Okay, this came to me after my enormous consummation of anything femslash concerning Hermione, and went bananas over it. Now, this is my attempt in a Hermione-centric story. Though this is romance heavy. Also not good with smut so... yeah. Also, I've gotten inspired to do this after reading reviews in Casanova Granger and thought I should do a proper Hermione centric story. Of course, romance for all!
A/N: Let's just say this started at the goblet of fire and followed through the Order of phoenix. Also, I will swing the story away from canon. Meaning the announcement of putting names in the goblet of fire will be delayed. Anything Voldemort related will be in a much later chapter. There will be action, folklore reference, Greek myth influences.
I edited this after the confusion of polyamory relations, which I guess was my fault for the errors in my word choice. This is mostly a rivalry between the girls until one steals Hermione's heart.
Pairings: Hermione Granger/Fleur Delacour, Hermione Granger/Cho Chang, Hermione Granger/Astoria Greengrass, Hermione Granger/ fem!Harry Potter (Rose), Hermione Granger/ fem!Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger/Daphne Greengrass
Warning: Genderswap, curse words, and mention of insults towards homosexuals (but nothing too personal). If you don't like anything girl x girl then please don't read. I'm not forcing anybody. To those who want to read. Read away!
Summary: At the start of the Triwizard competition they all thought it would be a fight between families but it seems to be a fight between hearts. Hermione Granger has been many things. A prefect, grade A student, smartest-witch-of-her-age, one of the golden trio, and a bookworm but she has never considered Casanova in that list. She still doesn't but other people thinks otherwise.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter nor its characters. Though mistakes and wrong grammars are all mine.
Enjoy!
Chapter 1: Dirty Nails
Hermione Granger has always prided herself on achieving everything with finesse and leniency. Everything to her studies, in her performances, and to all things important to her— being Harry and Ron's friend especially. She does this with everything she's got. That must be why few people get a little intimidated by her in ways. In return being mocked at and insulted, specifically with Draco and his goons, or maybe ignored occasionally was her day-to-day special although she never lets any of these things get to her deeply.
She had done a lot harder things than getting hurdled with verbal abuse to care. Maybe once upon a time but as of recently, she has the confidence to be proud of what she has achieved. Of course, she has gone back in time to save a magical creature and Harry's godfather, having helped considerably the-boy-who-lived figure out the basilisk inside the chambers of secrets and having to solve the potion task in the first year. That is to say, romance and emotions are other things entirely. Truly contrasting.
That was why, when another year commences for Hogwart she expected herself to be able to maintain the same performance she had done previously. Just not sure if being the center of attention was what she anticipated for herself either.
"Harry! Would you please slow down!? I'm not particularly accustomed to these parts of the forest!" Hermoine could not help but shout at the raven-haired boy, who all but manage to run away from her not minutes ago since they went out. Harry had seemed so impatient that he had left her out by herself to catch up, while she was fairing not that great from how much she was already sweating while taking a few minutes to gather herself and then run again.
The two wizards have been wandering the forest for two hours now. Occasionally, running and walking from time to time. Hermione gave a slight puff of annoyance as her companion insensitively ignored her plea and forced her to forgo her rests to catch up with him.
Earlier that day, Harry had asked Hermione to sneak into the night with him to go back into the lake where he and Sirius almost died from the dementors. Harry had confided in her and Ron about his dreams. Dreams that had left him almost uncomfortable and jumpy for days now. He said he keeps remembering very odd and vivid imagery of various symbols and memories— if they were even memories, to begin with— and could not leave the thoughts away. He believes it means something real— ominous if he could guess. Both Ron and her had tried easing his worries but days would pass and his worry would turn into frustration until he could not handle it anymore. That was how they got themselves in the forbidden forest unsupervised and unwavering. Of course, the bookworm had discouraged the idea altogether and pointed out how dangerous it would be. But no. Why would he listen to her? Well knowing Harry, having made up his mind, would be a losing battle and she didn't really want to leave the boy without any company, so she agreed. Unfortunately, Ron could not have joined them in this perilous rule-breaking fiasco Harry had doomed them because he was spending his time having detention with Professor Snape after he had managed to set the head Slytherin professor's robes on fire attempting to make a potion.
