All Over Hogwarts; 1999


The end of the year prowled upon the school. It would be disingenuous to say that it snuck up on the students, catching them completely unaware. No, if anything, the students were all very much cognisant of the date at hand. Rather, the school seemed to hold its breath.

They were all waiting for the school to end with a bang or a whimper. The hope was that it would end with nothing.

Even those that made jokes of everything, that pushed the envelope too far with their 'edgy' humor that made those around uncomfortable, didn't joke about how every year previous had ended with some catastrophic disaster. No one wanted to jinx it. Everyone except the first years seemed like they would just slump their shoulders and sigh in resignation if something awful befell the last few weeks of school.

For some, this continuous upheaval of their education had been their whole life.

So, while the end of the year came as it always did, Hermione knew that everyone was sure there was a curse on Hogwarts and they'd have to experience terrors and anguish over and over again.

Everyone was holding out on celebrations, parties, or 'oh, thank Merlin we made it' sort of remarks. Until the school closed for the summer holiday, no such joy could be held, not when everyone was turning every corner as though with their breaths un-exhaled.

It was the worst for Harry. Hermione could tell he had so many sleepless nights as April rolled around, edging into May. The first anniversary of Hogwarts felt like a dam waiting to break. Hermione knew as soon as it hit, the school would be filled with a complicated mixture of relief, agony, survivor's guilt, and general weariness. They'd done so much since that horrible but relieving day, and at the same time, so little.

Hermione wasn't sure how she'd feel on the day of. Would she break loose all the emotion she'd pushed down? Would she find peace? Would she be angry?

Ron and Harry were already granted permission to leave campus, knowing that at the very least, eyes would be on them all day. Hermione wasn't sure if she needed to go that far...where would she even go? Ron and Harry would go to the Burrow, to mourn with the family about Fred, but Hermione was unsure she was welcome. She imagined she might just lock herself in her room with a good book and have the house-elves bring her meals and ignore the world around her.

She knew most of the wizarding world would be throwing parties. For most, it was such a joyous occasion. For the children that were in their 5th year and younger, they could almost ignore the destruction that still existed at Hogwarts and partake.

For so many 8th and 7th year students, that was an impossible reality, at least this soon afterward.

Hermione just wanted to disappear. She wanted this day not to exist, to pass it by and never experience it.

But that's not how it worked. So, the best she could do was to find a book she could really disappear into, go into her bed, close the curtains, and vanish into a different world until the stars came out.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Ron said, kissing her as he left. They didn't celebrate their anniversary today. It was a slap to those that hadn't made it if they had. They celebrated a week away from this, for it was a week later when they finally had enough time to discuss what that kiss meant.

"Have-," She almost said 'have fun', a force of habit, but luckily caught her words, "Have a...time."

Ron seemed to understand, nodding gravely.

Then, she was alone.

As she wanted.

The first few hours of the day passed in silence. Her book was engaging and the food was tasty and her pillows were soft.

But Hermione soon found she was on edge.

It was odd...she often forgot about the rest of the world while she was engrossed in a good book and could often lose an entire day. And this book usually would do the trick, so why was she so distracted?

It took her re-reading the same paragraph four times to realize she was not as invested in this as she hoped. And well, perhaps she wasn't as pleased to be alone as she thought.

She got up, unsure of her destination. She didn't go looking for Theo, even though every single other day that might have been her first thought. Coincidentally, today, Theo was so far from her mind. He wasn't even on her radar. So it was particularly strange when she happened down just the right hall that led her to the smaller practice pitch.

Well, it wasn't strange that Theo was playing Quiddich, but it was strange she stumbled upon him, especially when she couldn't have told you she knew this pitch existed before...right now.

It was partially raining but Theo was not relenting on his forms. She watched for a bit, trying to memorize the dance he was doing in the air, and it was almost enough. This was nearly enough for her to turn around and never mention she'd seen him, but as she turned, she slipped on the flagstones.

