Look who it is? Yepp, it's me! :D
So I know the last chapter probably upset a lot of people, and I did apologise, but I won't apologise for trying to have a realistic view on life.
THANK you for all your reviews 3 They mean the world, I'm so glad all the reviewers seemed to generally like the chapter and understand what I'm trying to do.
Please leave a review and let me know what you think :)
My tumblr: indiebluecrown. tumblr. com
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling and only the story line and any OC's are mine.
Sunday, February 16th, 1975
"It's almost painful watching you and Remus these days," Sirius said, bumping Hermione's shoulder as they walked down the Black Lake.
"Hush, like you and Riley are any better," Hermione scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest, kicking a rock out of the way as she walked.
"That's different," Sirius grumbled, easily putting his hair up into a bun, wanting to get it out of his eyes.
"Please, do explain how your situation is any different from mine?" Hermione raised an eyebrow expectantly.
Hermione and Sirius tended to go for walks together when one of them needed to talk, and today both of them had things they had to get off their chests.
"Riley is younger than me, I don't want to take advantage...plus I...I'm not good enough for her, for now it's best if we're just friends," Sirius sighed, flinching when Hermione whacked him on his upper arm.
"Don't you ever say you aren't good enough again, Sirius Black," Hermione scowled, her brow quickly furrowed, and she caught her bottom lip in between her teeth nervously before saying, "I know what you mean though...it's not bad to date other people until both of you are ready." Hermione wasn't sure if that was more for Sirius or herself, especially since she knew that Draco may not think of her as a romantic interest. "If it's meant to be it will happen, in its own time."
"Look at you being all sage-like on me," Sirius chortled, pulling Hermione into his side and throwing his arm around her shoulders, hand relaxed and dangling in front.
"It's just with Remus, he's incredibly sweet… he may just not want to hurt my feelings. Plus, I don't know if he still likes me or not. I know he used to have a crush on me, but that was two years ago already," Hermione whinged, she didn't like complaining, especially when the solution was plain and simple; right in front of her. Her Gryffindor courage seemed to be failing her in this regard, and instead her Slytherin sense of self preservation had kicked in.
"Want to go to Hagrid's for a spot tea?" Sirius asked suddenly, and Hermione tore her gaze away from the sun-kissed rippling water of the lake. It was almost Springtime, and they were getting the occasional bright and sunny day here and there if they were lucky; today was one of those days.
"That sounds lovely," Hermione smiled, "haven't been to see Hagrid in ages, I've missed him." Sometimes it was easy to get caught up in it all, between school, her feelings for two boys, and then socialising with all her friends. She tried to remember to go and visit Hagrid at least every other week from now on, if only for cuppa tea.
It didn't take them dreadfully long to get to Hagrid's, the walk was pleasant and a crisp breeze was blowing as they made their way down the path to Hagrid's hut.
Hermione was the one who rapped her knuckles firmly on the wooden door three times. Sirius shoved his hands in his pockets and waited patiently on the bottom step.
"Aye! I'm comin'! Jus' a momen'!" Hermione heard Hagrid's deep voice say from behind the door. She stepped back, and a few moments later the large door swung open and in front of them stood the vast man, his long tangles of bushy black hair and beard covering his face.
"Blimey! Hermione! Sirius! It's bin quite awhile, hasn' it?" Hagrid said cheerily, stepping backwards to allow them through, Sirius closed the door behind him.
"D'you want a bit a tea?" Hagrid asked warmly, already bustling towards the kettle, fiddling with a few tins as he tried to find the tea bags. Hermione and Sirius agreed quickly, taking a seat together on Hagrid's couch. A low whistle soon filled the hut as the water in the kettle on the stove began to boil.
"How have you both bin? I reckon school has gotten a bit harder," Hagrid said as he brought over two piping hot cups of tea, going back to get his own cup, and in his right hand he was balancing some sugar, milk, a few biscuits and the teapot with some more tea in it.
