A new chapter!
YEAS! It's very heavy with Hermione's POV, so I hope you'll all be okay with that! There are also some time skips, but nothing major.
There will be a slight mention of non/con, rape, child loss, and character death. I've tried not to be explicit about it, but just a warning that these topics will be in this chapter.
I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Hermione's POV;
''Harry, I-I don't know what happened.'' Hermione stutters with tears in her eyes, her hands are on her stomach, and truly, she doesn't know. She hates that she doesn't. How could this have happened?
''What are you talking about, Mione?'' Harry laughs a bit awkwardly, running his right hand through his hair with a bitter smile on his face. ''You know where-''
''Of course I know!'' She snaps, and he looks at her with wide eyes. It doesn't matter how powerful Harry James Potter is, or how much he has grown from that scrawny young boy since they met. He will always have a heavy respect for an angry woman. Especially if that woman's name is Hermione Granger.
She knew something was wrong when she woke up two weeks ago after a night of drinking with Harry and Ron, because she couldn't remember most of the night, which was strange. She always remembers and never indulges too much. But the morning after, she couldn't remember a thing. Ron had laughed it off, and she had tried to forget it.
Only now...
''Harry, I never had sex before. I didn't want it during the war, and I haven't felt ready-'' she tried to explain through her tears. She feels ashamed admitting it. Isn't wanting sex something most people go crazy about? Especially during their adolescent years? Hermione had never felt that yearning, the lust that Lavender and Parvati, or even Ginny, went on about. She just didn't feel it. At first, she blamed the war, but she knows better. It just isn't something that attracts her. She feels love, romantic love even, but she doesn't feel bodily attraction.
So how, in Morgana's name, can she be pregnant?
Harry slowly reaches out, his face grave. And she is so happy to have him, to have him as her brother in all but blood, especially now she has lost her parents forever. Hermione folds into his arms willingly and sobs. Sharing what she found out, sharing what she suspects is going on with Harry himself, and sharing the hurt they both will go through.
Because she knows they will lose the people they thought were their family.
''We need to run, Harry, they are coming.'' They have been on the run for just a few months. Hermione thought it would be the same as when they had been Horcrux hunting. But boy, had she been wrong.
War changes people.
What happened to her just months ago changed her .
She still doesn't know what happened exactly that night when she got pregnant, but the memory hole in her head is very suspicious. The only thing she did know was that the father was Ronald. It had broken her heart, her trust, and if you asked her, almost her soul.
Thankfully, Harry was by her side through it all. And he knew she wanted to fight her own battles. So he kept out of it, but they both knew that Ronald was leading the search for the 'boy-who-conquered-turned-dark' (seriously, who comes up with those names?!), not just for Harry, but he was searching for her too.
Ronald would never accept the breakup she forced on him. Especially since she had made it clear she would always choose Harry.
It had been his biggest fear with the Horcrux locket, Hermione leaving him for Harry. But she would always do that, Ronald's actions just solidified her decision.
Ronald had never understood that it wasn't romantic love between Harry and Hermione. Because, in his opinion, everyone should want the most famous wizard in the world romantically or sexually or worse, just for his money.
Ronald disgusts her these days.
Ginny and Molly, too, with what they had done to Harry.
Hermione casts a spell to shield Harry, and they both turn to run, but soon see that they are cornered.
''Mione, you need to get out!'' Harry hisses at her, so terribly afraid of what will happen to her—always thinking about others, not wanting anyone to die for him. Survivors guilt: Harry has had it since his parents died. But Hermione will die before leaving him, and she knows that Harry knows she will never leave him. The determination that's set in his shoulders only tightens when he turns towards their attackers.
So they fight, spells are flying around, and Hermione feels alive. War is a terrible thing. It changes everyone, and she was not someone who came out unscathed. She has scars over her body, mind, heart, and soul. But she still feels alive while in a fight, trying to keep ahead of their attackers, using spells she would never use outside a battlefield. It's a rush.
At first, she didn't feel the pain that came with the cut, but she did feel wetness spreading from her throat onto her robes. Her cheeks felt wet, too, and when she tried to warn Harry to get away, he was already staring at her in horror.
She blinks and suddenly is looking up at the sky, still blue as if no fight had taken place; her back is starting to get cold, her breaths are getting harder and harder to pull in, and she can only see Harry's green eyes; they are wet with tears.
She tries to push him away, to warn him, to get him moving, because he should run. His hand is on her stomach, and she knows, just knows, that the baby is dead.
But Hermione knows that she will soon follow. She sees the terror of it in Harry's eyes and can only plead with her eyes for him to go, to flee, to get safe.
Darkness envelopes her, and she knows Death has come for her.
Being dead isn't what Hermione expected. If you ask her, she doesn't know what she expected. Maybe being reborn, or maybe Heaven was real. For some reason, she hoped the Greek gods were real and that she would be able to earn herself a place in Elysium. That sounded nice.
But this?
This was what Harry had described to her, from the time he died in the forest.
Endless and endless white.
But it didn't look like Kings Cross Station, as Harry had described.
No, it looked like- like her childhood bedroom, a place which she hadn't visited in multiple years. White upon white upon white. It almost hurt her eyes.
She sank down on her childhood bed, hugging her knees to her chest, and looked around. Even if it was unnatural, it gave her comfort. Hermione didn't know how long she sat there, but she did know she was waiting for something.
Time didn't have any meaning, which wasn't strange, being dead and all.
So Hermione didn't know how long she had waited for the knock.
Still, it startled her; she knew this was what she had been waiting for, even if the sound was not something she had expected at that moment.
Hermione stood and opened the door, her breath caught by the beautiful stranger at her bedroom door.
''Hello, Hermione Granger, my Master could use your help.'' They bowed their head at her and held out their hand. ''Are you ready to be of assistance?''
Hermione couldn't help but smile, the puzzle pieces already falling into place. ''Helping Harry? Always.''
''Lord Death?''
''Yes, dear?'' the deity responded from her right. Hermione looked up from her book and smiled at them. She was still recovering from being dead and from traveling back in time, but she could read the books Death had given her.
Death had explained to her that she was here to help Harry but hadn't been forthcoming about how. So, of course, Hermione was doing research. Even if she didn't know what she was researching, she was searching for spells, rituals, and potions- anything that could help Harry.
''In which time am I again, and how is it going to help Harry?'' She asked, putting her hands on the book in front of her.
"You're in 1944, and how you can help will reveal itself eventually, " they told her with a smirk. Hermione couldn't help but frown, feeling like the deity treated her like a little kid. "You need to recover first. Then you will go to Hogwarts."
Hermione snapped her head up to the god. ''Hogwarts?'' She asked breathlessly. The god reached out and cradled her now scarred cheek.
