Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Co. © JKR. I have no intention taking them
away. Plot, though, is mine.
A/N: So. . . after that last chapter, I need something good to follow it. Heh. Okay, now for some serious plot development. It's off to Hogwarts we go. What's going to happen to Melody now that everyone is going to go. Well, she's going with them. She can't be a main character if she's not with them, eh? I'll have to think of something. Heh. Anyway, let's get this show on the road.
Double Trouble
Chapter Twenty-one
Hermione smiled as she settled herself in their regular compartment. The other day had been fun, she was still giggling over the look on everyone's faces at the end of the song. Draco had enjoyed himself immensely, even if he wouldn't admit it.
"Hermione?" Harry looked at his friend with an odd look in his eyes. "Uh, what are we going to do when we get to Hogwarts?"
"Attend classes?" Hermione rolled her eyes, "Honestly, one would think-"
"No, I was talking about Mal-Draco and his friends. I mean, they can't go back to Slytherin, can they? They'll be targets for sure." *And I don't need them on my conscience too. * He added mentally.
Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment, then a frown tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I think that we'll need to talk to Dumbledore, as soon as possible."
Ron strolled in, followed by Lavender and Ginny. Ginny grinned, plopping herself squarely in Harry's lap, and he looked like he didn't have any problem with that. Ron was decidedly green, but didn't contest, as Lavender repeated the process of dropping into his lap. Hermione laughed, watching the couples, then felt a little like she was intruding. "I'm, uh, going to find. . . Draco."
"Why?" Lavender's eyes were wide.
"Because I need too." Hermione replied, jumping to her feet. Once outside in the little corridor, she felt better. "Now, if I was Draco, where would I hide?"
***
Draco smiled, bouncing Melody on his knee happily. That was until the compartment door opened to a shocked Hermione.
"What is Melody doing here?!" The irate girl demanded.
"I bloody well wasn't going to leave her there, she's my sister, my responsibility. Besides, she'll be safer at Hogwarts than she ever would be back at the Burrow."
"Okay." Hermione threw her hands up in defeat.
"What? You're giving up just like that?" Draco almost fell over from shock.
"Yes. . . no. . . where's she supposed to stay? Did you not think that through? I mean, you're a bloody Slytherin, for Gods Sakes! One of your sneaky little housemates could just walk off with her!" Melody turned her large eyes to Hermione, a reproachful look in them.
"No they won't! I'm-"
"You're what? Respected, admired? Draco. . . your father is one of the head Deatheaters, you have forsaken his cause, and I don't think that's going to sit well with him. I'm sure there are some people in Slytherin that are just waiting for an opportunity like this to just waltz into their lives!"
Draco's face fell. "But-"
Hermione sighed, "Draco look, I have an idea. . . wait, where are Pansy, Vince, and Greg?"
"They're making sure that their luggage is settled, they'll be here any minute."
"Actually, we here." Pansy announced from behind Hermione.
"Oh, er. . . I'll just get out of your way then." Hermione dropped onto the seat opposite Draco, letting the other three in. "Well, now that you're all here, we have something to discuss. What are we going to do? You certainly can't return to Slytherin."
"Why can't we?" Greg asked, looking at Draco apprehensively.
"With you no longer in the ranks of young Deatheaters, I'm sure that someone parlaying favor with Voldemort," At this Pansy, Vince, and Greg shuddered, "Would welcome any excuse to lay hands on you. You must be high up on his 'People to Off' list, because you know the inner workings of his whole empire." Hermione's voice was filled with hated conviction.
"But, you said you had an idea." Draco stated uncertainly.
"Yes, but we'll have to talk to Dumbledore, to get him to okay it. Now. . .I was thinking that maybe you could be moved into Gryffindor."
"What!?!" Came the exclamation from the four Slytherins. Melody was too busy playing with her orb to pay attention to everyone else.
"But, I don't wanna be a Gryffindork!" Pansy whined, "I mean, that's a fate worse than death!"
Hermione's brow knitted with anger. "Don't say that!" She exclaimed heatedly. "In Gryffindor, you'd be safe, you wouldn't be in the dungeons with those willing to sacrifice you for a favor from the Dark Lord they worship!" Her eyes blazed, then dulled, "I shouldn't have even suggested it. Obviously, it wasn't such a great idea." She stated coldly.
