Keep the comments and reviews rolling in. I love it. Although, please keep it on topic.
George Cristian810, I'm not sure why you would bring up Harry gifting the twins the winnings from the tournament. It is expected that this story follows everything that occurred in canon from the end of Deathly Hallows, but before the Epilogue. The whole point of THIS story was to explore what would happen if Hermione was forced to marry the brother of her current love interest. That is what we are currently exploring. Nothing about Harry/Hermione, nothing about the money Harry gave the twins.
Please enjoy this next chapter. I have a favourite part, which i will reveal in the next chapter. What's everyone elses?
~~OvO~~
Hermione was shocked when she saw the 8th year's dorms. She expected small quarters with small beds, similar to those in the Gryffindor tower, however, when she entered from the corridor, she was met with a large circular common room which contained all the house colours. There were several doors leading off into what she expected were other students' rooms and a door that appeared to lead outside, positioned at the opposite end to where she stood.
There was a fireplace, a few desks and a small kitchenette as well as the usual comfy looking couches and bookshelves.
She looked around at each door and saw the names of people she knew. It appeared as though the people who were matched, regardless of returning for their 8th year or being in 7th year were all placed in the new wing.
Ginny had a room to Hermione's left and Luna's was next to hers with Neville beside Luna. Hermione smiled at the memory of the two of them being close at the engagement ball and hoped they were still a strong match. Ron was next, with Lavender beside him. Theo was beside Lavender, then the door to the outside, then Blaise Zabini was next with Hannah Abbott beside him and Pansy Parkinson next with Malfoy beside her. Hermione wondered if they were matched. Hermione's room was last, closest to her right. The thought of sharing a common room with Slytherins never occurred to her. She hadn't thought to find out what happened to Malfoy after the battle and if she were honest with herself, she assumed he had been sentenced to time in Azkaban. She entered her room and began setting up her things just how she liked it. There was a bookshelf in her room which came pre-stacked with parenting and pregnancy books as well as books about marriage and how to be a 'suitable' wife. She wondered if the wizards got books on how to be suitable husbands. The snarky side of her wondered if Ron received a book on how to last longer than a few minutes, but quickly shut that down, remembering that she agreed to continue a friendship with her ex.
She finished unpacking the last of her things when there was a knock at the door. She opened it and found Lavender standing there with a smile on her face.
"Hermione, so happy to see you here. I wasn't sure if you were in yet, you must have been here for a while" she said.
"I've just been setting up. Come in. Do you have these books on your shelf?" she asked.
"Yeah, as if I need that. My cousins have thousands of kids, so I know how to care for children" she said.
"Well, it might be interesting to have a read over it. I might jut glance at it once or twice" Hermione said.
"hmm, yeah, do that. Look… I didn't want to get all awkward or anything, but I need you to know that me and Ron are going to give it a real go" she said, placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"Ohhhh, k" she said.
"Ron told me what happened when you went up to his room the other day and I just want you to know that you can't go doing that. You're with George now. You need to accept that and try and make it work with him" Lavender said.
"Lavender, I don't know what Ron told you, but I went to his house to officially break things off with Ron" she said.
"Well, all I know, is that Ron said you came to his room while he was in the middle of writing his wedding vows to me, told him you loved him and… had sex with him" she whispered the last part.
Hermione was outraged.
"He didn't want me to come to you because he thought it would be awkward. I just think you two need to stay apart for a while. Let me and Ron have a chance at being happy" she said.
"Lavender, you've been given wrong information" Hermione said.
"Ron told me you would say something like that. I don't mind, I forgave Ron for what happened between you two. You were still officially together, but whatever. I don't even mind. Ron promised to be faithful to me and I believe him. Besides, we eloped and got married yesterday so we're officially the first to marry. Ron's a married man so just… Forget all about him, ok?" she said, turning and leaving the room and sending Hermione into a state of shock.
Ron got married?
