Hey all! I am so sorry for not posting yesterday! But, here is another chapter for you!

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Chapter 8

Since her date with Beckett, Hermione couldn't help but smile even with the incessant snide comments from Ron. Ever since they have began trading letters, each one divulging snippets of their personal lives with both witches wanting to get to know each other in a way that no one else ever would. Initially, it shocked Hermione as to how quickly her budding relationship had progressed over a short period of time. But, as time went on, she had stopped caring about that. There was no point in contemplating a relationship she clearly was interested in. So, for now, her primary focus was on the present with the purple haired witch. Which has led to her now expecting those new, almost daily, letters that always managed to put a wide, toothy smile to her face.

And so now, just as the day before, today, Hermione was sitting in the Great Hall for lunch, reading yet another letter from Beckett she had received that morning. She couldn't help the smile as she read Beckett's words. She had written of her impatience of seeing Hermione again but, unfortunately, she hasn't been able to due to her demanding work as the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. Networking and forging alliances with foreign dignitaries and then keeping up to date with the International wizarding laws have been taxing and time-consuming, but that didn't stop her from promising Hermione to see her. And Hermione loved this promise, grinning as she, too, couldn't wait to see Beckett.

However, as she gazed down at the letter in her hands, Hermione was pulled out of her musings by the arrival of her friends. And by the look at Ginny's expression, she was expecting to find out more about Hermione's mystery suitor. The curly haired witch internally groaned at Red's smirk, but she knew she had promised Ginny to spill.

"Hey, Mione, so are you going to tell me about the woman who continues to sweep you off your feet with her letters?" Hermione simply sent the ginger witch a side eye look before letting out a relenting sigh.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?"

Ginny, simply smirked, "nope."

Hermione sighed again, "fine, nosey. But, you three have to promise to keep your voices down when I tell you who she is."

"Of course," Neville replied as Luna nodded her head.

"Oh, just get on with it, already!" Ginny moaned, impatiently.

Sending her a fleeting glare, Hermione took a deep breathe and open her mouth to speak. However, the eager face of Ginny made her slight nervous of the redhead's impending loud reaction. And without further prompting, Hermione secretly twirled her finger in a circular motion-silently and wandless casting a muffliato around the small group. "Okay, so it's Beckett Blackwood." There was a moment of silence before…

"WHAT?!" Ginny yelled in obvious shock.

Hermione launched forward and covered the obnoxiously loud witch's mouth with her hand. "Ginny!" Hermione hissed with a whispered exclamation. "Be quiet."

"What for?" came Red's response, "it's not like I didn't see you cast that silencing spell."

"The rest of the room doesn't know that!" She shouted, incredulously.

Ginny simply rolled her eyes, "whatever," she said an annoyed tone. But immediately, her expression turned back into one of shock and excitement. "So, you're dating Beckett Blackwood?"

Hermione simply responded with a slow nod.

"Okay, now you have to tell me everything." Ginny declared while shaking her head as she leaned back.

Hermione deadpanned at Ginny's demand. "You're something else, Ginevra Weasley," she commented as she shook her head at the witch. "And, there isn't really much to say about it. I met her at Flourish & Blotts when we went shopping for our school supplies. I sort of bumped into her. And we were only about to introduce ourselves before I had to leave. Then she sent me Elara and then we had our date."

Ginny looked at the light brown haired witch as if she has grown a second head. "Seriously? That's it? That can't be everything."

Hermione lightly laughed, "yup, that's it," she shrugged her shoulders.

"That can't be all of it, there has to be more."

Before Hermione could respond to the unrelenting witch, another voice spoke up first. "Of course, it can be, Ginny. That's all that Hermione probably wants to tell us. The rest are things that she probably wants to keep between herself and Beckett. She's allowed to have a little privacy." Luna smiled wistfully smiled at Hermione, understanding the desire for privacy when it comes to romance.

Ginny nodded in understanding, and sheepishly smile apologetically. "Of course, but, Hermione, my ears are open whenever you want to divulge any more about your relationship." Ginny smirked as Hermione rolled her eyes with good humor.

Hermione opened her mouth to speak but again, she was cut off by another voice from behind her. "Miss Granger, I would like to speak with you for a moment in my office before your next class," Professor Dumbledore asked.

Knowing she really couldn't say no, she nodded at the elderly man before gathering her belongings to follow the Headmaster. With a parting smile and a roll of eyes, Hermione left.

