Chapter 19
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...
Malinda knocked on the hotel room door and stifled a yawn as Hermione opened it and quickly ushered her inside. She didn't know what to expect, but a cheery Hermione wasn't it. She didn't know what it was to have parents and she certainly didn't know what it meant to lose them.
"Mum! Malinda is here!" The brown-haired witch called over her shoulder.
"Oh good morning dear," Mrs. Granger popped her head out of the bathroom. "Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year," Malinda replied back with an awkward wave. She followed Hermione further into the room where Mr. Granger sat in an armchair, watching the morning telly. He waved in greeting and asked, "Did you catch the fireworks? Rather nice, weren't they?"
Malinda didn't have to fake her smile now. "Yes, they were great."
Mr. Granger nodded in agreement and his attention fell back on the television.
"We stayed up until three," Hermione murmured. "We just talked, it was nice."
Nice family time before they said goodbye, is what she meant to say. Malinda reached into her pocket and withdrew a folded note."I-uh, I brought something. I'm one of those expect the best, plan for the worst kind of people. Thought you'd like to give them this, just in case."
Hermione unfolded the sheet and her eyes scanned the paper quickly. "Is this what I think it is?"
"Yes," Malinda nodded and lowered her voice. "I have another copy for you to give to Ron. Figured the Weasleys can make some investments too. Sorry there aren't more sports events. I've never cared about sports but my foster dads usually- Oh!"
Hermione held her in a tight hug. Malinda quietly spit some brown hair from her mouth. She hadn't been ready for the embrace and she stiffly patted Hermione on the back.
"Thank you," Hermione whispered. "It makes me feel better to know they'll at least be taken care of financially."
"You're welcome. I feel silly that I didn't think of doing it sooner. Knowing the future means making good money on stocks and bets."
"What are you girls all happy about?" Mrs. Granger said teasingly as she emerged from the bathroom. "Is there any good news we should know about?"
"Oh nothing," Hermione pulled away and laughed. "Malinda did just me a wonderful favor, that's all."
"It was nothing," Malinda shrugged.
"Hey, Mum and Dad, can you go to the balcony? Malinda is going to take a photograph of us three," Hermione asked casually. Too casually.
Oh shit, Malinda's eyes widened and she could only watch as Mr. and Mrs. Granger made their way towards the balcony. With their backs to the witches, they had no idea that Hermione had drawn her wand.
"Obliviate," Hermione said clearly but quietly. The room filled with magic and Malinda watched as the Grangers slowed, the charm working through their minds. Hermione quickly went to an open suitcase and tucked Malinda's note into the pocket. Then, she grabbed a small bag- Malinda's eyes went wide, recognizing it as THE Hermione bag- and strode away, not looking at her parents again. "Come on."
"Shit," Malinda turned in place and followed the other witch out.
The door shut behind them.
That was it? Malinda blinked. It had all happened so fast. She stared at the other witch who wore a suspiciously neutral expression. "Fuck… Are you okay?"
"Of course," Hermione replied, beginning to walk towards the elevators. "Now, where are we meeting Dumbledore?"
"Hey, hold on. It's okay if you want to take a minute, you know," Malinda reached out and tugged on Hermione's arm. They stopped in the hallway. "What you just did… It's courageous as hell, but there's no rush back to Hogwarts."
"I've been preparing for this for months," Hermione gave her a sad smile. "Thank you for being there but really, I'm fine."
"Right," Malinda nodded. She knew better to push. "Moving on then. We don't actually have to wait for Dumbledore to apparate. I can do it myself."
"What-"
"Since I'm not from this world, I don't exist here. The Ministry can't track me for underage magic and well, turns out apparating across an ocean is a thing I do."
"But-"
"So where to? Hogwarts? Weasleys?"
"How-"
"Merlin's magic, remember?" Malinda shrugged. "Guess it comes with some perks."