Hermione was taken surprise honestly. She knew Ron needed work on his potions but she thought Seamus would be set Snape's robes first given his history with pyrokinesis. She shrugs at the thought. It made her wonder how he had managed to do so but not before she mentally sympathized with her best friend's predicament.
The brunette was snapped back from her musing when she had to jumped over a few tree roots to be able to tail the still zooming Harry Potter in the pitched black forest. Her own light from her wand just enough not to bumped on tree barks. Hermione could have kept up adequately but lately, she's been holding herself in the library more than she used to so it was reasonable to say she was out of shape. I should probably do something about that.
"Hurry up, Hermione. We're almost there" Harry said back to her. Hermione frowns at him but kept running all the same. Upon arriving at the pond, the bushy hair had practically lost all of her reserved energy and was now bending and leaning on the tree to keep herself stable while panting for air. She felt jealous the seeker didn't even seem fazed with only a little sweat on his forehead as he looks on to the night making her a bit jealous of his stamina. She should start jogging soon.
She watched as Harry began to flicker his light much brighter to see the whole outer view of the pond.
"We better find something useful here or I'm doing this for nothing," Hermione said still out of breath.
The sight was the same as they had come before. The lake looks clear and, yet oddly, dark at the same time. Which made it appear as if it were a bottomless pit under the rays of the moonlight. Its shinning glow dances beautifully on its waters but she feared if she even takes one step too far, she'd be swallowed whole and never returned. It sent shivers down her spine as she continues to watch how seemingly captivating the lake really was. The trees surrounding them were tall, almost sentient in appearance, and foremost dominating. Yet with all its presence, it didn't overpower the impact of the lake. The night air musty from the smell of mosses and animal carcass. If anything was out of place for Hermione, it was the slight light in the center of the lake.
'Had that been in there this whole time?' she wonders.
She felt something off and looks at Harry if he felt it too but he seemed oblivious to it all while he eyes the sky enthralled by the moon.
"What are you looking at Harry?" Hermione asked worriedly, finally able to compose herself enough to take a few steps towards him. He was standing close to the edge of the land, his feet almost touching the water.
"In my dream—" He started his voice tone down and reminiscent. "I was looking at a mirror here." He momentarily gazed at her before he points at something inside the lake. She wasn't sure what or where exactly but she dare not interrupt Harry just yet. "It may have been an ordinary mirror— or it maybe it wasn't. All I know was that it was floating right there— on air and I was looking at it. It reminded me of the mirror f Erised but it didn't show me anything but my reflection. I stared at it over and over and over again. Just me looking back. Until suddenly my reflection changed." His voice started to waver. " I couldn't remember what I saw after. I can't remember what it showed me, just that a hand appeared to came out from the mirror and beckoned me to take it. I heard a voice saying 'it won't hurt me' that 'It was only lonely' so I took it and it pulled me in. Every time I took its hand I would wake up. Just like that."
Hermione stares at Harry with a concerned yet baffled expression. She hates to admit that she has no idea what it all means. It could have intended a lot of things. Surely, it's nothing dangerous. Right?
"It must have been confusing to be dreaming about such things, Harry but maybe it didn't mean we were supposed to be out here. For all, we know it could have been another lake or it's all metaphorical— I'm not sure but it's pretty dangerous to stay for long." She reasoned out. The bookworm saw the dismay in Harry's face as he too felt like he was rushing things.
It was never her intention to make it seem like Harry's feelings weren't taken into consideration but given they weren't in the best of places, she was more worried they'd get in trouble with creatures living here. Out of nowhere though, as she kind of noticed something glowing in the lake. She had half a mind that she must be seeing things or something really was happening.