The door shut behind Lavender and Hermine remained stuck to the spot. Molly would have a heart attack when she found out. Hermione wanted to ask him about it, demand he tell the truth. How could he lie just after they declared to each other that they would stay friends?
She opened her door and once again, overwhelmed by surprise when she came face to face with Malfoy and Pansy.
"Oh, look, its Granger" Pansy said.
"Hi Pansy, Malfoy" Hermione said.
The blonde wizard looked towards Hermione briefly before turning and entering his room.
"You've finally managed to tame that hair of yours. Good on you" Pansy said. Hermione couldn't tell if she meant it as a compliment or an insult, so she just stared at the other witch, waiting for her to continue.
"Look Granger, I know I've done some pretty horrible things in the past, but I've seen the error of my ways and I would like to apologise. I hope that out of all of this, we can become acquaintances and get to know each other. We might even become friends?" she asked.
"Well, I appreciate that Pansy" she said. "And you can call me Hermione" she added, before turning and leaving the common room into the castle.
She had no idea where she was going, but she just needed to get out of there. First Lavender, then that strange look she got from Malfoy and Pansy trying to be her best friend. What was that? Things this year would definitely be strange. As she walked down the corridor, she heard, before she saw Ginny running towards her.
"Hermione, oh dear Godric I'm so glad to see you" she said, flinging herself into her arms.
"Ginny, I'm losing my mind here. Please tell me Percy didn't ask you questions about your sex life" Hermione said.
"Oh, it was so funny. I told him that me and Harry have been shagging since May and when we decide to have children, that's our business" Ginny said, as they headed towards the 8th year common room.
"Merlin. How did he take that?" she asked.
"Not well. He almost fainted" she said.
"Well, he should now better. Half the people returning are either his friends, his family or marrying one of his family members. He could have sent a nobody" Hermione said.
"Then he wouldn't have everybody acknowledging how amazing he is at getting the title of assistant to the minister" Ginny said.
"That's quite true" Hermione said as they entered the common room that Hermione had just fled from.
She helped Ginny set up her room and told her all about what Lavender had said to her. Ginny wasn't surprised that they had eloped. Ron had expressed his concern at a bog wedding and mentioned once or twice that eloping was the way to do it.
Before long, it was time for the other years to arrive and Hermione made her way to the great hall with the rest of the school.
She was shocked to see the regular 4 tables for the 4 houses; however, she hadn't expected the new table, which ran parallel to the professors table. Professor McGonagall indicated for the 8th years to be seated at that table to demonstrate inter house unity.
The rest of the school filed in and everyone was as shocked as Hermione was. The sorting took much longer as there were more students in first year than ever before. These students were between the ages of 11 and 13, as many parents had opted not to send their children for their first year during the war.
Once that was over, McGonagall made some announcements, reminded students about the forbidden forest, advised the younger students that the 8th years had their own space and not to encroach, announced Ginny and Neville as head boy and girl and concluded with wishes of good luck to everyone for a safe and productive year.
Hermione ate in silence, sitting beside Ginny who was pining over missing Harry.
"We haven't spent time apart since the battle. I don't know how I'm going to manage" Ginny said.
"I'm sure you'll be fine" Hermione said.
"Is he aright then?" Pansy asked from a few places down.
"Alright? What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"In the sack, I mean, he's a hell of a dueller, can fight a mean battle but does he know what he's doing?" Pansy asked, drawing out a laugh from both Ginny and Hermione.
"Oh, Pansy, you're so funny. I'm not telling you anything" she said.
"very well then. Draco and I are saving ourselves for our wedding night" she said, receiving a scowl from her fiancé.
"So its true then? You and Malfoy are matched?" Hermione asked.
"Of course. We belong together. We're both purebloods and have the best chance at continuing the existence of a pure bloodline" she said, earning an eyeroll from Hermione.
"But why are you saving yourselves if you've already been together for years?" Ginny asked.