''That's where you will be needed.''
She frowned. ''But- how will that help Harry?''
Lord Death smiled softly at her. ''You'll see.''
Hermione Granger was not nervous. Yes, she would start in sixth year, at the end of it, with only the exams still to go, while she was much older and had been dead for some time while being in the past-
She had nowhere to go during the summer holidays-
She had been betrayed before her death by the one she thought to love-
How was she supposed to go on like this? Her panicked breathing was harsh in her own ears, but she clenched her fists to calm herself down.
Okay, maybe she was nervous. She didn't know anyone. She didn't know how she could help Harry in the past.
Hermione felt lost, but it will not stop her. No. She will do everything for her brother, her best friend since she was twelve.
Even if she was flying blind.
She had been confused, though, when she stepped through the doors of Hogwarts, because Hermione knew 'Hogwarts a History' like the back of her hand, and there had never been a Headmistress Abbott. And where was Dumbledore?
Since Lord Death had brought her back, she had been in isolation. Recovering from the wounds that had caused her to die and recovering from being dead for a while. Reading most of the time, enjoying food, ugh, so much food! Hermione hadn't known she had been starving, but that's what she was when she returned.
The Headmistress seemed nice, though, even if she appeared a bit taken aback by Hermione's scarred face.
Thankfully, like a true Hulffepuff, the Headmistress just asked if she was okay and if she could help in any way. Hermione had thanked her but declined. She would figure it out. Maybe she could sell stuff from the Room of Requirement or something.
''You can eat something here or in the Great Hall where you will be sorted, what do you prefer, Miss Granger?''
Hermione swallowed around the blockage in her throat. No. She definitely wasn't ready for the Great Hall just yet.
''If I may, I would take my dinner here.'' She told the Headmistress.
''Of course! That's alright, I will call you when we're ready for you, alright?''
Hermione smiled at the older woman. ''Yes, thank you, Headmistress.''
Dinner flew by, but she had recovered from her first shocks. She only needed a plan now.
''Hello, students! I know it's almost the end of the year, but a new student will join our sixth years at their exams and next school year. She has told me she expects only the best from the exams and was adamant to join them.'' She told the students with a fond smile. ''So, please welcome our new student, Miss Granger!''
Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the hall. Hermione was changed by what had happened to her. She felt like she hadn't stopped changing ever since she stepped into the Wizarding World.
She was curious about how much she would change with this new adventure.
Scanning the crowd for threats, she first looked at the Slytherin table out of habit. Hermione immediately noted the handsome, powerful boy with coiffed hair and dark eyes; even she could feel his magic from across the hall. Tom Marvolo Riddle. Harry had described him enough to recognize him on sight.
She didn't linger, not wanting to draw attention to herself, so she looked over the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables before scanning the Gryffindor table. There, her eyes stopped on a raven-haired boy with the greenest eyes she had ever known, and she knew immediately that it was her Harry.
She inhaled sharply and tried to hold back her tears.
That was her Harry! Her brother! But- how?
''Surprise, my dear,'' Lord Death whispered in her ear. Harry was running towards her, not caring for the wide eyes he drew towards himself, and Hermione couldn't help but let out a delighted laugh.
Then his arms were around her, and he swirled her around in the biggest hug he had ever given her. He had grown strong in the time they had been apart.
''Harry-''
''Mione-''
They both said at the same time only to burst out in laughter. Harry pulled back, his eyes glassy. She wasn't the only one to be overwhelmed. ''How-?'' He trailed off before pulling her back in and placing kisses all over her head. Hermione can't help but giggle before pushing him away softly. They hear some glass break to their left and a startled shout but don't pay it any attention.
''Harry-''
''It's Hadrian Peverell now.'' He whispers quickly to her, and she nods.
''We'll talk when I've been sorted, alright?'' She can't help but beam at him, can't help the smile that stays on her face.
Hermione turns to the Headmistress and smiles politely. ''I'm sorry, Headmistress, I hadn't expected to see Harry. We lost contact a couple of years ago, I'm afraid.''
Abbott only beams at them both. ''Oh! My dear, I'm so happy you've found each other again, maybe you can make sure Mister Peverell stays out of trouble for once,'' she says with a wink. Harry immediately starts sputtering in protest, and Hermione only raises her eyebrow at him.
Trouble huh?
''It really isn't-''
Hermione raises a second eyebrow and blinks a couple of times until Harry ducks his head with an embarrassed flush.
''I'll tell you later, stop scolding me!''
Hermione rolls her eyes, secretly pleased to get that reaction from her brother in all but blood, before turning back to the Headmistress.
''I'm ready to be sorted now, Headmistress.''
The sorting goes by quickly. Hermione had thought about getting sorted into Ravenclaw, but seeing Harry in Gryffindor robes completely blew that idea out of the window.
Harry hadn't left her side for a moment, and as soon as she was sorted into the house of lions, he escorted her to their classmates. He told her softly how he was friends with his dormmates but didn't really know the others. Sure, they sometimes played games in the common room, and had parties together, but Harry didn't really know them. It's exactly how Harry always had been. Drifting closer to just a few people. It seems that hasn't changed since they had last seen each other.
Neville, Luna and she had been Harry's closest friends. At first, Ron and Ginny had been there too, of course. But they betrayed him, and Harry wasn't forgiving of any betrayal.
"This is Billius Weasley, Hector Blackwell, and last but not least, Charlus Potter." Hermione looks at Harry incredulously but smiles politely at the other boys.
''It's nice to meet you. Has Harry been a lot of trouble to you?'' She asks with a smirk while sitting down. Hector snorts, Billius can't hold his laughter, and Charlus lets his head fall to the table in despair.
''That bad, huh,'' Hermione replies with a laugh.
Hector immediately jumps in with a story about their dueling competition a few months ago, how he had Dumbledore arrested, and the singing in the Great Hall. Hermione turns to Harry, who has ducked his head with a panicked expression.
''Harry, honey, please tell me that you haven't,'' Hermione asks sweetly in a calm voice; she can practically see Harry starting to sweat.
''Mione-'' He starts with wide eyes, they dart around as to find a way to escape.
Charlus seems to know that Harry needs some saving and jumps in quickly. ''It wasn't all bad, but how do you two know each other?''
They both turn to Charlus, and Hermione sees his eyes flicker to the scar on her face before they dart back to her brown eyes.
''Well, Hermione is basically my sister, we've known each other for a long time,'' Harry says with a big smile, not a lie to detect there, and she smiles back at him with a promise to talk as soon as possible in her eyes.
"Sister? Oh, I thought-" Billius starts awkwardly. He then looks over Harry's shoulder to the Slytherin table, and Hermione can't help but turn to look.
