Song Suggestion: Peter Gundry- "The Vampire Masquerade"

A BIG thank you to my Beta, MyPrivateInsanity. This chapter she especially helped me reorder paragraphs to help the flow of the story!

Periwinkle

December arrived, and Hermione sat in front of her vanity. Tabitha stood behind her, taming her hair into an intricate updo, braiding it into an impressive rose pattern around her head. A few curls hung loose, despite Tabitha's attempts to subdue it.

"Lovely." Tabitha looked a little teary eyed, and Hermione rolled her eyes. The old woman cried at everything, but Hermione enjoyed her obvious affection.

Hermione grinned, showing her new, improved teeth. She had always been buck-toothed, but a spell had rebounded and knocked them out three weeks before. The healer made sure to regrow them straight and even.

"Whose necklace is this?" She put a hand on the delicate string of diamonds, each one shaped like a rose. It was one of the most beautiful pieces of jewellery she'd ever seen and had to be an heirloom.

"The late Mrs. Nott."

"Wouldn't Titus be angry I'm wearing it?"

"He's the one who suggested it."

She brushed the diamonds with the tips of her fingers, feeling the sharp points, and dropped her hand. For the first time, she looked at herself in the mirror and didn't see a child. Tabitha had allowed her to put on a little makeup, and she wore a dress they custom ordered in France in a lovely periwinkle which glittered under the lights as she moved.

"I'm a little nervous," she admitted.

"Don't be." The old woman stared at her in the mirror warmly. "You're as beautiful as a flower. None of the boys will be able to take their eyes off you."

"That's what I'm afraid of," a deep voice said. She glanced up to find Titus leaning on the doorframe of her room, adjusting his cufflinks. "You do look beautiful, Sprite."

Her cheeks warmed with the compliment.

He wore formal dress robes, looking unfairly handsome. He had shaved his beard and combed his hair into an attractive style. It looked smoother than she'd ever seen it, but it still curled at the nape of his neck. His striking blue eyes stood out in contrast with his dark hair and clothing.

She hadn't seen him much lately. Work kept him busy. When she woke up, he'd already left for the day, and by the time he came home, she was asleep. He promised he'd be here today though - Hogwarts was hosting a Yule Ball as part of the Triwizard Tournament, and some of the muggleborns had been invited. Delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang would be there, and rumour had it that the Quidditch star Viktor Krum was participating. She knew Theo must be losing his mind, since Krum was his favourite.

Hermione couldn't wait to arrive. She'd never been to a ball or to Hogwarts.

"Will I be allowed to dance with other boys besides Theo?"

From his instant frown, it seemed like he wanted to say no.

"Yes, but under supervision. I'm sure Malfoy will be first in line." He held out his hand. "But I require the first dance."

Hermione grabbed his hand, unable to stop a smile as he pulled her up and made her twirl. Her skirt billowed and glittered.


They arrived at Hogwarts. Her eyes stayed on the old castle as they rolled closer in the carriage. Ugly horses with wings pulled them, their skin pulled tight over bones. Thestrals, Titus called them. Hermione wondered how they stayed alive when they resembled walking skeletons. When she first saw them, she'd jumped in fright, but Titus' hand on her elbow steadied her.

"I forgot you'd see them."

"How can I?"

"You've seen death."

The thought made her shiver. She made a note in her mind to research the ugly creatures later.

When they finally stopped, Titus helped her out of the carriage, pausing while she straightened her dress.

"It's beautiful," she said, studying the outline of the castle.

Grey stone spires reached to the sky. A giant lake reflected the moonlight, and an endless forest grew in the distance. It looked like a fairy tale. She wondered what it would be like to call this her school. It made her jealous of Theo, despite knowing she should be grateful she had lessons and friends at home.

"I thought you would like it." Titus had a large grin on his face, eyes on Hermione's amazement. He gave her hand a squeeze. "Are you ready for your first ball?"

