Returning to the Castle
"Welcome back 'Arry!" Hagrid called from where he was collecting first years.
"Good to see you again Hagrid," Harry called back before following Hermione, Ron and Faye to a carriage. Ginny had disappeared sometime during the ride to join friends. Hermione caught a glimpse of Draco and her heart fluttered, memories rushed forward, she was quick to push them back. They climbed into the carriage, but before they did so Hermione saw the thestrals. She shivered and looked away, trying to ignore what it meant. Harry wrapped an arm around her, sympathetic and caring. She leaned on him during the ride, basking in his attention. They talked about Quidditch for the ride up, and Hermione barely managed to paid attention. Apparently, Faye had played Chaser over in France, but it wasn't an encouraged sport there, and Beuxbatons often frowned at the students who played. More elegant activities were awarded points. Students still spent time playing however, and two teams were organized and reorganized for each game with whoever showed up.
"It was always fun, but it got quite rough sometimes. Some teams fought with their own teammates," Harry nodded and Ron laughed.
"It gets rough out here, Slytherin and Griffindor take their losses personally. Losses are repaid in blood," Harry laughed at this.
"That's not true Ron. It's only like that when Draco's made it his priority. Don't give her the wrong idea," he turned to look at Faye. "It's generally the Slytherins who come after us."
"Draco usually does make it his priority, you know that's the truth," Ron said, emphasizing that's. "It's like he's personally out to kill you for you-know-who," Ron added, Harry remained passive.
"Luckily, only Voldermort can kill me, or vice versa. And hopefully I'll be able to avenge my parents," Harry said softly, a spirit of doubt hidden deep in his eyes. Hermione shivered compulsively, pictures flooding through her mind.
I Pictures of Cedric dead, of the ghosts that had come from Voldermort's wand. Cedric, the innocent woman and the old man…Harry's parents. Harry running, stumbling, falling, clutching Cedric's body and grabbing the portkey./I
Suddenly she heard Harry calling her name. He seemed so far away…She wrenched herself from his memories and smiled, what had seemed so loud, shouting, was only a whispers. She wondered, not for the first time, what exactly was happening to her.
"Did you consider my question at all?" he whispered softly. Hermione looked into his eyes, wondering for a minute if she could handle it. He had so much baggage, so many deaths…So many bad things had happened to him. But she knew what she wanted, she nodded slowly.
"Of course I'll be your girlfriend." Harry smiled broadly and pulled her closely, she was practically in his lap now. Ron eyes them suspiciously but Harry nodded and Ron smiled. Of course Harry told him, she thought wistfully. She'd missed so much during the summer.
The carriage pulled up at the main door then, and they piled out following the crowd of students through the main doors and into the castle. For some reason, Hermione felt a flood of relief wash over her as soon as she stepped into the castle. They crowded into the Grand Hall and grabbed their old seats at the Griffindor house table. It was surprisingly quiet, the table was missing the loud jokes of Fred and George. Harry kept his arm around her through the Sorting, but removed it when Dumbledore stood. Faye joined them as a new part of their house.
"I would like to welcome you all back to another year at Hogwarts. A reminder that the Forbidden Forest is off limits. I'd also like to take a moment to welcome back Professor Lupin who will be taking the place of Professor Umbridge, who has sadly decided to retire." At this a loud ringing of clapping broke out, as several students gave a standing ovation to Professor Dumbledore. "I would also like to welcome our two exchange students, Viktor Krum and Faye Lamarre from Beauxbatons who will be joining us for the remainder of their schooling years. And now let's eat."
Dumbledore waved his arm and food appeared on the tables. Hermione barely touched anything, putting only small amounts of her favorite foods onto her plate. As opposed to Harry, Ron and Faye who loaded their plates promptly and dug in. Her eyes were fixed over Ron's shoulder at none other than Draco. She felt her eyes cloud over and fought to control her ever-raging emotions.
"How was California Mione?" Ron asked, she turned her attention to his face, happy for the distraction.