"Mione, don't be that way, we just, well, it's hard to fathom." Draco amended, glaring at Pansy. He had actually come close to enjoying himself this summer, something he couldn't ever remember doing. He was surrounded by people who actually cared for one another, not just the status they could get from the association. It was something he had been envious of, without realizing it. And now that he was inside that close knit group, he'd rather chew his arm off than release it. "I mean, it's Gryffindor. People hate us more there than would be willing to cross us in Slytherin."
Hermione sighed, "I concede that point, but now you have six less that range in that number." She smiled brightly, "Just give them time to acclimatize, that's all."
Vincent looked thoughtful. "It is a plausible idea." Hermione, by this time, had ceased to be shocked by the intellect that had lay in the other boy. Once his façade had been dropped, he was quite intelligent. Gregory, and Pansy, too, were not quite what they had appeared to be, which increased Hermione's conviction to help them, you can't judge a book by it's cover. "I mean, it's quite possible for us to change Houses, especially in light of recent situations."
Hermione grinned, "That's the spirit. Look, I'm sure Dumbledore will listen to us. So, after dinner, we are going to go to his office, appeal the case, and see what comes of it." Secretly, she hoped it worked because that meant she could spend time with Melody, who was fast becoming dear to the Gryffindor's heart. The girl was just too sweet, and seemed so familiar. As if she was related somehow to Hermione.
Pansy smiled, she too had enjoyed the summer away from her family. Her home hadn't been the happiest place to be over the holidays. Especially now that her mother was in Voldemort's inner circle. The abusive situation she had lived in was gradually turning worse. The bruises that had adorned her were gone now, faded away into nothing. "I'm in. . . then."
"Me too." Gregory conceded, if not exactly happily. Adjusting to the new House would be hard, but he was up for the challenge. Besides, he had to be able to protect Draco.
Hermione looked at Draco expectantly, who in turn, turned his attention to the oblivious toddler, "Yeah, me too." He stated softly. She had to be safe at all costs. The future of both the Wizarding and Muggle world rested on it.
Hermione grinned, "Good, right after the feast then, we'll meet outside Dumbledore's office. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to find that boyfriend of mine."
***
Hermione sighed, she wasn't quite sure where to look for George, he was probably somewhere, stirring up some trouble with his twin.
A pair of strong arms wrapped about her waist, and lifted her. She squealed. The laughter that bubbled from behind her calmed her a bit. "George Orion Weasley, you had better put me down! And when you do, I'm going to hex you to the moon and back."
"Technically, Mione, that is impossible." The soft voice of her boyfriend both soothed and irritated her. "And where was my little Mya?"
"I'm Mya now?" She asked.
"Yep, because you're mine. And where were you?"
"I was talking to Draco."
"You know. . . I'm starting to become a little jealous. You spend more time with him than you do with me."
"Well, if you would stop working on your 'Merchandise', which, by the way, you will NOT be testing on innocent first and second years, then I would get to see you more often, now wouldn't I?"
"She does have a good point, brother mine." Fred sauntered towards the couple.
"Stay out of this Gred." George warned jokingly. "This is between me and Mya."
Fred quirked an eyebrow. "Mya?"
"Yeah, apparently I'm his, so I get a pet name like that." Hermione mock scowled, but smiled inside. * I'm all his!*
"So, you would rather me stop working so diligently, shirk my brotherly duty, if you will, just so that I can spend time with you? Well, if I do that, then you better be prepared to cut some study time, little miss."
"No!" Hermione gasped, "Not the study time! Anything but that!"
"Oh yes, I'm a needy little fellow, and what I want, I have a way of getting."
Fred snorted, "Watch out Mione." He laughed, then left the two alone, searching for some innocent to feed their new candy, Peach Phizz. Caused a strange foaming at the mouth. Something quite amusing to watch really.
***
"So, what classes are you four assisting?" Remus asked the Quads.
Danielle grinned. "Well, I've been asked to help with the new Curse Breaking course being offered." Bill silently thanked any Gods that would listen.
"And I'm the assistant for History of Magic. It was my best class back at Salem." Skylar smiled. Sirius quirked a brow, glancing at Skylar. *Potential *
"Well, I'm the DADA assistant." Raya announced. Remus blushed lightly.
"That leaves you love." Charlie whispered in Elizabeth's ear. She grinned at the slight tickling sensation.
"Well, I wanted Potions." At this Charlie scowled, "But, Dumbledore insisted that it be. . . Care of Magical Creatures." Charlie sighed audibly. Elizabeth giggled, "Did you think I was going to forsake you for the Potions Master?" The males in the compartment looked decidedly ill.
