Author Note: The months of September and October bring some major changes to the verse. Our characters are adjusting to the world, personalities are being developed and tested. And Hermione has a realization that her life is not going to be the same ever again.
(As always I disavow all knowledge, claim or impression that I own any of this.)
(Begin chapter)
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office looking across his broad cluttered desk at Poppy Pomfrey the matron and Minerva his stalwart right hand. The two women did not look pleased which concerned him.
"Well now that our charges have been properly fed and tucked into bed I would know your impressions of our Miss Granger?" he asked looking at the two professionals.
Poppy spoke first, "I was only able to perform a cursory scan in the antechamber. Her becoming sick on the voyage over allowed this without anyone questioning it."
She paused to take a deep breath, "From the scan I am troubled. She shows signs of malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, her puberty has been affected, she is under developed for her age, and there is something else bothering me but I would have to do a more in depth examination to confirm it."
Albus frowned as he knew what the one item would be but the others bothered him deeply. "Yes well we will see what we may do about getting her into your care for those issues. Minerva?"
Pursing her lips the Scotts-woman said, "As you saw during the feast she flinches from physical contact. She seems to be quite aware of her surroundings, almost unnturally so as if she expected attack from any quarter. She is also hesitant to speak up it seems. I will know more when I have seen her in classes."
Albus sighed deeply, "They were supposed to take better care of her than this. I spoke with Ophelia multiple times over the years and she assured me that Miss Granger was being treated like her own daughter."
Minerva looked sardonically at him, before she could say anything Albus raised his hand, "Yes Minerva I am aware that you tried to warn me. However as I told you then I felt it necessary for her to be placed where the blood of her mother still ran."
Minerva frowned, "And you refused to explain why then."
Albus sighed again, he had a feeling that sighing was going to become quite common, "Yes I did. And I am going to rectify that now. But Only if the two of you agree that the information does not leave this room without my authorization?"
Minerva and Poppy looked at each other before nodding to him, "If it is to do with her health I am of course bound by my oaths as a healer."
"I know poppy. And this is not exactly a risk to her health, just her life."
Poppy frowned in confusion at him. Minerva looked displeased.
"On that fateful night so long ago her parents sacrificed themselves to protect her. Only that protection was not perfect. When our enemy found his body destroyed a part of him was broken off. Unable to find its original body to reattach itself, and unable to move on do to the dark magic he used this part found its way into the body of our Miss Granger." Albus explained calmly.
Minerva sat bolt upright, "There is a part of HIM in her?"
Poppy looked between Minerva and Albus quickly before asking, "What affect is this having on her?"
Albus raised his hand again, "Yes Minerva there is a piece of him encapsulated within her. As to what affect it is having I do not know."
"Then we should work to get it removed." Minerva thundered.
"That may not be as simple as you think." Poppy said in a measured tone,"I presume you took her to a healer at the time."
"Yes Phillip Boyce. He was quite trustworthy and discrete." Albus stated.
Poppy nodded approvingly, "Yes I apprenticed under him. Aside from having a bit of a crotchety personality he was one of the finest healers I could know."
"Yes. And he did enjoy his martinis. However he said this soul piece. This part of Him. It seemed to be encapsulated within her, much like a splinter is within a blister." Abus explained, "Unfortunately she needs to be stronger before it can be removed. The ritual to do so is difficult for even a full grown and strong adult to endure, a baby or a mere child would face far more risk from the ritual than the encapsulated part."
Minerva considered for a moment then turned to poppy, "Is that true?"
Poppy thought but with a sigh said, "Yes. I would have to say that although I am not familiar with the specifics of that particular ritual. Anytime one is performing soul based rituals it is tricky at best. This would be a sort of exorcism. Albus is correct. They are some of the most trying and painful rituals around."
Minerva shifted in her seat, "So what shall we do?"
"Observe. Build her health. And beyond that try to ensure she has as positive of a childhood as we can."
"And this scheme of yours? What role does she play in that?"
Albus pursed his lips as he considered Minerva's demand. "Hopefully she will play as minimal of a role as possible. We will have to stand ready to mitigate any unpleasantness she encounters though."
"I still do not see the purpose in this."
"I know that Minerva. However it is essential in the battle. Our enemy was given a set back, he was not defeated." Albus countered.
"I still do not like it." Poppy declared.
"I am aware of your opinion. However the sole reason he has come to this school now has been to finish what he started on that night. He does not believe that we are aware of his presence so we have the upper hand. We cannot move too quickly or too strongly, but neither may he. We must let him believe he is operating absolutely undetected." Albus stridently.
"You do realize that by announcing that the third floor is out of bounds every troublemaker is going to be drawn there."
"I know Hagrid has assured me that the restraints on Fluffy shall be sufficient for the anyone who is not overly rambunctious." he said reassuringly.
"He named it Fluffy?" Minerva said dryly.
"Be careful Minerva. Severus might think you were mimicking him." Albus teased.
"None the less Albus. We are taking a great risk with this."
Albus nodded gravely, "I know Minerva. I am well aware of the risk we are taking. But if we are to prevent a resurgence of the dark times the needs must when the devil drives."
…...
