A/N #3 - Third attempt at uploading this tonight. Come on Fanficition...
A/N #2 - Posted this and it was all funky so trying again. No idea what happened.
A/N - First of all I just wanted to say thanks to the people who have left reviews and sent messages. It's cool and scary all at the same time. I am trying to figure out the reply to comments trick but failed so far. Anyway to anyone taking their time to leave a message, I do read them, so thanks again.
Second comment, Hermione is a bit more verbose than her blonde counterpart and I ended up having to split her chapter. Since they are linked I will try and post the rest Hermione's Memories tomorrow. Bonus for those of us experience time change weekend.
Third thing, there is some bullying in here and a reference to some violence. Nothing explicit but wanted to give everyone a little warning, But don't worry, Draco saves the day. Have I mentioned people shouldn't piss off the Prince of Slytherin? Just saying.
Number Four, this is an alternate universe where the epilogue doesn't exist, obvs, so the timeline may be skewed a little bit. When needed I'll give readers a hint. My world everything still happened as in the books with some minor changes (people may have lived/died differently and the biggest difference is the timing of events). The horocrux hunt happened but between the visit to the Manor and the battle there was a gap of a few months. No explanation on why or how, it just happened that way. I needed for Draco to have time before everything happened.
Finally, just a reminder, I don't own them I just like to make them do things my way. JKR thought it all up and gets any and all royalties from the characters. I own a bowl of Halloween candy, a blue tooth speaker and a Chevy. Somedays I think having magic would be cool. Then I figure it's probably better I don't have magic, it would be awful tempting to "right" the wrongs from my perspective and we all saw how that turned out for Tommy boy. (BTW, Tommy Boy is a great movie and it belongs to Paramount - "did you say niner?" If you don't get, watch the movie when you just need a stupid laugh). Anyway, onto the story.
'- - - - - - - - -'
This was not the first time Hermione had passed out since being at school. At these times her mind did what it always did; it wandered to her most favorite past time. Most people would guess it was thinking about books or classes or how to get a couple of extra points for that project. And that would have been true eighteen months ago. But now, when drifting, she thought only of Draco Malfoy. Since he joined the Order a few months prior to the final battle she had spent time really learning about and getting to know who Draco was. When he broke down and told her about Narcissa, she was stunned. Draco loved someone more than himself. She had never really thought about it, but hearing everything he had done since they met at the age of 11, was an attempt to gain his father's approval and later trying to save his mother made sense. Hermione had done things to make sure her parents were safe and no one could tell her she was wrong. As soon as she accepted that Draco was just like her; a kid put into a very dangerous situation and trying to survive, her thoughts on the blonde changed.
Their first real conversation had lasted hours and she found having an actual conversation with Draco was enjoyable. He was an intelligent man who was learning what his beliefs were going to be. He seemed interested in some muggle things and Hermione showed him as much as she could. After that first night they became almost inseparable. Part of that was due to Ron's response. Ron's temper had always been an issue but Draco's appearance seemed to push Ron over the edge. Hermione decided to stay close to ensure Draco's safety. She was also enjoying his presence, especially when he would touch her. Most of the time it was just a friendly pat or quick hug, but there had been a few mornings where she woke to discover herself and Draco in the library. They had apparently fallen asleep on the couch and she was in his arms. She only admitted to herself that it felt very right being there. He held her tightly with no apparent intention of waking soon. She would snuggle into him a little more and drift off to sleep. Those were the first times she dreamt of Draco.
The war, well the final battle, had changed them all. They had seen their friends, family and enemies die. After the battle, when she couldn't locate Draco, her feelings solidified. She felt more than friendship for the blonde wizard. She was petrified he had been killed. For a brief moment she realized that whoever had killed him better be dead because her desire for retribution was unstoppable. Maybe that should have worried her. But it didn't, as each body was identified and Draco was still missing, her magic began to sizzle and spark with unidentified emotions. She really didn't know how long she worked at the battlefield until she was forcefully taken back to the Burrow to rest. None understood until Arthur informed the family of Draco's safety. Hermione broke into tears and wept. Molly only gave Hermione a secret smile. She was the only one to understand. Molly took the sobbing and shaking Hermione upstairs. After tucking the witch into bed she silenced the room and wished her pleasant dreams.