Yet she never got to make sure because Harry had spoken up again. "I don't know. I just felt like I should be here. It's like a pull. I've been having these dreams nonstop. It must mean something" He said searching his eyes around. Hermione, too, had stared back to where she last saw the glowing light but wasn't there anymore. I think we should get back now.
Hermione slowly pulled the boy on his sleeve to get his attention in line. "Harry. It's almost past 11. We can come back tomorrow if you like but maybe at a much earlier time."
"But—"
"I knew it" Someone cut Harry's words as the bookworm heard a familiar yet irksome voice. The two wizards look unto the shadows as a form began to come out. Draco Malfoy emerges out of the bushes with his blonde hair and annoying smirk plastered heavily on his face, standing with all his snobbish arrogance and unbearable conceitedness.
The brunette glowered at the sight of the blonde boy. Years seeing him has never once turned out good for her. It turned some of her situations worse at times. Which she had to hand it to the Draco, he is one annoying git.
"Draco, what are you doing here?" She spat out with venom lace words.
Not liking her tone, he only sneered back in contempt looking at her like the dirt that he thinks the brunette has always been. "I should be asking you that, Mudblood." but his signature smirk came back.
"Then again why should I ask when I already know why. Did Potter already pop your cheery, Granger?" His eyes tuning at Harry and looked impressed at the boy, who wanted nothing more but murder him.
"If so, is she much better as a prostitute than a wizard then, Potter?" He laughs comically.
Harry's angered skyrocketed at his insults directed at Hermione as he suddenly grabs out his wand from his pocket and aimed it at Malfoy. "Take that back Malfoy!" He threatens coldly at him but the blonde boy only smirks.
"Why? It's the truth, isn't it?"
The rave-haired boy was definitely roped around Malfoy's taunting and was going to hex Malfoy when Hermione stops him on the last second. "No, Harry. He's not worth it. Never will be." She pleaded with him. Although even she feels that Draco deserves any hex Harry would throw, it wouldn't look good for both of them if they would do it here at the forbidden forest at night. Harry momentarily stares at the bookworm while his anger slowly dissipated while lowering his wand though Harry's glared stayed at Draco's face.
The blonde boy laughs at this exchange. He must be feeling overpowered that both of them backed down but Hermione wants to assure him it wasn't prowess or his pureblood status that made them act decent with him.
His voice was loud with amusement and mirth as he lets out another insult. "What is it, Potter? Too tired to cast a spell? Granger must have done something right if you're that beat up" and then another boisterous laugh escape his lips.
This time Harry couldn't stop his temper. Hermione could only look on as Harry's wand lights up.
Time slowed in Hermione's eyes. Before Harry's spell collided with Draco, the light that she had been having second thoughts to be even real flies up from the lake and formed a gigantic ball of fire. It moved erratically in the air before it changed its course and hit the three wizards in the chest. All three were flung back in different directions. Hermione could feel her chest burning as her consciousness slowly disappeared with the darkness. Suddenly everything went numb.
Her head throbbed painfully against her skull, nothing was still and she was sure her stomach churned on its own. What the hell did I do? Her thoughts going wild as she tried to make sense of what was happening to her. A painful groan escapes her lips as she clutches her head to keep it still but was futile from insistent dizziness.
"Stop moving!" She hissed before graning again. Not liking how it loves to make her want to puke even more.
"Oh, thank Merlin you're awake and okay, Ms. Granger" She heard a warm voice say.
When she opted to open her eyes, she saw Professor McGonagall's worried expression laced with a slight glare, meet hers. She groans after knowing how screwed she was. Who wouldn't be? Two of her house students when out at the forest past curfew and into the forbidden forest for some seemingly reckless reason. She'll definitely be getting detentions for this.
"Um… Hi Professor McGonagall. What can I help you with?" She asked innocently even though she knows very well why the old woman was here.
The glare went colder and all Hermione could do was whimper in fear as she slightly hid in her sheets while praying to any powerful being to save her.