"Sunny and warm. Wonderful really, but I'll never go back…" She left why unspoken. Her parents death had scarred her, and she knew to return to California would bring memories. Memories, and now visions. Ron nodded, a look of jealousy hidden in the depths of his eyes. Once again, one of his friends was in the limelight whilst he remained in the shadows.
"What's the manor like?" Harry asked, sensing a change of subject was needed.
"Huge. I want you guys to come during the breaks. We can ride and explore. And it's better than here…"
"We'll have to check with Dumbledore," Harry warned softly.
"I'm sure that he'll let you go Harry. My mom described all the different charms Lucia put on the place. She established them in such a way that the Manor's own magic maintains them now."
Hermione nodded. Recalling Dan, and later Isabella explaining the many protections the castle had. In the end however, they'd been futile. Voldermort had been escorted in by a friend, a friend to Michael at least. Lucius had brought him through the gates and up the walk, right into their doors. Hermione refused to believe such a thing could happen again. No one would be allowed in but herself and her friends. Dan was well aware of the consequences, after the builders were done at least.
"Don't worry Harry. We'll convince Dumbledore." Hermione said, her eyes practically glowing. Harry smiled softy in return.
"I'm sure he'll let me if we all convince him- You're not eating much Mione. Something wrong?" Harry commented, glancing at her half-full untouched food.
"I'm just not hungry" she replied. Harry looked at her for a moment then shrugged and nodded. Hermione turned her attention away, letting her gaze wander over the table. It fell to rest on Lavender, who was staring at her quite plainly.
"Something I can do Lavender?" Hermione asked icily.
"Tell me how in bloody hell you fooled the ministry into believing you're the true heir. I mean come on Hermione, you look nothing like Lucia or Michael did. I've seen the graduation pictures. It just doesn't measure up."
"You'd rather believe you were the heir then?" Hermione snapped in reply. Her temper flaring quickly. She hadn't known she'd have to contend with such competition against defending her birthright. Merely accepted it.
"No. But you certainly can't be it," Lavender replied coolly. Harry laid a hand over her knee under the table his eyes turning to Lavender.
"She doesn't have to prove anything Lavender. And it would do you well to keep your mouth closed. No one likes a bitch," Harry commented, his eyes holding a mischievous evil within them.
Ron snickered under his breath as Dumbledore stood. The Hall fell silent in just under a minute and Dumbledore smiled as the tables cleared themselves.
"Classes begin tomorrow, please follow your house prefects to your commons." He paused as the room began to shuffle and move and then smiled waving them off. He stepped off into the side room as the teachers took their leave.
Hermione, Ron, Harry and Faye were to the first set of stairs when Professor McGonagall appeared, she placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"Professor Dumbledore would like to meet you in his office" she said kindly, gently steering Hermione away from Ron and Harry. They were turning to follow, but McGonagall waved them off. "He specifically asked for you two to go to bed and stay there. He'll meet with you tomorrow Harry."
As Hermione followed McGonagall through the corridors she had to wonder what the Headmaster could possibly want with her on the first day of school. She didn't have to wait long however.
"Professor Dumbledore wanted to have a word with you and Mr. Malfoy about the past summer. He said it was quiet important that you meet with him," McGonagall said as they reached the stone gargoyle.
"Pixie Stix" She called and motioned for Hermione to walk up the stairs that appeared quite suddenly.
Hermione stepped onto them and they began to spiral upwards. When she stepped off at the top she knocked on the large door and then opened it softly. Dumbledore was already speaking with Draco.
"I have been owled that you have been disowned, Mr. Malfoy. Your father assured me he would not be paying any more tuition to the school on your behalf." Draco winced, and glanced at Hermione with pained eyes, it was obvious it not something he'd wanted her to hear.
"Yes…With mother being pregnant again it wasn't important that I was around. He grew tired with my insubordination…He put me on the train and said that I could owl him as to where my room should be boxed and sent to."
"Ah, Miss Granger, take a seat." Dumbledore said, waving his hand as a blue arm chair, identical to Draco's, appeared. Hermione sat slowly, as Draco spoke again.
"I'll work off my tuition Headmaster…I need to stay here though…I have nowhere else to go."