Hermione woke up the next day with only a slight stomach ache. The other girls were moving and chattering already as well. As it was Monday they would be having their first day of classes and everyone was looking forward to it.
"Hey you okay?" Lavender asked as she pulled on her uniform.
"Oh yeah. I was just. I'm not used to changing clothes in front of everyone."
"Oh sorry. My mum's a healer so I'm used to not being shy in front of other girls." Lavender chuckled, "If you want though here." She said using her wand to pull a curtain between Hermione's bed and her own that gave Hermione her own private space.
"Thank you." Hermione said beginning to change clothes.
"No problem I understand. Fay went into the shower to change." Lavender replied cheerfully.
Hermione had never had a sister but wondered if Lavender would be a good example of what a sister was like.
When she was changed she found lavender and Parvati standing by the stairs waiting for her, Fay had already gone down they said.
Reaching the great hall Hermione was pleased to find the same multitude of choices for breakfast. Harry was sitting eating a bowl of oatmeal with his nose buried in a book when she sat beside him.
"Is that something interesting?" she asked looking at the title which seemed to be in a foreign language.
"Oh sorry. Its Les Miserables. I packed it for some light reading when I wasn't studying." he said.
"It's not in English?" Hermione said looking at the cover.
"No, this is the original French edition. I need to work on my French as its still not good enough." Harry said with a slight downcast look.
Hermione was happy to at least be able to speak English. So nodding she left Harry to his book and began to gather some food onto her plate. Ron stumbled into the great hall rubbing his eyes.
"You're certainly running late." Harry pointed out.
"Well this is the first time I've gotten to sleep in in. And if you and your stupid reading hadn't kept me up." Ron snapped crossly.
"It didn't seem to bother anyone else. I shall endeavor to keep my curtains closed more tightly then." Harry snorted through his nose before dismissing Ron and going back to his book.
Hermione looked at Lavender who shrugged and mouthed the word "boys". Neville had wound up sitting between Hermione and lavender. He was looking at a small polished stone that had come in his morning post. The only thing Hermione got was a note from Hagrid inviting her to come to tea if she wanted to when things settled down.
"What's that?" She asked politely. Hoping that he wouldn't be upset.
Slightly startled he replied quickly sliding the flat stone into his pocket, "Its a memory crystal. My gram sent it to me so I wouldn't be as homesick."
"Oh that sounds very nice." Hermione said honestly.
Professor McGonnagal handed each of them a small packet of papers, "These are your schedules plus directions on how to reach each classroom. If you find yourself misplaced do not hesitate to ask a fellow student, a painting or one of the ghosts for help. Tardiness is not tolerated."
Hermione saw Ron wince but otherwise say nothing. She looked down at her papers and saw a note on the top that directed her to visit the hospital wing after breakfast.
"Uh Ma'am?" she asked as Minerva turned to walk away.
"Yes Miss Granger?" Minerva replied pausing.
"Why do I need to visit the matron?"
"She wanted to ensure your stomach trouble had cleared itself. There has been some cases of Andean Flu going around and she was concerned if you had it." Minerva said matter of factly.
"Oh."
"Do not worry Professor Sprout has been made aware of this and you will not be docked points for it." Minerva gave a brief reassuring smile.
Lavender gave her a reassuring smile when Hermione glanced at her but since no one else seemed to be bothered by it, other than Ron who asked her not to breath on him until she got cleared, she tucked the note into her pocket and went back to eating.
…...
"Ah Miss Granger. Please have a seat there." The matron said as Hermione entered the hospital.
"I'm feeling much better today." Hermione said.
"Yes well. As I'm the matron I'd like to make the final diagnosis please." She said with a slight chuckle, "After all the health of the students is my domain."
Hermione shrugged as she didn't know what else to say. Sitting quietly she watched as the woman used a probe over her body. It made different warbling sounds and at one point Hermione could hear her heartbeat.
"So am I healthy?"
The matron shook her head, "No not really. Tell me what is your diet like at home?"
Hermione looked down at the floor. The Smythes had beat it into her not to tell anyone what happened inside their house. Not to ever reveal anything that happened to her. She bit her lip as she looked at the floor.
"Miss Granger? Hermione?" The matron said setting her instruments down on the table beside the exam bed.
"Uh. Its fine."
"Miss Granger. I can tell you are not fine. You are malnourished, you have a vitamin deficiency. It has been going on for an extended period. You have old injuries to your bones that have healed thanks to your magic. If you had been a muggle they would have resulted in crippling injuries. So please. I'm here to help you. Please don't keep secrets from me." The matron asked holding Hermione's hand gently.
Hermione could hear the concern in this adult's voice. One of the first adults that actually seemed to care. She began to cry.
…...
Albus was dealing with some minor paperwork that Fudge had begged him to give an opinion on when the door to his office flung itself open and an irate Minerva followed by Poppy came storming into the office like a hurricane.
"Yes ladies?" he asked setting the letter from Fudge aside. He had a feeling that whatever problems Fudge might have they would pale in comparison to the next few moments.
"Albus Dumbledore I warned you. I warned you that those muggles were not fit to continue breathing much less take care of a child." Minerva thundered so loud several of the portraits scurried off to their alternate frames. Phineas Black though merely yawned as he was used to his relatives.