"Well, it's the appropriate thing to do, isn't it?" Pansy said.
Hermione just shrugged and resumed her focus on her potatoes.
To the other side of her, she could hear whispered conversations between Neville and Luna and it made her smile to think that the ministry at least got a few things right. To the other side of them sat Lavender, who was admiring her wedding set and Ron who was admiring the chicken on his plate.
Hermione envisioned this year to be quite complex.
That evening, she returned to her room to find Morgan perched on the window sill, happily eating some owl treats Hermione had left in case of her return.
"No reply?" she asked her. The owl hooted once and closed her eyes. Hermione took that to be a no, so she settled down with a book and hoped tomorrow would be better.
~~OvO~~
At breakfast the next day, Hermione was sullenly forcing down some bacon and eggs. She saw so many positive couples in her dorm, even Hannah Abbott, who was matched with Blaise Zabini seemed to be getting to know her fiancé.
Timetables were reissued to those who lost theirs, along with a list of rules and expectations for 8th years. As it appeared, they were able to come and go from the grounds as they wished. There was no expectation that they would stick to a curfew, however, they had to tap in and out of the grounds as they went, on a device which had been installed near the gates. They were told that they just tapped their wands and it checked them in and out of the grounds. It was the closest thing, Hermione thought, to a muggle device.
There were still a few days before the beginning of classes so, Hermione considered making her way to Hogsmead to check in with George. She got herself ready after breakfast, but as she was about to head out the door of her room, an owl appeared in her window.
She took the parchment from its leg and fed it a treat, before it flew away. Morgan hooted in annoyance at the intruder but remained on her perch.
She opened the letter and smiled to herself.
Dear Hermione,
Sorry I haven't written sooner or been to visit. I received your letter and I sat down so many times to respond but the words ever came to me. When you told me what happened, I reacted poorly. I should have been more supportive. It has to be quite difficult being forced to leave something that was seemingly working well and jumping into something with me that feels as awkward as you seem when we're together. I don't want that for you. I also think I will stop referring to us as 'shagging away the awkwardness'. In fact, I rather enjoy shagging you, just because. That thing that happened with Ron, I found myself feeling insanely jealous, which can only mean that I feel something for you. This is actually a good thing. I hope that you can forgive me for appearing a little judgy and allow me to visit you this weekend at the castle. I want to make this work.
From your fiancé, George.
She grabbed a piece of parchment and wrote a reply, quickly.
George, please come to the castle as soon as your convenience allows so you can be assessed by McGonagall for visitation permission. Hermione.
She tied the short letter to Morgan's leg and instructed her to deliver it to George at his shop. She figured he would be in Hogsmeade by now.
Hermione left the 8th year dorms with a renewed sense of optimism. George said that he quite liked shagging her, which made her feel things in her lower abdomen that she hadn't felt in a while. Her heartbeat sped up and she recalled him writing that he feels something for her. She felt like a giddy schoolgirl, which, she supposed, she was.
As she strolled through the corridors, familiarising herself with the castle again, McGonagall called Hermione's attention.
"Miss Granger, you seem to have a visitor at the gates. Would you go and collect him and bring him to my office?" McGonagall asked.
Hermione thought that it could only be one person and she set off for the gates at speed.
When she arrived, she saw George standing there waiting for her. He was leaning against the post of the grand gates, wearing jeans and a WWW shirt. His long hair was combed back in the middle and she could see that he had had a haircut on the back and sides. He looked… sexy.
"That was fast" she said.
"You said to come, so I'm here" he shrugged.
"You couldn't get in?" she asked.
"Apparently, I'm not a student and haven't been granted permission, so I need to be accompanied onto the grounds" he said.
"Well…" she said, extending her hand through the invisible barrier, "right this way sir" she said as he took her hand.
Once they were both inside the gates, George pulled Hermione against him, encasing her in a hug that made her increased heart, beat even faster.
"I'm sorry I was a twat" he said.
