DISCLAIMER: Again?

HIDDEN CHANGES

Chapter 19

The next few days were uneventful for Hermione. After she, Bobby, and Remus arrived to Hogwarts, Sirius took Bobby, Cassie, and of course Tanya to his house to stay until further notice. Hermione felt lonely for the first time in a while as she lay in her bed. Xavier was will Alex at the hospital still. She loved Harry and Ron but they were busy practicing for games. She spoke with them regularly but she missed having that pesky guardian whispering snarky comments into her mind.

Harry and Ron had been irked when she said that she couldn't tell them about why she needed the cloak to get into the Slytherin dorms. She explained everything but excluded Draco and Alex switching places. When they found out that 'Draco' had been hospitalized they assumed that Hermione was being noble and saving him from some inner Kanima conspiracy to kill all immediate family to Alex. She grumbled and let them think that. She would clear it up later.

When Monday came around, Dumbledore introduce a pudgy old man named Horace Slughorn as the temporary replacement for Professor Snape who was unfortunately 'away' at St. Mungo's with 'Draco.' She smirked as she saw the awkward man fumble through Snape's things the first class. She knew that Snape was going to have a heart attack when he saw what that poor excuse for a teacher did to his perfect organization system. Hermione had little respect for Slughorn he managed to insult her at least three times in the first fifteen minutes of class much to the Slytherin's enjoyment. In the remainder of the class period Harry had received a bottle of Felix Felicis for his superb ability to brew. This irked Hermione because he didn't do anything other than copy some notes in the crummy old book of his.

By the end of the week everyone seemed to have a problem with the teacher. The Slytherins thought he seemed too Hufflepuff for them, the Hufflepuffs thought he was too obnoxious, the Ravenclaws thought he was a complete idiot, and the Gryffindors each had their own reasons. Seamus didn't like how this 'Professor' tried to help him re-grow his eyebrows when they were singed off in an explosion resulting in a massive amount of hair all over his face. Dean hated the man for insulting his heritage. Neville was insulted when he was told that he would have been a much better wizard if he had been raised by his parents and not his aunt. Ron didn't like Slughorn for not inviting him to be in the 'Slug Club.' Harry had no real problem with the man except that Slughorn had insulted Hermione and his mother's heritage.

The problem that Harry was having with the whole situation was that Draco Malfoy wasn't at school. Harry had been following the poor boy ever since he found out that Malfoy was related to someone Hermione was friends with. Hermione pointed out that Sirius was related to Draco too. Harry quickly pointed out that it wasn't an immediate family thing though. Harry was more suspicious with Draco's hospitalization. Hermione didn't tell them that it had been Alex in the hospital and Draco was actually fine. Harry was determined that Draco was in the hospital for falling out of favor with the Dark Lord and was tortured. Hermione tried to quell his fears by proving simple facts that disproved his point. Too bad Harry was stubborn as an ass in cement.

"He has to be a Death Eater! I mean his mother and father are!" Harry protested.

Ron looked at Harry dubiously, "Harry, if we all take after our parents then I am going to be working for the ministry and I will be an excellent cook and we all know I can't cook."

Harry shook his head, "I meant the whole Pureblood supremacy thing! I bet he has killed people."

Hermione felt it a good time to say, "Harry, you have no definite proof of this! I would know if he had killed anyone." She gestured to her nails.

"Snape is missing too though!"

Hermione couldn't let his imagination go any farther and led them towards Moaning Myrtle's bathroom casting a strong silencing spell around one of the stalls so Myrtle couldn't hear. She explained the truth of why Draco was missing. She didn't get a favorable response.

"YOU TRUSTED DRACO MALFOY?" Ron screamed from the silenced stall.

Harry stared at her, "That isn't the story you told us before. How do I know you aren't lying now?"

Hermione was taken aback by the sudden suspicion from Harry. "He asked me not to tell you he did anything 'noble' for anyone."

Harry shook his head, "I think you are trying to keep me from something important. I found out something good and you are trying to protect me."

Hermione sighed as Ron looked to Harry. "She was trying to do as Malfoy asked Harry… I have no idea WHY but Harry… She is telling us the truth now! I am usually the unreasonable one and now you are taking my job."

