Changes Can Be Made
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or awesomeness
A/N: I hope you guys enjoy this! I'm really sorry for being so tardy… I SUCK! I KNOW! I've been super busy, but I passed all my exams! (Yay, I'm not a complete failure) and my cohort in my school's Intramurals came FIRST! YEAH! GO YELLOW SPARTANS! I'm super relieved all these stuff are over, I can de-stress but first I thought I should update for you guys… I'm sorry again guys and hopefully, this is to your liking; remember to review if you didn't like something or if you just want to give an opinion. All types of reviews are accepted. :)
Chapter 21: Sad
"Don't you dare go anywhere, Hermione Grace."
A shiver broke out in Hermione. She couldn't help but notice the dangerous look in Josanne's eyes. Something was very wrong, and Hermione could only guess that it was a boy related matter since the boy of Josanne's dreams was standing behind her glaring holes into Josanne's head. Suddenly, Josanne began to stalk silently and deadly towards her. Lily's grip on Hermione's wrist tightened. Hermione only realised then that Lily had held onto her.
Hermione was gently pushed behind Lily as she stepped subtly in front of Hermione. It was a defence movement. 'Something's very wrong…' Hermione gulped. She could feel the fear rise up into her features as Josanne came closer. But Lily, and Hermione, held their ground.
"What's the matter mudbloods? You both look very defensive…" Josanne hummed deadly.
"Well, when we're faced with a completely crazy snob-blooded witch, we tend to be on guard," Lily retorted.
Josanne growled at the remark, "No need to be so edgy head girl, I'm only angry with one of you," she glared at Hermione.
"What did I do to you?!" Hermione defended. She stepped out from behind Lily. Lily's grip tried to keep Hermione in place but she just shook it off gently as she gave Lily a confident nod.
Josanne stopped in her tracks and glared angrily at Hermione. "You and your filthy mudblood actions are messing my plans up."
"Your plans?" questioned Hermione.
"Yes, my plans for Regulus and I," Josanne said through clenched teeth.
Hermione laughed at this. "You think I'm messing your plans," she snorted, "the only thing messing with your plans is you. He's clearly NOT interested in your flirtatious self, you just don't see it. Now that's your problem."
"How dare you!" Josanne cried out, "I am far better than you! How can he NOT want me!"
"Easy, look at me, then take a look in the mirror. Unlike you, I don't beautify myself, because I don't need to. I'm what people would call natural beauty," Hermione snapped.
"No! You're what people would call a disgusting, dirty mudblood!" Josanne spat.
Hermione laughed, mocking her remark, "When will you people learn?! You call me a 'mudblood' to make yourself feel better; all because you KNOWI'm right."
Lily tugged on Hermione's arm, signalling her to be the better person and turn the other cheek. But Hermione's eyes were fixed on the seething with rage Josanne. Her eyes were narrowed at Hermione and Hermione felt self-satisfied with her reaction. Josanne edged forward about to spit out a relentless remark, but Hermione took Lily by the hand and walked around both Josanne and Regulus. 'Lily has a point, there's no point in arguing all night long… It really is only Josanne's problem,' Hermione levelled out.
Josanne spun around and howled, "where are you going?!"
"Away from you," Hermione replied, "I'm way too tired to argue anymore, I'm going to bed."
"We're not done!"
"Oh yes we are, any more and you'd be digging your own grave."
"Argh!" Josanne screeched in frustration. Of course Hermione was correct.
As Hermione and Lily got to the corner and headed for the Gryffindor dorms, Lily let out a long sigh. "It's a bit late to mention, but next time arguments and fights should be taken outside," she said with an informative tone and smiled at Hermione.
The two girls giggled and sighed. "Let's get to bed," Hermione yawned. It had been a long day for most.
Josanne was completely infuriated and humiliated. 'That Grace is going to get it…' she inwardly growled.