Theo was by her side in an instant.

"Granger, what are you doing here?"

"Walking. Just…" She waved a hand, unable to articulate. Theo helped her underneath the bleachers, a bit rickety and in need of repairs, but mostly dry.

"Thought you would be with Ron?"

"I'm not sure if I'm wanted there." She said, and before he could ask her what she meant, "Daphne?"

"At a memorial. Why am I not there?" He asked, anticipating, "Same, I suppose."

There was a moment of silence. She knew so many stories from a year ago, but the one she really cared for...she had no idea what his May 2nd had been like. It was a burning need that she did know, she realized.

"Where were you?" She asked. He knew what she was referring to, "Or, well, you don't have to tell me."

"The common rooms. When they sent us away, Draco told me to go to Voldemort's. I didn't. I didn't say here either." He admitted quietly, "All I could think was that Voldemort was going to flay me alive. I didn't have the mark, so he couldn't summon me, but he was in my head. I was supposed to go."

Hermione patted the grass next to her, drying it with her wand. He hesitated before sinking down to sit near her.

"Where did you go, then?"

"The Zabini Manor. Mrs. Zabini never joined the Death Eaters, but she knew my father was...anyway, she nearly didn't let me in, but Blaise and Daphne fought for me. But it was awful. Voldemort was in the back of my mind, like an aneurysm, and I spent the night barfing my guts out." He looked up, his expression far away, "You must think me cowardly. That I didn't fight against him, even though I knew he was wrong, and for running. I know what you did a year ago. We all do, of course."

"I'm a Gryffindor. It's in my nature. And I picked this trouble, for better or worse." She turned, "Harry never wanted anyone to die for him. If it had only been us three at the battle, Harry would have been so relieved. I don't think less of you at all." She said honestly, "Even going to Blaise's took a lot. So."

"This day to me isn't a celebration, not like it is to most. It's a reminder for me. Not about that choice, but all my past choices and the ones I didn't even get to make." Theo said bluntly, "And part of me would rather not make a remembrance of this day."

"I understand," Hermione whispered. Few would. But she did. She looked at Theo, trying to grow the courage to say something. She did have to remind herself of all the actions she'd done a year ago, and that this was so less terrifying in comparison. Somehow, despite the truth of it, her heart disagreed.

"I have really grown to like our friendship," Hermoine whispered to Theo, "And I'm going to miss you...I mean, miss talking to you," Hermione swallowed, sure that her body was vibrating with nervousness, "You're going to Spain for a bit, right?"

"Yeah, me and Draco. To see what we can do for ourselves." Theo said, "How did you know that?"

"I heard you talking about it," Hermione didn't want to fully admit she's eavesdropped, "Erm, would you possibly like a pen-pal?"

Theo's whole face lit up, "Yeah, of course! I mean, Draco is a jolly good mate, but I think I'd go mad if I didn't have someone else to talk to."

"I just like the idea of old-fashioned parchment and quill writing. I know there are ways that are easier, like Floo Gate or even muggle phones, but if you'd like it-,"

"Hermione, I said I'm in," Theo said, "Give me your address before school lets out, yeah? I'll send the first letter."

"Promise?" Part of her would be devastated if he never did.

"I keep my word," Theo said, and all of a sudden, she knew it was silly to ever doubt him, even for a second.

XXX

A week later, the parties really were in full swing. Every student was letting go. Exams hardly seemed like a concern, because most were just so grateful they'd made it one year alive.

Hermione would have poo-pooed the parties, had she not been secretly so happy to see everyone here happy too. It was far belated from the rest of the Wizarding World, but how could she truly be upset with a bit of noise when it was the first time she thought she'd truly seen Dennis Creevy smile in a year?

There was about a week between exams and school end, something few had actually experienced with all the trouble Voldemort caused for them. It was time to make plans for the summer with friends, pack up, give awards, and have a true graduation for those who passed their finals. For most of the students, however, they took this last week as a time to throw wild ragers until their throats were sore and they couldn't stay awake anymore.