"Merlin, don't be. I messed up. I shouldn't have put myself in a situation where I could be taken advantage of" she said.
"You think he took advantage of you?" he asked.
"Well, I was weak and vulnerable. I was only there to end things between us, but he sort of took advantage of my weakness. I mean… he didn't force me into anything, but I didn't initiate it" she said.
"I'll thump him if he tries it again" he said, holding Hermine's hand and walking with her to the castle.
"He won't. He's here with Lavender. He told her that I was the one who tried it on him, and he was weak. She warned me off him and everything. Told me that they eloped and got married" she said.
"He's a right idiot that brother of mine. For lying and for eloping. Mum's furious" he said.
"Well, I hope she sends him a howler, like in second year" she said.
"I'll get right onto that" he said as they walked in through the entrance hall and made their way to the stone gargoyle.
"Is it weird that holding your hand feels so natural?" Hermione asked,
"No" he replied, smiling at her.
"You smile a lot now. Dd you know?" she asked,
"I think you make me happy" he said.
"Well I'm glad. I think you make me happy too" she said as they climbed the stairs to the headmaster's office.
"Please enter" came the voice of McGonagall before any of them had even knocked.
"Headmaster, you wanted to see us?" Hermione asked.
"Please, sit down" McGonagall said.
"Long time no see Minnie" George said stretching his feet out in front himself and leaning back in his seat.
"Mr Weasley, it is a pleasure, as always" McGonagall said.
"How can I be of assistance, professor?" George asked.
"As per the Hogwarts Regular Visitors policy which has been implemented this semester, I need to assess your suitability to be present on school grounds" she said.
Hermione scoffed at this but quickly poised herself.
"Is there a problem, Miss Granger?" McGonagall asked.
"Well, I don't see a need to assess George. He is well known to yourself, the staff and the school. He fought for the school and for us, 5 months ago and sacrificed more than most" Hermione said.
"Right you are, however, the assessment much proceed" she said.
"Its ok, I'll submit to anything you like Minnie" George said smiling to Hermione.
McGonagall just rolled her eyes and took a piece of parchment out from a desk drawer.
"Mr Weasley, what is your current occupation?"
"Business franchise owner"
"Your working hours?"
"9am till 3pm, however I have work that I often complete after hours"
"And you have never been involved in any illegal activity?"
"No ma'am"
"Have you ever participated in acts of terror or caused fear among your peers for the sake of humour?"
"I've pulled the odd prank and there was the time we set the dragon off in the entrance hall. But it wasn't fear or terror, it was fun" he said.
"And what were the repercussions of said incident?"
"A professor was a little put off and I guess some people didn't get finished with their exams"
"So, Mr Weasley, what makes you think I don't believe you will perform a repeat of those events?"
"That was three years ago. A lot has changed since then" he said.
"Specifics, Mr Weasley"
"I'm older and wiser…" he began, leaning forward in his chair. "I have a business reputation to uphold. I am now a solitary unit as opposed to part of a pair. I have a reason to want to be here, professor, and I will not mess it up" he said.
Hermione looked on in admiration. She was fearful that he would lose his cool at having to bring up Fred's absence, however, he was stoic and calm in the face of McGonagall's questioning.
"Right you are" Professor McGonagall said with a sly smirk.
"So, do I pass?" he asked.
"Yes, Mr Weasley, of course you pass. I will never admit this as long as I live, but the spell work, charms and transfiguration Fred and yourself, created on that day made me proud to have taught you both. I continue to see excellence in you, young man and can only imagine the excellence that you and Miss Granger can accomplish together… Now the rules. You may come and go, using the device to tap in and out. As Miss Granger is aware, there is no curfew for 8th years and their visitors and the rules are quite relaxed, however, if you mess this up, Mr Weasley, you will be removed from the wards on the school grounds. Do I make myself clear?" she said.
"Professor, what about the floo?" Hermione asked.
