Hello, my darlings! I was bored so you get your chapter a few hours early. Those you now shipping Adrian and Astoria, know you are not alone. It was a throwaway line that has inspired many of you.
Chapter 24 Fifth Year Begins
For his birthday Marcus asked her to join the family at dinner. As a gift she used disk shaped key chains and a protean charm to create a way to get one another's attention and share short messages. "Thanks, Hermione. These are amazing."
"You're welcome," she looked down and tucked her hair behind her ears. "Rhys mentioned telephones being more convenient and it got me thinking and looking for something."
"They make two way mirrors," said Mr. Flint.
"Too bulky and we have the journals. They're more private."
Felix regarded her shrewdly, "How much longer are you going to hide your relationship?"
She looked at Marcus, "Well? Your brother wants to know how long we're going to hide."
He gave her a pleading look, "Hermione, we discussed this. Theo doesn't want to advertise your friendship to spare you. What would happen if they knew we were dating?"
"I know. I agreed to let you protect me for a little longer. I just wanted you to say it so your family understands this is our decision, not mine. Well, really, it's my acceptance of your decision."
Mr. Flint smiled at his son proudly, "Astute of you, son. And well thought out."
"Have you felt pressure to choose a side, sir?" asked Hermione.
"Not yet. But lets talk of happier things. No sense borrowing troubles."
"Like how the awesome oldest son spent his hard earned Order of Merlin money buying us all new brooms," joked Felix.
"Did you spend all of your money?" asked his mother concerned.
"No, I put most of it in my vault," he promised. He side eyed Hermione, "Not that I got as much as the second class honoree."
She rolled her eyes, "Didn't need it, didn't want it. Definitely didn't do it for that. And thank you for helping."
"Someone needed to. I still can't believe we did that. I filled my crazy bravery quota for life." Felix poked fun at the situation to help alleviate the fear in his mother's eyes. Three of her children were in mortal danger that afternoon.
"Did you ever determine where they came from or why they attacked?" asked Jasper.
"We don't know who sent them, but you were correct they were magically enraged. Without knowing the who it is hard to determine the why." Mr. Flint explained. "But we have their magical signature now."
"Good," said Hermione darkly. "I detest when nature is perverted for ill intentions."
September 1st arrived before they knew it. Back to school shopping seemed nearly anticlimactic. Some new robes, new textbooks, yet Hermione couldn't shake the sense of foreboding. Nothing sinister, just a nag at her soul. She noticed the stares, this time not just for Sirius or Harry. She hated the attention as much as Harry did. She worked to ignore them like Sirius did.
At Platform 9 she sent Ron and Harry to find a compartment. She headed to the first car to attend the prefect meeting. She grinned when she found Neville waiting for her. "Hermione!"
"Neville. Congratulations on making prefect."
"You, too. Not going to lie, I'm a little surprised. I thought Harry or Seamus would get it."
"Exploding cauldrons aside, your grades are better then Harry's and you're a touch more responsible than Seamus." She beamed, "And I'm relieved to not have to carry the full workload."
"Me, too."
Before she knew it she was sitting with Harry, Ron, and Ginny on the Express winding their way through the countryside. Arriving on a Friday they would have the weekend before classes beg. She made plans with Marcus to meet Saturday morning after breakfast. Theo promised to find her later. Neville stopped by to show the others his new wand. Lavender and Parvati stopped in briefly to gossip. "Seen Cedric recently?" the former asked Hermione.
'Diggory? No, not since the Harry and Neville's party."
Lavender frowned slightly, "You didn't tag along to the cinema?"
"No, why would I?"
"No reason," this comment made the two other girls giggle madly.
The two departed and the others gave Hermione questioning looks, "I have no idea."
"Who knows with those two," said Harry rolling his eyes. The remainder of the trip passed without incident.
Hermione winked at Dahlia Flint as she made her way to the waiting carriages. She blinked at the bony winged horses pawing the ground in front of them, having never seen them before. Luna appeared at her elbow. "Thestrals," she explained," you can only see them if you've seen death, usually a violent one."
"Why couldn't I see them after the basilisk?"
The blonde shrugged, "Perhaps it wasn't violent enough, or you brain didn't comprehend it like it has now."
"Something to consider." Hermione saw the Creevy brothers trying to catch her attention. "Let's get in," she said deftly dodging them. She knew they would want a blow by blow recounting of the fight and she was done with that particular topic. She asked Luna about the rest of her summer and enjoyed a conversations about mythical creature hunting the rest of the way to the castle.
