As I write this chapter What If has gained more than 500 followers and I'm just stunned. Thank you all for reading and following this story. Also big thanks to all the reviewers who supported me after the last chapter when I addressed the issue with the pressure from some readers. I hope you all enjoy the new chapter!
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WHAT IF
Chapter 18 - Responsibility
Hermione opened her window as quietly as possible to let the large post owl in. As usual, the owl delivered the Daily Prophet and Hermione was eager to see which nonsense they had published today. As usual, she checked first if Rita Skeeter had written any of the articles but till now the blonde woman was keeping her part of the deal.
Hermione had set Skeeter free after she had arrived at home with her parents. With the glass jar in her bag, Hermione had gone to a nearby park at night - of course without the knowledge of her parents - and opened the jar to shake out a pissed off Rita Skeeter. Then they had negotiated. Well, Hermione had set the rules and Skeeter had agreed after she had thrown a tantrum.
Hermione smirked at the memory and then started to skim through the Prophet. As usual, there was nothing of importance on the first page. But all the following pages were filled with disgusting news about Dumbledore and Harry. Since the beginning of the summer holidays, the Prophet was speculating if Dumbledore was too old to stay headmaster of Hogwarts and on three pages they recounted which mistakes he had made in the last years. They twisted the possession of Professor Quirrell and his death as Dumbledore's fault - too old not notice it?, the headline asked - and reminded the readers that the headmaster had already be suspended when the Chamber of Secrets had been opened. Lupin and Hagrid were named as examples for questionable choices for teachers and Lockhart was actually described as the last reasonable decision Dumbledore had made. Lockhart's memory loss was painted as a mysterious accident but between the lines, it was suggested that Dumbledore had wanted to get rid of the capable teacher to gain back his power over the school.
Hermione sighed as she flipped to the next page and saw the latest article about Harry. Since Harry was off and far away at his muggle relatives and therefore provided the Prophet with no news, they just warmed up Rita Skeeter's old stories. But it was enough to remind everyone regularly that the-boy-who-lived probably was delirious and/or seeking for more and more attention and had unfortunately convinced senile headmaster into believing him.
Outside of Hermione's room, the sound of a running shower sounded. Hermione's father always showered first, while her mother made coffee and breakfast. Quickly Hermione jumped up, shoved the Prophet into her trunk and then went back to bed. And surely, a minute later there was a soft knock and her door opened.
"Hermione, darling, are you awake?"
"Yes, Mum," Hermione replied
"Do you want to have breakfast with us? I thought about making waffles as a special treat." A grin spread over Hermione's face as she hastily jumped into her dressing gown to help her mother with the waffles.
They ate when Hermione's father came down and the peaceful silence. Her father was reading the newspaper while her mother thumbed through a magazine about ski resorts. Hermione had a school book on her lap while she sipped on her tea. She was careful not to read the Daily Prophet near her parents. She hadn't told them about the end of the last school year, about Cedric Diggory and the return of a Dark Lord who hated people like her. Her parents would only panic and probably try to pull her out of school. So she let them live in blessed ignorance.
"Your father and I are thinking about spending Christmas in a ski resort. Maybe the French Alps? What do you think?" Her mother asked as she sipped on her coffee and showed Hermione a picture of a posh luxury hotel. This year Hermione had a deal with her parents. She was allowed to spend most of her summer holidays with the Weasleys and in turn, she would be home for Christmas the first time in three years. Since her second year, Hermione had spent every winter holiday at Hogwarts, she had realised with aching guilt.
"Sounds wonderful, Mum." Hermione smiled. She didn't care much for skiing. When she had been a child the family had often gone skiing and Hermione actually was very good at it. But she still didn't like it so much. Reading in the hotel, in front of a burning fire with hot cocoa was more her style. Hermione also didn't care much for expensive hotels, but her parents liked it.
"So, when will Arthur come to pick you up?" Hermione's father asked over the rim of his newspaper.
"Ron wrote around lunchtime," Hermione told him for the thousands time this week and he still was wary. Hermine even had had to show her father the letter. He wasn't taking it well that Hermione spent the holidays at a home inhabited mostly by boys - which he remembered quite well from last summer - and that he couldn't be there when his daughter would be picked up. But unfortunately, her parents both had to be at the dentistry today.