"We are currently assessing how best to keep track of those who enter and exit via the floo network, but for now, the gates are the only way on or out of the school"
"Suits me" George answered.
"Right you are then. You're welcome to attend the castle for meals, and you may stay over night if you both consent" she said, standing and gesturing them both towards the door. "Now out with you and enjoy the weekend. Classes begin on Monday" McGonagall said.
Hermione didn't have to be told twice, she took George by the hand and led him out o the office and down the stone stairs.
"Well, that was positive" Hermione said.
"I wonder if Harry has to do the same thing?" he asked.
"Probably not" she said.
"Oh, but the policy says…" George said, imitating McGonagall's voice.
"I wouldn't do that. She might hear you" Hermione said looking around them both.
"Always the disciplinarian" George said.
They stopped on the second-floor stairway, near a statue and George pulled Hermione towards him.
"George?"
"There's something I've always wanted to do" he said, pulling her in an alcove that was hidden behind a tapestry behind the statue.
"Merlin, I had no idea this was here" Hermione said, looking around the spacious hole in the wall.
"Its new" he said, pressing himself closer to her.
"Well then…" she said.
George backed Hermione into the wall and pressed himself against her further.
"I really just want to kiss you right now" he said.
"So, kiss me" Hermione said, almost breathless. Merlin, the things he could make her feel with just his words.
~~OvO~~
Hermione and George entered the 8th year common room, somewhat dishevelled just before lunch time. They had spent the better part of the morning, snogging in the alcove. It was a new experience for Hermione, who, until now, always thought snogging was a passing moment and not something you could do for hours.
"This is the common room. As you can see, there are no houses, just the returnees, Ginny and Luna" Hermione said, showing him around.
"Where is everyone?" He asked, taking in the empty room.
"I guess they're in their rooms or out enjoying the sunshine" she said.
"Show me your room?" he asked.
"I'll show you, but I was serious when I said I was starving" she said.
"Ok, ok I'll behave" he said, as Hermione opened the door to her room and showed him inside. "Nice. You have a massive bed, your own desk and bookshelf and a private bathroom. Is this school or is this a 5-star resort?" he asked.
"Its quite something. Apparently, the castle just created it out of nowhere. There was a need and the castle provided" she said.
George ran his hand over the wallpapered wall and closed his eyes, taking in the magic of the room.
"It really is something" he said.
"It sure is" she responded.
"Put your hand here" he instructed, and placed Hermione's hand on the wall. "Do you feel that?" he asked.
"I don't feel anything" she said.
"Close your eyes" he said, and she did as he instructed.
With her eyes closed, she could feel a distant humming type vibration in the wall where her hand laid. She adjusted her palm and allowed herself to really give in to the humming and almost instantly, she could feel the magic inside the walls. She thought that she must have looked completely surprised because George spoke;
"Do you feel it?" he asked.
"I do" she said, suddenly feeling emotional.
"Its alive" he said.
"It really is. It incredible" she said, really believing for the first time that there was something more to the castle than just a 'sentient building'. "How did you ever learn this?" she asked.
"I don't really remember the how or the when, but one day, me and Fred were running from Filtch and had to hide for the longest time behind a tapestry and we just sort of felt it. It was like this powerful magical force. It felt like it was helping us, like it was on our side" he said, smiling with tears in his eyes.
"That's a great memory" she said.
"It really is" he said.
"I love hearing stories about you and Fred" she said.
"I have loads"
"But the ones no one knows about. Like this. The sappy stuff. The real stuff" she said.
"There's loads of those too" he said, removing his hand from the wall and tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
"Come on, we better go get some lunch" she said, taking his hand and leading him out of the room.
They walked down the corridor towards the entrance hall and Hermione stopped before they entered the room.
"How many girls have you shown that to?" she asked.
"One" he said.
"Who?"
"You"
She stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. He was surprising her every single day.
"You ready for this? We're going to be the talk of the school" she said.
"I'll carry you over the threshold if you like?" he offered.