It took Hermione much longer than it should have to convince Kingsley to allow her a letter to Draco. It took her three days of writing to try and tell him everything. She wanted to tell him how she missed being near him. How lonely she was without his presence. She was surrounded by people but none seemed to understand her as Draco did. He really was a kindred soul.
In her floating state, Hermione tried to remind herself to ask Draco if he had tried any of the recipes she sent him. She really did enjoy it when he cooked for her. Plus as he stood at the stove she could stare at his backside knowing he wouldn't catch her. Quidditch may be a little boring to watch, but what it did the body of the player was amazing. She would never be able to look at a broomstick the same way after catching her first glance of a shirtless Draco.
Since returning to school, she had discovered Draco was as true and loyal to his friends and his mother as any Gryffindor would be to their families and friends. The difference was his circle was limited to those that were close while Hermione would try and protect everyone. Hermione thought back to the first day of classes; the day that she had done the impossible and brought someone back from the dead. It wasn't anyone she knew but it was the right thing to do and Draco still could not thank her enough for what she did for his best friend.
'- - - - - - - - -'
Hermione was standing in front of her class; technically she wasn't a professor, but as far as the first and second year students were concerned she was. At the beginning class she introduced herself and had the student sit with their housemates. This was the second class of the day and Hermione could see the nervous looks the students were giving each other; Hermione thought back to her own first Transfiguration class and smiled. This class consisted of Slytherin and Gryffindors.
The class had been going rather well and was almost over. Hermione had given the students a little bit of time to start to read the text that would be needed for their first essay assignment. No one seemed excited that she had assigned an 18 inch essay on their first day. She did hear one of the Slytherin students mumble something about Professor Malfoy not giving out homework on the first day. The student sitting next to him said that at least Professor Granger didn't sneer at them. It seemed to be a stalemate between the students.
One of the female Slytherins raised her hand. "Anna, do you have a question?" Hermione responded to the raised hand.
"No Professor Granger, I just wanted to say that I am honored to have a chance to learn from you. You are quite an amazing witch and I look up to you."
Hermione smiled at the young girl. She was very familiar looking and Hermione assumed that it had something to with the fact that her last name was Zabini.
"Thank you Miss Zabini. Please go back to your work." Anna smiled and Hermione, who at first, missed the daggers that were being shot at her and Anna. One of the other Slytherin boys started to yell at the young girl.
"What is your problem Zabini? You're a Slytherin – start acting like one. She isn't a professor and as soon as my father hears that they've allowed this trash to teach us she will be gone."
Hermione was shocked. This child was 11. Hermione quickly sent one of the Gryffindor students to get the Headmistress.
"Mr. LeFants sit down now; continue your work and no more yelling." Hermione applied her sternest voice. The young boy sneered at her.
"No. I don't have to listen to you. Once my father, who is on the board of regents, hears of this travesty you will be gone along with all the other less desirables."
This was the moment Headmistress McGonagall walked into the room. She too was shocked to hear such a young child, one whose parents were on the side of the light, say such horrible things.
"Mr. LeFants you are mistaken. First of all, Professor Granger is your professor and you do have to listen to her. Secondly, your father was the person to nominated Professor Granger for this position. Finally, you are correct this school will soon be rid of undesirables as you will be expelled. After the war that was just fought, I will not tolerate this sort of attitude. I've lost too many friends, family and students to allow something like this to fester again. Your father has been contacted and he will be waiting for us in my office."
"I don't believe you. My father would never allow trash the likes of that mudblood to teach the next generation."
At this point Minerva McGonagall lost her temper. Hermione had only seen this look once and that was in the heat of battle. Hermione took two steps back while the other students moved as far as they could without bringing attention to themselves. Minerva silenced and froze the boy before pushing an edict in front of his face. The edict was the approved appointment of Hermione and Draco. It was signed by all the Regents including Mr. LeFants' father.
"This, young man is the documentation noting the entire board of regents unanimously approved Professor Granger and Professor Malfoy's appointments. I'm not sure where you got your information but it was wrong. Now you will follow me."
McGonagall levitated the young man from the classroom and the door shut softly before them. Hermione stood for a moment shocked. She quickly regained her composure and turned to the class.
"Well, I think class is over. Remember the essays are due at the beginning of the next class." Hermione sat in her chair allowing the shocking events to replay in her mind. On the way out Anna Zabini smiled at Hermione and quickly left the classroom.