The old woman sighs and then massages her temples' in frustration. " There is nothing funny, Hermione. What you and Harry did was reckless, very irresponsible, and very dangerous. It was fortunate when Mr. Finnigan let slip you're little tryst in the forest and we came to your aid much earlier. When we arrived both of you were lying on the ground out cold. Something could have come and abducted you both" Her voice was hard and scolding. "Worst yet— something could have killed you!"
Hermione was guilty nonetheless but couldn't help noticing why Draco wasn't being mentioned. She was going to ask when Dumbledore suddenly inserted himself between their scolding section.
"Ah, Ms. Granger. I see you've woken up. Could I probably have a moment with you?" He said with a soft smile.
Professor McGonagall wanted to continue her scolding when Dumbledore gave her a smile and nod. The witch sighs and lets it be for now. "I'll give you and Mr. Potter your proper punishment in the morning. Have a good evening and rest well" She said, turns and went away to her quarters.
Hermione let out a sigh then gave her attention to the headmaster.
"If you don't mind me asking where is Harry, Professor Dumbledore?" She was concerned. She didn't really have the time to ask the other witch of fear of the moment but now that she had the time to think, her best friend was the first thing to fly on her head. Professor McGonagall was right, what happened was reckless, dangerous and could have probably hurt both of them.
"Do not worry. Harry is sleeping just fine in the other bed. I think he's even having a wonderful dream." Dumbledore gave a warm smile at her. Hermione gave an awkward smile in return. It was hard to believe he was having a wonderful dream given it's gotten worrisome to the point that it got them to where they are now.
Hermione let out a breath of relief though, knowing nothing bad happened to him.
When she met the older wizard's eyes again she remembers that she wasn't off the hook just yet. She stayed silent, knowing it was the best course of action. She could feel the headmaster's gaze on her, unreadable while hers was down on her hands. Suddenly finding them to be interesting.
"Miss Granger" He started. Dirty nails. Maybe she should get her nails done.
"Do you remember what happened before we found you unconscious in the forest?" Dumbledore asked, amused.
"Um— I—ah" How should she put this. She has no idea at all. One minute Harry was going to hex Draco, then a ball came from nowhere and then nothing. So, would that suffice as an explanation? Maybe not.
"I do remember everything clearly but… I just don't know how to make sense of what actually happened." She said truthfully and Dumbledore only nods at her, accepting her answer as easy as she told him they were just taking a stroll than having one of those shenanigans that usually gets them in trouble.
"Don't worry Ms. Granger. I'm not here to ask for an explanation just that I want to warn you and what lies ahead for your future" He then smirked. "—And for a few other people as well" Now sounding more teasing than anything else.
"What do you mean by that, Professor Dumbledore?" She asked in confusion and hopes Dumbledore wouldn't let her suffer from his usual cryptic riddles because as much as she appreciates the challenge, she has no energy and mood for it.
"Just that I bid you my very best luck," He said with a smile, his chuckle the voice of an old man's gurgling, and went to stand up from sitting on the side of her bed. "I'll leave you to rest now. Good evening."
He was at the entrance of the door before he stops mid-step to look back at the bushy-haired girl, his eyes on her before he spoke. "A word of advice, Ms. Granger. Love is a battlefield. A battlefield you don't want to fool around with or you might find yourself in a very intricate pinch so tread carefully." and with that, he continued to exit the infirmary and leaving her with more questions than answers. One of these days, she'd like to learn legilimency and read whatever goes inside their headmaster's head. That'll take years before that happens though.
Hermione couldn't understand what the old wizard has tried to tell her. She prides herself on achieving everything with finesse and leniency but even she can't seem to find her balance now.
Unbeknownst to her, that would seem to be her stature from then on.
Chapter 1 is short. This is mostly just a filler because I wanted to just put it in there how *Spoiler Alert* Harry and Draco change *Spoiler Alert*. Don't worry I'll post the next chapter tomorrow with a promise of a longer chapter.
~Toddles~
Edited on 07/29/20 So I edited this because I had the time and it had a lot of mistakes. Hopefully, this newer version fits better.
