Chapter Seventeen: Valentines and Experimental Designs.
Disclaimer: I own none of the material written by J. K. Rowling, or her publishing company, or Warner Brothers.
OOOO
After the latest attack by the Heir of Slytherin and the suspiciously motivated agenda of the Mudblood Apostle, Professor Flitwick's little club surged rather spontaneously. Instituted in mid-January after the tiny Professor completed his latest rounds of research, success came after the newest developments. Now Purebloods like Malfoy were in terror over the Mudblood Apostle in addition to those of mixed blood worried about the Heir. Of course, Hermione found it quite ironic that Pureblood bigots could handle even less stress than the muggleborns they so happily derided. She, after all, was the Mudblood Apostle, and had merely replaced the Heir's baleful messages with ones intended to inspire muggleborns.
"Now, remember the motions for the three spells we have been working on," Flitwick called out cheerily with a magically enhanced voice. "All of you, except for our new guests," He nodded to where the newly arrived Slytherins stood in a corner, "Have been showing vast improvement with these spells." With that he posted the Second Year pairings on the wall prior to moving on to his more advanced students. Much to Hermione's pleasure even Seventh Year muggleborns had arrived to support a credible, successful measure of self-defense. Hermione's glee ended when she saw that her duelling partner for the afternoon was Ronald.
Apparently the ginger boy had disseminated all he knew about the Morrigans all around Hogwarts. Even though it was classified information that his 'Grandpa Prewett' had had no place disclosing. Despite having gotten Cordelia to file a complaint with the Ministry, Hermione was still infuriated. Which showed very clearly when the two friends-turned-toxic-classmates began to flow through the motions. "Impedimenta," Hermione snapped, wand whipping fluidly. Ron froze momentarily at the shocking intensity of the spell. His muggleborn foe was quite pleased with this development, as Beginner's Guide to Battle Magic stated, endless practice of any particular spell significantly increased its quality. Both with respect to duration, applicational characteristics, and power.
"Expelliarmus!" That was much less powerful than her Impediment Jinx. Hermione also silently acknowledged that she was hardly the best at catching spinning wands midair. A blast of blue light came from her left unexpectedly, but instinctively the witch was quick to react. "PROTEGO!" Wand movement flawlessly slashing through the air she created a rippling distortion in the air. Not the best, surely, yet for a spell of moderate difficulty it was still uncommon for a Second Year to cast a successful Shield Charm.
"Ten points to Gryffindor," Flitwick cheered, "You and Mr. Potter are the only two students to have cast a workable Shield Charm in our club!" A disappointed look crossed his features. "You need to put in much more effort still, Mr. Weasley…" Tsking the whole while he made another series of rounds about the Great Hall. Pausing to assemble the Slytherins for evaluatory placement. Of that House only Daphne was deemed to be at least of Second Year duelling proficiency. Speaking of whom, she managed to cast a shield better than Hermione's prior to roundly knocking Lavender Brown several feet away with a Knockback Jinx.
At the end of the session Flitwick clambered up to his podium and made the typical ending announcements. "Professor Sinistra, having been a talented junior duelling champion," He complimented, "Has agreed very graciously to assist me. Given the sudden enthusiasm for our little Duelling Club congestion must be tampered down. Years One through Three will continue to meet here at regularly established periods. Fourth through Fifth shall meet with me at times and places soon to be posted, and the same applies to Sixth through Seventh Years." Before things got too rowdy he charged on, "Furthermore, I am sorry to say that some students are not up to the educational standards. This is absolutely through no fault of their own."
Much of the student body rumbled tempestuously about how the DADA post was Jinxed. "Professor Sinistra has posted all of the class rankings in the Entry Hall. Each of you must ascertain where you presently are standing, and wait for the appropriate announcements regarding future meetings. Remember to practice your incantations; I am still seeing many elementary mispronunciations even amongst our older students. Meeting adjourned!" With his merry declaration all rumbled towards the postings except for Hermione, Daphne, Luna, and Cedric. They had grown tightly knit much to the surprise of all the other students. Even some teachers seemed shocked that four students from four different Houses could mesh so well.
