A/N: I don't own Harry Potter of the characters, I'm only borrowing them for a bit. Only the plot is my own.

A Sirens Song

Chapter 3

The group sat quietly in their compartment, Hermione, and Neville were both reading. Neville a Herbology book and Hermione was reading a muggle mystery. Ron and Harry were talking quietly, when they decided to go for a walk, "were going to go see the twins about something," Harry said, "we will be right back."

"Might as well change into your school robes on the way," Hermione said.

"Right," Ron and Harry said at the same time. Shortly after, they left Ginny dropped by the compartment.

"Hermione," Ginny said.

"Oh hello Ginny," Hermione said, "what brings you by?"

"Well I want to let you know that Malfoy was looking for you, so don't be surprised if he comes in here all angry and stuff," Ginny said.

"Why on earth would he come looking for me," Hermione said mostly to herself, "he hates me."

"He hates everyone who isn't in Slytherin," Ginny said, "bet he's on the war path so be careful."

"I'll be careful," Hermione said, "was that the only reason you stopped by?"

"No I wanted to see how you were doing," Ginny said, "the boys still haven't noticed anything have they?"

"Nope," Hermione said, "haven't noticed a thing."

Ginny was about to speak again when the door to their compartment busted open, "there you are mud blood I've been looking for you."

"Well you found me. What do you want?" Hermione asked, in a suave voice that could have charmed a werewolf.

"I want to know what my father was talking about at the World Cup," Malfoy said, "why would he want a mud blood hanging about"

"He wasn't offering to let me hang about, as you say," Hermione said, "He was propositioning me."

"Why the hell would he do that?" Malfoy asked, "your just an ugly bushy haired know it all, mud blood."

"There's no need to start calling names," Hermione said, she was starting to get annoyed, "your father didn't offer me a job, or to come over for dinner."

"Then what the hell did he mean?" Malfoy asked.

"Use your brain Malfoy," Ginny said, "if someone said to you, 'let me know when you get tired of playing with children, I'm sure that I can find something more adult for you to do.' how would you take it?"

"I'm not sure I understand," Neville said, "you mean like 'adult things'?"

"Yes adult things," Ginny said.

"So my father offered to pass you around to his friends as a bed mate?" Malfoy asked disgusted.

"That's one way to put it," Hermione said, turning her head to look out the window.

"Well that's just disgusting," Malfoy said, "that's like my Mum hitting on one of my friends."

"That's about what it was," Ginny said.

"Well I don't like you, so don't go thinking I do," Malfoy said, "but I would stay as far away from my father as you can, he hates mud bloods but if he made a suggestion to you like that and your only 14 then it will only get worse as we get older. Ugh, I can't believe my fathers a dirty old man."

"Uh thanks I guess," Hermione said looking up at him from her seat, "but you should probably go away now unless you want Harry and Ron to find out you're here."

"Right," Malfoy said, "see you later Mud blood."

"Yeah," Hermione said, "whatever."

A few moments after Malfoy left, Harry and Ron came back to the compartment, "was that Malfoy we just saw leaving?"

"Yes," Ginny said, "I must be going also; I'll see you guys at dinner."

"See you later Ginny," Hermione said.

"So what did Malfoy want?" Harry asked.

"Oh he just wanted to know why his father was so nice to me at the world cup," Hermione said looking at Neville.

Neville knew what she was doing she was silently asking him not to say a word about it. He nodded his head in agreement to both what she was silently asking and what she was saying out loud.

"If that was nice, then I would hate to see what mean is," Harry said, "What did he mean when he said he could find you something to do anyway?"

"Oh I think he wanted me to take the place of one of his house elves or something," Hermione said vaguely.

"no I think it was a bit more cruel than that," Ron said, "and I don't think it has anything to do with servitude, although with a dirty mind like his I wouldn't put it past him."

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked concerned and curious.

"he did more than tell Hermione he could find something for her to do," Ron said, "he basically said he'd pass her around to all his dirty minded friends for a turn."

