Iya :p
Staring at the blank piece of parchment in front of her, Hermione pondered how to start her essay. 'The Making and Uses of Felix Felicis' May as well add a title, she told herself, writing the words neatly at the top of the page before taking to staring at it once more. It would help if I had a book to look at… she decided. Standing up from her favourite window seat, she set the parchment and her quill down on the cushioned fabric prior to searching the extensive range of books Hogwarts had to offer. Going straight to the section labelled 'F' in the designated Potions area. After spending almost five years of her life in the Library, she was quite confident that she knew it like the back of her hand. Scanning through the titles she began to work out which would be of most use to her. 'Felix Felicis- How It Saved My Life!' how cheesy can you actually get. 'Felix Felicis- The History.' ohhh she thought, pulling a dusty, battered book from its holding place. 'Mixing Felix Felicis' I'll give that a try; that should definitely count as its uses, she inwardly pondered as she placed it with her other chosen book on the small table to the left of the bookshelf. Going back to the shelf, she skipped through a section dedicated to a man named Felix, apparently he had been the first person to ever successfully use the Lumos charm and had had something to do with the invention of it. Must remember to read that… she reminded herself. Coming across 'The Making of the Felix Felicis Luck Potion' she decided that should just about explain the making in extensive detail, as it was a large tome styled book, which needed all of her strength to lift it all the way back to her seat. Collecting the other two she had selected, Hermione opened 'The Making of the Felix Felicis Luck Potion' to the first page just as Daphne Greengrass walked into the library.
Like Hermione she also knew the library extremely well. Hermione had learnt this in her second year when they had first met. Ever since that year, the two had studied together, sharing their intellect and having meaningful conversations when the dull droning of Quidditch and cosmetics had become too much to handle. Noticing that the mousy girl was heading to the section Hermione had just raided, she decided to call her over.
"Hey Daph!" Hermione quietly called, in the effort not to disturb the librarian.
Smiling, Daphne began to walk over to Hermione, placed her bag on the floor and sat on the window perch, pulling her legs tightly underneath her body.
"Hey Mione, take it you ransacked the best Felix Felicis books huh?" she giggled, picking up 'Felix Felicis- The History'.
"You know me too well, want to help me take notes and we'll make copies? I have a feeling this book's gunna take me all day to read," She exclaimed, pointing to the large bulky worn book between her knees.
"Sure," Daphne chirped, beginning to read the book instantaneously. Hermione smiled at her enthusiasm, she was the Slytherin version of herself, and she was grateful for her friendship. If she had to sit around listening to Ron and Harry complain about not being able to complete the simplest of charms all day, she would surely be driven to insanity.
Reading through the first page of the opened book, she charmed another quill to mimic her movements on a separate piece of parchment- a charm she and Daphne had stumbled upon in fourth year. Daphne, who had also performed the charm, scribbled furiously onto her parchment, something Hermione had become accustomed to. While deep in thought, she would write maniacally in the hope to get down the most needed information, and parts that would gain them extra credit for understanding, another trait similar to Hermione, although she wrote slowly to ensure she took it all in. Hermione turned the pages carefully, yet read at a rapid speed, whilst Daphne read at an average speed. Unconsciously, the two girls would let out loud breaths and sighs, or brush stray hair behind their ear to keep their sight clear from anything other than the book. To anyone watching, they would most likely come to the conclusion that they had been separated at birth, due to the astonishing amount of similarities they have.
Within half an hour, Hermione had read three quarters of her book, while Daphne was just beginning to take notes on 'Mixing Felix Felicis.' Small piles had now been generated from the thoroughness of the sixth years' labour. Hermione, who was now lying on her stomach and nibbling the end of her quill, was digesting every word and expanding on the meaning of each phrase. She was positive that if she was asked to take a test on how to create a successful luck potion right now, she would pass with flying colours.
Daphne delved into the second book, utter fascination could be easily gleaned from the look written on her features. She had no idea that mixing Felix Felicis could do any of the things intended that the book stated. Thank Merlin for Hermione, I never would have given this a second glance! she inwardly praised. Flicking each page over with just enough alertness of the books age to ensure the pages wouldn't tear, she continued to take notes in her aggressive manner.
Coming to the last page of the delightfully intriguing book, Hermione flicked her wand, causing the other quill to come to a halt and drop a top the parchment once she was positive that she'd finished her note taking. Pulling out two parchment ties from her bag, she rolled each pile up and secured them, before levitating the monstrous tome back to its home on the dingy and slightly rotten shelf. Returning to Daphne, who had also finished, she placed her three rolled parchments into her bag while Daphne carried her morning reads back to the 'F' section. She tucked the three leftover rolls into Daphne's bag.
