Hello, darlings. I have started dabbling with a side project because a lovely reader asked if I could try to write her story idea, and my muse likes a challenge. And like I told the baby nurse when I nudged her out of the nest this week- this is how we grow. That said, this story remains my primary focus. The updates might just be later in the day if I have to type out the rough draft. I will try to stay ahead of my self. Season's Greetings of your choice. This chapter is mostly just fluffy goodness after all the drama of the last two.
Chapter 23 Party Redo
Realizing she couldn't keep Skeeter in the jar forever she took it near her childhood home and held the jar up to her face height. "I hope this little timeout has given you time to think, Miss Skeeter. Lying is wrong. Inventing hurtful stories is unethical. And if that isn't enough to get you to change your ways: print one lie, one exaggeration, one sensationalize story about me and or my friends and I will report how you obtained all your scoops as an illegal animagnus. Fly up and down if you understand." The beetle did so. "Good. I will let you out. For the next year you will be taking a sabbatical to find yourself. I know you're think you can just report this, but allow me to point out to you: you've been missing for nearly two months and no one is even concerned enough to be looking. And you would have to explain how I caught you and kept you. And you can't risk that. Your enemies might start thinking and questioning things. Behave, and maybe rethink your life choices. It's kind of sad no one cares." She opened the jar and released Skeeter. "Remember my words."
The reporter shifted before her. The bottle blonde curls hung limp. Her gray roots advertised her age. Her crumbled robes added to her disheveled appearance. She blinked several times before turning and walking away without uttering a single world. The young druid watched with a small smile playing on her lips. She wondered if Skeeter was as smart as Skeeter thought she was. Only time would tell. She mentally shrugged and headed back to No. 12. She had more important matters to attend to.
In the ministry information on blood curses she found a list of known afflicted families and surviving members. Being matriarchal in nature she found it next to useless to know the Hamilton family was the last known cursing in 1117. It was more useful to know the curse caused boils that drained physical and magical vitality. No thought was to put into keeping track of marriages or warning people about potential fatal illnesses, they were only girls. No loss. She added the families and the descriptions of symptoms to her lists. She wondered if any had died out when the last female passed without female offspring. She wrote Viktor to check on Nagini. Her research having reminded her of the maledictus.
She also wrote Marcus frequently.
H: They're hovering again. Starting at me like I'm going to break or something. Most of the bruising faded but when they notice it or the scar...
M: Sorry. Where is the scar?
H: My right forearm. Not that big even. Just the deepest part of the scratch. But I miss you. And I can't go over there or have you over here unless you're ready to go public when Harry or Ron insisit on staring at me endlessly for hours.
M: We've talked about this and all the reasons why we shouldn't. Let me protect you for a little longer.
H: Oh sure, guilt me. I know, I know. But September can't come fast enough.
M: Allow me to distract you. OWL results should be out soon.
H: That distracts you, sir, not me. Are you nervous?
M: No. I did the best I could. You helped me revise. I had the best preparation possible. And I want to play professional quidditch. Don't need OWLs or NEWTs for that.
H:Flattery will get you everywhere, sir.
M: I know. That's why I use it. I have good news. Longbottom invited me and Felix to his new birthday party. As a thank you and to keep Daphne and Astoria company.
H: Slytherins at a Gryffindor party, Ron's going to die. I, however, am delighted. And applaud Neville for his kindness to his cousins who are expected to attend.
M: Exactly. Now we just need to figure out how we can sneak away for a bit.
H: Leave that to me. She drew a smiley face.
Remus suggested meeting at one of the houses so someone could explain the cinema and cartoons to the purebloods. Harry confessed he knew about them but had never gone due to the way the Durselys neglected him. Hermione, Dean Thomas, and Sally-Anne Perks were likely the only ones that had ever gone. Mrs. Longbottom offered Longbottom Estates citing a larger parlor than the townhouse. Neville invited Hermione over early to show her the work on the grotto.