'- - - - - - - - -'
Hermione sat in their common room that afternoon. Her classes were over for the day and with the exception of the LeFants incident the day had gone relatively smoothly. Draco had come into the room shortly after Hermione arrived and seemed to collapse on the couch next to her.
"Have a rough day Draco?" Draco lay with his head very close to Hermione's lap. Unconsciously she began to run her fingers through his hair. She was trying to make him feel better. He seemed to be there whenever she was stressed or needed someone. Just touching him was like a balm for her. She didn't understand it but running her fingers in his hair seemed to be for her as much as it was intended to be for him. Draco adjusted himself so that he could look at her but not allow her to stop touching him.
"You have no idea; I now understand why Severus was always so snarly. Children are horrid little creatures. I'm going to have to order almost a complete set of cauldrons. They are like a class full of Longbottoms!" Draco covered his eyes to feign passing out while turning to allow Hermione even more access to his scalp. His sigh, which had been intended to convey his frustration, sounded like a pleasurable moan to both people on the couch.
"Did you have a first year tell you that you were trash, a mudblood and that the Regents would never allow the likes of you to pose as a professor?" Hermione casually threw out. She knew this was more important than admonishing Draco for making fun of Neville. In reality Neville and Draco had become friends. Draco asked if Hogwarts could supply some of the ingredients for the potion classes. Minerva and Pomona discussed and decided as part of Neville's independent study he and Draco would work together. It was a great idea. Neville was planning on becoming a master in herbology and this experience would go along way for him. Draco sat up, held the hand that was recently stroking his head and looked intently at the witch.
"What?" He started to stroke her hand. He needed to discuss this with her but refused to allow them to stop touching.
"Yup, I had my first expulsion today. I had been a professor for almost two complete classes." Hermione shook her head.
"What happened?"
"Before I tell you that story I have a question and I'm not sure I can ask Blaise."
"You have a question for Blaise?" Draco stopped rubbing her hand and was concerned. He still had unresolved feelings for Hermione and prayed that she wasn't interested in his best friend. He wasn't ready to admit the depth of those emotions to himself, let alone anyone else.
"Does he have a sister? There is a first year by the name of Anna. She looks like Blaise but is only 11."
"No he doesn't have any siblings. He had a brother, but Xavier died when we were young; I don't remember ever meeting him so I think we were really young. Maybe she is a cousin."
"Has he mentioned anything about her? She is in Slytherin."
"No, he hasn't but we rarely paid attention to the classes under us."
"Sounds like a Slytherin thing to do. I'm going to take a quick nap before dinner. Would you make sure I'm up before you head down?" Reluctantly, Hermione took her hand back from Draco and stood.
"Yeah, of course." Before Draco could come up with a reason to touch Hermione again a knock sounded on the portrait. "Who could that be?" Hermione, who was already standing opened the door to find Anna Zabini standing at the door. She had been crying, her robe was torn and there was dried blood on her face. Hermione quickly grabbed the girl and pulled her into the safety of the common room.
"Anna, come in, what in the name of Merlin happened?" Draco stood quickly and looked at the young witch. Hermione was right she had to be related to Blaise.
In between sobs Anna explained that when she got to the dungeons after classes a bunch of the first and some second year students surrounded her and informed her that she was not to speak of Professor Granger as a hero anymore. Then they attacked her. She didn't think that any of them used magic just their hands and feet. As soon as she could break free she ran and this is where she ended up. Hermione held the young girl and rocked her slowly. Hermione was staring at Draco. They were both momentarily at a loss as to what they should do. Both knew the castle had brought the distraught girl to them. But neither fully understood why.
"Anna, it will be ok. We won't let anyone hurt you." Hermione didn't know how she was going to live up to her promise but she was going to do it. Draco came up behind them.
"Anna, I need to ask you a question. How are you related to Blaise?"
"He is my uncle. My father was blasted from the family for marrying my mother. She's muggle born. That's why I love you Professor Granger. You made it ok and my mother can be proud about where she came from and who she is." Anna started to cry again.
"Anna, I need to ask you one more thing. Will you allow me to use legilimency so I can see exactly what happened?" Anna stared wide eyed at her potions professor. She nodded slowly. Draco quickly completed the spell and saw what he needed. His hands were clenched in tight fists with each image and word he heard.