Albus opened his mouth to say something but Poppy took a turn on him, "Albus I will file charges in the Wizengamut if you do not step up and do something. I do not care what the repercussions will be. Those animals deserve to be rendered into potions ingredients!"
"I tried ta tell ya. Ye didn'a listen o course. Ye hada ave yer ouwn plans!" Minerva's brogue began to take over her language and Albus knew he was in deep trouble. Even Molly Weasley sat quiet and still when Minerva's brogue appeared.
"Ladies. Ladies!" Albus stood and raised both hands in surrender. The wisest choice of action he considered. Especially as Fawkes was looking at him like this was not his problem and began to preen himself.
As both of the women had calmed down sufficiently at his capitulation that the portraits began to peek around the edge of their frames Albus asked, "I take it that your examination of Miss Granger revealed something troubling?"
"If you call years of physical, mental and emotional abuse and neglect troubling then the answer is yes." Poppy hissed angrily.
Albus sat back down drawing two chairs out of the floor across the desk, "She was not abused in any other way was she?"
Poppy sat down, "No. They did not cross that line at least."
"How is she right now?"
"She is resting. I gave her a calming draught and put her to bed in the hospital until lunch at least. I told her we will tell everyone she had the flu and needed to receive some treatment. She is very cowed into not talking to others about her life at home." Poppy explained calming down slightly.
"Can you treat the injuries?" He asked.
"I can. I have a nutrient potion she will have to take for several weeks at least to help her make up for lost time, she should also spend time speaking with a mind-healer. Apparently they tried to beat the magic out of her. When they couldn't beat the magic out they verbally cowed her." Poppy said with a hitch in her voice.
Albus took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Ophelia lied to me. She blatantly lied to me." Albus repeated.
"An why didna ye go in person?" Minerva demanded.
"After what happened to Frank and Alice I felt it too risky to physically reveal where she was living. I contacted Ophelia through muggle means. I used a telephone or letter." Albus said shaking his head, "She sent me pictures and letters."
"So the great Albus Dumbledore had the wool pulled o'er his eyes did he?" Minerva heatedly said without any smugness though.
Albus ruefully looked at her before putting his glasses on. "Yes. Unfortunately the greater the mind the further the fall. I take it you do not feel there is any way to restore the family?"
"No Albus. I'm amazed she is not an obscurial or turned dark by now. The inherent goodness of her heart must be the only reason these people are not a red smear or worse." Poppy admitted.
Albus nodded, "Very well. As there is no record among our kind of the Smythes being her guardians, other than ours at the school, I shall rectify that situation. Poppy I want you to consider a family that would be able to hide her, protect her and help her recover from what has occurred. Minerva you will need to take over the school for the next several days. I fear I shall be busy correcting my misdeeds."
The two women nodded, "I shall be as discrete as possible." Poppy stated.
"Thank you." Albus said folding Fudge's letter into an envelope and throw it into his to deal with later basket. Maybe by the time Albus returned to it Fudge would have grown a spine enough to handle it himself.
…...
Ophelia was sitting on the couch enjoying the peace and quiet with Claude at work and Brandy at her school. The show on the Telly had just reached the point when the lady of the house had declared she was having an affair when the picture fuzzed into snow. She scowled and got up, moving forward to smack the contrary device when she froze as a face appeared. The face glared at her intently, "Ophelia Smythe. I trusted you. I placed under your care one of our greatest treasures and you failed in the oath you gave me. I hold you guilty of being an oath-breaker."
She swallowed rapidly as she realized who the face belonged to. The voice she had heard over the phone lines. The voice she had lied to, had her own daughter write letters about how wonderful her life was over the years. Albus Dumbledore.
"Dumbledore I can explain. You see. Well its like this."
"Be silent Ophelia. I have no desire to hear your words. In my power and authority as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamut I summarily find you guilty of attacking and abusing a child of an honored family. I find you guilty of oath-breaking. You are sentenced to life in prison."
There was a brilliant blue-white flash of light that caused her to see spots. By the time she had blinked them away the telly was playing a different show. It showed her picking the basket up with Hermione in it and recoiling in horror. Showing the child to her husband and how he had wanted to take her to the hospital and abandon her.
Ophelia tried changing the channels on the telly only to find that the same images played on each channel. Her feeding Brandy while Hermione screamed in hunger. How she backhanded Hermione for something Brandy did.
Ophelia tried to run out of the house through the front door only to find the doors had vanished, so had the exterior windows. She finally collapsed on the floor as a baby Hermione screamed from the telly.
…...
Albus sighed as he stared at the woman on the couch in front of him. He had read her mind for the memories in case there had been something to redeem her with. In case she was not guilty. He felt sickened by what he saw. The fear, the anger, the jealousy for her own sister. All of those negative emotions that had festered she took out on the innocent niece she had been entrusted with.
The ancient ritual that Emma had performed would protect her daughter against the touch of a Death Eater but not her own blood. He hated having to take such actions but Ophelia had not only allowed the abuse she had participated in it. And not only was Hermione a victim so was her own daughter who had never been disciplined and had been taught to carry on the abuse as well.