"You're right, Hagrid, it has gotten harder," Sirius said, but then smirked, "but of course not too hard for me."
Hermione rolled her eyes, she wished she could say otherwise-but despite him neglecting his homework to think of pranks, goof off, work on the map or his animagus training-Sirius still did well in school because he simply was brilliant. It drove her barmy, because it was plain and simple, just easy for him.
"I heard ol' Kettleburn is taking out lot into the Forest for your next class, he asked if I would accompany you," Hagrid informed them.
"Oh you are? That's simply lovely Hagrid," Hermione grinned brightly.
"That lesson is going to be good fun I tell you, course it won't be at night, but take what you can get you know," Sirius added, blowing on his cup of tea-the steam billowing away from his face-before he took a sip.
"It's seems like it's my lucky week, young Draco brought his little Slytherin friend a couple days ago. She was quite nice," Hagrid said, eyes widening as he recalled his previous visitors.
"Oh," Hermione said before she could stop herself, "yes she does seem quite lovely doesn't she?" Hermione grip tightened on her teacup but if either male noticed, they didn't say anything. Hermione sighed internally, this really was going to be harder than she thought.
Hermione wasn't talking to Draco as much, especially after she decided to let him go, to watch as he and Marlene got closer. She was also not talking to Remus now, she had avoided him since the kiss; which Lily and Alice made sure to ask her privately every evening if she had talked to the young wizard yet. Kira and Nancy didn't know since Hermione had wanted to keep it quiet.
Hours later they had had several cups, more biscuits than they should have considering they had dinner and Hermione had insisted on helping wash up before they left; she hit Sirius's shoulder when he had stood there dumbly, before he trotted after her to help. It was only after all of that that they set out for the castle. Hagrid standing in his doorway watching as they headed off.
The sun was almost gone, the sky a grey blue colour, the stars barely visible as they began to peek out.
"Okay Miss Vixen-"
"Sirius," Hermione warned.
"How bout this? I ask Remus, subtlety if he likes you. Then you can know whether to go for it or not," Sirius suggested.
"That sounds like a horrible idea...you, subtle?" Hermione snorted, pushing Sirius slightly as they climbed the grassy hill, the castle looming closer and closer.
"Don't worry, it'll be in a clever way!" Sirius insisted, diving for her, and then throwing her over his shoulder, one hand around the back of her legs, the other on her low back.
"Sirius! Put me down!" Hermione demanded fiercely, pounding her fists on his back.
"Oi! Witch! Calm down!"
"Did you just tell me to calm down-"
"Hermione. Seriously! I'm trying to help," Sirius said hurriedly, and she could hear the sincerity in his voice.
"Fine, as long as it's not as clever as leaving your initials for anyone to find at a prank scene," Hermione sighed, relaxing as she felt the blood rushing to her head, her curls swishing down Sirius's back.
"Hey! They had to know who was responsible for the genius we created!" Sirius protested, and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"May you please put me down now before I hex your bollocks off?" Hermione asked in a sickly sweet tone, poking his lower back with her index finger. "If you want to carry me, at least do it where I don't get dizzy, love. A piggyback ride will suffice."
"Oh I love you, Mione," Sirius guffawed, but he let her down, brushing the curls out of her face when he did. "Do you actually want a piggyback ride?"
"Yes please," Hermione grinned wildly, winking at Sirius as she walked around him. He squatted enough for her to place her hands securely on his shoulders, his hands out, ready to catch her. She pushed up once, and jumped, her legs wrapping tightly around his waist, and his hand went underneath her thighs. She was incredibly glad she was wearing leggings at that moment.
"Forward my trust mutt!" Hermione giggled.
"Don't you mean steed?" Sirius asked dryly.
"Of course not, dear, my lovable little Snuffles," Hermione said, hugging Sirius tightly from behind.
"Snuffles?" Sirius groaned, "for a girl who doesn't like pet names, you sure do like to give them out."