"Josanne," her attention immediately diverted back to the object of her affection, Regulus. "Don't ever try anything on Miss Grace," he said so low that she could only hear.
Tears filled her eyes, "Why…" she whimpered.
"Why what?"
"Why are you defending her? Why her? Why not me?!"
Regulus sighed before answering, "Josanne, we've been over this. I have no romantic feelings for you or whatsoever, I just don't want your actions to affect our house's pride."
Josanne said nothing only stared at him blankly. A long silence filled the corridor they were in. Regulu sighed and turned to leave.
"Where are you going Regulus?" she whispered to him, desperation filling each syllable.
"To our dorm rooms, I'm tired from this whole ordeal."
"Please understand my feelings…" she begged him. He turned around to find her on her knees looking incredibly broken, "Please…" she pleaded.
"I… I'm sorry Josanne," he turned away. Guilt stabbed his heart like a dagger. But he walked on and away from her. But his heightened hearing allowed him to catch one last thing before he disappeared from her view.
"You'll see Regulus… You'll want me one day… I'll make you mine..."
The school was silent everywhere. Every dorm was filled with sleeping wizards and witches; except for a certain powerful wizard. Albus Dumbledore paced his study as he thought. Worry had been a burden on him ever since he allowed Tom Riddle into this aged old school, and now, his worry had only worsened. Some of his precious students had become darker by the years, and this year he feared some had come to side with Voldemort. He also worried for the vulnerable muggle-borns that lay sleeping in their beds. Voldemort was very much alive and no one knows how to defeat the dark wizard, all exept for one young muggle-born. She was the centre of his worry. Her safety is the most important thing. She's the only one who really has a chance to defeat Lord Voldemort, because she's from the future of course.
His thoughts were disrupted by a painting clearing his throat. "Yes?" Alubus turned to the Italian painting. "Did you find anything about it?"
"Yes headmaster," replied the painting.
"Well?"
"Oh, right, the painting in the orphanage I spoke with told me that it's a cave in England that young Tom went to once."
"Wait, when he was young?"
"Yes headmaster."
"Thank-you," he acknowledged the painting, 'If he has been there when he was younger, maybe one of my memories of my conversations with the young boy might show me its whereabouts.' Albus wasted no time. He searched his memories for a clue.
In no time, he found the cave. He was now prepared. In a few weeks he will retrieve the ring and, when she is ready, he will take Hermione to the locket Horcrux.
Hermione gasped awake. Horrible images flashed in her mind. Her sleep was haunted by terrible memories. She relived her worst moments again and again. Tears streamed from her eyes as she imagined the hardships Ron and Harry were facing in the future without her. Questions racked her mind. 'Are they hurt? Has Voldemort succeeded? Are Ron, Harry, and the others still alive?'
Hermione's body shook with despair, anger and helplessness. Fear bubbling through her body as she trembled visibly. Her sweat from her nightmares cooled on her skin. She tried helplessly to wipe away her rivers of tears but to no avail. She missed them terribly, and thinking and dreaming of the worst scenarios were not helping. They only fuelled her determination to rewrite the future and her misery.
She felt her upper body lose all energy. She cried uncontrollably as her head laid to rest her on her pillow. Her vision was blurred by the awaiting tears and she felt her sobs quieten. Her sobs fell silent as soon as she drifted to sleep. 'Crying to sleep… What's happened to you, Hermione…' was the last thing she consciously thought before losing herself to the nightmare waiting to swallow her consciousness and drown it in hell.
"Hermione!"
'Harry?' Hermione recognised the voice. "Harry, are you there! HARRY!" she called.
Hermione sensed something behind her. Swiftly, she spun around. A gasp was the only audible noise as she came face-to-face with Harry and Ron. Voldemort held a wand out facing it towards Harry's writhing body. Hermione recognised a gruesome, disfigured, lifeless body by Harry's side. A scream tore from Hermione's throat as she fell to her knees. "Ron! Ron!" she cried out. A cry, which sounded in between a throaty scream and sob, sounded from her as she stared at the mangled body of Ron.
