Christmas was upon them. Over the last month Hermione had gotten closer to Draco, Harry and Ron. Through Draco, Hermione had also gotten to know Theo Nott and Pansy Parkinson. She was also regularly sending messages to Morgana through Draco. As far as Hermione knew no one else knew about that.
Since her first letter and three gifts, Hermione had received a copy of The Tales of the Beatle Bard, a collection of children's stories and several muggle books she wanted to read. Each time Hermione thanked her and would tell her the gifts were unnecessary. Each time the gifts would continue.
Now it was Christmas Eve. Draco, Pansy and Theo had gone home two days ago. Harry and Ron were staying at Hogwarts so Hermione was spending time with them. There were maybe a dozen kids that choose to stay at Hogwarts. With the exception of the Weasley's most looked to be first years wanting to experience Christmas at Hogwarts.
When Christmas morning arrived, Hermione was surprised to see such a large stack of presents. She expected a couple from her friends but she certainly didn't expect this. She looked around the empty dorm room. Her roommates were gone so there was no way those presents were placed there by accident.
She grabbed the presents and placed them on her bed. She grabbed the ones from Harry, Ron and her parents first. Harry got her a book on useful charms and spells as well as some cauldron cakes. Ron got her an assortment of chocolates. Her parents sent her money.
Draco got her a book on pureblood etiquette as well as some dragonhide boots. Pansy got her a set of dress robes because a respectable witch and wizard should always have some dress robes. Theo got her a book on curses and another one on the history of the wizarding world.
Last she had all the presents from Morgana, which turned out to be most of her presents. She grabbed the first, and also the biggest, present. It weighed nothing. It took Hermione a lot longer than it should have for her to realize that the box was charmed. When she opened the box, she was surprised to find an entirely new wardrobe. There was a note on top.
You may not be a pureblood but there's no reason you can't look the part.
The only thing not included in her pile of new clothes was undergarments. Hermione was grateful for that. It would be too weird if some stranger was buying her underwear.
It was hard to be believe that there was more. This was far more than she expected, or deserved.
The rest of her gifts weren't as extravagant. She received a book on protective charms and a book on dueling. On top of all that she received a pendant with an amethyst stone. There were a few charms on the pendant to protect her from minor hexes.
Her last gift was two parts. The first was a journal, enchanted to never run out of pages. The second was also a journal but this one was special. This one was enchanted so Hermione could talk to Morgana instantly. No more need to send letters through Draco.
Hermione grabbed the journal in excitement. Thank you for the gifts, Hermione scribbled quickly.
The reply was instant. I'm glad you like them. What did your roommates say?
They're all gone. It's just me here. I'm sorry I didn't get you anything.
Don't be sorry Hermione. I don't expect anything from you. All I want is your happiness.
Why? I don't understand.
You're studying Occlumency still, correct?
Yes, I am. Every night.
Good. You will learn soon enough. I know it's not what you want to know but it is necessary.
Okay, Hermione wrote even though she didn't like it. I should go. It's almost time for breakfast.
Enjoy the rest of Christmas Day Hermione. I will be around if you want to talk later.
Hermione put her journals into her bookbag. She put her new Christmas presents away, except for the pendant which she wore over her robes. She figured if Morgana gave it to her then it was okay for her to wear it.
She was one of the first ones in the Great Hall for breakfast. All of the tables were gone except for one in the middle of the Great Hall. Even the Head Table was gone. Hermione took a seat beside Harry and two seats across from Professor Snape, who looked uncomfortable at the thought of dining with students.
"Ms. Granger," he greeted. His eyes locked on the pendant around her neck. It looked vaguely familiar but he couldn't quite place it.
"Good morning Professor," Hermione said. She reached for the toast. "Good morning Harry, Ron. Thank you for presents."
"You're welcome," Ron said through a mouthful of food.
Hermione cringed at his terrible manners. "Thanks for the book Hermione," Harry said.
Hermione focused her attention on Harry. She hated being near Ron when he ate due to his terrible manners. "You're welcome Harry. My parents sent me some money. I can't wait to go shopping over the summer!" Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "What did your family get you?"
"A coat hanger and a sock," Harry mumbled under his breath.
Hermione shifted in her seat. She didn't mean to make things awkward. "Oh," she said, unsure what else she could say. "Um…" she glanced at the sweater he was wearing. It matched the Weasley's sweaters. "Nice sweater."
"Thanks," Harry said blushing in embarrassment. "Mrs. Weasley made it for me. I guess Ron told her I wasn't expecting many presents."
