KickinthearseoftheWizardingWorldbyAlrissa

Hermionelifesuddenlychanges,courtesyofanexperimentconductedbyherselffromanalternate,futureuniverse.You'dthinkmessagesfromthefuturewouldhavemorethenvaguehintsandaheadache.Orwasthatfromfightingthetroll.CH1-3Beta-ed.Rated:FictionT-English-Adventure/Sci-Fi-HermioneG.-Chapters:16-Words:62,575-Reviews:348-Favs:686-Follows:577-Updated:6/23/2011-Published:2/6/2010-id:5724097URL:https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5724097

TableofContents

TableofContents

1.Prologue

2.Chapter1:Dancingwithtrolls

3.Chapter2:TheWeasleyTwins

4.Chapter3:Ofquiddichandwarding

5.Chapter5:Memorablemoments

6.Chapter6:GreetingsandSanity

7.Chapter7:OldenemiesandInsanity

8.Chapter8:Fluffyinterludes

9.Chapter9:DragonsandFriends

10.Chapter10:ForestofDeath

11.Chapter11:Plot?

12.Chapter12:Traps&Tricks

13.Chapter13:Bestlaidplans

14.Chapter14:Year'sendpartI

15.Chapter15:YearsendII

16.Epilogue

Prologue

Chapter1:Prologue

Disclaimer:Donotown.

HermioneGrangerranintothebathroom,sobbing.ShehadthoughtitwouldbedifferentatHogwarts,thatshewouldmakeproperfriends.Butitwasthesame.Theridicule,theshunning.Herclassmatesonlycametohersoshewouldthinkandworkforthem.Shewasn'tsurehowmuchmoreshecouldtake.Inthepastshecouldgohome,toherlovingparentsandhernovels.Curlupinthebigchairinfrontofthefireplaceandreadagoodbook.Butnow?Shehadtoshareadormwiththesestrangers.

Magicwasgreat,buttherestofthethingsshelikedweregone.HerLackeyMercedesbooks,hercomputer,herUsenetdiscussionsande-mailpenpals.Shehadn'twrittenalineofcodeinweeks.

Shetriedwashingherfacetocalmdownbutcouldn't.Itwasjusttoomuch.Whatcouldshechange?Heracademicexcellencewasapartofwhoshewas.Shouldshecavein?Becomesomeone'shomeworkservantinexchangeforfriendship,oratleastappearanceofone?Sheknewenoughaboutsocialnetworkingtounderstandthepitfallsofendingupalone.Shehadlearnedthatlessonthehardway.

Everytimeshethoughtofgivinginandbecomingauselessvapidgirlhertearswelledbackuntilshefinallygaveuponcalmingdownandslidtotheground,huggedherkneesandjustcried.Shewasn'tsurehowmuchtimehadpassedbeforeshefeltsomething,likeawindintheairandastrangehummingnoise.Shelookedupandsawit,severalfeetinfrontofher,abluevortexswirlingintoexistenceinfrontofher,impossiblyrealinthemiddleofitandwaftingintosmokynothingnessalongtheedges.

'Oh,that'sjustlikewhatastablemicrosingularitywouldlooklike.'Shethoughtanddidn'tfinditatallunusualthatshe,amereelevenyearoldwouldevenknowwhatamicrosingularitywas.ForHermioneGrangerlikedtoknowthings.Shewantedtoknoweverythingshecouldlearn,andshelearnedquickly.

Plusherfatherwasasciencefictionfan.

Thesmallwhirlingbluevortexjusthoveredthereforamoment,untilasmall,flat,whitesquarehurledoutofitandhitherintheforeheadandfelltothefloor.Formomentshestaredattheoffendingimprobabilityasithungintheairinfrontofher

practicallymockingherinit'smagnificenceandthenthemomentpassedtheswirlingstilledandthebarelystablespacetimeconstructjustcollapsedintoitselfwithawhooshingsound.

Everythingwasquietagain.

"Thatwasabitmoreoddthanusual."shemutteredtoherselfassherubbedherforeheadandlookedatwhathadhither.

Shewouldhavebeenmoredisturbedafewmonthsago,beforeshewasletintothesecretofthemagicalworld.ShehadalreadyseentoomanyimpossiblethingslatelytofeelthewrongnessanddreadthathadpermeatedherwhenProfessorSproutpulledoutherwandatherparentshouseandprovedmagicexisted.Sheunderstoodthebasicprinciplesnow,eveniftheywerealittleonthevagueside.

Neverthelesssomethingaboutthesmallbutthickenvelope,perhapseightinchesacrosssetherteethonedgeandmadethehaironthebackofherneckraiseonit'sownaccord.PerhapsitwasthelettersH.J.G.thatwerewrittenonitinfamiliarcursivewriting.Herownhandwriting.

Shestaredforalongmomentandthenquickly,afraidshewouldchangehermindandtakethistoateachersheopenedtheenvelope.Asmallleathernecklacewithasmallbluestonefellout.Shegaspedandpickeditup.

Hangingfromtheleatherstrapattachedbyafragileandtotallyinadequatelookingsettingwasabluegemofsomesortthatglitteredinthelight.Atinysilverdragonwrappeditselfaroundthestoneprotectively.

Sheextractedtheletterfromtheenvelopeandstartedreading.

DearGreenhornMirage

Getaholdofyourselfandstoppanicking.

Now,IfItimedthisright(Andmycalculationsareperfect,thankyou

verymuch)thenyouneedalittlemetaphoricalkickinthebuttocks.

Iknowit'sbadbutitgetsbetter.Honestlyyoushouldknowbetterthanto

expectrespectfromchildren.Theywon'tchangeuntiltheyareolder.

Andsomewon'tchangeeventhen.

Goodnewsthough,ifyouarereadingthenIjustbecamethefirst

persontocompletelycircumventthetempo-spatialbarrier.

Guesswhat!Itispossibletomanipulatethetimelinethroughhigh

dimensionalphysics.Who'sthemostbrilliantmagitechsorceressin

theworld?

Weare.Well.Iam.Youmightbe.

Iknow,Iknow,butwhatabouttemporalparadox?Icallitthe

branchingworldtheory.Basically,Ineverreceivedtheletteryou

arereading.

Andthusanewtemporalbranchhasformedtoaccommodateyour

universe.Orperhapsmoreaccuratelyouruniversestouchedatone

specificmomentsotheycouldinteract.

Unfortunatelythepowerlevelsriseexponentiallywithmassofthe

objectsent.Honestlyyouwouldn'tbelievehowmuchpowerthis

experimentisgoingtoneed.Let'sjustsayittakesreallybigeffort

andavoidtheuseoftheprefixpentainthesentence.

Hermione'smindboggled.SheunderstoodtheideaoftimetravelbutshebelievedwhatEinsteinsaidabouttheimpossibilityofitonamacroscale.

Shewantedtoknowhowitwaspossible.Andshewouldnotfindoutuntilshecouldduplicatehercounterpartsachievement.Andshewassurehercounterpartknewthis.Shewasevil.

Sheshookherheadtopreventherthoughtsgoingoffonatangentandcontinuedreadingtheletter.

Iwon'ttellyouthefuture(makeyourown)

Here'ssomefreeemotionaladvicethough:

1.RonaldWeasleyisagit,withanemotionalrangeofateaspoon.

Hewillalwaysbeagit.Hehashisgoodpoints,andcanactuallylearn

whenit'sbeatenintohisheadbuthe'sstillagit.

Bestcasescenariotogethimtolistenistomakehimfearyou.Withhis

fierytemperandpurebloodarrogancesnuffedwithacooldoseof

fearheismucheasiertogetalongwith.

Ittookmebreakinghisarmduringchildbirth.

YesI'mmarriedtothegit.He'smygitnow.

TrueloveisamythandIlikehimwellenough.

Hermionefeltfaintandvaguelynauseated.MarriedtoRonaldWeasley."Ahhellno!I'mnotmarryingthatlousygit.I'dratherdie!"

2.Potterisamess.Ifyoumakefriendswithhimprepareforarough

ride..Hehadaroughchildhoodandreallywantssomeone,anyone,

tobethereforhim.

He'llbealoyalfriendthoughandagoodmantowatchyourbackin

trouble.(Don'tweartightjeansintrickysituations,itdistractshim

somethingawful.)

Thenthere'sthewholeVoldemortsituation.He'sawraith,he'll

wantHarrydead.Perhapsabodyforhimself.

I'llsayitagain.Prepareforaroughride.Itwasfunthough.

He'sboringinbedthough.Toomuchofabottom.Ginnyisa

top.Surprise!

Sheblinkedandre-readthelastsentence.Apparentlyshehad,ehem,relationswith

Potter.Shevaguelyhadanideathatabottomhadsomethingtodowithspankingandwonderedifsheevenwantedtofindoutwhatthetermsmeant.

ShepausedattheVoldemortpart,realisingthathercounterpartwaswarningherandfeltavaguelumpofanxietyandexcitementinherstomach.Itimpliedthemonsterwasaliveandthatshehadbeeninvolvedinfightingit.

Shehadreadaboutthisyou-know-wholunatic.Shewonderedwhatwaswrongwiththemagicalpeopletotrytoerasethenameofaman,evenanobviouslymadeupone.Well,perhaps.Orperhapstheman'sparent'swerejustcruel.Shehadnoticedthatnamesinthewizardingworldweresometimesoddlyappropriateforaperson'sprofessionoroutlookonlife.

3.DracoMalfoy.Hisfamilyisdangerous,theboyisspoiled,abully

andaborderlinekleptomaniac.Ifhecrossesthelinestomphisferret

ass.Trytomakeitaformalduelsohecan'truntodaddy,ormake

certainyouhavesomeotherleverage.

Getaholdof'FormalEtiquette'byAmandaGreengrassfromF&B.

IwishIreaditwhileIwasinHogwarts.(Yourallowanceshouldcoverit.)

Purebloodsdisrespectusmuggleborn,partlybecause,tothem,half

thetimeweactlikemanner-lessbuffoons.Theotherpartissheerprejudice.

Ashowofpowerwillgetyousomerespect.Showingeloquenceandwitwillgetyoumore.

DracoisasmuchofagitasRonaldWeasley.Thosetwoaremuchalike.

Dracoisamuchbettershagthough,allthatangerandselfloathingis

anicespiceinbed.

Hermionewasgettingafeelingofapatternhere.Troublesomementhatshesleptwith.

"WhatwasIsomesortofascarletwoman?"shewonderedasshecontinuedreading.

4.LunaLovegood.Youwon'tknowheryet.Befriendassoonayouseeher.

Sheisyourintellectualequal.Evenifsheiscomingtoitfromtheotherside.

Narglesareninedimensionalbeings.Don'tasktoseethemuntilyouwrap

yourmindaroundnoneuclideangeometryinArithmancy.

(Andforgodssakekeepupwithyourmaths.You'dbesurprisedwhata

calculatorandcollegelevelmathematicswilldowhenusedproperly.

NottomentionwhatIgotonceIransome"Impossiblylong"Arithmancy

equationsthroughMatlabonafourteengigahertzquadcoreprocessor)

Well,thatisforthepeoplethatareclosetomeinmylife.EvenifDracois

morelikeafamiliarpet,orperhapsanosywildcatthatpopsinoccasionally

forsomefoodandagoodscratch,thenanactualfriend.Poorguy,ittookhim

untilhisthirtiestoevolveintoahumanbeing,andtwentymoretobecomea

productivememberofsociety.

