Chapter 10

Hermione, Draco, and Theo stood in front of Professor Snape's desk, while the boys seemed nearly bored, Hermione was outraged.

"It's October in Scotland! And you want us to go for a swim in the lake to collect potions ingredients that you could just go purchase. No, absolutely not. I'll go back to that damn forest, but I will not be getting in the lake." Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and stomped her foot.

It wasn't just the cold she was objecting to, but also there was the little issue that she couldn't swim. Though, she wasn't about to admit that part out loud.

"You are a witch, are you not?" The potions professor drawled, looking down his long-hooked nose at her. Lord, it was no wonder El was such a nightmare, being raised by him. "Use a warming charm."

"You're wanting merkelp, and that's going to be all the way towards the bottom of the lake!" Hermione argued back, slapping her hands against his desk. "I don't speak mermish, how do you expect us to negotiate with the merpeople? Especially if they don't even know we're coming."

"Theodore can speak mermish, unless he's forgotten since his last detention." Snape said, his eyes slowly looking towards Theo, who only shrugged. "The merpeople are accustomed to him showing up to collect different underwater plants that only they grow for me, I'm sure there won't be any issues. Now, stop wasting my time and get to work, such a shame the three of you are missing your first Hogsmeade weekend, wouldn't want to lose your entire Saturday because you stood around arguing with me. Away, and remember, I need three sacks."

Snape waved his hand over the desk, where three rucksacks appeared. Glaring at the man that she'd known most her life (because Lily had shit taste in friends) Hermione snatched one of the bags off the desk and stormed out of the room.

Keeping a brisk pace, Hermione went over in her head the different ways she'd be able to keep herself from being made a fool and downing in front of the Slytherins. A bubble head charm, obviously, but that still left her with the issue of not being able to swim or move in the water. Yes, she'd be able to breathe, but she'd just be sinking to the bottom of the lake to be stuck there until she died.

She couldn't wait for her mother to hear the news, maybe then she'd feel bad for always 'forgetting' to sign Hermione up for swimming lessons. Probably not though, knowing Helen.

"Granger!" Hermione whipped around, glaring at Theo who must have been calling after her for some time before she finally heard him. His steps faltered at the look she gave him, it wasn't his fault they were going in the lake, but she was still aggravated.

"What?" She snapped, waiting to see if he'd move closer to her. She could feel the magic pulsing through her, and figured the ends of her hair must be sparking by now.

"Get your knickers out of a twist," Draco said, coming up behind Theo. "It's not a bad swim, it just takes some time. We know exactly how to get there; we've been collecting Snape's underwater ingredients as detentions for years. Be happy he's not wanting grindylow eggs or venom."

Hermione huffed, blowing a stray curl from her face as she looked at the two wizards in front of her. Of course, they wouldn't think it was a big deal, but they also knew how to swim.

Turning on her heels, Hermione said nothing to either boy as she continued her way towards the lake. Damn Snape and his stupid detentions. She was for sure about to make a fool of herself in front of these two, there was no doubt about that.

When she finally got to the edge of the lake, she dropped the rucksack she'd been carrying and pulled out her wand. Casting the warming charm first, Hermione tugged her hoodie over her head before throwing it to the ground. Next, she toed off her sneakers and socks, before yanking off her jeans.

She could hear the boys approaching and semi hoped that seeing her in just her underwear might distract them enough that they wouldn't notice her using magic to aid her in this damn task. Turning back to face them, not bothering to try and conceal her body, she put her hands on hips as she enjoyed both boys with the mouths hanging open at her brazen behavior.

"Well, are you coming or not?" She asked, with a false confidence, before turning back towards the lake and walking in. The sounds of the boys quickly shedding their clothes made her chuckle.

Maybe as long as she didn't die, this wouldn't be so bad.