The first task was harrowing at best, nerve-wracking at worst. Hermione had been super thankful Marcus helped her find the dragon spells. When she gave Harry the parchments of spell information, he was appreciative too. He wouldn't have known what to do without them. It's interesting how Krum used the conjunctivitus curse on the dragon he was tasked with, a Chinese Fireball. She sat there, proud to understand the usage of it. All of the magical work the champions did to outwit their assigned dragons was fabulous to see.
But it was Harry who truly worked Hermione's nerves into a frenzy. It started with the dragon he had to face, a Hungarian Horntail. She remembered Marcus saying that's the worst and most dangerous kind. Her thoughts turned sour, and she worried her lip to keep from doing something rash like running into the enclosure and helping her friend out. Being nervous isn't a horrible thing. It only means something important is happening, which is- her friend is about to get maimed. She just knows it. Turning to Ginny and Luna, Hermione said in a worried voice, "I can't watch."
In her calm, lilting voice, Luna told her, "It's okay to look. The wrackspurts are clearing from the dragon pit. The snozzguzzlers are taking their place, so everything will be fine. You'll see." She removed the spectrespecs from her eyes and put them into her coat pocket.
Half of the time, Hermione doesn't understand the creatures her sweet, blonde friend speaks of. However, the other half of the time, the Gryffindor thinks Luna has the Gift that Professor Trelawney says Hermione doesn't have (apparently) because she's too hopelessly mundane. What a load of bunk! Choosing to put her hands over her eyes, the brunette peeked in between her fingers. This method allowed her to see the important parts but shut out the harrowing ones.
At one point, she saw Harry use the summoning spell to get his broom. He used it to tempt the dragon away from the eggs. Then her quick friend took the golden egg and ended up with the most points overall! All three girls cheered loudly, and Luna said, "See? I knew all would be well. Snozzguzzlers are great for clearing the confusion wrackspurts leave behind and are known to bring peace and understanding." She patted Hermione's arm, and the female trio left the task viewing area.
As they exited with the rest of the crowd, a few Slytherin boys bumped into them. Hermione's stomach knotted, thinking it would be Malfoy and his goons. Luckily it was only Marcus, Pucey, Montague, and Higgs. Graham apologized to them, and Adrian invited the trio to "Come to see the dragons with us. Marcus talked Hagrid into giving us an up-close encounter. In fact, fair Weaselette, your brother will be chaperoning his magnificent beasts."
Hermione wondered if Marcus had told his friends about them. It could be the only reason they weren't being mean and saying snide things to her. She caught his eyes and raised an eyebrow in question. His head nodded as if telling her to come with them.
Ginny gushed over, getting to see her brother. "Charlie is incredible with the dragons. You'll see." Her face had the biggest smile.
On the way to the dragon encounter, Luna told Montague, "You should be careful. The horngobbles are flying about your head. They're nasty critters known for making things unhappy. I wonder if that's why you've been upset lately. Waiting for everything to be perfect is ineffective. Take a leap of faith instead."
Looking like he saw a unicorn, Graham replied, "Uh, thanks?" Fixing his Slytherin tie, he whispered loudly to Terrence, "How did she know I wanted to ask my father about breaking my betrothal contract?" Terrence shrugged.
Marcus walked closer to Hermione and brushed her pinky with his own. Instead of holding hands, they held pinky fingers. To the naked eye, it didn't look like anything other than two students walking side by side. Once the maddening crowd was behind them, walking in the opposite direction, Marcus held his girlfriend's hand for real. "I'm glad you decided to come with us," he commented. The cute red beanie on her head made him smile. It almost swallows her whole head with her pretty curls showing.
Lightly giving his hand a squeeze of affection, Hermione responded, "Yeah, me too. Why are your friends being nice to me? Do they know about us?" Instead of watching her step, she watched his face.
Looking a little sheepish, Marcus stared at the back of Adrian's head. "Yeah, I told Graham and Adrian. Higgs knows you're tutoring me, though. If Terrence finds out, it should be fine unless he tells Bole. Sometimes, Bole tends to have a big mouth, but he's not a bad guy."
