Hello, my freaky darlings. I feel like this chapter has taken forever. Last week lasted five years. Thank you for your patience, and your love and support this story. Happily, I have Year Seven outlined. Sadly, my muse keeps wandering down tangents and taking the story with her. Or, maybe not sadly, you tell me. Legal reminder: I would not be dealing with absurd COVID restriction if I owned Harry Potter, also Fred would be alive and Cursed Child would have never happened. Enough from me, enjoy!
Chapter 58
Leaving the speed dating type event in Lavender's capable hands, Hermione focused on game night. She owled at the twins as the November snows began to fall. They enthusiastically agreed, requesting an in person meeting with Hermione and Professor McGonagall. The Deputy Headmistress recognized the importance of verifying and reining in the twins during the creative process, and made the arrangements.
Hermione arrived early, her head of house greeting her warmly, "You're a little early, Miss Malfoy, is everything all right?"
"Of course, professor. I figured if we were both here first it gave us a greater chance of controlling the conversation."
"You aren't suggesting the twins would try to cheat you somehow?" McGonagall sounded affronted.
"Merlin, no! I expect them to be overly excited, and we're going to have to calm them down once we finish hearing them out. I adore them, but I do know them."
McGonagall chuckled fondly, "Of that I'm sure."
The twins burst from the floo, grinning wildly. "Minnie!" cheered the first twin.
"Mione!" exclaimed the second.
"Mr Weasleys, calm yourselves." scolded McGonagall. Neither twin looked overly concerned.
"Ladies, forgive our exuberance." started the one Hermione recognized as Fred.
"But your request set our creativity on fire." finished George.
"We're thinking life sided games, enchanted playing pieces students can ride on."
"Hmmm, I like life sized, I'm not sure about the riding on part, however, if something went wrong it could be disastrous."
Fred nodded, "Life is rather popular."
"And the students could ride in cars with safety belts." George added.
"And while they wait for their turn," started Fred
"Or they don't want to play," George added.
"Plenty of regular and enchanted versions."
"We could construct two Life games and randomly assign turns." George brainstormed.
"Ten players a game, means thirty-five games, that's still like two days. We'd need close to seven games going, and even then that's ten hours."
Frowning, McGonagall nixed the idea. "Just provide the larger boards." The twins deflated slightly.
"Or," Hermione began, "you could design a game, something simple, similar to Candyland. People could move through it in staggered groups. No one 'wins' but that really isn't the point."
They looked at one another, eyes gleaming, "Bloody brilliant, Hermione."
"The locations could be Hogwarts exclusive."
"It could snake around the school." As one they looked at the de facto headmistress.
"I suppose so long as they do not enter dormitories or other private, or forbidden areas, a game traversing the castle would be acceptable."
"And other other board games in the Great Hall for anyone not wanting to go traipsing through the castle."
"Wait, Candyland has special cards and spots that move you forward or back. If we created special portkeys to recreate that would Dumbledore clear them?"
"For an event such as this, I'm certain that can be arranged since the students will remain on school grounds." After setting the event date for later that month, the twins bounded out of the room to measure different parts of the castle. "At the very least we know it will not be boring with those two involved." she remarked drolly.
"Indeed." agreed Hermione.
The day of Speed Meet, Lavender vibrated with excitement and nerves. She reviewed last minute instructions with her volunteers. "It's like she's channeling Hermione." Seamus whispered to Ron. The redhead shuddered and remained silent, nervously eyeing his girlfriend and former best friend. The blonde barely ate anything at supper.
Once the diners finished eating, Dumbledore invited those interested in attending to stand to the sides of the hall, dismissing everyone else. With a wave of his wand, the headmaster vanished the tables, another wave replaced from with smaller, more intimate tables for two. Dumbledore smiled, turning the festivities over to the two head students. Roger looked at Hermione, who in turn, looked over to Lavender, nodding at the other girl.
Nervously, Lavender stepped in front of the head table. "Hi, so the plan is simple. Everyone will have a seat. Each round will last five minutes. You can ask each other questions, talk about anything you like. The idea is to meet new students. When the timer sounds, one of us will announce who is moving and in what direction."
Dean Thomas stepped forward, "While muggles use this technique for blind dating, we're just using the format, not the intent, so if someone makes you uncomfortable, tell them to stop. If they don't summon a teacher. This is suppose to be fun, not upsetting."
At the signal, students surged forward to find a seat. Hermione moved to the center of the room before selecting a seat across from a fifth year Ravenclaw she vaguely . The boy looked momentarily surprised. "Hello."
"Hi." he answered shyly.
"I'm Hermione Malfoy."
"I know, I'm Miles Crusher."
A loud chime sounded, "Everyone begin." yelled Lavender.
Hermione smiled at her partner, "What's your favorite book?"