Ron stared at the necklace Hermione was wearing. "Where did you get that?" he asked. He reached over to touch it but got shocked. "It's warded."
"Draco gave it to me," Hermione lied. "He said it would protect me."
Ron glared at it. whether it was because Draco gave it to her or because it shocked him, Hermione wasn't sure. She honestly didn't care. "So, we're going to do a snowball fight with Ron's siblings after breakfast," Harry said in an attempt to change the conversation. "Do you want to join us?"
"Sure," Hermione agreed.
The snowball fight turned out to be a very bad idea. She really should have known better when she saw that Fred and George were involved. They had charmed snowballs to hit them from the safety of their 'fort'. The fort in question was created by Percy since none of the first years knew how to charm the snow.
By the time the snowball fight ended it was lunchtime and all three first years were freezing. By some miracle hot chocolate was served with lunch. Hermione figured the Headmaster knew of the many snowball fights outside of the castle and prepared for it.
She didn't drink the hot chocolate. Instead she held onto it, letting it warm her hands. She stared at the mountain of food on the table. The snowball fight took a lot out of her and she was starving. But her muscles were sore and she didn't have the energy to lift her hands.
A small bottle appeared in front of her, along with a note. Drink this. It will help with the sore muscles.
Hermione glanced at the various people at the table. She initially suspected the twins of playing a prank on her.
Her eyes went to Professor Snape. He gave a discrete nod. Hermione swallowed the potion and winced at the taste. The effects were immediate. The sore muscles were gone.
Hermione made a mental note to talk to Professor Snape after class. She wanted to know why he was helping her. It was no secret that he hated Gryffindors, so why was he helping a Gryffindor, and a muggleborn, on top of that? Hermione wasn't sure but she was determined to figure it out.
A week had passed and still Hermione hadn't talked to Professor Snape. She got the impression he was avoiding her. Why she had no clue. It wasn't as if he knew what he wanted to talk about. She had yet to bring up her concerns about Snape to anyone, including Morgana.
Hermione pulled out her journal. She had decided that History of Magic was better if she taught herself. That freed up her time so she could do more important things, like write to Morgana.
Hello. The message was simple. It was really just a way to see if she was near her journal.
Hello Hermione. Aren't you in class?
It's History of Magic. I'm teaching myself.
Smart. You will learn far more from books than you will ever learn from Binns.
You know Binns?
Of course, I do. I was a Hogwarts student once. I did the same thing you are going to. I taught myself. If you want some notes, I believe I still have some.
Yes please.
I'll send them when I find them. Now what can I help you with? I assume you need something.
Do you know Professor Snape?
I know of him. He started at Hogwarts two years after I graduated but we've met. Why?
Ever since you saved me, he's been acting weird. He gave me a potion on Christmas for my sore muscles after our snowball fight. But he didn't do it for anyone else, not even the Slytherins.
The reply took much longer. Be careful around him Hermione. He's a Master Legilimens and Occlumens. Do not give him eye contact. No matter what.
He knows who you are, don't he?
Not for sure. But it won't take it long for him to figure it out.
Do you want me to avoid him?
No. So far all he knows is that I saved you. He doesn't know for sure who I am and he doesn't know we are in contact. If he finds that out it will put you in danger. You need to be careful Hermione. I mean it.
I will. I promise.
A hand ran through thick, curly black hair. This had become a lot more complicated than she imagined. Why had she done it? She shook her head. She knew exactly why she did it. But that spell? She shouldn't have used that spell. She knew Snape worked at Hogwarts. She knew he would recognize it.
It was foolish. But if she hadn't done that than Hermione would have died and that was something she wouldn't allow. Not if she could help it.
She tucked the journal away. The first part of her plan was going well. Draco and two other Slytherins had befriended the young girl. She had also befriended Potter and Weasley but that didn't matter. Their relationship was strained at best. It wouldn't take much for Hermione to leave them behind.
For now, she had to continue with what she was doing. She needed, no wanted, Hermione to trust her. Once Hermione trusted her completely then she could move onto the next phase of her plan. Her only hope was that Dark Lord didn't return just yet. She wanted him to return but not yet. There was much to do before he came back. When the time came, she would help with his return. But not yet.
Footsteps approached and she grabbed her wand. She whipped around, pointing it whoever snuck up on her. She lowered her wand when she caught sight of the familiar blonde hair.
"Are you okay?" the woman asked, not at all bothered by the wand in her face.
"We may have a problem Cissy," said Bellatrix Black, lowering her wand.