"That was a killer," Cedric groaned, rubbing his overcasted wrists. "Flitwick has the Fourth Years working on the Stunning Spell. Things get a tad bit wild." He was cut off as people whispered excitedly when Harry revealed to Ron that he had been placed in the Fourth Year class. Given that the postings were spelled to only show the name of the onlooker a great deal more drama was avoided when the four friends approached. "Whoa. I got into the Fifth Year level." He said this a bit loudly for some reason though Hermione put it down to excitement. She nudged the taller boy with her elbow whilst warning him not to get to cocky.
To everyone's pride and amazement Luna managed to get into the Third Year tier. "It is only because I wore marbles in the toes of my shoes today. They do tend to ward off Nargles quite well." Then she paused, "And Daphne did teach me how to use the Disarming Charm. Professor Flitwick was rather pleased with me." Then came the final bit of good news. Both Daphne and Hermione had been placed in with the Fourth Years. All of the students were so pleased that they actually took a break from research, homework, and clubs to eat dinner in the Great Hall. They sat together at the end of Hufflepuff table.
Completely oblivious to the happenings of the rest of the school. How everyone feared the still rampant Heir. How those who did not fear the Heir whispered of letters written to prominent parents about this 'Mudblood Apostle,' and what it meant for Hogwarts.
They were utterly happy, for now.
OOOO
Early in the morning, earlier than anyone ought to be awake, Hermione stumbled alertly down the stairs of her dormitory. Absentmindedly she glanced at Harry who lay asleep on his arms at one of the tables. Resting beneath one elbow was a little black journal with golden lettering that flashed in the firelight. Ignoring him the girl cast a hurried Notice-Me-Not spell. Though it was an advanced Charm and had been difficult to master Hermione knew that Notice-Me-Not was still quite weak in practice. Of course, it helped quite a bit that no one was actively awake or looking for her. 'Taking more risks,' The Silky Voice tutted enthrallingly, 'For a Ghost whose last name you do not even know?'
"I am no longer scared of the Heir, thank you," She muttered under her breath. That was true. Not after whoever had been Petrifying students was unable to take her out in a duel. Then there was the fact that Hermione had been able to intuit much from her interactions with the Heir. They were violent, sadistic, intelligent, but also prone to underestimating opponents in the heat of battle. Something also told her that the Heir did not want to simply Petrify her. Whoever it was wanted to thoroughly trounce and tarnish her reputation before inflicting defeat. A notion which actually lended Hermione a greater sense of safety. If a next time came they would likely pull the same stunt, but she was also more prepared thanks to Professor Flitwick. Besides that the witch never took any of the same routes more than once anywhere in Hogwarts. Such steps made an ambush that much more difficult.
'You should be scared, foolish chit. The Heir is intrigued by you, to an extent. Such that they watch the routes you take and caught enough glimpses of the Villis Malificus to discern the cover.' Silky Voice did not warn her. He always chided as though she were a simple minded child. 'Such a mind is ruthless, self-motivated, and acts in ways you cannot begin to comprehend. To be the object of such a person's obsession is unfathomably dangerous.'
Still, Hermione decided as she rounded into Byron's classroom, she was not afraid. There was no chance in hell any Pureblood bigot would be allowed to terrify her ever again. "Hello Hermione," He intoned with a lolling slant to his specterly head.
"Hello Byron," She answered casually in return. Setting her bulging satchel down the muggleborn withdrew, an already heavily annotated, book from the bag. From Councils to Governments: A Comprehensive History of Magical Law in Britain. "I have some questions…" What followed was an in-depth discussion regarding her many questions. Then that turned into a brief lecture which ended with a new reading assignment being given to her.
"I worry about you being at this school, dear girl," Byron finally broached the topic. "Just because you took the rare step of discovering where your magic comes from it does not free you from being labelled a muggleborn. Hogwarts is no longer safe."
