My dear Panther,
Something isn't right at Hogwarts. There's a stillness here that leaves me constantly on edge, as though I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop (yes, love, that's a muggle phrase). I can feel dread in my bones and a clench in my stomach that was not there weeks ago. Ronald and Lavender are leaving me alone, but I've seen them together more than once – felt their eyes on me. I pray to Merlin it's just paranoia but my gut instincts have not failed me yet.
I miss you. With each passing day, I long for your arms around me. My school work is easy; it gives me no trouble, but the looks and nasty comments are exhausting. I cannot wait for the OWLs to finish so I can come home to you.
There's a boy here, Neville Longbottom (yes, that Longbottom). He's become one of my closest friends, but he's easily overlooked. He's not bookish like me or a duelist like Harry or you really, but he is very brilliant with strategy. I'm rather skilled in chess (I used to play with Mr. Granger when I was a child), but he managed to outwit me with each move. It was quite amazing.
I think you'd like him.
Umbridge has taken control of the school. Dumbledore still holds the "power" of the Headmaster, but she's awful. We cannot do anything anymore. I'm surprised we still Hogsmeade privileges at this point.
She's completely banned the Quibbler, for reasons I'm sure you can guess. Rita Skeeter's article was convincing; I was rather thrown to notice that Rita Skeeter had written it. I guess telling Luna about Rita Skeeter's illegal animagus abilities helped ensure Harry got his story out. I don't regret telling her, though. It is important that the truth gets out.
Luna's staying neutral in the "we hate Hermione" and "Hermione still has friends" war. She's still my friend, though she is also still friends with Harry. I don't blame her, by any means. Friendship is friendship no matter who it's with.
I love you.
Forever yours,
Your Brightest Witch.
-X-
Thumbing through one of Narcissa's anciently books lying discarded in the library, Bellatrix hummed softly to herself. She'd already responded to her lover's letter, leaving her with little to do and far too much time on her hands.
Her Lord sent her on numerous missions a week, though they were hardly any fun. Yes, she loved destruction and giving people reason to fear but the anticipation of His upcoming raid of the Ministry overshadowed the rush of causing terror.
It was a peculiarity.
Fingering the worn page, Bellatrix's eyes flitted across before pausing with interest.
The binding of two souls has become a long forgotten practice.
In an instance of marriage, one simply recites their vows and press the tips of their wands together, legally binding them with their respected partners and form the union. But a binding is far greater.
Binding with another is the joining of two souls, forming an unbreakable bond – similar to that of an Unbreakable Vow. It conjoins the two forever; their very essences locked permanently, leaving the two as one. They can never separate; no divorce or spell will ever undo the binding. They are bound for life. Only when one passes will the bindings within break apart, though it is believed the other will never feel whole; left to finish their lives alone and wandering until their death.
Two souls are unable to be bound if the partners are not willing. There must be complete devotion and certainty. Neither can falter, for if there is doubt, it cannot be. The souls must accept the joining; accept the melding to become two halves of a whole. Should the souls reject one another, the consequences may be dire.
The ceremony for a binding is taxing, though it is uncertain what exactly is expected of the couple.
A loved one – one trusted above no other – must perform the ritual and they too must believe the partners are meant for no other; that they are meant to be bound and recognize that there is only devotion and happiness between them.
There have been numerous accounts of deaths related to this magical ceremony. Some died instantly while others succumbed days later. It is not a ritual to be taken lightly.
The last successful binding was recorded in 1903 by Ladies Elizabeth and Faith Lehane. Since then, no others have succeeded in their attempts, resulting in multiple deaths, each unique – no two were the same. The bonding was outlawed by the Ministry soon thereafter (circa 1948). Since its outlawing, the ritual and spells have been lost in time.
Bellatrix sighed softly to herself, gnawing her lip thoughtfully. The name sounded familiar and she could recall a brief conversation she'd had with Hermione about two women named Elizabeth and Faith, though she couldn't remember the exacts of it.
Something tickled at the back of her mind, but she couldn't place a finger on it.