The dark gaze that meets her promises pain.
Mmh. Harry has some serious explaining to do.
She turns back, dismissing Tom Riddle as not important for now, and slaps Harry on the shoulder.
''Room?'' She grits out, wanting nothing more than to interrogate Harry on what the hell has been going on since he arrived in the past. He's been here for almost a year if she understands correctly, and instead of stopping the future Dark Lord, he has been canoodling with him!
Harry lets out a heavy sigh but nods and grabs her hand before saying goodbye to his friends and guiding her to the Seventh floor.
Harry's POV;
Hermione is here! Hermione is here, and he is so happy! Hermione is here and- and glaring at him currently.
Bugger.
''Harry James Potter! What have you done with the timeline?'' Harry can see her hair starting to spark and knows he's in deep shit.
''Well-'' He starts a bit nervously because, well, he hasn't had a clue what he has done to the timeline.
His petty revenge against Dumbledore will have numerous consequences, but he doesn't know what kind of consequences.
She throws up her hands. ''If you're going to tell me you have planned to go back in time to stop Voldemort, I would understand. I also understand that you are completely shit at planning ahead, so if that is the reason why Dumbledore has been arrested-''
''Dumbledore had it coming!'' he interrupts her with his arms crossed. No matter what Hermione says, Dumbledore had it coming, and see what happened? He just joined the ranks of the current Dark Lord.
For the Greater Good, pfft, what a bullshit.
She tries visibly to calm down. Harry doesn't know if she completely succeeds. ''I know that! But don't you think Voldemort is a bigger problem?!'' She is yelling at him, oh, Hermione, and yelling is very bad, especially for Harry.
''Well, yes. But Tom knows the future! So he knows he needs to stop with Horcruxes, and even Death threatened him, and-''
She swirls around to him from the place where she had been pacing a hole in the floor. Her eyes are wide in shock.
''Death? Did he talk to you too?''
Harry frowns, ''Yes, of course, he did; I'm his Master.''
Hermione gets out her wand and blasts a couch against the wall. Her hair sparks with her magic again. ''That cryptic arse!''
''Oh! You met him too!'' Harry says with a smile.
Hermione puts her hand over her face. ''Of course, I've met him; how do you think I can be here alive without him?''
This sobers them both up, and Harry takes two strides to wrap Hermione in his arms again. She clings to him and starts telling him what being dead had been like. He listens carefully and strokes her hair, feeling the tension drain from her shoulders.
He then starts telling how he has come to the past. How he and Luna had been ambushed, how she died after having gifted him a silver time-turner, how Harry had killed the traitor who shall not be named, and how the time-turner had been hit by a spell, sending him back to the past to land on Tom Riddle's doorstep.
He tells her how he planned with Riddle to take over the Wizarding World by bringing Dumbledore down, making sure he would not be the one who stopped Grindelwald. It only backfired during the trial. He promises her that Tom and he can take them, especially now that he has the Elder wand again.
Harry stutters over the fling/friends-with-benefits situationship he has with Riddle. Feeling a bit embarrassed at what has happened between him and Riddle.
After hearing that, Hermione groans long and hard. She then conjures a roll of paper and starts hitting Harry with it.
''How. Can. You. Be. This. Stupid! I. Raised. You. Better. Than. This!'' Every word is followed by a hit on his head, shoulder, or torso, and Harry can't help but burst out in laughter, incencing her even more.
"Sorry! Sorry! It's not funny; I get it. But Tom has become something of a friend in the past few months, and he's hot like burning, Mione!"
''Oh my Morgana!'' She cries out with her hands in her hair. ''Since when have your hormones taken control, Harry James Potter?!''
Harry shrugs. ''I don't know, somewhere around the time Tom walked out of his room in just pants during the summer? I also kissed Alphard Black before Yule, but he's Asexual like you, so he just let me try kissing boys because I had no idea if I would like it.'' He says with a shrug and a smile. Hermione looks at him and throws her head back on the backrest of the couch they had gravitated towards during the explanations.
''You are impossible.''
There is a knock on the door, and Harry freezes.
''Harry. Who is at the door?'' Hermione asks calmly, her wand already in her hand.
''Uhm. I think it's Tom?'' He hesitantly replies before rushing to the door when Hermione stands to open it herself. Nope, not happening.
He opens the door and indeed, it's Tom.
''Hadrian,'' Tom greets him with a smirk before his eyes turn thunderous when they fall to the woman behind him. Harry pulls Tom inside and closes the door, requesting the Room to ensure nobody else can enter.
Tom stalks towards Hermione, and Harry contemplates how this is going to go. Hermione doesn't look the least intimidated by Tom's tall stature.
He circles around her, and with one look from Hermione, he stays put next to the door.
''Hadrian-'' Tom purrs, and Harry fights down a shiver. ''-please tell me who this is.''
Harry steps forward and tugs Hermione in a side hug. Her head falls onto his shoulder immediately, but her eyes don't leave Tom. ''Tom, you're not going to believe this!'' He beams at the other boy. Tom only narrows his eyes at Harry's arm around Hermione, but doesn't comment.
"Death brought back Hermione for me!" he says, unable to help but hug Hermione even closer.
Tom blinks two times before cursing very creatively in Parseltongue and leaving the room with a slam of the door.
Harry scratches the back of his head. ''Uh, Tom is an acquired taste.''
Hermione looks up at him, something he secretly revels in because he never had been much taller than her, but with the care of the Healer of Hogwarts, he has become much healthier and even grown a bit.
''And what exactly have you tasted from dear Tom?'' She asks.
Harry chokes.
Tom's POV;
He can't believe it.
Fucking Death.
Fucking meddling bastard!
Tom flies down the halls and corridors to the Chamber. Wanting, no needing to vent for a while.
How dare that bastard meddle in Tom and Harry's budding relationship!
Tom knows Death has only brought Granger here to punish him. Why else would she be here?
Tom knows how much Harry loves the girl. So Death must've brought her back so Harry could fall for her again.
It made sense; he knows Death hates him passionately because of his Horcruxes, but this is a serious low blow.
Well. Tom knows one thing. He will not give up this easily.
No. Hadrian Peverell was his. And Hermione Granger will know it.
"Hadrian, you'll bring the new girl to the meeting tonight, right?" Tom casually asks when they are side by side, watching Clary Opal demonstrate (very badly) how to get rid of a Blood-sucking Bugbear. Everyone knows you need to enlarge the closest bug or transfigure one to distract the Bugbear and then use a piercing curse to hit the nose. They won't die, but they will leave you alone.