Hermione nodded, unable to form words in her excitement. Torches lit the way as other people entered the large stone hallways beside them. Behind her, Katie walked next to her mistress. When she noticed Hermione, she gave a giant wave. She wore a dark blue dress with her hair curled into waves on her shoulder. Many of the boys their age kept stealing glances as she passed. Not that Katie noticed. Her friend would rather be in quidditch gear, flying around the pitch, getting dirty. Her mistress must have earned some grey hairs getting Katie in a dress.

The boys weren't allowed to attend, and Julie was nowhere to be seen, but she assumed her mum wouldn't let her come to a dance.

"Holy Merlin and Salazar." Theo walked into her vision. "You look like a girl."

Hermione reached out and pushed his shoulder for the backhanded compliment. For a moment, he resembled his brother, since they wore similar clothes.

"And you look like an idiot."

Theo just blinked a few times, as if she looked like a different person. To be fair, she rarely dressed up. He grabbed Hermione by the elbow.

"Let's go inside the Great Hall," he said. "The seventh years enchanted it to look like an ice palace. You missed the first part. The Triwizard tournament competitors entered with their dates and already had their first dance."


Their turn to enter came, and Titus presented their invitation so their arrival could be announced to the room. As Theo had described, fake ice covered the room— an illusion so lifelike it felt cool to the touch. Snowflakes fluttered from the ceiling, landing in their hair, and the ceiling displayed the brilliant colours of an aurora borealis.

Their names were announced, and the entire room stopped dancing as they entered the Great Hall. Even the music halted. Hermione's body heated at the inspection, and she wished she could disappear. Since the incident in Knockturn Alley, she'd stayed at the manor, so being the center of attention of so many people nearly overwhelmed her.

"Why are they all looking at us?"

"They aren't looking at us." Titus leaned down to whisper in her ear. "They're looking at you."

"But why?"

"You're famous," Theo answered.

"I am?"

Theo nodded.

"How you killed Fenrir is a legend, even as far away as Russia. And the way you got away from our kidnappers has been the best gossip of the year. They're curious about you. Not to mention, you're pretty. I'm sure they're all interested in putting in their tokens."

Titus gave a snort at Theo's suggestion. "I'm not accepting any tokens unless you find a boy you like… though he still needs to be qualified according to my standards. I'm willing to consider if he proves impressive enough."

Titus had created a story that she tricked her abductors instead of using magic, and the minister gave her a letter of praise for her courage. No one knew the truth, except Titus, Draco, Lucius, and herself. Even Theo didn't know about her magic, and it was the first secret she'd ever kept from him.

From what her tutor told her, Dumbledore's curse had affected most of mainland Europe and Asia. Other parts of the world were spared. The Americas, Australia, and the entire continent of Africa— along with their muggle populations—banded together into a formidable alliance, locking down their borders and refusing any attempts to trade for their muggleborns.

Hermione attempted to be brave, like a Gryffindor, but she blushed and looked away as they walked through the students. The stares intensified as they went further into the room, from both the boys and the girls, from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. Even the professors' eyes followed them.

The crowd parted as they glided through a group of older boys in red uniforms, looking severe and handsome. One of them with buzzed dark hair caught her eye. He smiled and nodded his head, and she gave a shy smile in return. In response, two of his friends shook his shoulder in encouragement. The boy looked pleased with her reaction. She felt his stare on her back as they crossed to the edge of the dance floor and joined the other guests observing the dancers.

"Bloody hell," Theo said, sounding breathless. "Did you see the way Viktor Krum looked at you? Oh Merlin, you need to introduce me. What if he puts in a token for you? We could be like brothers!"

Titus just glared at Theo, and then turned that glare on the crowd, as if they were all a threat.

Viktor Krum? Hermione chanced a glance back to the boy in the red uniform. He still stared at her, and her heart accelerated with nerves.

"I don't think it meant anything. He just smiled."

"Just smiled! You're mental, Hermione. He's absolutely terrifying. I haven't seen him smile since he arrived."

After the rest of the guests arrived, the music started back up. Titus offered her his hand, giving a little bow.

"You promised me the first dance."

She placed her hand on top of his softly, and he led her to the center of the dance floor. She'd grown a lot in the past year, so she no longer had to reach as far to put her hand on his shoulder.

"Like we practised, Sprite."

