Chapter 3

Only The Beginning

"Alrighty, now tha' the group is together, let's start the introductions, eh?" Hagrid said cheerfully, patting Vincent on the back as he stood up. He held no emotion on his expression as he nodded to Hermione.

"Vincent Adel Caelestis. Call me Freyr," he said.

"Hermione Granger," Hermione said. "A pleasure to meet you."

incent nodded and sat back down, watching them in silence. Kenan jumped from his seat and promptly shook Hermiones' hand before she could so much as turn to look at him.

"Kenan Adel Caelestis! Or, Fox in short. Head much about you from your two friends over there," he gestured towards Ron and Harry who grinned and waved to her. She raised a brow and smiled a bit at Kenan who was shaking her hand enthusiastically.

"You lot are in Gryffindor, aye? That's great! I am also, we're just returning to Hogwarts for our final year! Ole' Freyr there is in Ravenclaw, and it's Demos' first year at Hoggy. Haha, this is going to be such a fun year. Has McGonagall retired yet? I remember my times in Ole' Hoggy, pranked the teachers all the time. I still recall the-"

Before he could continue, Demos nudged him in the arm.

"Fox, if you shake her hand anymore, it'll fall off." she said plainly, pointing at the slightly bewildered Hermione. It was then Fox realized, throughout his 'introduction' he had been shaking Herms' hand. The whole table broke out into small bouts of laughter. Fox let go Herms hand and patted her shoulder.

"Whoops, my bad. Sorry 'bout that Granger." he grinned and sat down.

"No problem," she said awkwardly. "Um, about your enrollment in Hogwarts…" Hagrid slapped a hand on his lap suddenly, as if reminded by something.

"Oh yeah! I almost fergot ter tell you. These three are former Hogwarts students. They had ter skip out on some years because of business matters," he said. Harry blinked and thought aloud.

"How come we've never seen you guys around before?" he asked.

"They left Hogwarts the year before you came, Harry," Hagrid continued, stroking his bushy beard thoughtfully. "Anyways, Demos is new ter school so this'll be her first year here and…"

"Really?" Ron said. "Blimey, but you look older than eleven." Fox laughed out loud at that and Vincent smirked ever so slightly. Demos chuckled.

"I'm eighteen actually." she replied, shrugging. Ron looked genuinely amazed.

"Wicked…" he muttered. Harry nudged him in the ribs and looked to Demos. He fancies you. he mouthed to her wordlessly. Ron was oblivious however, since he was staring at Demos' black silken shirt. Demos laughed.

Boys…she thought. Hagrid chuckled and patted her on the shoulder.

"Aye now, she's vary advanced fer not going ter school, though." he said. Demos smiled some but suddenly froze in her movements. The table did not notice, though her brothers have. Also Hermione, being observant of her new friend as she was, noticed as well. Vincent stood up and nodded to Hagrid.

"Hagid, perhaps another time we can continue this conversation. We've to run an errand for some folks in Little Nottingham." he informed calmly. Kenan stood up and walked over to Demos' chair.

"Yeah, sorry for the short meeting." Kenan grinned at the group and winked at Hermione. She reddened slightly but looked over to Demos silently.

She's paling up… I wonder why? she thought to herself. Demos stood up slowly and turned to smile at the group and shake Hermione hand again.

"T'was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we meet again." With that she turned and left with Kenan beside her. Vincent gave another small utter of thanks to Hagrid before leaving after them. Hermione stared after them before Ron engaged them in a conversation.

"So what happened at Flourish and Botts? Me and Harry saw someone fly out of the store."

"You didn't have to do that, Freyr.." she said quietly, gripping her right arm. They were walking hurriedly down the street when they were out of view of the ice cream parlor. The two boys stood on either side of her, ready to catch her if she fell.

"'Course we had to. I say we rest up some place and grab a bite before returning to the manor." Kenan said. Vincent nodded.

"For once, good idea." Kenan glowered at him as they neared the train station. Demos glanced behind her for a moment before climbing the stairs.

"She's cute." Demos stated simply. Vincent raised a brow.

"Granger?"

"Yes." she nodded as Kenan handed her a blue ticket. Demos was about to reach for it when her arm began shaking violently.

"Whoa! Demos!" Kenan cried as he caught her and held her up gently before she fell down the steps. She frowned slightly, pulling up her sleeve. Her skin seemed to be shifting and changing hues, all the while causing her whole arm to tremble violently. The abnormalty ended as soon as it began. By then Demo was sweating and panting slightly.

"Let's go" Vincent said urgently as they boarded the train, supporting their sister.

