A/N - So I was reading one of my favorite authors and noticed a comment about the notifications not working over the weekend. So I opted to publish chapter three a few days early. I wanted to make sure those of you receiving notifications knew there was a new chapter. So if you haven't read chapter two yet, do that.
As for Saturday, I will publish chapter four, so FFN's issue gets you a bonus chapter.
Now for this chapter, in thinking about the storyline I came to the realization the children are in the grade that amounts to the 8th grade in the states. The year before starting high school. In thinking about when I was in 8th grade (in the canon timeline, it wasn't that many years earlier) and how the kids acted. So I'm staying on the conservative side as I know for a fact there were kids doing a whole of a lot more than holding hands and kissing. But kisses did get a bit more than brushes and light touches. The relationship between Draco and Hermione is going to mature as they do. But I won't rush it.
Still working off my iPad so hope the format is ok.
Enjoy!
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As the four children continued to devour the information in front of them, Narcissa stepped back. She couldn't give them the summer vacation they deserved, it ripped at her heart and if they found pleasure in looking over books, she allowed it. After giving the children a few more minutes, Narcissa called for their attention and found no response. Severus's deep chuckle only proved what he was feeling.
"It's nice to know their excitement hasn't diminished." Giving Severus a quick and not really upset glare, Narcissa cleared her throat once more. When she was met with the same results, she simply waved her wand and the four books closed and moved away from the reaching fingers.
"Since I have your attention again, we will discuss Transfiguration. Hermione, Draco and Harry you will be placed in the fourth year class. Minerva feels you have all successfully grasped the theories and wants each of you to spend the summer finding a topic of interest. This will be a way to continue with your education, but without having you jump another year while at Hogwarts. As it is, you will take your OWL at the end of your fourth year. Aurora agreed to be available should you have any questions."
Minerva, who stepped forward during Narcissa's introduction, handed the three students the fourth year book. The boys each received a stern nod, but Hermione, she also received a barely-there smile in addition to the nod.
"Having learned about you three over the last two years I expect two of you will have read the text and practiced a few of the theories in short order. While the third will have been filled in by the other two." The boys looked to Hermione, already with her book opened. The young witch tried to read, take notes and pay attention at the same time. Minerva's barely-there smile expanded and she gazed fondly at the girl.
"Aurora will be teaching the fourth year curriculum and I will continue to have a weekly meeting to go over your individual projects. For the summer keep me or Aurora aware of your progress. And Hermione, —" The witch looked up at her name "— I believe you'll have enough to keep you occupied over the summer; however, once we return to the castle I want you to tell me if you begin to feel anxious."
"Of course Professor. I think last year went better all things considered. Most of my worry was about the beast. Hopefully all I have to worry about this year is my studies." The children missed the look of concern that flashed across the faces of their family.
"And Blaise" Narcissa quickly moved on to give the adults a chance to shutter their worried expressions. "We planned the same as Potions with you starting the third year work when we returned home. However, with the extra time, Minerva would like for you to attempt the same as with Potions. I know this plan will take a great deal of effort from you." Blaise nodded to denote his agreement while thinking of his worry when his only course was a condensed potion course. "If you are agreeable, you'll have three sessions a week until we return to the Manor and then potentially four until the start of school depending on your progress."
Narcissa watched Blaise and saw his trepidation at her statement. "After reviewing your work from last year, Lucius and I are more than confident you will be able to do this. As with potions, if you are able to complete the course work, you'll be placed with the fourth years along with the others. Otherwise you'll remain with the third years."
Blaise wanted to try, he'd not realized his worry showed until Hermione reached over Draco and grabbed Blaise's hand. "No worries, Draco and Harry can help with Potions. I mean I can too, but those two are so good at the course it just makes sense. And I'll be there for you in transfiguration. It's my favorite course, well along with potions and charms. It's just all so amazing." Hermione's eyes glazed at the thought of all the potential learning.
Draco didn't mind having Hermione reach over him, not really. When she was near it was like he could breath a little easier. But he didn't like that she was holding hands with another wizard and now she wasn't even talking. "Hermione? You ok there?" With a shake of her head Hermione returned to the present.