Hermione blanched, she had hoped that he wouldn't figure it out, and here he had known all along that Mr. Malfoy Sr. had propositioned her as a whore to a gang of still free Death Eaters.

"Is that true Hermione?" Harry practically yelled.

"Yes," Hermione said in a small voice, "yes, that's basically it."

"Don't worry," Harry said, "we'll protect you. I don't think we'll have to worry much about him while we're at school, but if someone else says something like that to you I want you to go to Dumbledore, or Professor McGonagall and tell them. Maybe they can figure out what's going on. Do you do anything out of the ordinary this summer?"

"No," Hermione said, "we spent the majority of the summer in Italy, we have some family there. I got some sun and my hair seems to have worked it's self out, but other than that, no."

"Oh well," Harry said, "I don't know then."

Neville was dumb struck, Harry and Ron really didn't see how different she looked, she was really very pretty, and he could see how Mr. Malfoy would say something like that to her. Sure she was only 14 but she would be turning 15 soon. His gran wouldn't hear the end of it if he forgot one of his friend's birthdays. Although she hadn't met Hermione she had heard many stories from not only Neville but several order members, (mainly the Weasley's). She liked what she heard and had hinted many times to Neville that she would suite him well.

He had to constantly remind her that he was only 14, and that he was a bit young yet for thinking about marriage. After that she had let the matter drop, but would still bring her up from time to time.

"So do you think they'll have the same things for dinner this year as they did last year?" Neville asked, trying to change the subject.

"Oh I hope they have that cake they had in second year," Hermione said.

"You mean the chocolate and strawberry cake with the dark chocolate icing?" Ron asked.

"Yes," Hermione said her eyes all lit up from the idea of having this cake.

"Oh I do hope so," Ron said, "cake sounds good."

"And strawberry's," Hermione said, "strawberry's sound good as well. What about you Harry, what would you like to see at dinner?"

"Tarts," Harry said, "any kind would be wonderful."

"I wouldn't mind having some chocolate pudding," Neville said, "maybe chocolate fudge."

"Oh that sounds good," Hermione said, "seems we all have chocolate on the brain. I sure hope we aren't too disappointed if there turn out to be none."

"That would be horrible," Harry said, with humor laced in his voice, "god forbid you don't get your chocolate."

The train stopped, and everyone started standing up, and started to get off the train, they were there. They walked to the carriages and boarded. They rode to the castle talking about what types of food they might find at the feast.

Fred and George caught up with them when they were walking through the entrance to the great hall. "There you are," George said, "we wanted to catch you before you sat down."

"Oh," Hermione said surprised, "why's that?"

"You'll sit with us," Fred said, "right?"

"Of course," Hermione said, "we are in the same house after all."

They looked at her dumbfounded for a moment before, "yes we know that," George said.

"your sitting next to us," Fred said trying to sound authoritative .

"ok," she said with a warm smile.

After they realized they no longer had to try and convince her they sat down at the table and waited to Dumbledore to speak.

"I've got two words for you," Dumbledore said, taking a moment to look over the crowd, "dig in."

And dig in they did, after every one finished with dinner the desert took its place, "ever wonder where the food comes from?" Hermione asked.

"Oh that would be the house elves," nearly headless nick said.

"House elves, at Hogwarts?" she asked, "I've never seen one."

"Oh they work in the kitchens," he said, "no one ever really sees them, that's the trade mark of a good elf, to not be seen."

"And they like being slaves?" Hermione asked, "They do get paid don't they?"

"well no," he said, "it's their job, ask one once they'll tell you they like it and if you try to free one they'll just yell at you so I wouldn't bother."

"That's barbaric," Hermione said, "but they stay in the kitchens, you say?"

"Now he's done it," Ron said, "she's going to go on a quest to free house elves now."

"At lease she'll have something to do," Harry said, "hopefully she'll keep us out of it."

