Chapter 8Chapter TextHermione came back to the orphanage to a few changes around the area. For starters some caretakers resigned. And had new replacements. Some sort of new rule implimented in the gouvernment, something she couldnt be bothered to listen to. Anyway from this the reign of terror associated with people like Miss Biggs was finally no more. The place was newly renovated and there were new caretakers in their steed. And although hermione was a stickler for routine, she welcomed this one, hoping these people would be nicer.
She was first introduced to Marcella or Marcy for short she told her. She was a young woman seemed relatively new, a week or 2 before her arrival at most, and although she appeared worried she still found the strength to smile through it all. She saw hermione appear with suitcase in hand and asked
"Oh, are you a new arrival?", wiping her hands on her dress to give hermione a handshake, it appears she was cleaning
"No, I've been here for a while" hermione replied, already walking to her room to put her bags down
"So why haven't i-" Marcella began to ask following her
"I go to a boarding school, I'm rarely ever here. You don't need to concern yourself with me"
"You must be real talented to go to a boarding school on scholarship whilst still being an orphan"
"Yes. I suppose so" hermione muttered, deciding not to invoke further conversation with the woman
"It was nice to-" and that's all hermione heard as she closed the door behind her into the room. This woman had to be naive. To be nice in a place like this. There is no niceties, no kindness, she'll turn out like the rest of them. Hermione thought, already exhausted from her trip back home, it was the last thing she thought as she slept.
Fortunately or unfortunately more like, she proved hermione wrong. It seemed her kindhearted nature spread to everyone, from the younger kids who she acted more like a mother, to the older kids whom she acted more like a friend. She had managed to get on everyone's good side. Except hers. Hermione was still very weary of the woman, almost every adult had perilously failed her, so why should she trust her? So she just avoided her, reminded cautious around her, replying to whatever questions with as little words as possible.
"Hey hermione, what is your favourite colour"
"Red."
"Thats a wonderfu-" Hermione doesn't wait for the woman to finish her sentence and leaves the room
----
"Hermione, what would you like to do today?"
"Read"
"Oh you like reading? What type of books do you like?" Marcella asks with a smile, but no further response is given, Hermione as hermione continues to do her chores in silence. She's taken to blatantly ignoring her too.
It was on such a day when doing chores that Marcella had another question to ask
"Why are some of the children afraid of you?"
Hermione paused and looked up at her, face emotionless
"They believe I did something"
"And, did you?" Marcella asks, now looking in hermiones eyes
"People believe I did, that's all that matters"
"And what did you do?"
"Enough"
"Enough to make them scared?"
"Enough to leave me alone" Hermione snapped, letting her emotions get the better of her and reveal a look of anger. Marcella sat there and stared, seemingly shocked that the girl who refuses to answer has decided to have some semblance of conversation. It seems that this is a conversation worth responding to.
A pregnant silence fell upon them both as hermione and marcella continue their potato peeling. Eventually marcella pauses again.
"Do you...regret it? What you did?"
Hermione, stops to look up at Marcella
"Not in the slightest"
"Well what did you do?"
"What do you know?"
"Rumors"
"Do you believe them?"
"Why should I, rumors are as tangible as a ripple of water I think. Distorted. Warped. Unclear. I would be a fool to believe them." She let a breath out akin to a laugh "and besides, why would I believe them when I could ask you"
"What makes you think ill respond"
"It wouldn't hurt to try would it? After all you refuse to have a conversation with me on almost any topic"
"I don't entertain mediocre forms of communication"
"Getting to know someone is a mediocre form of communication?"
"No, but icebreakers are, what use is knowing peoples favourite colour or season, I prefer proper conversation"
"Like this I suppose?"
"Exactly like this"
"Well? What is your answer"
Hermione paused thinking about what to say next, she wouldn't lie to the woman but she can't exactly tell her the truth
"I made her hurt"
"Who?"
"A caretaker, Miss Biggs. Before your time I suppose" hermione said shrugging "she was a mean old hag who enjoyed picking on children, I made her regret it"
"How?" She asked, leaning in as if hermione is about to tell her a trusted secret
"I made her go mad. I made her in that instant, feel truly insane"
"Did she deserve it?"
"By my standards?"
"By anyone's standards. Did she deserve what you did to her?"
"Yes, she never hurt another child again"
Hermione waited for Marcella to respond but she never did, and they continued to peel potatoes in silence. Once done Marcella was the first to stand up, as upon walking out the room she paused without turning around saying "I would've done the same thing. Good job hermione".
Hermione looked shocked, and felt a fluttery feeling in her chest, someone had been proud of her for standing up for herself. Someone had understood. Perhaps she had judged Miss Marcella too harshly she thought whilst walking back to her room.
-----
Over the next few days Hermione made more conversation with Marcella, in other words Mercella would ask and hermione would answer with more than a one word answer, even occasionally asking questions un return. Marcella didn't know for how many years this child had been closed off but its clear to see that she is trying in some way shape or form to open up again. She is not so easily trusting and so Marcella knew to not only cherish every moment but also encourage it.
On the other hand Hermione was beginning to grow, often seen talking to Marcella with a small smile on her face, or reading a book somewhat near to where she was. She felt safe with Marcella over these couple of weeks, and enjoyed as much company as she wanted. In addition she didn't feel as angry at the world anymore, and had reduced the amount of times she'd go out to hunt for animals, going from 2-3 times a month to once a month. She didn't find love for animals overnight, but rather she felt less of a need to take her anger out in such a form. And as she was preparing to go to the weasleys to spend the remainder of her summer, she felt herself feel a sense of dread for leaving marcella. So when it was time to go, she decided to give her a small short hug, Marcella smiled at the gesture as if hermione gave her the keys to the city, but that's the type of person Marcella was, and she was happy to come back to the orphanage next year.
Chapter 9Chapter TextHermione was on the train ride back to school
"Come on, all the carriages are full" she said pushing open one to find a man asleep using his jacket as makeshift blanket
They all take their seats and hermione focuses on the man's suitcase.
"Who's that?" Ron asks
"Professor R. J. Lupin"
"How do you know that?"
"It's on his suitcase Ronald" she says exasperatedly as if pointing out the obvious. Hermione then drowns them both out, reading a book from the undercroft on blood magic, charmed to appear with a false cover. Her attention perks up at the mention of sirius black
"Sirius Black has escaped from Hogwarts to come after you?"
Sirius Black, from the most Noble and ancient house of black. They're renowned for the dark magic and metamorphagus abilities as well as the crazed madness that exists within their family. From the countless books hermione had read on the sacred 28, it's clear this family, the Gaunt family (that have recently ran themselves into ruin) and the Morvinagh family are the "it" families of wizarding Britain. And as soon as one comes of age, the pureblood houses battle and brawl it out for a chance at winning the hand (or a glance) from one of the most coveted families present. The fact that he had escaped is no joke whatsoever.
It was through this same recearch that she also found out that pastletongue, was almost always an inherited trait. The chances of it happening are next to none apparently, Harry himself was already an anomaly, apparently due to being the boy who lived, but whose to say the same for her? Its more improbable of a chance than her not having a magical lineage to begin with. If she had to had to really think about it, she could be from a squib line from Harpo the Foul, albeit a weak claim but still a reason nevertheless. Or perhaps a member of the Gaunt family, after all their Wizengamot seat is still apparently open, so who's to say she couldn't fill it. But such questions have no way to be answered here, and certainly not now.
"Hopefully he'll be caught and put away again. Everyone is looking for him aren't they? It'll be hard to hide when your face is plastered on every newspaper, every wall and alleyway in england and Scotland isn't it?"
"Yeah... except, no one has broken out of azkaban before. And he's a murderous raving lunatic"
Thanks ron" Harry said sarcastically, clearly noticing that in the 3 years we've known eachother, Ron still has trouble reading the room well. He looked at hermione to give a small smile before the train hissed, spluttered then jerked to a stop. They were here???
Hermione looked outside, confused at their location. This isn't the train station. They've stopped moving. She shoves her book into her bag and says
"Surely we aren't here yet? The journey is too short" but before anyone could respond they start to notice how the environment has shifted, its cold. Too cold. So cold thst frost has appeared on the windows and you can see every breath you take.
Then hermione saw a ragged ghost figure, one that looked like the epitome of death itself. She saw it slowly levitate towards their door. Saw its bony hands claw at the doorknob pulling the door open with such force, such vehemence. It stalked inside, like a predator hunting it's prey, and everything faded to black.
She woke up to a man crouching next to her, lightly shaking her. She determined from the fact that she hadn't seen his face before, and the fact that the ragged man was no longer where he was sleeping that this was in fact R J Lupin.
"Here, have some chocolate" he said shoving the chocolate into her face, "it'll help, I promise". She took the chocolate and ate it, now aware of her surroundings, Harry was still asleep and Ron was now shaking him awake. It seems that he was also affected by whatever that was. Eventually Harry soon came to and professor lupin repeated the same words he told her
"What attacked me" Harry said, slightly delirious
"That was a dementor an azkaban guard looking for sirius black. Now if you'll excuse me I have to have a word with the driver" turning round to give them a quick smile and leaving, shutting the door behind him.
