Hello lovely readers!

Sorry for the long wait between updates. I tried giving myself an ultimatum of finishing my first fanfiction before being able to write on anything else. But once again I've hit an inspiration block for that one with only two chapters left, and knew it was time to come back to this one for a bit. I am hoping once I have that one finished it will help me focus on this one more since the other won't be hanging over my shoulder anymore.

Also I am hoping to have this one finished by the end of 2021. I have ideas for two other Charlie/Hermione fics I want to write, but I don't want to start any more fanfictions until I have at least two of my four completed.

Anyway, that is where I'm at. Happy Holidays everyone!

Disclaimer: JK owns HP

1989

Chapter 32

The seventh year girls dorm burst with laughter as one witch in particular gave far too many details about her most recent sexual encounter; with motions and hand gestures included. Though Hermione didn't exactly want to know the exact size and shape of Devon's penis, her heart felt content and full for the first time since she could remember.

Though she did not discover that she was a witch until the age of eleven, Hermione had several spouts of accidental magic throughout her early childhood. Her parents had always found it odd that she'd been able to get books off of the highest shelves of their bookcase while they weren't looking, or that she'd somehow managed to get sugary sweets even though the two dentists would never buy such things to keep in the house. However much the Grangers loved their daughter, they also could not deny that there was definitely something strange about her.

In primary school, there were several instances that had resulted in a phone call from the headmaster; one in particular involving the two girls who enjoyed picking on her the most to end up with all of their hair falling out. Though it couldn't be proven, it was clear to all parties involved that Hermione had been the cause of the unfortunate incident.

Because the Granger's had yet to learn of the wizarding world at that point, they felt it necessary to keep their daughter close to home after that. They were worried that someone would notice her capabilities, and start asking questions they didn't have the answer to yet; or perhaps that Hermione might attract the government's attention and be taken away from them.

It was all of these fears combined that eventually caused them to keep Hermione secluded from the other children. Whilst the other girls were able to have exciting birthday parties and mass sleepovers at each other's houses, she had been left to her own devices; with only her books to keep her company.

In fact, it wasn't until her first night at Hogwarts that she'd been able to spend the night with other girls her age. Finding out that she was actually a witch and that there was a special place where she could go to be with other children like her seemed to be the answer to her loneliness. After the sorting, she'd joined the other Gryffindor girls in hopes that she would finally be able to make friends, but it was clear by then that the other girls had already paired off; Lavender with Parvati of course, and Faye with Annette. Though she tried to make an effort, it seemed she lacked the proper social skills that would have made fitting in easier.

At first, she couldn't understand how this could have happened. How could she have finally found the place she belonged, only to still be treated like an outsider? It was this perhaps that caused Ron's words on that first Halloween to hurt her so much. She was finally supposed to be in a place where she was accepted for who she was, only to feel like more of a freak than ever.

Eventually she had found true friendship with Harry and Ron of course, and her longing for true friendship was finally quelled. Then a few years later even moreso, when she'd been invited to join the Weasley family for the quidditch world cup. It was then and there with Ginny that she finally participated in her very first sleepover party. It had been a wonderful few nights that had bonded the two of them; giving them cause to continue their friendship over the next few years, including helping each other get ready for the Yule Ball together months later.

And though she currently missed Ginny something awful, Hermione also couldn't help but be grateful for the situation she was now finding herself in. To be sitting in a room full of girls who not only enjoyed her presence, but considered her a friend even though she'd been such a late and rather unexpected addition to their dorm room.

Laura and Sarah, Jasmine and Ivy. They had been so much more welcoming even on day one than the girls of her own grade had been in six years. And although Avery was away with Charlie for their overnight trip to tryout for a professional quidditch league, Hermione knew that she'd be enjoying their wild sleepover party just as much if she were here too.

At the start of the evening, the four poster beds had all been pushed together in the center of the room, and they had all piled into a circle for a night full of gossiping and faraway luck wishing to Avery and Charlie. Honeydukes treats and butterbeers soon covered almost every available surface; colorful candies spilling out all over the sheets around them.

The sudden movement of Ivy clamping her hand over her ears as she began to sing loudly brought Hermione's attention back to the present. Sarah had gone into even more detail about Devon, who had apparently given her a surprise visit over the holidays and asked her out again, and was now being entirely too forthcoming with the details of their first coupling. That along with the fact that Ivy and Devon were first cousins who practically grew up together, meant that Ivy was now past her limit for the mental imagery Sarah was forcing upon the group.

"Alright Sarah, please stop." Laura bid her friend through laughter; waving one hand at her while she wiped a tear from her eye with the other. She had laughed to the point of tears apparently. "You're killing us over here."

"Okay, okay. Sorry." Sarah apologized bashfully with an impish grin; collapsing back onto her bed after wrapping up the reenactment she'd just put on. "Got a bit carried away in my excitement is all."