She sat back onto the aged, yet comfortable, window seat and looked out over the beautiful Scottish landscape. Squinting slightly, she could see the first years taking part in their broom lessons. Hermione had, to this day, never disliked a lesson, apart from the 'wonderful' broom lessons they were forced to take part in. She flinched just thinking about the number of times she'd fallen off and bruised her behind. Explaining to your mother why you constantly had a purple bruise covering your butt was not as easy as it sounded.
"So did you hear what happened to Crabbe and Goyle?" Daphne asked as she sat down, an extremely Slytherin smirk covering her usually stunning features.
"No?" Hermione answered, raising her eyebrow at the seemingly devious girl before her.
"Well, McGonagall gave them detention from eight until midnight every night for three months, and are only allowed the luxury of their wands during lessons. But dear old Draco didn't find this to be a suitable punishment. So he paid two highly hormonal fourth years to kick them as hard as they could between the legs. Dumb bastards didn't even expect it! Then he made them look and sound like little girls, having no wands and such means they have to stay like that until a Professor figures it out and has the heart to change them back. I haven't laughed so hard since Pansy accidentally shaved her eyebrow off and didn't notice!" Daphne guffawed. Her magnificently blue eyes echoed exactly just how humorous she had found it all.
Hermione giggled at the idea of Crabbe and Goyle looking like girls; that would definitely be a sight for sore eyes.
"They better be like that when I next see them, that would make my day," Hermione choked out, as she erupted into a fit of laughter as the thought of two newly hormonal girls taking their pent up anger out on Crabbe and Goyle's un-expecting testicals.
"Hopefully they won't be able to continue on the line of stupidity," she muttered, making Daphne squeal in delight.
"Oh my! I never even thought of that," she cried in Hermione's direction. Barely staying on her feet as she stood, Daphne reached over and hugged her friend.
"I'm going to meet Pansy before she has a bitch fit, 'til next time Miss Granger!" She winked.
"'Til next time Miss Greengrass" Hermione mockingly replied, bowing before her.
Giggling she watched as the raven haired girl left, only to be replaced by an infuriated looking Ron.
"Fraternising with the enemy are we?" he viciously barked. "Do you not realise they'd pay anything to see your head on a stick, or are you really that stupid! They're sly, plotting twats, why would you even want to associate yourself with such disgusting Death Eaters? I mean, here I am struggling with homework already and rather than helping your own kind, you're off giggling with people who think of you as nothing more than a Mudblood! You want to know something though? Filth like you, whoring yourself out to Death Eater scum, don't deserve to be in Gryffindor!" He sneered, face contorted in pure rage, red to his roots and fists clenched by his sides as he slowly and tormenting stepped towards her, as a predator would do to its prey.
As his words sunk in, the fact that her own 'best friend' thought that of her, she grabbed her belongings and ran from the Library, tears flowing down her face in utter devastation. Increasing her speed, she didn't even stop when she collided with a large group and heard her named being called out. A foggy glazing blocked her vision as she ran determinedly towards the common room. Flying up the stairs leading to the common room, she reached the Fat Lady after what seemed like forever. Muttering the password, she ignored the portrait's questioning and the gasps of her friends as she cleared the common room in a few long strides and climbed the stairs leading to her dorm.
Slamming the door forcefully behind her, she listened as Ginny sprinted towards the room. In no mood to talk to anyone, without thinking, she clambered onto Amato's back and kicked her legs, ushering for him to leave. Understanding her silent pleas, he flew straight out of the window at a bewildering speed, much to Hermione's dismay.
Screeching, she gripped tightly onto his golden feathers as he soared higher through the clear blue sky. Burying her head into the crook of his neck, she felt her heart beating at an alarming rate as she choked back the need to throw up. Fear overwhelmed her as it had done so all those years back when she'd had her first broom ride. The feeling of the wind flowing freely through her tangled locks and across her tear streaked face calmed the sorrow coursing through her veins. Curiosity took over her for a split second and she pried her eyes open and lifted her head slightly. They were now travelling at a slower, manageable pace above a large greyish-blue lake.
Dotted around was a glorious array of creatures and exotic looking flowers. A deer stood watching from below, obviously debating on whether to leave or continue to bask in the morning sunlight. As Amato began to descend, it made up its mind, and gracefully trotted to the far end of the field. Thumping softly onto the jade green, rain misted grass, Amato lowered himself to let Hermione slip from his back. Dropping to the ground, she forgot about the fear and hurt she had felt mere moments ago as she took in the captivating scenery. As winter was quickly approaching, the flowers were taking part in their last bloom. Walking quietly over to the vast amount of flowers, she traced her fingers over their silken petals, breathing in their aura. She could smell lavender, rosemary and cherry blossom all mixing to astound her senses and create a peaceful bliss. The smell that stood out the most to her was that of a lilac…
oooooo
"Granny, I had a nightmare, can I sleep with you puh-lease?" a young Hermione asked her grandmother.