His response made Hermione say, "Ginny, Luna, and Harry know about us. They're not saying anything to anyone either. How do your friends feel about this?" She pointed between the two of them.
How should he respond? The truth is always best, so, "At first, they were concerned about what would happen if my parents found out- mainly my father. But I told them that I didn't care what he thought, especially since I'm of age. Despite what I said, they still worry about that and promise not to tell anyone. Besides that, they're happy for me, for us. They think that even though you're muggle-born, you're good for me. That's high praise considering their parents are blood purists too, but Montague's are less threatening."
Considering his words, Hermione wondered, "Are Pucey and Montague's views of blood purity like every other pureblood's, or are they similar to you?"
Moving his head to eye his girlfriend, the oldest Slytherin explained, "They're somewhere in between for now, but slowly starting to think like I do. You have to understand that it's hard to change overnight. It takes time. Being raised in pureblood households that preach nothing but blood purity is hard to overcome in one fail swoop. For some, like Malfoy, it would take a miracle to change. Graham, Adrian, Cassius (who you haven't met), and Terrence are gradually changing their views."
Hermione's eyebrows raised. That is fantastic news to hear. She told him, "I think that's great. Personally, I don't expect anyone to change instantly, but being open to possibilities like they are is encouraging. Is that one of the reasons Graham said he wants to talk to his father about his betrothal contract?"
A mischievous smile crossed Marcus's face. He playfully swung their hands as he said, "Yup. That's a big part of it. All four of us want to be able to marry who we choose, not who's selected for us. For Graham, that's a big deal because, as it stands right now, his contract is with Cricket Carrow."
Marcus saw his girl look confused. So he told her, "She's the cousin of Flora and Hestia but the daughter of Alexander, older brother of Alecto and Amycus. Cricket attends Beauxbatons, and she's a real harpy and huge snitch. The girl is entirely unpleasant and hard to please. She has this voice that sounds like the cry of a dying mouse. Graham is not excited about that match at all. Plus, the girl has this mole on the back of her neck, and it's the only thing anyone notices. It's hard not to."
His description made Hermione laugh. Hearing how she laughed warmed Marcus in ways his coat and heating spells could not. It made his heart light, which is something he's needed for years. His Minnie makes him open up in unforeseen ways and has a habit of making him feel more like himself than anyone else, really.
When the group reached the entrance to the enclosure, Hagrid and Charlie met them. Looking at the group of mismatched students, Hagrid greeted, "Ello, Ermione. I didn' spect ter see yeh ear."
Smiling, Hermione replied, "Hello, Hagrid. I was curious to see the dragons and followed along."
"Glad yeh did," he told her before standing beside Charlie.
And if Hagrid was surprised to see Hermione, then Charlie was just as shocked to see his sister. Of course, they hugged, and he greeted her curly-haired friend as well. The fit dragon keeper went over a few rules: "Don't make sudden movements or noises, don't sneak off to try to touch a dragon, don't mock the dragons, and above all, don't feed the dragons. Are there any questions?"
He looked to the group who had none. "Good. Then follow close to Hagrid and me."
Charlie entered the pit first, followed by the students, and Hagrid brought up the rear. Hermione stayed close to Marcus while Ginny held onto the back of her brother's shirt. But it was Luna who stated, "One should always speak kindly to an upset dragon. It helps to keep the rummycumbers away from them. They would be happier if they didn't have so many rummycumbers around."
Pucey tapped Hermione on the shoulder. She looked up at him with questioning eyes. He quietly asked, "What the hell is a rummycumber?"
The petite Gryffindor held in a laugh. She whispered, "I don't know. Just act like you do, and it will be okay. Most of the time, I have no clue what half of Luna's creatures are."