"Cruciatus," Voldemort said with a snarl. A feral smile widened on his face as Harry's body made bone-cracking sounds. A scream ripped from Hermione again as she watched Harry scream her name, Ginny's name and even Ron's name in between gurgling cries of pain.
"Stop it! PLEASE! PLEASE STOP!" Hermione begged Voldemort on her knees. But for some reason, he couldn't hear her. She jumped to her feet and raced toward the dark lord aiming to tackle him to the ground; but as she neared an invisible wall knocked her back. Hermione fell to her butt. She rose to her feet again and tried running at Voldemort again and again. But each time she failed. She searched her pockets frantically for her wand, but to her dismay she was in her pajamas so she did not have her wand. So, she resorted to abusing the invisible wall with her fists.
She hit the wall over and over again. Barely making any sound. She didn't stop. Her hands started to hurt as if she were breaking her hand over and over.
'I probably am…' she thought, but that didn't matter to her. She hit harder every time Harry cried out. She screamed in frustration, "You bastard! I'll kill you!"
This time, Voldemort noticed her existing and cackled disgustingly. He gave her his feral smile before pointing his wand back at Harry and saying, "Imperio…" Harry immediately stood up on his almost broken legs. "Break your arm, dear Harry," Voldemort said.
Tears fell from Harry's eyes as he forced his arm in the wrong position with a bone-crunching noise. "Hermione… Where were you…" he cried.
Hermione screamed out to Harry; sobs resonating from her as she banged harder on the barrier. She called out to him over and over begging him for forgiveness. Voldemort smiled horribly before cursing Harry one last time.
"Avada Kadavra," he hissed. A green light enveloped Harry and not a moment later, Harry's corpse fell to the floor empty and lifeless.
"HARRY!" Hermione woke with a fright. The early morning light lit the room dimly. Hermione gasped for air. She looked around. 'It was only a nightmare…' she hoped as she searched her room for any abnormalities. The only thing she noticed was her tear-stained pillow. She sighed as she got out of bed and cleaned it up. She wiped the sleep from her eyes as she collected her toiletries along with a fresh uniform and her bag. She headed for the door and when she opened it, she met a very drained looking head girl.
"L-Lily," Hermione stuttered.
"Yeah…" she yawned, "How'd you sleep?" she asked drowsily.
"Ah… I slept… g-great!" Hermione forced a smile.
"You know, you shouldn't lie to the HEAD girl," Lily smiled tiredly. "I heard you crying all night…."
"W-was I? Merlin! Sorry!"
"Don't worry; it's only natural after what you've been through."
Hermione swallowed hard and said, "W-what are you talking about?"
"The loss of your parents," she said cautiously and curiously.
"Y-yeah…. Let's not talk about it."
"Sure. So, I see you're going to freshen up, I'm off to clean up too." The two girls strolled down arm-in-arm to the bathroom.
The cold water felt nice on her skin. It was refreshing. Hermione sighed content with this feeling, well, it was better than the feelings she felt most of the time. After all, depression and misery aren't what a teenage girl should be experience all the time. And feeling content was rare. It was rare for her, after the many months she's been experiencing anything but content. Thinking of those months and that dream, tears dripped from her eyes as she silently sobbed under the noise of the pressurised water shooting out of the shower head. She took a deep breath. 'Like hell I'd let my feelings overcome me! You're stronger than this Hermione Jean Granger!' She calmed herself as she combed the rose scented conditioner through her caramel locks. She let the scents of rose and lavender take her to happier thoughts. Finally she felt like herself again. The water washed out the soapy solutions on her body and hair leaving her with rose scented hair and lavender scented soft skin. She dried herself the soft cloud-like towel. After applying her butter milk lotion she dressed in the same uniform, which was suspiciously attractive on her. She admired her appearance in the mirror, 'What can I say? Nerd + uniform = awesomeness!' she made sure she didn't leave anything behind as she went to meet Lily outside of the bathroom since it seemed that Lily had finished up before her.