"Ah, not to worry. I was just confirming this. We'll set up a scholarship for you. Professor Snape has already informed me that your are quite able to work to your fullest ability. I trust you won't disappoint me." Draco's face regained its color quickly.
"I won't Headmaster."
"Now…I've heard that you two spent most of the summer together. And also that you," he looked to Hermione, "have officially reclaimed the estate. Congratulations."
"Thank-you Professor," Hermione said, Dumbledore only smiled in return, glancing at some scrolls on his desk with a detached look.
"Draco, did your father disown you because you wouldn't join his cause?" Dumbledore asked suddenly, looking directly at Draco. Draco's face paled, and he dropped his eyes. Dumbledore sighed. "Ah…So I thought, can you tell me why? It's quite important. I can't use anything you tell me against him. Cornelius would never accept it."
"He wanted my help kidnapping Hermione. He said something about a prophecy Lord Voldermort needed to fulfill. I don't understand how Hermione has anything to do with it…He kept talking about Rowena and Salazar." Hermione looked away, gazing passively into the fire. She channeled Draco's thoughts and saw the car ride.
"You disappoint me Draco. After all I've provided you with, you still refuse to help me…To help HIM. The one who brings her to him will gain so much- you would be rewarded Draco. Rewarded beyond your wildest dreams." Lucius was staring at Draco a hatred hidden deep in his eyes.
"Being branded is not a reward father. Betraying a friend is not a reward. Being forced into a service I want nothing to do with IS NOT A REWARD" Draco replied, his gray eyes glinting.
"YOU WILL DO AS YOU ARE TOLD DRACO. You are still my son. Regardless of some wench who has captured your heart" ----
"Hermione," Dumbledore's voice interrupted. She looked away from the fire. Dumbledore and Draco were both looking at her with concern. "Have you been slipping into trances a lot?"
"She went into one at the manor too, Headmaster." Hermione fixed Draco with a glare, a feeling in the pit of her stomach that she was about to get in trouble.
"You're not in trouble Miss Granger, I just need to know. It's important you try to hold them off when you're alone. It can be dangerous…All magic can."
"Yes, Headmaster." She said softly her eyes flickering softly.
"I was just explaining the prophecy. And why Lucius was speaking of Rowena. You must already know Miss Granger, that your soul has been reincarnated. I have a feeling you've already connected with the memories of a past life." Hermione nodded slowly, "Then you know already. Two souls will work to correct ancient wrongs. And complete a destiny long left unfilled. Lucia herself heard the prophecy. The other prophecy concerning you Miss Granger, has been fulfilled. I compliment you on your exemplary performance fulfilling it. You have successfully turned the dark dragon, to a light and loving person. So much so that he betrayed his own family."
Hermione stared at Draco her eyes widening slightly. Her mouth opening then shutting again.
"Of course. Draco is Latin for dragon. That explains why Lucia was so confused, she didn't know who the 'dragon' was." Dumbledore nodded with a smile.
"I knew eventually you would sort it out, but as the prophecy has been fulfilled there's not harm in telling you who the dragon was."
Draco was busy looking in between them looking only a little perplexed and only slightly uncomfortable. His mind was going a mile a minute processing the information he'd just been given.
"The prophecy deals with a concept most forgotten in our swiftly turning Christian world. It is the concept of rebirth. When Jesus walked the Earth he convinced many that eternal life awaited those who excepted his teachings. Wizards, particularly Elven wizards, know the truth. Every soul lives thousands of lives, a never-ending circle of life and death with a rest period in between births. Those with a trained eye, and some without," Dumbledore paused to look at Hermione, "Can open a link to their souls past."
Your souls have lived many lives already. Always with the need of finding each other and never yet being together. There was an wrong, committed in the time of Rowena and Salazar. It is up to you two to figure out what it is and to set it straight. Many things went wrong back then, as I suspect Miss Granger already knows. And all must be reset. If you don't do it, someone, in a future lifetime, will have to. I urge you to do whatever you can to correct these wrongs. The prophecy must be fulfilled."