Why do those names sound so familiar…?
The burning of her Mark brought Bellatrix from her thoughts and she shoved them away, tossing the book to the side. She'd return to it another time, she decided as she slipped from the room.
The nagging remained, though.
-X-
"Do you live here now?" Ginny joked, flopping into the seat opposite Hermione. "Should the Headmaster just leave you a bed in here?"
Hermione was curled into her little alcove, her feet crossed and an unfamiliar book resting comfortably in front of her. It was a Friday night, meaning most of the students were taking advantage of the later curfew and enjoying time with their friends. It left their common room loud and uncomfortable. She preferred the silence the library offered – cherished it, even. Who wants to sit in a room full of people that hates them?
Certainly not Hermione.
"Very funny, Gin," Hermione chuckled. "What are you doing in here? Shouldn't you be with the DA or your friends or something?"
Smiling kindly, Ginny patted Hermione's hand. "I am with my friends – well, at least one of them."
"How are things going with the DA?" she wondered, giving Ginny's hand a brief squeeze before turning the page.
Releasing a low groan, Ginny shook her head. "It's a nightmare, honestly. Between Ron's insane crusade against…" she trailed off, casting Hermione a sympathetic glance.
"You can say it, Gin. I expected nothing less from Ronald."
"Between his weird camaraderie with Lavender and Harry's subsequent floundering as a teacher, I'm surprised it hasn't been disbanded or found out yet. I know Umbridge is on a warpath trying to get information about it. Truthfully, I'm considering leaving it all together. It's not the same as it was before Christmas."
Hermione hummed, shoving her book aside and focusing solely on the youngest Weasley. "She will find them one way or another. You and I both know that."
"I do," Ginny admitted quietly, "But I had held on to the hope that things would change and they haven't. No matter what happens, it won't end well. But," she pursed her lips, "Harry's been begging Ron to end his arseholishness toward you."
"Really?" Hermione's interest piqued.
Nodding, Ginny chewed her thumbnail for a moment. "Mum sent a letter earlier this week. The Order wants all of us to try and right our wrongs against you. Moody's orders. Ron's furious, but I think the fight left Harry weeks ago."
Shrugging, Hermione replied, "Well, I'm going to admit something. I don't know if they can fix it. They threw me away the moment they thought I'd lost my purpose and I don't know if I can forgive that."
"They're worried that you'll turn to the "dark side" if they don't regain your trust. I don't blame you, Mione. I really don't. After Christmas…" Ginny frowned, her brow furrowing, "After Christmas, I wouldn't have blamed you at all if you told them to all shove it up their arses. That wasn't right."
"Fear fuels hatred, Gin. You and I both know that. Fudge is fearful of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and in turn, he's started his war against anyone who says He's returned. I understand being scared. Hell, I'm terrified. But Ronald is not the only one who feels that way. The Order may try and "accept" me, but the moment I do something they don't approve, I'll be exactly where I started."
Silence befell Ginny, knowing nothing she said would disprove Hermione's reasoning. She'd seen how Sirius had acted when Hermione was gone. He'd ranted and raved for days after the revelation, leaving Ginny ill with each passing comment. Even Tonks was disgusted by Sirius' ramblings and holed herself up in her room for the rest of the holidays.
"No matter what you choose, I'll stand with you," Ginny vowed. "You've been my friend through everything without ever expecting anything in return. I don't care what Ron or Mum say."
Startled, Hermione blinked at the redhead. Affection bloomed in her chest and suddenly the world seemed a little less bleak. Ginny was the friend Hermione always craved; the kind of friend she once thought Harry was.
"Thank you."
-X-
Hermione was thankful Snape's office was empty aside from the stoic professor.
"What can I do for you, Miss Riddle?" he droned, never glancing up from the papers scattered along his desk. She could see scathing remarks littering the margins and she couldn't contain her faint grin.
"Apparently, Harry is attempting to corral Ron's incessant crusade against me. I think I'm supposed to feel better about that, but it only makes me anxious. Why?"