"My duelling skills keep getting better with each passing day," Hermione quickly jammed the thick book back into her bursting satchel. She was not eager to have this particular argument again. "Besides, I think the Heir has met their match in this Mudblood Apostle…"
"Another Ghost told me this is not the first time the chamber was opened. Fifty years ago a muggleborn was killed in addition to Petrified victims." Byron sounded pleading at this point. "I understand the need you have to stand resolutely in place. Against Purebloods who do not want you here, but you are too special. Your life is not worth pride!"
Something told Hermione that she was about to discover Byron's true identity. Whether she liked it or not. "Why am I special? Why exactly have you been helping a random, thirteen-year-old girl so much?" Her voice grew accusatory, "Unless I am not so random…"
"You are not. You are the furthest thing from random, clever girl." He peered hopefully at her, "My middle name is Byron. I knew you to be too sharp of wit, and suspected you would research out the truth before it was the time."
"Why would you need to wait so long to tell me who you are?" Hermione finally started to snap.
"To form an attachment. So you might hate me less for that which neither of us could control." He paused, handsome, specterly features peering at her carefully. "My name is Cassius Byron Pyrites. I was-AM your great-grandfather."
Hermione hurried out of the classroom into the thickening halls of Hogwarts, nearly tripping at the sudden revelation.
OOOO
Hermione shivered in the cold. She and her friends had finally begun testing phases for both of their projects. First there had been the Bubble-Body Charm which they worked out quickly enough. Luna finishing the official write up for that quickly enough along with Daphne. Which now meant that Cedric and Hermione had the much harder task of trying to apply their Pressure Manipulation Charm to the Bubble-Body Charm. Given how busy they both were, Cedric with Quidditch and Hermione with, well everything, the pair agreed to meet in mornings. At the time when Hermione had been meeting with her Ghostly great-grandfather. Still shaken she focused on the matter at hand. "Cedric," The early morning chill burnt the back of her throat, "It isn't fair for you all to do so much work. I should be the test subject."
"No," He retorted earnestly, "You do ten times as much as the rest of us. This entire thing was your idea and with all of the research components you have been a one woman army." Grey eyes peered down at her brightly. Fondness rushed through Hermione's chest as she remembered how he had met her that morning by the Fat Lady. Insisting on walking with her to ward off any possible attacks. She realized in that moment how Cedric always took the insecurities right from her head before negating them.
"Alright," Hermione smiled softly, "Just remember to hold your wand tightly. We practiced this spell on a dummy after all. If anything goes wrong stop it right off."
"If you quit worrying so much I will be sure to do that," He taunted with that dashing smile. Pushing playfully at his shoulder Hermione grinned as they neared closer to the edge of the docks. Much to her embarrassment Cedric wasted no time stripping down to his swim trunks. Blushing away from the muscular sight she hurried to withdraw her copious experimental notes and a pen. In his elegant drawl the older boy uttered the incantation to the Bubble-Body Charm.
"Foundational Charm has been cast successfully," She announced whilst writing away at her empty observations table. "Experimenter will now proceed to implement Pressure Manipulation Charm that has been previously tested on a dummy." Standing back up Hermione took a deep breath. Cedric was only in Fourth Year Arithmancy which showed in the spell Professor Vector had somewhat helped him design. There was an incredibly incantation, an equally complex wand movement, and she had the added stress of placing the Charm on an actual person. "Scuto ab aethere ceteris obnoxia," She intoned incredibly carefully. Wand whipping swiftly to strike all of the important points at the correct angles and time intervals.
Then her friend jumped down into the water. Attempting to stall any nervousness she quickly wrote a note that the spell appeared to have been applied correctly. Minutes ticked by until finally Cedric returned to the edge of the dock. Grey eyes gleaming brilliantly. "The water kept bouncing off of the Bubble-Body Charm. I sunk all the way down to the bottom and it felt like there was no buoyancy or pressure resistance at all!" He described in further detail exactly how gravity seemed to have been impacted by their invented Charm. The other tidbit that was incredibly exciting had been how the water molecules reputedly seemed to have functioned in response. This was of course well beyond what typical Wizards understood of the universe, so Hermione refrained from bombarding Cedric with her ruminations.