"Of course, petal," she cooed, opening her arms for the small child to be cradled in.
"I love you Granny," the four year old whispered, pressing her head onto the older woman's shoulder.
"I love you too, darling," she replied, stroking the long brown flow of hair that ran to her lower back.
Breathing in, Hermione inhaled the familiar scent of lilacs, comforting her into a dreamless sleep.
oooooo
Hermione breathed deeply, oh how she had missed the smell of her grandmother's favourite perfume. Being in hospital for so long had resulted in her losing these indulgences, which saddened Hermione to no end.
Smiling, she ran her fingers back over the soft, velvety flowers. For so long she had neglected to pay attention to the little things in life, and now it was time to wake up and smell the roses.
Spinning on her heels, she let out a small chuckle as she watched Amato rolling in the dampened grass, a happy expression on his face. Noticing her watching, he stopped upside down, letting out a playful squeal, before jolting upright and crawling towards her, nudging her gently with his beak. Falling with a soft 'uwft', she let out another childish giggle, laying back and watching the sky. The warmth of Amato lying by her side lulled her into a deep train of thought.
I wonder what Mum's doing right now… I remember when we used to spend all of our time together, cooking until the fire alarm wouldn't shut up, walking until we couldn't physically go any farther and had to phone dad to pick us up, or when we'd try to play around in the supermarket and break so many things that we'd get thrown out.
The year before I left for Hogwarts, when the doctors had told us I was so ill that no one should go in my room, except to bring me food, and Mum had snuck in with a plate of cookies and stayed home from work, watching movies in bed with me for two days straight. When dad had found out, he'd told her off but all we could do was giggle.
Christmas when I came home in fourth year, and me, Mum and Granny stood on the dining table, singing along to 'All I Want for Christmas is You' into our hairbrushes. When Dad brought Grandad home from the hospital and found us like that, it had felt so good to see him smiling after so long. It had was devastating when he had died at New Year, but he was finally happy. When Mum used to scream at him, saying he was going to make me obese from feeding me as much sugar as he could until I couldn't eat anything else. 'Live in the moment; worry about the effects later,' was what he used to always say, followed by his trademark wink.
The sound of the deer running around the field, leaping and showing of its talents brought her back down to earth. The majestic animal galloped carelessly around, enjoying itself with no worries about the future, as if it had read Hermione's thoughts. Sighing contently, she searched her robe pockets, and pulled out 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' Setting her wand to alert her ten minutes before class would begin, she settled and began to read, the smell of the flowers having a calming effect on her.
oooooo
Draco shyly approached the gargoyle statue and muttered the password, stepping quickly onto the moving steps once he was granted entrance. Knocking on the door at the top of the stairs, he heard a soft voice call out 'Come in'.
Stepping through the large door, he smiled at the grinning Headmaster.
"Ahh Draco! How can I help you, dear boy?" he inquired, the knowing twinkle in his eyes that Draco had become accustomed to flickered brightly at him.
"Well Sir, I was just wondering if you could tell me how my mother's doing?" he asked, looking up from under his platinum fringe.
"She's doing very well; the Order members say she's a pleasure to stay with, and she's also given us a lot of useful information. If you would like to write to her, bring the letter to me and I will deliver them personally and bring back any replies. Also, you may go and stay with her during the Christmas break, if that is to your liking?" the Headmaster questioned. Draco nearly jumped for joy, but found the will to restrain himself.
"That's good to hear, and that would be wonderful, thank you," Draco replied, his pale lips pulled up into an angelic smile, revealing his small dimples at the corner of his lips. His silvery blue eyes shone from the news that his mother was happy and in good company.
"If what Mad-Eye told me is true, she was, along with Nymphadora, very drunk last night. They were apparently singing and dancing on the kitchen table for everyone!"
Dumbledore chortled. Letting out a whole hearted laugh, Draco basked in the idea of his mother being able to have fun without the fear of being beaten by Lucius.
"Sounds like she's having fun for once in her life! Oh and speaking of Christmas, Headmaster, where will I be staying?" Draco quizzed, looking at the wise old man perched on the edge of his desk.
"You may stay with your mother, or here at Hogwarts. Mr. Zabini will be staying; as you may be aware, he and his family are fairly neutral, therefore Mrs. Zabini wants to keep him in a safe environment, away from any involvements with the Dark side," he explained.