"Professor, what prophecy?" Draco asked finally looking confused.
"Rowena will bear the twins, one fair and one dark. Together these twins will work to cleanse magic and its beings. If this had happened thousands of years ago as it should have, Voldermort would never have risen. As the twin goddesses would have prevented him."
"Wait a minute. I'm supposed to bear goddesses" Hermione asked incredulously.
"Yes, and you must correct the ancient wrong and forgo the forbidden love. You know what I speak of Miss Granger. You're a smart girl"
"But goddesses Professor?" Hermione asked again.
"Rowena was blessed by her goddess. Mother Earth. And if the wrong had been corrected then she would have bore her goddess twins as she was supposed to."
Hermione nodded finally. She understood Draco could not know he was to be the father. He had to fall in love with her. Draco seemed caught between confusion and anger. He could tell they weren't telling him something from the look on Hermione's face. He could see the look of concern written quite clearly on Dumbledore's face, and he didn't enjoy it at all. Dumbledore's attention was focused on Draco.
"Yes Master Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked. Draco open and closed his mouth several times and then just shook his head.
"Nothing Headmaster," Draco said softly.
"Good…good. Now if you could excuse Miss Granger and myself we have some work to do regarding her estate," Draco nodded and stood.
"Goodnight Headmaster, Hermione," With that he disappeared through the door. Hermione closed her eyes for a moment her vision following him.
"I see you destiny has already bound you right where young Rowena was," Dumbledore said and Hermione's eyes snapped open.
"This is a very dangerous game to play Miss Granger, one of their hearts will break. You can't have them both." Dumbledore said softly.
"Headmaster…How can it be that they both love me." Hermione asked finally after considering the wall for some time.
"Are you sure they both love you?" Dumbledore asked in return. Hermione's thoughts whirled. She realized, quite suddenly, that she was sure Harry didn't love her. She looked at Dumbledore and slowly shook her head.
"Neither did Godric truly love Rowena until they were married. Then they developed a love. A love between two people bound together. But it wasn't a passionate love as two lovers who find themselves in love at first touch" Dumbledore said. Hermione considered this than nodded again.
"Headmaster, I was wondering. Why is my hair…Straight now? I noticed it this morning for the first time. I straightened it over the summer but now…"
"Ah…You see Miss Granger, your sixteen birthday so ended a charm set to conceal you. To blend you looks to that of the Grangers. It was supposed to protect you when Voldermort when looking. It was never truly put to use."
"So this is how I truly look?" She asked finally.
"Yes, and I wouldn't be surprised if you find more than one male fighting for your attention. You really are coming into you own…" Hermione smiled and stifled a yawn.
"It's getting late Miss Granger. I think it best you return to you chambers and get some sleep before classes. Please, give this message to Harry."
"Of course, goodnight Headmaster." Hermione took the rolled up parchment and left quickly.
It was odd walking the halls at night, the candles burned low and cast an eerie glow on the walls. The emptiness sent a chill down her back. Luckily she reached the portrait quickly.
She was picking her mind for the password when someone grabbed her hand and as she was about to scream a hand wrapped over her mouth.
"Sshh, it's just me." Draco whispered in her head. She let out a shaky breath and turned to look at him.
"Don't do that! You scared the hell out of me," she hissed at him.
"I just- I just wanted to see you. Needed to really," he said softly. It was then she realized that he truly had fallen for her. It was the reason he'd risked being disowned and the reason he'd answered her call for help.
"Draco. Draco do you love me?" she asked her voice quivering. Very slowly Draco nodded.
"I think I do Mione. I think I've fallen head over heels for you." He leaned forwards and kissed her softly on the cheek.
"Draco…" She then realized she wanted him to kiss her again. She hadn't realized until then how much she loved his very touch. She leaned in to kiss him but he pulled away. She looked at him confused.
"You're Potter's girl right now. No matter how much I love you…" He turned and walked away, and she felt hot tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill. She made her way up the last few steps and called the password The portrait swung open with much complaining from the Fat Lady who'd been sleeping.
She found her bed and climbed in, her tears continued until she finally fell asleep.
