!''
''He's not a child, he's a Slytherin!'' Ron countered. 'Sides, I was only going to make his clothes a little itchy. He was being a complete git to that second year, the arrogant little sod.''
Hermione clasped her lips together into a thin line as she resisted the urge to hex him herself.
It had not been a great beginning to the school year, though that was typical of the famous Trio. Harry had gratefully accepted the invitation to return to Hogwarts to attain his N.E.W.T.S, while escaping from the ravenous and persistent horde of journalists that hunted him. Ron however, had balked at the offer and only agreed to return after Molly Weasley had spent weeks pleading, cajoling, bribing and finally threatening her second youngest to complete his education.
''Ron, the entire war was built upon a foundation of prejudice. And now you're being prejudiced against that boy because of his house. It's completely hypocritical and you know it!''
''I'm not prejudiced! Harry, am I prejudiced? C'mon, that kid had an evil little look in his eye, you know he was up to something.'' Ron argued passionately.
Harry grimaced and shifted uncomfortably in his seat before answering.
'' I guess he was being a little rude to the Ravenclaw''.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him.
''But Hermione's right Ron.'' He added hastily, unwrapping a liquorish wand ''I completely agree with her. Completely. Would you like a liquorish wand Hermione, you're looking a little peckish. ''
Hermione gave Harry a smile as Ron threw a look of betrayal in his direction.
''No, thank you Harry,' She replied smugly as she rose from the seat. '' I'm going to get changed into my robes before we arrive. Won't be long. ''
Hermione quickly grabbed her change of clothes and exited the compartment. As the compartment door snapped shut, she threw a glance through the window, catching sight of Ron mouthing ''Coward'' at Harry, who began chewing a liquorish wand, unperturbed by his friend's blatant accusation.
The carriage halls were bustling with students as they flung themselves up and down the train, weaving in and out of various carriages, exclamations of joy permeating the air as friends were reunited after a long summer apart.
Laughter accompanied the familiar sounds of Exploding Snap with playfully light-hearted accusations of cheating being thrown around a particularly intense game of Gobstones between an assortment of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs.
Despite the overall merriment it was clear that the war was not forgotten. For every compartment that was playing games, there was another drenched in mournful tears and hushed whispers of consolation. Hermione had hastened past several compartments that housed tearful students embracing and comforting one another, recounting the horrors and hardship the war had brought to their previously peaceful lives.
She gave a particularly wide berth to a round faced girl whose raven hair was generating a plume of ominous yellow smoke which trailed faithfully behind her.
Hermione had successfully changed and begun making her way back when a screeching cry of excitement made her flinch and she was physically dragged to the floor by Ginny Weasley, who barreled into Hermione and brought them both down in a tangled mess of arms and legs. Heart momentarily pounding from the unexpected attack, Hermione couldn't help but laugh at her friend, who continued to strangle her in a horizontal hug.
''Clearly the love of a Weasley comes at the cost of a few bruises.'' Came a deep, gentle voice from above.
Hermione raised her head to find the smiling faces of Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood and Seamus Finnegan standing in an open doorway, each highly amused by her predicament.
'And a fair amount of dignity. I could use some help untangling myself from this Devil's Snare!'' Hermione joked as she raised her arm imploringly.
'Don' ever say I never leant yer a hand'' Seamus laughed as he raised her to her feet. Neville gestured to the empty compartment from which they had emerged, and Hermione followed them in, leaving Ginny sprawled on the carpeted floor.
'Hey!' The red head cried indignantly ''Don't I get any help? What about m-'
Luna closed the door with a serene smile, cutting off her words and causing the Gryffindors to chuckle.
Just as Ginny leapt to her feet and lunged for the door handle, Seamus made a barely noticeable flourish with his wand, and it locked with an audible click, barring her entry. They grinned as Ginny made a rude gesture through the window and then flounced off, hunting for another beloved friend to injure with an aggressive amount of affection.
''Happy to be back Hermione?'' Neville enquired as he sat, enveloping Luna's small hand with his own.