"What took you so long?"
"Nothing, I just naturally take forever," Hermione winked.
"Well you seem very energetic."
"The shower really cleared my mind. It was refreshing and invigorating! A nice cool shower in the morning is the best to wake me up."
Lily giggled and said brightly, "Same here!" They happily skipped down to the large grand hall for breakfast.
"Yum!" Lily exclaimed.
"Is French toast your favourite?"
"Of course! What's better than French toast and coffee?"
"Oh let me think, pancakes with chocolate ice-cream on top and hot chocolate fudge poured all over… now that's YUM."
Lily rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, sure… that's also yummy but not as amazing as French toast."
Hermione snorted. The ate in silence for some time. "So, Lil, do you know who's in our first class?"
"You mean, in Study of Ancient Runes?"
"Yep."
"Well, me – of course – Remus and I think you're favourite Slytherin."
Hermione choked on her mug of hot chocolate. "Excuse me?"
"Snape," Lily's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Then her face lit up. She smiled knowingly. "You thought I was talking about Regulus."
"N-no! Of course not!"
"You can't hide anything from me. I can read people like a book," she announced proudly.
'Oh Lil, I'm hiding a lot… If you really could read people like a book, then you wouldn't know to trust me as much as you do already…' Hermione thought painfully.
As if reading Hermione's thoughts, she added sheepishly, "Well… mostly…"
"You'll be great in Arithmancy."
Lily snorted, "Yeah, maybe but I'm aiming to be an Auror. What about you?"
"Definitely an Auror," Hermione replied as an angry flame lit within her. She would stop Voldemort before he can do anything horrid to Ron and Harry. She would kill him before she'd let him do what he did to Harry in her nightmare. Her face turned to a grimace as terrible images of her nightmare flashed in her mind.
"Mi? You okay?" Lily asked, her eyes full of concern as she peered at Hermione's face.
Hermione snapped out of it. "Ah, sorry, just some bad memories…"
"Oh…"
They continued their breakfast in silence, and when they were done they headed to their class very early. Why? Well, so Lily could avoid her lovesick – and future husband – James Potter.
Hermione was brilliant. She knew every classroom and remembered the interior of all of them; and classroom 6A was the in the same condition. It was virtually untouched from now to the future. A small smile formed on her face. 'Everything's here… From cobwebbed book shelves to worn out, creaky wooden chairs and desks.'
"Sorry, this room is quite old… as you can image," Lily explained.
"Oh, it's fine."
"That's good…" Lily considered Hermione curiously.
"What?"
"Oh nothing… Sometimes it just seems that you've seen things and rooms already. I mean, sometimes you don't seem surprised."
"R-really?"
"Yeah, I just thought you would be more surprised by things; you know, like a firstie since you lived in the muggle world for… well, for your whole life."
"Oh it's just… You know… expected."
"Expected?"
"Yeah."
"Well, most people wouldn't expect a gigantic library, I mean I didn't, but last night you didn't seem surprised at all. You seemed happy and a bit relieved. Then you were a bit confused until you finally feigned awe."
'Oh Merlin…. She noticed!' Hermione screamed inside. She swallowed hard. She needed to think up something quickly.
"Why is that, Mi?"
"Ah… It just reminded me of a library I used to go to as a child with my parents. And for a moment, I thought I was back there. That's all."
"Oh…" Lily nodded. Lucky she took that as a very valid reason. "Of course. I'm terribly sorry, Mi, if I was suspicious of you. I just had to ask. It was bothering me a bit. Sorry."
"No it's fine," Hermione smiled. She felt a great depth of relief when Lily dropped the subject. 'She's very observant… so that's where Harry got it from,' Hermione smiled.
