Chapter 6

"Do you think Ron will want to play Poker?" Harry whispered to Hermione. Hermione carefully kept her face neutral. After Pansy suggested the muggle card game, Hermione was shocked to learn about the wizarding version. That afternoon, Hermione realized how devious Pansy Parkinson could be and how much Harry enjoyed dangerous hobbies.

"I've never heard him mention it," Hermione evaded the question. "But perhaps in your dorm room? Not in a small space where your cards could catch us on fire."

Harry grinned, "I do hope Justin and Seamus haven't heard of it yet."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Yes, because we know how much Seamus has a thing for setting things on fire."

"Pot meets Kettle," Harry whispered back to her as they watched Ron try to teach Neville a Wizarding chest move.

"That was a special circumstance," Hermione muttered.

"Yes, you set a teacher on fire," Harry grinned. "Do you think you can do that again this year?"

"Will you take your studies seriously this year?" Hermione bargained. "If you insist that I turn into a fire starter, I think I should get something out of it."

"Uhm….Harry?" Ron stammered, looking at them in shock.

"Yes, Ron?" Harry turned to his friend with a grin.

"Why are you and Hermione talking about setting people on fire?" At Ron's question, Neville turned away from the wizarding game and raised an eyebrow at Hermione.

"Because I didn't get to see Hermione set a teacher on fire," Harry answered matter of factly.

"Harry, I set his robes on fire, and it was the wrong teacher!" Hermione's voice got an octave higher. "I should have been attaching Quirrell!"

"I still didn't get to see it," Harry wheedled. "Maybe we can even get a free hour!"

Ron's eyes widened, "Merlin! Why didn't I think of that! Hermione, you got to! Maybe right before exams?"

Neville shook his head, deciding to sit back and watch as Harry and Ron begged Hermione to set a teacher on fire. Ron was advocating for right before the exam. Neville snorted as Ron continued to badger the witch.

Ron glared his way, "What's that for Neville? You dislike Snape as much as I do."

"It's Professor Snape, Ronald," Hermione corrected. "Besides, Professor Snape was distracted last time. I highly doubt I could pull it off again."

Neville sent her a grateful look, which she returned with a small smile. Before Ron could speak, the train settled into a slow stop. They all waited until the train stopped, then stood as students started to leave the safety of their compartments.

"Hermione?"

The young witch glanced up from her book to see Harry looking at her nervously. Neville looked at him encouragingly while elbowing Ron to keep quiet. The redhead scowled at the young boy but remained silent. Quickly catching on to Neville and Harry's body language, the witch placed her book into her bookbag that she kept out of her trunk.

"Yes, Harry?"

"May I escort you to the carriage?" Harry stumbled over the words, looking at Neville, who shot him a shy smile. Hermione beamed at him, offering her hand for him to take. "Thank you, Harry. Shall we?"

"Why are you doing that, Harry?" Ron asked, looking at him skeptically. Hermione wanted to roll her eyes but glanced at Harry, unsure how he would react to someone questioning this new behavior.

Harry blushed, "Uhm…it's something Lady Longbottom wants me to practice. Hermione's the only girl I really know, Ron."

Ron frowned but shrugged, "She makes you take those etiquette classes or something? Mum is always on about our manners. I don't see the big deal."

Hermione squeezed Harry's hand as he breathed deeply, "It's part of the program we are in, Ron. Now that Harry's doing it, why don't you join us next time?"

Ron laughed, "Waste my summer on learning how to act like a ponce? No Thanks. Let's go before we miss the carriages!"

Harry held his arm up for Hermione to take and walked with her outside the train. Neville followed behind and offered his arm to Hannah, whom they had run into. Hermione tried not to smile at how Harry's shoulders immediately relaxed when Neville offered his arm.

"Harry," Hermione whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Take a look at some of the older students."

At Hermione's insistence, he spotted a familiar pair of red-headed twins each, with their arms holding out to another pair of familiar faces. "Are the twins escorting Angelina and Katie?"

Hermione giggled when she spotted Angelina swot at Fred, who laughed as he helped her into one of the carriages. "Seems like some of the Weasleys have taken Mrs. Weasley's lectures to heart."

"Except for the pranks," Harry added making Hermione shake her head, "We should be grateful they never sent her…what was it?"

"A Hogwarts Toilet," Harry laughed.

Hermione paled, "I'm suddenly very grateful I've never been a target of one of their pranks."

"Hermione, I think you are far too scary for that," Ron told her from behind as he watched with narrow eyes as Harry helped her into a carriage. Hermione looked at the carriage with unease, "Are you sure it's okay? Whose pulling it!"

Neville shook his head, "It's fine Hermione. Magic, remember?"

Ron rolled his eyes as he hopped in, sitting next to Harry, "Honestly, do you even remember you are a witch?"