Hermione was fairly sure McGonagall was turning a blind eye, and perhaps even smiling when she overheard students talking about it.

So it was settled.

Parties.

Everywhere.

So Hermione made a choice; she could either grumble and moan at the antics of her classmates, or she could take some much-needed control.

What was that phrase? If you couldn't beat 'em...join 'em?

Never before had it seemed so relevant.

When Hermione told Harry and Ron she wanted to organize the official Gryffindor Bash, Ron choked on his drink. Harry starlted back and rubbed the fog off his glasses, as though he hadn't seen Hermione right instead of not hearing her.

"Blimey, who are you? Are you a Polyjuice imposter?" Ron stood up, pointing a finger at her, "Tell me, what position did I take our first year in the chess game?"

"A knight, Ronald, of course, it's me!" Hermione sighed. She had known that stating her intentions would be shocking, but she was a bit offended.

"I just...you hate parties," Harry said slowly.

"I hate parties I don't plan. If I have control of it... if I know what's going to happen, how can I be upset?" Hermione reasoned.

"Parties are spontaneous though," Ron said slowly, trying to explain it to her, "Hermione, things happen at parties that you don't quite...that you…"

"It will be like a fun game," Hermione said brightly, trying to not let this stomp out her fire, "A mind game. Where I can think of everything that would go wrong and prepare for it." She said, grinning widely.

Harry let out a puff of breath, "Well, gosh, I mean...if you really…" He looked helplessly at Ron, "I'd reckon we'd be smarter to have her on our side for this than not. We've organized loads of parties. What's just one?" He asked.

"It's the biggest party of the-," Harry punched Ron in his side, "Ow! I mean...yes, fine, you can plan it." Ron said, looking a bit grumpy, "But...we have veto power!" He raised a finger.

Hermione blinked at him, "Veto power?" She echoed.

"If you try to do anything seriously un-fun. Like...uhm...study sessions or something."

Hermione stood with a notebook of plans already half-penned, "Ron, I might not like parties, but I'm no idiot. I know how parties are meant to go. You have no faith in me, hmm?" She asked, but inside, her heart was tearing, just a smidgen.

"Of course I have faith," Ron looked red with embarrassment, "I just...I want it to be perfect. For everyone."

"So do I," Hermione agreed. And, when she said, everyone...Hermione meant everyone, whether Ron or Harry liked it or not.

XXX

Hermione's next two days were spent wholly invested in throwing this party. No one could say that Hermione didn't try with whatever she set her heart to. She figured out the music, talked to Winky about food, practiced locations in the Room of Requirements until she got the venue just right, and ran everything by Ron and Harry.

By the time the party was set to start, Harry and Ron were near speechless.

"I gotta say...I was wrong," Ron said, which was possibly the first time she'd ever heard him say that, "This is impressive."

"Memorable," Harry agreed, voice cracking, "Everyone will love it."

Though the finery was certainly Gryffindor colors, it wasn't everywhere. The one thing Hermione had kept close to her chest was the guest list, which no one would see until it was far too late to stop what she'd put into motion.

Maybe Harry saw it coming. Maybe, as he looked around and saw a replica of King's Cross, he understood.

She was pretty sure Ron didn't, but this wasn't for him.

The Gryffindors came in first. They 'ooh'd and 'awed at the gleaming Kings Cross, which nobody had ever seen so spick and span.

Then came Hufflepuffs, led by Hannah. Ron furrowed his eyebrow a bit at that, but in general, Hufflepuffs were well enjoyed, so no one said much.

Next was the Ravenclaws. By this point, Hermione could almost see the cogs turning in Ron's brain, but before he could put it all together and blow up in the middle of her party...the last group arrived.

A small and very carefully curated group of Slytherins.

The friendly chatter of the party went silent.