The three sat in silence until Harry finally spoke "what happened to me"
Hermione turn to ron to give his input on what happened when she was out
"Well...you both sort of went rigid, I thought you guys were having a fit or something"
"Hermione? You were affected too?"
"Yes, I was"
"I felt weird though, despite not getting that affected. Like I'd never be cheerful again" Ron said solemnly, still with a worried expression as he glanced to his 2 friends.
"Someone was screaming, a woman." Harry thought for a second pausing "did you hear someone hermione?"
"I didn't hear someone, moreso something" she spoke confused as ever "I heard...crackling, and thuds, loud ones, nothing more"
"So we heard different things? How odd, what do you suppose it could mean"
"Who knows Harry, there is no way of knowing" hermione snapped suddenly feeling a surge of anger rise in her
"Why are you so mad? Bloody hell"
"Just- just forget it." Hermione says eyes close and hand up as if trying to physically pause the conversation "always so many questions and-"
"No answers?"
"Exactly"
Hermione knew what she heard of course, how could she forget it? But it was something that she'd rather not think about. It's with memories like these that she wishes she didn't have such a good memory.
"I'm going to the loo, we should change into our outfits. I'll meet back later" and hermione turns away to go and change
----------------------------------------
Hermione was excited, more excited than she probably had ever been. And it was because of her studies, all of her hardwork, had made her get recognised. It first started with professor McGonagall, hermione couldn't pick what subjects to do or not do. So McGonagall gave her a timeturner. Extremely rare and extremely coveted, she was made to swear she would not use it in front of others and to never let her past self see her. She was initially worried on how Harry and Ron would figure out, with Ron figuring out her timetable inconsistencies and Ron also realising how she appears from in his terms "thin air" (for a guy who cannot read the room he is very observant) but thankfully they didn't ask too many questions, and with the potential serial killer on the loose it took up most of their conversation.
What happened this afternoon though was albeit surprising. Hermione was in potions class, brewed perfectly of course, and she typically worked by herself in the corner far far away from Nevilles mishaps. After lesson she was about to leave when
"Granger, Nott, Malfoy. Stay after class"
Hermione could feel the looks of confusion from ron and Harry, could read their eyes that were practically yelling at her 'What does Snape want with you?!'
So she watched as the remainder of the class Slytherins and Griffindors alike flooded out of the room until only 4 people remained.
"Come to my desk you three." And so they all walked towards his desk, she could see out of the corner of her eye Malfoy shuffling away from her dramatically, as if she were a disease.
"What did I say with my first class with you"
"That you will not tolerate foolish wand waving in your class?"
"Precisely Miss Granger. And you three are my most talented students. I tolerated you because of it" he slowly spoke, glancing at the three children individually "I offer extra classes, either during free periods or after your overall classes, I want you to not only go through this class with good grades I want you to be challenged, my grading with you three will be harsher, my tone more impolite, my work more challenging. I assure you it will not be easy if you choose to accept. But if you do, youll receive a recommendation from me to whatever department you want to go into. As well as much skill than some of the most talented potion masters, despite your young ages."
"What?!" Malfoy protested "Me and Nott have to work with the mud-"
Snape immediately put his hand up to protest, immediately shutting malfoy up
"Do not test my patience Mr Malfoy. Muggleborn or not. You cannot deny Miss Granger has talent. Moreso than the 2 of you last time I checked. Despite there not being any formal grading due to last years circumstance, I am quite certain she would've bested you again." Malfoy looked at him with a hint of sadness like a kid scolded by his parent. Hermione struggled to hide a smirk
"You have a lot to learn from her and Nott, just as they have a lot to learn from you. I implore you to be civil."
He then sat down to pick up a quill. "Tell me your answer after tomorrow's class. You may leave"
Upon them leaving the class Snape calls out to them "I trust your discretion is a given" and the door shuts behind them. Malfoy turns "Don't think for a second I'll ever befriend the likes of you Granger" he says sneering as he leaves, leaving Hermione and Theodore. Theo turns to her "I'm not surprised this happened" he spoke softly
"However do you mean?"
"Potions always does this sort of thing apparently, my father was in a similar thing, told me about it." And there it is. Yet another thing hermione had yet to know about, another disparity between the Purebloods and the Mudbloods. They knew the ins and outs of their society. She was merely an onlooker.
"For what it's worth the group was larger then"
"It's not just three?"
"No of course not, it's just anyone with good enough grades and untapped potential. In out year however, there are three" he paused, positioning his bag on his shoulder better "for what it's worth I'm quite glad you'll be joining us Granger. I hope we can learn from eachother. Goodbye Granger
"I hope so too. Goodbye Nott." Theodore Nott, the only child and heir of the house of Nott, the only house in the same pedigree and sophistication as the Malfoys (who are just under the Black's and their rivals). The one who chose not to bully her and to see her for what she really was, a person. Hermione smiled to herself and walked to her next class. 'Perhaps things will change this year after all."
Chapter 10Notes:Just to clarify hermione does have feelings but they're short lived and unless provoked by something major she doesn't feel anything. It's why she's able to still get upset about her mothers death but at the same time appear monotone to her friends, how she doesn't really understand why people feel the way they feel and why she's able to kill animals without feeling guilty. Growing up such violence and torture was shown as an amusing thing to her, especially when done to an animal or person, hermione replicated this as well as blunted her emotional growth due to trauma at a young age. But she still has emotions just not as strong as other peoples. (She's like a sociopath how they can feel emotions and have a conscious but they're still somewhat lacking in the remose part)
Chapter TextHermione loved to learn, nothing made her happier than to curl up with a good book, in the isolated depths of the library and read. It was as it always had been, a means of escape, of liberation. So it is absolutely ludicrous when the very thing that has been a means of freedom could quite possibly be a means of entrapment.
This is due to the boggart lesson coming up, she read the syllabus 3 times over to ensure she had read it correctly. Today was in fact the boggart lesson. Hermione had carefully curated her image to the public, showcasing herself as a silent passive strategist, one who is smart but also likable, but also never says too much about herself. She was an enigma, and she liked it that way. However with this, it'll shift focus from what she wants people to see vs who she really is, and that is worrying.
The thing is Hermione doesn't actually know her worst fear, she's not afraid of spiders like Ron (the boy goes terribly pale even with the smallest of critters) or Professor Snape like Neville is, leading onto her next worst assumption. Boggarts take the form of your worst fear, or reenact your worst memory. And she certainly wasn't ready to have her dirty laundry aired out in public so to speak. Thus she had decided to do one of 2 things. One, she would go to the lesson and sit at the back of the class, not making eye contact or talking. Or 2... She'd bunk altogether. Hermione went with 2 of course and with a kick in her step she was walking down to the common rooms.
"Hermione, what are you doing here?" Professor McGonagall asked, a raised eyebrow already in place
"Oh Professor, I was held back a little by my last subject, I'm just getting my books for my next lesson"
"For defence against the dark arts?"
Fuck. She knew her schedule. Why of course she did, she's the one who gave her the blasted timeturner in the first place, so she had to actually read the damn thing "...yes?"
"You won't need books for this lesson I think, more practical. Now run along now otherwise you'll be late"
"Yes. Professor." She said with gritted teeth, a pitiful attempt to smile as she walked in the opposite direction from her safe haven. There's no use even trying to go back there due to McGonagall and if she knows that she isn't in lesson it could be dire for her. So as a result she walks into defence against the dark arts to begin her lesson. Everyone is already standing, crowded around a a cabinet with a mirror on it "Intriguing, isn't it?" Professor Lupin calls out "Does anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?"
"Thats a boggart that is"
"Very good Mr Thomas. And would anyone like to tell me what a boggart looks like?"
"No one knows, Professor. It takes on the form of whatever the person fears the most. Or a persons worst memory re-enacted. That's what makes them so-"
"So terrifying yes. Well done Mr Nott, 5 points to Slytherin. Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a boggart. Repeat after me. Riddiculous"
"Riddiculous" the class chants
"This class is Ridiculous" malfoy mutters, earning a slight smirk from Hermione, 'sometimes his anger is laughable'.
"Now you must force it to assume a shape that you find truly ammusing. The incantation is not enough. Neville please join me" Neville comes forward tentatively. "What are you most afraid of?"
"P-p-professor Snape sir"
"And what about your grandmother-"
"Shes not the best image either" he says, making the class giggle
"I want you to.." and whispers in Nevilles ear as Neville stands in front of the cabinet. It then slowly opens to reveal, Professor Snape, in his grandmother clothes. The entire class laughs tremendously and hermione realises for some it could be a very fun class. She was still quite cautious of it all.
"Professor, must we all do it here?" She turns surprisingly to Nott, asking the Professor with a slight frown. Perhaps she's not the only one hiding stuff
"Why yes, of course, its all a bit of fun isn't it?" Lupin said dismissively still laughing at Nevilles one. "All of you form a line, quickly, quickly" as they all shuffle forward, some pushing to the front and others pushing to the back. Hermione and a couple of purebloods surprisingly all pushed to the back of the line, hoping the lessons would end quickly enough for there's not to be shown. Leaning to the right she could see everyone's fears, Ron's was of course a spider, who he changed for it to have rollerskating, stumbling and falling over repeatedly Next Parvarti, who stepped forward, showing a cobra and she riddiculoused it to be a jack in the box, rocking back and forth and back and forth. A sense of dread is forming, Harry went next, and found thst his biggest fear was loosing his friends, like he lost his family, he won over his fear with a happier memory, of us playing in the snow in school. Then astoria went, her biggest fear was not being recognised as her own individual, constantly in daphanes shadow. And funnily enough, daphane had the same exact fear. Then it was Aria with heights, Lavender with heartbreak, Pansy with high expectations. The line moved closer and closer and she started to realise the fears became worse as the line went on.