"Ron," Harry snapped. "I was questioning it too, okay? Not everyone was raised around magic."

Neville nodded beside Hermione across from the boys, "It's good that Hermione was brave enough to question it. Harry looked like he would have just gone along with it."

Harry blushed, "Er…Yeah, you are right."

Ron huffed, mumbling as the quartet felt the carriage start to move. Harry looked out the window, "Magic is wicked."

XXX

"Why is it always Slytherin?" Hermione muttered as Neville chuckled quietly at her side. Harry and Ron had both woken up late and were still choking down their food before their first lesson of the year.

"Nan says the Founders originally wanted all four houses taught together. It was until sometime after the Statue of Secrecy was enacted that our population started to increase. The class sizes got too big, so classes were split into two houses a piece over the years."

Hermione nodded in confirmation that she heard, "Why haven't they switched if everyone knows about the bad blood between Gryffindor and Slytherin house?"

"At some point, it became a tradition," Neville shrugged. Hermione considered that the stupidest reason to keep doing the same thing. She knew many older families' magical or muggle that valued tradition. Hermione had no problem with tradition. What she questioned was when the tradition was more hurtful than helpful.

Was it helpful to have some of our most dangerous classes with the rival house they had the most animosity with? Hermione and Neville were among the first to get to the classroom to see the professor was not there. Neville seemed okay to sit in silence. Allowing Hermione to continue her thoughts. Slowly, the corridor filled up with second-year Gryffindor and Slytherins.

Just as Professor Lockhart came opening the classroom, Harry and Ron were running up. Hermione looked at her friends in concern when Harry shook his head, "I'll tell you later," He whispered.

The crowd of students slowly filed into the classroom. Hermione quickly picked a seat up at the front, as was her usual practice. Hermione met Professor Lockhart's eyes and blushed as he winked at her. She was looking forward to this class after reading his books. Hermione quickly lowered her gaze to get set up for the class when she noticed something strange.

Almost all the girls were sitting in front. She saw Parvati and Lavender giggling at each other at the desk beside her. Hermione knew their new professor was seen as handsome. She wasn't blind. Her interest was primarily due to his reputation and exploits in his books.

"Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts, my dear second years." The professor smiled, his teeth bright. Hermione swore they literally twinkled. Was there a spell to make body parts twinkle?

"For our first class, I thought we'd start with a little quiz to see how much you guys know," The professor began, earning many groans and sighs. Hermione sighed happily, a man after her own heart, smiling, knowing she had completed her summer reading. Surely this would impress him.

Lockhart passed out the pop quiz, Hermione quickly turned hers over and began to read the questions. Brown eyes glanced back up at the quiz. Surely she was reading this wrong?

Question 1

What is Professor Lockhart's favorite color?

Admittedly, this year's textbooks were novels the teacher had written. Memoirs Hermione corrected, meaning they came directly from his experience and therefore held vital information from an accomplished wizard. Despite her hesitance, she was captivated once Hermione started to read the books. The young witch also knew she had an advantage due to her solid memory. She was not quite able to remember everything she read only once. Still, her organized mind made converting things to memory easier.

She knew the answer, but why would this be a question in a Defense Against the Dark Arts class? What was he trying to obtain? It was such a small piece of information, a single sentence in one of his books. What was it for? Was he trying to identify students with strong memory? Just who read the book?

There were better ways of testing how much one paid attention than a particular detail, such as his favorite color, especially in a class designed to teach defense. Hermione frowned, unsure if she wanted to take this quiz; the other questions were not much better. It didn't make much sense to the brunette. Could she bring herself not to take this quiz?

Hermione bites her lip. No. Her grades were far too important. Quickly scribbling all the answers down, the witch pushed the paper toward the edge of her desk. Glancing around, she noticed Ron's face twist into a scowl as he scribbled away. Hermione doubted he did any of his summer homework without prompting.

Next to the redhead was Harry, who had a funny look. His green eyes met her brown ones as if he sensed she was looking his way. He mouthed what-the-hell, earning a shrug and a i-don't-know from the brunette.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger. Not cheating, are we?" The professor called out as Hermione noted he picked up her quiz.

"Of course not, Professor," Hermione answered politely. "I was simply looking around. Harry and I just locked eyes, is all."

The professor chuckled, "I would never suggest the Boy-Who-Lived would cheat, especially when his power is so close to my own! Next time, my dear, just bring a book. I hear you were top of your class last year I'm afraid I can't give you extra work yet perhaps later in the year until then I trust you will keep yourself entertained during assessments."

"Yes, professor," Hermione murmured. Her eyes lowered to the desk in embarrassment at being caught. Maybe she was overthinking things? He was a professor and a well-renowned wizard. His quizzes might be peculiar, but she was a twelve almost thirteen-year-old girl. Who was she to question her teacher.