Peering up, he studied the young witch. She was paler than he remembered and her hands trembled. "It's called self-preservation, Hermione. Until this point, Mister Potter has done nothing to stop it up to now and you know it will only last so long.
"Mister Weasley will inevitably continue to run his mouth, with or without Harry's "permission" and eventually it will come to a point. I do not blame you for the distrust. It's human nature to want to protect yourself. Don't let your guard down – even for Potter. Only trust those who have earned it."
Involuntary tears pooled in Hermione's eyes and she angrily wiped at them, her lip caught between perfect teeth. "Severus…"
Pushing up from his desk, the professor strolled swiftly toward the Gryffindor and stiffly embraced her. "Things will be okay, Hermione. Talk with Bellatrix; I believe she'll give sufficient comfort and advice. Maybe write to Narcissa as well. I'm positive Mrs. Malfoy can help."
Nodding against his shoulder, Hermione released a soft sigh. "Thank you, Professor."
He released her and returned to his desk. Before another word could pass his lips, Umbridge stormed into his office with a nasty sneer, only to take pause at the sight of Hermione standing awkwardly in the potion master's office.
"Miss Riddle," Hermione could hear the venom dripping from Umbridge's tongue and bit back the urge to growl, "What are you doing in here? I was under the impression your Head of House was Professor McGonagall."
"She is," Snape butted in, "However, Miss Riddle was simply here to discuss the latest potion's work. She needed clarification on two ingredients. You're free to leave, Hermione."
Bidding the professors goodbye, she scrambled past the scowling woman and out into the hall. The pressure within in her chest had lightened and Severus' understanding softened the anxiety bubbling in her veins. She knew he was right, but reconciling the truth of it all was harder to stomach.
Suddenly, her world felt a little more lonely.
-X-
Days trickled by and the unease in Hermione's stomach bloomed into panic. She knew her paranoia was palpable, but she continued to assure Ginny and Draco that she was perfectly fine. She didn't see a reason to worry them when nothing worrisome had even occurred.
It was just a feeling.
She continued her late night sessions in the library, sometimes joined by Ginny or Neville. Draco was usually working with the Inquisitorial Squad, so he rarely had the chance to chat with her outside of classes. They still ate breakfast together, but the stress of being under Umbridge's thumb was wearing on him.
Tuesday night, she was meandering down a hall toward the Great Hall in hopes of snagging a few pastries before heading to her dorm; successfully avoid the others before they returned to the common room and subsequently, her dorm room. She'd taken to feigning sleep whenever Lavender arrived, evading the blonde's nasty comments as often as she could. She'd grown accustom to the spiteful taunts and paid them no mind, but they still irritated her greatly.
The nearly inaudible thumping of schools halted her descent. Glancing over her shoulder, she released a sigh of exasperation. Ron was making his way toward her, Lavender and a few of her flunkies close behind. She could make out one or two faces, though their names escaped her.
"You know you've got everyone fooled," Ron started, stopping a few feet from her, "Even Harry believes you're innocent, but I know you."
"You don't know anything about me, Ronald," Hermione snarled, pivoting to face him. He seemed startled by the lack of emotion on her features, but she was truthfully too exhausted with him to care.
His hand instinctively inched toward his wand. "You're his daughter. The last time a Riddle was here, he only caused trouble. He wasn't even here and he still hurt Ginny. You remember that, don't you? And your little friendship with Malfoy is proof that you're turning into Him! I don't know why everyone thinks you're so special but you're no better than Him and we know that."
"I haven't done anything, Ron! I'm just trying to get through school. You're right, he did hurt Ginny, but I had absolutely nothing to do with that. I haven't hurt anyone and I haven't been looking for trouble, yet here it stands in front of me. You came here trying to prove a point but I'm not going to give you that satisfaction. If you're not careful, Ronald, you'll turn into Him. Now leave me alone!" She spun on her heel and began stalking away, her shoulders trembling with barely contained rage.
She heard his robes shuffled and instinct enveloped her. Sidestepping, she dodged the spell rushing past her head and swiveled about. Her eyes narrowed at her attacker, a fiery sheen clouding her vision. Dark magic pulsed through her bones and egged her forward, though she remained in place.