AndLunaisLuna.WithoutherI'dhavesnappedandwent

'Darkandterrible,

treacherousasthesea,

allwouldlovemeanddespair.'

onthestupidcorruptmisogynisticbastardsthatranthewizardingworld

beforeTheFall.

Thereareotherpeopleinmylifebutfranklyyoucanhandlethemonyour

own.Keepanopenmind.

Shefeltslightlybetter,afterreadingthis.Shealwayswantedafriendshecouldtalkto.Atleastitwasn'tanotherconquestshehadtokickinthegonads.Non-euclidiangeometrysoundedintriguing.Thoughsherememberedreadingsomethingaboutthe

conceptdrivingpeoplemadorsomething.

Thatquoteontheendseemedabitsinisterandshewonderedwhereshehadreaditbefore.

5.Lifedebts.Trytoavoidthem.

Whenconfrontingtrolls:staycalm,andseeifyoucanescape.Ifyou'retrapped,

useLumosMaximatoblinditandtrytolevitatesomethingheavyontotheirhead.

Likeaclubforinstance.

Ifallelsefailsjustfocus,poolyourpowerandoverpowera

Reductorcurseintoit'shead.Mostthingsdiewithouttheirhead.

(WandDiagramenclosed,touchthewordswithawandtosee.Tapagaintoreverttoletter.)

Seriously.I'mstuckwithalifedebttoPotter,andwhileheistrulyagoodfriendhe

canbeabitofanasshimselfattimes.ThenaggingneedtohelphimhoweverIcanis

kindofannoyingandsometimescounterproductivewhenheactuallyneedaswiftkickinthebuttocks.

IcancelledoutRonald'sbymarryinghim.Icanhexhisarseintoapuddleifheannoysmenow.

YesI'msmiling.

Also,andIcannotstressthisenough.STUDYWIZARDINGLAW.There

areloopholesandvaguelyknownsubclausesthatwillmakeyourlifeeasier

ifyouknowthembeforeyouareofage.

Sheeagerlypulledoutherwandandstudiedthespellasapartofherwonderedwhataboutwizardinglawwassoimportant.TheReductorspellwasinteresting.It

wasatype3spellwithvariableyieldconcussiondamagedependingontheamountofpowerchannelledintoit.Dangerous.Andthislifedebtsoundedhorrible.ShesmiledatthethoughtofhexingRonaldWeasleyandthenfeltsorryforhercounterpartforherapparentinabilitytodoso,evenforalittlewhile.

6.Hintaboutmagic:ArithmancyistheAssemblerwhileRunesareHigherprogramminglanguage.

WandedSpells?Selfexecutables.

ButonlyEuropeanandAmericanmagesusewands.

Hermionegrinnedingleefinallyseeinganexplanationofmagicthatmadesense.

Shemadeamentalnotetostudyrunesassoonaspossible.

"Needletomatchstickindeed"Shegrumbledtapingthelettertocontinuereadingit.

Andlastbutnotleast?

7.Power.

Don'tlistentoanyoneinthewizardingworldthatclaimsthatones'magicalcore'isfixedatbirth.Onesnaturalinclinationisbutmagiciscomposedfrommentalenergiesofthemind,thechemicalenergiesofthebodyandofspiritualenergiesofthesoul.

Soulisfixed.Thisisthe'magicalcore'thateveryoneisyammeringaboutandisactuallynotpoweringyourspellsdirectly.Magicisthelightofthesoul.Let'snotgettoometaphysicalfornow.

Theothertwo,mindandbodycanandwillincreasewithpractice.Meditativepractice,mentalandphysicalwilldowondersforamagicuser.

Infactifyoufocusenoughintothemindartsandexerciseyourbodythelightofyoursoulwillgrowmatchtheenergiesofyourmindandbody.

Andthenthereisexternalmagic,channellingthedragonlines,elementalmagic,spiritlines,magicalfocalpoints,andsoon.

Youwouldn'tbelievehowmuchofarushitis,callingdownalightningstrikeandabsorbingtheenergiestoreplenishyourown.Don'ttryitifyoudon'tknowwhatyouaredoing.Agoodbenchmarkisthis.Ifyoucanproducelightningyoucanabsorblightningofsimilarstrength

Soenoughwiththeinadequacyissues.Seriously.Youareawitch,youhaveitwithinyoutobeasorceressandnooneisallowedtobullyyou!

Awarmfeelingspreadthroughherheart.Shewaswrong.Maybeshedidbelonghere.

Workonyourmindandyourbodyinyourspellcastingfromthestartandyoucanprettymuchwriteyourownticket.

Theenclosedamuletisdesignedforyouprotectionwearitatalltimes.Ithasbeencharmedwitha'noticemenot'enchantment,thecordandthejewelareunbreakable,andnoonecantakeitoffyouwithoutyourconsent.

Itwillhelpyoureplenishyourenergiesfasterbychannellingoutsideenergiesintoyouwhenyoursarelow.Thenetresultisthatyouwillnaturallyhealtwiceasfast,fightpoison,foreignmagicinfluenceanddiseasemoreeasily.Theexcessenergywillalsoshoreupyourmentalbarriersonceyouhavethemupandgenerallyhelpyouadvanceabitfasterthenwithjustyourlightofthesouldoingallthework.

Ihaven'tneededitforalongtimenow,havinglearnedtochannelenergiesonmyown.Itismygifttoyourfutureandsafety.

Ialsotookthelibertyofenchantingthesilverdragonwithsomeprotectivewardsofmydesign,whenyoulearnenoughrunesyoucanpickthemapartandlearnwhattheydo.Atthatpointyoumaychoosetodetachthedragonanduseitseparately.Thestonewillretainfullfunctionality.

Oh,thestonecanalsoactasapowerfulyetundetectableportkeyfocuswhenyoulearntomakeone.Icallitthewardcrasher.

Bestwishes.

Rhea,ReignMonger

aka

HermioneJaneGranger(formerlyWeasley)

P.S.IfandwhenyouchoosetohavesexdoNOTmakeyourfirsttimeinatentwithnoaccesstopropershowerwhilehidingfrompeoplewhowandtokillyou.

P.P.S.IfyourversionofPottertriestonamehischildAlbusSeverushexhimuntilhechangeshismind.

P.P.P.S.PleasedoperuseTheBookListandthebrieffinancialoverviewofthe1990's(Icouldhaveextendeditintothefirsthalfofthe21stcentury,butwhyspoilthefun.)

Hermione'smindwasawhirlofthoughtasshelookedatthenecklacewithanewsenseofawe.

Sheknewtheletterwastruebecausenooneknewofthehandleshepeddled'grey'softwareunder.Shehesitatedforamomentandthenplacedtheleathercordaroundherneck.Sheputitunderhershirtandsighed.

Shealwayswantedadragonpendantofsomesort.

Shetookadeepbreathandsetouttoimedeatelyrereadtheletterandexplorethehiddenpartsofit.Shehadmuchtothinkabout.Leastofallwhattheletterimpliedonthenatureoftheuniverse.Orthatshepossiblycheatsonherhusband.ExHusband?AndwhowasLunaLovegood?

Chapter1:Dancingwithtrolls

Disclaimer:Donotown

Battleawarenessismerelyaselfdefensereactionofthehumanbraintolifeordeathsituations.Itisawelldocumentedoccurrence,wheretimeseemstostretchandsecondsseemlikeallthetimeintheworld.Thissocalled'bullettime'isamagicallyinducedversionofthisthatplaysontheinitialevent.Ithingesonthebraindevelopingtheconnectionsonit'sown,throughfearanddetermination.

Chapter1Dancingwithtrolls

Theheavyfootsteps,crashesandgruntscalledherbackfromdeepthought.

'It'scouldn'tbe'shethoughtasnoisecamecloser.Shequicklyputtheletterandthejournalinherbagandgotoutherwand.

Whateveritwasstoodjustoutsidethedoormakingsniffingnoises.Shelookedaroundforaplacetohide.Thebathroomwassimple,sixstallsalongonewall,largeenoughforanadulttostretchhishandsandnottouchthewalls,arowofmirrorsandsinksalongthewalloppositefromthestalls.Acomfortablelookingbenchwasatthebackwall,oppositethedoorway.Likeallroomsinthecastleitwasaratherlargeroombutthestallsweretheonlyplaceyoucouldconceivablyhidein.

Shedecidedtostandhergroundandseewhatitwas,hopingagainstlogicthatitwasn'tatroll.

Thedoorsslammedopenandsomethinghuncheddowntopassthroughtheframe.Thetrollwasatleastsevenoreightfeettall,thoughitwasdifficulttotellwithithunchedoverlikethat.Thebeastwasanuglygreenthingwithleatheryskin,blacknailsandbeadyyelloweyes.Shelookeddown.Ah,itwasahe,andheseemedtohavelostthatlittleloinclothtrollsinbookswore.

"Isodon'tneedthis."Hermionemutteredasthetrollsteppedtowardsherandshesteppedbackwardstowardsthemiddleoftheroom.Thefloorshookfaintlyfromitsfootsteps.

Herheartwaspoundinginherchestandhermouthfeltdry.Shewasshaking,andthefloorwasslipperybeneathherfeet,butstrangely,calmandclarityhadsettledinherhead,likeawhitebubbleofpurpose.Andtheworldnarroweditselftoherandthetroll.

Shegrippedherwandasthetrollraisedit'sclubtothecreelingandswung.

"LumosMaxima!"sheexclaimedandthrewherselfbackwards,fallingonthehardtiles,hittingherhead.Thebubbleofwhitelightactuallydetacheditselffromthetipofherwandandthenflashedjustinfrontofthetrollshead.Thetrollroaredastheblindinglightexplodedinfrontofit'seyes.Hisswingwentawry,violentlyshatteringthefirststallandapieceofthefloorbellowit,pepperingherwithshards.

"WingardiumLeviosa."Shecarefullyenunciated,lyingonherback,achingfromherawkwardfall.Shetuggedthecluboutofhislefthandwhilehewasstillbusyrubbinghiseyeswithhisright.Foramomentitseemeditwouldworkbutthemonsterblindlygrabbedattheclubthatshetriedfloatoutofhisreachandpulled.Itwasaclosething,hermagicversushisstrength.

Butshewasonlyafirstyear.Hermagicslippedandthetrollyelledinrageandtriumph,steppingcloserandkickedheracrosstheroomandintothemiddleofthebackwall.Shehitthebenchonthewaydownandthenfoundherselflyingfacedownonthefloor.Herwandhadslippedoutofherhandandrolledtoastopunderthelastsink.Justnexttothetrollsleg.Ithadcomeclosertoherwhileshewasdazedfromthehit.

Sheeyedherwandinhorrorandtheimpossiblefivefeetofdistancebetweenherandthewandandthenshelookedupatthetroll.Thedarnedthing'skneewaslevelwithherhead!

"Iamnotlettingyoukillmeyougreenskinnedmonster!"Sheyelledatitindefianceassheraisedherselftoherknees.Thetrolltiltedit'sheadinpuzzlement,blinkingit'sbeadyyelloweyestryingtogetabetterlook.Finallyheshruggedandliftedhislegoverherhead,intentoncrushingtheannoyingthingintopaste.