Harry glared at Ron before flicking his gaze over to Hermione saying, "The Hermione I know would of told the truth the FIRST TIME! Maybe this Kanima stuff is getting to her head."

Hermione felt tears well up in her eyes as she stared into Harry's green eyes.

Ron's mouth dropped open before he shoved Harry into the wall of the stall. "What is wrong with you Harry?! How could you say something like that?"

The physical force of Ron pushing him against the wall shook Harry out of his spiteful state. Harry looked to the tearful Hermione realizing how mean he was being to his friend.

"Hermione… I didn't mean it. I am just confused!" Harry quickly tried to apologize.

Hermione just nodded her head and wiped her tears away quickly as she opened the bathroom stall. "It is fine, Harry. I know you are stressed about the game tomorrow. I should have told you the truth the first time. I know you wanted to play Draco in the game tomorrow."

Harry nodded, "I am sorry, Hermione."

She fixed a small smile on her face, "Let's get some rest. I need to rest my voice for tomorrow if I want to root for you at full force."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked to the Common Room together smiling and joking like what had just happened had never transpired. Hermione was glad that the bond between them was so strong that they could tell how sincere each other was. Hermione knew there was some truth behind her views in some subjects changed as she got closer to the 'pack.' When they got up to their rooms they parted and Hermione ascended the stairs.

As Hermione began to change she reflected on how Ron had grown up over the summer. She felt herself smile thinking at how he stood up for her in the bathroom. Ron stood up to Harry for her. Hermione thought to herself quietly as she climbed into bed thinking Maybe he likes me. She giggled thinking about the prospect of her and Ron together. She had fantasized before but this was a whole new level. She went to sleep thinking about Ron fondly.

It was Saturday morning of the big game between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Hermione ate her breakfast quietly as she waited for Harry to coax Ron to come play. Hermione looked up from her plate to see an owl standing there with a note. Hermione took the note from the owl giving it some bread in return.

Dear Hermione,

Alex is finally better from the attack, and he is furious that you cut his hair. He forgives you because you saved his life by doing it but you can never cut his hair again. I will be back at Hogwarts soon. Hope you are well.

Your Guardian,

Xavier

Hermione smiled feeling much better knowing that her companion would be following her around once more. Hermione watched as Harry dragged in a very nervous Ron. As they sat down Hermione looked to him saying, "Ron, you will do fine I am sure!"

Ron sat and stared at the plate of food in front of him looking sickly. "Blimey Harry, I just can't eat…"

Harry turned and poured something into Ron's cup while Hermione was watching and moved the cup to Ron. "Drink up."

Hermione looked to Harry shocked whispering quickly, "What did you pour in there?"

Ron saw a glimpse of a gold bottle disappear into Harry's robes. Harry looked to her, "I have no idea what you are talking about."

Hermione looked to Ron, "Don't drink that. It is against the rules."

Ron downed the cup in one gulp and stood up smiling yelling, "Let's beat those Slytherins!" The table roared in assent and everyone proceeded to the pitch.

Hermione ran into the locker room after the game and hugged them, "You guys were great! But Harry I can't believe you did that!"

Harry showed her the unopened bottle, "He did it all himself."

Ron stared at the bottle, "It wasn't just luck?"

Harry shook his head as Ron realized that he played excellent all on his own. Harry shooed Hermione to get to the Gryffindor common room to start to set up for a celebration. Hermione rushed out to find a black panther sitting near the gates of Hogwarts. She ran over and gestured discreetly for him to follow.

How is Alex?

Xaiver let out a mental snort Pissed at you for cutting his lovely locks. Has anything interesting happened while your favorite stalker, meaning me, was away?

As she proceeded to the common room she thought, I think Ron likes me.

Xavier's steps paused for a moment, Are you sure?

I am positive, she smiled.

Xavier looked to her with doubt, I think you might be thinking things up. You know that potion magnifies your emotions…

I am not! I know I am right! Hermione smiled and giggled as she began to run to set up. Xavier watched as she made the common room look excellent. He had been observing Ron and he never showed anything other than friendship. Xavier wondered if something happened while he was away as the Team walked into the room. Hermione ran over and hugged her friends before walking over and standing next to Xavier who was sitting on the high window.