It was Malfoys turn, his fear was also expectations, but it seems it was twisted, his father was his main antagonist, shouting at him to do better, yelling of how incompetent he could be due to him earning 2nd place because of a "filthy mudblood". Hermione didn't know if this was a a fear or a memory. Perhaps both. It was Notts turn next, his was worse, actual physical abuse from his father, beaten with his father's cane with him yelling how he'll end up like his mother, "dead by my hands". The class was silent now, as Nott shuffled to the side, not daring to look up at anyone. Finally. It was her turn. What did the number one student fear?
She slowly stepped as the boggart took a while to change and contort to her worst memory, as like she said, she had no fears. But it seems the boggart knew what memory to pull out, from the very depths of her soul, as the environment quickly changed. It was hot, too hot, as fire surrounded her as she turned around and looked back at the boggart. It was a door. A door with a crackling fire, and repeated loud thudding, a woman screaming Hermiones name through the glass door. Hermione watched as the womans skin turned blistery and her hands turned to black. Her face twisted and contorted as the fire spread to her body as she released a hellish scream before collapsing. Hermione stood there, hands by her side, she couldnt even raise them if she wanted to, much less say the spell, tears in her eyes as she tried to stumble back but tripping and hitting the floor and said one word "Mother." The door finally opened and the woman started dragging her arms to get to Hermione, groaning and dragging her body towards her. Hermione did not move frozen in complete shock eyes wide. This was truly her worst memory after all. Professor Lupin overlooking the situation ran in front of hermione, separating her and the woman, his fear changed to a silver orb before dispelling the boggart back into the cabinet. Hermione stayed silent, still on the floor, she forced herself up, and felt angry, infuriated. Even after Malfoy and Notts he still didn't stop the programme. She was enraged, so enraged she felt like she couldn't stop such anger
"Hermione I-" Lupin started
"Do not bother. It's not just me" after that she turned and walked out. She got back to her common room seething with anger, seething with pure rage. She couldn't think straight and felt if she stayed any longer she'd pull her hair out herself. She grabbed her pocket knife and practically dashed for the woods that surrounded the castle. No hunt, no proper allocated location she just had to take her anger out on something. She spotted a moon calf, she immediately drew her wand out and shouted "Aresto momentum" causing the thing to slow down immediately. From there she practically tackled the creature, and drive a dagger through its chest again and again. Blood splatters all over her uniform and face as she finally relents, as the mooncalf is slowly dying due to the spell, she places both her hands around its neck and squeezes tightly, slowly constricting any and all airflow. The mooncalf, giving one last groaning sound let's out no more. Hermione sighs, breathing heavily as she slumps beside a tree, as she slowly starts to realise how foolish she had been. No gloves, used a wand, blood on face and clothes, knife and recently deceased mooncalf next to her. She jumps forward and steps into action. She picks up the mooncalf (dragging it would leave a trail) to a part of the forest nearby that had recently dug soil. She dug with her hands until she created a small pit and buried the mooncalf there. She quickly took her knife and at a nearby river washed her hands and knife when "Who's there?" Hagrid. The half giant is the grounds keeper who, since she's known from first year, frequently takes trips to the forest to get ingredients
"It's just me, Hagrid" Hermione says, her back still turned to him
"O er 'ello 'ermione, how yer doin"
"I'm p-perfectly find Hagrid" Hermione said a bit too fast for her liking, slightly stumbling on words as she said them "I was just here to take a walk"
"Ohhh alright, that makes sense then, I waz wonderin why 'ou were by yourself, best be getting back now don't yer think?"
"Precicely Hagrid. Nice meeting you here". She said now turned around snd stood up, behind her back closing the knife and clutching it tightly in her hand. Heart pounding as she did 'this was close. Too close.'
"Hey er 'ermione, what you got on your face?" She inwardly gasped and turned her head away, a few drops of blood still remaining on her face
"i fell and got a couple of scratches. I was washing my hands in the water, they got a bit muddy." Hagrid laughed at this and hermione thanked the gods he didn't think to look into it. Being a "smart 'rule abiding' student" really does help such situations.
"Alright alright. Do be careful now" he said and walked away. Hermione walked back to the castle cursing at herself for her foolishness. She told herself this would be the first and last time she'd let any emotion get the better of her. But this was very very helpful. She walked into the great hall and found Harry and Ron already there. Their conversation halted to a stop as they watched their friend in pity. Hermione ignored them and sat down with a book in hand and a fork in the other
"So uh hermione. How are you feeling today" Ron asked, a grim expression on his face
"...fine, and you?" 'Where are they going with this?'
"Well, me and Harry were thinking and we just wanted you to know that we are always here for you"
"I don't need assurance, I am perfectly fine" said with a monotone voice her friends are accustomed to hearing
"Hermione your reaction. Its the most emotion I've seen from you in 3 years-" Harry spoke
"And why do you think that is? My mother was a lovely woman, I buried that memory because of this." She said with a tone that left no room for interrupting "It's not a topic one talks about in day-to-day conversation"
"But hermione we are your friends, we should be there for you" "Precisely. You are my friends, and I'm not struggling with anything. I'm fine." She snapped, and her 2 friends said nothing, turning to eat their foods. Why are they so upset? It's her memories, they shouldn't be hurt by something like that " the shock wore off from me long ago. I went on a walk to calm my anger" she spoke softly, trying to think of some way to diffuse the tension
"Do you remember her well?" Harry asked "I have a good memory, so of course I do. Besides she died when I was 8, so not much room to forget such an endeavor" she paused "she used to tell me stories a lot. That's what I remember most" she recalled, as if retelling something from a textbook, her voice steady and certain, and lacking in any sadness
"Did she ever tell you about your father perhaps? There is a possibility you could have family"
"Well whoever he is my mother hated him. She said that he was a cruel senseless man, who took pleasure in people's pain. She asked me not to inquire and I adhere to it" hermione finished her food still not looking up from her book. "Whoever that man was, he's no good so I'd rather just stick to the orphanage" she said with a laugh, "I have wondered who he is though, but I'd rather not look for him, and he probably has no idea I exist, either that or he refuses to acknowledge me"
"And that doesn't bother you?"
"I simply don't care. He can ignore me all he wants, I don't need a father, I've survived without one for 15 years, I think ill manage for at least 15 more" she glanced at her watch, wanting some time to herself in the undercroft she excused herself from the table under the pretence that she's going to sleep early. She remained in the undercroft for some time, learning blood hexes and ancient Rituals before getting into bed and having a quick dreamless sleep.
Chapter 11Notes:(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter TextHermione was a stickler for control. She hated feeling weak, powerless and vulnerable. And after that lesson with the Boggart she felt that her potential wasn't fully reached, she had been progressing of course, her magic was rivaling that of a 6th year student, and one could even say she's surpassed that with the amount of dark arts she had learnt due to her studies in the undercroft.
She remained a neutral party when it came to dark arts, she learnt it because it contained a realm of possibilities that she deemed Intriguing enough to not not explore it. She found it quite foolish that there were some who refused to look at it. After all, doesn't it matter how its used rather than what is used?
She had also improved on wandless magic as well, realising that magic similar to the body was something she could exercise, realising that harder spells made her feel more tired, she dedicated her evenings, once all classes and projects finished of course, to flick back her timeturner to the afternoon and practice an array of wandless spells to exhaust her body just enough to drag her body to her bed and practically pass out as soon as her head hit the covers.
Her potions work was indeed a bit more challenging as she worked through, she spent countless days in the potions room studying countless of ingredients and their combinations. It was part of Snapes homework for the three, saying how we must start off with the foundations before we even begin to grasp the complexities. Thankfully, all 3 of us were quick to take to it all, and so we progressed in our studies, we learnt different potions and tips from Snape on modifications, its clear he frequently made his own potions by the way he new how to alter them. It had been about 3 weeks of this that he made an announcement
"Your next task Is to brew a draught of peace and your extention of the task Is to modify it. People say this potion is peaceful but it can also be quite disorienting, instead of a slow rock into peace its moreso like falling off a cliff-face. You three will have one month to do this, you can of course, try and fail to do so but I expect 2 potions by the end of the month. Failure of this task means my teachings aren't worth the effort, and you will be kicked out of the extra lessons" hermiones eyes slightly widen at this fact before switching back to her expressionless face. "Any questions?" You three remain silent "Good. Begin. I shall take my leave now, I will not be supervising you three with the duration of this month" and with that he turned and walked away
All three kids took different starting points, Malfoy took to going over ingredients and their uses again, seeing which ones could help soften the blow of the peace draught. Nott took to the library and brought books back to the potions classroom, with the hopes of researching if there are any similar potions to the draught, like the sleeping draught, and observing their properties and prowess, I the hopes of creating a hybrid. Hermione, well, thought for a moment before saying "fuck it" and using a sharp knife cut her arm with a deep slash. She sighed, rolling up her sleeve and said "I'm going to Madame pomfrey" and walked out leaving Draco and Theo in utter shock.