She took his hand and laughed as she declined his kind offer.
They ate at the 8th year table with Ginny, Luna, Neville and Hannah.
"So you two are looking rather cosy" Hannah said.
"We're getting to know one another" Hermione said.
"So where have you been all morning?" Ginny asked, grinning from ear to ear.
"I had an assessment with McGonagall. Turns out, I'm suitable to be on Hogwarts grounds and have an open invitation to come and go whenever I please" George said.
"Is that really what they're allowing?" Pansy Parkinson asked, taking a seat at the far end of the table with Malfoy behind her.
"Yes, Pansy, they're allowing spouses to visit in order to fulfil the ministry's requirements" Hermione responded.
"So, what, you just come around, shag her, then leave?" Pansy asked.
"That about sums it up" George said, wrapping an arm around Hermione.
Hermione playfully slapped George's shoulder. "No, its not like that. If the ministry expects us to complete our NEWTS, get married and have children with someone of their choosing, they had to make allowances for us to at least get to know our partners" Hermione said.
"Why couldn't you just leave the school during ovulation? That would make more sense" Pansy said.
"Not to me it wouldn't" Hermione said.
"They're not forcing you to fall in love, they're forcing you to have children" Pansy said.
Hermione simply frowned and turned away from the girl who was clearly just trying to cause trouble.
"It seems like we're all getting off to an awkward foot here" George said, emphasising the word 'awkward' with a smile to Hermione. "What we need is a night of breaking the ice" he said.
"Like a party?" Luna asked.
"Yes, like a party" Ginny said, thinking along the same lines as her older brother.
"I don't think I like this idea" Hermione said.
"Scared Granger?" Pansy asked.
"Absolutely not" she said.
"It's settled then. Everyone pull together your drinks because at 8pm we're throwing a party in the common room" George said.
~~OvO~~
At 7:45, Hermione, in consultation with her beauty basics book, put the finishing touches on her hair, turning it instantly from frizz to effortless looking waves.
She had on natural make up and wore tights with an oversized jumper that came off one shoulder. At 7:50, Ginny came barrelling into her room.
"Harry's at McGonagall's office now being assessed. As if he needed to, but…"
"Policy?"
"Yes. Stupid. But he's here" she said, smiling.
"George is bringing some drinks and things. Truly the worst idea in the history of Hogwarts. Drinking with the Slytherins" Hermione snorted.
"Inter-house unity Hermione. Don't forget about the bigger picture here" Ginny said.
"You don't care about that"
"No, I just want to know why the bloody hell Malfoy isn't in prison" Ginny said.
At 8pm, Hermione and Ginny entered the common room which had been decorated with ribbons and streamers. Pansy, Draco, Blaise and Theo were already occupying one of the sitting areas, having started on their drinks already. Pansy wore a short dress that accentuated her curves and gave her quite the bust. Hermione was a little jealous. Mostly because she didn't think to dress up, considering they were staying in.
"Granger, Weaslette, come and I'll pour you both a drink" Pansy said.
"How do I know you haven't poisoned it?" Hermione asked, half joking.
"Because, miss know it all, Draco already identified the properties of this particular brew and determined it safe" Pansy said, pouring a little in a glass and drinking it herself, before pouring a glass each or Hermione and Ginny.
"Well, cheers" Hermione said out loud, not expecting anyone to return her cheers. However, a roaring of cheers erupted from the group of Slytherins, who all stood and clinked glasses with Hermione.
"Granger, nice to see you again" Blaise said.
"And you Zabini" she said.
"Hermione, lovely as always" Theo said.
"What?" she asked.
He shrugged and sipped his drink.
"I told them to be nice" Pansy said.
"Why?" Ginny asked.
"Because. I think its important to build some bridges, make some friends" Pansy said.
As they were talking Ron and Lavender entered from Ron's room. They appeared to be quite close, which made Hermione want to vomit up the drink she had just finished.