Hereyesslippedpasttheimpossiblylargefootandafeelingofcalmandclaritycrackledaroundtheedgesandshatteredwithafreshsurgeofadrenalineandanger.Thatdamnedthingwasheretokillherendshe'dbedamnedifshewillletit.Sheraisedherhandandconcentratedonit'smiddle.

"Reducto!"sheyelledpouringeveryounceofherwillandremainingstrengthintothespellimaginingthewandinherhand.Awaveofmagicburnedacrossherhandandalongthatthing'sleg,leavingburnedblistersbeforeitmadecontactwithit'sgroinandliftedthetrollintotheairandandsentitcrashingintothemiddleoftheroom..ThefloorshookandTrollletoutadeafeningroar,droppingtheclubandclutchinghisunmentionablesjustasHarryPotterandRonaldWeasleyranintothebathroom,yellinghername.Theystoppedandstaredasthetrollthatastrashingand

screaminginthemiddleoftheroom.

Unnoticedbyanyonethesmallpendanthiddeninhershirtstoppedglowingblue.

Shegotupfromherknees,heartpounding,handsshaking,andsteppedoutofthewayofthethrashing,wailingbeastinfrontofherandstaredinasemidetachedmanner.

'Isthiswhatshockfeelslike?'shethoughtassheliftedherhand.Herwandabsentlyfloatedbackintoherpossession.SheglancedatRonald,smiledsweetlyandthenpointedherwandattheclub.'Itfeelskindagood'

"Wingardiumleviosa."Shecarefullyenunciatedandliftedtheclubintotheaircontrollingthemovementcarefullywithherwandandthensheslammeditintothebeastshead,once,twice,threetimes.

Thewailingstopped.

Theboysstared.

"B..Blimey."Ronaldexclaimedandsheknewhewouldneverdareridiculehercompetenceagain..

AndHermionesighed,lettingtheclubfloatbacktothefloor.Noonecouldharmhernow,shewassafeshehadthepowertoprotectherself,andshewoulduseit.ThefeelingofsomethingleakingdownherfacedistractedherfromthelookabjectterroronRonaldWeasley'sface..

'Ohno!AmIcryingagain?'shetouchedherfaceandlookeditwasred,shetastedit.Salty.'WhendidIgetbloodonme?'

Shewaveredonherfeetfeelingabitdizzyastheworldgreyedaroundthecornersofhereyes.

"Thatishowyoucastaproperlevitationspell,Ronald."Shesaidtotheboysjustassomeoneenteredthedoors.Sheturnedherheadtolookwhoitwasbuttheworldswirledaroundherandthenwentblack.

JustmomentsbeforethetrollincidentRonaldWeasleywaswaveringbetweenfearandanger.Potterhadforcedhimtogofindtheknow-it-allandjudgingbythesoundsdownthehallwayshewasintrouble.Anditwashisfault.Pottermightditchhimforthis.Why'dshehavetogoallemotionalanyways?Stupiduselessgirls.

HeglancedathisfriendjoggingjustaheadofhimandtowardsthebathroomwhenheheardHermioneyellsomethingandsawablindingflashthroughthedoorway.Thetroll'sroarmadehimshiverandhelookedatHarry.Theboysprintedfullspeedtowardsthebathroom,wandout,andRonjoinedhimalmostasecondbehindpullingouthiswandasheran.

RonandHarryranintothebathroomtohearhercastaspellandtrollfalldown.Theywincedastheelectrifiedfeelofconcentratedmagicprickledacrosstheirskinandturnedpaleastheywatchedthetrollgrabhiscrotchandtrashabout,bleedingonthefloor.

Theboyswatchedasshecalmlygotupwithherfaceallbloodyandclothestorn.Shesteppedoutoftheway,levitatedherwandfromthefloor,andmercilesslybeatthescreaminggreen,hugebloodytrollwithhisownclub.

"B...Blimey!"Heexclaimed"Iinsultedthat!I'msodead!"Hemutteredtohimselfandshuddered.

"Thatishowyoucastaproperlevitationspell,Ronald."Thebatteredandsomewhatderangedlookinggirlsaidinasoft,dangeroustoneofvoiceandRonpaledfurtherwhileHarryturnedbacktolookathimwithsomethingakintofearorperhapshorror.

HewasshovedoutofthewaybySnape,andherealisedthatthebushyhairedterrorhadpassedout.

Theprofessorrushedrightpastthetroll,lettingoutacasualstupefyintoit'sheadashepasseditandstartedmutteringandpassinghiswandoverthegirl.

ProfessorMcGonogalheardthebeastroarinangerandranwithallherspeedtowardsthesound;professorFlitwick,despitehissmallstaturewasonlyafewstepsbehindher.Yetsheknewshe'dbetoolate.Shetookinthedevastatedbathroomwhensheentered;ProfessorSnapewaspreformingdiagnosticcharmsovertheprone,bloodiedgirlher,andheartclenchedflashingbacktothewarandthebatteredformsofherstudentsdeadatherfeet.

Sheblinkedandshookofthememoriesandlookedcloseratthetroll.Itlookedtoomessytobeacastrationhex;Nowthatshethoughtaboutit,it'sheadandchestlookedabitmisshapenaswell.NowonderthetwoGryfindoorboyslookedpale.Sheconjuredawhitesheetandwithaflickofherwanditsettledacrossit'smidsection.

"Sowhathappened?"askedMcGonogalinacalmneutraltoneofvoicewhileprofessorFlitwickcarefullyapproachedthebeast.SheknewSnapewastoobusymakingsurethegirlwasnotgoingtodietobotherhimwithquestions.Notthatshe

wasgoingtodie.Kidsdon'tdieatHogwarts.Notanymore.Notsincethewar.Notever.Notagain.

TheboyslookedateachotherandMisterPottervisiblypulledhimselftogetherandstartedtocalmlyexplain.Theboytrulyhadhisfather'smannerismsdown.

"WeheardHermionewasupsetandshutherselfinhere,sinceshedidn'tknowaboutthetroll,sowecametowarnher."Potterstartedtoexplain."Bythetimewecametothecorridorweheardnoisesandthetroll'sroaring.Thentherewasabrightflashoflightfromtheroomaswerantowardsit."

"Wewantedtosaveher."AddedapalelookingmisterWeasleyinashakyvoice."Shedidn'tknowaboutthetroll,shemissedthefeastyousee."

"Onlyshedidn'tneedsaving.Bythetimewegotthereshehadalreadydroppedthetrollandwasbeatingitwithit'sownclub!"

Potteradded,theboywasobviouslyimpressedbythegirl'sfeat.Shewasslightlyscepticalaboutthebeatingthetrollwithit'sownclubpart,howevertheboysprobablymisunderstoodsomething.Ifthegirltrulyhadbeatenthethingonherownafterascantfewweeksoftraining...

Thepossibilitieswhirledinhermind.

ShehadinitiallythoughthatSnapehadsavedthegirl,thedevastationthetrollsufferedwasexactlyhisstyle.Although,nowthatshethoughtaboutit,heprobablywouldn'tgoforthegroin.Menusuallydidn't.

"BlimeyI'llnevergetonthatgirl'sbadsideagain!"MisterWeasleyaddedsomewhatredundantly.

Snapecameoverlevitatingthegirl."That'sthefirstintelligentthingIheardfromyouallyear,Weasley."

"Howisshe?"McGonogalasked,concerned.Herclothesweredamagedandherfacewasscratchedandbloody.OhgoddessBastletherbearight

"Shehasaminorconcussion,cutsandbruises,crackedrib,magicalexhaustionandherrighthandisburntfromtheinsideforsomeoddreason,probablyaburstofaccidentalmagicofsomesort.She'lllive."Hesaidinamonotone.Heglancedatunconscioustrollthatwasstillbleedingonthefloorraisedaneyebrow."ThoughI'mnotthatsureaboutthetroll,"andraisedaneyebrowatFlitwick.

"It'sdead."thediminutiveprofessorsaidcheerfullyashejoinedthem."I'mnotsureifit'sthecrackedskullorthebleeding."

McGonogalcouldseethewheelsturninginthediminutiveprofessorsheadandshegrowledinwardlyasshecockedaneyebrow.Nowayhewasgettingthisone.Shewastrainingherandthatwasfinal.

Flitwicklookedatherforamomentandsmiledsardonically.Acceptingthechallenge.

LaterthateveningtherumoursweregoingwildintheGryffindorcommonroom.

"Heydidyouhear?ThatGrangergirlgotcorneredbythetrollandgotclobbered.She'sinthehospitalwingwithaconcussion."Avoicecouldbeheard,andoverheard.

"Iheardthetrollwasinaworseshapethenshewas."Someoneelsewouldcorrect.

"IheardPottersayshetookitout."DeanThomassaid,andhimbeingadormmatethatpracticallymadehimaneyewitness.

"RonaldWeasleyisscaredwitlessandmutteredsomethingaboutherclubbingthethingtodeath."wasaddedtothegrapevineasfact.

Therewereafewsceptics,buttheywerequicklyconvinced.

"Ohcomenow,that'sridiculous.Anicklefirstietakingoutatroll,withit'sownclub?"

"Isawthetrollwhentheprefectstransportedit."IntonedPercyWeasleygravely"Itwascoveredinasheet.ProfessorSnapeconfirmedthatGrangerdiditin.Nowenoughgossiping!Headmasterwillclearthingsuplater,soofftobedwithyoulot!"

Intheend,itwouldalwaysstayinthebackofthemindsofGryffindors,howthestrayRavenclawwastrulyoneofthem.Evenifshewasaknowitall.

ThateveninganemergencystaffmeetingwasheldintheTeacher'sLounge.

"HowisyourGryffindorMinerva?"askedAlbusDumbledore.

"SheisstablebutPoppywantedtostayandmonitorhercondition.Shehassomesortofheadinjurybutwillprobablybefine."anagitatedlookingMcGonogalexplained.

"Iwanttoknowhowatrollgotpastthecreaturewards?"askedProfessorSnape.

"Ihadtotakeitdowntemporarilytohelpsetdefencesforyou-know-what.Itmusthavesnuckinthen."SaidDumbledore"Wemustcheckthegroundstonighttoensurenothingelsemadeitpastthewardlimit.Quirrel?Doyouhaveanideahowweshouldgoaboutsweepingthecastle?"

Themeetingandpatrolslastedintothenighttosometimeaftermidnight.Noothercreatureswerefound.

Hermionewokeuptoapoundingmigraineandlaidverystill,shestoppedbreathing,fearingherheadwouldfallapartandhalfhopingitwould.

Sheopenedhereyes,abruptlyclosedthemagainandgroanedthelightwaswaytoobright.

"Iamgladthatyouarebackwithus,MissGranger."Sheheardavoiceandshecarefullyopenedhereyesagain.MadamPomfreywaspreparingasalvenexttoherbed.

"Nowrelaxrelax,thiswillhelpwiththecuts."thenursesaidasshelightlydabbedthepotiononherfaceandshoulders.Theliquidwaswarmandstungalittlebutquicklycooledandsoothedcausingatinglyfeelingtospreadacrossherbodyandsheclosedhereyesagain.

"Don'tgotosleepyet.Howareyoufeeling?"avoiceaskedandHermioneopenedhereyesagain.

"Think'mok."shesaid."Headhurts.MyjawhurtsifImoveittomuch.Can'tfeelmyhand?"Shelooked.Herhandwaswrappedinbandages.