The girls separated inside the Great Hall each making their way to her House's table. Hermione slid in between Harry and Neville. Ron and Ginny sat opposite them. "Ugh, why can't we eat first?" grumbled Ron.
"Because the first years need somewhere to sit," pointed about Hermione.
"And might die from stress otherwise," joked Harry.
"Okay, there's that. Still, a little snack would be nice." Hermione shook her head at his single mindness when it came to food.
They watched Professor McGonagall escort the new students into the Great Hall. Hermione smiled fondly remembering the wonder and apprehension of her Sorting and her first view of the enchanted ceiling. The Sorting Hat sang about unity and celebrating their differences before the sorting began. "Belby, Cooper," started things by joining Ravenclaw. Hermione half listened, applauding as appropriate until "Flint, Dahlia." She perked up, excited for Marcus's little sister. The small girl perched on the stool grinning from ear to ear. McGonagall placed the hat on her head.
After several seconds the hat animated and cried, "Gryffindor!" Stunned silence stretched as Dahlia slowly stood. She placed the hat on the stool. She looked at her brothers on the far side of the room and gave a tiny smile. Hermione began clapping. Two elbow nudges later Harry and Neville joined her. The twins joined with matching wolf whistles, opening the floodgates. The entire table joined in cheering for their new housemate. McGonagall smiled approvingly at her House. Hermione's boyfriend looked gratefully at her. The other first years welcomed Dahlia to the table. By the end of the sorting she was laughing and joking with her new housemates.
Dumbledore stood once dessert ended. "Welcome to another year, students. We welcome a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. This year the Minister of Magic offered his own Undersecretary, Miss Delores Umbridge."
"Hem, hem," Umbridge interrupted to give her own little speech. A concerning speech to anyone that didn't immediately tune the woman out. The ministry intended to meddle at Hogwarts for their own agenda, and that was never good. After the speeches Dumbledore dismissed them to settle in. Neville and Hermione gathered the first years. Dahlia looked wistfully at the departing Slytherins.
Hermione put a hand on the girl's shoulder, she looked up at the prefect, "I wanted to tell at least one of my brothers good night." Unshed tears stood in her eyes.
Catching sight of Felix, Hermione took the girl's hand. "I'll bring up the rear," she told Neville. He nodded understanding what Hermione intended. She lead Dahlia across the room. "Oi, Flint," she called.
Felix and Graham Montague both looked over at Hermione. Felix noticed his sister before Montague could speak. "Hey, Lia, come to get a hug good night?'
The girl lunged forward at her brother, "Yes." He hugged her back.
"I'm sure Granger will take good care of you. Let's meet in the Entrance Hall after lunch tomorrow."
"Okay." Dahlia skipped away in better spirits. The two joined the others, Hermione adding to Neville's tour.
In the common room a 2nd year tried to cause trouble, "Why were you hugging that snake, firstie?"
"He's my big brother."
"Then why aren't you with your snake family" she sneered.
"No," snapped Hermione, "that is unacceptable. Everyone in this dorm is a Gryffindor, one of our own. We will not bully our own. That behavior stops today. Not everyone's siblings end up in the same house. Pavarti's," she indicated the other 5th year who waved, "twin is in Ravenclaw. And no one cares."
"I care, she keeps trying to stow more books in my trunk," joked Pavarti. A few older students laughed.
"Neville and Lavender have cousins in Slytherin," Hermione continued.
"And Hufflepuff," supplied Neville.
"The point is, we all know people in other houses. None of it makes us more less than a Gryffindor.
"We take care of our own," finished Fred.
"And we apologize for the back to school prank aimed at Slytherin," added George.
Dahlia giggled, "Some of it probably have it coming. They can be right gits."
"Fifty points to Gryffindor for those brave and noble words," Professor McGonagall said announcing herself. "I will ignore that last part, shall I?"
"Yes, ma'am." The twins wisely fled.
The deputy headmistress turned to Hermione and Dahlia, "I came to check on Miss Flint. Expecting one house and ending up in another can be difficult. But I my lions have you well in hand."
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you. I'm going to head up and write my parents and unpack."
"Good night then. Miss Granger, a moment?"
"Certainly, professor." She followed her professor out the portrait hole.
"I wanted to check on you after your adventure at Longbottom Estates. Are you fully healed?"
"Yes, ma'am. Clean bill of health from Healer Tonks."
"Good. Any other issues?"
"Not yet. But I will be sure to speak with your if I do."
"Excellent. I hope you enjoy this year. Fifth year can be quite overwhelming due to OWLs," she smiled at her. "But take time to enjoy yourself, balance and all that."