"Sorry was thinking about classes." Hermione sat back in her seat and flipped through the transfiguration book. In a low voice, one only Draco could hear, Hermione began to murmur "so much to learn." Draco smiled at the witch and reclaimed her hand.
Narcissa knew they needed to start with the theories behind the protective enchantments, but looking at how excited the children were for what they'd been told so far she couldn't bring herself to interrupt them again. "I think this will do it for today. We will pick up tomorrow morning first thing. We have the schedules worked out now, since as we are on vacation, as much as it is, we will hold those off for now. Go on and enjoy the rest of the day."
After the departure of the children, Regulus left the room. His feelings of failure evident in both his expression and hurried exit. "I'll go speak with him. This isn't the first time one of us felt this way." Severus smiled at Aurora before he too was gone.
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While the children listening to the plans for the rest of the summer, Rich and Jean Granger sat in the corner reading a portion of the Charms text related to protective enchantments. The pair learned warding was an art combining knowledge of charms and ancient runes. The combination of the two fields provided the individual with the potential to create incredibly complex and powerful results. While Jean immediately knew the application of the enchantment had to be done by someone with magic, she and Rich wanted to understand the underlying theories before venturing into learning the various specific charms.
Rich finished reading and sat back. He looked to his daughter who seemed to be entranced with what Minerva said. "We are right in limiting her options for the extra classes. I mean look at her face. She's in heaven right now and she hasn't even brought up the topic of extra classes."
Jean sighed, "I know. I think we are right in only allowing her to select three. Anymore will stretch her too thin considering the extra coursework with Potions and how she will throw herself into whatever project she selects for Transfiguration."
Before the school year ended, the Grangers learned about the elective courses available to those entering their third year. They discussed the purpose of each course. Eventually the discussion evolved into determining how many Hermione should be allowed to take. They both knew their daughter and joked she would need to be a time lord to take them all.
After explaining what a time lord was and laughing at the thought, they noticed Narcissa failed to laugh. In quick order, Narcissa informed the Grangers time travel was possible but only for a limited amount of time. All agreed it was knowledge Hermione didn't need. Given the option, she would take all classes just to experience time travel.
Even if the discovery of the issue with the wards hadn't happened, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy were vital for a head of house. Of the three other options, Jean only saw Hermione being interested in one. "I think she'll pick Care of Magical Creatures. She always loved animals as a child and Crooks took to her immediately."
As Jean and Rich returned their focus to the book in front of them, the meeting with the children ended. When Regulus left Jean wanted to follow and comfort the man. She'd started to look to him as a brother of sorts. But stilled when Severus quickly followed Reg out the door. "I wish I could do something to help him Rich."
Rich knew his wife's compassion would be in overdrive until she could help her new family or at least see the concern fade. "We'll figure something out. I know we can't do anything but maybe there is a way we can help with something. Let's keep reading and if they don't help we get more or search the libraries. One of them has to give us a clue on what we can do."
With some measure of a plan, the muggle parents agreed and turned their attention back to their friends.
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The children remained with their books and talked about all the things they didn't expect to see on their various syllabi. The quartet remained settled and focused until Narcissa shooed them off to get ready for lunch. When Hermione started to ask questions on potential projects for Transfiguration and specific questions on vanishing spells, Minerva raised her hand. "Hermione, we will get into those questions, but for now let's put classes to the side." The witch, who had more questions ready, sighed and returned to her meal.
While the adults chuckled at her reaction, the boys distracted her with plans for the following day. Draco wanted to prove his form was perfect and planned to spend the hours before lunch doing such. Harry and Blaise planned to break out the snowboards. Harry heard about snowboards from an American business associate of Lucius. The gentleman planned a family vacation around the business meeting and was invited to bring his children to the informal gathering before the meetings. His children talked about the new way to ski and Harry was hooked. It took years for him to get Narcissa's approval, but she gave it and now there were four snowboards waiting to be used.