"Welcome back 'Arry!" Hagrid called from where he was collecting first years.
"Good to see you again Hagrid," Harry called back before following Hermione, Ron and Faye to a carriage. Ginny had disappeared sometime during the ride to join friends. Hermione caught a glimpse of Draco and her heart fluttered, memories rushed forward, she was quick to push them back. They climbed into the carriage, but before they did so Hermione saw the thestrals. She shivered and looked away, trying to ignore what it meant. Harry wrapped an arm around her, sympathetic and caring. She leaned on him during the ride, basking in his attention. They talked about Quidditch for the ride up, and Hermione barely managed to paid attention. Apparently, Faye had played Chaser over in France, but it wasn't an encouraged sport there, and Beuxbatons often frowned at the students who played. More elegant activities were awarded points. Students still spent time playing however, and two teams were organized and reorganized for each game with whoever showed up.
"It was always fun, but it got quite rough sometimes. Some teams fought with their own teammates," Harry nodded and Ron laughed.
"It gets rough out here, Slytherin and Griffindor take their losses personally. Losses are repaid in blood," Harry laughed at this.
"That's not true Ron. It's only like that when Draco's made it his priority. Don't give her the wrong idea," he turned to look at Faye. "It's generally the Slytherins who come after us."
"Draco usually does make it his priority, you know that's the truth," Ron said, emphasizing that's. "It's like he's personally out to kill you for you-know-who," Ron added, Harry remained passive.
"Luckily, only Voldermort can kill me, or vice versa. And hopefully I'll be able to avenge my parents," Harry said softly, a spirit of doubt hidden deep in his eyes. Hermione shivered compulsively, pictures flooding through her mind.
I Pictures of Cedric dead, of the ghosts that had come from Voldermort's wand. Cedric, the innocent woman and the old man…Harry's parents. Harry running, stumbling, falling, clutching Cedric's body and grabbing the portkey./I
Suddenly she heard Harry calling her name. He seemed so far away…She wrenched herself from his memories and smiled, what had seemed so loud, shouting, was only a whispers. She wondered, not for the first time, what exactly was happening to her.
"Did you consider my question at all?" he whispered softly. Hermione looked into his eyes, wondering for a minute if she could handle it. He had so much baggage, so many deaths…So many bad things had happened to him. But she knew what she wanted, she nodded slowly.
"Of course I'll be your girlfriend." Harry smiled broadly and pulled her closely, she was practically in his lap now. Ron eyes them suspiciously but Harry nodded and Ron smiled. Of course Harry told him, she thought wistfully. She'd missed so much during the summer.
The carriage pulled up at the main door then, and they piled out following the crowd of students through the main doors and into the castle. For some reason, Hermione felt a flood of relief wash over her as soon as she stepped into the castle. They crowded into the Grand Hall and grabbed their old seats at the Griffindor house table. It was surprisingly quiet, the table was missing the loud jokes of Fred and George. Harry kept his arm around her through the Sorting, but removed it when Dumbledore stood. Faye joined them as a new part of their house.
"I would like to welcome you all back to another year at Hogwarts. A reminder that the Forbidden Forest is off limits. I'd also like to take a moment to welcome back Professor Lupin who will be taking the place of Professor Umbridge, who has sadly decided to retire." At this a loud ringing of clapping broke out, as several students gave a standing ovation to Professor Dumbledore. "I would also like to welcome our two exchange students, Viktor Krum and Faye Lamarre from Beauxbatons who will be joining us for the remainder of their schooling years. And now let's eat."
Dumbledore waved his arm and food appeared on the tables. Hermione barely touched anything, putting only small amounts of her favorite foods onto her plate. As opposed to Harry, Ron and Faye who loaded their plates promptly and dug in. Her eyes were fixed over Ron's shoulder at none other than Draco. She felt her eyes cloud over and fought to control her ever-raging emotions.
"How was California Mione?" Ron asked, she turned her attention to his face, happy for the distraction.