Skylar giggled. "He does have tall, dark, and brooding down." She sighed, batting her eyelashes fetchingly.
"Hey, what about me?" Sirius demanded, strangely jealous that Snape was getting all the attention.
"Well, you are tall, dark, and handsome." Raya announced. At this Sirius grinned, "But, I don't know, there's something about him. . . something slightly, otherworldly. Very, very attractive." Sirius' face fell into a pout.
"Don't pout Sirius. It's something most men can't pull off. Nothing wrong with that. Some have it, some don't." Skylar giggled, not being able to resist the chance to tease him.
Sirius all but growled, "I'll have you know that I have it!"
"Sure. . ." Skylar rolled her eyes. She leaned over to Raya, "Don't let on that you know he doesn't, he's obviously in denial."
Raya grinned, "No, denial's not the word. It's just Sad."
"I'll prove it!"
"Oh, and how would you do that?" Skylar laughed.
"I'll. . ." Sirius grinned wolfishly. He scooted closer to Skylar, suddenly grabbing her, pulling her closer, and pressing his lips to hers. Shocked, she just sat there for a moment, then reciprocated without a thought. Once they pulled apart, the compartment burst into applause.
"I'll say, two minutes, at least." Bill laughed.
"No, it was only one and a half. Padfoot, old friend, you're getting slow in your old age." Remus stated.
"Oh, and you could do better?" Raya teased.
Remus, while normally shy, was not one to allow such an opportunity pass. Smiling, he leaned over and pressed his lips to hers. She eagerly received him.
"Um. . . am I interrupting something?" A voice broke them apart. Hermione grinned slyly. *Go Raya! * "I just wanted to let my cousins know we were nearing Hogwarts and they might want to change into their Teacher's Robes. You guys too, oops, sorry, I mean Professors. Now, I'll just let you get back to your little game of. . . Spin the Bottle?" With a giggle, Hermione disappeared.
Remus blushed. "I'm, uh, sorry. . ."
"Don't be." Raya reassured him quietly, "One of the best kisses I've had."
*____________________________________________________________________ *
A/N: I'll end it there because I am mean like that. Okay. Don't forget to RR.
Love,
~Me~
A/N: So. . . after that last chapter, I need something good to follow it. Heh. Okay, now for some serious plot development. It's off to Hogwarts we go. What's going to happen to Melody now that everyone is going to go. Well, she's going with them. She can't be a main character if she's not with them, eh? I'll have to think of something. Heh. Anyway, let's get this show on the road.
Double Trouble
Chapter Twenty-one
Hermione smiled as she settled herself in their regular compartment. The other day had been fun, she was still giggling over the look on everyone's faces at the end of the song. Draco had enjoyed himself immensely, even if he wouldn't admit it.
"Hermione?" Harry looked at his friend with an odd look in his eyes. "Uh, what are we going to do when we get to Hogwarts?"
"Attend classes?" Hermione rolled her eyes, "Honestly, one would think-"
"No, I was talking about Mal-Draco and his friends. I mean, they can't go back to Slytherin, can they? They'll be targets for sure." *And I don't need them on my conscience too. * He added mentally.
Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment, then a frown tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I think that we'll need to talk to Dumbledore, as soon as possible."
Ron strolled in, followed by Lavender and Ginny. Ginny grinned, plopping herself squarely in Harry's lap, and he looked like he didn't have any problem with that. Ron was decidedly green, but didn't contest, as Lavender repeated the process of dropping into his lap. Hermione laughed, watching the couples, then felt a little like she was intruding. "I'm, uh, going to find. . . Draco."
"Why?" Lavender's eyes were wide.
"Because I need too." Hermione replied, jumping to her feet. Once outside in the little corridor, she felt better. "Now, if I was Draco, where would I hide?"
***
Draco smiled, bouncing Melody on his knee happily. That was until the compartment door opened to a shocked Hermione.
"What is Melody doing here?!" The irate girl demanded.
"I bloody well wasn't going to leave her there, she's my sister, my responsibility. Besides, she'll be safer at Hogwarts than she ever would be back at the Burrow."
"Okay." Hermione threw her hands up in defeat.
"What? You're giving up just like that?" Draco almost fell over from shock.
"Yes. . . no. . . where's she supposed to stay? Did you not think that through? I mean, you're a bloody Slytherin, for Gods Sakes! One of your sneaky little housemates could just walk off with her!" Melody turned her large eyes to Hermione, a reproachful look in them.