He had caused this mess and he would clear it up. It was the right thing to do.
…...
Albus Dumbledore and young Brandy Smythe landed on an island among the channel islands. This island though was unplottable so sat just offset from reality in its own pocket dimension. Ships could sail through it, airplanes fly over it, and no one would notice.
He stood perfectly still with his hands out to his side before a loud voice called from the house, "Approach young master Dumbledore."
Albus chuckled at the that and led the glassy eyed girl to the front doors which had swung open of the large mansion.
Inside a man who might have been in his sixties except for the depth of history in his eyes stood waiting. A woman in her middle ages stood patiently nearby. Both of them looking at Albus with soft smiles, "Hello Albus. Who is your friend?"
"Alas this is young Brandy Smythe. The cousin of Hermione Granger. It seems that her family have received some plenary justice as a result of certain actions they performed and others they failed to perform." Albus explained with a sad grimace.
"Ahh. I see. Well Perenelle and I had been considering adopting another ward. Perri dear. What do you think?"
"She is a muggle. She has a sad aura about her. Yes I think bringing her into our house will prove quite beneficial to her."She said in an ethereal voice."
"Well how goes the hunt at Hogwarts?"
"If you have any more of that excellent Brivari I would be more than happy to discus things over a light lunch." Albus told his friend.
"Ahh yes I do young an. Come let us go to the dining room. Cook was going to make an excellent duck for lunch. I'll tell her to make another setting."
…...
Hermione woke up feeling calmer and more rested than she had in a while. She thought about how she had started telling the matron everything and been scooped up in a maternal hug. She had cried and cried until she fell asleep.
Sitting up she found her glasses on the bedside table. Looking around once the world came into focus she looked curiously at Hagrid having his arm wrapped by the matron. He noticed her moving about and smiled.
"Ello Ermione. Glad to see you up and about. Poppy was jest tellin me bout yer having the flu." Hagrid sympathetically said.
"Uh yes." Hermione said in confusion. "Are you alright?"
"Oh yes. I was jest feeding me dog and he got a bit rambunctious. Fluffy, he don know no better." Hagrid said then looked nervously around the room but cleared his throat. "Not, that ye need ta worry bout that."
Hermione shrugged as she waited for the matron to tell her she could go. After finishing with Hagrid the matron came over and checked on her.
"Feeling better dear?" Poppy asked as Hagrid hovered nearby.
Glancing up at her hirsute friend she thought about the way things had changed in her life. How she had adults that cared about her and treated her decently, she had friends her own age. So yes she most assuredly was feeling much better. Smiling honestly for a change she nodded, "Yes ma'am."
"Okay. Well come back in a week or earlier if you need anything else. Even if you just want to sit and talk." Poppy said with a gentle wink. "My office is open pretty much all of the time."
"Yes ma'am." Hermione said hopping out of bed.
"I'll escort ye down." Hagrid said, "I'm feelin a mit bit peckish meself."
"Thanks Hagrid." Hermione said lightly looking forward to going to lunch.
Reaching the grand staircase Hermione ran into some of her fellow Gryffindors including Ron and Harry who were bickering over a spell.
"I told you Ron the enunciation is on the second syllable not the first. Its a deliberate fricative." Harry said with a huff.
"OY! Yer back. Ye've not got any more flu cooties do ye?" Ron said noticing Hermione and Hagrid.
"Flu cooties? What are you five Ron?" Lavender huffed.
Hermione laughed happily, "No. I'm feeling much better and I'm not contagious."
"Honestly. The flu virus is common knowledge even among healers at Saint Mungos." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Alright go and fricative your self then." Ron huffed "Since we have potions then flight we are going to need all of the strength we can muster so lets go eat."
"Honestly Ron. Its not like they will run out of food if we're not there at the start of the meal." Harry observed.
"I don't know. I think Ron has the right idea." Hermione said winking at Hagrid, "Shall we?"
Ron grinned at being told he was right and said, "Certainly."
The four students and one giant walked down the stairs laughing as Harry began to regal Hermione with the information she had missed in their morning Charms and Herbology classes. Her bout with the flu soon forgotten by the others.
…...
Hermione walked into the dungeon potions lab. She had heard a great many dark things about Professor Snape from Ron and his brothers. He was also the one that had made her scar hurt at the feast. So she had no idea what to expect.
Standing beside Neville at the front table she looked to her left where Lavender and Parvati stood while Ron and Harry had been wound up on the end. The Slytherins took up the last two rows behind them which left Hermione a bit uncomfortable.
Professor Snape entered the room from a side door and took his place at the front of the class. He paused when he looked at Hermione and with a strange expression like he wanted to smile before he clamped down on his lips and looked across the room.
"You are about to enter the most fascinating sphere of magic known. The subtle and fantastic art of brewing potions. There will be no wand waving or silly incantations as this is artistry combined with skill. I shall expect all of you to prove yourselves capable of brewing the concoctions that I set for you without managing to destroy this laboratory or yourselves." He dryly declared looking around. Finding nothing to comment on he sneered, "Then let us see who has read their texts before coming here. Where would I find a bezor?"
Harry's hand shot up causing Ron to dodge as he had been reaching into his bag for his text.