Draco was leading the pack, but even he gulped under the unwelcoming glares of his classmates. Following behind him was Pansy, Daphne, Tracy, Blaise...and finally, thankfully, Theo. She'd invited Draco, knowing he'd be the one to bring everyone, and mentioned that she thought Theo would help round out the group, but there had been no guarantee. She hadn't an occasion to see Theo since the end of exams, and she wasn't going to go looking for him. So she could only hope he didn't have something better tonight.

"I think you got the wrong room," Ron said icily. For all his friendship with Theo, it seemed like they were going backward in progress. Or perhaps he was speaking to Draco and everyone else, but they were sort of a package deal.

"I invited them," Hermione said, striding forward, crossing her arms, "What's the problem?"

"I mean…" Ron looked around. He grasped Hermione's elbow and dragged her out of view, "Nott's not bad for a game of Quidditch and the Greengrass girl is pretty okay, but here?" He almost looked like he'd blown a screw, "This is our celebration of victory. Over Voldemort. Won't they feel awkward?"

"I think we can speak to what we'll feel fine to ourselves, thanks," Tracy said, making Ron wince.

"We need to move forward," Hermione said loudly, "All of us. If you're unhappy, you can leave." She said, pointing towards the entrance.

There was a long pause, and for a second, she thought none of this would work.

Then...Luna bounced over. She was wearing a dress glimmering in golds and reds, with an embroidered lion that bounced around her sleeves. She strode right up to Draco, tilting her head.

"Have you ever played Exploding Hippogriffs?" She asked.

"I've... I know of Exploding Snap?"

"Perfect, it's so fun playing with Exploding Hippogriff virgins," Luna said, beaming. She grasped his wrist, "Follow me, then."

Just like that, the tension broke. Everyone waved to the group and went back to the conversations and Hermione was relieved to see the Slytherins break apart and melt seamlessly into the crowd.

"You better hope you know what you're doing," Ron said with a quiet huff.

"I do," Hermione blinked at him, "Entirely sure."

For most of the party, Hermione played host, weaving in and out of all the groups, hoping that it truly wasn't a mistake. Stitching two groups of friends together was never easy, especially since one group was made up of parents that wanted to kill the other group.

But as soon as it was clear the Slytherins were here to stay, people eased off their tension. It helped that people like Luna weren't just welcoming them with open arms to this party, but rather forcing them into an array of party games. Luna, after kidnapping Draco for Exploding Hippogriffs, had pulled Blaise and Theo into a round as well. Hermione paused to watch for just a moment, not too long, but hurriedly moved on when Luna winked at her, nodding to Theo.

Hermione decided she was going to take that as a sign that Luna was 'in it' with her, so much that she wanted to erase these silly boundaries too.

It was one thing to be friends with Theo outside, where there was no one, but it was another thing with everyone watching.

It was so hypocritical, wasn't it? But Hermione wasn't being mean to him.

No, she just feared that if anyone saw her genuinely hanging out with Theo...they'd all know. They'd realize where her feelings lay and she'd force the moment of crisis and have to explain to Theo everything and wait for him to look at her with such pity and explain he was with perfect, flawless Daphne.

So she kept tabs on him all night and stayed very far away.

When he was doing some bets with a Ravenclaw about something likely stupid, Hermione meandered over to the food table. She was alone over here, most of the food having been picked over earlier, but there was still some cauldron cakes and one chocolate quill. She almost grabbed it, recalling Theo's sweet tooth and that this was his favorite, before forcing her hand to retreat. If Theo wanted it, he'd grab it himself. Who was she to be bringing him such things?

As she turned to find a place to chow down, or perhaps someone to catch up with, she heard a quiet sound.

At first, she nearly couldn't place it. It was so muffled that she thought she was imagining it.

As Hermione rounded the food table, coming upon a shadowed part of the party walls where a few extra tables were stacked for more food for later on, she realized that someone was sitting here, crying.

"Are you okay?"

