A Sirens Song

Chapter 5

It had been roughly 3 days since Ginny and Hermione sent the letter requesting advice to her Dad. They were hoping to have a response by now. Ginny and Hermione were sitting in the common room doing school work trying not to be worried about the reason there wasn't a reply when Professor McGonagall walked into the common room and requested the pair of them follow her the headmasters office immediately.

They wondered for a second what it could be about, when they remember the letter they sent to Ginny's father, and the lack of reply. They sincerely hoped that nothing was wrong, that no one was hurt.

"Go on up," Professor McGonagall said, saying the password of the week, "he's expecting you."

Ginny and Hermione shared a look of concern with each other before ascending the spiral staircase to Professor Dumbledore's office. They knocked on the door, and after hearing 'Enter,' they opened the heavy oak door and walked inside. Upon entering they were surprised to see Ginny's father standing next to the Headmasters desk.

"Miss Weasley, Miss Granger, I suppose you know the reason why you were called here."

"Yes Sir," they said speaking together.

"Girls I'm sorry that I couldn't reply to your request for advise," Mr. Weasley said, "it was wise of you to request assistance before making any rash decisions. I contacted Albus to alert him of the situation, and he agrees with me that we should take extra precaution regarding your situation Hermione. I believe that you have cause for worry. If you could tell me everything that was said, we can try to figure out how serious the situation is."

Hermione told them everthing that had happened with regards to Draco Malfoy starting with the train ride into Hogsmeade.

"I see," Professor Dumbledore said, "and Mr. Malfoy is positive that his father a little to interested in you."

"yes," Hermione said, "he was a bit miffed that his father could be interested in someone his sons age. I think he's more worried about what his mother would think."

"I think it would be good to exercise precaution to a point," Professor Dumbledore said, "you will keep company with you while your in Hogsmeade at all times. Someone older would be a good choice, someone other than a prefect would be better. Fred and George Weasley would be a good choice, and I know that you are on friendly terms."

"Fred and George going to Hogsmeade with her won't be a problem," Ginny said, "I think they would be more upset if you didn't ask them to go with you to Hogsmeade. Besides they were at the Quidditch world cup and know about the whole situation so they would be a good choice."

"After the display in the Great hall the other day I don't imagine that they would mind at all," Dumbledore said.

"They made a display?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"Ron told Hermione that they only reason that Fred and George would want to be around her is if they were using her for an experiment, or because she was smart and could help them," Ginny said, "what he said hurt her pretty bad and she told him to stay away from her. Fred and George cornered Ron in the hall and made him beg for forgiveness in the Great hall in front of everyone."

Mr. Weasley was silent, he hadn't known what to say, he knew that Ron had a tendency to say things that came to his mind with out thinking first; but he hadn't realized he could be so insensitive. "I'm not sure what to say," Mr. Weasley said, "Ron is Ron, and I'm glad that Fred and George were able to set him straight."

"They were able to set him straight this time," Hermione admitted, "who knows what will happen next time."

"What do you mean next time?" Professor Dumbledore asked, "you think there will be a next time?"

"Oh, I know there will be," Hermione said with a knowing smile, "he can't help himself, he'll put his foot in his mouth again before the month is out, and I'll get angry with him because he'll hurt my feelings. It's a never ending cycle."

"I wonder how you put up with him," Mr. Weasley said, "you shouldn't have to put up with it."

"He's young and impulsive," Hermione said in a way that made her sound older than she really was, "its normal teenager stuff it happens to all boys sometime or another."

"Although that may be true," Ginny said, "he really should be careful how he says things."

"Should I have a talk with him?" Mr. Weasley asked to no one in particular.

"I don't think that would be necessary," Professor Dumbledore said, "I think now that we've got the security situation underway for Miss Granger that you girls can go back to class. Remember what I said about accompanied at all times, you'll do well to have a girl accompany to the restroom should the need occur."

"Yes sir," Hermione said, "it was good to see you again Mr. Weasley, please tell Mrs. Weasley I said hello, and any other Weasley's you may come in contact with that I said hello."

"I will," Mr. Weasley said, "be safe Hermione, we don't wish any danger to befall you. If you have any other concerns please don't hesitate to write to either my wife or I."

"I won't Mr. Weasley," Hermione said, when she saw the look of confusion of Mr. Weasley's face she quickly added, "I won't hesitate to write I mean."

Mr. Weasley's features softened when she finished speaking, the girl wasn't stupid, she would ask for assistance. The fact that she and Ginny wrote him asking for advice was enough of a conformation to the fact. He couldn't help but think that this girl before him was a good role model for his children to be around.

"Goodbye Daddy," Ginny said, wrapping her arms around his waist. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. "be safe, my girl, keep me informed, won't you."