"Oh look, students are arriving," Lily pointed out. She smiled cheekily, and said: "Maybe your favourite Slytherin will be here." A twinkle shone in Lily's eyes.
"Oooh, just you wait till I we see James Potter again," Hermione threatened.
"You wouldn't."
"If you keep going, I will," Hermione winked.
Lily rolled her eyes and waved Remus over. He had conveniently walked in at that moment and smiled tiredly at the girls. Faint dark shadows covered under his eyes.
"You look horrible!" Lily laughed.
"I couldn't help it… there was a poor girl crying loudly last night," he looked over at Hermione.
She smiled weakly. Guilt twinged in her heart. "Sorry…" she apologised meekly. 'How did he hear me from the boys dorm? … Oh, werewolf, right…'
"It's fine, are you okay?"
"I'm fine, just bad memories." Remus took her hand gently in his hand smiled.
"I'm here for you if you need to talk."
"Wait, that's my job," Lily piped in. They both looked at the head girl and laughed.
"Thanks guys, but I'm fine, really."
Just then Severus Snape entered the room and awkwardly made eye contact with Hermione. She smiled warmly at him, which resulted in a smile from the brooding Slytherin. She didn't notice the blush that heated his cheeks for a mere second. Severus Snape was good at composing himself in any situation.
"Guys, I'm going to go to my desk buddy," Hermione smiled.
"Okay~" Lily hummed with a teasing look in her eyes. Hermione lightly slapped her arm, making Lily giggle in response.
But Remus had the opposite reaction of Lily. "Wha! Why? You should just stay here… I mean, it's better, just in case you start feeling sad again, we'll be right beside you."
Hermione put a hand to his shoulder. "I'll be fine Remus; I'm stronger than I look."
"But-"
"Bye guys, I'll meet you guys at the front of the class after the lesson." And with that, Hermione grabbed her bag with all her essentials and quickly took the seat next to Severus. A low growl sounded from Remus. Lily looked from Remus to Hermione and Severus, then back to Remus. It clicked in her mind.
She smiled kindly at Remus and said, "Easy there tiger."
Hermione vacated the seat beside Severus Snape. She smiled happily at him.
"Why are you so happy, Miss Grace?"
"Oh nothing."
"You're a strange girl. So what did they say about the study group?" Severus nodded toward her earlier companions.
"They agreed!" Hermione cheered.
"Oh really?" he asked suspiciously.
Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes at his caution. "Yes really, don't you trust me?"
"Not sure yet," he smiled.
'Merlin, I wonder if I can make sure he stays this sort of fun and a tad handsome Severus Snape instead of that cranky, mean, horrible Professor Snape.'
Hermione's thoughts snapped back to reality when their Study of Ancient Runes professor entered. She was a slim, uptight woman. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun, and she looked as if she were in her late 40s or early 50s. 'Maybe she's older…' One could never tell the age of adult wizards. Some look so young but are actually quite aged. Well, age is just a number after all.
"Good morning my young wizards." Hermione gaped at the woman in the front of the class. She looked so… controlling and strict. Who would have guessed she'd be so full of energy and… cheerfulness.
"So my fine young wizards and witches, you've all chosen to study the ancient runes in your last year. How wise. I love you all already!"
'Huh?' Hermione thought still dumbstruck.
"I'm your professor for this year's Study of ancient runes and for those who don't know me… hung on, you all know me… Oops! There's one I don't know! Hello dear," she happily called to Hermione.
Everyone in the room turned to face Hermione. "M-me?"
"Yes dear~" she said in a singsong voice.
'She's more like a fairy than a witch,' she thought as she stood and followed the professor's beckoning hand gesture. When Hermione reached the front of the room, the professor immediately took her hands and pulled her forward in a lovely, tight bear hug. 'Need air!' Hermione squirmed slightly giving the teacher an idea of the problem.