"Mis-tah Potter." Snape acknowledged.
"A bezor is found in the stomach of a goat."
Snape nodded, "Very good. Next time try not to be so enthusiastic as to knock your fellow student's ears off.
"Mr Longbottom, Which member of the nightshade family would you prefer I place on your salad at dinner?" Snape smiled wickedly.
Neville thought for several moments before saying excitedly, "A Tomota. Its a tomota. They're a nightshade."
"Yes they are, so is Belladonna, make certain you remember the difference when preparing a salad."
Snape asked several more questions of students before finally waving his hand at the blackboard causing a set of instructions to appear. "This is the recipe for a simple stomach remedy to cure nausea, heartburn, upset and sour stomachs. As well as diarrhea. I believe even muggles have developed a version of this."
Hermione had a quick look around and found Neville cheerfully grinding and cutting the ingredients. "How are you doing that?" She dared whisper when Snape wasn't looking.
"Like this. See take your knife and run along the vein of the leaf." Neville explained as they worked. By the end of class almost everyone had a decent light pink potion except Ron. His was gurgling and a dark blood red.
"Mr Weasley, what is that supposed to be?"
"I thought it was the stomach potion." Ron protested.
"Obviously it is not." Snape said banishing the contents, "No score for you."
Ron looked dejectedly as he packed his things away.
…...
"The man is a menace." Ron whined as they made their way back up the stairs from the dungeon.
"Actually you were..." Harry started to say when Ron rounded on him.
"Shut it you. I was doing just fine without your help."
"No you weren't Ron. Even I knew that." Neville said.
"Weasley just doesn't like to admit he's not even as good as a muggle." Draco sneered.
"Hey you take that back!" Ron shouted. Moving to get in Draco's face.
"Back off Ron." Hermione called out.
Everyone turned to see look at her in surprise except Draco who sneered, "ooohh looks like Weasley has a girlfriend."
Hermione frowned, "No. I just don't want to listen to you crying when he beats you up. Now if you'll excuse us we have Flight Class to get to." She then flipped her hair like she had seen Brandy do and strode up the stairs.
Ron looked at Draco then with an uncertain voice said, "Yeah what she said."
The other Gryffindors laughed and followed Hermione's lead. Draco narrowed his eyes at her back angrily.
…...
The Gryffindors and Slytherin stood opposite each other in the courtyard next to their brooms. Ron had been looking forward to this class since they had come to the school as he claimed to be an excellent flyer already. Draco merely sneered "Well at least they got rid of those antiquated pieces of junk they had been using. Maybe even Weasley can fly now."
"I'll fly rings around you Malfoy!" Ron growled.
A whistle shrilly blew, "No one will be flying rings around anyone!" A medium height yellow eyed woman declared as she strode to the center of both lines. "Anyone who does not take this seriously will be out faster than you can say Quidditch!"
The students stood quietly as she walked down the lines like a general reviewing the troops. "For those of you who have already been flying, congratulations. I will expect you to help those who have not been. For those of you who have never flown before this courtyard has been charmed to soften the blow of any mistakes you might make. We will not be venturing outside of this courtyard until you have become sufficiently proficient, IN MY OPINION." She said in Draco's fac as she had leaned over to snicker something to the tall pug nosed girl that was standing beside him.
Hermione thought the girl reminded her far too much of Brandy, although this one was an incredibly thin beanpole while Brandy had carried a bit more weight. She almost missed the instruction to hold her hand over the broom and say up to activate it.
The broom sprung into Hermione's hand eagerly before she had even finished saying the word. It took a moment later for Draco's broom to spring to his hand while Harry and Ron gained their broom at the same time. Several others had nothing happen and Goyle's broom scooted across the ground like it was trying to sneak away from him.
By the time everyone was holding onto a hovering broom Hermione had been standing patiently. She had studied the broom and wondered how she was supposed to sit on the thing as it looked like a perfectly normal broom that one would use to sweep the floor.
When given the command to mount she flipped her leg over quickly and found herself sitting on a comfortable saddle it seemed like about three fourths of the way back.
"Now when I blow the whistle I want you to kick off, go up a foot or so then gently glide back down by leaning forward. Body weight is how you steer."
Neville must have kicked off too early in his excitement as he began to rocket into the sky. His screaming struggles caused his broom to begin to corkscrew and twist around the sky, rising above the roofline of the castle briefly before plunging back to crash against a wall and fall off of his broom. He landed in a shrubbery and rolled out into the well manicured lawn.
"Everyone stay where you are!" The professor Madam Hooch ordered as she ran to check on Neville.
"Oh dear that looks a bit broken." She said as his arm had a strange bend between his elbow and wrist. "Everyone brooms down and stay where you are until I return or the bell rings."
Once the professor was gone Draco sauntered over to pick up a shiny object that had been dropped on the ground. "Well Well what's this? The silly sod must have dropped it."
"Its Neville's. That's all you need to know." Hermione marched over with her hand out demandingly. "Now give it back."
Draco sneered at her and swung his leg over his broom, "No. I don't think so." He began to slowly float into the sky.