"Of course daddy," Ginny said, "give my love to mum and my brothers should you see them."

Ginny and Hermione reluctantly left the Headmasters office, the looked back one more time before they stepped over the threshold of the Headmasters office leaving the room.

x.X.x.

Back at the common room Fred and George were sitting in a secluded corner coming up with ideas for trying to enter the tournament. So far they didn't have much of anything, other than the idea for an aging potion or polyjuice potion, they had nothing else to go on. Perhaps it was time to do some research in the library.

The pair of them looked up towards the portrait entrance to see Ginny and Hermione walk trough, "any where have the two of you been?" George asked.

"We went to see Dumbledore," Hermione said, "we had some concerns about Hogsmeade and Ginny wrote your Dad for advice, and we were just meeting with him and Dumbledore in his office."

"What kind of concerns?" Fred asked, "are you in some trouble?"

"No, well possibly yes," Hermione said, "it has to do with what Mr. Malfoy said at the Quidditch World Cup."

"You think he might come to Hogsmeade or something?" Greorge said disgusted by the thought of someone twice their age going after someone barely 15.

"Draco Malfoy mention something the other day when I was at the lake, about his father being overly curious about me," Hermione said, "the only reason he warned me was because he's more worried about his father doing something to damage the family name and he's worried for his mother I think."

"So he warned you about his father, what exactly did he say?" George asked, looking worried and confused.

"He said that his father had written him wondering if I was still besting him in his studies at every turn. He said that was it, Malfoy thinks his father is a bit to interested in me for a normal healthy wizard. He said he didn't think he father would turn up to any of the tournament events but he could possibly show up unannounced to Hogsmeade and that I shouldn't go alone. He's worried that his father might try something."

"So you wrote to Dad to get advice because he was present for the whole comment at the Quidditch world cup," Fred said. "why didn't you say something to one of us?"

"We didn't want to alarm anyone," Hermione said, "I wasn't sure if any of the teachers would believe us."

"So what plan of action did you come up with?" George asked.

"They think that I should have an older student with me when I go to Hogsmeade, someone other than a prefect, because otherwise they won't be able to do their prefects duty," Hermione said. "Dumbledore thought that perhaps the two of you would be the best plan of action after the display in the Great hall the other day."

"Did he now?" Fred said, straightening his shoulders and sitting up straight. He reminded her of a peacock at that moment and stifled a laugh.

"Yes," Hermione said, you could hear the laugh in her voice as she answered, "would you two be willing to play my knights on the upcoming trip to Hogsmeade?"

"How can we say no?" George said, "right we won't say no will we Fred?"

"Of course not," Fred said, "we have a duty to protect our little flower from being harmed. Hermione we would be honored to accompany you to Hogsmeade."

"Thank you," Hermione said, giving them a brilliant smile, "I very much appreciate you."

"Leave it to us," Fred said, "well we have to get going to dinner. Would the two of you care to join us?"

Ginny and Hermione looked at each other and shook their heads in agreement. After the twins put up their books the four of them trudged off to the Great Hall for dinner.

Nothing extraordinary happened at dinner, and Hermione was able to go to bed with the feeling of security and comfort after everything had finally come to a close after the last few days. For once Hermione didn't let her mind run on things that could go wrong, and she allowed herself to sleep.

Her dreams were filled with swirls of nothing, colorful designs and wistful swirls. She woke feeling refreshed and happy, what better way to start a day than this?

x.X.x.

After the meeting with the Headmaster and Mr. Weasley time had seemed to speed up, Hermione's birthday had already passed. They celebrated with a cake at lunch courtesy of the Dumbledore, and Professor McGonagall. That was 11 it was not 11 days past September 19th.

Today was the day that the Students from Beauxatons and Drumstrang institute would arrive. Hermione was on her way to the Great Hall for lunch when she ran into a herd of students running for the court-yard. She followed like a curious puppy, and to her amazement she saw the Carriage drawn by flying Horses and then after they passed and everyone's curiosity was abated the students ran towards the view of the black lake, what she saw amazed her. a ship rose out of the water very much like a Muggle Navy Submarine. 'how interesting,' she thought.

After she was satisfied that she had seen everything that remained to be seen, she left the excited students and headed to lunch. She had spent much of her lunch time watching the excitement that she would now have to hurry before her next class.

To her amazement she was the only one at the Gryffindor table to eat lunch at this time. No doubt Harry and Ron were still gawking at the display outside. 'Oh well, more food for me', she thought as she stifled a giggle. She then realized that she had no reason to hide her merriment and laughed out loud. Some of the other students looked at her oddly; but she just smiled at them and went back to eating.