Hermione gaped but recovered. "Weasleys, if you don't mind. Figure I can stay there until the end of holiday."
"Just a couple of more days," Malinda sighed.
"You sound like you can't wait to be back."
"I…" Malinda pushed the thought of a certain blond Slytherin out of her mind. "I just miss it, that's all."
"Me too but when we go back, things are going to really change, aren't they? It's different this time."
"Our dear friend Tom will break the Death Eaters out from Azkaban soon and after that," Malinda took a deep breath. "Yeah, that's when it starts to get bad."
"So the dementors will side with him? Lupin warned they would. No one seemed to believe him except Dumbledore of course."
"He'll recruit those who wizards treat poorly. Werewolves, trolls, dementors…"
"We're going to win." Hermione lifted her chin up. "With you and Dumbledore, we have to."
"That's the spirit. Now, let's go back to my room and we can apparate from there. Can't risk there being cameras out here, even in the 90's."
"It's so odd to think you are from the future."
"Not this future, but a similar world's future."
"Even more odd."
"Story of my life."
With the Burrow heavily warded and protected, Malinda didn't bother trying to apparate directly inside. Though, part of her wondered if her Merlin magic would be able to bypass the wards. With Hermione as passenger though, it wasn't worth the risk. So they landed just outside the wards, in a corn field still wet from the morning's mist.
"Ew," Malinda glanced down at their feet. They both wore sandals and now their feet were soaked and dirty from the wet ground. "We should've changed first."
"Didn't even think of it," Hermione stepped away. "Y-You really can apparate this far. That should be impossible."
"So I've been told," Malinda laughed. "Right, I'll see you on the train in a few days."
"You're not coming in?"
"Have to get back to the castle for some training. Here, take this copy of my notes," Malinda handed over the second piece of paper. "Tell them that I had a vision or something impressive sounding."
"Sure, I'll come up with something," Hermoine grinned. "Though Ron will say you're full of it."
"Yeah, well Ron will change his mind when his family can afford to buy him all the brooms in the world," Malinda snapped.
"True," Hermione gave a little wave. "See you later."
...
...
The next couple of days should have flown by. Malinda spent every minute either training with Dumbledore or studying in her quarters. All she could do for the war was prepare, making up for a lifetime of lost time practicing magic. All she could was grow stronger, faster and smarter. This was the start of a new future, a new world for Harry and everyone else in this world, including Draco and Hermione.
Maybe she was actually dead and this was some sort of afterlife? Maybe this was her version of heaven given her love of the book series. Or maybe she was in a coma and this was all an illusion in her mind. Or maybe this was actually real.
She pushed herself in her lessons to the brink of magical exhaustion. She bit her tongue against Dumbledore's blunt corrections and Snape's snide remarks. She did it because even if she was dead or it was all an illusion, it felt real. What she felt for Draco was real, what Hermione had done to her parents was real and what Voldemort was doing was real. So Malinda packed away her beach clothes and donned her witch's robes again and left her island getaway behind.
But despite being busy, despite the brutal pace, Malinda felt time only inch forward during the two days. She couldn't help but glance out the window to look for Draco's owl. She caught herself searching the Maurader's Map for his name. She even began writing a letter to him before tossing the parchment into the fire, feeling stupid. Nothing she wrote would matter. He was stuck in his own home with a murderous, soulless maniac and honestly, it was partially her own damn fault.
So when Malinda finally stepped onto the Hogwarts Express two days later, it took every ounce of her willpower to not go running in search of him. The train was still sparse, only a few students had arrived so far. She had come early, hoping to beat the crowds and enjoy what would be the last normal ride back to Hogwarts for a little bit longer. These families had no idea that their peaceful world would be fully at war within months… maybe weeks with the new timeline.
