Chapter 6

***

Hermione was still angry with Ron as she made her way to her next class, but really, there was nothing unusual about that now, was there?

His incessant excuses for the Charms mishap had continued all throughout morning break, really grating on her nerves. 'His wand was malfunctioning' and 'Malfoy had distracted him' and, Hermione's favourite, 'it was a stupid spell anyway'. Honestly, that boy could come up for a million and one excuses for almost anything, and why did he bother learning magic if it was so stupid? A simple 'sorry' would have perhaps softened Hermione's anger towards him, but of course apologising was beneath the hot-headed Weasel.

As a result, their argument had made Hermione late for Ancient Runes. Well, late by her standards anyway. She was the last one to enter the class room and on entering she heard a disappointed huff off to her right. Turning to locate the source of the sound, she found Malfoy glaring at her. He had obviously hoped, since she was late, that she wouldn't be coming at all.

She turned away from him to find a seat, only to find Arielle sitting next to the only empty seat, looking at her, eyebrows raised. A quick glance around the classroom told Hermione she was actually the only Gryffindor in the class. Everyone else was either in Slytherin or Ravenclaw.

Shrugging she went to sit by Arielle just as Professor Babbling arrived. Quickly looking the class over, the bubbly Professor grinned her usual lopsided grin. "Ah good, you're all here!" she chirped.

"Now, this year is where your study of Ancient Runes really gets exciting! Up until now we've only been using runes to translate old manuscripts and study the ancient culture of magic. Now that you know the basics though, we will begin learning how to use runes to create your very own spells!" At this she sounded positively delighted.

"So," she continued, "Take a good long look at the person sitting next to you, because they are going to be your partner in your very first assignment for this year!" At this the class let out a groan. An assignment on the very first day!

Hermione hid a smile and she sensed Arielle doing the same. She remembered the day of their very first Ancient Runes class in Australia when they had been around eight years old. A frail-looking wizard who seemed as ancient as the runes themselves had spent two hours teaching them the runes for fire, water and air. Immediately after the class, after only learning the three runic translations, they had snuck off to try to create their own spells. Their attempts had been rather unsuccessful, as they had ended up setting a gum tree on fire, and having to use the water rune to put it out. Surprisingly it had worked, and they hadn't been found out, though till this day the trunk of that particular tree remained blackened and charred.

"Your assignment will be," here Professor Babbling paused for dramatic effect, "to successfully create your very own spell!"

Hermione and Arielle shared a glance. "Well Edouard will be happy," Arielle whispered while managing to look like she was ignoring Hermione all together, "we now have a reason to study together."

Hermione, too, looked indifferent towards Arielle as she opened her Rune Dictionary, "I don't know Edouard very well," she admitted, indeed he had been a fairly recent addition to her Australian acquaintances, "What exactly is his problem?"

Arielle sighed, looking serious, "His sister was doing an undercover job in Germany, back when he attended Durmstrang" Arielle's voice dropped below a whisper, "Her identity was discovered and she was almost killed." She glanced at Hermione's frown, "I guess he's just trying to protect us."

"What was her assignment?" Hermione asked, glancing at Professor Babbling, who was predictably babbling away to Edouard and Blaise about the time she had confused the rune for moon with the one for vine and had ended up dangling from the ceiling, a vine wrapped around her ankle.

"The same as the Half-Blood Prince" Arielle replied, seeming more interested in the scribbles she was once again drawing on the edge of her parchment.

Hermione, putting two and two together, couldn't stop another small frown creasing her forehead as she realised Edouard's sister had been an undercover Death Eater. "Voldemort?"

Arielle jerked her head once in conformation. "She and Edouard were on the run for a year before they found us."

Hermione glanced across the classroom at Edouard, a new respect in her eyes. Sensing her gaze, Edouard turned in his seat. He nodded once at her and Hermione returned the gesture before he turned away once more. We're all just trying to protect one another aren't we? She thought tiredly.

***

Hermione cringed as she turned the corner, entering the hallway that led to the Potions classroom. She had been quite comfortable in the Slytherin-Ravenclaw Ancient Runes class, and the rowdy Gryffindor crowd that she suddenly found herself immersed in was an unwelcome shock to the system.

She found it a pity that Snape had been forced to take more students since only five students achieved an O for their potions owl. The class now contained those who had achieved Es, which of course meant Harry and Ron.

Thankfully the arrival of Professor Snape did much to ease her discomfort as the Gryffindors didn't dare raise their voices above a whisper in his presence. He also immediately had them working on what Hermione considered a fairly tricky potion which, since she had decided to do it from memory, demanded enough of her attention to keep her mind from wondering to the irritating red-head next to her.