"A Wrinkle In Time." he answered in a near whisper.
"I love those books. Have you read the rest of the series?" He shook his head. "Oh, you should. I think A Swiftly Tilting Planet might be my favorite. A grown up Meg helping a teenage Charles Wallace and an unicorn save the universe."
"Really? That sounds awesome. So, did learning magic was real ruin any books for you?"
Hermione thought for a moment. "Maybe, yeah. Sometimes it can be harder to immerse myself in a world where the magic is too complicated and weak, or too easy and powerful."
Miles nodded, "My dad is constantly asking me if magic can really do the things that happen in the books and movies."
"It can be rather difficult to explain it to someone without a theoretical framework. It's like this, but not really. And not quite powerful enough to do this, but that is way easier than the book makes it out to be."
"Exactly."
"Some advice from one former muggleborn to another, no matter how difficult it gets, keep sharing your new world. I let my adoptive parents ignore the world I lived in most of the year, and with each year it got harder to connect with them. There were other issues, but I know part of it was that they had trouble relating."
Miles looked serious, "Do you think I should tell them about You-Know-Who?"
"First, his name is Tom Riddle. While I support calling people by the name they prefer, I refuse to indulge in his recreation of himself into a being to be feared. Use his proper name. Second, tell them as much as you think they can comfortably understand. You don't want to overwhelm them."
He nodded, "I think my dad could handle it, but not my mum."
The chime sounded, interrupting them. "If you ever need help, or want to talk, come find me. My door is almost always open."
"Thanks, Hermione."
"Okay, the person sitting closer to the doors move one table to your left." Hermione waved farewell to Miles and moved to join a Hufflepuff fourth year.
Her new partner grinned excitedly. "Hi, I'm Olive Pengerlock, You're Hermione Malfoy. I want to be Head Girl someday."
"That is a great goal, so long as you know that it takes a lot of hard work."
"I'm not afraid of hard work,"
"That's good. Just don't forget to take time out of your studies to have fun with your friends."
"Like these events?"
"Sure. I met with Fred and George Weasley about game night. They have a brilliant surprise in store for everyone."
Olive's eyes widened, "Really?"
"Really."
"What is it?"
"Sorry, I am sworn to secrecy. My lips must remain sealed."
"But I have to know, now." wheedled Olive.
"You'll find out soon enough. And you can tease your friends. You know something about a surprise."
"But I don't know anything."
"You know there is one."
"But not what it is."
"Your friends don't know that."
"Aha, bloody brilliant that is."
"A trick taught to me by the great Gred and Forge, themselves." Olive laughed.
When she passed Harry he gave her a wild eyed pleading look. "Save me." he mouthed. She gave him a reassuring look. Overall everyone agreed the evening to be a roaring success. Hermione ensured most of the praise went to Lavender, Pavarti, and their team. They deserved it for making the evening run smooth.
As the month drudged on, tensions rose in Slytherin House amongst the older students. Everyone felt on edge. Draco described it as waiting for the other shoe to drop. "No one knows where anyone stands, because no one wants to talk about it. What if you say the wrong thing to the wrong person and it gets back to other people. Now either you are in danger, or your parents are. Even Greg and Vince are acting weird."
"No offense, they were always a little weird."
"There is that, but you know what I mean."
Hermione nodded, "I do. Look on the bright side, the holiday break is a month away, and we have game night and Yule Ball to look forward to."
"Sure, the talent show and carnival get pushed back?"
"Yeah, from what I gather Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were a little intimidated by how smoothly the other events went."
"Hufflepuff did the bonfire." Draco pointed out.
"Professor McGonagall procured the sparklers, and I gave Roger most of the information. All they had to do was build the pyre. The night kind of ran itself."
"Are you ready for game night?"
"I may have to tranquilize the twins not calm them down to acceptable levels, but yeah, we're ready."
Due to the insane level of excitement the idea of a Weasley Wizarding Wheezes sponsored game night, McGonagall had Dumbledore move the event to a Saturday, not only could they begin earlier, but it increased the chances students might pay attention in classes. Theo whispered to Hermione, "wishful thinking," causing her to laugh out loud in Potions, earning her a glare from Snape. The twins arrived to set up immediately following lunch.
"We have the entire castle game ready to go."
"A simple tap of the wand to this game box and it rolls itself out." Fred held up the box.
"Simply brilliant, boys. Let me know when you're ready." Hermione grinned at them.
"Give us about two hours." George told her, all ready unpacking boxes and setting large game pieces in place with a wave of his wand. Fred arranged the larger than normal around the empty Great Hall. "And sorry, Mione, no giant Scrabble, the tiles were just too heavy." She laughed as she left them to set things up.