She took out one of her textbooks and read head while the rest of the class finished. The next class would shine some light on what their professor was looking for?

A witch could hope.

XXX

November 1992

Dear Lady Longbottom,

Hermione bit her lip as she sat on one of the many study desks in the library. She would rather be in her common room but couldn't risk Harry finding out what she was writing. He would be angry that Hermione was informing their Wizarding Guardian of what was happening at Hogwarts. He said he would tell Neville's Gran if it got worse. After last year, Hermione was confident he wouldn't.

Harry didn't have normal boundaries. First, it was finding out a strange elf had visited Harry Potter in his dormitory, talking about him being in danger. She tried to ask Ron, but he had not seen anything. The redhead shrugged it off, thinking Harry might just be stressed. Hermione knew their last year was stressful. But there was that issue with his mail….

Could House Elf have something to do with his mail?

Harry hadn't said anything, but he was known to keep things to himself until he had to.

I was hoping Harry had written to you, but I'm afraid he won't see the need until it's too late. Can House Elves interfere with Wizard Mail? I ask because Harry had a strange interaction with one recently. Not only that, but our Defense Professor, while on paper, sounds perfect for the job…his job performance has left many dissatisfied.

"Granger."

Turning to face the unknown voice, Hermione's eyes widened to see one familiar face, Marcus Flint, the 6th-year Slytherin from Lady Longbottom's playdate. Next to him was a new face. Noticing where the young witch was looking warily.

Marcus chuckled, "Granger, meet Adrian Pucey, a fellow 6th year Slytherin. Adrian, you've heard of Granger. She was part of the Longbottom gathering."

"Rita Skeeter actually wrote the truth?" The young man chuckled. "Well, met Ms. Granger. It's refreshing to see new blood show interest in our traditions."

Shocked at the polite interaction, Hermione nodded before returning to her paper. She looked back up again when she heard footsteps step closer, not further away. "Why are you writing a letter in a library?" Marcus asked, respecting her privacy enough to look her in the eye after glancing at the salutations at the top of the page.

Hermione bit her lip, not wanting to share information with older students she didn't really know. Flint had been surprisingly polite at Longbottom Manor and today. Still, she recalled last year and Harry's near misses with the older boy on the pitch. "I'm writing to Lady Longbottom," She answered simply. "It's rather noisy in the common room."

The two older boys shared a look, "I see," Marcus replied. "Excuse us. We were just starting on a Potions project. Have an enjoyable evening, Ms. Granger."

"Good Evening, Ms. Granger," Pucey said in farewell as the two left towards the potions section.

Hermione stared at them with narrowed eyes, wondering what that was about. Turning towards her letter, Hermione quickly finished it.

Mrs. Norris, Filch's familiar, was petrified last night. Written on the wall was a warning against Muggle-borns and the enemy of the Heir of Slytherin. I've asked Professor McGonagall, but all the teachers have to offer is folklore!

So far, the only thing normal about this year is Harry and Malfoy's quidditch rivalry. I've tried to allow Harry to write to you, but now, with Mrs. Norris…I'm scared, Lady Longbottom. What should we do?

Sincerely,

Hermione Granger

XXX

Hermione waved at Harry as he took a spot alongside Ron towards the back of the room. The young Gryffindor wanted to roll her eyes at their attempt to be overlooked by their professor. Ideally, the witch would choose to sit close to the front, but she noticed Neville looking around nervously. Seamus and Dean team up at the desk in front of her friends.

"Neville, do you want to partner with me?" Hermione asked softly. She didn't want to embarrass him. She knew the boy disliked potions because of their professor. Therefore, I would be reluctant to sit in front. She'd be partnerless or forced to roll the dice with her Slytherin classmates if she tried forcing Neville up to the front.

Neville smiled gratefully, "Can we sit in the middle?" the wizard pointed to a free desk around the edge of the classroom, middle row. Hermione nodded, dropping her things to sit on one of the stools, smiling as Neville sat beside her.

Professor Snape finally entered the classroom, his robes billowing behind him in his signature move. Hermione wondered if he did that on purpose. Was it a spell? With a flick of his wand, directions were on the board.

"This year, I will be assigning partners," Professor Snape informed the group, ignoring the groans of the pre-teens. Hermione thought she saw a smirk on his face. "Last year we focused on important but non-lethal potion basics. The standards are higher this year, and due to your performances last year, it was determined to pair you differently."

"There will be no changing my mind. Partnerships are final until the end of the semester over break I shall re-evaluate each pair. Understood?"

"First pair Daphne Greengrass with Neville Longbottom.," Professor Snape called out. Hermione scanned the room to find the semi-familiar blonde Slytherin from the summer. The blonde looked over towards the pair, offering a small smile. Hermione pointedly didn't mention the way Neville blushed.