"No they won't! I'm-"
"You're what? Respected, admired? Draco. . . your father is one of the head Deatheaters, you have forsaken his cause, and I don't think that's going to sit well with him. I'm sure there are some people in Slytherin that are just waiting for an opportunity like this to just waltz into their lives!"
Draco's face fell. "But-"
Hermione sighed, "Draco look, I have an idea. . . wait, where are Pansy, Vince, and Greg?"
"They're making sure that their luggage is settled, they'll be here any minute."
"Actually, we here." Pansy announced from behind Hermione.
"Oh, er. . . I'll just get out of your way then." Hermione dropped onto the seat opposite Draco, letting the other three in. "Well, now that you're all here, we have something to discuss. What are we going to do? You certainly can't return to Slytherin."
"Why can't we?" Greg asked, looking at Draco apprehensively.
"With you no longer in the ranks of young Deatheaters, I'm sure that someone parlaying favor with Voldemort," At this Pansy, Vince, and Greg shuddered, "Would welcome any excuse to lay hands on you. You must be high up on his 'People to Off' list, because you know the inner workings of his whole empire." Hermione's voice was filled with hated conviction.
"But, you said you had an idea." Draco stated uncertainly.
"Yes, but we'll have to talk to Dumbledore, to get him to okay it. Now. . .I was thinking that maybe you could be moved into Gryffindor."
"What!?!" Came the exclamation from the four Slytherins. Melody was too busy playing with her orb to pay attention to everyone else.
"But, I don't wanna be a Gryffindork!" Pansy whined, "I mean, that's a fate worse than death!"
Hermione's brow knitted with anger. "Don't say that!" She exclaimed heatedly. "In Gryffindor, you'd be safe, you wouldn't be in the dungeons with those willing to sacrifice you for a favor from the Dark Lord they worship!" Her eyes blazed, then dulled, "I shouldn't have even suggested it. Obviously, it wasn't such a great idea." She stated coldly.
"Mione, don't be that way, we just, well, it's hard to fathom." Draco amended, glaring at Pansy. He had actually come close to enjoying himself this summer, something he couldn't ever remember doing. He was surrounded by people who actually cared for one another, not just the status they could get from the association. It was something he had been envious of, without realizing it. And now that he was inside that close knit group, he'd rather chew his arm off than release it. "I mean, it's Gryffindor. People hate us more there than would be willing to cross us in Slytherin."
Hermione sighed, "I concede that point, but now you have six less that range in that number." She smiled brightly, "Just give them time to acclimatize, that's all."
Vincent looked thoughtful. "It is a plausible idea." Hermione, by this time, had ceased to be shocked by the intellect that had lay in the other boy. Once his façade had been dropped, he was quite intelligent. Gregory, and Pansy, too, were not quite what they had appeared to be, which increased Hermione's conviction to help them, you can't judge a book by it's cover. "I mean, it's quite possible for us to change Houses, especially in light of recent situations."
Hermione grinned, "That's the spirit. Look, I'm sure Dumbledore will listen to us. So, after dinner, we are going to go to his office, appeal the case, and see what comes of it." Secretly, she hoped it worked because that meant she could spend time with Melody, who was fast becoming dear to the Gryffindor's heart. The girl was just too sweet, and seemed so familiar. As if she was related somehow to Hermione.
Pansy smiled, she too had enjoyed the summer away from her family. Her home hadn't been the happiest place to be over the holidays. Especially now that her mother was in Voldemort's inner circle. The abusive situation she had lived in was gradually turning worse. The bruises that had adorned her were gone now, faded away into nothing. "I'm in. . . then."
"Me too." Gregory conceded, if not exactly happily. Adjusting to the new House would be hard, but he was up for the challenge. Besides, he had to be able to protect Draco.
Hermione looked at Draco expectantly, who in turn, turned his attention to the oblivious toddler, "Yeah, me too." He stated softly. She had to be safe at all costs. The future of both the Wizarding and Muggle world rested on it.
Hermione grinned, "Good, right after the feast then, we'll meet outside Dumbledore's office. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to find that boyfriend of mine."
***
Hermione sighed, she wasn't quite sure where to look for George, he was probably somewhere, stirring up some trouble with his twin.