So it was that the first Potions class of the year passed rather uneventfully, Gryffindor only managing to lose 30 points, since Harry and Ron hadn't bought their potions equipment. Even though it was one of the lowest losses on record, it didn't stop Ron and Harry from complaining. Actually, now that she thought about it, Hermione was still at a loss as to what exactly did stop them from complaining.

"... and what's with all the Homework?" Ron grumbled, as they entered the Great Hall for lunch, "It's only the first day!"

Hermione quickly sat and helped herself to a sandwich. She planned on a quick lunch and then a trip to the library. Sitting next to her, however, Harry was only picking at his food, a frown creasing his forehead.

"He's doing it again." He commented

"Wha'?" Ron managed to say around a mouthful of chicken.

"Malfoy," Harry replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Look at him. He's just... thinking"

"Some people do that you know," Hermione snapped, annoyed at Harry's current obsession.

"But it's not like Malfoy!" Harry protested, "He's up to something!"

"So, now everyone who thinks is up to something?" Hermione questioned, "Honestly Harry, you're being paranoid!"

Hermione actually felt a little hypocritical, especially since she knew Harry was right, but she could hardly tell them how exactly she knew Malfoy was, in fact, a Death Eater.

"Fine," Harry grumbled.

Finishing her lunch, Hermione stood. "Well I don't know about you two but I plan on getting a good start on all that homework we have." The two boys didn't look up as she prepared to leave, "I'll be in the library"

"Mmhmm," was all she got in reply. Hermione sighed.

Making her way out of the Great Hall, she glanced at the Slytherin table. Edouard was there, talking to Draco and Blaise, but Arielle was nowhere in sight. Odd Hermione thought, she could have sworn Arielle hadn't been at Morning Tea either.

Entering the library, Hermione headed straight for her favourite table hidden near the back. It was a seldom visited part of the library, so it took Hermione by surprise to find her table already occupied. Arielle didn't glance up as Hermione came into view. She merely smiled, "I really do know you too well, don't I?"

"You really do," Hermione agreed. "Not hungry?" she asked, "You weren't at lunch."

"No," Arielle replied, "thought I'd get going on all of this," indicating to the homework spread all around her.

"Oh come on," Hermione scoffed at her excuse, "you could do this in your sleep!"

"Ah, but you see, it's not going to get done while I'm asleep now is it?" Arielle questioned, pointing out the flaw in Hermione's logic.

"I suppose not," Hermione conceded with a grin, but she could feel something was not quite right with her friend as she too settled down to do her own work.

They had been studying in comfortable silence for most of the lunch break, when none other than the bane of Hermione's existence showed up.

"Hermione?" Ron asked, "What the hell are you doing?" Shock was evident in his features as he took in who she was sitting with. "She's a Slytherin!" He added, as if Hermione herself could not figure that out.

Hermione was about to reply, but Arielle beat her too it. "Why don't you mind your own business Weasel!" she snapped, looking down at him as if he were a piece of gum on her shoe. She really did play the part of a Slytherin perfectly.

"Ron," Hermione sighed, gathering up her books, "We have an Ancient Runes assignment together. I thought it would be best to get it over and done with as soon as possible." She stood to leave; they clearly wouldn't be getting anymore work done now.

"Oh," was the most intelligent response Ron could come up with. At least he seemed somewhat placated as Hermione left Arielle with an apologetic glance, that Ron completely missed, and headed out of the library, Ron following in her wake like an obedient puppy. "Why are you here anyway?" She asked. Ron usually avoided the library like the plague.

"Oh, er, Harry wanted to check something." Ron replied unsurely; Harry had obviously made up some dodgy excuse to ditch him. Hermione wondered why exactly Harry would want to ditch his clueless best friend. "So, I said we'll meet him in Defence."

On the way to DADA, Hermione realised she actually had no idea who their Professor was going to be. She hadn't seen any new faces amongst the teaching staff. "Ron, do you have any idea who our Defence Professor is?"

Ron blinked, "You... weren't listening?" he asked clearly astounded

"When?"

"At the Welcome Feast! Dumbledore told us, just before he introduced those transfer students!"

"I must have missed it" Indeed she had been distracted that night. Just tell me already! Hermione thought, Ron was obviously enjoying knowing something that Hermione didn't.

Thankfully, he wasn't very practised in the art of suspense. "Dunno, Dumbledore said his name was Professor Steve... Stevens? But he's not here yet; apparently he's got to finish some job overseas first. Anyway, I've never heard of him before."

"Stevenson?" Hermione asked, her eyes widening.

"Yea, that sounds right."

Wow, I wonder if Arielle knows?

"So who's teaching us today?" She asked instead.

Ron shrugged "Dunno, some sub."