"Daphne won't be too bad," Hermione murmured. "She was decent with potions last year. I think she will be able to help you."

Neville nodded, "I'm just worried who will you be paired with?"

Snape continued to call out names, "Harry Potter and Theodore Nott."

Hermione coughed to hide her laugh as Ron and Harry released shocked exclamations. Both boys were quickly silenced, Harry meeting the gaze of a brown-haired boy frowning. "Let's just hope the play date has helped Harry's anti-Slytherin sentiments a bit."

"Dean Thomas and Ron Weasley," Their Professor called; Hermione let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Neville chuckled, "Professor Snape thinks like you do, Hermione."

"That Ron's so narrow-minded about Slytherins that there would be no peace if he was paired with one?"

Neville couldn't help but point out, "Ron still looks a bit put out."

Hermione shook her head, "He always wants to be paired with Harry. I understand wanting to be with your best friend, but aren't his reactions much?"

Neville shrugs, not knowing what else to add. "Who do you think you'll be paired with?"

"Pansy Parkinson and Lavender Brown," Professor Snape called out with a sneer. The class could hear the threat in his voice. Hermione took a glance at Ron to see him turning purple. Only the combined shushes of his male Gryffindor peers kept the redhead quiet. Turning her gaze towards the sitting Slytherin's, Pansy was clearly fuming. Hermione saw the witch about to open her mouth when their professor shot her a look, causing the young witch to close her lips.

Then finally…

"Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger."

Hermione felt her mouth open in shock as her brown eyes met with startled grey ones. The professor placed the roster onto his desk with a heavy thud. "Well? Move to sit with your new partners."

Neville shot her a nervous look as he picked up his textbook and cauldron before moving towards Daphne's desk. Hermione did her best to give him a reassuring smile. She watched as Neville walked off, eyes only moving towards the seat next to her when she heard the stool move. Her head turned as the stool made an irritating noise. Her eyes widened as Draco Malfoy placed his cauldron beside hers and his texts.

"Good. Today, we will review the major concepts you should have learned last year."

XXX

Hermione liked it when the country began to cool. The young witch loved to watch the landscape change. The second year Gryffindor starred out of the castle, taking the rare moment of quiet, before the Slytherin Vs. Gryffindor match. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if she should have mentioned Harry's belief that maybe Draco Malfoy was the Heir of Slytherin.

Hermione let out a groan. All she wanted was a typical year. One where she starred down a few blood purists, trounced them all in her classes, and did not worry about the safety of her best friend. A world where she had time to learn about her new magical surroundings just for her interest in the culture and not her need to survive.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready for the match?"

Hermione turned around, her mouth opened in shock at seeing Adrian Pucey looking down at her with a slight smirk. "Is the golden girl trying to play hookey?"

The witch shook her head, "Gryffindor Tower let's rather loud before their matches. I just needed…"

"Some quiet," Adrian responded. "I'm out for the same reason."

At Hermione's raised eyebrow, Adrian shook his head. "Slytherin doesn't get as…rowdy as our lion counterparts but they are just as vicious in their pre-game traditions. There are only so many times you can listen to 'Gryffindorks' without wanting to drown myself."

Hermione giggled, throwing her hands to her mouth, eyes opening wide when she realized just exactly who she was conversing with. Adrian, for his part, didn't tease her for her reactions. "I take it your fellow lions are no more creative in their taunts?"

Hermione shook her head, "The twins are genuinely creative, but as a whole, no. I'm rather surprised not a single Slytherin managed to come up with something better than Gryffindorks."

"We are young, yet these young snakes will grow their teeth." Adrian shook his head. "I should just be grateful Slytherin doesn't house its own Weasley twins. Even your own house is not safe."

Hermione nodded in understanding. Her brown eyes flickered up to the older student. "Why are you being so polite? Most Slytherin purebloods look down on muggle-borns."

Adrain let out a low chuckle, "I have multiple reasons. One is that you are in contact with Augusta Longbottom. She is not a witch I particularly want to get on the wrong side of. Even families who want nothing to do with the Longbottom's are reluctant to get on the wrong side of her wand."

The young witch didn't say anything to that. She sort of expected it. Looking at the older student, Hermione started to see why her mother was so insistent that she pay attention to Augusta's cultural lessons and not risk Augusta taking her offer away. Not that Hermione would ever allow that.

But Hermione was starting to see. What exactly she was seeing, the witch was not sure. But the wizarding world just got a little bit easier to understand.

A.N: What do you guys think? As much as I like seeing children with some more adult thoughts, I do want to make sure it's obvious they are still children. Hermione might be brilliant, and her confidence in her brilliance, I think, will make her more likely to ask tough questions. But she is still a thirteen-year-old girl. Thirteen yes? She would be one of the oldest of her year because no one can go before they are eleven, meaning she would have been almost 12 at the start of her second year.