She found a compartment near the back and settled in with a book. It was hard to read though and she couldn't help but look out the window, searching for a head of bleach blond hair. The train platform grew crowded but still sign of him. Suddenly, the compartment door opened and her stomach did a somersault. With a wide smile she turned-
"Well hello gorgeous," an arrogant Blaise strode in. His eyes looked her up and down boldly and he grinned, "Hawaii did you well."
"Day one and already the flirt-o-meter is turned all the way up," Malinda replied with a disappointed sigh. "Hi Blaise. Yes, my holiday was great, thanks for NOT asking. How was yours?"
His smile faltered slightly as he took a seat across from her. "What has a stick up your ass, Selwyn?"
"Oh you know, impending war and the sort. Nothing out of the usual."
"Fuck, you're in a right mood."
"No, I'm just not in the mood for your fake flirting."
"Who says it's fake?"
"Please don't insult either of our intelligence by trying to deny it. Why don't you actually flirt with someone that you like? Or someone who likes you?"
"Darling, half the castle likes me and I don't have the time," Blaise winked.
"Right, we're not getting anywhere with this. But really, how was your holiday?"
"Rather nice, thanks. Mother and I enjoyed our travels and she bought me an estate in Spain as an early graduation gift."
"Wow," Malinda tried to hide her surprise. She supposed buying houses for teenagers was normal for the super rich. "That'll be a nice getaway."
Blaise considered her for a long moment. "Yes, a nice getaway… Perhaps somewhere to go when things get tense here in England."
Malinda stared right back at him. She raised an eyebrow, "Sounds like a very neutral statement to make."
"I like to stay out of sticky situations, personally," Blaise leaned back in his seat and inspected his nails nonchalantly. "What about you? What will the gifted Malinda Selwyn do when things get sticky?"
Silence filled the compartment and Malinda waved a hand, encasing them in a tight sound-proof barrier. Blaise watched her carefully and she leaned forward. "Enough games, Blaise. I think we both know that unlike some of our house mates, neither one of us gives a flying fuck about blood status. I'm pretty sure you actually have zero plans on supporting Voldemort."
"You never were one to mince words," Blaise winced. "But must you say his name?"
"Technically I didn't even say his name. Although, 'Tom Riddle' doesn't exactly strike fear into your enemies' hearts does it? Really though, why do you lot insist on calling him Lord? He's literally lord of nothing! Well, maybe lord of a pile of shit."
"That lovely mouth of yours will get you into trouble."
She ignored him and pressed, "So you don't deny it?"
"I didn't say anything except that Spain is a nice getaway."
"Fine. You like to keep things close to the chest? Well, let me lay out my cards out then," Malinda offered. "I will fight for what is right in this world and that certainly is not Voldemort. Plus, I know he'll lose this war."
"Is that so?" Blaise quirked an eyebrow. "And how can you be so sure?"
"The spirits told me," Malinda wiggled her eyebrows.
Another silence stretched between then and Blaise leaned forward to meet her. They sat close now, their faces mere inches away from each other. "Listen to me carefully Selwyn, I like you. You're right, I don't fancy you though you'd be a right good roll in bed, but I do like you. You say what you mean and go after what you want. That is dangerous for a witch in our social circles. Perhaps you're right, perhaps I am not a supporter of a certain dark wizard, but you don't see me telling people that-"
"I'm not telling people," Malinda cut in. "I'm telling you."
"You're very lucky it's me you've told," Blaise snapped, any sign of his flirtatious demeanor gone. "If word got to anyone else, even our 'friends', your days would be numbered."
"Not all our friends are convinced followers."
"Some are beyond just convinced. Some are already fighting in the war and not on your side."
"You're talking about Draco," she murmured.
"Yes," Blaise glanced nervously out of the compartment. A few students passed by, but their voices were muffled through the barrier. "You didn't know Draco before. The bloke was actually alright, we were mates. Now, he's… he's different. He chose his side."
She waved off his concern. "I already know he bears the mark, Blaise. No need to imply anything."