"Ohhh, I bet this is awkward" Pansy said.
"No, not really" Hermione said, turning away and making her way over to the couple.
"Lavender, how are you?" Hermione asked.
"Great. Ron and I were just talking about where we want to live after school" she said.
"I bet that was a thrilling conversation" she said, noticing Ron's scowl. "How have you been, Ron?" she asked.
"Great. Never better" he said.
"Right, well, when's George getting here with the booze?" Ginny said.
"Should be soon" Hermione said.
As if on cue, the door to the outside opened and George appeared, carrying a backpack which was rattling.
"Ok folks, its time we get this party started" he said, taking out a record player, some records, several bottles of alcohol, some cards, a few snacks and some dice.
"Wow, you came prepared Weasley" Theo said, admiring the bottles.
"What can I say? It's all about breaking the ice" he said.
The initial awkwardness of the night began to fade after an hour of drinking and segregated groupings. The whole point of the event was going out the window, so Hermione took the initiative to bring everyone together.
"Ok, Ok, people, I think we ought to play some games" she called.
"Ohh. I love party games. What are we playing?" Pansy asked.
"Well, I don't know any, I thought someone would have an idea" she said.
"Of course. Its fine, leave it up to me" Pansy said, placing a finger on her chin in a motion that indicated she may have been deep in thought. "Ok, how about never have I ever?" she asked.
"Oh I don't think I'm drunk enough for that" Ginny said, pulling herself away from snogging Harry for a second.
"Got something to hide Weaslette?" Blaise asked.
"No way Zabini. I'm an open book" she said, sitting on the floor and pulling Harry down with her.
"Great, now we all sit in a circle and we can begin" Pansy said. Hermione said between Ginny and George and cringed when Ron and Lavender were sitting directly opposite.
"Pass me that empty bottle" she called to Luna, who was nearest the kitchenette.
"Ok, so someone spins the bottle, and whoever it lands on has to say 'Never have I ever…' then make something up. If you've done it, you drink" Pansy said.
"Seems simple enough" Hermione said.
Pansy spun the bottle which landed on Luna.
"Never have I ever had a crush on someone in this room" Luna said.
Hermione looked ever so briefly at Ron who was looking back at her and drank, along with Neville, Luna herself, Pansy, Theo, Ron, Lavender, Harry, Hannah, Ginny and George.
"Do we have to explain?" Neville asked.
"Not unless its really scandalous" Pansy said with a wicked grin.
Luna spun the bottle and it landed on Theo.
"Never have I ever used magic to permanently alter my appearance" he said.
Hermione thought about this and drank. She was surprised to see Pansy, Hannah and Lavender drink as well.
"I was mauled by a werewolf 5 months ago" Lavender said shrugging.
"Go girl, you look fantastic" Pansy said. Hermione noticed Malfoy cringe beside her. Was he disagreeing? Her didn't particularly like Lavender, but Lavender had come very far in her recovery.
"Thank you Pansy" Lavender said.
Theo spun the bottle and it landed on Pansy.
"Right… a good one. Never have I ever slept with anyone in this room" she said, smiling.
Hermione raised her glass and took a swig, lowered it and took another. She figured she'd give it two drinks for two people. Why lie? Ron, Lavender, Draco, Pansy, Ginny, Harry and Blaise all took a drink. Pansy took two.
Pansy spun the bottle and it landed on George.
"Never have I ever been horrible to someone I was jealous of" he said.
Hermione drank, as did Pansy and Malfoy. Theo thought for a moment then had a drink. Luna looked around horrified, unable to comprehend having a single nasty thought formulate in her ever kind mind.
Hermione felt herself becoming more and more intoxicated. The bottle spun a few more times and there were some odd questions. Some she drank for and some she didn't. Every time she looked to Malfoy, he sat emotionless and appeared completely disinterested in the goings on around him.
The bottle spun back around to Pansy before Hermione got to have a turn.