He sees Hadrian shift in the corner of his eye and turns a bit to look better at the man. The emerald green eyes throw him whenever he looks at them, but he keeps eye contact.
''Why?'' Hadrian asks warily. ''Why the bloody hell would I take a new Muggle-born girl to a Pureblood meeting who are not convinced we need them in the Magical world at all?''
And that's fair. It's just that Tom wants to test the girl, Granger, and maybe humiliate her, but that's not something Hadrian has to know. He just needs to see how incompetent Granger will be in the face of the other Purebloods before he will be crawling back to Tom.
But she is making things difficult. She is more intelligent than Tom had expected, which irritates him to a whole new level. Before Tom can convince Hadrian to bring Granger to the Knight's meeting, he's interrupted.
''Can someone tell me why Miss Opal was wrong in step two?'' Merrythought asks the class.
Granger's arm had already shot up to answer before Tom could lift his own.
He clenches his fist while Granger answers the question perfectly. She throws a small smile at Hadrian before smirking at Tom.
Tom seriously needs to control his anger. Alexander scolded him after the explosion of all the glass pitchers on the table after Granger and Hadrian's little reunion. Alexander may be his oldest acquaintance and, dare he say it, friend, but he will not be scolded like a seven-year-old who just stole from the cookie jar!
But Alexander had been right; he needed to get a grip; if anyone else noticed it had been Tom's temper that made the pitchers explode, he needed to obliviate people. He can't be seen as out of control! He wants to rule the Wizarding World, and that will not happen with some silly outbursts.
''You take Blackwell to the meetings; he's a Mud-Muggle-born too. And you told me yourself she is one of the best you've taught when you ran your little defense club, why shouldn't she be there?'' Tom knows his voice is taunting, and he can almost see Hadrian's hackles rise.
Bait set.
''She is the best of the best! She can go toe to toe with every single one of the Wixen in your club and come out on top.''
"So you'll bring her?" Tom asks, in a tone that suggests he doesn't believe Hadrian.
Hadrian glares at him. ''Yes. She will be there. But I will not hold her back when one of yours is stupid enough to open his or her mouth.''
Bait taken, even if Tom frowns at his words.
''Hold her back?''
Hadrian snorts before lowering his voice even more and leaning closer to Tom. ''You think I am someone to be afraid of? You've never seen Hermione use her wand.''
Tom's eyes shoot to the witch in question. Hadrian is correct; he has never seen Hermione use her wand; the lessons they had shared had not asked for it just yet. But he's curious now.
''Bring her tonight, we'll see who will eat their words.''
Hadrian chuckles lowly. ''This time, it's going to be you, Riddle.''
Tom can't figure out why it sounds so ominous.
Hermione's POV;
''So, let me get this straight, you said he would eat his words when someone pisses me off?''
Harry scrubs the back of his head bashfully. ''Er- yes. But you should've seen him! He definitely doesn't think you will stand a chance against those Pureblood pricks! And we, well, mostly me, have been trying to persuade them to see the logic in keeping Muggle-borns in the Magical World, but they won't listen to me, even if half of them are afraid of me, so I know at least one of them is going to piss you off, probably Malfoy, Mulciber is too afraid of me and Tom to do anything, but you know Malfoy's can't keep their mouth shut-''
Hermione raises her hand to stop Harry's word vomit.
''You want me to wipe the floor with them, don't you?'' Hermione asks, more amused than anything else. Harry grins at her, and it's a bit sharper than she's used to, but that isn't strange after a couple of years apart.
''Hell yeah, a couple of them tried something at the beginning of this year, but I showed them. And then Tom announced to his followers that if he says someone is off limits, they are off limits, and threw in a whole spiel about equals and stuff; it was a bit embarrassing, to be honest.''
Hermione wants to shake Harry until he sees that he's completely in love with the devil (Voldemort) himself, but she truly doesn't think Harry even notices how his voice goes all fond when speaking about the prick.
She glances at Blackwell-Hector, who hides his grin in his hand. Hermione has been regaled with stories about Harry and Tom, the epic duels, and the serenade that Harry threw a fit over when it was brought up.
Harry clearly was still as oblivious as ever. How can he be seen as a put-together scary, powerful Lord when he sings for the boy he's in love with in front of everyone with sexual tension thick enough to cut with a knife?
"Oh, boys, " she grumbles, earning a 'hé!' from Charlus. She raises her eyebrow at the boy who could've been Harry's twin in all but coloring.
''I'm sorry, did you want to protest that you're all idiots?'' Her tone is fond while she says it, and Harry laughs, making it clear she's only joking.
They enter the room where the Knights of Walpurgis and Tom Riddle are waiting. Hermione thinks she should be afraid, but these aren't the people from her nightmares, these are not the ones that have brought her pain. She had never seen Tom Riddle before Death brought her into this timeline, but she knows Voldemort.
Tom Riddle, however, is not Voldemort. And if what Harry has been telling her is true, she doesn't think Voldemort will exist in this timeline.
Hermione can see what Harry means by that the man is 'hot like burning,' but that doesn't mean she has to like him. Especially not in the way Harry has taken a liking to him.
She's afraid that Tom will take advantage of Harry, but she knows Harry can protect himself; she trusts him to protect himself, even against a pretty face.
Hermione rolled her shoulders before pulling her hair in a messy bun. She then rolled up her sleeves, knowing exactly what she was doing.
''Mione,'' Harry sighs beside her, clearly noticing what she's doing.
''What? You told me to wipe the floor with them; I'm only giving them some incentive.'' She whispers back with a mischievous smile. Harry groans.
''I shouldn't have said that.''
''Too late!''
She had been nervous when she first came to Hogwarts, but that nervousness had faded into nothing now that Harry was next to her again. Hermione can't help but feel braver next to her best friend.
Harry sighs and walks to Tom to open the meeting. Most of the Wixen here eye her warily, and some are glaring in disgust. It's nothing she hasn't handled before.
They listen to Harry and Tom talk, Tom about the future of the Wizarding World, not going into detail about Grindelwald or Dumbledore, even if some are asking for it. He guides them away from the topic in a well-practiced manner, and everyone is just mesmerized by his words.
Hermione can't help but be impressed. She watches how everybody reacts to the future Dark Lord and can see how he has gained so many followers.
Then it's Harry's turn. It's curious to see the role he's playing now. He isn't a teacher like he had been during the DA, he isn't insecure, he isn't joking around, no, he's fierce, someone you don't want to disappoint, someone he was during the war.
She knows Harry, and she knows all of these roles are just part of Harry. But she can't help but be reminded of the scrawny little shit who jumped on the back of a troll to save her.
Hermione notes the ones that don't seem impressed with Harry's speech about working together with Muggle-borns or Squibs and can see where he needs to help to convince them.