A few hours later, after the children had another in-depth conversation about their potential projects in Transfiguration (all of them) or Potions (Harry and Draco with Hermione an avid observer) over dinner, the children exited the large home and settled on the porch to decide what they were going to do. The sun would be up for a few hours until it fully set. Not wanting to pull out the skiing equipment, the quartet decided to hike around the grounds. After grabbing their heavier cloaks, they made their way toward the ancient trees surrounding the home. Crooks startled them almost immediately when he jumped out of a shrub and hissed angrily. The animal backed away from the shrub and kept himself in front of the children and specifically his witch.
Hermione watched the shrub and her familiar as the latter started to shake and dropped to the ground. Hermione leapt forward to grab her cat as Blaise sent a jinx over her head, while yelling, "Hurry, we need to get Crooks back to the house." Draco grabbed Hermione and pushed her back toward the house while Harry stood next to Blaise and mimicked the jinx sending a blue burst toward the shrub. "Good one Harry, come on I think that one got 'em." Pulling Harry away the pair of boys ran out of the forest and caught sight of their friends bursting into the house.
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"Mum? Hurry." Draco yelled before he and Hermione entered the house because Hermione was beside herself. Crooks started to howl in pain for a few moments, but then went deathly quiet. The witch, rubbing the cat's belly when Narcissa came running to the room with her wand out, stood shaking and unaware of her surroundings.
"What in the name of Merlin is wrong?" It was then Narcissa saw the distraught witch holding the still familiar. "Hermione?" When the witch didn't answer, Draco pulled Hermione farther into the room and she seemed to gain some sense of her surroundings.
"I don't know Narcissa. We were in the woods and he jumped out of a shrub hissing. He stood in front of us until he collapsed. On the way back, I don't know. What's wrong with him?" Narcissa, at Hermione's side now, began to inspect the animal as best she could without taking him from Hermione. Finally she knew the animal needed to be out of the young girl's grasp.
"Set him down so I can get a look at him." Hermione didn't want to let him go, but when Draco placed his hand on her arm, she gently laid him on the floor." "That's right you can still rub on him, I just need to see all of his body. Draco, go find Blaise and Harry. We are fine here." After being dismissed Draco turned to the door only to see the pair running up the steps.
"Found them." Draco quickly returned to Hermione's side and wrapped an arm around as the witch continued to watch Crooks.
"It was a doxy Cissy. I saw the queen, not sure if that is what bit Crooks. Harry and I got at least a couple of them before we left." After Blaise said doxy Severus rushed from the room toward the lab he just finished setting up. Luckily he preferred to be prepared for most eventualities and grabbed the antidote. A few moments later he was back in the room attempting to administer the potion to the unconscious animal who had two witches in close proximity.
"Cissy, I have the antidote, would you hold him up so I can pour it down his throat?" Hermione jumped to hold her pet before she felt Draco pull her arms away and Severus speaking to her, "Hermione, you are shaking, let Cissy do this. The faster she gets him, the faster I can cure him." Draco pulled the witch back a couple of steps allowing his mother and godfather to do what was needed.
"Will he be ok Draco?" Hermione's voice, so small and broken, hurt Draco to hear. His emotions tumbled when he noticed the tears streaming down her face.
"Yes, he will. Uncle Sev has never let you down and he won't this time." As the last drop of potion dripped into the cat's mouth, his tail twitched. "See that means it's already working. Just give them a little more time and I'm sure he will be fine." Hermione clung to the arm around her and watched as her familiar slowly woke.
When Narcissa set the animal down, Hermione burst from Draco's grasp and landed on the ground next Crooks. She looked to Severus who nodded. "Thank you. Thank you both. Oh Crooks, please be careful. I just found you." Hermione laid next to her pet and stroked him until they both fell asleep.
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Hermione's woke from her restless sleep before sunrise. She waited an hour, while snuggling an agreeable Crooks, before she got out of her bed. As the witch dressed in warm clothes, she watched her familiar as he watched her. Picking him up, she quietly made her way toward the porch with the cat firmly in her grasp.
Crooks remained at Hermione's side since Severus administered the antidote and Hermione wasn't complaining. He still looked exhausted and curled closer to Hermione as she sat on the porch. Pulling a blanket around them, she continued to run her fingers down his back.