"Hermione, you stay here with Anna. You have your wand right?" Hermione nodded with trepidation.
"Nothing is going to happen but I just want to be safe. I'm going to get Blaise. I'll be right back." Hermione noticed how angry Draco was and she was concerned. She hadn't seen anger like that since she smacked him in 3rd year. With an unusual amount of speed, Draco left the common room for what Hermione assumed was the Slytherin dungeon.
"He is getting Uncle Blaise? I get to meet my uncle? Father said that I shouldn't approach him. The family would want nothing to do with us." Hermione was sure Blaise had no idea Anna existed. It took about 20 minutes before Draco was back with Blaise.
"Drake, what do you mean I have a niece? That can't be. You know that my only brother was Xavier and he died when we were babies." Draco and Blaise walked into the common room. Anna was sitting, somewhat hidden, and Hermione was waiting.
"'Mione what is Drake talking about?" Hermione gave Blaise a raised eyebrow at the use of the hated nickname. Why that one had to stick she'd never know.
"Blaise this is Anna Zabini. She is Xavier's daughter." Blaise stood dumbstruck looking at the young girl. She looked just like pictures of his mother at the same age.
"Anna?"
"Hi Uncle Blaise." Anna waved slightly showing her concern with the situation. That concern was quickly negated when Blaise walked up and hugged the young girl.
"I never thought I would have a niece. This is amazing. Thank Merlin for Potter." Draco and Hermione started to laugh. "Anna do you think your father would like to meet me? I don't know I ever met him." Anna was a dumbfounded at this point; her entire life she was told her Zabini family wanted nothing to do with them. Blaise's request confused the girl but above all she wanted a family. Especially one as honorable as the Zabini family.
"I think so Uncle Blaise."
"Ok we need to speak with Mother, your grandmother, first though. I wonder if McGonagall would let us go." Blaise wondered out loud.
"I can't see why not Blaise it isn't every day that someone comes back from dead." Hermione quipped as Blaise started to look closely at his niece and noticed the torn robe and bruises that were starting to form on her face, arms and neck.
"Anna what happened to you?" Anna suddenly paled, she had all but forgotten the incident in the dungeons. She didn't know how to respond.
"Blaise, I'll tell you and let you know that I know who did it. As soon as you are in control we will take care of the problem." Blaise mutely nodded as Draco told him about what had happened in Transfiguration and then in the dungeon. What Anna hadn't said, because she didn't know the significance of it, was the parting comments from one of the second year boys. Draco knew that it would take Blaise a little bit to calm down and not kill the kid. Blaise was pacing the room.
"How dare that kid? Doesn't he realize that shit wasn't ok before the war and it is especially not acceptable now? Was he the kid that filled the little LeFants kid's head with all that bullshit? If so I'll show him what it feels like to be a toy." Hermione had finally put everything together and was shocked.
"They threatened to do that to her? She's 11!" Hermione was livid. She held Anna tightly for a moment and before anyone could stop her she was up with her wand and Anna was behind her. Draco knew she was protecting the girl. Anna, however, had no idea what was happening. Her family had lived far enough away and the horrors of the war were mostly just headlines. Anna really had no idea why Blaise and her professors were so mad but she knew enough that she should be scared.
"'Mione stay here we will take care of him. Please take care of Anna." Blaise said in a cold voice. Hermione shivered seeing the rage that was boiling just under the surface. Draco wasn't much better. With that comment the two Slytherins left. Hermione and Anna sat on the couch in silence for some time.
"Professor Granger I'm sorry I caused so much trouble. I didn't think anyone would react like that."
"Anna it's not your fault. There are people out there that truly believe in blood purity. I am shocked a child so young and this soon after the war would act so boldly." Anna just nodded. She and Hermione had sat back on the couch.
"Anna one more thing; your uncle has become one of my good friends and when we are in private surroundings you may call me Hermione. In class or public it has to be Professor Granger. Ok?" Anna was stunned.
"Of course Prof...Hermione. When I go to meet my grandmother do you think Uncle Blaise will allow you to join us? I'm a little nervous." Anna's emotions were more frayed than Hermione realized. Hermione, having lived the life of not being quite enough knew what the girl was feeling.
"I'll ask him when he returns. Maybe Draco can come too, if you want."