Thankfully, she can do research on this.
You can't deny facts if they slap you in the face.
It takes longer than she had thought before anyone notices the scars on her arm.
''What the bloody hell is that?''
Hermione looks up at the voice and almost wants to roll her eyes when she sees it's a Malfoy. He's pointing at her arm, and she turns it outwards for everyone to see.
Mudblood was carved into her with a cursed knife. Even death couldn't erase it.
Most of the people there look shocked, but others just sneer. She sees Riddle shoot a look at Harry.
The Malfoy heir is one of the sneering Wixen.
''You think I deserved this, don't you?'' She asks softly.
She looks around the room. Harry seems to want to intervene but knows she can handle herself. Riddle can't be bothered to step in, and she sees the vindictive glee in his eyes. She barely holds back an eye roll, Riddle still thinks she is here to take Harry away from him.
Merlin, he's such a disaster gay. That doesn't mean Harry isn't worse. That boy is so much in denial it should be funny.
"And why is that? Because you think I have lesser blood than you?" she asks the room.
''It's because you're dirty, you'll never be as good as us Purebloods are.'' Some snooty arsehole responds, she looks around and sees the person who said it is indeed a Malfoy. She smiles at him with too many teeth.
''Want to put your money where your mouth is?'' She asks, using a muggle reference on purpose to confuse them.
''W-what?'' The blond ponce says, looking in confusion at Riddle. Asking for guidance with just a look alone.
''I challenge you for a duel. If you think a muggle-born can't be as good as a Pureblood, why not show me with a duel.''
Harry leans back against the wall, knowing she can handle it, and hiding a smirk. The Purebloods around the room laugh also, but they are mean about it. Thinking that Malfoy will wipe the floor with her.
Oh, how wrong they will be. Bets are exchanged, and she knows nobody will bet on her, even if Harry knows she will win easily. He's not a betting man and she doesn't need his validation.
''I put five Galleons on Granger!'' Someone behind her calls out, and she turns in surprise; the man looks like a Black. The smile around his lips reminds her of Sirius. This must be Alphard, one of Harry's friends and the one he has kissed. Interesting.
Riddle and Harry walk towards Malfoy to talk for a moment before going to her.
''Try not to kill him, Granger; he can still be useful even with a dent to his pride,'' Riddle whispers out of the corner of his mouth. Harry chokes on a laugh. Even if Riddle hates her guts, he knows she is dangerous, even if it's only because Harry said so. Riddle needs to see what Hermione can do before believing it.
''I will try not to hurt him too much, my Lords,'' She says the last part as mockingly as she can, and Harry groans. Riddle shoots her a superior look; this time, she doesn't hold back her eye roll.
"Prat," she mutters, just within hearing range of Riddle, only to see his eyes flash with anger. Then his attention goes to Harry, and when he touches Riddle's elbow, she sees him visibly soften. Oh, Godric, how in the world can two dangerous men be this adorable? Ugh. It should be illegal.
''Ready Mudblood?''
She sighs in disappointment. Does this boy truly think he can bait her with something she has heard since she was twelve? How pathetic. She ignores the protest of Harry's people in the room. Harry is thankfully silent, already knowing she doesn't need his words to know she has his support. Hermione only has eyes for the blond prat, who will feel what she can do.
Riddle puts up the barrier between the rest of the room and Malfoy and her. She looks at Harry, and he adds his own, one they had made together while on the run, and feels better knowing nothing can come through now during the duel.
''Do you even know the rules to dueling?'' Malfoy sneers, and Hermione gives him a smile.
''No, of course not, I am completely clueless, which is why I am taking my exams after just two weeks of school. But you're going to see exactly how clueless I am, right? That's why you accepted this challenge? To show the Mudblood where her place is, so why don't you start, Malfoy?''
She then bows mockingly at him with her arms wide and her feet crossed. Never losing eye contact with him. This Malfoy also goes red in the face when he's turning angry; maybe she can punch this one, too.
He dips his head at her in a bow before throwing the first spell. ''Sagita!''
The arrow he had shot at her bounced against the ward surrounding them when she used a small wind to blow it away.
''Everte Statum,'' she whispers. Hermione knows she can do it wordlessly, but if she does move her mouth, her opponent will focus on it, hoping to know which spell she uses, and not having their attention on their surroundings. So when he uses a shield to block her attack. She silently conjures a lion to stand behind Malfoy and makes it roar on command.
Malfoy jumps in the air of fright, and she uses Accio to get his wand.
She vanishes the lion before smirking at Malfoy.
''That's cheating!'' He thunders, and Hermione snorts. ''How in the world was that cheating? You just weren't paying attention to your surroundings; sounds like you problem.''
She hears a couple of the Knights laugh and Harry snort.
Hermione hasn't taken her eyes off Malfoy, knowing his anger is about to boil over. She had already returned his wand, an oversight now she thinks of it. He's turning even redder with the laughter of the room and grits his teeth while glaring daggers at her.
''You filthy little Mudblood! I'll show you!''
''Crucio!'' He shouts, and Hermione gasps when the spell comes over her. It hurts like a bitch, but she will die first before letting them show that. The spell breaks, and she falls to her knees. In the next moment, people surround her. She doesn't exactly like it, but she isn't in a position to complain. There is shouting, and she hears crashing. When she looks up she sees a dark mist spreading through the room and Harry's furious gaze locked on Malfoy's whimpering form against the wall.
Malfoy seems stuck against the wall from the force of Harry's magic alone. Everyone is watching what is going to happen. Not even Riddle is stepping in.
No, he's watching from two meters away, his eyes transfixed on Harry, and she can almost see the want in them. Ugh. He better not try something tonight because she wants to claim Harry for platonic friend cuddles after this disaster.
''You dare?''
Shivers run up and down Hermione's spine with the tone of those words. Sometimes, it's easy to forget how powerful Harry truly is. He wants to joke, learn, and love and doesn't show this side to most people.
This is why people often forget just how powerful this man is. But his luck alone didn't destroy the Dark Lord.
She doesn't think they will forget soon, though.
''You dare to Crucio , my sister in all but blood because she was born to two Muggle parents? You dare to hurt her because of your hurt pride?'' Harry snarls the words out, and something in the tone is just inhumane. She shoots a look at Riddle and sees him already looking at her; she raises an eyebrow in return. A dare to see how he's going to handle this.
Hermione is being pulled up by Harry's Gryffindor friends and the interesting Alphard Black. She feels fine, a good nights rest and she will be in classes tomorrow without showing anyone that something had happened.
Malfoy starts sniveling. ''M-m-my L-lor-lord, I-I-I'm s-s-s-'' Harry shuts him up with a wave of his hand.