"If I stay at Hogwarts and visit my mother for a few days, will someone bring me back? And could Blaise come with me; he and my mother have always been very close," he asked, looking sceptically up at Dumbledore.
"I don't see why not, that can all be arranged. There are, of course, still a few months for us to sort everything out, so there is no need to worry." Draco nodded. "How are you finding the start of the year so far?"
Draco beamed as he began to rub his hands together eagerly. "Amazing so far, everyone seems to have matured slightly, so no one's commented on my mother's 'disappearance.'"
"Excellent. Any new friends so far?" Dumbledore pressed, winking at the now crimson red boy.
Draco laughed nervously. "Well, erm… sort of? I wouldn't say that we're friends, but I guess I'm on good terms with Hermione," Draco answered, suddenly finding his shoes very interesting.
"Ah yes, Miss Granger. I'll let you in on a little secret," at this, Draco looked up, intrigued by what he was about to be told. "When all Order members and students claimed you were following in your father's footsteps, she would argue that yes, you'd probably be branded with the Dark Mark, but not by your own decision. She was the only one that had faith in you. She had no reason to defend you, but she did- even against her own best friends."
Draco stared at the Professor in shock. Hermione stuck up for… me? Even after how I treated her? Opening his mouth to voice his questions, he was stopped before the words could leave his mouth. "Sherbet Lemon?" Dumbledore offered, a small basket filled with the treat outstretched in his hand.
Taking one, Draco thanked him before placing the sherbet on his tongue. Closing his eyes, he allowed the sweet to dissolve completely, savouring the lemony flavour.
At the sound of the low tone of the bell signalling the beginning of break, Draco opened his eyes.
"I best be going, thank you, Sir" Draco smiled. With a wave of his hand he was gone.
oooooo
"Draco!" Daphne shouted as she watched him jog down the stairs towards the dungeons. When he made no indication of stopping, or even slowing, she ran as fast as she could towards him. "Blondey," she screeched as she came up behind him, making him skid to a halt.
"Shit, Daphne," he exclaimed, glaring at her. "Give me a heart attack why don't you?"
Muttering a quick apology, she looked at him sternly.
"I was wondering if you've seen Hermione. She must have put her quill into my bag accidentally after we'd finished studying. Ron walked in looking angry when I was leaving, so I carried on. But when I started walking back to give it her, she ran to the Gryffindor common rooms before I could catch her. I called out to her but she must have been in a hurry… so I thought maybe you've seen her?" Daphne smiled shyly, fidgeting with the quill that she now held in her hands.
"You study with her?" Draco interrogated, raising an eyebrow at his housemate.
"Yes, I have done since second year. But back to my question, have you seen her or not?" She pondered once again, huffing with frustration as she began to grow impatient.
"Nope, sorry Daph!" he stated, turning and continuing on his way back to the common room. Muttering in defeat, Daphne pocketed the quill and started in the direction she hoped Pansy would be.
oooooo
Ginny stood at the window, staring of into the blue sky when she had last seen a distraught Hermione. Sighing, she walked out of the room and sat on the welcoming sofa that was just screaming for her to sit down.
"Has anyone seen Hermione?" Ron panted, as he pushed through the portrait. Instantly Ginny felt something click inside of her.
"What. Did. You. DO!" Ginny barked, standing to bring herself face to face with her older brother.
"What makes you think I did anything?" Ron mumbled, looking at the floor as guilt flooded his eyes, hoping for the life of him that she hadn't noticed. But, of course, she had.
"Maybe the fact that I've never seen you looking so guilty. Or it could be that you never look me in the eyes when you're lying!" Ginny screamed in his face. "Now answer my question. What did you do!" At the malicious look in her eyes, Ron began to distance himself from the redhead.
"Well," he began, letting out a nervous laugh, "I watched her studying and laughing with Greengrass, a fucking Slytherin! So yeah, I lost my calm, can you blame me?" he snapped.
"Oh yeah, big deal. Hermione's a big girl now Ron, she can talk to who the hell she wants," Ginny growled.
"NO! That's not right! Everyone knows that Slytherin' are Death Eater's, like I told her!"
"What else did you tell her Ronald?" Ginny questioned.
"That she was fraternising with the enemy, which is true! And that they'd pay to see her head on a stick," Ron answered with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Stop lying! Hermione would never lose her cool over something so simple, something she's told everyday!" Ginny said, disbelief layered thick in her voice.
"Okay… I said she was whoring herself out and didn't deserve to be in Gryffindor." Before he had a chance to brace himself, Ginny's hand had connected with his left cheek, a sharp noise echoing through the seemingly empty room.