"Sunny and warm. Wonderful really, but I'll never go back…" She left why unspoken. Her parents death had scarred her, and she knew to return to California would bring memories. Memories, and now visions. Ron nodded, a look of jealousy hidden in the depths of his eyes. Once again, one of his friends was in the limelight whilst he remained in the shadows.
"What's the manor like?" Harry asked, sensing a change of subject was needed.
"Huge. I want you guys to come during the breaks. We can ride and explore. And it's better than here…"
"We'll have to check with Dumbledore," Harry warned softly.
"I'm sure that he'll let you go Harry. My mom described all the different charms Lucia put on the place. She established them in such a way that the Manor's own magic maintains them now."
Hermione nodded. Recalling Dan, and later Isabella explaining the many protections the castle had. In the end however, they'd been futile. Voldermort had been escorted in by a friend, a friend to Michael at least. Lucius had brought him through the gates and up the walk, right into their doors. Hermione refused to believe such a thing could happen again. No one would be allowed in but herself and her friends. Dan was well aware of the consequences, after the builders were done at least.
"Don't worry Harry. We'll convince Dumbledore." Hermione said, her eyes practically glowing. Harry smiled softy in return.
"I'm sure he'll let me if we all convince him- You're not eating much Mione. Something wrong?" Harry commented, glancing at her half-full untouched food.
"I'm just not hungry" she replied. Harry looked at her for a moment then shrugged and nodded. Hermione turned her attention away, letting her gaze wander over the table. It fell to rest on Lavender, who was staring at her quite plainly.
"Something I can do Lavender?" Hermione asked icily.
"Tell me how in bloody hell you fooled the ministry into believing you're the true heir. I mean come on Hermione, you look nothing like Lucia or Michael did. I've seen the graduation pictures. It just doesn't measure up."
"You'd rather believe you were the heir then?" Hermione snapped in reply. Her temper flaring quickly. She hadn't known she'd have to contend with such competition against defending her birthright. Merely accepted it.
"No. But you certainly can't be it," Lavender replied coolly. Harry laid a hand over her knee under the table his eyes turning to Lavender.
"She doesn't have to prove anything Lavender. And it would do you well to keep your mouth closed. No one likes a bitch," Harry commented, his eyes holding a mischievous evil within them.
Ron snickered under his breath as Dumbledore stood. The Hall fell silent in just under a minute and Dumbledore smiled as the tables cleared themselves.
"Classes begin tomorrow, please follow your house prefects to your commons." He paused as the room began to shuffle and move and then smiled waving them off. He stepped off into the side room as the teachers took their leave.
Hermione, Ron, Harry and Faye were to the first set of stairs when Professor McGonagall appeared, she placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"Professor Dumbledore would like to meet you in his office" she said kindly, gently steering Hermione away from Ron and Harry. They were turning to follow, but McGonagall waved them off. "He specifically asked for you two to go to bed and stay there. He'll meet with you tomorrow Harry."
As Hermione followed McGonagall through the corridors she had to wonder what the Headmaster could possibly want with her on the first day of school. She didn't have to wait long however.
"Professor Dumbledore wanted to have a word with you and Mr. Malfoy about the past summer. He said it was quiet important that you meet with him," McGonagall said as they reached the stone gargoyle.
"Pixie Stix" She called and motioned for Hermione to walk up the stairs that appeared quite suddenly.
Hermione stepped onto them and they began to spiral upwards. When she stepped off at the top she knocked on the large door and then opened it softly. Dumbledore was already speaking with Draco.
"I have been owled that you have been disowned, Mr. Malfoy. Your father assured me he would not be paying any more tuition to the school on your behalf." Draco winced, and glanced at Hermione with pained eyes, it was obvious it not something he'd wanted her to hear.
"Yes…With mother being pregnant again it wasn't important that I was around. He grew tired with my insubordination…He put me on the train and said that I could owl him as to where my room should be boxed and sent to."
"Ah, Miss Granger, take a seat." Dumbledore said, waving his hand as a blue arm chair, identical to Draco's, appeared. Hermione sat slowly, as Draco spoke again.
"I'll work off my tuition Headmaster…I need to stay here though…I have nowhere else to go."