''You being sorry isn't good enough! I've been trying to be understanding. Trying to forgive and forget, trying to educate you all in what matters most, and you just threw a Crucio right back in my face! I should kill you right now for hurting Hermione.'' Harry is snarling in his face and Malfoy whimpers. Riddle steps towards Harry, and the atmosphere changes when Harry notices him. With every step, Harry's magic seems to embrace Riddle more and more.
''Do you agree with him? Have you learned nothing?''
Riddle doesn't seem to be disturbed by Harry's magic or the menacing auro he radiates at this moment, he just steps closer to Harry until they're almost touching.
''You know I've learned, you know I don't agree with him anymore, if at all.''
Harry seems skeptical for a moment and turns back to Malfoy. Riddle leans even closer, his lips practically touching Harry's ear before he whispers something Hermione can't hear and is glad to not hear.
Harry takes a deep breath, and his magic retreats in himself again; Malfoy falls to the ground, coughing in distress. Harry turns away from him with a glance at Riddle before approaching Hermione.
Riddle says something to Malfoy before he hexes the boy himself and speaks to his Knights.
But Hermione is focused on Harry, who is trembling before her and checking if she's alright. She reaches out and takes Harry's hands in hers. ''I'm fine, Harry; you know that a schoolboy can't ever hurt me like they would like.''
The underlying words are clear as day to Harry.
Malfoy's hate wasn't powerful enough to truly hurt.
You must mean the curse.
She's alright and will take her revenge when it's cooled.
Harry nods at her before turning right back into her bashful, scrawny (well, former scrawny) loyal best friend.
He rubs the back of his head. ''I'm sorry you had to see that. I-well-''
''You don't have to explain yourself, mate,'' Charlus says, clearly shaken up but smiling at Harry.
''What was that?!'' Hector asks with wide eyes and an even wider mouth.
''Which part? Where Granger kicked Malfoy's ass with wicked transfiguration, or where Malfoy tried to Crucio Granger, who didn't give a peep! Or where Harry went all; my magic is stronger than all of you, so back off, don't touch my gal?'' Alphard says, practically bouncing on his toes.
''I see my pain brings you pleasure at least. So sorry, but I'm not into that.'' Hermione snarks with a glare aimed at Black, who only grins wider.
''Me neither, Sugar, but I'll worship the ground you walk on from now on like the queen you are!''
''Ugh, boys,'' Hermione replies, feeling her cheeks heat.
She decides to definitely ignore the look Harry gives her.
''Granger.''
''Riddle,'' Hermione responds in the same tone without looking up from her book. She's in the alcove she had made her own in 1991, and not even time can take it away from her.
''Is this seat taken?'' Riddle asks her in a tone implying it doesn't matter if it is.
''It isn't.''
He sits down and opens his own book, Hermione sees it's about Runes and can't help but check out the title. Runes and 1200 ways to use them.
She hasn't read that one yet.
''So, you're basically Hadrian's sister.'' It isn't a question.
Hermione finally looks up at the man who has killed so many in the future and gives him a scornful look. ''So, you're panting after him like a dog in heat.'' She snarks back.
His lips thin before he bears his teeth at her. ''Watch it. We both know I can take you in a duel.''
''Oh, I know, but how would Harry react if you hurt me?'' Hermione can't help but point out, jutting her bottom lip out as if she's just a sweet little girl who doesn't know the world, blinking her eyes innocently.
Riddle blows out a loud breath through his nose, and she can see how he's holding back his anger or amusement; she doesn't know him well enough to get a good read on him.
''You two are more Slytherin than you let anyone believe.'' He states after a few minutes of calming down.
''Oh, we know,'' Hermione replies with a smirk; her eyes fall again to his book, and this time Riddle catches her.
''Granger, are you interested in Runes?''
Hermione scoffs. ''You know I'm in your class, Riddle.''
Riddle raises an eyebrow. ''Yes, it's impossible to miss you with all the handwaving so you can answer every question.'' He drawls.
''Afraid of a bit of competition, Riddle?''
''Hardly.''
They glare at each other again for a few moments. Hermione doesn't want to break it first, but alas, her eyes are getting dry.
''Bugger,'' she swears under her breath when she does look away. She doesn't miss the smugness radiating from Riddle and refuses to give him any more satisfaction but does flip him the finger.
They both go back to their reading after their impromptu staring contest. Hermione is debating if she should leave, but she refuses to leave her spot.
Then she sees Riddle frowning at his book, going to the back of the page he is reading, and returning to his position; he does this three times before Hermione interrupts.
''Something wrong?''
Riddle looks up at her, and his eyes narrow. ''Nothing you can help me with.''
''You sure about that?''
''Unless you understand at least the Elder Futhark, Anglo-Saxon, and the Nordic rune alphabet, I don't think you can, so yes, I'm sure.'' Riddle says condescendingly.
Hermione rolls her eyes. ''I can understand and read all of those and am fluent in Manx Runes and stungnar runir. So, if you need some help..'' She lets the question hang in the air and sees Riddle's mood sour.
''Fine. The author of this book is switching between Elder Futhark and Anglo-Saxon, and there are multiple symbols there I can't understand in combination of-''
Hermione listened carefully to Riddle before deciding she needed her own look and sat beside him.
When Harry found her, they were both nose-deep in the book and debated using Runes in common household appliances.
"Oh no, I knew this would happen, " Harry dramatically declared when he found her, making her jump. She hadn't heard him coming into this part of the library.
"Hadrian, darling!" Riddle greeted him with a smirk. Hermione fake gagged next to him. Riddle shot her a look but ignored her for Harry. "Whatever do you mean?"
Harry sits down with a groan, and Hermione scrunches up her nose; he's sweaty from Quidditch training, and she makes a face at him.
''You should've showered, I can't believe they even let you in here with that stink.'' Hermione declares, waving her hand in front of her nose.
Harry just laughs before answering Riddle. ''I just knew that if you two ever met, you would be Swots together. There wasn't another option.''
''Au contraire, darling, we could've hated each other.'' Riddle replies with a grin.
Hermione puts her hand on her chest. ''Excuse me, but we do hate each other.''
Riddle nods very seriously, ''Indeed we do, but that doesn't mean you're not intelligent.''
Hermione grunts. ''Are you still showing me that book you were talking about? It's in the ROR, right?''
''Yes, yes, tonight, for now, I want to steal Hadrian for a moment.''
Hermione glares at him. ''He was looking for me, not for you,''
''Ah, yes, but I need him right now,'' Riddle says, dragging his eyes over Harry's body as if it were a physical touch. Hermione gags again.