Blaise looked surprised for just a moment then reached out and grabbed her knee. He squeezed, imploring her as he said, "Then you know people like you and me must be careful. He and others like him will kill us for not agreeing with them."
"You live with him. Does Draco really strike you as the murderer type?"
"You didn't know him before-"
"Oh, you'd be surprised how much I know about Draco. Before and after he got the mark."
The handsome wizard considered her for a long moment. His grey eyes were stunning against his dark eyes and she wondered what his father looked like. His mother's beauty was infamous, a main source of her success in finding wealthy husbands, but what mark had his father left in Blaise's face?
"You and Draco… are friends, aren't you?" Blaise asked carefully.
"Yes."
He genuinely looked concerned. "Mal, you have no idea how dangerous that is. This isn't America. Your family doesn't have influence here and his family is powerful. You don't want to cross a Malfoy, especially right now when they're close to-"
"Good o' Tom?" Malinda supplied.
Blaise let out a tight laugh. "You are insane."
The compartment door slid open a second time and they both looked up to see Draco Malfoy himself standing there, his face tight with fury. "Oh, am I interrupting something?"
Instantly, Blaise's hand was off Malinda's leg and the handsome wizard relaxed back in his seat again with a charming smile on his face. It struck Malinda how easily he switched back into his façade. Clearly, living amongst snakes his whole life made him an expert in blending in. Blaise dipped his chin a bit, "Hello, Draco. How was your holiday? I hear you had a house full of visitors this year."
"Good one," Malinda scoffed. "Fucking hilarious."
Draco's blue eyes narrowed. He couldn't hear them through the barrier, but he clearly didn't like whatever had been said. Malinda flicked a finger, bringing down her sound ward. "Hi Draco. Would you like to join us?"
"Sound barrier and sitting cozy?" Draco sneered at them. "Perhaps I should find another compartment."
"Relax mate and take a seat," Blaise said soothingly. "Mal and I were just having a friendly chat about our holiday."
Draco hesitated and glanced between them. Then, with aristocratic grace, he tucked his bag away and took a seat beside her.
Very close to her.
Blaise didn't miss a thing and he watched as Draco's leg brushed up against Malinda's. Clearing her throat, Malinda scooted a few inches away. "Well," she searched for anything to talk about. "Are you both looking forward to the apparition classes?"
Thankfully, Blaise played along. "Naturally. Such a shame about the age requirement though. You'd think they'd let all sixth years attend, not just the older ones."
"Daphne is beyond furious," Malinda nodded. "Meanwhile, Pansy couldn't shut up about how excited she was and how her family got a permit from the Ministry to allow her to practice over the holiday-"
"Spare me," Draco muttered under his breath.
"You seem happy to be single again." Blaise dragged his eyes slowly from Draco to Malinda. "Got your eye on any new birds, Draco?"
"Mother and Father have gratefully held off on a new contract," Draco said smoothly. "This time, I will be the one to pick."
"How modern of the Malfoys."
"They'd like to avoid me getting married three times," Draco replied. "Terrible what so many pairings does to a family name."
Blaise must've been well accustomed to these sorts of insults. His smile only grew. "Dunno, my mum seems perfectly happy with husband number four."
"Two consenting adults getting married and being happy? Sounds great to me," Malinda glared at Draco. "Absolutely great."
When neither wizard offered a reply, Malinda opened her book again. She only read a few lines before Draco leaned over, coming so close she could feel his breath on her neck as he asked, "What are you reading?"
She gulped, feeling her blood rush as he hovered, and inched away again. "Just some light studying for charms."
"No doubt the textbook for this next term?" Blaise guessed in a bored voice.
"Ten points to Slytherin!"
Blaise chuckled. "Oi, Draco. Did you catch the Holyhead Harpies match?"
The question made Draco pull away as he replied. Malinda sat and listened to two speak quickly about the match then their predictions for the rest of the season. It was so funny how one moment they could be at each other's throats and the next bantering like old friends. She listened with a smile, shaking her head before returning to her book.