Hermione swung her leg over her broom and followed him with a faster launch. Ron grinned cheering her on while Harry shook his head saying, "Just great."
"Give it back Draco." She yelled as she arrowed her broom right at Draco.
Draco swung out of the way and looking over his shoulder, "Catch me and you can have it." He then took off quickly as she flipped over and followed him. Skimming the roofline in a broom that was the equal of his she did not catch up until she saw a chance to roll through two gargoyles and intercept him.
Draco had lost her for a moment until she suddenly appeared from a small crack between two gargoyles right next to him. He took the shiny stone and flung it, "Fine there it goes." He then banked and dove away from her.
She twitched her eyes after the stone and with a flipping roll dove to gain speed then swooped upwards to catch the stone in her hands as her feet barely tapped a window. Kicking back wards she rolled and flew back towards the courtyard she was supposed to be standing in. her heart was exploding from pure joy as she flew. Looking down at the ground as she gently spiraled down, reluctantly joining the earthbound once more, she smiled broadly.
"Uh oh." Harry intoned as Minerva McGonnagal hustled into the courtyard.
The Slytherins started laughing.
"Miss Granger!" Minerva called out as she came up, "What was that?"
"I uh. I can explain." She nervously declared.
"Draco Malfoy took something Neville dropped and refused to give it back." Harry said stepping forward. "Hermione went after it."
Looking at the dark haired boy Minerva nodded, "Is that true?" She asked the class in general. When several Gryffindors confirmed it, while only a few Slytherins contested it she held her hand up to signal for quiet. "Very well. 5 points from Slytherin. 5 Points to Gryffindor. Miss Granger come with me."
Hermione started to folly the professor when madam Hooch entered the courtyard, "Minerva?"
"I do believe that Miss Granger has inherited her father's skill." Minerva declared proudly.
Madam Hooch raised her eyebrow, "Really?" She said doubtfully.
"She chased down Mr Malfoy and caught an object he threw while in motion." Minerva explained.
"Well. I will of course need to give her the exam before I can declare her fit to fly or play." Hooch said.
Minerva seemed to remember something and nodded, "You are correct. My apologies. I got a bit excited."
Hooch chuckled, "I don't blame you. Having another Granger play would be quite exciting."
Hermione had no idea what the two adults were talking about but as long as she got to fly and didn't into trouble she didn't care.
"Very well. Miss Granger. I will speak with you after dinner." Minerva said nodding to the flying professor who gestured back towards the courtyard, "If you are good enough I'd like your help with the others then."
"If it means I can fly certainly ma'am." Hermione happily said.
She spent the rest of the class working with Harry and Lavender to get them more comfortable with flying. Parvati griped that she was more used to a Sultan Brand Flying Carpet her father had imported from Persia. Ron found himself being corrected by Madam Hooch for his bad habits he had learned.
Draco had been assigned to work with the Slytherins. Of which Goyle seemed to be completely locked to the ground. He kept glaring at Hermione though which made her grin back at him smugly.
…...
Hermione followed Professor McGonnagal after dinner to a trophy room. Stopping in front of a display case Minerva smiled softly, "Your father played for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. He was a champion Chaser and Seeker both. Switching up as needed."
Hermione looked at the trophy the professor was pointing towards. It had her father's name engraved on the side of it along with several other people she did not recognize. "So that's why I've always dreamed of the sky? Of flying away from everything." Her voice held a wistful tone.
"Possibly. It might also explain why you seem to be a prodigy at flying." Minerva stated.
"Was he popular? Did mother fly too?" Hermione turned to look up at the professor hopefully.
Minerva knew this would trigger some of Hermione's questions. "Yes your father had several friends. Three of them were closer than any others. As for your mother she flew, just not very well and did not seem to enjoy it as much." Minerva explained.
"So why didn't any of his close friends come find me?" Hermione's voice held a great deal of pain when she asked that.
Minerva sighed. She blinked for a moment to think of how to explain it to Hermione and finally said, "They couldn't come as they had some bad ends in the war. One of them was killed, another is in Azkaban, while the third left our country because he couldn't handle the loss."
"Azkaban. Our magical prison. He did something very bad." Minerva refused to tell Hermione that Sirius Black, the man her father called brother, had betrayed him. She changed the subject quickly before Hermione could ask another question, "I spoke with the Headmaster and the other heads of houses. They are willing to grant you an exception to play Quidditch if you would like to."
Hermione grinned happily, "Yes ma'am. I would love to play."
…...
"Buggering HELL!" Ron exclaimed, "YOU get to play Quidditch?"
"Language Ron." Harry sighed, "Congratulations. That is extraordinary. According to Hogwarts a History only two other first years have been allowed to play."
"Really? Was my father one of them?" Hermione eagerly asked.
Harry tilted his head then stared into the middle distance for a moment before shaking his head, "No, they were Ambrosius Black in 1878 and Henry Cavric in 1943. Although he was only able to play because the upper class students were needed for the war effort against Grindelwald."
Hermione sighed, "Oh. Well thank you."
"I did find your father mentioned in the Annals of Graystoke's Personalities of the Magical World. As well as your family in Cavendish's Pure-blood Directory of 1970."