''I can't wait to be back in the castle!' Seamus jumped in. 'I don' want last year ter be how I remember Hogwarts.'' he finished with a slight shudder.
Neville nodded grimly in silent agreement.
''Thank Merlin we can re-try seventh year without Death Eaters torturin' us every week. It's going to be a right horror show in the castle this year though.'' He stated. ''The second years only know Hogwarts as a place they were hurt and… and the older students... the battle. Voldemort's dead, but we lost a lot of- a lot of''
''Heroes'' Luna supplied.
''Right,' Neville breathed heavily. ''we all lost someone...''
'' 'Cept them Slytherins, filthy trai'ers'' Seamus spat with unexpected fervor. ''They sat in the dungeons while we fought. Some o' those Death Eaters were their own ruddy parents.''
Hermione silently reached forward to grasp Seamus' forearm and he quieted, shoulders slumping.
''Yes, it's all terribly sad for them.'' Luna said in her ever-soft voice.
''Luna, do you mean the Slytherins?'' Neville said, shocked. ''They betrayed us. They betrayed Harry.''
''My father betrayed Harry Potter.'' Luna said serenely.
Awkward silence hung in the air.
''Luna- He didn't have a choice. He was protecting you. ' Hermione offered gently.
''He had choices. They were all just bad ones. Which was all terribly sad. '
"No one blames him for choosing you, Luna. Especially Harry.'
'That's nice.' Said Luna, completely at ease while her companions fidgeted in their seats.
''As difficult as this year will be for us, I imagine the Slytherins will be hit particularly hard'. Admitted Hermione begrudgingly. She frowned as she realized she hadn't seen a single silver and green tie since boarding the train.
''Probably why they're all hidin' together on the firs' carriage'' Seamus said. ''Scared of gettin' hexed by the rest of us.''
As the conversation transitioned to the much lighter topic of the summer Quidditch matches, Hermione's contemplated this unforeseen animosity. She had prevented Ron from hexing a third year Slytherin when they first boarded but had failed to realize that other Slytherins would be at similar risk from their classmates.
A short time later she said goodbye to the DA members and walked to the head of the carriage, giving a quick wave through the window to Eugene Tucket and Hannah Abbot as she passed.
Moments later she stood peering through the narrow window into the first compartment, her heart heavy with trepidation.
The compartment was packed to the brim with every single Slytherin of Hogwarts standing on top of one another, each wearing green and silver ties around their necks paired with a look of dejection on their faces. Hermione imagined that shortly after embarking the Slytherins had banded together and fled to the first carriage to escape hateful glares and potential curses that may be thrown their way.
Stuffed into this overcrowded carriage, the rejection of the other houses was suffocating them.
While Hermione had not relished the thought of sharing classes with them, she was also aware that all student involvement in the war had been subject to a hearing for their actions. Only those deemed innocent had been permitted to return to Hogwarts.
As a prefect, it was Hermione's duty to protect school unity. With this firmly in mind, she squared her shoulders, gathered her nerve and stepped directly into the snake's nest.
The effect was immediate.
Several of the closest students attempted to step backwards.
Due to the close confines, achieved little more than to step on their neighbour's feet, causing hushed hisses as all within eyesight dropped their conversations to stare at the lone figure with the red and gold tie.
''Hello Granger,'' said Blaise Zabini, somehow managing to step smoothly through the crowd to stand before her. 'And how may we be of service to the Hogwarts Hero?' he added mockingly as the crowd either shifted uncomfortably or stared unabashedly.
''Hello Blaise'' Hermione said, giving him a genuine smile. ''Are you looking forward to eighth year? I can't wait to see what Slughorn has planned.''
Blaise blinked once in surprise and his shoulders relaxed infinitesimally.
'Whatever it is, he can't top 6th, unless he teaches us how to brew Felix Felices, rather than dangling it in front of our noses as a prize.'' He paused, curiosity colouring his next sentence. ''What brings you here Granger? Looking for someone?''