"Never have I ever shagged two people from the same family" Pansy said, looking directly at Hermione.
Hermione looked around the room, making eye contact with Ron briefly before scowling at Pansy. She rolled her eyes and drank. There was an audible gasp.
"So who was better?" Pansy asked, having just taken her own drink.
Hermione was slightly embarrassed, "I'm not going to dignify that with an answer, Pansy" she said, looking around the room and noticing Ron's face grow red.
"Later?" Pansy asked Hermione, quietly. Hermione simply scowled in her direction.
The bottle landed on Hermione, who thought she had a question ready, however, as soon as it was on her, she had an overwhelming desire to put one person in their place.
"Never have I ever… watched on like a coward as someone was tortured in their house" she said, looking directly at Malfoy.
He looked directly back at her and drank, draining his full glass.
Without the bottle spinning, Malfoy took a full bottle from beside him, placed it in front of his crossed legs, and spoke;
"Never have I ever watched someone be killed" he drank, along with anyone else.
"Never have I ever seen an innocent woman be eaten by a snake" he drank alone.
"Never have I ever, taken the dark mark to save my family from being killed" he drank alone.
"Never have I ever watched someone be tortured and felt desperate to do something but been too cowardly to act, afraid id be next" he drank.
"Never have I ever been forced to marry someone I didn't choose" he said finally, and drank, along with Hermione, Ron, Hannah, Blaise, Theo and George.
"You didn't choose me?" Pansy asked Draco.
"I didn't want to get married to anybody" he said.
"I thought it was my turn to spin?" Hermione said, breaking a silent tension that had built.
Pansy waved her hand, gesturing for her to spin. It landed on Harry.
"Never have I ever forgiven someone who did all those horrible things" he said, looking directly at Malfoy as he took a drink. Hermione looked on in shock and almost without thinking, raised her glass and drank. The resulting look on Malfoy's face was a mixture between horror, relief and confusion, as one by one, the people in the circle drank. All except for Ron and Malfoy himself.
"You can forgive yourself" Hermione said.
"Oh Granger if only it was that simple" he said not looking at her.
"Enough of that, now I think its time to dance" George said, standing and pulling Hemione to her feet.
Most of the rest of them stood and moved around the room, Pansy immediately making her way to Hermione for the goss.
"This is my queue to go and find conversation elsewhere" George said, kissing Hermione on the cheek.
"Oh my gods you must tell me. I mean, I'm not the Weasleys biggest fan, but give me all the goss. Which one was better?" she asked, handing Hermione another drink.
"Look Pansy, I'd love to tell you all about it but I'm not one to talk like that" she said, looking around the room.
"Come on, I won't tell anyone" Pansy said.
Hermione rolled her eyes and made sure no one could hear.
"All I'll tell you is that George was better by far, but Ron and I were only together a few times. I assume George has had loads of practice" she said, sipping on her drink.
"Well, I can tell you that Draco is loads better than Blaise. Salazar, the things that man can do with his hands" she said.
"George is more of a tongue man" Hermione said.
"Merlin" Pansy said. "What about Ron?"
"Ron would benefit from a book on foreplay and delayed gratification" she said. "That's seriously all I'm going to say" she said.
"Fine, fine" Pansy said, drinking.
Hermione stood there for a moment before shrugging and turning to walk away. She chatted with Ginny for a moment before finding herself deep in conversation with Theo about Ancient Runes and their application in complex transfiguration.
Most of the rest of the night was a blur, however, Hermione found that she had at least made small talk with everyone who resided in the 8th year dorm.
Overall, the night was a success and Hermione actually enjoyed herself.
She collapsed onto her bed at 3am, while George slept on the couch in the common room, despite Hermione's permission to share her bed.
AN- Thinking of a time jump. Only a few weeks, just to cover the weddings etc. Any objections? I will be writing loads over the next few days. These last 2 chapters were written in 2 days, so i hope to get more done soon.