The person paused, looking up, and Hermione immediately wanted to be anywhere but here.

It was Daphne.

Well, she figured Daphne probably didn't want her there either.

"I'll grab Tracy," Hermione stumbled over her words quickly, hoping to make a speedy exit.

"No! I mean…" Daphne wiped her eyes, "You don't have to get anyone."

"Are you sure?" Hermione said, "Is someone being cruel? I won't stand for it." She said firmly. She meant it. Not here, not today. Anyone who wanted to be an arse would find themself kicked from the party, maybe with the words, 'I'm a big prat' over their forehead in boils.

It was Ron, wasn't it? Oh, she knew he was going to be difficult about this! She couldn't believe him! Of fall the-

"No, no, no one is being mean. Everyone is being so nice, actually," Daphne said, bruising a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, "If I were crying, anyone here would be concerned. It's unusual."

"Right. Well, glad that's not an issue." Hermione waffled, "I really should go and grab someone. Pansy?" She asked, desperate. She didn't do well with crying. It was illogical and she didn't always understand why people were crying, even if they tried to explain. And comforting the girlfriend of the boy she fancied far too much was a bit too self-pitying, even for her.

But…

"I'd really like someone to just sit with me," Daphne said quietly.

How could Hermione refuse?

She put her plate down and came to sit with Daphne. There was a track leading to nowhere, and Daphne sat with her legs dangling over the rocky ground. The tiles were perfectly clean, of course.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, knowing that she probably wanted to talk.

"It's Theo."

"I...we...Theo?" Hermione's throat felt tight. This was a confrontation, it had to be. Daphne had to have figured it out.

But why would she be upset?

A little flare of hope lit in Hermione's chest. Did Theo, quite possibly, feel the same?

"I think I have to break up with him," Daphne whispered, "But I don't want to. I love him."

"Oh." Hermione let out a long breath, "Why?"

"Why do I love him?" Daphne laughed, as though the question was foolish, "I mean, what isn't there-,"

"I meant," Hermione bit out a bit sharper than she intended, as she could bloody well figure out why anyone was in love with him, "Why do you have to break up with him?"

Daphne pursed her lips, staring off to the side, "He's always working. He's so...busy. I sometimes feel like an afterthought to everything he's doing. All that work on potions with Draco. I know it's impressive, trust me. You don't have to tell me. I'm not dumb," Daphne said, which Hermione never thought, "But I'm just a ghost in the background. We never talk anymore, not about anything serious. It's always this potion here or that potion there. I can't remember the last time he asked me about my day."

"Well, he's worried about his future. It's not easy for him, or Draco. You're lucky. Your family doesn't have the same prejudices. But for him? He's starting from lower than square one. I mean, I get it." Hermione stuttered.

What in Merlin's balls are you doing Hermione? Why are you trying to give her solace? Why are you trying to keep them together?

Why? She responded to herself. Because she's a good person and a Gryffindor, and she knows that Theo must love Daphne too. And if he doesn't know, this will hurt him. And she can't bear to see him hurt.

"Don't you think I know that?" Daphne's anger wasn't coming down on Hermione on purpose, or so she hoped. Somewhere, Daphne must know her own reasoning was so thin, but still.

"I...Theo really cares for you."

"And I for him," Daphne wiped her eyes. She looked so average like this, hair a bit frizzy and skin blotchy from her tears, her eyes watering. She was always so put-together, in a way that Hermione envied. She must be the type of girl Theo fancied, and she certainly wasn't that. She wasn't feeling haughty to see Daphne so broken, so similar and human, but Hermione did feel a sense of kinship for her. They both, of course, wanted the best for Theo, even if Daphne didn't know that.

"So you're giving that up?"

"I always assumed that if Voldemort won, and I married Theo or Blaise, I'd come second. To save my life, I'd just accept that. But Voldemort lost. I think I deserve someone who puts me first. I don't think I'm asking too much for that." She said, her voice hardening.