"Yesthatwouldbetheconcussionandmagicalexertioncombining."MadamPomfreynodded."Reactionheadachesarebadenoughwithoutgettingyourbrainphysicallyscrambled."

"Whataboutthehand?"Hermioneaskedconcerned.

"Strangetissueandskinburns,I'mnotsurefromwhat.Didyoubotchaspell?"Thehealeraskedwithcuriosity.

Hermionetriedtonodandthenreachedforherheadwithherlefthand.Herrightarmjustlaythereuselessly.

ShehelpedHermionesitupandhandedherapotionvial."Drinkthis.Itwillhelpwiththeconcussionandthepain.Yourmagicwillrecoversoonenough."

Hermionegulpedthefoulliquidbarelytastingit.Thesoothingsensationspreadacrossherheadalmostinstantlyandshethankedwhatevergodswerelistening.Itstillhurtbutitwasmuchbetter.

"Whataboutmyarm?"Sheasked.

"Iimmobilisedittoavoidfurtherinjury."Pomfreysaid,passingherwandoverHermione'shead."Yes,thisshouldalleviatethedangerfromyourconcussion.Sleepnow,I'llbewakingyouupperiodically.

"Th'ky'."Hermionemumbledalreadydriftingofftosleep.

"YouarewelcomeMissGranger.Restandhealchild.Justrestandheal."Intonedthemediwitch,gentlyswipingasheenofsweatfromthegirl'sforehead.

MadamPomfreystayedthereallnightcarefullymonitoringthegirl'scondition,herbodyandethicseasilyrememberingwartimereserveswhensleepwasaluxuryandmedicationscarce.Sherememberedthestrokesandtheburnoutsthatthesimplepotionshegavethegirlcouldhaveprevented.

"Restchild.Iwillcareforyou."

Chapter2:TheWeasleyTwins

Disclimer:Donotown.

"IbelieveitwasTheReignMongerwhofirstcameupwiththeconceptofScenarioDivination.Itwaswhenshestartedtoseriouslydelveintothemindartswhenshefirstbegantonoticethattheinherentrandomnessoftheuniversecannotbepredictedwithoutfail.Whatonecandoisusesituationalawareness,andgentlynudgeprobabilityinthedirectionwewishittogo.Pleaseunderstandthatthisismoreadegreeofmanipulationandlessamagicalartinit'sownright.TheintangibilityoftheartissummedupinthequotebyTheReignMongerherself:'YouwillfindthatScenarioDivinationislikecondensingyourrealityfromthevapourofnuancearoundyou.IfyouwishtobecomeaSorceressyoumustworkonyourawarenessoryoucannotleadtroopsinbattle.Power,afterall,ifuselessifyoudonotknowwheretoapplyit.'"

Hogwarts,Sorcery101class

Chapter2.Theweasleytwins(ofdoom)

Hermionemadeherwaydowntothegreathallfeelingvaguelypleasedwithherself.Shehadanaggingfeelingsomethingwasoffbutthesmelloffoodwasdrivingmostthoughtsoutofherhead.Assheenteredshenotedthatiswasonlyhalffull,butarelativelybusySilencefellaroundherasshenearedtheGryffindortable.SuddenlytheWeasleytwinsnoticedher,exchangedlooksandgrinned.Theyjumpedtotheirfeetandapproached,bowingexaggeratedly.

"AllhailHermioneGranger,SlayerofTrolls"StatedFredinaloudvoice

"DestroyerofBathrooms."Georgeinterjected

"TheGirlWhoKickTrollButtocks."hisbrothercontinued

"PatronofTileLayers"Georgeaddedashegrabbedherlefthandandbowedhisforeheadtoit.

"Annihilatorof..."Fredstartedtosaywhenhewasinterruptedbyaloudgrowl.AstheystoppedforamomenttolookatherandthenherstomachHermioneblushed.Ordinarilyshe'dhavebeenannoyedbysuchchildishantics,butshewasfeelingcheekythismorning.Lifewastooshorttoforegofun.Shestoodupstraightandintonedinamostsombreandhaughtyvoice.

"Thankyoumyloyalknights,Youmayworshipmelater.Rightnowthereusanewquestbeforeus.Iwillbeslayingtoast,acoupleofeggsandabouthalfapig."Shepaused,struckaheroicposeandpointedatthetable."Tobattle!"shecalledoutandthenbrokeintochucklesasthetwinstookuphercallgraspedherelbowsandtookuphercrybyyelling"VictoryorToast!"

Laughterspreadthroughthehallatthetwinsusualanticsastheymaderoomforherbetweenthemandattendedherwithexaggeratedmanners.OccasionallyburstingintodeclamationandcommentaryonhowtheBattleoftheBreakfastBaconswasgoingtobreaktheHungerWarsofTuesday.

ThesillinessofitallwouldhavemadetheoldHermionemiffed,andyetnowshefoundtheattentioncomforting.

Sheglancedattheteacher'stabletocheckiftheanticswerebeingfrowneduponandencounteredthetwinklingwarmthoftheheadmaster'samusedgaze.Henoddedatherandstoodup.

"MayIhaveyourattentionforafewmomentsplease."Hisstrongvoiceechoedacrossthegreathallandthestudentsquieted.

"LastnightaTrollsomehowenteredthecastle.Exactlyhowhepassedthroughthewardsisbeinginvestigated.Onestudentwasunawareofthisandwascaughtoffguardandcorneredbythetroll.MissHermioneGranger."Hecalmlyreported.

"Troll'sBane!"CalledoutoneoftheWeasleytwins.

TheHeadmasternoddedatFred,smilingindulgently."IndeedmisterWeasley.Iwasgettingtothat."

"AsIwassaying.MissGrangerdisplayedremarkableresilienceandbraveryinthefaceofadversity,anditismypleasuretoawardGryffindorfiftypointsforheractionsyesterday."

AsmallapplauseandyellingcamefromGryffindor,andascatteredrapportfromtherestofthehousesaswell,mostlyHufflepuff.

"Also,afterconsultingwiththerestofthefaculty,IhavedecidedtosubmittotheHogwartsboardofGovernorsarequesttoawardMissGrangeracertificateforspecialservicestotheschool.Trolls,afterall,aretrickytoovercome,evenforseveralwizardsandwitchesworkingintandem.Thatisall."

Therestofthedaypassedinawhirlwindofquestions,congratulationsandhero

worship.ToHermioneitwaslikeasurrealdreamtohaveallthispositiveattention.Thatevening,whenthequestionsandcongratulationshasrunit'scourse,Ronaldhadapproachedher,apologisedandaskedher,politeasyouplease,toshowhimhowtoproperlycastalevitationspell.

'Aparentlymiraclesdohappen.'MusedastillhalfdazedHermioneasshemadetheboyreadhischarmsbookforthefirsttime.

TheWeasleyTwinskeptacloseeyeontheGrangergirloverthenextfewdays.OriginallytheyhaddismissedherasafemaleversionofPercy.Butafirstiethatcandefeatatroll,beupintimeforbreakfast,andthenjokeaboutit?Well.LetnoonesaythattheWeasleytwinswereunfair.

ForthetwinsGrangerwasapuzzle.Theyhadprettymuchstalkedhershamelessly,usingTheMaptokeeptrackofwhatshewasdoing.Sheseemedtoberevertingtoherformershellwhatwithallthetimeshewasspendinginthelibrary.Alwaysstudyingdustytomes,writingonscrollsofparchmentandgenerallybeingaboringPercyclone.Theyhadeventakenituponthemselvestoremedythat,drawingherintoconversationandsometimesitseemedtoworkespeciallywhentheystartedtoshamelesslyreadherworkunderthepretextofhelpingtheickletrollslayerwithherhomework.Sometimesshewouldletthemhelp,andsometimesshewouldputawayherworkandtrytodrawthemintoagameofexplodingsnap.Mostsuspiciousforalittlebookwormespeciallysincetheynoticedshewasspendingalotoftimeintherestrictedsection.

Itwas,afterall,theirdutytohelpafellowGryffindor.Satisfyingtheircuriosityaboutwhatshewasuptowasmerelyasidebenefit.

ItwasafterclassesonFridaythatFredandGeorgedecidedtoambushthegirlinthebackshelvesofthelibrary.

"Wellhellohellohello,whatdowehavehereGred?"askedtwinoneconversationally.

"I'mnotsureForge."Twintwoanswered.

"Itlookslikeanicklefirstie."Georgemused

"Butnoickefirstiewouldbeinterestedinthemindarts."Fredaddedwiselynoddingatthebooksonhisleft.

"Orwizardinglaw."Georgeaddednoddingtohisright.

"Ormanagetogetaccesstotherestrictedsectionatall."Fredconcluded,finishingtheirrapidfireconversationandturningtoHermionewhowasstillshufflingherfeet,lookingslightlyguilty.

"Whyareyouhereickleslayeroftrolls?"Theyaskedinunisonandsmiledatherconfusion.

Hermione'sheadwentbackandforwardbetweenthetwins.Whiletheboyswerefunanditwasnicethattheyfoundhercompanyamusing,shewasstillnotquiteusedtotheirways.Atleasttheyweren'tfinishingeachotherssentencesagain.Sheopenedhermouthtosayitbutthetwinsstartedtalkinginrapidsucession.

"Wecould."

"Talklike"

"Thisallthe"

"Timebutit"

"Wouldloose"

"Impact."

Shelookedatthemandgapedhermouthdropping.

"How?"shefinallyasked.Wasitpossiblethattheyreallyreadhermind?

"Yes.Wecan.TwinshaveafaintbondthatcanbestrengthenedbyusingtheLeglimensandOculumensbranchesofmindarts."Thelefttwinspokeandhisbrothercontinued."Youhavebeenorganisingyourmindbutonlybuiltthemostbasicofshieldsinit.Youarebasicallyshoutingyoursurfacethoughtsatanyonewithintenfeetofyouthathasanyleglimencytraining"

Hermionewashorrifiedandthentriedtoquiethermind.Theywerereadingherthoughtsdamnit!

Thetwinsglancedateachother.

"Youjustgotabitquieter.Whatshieldingmethodareyouusing?Theonefrom'MentalBarriers'orthe'Mindsandshadows'?"

Hermionewasconfusedandfinallysighed.

"I'mnotusinganymethod.ThetwobooksonmindartsIreadsofaronlymentioned'calmingthemind'and'quietingonesthoughts',whatevertheymeanbythat."Hermionegrumbledbitterly.Shewasfeelingvaguelybetrayedbythebooksonthemindartsshehadbeenreading.

Thetwinssnortedandexchangedglances.

"Ministryapprovedmaterial."SaidFredshakinghishead

"Iknowjustthethingforyou."SaidGeorgeandreachedbehindthebooksonthirdshelfofthemindartssection,hishandreachingintotheshelf,andpulledoutasmallbooklet.

Hermionetookthesmallbookboundinbrownleather.Sheopenedittothefirstpageandnotedtheclear,beautifulpenmanship.

Protectingyourmind

by

AislingofKells

Dedicatedtothebastardsintheministry

whorefusedtopublishmywork

andtheamazingworkdonebythe

HogwartsExtracurricularLiteraryPreservationSociety

Hermionestaredatthehandwrittenbook,marvelledatthesmall,conciseandneatpenmanshipaswellasthebeautyofthehanddrawnillustrations.