"I will. Thank you, professor."
"You are most welcome. I will see you Monday morning with your schedule."
Hermione headed upstairs to her dorm room. Lila would have her things unpacked by now, ladies did not do those things. But she could organize them how she liked once they were out of the trunk. She joined the others in the back to school dance arranging their belongings.
Lavender began asking the other about their summers before moving the conversation to boys. Pavarti jumped in to describe her relationship with her neighbor. Fay confessed her crush on an older Hufflepuff. "Hermione knows about that, don't you?" Lavender asked slyly.
"I do?" her forehead wrinkled in confusion.
"You fancy an older Hufflepuff."
"Um, I have fancied older guys, but none of them have been in Hufflepuff," said Hermione slowly.
"So, you don't fancy Cedric Diggory? You seemed pretty cozy at Harry and Neville's party," Pavarti questioned.
"He's a nice enough person and is capable of carrying on a basic conversation that doesn't revolve around quidditch. And if by cozy you mean we talked in a friendly fashion, sure we were cozy."
"Please, you kept arranging it so you were sitting near him," Lavender pressed.
"I was sitting near the purebloods and non-Gryffindors so Neville could hang out with his friends. Plus we just battled against monsters, it was a bonding moment of sorts."
"Isn't he still dating Cho Chang?" asked Sally-Anne.
"No clue," answered Hermione. "We talked about the movie mostly. But I think he told Lavender they were."
"Oh, yeah" was all Lavender said in response. She deflated.
"Wait," said Pavari in a teasing tone, "Hermione did say she fancied older guys. Who, I mean besides Viktor Krum. Unless that's still a thing?"
"No, it isn't. And no one you know. Also not anything I plan to pursue. We shared a moment and that is all it will be."
"A moment?" replied Fay. "Spill."
"During a bonfire he kissed my hand and called me his lady. We danced once under the stars. But he's way too old for me. The age difference is too much."
Fay considered the matter, "Do you mean one of Ron's older brothers?"
"No. I've only met Charlie once, he rarely comes home. And Bill's dating Fleur Delacour. And we all know Percy, no thanks."
"How is Fleur dating Bill?" demanded Sally-Anne.
"She's working at Gringott's to improve her English, he works at Gringotts. I guess they met at work," Hermione explained.
"Did anyone else notice Lavender isn't talking about her crush?" Parvati asked slyly, just like she had Hermione.
"She isn't," said Fay eagerly. They all looked at the blonde expectantly.
"I that is, I mean," stammered Lavender.
Despite her annoyance at the her possible intentions about the knowledge of her potential crush, Hermione took pity on the other girl. "If she's not ready to say anything about her massive crush on Malfoy yet, she doesn't have to."
"Oh my gods, no! While I can admit he's fit, no. Just no. I have to be the high maintenance one in the relationship."
"That hair has to take at least an hour every morning," joked Sally-Anne. The girls laughed about some of the other boys until they went to bed.
At breakfast Hermione checked on Dahlia by seeing how all the first years were faring. They assured her they were fine. She left them thinking it was normal behavior for the prefects. She went to meet Marcus in a good mood. "Good morning, handsome," she chirped.
He made a show of looking around, "Not sure who you're talking to, but good morning, little witch."
She put her hands on her hips annoyed, "You know I mean you."
"And that makes me question your vision," he quipped.
She sat on the window seat next to him, "You aren't funny."
He kissed her, "And you like me anyway. A fact that makes me question your sanity, but you're a Gryffindor, which says everything really."
She swatted him, "Ignoring that and because you mentioned Gryffindors, one of our newest lions says she loves you and she'll see you later. She's settling in just fine."
"Felix and I agree while we're disappointed she's in another house, we are happy she's with you. You'll take care of her."
"I will," she promised.
"Now," he said pulling her into his lap, "no more wasting precious time talking." He pressed his lips to her neck. "No idea," tiny kiss, "when I'll," tiny kiss, "get you to myself again." He reached her mouth and drew her closer for a deeper kiss. Rather than battle for dominance, they danced, each one taking, then relinquishing, the lead. One of his hands moved up her back to brace her, the other roaming down to caress her buttocks. She ran her hands into his hair, tugging occasionally. When brushing his ear caused his hands to tighten on her she repeated the gesture, enjoying the results. They snogged until lunch, parting regretfully to eat.