Setting her books down carefully, Hermione focused entirely on Ron.
"What are you hoping to accomplish here, Ronald?" Her words were cold, fury evident with each passing moment.
Does he not know who I am?
Swallowing hard, Ron gripped his wand tighter. "I-I'm going to prove once and for all that you're dangerous! You deserve to be locked away, just like Bellatrix Les-"
"I'd watch yourself if I were you," Hermione growled, "I have done nothing illegal – nothing malicious or cruel. You're attacking me. Not the other way around."
"W-who's going to believe you? It's your word against ours."
"You're playing a dangerous game, Ronald. Leave. Me. Alone!" she roared, stepping forward.
Ron gaped, though he quickly schooled his features. He'd never seen such hatred brimming in the Gryffindor's eyes; never toward him. In his mind, it only fueled his beliefs. She was evil – and she needed to go.
Smirking, Hermione tilted her head thoughtfully. "If you are truly stupid enough to believe you and your band of misfits are capable of winning, you're sorely mistaken, Ronald. Five against one is quite unfair – for you."
-X-
Something was off.
Slipping from the Great Hall, Ginny chewed her lip. It wasn't uncommon for Hermione to avoid dinner as of late, but usually she'd stop in for a few moments before disappearing to the library or the common room. She rarely skipped a meal entirely.
It worried her.
She knew Hermione's final class was Herbology, but it had long since ended and most of the students were already piled in to the Hall. It was quite possible that Hermione had gone straight to the library, but the odd feeling gnawing at her stomach left her rather uneasy. What bothered her more was the lack of Ron's presence.
When he was in the Hall, he made himself known. He'd throw loud barbs at Hermione's expense (which prompted the Gryffindor to avoid eating dinner there) while blatantly glaring in Hermione's general direction. It was appalling how he acted, yet no one ever stopped him.
Growing up with Ron, she'd never expected such a reaction from him. He used to be so sweet – a little pig-headed, but he was a wonderful brother. He'd helped in teaching her how to ride a broom, how to perform simple spells, and how to prank Fred and George whenever possible. He'd never shown any real disdain – until the Tri-Wizard tournament. The way he had turned on Harry…
It was the first time she'd taken into account how spiteful her brother could be.
Maybe it was because when she grew older she became closer to the twins and it had left her blind to the little things, but he was always a good brother when they were together. He'd changed so much since starting Hogwarts, but it was bothersome in a way she couldn't verbalize. She'd hoped – Merlin, had she hoped – that her mum's letter would stop his hatred or that Harry's insistence that Hermione was to be left alone would give him pause, but it only seemed to fuel the fire.
A part of her wondered if he was jealous.
Harry had always been the Golden Boy – the one who defeated You-Know-Who when he was a baby; the one who would defeat him again. Ron was his best friend, his second-in-command, the one who would see everything through. He was the first to follow along with whatever Harry said and he was hailed as the perfect best friend. Hermione, though, she was always the "know-it-all" and the brains behind their insanity. She kept them on the right side of "logical" and helped propel them through the madness but she never craved the attention.
When she was gone, Ron no longer had to compete for attention. He was Harry's best friend; there was no one there to challenge that and he could rub it in her face. Now, though… Now the Order was willing to cater to her in a way they'd never done for him. She was special while Ron was simply…
Ron.
He would never have what he wanted: the fame, the glory, the knowledge that he was Harry's closest friend and one to help Harry in the war. He couldn't have that if Hermione was in the picture – in anyone's picture. She was a threat that needed to be dealt with before it went any farther. He'd do whatever it took to prove she was nothing more than the connotation her name held – because if she were anything but, then he'd just go back to simply being Ron.
Shaking her head, Ginny started down the hall, walking aimlessly in hopes of finding the missing Gryffindor. She couldn't help the guilt buried in her stomach. She'd never noticed her brother's tendencies and she wondered what life would be in this moment had someone helped Ron understand that being a third of something great was something he should be proud of, but never take for granted.