"Remember, you love me," Hermione smirked.
Sirius playfully grumbled all the way back to the Common Room, where Hermione was glad to see neither of the wizards she was avoided were present. Only James trying to flirt with Lily as she ignored him and spoke directly to Peter and Alice; who were studying with her. Hermione and Sirius went over to end James's suffering and torment, and distracted him. Which gave Lily some peace finally, she mouthed a thank you to Hermione who simply nodded and winked.
Just past Lily, an armchair caught her eye. It was the same armchair she had kissed Remus in, and the memories of how soft his lips were came flooding back. Her cheeks flushed bright red, and her hand reached up to touch them automatically, they were hot to the touch. She decided then that she would just see how things went, she didn't want to rush anything. I can be patient. I just have to wait for...the opportune moment.
Monday, February 17th, 1975
Gryffindor Tower
Fourth Year Boy's Dormitories
"Okay, how about we play a little game," Sirius grinned deviously.
Up until that point, the other boys had been consumed in their own activities, mainly they were getting ready for bed since it was already past midnight, and they had classes the next morning. James had just finished up his Transfiguration essay, and was pulling on a long-sleeved maroon shirt, glasses slightly askew, and hair mushed when his head popped through the top hole.
Draco looked up from his Quidditch Weekly magazine-he had a subscription, and shared with the other boys once he was done-he was laying on his bed, one leg crossed over his bent one, already dressed in a pair of pyjama pants and a black jumper. "When you say game, does that mean any of us will receive some type of bodily harm?"
"Course not Dray, though I can't speak to what happens if you refuse to answer thus having to do a forfeit," Sirius wagged his eyebrows. Draco narrowed his eyes at the Black boy, and decided that it couldn't hurt. Closing his magazine, placing it beside him on his bed, he sat up, cross-legged on the bed and waited for Sirius to explain himself.
"Alright, I'm in," James said, grinning. Remus pursed his lips before shrugging, he had just returned from the bathroom, and brushing his teeth the muggle way. He pushed his damp hair out of his face before hopping onto Draco's bed. "Me too."
Frank smiled gently, "why not?" Turning around in his chair, as he had been penning a letter to his Mother; Augusta.
"I'll join in," Peter smiled happily, popping another cinnamon snap in his mouth, the rest of the bag nestled in his lap as he sat on his bed.
Sirius sat up a bit straighter on his bed, "Veritaserum will be needed, because I don't want any cheaters. Just a drop so it'll last for that one truth."
"Where'd you get Veritaserum?" Frank asked, wide eyed.
"Borrowed it," said Sirius.
"Nicked it," said James.
"Brewed it," said Draco.
"Liberated it," Remus smirked.
Peter looked around with his watery eyes, "what they said."
"You lot are something else," Frank chuckled.
"I'll go first since it was my idea," Sirius announced, leaning over and retrieving the small bottle from his bedside table drawer. It was in a cylindrical, green glass bottle, with a black cover, when held up to the light you could see the clear liquid sloshing about, and the dropped that was attached to the cover.
He carefully dropped a drop on his tongue with the dropper. "Remus you ask me one, then I'll ask you."
Remus narrowed his eyes suspiciously, but decided to play along. "Fine, was it you who ate my chocolate that I had stashed away?"
Sirius's eyes widened, he hadn't expected Remus to play dirty right off the bat. "I nicked a chocolate bar, but Peter's been sneaking it for months, little bits at a time so you wouldn't notice!"
Remus glared at Peter, whose eyes bulged out his head slightly. "I couldn't help myself!" Peter tried to say in his defense.
"You make good hot chocolate...so I'll let it slide...this time," Remus threatened playfully, and Peter's lip trembled as he thought Remus was serious; until he winked at him and stuck his tongue out at the other boy.
Sirius carefully levitated the bottle over to Remus, who followed what Sirius had done, and looked expectantly at his friend, eyebrow raised, leaning back on the bed and propping himself up on his elbows.