A pair of strong arms wrapped about her waist, and lifted her. She squealed. The laughter that bubbled from behind her calmed her a bit. "George Orion Weasley, you had better put me down! And when you do, I'm going to hex you to the moon and back."
"Technically, Mione, that is impossible." The soft voice of her boyfriend both soothed and irritated her. "And where was my little Mya?"
"I'm Mya now?" She asked.
"Yep, because you're mine. And where were you?"
"I was talking to Draco."
"You know. . . I'm starting to become a little jealous. You spend more time with him than you do with me."
"Well, if you would stop working on your 'Merchandise', which, by the way, you will NOT be testing on innocent first and second years, then I would get to see you more often, now wouldn't I?"
"She does have a good point, brother mine." Fred sauntered towards the couple.
"Stay out of this Gred." George warned jokingly. "This is between me and Mya."
Fred quirked an eyebrow. "Mya?"
"Yeah, apparently I'm his, so I get a pet name like that." Hermione mock scowled, but smiled inside. * I'm all his!*
"So, you would rather me stop working so diligently, shirk my brotherly duty, if you will, just so that I can spend time with you? Well, if I do that, then you better be prepared to cut some study time, little miss."
"No!" Hermione gasped, "Not the study time! Anything but that!"
"Oh yes, I'm a needy little fellow, and what I want, I have a way of getting."
Fred snorted, "Watch out Mione." He laughed, then left the two alone, searching for some innocent to feed their new candy, Peach Phizz. Caused a strange foaming at the mouth. Something quite amusing to watch really.
***
"So, what classes are you four assisting?" Remus asked the Quads.
Danielle grinned. "Well, I've been asked to help with the new Curse Breaking course being offered." Bill silently thanked any Gods that would listen.
"And I'm the assistant for History of Magic. It was my best class back at Salem." Skylar smiled. Sirius quirked a brow, glancing at Skylar. *Potential *
"Well, I'm the DADA assistant." Raya announced. Remus blushed lightly.
"That leaves you love." Charlie whispered in Elizabeth's ear. She grinned at the slight tickling sensation.
"Well, I wanted Potions." At this Charlie scowled, "But, Dumbledore insisted that it be. . . Care of Magical Creatures." Charlie sighed audibly. Elizabeth giggled, "Did you think I was going to forsake you for the Potions Master?" The males in the compartment looked decidedly ill.
Skylar giggled. "He does have tall, dark, and brooding down." She sighed, batting her eyelashes fetchingly.
"Hey, what about me?" Sirius demanded, strangely jealous that Snape was getting all the attention.
"Well, you are tall, dark, and handsome." Raya announced. At this Sirius grinned, "But, I don't know, there's something about him. . . something slightly, otherworldly. Very, very attractive." Sirius' face fell into a pout.
"Don't pout Sirius. It's something most men can't pull off. Nothing wrong with that. Some have it, some don't." Skylar giggled, not being able to resist the chance to tease him.
Sirius all but growled, "I'll have you know that I have it!"
"Sure. . ." Skylar rolled her eyes. She leaned over to Raya, "Don't let on that you know he doesn't, he's obviously in denial."
Raya grinned, "No, denial's not the word. It's just Sad."
"I'll prove it!"
"Oh, and how would you do that?" Skylar laughed.
"I'll. . ." Sirius grinned wolfishly. He scooted closer to Skylar, suddenly grabbing her, pulling her closer, and pressing his lips to hers. Shocked, she just sat there for a moment, then reciprocated without a thought. Once they pulled apart, the compartment burst into applause.
"I'll say, two minutes, at least." Bill laughed.
"No, it was only one and a half. Padfoot, old friend, you're getting slow in your old age." Remus stated.
"Oh, and you could do better?" Raya teased.
Remus, while normally shy, was not one to allow such an opportunity pass. Smiling, he leaned over and pressed his lips to hers. She eagerly received him.
"Um. . . am I interrupting something?" A voice broke them apart. Hermione grinned slyly. *Go Raya! * "I just wanted to let my cousins know we were nearing Hogwarts and they might want to change into their Teacher's Robes. You guys too, oops, sorry, I mean Professors. Now, I'll just let you get back to your little game of. . . Spin the Bottle?" With a giggle, Hermione disappeared.
Remus blushed. "I'm, uh, sorry. . ."
"Don't be." Raya reassured him quietly, "One of the best kisses I've had."
*____________________________________________________________________ *
A/N: I'll end it there because I am mean like that. Okay. Don't forget to RR.
Love,
~Me~