"Blimey! She lifted him up with one arm and tossed him out like a sack of taters?" Ron exclaimed. "Man… A gal like that… She caught my attention!"

Hermione had neglected to inform them that the boy that Demos had subdued was Malfoy. She knew it would start unwanted heated discussions on such a fine day. Ginny had just returned to the table and laughed aloud, "Who?"

Ron went on explaining to Ginny what Hermione had told him. She giggled and shook her head some as he exaggerated the appearance of Demosthene. Speaking of which…

She wondered about the mysterious new girl that had saved her from a painful experience. At the looks of everyone at the table, she could tell no one had noticed the momentary faltering of Demos. She was snapped back into reality when Ron stood up abruptly from the table staring at them with wide eyes.

"The way she walks makes her look like she's from Beaxbatons! Bloody 'ell…" His face fell into a dreamy state, but twisted into an expression of agony as Ginny kicked him hard in the shins.

"RON!" she screamed in dismay. "The nerve of you!" Hermione and Harry couldn't hold back in their laughter as Ginny continued her rant.

"For goodness sakes, she's almost two heads taller than you! If her brothers heard you speaking like she's some side dish, I can guarentee that they'll beat you!"

"They can't. I've been in Hogwarts longer than they have, so I know more than they do!" Ron countered feebly. Hagrid chuckled.

"Them three study at home ter make up fer it; all year 'round, I tell yeh." he added, scooping another spoonful of vanilla ice cream. Ron was beginning to go pink in the ears when Ginny spoke up again.

"Plus, Freyr is up to Hagrids' neck. Fox is up to his shoulders. You'd think they have a height advantage." Ginny folded her arms over her chest, staring down triumphantly at Ron, who was stabbing his ice cream and muttering incoherent curses. Harry patted his back.

"Don't worry, mate. At least we know height isn't everything, eh?"

Hermione smiled and nodded, remembering their first encounter with a ten feet mountain troll in their first year.

"That was sheer dumb luck." she said simply, almost imitating McGonagall's stern voice. The three of them exchanged glances and laughed.

Today… Just for today, I won't think about it… she thought to herself. She smiled and helped herself to some butter mint chocolate ice cream. It was rare to have time to relax with her personal matters and work was weighing down upon her.

Just then Hagrid gave a small yelp of surprise.

"Blimey, ah almost fergot! Hermione, ye got another bunch o' papers ter file up. This time it's about the werewolves." he informed her. Hermione sighed and set her spoon down. She was suddenly not very hungry. She had spoken of peace and relaxation too soon.

At least I had a head start on that topic already… She thought with a mixture of bitterness and a poor positive out look.

"Dear Lord… If I was the one in charge of this.. 'Order', I'd have her sacked and banned from any wizarding activity there is!" Cornelius Fudge was pacing in his office. His head was lightly bandaged and his obvious temper rising over the roof. Ludovic Bagman was seated in front of his desk, watching him pace back and forth.

"Oh come now, Fudge, surely it was just an accident…?" He tried to reason with Fudge. He only received a flash of discontent.

"Accident? That was not an accident, I can assure you, Ludo." He fumed as he forced himself to sit down in his overly cushioned chair. "My patience with her is waning and I do not believe I want to take part of these 'Order' games anymore."

Bagman quickly brought a finger to his lips in a gesture to hush him, "Not here, you fool! Anyone could be listening. No one was to know we're part of the Order now. So, shush!"

Fudge grumbled and sipped his tea. Bagman sighed, he wasn't young anymore and sudden movements so simple as a hushing gesture tired him.

"What are we to do about the two empty positions at Hogwarts? Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts…"

Fudge shrugged, still angered, "I don't care what happens to that school anymore. The dementors can go on a raid in that bloody school for all I care."

Bagman frowned, "Some Minister of Magic you are… Come now, you don't mean that."

"Fine, I do not mean it. I am just angry." Fudge grumbled. Ludo thought for a moment.

"How about Maurice Tesic? He has graduated from Hogwarts as a specialist in potions. He's in Department of Mysteries as of now, but he can be offered the job, if Augustine doesn't find one," he offered.

"I suppose. Horace Slughorn should be taken into account as well…" Fudge said, "But what about Defense Against The Dark Arts?"

They both thought for a moment. The DADA position was renowned for it's reputation of retiring, disappearing and deaths of the instructors. Quirrell, who was Voldemort's follower, died in during Harry's first year. Gilderoy Lockhart was a total joke during the second year.

Remus Lupin was perfect for the job, if it weren't for the students finding out that he was a werewolf during the third year Moody was also great for the job if it weren't for someone disguising as him during the fourth year, or his busy activities currently.