Hermione was so excited momentarily when he finished speaking that she hugged him rather violently. Only to turn into a mother hen moments later after realizing just how badly Cedric was shivering. Once done casting a plethora of Warming Charms on the older student she turned beet red prior to rushing off. Citing that Transfigurations was soon to begin.
Instead wanting to find a bathroom and slap herself silly for behaving in such a strange manner.
OOOO
Valentines Day at Hogwarts proved a trying experience for all involved in any way, shape, or form. Lockhart, the pompous fool, had brought twelve Dwarves dressed as Cupids into the castle for the sole purpose of delivering lovelorn messages. All day long they barged into classrooms, hunting down the unfortunate recipients of Valentines. Hermione was shocked to have received five herself. All of them sappy little songs that were spewed out in the most embarrassing, public places. Earlier that day the girl witnessed Harry Potter's physical assault at the hand of a Dwarf as he tried to flee, and simply decided to stomach the humiliation on her own terms.
Hence it was that in heavily crowded corridors she found herself delivered a whopping six valentines. All of them containing vapid lines of prose about her fame, beauty, bravery, and 'daring' intellect. Considering that Cedric got twelve, Hermione decided not to be too vocally resentful about how idiotic Lockhart was. Things could always be worse. Fortunately this attitude did help her when she had to suffer through another tedious DADA lesson. Lockhart had decided to read more fan mail aloud as usual, so her temperament really could not have handled any upset anyways.
Late in the afternoon Hermione, Daphne, Luna, and Cedric all coalesced in the Owlery together. "This could be the biggest moment of our lives," She whispered somewhat whilst packing the massive research packet into a box.
Daphne snatched it away to place many protective enchantments on this precious copy of their efforts. "I think you are being melodramatic Hermione," Her tone was exasperated, "All of us are going to do greater things. I doubt any other students could have handled half of what we have this year…"
"She is right," Luna interjected, "Especially not while Walloping Wantons have been interfering with us so often-." She was interrupted quite fortunately by Cedric.
"Take that away to 'Challenges in Charming' nice and quickly. Alright Thistle?" His brown owl hooted indignantly at even having to be told. Soaring up into the dusky sky with the tightly bound package firmly in its talons. All four of them watched as one of the greatest discoveries ever made, by Hogwarts students nonetheless, was delivered to Britain's most esteemed journal for spellwork advancements.
In a sort of reverie they all returned to the Great Hall halfway through dinner. Deciding to sit together at the end of Ravenclaw's table that particular evening. Hermione could only breathe out relievedly at being able to relax for once. Pleased at the prospect of being able to focus only on school and clubs again for the first time since September. Even the sad tale of the Morrigans and Byron's unwelcome revelation were far from her mind. Then inevitably there came the point when all of them headed in four different directions for bed.
OOOO
March and April passed with minimal happenings. The only truly remarkable thing being that there were no attacks, which somehow left Hermione feeling all the more anxious. Of course, there was also a fresh bit of excitement abound in the castle though much of it was tampered down for Hermione due to insider's knowledge. Hints at coming changes to Hogwarts' curriculum were freshly visible in the sign up sheets for Third Year electives. Instead of just Arithmancy, Runes, Muggle Studies, and Divination there were now more options. Not to mention that Care of Magical Creatures was now called 'Magizoology.'
Artifice and Enchantments, Linguistic Lore, Wizarding Studies, as well as Beginner's Healing were all new options. Further adding to the pressure was that students were now required to pick a minimum of three courses. This sent several Third Years into a tizzy, but most Gryffindors, like Harry and Ron, simply decided to skive by with Muggle Studies, Divination, and Magizoology. Folding the selection paper and stuffing it in her pocket she simply saved the dilemma for later. All through her classes the thirteen-year-old could not forget about such a massive dilemma though. Cordelia had briefly mentioned in a letter that big changes were soon to be announced regarding OWLs and NEWTs.