It was only a short walk before Hermione found herself sitting in front of Dumbledore's desk with the bearded wizard gazing at her with falsely sweet twinkling eyes. It was odd for her. In all of her years here at Hogwarts, the curly haired witch had never been asked to attend to an independent meeting with the beloved Headmaster within his office. Regardless of all of the perilous adventures her and the boys had gone through throughout their years, never one meeting. He reserved those meetings for Harry, and Harry alone.

"Licorice twists?" he waved his hand over to the bowl on the corner of his desk.

"No, thank you, sir," the Headmaster simply smiled, "with all due respect, Professor, but, why am I here?"

"Ahh, yes," he said as if he suddenly remembered why there were there in the first place. "Miss Granger, I couldn't help but notice that you haven't been spending any time with Mr. Potter or Mr. Weasley."

Hermione frowned, confused. What did they have to do with this meeting?

"I just wanted to check in and see why there is discord. You three have been close since your first year. I couldn't help but be concerned."

Hermione wanted to snort at that, but she held back. It was true, they had been close since their first year, five years ago. But, that was only because she covered for them in front of Professor McGonagall for that troll incident, which wouldn't have happened if Ronald hadn't been so mean to her that Halloween day. And ever since that day, Professor Dumbledore had never intervened or expressed concern for the safety of the three students. He had even went as far as to ignore Harry and, by extension, them last year that ultimately led up to them doing a running tour of the Ministry of Magic. And furthermore, he had never invested any interest in knowing about their personal lives, at least that she knows of. But, considering his invested interest in Harry and his connection to Lord Voldemort, it didn't surprise Hermione to be in his office discussing the complexities of their friendships, or rather, lack there of.

"Professor, there isn't really anything to say about it. Sometimes a person just needs their space, especially after spending all of your time with them," Hermione said with a simple shrug.

Dumbledore nodded his head in what seemed to be understanding. "Of course, Miss Granger. We are all entitled to having time for ourselves and recenter, especially when have been overwhelmed. But, Miss Granger, I hope you remember that they are here for you, even when they seem to say something wrong. I'm sure they are apologetic for the words they have said to you over the past few months, especially young Mr. Weasley. You know, he seems quite taken with you."

Hermione gave him an incredulous look and snorted at the idea of Ron liking her in any way. But, the last words he had spoken to her, even if they had been laced with disgusting confidence and narcissism, had eluded to the indication of a possessive romantic interest in the teen witch. "He has a funny way of showing it, Professor. Besides, I'm not even interested in him in the slightest."

The Headmaster simply hummed at the tone of finality in the young witch's words as if he was in agreement with her. "Miss Granger, maybe you should give him a chance. I'm sure his behavior will surprise you. Boys and young men have a tendency of displaying their emotions in a way that may seem confusing to most, but, it is nonetheless, genuine. You never know, Miss Granger, that lack of interest may grow into something more." His eyes twinkled with strange encouragement for the potential match.

While his urging may have been perceived as innocent match making, it seemed rather inappropriate to Hermione for the Headmaster investing concern for her love life. "Professor," she sighed, "with all due respect, but I'm not interested in Ron in that way and I don't believe I ever will." She let out a frustrated sigh, "I'm sorry, Professor, I don't mean to sound rude or rushing, but I really should be heading off to class. I don't like to be late."

"Of course. I won't delay you anything further. Have a good day, Miss Granger." And with that, Hermione bade him a same wish before she walked out of the grand office and head off to Transfigurations.

Professor Dumbledore sat back into his throne-like chair, contemplating the conversation he just had. This discussion didn't go the way he intended it to be. He had noticed the almost daily letters that the witch had been receiving for the past month since the first Hogsmeade trip. These letters unnerved him a bit. As more and more of the letters came, Hermione seemed to be pulling more and more away from Harry and Ron. He had hoped for the possibility of tethering her to the youngest Weasley son, and, by extension, she would remained rooted with Harry. They needed for her to remain with the Boy Who Lived. Hermione Granger was and is the only person who is able to help him figure out his mission that will lead to the final destruction of Tom Riddle. No, now, he needs to come up with another plan to persuade her back to where she is supposed to be, by Harry's side and on Ronald's arm. The Headmaster definitely had a lot to think about. Maybe he could get Molly to help come up with a plan to get her future daughter-in-law.

History of Magic was a class where students were supposed to have this time dedicated to learning about past events of importance for modern study. But, Mr. Binns' classroom was instead filled with his monotonous drone that was never interrupted by the snores of his slumbering students. His class wasn't taken seriously. It was only used as a nap location for them. His class was easy to follow, so students chose not to pay attention. Even Hermione ignored the mind numbing drone as she was already caught up on her work until winter break any way. So, instead, she sat there, composing a response to Beckett's most recent letter.