"Doubtful," Ron said.

"What are you two whispering about?" Hermione asked angrily, "Care to repeat so everyone can hear."

"We were just talking about Quidditch," Harry said.

"Likely story," she said under her breath so only the twins who were on either side of her and Ginny who was across from her could hear.

Before they could get any more into the conversation they were interrupted by Dumbledore, "I would like to congradulate you all on the being here to start a new year. First Mr. Filch the care taker asked me to tell you that there are several trinkets and pranks banned this years among them are Screaming Yoyo's, fanged Frisbee's and Ever-bashing Boomerangs, the complete list of 172 items can be found in Filches office if ever you want to check. Next the Forbidden forest is out of bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to students below third year. Next I would like to introduce to you this year's DADA teacher, Professor Moody… It is also my painful duty to tell you that The Inter-house Quidditch cup will not be taking place this year. Instead we will be holding The Tri-Wizard Tournament."

"You're JOKING?" George and Fred yell at the same time.

"No I assure you i'm not joking," Dumbledore said, "though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar…"

Before he could finish Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, causing Dumbledore to get back on track with what he was saying.

"Well perhaps another time," he said, "er... where was I? Oh yes, Tri-wizard Tournament well some of you know what the tournament involves, but I hope you forgive me for gong over it again. The tournament takes place between three major wizarding schools Beauxatons and Drumstrang institute and of course Hogwarts.

The headmistress of Beauxatons and Drumstrang won't be arriving until the beginning of October, and the school champion's won't be chosen until Halloween that being said, the minister has decided that since the tournament is so dangerous."

Hermione mouthed 'Death Toll' to Ron and Harry.

"That only those 17 and older will be allowed to enter," Dumbledore finished. There were a few yells and about rubbish and how it wasn't fair, but they were silenced. "Now I expect you as young witches and wizards to show every courtesy to those staying with us." There were more moaning and groaning about not being able to participate.

"Now off to bed with you," he finished.

While walking to the common room, Fred and George were going on and on about not being able to enter. "It's not fair we'll be 17 in April, they should let us enter."

"We'll think of a way," George said.

While the boys went to their dorm Hermione was going on about the unfairness of it all, for house elves that is.

"Mental that one," Ron said to Harry, "You know if Fred and George can find a way to enter, I think I might try to enter. Don't you think it'd be nice…?"

"I'm not interested," Harry said, "I just want a quiet year."

The next morning, Harry woke with a start, he had been having nightmares since the Quidditch world cup, and it seemed to always be the same one. Seems the dark lord wanted, needed him for something.

Rubbing his scar he dressed and walked down to the common room, he didn't see anyone there, and headed for the great hall for breakfast. Upon entering he saw Hermione and Ginny sitting down to eat. They were talking and it sounded like Ginny was trying to explain about something. "Morning Ginny, Hermione," he said as he sat down to eat.

"Morning Harry," they said in unison.

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked.

"We were just looking at the Profit," Hermione said, "seems they got wind of what happened at the Quidditch world cup."

"What do you mean got wind?" Harry asked.

"You know with the dark mark in the sky," Hermione said, "there all telltale signs that some things going to happen."

"I guess," Harry said, "I was hoping to avoid it for a bit longer."

"I know, Harry," Ginny said, placing her hand over his, "I know."

Hermione watched Ginny comfort Harry, 'they would make a cute couple,' she thought, 'in a few years anyways.'

As someone else walked into the room, Hermione looked over at the door, she watched as Cedric and a few other HufflePuffs followed him to their table. Cedric looked over at her and smiled and winked. Her face reddened a tiny bit; but she smiled back and made a small wave.

"Who are you looking at Hermione?" Ginny asked.

"Cedric," Hermione whispered into her ear. Ginny smiled and patted Hermione's hand. A little while later the majority of every house came in through the doors at once. Fred and George were still going on about the tournament. They each took a side of Hermione making Ginny scoot over a bit so Fred could sit in-between them.