''Actually, I was hoping to begin a game of Exploding Snap with Hannah and Eugene. Would you like to join us? Perhaps one of the Slytherin prefects as well, I don't believe I've met them yet.''
Blaise's smile grew wide, and his eyes sparkled with glee. ''Oh, I should think you're well acquainted with one of them by now.''
''Hey Draco!'' He called over his shoulder. ''Granger would like to play a game with you''.
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Hermione thought he must be playing a sick prank, hoping to see her flinch. They couldn't have possibly allowed him back.
The boy that let the Death Eaters into Hogwarts.
But then Malfoy was standing before her, a nightmare come real, and she stood frozen in shock. Part of her wanted to flee, the other half wanted to start firing hexes as fast as she could. Aware of the eyes watching her, she forced herself to remain calm, barely breathing.
A lion with a viper at its feet.
Hermione tore her gaze from his unreadable face to note that the entire compartment was collectively holding their breath. Reminding herself of her goal, she closed her eyes and clenched her fists.
'Snap!'' She blurted.
Draco's brow furrowed, utterly perplexed.
''Exploding snap.'' She clarified. ''Hannah, Eugene and I. We need players.'' She shot an icy look at Blaise, who was grinning madly, loving the palpable tension as he practically rubbed his hands together with glee.
Understanding came to Draco and he hesitated as his hand rose to his chest. Lightly fingering his Prefect badge, he considered her pensively for a moment, before nodding. He gestured to the door. 'Lead on.'
Hermione caught Blaise throwing Draco a confused and questioning look, and a silent conversation to ensued. They appeared to reach an understanding as Blaise turned to smile at Hermione and nodded. Praying she would not be hexed the moment she turned her back, Hermione lead the way out of the Slytherin compartment.
She had survived. Now she just had to get through a card game without anyone being cursed and she could consider this a successful mission.
Hermione greeted Hannah and Eugene and requested to join their game, her eyes silently pleading. Hannah and Eugene shared a look, before Hannah returned Hermione's smile. In the spirit of her house attributes, she declared 'The more the merrier'.
Hermione ducked into the compartment and took a seat beside the curly haired boy, followed shortly by the tall figures of the Slytherins.
Blaise squeezed in beside Hermione, semi-permanent smirk still attached, forcing Draco to seat himself opposite her, carefully ensuring no part of himself of his clothing touched Hannah, who crushed herself against the wall.
After introductions were made, Eugene dealt the cards in silence. After ten terse minutes Blaise broke the silence, complaining loudly at Draco's 3rd consecutive win.
Draco smiled. ''You're playing against a Quidditch Seeker, what did you expect?''
''This is precisely why I never play Harry; his reflexes are insane.'' Hermione grumbled.
''And I bet Ron Weasley is unstoppable at chess!'' Hannah exclaimed.
Hermione nodded glumly as Draco easily collected his eighth pair, revelling in Blaise's scowl.
As though conjured by their words, the two boys at the center of their discussion appeared at the door.
''Hermione! We've been looking everywhere, honestly, we thought you must have fallen into the toilet by now or been hexed by some dirty Sly-''
Ron's words were cut short as he caught sight of her companions and his hand moved reflexively to his side, where his wand was hidden.
''Hermione?'' Harry questioned softly, eyes darting from one face to another.
'Harry! Ron!'' Hermione leapt from her seat, causing Draco and Blaise to flinch. ''We were playing Exploding Snap! You know Hannah and Eugene of course.''
Harry nodded at the Hufflepuffs in turn.
''Er good summers everyone?''
''Oh, yes! I had a wonderful summer with my parents. You know they were at the fight last year Harry? When they heard what was happening, they knew I'd chosen to fight and they raced to the castle! I was so scared, I was shaking the whole time, until mum and dad showed up. It was amazing! They took on Dolohov together and -''
Abruptly Eugene stood, almost knocking Hermione over.
''Excuse me, Hermione'' He said as he moved passed her, almost sending her down into Blaise's lap as he did.
He said nothing more as he slipped between Harry and Ron and disappeared.