Two hours later Hermione and Roger stood in front of double doors. "Fred and George have asked that everyone stand to one side of the entryway or the other. They want to welcome us with a grand entrance." Students old enough to remember the twins quickly moved to the sides, the others following, somewhat confused. "Thank you. Inside the Great Hall the twins have set up several different kinds of board games. The tables closest to the head table have standard muggle games, not enchantments, just the plain versions. The tables where the Gryffindor table usually is has enchanted muggle board games. The rest of the room is those games enlarged, to make playing more interactive. And last, but certainly not least, they have created a live action version of a game resembling Candyland. They called it 'Journey to Hogwarts.'"
She watched everyone whisper excitedly before continuing. "Groups of four to six will start on the board at ten minute increments. Meaning that ten minutes after the first turn of the last member of the previous group, the next group will start, and so on. Each player has a magic card that will react with the board, it determines how far forward you move. Just like in real Candyland, there are special spots, where you might be moved forward or back. Your card will act as the portkey. Join whatever group you are closest to. Some spots will also activate special effects or events. Fred tells me having a new member join your group will increase the likelihood of these being triggered, so encourage those people popping in to join your group over someone else's. The game will take you through the castle, out onto the grounds and back around to the Great Hall. If at any time you want or need to quit, tap your card with your wand and say 'Candyland.' Any questions?"
"How are you going to determine who enters the Hogwarts game first?"
"Fred and George have devised a way to randomly select groups. So, once you have your groups, head that way."
As soon as he finished speaking, Harry snatched one of her hands, while Theo grabbed the other. "Hello." she said, looking at each of them.
"Hi." Harry replied.
"Can I help you?"
"We're a group." Harry informed her.
"Oh, are we?" she raised an eyebrow. "What if I wanted to go with the girls for a girls' night?"
Theo dropped her hand and kissed her cheek, "Have fun, sweet." He looked over at Harry, "C'mon, Potter." He jerked his head away from Hermione.
"But the vultures are out there." he whined.
"So, go find Draco and Pansy. She'll protect you. Draco will want to include Fay. That makes five, grab Neville and your group is full. Problem solved."
Theo led Harry away while Hermione scanned the crowd for Sally-Anne and Luna. Finding them, she waved causing them to move in her direction. Tracy appeared next to her.
Sally-Anne smiled smugly, "Fay is with Draco."
"I assumed."
The group joined the queue waiting to sign up. Luna pointed out Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones looking about for a group. "Should we?"
"That would give us six." Hermione pointed out. Sally-Anne agreed.
"I have no objections." Tracy said. Sally-Anne crossed over the pair and began talking to them. She gestured back to the waiting others, who obediently waved. After a short conversation the two nodded and followed the Gryffindor back. Luna skipped over to add their group to Fred's list.
"Does anyone know how the randomization works?" Susan asked. Most of the group shrugged, while Hermione examined her fingernails. "What do you know, Malfoy?"
"I know two out of five selections are looking for a group with the most of certain criteria."
"Oh?" Sally-Anne teased, "Do tell, how many boxes do we tick?"
"Tracy is a half blood and you're a muggleborn, that's two. That we have at least one of each background gives us another. Luna being in a different year is another. We get a point for having students from multiple houses, and a final one for having a member of each House. The only point we lack is that we're all female." She looked at the Hufflepuffs, "Please don't think that's the reason we invited you?"
"You increased our chances, too." Susan assured her. "So, thanks."
"You're welcome."
Within fifteen minutes George called Luna's name and the girls collected their move counters from Fred. "Enjoy your trip, girls." He saluted them before turning to prepare the next group.
The girls laughed and joked as they wound their way through the castle. Fake professors popped up and rewarded them with extra space for good work, or gave them detentions that sent them back, or skipped turns.
"What happens if we get a portkey, will we be alone?" asked Hannah nervously.
"Since the real goal behind these events is to encourage the Houses and years to mingle, nothing will pop anyone to place that another group isn't near." Hermione explained.
"George and Fred really are rather brilliant, aren't they?" admired Sally-Anne.
"They really are." agreed Luna.
Along the edge of the Forbidden Forest a fake werewolf sprang out at them, causing everyone to startle them, then laugh. A sudden pop caused Hannah and Tracy to shriek. A small dark haired student glanced around, clearly stunned. "Wow," he looked at them, "I guess I'm with you, now."
Tracy stepped forward, patting his shoulder, "You are indeed, Miles. Do you know everyone?"
"Um, I know of Hermione, cause she's Draco's sister."
"Everyone, this is Miles Pucey, Adrian's little brother. Miles, this is Hermione Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, Hannah Abbott, Sally-Anne Perks, and Susan Bones." The younger boy waved. "You're up next, Luna."
The blonde tapped her counter with her wand. "'You run afoul of the centaur herd, flee back to the grounds before the forest.' Oh, good-bye, everyone. Lovely to meet you, Miles." Luna vanished with a pop.