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...
After dinner, Malinda and some fellow sixth year Slytherins snagged the best seats in the Common Room. The fire roared, warming them as they lounged on the plush sofas and armchairs. Malinda sat in between Daphne and Clare, watching as they opened small boxes with green bows.
"Oh!" Clare's face lit up as she withdrew a glass turtle filled with sand. "Is this sand from Hawaii?"
"It is," Malinda tucked some hair behind her ears. "I hope you like it."
"I love it!" Daphne gave her a side hug. "Thank you. How unique."
"Nothing for me Mal?" Blaise pouted from the sofa across from them. He lay across it, hands resting behind his head arrogantly. "I'd like some sand too."
Malinda rolled her eyes but pointed at him. Another box flew from her lap and across the space. Blaise sat up abruptly and managed to catch it. He opened it eagerly and frowned as he peered in. He reached in.
"What the actual fuck, Mal?" Blaise gaped and withdrew her gifts.
"Are those-" Clare burst into laughter. "You did not!"
"What?" Malinda shrugged, trying not to laugh. "He's always talking about it so I'm trying to be a good friend and make sure he's at least being safe."
"Dear Merlin," Daphne smacked Malinda's shoulder. "You are far too crude, sometimes."
"At least we'll know if the rumors are true," Draco spoke up.
The group fell quiet. Daphne was so taken aback at his voice that she did a double take. It had been months since Draco had willingly joined them, let alone speak. He shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with their reaction.
The train ride must've eased things between the lads though because Blaise picked right back up. "What rumor is that?"
"They say the American ones are smaller."
Blaise threw his head back and laughed. "I'll be sure to let you know."
"Let him know," Clare winced. "Not the rest of us. I can't believe you got him condoms. Malinda Selwyn, what were you thinking?!"
"I couldn't resist," Malinda admitted then paused. "Wait a minute, how do you-" she pointed to Clare then at Daphne, "-and you even know what those are? They're Muggle."
"Oh," Clare blushed and faltered.
Daphne looked embarrassed but admitted, "They're mentioned sometimes in Witch's Weekly."
"Really? Why?"
When neither witch would supply an answer, Blaise laughed again. He looked around them and then said in a whisper, "Because they say some can give a witch more pleasure. You know, the ones that are ribbed and-"
"And how do you know that? Reading Witch Weekly lately, Blaise?" Daphne cut him off, red in the face.
"He keeps a few in his trunk actually," Draco answered. "Claims he likes to know how to please the ladies but I think he likes the fashion bits more."
"I do not! The fashion section is the most boring-"
"Holy shit," Malinda said. "You really do read that nonsense?"
Blaise raised his chin proudly. "Nothing wrong with doing research. You of all people should know."
"Research," Clare giggled. "Right."
"So," Draco cleared his throat. "Where's my gift then?"
Malinda stared at him then slowly said, "I don't have one for you, sorry."
"Nothing from Hawaii? You didn't think to bring me something from Pacific?" Draco asked, a ghost of a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
She frowned. What was he trying to do?
"Nope," she replied. "Afraid not."
"That's alright," Draco stared heatedly at her. "I'm sure you'll make it up to me somehow."
Malinda nearly threw her shoe at him right then and there. Didn't he realize how that sounded? What would the others think?
"Don't bully her," Daphne said defensively.
Clare nodded her head. "You've barely spoken a word to any of us. A bit arrogant to think we'd bring you something back from holiday."
Malinda blinked in surprise and felt herself relax again. Draco lifted his hands in surrender and said, "Alright, it was just a joke."
"Sure it was," Daphne turned her head away and stood, pulling Malinda up with her. "Come on girls, let's go to bed."
Malinda let herself be pulled away from the fire and towards the stairs. She glanced over her shoulder one last time and found two steel blue eyes watching them go. Watching her go.