"Toast?" Hermione asked, "Pumpkin juice?"

"Sure," they said together at the same time. She handed them each two pieces of butter toast and then filled their cups with pumpkin juice. "There ya go," she said.

"Thanks," they said at the same time, before kissing her on the cheek.

"Mind telling me what going on?" Ginny asked.

"I've no idea," Hermione said.

"Sure you don't," Ginny said, "don't worry about it, I'll figure it out."

"I'm sure you will Ginny," Hermione said with a hint of humor to her voice.

Soon after breakfast ended Professor McGonagall handed out their time tables. "Looks like we have divination tomorrow," Harry said, "what do you have tomorrow Hermione."

"History of Magic," Hermione said, "I dropped divination last year."

"Right I remember," Ron said with a snicker. Everyone remembered Hermione storming out of Divination because the teacher said she didn't have the talent to see with her inner eye.

Everyone went on their way to class, Charms was by far one of the best classes to have first day back, potions however was one of the worst classes ever.

They were in their third and final class for the day, which was potions, and it seemed that no one could brew anything right.

Everyone managed to leave Professor Snape's class unscathed, but just barely, and believe it or not but there were no detentions awarded.

After a pattern was gotten down the weeks passed slowly, Hermione found time to steel away to the library. One evening she was seated in the library at the far table looking over something for S.P.E.W. when someone tapped her on the shoulder from behind.

She jumped a bit because she was so into reading that she wasn't paying attention to what was going on around her. "Oh hello," she said, "scared me for a second."

"I'm sorry," Cedric said, "I didn't mean to frighten you. What are you doing?"

"I'm looking into stuff about House elves," Hermione said.

"Oh," Cedric said, "I thought you would be doing homework."

"Oh I, finished with that ages ago," Hermione said, "what brings you to the library?"

"I came to look for a book," Cedric said, "but I ran into a pretty fourth year."

"Ah flattery will get you nowhere," Hermione said, when he started to speak again she cut him off by saying, "but if you ask nice enough I might be able to tell you where the book is your looking for."

"Can you help me?" Cedric asked, Hermione gave him that 'are-you-serious' look and he continued speaking, "of course you can help me, what I mean to say is will you help me, please?"

"Well since you asked so nicely," Hermione said, "what book are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for '101 Deadly Plants and Their Uses'," Cedric said, "before you ask it's for potions, we have to do a report."

"Sounds fun," Hermione said, she started walking around the corner, when she disappeared and he still hadn't followed, she peaked her head around the corner and said, "You coming?"

"Yes," he said a bit flustered, "of course."

"The book you're looking for is in this section because it deals with Herbology, let's see," Hermione said, looking though the books, after a few minutes of looking she got that, 'ah-ha,' look on her face, "here we are, it tried to hide but, I practically live in the library so I just knew it had to be here."

"You're a doll," Cedric said, "I appreciate your help."

"You're welcome," Hermione said, "well now that you've found your book I really should get back to what I was doing."

"The thing you're trying to do with the house elves are you serious about it?"

"Of course I am," she said heatedly "they're living breathing beings, they have feeling and they should be free, to do as they choose. Like Dobby, he's a freed elf and he works, sure he could get more but he's happy. Once the other elves see how happy dobby is they'll change their minds about wanting to be free, and i hope to help."

"Well then," Cedric said, "that's all that matters."

"Thank you," Hermione said, "for listening and not telling me I'm mental or silly."

"You're neither of those things," Cedric said, "I'll see you later; I really must get back to my house. I'm sure that once i get finished that everyone will want to use this book."

"Well," Hermione said rather reluctantly, "good night then."

He stood there and looked at her for a moment and watched her sit down and get back to work. She rested her head on her hands, which were folded together, when she looked up at him with a questioning gaze.

"Goodnight," he said, while walking backwards towards the exit.