"We're using the stone you created to add to the area. A floor to the grotto and some benches. Gran felt it was wrong to dispose of it," Neville told her. "And our lips are sealed to implications of your actions until you say something."
"I appreciate that part the most. Thanks, Neville. I couldn't have hidden away and done nothing."
"I know." He clapped her on the shoulder. "Let's go join the rest of the party."
Once everyone assembled the muggleborns took turns explaining what would occur once they arrived. Sirius continued with their plans, "To facilitate ease at the concession stand, I will pay for everyone's orders. I suggest keeping it simple with popcorn and a drink, unless you know what the other items are." He grinned and gave them the floo address for Birmingham. "Once there we'll walk the couple of blocks to the theater. Everyone stay close." As the teenagers moved to the floo he enjoyed Hermione's performance. She nonchalantly hung back from the crush, positioning herself at the back of the Gryffindors near the small collection of Hufflepuff and Slytherins. Without anyone being the wiser she ended up next to her boyfriend. Once or twice the two accidentally on purpose brushed up against one another. He contemplated letting them be the last two through, but decided that might draw the wrong attention.
In Avalon Avenue, the name of the road the new district ran along, Sirius took the lead with Remus bringing up the rear. Hermione kept her place in the middle. She answered some of the questions the purebloods near her had. When Neville looked back guiltily she grinned broadly and waved. When he looked to stop and join them she made a shooing motion and shook her head. Daphne gave her a questioning look but said nothing. Hermione chuckled, "You're wondering why I stopped Neville, aren't you?"
"Yes, actually. But that is rather rude and you've been delightfully gracious enough to answer our questions." That they most likely would not have been as helpful if the roles were reversed was left unmentioned.
Hermione shrugged, "I know what it's like to be out yofour comfort zone. I'm being the guide I wish I had. And Neville should get to enjoy his party, not feel the stress of hosting."
"Plus all of this is as new to him as it is to us," added Felix.
"Exactly," Hermione beamed at him. "Also, I don't buy into all that House nonsense. We're all just people. We all have the potential for good and evil. No one should be condemned for things they can't control or be grouped with others in prejudiced stereotypes." She ignored the flashes of shame on some of their faces. She bumped her shoulder against Marcus's "And if you lot enjoy today you might tell others, or go out and try something else new. You should try an amusement park. Roller coasters are the best."
Marcus grinned at her, "Maybe we will."
"Good." The conversation ended when they reached the large brick building that housed the theater. Hermione noticed how pale Astoria looked. She masked her labored breathing well, as if she had been doing it for years. "Want to sit with me while Sirius gets the tickets. It might take a while."
"Good idea," Astoria nodded. Daphne gave her another grateful look. The three of them sat on a padded bench in the lobby. "Have you seem these, what did he call it, pictures?" Felix, Marcus, and Cedric moved to stand next to them.
"I've seen Cinderella, it's an older movie. But Lion King is new release."
"New release?" questioned Felix.
"That's what they call it when the movie comes out, that it was released. So new movies are called new releases," she explained. "Lion King is a new movie. Harry thought there would be less culture shock." Sirius waved the tickets at them to gain their attention. The smaller group followed Hermione to the concession stand and dutifully ordered popcorn and cokes. With careful shuffling that seemed unintentional Astoria, Daphne, Cedric and Felix preceded her into the aisle behind the others. She sat between Felix and Marcus. She smirked at the latter. She slipped her right hand into his left and squeezed. When the lights dimmed she rested her head against his shoulder.
During the brief intermission between films Hermione showed the sisters the restroom. Watching closely to how Hermione activated the motion senor sinks Astoria noticed Hermione's druid markings. She gasped, "Why are you being so nice to us? We've always been so horrid."
"I said exactly why earlier. And because I can." She tore off paper towels and offered them to the younger girl. "C'mon, the next movie is starting."
"Don't you realize what all of this means? For you, in society?"