Hermione didn't like blood she didn't care about other peoples blood, nor the sight of it, just its smell, a horrible iron smell, and the way it felt on her skin, the way it looked. All in all such a sight always makes her slightly agitated. Madam promfrey witnessing the sight, let's an irritated sigh leave her lips before she said "sit down, let's have a look at you" as hermione was getting patched up (she needed to do 4 spells: one for blood, one for muscle, tissue and skin repair, it truly was a deep cut)
"What happened"
"I cut myself."
"And? What did you do to invoke such a deep cut?"
"Potions. The knife slipped out of my fingers, I promise." Madam pomfrey gave her a look that meant she still wasn't convinced but let it go after a couple of spells she was already patched up
"Youre free to go, try not to damage yourself anymore?"
"I'm feeling a little agitated Madam Pomfrey, I absolutely hate the sight of blood, it never does me any good" Hermione said feigning the feeling of nervousness, making a conscious effort to fidget and squirm in her seat.
"Fine" Madam Pomfrey huffed and stood up, getting a vial from her cupboard. This will make you feel better shoving the vial into her hands.
"You know Madam Pomfrey, I've always been fascinated with medical magic. In actuality growing up as a muggleborn, it made your work all the more intresting" she said with a beaming smile
Madam Pomfrey also shifted from anger to content, its clear not many people appreciate her work "Oh really? What do you like most about it"
"The ability to help people" hermione said, walking around the room in a seemingly randomised manner "youre always there to give people a helping hand come rain or shine, I think being a healer is a noble profession, I must say" hermione turns, hands behind her back, just where the vials were for the draught of peace.
"Not many people see it that way" Madam Pomfrey turns for just enough to time for hermione to silently open the glass cabinet slightly ajar "It's clear that they have no value in medical magic. But if you want to learn some parts I'd be honoured to teach you?" Hermione finally is able to slip 2 more vials into her pocket and paused at the weight of her words, she was allowing hermione to learn medical magic? This could be useful if she or her friends were ever injured
"Yes I'd love to" she said, her hands in her skirt pockets in an attempt to hide the vial outlines
"Well once a week, Sunday. Now if you'll excuse me I have other students to attend to"
Hermione didn't wait for her time be potentially caught and went back to the potions classroom "Hello you two. What have you been doing whilst I was away"
"None of your concen mudblood" Draco said, not looking up from his page
"And here I thought you would've loved my support. Oh well" she turned and started walking away hoping they'd take the bait
"What help" they both asked, attentions turned to her. She smirked at them
"Well someone got 3 vials of the draught of peace to try."
"Where did you get these?" Nott asked eyes wide in pure shock
"Madam pomfrey, I had to cut my arm to get this so this'll owe you" she said with a playful tone and a mocking wink
"Granger we aren't going to cheat-"
"And who said we're cheating Draco." She said coldly, eyes borrowing into his. He was sitting. She was standing. And this height difference made her all the more intimidating "Snape said we must brew one and brew a better counterpart. How will we know what to brew if we don't know what to change. It is simple, no?"
They both stayed silent for a second before they looked st eachother nodded and walked towards her to get the vials
She starts laughing at them "you really thought I'd give you a vial without something in return? Honestly are you slytherins or not"
"So what do you want then?" Nott asked
"I want you to owe me. Both of you. When and if the time comes for you to repay me then you will. No questions asked. Agreed?"
They sat back silently debating and nodded in return
"Say it"
"Say what?"
"Say it out loud. I want to hear it In person so thst if you refuse in the future I know to deal with you." Her gaze still cold and icy, her demeanor changing into a more sinister one.
"I agree." Theo said and Draco looked at him about to protest "We need this, and I somewhat trust her myself"
Draco stood their silently before looking at her dead in the eyes, cold eyes matching hers "I agree." She then put two vials onto the desk to the side of her for both boys to take one and drink it. She took hers herself and felt the affects. She felt a heavy rush wash over her as if a large wave submerged her underwater but to the point of a feeling akin to drowning, as if being punched in the face to sleep rather than being lulled into it. It felt disorienting and somewhat sickly and a knowing look to the 2 boys next to her she knew they felt the same way. They took it easy for the rest of the evening. And decided to leave to get some shuteye
When she woke up hermione knew she had to start. Today was Saturday and it was a day of no classes and the liberation to lie in bed and get some extra shuteye. But not for her, she woke up at 6 and upon eating her breakfast earlier than majority turned to the potions classroom to get a heads start. Only to find both Theo and Draco there.
"Fancy seeing you here Granger, got a lie in I see" he smirked beginning to work on his potion. It takes a week to brew and thus we only got 4 tries to get it right before the due date, not even including the extention. Hermione scowled at him but said nothing as she took to her desk besides Theo. How was she meant to know they would wake up earlier than her.
"You both typically early risers?"
"I am, Theo isn't, he's always grumpy waking up"
"And rightfully so. But he's right, this time however I woke up on my own accord. Too many ideas in my head, I couldn't sleep much longer."
She nodded and that was the end of the conversation. All three worked tirelessly on their potions, hermione becoming completely engrossed in their work in the coming days. In the end it took her a week and theo 10 days and draco 10 ½ (he stayed up a little longer on the 10th night to finish his. They all compared theirs with eachother of course, Malfoys, despite taking the longest was the lightest silver but the least like turquoise, leaning more to a bluish tint and Notts potion colour was the closest to turquoise out of the 3 but his vapour produced a greyish tint. Hermiones was moreso an equilibrium between the 2 but it wasn't perfect by any means, but she was starting to understand Snapes message; by them comparing and sharing ideas it made them better than doing it all alone, especially with no teacher to help. It's clear all 3 had talent that surpassed most of the students in this school.
The second part of the challenge was trickier, they all compared their findings on possible altercations, the process was slow and demanding, often giving her reason to stay uo later, work harder, skip meals, with the way all 3 had been studying and working it seems they all had this potion take its toll on them. So with persevering and luck they persisted and finally presented 2 potions each for Snape.
"I'll rank these one through 10, we will be observing the colour, consistency, as well as the affects. I trust that you all aren't going to put me into an eternal slumber?"
They all shook their heads no, certain they had tasted it beforehand before putting it on there
"Good. Mr Malfoy you are up first." He tried both potions and with a stern look writing something furiously in his book
"Mr Nott, if you please" and gestured to him putting his potions and repeated the process
"Finally you miss granger" and did the same
Upon marking all three he stood up, handing a piece of paper to all 3 students and saying "I'll see all of you next class".
She looked down at her paper: "Colour: 6 Vapour: 6 Consistsncy: 8 Affects: Normal - worked as usual 7 Altered - less of a punch, more of a slap, decreased the woosiness too 8."
She sighed at these words, upset at her low scoring. Malfoy however was beaming and Nott was indifferent as per usual
"Well you heard the man, see you lot next class" Malfoy says swaggering out of the classroom as if he'd won the lottery
"Is he always like that?"
"Unfortunately, yes. But he's naturally gifted at potions, gets it from his mother of course."
"And who is she?"
"Narcissa Malfoy, but most people know her from her maiden name Narcissa Black"
She paused, sirius black is his relative?
"How did you do then?"
"Colour 8 vapour 5 consistency 7 affects normal: 7 affects altered 7. And you?"
"Yeah similar results with mine", as she proceeded to list out her own
"Hm, looks like we both have a lot to learn then. I must admit I'm quite disappointed with how I fared"
"So am I, but it was our first major assignment, I have no doubt we'll improve in time"
"Haha I suppose so, well then, i am going to get some well deserved rest, seeing as it's just about curfew. Until next time Hermione" giving a small smile, her ears perked up at fact that he used her name
"Yes, goodbye Theo" he smiled and left towards the slytherin common room, putting the disillusionment charm on him to sneak back in, she also did the same.
She got back into the dorms to her dormmates huddled around talking about boys.
"He looked at me. Can you believe it? His gorgeous eyes and wavy hair..." Lavender said dreamily sighing back onto her bed
"I heard he talked to you, what did he say?" Aria Grey said, her and the rest of the girls leaning in to know more
"He wanted to go to Hogsmeade together, can you believe it? I cannot wait. God what am I going to wear? Girls you must help me" Lavender said pacing around the room
"Who do you like?" Hermione asked
The girls turned round in shock that hermione was getting involved in boy talk, she usually just goes straight to bed
"Seamus of course. He's so handsome and sweet" she said trailing off, before her eyes immediately darting back to hermione like a hawk locked in on their prey, hermione regretted asking in that moment
"And what of you Hermione? Any dashing man caught your eye"
She snorted, in laughter at the girls ludicrous question much to the confusion of her dorm mates "of course not, why would I have an attraction to them?"