After waking from the antidote, Hermione laid with Crooks until she fell asleep on the floor, her father carried her to her bed. Crooks didn't respond kindly to being separated from Hermione and took his anger out on the blond boy tasked with carrying the half-kneazle. Draco probably still bore the evidence of her familiar's displeasure.
Sighing Hermione looked at Crooks whose yellow eyes focused on the brunette. "Crooks, you can't scratch Draco like that. He was just bringing you to me. You know him. Now promise me you won't scratch those I love again." The animal appeared to roll his eyes before moving his head under her hand. "Ok, I take that as you agreeing. You also have to tell him you're sorry this morning. I know you can't speak but I also know you are smart enough to apologize sufficiently. Then it's forgotten." Crooks pushed his head into her hand again. The pair settled a bit deeper into the patio lounger and fell into a light nap.
Eventually the sun broke over the horizon, waking the pair from their slumber. They quietly returned to Hermione's room and she proceeded to get ready for the day. Crooks sat on the edge of her bed and watched her movements without blinking. Hermione put her foot down when he tried to follow her into the shower. She reminded him how he didn't like water or baths and if he was in the shower she was going to get him clean. Jumping to the counter, Crooks opted to position himself between the door and the shower.
At the breakfast table, Hermione found herself the first to arrive and was met by one of the elves asking about breakfast. The witch wasn't especially hungry and requested a little fruit and yogurt. The elf, put out due to the simplicity of the meal, still provided exactly what she requested and then some. In addition, her plate held a few rashers of bacon, some granola, a muffin and her favorite marmalade. Hermione smiled and thanked the elf before digging into her meal.
Lucius and Severus appeared next and found Hermione's presence surprising. "You're up awfully early." Lucius nodded when the elf asked if he wished to eat. The look the elf gave the witch seemed to say Hermione still had a lot to learn. Severus responded in a similar manner to Lucius before the pair sat.
"I couldn't sleep, once the sun rose I figured I might as well get up." When her hand dropped to lap Lucius gave her a quizzical look. "Oh, Crooks is on my lap. He didn't want to be put down and after last night I'm glad to have him close. What happened?" Hermione, so upset by Crooks' reaction, missed what everyone said.
"He was bit by a doxy. Their venom is quite dangerous and is fast acting. It's rare for an animal to survive, but with Blaise knowing exactly what happened and you getting to the house so quickly, we were able to help him."
"Thank you for helping him. I … I don't know what I'd do without him." The wizard nodded and turned to his meal while Lucius continued to update the witch.
"A doxy is similar to a fairy in some ways. They are pests really. I hadn't realized there were any nests so close to the house. We're going out this morning to deal with it while you all begin your lessons. After last night, we decided to have you indoors today and tomorrow while we will verify all the nests are gone."
Hermione felt Crooks shift and she adjusted to ensure he was secure. "So a doxy is a magical creature then?" At Lucius's nod Hermione went silent again before nodding to herself. "I guess that's my third elective."
Severus eyed the girl before asking the question also on Lucius's tongue. "Only three?"
Her sigh sounded pitiful. "I would love to take all of them, just because. I want to know everything about my world. I've been ranking them and I don't think muggle studies would be very useful for me. From what I heard in the common room, it's a pretty bad class. Plus I lived in the muggle world my whole life. Not sure they can teach me something I don't know."
Hermione shrugged, the purpose of that class was to ensure any witch or wizard could safely interact with muggles without giving themselves away. "Divination has the potential to be quite interesting, but from what I've picked up, the ability to see is a special gift. So if I'm not a seer, which I don't think I am, all I'd do is learn the theory which I could do on my own. Plus Professor Trelawney teaches the third and fifth years and she seems quite —" Hermione paused as if trying to decide on the appropriate word to describe the flighty professor "— Quite unprofessional. So I was left with Magical Creatures if I wanted to take three, which I did."
Severus seemed content with her answer, it took a bit of skill for him to not laugh at the description of Sybil. She was the farthest thing from professional. Lucius responded after swallowing his own laugh. "Very valid and well reasoned thoughts Hermione. I'm pleased to hear how much effort you've given this. It's an important decision and one I struggle with as a Regent." Hermione, intrigued by the comment, tilted her head to the side and her attention spurred Lucius on.