Hermione wanted to take every class available on the roster. Though she knew that was an absurd notion. Even in her Second Year she had been so overwhelmed that it was unreasonable to even consider something so stupid as adding nine classes. Not to mention when she needed to sit OWL examinations for Potions and Transfiguration next year. Sitting in the library later that day her decision finally became clear. With a bitter feeling Hermione eliminated Muggle Studies, Divination, and Wizard Studies from the sheet, then selected all six of the other options. Simply hoping that Professor McGonagall would either find some way to schedule it all, or perform the difficult task of picking for her.
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The day of the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match on May eighth was when things really started to turn around. Hermione wore Cedric's jersey to breakfast where she sat with Daphne and the jittery Seeker. Luna had come down with a severe cold that Pepperup Potion could not fix prompting her to spend the weekend in the Hospital Wing. Despite that small glitch it was a rather nice break from her intensive exam preparation. "I can't believe that another Gryffindor would have stolen from Harry like that. You say the room was totally ransacked?"
"Yes," Hermione remembered how everyone had started shouting so loudly that she snuck up to the Boy's Dorms for a peek. "Everything was flipped about, and they kept pestering on about how 'it was stolen.'"
"Nothing at Hogwarts seems to be going properly anymore." Cedric sighed. He was already glum about his chances of beating Harry in the match.
"Remember to trail right ahead of him," Hermione slapped a hand on Cedric's instinctively. Wanting nothing more than to reassure the handsome boy. "If he sees the Snitch, so will you. Then he won't be able to outfly you." All too suddenly she then recalled that her skin was rather firmly pressed against his. Both of them blushing as she pulled away to stand up. Forgetting that Daphne had observed the whole interaction. They were marching out of the Great Hall when suddenly the muggleborn stumbled back against the wall. Ahead Harry shouted loudly drawing loads of attention.
'KILL… RIP…. TEAR! Kill… Kill…. Kill.'
"Hermione? Hermione!" Daphne had begun to frantically pat at her friend's cheeks. Snapping the girl gently from her trance. "What just happened? Why did you and Harry Potter freak out at the same time?" Then came a clever flash in the Greengrass girl's eyes. "This is like the night of the Death Day Party when you started running towards…" Wasting no time Hermione pulled them away to the courtyard. Only stopping when they were in a secluded corner. Soon spilling that she heard a voice in her head and repeating the terrifying words.
"It's not just you," Cedric supplied, "Potter could clearly hear it too. I mean, he screamed. At the exact same moment when you fell back into the wall."
Daphne had another clever moment as her blue eyes shined. Hermione having been left so disturbed by the slithering voice that she was not capable of basking in it too. "I'll see you both later. Good luck at the match, and meet me in the Great Hall after. Both of you." Spinning on her heel the blonde rushed back into the castle.
"You know," Cedric said, "Sometimes I really underestimate Daphne."
"I think we all do," Hermione said wearily as they sloped down to the Quidditch Pitch side-by-side.
OOOO
The tears burned at Hermione's throat and eyes until she thought they felt rather like sawdust. All of the girls in her Dorm had grown so annoyed by her endless outbursts that she finally went to sit alone in the Common Room. Three separate attacks had been executed across the castle while everyone merrily waited for the Quidditch match to start two days earlier. A random Hufflepuff, Fourth Year muggleborn named Minnie Harlow had been Petrified on the Second Floor. If it were not bad enough that the Heir was operational again, there were two additional attacks.
Daphne and Byron.
Even thinking of their names left Hermione wanting to sob again. Byron, who had come to Hogwarts just to meet her, and she never even gave the poor man a chance. Daphne, whom Hermione suspected had suddenly figured out quite a bit about the Chamber, was now the first Pureblood victim taken by the Heir. As though such attacks were not enough she caught a glimpse of the message which had been scrawled near where Minnie Harlow was Petrified.
'This mudblood did not fight. She Feared the Heir. She Weeped before the Heir. She Prayed to the Heir. I am your God, mudbloods. Hell cannot be shaken unless I allow it.'
Where Hogwarts had been much more uplifted since the Mudblood Apostle arose and the attacks ended, this brought it to an end. Hermione was especially shattered. Unable to speak with Cedric or Luna except for during meals because of the restrictive, protective rules now in place she started to grow distant. Not able to think beyond recollecting that the Heir was still a free man while those she cared for were Petrified. This impacted her class participation though Hermione had come to the glum realization that her exams would likely go flawlessly. Grades were not nearly as important as the intense, adult feelings of loss she was feeling for the first time in her life.