"I mean we're teenagers, we are supposed to like guys yknow"
It hit hermione like a tonne of bricks, attraction, crushes, romance, all the stuff of films and books, she'd been so busy with her projects that she failed to miss the fact that she had still felt none of it. She still found people pretty, handsome, ugly, she had eyes of course, but it never went beyond that. And as for sexual attraction, she found it rather off putting, to be naked in front of someone just sounds like your putting yourself I'm a vulnerable position. She had read books sex and masturbation from an analytical sense, of course, but honestly never found the appeal or desire for it. Even though she knew people her age had found the appeal for it (sharing a room with 6 teenagers is not ideal in some cases, especially if youre a light sleeper. She knew such a thing is not normal so she did what she usually did, lie. "Oh well uh, I just haven't found the right person, I'm more focused on my studies and isn't really looking for anyone"
The girls sighed, seemingly accepting her answer, "that's Hermione for you, always with her head stuck in a book, I do hope that you one day snag someone your well type"
"Uhh, thank you?" She said questioningly, she didn't really know how to answer "I'm going to go to sleep goodnight guys"
"Goodnight" the rest of the girls say as they turn back to hushed conversations on boys and dates. Hermione can't help but feel like she wants to be a part of it, a part of her wishes her life could be as simple as worrying about the next date. But unfortunately she desires power and control and to add to this she doesn't feel that way for anyone. 'By the looks of it, I'll probably die a single woman... and i dont have a single issue with that. True love is a load of nonsense.' She thinks as she succumbs to a deep slumber.
Notes:Back to back to back chapters??? I'm spoiling you lot.
Chapter 12Chapter TextHermione days were far from monotonous, rather chaotic in fact, but she still had time to notice irregularities with one Professor Lupin. Apart from the boggart incident he was a good person, and an even greater teacher, knowing how to interact with the class and what would make them learn best. It seems he might be a good candidate to hold the position, if he manages to survive the year that is. However one unfortunate thing that occurs is his absence, every so often he is off sick for a couple of days and comes back looking slightly more rougher than his usual attire. It was all rather odd. In addition came the deviation of their syllabus but none other than professor Snape, a man who follows his own schedule almost religiously, and all this to learn about werewolves?? It just made no sense to her.
It came to her however, a couple of days afterwards, as she was looking up from her book in the undercroft, a translucent window that projected a silvery orb. Similar to the one in professor lupins boggart. Suddenly it all clicked, 'Professor Lupin was a werewolf'. She was absolutely elated in her findings, simply for the fact she was the only one who knew, and in all honesty she didn't know who to tell about this infomation. Harry and Ron would probably get themselves in danger, and Luna would just go on a mumbling jargon on well, nargles and whatever that goes on in that girls head. Don't get me wrong, she's a very intelligent woman but separating the useful infomation with the not so useful infomation would be a long perilous task indeed. In addition she knew the potion wolfsbane was the only known potion to help werewolves, and not many people knew how to brew it. Despite being a mere 3rd year hermione wanted to learn it. After all isn't it her god given right to challenge herself? But for this it would be terrible daunting on her own so she decided to go to her potion acquaintances so to speak; Theo and Malfoy.
She wouldn't give them the answer mind you, she wouldn't want to take the joy she got from it herself. So she just briefly mentioned to them both that she has a new challenge and to "pay attention go Lupin" and waited for the bait to take hold.
Nott figured it out first, unsurprisingly a couple of days later, he passed hermione a book on werewolves to her with a prideful knowing smirk across his face, before asking her a simple "when do we start"
They were in the library that evening when malfoy came barrelling in, earning a scolding by Madame Prince. He marched over to where they sat and paused, a frown across his face seeing Nott there "when did you figure it out, I was certain I'd be first"
"This morning, we just started receach today actually on the wolfsbane potion"
"I lost by mere hours?! Damn it" malfoy mumbled sitting down in a huff
"In all honesty the fact that you both got it this quick is good, I was worried I'd wait for longer"
"I know at hogwarts they often accept daft oafs, but we aren't all idiots granger." He said with a smirk shes now used to seeing "Now that I think about it isn't that extremely advanced? Like more advanced than what we'd usually do?"
"Yes but I thought it would be a good challenge, listen I know I couldn't do this by myself it's unfortunately too complex to handle by myself..."she trailed off then looking at them in the eyes "but together? Now we might just stand a chance. If you want to that is"
"I'm in. Well I was already in otherwise I wouldn't be in the library researching about wolfsbane but thought it would be best to say it out loud"
"Sure why the hell not, got nothing better to do anyway. And besides, we three are the best of our year. If there's anyone I could trust to do such magic and not get, well, killed. Even if it is with a mud- er with you both" hermione almost did the biggest head spin of her life. Malfoy was not only no longer calling her a mudblood but he's recognising her as an equal, she sent a confused look before smiling and agreeing
"I feel the same way, I'd like to practice all sorts of spells and potions with you both, if you'd also like to that is?"
"All spells?" Theo inquired, emphasising the all to imply he's asking about dark spells too
"Yes, all" Draco and Theo grinned at this agreeing almost instantly
Hermione kept silent for a second, debating whether or not to discuss the undercroft yet, ultimately deciding to wait until 4th year. It was her safety net after all, and what better way to check to see if they're reliable than this time period. If not she can forget the idea of every becoming more than acquaintances with them.
"Let's meet after curfew next week to go start that part. The slytherin girls toilets that is, the one with moaning myrtle? As for now, let's go back to researching."
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Draco, Theo and Hermione met up as expected, they wore black robes and hermione used the disillusionment charm to easy sneak past the prefects and faculty patrolling Hogwarts. Hermione was the last one to arrive
"Y'know, you really must hurry up Granger, me and Theo have been waiting for ages" he said firmly, before grinning to show he's only having a laugh
"Well Malfoy, I had to travel from griffindor Tower. All you had to do was merely walk up a flight of stairs." She said with a huff, putting her bag down. And they all sat in a little circle, well a circle for 3 people that is.
"First things first we should decide on what we are learning, we should also make sure we finish the entire hogwarts syllabus by 5th year, for then we can spend more time honing whatever skills we have."
"Agreed, there's nothing worse than falling behind" nott said "but in actuality will we learn light or dark magic?"
"Both in actuality, however I think it would be best to cover stuff more outside the specification of our school, this includes mostly darker magic" she paused treading carefully into her next sentence "your parents, I've heard the rumors of their side in the first war. I'm not here to ask if it's true or false as that's irrelevant, but due to your pureblood heritage I have a feeling it could give us access to books that are more...lucrative."
"Our families both have manors, both with enormous libraries, however accessing them would mean we must ask our parents first right now... and I dont want my family to have any more reason to push me towards being dark, and by extention a death eater. I will bring books for forth year, they won't notice they're missing anyways" Theo replied fiddling with his jumper in a very uncharacteristically theo way. She could wait till 4th year, she can be patient when she wants to be.
"Alright then, that's perfectly fine, I have a couple of books, I got from the restricted section (in reality she took them from the undercroft) and those we could study them" she took out her book on dark jinxes and set to work. They were knee deep in discussing theories of spells, learning the oppugno jinx as well as making up spells for their own use, slowly compiling their own creativity as well as their own intelligence.
And now, halfway through the school year they are inventing spells from the very groundwork, like locus aeternus (a permanent location for an object, or person. Or flumen incendere for a lightning spell. Of course however, they also worked on more torturous spells like ventricular exacerbatis causing a increase in heart rate leading to shortness of breath and feeling of suffocation. Or oculus ruptura. A spell causing the victims blood capillaries in their eyes to erupt, causing their eyes to bleed and to loose their vision. Or their worst one yet pulmo spina a curse involving the conjuring of thin sharp thornes on one's lungs, making every breath feeling like a stab.
On a side note these secret meetings both in the potions classroom with Snape and in the bathroom have made all 3 of them quite content with eachother. Draco no longer teases hermione for being a mudblood but she knows this same courtousy doesn't extend beyond her. And in all honest it doesn't matter to her, he can bully anyone he fancies, what matters is that even despite her blood he respects her. she's the exception, and she loves being one.
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Now Hermione loves Harry and Ron, they're her closest friends, ones who stick by her through thick and thin. The problem is the chaos. Harry and his "I cant go one year without putting us in danger" self, and her and Ron are often dragged into the mix. And when Ron turns to them both, leg broken shouting how sirius black is an animagus. They realise they are in far more trouble than previously thought
Sirius stood menacingly shutting the door behind him. His teeth black and hair rough and jagged, still in his askaban attire. It was a horrid sight to behold.
"Only one will die tonight" he said menacingly.
"Then that one will be YOU!" Harry shouted, running towards Siruus and bringing him down to the ground in an attempt to attack him. He laughed at this however,
"Are you going to kill me Harry" he said smiling madly
Just then the door swung open and an "expelliarmus could be heard, the shadow-y figure stepped forth. Professor Lupin.
"Well well sirius, looking rather ragged aren't you? Finally the flesh reflects the madness within" His wand pointing at Sirius
"Well you woukd know all about the madness within wouldn't you Remus" Hermione realised they must be allies, just before Lupin smirked, out his wand down and helped Sirius up and giving him a great hug.
"Let's kill him, let's kill him" Sirius said muffled as his head still in the crook of Lupins neck
Bullshit, hermione kept his secret, hermione was almost certain Lupin was trustworthy, just for him to be against Harry. Against her. Hermione was certain she would take futher precautions the next time round, if they survive this predicament that is.
"I trusted you." She said coldly, voice low and beaming with unspoken anger. "I trusted you. And all this time you were against us."
"Trusted him? Hermione-" Harry started to question but hermione interrupted.