"What are you hoping to accomplish here, Ronald?"
Ginny paused. That sounds like Hermione…
"I-I'm going to prove once and for all that you're dangerous! You deserve to be locked away, just like Bellatrix Les-"
That's definitely Ron.
Apprehension flooded her system and she hurried down the long hall, hoping to follow the voices and stop whatever was about to happen. She could hear pieces of the conversation and her blood was quickly turning to ice. Hermione sounded so emotionless and cold…
I've never heard her like this before.
Coming upon the confrontation, she froze.
Hermione was glaring at Ron, her wand still tucked into her robes while her idiotic brother was pointing his in Hermione's direction, the others watching on fearfully.
"If you are truly stupid enough to believe you and your band of misfits are capable of winning, you're sorely mistaken, Ronald. Five against one is quite unfair – for you."
-X-
Ron's face flushed crimson, furious at the mocking. There was no possible way Hermione could win. He'd stacked the odds in his favor. Her arrogance was unnerving but he refused to let Hermione know she'd frightened him.
"When this is over, you won't be so cocky," he promised.
Hermione's smirk deepened. Her fingers tingled with energy – whether dark magic or simply her magic, she wasn't sure – and she made no attempts for her wand.
"Stupefy!"
Seconds before the spell could touch her, Hermione stepped out of the way and took note of how it slammed into a statue, knocking it over. "I will not fight you, Ron."
"You won't have a choice." Firing off a flurry of spells, he blanched when Hermione simply avoided them. Glancing at the others, he could only gulp at the horror etched across their faces.
Rolling her eyes, Hermione simply chuckled. "I think you're a little alone in this witch hunt, Ron."
The flush of his skin darkened and he grunted before shooting spell after spell at her. Sighing heavily, Hermione fished out her wand while easily avoiding his attack and when the last was inches from her, she responded with a protego, shielding herself from his weakened spell. His energy was depleting rapidly; training beforehand on rapid fire spells would have done him some good, Hermione mused.
"I'm done with this." Ron was slumped slightly, sweat dripping from his forehead.
She stooped down to gather her discarded books, but a loud "Reducto" startled her and she jerked the books out of the spell's way, falling haphazardly to the ground. She blinked up at Lavender, less from surprise and more out of curiosity. Her stunned mannequin act was coming to an end it seemed.
"Well," she hummed, rising from the hard floor and brushing off her robes, "That was unexpected. Happy now?"
"We won't be happy until you're gone," Lavender spat in return, leveling her wand at Hermione.
Shaking her head, Hermione replied, "You really are as dumb as you look. Do you really think listening to Ron is going to get you anywhere? He'll turn on you too. He's done it to me and he's done it to Harry before. What makes you so special? Other than being a mindless follower, that is."
"You sound jealous."
Balking, she couldn't suppress the incredulous snort bubbling in her throat. "Jealous? Of you? You wish."
"Ron, enough of this," Ginny called, jerking from her hiding spot and making her way to Hermione's side. She'd prayed that Ron would come to his senses, but it was clear he wouldn't give up and she was done spying on the interaction. "Let this go. It's becoming absurd. You don't like Hermione? Fine. That's your right but for Merlin's sake, attacking her? Really? Hasn't this gone far enough?"
"Gin…"
"Don't "Gin" me, Ron. You know this has gone too far. Just admit it to yourself."
Noticing the falter in Ron's rage, Lavender waved her wand in Ginny's direction. "Steleus."
Rolling her eyes, Hermione shielded the young witch and brought Ginny behind her. "Really, Ronald? You're just going to let Lavender attack your sister?"
He sputtered, but nothing intelligent was produced.
"This is painful to watch," Hermione hissed. She pointed her wand in Ron's direction. "Petrificus Totalus."
The Weasley seized up, falling back and landing with an audible thump onto the floor, but Hermione was far from done. She fired off another at Lavender, smirking when the rest of her followers scattered, disappearing down halls and removing themselves from sight. She'd hoped to stop them, but watching them dissolve in terror was almost worth losing them.