"Ah, not to worry. I was just confirming this. We'll set up a scholarship for you. Professor Snape has already informed me that your are quite able to work to your fullest ability. I trust you won't disappoint me." Draco's face regained its color quickly.
"I won't Headmaster."
"Now…I've heard that you two spent most of the summer together. And also that you," he looked to Hermione, "have officially reclaimed the estate. Congratulations."
"Thank-you Professor," Hermione said, Dumbledore only smiled in return, glancing at some scrolls on his desk with a detached look.
"Draco, did your father disown you because you wouldn't join his cause?" Dumbledore asked suddenly, looking directly at Draco. Draco's face paled, and he dropped his eyes. Dumbledore sighed. "Ah…So I thought, can you tell me why? It's quite important. I can't use anything you tell me against him. Cornelius would never accept it."
"He wanted my help kidnapping Hermione. He said something about a prophecy Lord Voldermort needed to fulfill. I don't understand how Hermione has anything to do with it…He kept talking about Rowena and Salazar." Hermione looked away, gazing passively into the fire. She channeled Draco's thoughts and saw the car ride.
"You disappoint me Draco. After all I've provided you with, you still refuse to help me…To help HIM. The one who brings her to him will gain so much- you would be rewarded Draco. Rewarded beyond your wildest dreams." Lucius was staring at Draco a hatred hidden deep in his eyes.
"Being branded is not a reward father. Betraying a friend is not a reward. Being forced into a service I want nothing to do with IS NOT A REWARD" Draco replied, his gray eyes glinting.
"YOU WILL DO AS YOU ARE TOLD DRACO. You are still my son. Regardless of some wench who has captured your heart" ----
"Hermione," Dumbledore's voice interrupted. She looked away from the fire. Dumbledore and Draco were both looking at her with concern. "Have you been slipping into trances a lot?"
"She went into one at the manor too, Headmaster." Hermione fixed Draco with a glare, a feeling in the pit of her stomach that she was about to get in trouble.
"You're not in trouble Miss Granger, I just need to know. It's important you try to hold them off when you're alone. It can be dangerous…All magic can."
"Yes, Headmaster." She said softly her eyes flickering softly.
"I was just explaining the prophecy. And why Lucius was speaking of Rowena. You must already know Miss Granger, that your soul has been reincarnated. I have a feeling you've already connected with the memories of a past life." Hermione nodded slowly, "Then you know already. Two souls will work to correct ancient wrongs. And complete a destiny long left unfilled. Lucia herself heard the prophecy. The other prophecy concerning you Miss Granger, has been fulfilled. I compliment you on your exemplary performance fulfilling it. You have successfully turned the dark dragon, to a light and loving person. So much so that he betrayed his own family."
Hermione stared at Draco her eyes widening slightly. Her mouth opening then shutting again.
"Of course. Draco is Latin for dragon. That explains why Lucia was so confused, she didn't know who the 'dragon' was." Dumbledore nodded with a smile.
"I knew eventually you would sort it out, but as the prophecy has been fulfilled there's not harm in telling you who the dragon was."
Draco was busy looking in between them looking only a little perplexed and only slightly uncomfortable. His mind was going a mile a minute processing the information he'd just been given.
"The prophecy deals with a concept most forgotten in our swiftly turning Christian world. It is the concept of rebirth. When Jesus walked the Earth he convinced many that eternal life awaited those who excepted his teachings. Wizards, particularly Elven wizards, know the truth. Every soul lives thousands of lives, a never-ending circle of life and death with a rest period in between births. Those with a trained eye, and some without," Dumbledore paused to look at Hermione, "Can open a link to their souls past."
Your souls have lived many lives already. Always with the need of finding each other and never yet being together. There was an wrong, committed in the time of Rowena and Salazar. It is up to you two to figure out what it is and to set it straight. Many things went wrong back then, as I suspect Miss Granger already knows. And all must be reset. If you don't do it, someone, in a future lifetime, will have to. I urge you to do whatever you can to correct these wrongs. The prophecy must be fulfilled."