"He's a werewolf. A goddamn werewolf. It's why he misses classes, why he has those scars, why he always has a secret stash of wolfsbane hidden is his desk drawer."
Lupin, picked up on his, his eyes wide in complete surprise. A child figured out what most adults could not based on little fact and investigation.
"How long have you known?"
"Since Professor Snape taught them to us."
He laughed at this "Well well well hermione. You really are the brightest witch of your age"
...
"HE BETRAYED MY PARENTS!" Harry shouted
"No Harry it wasn't him, however it was someone who until quote recently we all thought to be dead... Peter Pettigrew."
We all stood there in absolute silence. Completely dumbfounded
"The Map doesn't lie Harry. We were all friends. Your father, me, Sirius, Peter. Founded a group called the maudrauders and all made a pact to become unregistered animaguses." Hermiones ears quirked up at that. That's a smart Idea to do with her own little trio of sorts.
"Peters was a goddamned rat. And Ron's rat has had an unnatural amount of years to it. It must be him" just then Ron's rat jumped out of his hand scuttling on the floor and Lupin hit it with a spell to cause it to transform back. Harry and herself were shocked to say to least. She almost burst out laughing at Ron's absolute mortified face. 'I wonder how many times he and his brothers changed in front of that damned thing.'
They were going to kill him (which hermione actually wanted, his pathetic whining was an irritant to all who could hear him), but Harry said for us to offer him up to the detectors instead, which was a more torturous option. They had exited the hole intending to give him over when they realise it was past curfew. They realised it was a full moon. And Lupin, so preoccupied with Peter Pettigrew made the fatal mistake of not ingesting his wolfsbane potion that day, ultimately causing him to become a werewolf on that fateful day.
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After the incident, Ron was ultimately in the hospital and Sirius was in prison, even after explaining it all to the headmaster he said that without evidence it would be utterly unbelieveable. But hermione was smart, and before running away from Lupin casted the spell that her, Theo and Draco had invented, locus aeternus. And with the help of Lupin, Dumbledore and herself, safely rescued Sirius Black and imprisoned Pettigrew.
The ministry made the headlines for the false imprisonment and ultimately lost respect internationally for subjecting the man to 12 years of dementors. Reparations were handed to Sirius Black himself as well as the Black family. Who were impartial to his imprisonment and his liberation, but relased a statement about it nevertheless. Hermione suspected it was to ensure their reputation remained as it should be.
She did however hear from Draco that in his letters he found his mother to talk in a more happier tone, and hermione thought that I'm a den of snakes known as the Black family, it was food for sirius to have at least one relative who was excited for his return.
Chapter 13Chapter TextDumbledore was distrusting of Hermione. Moreso that any other student and he couldn't pinpoint why. She was a good student mind you, empathetic to her friends, firm in what she believed in and would do anything to help them. All traits of a good loyal griffindor.
But he couldn't shake this feeling. It was a similar feeling he felt towards Voldermort, when he knew him as Thomas Riddle. She had a cold streak and a vast aptitude for magic that was typically uncanny for a muggleborn such as herself. Similar to the way he felt with Tom. It didn't help that they both were raised in an orphanage, finding solace with books and had a passion for discovery.
However despite this, what he saw in her eyes was someone else, someone who was just as dangerous as Voldemort, maybe even more so at the fact that he remains free to this day.
So to check this out further he did what he shouldve done the moment he first felt like this with her. Called him into his office.
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Hermiones heart was thudding in her chest. She had never been called to his office before, not for the philosophers stone incident, or the chamber of secrets incident, which in her eyes were way bigger deals than this. So why on earth was she called to his office now?
She had reason to believe it was to congratulate her but she wasn't foolish. If it was truly for that then wouldn't he give thanks to all three of them in person? She then thought it was for the time turner but professor McGonagall said that SHE would pick it up by the end of the year, and she hadn't mentioned that anyone else knew about it.
So why did he want her?
Her mind haggled with this question until she stood in front of his door. And with a 3 sharp knocks and a "come in" coming from inside. She stepped forward.
His office was magnificent of course, ordained with intresting silver magical instruments of splendour with a large brass telescope. To the side of her she could see a glass cabinet filled with an assortment of vials with small labels in scribbled handwriting. And to the right of her she could see the sorting hat and a sword.
What really amazed her was the golden perch where a beautiful phoenix stood.
"Come, sit Miss Granger" he said pointing to the seat in front of his desk
She sat down and before asking why she was here he spoke.
"I don't invite many students into my office, but figured I'd make a rare exception. I suppose you're wondering why you are here." He spoke "why do you think you're here?"
Hermiones throat suddenly went dry as she shifted slightly in her seat, she forced herself to remain expressionless, and forcing herself to show herself as completely confused.
"Well I don't know headmaster." She said with a slight laugh. "I would imagine it has something to do with the incident with sirius?"
"Yes exactly, among other things too. I must ask, where did you learn that spell?"
Oh. It's about that? She knew she wasn't in any trouble, it being a harmless spell and all so she let out a deep breath as if sighing in relief and said "It was my own spell sir, I hate loosing important things
"I suppose that's why I didn't recognise it. You're already inventing spells?"
"Yes sir" she said, deciding not to throw Theo and Draco under the bus along with her. It would be bad for all 3 to be repeatedly separated because of it.
"You have a vast amount of potential. Like I had initially thought, have you invented any others?"
She was now getting impatient, surely talk about other spells isn't the reason for her summoning? Lots of people invent spells
"No sir" she said with gritted teeth "Professor is this what you wanted to talk to me about?" She inquired
"Haha no, miss granger, unfortunately not. I want you to understand that I had met kids before with as much talent and potential as you and they squandered such opportunities. Turning to more darker means."
Hermione stayed silent for a second
"So this meeting was to decipher if I'm good or not?"
"This meeting is to inform you of the risks that come with holding more power than your peers"
"You held more power sir. Merlin did. Professor McGonagall did. And all three of you stayed good did you not?"
"Yes-"
"So why is it that you think that I'll turn to a darker side? Wouldn't it be best to round up all the kids you think have high potential and give them this same talk?"
"Miss granger-"
"Professor, I'm only asking why it is just me. Harry won against the killing curse, surely that shows more potential that mere good grades?"
"Because, you remind me of someone."
Hermione stayed silent again, seemingly puzzled by the fact that she was told this by Olivander as well. Who did she remind them both of?
"Who?" She inquired seemingly unconsciously leaning in
"A man, who's line is old and pure. A man who is capable of great magic, far beyond the things you and I can do. A man who's potential exceeds that of most people. And yet...he turned to a more darker fate. A streak of ruthlessness and cruelty and who was unable to convict. Every. Single. Time."
"And you think I could become like this?"
"I think everyone has the potential to become like this. But those with more power have a higher liklihood of turning to this fate. I failed him, hermione, I failed another similar to him. And in doing so it has let to a plethora of events that could've been avoided. More dark wizards and more terrible deaths.I don't want you to have the same fate."
She understood now. Was she bad? Was she good? She more a mixture of grey. But she knew that her actions need to be in check. She mustn't stray from being a good person. She had no desire to become a dark wizard. To kill people she once called friends. But she also wasn't acting in a moral way. 'No more killing animals'. She thought. She must be a better person.
"Professor I want to be good. I want to remain good. I won't fall stray to the allure of power sir. You have my word" she said keeping eye contact with him. Memories flashed in her head of her promising her mother the same thing, and she felt a strange feeling in her mind, like someone was carefully peeling away the walls within her mind. But contrary to her previous motion she let him. It was good for him to not realise she knew occumlency and also he could understand that there was weight in her words.
She soon felt a swift breeze in her mind, and relief. He had stopped prying. And he finally looked up and smiled.
"Good Miss Granger. I do hope you keep your word.
------------------
Hermione still learnt, used and invented dark spells with Theo and Draco. But she felt it was a more strictly learn and not a learn and maybe use basis. It was purely for understanding, nothing more. In addition after her talk with Dumbledore she stopped killing animals like she promised, realising there was no empathy in it. She had started to take pictures of her killings with an old camera, as a sort of trophy of sense. And despite her body telling her to throw it away or destroy it. She couldn't bear to part with this. And decided to put it at the bottom of her chest. Away from the potential prying eyes of others.
It was less of how her actions changed but her mindset. But still a major change nevertheless.
And so the school year was coming to a close, with a mere three weeks until then school closing date. She was catching up with her dormmates, joining in more in their late night conversations, even if she didn't really feel the same way. She constantly spent her days with Harry and Ron, as they lightly teased Ron for his slight limp (it'll clear up in a week or 2). She got closer with Draco and Theo, finally making a wolfsbane potion and surprisingly Snape with their extra potion lessons. She had also gotten her grades back (top of her class with straight O's even with the extra work) and her, Ron and Harry celebrated with going to Hogsmeade, (her and Harry had to sneak in).
And for Harry finally got the family he deserved with Sirius being who his parents wanted to take Harry in case of their death. He's going to escape his own cycle of abuse with his aunt and uncle and come live as as adopted son.
Things seemed to be going amazing for trio. Things finally looking up for them of course and on one day Hermione felt the urge to study in the library before dinner hit
"Guys, I'm going to go and study for a little while in the library. I'll catch up to you guys at dinner"
Harry nodded and smiled and Ron laughed "only you mine, see you at dinner, if not we'll ask the kitchens to make you something"
She was knee deep reading a book on Newt level charms when she saw owls being delivered to each person in the library. Including her. She opened the letter saying "All students must urgently report to the great hall. We have an unexpected visitor."