Days flickered by in this manner. McGonagall refused to let Hermione visit Daphne's body, likely because the Hag despised imagining her prize Gryffindor crying over a Slytherin. The muggleborn only even knew Daphne was alive because Luna had been in the Hospital Wing the day of the attack. Sitting there on the sofa, Hermione was startled out of her miserable mind when the portrait swung wide open. Except there was no one standing there. Silence hung thick in the air as she stared furiously at the spot when the door closed. "Harry Potter," She hissed dangerously with a tear-stricken face, "You are seriously going to wander the halls alone at night? How many people need to Petrified before you get it through your thick skull that these rules exist for a reason!"
Finally, after a pregnant pause, Harry and Ron removed the cloak. All three of them peered cautiously at one another. Rubbing at her eyes Hermione stood to both feet prior to crossing her arms. "I feel bad, Hermione," Harry finally said, "About how we treated you earlier this year." She almost gasped in shock at that revelation. Ron stood there sullenly, but the girl ignored him. If Harry wanted to make amends then it was worthwhile enough to tune the prat out. "Do you think we could ever be friends again?"
Her voice came out a bit unsteadily, "Maybe. I need time Harry. You hurt me badly." Then both brown eyes flickered towards Ron expectantly. Instead of saying anything the sour-faced boy stormed away to his dormitory.
"He won't see reason," Harry spoke apologetically, "I'll work on h-."
"No." Hermione snapped, "Ronald has said some awful things about me this year. He started that rumour that I was the Heir because my grandfather was a Pyrites. This year I found real friends who treat me well. I can forgive you, but Ron… He might never have my trust again."
Harry nodded stiffly. She did not ask him to sit with her though he did so anyways. Regaling her with tales from the year consisting of attacking Malfoy for answers using a Confusing Concoction and the Invisibility Cloak, how they found Tom Riddle's Diary, how it was stolen, along with a description of their trip into the Forbidden Forest that very night. Hermione was not overly concerned about the Acromantulas given that there was worse news.
Hagrid had been sent to Azkaban while Professor Dumbledore was sacked by Lucius Malfoy.
OOOO
On May twenty-eighth Hermione stood alone in her dormitory. The discrepancy in classes with other Second Years meant that she had a later start to the day, and often postponed breakfast. Having showered and dressed the muggleborn focused a bit on sleekening her untameable curls. Pleased she let the locks fall in a straight curtain. Sudden knocks on the door meant that she never wound up picking up her satchel, only having seconds to carefully tuck her wand in pocket. Slipping over towards the door Hermione Granger suddenly screamed.
The entire door was blasted off of its hinges by a mighty explosion of white light. Most of the mighty structure was reduced to splinters that caught in her spinning hair. A rope shot out of the attacker's wand prior to binding Hermione's legs tightly together. "Crucio," Came the sound of strange voice. Pain like nothing Hermione ever felt before exploded throughout her body. So intense that screams would not even escape her throat. So sudden that copper filled her mouth after she accidentally bit her tongue. Not a voice, she realized, but two speaking at once. One of them young and girlish while the other sounded unsettlingly familiar. Still blinded by the unknown Curse's effects she could only sob as her foe wordlessly caused her wrists to pin upwards together. A metal chain conjured out of midair tugging the thirteen-year-old gruesomely upwards.
"G-Ginn-Ginny Weas-." She tried to enunciate in horrified shock.
"Is a mere vessel," The little redhead's eyes were black. Red tinging violently into regions that should have been white. Both of those voices speaking in tandem caused Hermione's spine to tingle unpleasantly. "I am the Heir of Slytherin, you mudblood bitch."
'Fuck,' Silky Voice added in his helpful way.
Coincidentally, that was how Hermione pinpointed where she recognized the second voice coming out of Ginny's body from.
OOOO
Next Chapter: A Lesson in Resilience.