The fifth year was absolutely horrid. Notes, notes, and more notes. Never any hands on activities to enable students to learn more about the subject. The option of having Snape back was completely out of the question. He was now wanted for the murder of Albus Dumbledore.

So, what now? They were so buried in their thoughts that they did not hear the door to Fudge's office open and creep closed.

"Good Afternoon, gentlemen. Perhaps I could be a candidate in the Defense Against The Dark Arts position?"

Both men looked up and suppressed a gasp at the owner of the stern, elderly woman voice.

"Dear Lord… Tonks, when're you going to stop all of these practical jokes towards Mr. Fudge?" Lupin sighed, now exasperated at Tonks' actions. Tonks was grinning sheepishly at them, seated in a chair in front of McGonagall's desk, who was eyeing her sternly.

"Tonks, you know of our current position, he could reveal a variety of secrets in his rage. I must ask you to hold back your need to 'prank' the Minister Of Magic if you do not want your position in the Order to be revoked." she said with a seriousness that signaled the end of the discussion. Tonks sighed and shrugged.

"Yes ma'm," she answered grudgingly. Lupin patted her lightly on the shoulder.

"Now then," began McGonagall, "We must find suitable instructors to fill in the positions of Potions and Defense Against The Dark Arts. Where do we begin..?"

Moody grumbled, "You sound as if the world has ended, Minerva. I volunteer for the DADA position," he chuckled some, "I'd like to see how far the Caelestis Brats have gotten in their training."

Lupin cocked his head slightly, "Are you sure, Alastor? I mean, you are already acting as the scout for the Order."

Moody nodded. Tonks looked up from her seat.

"What about Potions?" she asked. Everybody thought about it for a moment. Augustine, who was silent for a while spoke up.

"How about I call in my brother, Firen? He is a very free man and has achieved the rank of potions master at a very young age." he offered. Moody growled his satisfaction.

"Ah, Firen! My old sparing partner. He was fun to work with, that one. Ha. Bring'im in Tino, the ole' chap'll do us some good."

McGonagall smiled ever so slightly, "My, Alastor, you seem to be finalizing many decisions lately."

Moody grinned, "The faster these meetings pass, the more time I get to sleep and plan out how to torment these students of yours."

Everyone chuckled some as Moody gave a bark-like laugh. Tino nodded and looked to Lupin.

"Is there any way for the young ones to reach the manor before noon tomorrow?" he asked. Lupin nodded.

"Yes, quite unexpectedly, an old friend of hours stopped by to pay a visit. Madam Hooch is her name. One of the best flyers I've seen. I shall ask her to escort them to your manor." he informed.

"Excellent. We've important matters to discuss with young Harry Potter."

A wooden door swung open as three people came bustling in. Kenan ran to the restroom to grab a wet cloth. They were in their room of an inn in Little Nottingham. They couldn't make it back to the Caelestis manor in time before Demos' began spasming. She hadn't made a peep or since they boarded the train.

"Here, place this on her forehead, it'll cool down her fever." Kenan explained as he handed Vincent the cloth. Vincent nodded and carried Demos to a bed, laying her down gently. She was taking deep breaths through her nose and keeping her eyes shut for the time.

"The light hurts my eyes. Please pull down the curtains." She said in a very well attempted calm exterior. Kenan quickly rolled down all the curtains in the room, blocking any source of sunlight from the fiery sky.

"Thanks." She nodded slightly, weakling wiping away crimson that smear on her face. During the journey to the Manor, her eyes and nose began to bleed profusedly, it hadn't stopped till now.

"Hn.. It never hurt this much before. Strange. This should only happen if I am near some kind of ornament with a engravings on it or something…" Demos though aloud. Kenan stood by the window next to her bed, looking outside, scanning the grounds like a hawk.

"Demos, we'll worry about that when we get home. Are you well enough for a shower before we go? Or would you like to rest-"

"I'll shower. We'll leave in an hour." she cut Vincent off before slowly supporting herself to stand. He sighed and smiled a bit at her stubbornness. Demos leaned against the frame of the door to the restroom and glanced back.

"Thank you, Vincent, Kenan." She closed the door behind her and ignored the lights. They could hear the water start as she turned on the water. The two brothers smiled, it was very rarely that they would address each other with full names, but having Demos address them formally was even rarer. They took a seat in some comforters and napped as they waited.

Mmm… stop that, it tickles…

Oh? I thought you liked it.

Stop that! You'll leave a mark!

That's what I'm aiming for… How about… here? The husky purred, nuzzling Hermiones' neck. The touch began growing rougher, causing her to moan a little. It was then to the point of pain that she snapped awake.