"Although I am glad to see both you and Devon looking so happy these past few weeks, I have to ask. Is this one actually going to stick this time?" Ivy asked teasingly; having finally lowered her hands from covering her ears.

"We'll see." Sarah smiled coyly in return; taking the jibe in stride. "His kissing skills have greatly improved-"

"Lalalalala!" Ivy recovered her ears so she wouldn't have to hear anymore as Sarah stuck her tongue out.

"Well, in the interest of a subject change…" Laura spoke up over everyone's laughter. "Jean, I hear Sarah passed off one of her special blue potions to you just before Christmas." Laura turned to her with a knowing look. "Any chance you've had cause to use it yet?"

Hermione's face turned stark white as her eyebrows raised almost to her hairline. She hadn't expected them to turn the tables on her, and she definitely hadn't been planning on sharing details of her own to the group.

Unfortunately by the grins they all now had, she was certain that her facial expression had given the answer to Laura's question away.

"Oooh! Now this I do want to hear!" Ivy sat up straighter while the rest of the girls all looked much more excited to learn about Charlie's prowess in bed rather than Devon's.

Hermione groaned and buried her face into one hand. "Well...alright, okay, yes." She finally admitted; causing a series of whoops and yips to be emitted from the other girl's mouths.

"But don't expect me to put on a show." She added, just before diving into her own set of details.

It was all in the spirit of the evening after all. The type of interaction she had always longed to be included in, and wasn't sure she'd ever have the opportunity to enjoy again.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next morning, Hermione was curled up on one of the squashy sofas in front of the fireplace with a steaming cup of tea in her hands. She was smiling to herself as she thought about all the new friends she had made the past five months. All of her dorm mates were so much more vibrant and easier to get along with then the four girls she'd been made to grow up with.

Just as she was thinking about how glad she was that she'd never have to listen to Lavender and Parvati giggle endlessly about divination and which boy they thought was cuter again, she had a terrible realization. Her once happy mood turned sour as she realized how soon she'd be leaving all of her new friends behind. And it wasn't just that she'd be leaving, no; for the first time she realized that unlike Charlie, all the new people in her life were not going to understand why.

Laura and Sarah, Jasmine, Avery and Ivy, and even Devon; they weren't going to be getting an explanation as to why she was suddenly gone before the year was even over. To them, she'd disappear in the middle of the night, never to return. Her heart suddenly ached at the thought of never seeing them again, and she knew she needed Dumbledore's guidance once more.

Just as she was trying to come up with a plan to make her departure less noticeable, another copy of a thick magazine was dropped into her lap from above; nearly spilling her tea.

"Jean!" The sing song voice of Sarah rang in her ear from behind. "I come bearing gifts!"

Before she could either reply, or pick up the copy of Witch Weekly that had just practically been thrown at her, a small pouch was also dropped on top of it. The clinking of glass drew a puzzled look to her face as she picked the topmost gift up delicately.

Hermione unhooked the string keeping the pouch closed and looked inside to where a set of four glass vials stared up at her. Each one contained a dark blue liquid she had only recently become acquainted with.

"Since we breached the subject last night, and you confirmed that you in fact took the last one I gave you day of, I assume it's almost time for another dose." Sarah explained discreetly, but with a knowing grin. "Now you have enough to last almost until the end of the year. Happy late Christmas!"

"Thanks." Hermione snorted and stuffed the pouch into her pocket. "Seriously thank you. I might have been too embarrassed to ask you again, or even attempted to brew some myself."

Sarah plopped down on the couch next to her. "You're welcome. Not that the last option isn't viable." She snorted, knowing that Hermione would likely brew it perfectly on her first attempt. "However, I also bring peace of mind in other forms." She tapped the cover of the magazine still in Hermione's lap.

In the upper right hand corner was another much more broody picture of Reginald Swepper; only this time the tagline that accompanied him read No Reconciliation for Swepper and St. Clair. Find out who her other option was on page 16.

If that tagline meant what she thought it meant, then Heather was back off the market again already, which would indeed put her mind at ease.

"Spoiler alert, it's Bartholomew Cuffe." Sarah spoke up excitedly before she could turn the page.

"The one she ditched for Charlie two years ago?" Hermione asked. "The guy whose family practically runs the Daily Prophet?"

"The one and the same." Sarah confirmed.

The two girls spent the next several minutes looking the article over, giggling at the ridiculous photos of the happy new couple that had obviously been faked for publicity. Neither of them knew who they felt more sorry for; Reg Swepper for getting so publicly dumped and humiliated, or Bartholomew Cuffe for not realizing that he was so obviously getting used.

At least Heather St. Clair was one less thing Hermione had to worry about.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

After her fun morning with Sarah, Hermione made her way down the moving staircases after lunch in hopes of meeting Charlie by the entrance gates. He was due back from his tryout soon, and even though he had only been away for one night she was eager for him to be back.

Hermione knew with certainty that he had impressed the scouts and coaches, but that didn't stop her from wanting to hear about his experience first hand; having only heard about it in minor detail from his family over the years.