Hermione's hopes for a calm year died, dashed upon the rocks of disappointed, with her first Defense class. Umbridge had them copying the textbooks, or rather the children's book masquerading as a textbook. She refused to answer questions or allow physical practice. The ministry would protect them. And You-Know-Who wasn't returning, that was all lies and fear mongering. "Because he's been the only dark witch or wizard ever," muttered Ron as they left class.
"The only people who think he's returning are delusional gits," sneered Seamus.
"And that gets us through our OWLs how?" snapped Hermione. "Because until one of them rams the gates down I don't give a rat's arse about who is or isn't coming. But I do want a passing grade on my exams."
"You don't think he's returning?" questioned Ernie MacMillian as the Hufflepuffs merged with the Gryffindors.
"How would I know?" Hermione demanded. "Do I look like a seer? What I do know is that woman is standing between me and a passing grade."
"And everyone knows how Hermione feels about her grades," joked Fay.
"And anyone wishing to be an auror needs a basic understanding of defense," said Hermione. "Plus, Ron isn't wrong. Voldemort wasn't the first dark wizard, nor will he be the last. In fact, he was the second in less than two generations."
Susan Bones frowned, "What aren't you saying, Granger?"
"Why doesn't Umbridge, and the Ministry by extension, want us to have a solid foundation of the basics?" She held up a hand. "Just think about it." The Gryffindors turned to make their way to Potions and the Hufflepuffs made their way elsewhere.
Seamus huffed, "Me mam almost didn't let me come back because of the stuff Dumbledore's been saying." He glared at Harry.
"And how is that my fault?" demanded Harry.
"Dumbledore said you..." Seamus started.
"Dumbledore said, the Prophet said," raged Harry, waving his hands wildly. "Why am I responsible for what Dumbledore said? I haven't said anything. Not that anyone has asked me."
Seamus deflated, "Sorry. I suppose that isn't fair."
"I understand how easy it is to believe the things other people say, but at some point we have to start thinking for ourselves," said Harry. "Hermione's right, we need to think about why the Ministry is supporting the idea of depending on them to protect us from everything dangerous out there."
They filed into the Potions classroom. Most of the Slytherins were taking their places, a few looking curiously at the somber Gryffindors. Something about the sight of Daphne Greengrass and Theo Nott gave Lavender a horrific epiphany. "If Hermione hadn't known what to do at Neville's party we would all be dead. Same with Harry about the erklings. Everything was over by the time they even arrived." The gravity of the situation hit her. Her knees buckled. Dean and Ron caught her and assisted her to a chair. She stared, eyes wide, her breathing turning rapid and shallow.
Snape swept into the classroom from his office. "This year will further separate the dunderheads from the talented..." he broke off when he realized he did not have their attention. He noticed where their attention lay. "What is the matter, Miss Brown?"
"Why does the minister want us to die?"
Snape pulled back as if she slapped him, "Whatever gave you that idea?"
"Because they aren't teaching us and keep saying the ministry will protect us. But they're too slow," Lavender's voice became shrill as the panic took hold. "They can't be everywhere."
Snape looked about noting Hermione's calmer expression. "Miss Granger, would you translate, please?"
"Yes, sir. We've just come from Defense. Madame Umbridge has us copying the textbook for classwork." She held up the book so he could see the children on the cover and how thin it was. "When asked about practical work for our exams she told us it was not needed with proper instructions. Then she added we would not need this information because, and I quote here, the ministry will protect us from the dangers. I believe Miss Brown's experience this summer has left her less than confident in that regard." He blinked at her so she continued, "The incidents at Longbottom Estates."
"They would have been too late. And even then, there's no telling if they would have been able to save us," wailed Lavender.
"I think she's having a panic attack, sir. Not that I blame her," added Hermione.
"Indeed. Mr. Weasley, Mr. Thomas, please assist Miss Brown to the Infirmary," ordered Professor Snape. The room sat in silence as the three Gryffindors left. Snape stood regarding the remaining students. "Miss Granger, may I see your Defense textbook," his tone dripping with derision on the last word. She held it up for him. He flipped through it before handing it back. "I see." He looked around. "Do the rest of you share Miss Brown's concerns?" He focused his attention on the responses of the Slytherins.
Daphne raised her hand for permission to speak. "Sir, I agree with Lavender. Everything about that day was horrifying and makes Madame Umbridge's assertion we can depend on the ministry for protection dubious."
"And OWLs are this year," protested Theo. "Some of us need good grades."
"I sympathize with your concerns. I suggest that perhaps letters home might aid your studies. Some of you may struggle with it, but I council patience and discretion." He turned, "Now onto more pressing matters- beginning our last year together for many of us." Snape began his first potions lesson for 5th year.