"Yes, I'd like Professor Malfoy there too. May I ask another question? It's kind of on the personal side." Hermione looked at the young witch with confusion.
"You may ask but I don't promise I'll answer." Anna thought for a minute.
"That seems fair to me. I heard a rumor that you and Professor Malfoy share a dorm. Seeing as he was here with you I'm assuming this is it and I see two bedrooms so the part of the rumor about you sharing a bedroom is definitely wrong. But the question I have is how can you live with him? He is gorgeous!"
Draco let out a barking laugh as he and Blaise had walked in on the tail end of the conversation. Blaise was not as happy his niece seemed to be drawn to his blonde best friend. Anna was very embarrassed that Professor Malfoy had heard the question. Hermione was happy she wouldn't have to respond. She wasn't sure how she was going to be able to live with Draco. She had repressed her feelings before the final battle thinking that she was supposed to be with Ron; however, those repressed feelings had been re-emerging quickly in the last couple of days.
"Well, 'Mione how are you going to handle living with the sexiest potions professor Hogwarts has ever seen?" Draco had cocked his head to the side and had the sexist smile/smirk she had ever seen. He had sat between the two witches and looked directly into Hermione's eyes. Hermione gulped and started to blush. It took her a few moments more than it should have to respond. This surprised both Draco and Blaise. Blaise began to wonder if the Gryffindor Princess was falling for the Slytherin Prince. He knew that the Prince was already smitten (and more) for the Princess.
"Draco, please, you aren't close. Haven't you seen pictures of Professor McCallister? He was a fine male specimen!" Hermione hopped that he hadn't seen pictures of the potion professor before Snape. He was alright, but Draco was definitely better looking. She couldn't admit that in front of a student. Draco wasn't going to call her bluff in front of Anna because he knew full well that McCallister was a toad compared to him. Draco pulled his eyes from Hermione and looked to Anna. Blaise's smirk at the apparent desire between his friends was gone when Draco started to speak.
"Anna we've taken care of the students that attacked you; however, Blaise and I agree that for tonight, at least, you should stay somewhere else. Until we can figure that out we will have you stay here."
Anna was stunned she was going to stay with them.
"Anna, I would like your permission to tell Mother of you. Would you be ok with that? If you are uncomfortable with being there when I inform her Xavier is alive and what my father did maybe 'Mione and Drake could bring you to the Manor in a little bit?"
"Uncle Blaise, I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. I have spoken with Professor Granger, sorry, Hermione and she agreed to come along if that is ok. And maybe Professor Malfoy, if he too is agreeable. I would also like to write to my parents to tell them that I have met you and that you are wonderful."
"Please also tell them that I would like to meet them this evening and more than likely Mother will want to come with me." Anna nodded.
"Hermione, do you have some parchment and a quill I could borrow? All of mine are in my room."
Hermione smiled and handed Anna the requested items. During this time Draco summoned the house elf who had been assigned to them.
"Good afternoon Tweedie. Would you and Snake please go to Miss Zabini's room and collect all of her possessions. Bring them here immediately. If Snake has any questions have him come to me." Tweedie nodded his head and went to find the Slytherin head elf. Under 10 minutes later all of Anna's possessions were sitting in the common room.
"Master Draco Is wanting to tell you. The girls was try to destroy Misses Annas stuff. After the fight Is put a protection spell on her stuff. Is is glad because it would have been destroyed." Snake was loyal to Draco and Blaise. They were the only two Slytherins who had tried to treat him with respect and protect him over the last 7 years.
"Thank you Snake for taking care of Anna and her things; she is Blaise's niece."
"Is did not know this. Is is glad I protected her. Is take care of her like you and Master Blaise." Draco nodded his head as Snake popped from the room. Blaise had been pacing; he refused to leave until Anna's things had been brought to the room.
"Would you all come with me to McGonagall's office? I'd like to explain everything to her and see if she would allow us to leave. That is assuming Mother is home and Xavier wants us to visit."
Blaise was worried that whatever had happened between Xavier and their father would be held against Blaise. Anna walked up to Blaise and held his hand as they walked out the door. Hermione and Draco followed. Before walking into McGonagall's office, Anna told Blaise that she would like to go with him but that maybe she, Hermione and Draco could wait in a different room while he explained everything to his mother. Blaise thought that seemed like a good idea.