Tabitha and Titus had spent several weekends teaching some of the traditional pureblood dances. She still missed a few steps, but Titus was as good a dancer as he was a dueler. Every time she messed up, he adjusted, using his strength to direct where he wanted her.

As they twirled, she kept looking into the crowd. She hadn't seen Malfoy yet, and it bothered her. He'd sent a letter a few weeks before that contained a single sentence: "I can't wait to see you at the Yule Ball." A secret part of her hoped to see him too. She couldn't get his expression out of her mind when his father had bent down and picked her up— a mix of concern, awe, and confusion. Since that night, his face plagued her, hovering on the edge of her dreams.

It shocked her that she found Draco Malfoy attractive. She had spent much of the day getting ready, thinking what she'd say to him, having imaginary conversations, and now he didn't even bother showing up, contrary to his promise.

"Who are you looking for?" Titus asked.

"It doesn't matter."

"Malfoy?"

She answered with a grimace.

"You don't like him, do you?" He seemed mildly disgusted at the thought.

"No, but…I don't know."

"You still wanted to show him how dressed up you are?"

"I guess." She shrugged.

"Malfoy pops up everywhere he's not wanted. He'll show up soon. No doubt wanting a dance. And if he doesn't show, I won't be disappointed."

Hermione laughed. Titus always knew how to make her smile.

The song ended. Titus made her twirl, and then tugged her back, dipping her low.

"Enjoy your night, Sprite."


Theo danced with her next. Unlike his brother, he didn't correct her, so they spent their time stepping on each other's feet and cursing. At one point, he caught her when she almost stumbled.

"You're terrible," he teased

"Shut up. So are you."

"If you want to impress Viktor Krum, you need to improve fast."

"What do you mean?"

Theo pointed to his right where Viktor walked toward them as if on a mission. Hermione's cheeks warmed, and for a moment she wished the floor would swallow her. When he reached them, he gave a deep bow with one arm tucked behind his back. He straightened and turned to Theo, who had dissolved into nervous tics the closer Krum got.

"I vould like to ask Herm-own-ninny for a dance."

She briefly considered correcting his pronunciation of her name, but Theo interrupted her, sputtering out something incoherent, star-struck

Viktor turned to her with the same question in his expression.

Hermione searched out Titus— the true decision maker. He stood off to the side, eyes on Viktor, looking a little amused at her anxiety. He nodded, showing he would allow it.

"I'd love to dance," she said. Whatever bravery Theo thought she possessed, it faltered when Viktor reached out his hand, but Hermione managed to grab it in her panic.

As the boy led her further into the dance floor, Theo wiggled his eyebrows at her, and she stuck her tongue out at him. When Viktor turned toward her, he placed a hand on the curve of her waist, in a place not too low or too high. She put a hand on the edge of his shoulder, brushing along his crisp, red uniform, and they kept an acceptable distance between them.

"I'm not a very good dancer," she warned.

He grinned.

"I am not either. Maybe ve can pretend." She liked his accent, paired with a surprisingly deep voice.

They stayed that way, swaying a little back and forth, not quite doing the formal moves. The silence began to weigh on her, and when she chanced a glance, Viktor was biting his cheek, eyes on his feet, as if making sure he got the moves right. He seemed just as nervous as her, and it made her feel better.

"How did you know my name?" She finally asked.

He gave a little laugh that rumbled through his chest.

"Everyone knows the muggleborn who killed Greyback. My friends vanted to ask for a dance, but they vere too scared of your master."

"And you aren't?"

"Not afraid of the Butcher of Manchester? I vould be a fool."

Hermione tripped in shock, but Viktor kept her upright.

The Butcher of Manchester?

Hermione blinked several times without speaking. She wanted to ask him what he meant, but he said it as if she should know. To clear her confusion, she shook her head. The thought that Titus would be called the "Butcher" of anything was absurd. Viktor must be confused with someone else. She ignored the comment completely, because it didn't even make sense.

"I knew your name too," she said after she regained her bearings. "Theo has a poster of you in his room."

She blushed after she said it, afraid she sounded like a rabid fangirl. He seemed pleased by the sentiment though.

"Do you like quidditch?"

On this, she refused to lie.