Hermione looked so happy at the moment and Xavier didn't want to say anything to upset her but he didn't know if her thoughts were true. He heard her praising Ron's performance in his head recapping the game and also how he stood up to Harry. Xavier looked over to stare at Ron seeing something completely different than what Hermione's ideas were. Xavier's eyes widened as he saw that his cub had set herself up for a hard fall. He jumped down and tried to get Hermione out of the room. Let's go somewhere else… It is too loud in here

Hermione glared at Xavier, No, I want to be here for Ron. She smiled and spun around to look for Ron. Hermione began to look over towards where Ron was standing to find Lavender Brown wrapped in his arms. Xavier watched the look of happiness shatter and fall from Hermione's face. He watched as her normally cheerful face turned into a look of sheer emotional agony. Hermione pushed her way out of the room and ran towards the portrait opening. Xavier ran after her as she ran out of the common room and through the corridors. She ran to a window seeing how calm it was outside and how it was exactly the opposite of how she was feeling inside. She leaned up against the wall feeling tears stream down her face. Hermione still could hear that damn music from the common room.

Xavier looked around and transformed into a human approaching her slowly. Hermione stared at him, "Go ahead say it."

Xavier stared at her and shook his head.

Hermione began to cry harder yelling, "Just say it! You were right! I was being a stupid silly girl!"

Xavier shook his head again and walked over to her wrapping his arms around her as she sobbed. He leaned down whispering in her ear, "You never could be stupid. You are the smartest person I know."

Hermione hiccupped staring at the ground, "Obviously, I am not the best looker. He is clearly not interested in brains. It doesn't matter if I am smart if I am too ugly to look at."

Hermione's mind raced through possibilities of becoming an old spinster ran through her head. She would never be loved like Ginny was loved by Harry. All those dreams in her mind about getting married to a man she loved were hopeless. She would be ugly and smart forever. Maybe if she fixed her hair she would be acceptable. She just was a prude bookworm and that is how everyone would see her. She felt herself pitying herself and falling into a hole of despair when she felt a calloused hand tilt her head up. She felt herself return to reality as Xavier pulled her close with one arm and used one of his hands to raise Hermione's head to look at her face cupping her cheek lightly and kissing her forehead softly.

"You are not ugly. You could never be ugly. He is an idiot who doesn't deserve your feelings. I would kill him for hurting you, but I fear you would hate me if I did. You are beautiful."

Hermione sniffed and looked to him sadly, "Really?"

Xavier nodded softly and held her close as she leaned against him for support. Hermione looked into her guardian's eyes realizing that her sadness was mirrored in his. She saw he was pained seeing her so upset. She was confused momentarily pondering why he would feel so sad when she was the one who was hurt. As she stared up into his dark eyes she realized. He cared for her. He wouldn't say those thing if he didn't. He wouldn't have followed her out here. He wouldn't have tried to get her away from the room. He wouldn't admit it, that is what she was sure of. It might not be love, but it was close. She realized that she cared for him too. She looked up at him slightly shocked but she knew she read this right. She was willing to risk these emotions that she had. She let her arms slide up and rest on his shoulder as she rose on her tip toes and leaned into the hand that cupped her cheek.

Xavier watched as the look on her face changed from one of sadness, to one of confusion, to one of realization seeing her bite her lower lip in thought. He tensed as he felt her arms wrap around his neck and her hands run through some of his hair. He felt a few emotions shoot through his mind as well as a few reservations. She never looked more beautiful to him than right then. Her hair framing her face as the moonlight shone on her pale skin. He used his thumb to brush away a stray tear on her cheek. Xavier watched as she pressed into his hand that touched her face. He shoved those reservations away as he leaned down closing the gap in between them and captured her lips in a soft chaste kiss.

Harry walked down the corridor to find Hermione when he saw her and her guardian kissing in the moonlight. He was surprised but he quickly walked away happy that Hermione wasn't too upset.

I know I know… It was corny… so fluffy… I am sorry if I disappointed anyone… but remember… THIS DOESN'T MEAN I HAVE CHOSEN WHO TO PUT HER WITH! You can still vote… PLEASE review guys I really need it… (by the way I loosely based the end part of the chapter on the song 'So Close' from the movie Enchanted… I went all out in the corniness there… sorry)