The same question seemed to be on everyone's minds as the class settled in, whispers of a mystery substitute teacher were running rampant amongst the students. Hermione watched as Arielle entered the classroom. She couldn't determine any sign that she knew who their teacher was, or would be in the future.

However, as the door was dramatically thrown open, banging loudly on the wall behind it, the class immediately fell quiet. It was not the loud noise that had stunned them though. The teacher now stalking towards the front of the classroom was none other than Professor Snape.

Sneering he addressed the class, "Turn to page four-hundred and ninety three." There was a slight pause, then an immediate scuffling broke out as the students quickly reached for their textbooks.

Surprisingly, it was not Harry who spoke out first at the unexpected development, as Hermione had expected, but Edouard who had his hand in the air. "Mr Greyback?" Snape addressed him.

"Forgive me sir, I'm new and all, but I would have thought it unusual to have the same Professor for two different subjects?"

Hermione smirked, less than a day and he was already speaking like a true Slytherin. Indeed Snape could find no fault with the question and therefore, dutifully answered it. "Indeed, but Professor Stevenson, I believe, is otherwise occupied," at that Arielle's head snapped up, "and until such time as he is available, I will be your Professor for this subject." He paused, scrutinising the class, "any other questions?" he asked, daring the students to raise their hands. No one took the dare though, "Good, turn to page four-hundred and ninety three." He repeated.

As the class did as it was told, Hermione saw Arielle duck under her table and retrieve a black diary with a silver cheetah on the cover. Snape, it seemed, did not miss the action either, "That, Miss Stevenson, is not required material for this class." He reprimanded, glaring at her. For an intense moment she matched him, glare for glare, but a moment later she clenched her jaw and reluctantly returned the diary to her bag.

"Now," Snape continued forebodingly, "since tonight is astronomically significant, you have one hour to research the magical properties of the full moon and its effect on the dark arts. I expect at least eleven inches on the subject by next lesson." At that Snape dismissed the class and seated himself behind the front desk.

"I can't believe it!" Ron whispered, "Snape twice in one day! What kind of luck is that?"

"Bad," Harry grumbled.

Hermione ignored them, starting to list everything she wanted to cover in her essay. An hour later, saw Hermione stretching out her cramped hand, a satisfied smile on her face, and her completed essay neatly rolled up in front of her. Grinning, she saw that Arielle and Edouard had also finished.

Ron groaned as the bell rang. "This is ridiculous! I can't find anything on the full moon, other than the stuff on werewolves!"

"I found something in chapter 10," Harry commented, "apparently the plant Haellebore needs to be plucked under the light of the full moon in order to transfer its magical properties into potions."

"Urgh, eleven inches! How're we supposed to write eleven inches on that?"

Hermione rolled her eyes "Well I would suggest you mention sneezewort and wolfsbane as having the same properties, especially when applied to dark potions, not to mention the multiple hexes and curses that are either strengthened or weakened by the pull of the full moon. There's also the strong debate that the burning of mallowsweet by centaurs on the night of the full moon may enable them to predict astronomic events for the coming month. Something Dark Wizards specifically have tried to exploit over the years." She listed as they exited the classroom.

Ron stared at her disbelievingly, "You really need to tell me where to get those edible text books."

***

The last class of the hectic and stressful day couldn't have come sooner for Hermione, especially since she found Herbology to be quite a relaxing subject. Must be something to do with all the greenery, and the fact that she was working with Neville, who she considered to be a very relaxing person. Not many people appreciated the quiet, intellectual conversations that Hermione enjoyed, however, Neville was one of the few who did.

So, thankfully after an hour of quiet conversation with Neville while hydrating dehydrated Quampsquirts, Hermione was feeling much more relaxed. She even managed to help Harry and Ron struggle through their homework that afternoon, while making sure she had hers completed before dinner. She certainly wouldn't have time after dinner, she thought with excitement.

***

It was already dark when Hermione quietly snuck onto the open balcony of the Astronomy Tower. Leaning on the railing, lost deep in thought, was Arielle. The light wind whipped her sleek dark brown hair away from her face and the light of the full moon was reflected in her far-away, silver gaze.

As Hermione watched, Arielle held out her hand, intricately moving her fingers as if she were running her hand along silk somehow suspended in the atmosphere. For a moment, Hermione thought she could see the air, and the breeze as it filtered through Arielle's fingers. It seemed to shine, resembling a silvery, metallic substance.

Arielle played with it for a few more moments before sighing. "I miss you Aleks," she whispered, her words carried away on the breeze as it disappeared, becoming invisible once more.

Hermione sighed, her friend just looked so sad. Silently, she moved forward, coming to a stop behind Arielle, and placed a hand on her shoulder. Arielle pulled herself from her thoughts and smiled gently at Hermione.

"Did you know about Ben?" Hermione asked.