"Aisling?"Sheasked,clutchingtheleatherbooklettoherchestandhartbeatinginherchest."AislingofKells?Ithoughtshewasamugglemyth?"

Georgesmiledandshrugged."Whoknows,weknowbetterthentounderestimatemuggles.Theyknowallkindsofusefulthings."

"AislingofKellsknewhermindartsthough."AddedFred."EventhoughchaptersFourandFivearebeyondus.Theyseemtorefertoanearlierworkorsomethingandwecan'tmakeheadortailsofthewhole'singingyourmindintoexistence'thing.Gooverthefirstfewchaptersandletusknowifyouwishtogetmorepracticeatthis."

"Granger,youhavetotellus,How'syougetapassfortherestrictedsection?"AskedGeorgesuddenly."IttookustwomonthsofhardworklastyeartotrickourDADAteacherintogivingoutanunlimitedpass."

"Ididn't."Hermionesaidhonestly."Thelibraryseemstolikemeorsomething."Shesaid.

Thetwinslookedathersceptically.

"Honestly!"Hermionesaidwithasombretone."Thelibrarywardsnevercomplain,andsometimesabookwillslidehalfwayoutanditwouldbeexactlywhatIamlookingfor."

"Well,ifthelibrarylikedanyoneitwouldbeyou,wouldn'tit?"

Withthatthetwinspassedherby,pattingherontheheadandlefttheshelfarea.

Thatevening,asshewenttobedaftersheperformedthebarrierbuildingexercisesproscribedinthebookshehadanaggingfeelinginthebackofhermindthatshewasforgettingsomething.Likeadejavuhiddenjustaroundacornerorperhapsaforgottenmemory.

Andonthehollowofherneckaprettynecklacerested,glitteringinmoonlight.

HermionewaskeepinganeyeonLongbottomtotryanddivertanothercatastrophe.Itwashappeningjustlikeshehadpredicted.Hehasbeenpreparingingredientsadequately,didn'tmisstimingandlearnedthedifferencebetweenclockwiseandcounterclockwise(Shehadhelpedbycarvingareminderonhiscauldron.Dyslexiaisatrickything.)Helookedpaleandnervousbuthewasdoingapassablejobofmakingapepperuppotion.Hispotionsshouldnotbeexplodingsomuch.Shetookcarefulnoteofhersurroundings.

Shenotedaflickerofmovementinthecornerofhereye,havingalmostbeenexpectingshewhippedherwandoutofhersleeveandflickedittowardsthefastmovingpebbleforgoingincantation.ItstoppedjustoverNeville'scauldron,hoveredintheairformomentandthenfloatedintoheropenpalm.Shefrownedforamomentandthenrecogniseddriedfiresalamanderliver.

Shehelditinherhandandcarefullyconsideredtheimplications.

"MissGranger,Ihopeyouarenotthinkingofusingthatinyourpotion?"ShelookeduptoseeprofessorSnapefrowningather.

"OfcoursenotprofessorSnape.IwasmerelyconsideringifithasanynondestructiveusesasIwaitedformypotiontosettle."

"Finishedalready?"Heaskedashecameclosertoinspectherpotion.

"Ishortenedthepreparationtimebysteamingthepepperwiththeginsengandcrushingthemtogether."

"Andwhatdidyouusetocounteractacidityimbalance?"Heaskedtakingasampleanddroppingitonapieceofpaperandnodding.

"Twodropsoflemonjuice.Ittastesbetter."

Heblinkedatherasitdawnedonhim."Lemonjuice?"

Shesmiled,hewasactuallydecentwhentalkingaboutpotions."Magicallyneutral,tastesbetterthencaterpillaracidandreactswellwithpeppers."

Helookedintohereyesforamomentandshefelthimtouchhershields.Heretreatedandnodded."Itwouldwork.Notquitemedicallevelbutverygood,economicsubstitutefordomesticuse.I'llgradeitExceedingExpectations.OnepointtoGryffindoraswellforinnovativelogicalapplicationofpotionsknowledge."

Hermionestaredathim,themannever,evergavePointstoGryffindor.

Heturnedaroundsuddenly."Longbottom!Haveyouruinedyourpotionyet?"heyelled,causingthepoorkidtospillthepeppersfromthemeasuringcupintothepotion;itletoutapoofofdarksmokeandtheliquidinthecauldronturnedfrommurkytoclear.Luckilytheboyhadmeasuredcorrectly.

"S...S...Sir."NevillestutteredasSnapetookasampleofhispotionandtestedit.Helookedattheresultandthentheboyforamoment.

"AcceptableeffortLongbottom.Thiscanactuallybeusedforamildcold.Coulditbeyouarecapableoflearning?Nexttimeyoumakethisaddthepeppersslowlywhilesteeringclockwisetogetbetterresults."

"Oh,andGranger,stayafterclass."

WithapprehensionHemionewatchedherclassmatesleaveafterthepotionshadbeengraded.SeverusSnapeconfusedher.Itwasobviousthemanwasacoldheartedbastard.Andyethe,onrareocassions,actedlikeaprofessional.Shewasn'tquitesurewhattothikofthepotionsprofessor.

"Youwantedtoseeme,sir?"SheaskedasthethelastGryffindorshuffledoutoftheclassroom.

"Whydidyouhavethatpieceoffiresalamanderliver?It'snotinthestandardpotionskit."Heaskedfrowning."Youshouldnotbeexperimentingwithrestrictedingredientsjustyet."

"I..."Shepausedconsidering."Icaughtit.Sir."shesaidfinallyfeelingslightlyembarrased,knowinghewasjustgoingtodismissthisasababblingofaschoolgirl.

"Caughtit?"heraisedhiseyebrowatherandHermionerealisedhemightactuallytakeherseriously.

"Onit'swaytoLongbottomcauldron,withaLevitationcharm."sheaddedinexplanation.Shewasnowherenearhisstationafterall

"Iheardnolevitationcharmbeingcast."Snapeaskedhersceptically.

Shelookedathimforamomentandthenpointedatanemptyvialandflickedherwand.Itroseintotheairandfloatedrapidlytowardsher.Shecaughtitinherhand.Snapeseyebrowsrosetowardshisforehead.Henodded.

"Isee.Isupposeonceyoulevitateaninetypoundwoodclubit'seasiertodothelittlethingssilently.Evenso,silentspellcastingatyourage..."Hetrailedoffinthoughtbeforerememberinghimselfandlookedathersternly.

"Iamgladyoustoppedshoutingyourthroughts,verballyandmentally,inmyclassroomGranger.Practicethesubtletyyoudisplayedtodaymoreoftenandtryavoidbeinginfectedbythedunderheads.Youmayleave."

Assheleftshecouldhaveswornshehadheardhimmurmurthewords'fivepointstoGryffindor'withadisgustedtoneofvoice.Butofcourseshewasmerelyimaginingthings.

(((LINE?)))

ThingshadbeenlookingupforHermioneinthelastweekorso.HarryandRonsometimessatwithherduringmealsandRonaldseemedtobemoreinclinedtolistenwhenshewasspeaking.Potterwouldsometimeslookatherfunnywhenshesilentlyhungoutwiththetwins,butthatwasjustfine.Sheknewwhathedidnot,afterall.

Thetwinsseemedtolikeherforsomeoddreason,andhelpedherpracticeby

whisperingcommentsinhermindacrosstheGryffindortable,andwhenevertheycameacrossherinthehallways.Shehadalreadylearnedtoprojectbackafeelingofagreementordisagreementandfeltgoodaboutherprogress.Herclassmatesalsoseemedtobemorerespectfultohernow.Possiblybecauseshewasbeginningtofeelwhatbehavioursetthemoffandlearnedtorestrainherselffromshowingoff.Shewasstillthefirsttoraiseherhandinclass,butshewaslessnoisyaboutit..

Unknowntoheritalsohadsomethingtodowithherstartingtoperformoneoftheexercisesdescribedinthehiddenpartsofherletter.Learningtochannelasmallportionofhermagicthroughherblood.Theconstantefforttoaccesshermagicwithoutexpendingitonaspellwasanexcellentmentalexercise,improvingherstaminaandhelpingtolearnandmaintainbettercontroloverhermagic.ThesubtlemagicalaurathatsheexudedasasideeffectofherexerciseprobablyhadsomethingtodowitheventheSlytherinsnoddingatherwhenpassingherinthehallways.

ShewasjustleavingthedungeonsthinkingofhowthingscanchangesoradicallyinthecourseofaweekwhenshecameacrossRonaldWeasleyandDracoMalfoyexchanginginsultsinthehallway.BothweregettingtheirsteamupandHarrywasholdingontoWeasley'sarmtostophimfromadvancingwhenshesnuckup,channelingasmallchargeintohervoicecalledout:

"PresentationMrMalfoy!Ronald,youreallyshouldknowbetterthentofightinthehallways."

DracoautomaticallystoodstraightlikesomeoneputarodinhisspineandWeasleyreflexivelyflinchedandmuttered"Sorryma'am."

Theyturnedfearfully,andthenstaredatherinsurprise.Dracolookedliketheepitomeofgraceandprojectedpuzzledinquirybyanexpertuseofasingle,slightlyraisedeyebrowwhileWeasleymostlylookeddazed.BehindthemHarryPotterstaredatherwithhismouthdroppedopen.

"Reallyboys,Iunderstandaboutrivalrybutshouldn'tyoubesettlingdifferencesinamorecivilisedmanner?"Sheprojectedcalmlyandreasonably.

'Yes!Itworks!'Sheexclaimedmentallyastheyblushedandmurmuredapologies

"Wellthendogoplaychess,orexplodingsnap,orwhateveritisthatboysdo.Remember,youhaveyourfamilynamestouphold."ShethenturnedandleftbeforeRonhadtimetorealiseshehadnoauthorityoverthem,orMalfoyrememberedshewasa'mudblood'.

Harrypromptlyfollowedafterher,staringatherontheirwaytothethecommonroom.

"Whatdidyoudotothem?"hefinallyasked.

Shelookedathimforafewmomentsandsmiled.Heshudderedattheevilglintinhereye.

"Presentation,PresenceandPoise.It'ssomethingallPurebloodsaretaught,especiallyheirs,sincetheycanwalk.Basicallyitcomesdowntobodylanguage,grooming,andmanners.It'swiredintotheirbrainspracticallyfrombirthtolistentothelectureafteryoucallthemonthethreeP's.Ofcoursethemomenttheyleavethesightoftheirparentsitallevaporatesfromtheirhead."

"Whatdoesthathavetodowithwhathappenedbackthere?Theyactuallywentofftogether!"Harryasked,completelybewildered.

Hermionesighedandturnedtothefatladyandmurmured,motioningforHarrytofollowher.Shewasgoingtotrytoexplainwhatshewasmerelybeginningtounderstandherself.

"Whatyouhavetounderstandisthatwizards,mentallyareverydifferentthanmuggles.They...wearepracticallyatthetopofthefoodchaintrue,thoughthereareafewspecieslikedragonsthatarebetterthanusbyanorderofmagnitude,butthisisoffsetbythefactthatwehaveamuchgreaterpackinstinctthenmuggles."Shecontinuedsettlingintooneofthelargeleatherarmchairs.

"Whatdoesthathavetodowithetiquette?"Heaskedintrigued.

"Everything.Mightmakesrightinthewizardingworld.AndAlpha'sleadtheway."Shesaidmatteroffactly."Ijustusedtheirtrainingtoremindthemhowtheirparentswouldreacttouncivilisedbehaviour,andgavethemaslightpush."

