Chapter 5

The return trip to Hogwarts the next day was uneventful. Hermione tried her best to stomp down her melancholy and pretend to be excited for a new semester. Knowing her parents were out of reach was saddening, even though it meant their safety. There would be no more weekly letters to reply to nor updates to send.

Pushing her morose thoughts aside, she focused on unpacking. As she neared the bottom of her trunk, she found a journal nestled in with her books. Assuming it was from Dolohov, Hermione expected it to be filled with writing as his previous references had. Instead she found it blank except for the first page.

Svetlyachok,

This communication journal is part of a pair. It will make sharing thoughts about the books I lent you inconspicuous. Your bracelet is the key. Keep it secure.

- A

Huffing, she stuffed the journal back into her trunk and readied for bed. She would not be corresponding with the death eater for fun. How presumptuous of him! Rolling to her side, Hermione shut her eyes and willed thoughts of Dolohov and spell books away.

Hermione remained true to her declaration until Ronald Weasley decided to binge on chocolate that wasn't his and ended up poisoned. None of the books she'd found in the library covered obscure poisons or their antidotes. The fact that Ron was still alive was due to pure luck, as a bezoar can't negate many of the worst poisons. Hermione reasoned that it was selfish stubbornness to not utilize the readily available vault of knowledge that was being offered to her. Dolohov may be a terrible person, but he is smart.

Their conversations started out terse and specific. But as Dolohov continued to share new magical knowledge with Hermione, she began to get carried away in conversation. It was exhilarating to discuss magic at such a high theoretical level. Her peers just ignored her when she got caught up in a tangent. For the first time, she felt understood. Dolohov was different. He actively participated in and added to their conversations. It was easy to get lost in the journal for hours throughout the weeks.

The end of term was a nightmare. The Headmaster was dead, killed by Professor Snape. Voldemort was winning. It was only a matter of time until the Ministry fell. At least Hermione didn't have to worry about her parents, as they were charmed away months ago. Then again, it would have been comforting to fall into one of her mother's long hugs or one of her father's long conversations over tea. Staying in an empty house, separated from all those who are important to her, was not the best decision considering the state of wizarding Britain. She felt perpetually on edge.

When Dolohov appeared in her backyard, Hermione was almost thankful. The late night theory discussions had continued after the term's end and evolved to include personal tidbits on both sides. And if Hermione was honest with herself, she developed a bit of a crush on the dark wizard. Dolohov challenged her academically, cared about her opinions, and remained a constant presence. That he was several years older added to the appeal. Boys her age were frustrating and childish. Yes, a crush was to be expected.

The first time they kissed was unexpected. Hermione had just disarmed Antonin in a mock duel. In her excited state, she grabbed him for a hug and ended up with her lips pressed to his. Dolohov was more than amenable. The next time they kissed, he pulled Hermione in closer. The whirlwind summer romance that followed was inevitable.

When the day came to rejoin the Order at the end of July, Hermione was reluctant to leave. Leaving meant vacating her false oasis and jumping into the war effort. It meant chaos and uncertainty. Would she have to face off against Antonin in a battle? Could she duel him in the vicious ways he taught her to save her own life? Would he make her need to? These questions plagued Hermione as she walked down the lane to the Burrow, but were quickly pushed aside as she was swept up in the frantic wedding prep.