And following instructions as well as the curious looks that each person in the library made they all gathered their things and left.
One of these people in the library was no one other than Theodore Nott. As she was exiting the library she started to talk to him
"What do you think this is about?"
"I have no idea. I don't recall this ever happening before"
"How could they have an unexpected visitor? What business could anyone have taking an unexpected floo to hogwarts."
"Floo? Hermione what are you talking about? There's no way to floo to hogwarts. Safety reasons you can floo around the castle but not to the castle itself." He paused giving a huff of impatience. "The only way you can get here apart from living in Scotland and having a regular way in, or the train is by port key. A scheduled port key."
"But you can't apparate either, so how the hell can a guest be unexpected?"
"Some can"
"Can what?"
"Apparate. To hogwarts"
Hermione stopped in her tracks looking at Nott with intense seriousness "What?! What do you mean some can, how??"
"Not a lot of people Hermione, just one family is exempt from the apparating rule. No one knows why, but they rarely use it"
"And what family is this?"
"The Morvinaghs. That's who."
Chapter 14Notes:25k words later and we are FINALLY at the place I wanted to start this fic on.
Chapter TextHarry:
Harry was talking to Ron, Seamus, Dean and Lavender about their future holidays. He had to admit it was the best year he could possibly think of for now he will have a family. Officially. Through multiple letters he got to know and love sirius and was excited to officially become Harry Potter-Black by the end of next year at the latest.
As they were eating in the great hall talking about something unimportant, they all felt a slight rumbling in the great hall, as if the walls were vibrating. It eventually caused everyone to go silent as they watched onto this event. Then a sound similar to a whip crack and out stood a man dressed in a black outer coat with a red waistcoat. He held a long black cane and wore a sinister grin. His hair was jet black with a slight bit of waveyness to it, his skin pale with few slight scars adorning his face. He was charismatically good looking, giving off an aura that can only be discribed as one that emulstes the devil himself. He clutched a old book in his other hand and stood silently turning to great the faculty.
"My dearest Professors, oh how lovely it is to see you." He said expression Truly, I always did love this place but apparating here is quite difficult to do so"
"What do you want, Morvinagh?" Professor Dumbledore asked, face fixed in a perpetual frown. His ears picked up on this, he'd never heard of the morvinaghs before. Who were they?
"I come here" he shouted, now addressing the students "looking for a child. My child. My bastard child is here and I intend to find them." He paused, "and I expect total cooperation." He said leaving no room for objection. The students went into a whispering frenzy over who this child could be, but apart from perhaps most purebloods it was anyone's game.
Dumbledore slowly nodded, allowing Mr Morvinagh to assess the children, Harry thought that it was moreso a curtesy than a direct allowance. Something in his mind thought that even the faculty are unable to refuse him.
"Mr Morvinagh will assess each and every one of you now. Please remain seated."
Mr Morvinagh made no effort to hide his discontent for Dumbledore as he dived towards the slytherin table. His Alma matter one could say. He observed each and every one of those kids with a scrutinising gaze, only once to give a brief nod and acknowledgment towards malfoy saying "Black". As if signifying he's only acknowledging one side of Malfoys heritage. As if that's the only side worth acknowledgement. No one else on that table got so much as a look.
Once he was done he heaved a heavy sigh of impatience snd intolerance. Already maddened by the fact his child is not a slytherin. He then turns to what he believes is the next best house. Ravenclaw. He immediately turned to the table, robe flowing behind him. This was clearly a man who meant business. His eyes scanned the table quicker than before but more scrutinising and with more urgency for his child to be there. He was searching for any sign, anything at all. Unless he came up empty. Now his expression turned to anger. As he started with his 3rd house option Griffindor, which was a surprising pick for the man. Typically slytherins put griffindor last but it seems he values the traits of bravery far higher than the trait of kindness and loyalty. But when he didn't find the supposed child on either tables. He paused, now more seemingly confused than ever.
"Perhaps you're mistaken Mr Morvinagh" Dumbledore spoke, as if trying to urge him away from such a thought
"I am NEVER wrong. The book is NEVER wrong. This book holds all the potential heirs of the house of Morvinagh." And showed it to dumbledore
"It doesn't say anything under your name." McGonagall says somewhat confused herself
"It is unable to show illegitimate children, only a small faint line appears. Because of I know my child exists."
"And what if its a squib? You cannot possibly be certain it has magic"
"If its a squib then there won't be one for much longer." He said menacingly, voice low and tone grating. Implying he'll find the child to kill it
Finally he said "are these all the children in the school?"
"Most are-" McGonagall started
"Did I ask that?" He turned to look at her pointedly, eyes filled with rage. "Call all the children here. Immediately"
Harry felt a terrible gut feeling in his stomach that he couldn't decipher why. It became clear to him later that someone dear to him at that time, hadn't been cleared from being a Morvinagh.
-------------
Hermione met up with a couple of people, as she walked down to the common rooms, there were kids coming back from quiddich practice, kids coming back from clubs and sports. And obviously, kids like her coming back from the library. She walked with Theo in utter silence, both too curious and too nervous to say anything further. When they got to the door they bid a quick farewell as the kids all walked back to their seats.
Hermione saw a man standing with the teachers, McGonagalls face was screaming with anger and even Dumbledore, a man who's emotions are always masked gave a slight frown. Snape however was impartial, as always, and looked at her with eyes filled with, worry??
She sat down and without saying anything to the students, the man started his slow walk in his observation of the slytherin table. Hermione took the time to whisper to her 2 friends
"What the hell is going on"
"It's Sebastian Morvinagh. He says he has a bastard in the school and he means to find them."
She paused. Sebastian Morvinagh. Head of the most Noble and most ambitious house of Morvnagh. She must admit they were the most mad and rambunctious purebloods she ever read about. For starters they were old. Older than most "old" purebloods with an insationable thirst for dark arts. They are secretive, and cunning, and are always able to get out of convictions based on the lack of evidence. They are ruthless, not only through their outerworldly ability for wandless magic, but also towards their own children. However they are more "up with the times" than any other purebloods. They delve in both magical and muggle business to grow income and revenue, and given a "Good" reputation in both worlds. In addition they are neither a matriarchal or patriarchal line. They choose the child with the most potential, often forcing the children to battle it out between their siblings for a chance to gain the position as heir. To be a child of Morvinagh is so much as a death sentence. And if your siblings don't kill you for your inadequacy, then your parents surely will.
But to be an heir of Morvinagh, is ultimate power, no matter how young the child is. They are renowned so much as feared. And God help the soul of those who act against the heir, let alone the head of house.
By the time she was done with her internal conversation. He was already halfway through ravenclaw a 2nd time. Eyes so piercing that kids could barely maintain eye contact with him. He looked so angry. How can a mere bastard he hadn't met envoke such a reaction. He was now at the griffindor table and hermiones heart started to slightly thump a bit harder. She didn't know what to feel but even the possibility of her being his child made her anxious. It was in fact a possibility to say the least, and not one she wanted. She was fine without knowing her father. But this would derail her already fixed plans for her life, and she knew that if she was his kid it would change her life drastically. For better or worse? Only time would tell.
Finally he was just about to where hermione was sitting. He eyed Ron first, but he spared him so much as a glance. His red hair and blue eyes creating a sort of branding for all to know he's a weasley. He then eyed Harry next who even hermione must admit looked a little like him. Same black hair and jet black eyes and she could see even in his eyes he considered it. But the boy was a Potter. A spitting image of his father so to speak, an image even his facial similarities with the boy could not contest with, and after staring at potter with what seemed like ages he moved on.
And finally he looked at Hermione, his eye contact seemingly brief, glancing into her own dark eyes. He held his eye contact a moment longer (recognising how the girl barely has any of his features)before turning away, just after seeing a brief flash of red within her eyes that he almost didn't pick up on.
And as he started to walk away further glancing at other students. He stopped. As if a deer in headlights. He slowly turned around walked back to hermione and firmly grabbed her chin forcing her to look up at him.
He leaned slightly all the while watching her curiously, "name." He said commandingly, as if she should comply without any incentive to reject him
"Pardon?" She asked, so racked up in her mind she wasn't paying attention to what he said.
"Your name. What is it?"
"Hermione sir. Hermione Granger"
He let out a breath that almost sounded like a brief laugh. As he looked at her again sneering
"Figures she called you that. From what I recall that blasted woman was a reader. Do you know what I am?"
"A morvinagh, sir." She said quietly
"Speak up. I have no time for impotence"
"A morvinagh, Sir" she said with a hint of mockery towards the sir, unsubtle enough for him to get it, but not blatent for him to be able to call her out on it
"And surely you realise who you are now, yes?"
"Yes sir."
"Good." And with that he released her chin leaving a stinging ache where he held.
"I will meet you at King's Cross Station when the train arrives. You will be coming home with me from now on. Its time you learn your heritage." "Especially now that the Morvinar genes take effect" he quietly muttered.
"I must get your things from your home. Your home location."