BB

I can't wait to see you either, but there is something I feel the need to tell you. This morning, after breakfast, Headmaster Dumbledore called me into his office. It seems he had noticed the dissonance between myself and Harry and Ron. He is 'concerned' of our 'friendships' crumbling and wishes for me to resume them and forgive them for their past words, especially Ronald's. I gave him my reasonings for our current status, but he pushed the matter. He even went as far as to suggest a romantic relationship between myself and Ron. Obviously, I declined, but he was not deterred. I think he may be up to something. I'm not sure how to go about this. Do you have any suggestions?

On a completely different note, during the Hogsmeade trip, I ran into one of my friends. She's an auror, Nymphadora Tonks. I'm not sure if you had met her before but as I was speaking with her, I couldn't help but be reminded of you, or more specifically, your hair. I love your gorgeous purple hair, and while I haven't seen it change to different colors, it reminds me of hers and she's a metamorphmagus. I'm too curious to not ask, but, are you also a metamorphmagus? Is that why your hair is purple? Though, I'm also confused over the idea since only members of the Black family are the only known metamorphmagi. And also, again, I have to admit that your hair is awfully familiar to me. I know we have already discussed this, but I can't help but feel that there is something familiar about you. Are you sure that we haven't met before?

With Love,

Hermione

As the curly haired witch folded up her letter, she noticed that the other students were starting to wake up since it was the end of class. It never ceases to amuse her as to how many students take this time to get their naps in for the day. Typically, she would be annoyed with the disrespect that they were showing to their professor, but, even she had to admit that it was just too boring in this class. It was practically impossible to keep your eyes open as the ghost professor droned on. After she gather her items and left the classroom, Hermione decided to send off Elara with her letter before heading to dinner.

Hermione Granger thanked Merlin that prefects get their own private room and bathroom. Tonight, was one of those nights that she liked to dedicate towards herself and relax from some of the stresses that she's experienced this past week, especially after the conversation she had with the Headmaster this morning. However, just as she was about to take a relaxing bath she heard a tapping on the window. Looking over to it, she saw Elara holding a letter for her. "That's strange, the owls typically wait to give us our mail in the morning. It has to be pretty important," Hermione spoke to herself.

She opened up the window for Elara to enter, "hi, girl, what are you doing here so late?" Said owl simply hooted and raised her foot, revealing a letter tied to it. "Thank you," she petted the bird's feathers, "I wish I had some treats for you," she told her owl while she untying the letter. Typically, Elara would stay behind, but this time, she swiftly flew off. Shrugging, Hermione opened the letter to see what was so emergent.

Little Witch

I will answer all of your questions, but I would rather do so in person. Since it's Friday, you are free to meet with me tonight. Meet me at the Shrieking Shack at 8:30.

Love,

BB

Well, that doesn't leave Hermione with much of a choice, not that she would no anyway. She quickly cast a tempus charm and found that it was ten minutes past eight. Scrambling around, she quickly got dressed before casting a disillusionment charm. Quickly, but surely, Hermione snuck through the castle to get to the Whomping Willow, after which she found herself standing in the middle of the drawing room. However, she didn't see Beckett. She went to look around for her when she felt arms encircle her waist.

"Hello, little witch," Hermione felt hot breath against her ear and neck.

Turning in those arms, Hermione wrapped her own arms around the purple haired witch, "Beckett!" And then suddenly, she kissed the witch deeply. The other witch was shocked before immediately responding in kind. Once they broke apart, Hermione was shocked at what she had just done. "Oh…I-I didn't mean to do that."

Beckett simply laughed at her words. "yes you did, but, don't worry. I definitely didn't mind it at all." And with that, she swooped down and gave Hermione another heated kiss before releasing her. She smirked at the blush that made the little witch's face bright red. Though, Beckett soon remembered her reason for seeing Hermione. Grabbing her hands softly, Beckett spoke, "Hermione, do you trust me?" She asked, looking deeply into the teen's eyes.

"Yes, of course," Hermione replied without missing a beat.

Beckett smiled at the hazel eyed witch's quick answer. "I'm happy to hear that. There is a place that I would like to take you to, and I promise, once there, you will get your answers. Will you go with me?" Hermione looked hesitant at the question, but, she nodded her head nonetheless. "Great," and with that, Beckett pulled Hermione to her person, wrapping an arm around her waist, and then disapparated with a pop.

Thank you for reading!