"Professor, what prophecy?" Draco asked finally looking confused.
"Rowena will bear the twins, one fair and one dark. Together these twins will work to cleanse magic and its beings. If this had happened thousands of years ago as it should have, Voldermort would never have risen. As the twin goddesses would have prevented him."
"Wait a minute. I'm supposed to bear goddesses" Hermione asked incredulously.
"Yes, and you must correct the ancient wrong and forgo the forbidden love. You know what I speak of Miss Granger. You're a smart girl"
"But goddesses Professor?" Hermione asked again.
"Rowena was blessed by her goddess. Mother Earth. And if the wrong had been corrected then she would have bore her goddess twins as she was supposed to."
Hermione nodded finally. She understood Draco could not know he was to be the father. He had to fall in love with her. Draco seemed caught between confusion and anger. He could tell they weren't telling him something from the look on Hermione's face. He could see the look of concern written quite clearly on Dumbledore's face, and he didn't enjoy it at all. Dumbledore's attention was focused on Draco.
"Yes Master Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked. Draco open and closed his mouth several times and then just shook his head.
"Nothing Headmaster," Draco said softly.
"Good…good. Now if you could excuse Miss Granger and myself we have some work to do regarding her estate," Draco nodded and stood.
"Goodnight Headmaster, Hermione," With that he disappeared through the door. Hermione closed her eyes for a moment her vision following him.
"I see you destiny has already bound you right where young Rowena was," Dumbledore said and Hermione's eyes snapped open.
"This is a very dangerous game to play Miss Granger, one of their hearts will break. You can't have them both." Dumbledore said softly.
"Headmaster…How can it be that they both love me." Hermione asked finally after considering the wall for some time.
"Are you sure they both love you?" Dumbledore asked in return. Hermione's thoughts whirled. She realized, quite suddenly, that she was sure Harry didn't love her. She looked at Dumbledore and slowly shook her head.
"Neither did Godric truly love Rowena until they were married. Then they developed a love. A love between two people bound together. But it wasn't a passionate love as two lovers who find themselves in love at first touch" Dumbledore said. Hermione considered this than nodded again.
"Headmaster, I was wondering. Why is my hair…Straight now? I noticed it this morning for the first time. I straightened it over the summer but now…"
"Ah…You see Miss Granger, your sixteen birthday so ended a charm set to conceal you. To blend you looks to that of the Grangers. It was supposed to protect you when Voldermort when looking. It was never truly put to use."
"So this is how I truly look?" She asked finally.
"Yes, and I wouldn't be surprised if you find more than one male fighting for your attention. You really are coming into you own…" Hermione smiled and stifled a yawn.
"It's getting late Miss Granger. I think it best you return to you chambers and get some sleep before classes. Please, give this message to Harry."
"Of course, goodnight Headmaster." Hermione took the rolled up parchment and left quickly.
It was odd walking the halls at night, the candles burned low and cast an eerie glow on the walls. The emptiness sent a chill down her back. Luckily she reached the portrait quickly.
She was picking her mind for the password when someone grabbed her hand and as she was about to scream a hand wrapped over her mouth.
"Sshh, it's just me." Draco whispered in her head. She let out a shaky breath and turned to look at him.
"Don't do that! You scared the hell out of me," she hissed at him.
"I just- I just wanted to see you. Needed to really," he said softly. It was then she realized that he truly had fallen for her. It was the reason he'd risked being disowned and the reason he'd answered her call for help.
"Draco. Draco do you love me?" she asked her voice quivering. Very slowly Draco nodded.
"I think I do Mione. I think I've fallen head over heels for you." He leaned forwards and kissed her softly on the cheek.
"Draco…" She then realized she wanted him to kiss her again. She hadn't realized until then how much she loved his very touch. She leaned in to kiss him but he pulled away. She looked at him confused.
"You're Potter's girl right now. No matter how much I love you…" He turned and walked away, and she felt hot tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill. She made her way up the last few steps and called the password The portrait swung open with much complaining from the Fat Lady who'd been sleeping.
She found her bed and climbed in, her tears continued until she finally fell asleep.