Adrian smiled brightly, "Then I'm in good company if the brightest witch of her age doesn't know either." It was then that the horntail started breathing fire. The humorous Slytherin declared, "Wow! He's a hothead." That made Montague, Higgs, and Ginny laugh. As the dragon continued to light things on fire, Adrian added, "I guess he's just getting fired up." This made the whole group chuckle, even Hagrid.
Ginny remarked to him, "It's a shame you don't hang out with Gryffindors. You might find you have more in common with my twin brothers than you think."
The funny guy took to heart what she said. The twins are some of his favorite people, although that will never be said out loud. Marcus, Graham, Cassius, and Terrence think so too. It's only on the quidditch field that the main problems arise, besides their family being labeled blood traitors. However, like his friends, he's growing tired of labels.
At that moment, the Chinese Fireball flew their way. It landed with a thud in front of Charlie. The keeper wore special dragon-hide gloves to protect himself from burning or being bitten. Oddly or unsurprisingly, the smaller dragon walked right up to the man. It's clear the pair have a bond. In fact, the creature let its keeper pet all around its body. The animal almost seemed to act like a dog. When Charlie moved his hand away, the beast would turn and snout it again to be petted more.
This was when the shorter red-haired Weasley called them all over. Hagrid reminded them to step softly and make no sudden movement. The immense man added, "We wouldn' wan yeh ter be a meal."
Moving as a group, slowly and carefully, they inched their way to the dragon. When the students were beside it, Charlie told them, "This is Nuan. It means affectionate in Chinese, which fits this girl. Despite being a dragon, Nuan is quite loving and playful. She came to us as an abandoned egg and hatched in our dragon hatchery. Nuan was assigned to me, and I guess you could say we connected. She is never too far from me on the reserve. Now, if you're careful, she'll let you pet her. But I warn you, this girl loves to be petted and will follow you around until you do so again."
The students exercised caution but reached out to pet the dragon. It's one thing to read about the creatures and see them on pages of books or paintings. However, it's entirely another to encounter them up close. Terrence, who hadn't spoken much, declared, "I feel like there's something to be said about petting a dragon. A quote or something, you know? But I can't think of anything." He liked the feel of Nuan's skin, scaley and smooth at the same time. Adrian was too enamored with the beast to say anything witty.
Regardless, Hermione spoke. "Dragons are very loyal creatures. That has to be why Nuan follows you, Charlie." Having this powerful animal under her fingertips is mind-blowing. It makes her think of The Lord of The Rings or The Hobbit. When she read those stories, before Hogwarts, they were just fantasy, but now they're reality. The proof is literally under her hand.
Charlie agreed with Hermione's assessment about dragon loyalty. Then he carefully showed them all the other dragons, except the horntail. It's still too upset to get near. That is when Adrian found his voice again. "Alright, everyone, what do dragons love to eat?"
The group stared at him, waiting for an answer. He obliged by saying, "Fire crackers, of course." The dragon keeper burst out laughing, and the rest followed suit.
With the first task completed, life was back to normal at Hogwarts for the time being. One afternoon transfiguration was cut in favor of a Gryffindor house meeting. Professor McGonagall informed her house about the Yule Ball. "The Yule Ball is, of course, a chance for us all to - er - let our hair down. It is a formal dance held on the evening of Yule of a tournament year and is opened by the tournament champions and their partners. Only fourth-years and above are allowed to attend, but younger students may go if asked by an older one. Dress robes are required, and I expect everyone to act accordingly. I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way."
The older witch touched the bun in her hair, and Mr. Filch had the gramophone ready. The remainder of the class was dance lessons in preparation for the ball, and Hermione practically died laughing at Ron dancing with their professor. Serves him right for acting like a git lately. As she danced with Harry, she couldn't help but wonder if Professor Snape is teaching the Slytherins dance techniques. Then Hermione really did laugh. Harry asked, "What's so funny, Mione?"
With a huge smile, she replied, "I was just picturing Professor Snape teaching dance to Slytherin house. Can you imagine him light of foot and twirling someone like Parkinson around?" That made Harry laugh too. They were reprimanded with a sharp look from Professor McGonagall, but that didn't stop them from giggling and full-on laughing after class.