"Ifthatpackinstinctthingistrue,whydotheyreactthatway?Aren'tPurebloodsAlphas?"

"WearenotwolvesHarry.Anyonestrongerthanyouisyoursuperior.ThusparentsandauthorityfiguresareAlphas.Ijustevokedmyselfasanauthorityfigureintheirminds."

Harryopenedhismouthtoasksomethingandthenstoppedtiltinghisheadtotheside,puzzled.

"Hermione?Whyareyourteachingmeallthis?"Theboyaskedhercuriously.

"Youcametohelpmefreely,byyourownchoice.Itakemyfriendshipsseriously."Shetoldhim,mentallyorganisingallthebooksshewouldhavehimread."BesidesyoushouldhavebeentaughtaboutsocialnecessitiesalreadyandwilldefinitelyhavetoknowthemifyoueverwanttoclaimyourbirthrightandstandamongstyourpeersafteryourleaveHogwarts."

"So,it'snotjustaboutmagicalpower?"Harryasked,tryinghardtounderstand.

"Yes.MagicalPowerisdependantonthewizard,histraining,hisbodyandhismindHarry,notthebloodline.Sureyoucanbreedforatrait,uptoapoint.Butit'snotacertainthing.AsfarasIcantellthewizardingworldapparentlyworksonperceivedpower.Themorepoweryouhave,themorepeopleareinclinedtolistenandfollowyourexampleinstinctively.Assuch,overthemillenniaauniqueandyetoddlyfamiliarsocialstructurehasevolved.Thecoreruleshavenotchangedsignificantlysince869BC,evenwhentheytrytokeepupwithtimes.Whatitboilsdowntoisestablishingyourplacein,andontopof,thepeckingorderandfindingprotectionfromsomeonestrongerthanyouifyoucannot.Andyou,myfriend,arethereasonWeasleyandMalfoyclashonapersonallevel.Theybothwantunderthecloakofyourinfluence.Theirfamilieshavingahistoryonlyworsenstheissue."

Shecontinued,takingnoteofHarryperkingupwhenshecalledhimafriend.

"Holdon.Malfoyhatesme.Whywouldhewantmyhelp?"Hestated,puzzled.

"OhHarry.Picturethis:Malfoycomesintoyourtraincompartment,seekingthearguablymostpowerfulfigureofhisgenerationtobefriendandseesyouwithLongbottom,Weasley,andanunaffiliatedfemale.HewaslookingforyoutotryandgetaheadstartonapossibleallianceandinsteadhefindsyouwithtwomembersofOldfamilies,oneofwhichhisfamilyhasaFamilyFeudwithonaleveljustshortofBloodFeud,andtheotherisalongstandingrivalofhisHouse."AndthefemaleisanAlphainherownright.

"Hepanicsandoffersyouhisallianceinsteadofhisrivals,Weasleyviolentlyopposesandyoutakehisside,whichimpliesanagreement.HebelievesyouhavedeclaredhimyourenemybysidingwiththeWeasley'sandsoheisattackingpre-emptively."

Harrystaresather,wavinghishandasiftowardoffsomething.

"Wait,stop.Theyallthinkcomplicatedlikethatallthetime?"Herubbedhisforehead,Noonetellshimthesethings."Whatelsehasbeengoingon?WhathaveI

beentellingpeoplewithoutevenknowing?"

Hermioneblinkedathimandthenrealisedhererror.

"Wait,slowdown.It'snotlikethat.MostofitisInstinct.Malfoyhasbeentrainedasanheirsoheisabitbothmoreabletoinfluenceothersandmoresusceptibletosuchinfluences.Isupposeifyouwanttolethimknowyoudon'tthinkhimasyourenemy?"

Shepausedbrieflytoseeifthatwasindeedso.

"Wellsure.Idon'twantenemies.Idon'tlikehim.He'sapompousarse,butyouaretalkingaboutgettinginthemiddleofafeudhere."

"Allrightthen,here'sashortcrashcourseinneutralmediationandyourfamiliessocialstandingaccordingtoFormalEtiquettebyAmandaGreengrass.IfyouwanttolearnmoreaboutthefamiliesI'lllendyoumycopyof'ThegreatFiveHundred.'whenI'mdonewithit."

ShefailedtonoticetheperkedupearsofapassingGryffindorprefectwhotooknoteofthesubjectofherlectureandsuddenlyhadalumosspellgoingoffinhishead.ThePotterheirwasbeingtrainedinthefinerpointsofsocialnecessitiesbyHermioneGranger,muggle-born.Orwasshe?Therewasnowayshewasreallymuggle-born.Nomuggle-borncomestoschoolwithskillandpowertotakeoutatroll,orknowsenoughaboutpurebloodstructurestobeselectedtoteachanHeirofaMostAncientandNoblehouse.HisMagicalGuardianmustknowsomethingaboutGrangerthatisunknowntotherest.

Afterallonly,anHeircouldpossiblyteachanHeir.

OMAKE

"Hermione?Whyareyourteachingmeallthis?"heaskedpointingatthebookonmaleandfemaleanatomyshewashavinghimstudy.

"Youcametohelpmefreely,byyourownchoice.Itakemyrelationshipsseriously."

Shesaidgoingoverthebooksshewasgoingtohavehimreadwhenhewasready.MagicalKamasutrachiefamongthem.

Afterall,sheneededtoavoidtakingupthelastnameofWeasley.Atallcosts.

Chapter3:Ofquiddichandwarding

DISCLAIMER:Whenindoubtemptytheclipandreload.

"ThefirstofthethreeessentialskillsisRise.ThefirstandmostbasicpartofRiseislearningtocycleyourmagicthroughyourbloodandathigherlevelsthroughtheverycellsofyourbody.Evenachildcanlearntodobasicsofthisskill,Iknowbecauseitkeptmealive.Remember:basicRisewillincreasehealing,efficiencyandenduranceofyourbodyaswellastemperpainandsharpenyourreflexes,thusenablingyoutoexplorethenaturallimitsofthehumanbodymoreeasilyandincreasingyourlifespan.Iwillteachyouthisbyhittingyouinhandtohandcombatuntilyourelentandstartusingit.Ifandwhenyoumasterthelimitsofthehumanbody,Iwillteachyoutoshatterthem."

ChiefUnspeakableHarryPotter,beforeTheFall.

ItwasthebeginningofDecemberandHarrywasseriouslyannoyedathisclassmates.

ThestartofthequiddichseasonwasnearingandWoodhadbeendraggingtheentireteamoutofbedbeforedawnfor'secret'practicetheentirepreviousweek.Andnowthepointwasmoot.

Thehabitofthestudentsfromotherhousestostopinthehallstowhisperandpointhadmercifullystopped,howevernowthatthenewshewasaseekerhadleakedhalfofthemwerecheeringforhimandtheotherhalfwerejeeringandtellinghimhewouldfail.

HewasverygladthatHermionewashisfriend.WithWoodtakingupmostofhisfreetimehehardlyhadtimetogooverhishomework,letalonereadquiddichthroughtheages.Blessherforofferingtogooverhishomeworkandgradeit.SureittooksomerevisiontofixhistheholesinhismagicaltheorybuthewasnowgettingthegradesthathewasusedtogettingbeforecomingtoHogwarts,notthattheDursley'scaredonewayoranother.

'Infact.'HeputawayhisQuiddichthroughtheagesandlookedatthegirlthatwasgoingoveryetanotherofRon'sscrollswithherdreadedredtippedquill.

"Hermione?"Heasked,warminghishandsonthebluefaeriefireHermionehadconjuredforthem.Ronwaswasbusywithgoingoverhisscrollwithher,wincingateveryspelling,factandformcorrection.

"YesHarry?"thegirlasked,notliftingherheadfromslashingredlinesthroughRonsscroll.Hesmiled.Hisscrollswerenolongerrednightmaresastheywereatthebeginning.Ronseemedtobetakingabitmoretimeonlearningtheproperformsforwritinganessay,butthenagainRonwashomeschooled.

"YouknowthatIreallyappreciatewhatyouaredoingforus?"HefinallyblurtedoutandHermionelookedup,aclosedofflookonherface."ImeanwithoutyouI'dbarelybescrapingbywithanAcceptablegradeinmostclassesandwouldstillcomeoffasastupidspoiledkidwhenaddressingmypeersandfaculty."Hestoodupstraighterandsmiled."SothankyouonbehalfofclanPotterforteachingmewhatIneedtoknow."

Hermionelookedathimforamomentandthenblushed.Shehadthoughinherdarkestdepthsthathewas,likemanyothershad,justusingher.Buthereallyappreciatedherhelp.Sheknewbecauseaformalthankyoulikethisbasicallyputshiminaminorsortofdebttoher.Shecouldaskforcompensation,shelterorsmallfavourfromhimifshewasinclinedtoandhewouldbeobligedtocomethrough.

"YouarewelcomeMisterPotter,yourfriendshipisjustasimportanttome.Granger,atyourservice."Shereturnedhislittlebow.

Ronlookedatonethentheotherandfrowned."Oyyoulot!What'swithyoutwogoingallformallike?"HeglancedatHarryinconfusion.HisfriendhadbeenavoidingformalityofallkindsfromthedayhehadmethimandthenrealisationhithimthatthismustbereallyimportanttoHarry.

"I..."Hestarteduncertainly."Iappreciateyourassi..."hestumbledoverthewordsheneverusedforamoment"...assistanceaswellMissGranger."

Heblushedathisfumblesashebowedtothegirl.Fatherinsistedhelearnthebasicformseventhoughhewastheyoungestsonandhehadneverthoughthe'dactuallyuseanyofit.

HermionehadbeendragginghisaveragetoEE'skickingandscreamingandhehadbeenlamentingtheamountofworkhehadtoputintostudying.Andinthismoment,forthefirsttimeRonrealisedthathismothermightactuallybeproudofhim.AndthatheindeedowedHermioneforherhelp.

Hermionestaredathimforamomentandthenabeamingsmilehittheboyslikearayofsunlight.

"Awyouguys."Shegushedandgrabbedthemintoahugatearleakingout,breakingtheawkwardformalityofthemoment.

RonexchangedlookswithHarrywhiletheywerepattingthegirl'sback.'Bonkers!'HemouthedasHarryshookhisheadandsmiled.

Girlsreallywerecompletelybonkers.

SeverusSnapewaslimpingacrossthecourtyard,thebitefromtheCerberusfuelinghistemperwhenhenoticedGrangerandbloodyPotterwithWeasley.HeknewtheywereprobabblyuptonogoodandstartedtomakehiswastothemwhenhesawPotterbowformallytothegirl.Hequicklysnappedoffanoticemenotandhidbehindapillartolisten.

Yes,itwasaformalthankyou.So,Potterhadsomemannersafterall.Theblastedbratmerelyelectedtoforgotheminhisclass.HefrownedandsteppedbehindthepillarwhentheGrangergirlstartedtosniffle.Whatintheninehellswasthatgirlgettingallemotionalabout,theyweremerelythankingher!

"Potter!"Hesnappedoff."Loiteringarewe?Skippingclassperhaps?"Hesmiledasthethreefirstyearssprangapartandlookedaboutinfear.Hestalkedover.Heglancedatthefaeriefireinajarandfrowned,openfirewasagainsttherulesbuttheyseemedtohaveitcontained.Helookedforanythingelsetoholdagainstthemandafterafewmomentsofscrutinyhestalkedoffignoringtheirstammering.