"The three courses you've mentioned are true electives, the taking or not taking of them has very little impact on the average witch or wizard. That said, the other two courses deemed electives are vital for the wizarding world and as time moved along students who don't wish to take them due to the difficulty haven't. You and the rest here aren't being given the option. It is information you'll need to run your houses. But, what of students who won't inherit a house. Is the information they could learn useless to them? No, it's not and in some ways it could be more important as they won't have the historic protections the older families have."
Hermione hadn't thought about it that way and his explanation made complete sense. "So you'd like to make them compulsory courses? Would they start in first year?" Lucius saw his opportunity, if he could get Hermione to agree, then in the future the curriculum could and would be updated. Especially since she could bully, err convince, the other two to be on board with her plans.
"No, I believe third year is the correct year. The students will have a couple years to come to terms with coursework and their cores will have grown enough to handle the additional magical requirements. I have proposed they be required third through fifth year with the option to drop them in sixth year. Not everyone needs a NEWT, but everyone needs to learn the basic information." Lucius could speak passionately on this topic for hours and found a dedicated listener in Hermione.
However, before he could continue Severus interrupted him. "Lucius proposes this annually and each time the rest of the Regents shoot it down. It ends up tradition plays a strong part in the decision. The school hasn't adjusted to changes in culture and now it's catching up with us. Soon only heirs will take the more 'difficult' courses and add another area those not with a house can point to as evidence the wizarding world is prejudice."
Their discussion finished when all the adults, with the exception of Regulus, arrived for breakfast. "Mum, I've decided Care for Magical Creatures will be my third elective. After last night, I think it's important for me to learn about what else is out there." Hermione continued to scratch Crooks causing him to release a loud and content purr. "I haven't forgotten about you Crooks, in fact I'm doing this for you." Hermione picked the cat up and hugged the animal tightly to her chest.
By the time the boys made it downstairs everyone else finished their meals and the men left to remove the doxy infestation. As soon as Blaise entered, Hermione hugged him tightly. "Thank you for saving Crooks." The young wizard blushed at her continued hugs. "How did you know about doxies? What was the spell you cast?" Blaise laughed as Hermione released him.
"Let's sit down and I'll explain." Hermione settled back in her seat while the three boys served themselves breakfast. "It's not really anything amazing, we have a family home in Northern Europe and there are always doxy infestations. They get into the house and nest in the drapes. So I became quite aware of them. I wasn't sure if one bit Crooks until I saw him collapse. At that point I knew it was important to get out of there fast. The spell is just a simple jinx. Dad taught it to me as soon as I could hold a wand. I became a pretty good shot since they're quick." With a little shrug the wizard tucked into his breakfast.
"Wait, as soon as you could hold a wand?" Harry's eyes were wide when he processed the comment his friend said.
Blaise sighed. "In Italy there isn't an age restriction. Dad had a wand in my hand by the time I was three. He took me to get this wand when I was seven. It was amazing and I have that memory." Blaise hadn't intended to talk about his dad again. It was bad enough he had to be consoled by Hermione the day before. His friends shouldn't have to hear him be sad.
"I'm glad you have that memory Blaise and if you ever want to talk come find me. Crooks and I owe you." The familiar meowed and appeared to nod. "And speaking of — " Hermione turned the cat to face her, and began to speak to him, "— Crooks, I believe it's time. Go on now, you agreed."
The cat huffed and jumped from the witch's arms. He looked back at and seeing her serious face he shook his head. He made his way, looking quite contrite, towards Draco who eyed the animal warily. Crooks sat in front of Draco's chair and meowed pitifully until Draco reached for him. When Draco's hand was close Crooks bumped it with his head and gently set his paw on the top.
The smile on Hermione's face was enough for the familiar and wizard. They would get along if it made their shared witch happy.
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The rest of the time at the chalet the family enjoyed the outdoors and spent a couple of hours each day exploring the grounds and everything it offered. When it was time to move to the next location Hermione sadly packed her bags. "I know dear, I feel the same every time I leave as well. Luckily we can always return." Narcissa stood in the doorway watching the younger witch pack her bags with a morose expression.