''Never mind! I'll see you in the ROR tonight after dinner, and don't even think of not showing up to dinner, Harry James Po-Peverell!''
Hermione then hurries out of the library, not wanting to witness any foreplay between Riddle and Harry.
She shivers she definitely does not want to think about her brother in all but blood having sex with teenage Voldemort. Blegh. She needs a drink.
Harry's POV;
''Tom! Oh Merlin! You can't say shit like that in front of Hermione!'' Harry says with a beet red head while Hermione blazes out of the library.
Tom's hand spreads over his thigh, and Harry swallows harshly. ''Then you shouldn't come near me when you're sweaty in your Quidditch uniform.''
Harry bites his bottom lip but can't help but smile broadly.
''Hadrian,''
Harry's eyes find Tom, and he tries to get his bearings or at least not look like a horny teenager. ''What were you talking about with Hermione?'' Harry says quickly when he feels Tom squeezing his thigh.
Tom's hand retreats, and Harry desperately tries not to show how he misses the warmth.
''Runes,'' he replies curtly before looking down at his book again. For a moment, Harry frowns. He's used to Tom going from hot to cold, but he doesn't know what he has done now to earn this treatment.
Harry starts poking Tom's hip with his foot until he looks back at him with a raised eyebrow and an irritated expression.
''Are you mad at me?'' Harry asks with a tilted head.
''I'm getting there.''
Harry narrows his eyes at Tom. ''Why? What have I done now?''
''Do you want that list alphabetically?''
He throws up his arms in a 'god help me' manner. ''You're such a prat; I've done nothing to have you be mad at me; I only brought up Hermione-'' Harry stops speaking to look closely at Tom's scowl.
''Wait- wait, wait, wait!'' Harry gapes at the other teenager. ''Are you jealous about how much time I spend with Hermione?''
Tom's glare could probably set someone on fire.
''Oh Merlin, you are! I thought she was dead, Tom! I thought I would never see her again!'' He knows how he's been hovering around Hermione ever since she walked into the Great Hall last week. But he can't help it. In his nightmares, he can only see her get struck by the curse that took her life, that scarred her body and face. And he knows- he honestly knows she can take care of herself; hell, she is probably better at taking care of herself than Harry. But he's just very protective of her.
''But don't you think it's strange that Lord Death brought her back now? Aren't you at the least suspicious about the timing?''
Harry frowns at Tom. ''What timing? Death literally told me during one of the Knights meetings we needed help with getting the Purebloods to believe us about needing the Muggle-borns, and then he sent my smartest friend, who is amazing in research and is a Muggle-born herself. What more do we need? She is perfect for our plans!''
Tom blinks at him for a moment, his cheeks a bit rosy in color.
''You think that's the only reason Lord Death has brought her into our lives right now?'' He asks. Harry thinks he imagines it, but it sounds a bit vulnerable.
''Of course, what else would there be? We aren't doing anything else at the moment because Dumbledore and Grindelwald have gone off grit.'' The two older wizards have been suspiciously quiet the last couple of weeks since the trial; even Grindelwald's regular raids have been stopped at the moment.
Tom gets a very constipated look on his face before he stands and wipes his books in his bag. Harry startles when Tom steps up to him and brushes his fingers over Harry's jaw.
''You are-'' Tom breathes before dipping down to kiss Harry. It's just a quick brush of his lips, but Harry feels breathless nonetheless. His face heats from the soft gesture.
''I'm what?'' Harry whispers in the minimal distance between them. Tom looks intensely into his eyes, and Harry can't speak further.
''So- so- stupid. I see you tonight.'' Tom says before abruptly pulling away from Harry and striding out of the library without a backward glance.
''Oi! You fucking prick!'' Harry yells after him. He doesn't understand that boy at all!
"Detention, Mister Peverell, for yelling in the library!" the librarian scolds him from two rows over.
Harry blushes, completely mortified. His emotions are all over the place, and he now notices how much he reeks from Quidditch practice. He hastily makes his way to the Gryffindor common room for a shower and change of clothes.
The following weeks go by very quickly, which isn't strange with all the exams taking place.
He and Hermione are practically inseparable, and even Tom is warming up to Hermione during their study sessions in the library or ROR. It isn't strange for Harry to find them both in a heavy discussion about one subject or the other.
Every student is more harried during exams, and he's certainly used to bringing Hermione to the Hospital wing for a calming draught during the highs of their exams. But he's surprised when her stress doesn't go away after the exams.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" he asks when she almost has a nervous breakdown at night when they're with Tom in the ROR. They're brainstorming about which bills they need to introduce to the Wizengamot and in which order to make the Wizarding World better in the future.
Her hair is sparking with her anxiety, and she is rubbing the scar on her neck unconsciously.
''I was again turned down for a lease on an apartment because I'm Muggle-born-'' you can hear her scowl in her tone. ''- nobody will even consider me for a lease.''
Harry frowns at her.
''Why are you looking for an apartment?''
Hermione gives him a look and says, 'How stupid are you?'
''Because I need a place to live, Harry,'' she answers sarcastically.
Harry narrows his eyes at her. ''No, really?'' He then shakes his head, trying to ignore his annoyance.
''I just don't understand why you're even looking when you can live with us in Peverell Mansion; there is more than enough room; you just need to promise to not free my elf. She's a sweetheart, and I want to keep her.''
Tom has frozen from his place next to Harry, and Hermione puts her hands on her face.
''Harry, you utter moron, this is the first time you even mentioned me living with you!'' Hermione says exasperatedly.
Harry turns to Tom. ''Really? I thought we had talked about this.''
''Darling, you've talked to me about it, not with Granger,'' Tom says with a scowl.
''Oh, well,'' Harry looks down before looking between Hermione and Tom. ''But she can, right?''
''Of course, she can,'' Tom says, he then looks up at Hermione. ''You'll love our library,'' he adds.
Hermione narrows her eyes at Tom. ''Why are you suddenly so nice to me? It's creepy.''
Tom scowls in response. ''You know why.'' He barks out, making Harry's eyebrows rise.
''Wait, have I missed something?'' Harry asks, getting two identical looks that tell him he probably has and that they will not explain it to him.
He tries not to pout.
Tom's POV;
Tom schools his face not wanting to show Hadrian what had happened between him and Granger. It had been the week before when Granger had cornered him after Potions.
Flashback:
''What do you want, Granger?'' Tom says with a scowl when she pulls him away from the other Slytherins. Even if he knows for sure that Hadrian doesn't want anything sexual with the woman in front of him, and she is actually quite intelligent and sets a challenge for him intellectually, he doesn't like her.
She places multiple silencing charms around them and crosses her arms while glaring up at him. She's quite a bit smaller than him, something he can't help but smirk at.