She was just thinking about where to take him so she could welcome him back properly, when the sounds of another set of footsteps approaching her from the opposite direction brought her attention back to her surroundings. Mason Flint was approaching her from the front; making his way up the stairs to some random location, as the Slytherin common room was obviously in the dungeons below them.

Hermione continued on; as if to pass him without a greeting when, to her annoyance, he came to stop just in front of her. Unfortunately he did so just as the stairs decided to halt half way between landing points. She now had no choice but to wait until it moved again so she could evade his presence; as he made no effort to go around her. Why oh why did it have to stop when she was only two floors away from her destination of the ground floor?

"Hey Walters." He nodded at her as the stairs stilled. "On your way to console Weasley over his pathetic attempt to play for the big leagues are you?"

Hermione huffed under her breath and tapped her foot impatiently, willing the stairs to move once more.

"Console? No." She responded in as polite of a tone as she could muster. "Congratulate, Yes."

There was a pause as he stared at her almost menacingly. He was nearly a foot taller than her, but the fact that he was two steps lower than her only meant that their faces were just at eye level. A nasty smirk spread slowly across his lips as Hermione stared him down unwaveringly; though the air was thick with tension.

"Such a pity." He finally said.

"Excuse me?" Hermione replied offendedly.

He shrugged, looking rather bored and unbothered. "Half blood status or not, you're rather pretty Walters. Intelligent too." He answered. "I'm not sure how things worked in America, but it's really a shame you haven't realized how much better you could do than Weasley."

Hermione felt her skin crawl as if she were back in the Room of Requirement with Malfoy. Typical Slytherin. Who the hell did he think he was? Insinuating that he was better than Charlie just because he had come from wealth and privilege.

"By better, I sure hope you don't mean yourself?" She sneered back at him; all hints of politeness forgotten.

Mason's eyes darkened. "Watch your tone Walters." He growled out. "You wouldn't want to get on my bad side."

"Trust me." Hermione warned back, her fingers clutching tightly onto her wand. "I've survived far worse than you could ever even dream of becoming."

The chuckle he emitted as he looked her over from head to toe sent a chill down her spine, but she held her ground. He really was nothing but a timid school bully compared to Umbridge, the snatchers, or Bellatrix Lestrange.

"That's a bit dramatic don't you think?"

Hermione stared him down. She was contemplating heading back the direction she came, but did not yet want to turn her back to him.

"Not after the things I've been through, no."

He shrugged again, the wrist of his right hand twitching; giving away his next move. "You're kind of tempting me to test that theory out you know?"

It only took three seconds for him to realize his mistake. In the same movement that he sent a knockback jinx at her in an attempt to flip her over onto her back, two separate things happened. The first being that Hermione had put up a protego to protect herself, which in turn caused his flipendo to ricochet off of it and hit himself squarely in the chest.

The second thing to happen, was that the staircase had finally started to move again.

Mason Flint's eyes rounded in surprise as he was lifted up off of his feet. The fear Hermione could see in them was mirrored in her own as they both realized too late what was about to happen.

"Levicorpus!" She shouted in an attempt to save him from crashing all the way to the ground.

It was too late though. His scream echoed around her as the loud thud of him hitting the stone floor below reached her ears.

Hermione screamed too as she realized what had happened. Mason may have been bothering her, and attempting to bully her a bit, but he didn't deserve to die for it.

As soon as the stairs had locked into the second floor landing, she was running down them as fast as her legs could carry her; turning the corner and taking the last set as well. She hoped if he was still alive that she could stop the bleeding long enough to get him to Madam Pompfrey.

When she finally reached her destination of the ground floor, Hermione was met with a very unusual set of circumstances; noticing several things at once and having to process them mentally even faster than she was usually accustomed to.

The first thing she could see was that Mason had indeed fallen at an accelerated speed; likely caused by his own use of the flipendo spell. A large pool of blood surrounded his head, and most of his limbs were sticking out around him at odd angles.

The next thing she noticed, was that someone else had already reached him first: Professor Severus Snape to be exact. At first he seemed to be stoppering the blood flow and cursing the fallen boy for obviously acting like an idiot while the stairs were in motion. Then, suddenly, he lifted his wand.

"Expecto Patronum!"

A wispy blue patronus erupted from the tip of Snape's wand as he called out for help to Madame Pomfrey.

It was then, as the patronus ran past her and up the stairs, that Hermione noticed the peculiar shape it had taken. Her eyes scrunched in confusion at the familiarity of it, but at first she could not understand why.

All of the clues suddenly fell into place in her mind, and Hermione involuntarily gasped and covered her mouth with one hand as the realization dawned on her. Snape's patronus was in fact the same shape as the patronus of unknown origin that had led Harry to the Sword of Godric Gryffindor that frozen morning in late December. The only reason they had been able to destroy the locket in the first place.

The patronus that took the form of a doe.