After eating Hermione hurried to her next class which just happened to be potions. She knew that Professor Snake snarky git that he was, wouldn't tolerate tardiness, in any form. Nor would he care that there was a bit of excitement. She ran into Ginny on the way who was also running for her next class. Although she had Transfiguration professor McGonagall could also be a bit unhappy about tardiness and could assign detention if she felt like it.

The girls said a quick hello, and goodbye along with I'll talk to you later, as they rushed past each other. Hermione walked as fast as she could without running, there always seemed to be a teacher lurking about when she decided to make a run for it.

She made it to potions three minutes before the class was to start, suprising enough she was the first one to arrive. Professor Snape was already sitting at his desk watching the door for later arrivals. He secretly gloated when he was able to assign detentions for late comers; in fact he delighted in it, and today was primed or it.

"Professor," Hermione said, as she took her seat, "where is everyone?"

"You're the first to arrive Miss Granger," the professor said, "I imagine that you didn't partake in the merriment of the afternoon arrivals?"

"Oh I did," she said with a smile, "I watched in awe as the carriage attached to flying horses swooped in and nearly hit Hagrid who was trying to direct the landing. Then I watched a pirate ship emerge from beneath the surface of the black lake, like a Muggle Navy Submarine. It was very thrilling, and I believe the majority of the students were still there when I rushed back to the great hall to eat lunch."

"Ah," the professor said, standing up and moving up the aisle towards the door, "looks like you're the only one here for class. We'll give the dunderhead's a few more minutes to get here before I have to start brewing."

"Alright," Hermione said. She sat patiently and waited for her class mates to arrive. After waiting about ten minutes it was apparent that no one was going to show up for class.

"Miss Granger, if you would please come up here for a moment, I'll give you instructions," the professor said.

"yes sir," she said rising from her seat. She walked to his desk and stood in front.

"Miss Granger I would like you to brew the dreamless sleep potion," the professor said, "go gather the ingredients the instructions are on the board."

"Yes sir," she said.

Professor Snape watched her as she disappeared into the store-room to gather ingredients. She walked out a few moments later with the ingredients for the potion. Before he knew it she was halfway through the brewing process.

Professor Snape rose from his chair and walked to Hermione's desk. He stood next to her, and watched as she stirred the potion with precision. He watched as she added the next ingredient and stir the potion in a clockwise manner for two minutes like dictated in the instructions. It wasn't until she was done that she noticed that he was standing there watching her.

"Professor?" she said questioningly, looking up at him from her seat.

"Miss Granger," the professor said, "bottle up the potion and go, there is no assignment, except to inform the rest of your class that they have detention with Filch."

"Yes sir," Hermione said as she bottled her brew and took it up to his desk and placed it down gently. She then packed her belongings, and proceeded to leave. Before she had the chance she was stopped by Professor Snape once again.

"Miss Granger," the professor said.

"Yes sir?" she asked as she turned around.

"Don't walk around after hours with out someone to accompany you," the professor said, "it's dangerous."

"Yes professor," Hermione said, "thank you sir."

Professor Snape watched as she left the room, bag thrown over her shoulder wand in hand. He continued to stand there watching her lost in his own thoughts. This girl really had no idea who she was/is. She had no idea the role she would play in the destruction of You-know-who. She had no idea that the effect she had on people around her would increase in the years to come.

And because Professor Snape couldn't do anything to help her, he stood and watched as she left. He would have to continue to watch her retreating back, because if You-know-who, caught wind of him helping her it would be his head. It was a good thing that he hadn't risen again then wasn't it? Professor Snape liked to think so.

x.X.x.

Hermione walked to the Gryffindor common room to put her belongings away and to work on some assignments before dinner, and the unveiling that was sure to occur before dinner. as Hermione stepped foot into the commonroom she was pounced upon by Ron and Harry. "wherever you been?" they asked nearly in unison.

"I was in class," Hermione said.

"What class?" Harry asked dumbfounded.

"Potions," Hermione said with an annoyed tone.

"But Hermione," Ron said, "Dumbledore canceled the rest of classes for today because of the arrival of the other schools."

"What?!" Hermione asked, with a loud yelling bark.

"You mean to say that professor Snape didn't say anything?"

"Obviously not if I had just come from his class," Hermione said, "are you sure that professor Snape knew about the cancellation, because he gave you lot detention."

"Were serious," Harry said, "Dumbledore really did cancel all remaining classes for the day."

"Ugh," Hermione groaned, "that means I just spent unneeded time with Professor Snape for no apparent reason than he's keeping an eye on me."

"What do you mean he's keeping an eye on you?" Ron asked.

"I don't know it was something he said as I was leaving the room that caught my notice," Hermione said, "he told me to be careful not to walk the halls alone after hours, and that it was dangerous."