Huffing, Hermione collected her scattered books and studied the frozen figures lying motionless in the corridor. "We should bring them to the Headmaster."
"Are you…"
"I don't want them expelled, but I am exhausted, Gin. We'll let Dumbledore handle their punishment."
Nodding, Ginny followed Hermione and they paused at the bodies.
"What's happened here?" Severus' voice rang clear through the hall and Hermione's shoulders sagged in relief.
Spinning to face the potion's master, Hermione's lips tugged up. "Professor."
Peering at the downed students, Severus' brow arched questioningly. "Is there a particular reason Miss Brown and Mister Weasley are on the ground, Miss Riddle?"
Hermione ignored her friend's shudder. "Yes, sir. Ronald," she gestured tiredly, "Believed it was in his and the school's best interest if I was no longer here. I simply halted their attempts. I thought Professor Dumbledore would like to know so we were about to bring them to him. I only protected myself and Ginny. I didn't want them to hurt either of us."
Clicking his tongue, Severus revived the two Gryffindors before hauling them to their feet.
"Professor, she –" Lavender was silenced with a raise of Snape's hand.
A hand on the collar of each robe, he led them down the hall and towards the staircases, Ginny and Hermione close behind. Students stared after them, their curiosity piqued and slowly the rumors began to fly.
The gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's quarters granted them access immediately and moments later everyone was packed into Dumbledore's office. Hermione was delighted to find McGonagall already there, her and the Headmaster caught in a heated debate that ended the second they entered.
"What do I owe this lovely pleasure, Severus?" He eyed the students inquisitively, a wondering lilt in his greeting.
Snape nodded to Hermione. In great detail, she recounted her experience with the group; told him of each nasty comment and spell shot in her direction. How she tried to leave, only to have Lavender try and blast her. That, when Ginny intervened, Lavender attempted to hex her too.
"If proof is needed," she offered, "There is a hole in the hallway where Lavender attempted to destroy my books and possibly me. There's also a downed statue where Ron blasted it on accident."
Clasping his hands together, his gaze swept over Hermione.
"It's true," Ginny added, "I heard them talking. Hermione never tried to fight back. She only stunned them when Lavender tried to hex me."
"You shouldn't have defended her," Lavender muttered, though it rang clearly throughout the room.
Sighing, Dumbledore clasped his hands together. "Well, this is disappointing. I'd expected better from you two," he chided, Ron's face reddening with embarrassment. He returned his attention to Hermione, "Since it is clear you were the intended target of this assault, what would you like me to do?"
"I don't want them expelled," Hermione replied, ignoring the confused glances of her attackers. "But I do not feel safe in my own House, sir. It is obvious I am not welcome there and I would rather not have to spend my time watching my back when I should be focusing on my studies."
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful expression.
"If I may," McGonagall started, peering at the Headmaster, "I believe I have a solution."
"Please."
"There are old teachers' quarters down in the dungeon, not too far from the Slytherin common room. I believe they can be adequately fixed up and converted into a room for Hermione," she looked at Ginny, "And Miss Weasley if she feels she too is unsafe."
Hermione peered over to Ginny, who seemed to be considering the offer. "That sounds fine to me, Professor."
"And you, Miss Weasley?"
Sighing, Ginny shook her head. "No, Professor. I'd prefer staying in my dorm," she peeked over at her brother, "But if I ever do feel like I need to, can I have that option?"
"Of course." Dumbledore smiled. "Severus, if you would please go and clear one of the rooms for Miss Riddle before cleaning up the mess wherever this confrontation occurred? Minerva, please escort Hermione and Ginny back to their House. When Hermione has packed her belongings, show her to her new room." His eyes fell upon Ron and Lavender, hardening fractionally. "Now, as for you two…"
Taking that as a dismissal, Minerva ushered the Gryffindors from the room. She was appalled by her students' actions yet pride bloomed in her stomach. Hermione had not stooped to their level. She was fine young woman and she was proving that she was above her name and she could only hope that others would begin to realize that.
She'll be nothing like Him.