"OH! Deary me! I'm sorry dear, I just feel that you are a strong, warm-hearted girl. I love those types of people, so I couldn't help but hug you. Anyway, my name is Bathsheda Babblings and I will be your study of ancient runes professor. You may return to your seat."
"Um… Thank-you professor?" Hermione answered unsure if it was the right to say or just awkward.
"Now class- OH! Merlin! I'm sorry dear, I forgot to ask your name." she smiled widley at Hermione.
"Oh no it's fine, it was my mistake. Anyway, My name is Hermione Grace."
"Oh, what a pretty name."
"Yeah, befitting of one so fair," Severus whispered to her.
Hermione blushed. She swiftly moved her eyes to focus on the lesson; however, she could still see the self-satisfied smirk that formed his lips.
The class learnt many runes and how to read different ancient scrolls along with deciphering rune texts. Hermione and Severus were silent the entire time. Hermione realised that silence was one of Snape's specialties. It was awkward for Hermione but she felt that Severus was very calm and comfortable with the current situation. They knew each other for about two days – well, for years in the future for Hermione – and she just didn't know how to act due to his little comment about her name.
Finally when Professor Babblings ended the class, Hermione wasted no time packing her stuff. "Um, so I'll see you with the other two in the library at 4?" her eyes barely making contact with his.
"Sure."
"Good! Well, see you then," Hermione was on the verge of successfully escaping the awkwardness, until Severus Snape caught her wrist.
"Are you shy due to my comment?"
"Um… Fine! Yes, I am… I don't usually get that…"
"R-really?" he stuttered. Hermione registered the shock that crossed his facial features.
'Why was he shocked?'
Severus quickly composed himself and released her wrist from his grasp. "Well, I apologise for the awkward atmosphere."
"Ah, it's nothing really… we should go to our next class."
"Right," he smiled. "Oh and I'll see you, Lily and Remus for advanced potions study at 4:00 tonight in the Library; don't forget now, Miss Grace."
"Of course not!" she smiled. Hermione grabbed her bag and calmly met her two companions. She could tell that they were cautious of Severus. That showed it shamelessly. She approached them prepared to be bombarded with questions. Lucky she was prepared, because as soon as she said: "Hi guys," the questions began.
"What were you guys talking about?" Lily said eyeing her carefully.
"We were just agreeing on a study session; which is at 4:00 tonight in the library, so neither of you be late!" Lily nodded hesitantly and Remus just nodded without even glancing Hermione's way.
"Remus? Are you okay?" Hermione asked. Concern filled every letter she pronounced.
"Why did you blush?" Remus asked without looking at her. The three had already begun walking away from 6A.
"E-excuse me?"
"Earlier in class, you blushed. Why?" this time Remus looked at her. His eyes showed no emotions. All she could see was serious suspicion.
"He just said I was pretty… I don't get that very much so I couldn't help it…"
Hermione saw emotion flood his face again. Relief sprung forward in his eyes and he smiled. "Well you are very pretty Hermione."
Hermione felt her cheeks heat up. "T-thanks…" Again, she avoided someone's eyes – this time it was Remus' eyes she avoided.
"Well, I have to go to my Herbology class, bye girls."
"See you later Remus!" Lily called. Hermione just waved with a shy smile. "What was that?!" Lily cried out in laughter.
"What was what?" Hermione hissed as she pushed the head girl lightly.
"The blush, Mi."
"Didn't you hear my explanation? When a guy calls me pretty, I just blush because I don't get it much… That's all…"
"Sure it is," Lily winked. "Whatever you say, Mi," she looked ahead.
"Oh come on, let's just get to class…" Hermione walked up ahead.
"Hey! Hermione!" Lily quickly caught up to the caramel curly haired Gryffindor.
A/N: How was it? Okay? I don't know how I did… hmmm…. Anyway, you guys should review! :D I love you guys and I'm so sorry this is late… I'll try and not be a tardy slob who never updates… I'm sorry guys!