"You fucking pig! I know one thing: the Slytherin's deserve her friendship more than you do! I hope she never forgives you. I'm telling Mum," she spat, before exiting the common room for her dorm and leaving a bewildered Ron stood cradling his red and stinging cheek.
oooooo
After spending almost three hours in the peaceful solitude of the empty area, Hermione grunted at the sound of her wand alerting her she now had ten minutes to get to her lesson. Putting her book back into her robe pocket after marking her page, Hermione pulled her bag strap securely over her head and onto her shoulder. Tapping Amato, she eyed him as he sleepily pried his eyes open. He had apparently spent the afternoon napping. Hermione chuckled at the thought.
"Come on boy, lesson soon- back to school we go," She mumbled unhappily, hauling herself up and onto his back. "Not so fast this time, I haven't eaten enough to be chucking," she reminded her faithful companion. Cooing in acceptance, he waited until she was seated securely before breaking into a run down the long stretch of grass, pushing himself of off the ground at the last minute. Hermione held her breath and clung tightly to his body and (as) they ascended into the sky. Looking through a squinted eye, she realised that they were not far from the Forbidden Forest. "Take me to Hagrid's hut, please," she commanded politely, raising her voice slightly in the hope that he heard her. Clearing the forest's tall trees, she knew he had heard her as they dropped closer to the ground as each second passed.
"Go eat! Thank you Amato," she softly told him once they were safely back on the ground, before sprinting of to the castle, heading straight for the right Middle Courtyard. Catching her breath at the end of the corridor, she straightened her uniform before slowly approaching the door. With each step she felt her anger increase slightly. How dare he say I'm whoring myself out! I'm a bloody virgin, I've only ever kissed Krum and that was hardly as satisfying as I expected it to be. He's such an idiot, all I'm good for in his eyes is to do his homework. I have enough problems without having to deal with him. He can go to hell! she concluded as she reached the tall brown door. Stretching out her arm to grasp the door knob, she heard a calm, friendly voice calling out to her. Turning around, she observed as a flustered looking Daphne jogging over to her.
"I've been looking everywhere for you! Here," she said, handing over Hermione's quill, "I think you must have put it in my bag by accident." Daphne smiled.
"You're a lifesaver!" Hermione praised, wrapping her arms around her forbidden friend.
"Come on, best get in," Hermione added, taking her arms from the embrace and opening the door.
Choosing a fairly secluded table, Hermione sat down, took out her equipment supplies and Transfiguration book from her bag, then set her satchel down under the table.
Harry and Neville both stared at their distant friend, unnoticed by her, as Ron walked into the room, sporting a rather large handprint on his face. Their focus was dropped from Hermione and aimed at Ron. Throwing himself into the seat between the two boys, he jammed his bag down in a similar aggressive fashion, then placed his head into his hands and leant against the table on his elbows.
"It's that noticeable, huh," Ron muttered through his hands.
"What on earth happened to you?" Neville pressed with genuine concern for his friend.
"I lost it at Hermione. She was being all chummy with Greengrass, so I said she was whoring herself out and wasn't worthy of being a Gryffindor. She ran away crying so Ginny slapped me," he replied dryly.
"Poor Hermione! You're an idiot, Weasley," Neville spat, all of the concern that had been present a moment ago, gone. Grasping for his bag under the table, Neville quickly stood, taking himself over to sit with Hermione, who smiled radiantly up at the bubbly boy.
"Did Neville just call me Weasley?" Ron stuttered in disbelief, removing his hands from his face to look over to Neville.
"Yes, and you deserved it. As well as the slap. I think I'll have to punch you before I'm okay with you," Harry answered, staring angrily at Ron as Professor McGonagall entered the classroom.
The voice of her favourite teacher drowned out her worries as she explained what was expected of them in today's lesson.
"Now, I will be placing you into pairs, any complaints and you will lose ten points from your house," the Professor warned, before continuing on to address who was working with who.
"Mr. Potter and Miss Parkinson.
"Miss Abbot with Mr. Weasley.
"Mr. Longbottom and… Miss Greengrass.
"Miss Bones with Mr. Malfoy.
"Miss Dunbar and Mr. Nott.
"Mr. Zabini and Miss Granger." As she continued to pair the rest of the class, Hermione smiled wearily at Neville. "Seat yourself with your partner and begin immediately," McGonagall explained, folding up the parchment she had just read from.
Everyone began to move to sit with their allocated partner. As Hermione moved to stand, she heard a low voice speak from behind her.
"Unlike some, I am a gentleman. Sit back down Granger," Blaise stated as he sat in the seat Neville had occupied moments ago.