'DamnbloodyPotterfordenyinghimeventhesimplepleasureofremovingpoints.".

ItwasagooddayforquiddichandHermionewascheeringwiththerestoftheGryfindoorwhenHarrydrewtheattentionfromanexcellentshotbyKatie.Shewatchedhimwaverandnarrowlydodgeabludger,thebroomwasbucklingwildlyintheairandsherealisedthatsomeonewascastingajinxofsomesortonHarry'sbroom,probablyadominatorofsomesort.ShelookedatHagrid'scrazedmutteringaboutpowerfuldarkmagicandshookherhead.Shegrabbedhisominocularsandscannedswiftlythroughtheaudience,finallystoppingatSnape.

"Ohnoyouwon't."Shegrowled,angeredbythethoughtthatshehadsomisjudgedthemman.Shetookoutherwandandmutteredthesyllablesofaprojectingjinxtoguideherfairyfiretotheman.Itlickedundertheseatsandtherushedforwardfoldinginonitselfastheflamesmovedlikewater.Shecarefullykeptthetemperaturedownuntiltheflameshithiscloakandthemletthecontrolgoandshesmiledingrimsatisfactionsheplaceditbackinhersleeveandwatchedastheflamesgrewinintensityandvolume.

ShepaledwhensherealisedHarry'sbroomwasstillbucklingandwatchedinhorrorashefinallylostcontrolanhungfromthebroombyhishands,thebroomnowactivelytryingtoshakehimoff.

'Ithadn'tbeenSnape.'Sherealisedandfumbledforherwand,stuckinsideherleftsleeve,panicbloomingthroughherveinsasshestruggledtorememberthepoemliketonguetwisterthatwastheuniversalcounterspell.Shehadneitherthetimenortheknowledgetorunthroughmoderncounterjinxesinsequence.

"Ronald!"Sheyelledasshethrewtheominocularsathimandusedbothhandstountangleherwandfromtheseamsofhersleeve."Findwho'sdoingit!"

ShepointedherwandandspedthroughtheuniversalcounterspellsyllablesinoldGreekmeldingtogetherintoachant,readyingherselfforthementalfeedbackasshecaughtandpushedagainsttheforeignpresencethathadsettledinsidethecontrolcharmsofHarry'sNimbus.Theworldoutsideherbodyandmindhadslowedtoacrawl,anditwasnowjustherandtheevilpresencepushingbehindthejinx.

ShefeltmalignanttendrilstrytolashoutatherandstrikepainfullyagainstherfledglingoculumenticshieldsandrealisedthatHagridmighthavehadguessedproperlyonthedarknatureofthespell.'Thiswasgoingtohurt.'Sherealizedasshesentoutmoremagictoburnoutthedarkpresence.Itwasworking.Hermagicwaspurifyingthespell,butitwasgoingtotakeforever,shewonderedifshewasgoingtoendureuntillitwasdone.Shehuddled,whimperingbehindherthin,oculumenticshieldseverylashspreadingstingingechoesthroughhermindandimaginedherownspellascleansingflamesthatwouldpurifytheevil.

RonstaredforamomentatHermioneafterhecaughttheominoculars.ShewaspointingherwandatHarrymumblingnonsense,butheknewbetterthentodisobey.Hefranticallyscannedtheaudienceandhopedhewouldbeintime.Allhecouldseewerepeoplerushingaboutinpanic,knockingoverpeopleandeachother.

TheheadmastersatupfromhischairandglancedatSeveruswhowasalreadygoingthroughcounterjinxesandtookuphisoldwandtoweaveawebofhalfstrengthcushioningcharmsbeneathpoorHarry,justincase.Notthatandunprotectedfallwouldkilltheboy,justthatinvolvingStMungo'swouldbetroublesome.

Hecouldhave,ofcourse,endeverythingnowbuttheladneededsomeadversityinhislifetopreparehimforwhatwascoming.

Snapecursedasfaeriefireranalonghisrobesandhehadtocutoffhisattemptto

saveDamnedPotteranddiverthisattentiontosavinghisownskin.Theblastedfirewaspersistentasmosttypesofconjuredfiretendedtobewhenunleashed.Hewoveawebofcounterspellsandsnuffedtheblastedthingafterahandfulofseconds.HeglancedatPotterandfrowned.Hewasstillholdingon,eventhoughhelookedlikehewaschokingandthebroomwasoddlyquiet.Hepreparedtotryandhithimwithalevicorpusifhefellwhenithappened.Thespecificbluegreenofasuccessfullyshatteredjinxenvelopedthebroomandthebratwassafelyclimbingbacknthebroomcoughing.Perhapsoneofhiscounterjinxeshadworked.Heignoredthepleasedechoofhislifedebtasitsettleddownabitandscowledresistingtheurgetosmackhimselfontheforehead.

"Ohbloodyhellthebrathasmoreluckthensense!"HegrowledasPotterstruttedintheairdisplayingthesnitch.

Hermionestruggledwiththeforeignpresencelashingoutatherandpushedthelastofherreservesintoherflaggingdefenceswhenshefeltawarmthengulfherinenergyandhermentalshieldsstabilize.Shecouldfeelit,thewarmthofthesilverdragonrestingagainstherbreastboneasitflushedthebloodinherheartwithmoreenergyevenasitshoreduphermind.

Jawsstillclenchedingrimmdeterminationshechannelledhersuddenlyfreedmagicintoattacking,lashingoutwithallherremainingstrengthagainsttheevilgitthathadbeehurtingher,wantingnothingmorethantohurthimback.ShesentforththeentiretyofherstillundevelopedmagicsthroughthepointofcontentioninHarry'sbroomandback,backattheattackerlashingoutathisshieldsbombardinghimwithpainandangerevenashebatteredherfreshlyreinforcedshields.

Andthentheoriginalspelltosubvertthebroomshatteredundertheadditionalstrain.Hermionereeledbackandstumbledphysicallyasastabbingbacklashpiercedintoher.Shesuckedairintoherlungswithahissandcluckedatherheadblindtotheoutsideworldashereyesroledbackandshefainted.

ThatafternooninHagrid'shutHermionewasnursingaheadacheandsippedblacktealacedwithheadachepotion.Ohnowsheknewwhytheuniversalcounterspellwasnolongerused.Prepareyourselfforpain.Thatwastheonlywarningthebookgaveher.

Sheknewreactionbacklashhadtobeenduredwhenshebrokethespellbutshehadn'tbeenexpectingafullfledgedmigrainecompletewithfadingvisionandburstbloodvesselsinhereyes.Evenwiththepotionsshecouldbarelysitthereand

functionwhileRonaldwasproducingthemostidiotictheoriesinspiteoftheevidencethatmadeherwanttocastapermanentsilencioonhimanddamnthecost.

"I'mjustsayingthatitwasaperfectwayforSnapetokillofHarry!Thestupidbathaditinforhimfrom..."

"ShutupRonaldandthink!"ShehissedmassaginghertempleandthankingwhatevergodswerelisteningthatHaggridstockedaheadachepotioninhiscupboard.

"IfSnapewasjinxingthebroomitwouldhaveendedwhen..."ShetrailedoffandlookedatHagrid."...whensomeonesethiscloakonfire."Shefrowned."Itwassomeoneelse,someonewellversedinritualchantsandcursesorcursebreaking.Andhisshieldswerelikeabloodyfortress."

"ButI..."RontriedtosaysomethinginhisdefencebutHermionehadhadenough.

Shegrowledathisstammeringandstoodup."ExcusemeHagrid,I'mabittiredandI'llgobacktobed.Ithankyouforyourhospitality."ShesaidandexcusedherselfleavingtheboysalonewithHaggrid.Shehadtogetherselfintobedandadoseofsleepingpotionintoher.

Itwasafewdaysafterthequiddichincident.ShehadspenttheweekendrecoveringandnowHermionehadaverybusyschedule.Shehadbeenlearningaboutbroomenchantment,lookingforNicholasFlammel,andhelpingthetwinsbrewamostfascinatingexperimentalpotioninanabandonedclassroom.Shewasalsoworkingonherregularclassprojects(whereshewasstillhalfadaybehindschedule),herOculumencyandlookingintowizardinglaw.ShehadtocuthersleepduringtheweektosixhoursadaytokeepupandbyFridaysshe'dgottenabitgrumpywithlackofsleep.WhichpromptedHarryandRonaldtotrytocheerherupwithanaerialgamefotag.

Rightnowshewasfeelingbetterbutsweatyfromexertionandfellingparticularlydisgustinginherclothes.ShecamebacktoGryfindoortowerandaimedstraightfortheshowers.

Theadrenalineandmagicrushfromthelatestflyinglessonhadrunoutandshewasfeelingabittired,howeverthelastremnantsofthetensionshehadbeenfeelingwaswashingawaywiththewaterandsweat.

Flyingturnedouttobemorefunthatshewouldhaveimagined.Mindyou,shewouldnevervoluntarilydosomeofthecrazystuntsHarryperformedbutsheunderstood

whyhedaredtotothemmuchbetternowthatshemadeapointoutofstudyingthetheorybehindbroomenchantment.Thebroomwasn'tjustflyingonit'sown.Hermagicwaswhatcontrolledtheambientcharmsinthebroom.Saying'up'wasmerelyamnemonictoolthathelpedassertoneswilloverthedemi-sentientobjects.

Theoldschoolbrooms,havingdevelopedsevrealquirksovertheyears,wereabittrickytoridesometimesandshetookparticulardelightinorderinganespeciallystubbornbroomtheothershadbeenhavingtroublewithtoheel.Iteagerlydidthis,likeaplayfulconcluded,byempiricalevidencethatflyingwaspartpower,partskillandpartpurestrengthofwill.Shehadnoticedwhensheconsciouslytriedtoinfusehermagicintothebroomitmovedalittlebetterandturnedmoreprecisely.ShehadtowonderwhatthatsaidaboutHarry'sabilitytogetonthequiddichteamsoeasily.Aseekerwouldneedpowerspeed,precision,andcantankerousnessofamuletoholdperfectcontrolofhisbroomduringthecoruseofanentirequiddichgame.Teamworkandpersonalsafetycamesecondarytocatchingthesnitchasfarasshecouldtell.

Insanegameforinsanepeople.

ShegotthisparticularpieceofenlightenmentonthesanityofthemagicendowedduringheradventurousaerialversionofcapturethaflagwithsomeoftheGryfindoors.HarrystillflewcirclesaroundherandRonheldanedgeinexperiencebutstill,shepulledherweightwhensheconcentratedandherfearofheightswasnotsobadsinceshewasincontrol.Foroneinsanemomentshehadforgottencommonsenseandperformedatwistingcorkscrewmanoeuvrethathelpedherevadebeingtagged.

Apparentlyinsanityandreclesnesswascatching.

AfterwardsProfessorHoochhadpraisedherforfinallymasteringflightafterhershakystart.Shehadwonderedforamomentwhereherrecentrecklessnesscamefrombeforeputtingitoutofhermindassillynattering.Afterallithadfinallydawnedonherduringherstudiesthatwizardswerejustgenerallytougherthenmuggles.A30footfallcouldbehealedindays.Aslongasyoudidn'tfallonyourhead.Acrackedskullcouldtakeweeks.