Hermione wanted to know more but Ron's older brothers came over grinning, "Well seems like we've got a little birdie on the team now."
Hermione blushed but nodded, "Yes. Apparently I'm going to be the seeker."
"A fine and important role. Come our queen of the skies and allow us to introduce you to the rest of the team." they implored.
Hermione bit her lip as she wanted to know more about her family but she also wanted to make friends, and if she was going to be on the team. She said, "In a minute okay?"
"If you are as talented as the rumors claim we shall wait an eternity my dear." The one said with a flourish as the other bowed.
"Now tell me about my family." Hermione demanded after they had gone to the others on the other side of the room.
Harry cleared his throat, "Daniel Claudius Granger. Son of Ernest Polonius Granger, Son of William, Laertes Granger. It seems your family had a certain naming theme. All of them skilled potioneers and descendants of Hector Dagworth-Granger. Your father had been scouted for several professional Quidditch teams but chose to be an Auror."
"Wow. He chose to be a copper when he could have been a pro player?" Ron asked incredulously.
"Well apparently he wanted to do something beneficial to society." Harry stated.
"Hey Nothing is more beneficial than being a Pro Quidditch Player!" Ron countered.
Hermione sighed and interrupted what was gearing up to be another one of their arguments, "Thank you Harry. I appreciate that. I should go meet the rest of the team though."
"It probably would be beneficial." He agreed, "I have both books checked out if you would like to look at them."
Hermione smiled at him, "I'd like that. Maybe after I've met the team."
"I shall bring them down." Harry replied warmly.
She nodded then made her way over to the team to be introduced.
…...
"So how do you think you'll like playing Quidditch?" Lavender asked when Hermione came to the dormitory.
"I have no idea what I'm doing so I guess I'll find out. At least I'll be flying." She said collapsing on her bed.
Lavender set her Teen Witch issue down, "You're really good at it. I bet you'll be just spectacular you know."
Parvati agreed, "Really. I didn't know a person could do some of those moves on a broom."
Hermione sat up, "Really?"
Lavender nodded earnestly, "Really."
Hermione laid back and went to sleep. She had a dream she remembered having frequently. She was flying over the countryside below. Laughing and happy, feeling safe and protected from everything. Broken clouds drifted by as she floated among them.
…...
She spent the rest of September practicing for Quidditch which was not bad. As seeker she had to fly around, keeping track of the score so that when she caught the Snitch her team would win, although if she caught it before the other team even scored that would be acceptable. The game's rules seemed quite irrational to her as the seeker held far too much power compared to the rest of the team.
When she mentioned that to her friends Ron and Harry that sparked an argument between them about the importance of the seeker and what rules could be changed to make the game more balanced. Apparently school rules, league play and pickup games all had a different set of rules and importance of the seeker varied among them. Ron was quite knowledgeable about Quidditch which made Harry grumpy Hermione noticed.
Neville who was sitting beside them had no opinion on Quidditch as Hermione discovered when Ron turned to him in hopes of support for his line of reasoning.
Hermione began to giggle when Lavender and Parvati started voicing their opinion on the uniforms and which ones were the best looking and what could be done to make the others more stylish. Causing Ron to throw his hands up in a huff.
Hermione enjoyed visiting Hagrid's hut with Harry and Ron, or her other friends Lavender and Parvati, with Neville sometimes joining either group. His quiet nature letting him fit in with either one. Hagrid would talk about the school, animals in the forest and what he recalled of Hermione's parents.
She would talk to him about her classes, her friends joining in as Ron swore Snape hated him. Blaming Snape for why he was so bad at potions. Even though Hermione and her friends tried to help him.
All of them had partnered with Ron which resulted in Neville being rendered hairless, Lavender received a few burns, and Hermione had the side of her head and arm develop large painful boils which put her in the hospital wing for several hours.
She felt slightly odd as the month of October passed by calmly. Snape would smile and wish her good day then his face would turn dark when he saw Ron. Draco would strut and pout and sneer at her but otherwise kept to himself. His two minions remained silent and brooding.
The reason she felt odd was that she knew that Halloween was the night her parents had been killed. So feeling happy somehow seemed like something she shouldn't be. She remembered the matron had said she could come and talk to her if she needed to so after dinner went to the Hospital wing a few days before Halloween.
"Ah Miss Granger is something wrong?"
"I was wondering if I could speak with you?"
"Certainly." The matron said leading Hermione to a small sitting room down a flight of stairs.
"Is this where you live?" Hermione asked looking around.
"As much as I feel like I live in the hospital these are my private quarters. Would you like a fizzy?" the matron asked.
"Uh thank you."
"So the nutritional potion seems to be doing good. You've grown a little bit since you arrived." The matron observed.
Hermione nodded as she accepted the cool bubbly beverage. "Yes I have. Lavender showed me how to alter my uniform to fit better."
"Ahh good. So what do you want to talk about?" The matron asked sitting in one of the overstuffed wing back chairs and gesturing for Hermione to take the other.
"I'm not sure. Its sort of weak now that I think about it." Hermione felt guilty for coming to bother the matron with her feelings.
"Dearie. Its my job and pleasure to help the students. If you have concerns or problems please feel free to speak to me about them." Poppy offered. "Is there something wrong?"