Smiling shyly, she nodded to the dark, muscular boy seated beside her.
"I heard about Crabbe and Goyle. They are such idiots, I apologise on their behalf. Contrary to popular belief, we Slytherin's aren't all as bad as we seem," he smirked, as he noted down what had been written on the board.
"Thank you Zabini, that means a lot. Apart from those two, I have no problem with the Slytherin's. I have been extremely close to one since second year," Hermione informed him, as she also jotted down the needed information.
"Who would have thought the princess had a rebellious side!" Blaise mocked, his smirk growing.
"Shut up," Hermione giggled, beginning their work.
"So your roommates with that Weasley girl aren't you?" Blaise inquired as they neared the end of the lesson.
"Ginny? Yeh, why do you ask?" Hermione asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"Observation really… I do feel sorry for her though. Being related to Fred and George would be awesome, but Ronald? I don't know how she does it!" Blaise told her.
"Urgh, don't mention the prick," Hermione blurted out before she could stop herself. Bringing her hand up to her face she felt her cheeks and ears heat up, meaning she was blushing irrevocably.
"Now you're going to explain exactly why you think such things, Princess," Blaise said, shooting a sincerely friendly smile in her direction. Bringing his arm over her shoulder, he side glanced at Draco who was now staring at him with murder in his eyes. You'll thank me later…
Before she could stop herself, Hermione explained exactly what had happened in the library just hours previous to the lesson. Sighing when she'd finished, she gloomily looked up to find Blaise sitting with his mouth wide open. Noticing her watching, he regained his composure and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before removing his arm.
"You deserve to be a Gryffindork more than anybody else! You're beyond brave, and you have the courage to not judge people. And studying with Daph is hardly whoring yourself out. In my opinion, it's better that you study with her than serving as his personal slave. You're better than that, you don't judge people by their parents, pasts, or what house they're in. You're a better person then many others could give themselves credit for, Hermione," Blaise finished, recovering his bag as the bell sounded, and walked away with a wave. Hermione sat thinking about how everything he had just said was true for several moments. Putting her bag over her shoulder she left for Herbology, spending the lesson in a trance.
oooooo
Leaving Herbology, Hermione began to walk to the library to collect a book for the assignment they had just been set, when her stomach began to rumble. I've eaten just a biscuit over the course of two days, to the kitchennnns! she inwardly sang, changing the direction she was walking.
Tickling the pear once she reached the portrait, she breathed in the smell of expertly cooked food as she entered the kitchens.
"Miss Hermione! What's can Winky be doing for yous today?" Winky asked her sweetly, appearing at her knees.
"Hi Winky, can I have something to eat? I can't get to dinner today…" She began, but didn't need to finish as the elf began to drag her to the large island in the middle of the room.
"Sit," the elf happily squealed, then turned and ran to the other side of the room as Hermione perched herself on the kitchen stool.
A moment later, a plate full of a roast dinner was thrust in front of her. Thanking the elf, who bowed before scurrying of to finish preparing the evening meal, she began to eat.
Savouring the taste of the succulently juicy chicken and thick beef flavoured gravy, she chewed hurriedly. It felt as if she hadn't eaten in months, let alone a day. Bringing a forkful of mashed potatoes to her lips, she wrapped her moist lips around the fork before pulling it away. Taking in the texture of the softened food, she rolled it around gently on her tongue, taking in how it was completely lump-less and rolled easily around her mouth. Sighing in utter satisfaction, she swallowed the food, before devouring the rest of her meal. Dabbing at her mouth with a napkin, she jumped down from her chair and thanked the house elves before heading blissfully to the library with a slight spring in her step.
oooooo
"You were getting awfully friendly in Transfiguration," Draco sneered, as he and Blaise were the last to leave the Greenhouses, walking across the grass back up to the Castle.
"Don't get your silken knickers in a twist, I found out some valuable information for you my dear friend!" Blaise excitedly exclaimed. Raising an eyebrow Draco smirked widely.
"I'm all ears."
"So, Hermione and Daphne were studying in the library after Potions this morning, which they've been doing since second year apparently. Well, after Daphne left, Weasley appeared. Started screaming that we're all Death Eaters who want her head on a stick and such. Which didn't bother her, you know Granger; she doesn't let anyone judge people for her. But, then he says she's whoring herself out to us and doesn't deserve to be a Gryffindor! Just because she wasn't around to do his homework. So she spent two hours crying, off in a field somewhere. Seriously though, she didn't deserve what he said," Blaise explained, sighing at the revelation that her 'best friend' was a prick.
Next to him, Draco had clenched his fists and was slightly red from rage.