After class brought about its own troubles. Now that the school knew about the ball, everyone scrambled to ask someone. For once, Hermione and Marcus didn't feel pressure in that regard. They knew they had each other. Yet that didn't stop Hermione from saying at tutoring, "Are you sure you want to go with me?" She lightly tapped her purple pen on the charms book.
Marcus raised his head from studying the drought and gouging spells. Brown eyes caught hazel eyes, and Marcus couldn't help but say, "Of course, I want to go with you. You're the only girl I want to take unless you're ashamed to be seen with me."
She isn't. "I just worry about you getting into trouble with your parents. You don't understand how seriously I take that, especially with everything you've told me about your father. I don't want him to hurt you, Marcus, as he's done in the past. If he hurt you, that would hurt me."
He opened his mouth to speak, but Hermione cut him off. "I know you're of age, but even so, he's an older wizard with years of blood purity in his system. That much hate makes a person do horrible things."
After removing his tie, which his girlfriend watched unashamedly fascinated at his dexterous fingers, he told her, "Sometimes, Sweetie, you have to slay your own dragons. My father is one of mine. I need you to have a little faith in me."
Leaning forward and taking his hands into her own, his Gryffindor gave him a warm smile. "I do have faith in you, Marcus," she declared. And really, that's all she needed to say, but then let him know, "I think we've studied enough for tonight. I keep wandering back to this afternoon. Professor McGonagall taught the Gryffindors the art of waltzing. I'm a clutz at it. Did Snape do the same with your house?" She has to know!
Marcus's nose scrunched up at the thought of Snape teaching them dance. He saw her curiously excited expression. "I'm not sad to tell you that, no, he did not. Thank goodness. I cannot imagine Snape dancing. That would give me nightmares. The only thing he did was inform us of the ball. Then he reminded us that he expects no tomfoolery, as he called it. Most of us in Slytherin already know how to waltz, as it's expected of us to learn it in our younger years," he confided.
That makes a lot of sense to her, but "I won't lie. I'm a little disappointed Professor Snape didn't teach you all the art of dance. I received a stern look from Professor McGonagall for laughing about picturing him dancing with Parkinson in my mind."
He shook his head at that notion with a smile on his face. "I'm sorry to disappoint you. Since we're finished here, what do you say to coming with me on an adventure," he asked?
That piqued Hermione's interest. While packing up, she noted, "An adventure, you say? Some of my favorite things are adventures. Lead the way."
And he did, straight to their dusty old room on the second floor. That made the Gryffindor say, "This room? Why are we here?"
A magicked stereo floated into the space and settled on a desk. Seeing the surprise on Hermione's face, Marcus explained, "I asked Professor Burbage how I could buy one, and she gave me her last year's model. It plays those round discs you let me borrow. The guys love it. Speaking of, do you have any music we can waltz to? I remember you saying you're not very good at dancing, so I'll help you."
Running his tie through her fingers, Hermione thought of two songs in particular. She summoned the discs, and they appeared in the room. A swish of the wand cleared the clutter out of the way and gave them room to dance. After putting the CD inside the stereo, Marcus pulled his girl close. The two began moving to the music. They waltzed to Sleeping Beauty's Once Upon A Dream. It was lovely, and her fit Slytherin happened to be graceful on his feet. Who knew?
Marcus actually helped her more than any instruction her professor gave that afternoon. When that song was over, the couple rested their foreheads on each other and swayed to the music. The voice of Joe Cocker singing Have A Little Faith In Me filled the room. It's appropriate because that's what he asked her to do- have faith in him. If he's not worried about the ball, then who is she to reject that? She chose the line she wanted to draw, and it's with Marcus. Trouble will come, and they'll get through it together. At least Hermione hopes so.
**Author's Note**
What Professor McGonagal says is taken from Goblet of Fire, with a few words added here and there.