"I know, it's just … I'll never come here for the first time again though."
Narcissa chuckled as she checked to make sure everything was packed. "Come on now, I've gotten the boys all sorted and they're waiting downstairs. The portkey will activate in about twenty minutes." Hermione sighed and followed Narcissa toward the library where everyone else waited.
Crooks got into his carrier without any complaints and settled quietly until he would be released. He heard they were going to a new house and was excited about seeing the place. The elves pampered the kneazle more now than before, which didn't seem possible, after they heard the young miss's familiar finding the nest of doxy. All elves in the Malfoy employ heard of Crookshanks and how he was a great partner. None of the elves wanted to see him hurt and started to check for creatures that could hurt their new friend.
Kitmu popped in and walked toward Hermione. "Is take Crooks." The little elf stood with his hand extended and waited until the witch moved. With a bit of nervousness, Hermione released the carrier and the elf opened the door placing something in with the kneazle before closing the door. With a nod Kitmu and Crooks popped away.
Lucius watched with amusement. That kneazle was going to rule the family soon enough. The elves were wrapped around his paw and Hermione was so scared of losing him again, she'd become quite clingy. "Well then, let's all grab a bit." Lucius held out a long cord and everyone dutifully grasped a portion. Within a few moments Hermione felt the characteristic pull in her belly indicating she was traveling. The family landed in another large library and Hermione's eyes lit with excitement.
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Their time in Greece would be eight days and allow the Grangers time to explore the area surrounding the villa. The plan was to explore both muggle and magical history and the Grangers were all excited about what they'd experience. Over the course of the eight days Hermione's fear for Crooks began to fade. The only difference between before the bite and now, Crooks always slept with Hermione. She wondered if he'd continue once they returned home. The elves set up a room in the new house replicating his room at the Manor. Each time she passed the room she thought the elves added something new.
On the first day in Greece, Hermione made a deal with Narcissa, and therefore with Severus and Minerva, each morning Hermione, her parents and whoever else wished to go, would explore the surrounding area. They returned home at lunch and the remainder of the day was spent completing her coursework. It was a great schedule and Hermione found herself exhausted each evening.
Blaise only explored with the group twice, since starting his coursework he'd be quite busy. Most mornings he spent outside with a book or notes. After reviewing, he'd spend an hour or so just walking around and enjoying the land. It really was a beautiful place. The air here reminded him a bit of home, of Italy. The Malfoy property, a western greek island, was almost far enough in the Sea that Blaise could make out the eastern coast of Italy. Some days he sat on the beach thinking.
Blaise tried to keep his focus on his courses, especially when thoughts and memories of his childhood tried to push through. Attempting to learn an entire years worth of work in less than three months was not an easy task. Blaise, pleased to see how easily transfiguration came to him, remembered seeing Hermione practicing some of the spells. She also corrected the other boys when they'd done something wrong, so Blaise chalked a bit of knowledge up to her. Minerva, quite impressed with what she saw, merely laughed when Blaise explained how he caught on so quickly.
Potions wasn't at all what he'd expected. Professor Snape, as Blaise couldn't bring himself to think of the man as Severus, was a task master and expected perfection. Since Blaise was the only student there, no one else could distract Severus's attention. Blaise again benefited from his friendship, as some of the things he heard during Severus's impromptu lectures came in handy.
His understanding of the theories weren't always exactly correct, but they were never totally wrong. After a particularly trying day, Blaise wished Seamus Finnegan would appear just to blow something up. Severus, not finding any humor in the boy's request, saw the exhaustion in his eyes.
"Ok Blaise, let's wrap it up for today and tomorrow we'll go with the Grangers. Then during your potions time I want you to just be with the other children. I think you need a break and we will get back at it the day after." Blaise released a deep breath, he still had homework to complete, but there was nothing too worrisome.
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While Hermione's family and friends took in the Greek countryside, Neville Longbottom and his family neared the end of their exploration of the west country. In fact, they were remarkably close to Malfoy Manor and exploring the Wiltshire countryside. Frank wondered if the odd location of the Malfoy estate could be a clue. He knew the first Malfoy came in 1066 and married into the local magical population. They were also near Stonehenge, another location steeped in magical history.