"No," Arielle frowned, "I had no idea. I mean it must be him who's going to be teaching us, but I haven't been able to contact him."

"He's not replying?" Hermione clarified

"Well, no," Arielle admitted, "I haven't actually had time to write him a message."

"What have you been doing all afternoon?" Hermione asked disbelievingly

"Edouard and I went for a run."

Hermione blinked, "I thought that's what we're going to do now?"

"No," Arielle laughed, "a training run. Can you believe that the Quidditch pitch was completely abandoned? Doesn't anyone have training to do?"

Hermione laughed. Arielle never could sit still. She always had to be doing something.

"Oh, that's where you were during dinner," Hermione realised, "So you're going to join Slytherin's Quidditch team?"

Arielle smirked "If I can get Malfoy kicked out of his seeker position," her eyes lighting up, "but I haven't actually been on a broom since... well, for a while."

Oh Arielle, Hermione thought sadly. She knew what Arielle meant. She hadn't been on a broom since that night.

"Anyway," Arielle interrupted Hermione's reverie, "we should get going, Edouard's probably waiting."

Hermione smirked, "Impatiently as usual, I'm sure."

Arielle grinned as she started to climb over the railing.

"Uh," Hermione watched her unsurely, "How exactly do you plan on getting down?"

Arielle didn't answer, but she grinned as the winds whipping around her grew stronger and realisation hit Hermione. Eyes wide and heart beating frantically, she too scrambled over the railing and stood on the edge of the Astronomy Tower. The tallest tower in Hogwarts! Her brain rattled off unhelpfully.

"You up for a free-fall?" Arielle shouted over the intense whistle of the winds.

"Um..." was all Hermione managed to stutter as she gripped Arielle's hand tightly, suddenly unsure of what they were about to do.

Arielle shrugged. She'd take that as a 'yes'.

Before Hermione realised what was happening, Arielle was jumping, and for a moment she seemed to levitate in mid-air. As Hermione's eyes processed the impossibility her brain was rattling of physics calculations, noting exactly how high the tower was, the speed at which they would fall and the force at which they would likely hit the ground.

However, all this amounted to nothing as she felt a tug on her arm, pulling her off balance, and she too was falling. A high pitched sound was all she could hear as air rushed past her, her robes whipped behind her, and Arielle grinned like a maniac beside her. She realised it was not just the whistle of the winds, she was screaming!

And falling!

And flying!

As the shock wore off, Hermione found herself laughing. It was the crazy, hysterical laughter that came with doing something that was supposed to be impossible. She spread her arms out beside her, revelling in the feel of the wind and the weightlessness and the freedom!

No wonder Arielle's obsessed with flying, she thought airily.

Soon, however, her attention was brought back to the ground. It was coming closer.

"Um," Hermione squeaked worriedly

It was still coming closer.

"Arielle?" she whispered.

Ok, it was really close now!

"ARIELLE!"

Beside her Arielle laughed manically, as a sudden burst of wind blew up from beneath them. The closer they came to the ground the harder the wind blew, effectively slowing their fall until they simply drifted slowly to the ground.

"Urgh," Hermione uttered as her legs gave way beneath her and she landed ungracefully on her butt, "there are simpler ways of travel you know," she told Arielle, who, other than looking pleasantly windswept, was easily standing in front of her as if she had not just engaged in a suicidal jump of the highest tower in Hogwarts.

"Hermione," she assumed a look of mock-disappointment, "Your complete lack of faith in me hurts."

"Ha," was all Hermione could manage as a reply.

"Honestly Hermione," A dry voice commented behind her. Hermione picked herself off the ground as Edouard appeared out of the shadows, "'Meet me at the Astronomy Tower' when we're going for a run in the Forbidden Forest? What did you expect?"

Sadly Hermione could find no flaw in Edouard's logic. "Anyway, you're late" he started walking towards the forest.

Arielle checked her watch. "Ten seconds!" she exclaimed.

Edouard glanced back, eyebrows raised, "you're still late!" he insisted, picking up his pace. Arielle and Hermione had to jog to keep up with him.

"Wow," Hermione was still recovering, "How long has it been since we last did that?"

"Too long," Arielle replied, as the breeze dropped back to its normal level.

"You really have to teach me how to do that," Hermione joked. She knew she would never be able to control the winds wandlessly like that. It was just Arielle's natural ability.

Soon they came to a clearing at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. A wolf's howl in the distance broke the silence of the night. On hearing it, Edouard's face broke into a dangerous grin. He gazed at the full moon, marvelling at its magic. He could feel its pull like gravity, drawing him in until the moon was all that existed, nothing else in the world mattered. He breathed in deeply, his amber eyes glowing as he relaxed, finally allowing himself to transform.

***