"Do you still like Hermione?" Sirius grinned triumphantly, and Remus shot him a dirty glare, scowling deeply.
"Wait...still? Remus liked Hermione?" James asked with wide eyes, mouth agape.
"Yes, I still very much like Hermione," Remus admitted through clenched teeth, the potion forcing the answer out of him.
Draco noticed that Sirius's grin only got bigger after that, that's why he wanted to play this game. He's a lot more cunning than a lot of people give him credit for, Draco thought.
When it was Frank and James's turn, James asked the other boy if he had kissed Alice yet.
"Not yet," Frank blushed, "I asked her out on Valentine's Day and we've been together ever since," he admitted sheepishly.
"Oi, Frankie, can't keep secrets like that from your mates!" Sirius exclaimed before jumping up and launching himself at Frank's bed. Both boys ending up in a pile of tangled limbs.
Frank just laughed, and for a brief moment, Draco saw a blonde who looked almost exactly like Frank, and he smiled. It was then that he wondered how Hermione's research to save Alice and Frank was going. A pang went through his heart when he noticed that she had been a bit distant lately. He saw her all the time, but emotionally it was if she had cut him off. Which stung. A lot more than he was willing to admit, even to himself. He let out a harsh puff of air through his nostrils. From Remus's answer tonight, it was only a matter of time before he and Hermione ended up together. Which Draco knew was going to hurt, it already felt like his heart was getting carved into, right before someone tried to yank it out of his chest.
Marlene helped. She helped the ache in his heart not hurt as much, she wasn't warm necessarily, but she was what he needed. At least right now she was. She did agree to go to Hogsmeade with me next trip, Draco mused to himself.
His thoughts were abruptly drawn from the blonde girl when Frank said, "don't think I really even need to ask, James."
James was about to open his mouth in protest, when simultaneously they all chime in, "you like Evans. We know." James crossed his arms over his chest and fell back against his mountain of pillows. Sulking, but he still watched with interest as it was Peter and Draco's turn.
Peter went first, looking a little anxious when Draco asked, "so Pete, who do you like?"
"K-K-Kira," Peter stammered, blushing profusely, nervously popping a couple more cinnamon snaps in his mouth.
"She is really quite pretty, isn't she?" Draco said gently.
"She's smart, and brave and I like her a lot!" Peter exclaimed happily, shrinking slightly when he noticed how excited he had gotten.
"Good for you, Pete!" James grinned, getting up on his bed, and striding confidently over to Peter. Clapping him on the back and whispering something in his ear. Whatever it was, Peter ended up smiling and nodded eagerly before James sat next to him on his bed.
It was Draco's turn. Draco paused before letting the drop fall on his tongue. The Veritaserum wouldn't cause me to break my vow...right? Plus these are innocent questions, it'll be fine.
Swallowing thickly, he let it drop on his tongue, bracing himself for the worst.
"Who do you like?" Peter asked confidently, and the other boys were all raptly paying attention. Draco tended to be mysterious sometimes, so they weren't sure exactly what Marlene was to him.
The potion wanted to push her name out of his mouth, but he knew he couldn't say it. Not now, possibly not ever. He didn't think she him as anything more than her best friend. In the end another name fell from his lips, "Marlene." It wasn't a lie, he did really like Marlene, but he wasn't sure it would ever be as much as he liked her.
The other boys wolf whistled, and threw pillows at him. "I knew it!" James yelled at Sirius, "give me my sickles boy!"
Sirius grumbled, reluctantly handing James over a handful of coins.
"You guys made bets on whether I liked Marlene or not? Wankers," Draco shook his head, but his broad smile negated his disapproving tone. He picked up one of his pillows and lobbed it at his brother, who skilfully ducked-having been used to dodging Bludgers that were heading directly for him-and who ran away when Draco took chase.