"Only a little," she admitted, and he gave a frown. "But I like to watch it sometimes… if I know the players."

"Then maybe at the next Vorld Cup, you can cheer for me, since you know me."

The World Cup was a bit of an exaggeration, since it now only included European and Asian teams.

"Of course."

They descended into a painful silence before Viktor turned his sharp eyes on her.

"There is a rumour you have vandless magic. They say you killed your kidnappers."

She tensed, unready for the question. What he asked was dangerous. Not to mention, she didn't like to think of that day. Her nightmares returned with a vengeance, now with the new character of the filthy wizard sawing off her fingers in revenge.

"I didn't kill any of them." Not a lie. "The Order members were just not very smart, is all." Lie.

Hermione fidgeted, knowing it gave her away. She was a decent liar, but she'd been thrown off guard. If he'd only speculated about the wandless magic before, he knew now. A large, handsome grin crossed his face.

"Do not vorry. I vill not tell. In Bulgaria, it is a valued skill. They are fools here to deny it."

Hermione blushed, not knowing what to say. He looked at her, studying her expressions.

"I forget how they are here. If a vizard is afraid of a vitch's magic, then he does not deserve her."

The music stopped. She was a little relieved it did, pulling away. Viktor gave a bow in her direction.

"I plan to deserve you, Herm-own-ninny."

He twisted and walked stiffly back to his friends, who greeted him with congratulatory tugs on his shoulder and sharp taps on his back.


No one else asked her to dance. A little disappointed, she stood next to Theo until she decided to make her way to the refreshment table. When she got there, she barreled into a wizard, causing him to spill his pumpkin juice. There were some awkward, "Sorry are you okays" before Theo's laugh cut through the commotion.

"Harry!" Theo greeted him. "This is my sister, Hermione."

A boy with dark hair and pretty green eyes hidden behind glasses looked up and smiled. It was open and wide— an honest smile. Harry Potter, Theo's friend. Hermione stuck out her hand, and they shook. Theo told her Harry's mum was a muggleborn, and his parents married before the curse. Hermione wished she could meet her.

"Hello, Hermione," he said. "Theo talks about you all the time. "

"Only good things, I hope."

"Most of the time." He gave a sideways smile. "He says you're wicked smart, but ruthless and a bit of a swot."

Hermione tried to pinch Theo, but he hopped away before she could.

"You see how violent she is?" Theo stood behind his friend for protection. "I'm practically mistreated."

"Blimey, Harry, this is that muggleborn."

Hermione turned toward the noise, not liking the tone, and came face to face with a boy with red hair, blue eyes, and freckles. He said it as if she was some species of rare frog.

Ronald Weasley. She remembered the stories Theo told her about his family and felt both uncomfortable with his family connections and a raw form of pity for the boy before her. He didn't look much like his Dragon Tamer brother, though he was still good-looking. He wore atrocious robes, with ruffles and holes, and they smelled a bit like mothballs.

She almost answered with, Blimey, this is that Blood Traitor, but she held her tongue. Instead, she merely glared until the boy shifted on his feet.

"My name is Hermione," she said, nose a little in the air.

The boy rubbed the back of his neck.

"Ignore him," Harry cut in. "He's barely eaten today, and he turns into a troll when he's hungry." He turned to Hermione, ignoring Ron's incredulous look, and then he paled. "Well, it was nice to meet you, but I think we'll have to say goodbye. Titus looks like he might murder one of us."

Hermione twisted. Harry was right. Titus' stare could melt ice. He must not like her talking to children of blood traitors.

"Sorry about how I greeted you, Hermione," Ron told her. He still rubbed the back of his neck. "I really am a bit hungry."

She nodded her acceptance of the apology as they turned with new drinks and plates of food to walk near a table of other Gryffindors. It felt strange seeing the group of them, as if she should be there with them. Hermione shook her head from the stupid fantasy, trying to be grateful for her school back home.

Still, as she watched the witches and wizards mingle and laugh, a needle lanced her heart, poisoned with jealousy and bitterness.

Sneak Peek to Chapter 9: Draco Malfoy continues to be the clever little shit we all know and love.