"Who does he think he is? Calling her that just because he's an incompetent fool who can't complete a single task on his own! I'm going to kill him," Draco growled, looking around for a particular redheaded boy. The feeling of his friends hand on his shoulder calmed his anger slightly.
"Don't worry, Weaselette already slapped him, Longbottom even snapped at him! Oh and Potter had a pop at him just as they left class," Blaise reassured him. "Never thought I'd say this, but Granger's alright. Had me in stitches all lesson. How was Bones, aye?" he winked.
"Get fucked," Draco drawled, playfully punching his friend.
oooooo
Returning to her dorm, Hermione placed the book she'd just got from the library on her bedside table. Humming quietly she emptied her bag onto her bed. Taking everything she wouldn't need, she bundled them in her arms, intending to put them onto her desk. But as she turned around, she jumped in shock and dropped her belongings at the site of Omorfos staring quizzically at her from her desk.
"Merlin," she muttered, making her way over to the owl. Hermione stroked him with caution. Like Amato, he pressed his head into her palm, but he seemed to be begging for more attention, obviously unhappy with the lack of trying on her half. Letting out a toothy grin, she added more pressure to the attention-seeking owl.
"Happy now?" she joked, untying the letter attached to his leg. Hooting in answer to her question the owl eyed her in anticipation. "Fatty" she mumbled, taking a few owl treats from her drawer and handing them to the owl. Observing as he ate, never before had she seen an owl as gentle and graceful as this. He ate slowly, leaving no mess behind, before flying off into the dusk light of the evening sky.
Looking at her as if she'd betrayed him, Amato let out a sound similar to an indignant huff before flying out of her window as quickly as he could. Running over to the window he'd just departed through, she yelled out after him. "Jealousy gets you nowhere, you know!"
Laughing softly, she took the letter she still held in her hand and placed it in the top drawer of her desk which was still open from when she had taken out the owl treat. I'll read you later she inwardly promised the letter, pushing the drawer closed.
Opening the door, she listened as people began to leave for dinner and decided now was the perfect time to write her father a proper letter. Closing the door she took the letter her father had sent that morning along with the cookies and seated herself at her desk. Biting into a soft chocolate chip cookie, she began to write with a purpose.
oooooo
"Has Hermione given up eating or something?" Harry asked, staring at the empty seat besides Ginny.
"Oh, no, Harry, she just can't stand to be around that twat." Ginny smiled sarcastically, pointing her head towards Ron as she shovelled a forkful of chicken into her mouth. "I went down to the kitchen after last lesson to ask the elves if they'd seen her, and I saw her eating, so I left her to it," she added, before turning to engage in a conversation her fellow fifth years were having.
Rolling his eyes at his sister's hostility, Ron was unaware of Pig sitting in his dinner.
"Er Ron…You've got a Howler from your mum" Harry murmured, staring at the owl, scared.
"Shit," Ron grumbled, picking up the letter.
oooooo
Pleased with the outcome of her letter, Hermione placed it into an envelope and attached it to the owl that was once again perched on Ginny's desk. Telling it where to go, she grabbed her cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders before heading to the Prefects meeting.
oooooo
"This is Katie Bell and Eddie Carmichael. They are Head Girl and Boy, therefore you may report to them with any problems. As you probably all know, as Prefects, you are permitted to use the Prefects bathroom on the fifth floor behind the fourth door to the left of a statue of Boris the Bewildered. The password is 'Aqua Armarium' which is Latin for water closet. Now, you are expected to set an example for the other students, failure to do so will result in the loss of your Prefect badge.
"You are expected to take part in all of your patrols unless you are ill or have been given permission otherwise, so I suggest all homework and assignments be completed in free periods as soon as possible. Head Boy and Girl will patrol every Sunday, while you will all have a route with the seventh year Prefects. One week will be the sixth years, the next week the seventh years. You must be present from nine thirty until midnight. During this time all students should be in their common rooms and it is your duty to make sure of this, and be alert of any other problems. During the day it would be of a great help if you assist in keeping the peace throughout corridors. Now enough with the boring bits, I have something important for you all to assist with which I believe you will be very interested in," McGonagall explained with a clap of her hands. All eyes were on her. "For Halloween we will be having a party for all years which you will organise. It will be held in the Great Hall on Friday the 1st of November, from eight pm until one am. For fourth year and below, they must be back in their dorms by midnight. Butter beer will be available for fifth years and above. Now I have paired you all and chose you a suitable couple to portray for the night. The theme is famous Muggle couples throughout history. I have paired you to try and promote inter-house unity. Now I will tell you who are partnered together and who you will be dressed as.