''I want you to know that whatever you're planning with Harry, that if you hurt him- emotionally, physically, or mentally, I will find you, kill you, and make sure there isn't any trace of it; I will erase you from the face of the earth and make sure nobody alive will remember you. Am I clear?''
He blinks slowly at her for a few moments before the words get through to him.
He chuckles. ''We're Wixen, you can't erase everything about me or hide the evidence of my murder enough so nobody will find out.'' He replies with a scoff.
Granger leans a bit closer and lowers her voice. ''Watch me. You have no idea what I'm willing to do for Harry. I put a teacher on fire because I thought he was a danger to Harry; I was twelve. I put a reporter in her animagus form in a jar for five months because she was horrible to Harry and blackmailed her after that fact so she would write favorably about him. I have killed for Harry, and I've died for Harry. You. Have. No. Idea. What. I'm. Capable. Of.'' With every word in the last sentence, she pokes him in the chest with her sharp nail.
Tom can't help but swallow nervously. With his Legilimency he can scan every word for a lie, and that whole statement was the complete truth.
''You're just as crazy as him.'' He replies, only to be thrown off kilter by her sharp smile. ''You have no idea.'' She then turned and walked gracefully away as if the whole conversation hadn't happened.
End Flashback:
Granger is growing on him, unfortunately, and as long as she doesn't try to separate Hadrian from him, he doesn't mind if she lives with them. She is a good conversation partner and more clever than he initially thought.
He's pulled from his thoughts when Hadrian touches his leg. Immediately he feels the warmth of Hadrian's touch spreading through his body.
''Is everything alright?'' Hadrian asks with that head tilt. He looks like a puppy when he does that. Even if he's a very dangerous puppy, something along the lines of a hellhound, but nonetheless.
''Yes, she is welcome at Peverell Mansion.'' He replies with a steady voice.
Hadrian gives him a smile and turns back to Granger to talk about something while Tom tries not to move so Hadrian will keep his hand on his leg.
''Tom-Tom-Tom-!'' Hadrian is panting beneath him. Tom takes his time kissing and licking a line along Hadrian's tempting neck and collarbones.
''Yes, Darling?'' Tom replies in a teasing tone. They returned yesterday from Hogwarts and Mipsy had welcomed them home with a fantastic dinner, she had been over the moon that they would have another guest in their house for the whole summer.
When they came home, Hadrian and Tom were too tired for anything sexual, and Hermione would have probably made fun of them both like she always did. They tried to have some privacy a couple of times at Hogwarts, but it had been stressful, and their schedules had been full the last couple of weeks.
Hadrian moaned wantonly, and Tom couldn't quite stop his hips from grinding down in response. Hadrian then pulled on his hair to pull him away from the flesh he was abusing, only to claim his lips himself.
''Y-your paperwork is digging in my back,'' Hadrian said then, and Tom couldn't help but snort.
''Well, I wanted to-''
''Tom! Harry!'' Hermione stalked into the room as if it were hers, and Tom wanted to curse her!
''Hermione!'' Hadrian yelped, promptly pushed Tom off him, and gathered his robes around him to cover himself up. Tom didn't pout, but it was a close thing. Now, he glared at the intruding witch.
''Do you mind? I was working on something.'' Tom said scatingly.
Hermione snorted. ''You were working on getting Harry out of his clothes, and that's just-'' She shuddered. ''Nope, not thinking about it, but your horniness needs to wait, I've just finished the draft for the creature bill you want to propose during the June meeting-''
Tom immediately paid attention and started to read through the document Hermione presented him. Mentally noting the comments she made to the document they had started during the train ride yesterday.
Hadrian groaned loud enough to get his attention again, and he watched how the Master of Death scowled at them both. ''I've never should have introduced you two, now you're like best nerd friends-''
''We are not best friends.'' Hermione and he both said at once before narrowing their eyes at each other and speaking again simultaneously. ''We hate each other.''
Hadrian laughed this time at their put-out expressions.
''Well, don't let me disturb your bill-making; I will seek my pleasure elsewhere.'' Hadrian then started to leave, but Tom was faster, and with two quick strides, he pulled Hadrian back towards him and held him against his front. Hadrian looked a bit up at him with a raised brow and mischievousness sparkling in his eyes.
''You will absolutely not seek your pleasure elsewhere,'' He growled before nipping at Hadrian's bottom lip.
''Hermione-'' Tom started, but the witch was already leaving with a fake gag. Since they would spend the whole summer together, they had decided to call each other by their first names.
''Yes, I'm leaving already. Don't maul my brother in front of me; ugh, I don't need the nightmares!'' She replied in a teasing voice.
''Hé! Who says he's doing the mauling?'' Hadrian said, inserting himself in the fading conversation. Hermione snorted and gave Hadrian a fond look. ''Oké, Harry, don't maul Tom too much, he needs to look pretty in front of the Wizengamot when he presents the bill.''
''Excuse you! I am handsome, not pretty!'' Tom said in his best offended voice.
Hermione fake gagged again. ''Sure you are. Bye now, enjoy or something like that.'' She then shuddered again before closing the door behind her. Tom threw a locking charm at it in case she wanted to barge in again.
He then tightened his hands on Hadrian's hips, successfully gaining Hadrian's attention again.
''So, where were we?''
I HAVE NOTES so read them at your leisure;
Okay, I love the banter between those three! (*o*) It also looks like Tom and Harry are already in a relationship, but they have yet to DTR anything.
There is a lot of trust between Harry and Hermione. They trust each other's judgment, so even if in the beginning Hermione was only wary of Tom, she trusts Harry to know what he's doing even if he's an oblivious fuck.
Tom and Hermione will be besties at one point; you can't tell me otherwise. (or well, you can, but I want them to, so... bugger for you.)
A few notes from the beginning of the chapter, it describes what Ron has done to Hermione, in an earlier chapter I only described it as something terrible that happened to Hermione but didn't go in details. It also describes very lightly how she died, and how she has come back. But I hope that was self-explanatory.
Spells are once again provided from the unofficial 'Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook'
Here's a list!
Sagita - Shoot an arrow, this one is actually only described in the book but without an incantation, so I used Google Translate from English to Latin...
Everte Statum - To make an opponent stumble backwards and causes temporary sharp pain.
Accio - Make an object fly to you.
Conjuring a Lion - I don't have an incantation for that, I just thought it would be a Gryffindorish action.
Crucio - the torture/pain curse.
Not me googling about Runes for like three sentences of dialogue...
If I have insulted anyone with the description of Asexuality in this chapter, I'm so sorry! If I need to change anything, please let me know!
I hope you liked the chapter!
xxMBlack93