Hannah gave a small gasp, covering her mouth with a hand. ''Oh, oh no. I didn't mean to-''
''He lost someone then?'' Harry said gruffly, carefully not looking at the two Slytherins, who were staring at the plush red carpet beneath their shoes.
''His- both his parents. Voldemort killed them'.
''I guess Tucket and I have something in common then''. Harry said bitterly, immediately followed by tense silence.
''Well Granger, we should go.'' Blaise declared as he stood, straightening his robes self-consciously. ''Thanks for the game.''
Ron and Harry hastily stepped away from the doorway to allow the Slytherins to exit while pretending they did not exist.
'Hermione, what were you thinking? Them? Of all the-'
'Give me a minute Ron, I'll be back'.
Hermione scurried past her two best friends.
''Malfoy- Malfoy, wait'. At her words, the blonde prefect released the door and turned to face her.
He relaxed once he saw she was alone.
'What is it now, Granger?'
'We're both prefects this year Malfoy'
'How astute of you to notice.' He said dryly.
'And as prefects we need to strive for house unity'
'I'm aware of what you were doing Granger, you're not subtle.'
'And I would appreciate if you worked with me and the rest of the prefects to remove this animosity. I know how you feel about Muggle-Borns.'
'Oh I doubt that'
Hermione could feel anger churning in her belly.
'I know much you hate me Malfoy, I have a scar on my arm that will never let me forget it!' She hissed as she struggled to contain her anger.
Draco studied her a moment. ''I don't hate you, Granger.''
Hermione dismissed his comment and took a breath to gather her thoughts.
''The past few years has shown us all what hatred can do. If we allow this to continue, it will end up destroying everyone, just like the war did. With what happened at the manor..'' She took a step forward and Draco tensed like a cornered animal. ''You lied to your Aunt about not recognizing us.''
''The only possible explanation is that you don't enjoy seeing people tortured or killed, even if you hate them.''
Draco was silent for a moment, his eyes fixated on her sleeve where the scar was hidden.
'Then it's a deal, Granger. We do what we can for the houses. I'll be civil if you keep Potter and Weasley in line.'' He turned his back on her and grasped the door handle. ''And I meant what I said. I don't hate you.''
And then he disappeared into the compartment before she could reply.
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The trip to the castle on the carriages was uneventful, apart from murmurs of awe that swept through the elder students laying eyes on Thestrals for the first time, punctuated by solemn faces as they silently recounted the last moments of Tom Riddle's pathetic life before he had slumped to the ground; the product of his own foolish hatred and Harry's unfailing bravery.
As Hermione entered the Great Hall, she feared that the tumultuous emotions which churned in her stomach may cause her to empty it upon the stone floor.
The Great Hall was miraculously restored to its former glory, unscarred by the great battle that had taken place there months before. Yet despite the bright dancing candles chasing the shadows, Hermione saw a ghostly image imposed over the reality. Rather than the Hogwarts tables, Hermione saw a row of broken and injured bodies, covered in blood, and a row of the dead, surrounded by survivors who clutched at their prone bodies, buried in grief.
''Mione?'' Came a soft voice beside her. Ron's bright blue eyes were swimming with unshed tears. Hermione was standing stiff and frozen within the doors as students brushed past them to reach their Hogwarts House table. Harry had frozen as she had, his face twitching as it did when he suffered from nightmares. She clasped their sleeves and began to tow both Harry and Ron gently by the arm towards the Gryffindor table.
Ron's tears and lost their battle to remain confined and were tracking down his face. She gave him a wobbly smile and took his hand, determined be strong.
Grief rose in her chest but she fought against it. She managed to reclaim control and took a seat at the Gryffindor table.
With Voldemort dead and her two best friends by her side, nothing could harm them.
At this thought, she felt a prickle at the back of her neck.
Someone was watching her.
She shivered as it travelled down her spine and trailed over her arms.
Her eyes darted anxiously around the room, but there was nothing amiss.
Forcing the ridiculous feeling away, she returned her attention to the dais and waited for the Sorting to begin.
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