"Fay and Michael, you will be dressed as Pocahontas and John Smith." With a flick of her wand, a picture of the couple and their name appeared before both of them.
"Tracey and Ernie, Napoleon and Josephine." Flick.
"Luna and Blaise, Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler." Flick.
"Hannah and Neville, Orpheus and Eurydice." Flick.
"Susan and Terry, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert." Flick.
"Hermione and Draco, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony," with a final flick of her wand everyone had a picture of a famous Muggle couple in front of them. Hermione stared in awe; she loved Cleopatra and would do everything in her nature to make herself look like the woman.
"Now as you may have noticed, the person you are paired with is your Prefect buddy. The next meeting, where you will begin to plan, is Sunday after dinner in this room. That will be all," she informed them, as she left the room. Standing up to leave, Hermione tucked the photo safely into her pocket.
"Her-mioneeeeee" a sing-song voice called out to her. Turning around she laughed as she found Draco and Blaise grinning. "Well, my little Cleopatra, Mr. Zabini and I were wondering if you'd do us the pleasure of studying with us on Wednesday and Thursday nights at half past eight? We believe your presence would be extremely gratifying," Draco joked, winking at her. Hermione sniggered at him.
"I guess I could, it would make a change from 'studying' with people who took all of the same lessons as me just to copy my work," she answered looking between the two boys; they were very similar to one another. They were the same height, seemed to be as muscular as each other, the only obvious differences would be that everything on Blaise was ten shades darker and his lips were slightly more plumped.
"See you there then princess," Draco said, turning to leave. Watching as Blaise left he stopped and turned back to Hermione and pulled her into a strong yet gentle embrace.
"I hope your okay now, Hermione," he whispered into her hair, sending tingles down her spine. Hugging him back, she felt slightly unhappy when he pulled away and the cold reached her body once more, sucking away the warmth he'd just given to her. "Erm, see you later," he spoke softly, as if unsure whether to break the moment or not. Nodding she smiled up at him. Looking deep into the alluring silvery blue orbs that bored into her own, she felt the sudden need to grab him and never let go, but pushed the feeling down deep inside of her. As he left, he smiled widely at her, making Hermione feel weak at the knees. Oh Merlin, she said to herself, I think I'm falling for Draco Malfoy… she told herself as she wobbly made her way back to the Gryffindor common room, a bittersweet smile slapped on her face.
oooooo
Amato now sat on Hermione's bed, looking moodily up at her. Hermione walked over to him and leant her head against his, petting his luscious golden feathers where they met velvet soft fur.
"I want to go back to that field Amato, can you take me?" She pleaded, removing her head from his to look him in his beautiful glittering eyes. Standing and dragging himself idly from the bed, she knew he was willing to take her. Quickly taking out the letter from her drawer, she wrapped a thick scarf around her neck and pulled her winter coat over her outdoor cloak. Smiling at the now excited creature, she seated herself on his back and gripped onto his neck.
This time when he left her room, she felt at peace with the world. Fear was an unknown emotion to her at this moment in time. Giggling from pure joy, she threw her head back and watched the magnificent stars shine brightly down, out-doing the moon on this particular night. The dark blue sky looked like a welcoming blanket, shielding the stars from the bitter winds in a motherly way. Peering down, she watched as the field came into eye sight, the grass flowing in the wind, the flowers dancing with one another. For the first time in her life, she appreciated how truly beautiful the world she lived in was.
Lying under the wing of Amato, like a mask from the wind, she tore into the envelope she had fished out of her pocket and began to read…
okayokay, gotta thank my amazing reviewers now ;p
FlowerAngelxoxo- your gunna figure out what's up with her mum in later chapters, the whole not speaking is a HUGE part of the story :-) I choose to have her arguing with Ron for another reason that your gunna find out later aswell :p MWAHA! that bit was just for you princess ;D awrh thanks darling :') x
Anonymous- I hate Ron, as you can probably tell... thankyou!:)
Mrs. Theodore Nott- thats what i wanted it to look like, as if shes being overdramatic but really he's provoking her to do it...
mermaidlover101- hehe awrh thankyou so much!:')
night23- hehe thankyou, the good grammar and spelling is all thanks to A Rogue Without Her Remy ;)
marmia days- so do I! and same.
JustAGirl101- hehe awth thankyou!:')
BelleBelles- I hope you liked the punishment they received ) I hate him with a passion, I haven't a clue why :L I'm glad you liked it :')
Brandi Moore- Awrh thankyou!:-)
indigo flower 94- awrh i'm glad :'D thankyou so much, your review made me really smile :')
Thanks to all my alerters and favouriters, until next time ;p