"In greater detail than you can imagine. My actions are my own. I know exactly what I am doing by spreading kindness. Now, let's get back to our seats, I haven't seen this one." They returned to their seats, Astoria still sneaking glances at Hermione. Marcus gave her a curious look. "Tell you later," she mouthed.
She settled back into her seat and snuggled into him. Once the lights went down he rested his hand on her leg. He rubbed his thumb in random patterns along her inner thigh. She squirmed slightly under his touch. Tingles radiated from her leg and coiled at the junction. She squeezed those muscles enjoying the pleasurable sensations the movement generated. Her knickers felt quite damp by the credits. As the lights came up she collected the buckets and cups into a small pile.
Neville stood and turned to look at the back row, "That was incredible. Did you enjoy it?"
Astoria gave him a tired smile, "Very much. I want to come back again."
"Absolutely," agreed Daphne. "Thank you for inviting us."
"You're welcome." Neville grinned at his cousins. "Let's go eat." The group trooped out. Careful positioning resulted in Hermione and Marcus bringing up the rear again. This time they held hands for a few minutes since no one was looking in all directions anymore.
The back room of the Dragon and the Duck contained one long table. Sensibly, Sirius directed Harry and Neville to sit across from one another in the middle rather than the ends. Hermione hung back and sat on the edges of her friends and the others. Lavender gave her an odd, but said nothing. Everyone discussed both movies, the muggleborns and those who moved in both worlds answering questions as they could. Hermione explained the handful of unknown dishes from the muggle side of the menu. The pub provided a birthday cake. Half decorated with a quidditch theme for Harry and the other half herbology themed for Neville. One half was chocolate, the other vanilla. "Which flavor do you prefer, Granger?" asked Diggory, handing down plates of cake.
"Red velvet with cream cheese frosting. But that isn't what you want to know. I'll take vanilla, please." Diggory laughed at her antics.
Both celebrants enjoyed their party. Everyone agreed it to be a success, especially over the last one. The males, including the Slytherins, made plans to see an action movie after Dean described one. Astoria looked wistful as they excitedly made plans. "Would you like to see a chick flick, those are made more for women?" asked Hermione. "Or a romantic comedy?"
"Could we?" Astoria responded eagerly.
"If you like," shrugged Hermione.
"Oh, yes, please. Right, Daphne?"
Daphne looked slightly apprehesively at her sister. Then her expression turned wistful, "If you feel up to it. Thanks, Granger."
Diggory leaned over, "What exactly is a romantic comedy?"
"What it sounds like, a funny movie about romance. They make a good date movie, too." Again Lavender gave her another odd look. The party broke up with plans made all around to see more movies soon.
Hermione headed to the bathroom alone this time. She exited the loo to find Marcus waiting for her in the narrow hallway. "I wanted a goodbye snog," he said.
She giggled, "I want one, too." In one fluid movement he pressed her back against the wall, delighted moans replacing her laughter. Hands roamed over backs and chests as tongues tangled.
He pulled back when someone called her name, "You need to go." He looked down at her. "Merlin, you are so tiny."
"Maybe you're just extra big. Have you considered that?"
"Nope, you're tiny.
"I hate you."
"No, you don't," he laughed at her.
"Hermione." This time they recognized the voice as Cedric Diggory. They leapt apart just as he turned the corner. "There you are."
"And that's how you can tell the muggle coins apart," she said to Marcus.
"Um, yeah, thanks, Granger. See you." He nodded to Cedric as he walked past, "Diggory."
"Flint." He paused until the younger disappeared around the corner. "I wanted to thank you for saving all of us at the Tournament."
"You lot already did that repeatedly," she reminded him.
"I know, but after Longbottom's party it doesn't fell like enough. Did you know Potter insisted on sharing the prize money?"
"I didn't but that sounds like Harry."
"He didn't have to. He reached the trophy a second before I did."
"I doubt he sees it that way. Are you having a good summer?" she asked as she began walking back to the taproom.