Hermione's father huffed again but after a stern look from her mother, he wished her a good time at the Burrow. An hour later her parents left for work and Hermione decided to read a bit in the small garden in front of the house. Her trunk was already packed and Hermione was eager to leave. With all these new developments she yearned to be in contact with other magical folks again. Surely Mr and Mrs Weasley would know more about these horrible articles in the Prophet.
"Hermione, how nice to see you," a sugar sweet voice sounded as Hermione thumbed to the next page of her novel. Currently, she was reading 1984 by George Orwell, a book her mother had recommended since it was on the syllabus in Muggle School this year. Her parents still tried to get Hermione in contact with British muggle culture since she had to be able to pretend in front of family and friends that she was going to a private school. But Hermione suspected that her parents also wanted her to stay in touch with her roots.
When Hermione looked up and saw who was calling her, she almost groaned. It was Patricia Summers, her old childhood frenemy. Apparently back for another summer with her father and step-mother.
"Hello Patricia, nice to see you," Hermione replied with an indifferent voice. She just hoped that Patricia would be gone before Mr Weasley arrived.
"Already reading ahead? God, don't you have a hobby or something?" Patricia crinkled her nose as she looked at Hermione's book. Hermione tried hard not to roll her eyes as Patricia didn't even wait for an answer and just started to talk about some boring school gossip and complained about her step-mother. While Hermione tried hard to think of a good way to get rid of Patricia till Mr Weasley arrived, she made small noises and pretended to listen.
"And what's new with you?" Patricia finally asked, a bored frown on her face.
"Well, I could tell you but would you really be interested? Patricia, let's be honest, we hardly see each other and when we went to school together, we didn't like each other very much. Why would I tell you something about my life? You're practically a stranger." Hermione snapped. She had opted for being impolite - honest, was maybe a better term - in order to get rid of Patricia. For a moment the other girl stared at Hermione - well-behaved, polite and goody-two-shoes Hermione - with an open mouth and said nothing. Then a call interrupted their silence.
"Hermione!" Hermione turned but before she could see who called her, a black whirlwind tackled her down. Hermione felt a cold tongue lick over her face and plush fur under her fingertips. A loud laugh was booming as someone walked to them.
"Sorry, Hermione, he's a bit overexcited to get out of the house." Hermione looked up to see the friendly eyes of Bill Weasley above her, offering her a hand to get up. She grasped it and now realised that there was a big, black dog sitting in front of her. In the magical world, they would call him a grim. Hermione called him Sirius Black.
"Ah don't worry, I know that Snuffles is a good boy, a really good boy. Aren't you," Hermione playfully stroked Sirius' head. He growled lowly, which made Patricia take a step back, but Hermione knew better than to fear the animagus.
"Hermione, don't you want to introduce me to your friends?" Patricia finally said with her sweetest voice. She eyed Bill from head to toe and was obviously very happy with what she saw. Hermione had to admit that Bill looked as cool and handsome as ever and she could understand why Patricia was curious about him.
"Patricia, these are my friends Bill and Snuffles. This is Patricia, the daughter of our neighbours. Now, we just have to get my stuff and then we can be off." Hermione huffed and pulled Bill with her, who was smirking. Sirius was right behind them, waggling his tail excitedly. Inside the house, Bill quickly shrank Hermione's trunk so it fitted inside her small bag pack. Crookshanks meanwhile came down, purring when he saw Sirius and entered his wooden basket peacefully for once.
"So, are we going to apparate?" Hermione asked with a small flutter in her stomach.
"No," Bill shook his head. "We will fly."
"What? In bright daylight?" Hermione panicked as she remembered Patricia, who would surely wait for them outside to ogle Bill again.
"Nah, don't worry. We will drive till we are out of sight and then activate an invisibility charm." Bill explained as they headed out. Hermione was a bit puzzled at this but then she saw the big motorbike with a sidecar.