"All the possessions I own are with me at Hogwarts sir. I've am- was an orphan for some time"
"Saves me a trip then." He said without a hint of remorse
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore for aiding me in my search. Pleasure doing business eith you all." And left without so much as saying a goodbye to Hermione.
'So this is the man mother warned me about'.
She sat there in absolute silence, she looked up and could see the pitied looks from Theo and Draco. All the while hearing the multiple whispers echoing through the hall
"Shes a morvinagh"
"is she dark then? Like her father?"
"I pity her, going from the muggle world to a man like that"
She didn't want to hear anymore but she couldn't just get up and leave. She couldn't cry or shout for she knew that every action from now on will be watched and scrutinised by the public. And without the respect of being heir she knew she was subject to bullying. She had been recognised as his child but not his heir. It didn't help the fact that he barely spared so much as a glance back after he released her from his iron grip. And for her to be a bastard. An illegitimate child. Orphan. Born of a muggle woman tarnishing the blood that ran through her fathers veins. It was a scandal indeed.
So with a small breath. She sat up, back perfectly straight as one of higher status should make it. And slowly ate her food in silence. This was going to be a difficult week. And probably the worst summer she'll have to endure. Left in the hands of a man she should call father.
Chapter 15Chapter TextThe days following after were weird to say the least. All Professors who used a more casual tone in calling her Hermione now immediately switched to Miss Morvinagh. And as much as she prompted them to call her Granger they didn't seem to listen to her request. As if this rule was far beyond her and far beyond them. They still shot her looks of pity though, as if she was being led to a sacrificial fate, and they could or would do nothing to help prevent it.
Snape was the only reasonable teacher, and now perhaps her favourite. He called her Granger outside of class and spoke to her the same way he always did. He wasn't one for charity cases and he didn't start now. In addition he provided key Intel on her father, something that no one bothered to do
"Your father is..." he trailed off trying to find the proper words for it "a complicated man. One that doesn't take inadequacy lightly either. I have no doubt that you will live up to whatever standards he wants you to live up to"
"And if I can't professor? I know nothing about what he wants with me"
"Well he needs an heir, it was believed he was infertile for years. You are he only child."
Hermione was more relieved at this, no competition with siblings that she doesn't have
"But I must make you aware the morvinaghs are different than the other pureblood houses. Don't think that because you're the only option, it means you'll be the option chosen. Theres a reason why the Morvinagh children are killed by siblings first. Its to weed out the weaklings. And if need be...the parents take matters into their own hands"
"Surely the spouse would object to this ordeal?"
"When a marriage contract is signed, the morvinaghs stipulate a cause that this is the morvinagh way, and the spouse has absolutely no say in the heir"
"What if they have 2 houses to inherit?"
"Then 2 children will be spared. The top 2. Which is also why you have an aunt. Your father, Sebastian the Morvinagh heir, and your aunt, Victoria, the Carrow heir"
"No one told me tha-"
"That you have an aunt? Surely you have other things to worry about. You will surely meet her during the summer so don't fret. For now, worry about your father"
"If I didn't exist, who would inherit the Morvinagh name?"
"Gwendolyn Carrow. Your cousin, but she would have a hard time managing both so she would've probably exempted herself from being the Carrow heir to be the Morvinagh heir. I imagine she isn't happy about this ordeal"
"Why? She's still an heir is she not?"
"Yes but the Morvinaghs is something else entirely. She's already put the Carrow name alongside the influence of a Malfoy and a Nott just due to a person of Morvinagh blood inheriting it, but the Morvinaghs are cut from a different cloth. It's why your teachers no longer call you Hermione or Granger and why some lower years are more scared to approach you. Even if they aren't truly sure he's your father"
"And why do they have doubts?"
Snape sighed opening his desk drawer and pulling out "The Daily Prophet" date titled this week
𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝?!
𝐌𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞-𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬!!
Hermione Granger, a believed Muggle-born age 14 has grown up in an orphanage after the loss of her mother. It was just last week that charming bachelor/widower Sebastian Morvinagh attempted to find his bastard child within Hogwarts. It was here after a small conversation with Hermione that it is heavily implied that she was his child.
People however disagree with this suspicious claim. For it is wildly believed that Mr Morvinaghs infertility after his inability to have a child with half-blood Miss Mary Craine. Furthermore through other sources it took Mr Morvinagh 2 tries to find his child. Possibly due to Hermiones influence? A possible unlawful spell. As it has been speculated she makes her own after the the new locus aeternus used by hermione to catch the recently un-dead Peter Pettigrew.
Miss Granger? Morvinagh?? Is no daft child by any means, but hasn't shown the raw talent of wandless magic that the Morvinaghs are renowned for. Can she keep up with their growing standards? Is she hiding any hidden talents? Is she actually a Morvinagh or are her mothers faulty genes at play??
Only time will give the answer to these questions. And intended or not, a spotlight has been cast on Hermione Morvinagh to see whether or not she lived up to Sebastian Morvinaghs crippling standards.
Licenced Journalist: Rita Skeeter.
Hermione was shaking with rage as she put the paper down. How dare this Rita Skeeter woman think she actually WANT this. The attention of all this felt despicable at best. She hated being in any spotlight especially not one associated with her father. She paused, focusing on one line that Rita said "what does she mean the 'raw talent of wandless magic that the Morvinaghs are renowned for'??"
Snape was about to say something when he paused. Seemingly conflicted with saying this next part "You'll learn in due time Miss Granger." Hermione opened her mouth to protest but was stopped by Snape putting his hand up "And before you protest this Is something best heard by a Morvinagh themselves. They will go into it in detail that I cannot. Now if you have no further questions I bid you good luck on your summer brea-"
"Do you think I'm his daughter sir?"
He stopped and looked at her "however do you mean?"
"I look nothing like him. And I dont even know how he thought it was me, the most he did was make eye contact"
"Ah yes one trait of the Morvinaghs was a small flash of red within their eyes. Something you have."
"My mother said it ran in her family too though" she whispered as if telling a secret. "She said it came from her great grandfather, what is Skeeter is right, what if he made a mistake and I'm not his child"
Snape softened his tone eyes with some sort of remorse "whether or not you received it from your mother, father or both your parents is entirely up to your genes. Your father made the mistake, not you. It isn't your fault anyways. But for what it's worth I thought you had some sort of distant relation to them long before he came to hogwarts to declare it."
"However so?"
"I have no idea. You just look like him for a split second every now and again. It just takes a trained eye to see it. I dont think he made a mistake Hermione."
Hermione nodded. Unable to bring herself to respond. A part of her wanted him to say that she wasn't his child, that it's possible he made a mistake. But he didn't, he rewarded her with the truth. As greatful as she is with that, she couldnt help but feel disappointed that it's the truth she wanted.
"You are safe in Hogwarts walls, but during summer you are out of our hands. I'll look to see if there can be someone to look out for you in the Morvinagh home. But I make no promises, understand?"
"Understood sir. Thank you Sir." And with that she left.
She walked back to the common room, head a little low and eyes still on her as she walked. She walked to the common room and joined into Ron and Harry's little conversation
"Mione look, Sirius just sent me a present. It's my own Broomstick servicing kit. After I told him I play Quiddich!!!"
"Thats wonderful Harry. Truly" she said with a tight lipped smile, one that didn't reach her eyes.
"Yes I'm going to practically run down to get my broomstick and-" he paused, now realising that hermione isn't acting like herself "Hey mione, are you okay?"
"Yes Harry I'm quite alright"
"Are you sure, considering..."
"Yes I'm fine, I uh just need to finish packing, that's all, I'll see you on the train"
She went up to her dorms and ignoring the conversation her dormmates were having next to her, finished up packing her bags. She then turns to Ajundé and spoke to him
'We are about to leave soon so don't be startled when I pick you up'
'Yess yess i'll be fine. Are you excited to go to your new home?'
'Not really, I rather worried. I wonder what's in store for me.'
"Hermione?" She turned around to Aria, Lavender and Parvati looking at her in absolute shock.
"Yes what's wrong?" She said confused as to what could surprise them
"You...speak to snakes?"
"Oh yeah" she laughed a little "you guys always seem me turn around to Ajundé, I thought you had an inkling by now"
"I always thought it was the snake hissing at you, not you hissing at it" Lavender said, with a hint of irritance to her tone
"Are...are you uncomfortable?" She murmured, she did know that being a Parselmouth was associated as a dark trait. She also knew it was a sigh of being a Morvinagh. This essentially just sealed the ticket for her dormmates, and how they would treat her because of it
Lavender sighed "no, of course not Hermione, you are free to do as you please. It was just surprising that's all." "How are you holding up though"
She hadn't confided in any troubles with the 3 but they were tolerating of her ability so she could tolerate their wuestions
"Rather nervous. He seemed cold, I do wonder what will happen"
"You must be careful, I haven't heard a single good thing about that man"
"Lavender! That's her dad now" Pavati protested
"And so what? She must know who she'll be living with!!" She said, and Pavati didn't interrupt as Lavender continued "I recommend you to stay out of sight, and just try to appease him? The worst thing you could do is go against that man"
Hermione nodded curtly "I understand, I'll be fine guys, and next year I'll come back here the same old hermione you're used to"
All 4 of then gave her a big group hug, which again, hermione would've protested against but she'll tolerate it today. She smiled again at them all and with that they departed for the train.