Madam Pince who had watched the whole transaction looked startled at the display. Miss Granger had certainly changed over the summer, thing was that no one had really noticed. She needed to speak with Dumbledore about this. Perhaps she would leave the library to Miss Grangers charge while she was gone. She certainly spent enough time in the library; surely she could run it for an hour.

"Miss Granger," Madam Pince said, "I have to run an errand. I expect the place to be in one place when I return; I won't be more than an hour."

"Yes ma'am," Hermione said, she was shocked absolutely shocked.

Meanwhile, Madam Pince made her way to the headmaster's office. After saying the password she walked up the spiral staircase. She was met at the door by Professor Snape who was also about to knock at the door.

She reached out and knocked at the door, when she heard 'enter' she pushed her way past Professor Snape, and entered his office.

"What can I do for you Madam Pince?" Dumbledore asked, "Severus you should come in as well, I imagine your both here about the same thing."

"Professor I've noticed some changes in Miss Granger that I'm not sure everyone else has noticed." Madam Pince said.

"What changes would that be?" Dumbledore asked.

"Well she seems to have changed remarkably over the summer," she said, "it's almost like she's a different person."

"I've noticed the same," Professor Snape said, "although that's not really why I'm here."

"I've noticed the changes in Miss Granger," Dumbledore said, "I've known for a while that she's not entirely normal per our standards. Nor is she entirely Muggle Born either. Miss granger knows none of this, and until her Parents tell her about her birthright we have no business in telling her, all we can do is watch over her. Now I would tell you all the points of her heritage, I may have to have a teachers meeting, I'm not sure thought that we should include the entire staff. Professor Moody will only be with us for this year, and unless he brings something to my attention then I suggest we leave him in the dark."

"Don't you think that's a bit suspicious," madam Pince said, "ministry officials will be here within the next month off and on, I think we should hold the meeting before they come otherwise her cover would be blown and the beans spilt. On top of that she doesn't even know of any of it, someone would have to tell her."

"She won't come into her birthright until she's 18," Dumbledore said, "although she will exhibit signs, some of which I believe she already is, although a bit unknowingly."

"So how we see her now is how she really looks," Professor Snape asked, when Dumbledore nodded his head yes, "so she's been wearing a glamour of sorts?"

"Yes," Dumbledore said, "I believe that is what's happening."

"So how come not everyone has noticed the change?" Madam Pince asked, "I know for sure that her friends haven't noticed, I believe Longbottom has, along with Miss Weasley, but as for the others I believe they still see her as she used to be."

"If they took the time to see her, they would see her for what she is," Dumbledore said, "I believe."

"So should we just leave it as it is for now?" Professor Snape asked.

"I believe it would be wise," Dumbledore said, "should anyone else come to me about Miss Granger then we will hold a meeting to discuss this matter again."

Madam Pince stepped out of Dumbledore's office with a heavy heart. She had a hard time getting the girl out of her mind, she hoped that her parents told her of her birthright soon. It looked like there might be problem despite the ministry being present or not.

Professor Snape had a similar problem, only he knew what the girl was. She wasn't a monster, or anything, but history would be rewritten by the time she came into her birthright, and if they were able to hold off the war long enough she would be coming into herself right when the wars breaks loose. What a thing to have to deal with while finding yourself. He just hoped that it wouldn't hurt too many people in the process. One Weasley in particular would be quite upset, he'd think that she'd held it back on purpose when in fact she had no idea what was happening.

Professor Snape decided to leave Dumbledore's office without confiding in him. He suddenly thought better of outing the secret he had been carrying nigh on 15 years. Perhaps someday he would be able to sit her down and explain why secrets were kept from her. One can only hope...

A/N: so what do you think? Oh part of the speech given by Dumbledore was taken directly from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, pages 171 through 190. The bit about house elves and was also taken directly from the book only i down played it so she didn't come off like a total nut... That part is paraphrased and not taken word for word. I hope I haven't confused anyone.

So... The plot thickens... leave your comments they are always appreciated