"It is charmed similar like dad's old car," Bill explained and Hermione remembered the story of how Sirius had left it to Hagrid so many years ago. "Hagrid had it hidden somewhere the whole time but offered it for today. And that's why Snuffles here wanted to come. Couldn't wait to be on the bike again, even if he isn't allowed to drive it himself since he can't be seen. So, you have the choice: Sidecar with Snuffles or on the bike with me?" Bill grinned and it reminded Hermione painfully of Fred for a second.
"I think Crooks will take the sidecar with Snuffles… Merlin, help me, I hate flying," Hermione muttered as she sat down Crookshanks basket in the car, Sirius jumping right after it. With a sick feeling in her stomach, Hermione settled down behind Bill and somewhere behind them she could hear Patricia Summers who was yelling She's getting on the bike with the hottie now to someone on the phone.
"Oh, by the way," Bill called, "we're not going to the Burrow." And with that, he started the engine and the loud sound drowned out Hermione's questions.
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Her first day at Grimmauld Place had been pure chaos. In the very first second after stepping into the building Hermione had met Mrs Black, while Mrs Weasley and Ginny had stormed towards Hermione to engulf her with hugs. The Weasleys had stayed with Sirius at the headquarter of the Order of the Phoenix since the beginning of the summer holidays and Hermione slowly realised how much things were going to change from now on. Dumbledore and the order obviously prepared for something big.
Hermione had almost no time to settle in when Ron and she were called down. Dumbledore awaited them in the kitchen and made it very clear that they could write nothing of this place and the Order to Harry. Hermione and Ron both protested but in the end, Dumbledore won the discussion with his authority and the argument that it was for Harry's safety. Hermione still hated lying to her best friend and she knew Ron was equally angry.
As usual Hermione and Ginny shared a room and the two spent their evenings, and sometimes nights, with talking about lighter stuff, like boys and the upcoming school year. Ginny told Hermione how she was dating Michael Corner now officially but wasn't keen on sharing that information with her brothers. Ginny suspected Ron to flip. And the twins would probably prank Michael as a well-meant warning. Hermione had to agree with those fears. They discussed who could be their new DADA professor and Ginny told Hermione how Percy and their father had their big fight.
After she had made herself comfortable at Grimmauld Place Hermione spent the following weeks with Ron, Ginny and the twins speculating about what the order planned, who the members were and how they could listen in. When Fred and George invented their Extendable Ears they were lucky for a while and got some information, but after Mrs Weasley caught them that possibility was quickly off the table too.
But most of the time they spent cleaning the house. Mrs Weasley seemed to think that it was a good way to keep them all busy and in her sight so that none of them could spy on the Order. It was dull work mostly, disgusting sometimes, but it tired them out. Even Fred and George were knackered most nights.
But no matter how tired or preoccupied Hermione was, one thing never left her mind. Fred's soul mark. She was still hesitant if she was right about it. If it really meant that they were soulmates.
She herself was quite sceptical of the whole soulmate things. For her - maybe because she was muggleborn, maybe because she was too sceptical per se - it was hard to believe that one person was your other half, your perfect match. Her parents had always told her that falling in love was unavoidable, but staying in love was a choice. And therefore your soulmate was the one you chose to spend your life with, and not someone destiny decided for you.
Hermione was hesitant to let her personal luck be determined by a single mark on her body. Especially if Fred really was her soulmate. They made absolutely no sense together, they didn't fit, no matter how madly in love Hermione was with him. Too different, not even real friends. Fred and Angelina, on the other hand, made absolute sense. They were perfect together. Both confident and laid-back, with similar interests. The longer Hermione thought about it, the more she came to the conclusion that she was wrong. Maybe it had been wishful thinking on her side when she saw Fred's soul mark. He believed his soulmate was Angelina and he was probably right.
Unfortunately, Mrs Weasley seemed to think that Hermione's rule-following character made her the perfect watchdog for Fred and George. She always ordered them for the same tasks while Ginny and Ron were doing different things.
Currently, Hermione was in an old bedchamber with Fred, George was forced to help Mrs Weasley at the kitchen while Ron and Ginny had to clean the bathroom on the second floor. Mrs Weasley had forcefully separated the twins after they had apparated through the house all morning and had everyone on edge after nine o'clock. Hermione and Fred were tasked with handling a nest of ashwinder eggs. The ashwinder snake itself was already gone, but the eggs glowed dangerously and emitted an unpleasant heat.