"Oi! I deserve a cut of that, you can't profit off of me, and I don't get anything!" Draco yelled after his brother, he pulled out his wand.
"Petrificus Totalus!" Draco yelled out, aiming at James, instead hitting Peter. It went on long like that for a while, and it turned into a full on 'war'. It ended and Sirius was stuck to the ceiling, Peter was still petrified on the bed, Frank's hair was sticking up in numerous different directions, it was now bright blue and he looked like he had been electrified.
Remus, James and Draco were left in a circle, panting heavily, all alert and watching the others.
Remus was the first to break the standoff, "truce boys?"
"Okay...truce," James said, relaxing. Draco could've told you what was going to happen next, and Remus had sensed he would too, since he didn't even aim for Draco. Instead he shot a jelly-legs jinx at James, whose eyes widened with fright, as he realised his mistake, toppling forward, falling face first; barely getting his hands up in time so his face didn't smash into the ground. From the sound of it though, and the sharp crack they heard, Draco thought it was safe to assume that James's forehead had still impacted with the ground.
How positively Slytherin Moony, Draco smirked proudly. Many assumed that Slytherin's played dirty, but they were just cunning and sly-most of them at least.
"Well then, Moony. For real now. Truce?" Draco quirked an eyebrow, raising his hands in surrender, not relaxing however. It was funny, how it would be the two of them left standing. Both enamored with the same girl, even if one of them didn't know how the other truly felt.
"Okay. Truce," Remus agreed, dropping his wand hand, grinning wildly.
"Hey! Are any of you wankers going to to bloody get me down from here?" Sirius called from the ceiling, and they all laughed heartily. Draco walked over to Remus and threw his arm around his shoulders.
They may have feelings for the same witch, but despite all of that, Draco trusted Remus inexplicably. He knew Hermione would be happy with him, same as Remus would be happy with her. They were both good for each other, and Remus needed to know he wasn't a monster, and being with Hermione would definitely help in that regard. I need to let her go, Draco thought. He squeezed Remus a bit tighter, and watched as Frank and James discussed the best way to get Sirius down. In spite of how much it hurt, how much he wished it could be him by her side, he knew that neither of them were ready. If she even likes me like that, Draco sighed. He glanced at his best mate out of the corner of his eye, Remus was grinning brightly, his hazel eyes shining happily, the smile lines by the corners of his eyes showing. Yes. Remus would be good for Hermione, that was for certain.
Tuesday, February 25th, 1975
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
It was a drab, rainy day at Hogwarts. The rain heavily poured, sliding across window panes, running off roofs, and leaving the grounds a muddy mess. A few third years had already been reprimanded for running across the mud, sliding about it and then tracking it back onto the corridors. They had obviously tracked it farther than McGonagall thought
Hermione had scrunched up her face, and avoided slipping in the mud-it was all over the corridor, right around the corner as a matter of fact-she held out her hand otherwise James would've walked straight into it.
She was displeased because the humidity was higher than normal today, so her hair was frizzing slightly, something it didn't do as much anymore; these days it had calmed down, and fell in loose curls down her back. It only brought back numerous memories of trying and failing to tame her bushy mane for years.
She took out her wand, and with a couple waves, quickly cleaned up the mess, giving a pleased nod when she was satisfied no one else would round the corner and fall victim to the mud that had previously been there.
"You're still avoiding Remus?" James asked Hermione. Sirius was trailing behind them, distracted by the small Hufflepuff across the courtyard with her friends, her pale hair sticking out despite the dense downpour; his hands were laced behind his head as he walked.
Hermione thought it was funny that Draco was spending more time with Remus than she was these days, she shot James a side glance, and continued walking. His mouth twisted to the side, but he clearly understood since he didn't press further.
They had had a couple free periods since Professor Sprout had urgent personal business to attend to, McGonagall had informed them this morning-in the Great Hall at breakfast. She said she hoped they would all spend their time wisely. Which is why Peter was in the library studying with Lily, Alice, Nancy and Kira. He was trying to get closer to the mocha skinned girl, and she at least tolerated him now to the best of Hermione's knowledge.