"Not too bad. Played some quidditch with friends. Contemplated my future. And tried to avoid the existential crisis almost dying twice could cause."
"Twice?" she asked. "When was the second time?"
"The Tournament was one, Longbottom's party was two. Hermione, we fought two full grown enraged wyverns. Dad says the ministry is considering Order of Merlin 3rd class for the five of us."
"Oh," she said. She blinked three times in rapid succession. She didn't consider the merit worthy of all that. And what did that say about her?
"Yeah, oh. Personally I think you deserve the award and 1st class at that. You killed them, you did most of the work."
"You four helped. I couldn't have done it without you," she said quietly. "But you wouldn't have died. I wouldn't let you."
When the ramifications of her statement sank in Diggory stared at her in horror. "You would have sacrificed yourself for us?"
"Birth gave me the path, I willingly decided to walk it with everything that can and will entail."
"You're what? Fifteen?" he asked.
"Nearly sixteen, but age doesn't matter. I completed the training and the trials. If there were other Druids they would consider me a full member, therefore I act like one. I hold myself to the expectations they would have. I picked my path, now I walk it."
"I'm sorry. I think I'm too stunned to form a coherent response."
"Most people have that reaction," she told him. "You'll be okay." She patted his cheek.
A handful of people remained. Lavender greeted them, "Say, Diggory, are you and Cho still together?"
"Um, yeah, why?"
Lavender flashed a sneaky grin, "Just wondering." Hermione considered her possible motives and came up with a blank.
Sirius saved them from further awkward conversation, "Kitten, are you ready to go?"
"I am. Bye, Lavender. Diggory." They both returned her well wishes as she left. "Thanks. I have no idea what her motives were, but she was up to something."
"Some people like to stir the pot to see what happens," he explained.
"Well, she can tilt at windmills somewhere else because there is nothing there."
"I'm aware," replied Sirius.
Hermione spent the afternoons she could at the Ramble. It took a bit for
everyone to stop hovering. She eventually enlisted Tonks to help her. She wanted to spend some of what little summer they had left being able to spend time with her boyfriend openly. Adrian and Theo both joined the couple on occasion. The former reported his father seemed to be wavering on the side of returning to his former faction. "He's back, he has a body anyway," Theo reported. "I saw him. I don't think I was supposed to. Father thought I was at Draco's. He has red eyes, no hair, and a slit nose. It's creepy," he shuddered.
"The potion he used required snake venom. That could have affected him," she said slowly in thought.
Adrian stared at her, "How do you know that?"
"The snake I rescued from him told me they took her venom to feed to him," she answered matter-of-factly.
"Does anything phase you?" he demanded, his eyes a little wild.
"Getting upset doesn't help, so there is no point wasting the time or energy. And honestly, that isn't the worse thing I've faced."
Theo chuckled, "Fighting basilisks and wyverns didn't do it, so I don't know what could." She swatted him. "Father says they voted yesterday on the Order of Merlins. They'll be announcing them tomorrow or the next day."
She flopped back dramatically, "I don't want one. I want to be left alone."
"At least Black and Lucius Malfoy convinced them to grant them to the erkling group, too."
"I don't see how that helps," she grumbled. "Other than Ron won't bitch and moan about not getting recognition when someone else did."
"Can we go back to basilisks?" exclaimed Adrian. "When did you fight a basilisk?" His voice rose shrilly.
"Calm down. My second year, your third. It was petrifying students, remember?"
"I thought that was Potter?"
"He certainly helped. It was a team effort," she smiled.
"I try not to think about it," admitted Marcus.
She pecked him lips with a light kiss, "Professor Dumbledore focused more on Harry's contributions, and since I don't care about the 'glory,' I let him."
"Changing subjects," Adrian said, "when do I get to go to the cinema?"
"Whenever you take yourself." He whined and she teased him back. "None of you need me. Have Astoria Greengrass take you. She seems to adore them."