"A freezing charm is probably best," Hermione suggested as she wearily eyed the eggs. When handled wrong ashwinder eggs could catch fire in a blink of an eye and burn down buildings in minutes.
"One freezing charm," Fred grinned and stepped forward, wand held high and an air of confidence oozing from every pore.
"Be careful, okay? Ashwinder eggs are terribly unstable. One wrong move or imperfect spell and the house is history. Merlin, I don't get why your mother gave us this task. An adult should do this, Remus probably or Moody, they can handle-"
"Hermione, calm down. I'm good with charms, one of my three O.W.L.s and I even got an O. So, lean back, little Granger, and watch the master." Fred winked and with an anxious face, Hermione watched as he cast the freezing charm.
"Immobulus," Fred stated clearly and waved his wand perfectly. Instantly the eggs stopped to glow and the heat lessened. Hermione was impressed. Not that she thought of Fred and George as stupid or so, but the perfection and precision of Fred's charm work was most impressive.
"You can close your mouth, Granger," Fred smirked and he started to collect the eggs. Mrs Weasley had given them a bucket but Hermione noticed that quite a big amount wandered into Fred's pockets.
"You know, your mother told me to make sure you're not doing something stupid. I'm sure she would think you being in possession of ashwinder eggs is something stupid." Hermione stated as she started to help Fred. She didn't want to come off as a goody-two-shoes, but she couldn't help herself.
"Ah, don't worry," Fred winked, "as the muggles say. What the eyes don't see, the heart cannot grieve over. Or do you plan to tell my dear mother?"
"No, of course not," Hermione blushed. "What do you even want to do with those? I only can think of one thing that ashwinder eggs are good for…" She trailed off when she saw how Fred tried to look innocent. "You're not actually brewing love-po-"
"Shh, not so loud," Fred had clamped a hand over Hermione's mouth. "Please don't tell Mum." Hermione glared at him till he finally lifted his hand.
"Why shouldn't I?"
"Because I ask you to? And we're not planning something indecent. It's for the shop. Please, please, please…" Fred made puppy eyes, even folded his hands into a praying gesture, and sank down on the floor with one knee. Hermione knew he was mocking her to some degree. It annoyed and amused her to equal parts.
"Fine," she huffed, trying to conceal the smile that tucked on her lips. "But only because you're not my responsibility."
"Thanks, Granger, I knew you're okay." Fred smiled and packed a few more eggs into the pockets of his robes.
"One condition." Fred quirked an eyebrow questioningly. "Don't call me Granger anymore, I do have an actual name. And I know you know it since you use it occasionally."
"Deal, Hermione," Fred grinned and Hermione grabbed the bucket full with the remaining ashwinder eggs, heading down to the kitchen. She didn't know why she had asked Fred to call her by her given name, but the thought alone made her happier.
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A few days later news arrived that Harry had cast a Patronus charm in front of muggles and was now about to be suspended from school. Instantly the whole Order and everyone in Grimmauld Place was alarmed. And when Harry finally arrived a day later, grumpy and angry, Hermione knew that this school year would be vastly different. Harry was an emotional bomb with the shortest fuse ever. He exploded at them regularly over the first few weeks at Grimmauld and the situation only got better when he was cleared by the Wizengamot. The prospect of returning to Hogwarts made his mood tolerable again.
When the letters from Hogwarts arrived with their lists for the next school year, Hermione was over the moon to see that she was named Gryffindor prefect. Deep inside she had always hoped to become a prefect because it meant recognition of her abilities. But as soon as she came into Harry's and Ron's room and heard how Fred and George teased Ron for becoming a prefect, her euphoria was gone. For the remaining evening, she had to listen to Sirius, Fred and George, who were all celebrating that Harry wasn't named prefect, while Ron was only talking about his new broom. Hermione realised that this was just another point on the list why Fred and she were too different.
"Are you happy about being named prefect," Ginny asked when they went to bed.