"Everyone knows that walking about after hours is dangerous," Ron said, "that doesn't mean that he's keeping an eye on you; it just means that perhaps he's up to something."

Hermione laughed, "alright why don't you two go try to figure out what it is that he's up to and leave me be so that I can get some work done."

"I think she's just trying to get rid of us," Ron said to Harry, "lets go, wouldn't want to disappoint her."

"See ya later Hermione," Harry said. She watched as the two of them walked to a secluded part of the common room. Fred and George hadn't intercepted her yet, she knew it was only a matter of time before they came over to her. so she started on the assignments that were due for Friday, for she had all the assignments due before Friday finished and out of the way.

A few hours later after she finished her assignments she saw that everyone was off getting ready for dinner. she ran up to her dorm and put her bag away. On her way to the Great hall she was greeted by Ginny who had gotten side tracked on the way. They entered the Great hall together, and sat down at the Gryffindor table and waited for everyone else to arrive.

Fred and George walked in a few minutes later, each intending to take a side on both sides of Hermione. Ginny was glad that she had taken the seat across from Hermione that gave her a view of the Hufflepuff table. Hermione had the sad option of looking at the Slytherin table. Neither of them knew that it would play to advantage later in the evening.

After all the students were seated, and the teachers were at the Head table, Dumbledore rose to speak. "good evening to you all," he said, "I would like to officially welcome Beauxatons school of magic and the headmistress Madam Maxine." The girl danced in on their toes, twirling, magic butterflies swirled around them. The majority of the student body was in awe of the dancing-girls. After flouncing in, Professor McGonigall directed the girls to the Hufflepuff table.

"I would also like to welcome the students of Drumstrang institute and their headmaster Igor Karkaroff." After Dumbledore finished speaking, a group of students strode in, stomping and stepping in tune to their own music. It was brilliant to watch, soon after they entered you could hear Ron Weasley say "oh my god it's him," Ron worshipped, "it's Viktor Krum." It wasn't just Ron that was rejoicing in the arrival of the seeker's arrival. Surely there would be a chance to gat an autograph.

It was Professor Snape who guided the boys to the Slytherin table to sit. Viktor Krum was in a position where he could watch the students at the Gryffindor table. There was one girl in particular who caught his attention. But it wan't until halfway through dinner that he noticed that she was the girl from the stands. She was the girl who watched him with intent when the snitch hovered in front of her for a few seconds. This girl, was the girl who he longed to know since that night two months ago.

Viktor said was sitting next to one of the boys who knew about being cornered at the Quidditch world Cup. He also told him about the girl who he had seen in the stands. Viktor nudged him, "she's here."

"Where," his friend said, "show me."

Viktor pointed her out, "see the boys with flaming red hair over there?" viktor, and when his friend answered that he did, "ok, do you see the girl sitting in the middle of the boys who look alike?"

"I see her," his friend said.

"Pretty, no?" Viktor asked.

"Yes," his friend said, "she's very pretty, I would even go as far as to say she's beautiful."

Viktor hadn't noticed that this girl had the same frame as the girl that had helped him that night. It wasn't until she went to stand that he took notice. She was preparing to throw something, he wasn't entirely sure what it was that she was about to throw.

"It's her," viktor said.

"Who's her?" his friend asked.

"The girl from the stadium is the same as the girl as the on that helped me escape," Viktor exclaimed trying to whisper.

"Well now you have the rest of the year to talk to her," his friend said, "I don't think you'll have any problems."

"I don't know," Viktor said, "she's surrounded by an awful lot of people," Viktor said.

Now this went on for a while between the two of them, some of the Slytherin were trying to listen to the conversation but none of them could understand Bulgarian. Draco in particular wanted to know what they were talking about; him being the nosy prat that he is.

A few more minutes passed by before Viktor got the courage to go to her. what moved him was her smile, she looked up from her plate, she looked right at him, and smiled. It wasn't a shy smile, it was the same enchanting smile that he she gave him when encouraging him to hurry and catch the snitch. This was all it took for him to rise from his seat and speak in English for the first time that evening. "excuse me," Viktor said, "I be back."

He left the table and walked very determinedly over to the Gryffindor table. He stopped so that he was standing right nest to where she was sitting, "excuse me," he said.

She, and those sitting close to her, turned and looked at him, "yes?" she asked. She moved to stand but was stopped when he kneeled in front of her.

"Thank you," Viktor said in a soft voice, as clearly as he could in english because with his thick accent it was a little hard to understand.

N/A: I thought this was a good place to end the chapter, it's not exactly what I had in mind but it's where I was headed.

A special thanks to everyone who's reviewed. In response to one of the sweetest reveiws, here is another slice of sweet chocolate cake. Enjoy.

I don't own Harry Potter!