"It's ridiculous," Sirius added, his eyes still locked on the younger Hufflepuff.
"Mate...shut up," James laughed, "are you going to Hogsmeade with Dorcas? I know she asked you to go with her. I heard some Ravenclaw girls grumbling about it a couple days ago."
"I dunno, maybe, I guess...yes," Sirius said, clearly deciding in that moment.
"I do really like Riley, but I think she only sees me as a friend...either way, I don't think either of us are ready to be together," Sirius said seriously.
"Wow...that's quite mature," James whistled lowly, hanging back and falling in step with Sirius, squeezing his shoulder. "Doesn't hurt that Dorcas is pretty does it?" James teased, and ducked when Sirius went to hit the back of his head. Muttering "git," under his breath instead.
"Right?" Hermione exclaimed happily, glancing over her shoulder, "that's what I said. Don't forget he mixed dye into the shampoo bottles of all the Slytherin boys...which is why their hair was scarlet all last week."
"That took effort and a great deal of finesse," Sirius sniffed, "and James's cloak."
Hermione was glad that the attention was off of her for now. They were making their way to Charms class, and Hermione pulled her curls from under her scarf, adjusting her bag strap moments later. She no longer carried around endless books-she had read most of them and retained all the knowledge that she had learned-now she only brought the books she needed to classes.
On their way, they met up with Lily and the others. Alice and Lily both took up one of her arms, and the girls chatted about how each other's days had gone since they had last seen each other.
"Evans, you're looking quite fit today," James complimented. Hermione groaned. This was not being less arrogant, and nicer to Lily. Lily gritted her teeth together.
"Lils-"
Twenty minutes later they were all sat in their respective seats in the Charms classroom. James's hair was sticking up more than normal, and he still had some black marks on his face, since Lily had set his robes on fire. He smelled distinctly of smoke.
Professor Flitwick didn't even ask as he entered the classroom after noticing Lily's smug expression, and James's wistful one as he watched the redhead from behind.
Hermione didn't even notice that there were two empty seats beside her, not really. She had been too occupied talking to Alice, who was sat in between her and Lily. Alice was telling her about Frank, and how she thought she wa going to pluck up the courage to kiss him soon, cheeks tinged with a rosy pink colour.
Professor Flitwick had just started in on his lecture for the day, they were going to be speaking about a few spells before they tried them out. When Draco and Remus burst into the room, panting heavily as though they had run a great deal. Hermione's lips twisted to the side as she recalled Mary McDonald passing by her that morning after the announcement had been made, asking if Draco wanted to go sit with Marlene with her. Remus went with both of them, and she had missed the sad expression the werewolf had sent her way as he passed her.
Shit. The only free seats were the two beside her. Remus moved first, taking up the seat next to her, quietly setting out his things once he was seated, Draco had followed suit. Both boys hurriedly apologised to Professor Flitwick for being late. He nodded, and after a moment he continued with what he had previously been talking about.
Hermione bit her lip, and she catches Dorcas across the room smiling shyly at who she can only assume is Sirius behind her. Some part of her is grateful that they have charms with the Ravenclaws this year, and not the Slytherins. For several reasons.
Unthinkingly she reached for her quill without looking, and she felt her skin brush against the back of a much warmer hand. Hermione glances to her right and sees that Remus is also looking at her. She wonders faintly if she's blushing as profusely as he is. She must be.
She quickly averted her gaze, grabbing her quill and withdrawing her hand hurriedly; trying to pay attention to Professor Flitwick, but she can sense Remus's body warmth radiating off of him, acutely aware of every movement he makes. She cursed her heightened sense under her breath, ever since she had almost shifted the last time she attempted it, it was if all her senses were on high alert all the time. If it was this bad for her, she could only imagine what it was like for Remus.