"Hmpf, with everyone talking about how cool it is to be unfit for being a prefect. Yeah, I'm overjoyed." Hermione snapped. Crookshanks hopped into bed with her, curling beside her stomach.
"Don't worry, they only said that to cheer up Harry. I still can't believe they actually made Ron a prefect. I mean… he's not the most responsible person, right? And to be honest, I can't imagine that he will be able to control Fred and George." Ginny slipped under her own covers.
"Oh, tell me it won't be that bad…" Hermione pleaded when she remembered how Fred and George had collected potion ingredients from all over the house for their products. But only because you're not my responsibility, she had said.
"Probably, but the last prefect who was able the handle them was Percy - the git -," Ginny added with an angry whisper, "but back then they hadn't developed their products so far…" The redhead mumbled sleepily. A second later Hermione heard how Ginny's breathing evened and knew she was asleep.
Well, I guess they're my responsibility now… Hermione realised with an anxious twitching in her stomach. The thought kept her awake for hours.
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"Why don't you do me a favour and just shut up, Lavender? I had a long day and I'm not in the mood to discuss this with you!" Hermione snapped as she carefully slipped into her pyjamas. She had had a long day.
First the train ride with the other prefects. With Padma Patil and Anthony Goldstein from Ravenclaw and Ernie McMillian and Hannah Abbot from Hufflepuff Hermione could live. They were mostly nice and friendly and were probably cooperative and good to work with. What really got her into a mood was Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson.
Malfoy had argued with the Head Boy and Girl over every little task they wanted to give him and made sarcastic remarks at every possible occasion. And of course, he had made comments about Harry whenever he could. Hermione could have killed him. Pansy Parkinson was no better. The cow drove Hermione almost up the wall with constantly asking stupid questions and interrupting whenever someone said something. It had been tiring. And then, of course, to make her train ride even more terrible, Ron and she had caught Fred and Angelina snogging in the hallway. While Ron had taken the mickey out of his brother, Hermione had quickly vanished into their compartment.
The rest of the day had been better, but still long with supervising the first years and reminding Ron of his duties and responsibilities. Hermione had looked forward to going to bed and reading a book in peace and quiet. But Lavender had other plans.
Since they had arrived in their dorm room the blonde was constantly trying to discuss the latest articles in the Daily Prophet with Hermione. It was painfully obvious that Lavender believed most of the terrible stuff and now tried the get information from Hermione. And Hermione really had tried to be polite and everything, but now she was just tired and annoyed.
"I just asked why you're believing Harry since he has no proof for his claims. But it seems like I hit a nerve here," Lavender smirked and Hermione suppressed the urge to strangle her.
"You know what, you can believe what you want," Hermione hissed, "and I will believe what I want. And I believe in Harry. So leave me alone, you dumb cow." Angrily Hermione closed the curtains around her bed. A few seconds later she heard the door crash when Lavender stormed out.
"Hermione," Parvati's voice sounded from outside the curtains. She didn't open them but Parvati continued talking either way. "I know it sounds selfish, but don't be too hard on her. Seamus' mother almost didn't allow him to come back and he's now super pissed at Harry. And Lavender kind of adopted his opinion. I don't think she really believes the Prophet, she's just worried about not seeing Seamus again." Hermione heard the door open and close again softer this time, and knew that she was now alone in their dorm.
Merlin, this year already started lousily. The propaganda against Harry, having to deal with Malfoy and Parkinson, Professor Umbridge, who was absolutely dreadful, and now this. Lavender and Seamus had started dating after the twins' birthday party and to some degree, Hermione could understand why Lavender behaved that way. But Hermione simply had no energy left today to be understanding and kind. She could only hope that things would get better quickly. For all of them.
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Her hope wasn't fulfilled and the first week could be easily described in one word: horrible!
For Hermione personally, it hadn't been that bad, not visibly at least. She hated that she had to argue with Fred and George about their testing on first years. But now that she was prefect she felt that it was her responsibility and she couldn't always take the easy way out like Ron did whenever his older brothers were involved. To Hermione Gryffindor courage also meant to stand up for what you believed even when it was against your friends. Neville had taught her this years ago and Hermione still admired him for it. But still, she regretted that she threatened Fred and George with telling their mother. She knew she had gone too far the moment the words had left her mouth. But she had been so angry when Fred had started to taunt her - in front of the whole common room, while Ron had hidden away, and everyone else laughed - and she had used the first thing that came to her mind. Now the twins were angry with her.