Hermione didn't know how to respond.

"His potions are good, I truly understand that, but it's almost an obsession. And for what? What if he fails?" Daphne looked at Hermione.

He won't, Hermione wanted to say, He won't because he's the most brilliant man I know, and if you cannot see how smart he is...how much he has inside of him, you are so foolish.

But she didn't say any of that.

Perhaps Daphne took her silence as agreement, or maybe not. Maybe she saw right through Hermione.

Either way, Daphne gave a quiet, sad chuckle, "I cannot tie myself to a sinking ship," She murmured to herself.

"So that's the end, then?" Hermione asked, her voice coming out like air leaking from a punctured balloon.

"Not tonight. Maybe not tomorrow. I need to put some nifflers in order before I…" She exhaled, "My father thought he might propose. It would be customary at this point in a pureblood relationship. So."

"Of course." Hermione didn't really get it, but she sometimes thought pureblood traditions were as weird to her as wizarding ones were to her parents.

"But eventually." She paused, "You're his friend, aren't you?"

"I'd say we are," Hermione said, unsure how much she knew about Hermione. Or about Hermione and Theo, as a pair.

"Don't warn him," She said hastily, "But be there if he needs it."

"He has Draco, doesn't he?" Hermione said quietly.

"I suppose, but Draco is...he thought he was going to propose to me too. You're outside this. It might be easier. Unless you're not-,"

"I will. I can," Hermione fidgeted, "If he needs someone to talk to, someone to run spars against, a shoulder to cry on-,"

Daphne was looking at her strangely.

"Thanks, I suppose. You're alright, Granger. Don't let someone tell you otherwise."

The complement should have felt like a relief, like a true merging of worlds. But all Hermione could think about was how in a few days, Theo was going to get his heartbroken. And she couldn't tell him, nor could she spill her own feelings so soon after this.

But she also couldn't walk away...so, huh, way to go, Hermione.

At the party's end, she saw Daphne meet up with Theo. Perhaps it was the true Slytherin in her, but the way she fawned and leaned and nuzzled up against Theo, it felt criminal, knowing what she knew.

But then again, Daphne's feelings hadn't vanished. It wasn't an issue of affection having waned, the sparking long gone. No, she'd wager that Daphne still loved Theo a great deal.

It was simply...Daphne had put herself first, or what she felt was first.

"You're making a huge mistake," Hermione whispered to her, still half-angry she'd even try to salvage that.

But she knew it. Daphne, one day, was going to seriously regret tossing Theo aside for all he was not yet, compared to what Hermione was sure he'd be one day. Powerful. Successful. Brilliant. Good.

Theo kissed Daphne's crown and Hermione wanted to scream.

Aside from her and Ron continuously winning 'Best Couple' awards in all the mags and between everyone at school, she knew that many people liked the courtship of Theo and Daphne. And maybe they'd all blame him when it all went down when all Theo was trying to do was build his future.

Hermione would understand. If she were in Daphne's position, she'd be pushing him farther. She'd be asking him about his potions. She'd be brainstorming with him, working through the kinks. She'd bathe in his thoughts, uncover each one like a rare flower, waiting to bloom.

If only, if only, if on-

Ron slung an arm around her neck.

She startled at the contact.

"I don't say this often," Ron said, leaning into her, "But you were right, 'Mione."

"I...what?"

"Inviting the Slytherins. It's hard for me to get past old grudges, you know that. Most of them are okay blokes. Like Theo," Ron gave a grin, face blushed with embarrassment, "And Pansy is one of the funniest people I've ever met. And Blaise-,"

"I was right?" Hermione repeated, savoring the words.

Ron squeezed her hand, "You were right. You sometimes are."

Hermione quirked an eyebrow, "Only sometimes?"

Ron rolled his eyes. She knew she wasn't going to get more out of him, and this in itself was quite a triumph. It was almost enough to forget, momentarily about Theo.

Almost.