She lifted her head and squinted around the room. She was in her room of the Weasley's house, asleep on her 'homework' again, and having her faithful cat, Crookshanks nuzzling her awake. He sat quietly beside her parchments, swaying his tail expectantly.

Was such a nice dream too…she grumbled to herself. She chuckled at herself before stretching her stiff, aching muscles. Crookshanks gave a small meow and stared at her intently.

"Oh, you were the one who was pawing at my neck haven't you?" Hermione teased as she pointed too her neck, where two little scratch marks lay.

"Hungry are you? Alright, come I'll fix you something," she said, picking him up like the baby he was at heart. He curled up in her arms majestically and purred. Hermione quickly coated herself with a long robe and began her trek downstairs.

Midway down, she heard voices and saw that a single candle was flickering down in the den. She tiptoed quietly pass and snuck into the kitchen. She caught parts of the conversation that she assumed to belong to McGonagall, Lupin and of course, Mrs. Weasley.

"…thank you for the early bite…."

"..yes.."

"…they doing..?"

"Fine… Demosthene… growing weaker…"

"… regaining…. strength needed….'

"…Can't… spilled…"

"Innocent blood…. can't be…"

Hermione thought that she listened enough, though their mention of Demosthene had piqued her curiosity.

Is something wrong with her? she thought to herself. And what were they talking about, 'Innocent blood'? A number of ideas and possibilities came up, but she angrily brushed them away.

Goodness… So rude of me. she mentally yelled at herself for thinking such thoughts. She quickly scooped a bowl full of cat food and brought it down with Crookshanks. He eagerly crunched into his breakfast. Momentarily forgetting about the time she looked at her wristwatch.

5:45 am! Goodness… She quickly walked out of the kitchen only to bump into Lupin.

"Oh dear! Are you alright Hermione?" he said, voice filled with concern for the young witch as he helped her up. Hermione was a little surprised but nodded.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you. I was only getting some breakfast for Crookshanks." she said pleasantly. He nodded, "Oh, well, what a responsible young witch you are!" Smiling he patted her shoulder.

She smiled, "Thank you."

"You're most welcome. By the way, we're to leave the house at seven to fly to the Caelestis Manor. Kindly tell the boys for us, Hermione?" He asked, as he gathered up materials to make tea.

"Sure." she answered, walking out of the kitchen. She was still tired and it wasn't until she was at the tip of the steps that she realized…

"Flying!" she thought aloud.

An hour flew by with many shouts of content and an equal amount of discontent. Rolanda Hooch had made her arrival quite spectacular. She flew in right on time with a trunk gliding behind her.

"Ah! Mr. Harry Potter! I assume we've no need to equip you with a broom seeing as you already have your Firebolt," she said, grinning at Harry. He patted his broom proudly. "Now everyone else, come forth and claim your Nimbus 2001s."

Everyone eagerly grabbed a broom from the trunk except for Hermione who stood rooted to one spot. It wasn't until lift off when Hermione declared her fear of flying with every last dignity she had. Of course, her friends didn't laugh but offered her a place on their own brooms.

"It's not that bad! Just hang tight." Ron told her as she mounted his broom with uncertainty.

"Alright, just don't fly to-AAH!" She let out a scream and clung to Ron like a vice as he kicked off form the ground, zooming through the air on one of the Nimbuses. They were a treat Hooch, Lupin had told them earlier, special models made specifically by her.

"Hang on!" he yelled once again as they all dived beneath a bridge overhead. Hermione resisted the urge to scream her lungs out and just resorted to hang onto Ron.

After passing the muggle suburbs, they slowed their pace, allowing conversation to ensue. Hermione could feel her heart rate going back to normal after the dive.

Oh. My. Goodness.

She mentally swore to herself not to get on a broom with Ron as the driver - er, flyer.

"Oi, 'Mione, What do you think it'll look like?" he asked out of the blue.

"What? The mansion?"

"Yeah," he said, "I bet it's all run down! All the way down to it's core! Falling bricks and green walls covered in poison ivy."

"Um, Ron…"

"…and run down fences with trampled garden and.."

"Ron!"

"What!" he cried, exasperated.

"Um, you better eat back those words…"

"Why?" he asked, turning his head to look at her. She merely stared wide-eyed pass him and pointed ahead. He turned back around and gasped, nearly letting go of the broom.

"BLOODY--!"

Chapter 3 end

Yay! Finally got the 3rd chapter down. . b Anyways, I hope it is alright, it seems a bit short. Please review! Much appreciated!