Then Harry had managed to get himself into detention with Umbridge on the first day of school, for a whole week nonetheless, despite Hermione's perfect plan to confront Umbridge in class without Harry getting involved. After Hermione had seen the syllabus of the DADA class for this year she had instantly understood that they wouldn't learn much. With the same book ordered for all years and almost no practical chapters in said book, Hermione was sure she knew quite well were this was going. She had read the book two times during the holidays and was prepared to confront Umbridge. And she did. And it went well, she even got half the class involved with questioning their new teacher, till Harry's short fuse caught fire and he exploded again, getting detention. The perfect conclusion of a shitty week for all of them. Hermione really wished he would be able to keep a cool head.
Hermione groaned at the memory as she walked down for breakfast. She was tired from knitting elf hats till late last night. At least she was in time with her homework, instead of Harry and Ron who scribbled down the last lines of their charms essays at the breakfast table. Harry was behind because of his detentions, while Ron had sacrificed all his time to train for the Quidditch tryouts. At least he made it into the team.
Hermione rolled eyes when she saw her best friends doing homework, and instead went to sit with Ginny and a few other Gryffindor girls. She had warned Ron and Harry often enough that she wouldn't allow them to copy her homework this year. They needed to do it themselves if they wanted to pass their O.W.L.s.
Ginny was talking to one of her dorm mates while Hermione made herself a porridge. Opposite of her were Angelina and Alicia, in deep conversation about something. Hermione notices how tense Angelina was, her mouth in a thin line, while Alicia bombarded her with whispered questions. Hermione guessed it was about Quidditch. The position as captain had been very stressful for Angelina from the first day on. But suddenly Angelina jumped up and almost ran outside the hall. Half the Gryffindor table stared after her and at Alicia, who just shrugged with a sad expression on her face.
Ten minutes later Hermione entered the girl's bathroom the freshen up before class and discovered Angelina, who tried to fix her make-up, in front of the mirror. Her eyes were red and she sniffed miserably, her cheeks were still a bit wet and her mascara smeared.
"Angelina, are you alright?" Hermione asked while handing her a handkerchief.
"It's okay," Angelina hiccuped, dabbing her cheeks to clean up the mess on her face.
"Are you sure? You seem quite upset. Is it because of the Quidditch team? Harry told me you were stressed," Hermione asked carefully. She had always like Angeline. A bit less, to be honest, since the beautiful black girl had started to date Fred, but still, she liked her. They weren't close or anything but Hermione felt obliged to stay and care for Angelina. It wasn't nice to leave someone alone who was in such a state.
"No, it's not Quidditch, it's..." Angelina paused, mustering Hermione for a moment. "Well, everyone will know soon enough and then the whole school will be talking about it anyway. Fred and I broke up." She stated absolutely calm, but Hermione could see the mixture of sadness and anger in Angelina's eyes. It hadn't been an amicable break-up.
"What happened?" Hermione blurted out. "I mean, it's not my business but... you seemed so perfect together."
"Maybe, but it seems like our perfection was based on a mistake." Angelina looked into the mirror for a while, taking deep breaths to calm herself. "Alicia was bugging me with questions why we broke up, it made me a bit emotional. I don't really want to talk about it. But thanks for caring, Hermione," Angelina tried a small smile and then left the bathroom with large, confident steps. She was back to being the fierce and strong person as always, her red eyes the only remaining proof of her moment of weakness. Hermione really admired Angelina. But there was also a small part of her cheering on the news that Fred was now single again.
Okay, that's it. It took me some time because I wanted this chapter to be perfect. I'm still not 100% happy with it but I had to publish it now or would have overthought the whole thing for weeks... I know there's not much FredxHermione right now, but since it's a slow burn you all should know that nothing will happen fastly. But now we're in 5th year and things will progress ;)