Hermione almost jumped out of her seat when a light tap on her shoulder, abruptly drew her from her thoughts. She noticed Remus had scrawled something on the top of his piece of parchment; not for the first time she admired how neat his cursive handwriting was.
Can we talk? Hermione swallowed thickly when she saw that, but she knew she couldn't run from this forever, so she subtlety nodded and Remus smiled gently. She schooled her expression to one of indifference when Remus took her hand in his under the table, she knew she wouldn't be able to write notes properly but frankly she didn't care. Instead she charmed her quill silently to take her notes for her. Inside her heart was beating at a mile a minute, racing as if it had somewhere to be.
From Remus's smug expression, she could tell that he could hear her heartbeat, and if she listened close enough, she could hear his; matching hers pace for pace. It was in that moment that she knew it was going to be okay.
Hermione didn't get to speak to Remus after class as she had hoped she would be able to. Which irritated her, but the Marauder boys had dragged him off with them, they apparently had 'things to discuss'. So did we, Hermione had thought wryly, but she was quickly distracted away from her gloom and disappointment in the situation, when the other Gryffindor girls dragged her to the Astronomy Tower with them, as classes were over for the day.
What was meant to be a little while, turned into hours, and before they knew it they had missed dinner. Which is when they decided to sneak into the kitchens to get some food.
They were all laughing, since Lily was teasing Kira about Peter. The mocha skinned girl cut eyes at the redhead, but playfully shoved her as they made their way down to the kitchens. Hermione was practically salivating at the thought of food since she hadn't even anything decent since breakfast that morning; when something out of the corner of her eye made her stop cold in her tracks.
It was the moon. Pale and cruel as always,. It looked much more full than she recalled it being-she wracked her brain, and her eyes widened as it occurred to her what tomorrow was. She couldn't believe she'd forgotten. He had seemed fine. Better than fine. She smacked her forehead, of course that's why the boys dragged him away, they could tell he was pushing himself.
An image of him grimacing came to mind from their class earlier and she cursed herself under her breath.
"Hermione?" Lily called, her brow drawn together in worry, having stopped a few feet in front of Hermione. The other girls had stopped further ahead as well. She knew how it must have looked, how pale she had gotten as she stared in shock at the round, wicked sphere in the sky; it's light shining down on her.
"You guys go ahead! I forgot I have to do something!" Hermione yelled, not waiting for a response before she bolted in the other direction, completely forgetting that Lily had her book bag. She only had one focus. One.
The air was cold, and snapped viciously at her, there seemed to be a brief reprieve from the rain, but Hermione didn't even notice. She was too focused on her task at hand. She ran through large puddles, muddy water splashing up and sticking onto her legs. She almost slid and fell in a particularly muddy patch of grass. Her lungs were burning by the time she reached her destination. The Forbidden Forest.
Hermione stood, chest rising and falling, her shoulders moving in time with every heavy breath she took in and let out; surrounded by trees, mud, and a light fog had set in around the forest. How deep in the forest she was she didn't know, where she didn't even know where she was. She had a vague idea, but it was shoddy at best.
She closed her eyes then, slowing her breathing, focusing on the sound of her inhales and exhales. Becoming attuned to the forest around her. Then she knew, and it was as easy as breathing, and she shifted. Where Hermione Potter had been before, now stood a proud red fox, its' fur a more reddish brown than the average red fox, and a peculiar trait, was its' eyes. The fox had hazel green eyes.
*dramatic drum roll* Ha! You weren't expecting that yet, right? Right?
Okay...so I know some people may not want to read this bit, but in response to a guest reviewer I made a post on tumblr, I'm going to post a second chapter with the contents of said post for forty-eight hours then I'm going to delete it. So when you see a double update, I am sorry but it's not what you think. I kind of just wanted to let everyone be able to see it?
Love,
Indieblue xxx as always
P.S. If you read that then I love you.