The family started their trip in Godric's Hollow and spent a day wondering around the village. Neville found a couple of locations his grandfather wrote about and updated the notes to include how the topography changed and other plants growing in abundance.
While Neville intently focused on understanding the flora of the area, Frank spent his time looking for something familiar. Godric's Hollow was a bust. The local history said Godric Gryffindor was born in the village, but his birth pre-dates the village by several centuries. Frank's research, including the large portrait in the family hall of ancestors, indicated moors surrounding the home and the current landscape of Godric's Hollow lacked anything close to a moor. The inability to reconcile the myth to the actual forced Frank to move on from the village quite quickly.
The days following their departure from Godric's Hollow, Frank spent time walking with Neville and found the journals were useful to him as well. His father-in-law's interesting perspective on the land noted multiple areas where moors once existed, but no longer did. Using this extra knowledge, Frank started to get a clearer picture.
As the family moved toward the southern part of the area, they spent time in Amesbury and found the history quite interesting. The original inhabitants of the now-town pre-dated the Roman conquest. The Longbottom family toured Stonehenge with muggles and found the theories on the monolith a bit off, but close enough. Luckily for the magical world, magicals left the land to escape the invaders and while Stonehenge evidenced of their existence, most Muggles believed the builders were killed or integrated into the invaders culture.
Neville found the area more interesting than any of their other stops. On their third day in the area, Neville and Frank wandered and found another area described by his grandfather. Neville read the entry again and felt his grandfather was wrong. The journal noted how the land held no life and that even the muggles avoided crossing into it. It also said the land emitted a feeling of despair and loss, one that caused the visitor to shudder in sadness and grief.
As Neville remained still and started to document his own thoughts, Frank stood next to Neville and felt the same things as his son. "This place has a different feel to it, doesn't it?" Neville nodded as he continued to write. "We have a bit of time, let's go a little farther." The father and son crossed the unseen boundary and walked the fields and forest. The land seemed to welcome the pair and the magic of the earth seemed soothed by their mere presence.
Frank steered Neville back toward where they crossed onto the land, when Neville stopped. He walked a bit away and knelt in front of a plant. The boy drew and documented the area before he stood and brushed the dirt and debris from his knees. "There is so much here that I've only ever read about."
Frank chuckled leading Neville toward Alice and Aggie. "Come on Neville, it's time to head back to the hotel. We can come back tomorrow, I feel the same." The father and son walked together away from the lush green lands they'd found.
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Draco watched Hermione with what he hoped was a casual look. It wasn't, but the witch hadn't noticed. In fact, she hadn't paid him any mind almost the entire morning. She was totally focused on the tour guide and what he was telling the group. The tour guide, Demetrios or Dem as he asked Hermione to call him, seemed happy with the focus the young witch gave him. When the guide placed his hand on Hermione's arm, Draco saw red.
Lucius, fully aware of his son, gently moved to separate Hermione from the boy who may have ended up jinxed otherwise. Draco stalked toward Hermione while glaring darkly at the tour guide who saw the expression on the elder man's face and quickly refocused on his job.
Hermione, sensing Draco's closer presence, whispered, "Isn't this great Draco? I mean, look at the history here. Did you know the Hermione from Greek mythology was from here? Just that makes it interesting, and Spartan woman were held in equal to the Spartan men. I mean, thousands of years ago." Hermione's eyes glittered in excitement at all she was seeing and that was the only reason Draco's dark emotion receded.
"It's quite amazing. Maybe we can talk a bit more about what we can do in the future to bring everyone to a more equal footing." Hermione grabbed Draco's hand and squeezed it tightly in agreement. She returned her focus to the tour guide who was showing some of the pottery shards found at Menelaion. Draco, focused on his competition, sent a self satisfied smirk when the boy in question noticed Hermione's grip on Draco's hand.
After touring a number of classic Greek sites the group returned to the Malfoy's villa on the Mediterranean Sea and settled for the evening. They agreed to take the entire day and enjoy what the Greek culture offered before leaving the next day. After eating, Hermione decided she wanted to sit on the beach one final time and asked Draco to accompany her.