"Back to six." Susan remarked, "My turn."
After a few turns Miles turned to Hermione, "You didn't look super surprised when Lovegood disappeared."
"I knew there was an increased chance one of us would be leaving in the next few turns once you joined us."
"Why?"
"I helped Fred and George iron out the wrinkles." She winked.
"Does that mean you know how to cheat it?"
She laughed, such a Slytherin, always seeking an advantage. "No, that's how I know cheating is impossible. While certain events stack the odds for or against you, everything is chance."
At Black Lake, helping the merfolk popped Susan ahead. Seamus Finnegan joined them halfway back across the castle grounds. Miles turned to Hermione again, "Is anyone going to finish in their original groups?"
"Highly unlikely."
"This is awesome. Do you think we could do this again?"
"Anything is possible."
"You're the Head Girl, can't you just declare we're doing something?"
"No, but I can suggest it at the next prefect meeting. Though, I think you'll enjoy January's carnival games and talent show."
"Maybe."
"Don't discount something before you try it."
Gilderoy Lockhart "attacking" them with cupids as they reentered the castle confused Miles, but sent the older students into gales of laughter. Seamus attempted to explain between the uncontrollable chuckles.
A smiling Theo greeted her with a kiss as they reached the end. "Got sent way ahead for helping Hagrid, must have put me ahead of you."
She took his hand, "Gives us some time to ourselves for once, want to sneak away?"
"Lead on, my lady, Draco isn't back yet. He can't get weird at us for snogging."
A quick scan of the hall showed Roger engaged in a game of Monopoly.
"I know just the place." She took his hand, leading him back to her common room.
He paused on the staircase up to her room, "Are you sure you want to, sweet, it will be harder to stop if we go to your room."
"I'm on the potion, we both know how to perform the charm, and it certainly isn't the first time." She faltered, "Do you, do you not want to?"
"Salazar, yes! But I worry about your reputation, and I don't want to feel like we have to do anything."
Hermione resumed walking, "This may come as a surprise to you, but girls are as into sex as guys are, thank you very much."
Mindful of her shared living space, Hermione waited until she entered her room to cast a silencing charm and shedding her clothes. By the time she crawled onto the bed, only her bra and knickers remained. In his haste to join her, he got his jumper caught on his head and tripped over his trousers. She didn't even try to stifle her laughter.
"Find something amusing?"
"Yep, lucky for you, I still find you amazingly sexy."
"That's a relief," he stretched out next to her, "because
I find you irresistible."
She kissed him, "I liked the sound of that." Theo cupped her face with one of his hands, moving in to kiss her, his other hand caressing her bare skin. Her hands roved over his chest, teasing at the top of his pants.
"Hermione." he moaned, kissing down her neck. She arched her back in response. When he returned to her face, she captured his earlobe in her mouth, sucking gently. She ran her tongue along the edge of the shell of his ear.
Theo shuddered and reached around to unclasp her bra. He massaged the soft flesh of her breasts, lightly pinching her nipples, drawing out a moan from her. He lowered his head to lave at one breast, then the other.
Never one to stay passive, Hermione tugged his boxers down,
freeing his member. She wrapped her hand around his shaft and began pumping up and down, adding a twist of her wrist on the down stroke. Unconsciously, he began thrusting into her hand. She tightened her grip as he did so. He slipped his hand into her knickers, curving two fingers into her slick channel. With his thumb, he sought the bundle of nerves that would be her undoing. She gasped and began grinding against his hand. She adjusted her grip on him and increased the pace of her movements. "Oh, gods, Theo!" She shuddered as she came on his fingers.
"Mione!" he cried out as he came in her hand at the same time. She sagged back onto the mattress.
Theo smirked at her, flicking his wand to clean them both up. He adjusted his boxers. "What are you doing, we don't have to be done."
"No, it's fine, we can be."
She raised an eyebrow, "If you don't want to we, we certainly won't, but I feel like there is more to this, and I would like some answers, please."
"I overheard Father and some of Riddle's flunkies discussing ways to outmaneuver Sirius by invoking the old ways. If he can prove I compromised you in any way, he can insist on a marriage on his terms."
Hermione groaned, "These Victorian politics are killing me. Doesn't what we just did compromise me?"
"When he slips me truth serum and asks if we had sex this term, I can say no, because he doesn't think of these things as sex. If it keeps you safe, I can keep it in my pants."
"I'm going to talk to Sirius. It might be smarter to stop annoying and offer something reasonable and just get the damn thing signed. Keeping you safe is important, too."
"That would probably be best."
"That means we're getting dressed and going back downstairs, aren't we?"
"I'm afraid so."
"Want to take a cold shower with me first?" She asked with an innocent look. Theo merely rolled his eyes and threw her jeans at her.