Hermione took a deep breath and said, "I feel happy."
When Hermione did not elaborate the matron sighed, "You feel happy only you've been told for so long you shouldn't feel that way. Is that it?"
"Some I guess." Hermione paused, "My parents got killed on Halloween."
"And you don't feel very much like having fun on that day."
Hermione nodded, she gave an awkward smile "Yeah. I guess. I've never had any reason to be happy before now. So I guess maybe I don't know how."
"Oh I've seen you laughing with your friends. So I think you know how. What you're wanting is permission to feel happy it sounds like." Poppy said pointedly.
Hermione wondered if that really was what she was here for.
"So you think your parents, or your friends would want you to be unhappy?" Poppy asked softly.
Hermione shook her head. "No I don't think so."
"I wasn't here when your parents were students. I was still an intern at Saint Mungo's but I heard about them." Poppy paused to take a drink of her tea. "From what I heard though they were very kind, happy, decent people. Even if Daniel was rather energetic and enthusiastic in his appreciation of life."
Hermione looked sadly at the matron, "What was my mother like?"
"She was brilliant. Intelligent. Pretty. You have the same warm brown eyes as her." Poppy pointed out.
Hermione thought quietly about her aunt. How she would sometimes look into Hermione's eyes and get a sad, then angry expression. "Oh that explains a lot."
"Probably. So what do you want to do for the Halloween feast?" Poppy asked going back to the original problem.
Hermione thought for a moment then asked, "Do I have to go?"
"No it is not mandatory to go. I believe the ghosts celebrate Sir Nicholas' deathday then. But that might not help you feel better." Poppy said with a grimace.
Hermione shook her head, "No. I suppose I could just stay in the common room or dorm."
"If that's what you choose. Although I have a feeling your friends might wonder why."
Hermione worked her lips as she considered it, "I don't know what they would do."
"Well speaking with them might be a good idea to find out what they are thinking then." Poppy suggested.
Hermione finished her fizzy and said, "So if I don't go to the feast I won't get into trouble."
Poppy shook her head, "No you would just miss out on a little bit of the festivities."
"Which are what? Ron says there are a lot of sweets." Hermione asked.
"There are, as well as people are allowed to come in fancy dress if they wish, there is a small bit of dancing and music. A chance for everyone to relax and take a moment." The matron said.
Hermione looked at the floor, "Is it bad that I feel bad about feeling happy?"
Poppy studied the girl in front of her, "How you feel is normal for you. Its not bad or good its just how you feel. Its what you do about that feelings that make it good or bad."
"So hiding in the dorms would be bad?"
Poppy smiled gently, "It wouldn't be bad, it just wouldn't be a very enjoyable night with all of your friends at the party would it?"
Hermione set the tumbler on the table looking thoughtful, "No, I guess not."
"In the end we accept the happiness we think we deserve. So ask yourself how much happiness does Hermione Granger deserve?" Poppy said pleasantly smiling at her.
Hermione sat staring at the healer for a long minute before smiling uncertainly, "I deserve to be happy."
Poppy nodded, "Yes you do. You have friends that like you, you're in a safe environment and we are working on getting you a home that will care about you outside of the castle."
"Will I get to have a say in that?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"Yes you will. That's why we are being so careful in our considerations. You need a family to love you and care about you. So if you don't feel comfortable around them then of course you wouldn't be sent to stay with them."
"Then why did I wind up with the Smythes in the first place?" Hermione firmly demanded.
Poppy took a deep breath, "The headmaster will be the better one to answer that but I believe he did not realize how bad they were and was lied to by them. They hide their true selves."
Hermione slumped in the chair as she drew her knees to her chin, "And they're really not going to be able to hurt me anymore?"
"Correct. You will not have to go back to live with them, or even see them if you don't want to." Poppy confirmed.
"Why would they do that?" Hermione asked in a small voice.
Poppy took a breath and honestly said, "Because people are born with the capacity for good or evil. The path of our future is ours to decide. They chose to go down the path they did. Not because of anything you did but because of who they were."
Hermione sat quietly thinking for a few minutes before she sighed, "How do I know I'm making the right choice."
Poppy shrugged, "Sometimes you don't until after you've already made it. But its the choice, both good and bad, that make us who we are. As you grow up you'll learn that. Even adults sometimes need to be reminded of that."
Hermione looked surprised but nodded, "Okay. I better get back to the Dormitory. Harry promised to help me with my charms homework."
"Alright. If you feel okay enough for now."
"I feel better." Hermione said evenly.
Poppy smiled, "Good, that's a good thing."
…...(End of Chapter 3)
Dennisud: Well let's see how things go with the story. Lol. As for Dagworth-Granger that will be the family lineage. As for Harry this one is as muggle as they come. So no the Peverall line will not touch his family tree.
Minerdude: I am going to try and develop this Harry into a somewhat Sheldon Cooper or at least sorta like him, kind of character. Brilliant but awkward and keeping a shell up. Hermione is making friends with not just Ron and Harry in this but Neville, Parvati and Lavender so its not going to be just a trio show. Although Harry and Ron are going to be her closest friends the others will be an important part too.