The pair settled on a blanket, they sat on the warm sand and watched the waves ebbing and flowing on the shore. Hermione watched the water, gazing at where the sky and water met before addressing her companion. "You know he was just trying to impress me and it wasn't working. I just wanted to hear what he was being paid to tell us."
Draco stiffened, he hadn't thought she'd noticed. "I'm not sure what you're talking about Hermione." Hoping she'd drop it, Draco feigned ignorance. Her snort ended that hope. "You didn't see the way he was looking at you. I mean, he was probably what eighteen or nineteen and we're thirteen. More importantly, you're thirteen. Someone that old should be looking for girls his own age." Hermione snorted again.
"I don't think that was the case Draco. He was trying to engage the group and it happened that I was the most interested." She wanted to continue but Draco interrupted her.
"No Hermione you weren't. I was very interested and he never asked me if I had any questions. In fact, I know your mum had questions and Dem never once looked beyond you. It just upset me." Hermione sighed, she was almost positive he was overreacting but she didn't want to fight. Taking his hand she played with his fingers until the tension he was carrying released.
"I don't think we are going to agree, so know I was only using him for his knowledge and nothing else. I seem to like my wizards on the pale and blond side." Draco snorted before looking to the witch.
"I'll have you know I have tan lines. Pale my backside." Hermione started laughing and didn't tell him his backside was probably now the palest part of him. As Hermione's mirth faded Draco turned to her. "We're ok right? I know I was probably a git today, but Dad was the one who stepped between you and Dem."
"Yes, we are fine and I'm pretty sure Lucius only did what he did to make sure you didn't jinx the poor tour guide." Draco pulled the girl a little closer and placed his arm over her shoulders. As the sun set on their time in Greece, Hermione found herself quite sure they'd return to this beach one day.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
Severus Snape sat in the well equipped lab waiting. It seemed he was doing a lot that this summer, hurry up and wait some more. His days were fine, they consisted of teaching a group of children he will be proud to call his pupils when asked in the future. His evenings were spent with his closest friends and his nights, well those were spent in the company of one particular witch.
The relationship between Severus and Aurora moved quickly in the wizard's estimation, but he wouldn't change it for anything. After waking from petrification, Aurora spent time recovering at the Malfoy home and found herself pulled into the family. During that time the couple found themselves spending more and more time together until it became a foregone conclusion where one was, the other would be as well.
As a student, Severus never was the ladies man, he kept to himself and watched his friends woo various witches over the years while never finding anyone that interested in that way. When Aurora appeared Severus started to worry about his lack of experience. The witch put those fears to rest quickly.
With everything occurring in the last week, Severus's time had been pulled in a few unexpected directions and it left him worried he'd been neglecting Aurora. That morning she assured him he hadn't and that she fully expected him to spend time in the lab over the weekend working on the special brew requested by the Ministry earlier in the spring.
Severus, still unsure of the purpose, continued to the next steps in the brewing process. He found the instructions too similar to other healing potions he'd created for St. Mungo's to be a coincidence. In thinking he believed only one case existed where this brew could be used. Hannah Abbott, a second year Hufflepuff in the previous school year, was cursed with a particular insidious variation of the imperious. The girl was very lucky on how she was subdued in order for her to have survived.
She was placed into a magical coma until the Ministry discovered a way to save her. It seemed they believed they found something. So Severus spent weeks preparing the ingredients before starting the tedious brewing process. It took months to get to this point and now he waited until just the correct moment to add the final ingredients. As the timer slowly ticked down Severus focused and when the timer sounded the final ingredient was added. The brew bubbled and hissed angrily before it was stirred five times counterclockwise. The potion took an opalescent sheen and changed from a muddled brown to a bright blue.
Severus released a breath and removed the cauldron from the flame and allowed it to cool naturally before bottling in the vials provided by the Ministry. Severus gave a quick prayer to Merlin that whoever created the potion knew what they were doing and it worked as intended.
After packaging the vials, Severus sent a note to Amelia Bones informing the head of the DMLE of the completion of the second potion . Her response, almost immediate, sent the potion into her custody.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