Theshowerwashečpingtoeasethetensioninhermusclesandsheusedthetimeshehaddedicatedtodryingandbrushingoutherhairtorebuildherstillslightlyvaguementalfilingsystem,andcheckonthedoublelayermirrorshieldsinhermindwhenashudderwentthroughherandtheworldseemedtodullabitasherfocusretreatedintohermindasthreadsofconsciousnesssnappedtogether.Afloodofmagicpouredoutofnowhereintoherblood,takingdownhermentalbarriers.AfteramomentofpanickedconfusionHermionerealisedshewasconsciouslyexpiriencing

herfirstmagicalgrowthandbaskedinthefeelingofstrengththeexpiriencebroughtwithit.Prettyquicklythefloodofmagicrecededandwothitthewearinessshehadbeenfeelingduringtheday.

Shequicklyrefocusedonrebuildinghershieldsandtheysnappedintoplacefasterthenever.

Realisationhitherwhileshesortedherlatestmemoriesthrough20/20eyesofperfectrecall.Shetookstockofhermemoriesoftheentireyearandclenchedherhands.Inretrospectshehadbeenactingoddeversincethetroll.IhadneverfeltthisgoodinsidemyskinbeforeHogwarts.Confident.Strong.

Insanityofwizardsindeed.

Shehadn'tthoughttwiceaboutsneakingintotheowlerytoorderabookfromFlourishandBlotsaftercurfewthedayshegotreleasedfromthehospitalwingorhelpingthetwinswithatameprankortwo.

'AndthataerialmadnessIhavebeendoingwithPotter,ThomasandWeasley.'Ashiverwentthroughherpartthrillpartfear.Shehadbeenhavingfun.Allweek.True,shewasworkinghardertheneveronherstudiesaswellaspersonalprojects,likethatFlammelfellowHarryandRonhadgottenHagridtoslipabout.Butduringherdowntimeshehadbeenhavingfunlikeshehadn'tbeeninalonglongtime.

'No.Iwasn'tjustbeenhavingfun.I'vebeenhavingfunwithpeople.Friends.Iactuallytoldjokes!Andpeoplelaughed.'Sherelaxedandsmiledreachingforatowel,thefeelofoddnesspassingasshementallyclassifiedhappiness.

Ahappycheerfulmadeherwaytoherdorm,herhairstillslightlydampbutasdryasshecouldmakeitwithjustatowel.Shesatonherbed,checkedherscheduleandsmiled.Tinkeringhourwasthetimeshesetasideeachdaytodowhateverhadrecentlycaughtherintrestandshethoughtmightbefuntotry.

Shepulledoutaseeminglyblankpieceofparchmentoutofastackofessaysandtappeditwithherwandmumblingthepasswordshehadchosenforit.

"BewaretheJabberwock,myson!Thejawsthatbite,theclawsthatcatch!BewaretheJubjubbird,andshunThefrumiousBandersnatch!"

Thelettershehadreceivedfromheralternateselfappearedandshequicklylookedfortheunderlinedbooklisttappingthewords.Shejustlovedtheingenuitythatwent

intoit'screation.

Shewantdownthealphabeticallistofbooksshehadbeenadvisedtoreadovertheyears.Ocasionallymosttitleswouldbeunderlinedwithquicksummariesofthebookcontent.Butsometitleshadanasterisk,usuallytitlesthatdidn'texistyetandwerestoredintheletterintheirentirety.Abouttwentybooksintotalcontainedhiddenknowledgefromthefutureandifshetriedtoopenthoseshe'dgetafiftyquestionquizztoanswer.Shelovedachallenge.

ShetappedWarding101andsmiledasamostlyfilledoutquestionlistemerged.Sheeagerlyansweredthelastquestion.

"WhyistheUniversalcounterspellrarelyuseddespiteit'seffectiveness."

Shehadtriedansweringitwithlogicalexplanationsderivedfrombooksanditwasalwaysrejected.Shehesitatedherpenintheairabovetheparchmentandthenfinallyshesimplywrote,somewhatcheekilyinthespaceprovided.

BlindingsoddingheadacheofDOOM.Ohandcasterversuscounter-castermentalconnection/battlethatismind-numbinglydangerous.Energyinefficient.

Forafewsecondsnothinghappenedandshewonderedifheranswerwasabittoooffkilterforwhateverheuristicsthisenchantedpieceofparchmentthatusedtobealetterused.Finallywordsappeared.

Correct.Ifabitmelodramatic.Andcrude.TryborrowingAwitchesetiquettefromtheHogwartslibrary.

Shesmiledasthecontentschangedintoabychapterindexofabook.Shedidn'tmindbeinglecturedbyapieceofenchantedparchment.Notifitsuppliedknowledge.

ShetappedthefirstchapterRunes101andstartedreading.

LaterthatafternoonanexcitedHermioneGrangersatonherbedcurtainsdrawn.Mostofthechapterwentoverherhead,referencingotherworksandusingconceptsshewasonlyvaguelyfamiliarwith.Buttheexercisewasstraightforwardandshewasconfidentthathernewfoundlevelsofmagiccouldpowerit.

Useaflametotraceafireruneintheair,shapeit,drawacontainmentbubbleandfeedpowerintoit.

Itwouldcreateasemipermanentglobeoforangelightthatwouldturnonunderthe

influenceofmagic.

Shetookadeepbreathandtracedthesymbolinthebookintheairusingfairefire.Itwaseasytodo,thelargefirerunepracticallysnappedintoplacewhenshedrewit.Shethencircleditandcoaxeditintoaspherementallyetchingthecontrolandshapingrunesintothesurfaceofthefireconstruct.HermionefoundthattheeffortwasbitmoreinvolvedbutverysimilartothementalexercisesexplainedinWorkonyourmindanybody.Afterabouttwentyminutesofworksheputabindingrunetosetitandwithaquiethumtheconstructbecameanindependententity.Floatingintheairwithoutherinput.

HerconfidencerestoredHermionesmiledasherfirstrunicworkworked.Shesmiledastheglobeoffirehoveredintheaireagerlyobeyinghermentalinstructionsorjustsittingquietlywhensheignoredit.

Hehaddoneit!Shehadmadeherfirstrunicconstruct.True,itwasthemagicalequivalentofa'generatesixrandomnumbersinacircleusingthefollowingscript'instructioninherveryfirstpascalbookbutstill.Thiswasn'tcomputers!ItwasMagic!

Happilysheplayedwiththemagicallightforafewminutesbeforedecidingtocallitaday.Shereachedouttotouchitandstartedtodispersethemagicwhentheballbuckedandshattered,thebacklashthrowingheragainstthebedandrattlingthecurtainsaroundit.

Hermionestaredinhorrorandconfusionatthecircularholeinthesheetandbedding,justinfrontofwhereshewassitting.

Hercurtainswereruedlyopenedanddaylightstreamedindisplayinghermistakeforalltosee.

"BloodyhellGrangerwhatwasthat?!"Lavanderyelled,reliefgivingwaytoanger.

Hermioneshookherhead,hermindprocessingwhatjusthappenedandshecouldn'tfindwordstospeakwith.

"Imadeamistake."Hermionefinallycroaked.Shewasbusytryingtofigureoutwhatwentwrongandthisairheadwasbotheringher."Andwhatbusinessisitofyours."

"Whatdoyoumeanwhat?Iknowwhatthatfeltlike!Youshouldn'tbemessingwithelementalrunes!Oranyrunesforthatmater."Lavanderyelledandthensighedlookingsomewhatshaken."Look,foramomentIthoughI'dfindyoupassedoutbleedingfromyoureyesorsomething."

"Canyouclearthatlastthingupformeabit?Whatdoyouknowaboutrunes?"Hermioneasked,touchedbyherroommatesconcernandmakingroomforLavanderonherbedandmotioningforhertosit.Sheputtheprivacyissueasidefornow,thegirlhadbeenconcerned.Lavandernodded,thevacantlookinhereyessheusuallyhadwhendiscussingfashionwithParvatiPatilgone,replacedbypassionateexpressionofherfavouritesubjectHermioneknewfromstaringatthemirror.

"Wellthere'sareasonwetakerunesinthirdyearyouknow.Mostofourclassmateswouldhurtthemselvestryingtopowerarune.Mothersaysyouneedpowerandprecisionwhenconstructingordeconstructingrunes.Heckevenactivatingthewardsinmyhouseexhaustsmeandthat'saprepoweredruniccluster,andIknowwhatI'mdoing."Thegirlexplainedherknowledgeofrunes.

"Youcanflashentirearrays?"Hermioneaskedhercuriosityawoken,suppressingthestabofjealousy."Wow,andtothinkyouwerehavingtroubleinotherclasses:It'swardingornothinghuh?"Sheadded,smiling.

Lavendertiltedherheadtostudyher."Sure.Runesareinteresting!Transfigurationisjustbleh,Imeanbeetlesandneedlesandmatchsticks,ohmy."Shegiggledanddismissedthesubjectwithawaveofherhand.

"Canyoushowmethebasics?I'mhavingissueswithsomeoftheterminologyandconcepts."Hermioneasked.

"IfyoupromisetohelpmeraisemyaveragetoEEintransfiguration?"Lavandersmiled.

"Ithinkthismightbethebeginningofabeautifulfriendship."Hermioneintonedwithasmileasshepulledoutsomeparchmentsotheycouldworkoutaschedule

Learningwas,afterall,fun.AndlearningMagicofallthings?Justbloodyamazing.

AN

WilltrytoaddmoresecondarypersepctivesfrompeopleotherthenHermionelikeIdidwithHarryatthebeginingofthispartandsnatchesofthoughttroughttherestinsteadoftryingtowriteentirechaptersfromtheperspectiveofasinglecharacter.I'mstill(Evenafterafailedrewriteofmyfirstversionofthefirstyear)workingapropperbalanceofpointofview.(andtenseXD)

AlsoI'mtryingtokeepfromadingtoomuchcontent.ShouldIdescribethingsmore?Slowdownthepaceanddelvedeeperintointrepersonalrelationshipsandemotion?OristhelevelfineandIshouldgettotheaction?

Yes,notdescribingthequiddichmatchwasdeliberate.HadathousandwordsofchasingbroomsandplaysbeforeIrealisedtheentirethingwassuperfluous.

Chapter5:Memorablemoments

Disclaimer:Disclaimer.

Thedifferencebetween'true'magicandthepurementalenergiesofamindmelteroraprecognitivewarriorisintheorymerelyacademic.ItalldependsonwhattheirenergiescanaffectontheChaikovski-Grangerscale.Whatconfusestheissueistheprovenfactthatsomesquibsandevenmugglesmaygainprofoiciencyinthis,arguablymostinvolvedofthethreebasicarts.

AcademicianDementova,onthenatureofmagic.

Memories

AfewdaysbeforeChristmasbreakHermionewokewithavaguefeeflingofwrongnessandforebodinginhergut,whichwasdidnotmakemuchsense.Shehadbeendoingwellinclassesandwinterbreakwascomingup.

Shegavethingssomethoughtduringbreakfast,tryingtopindownwhyshewasfeelingoff,herfriendshavingalreadylearnedwhatthatlittlecreaseinherbrowmeant,byunspokenagreementlefthertothinkinpeaceuntilafterbreakfast.

Onasociallevelweregoingwell;HarryandRonaldwhowerestayinginthecastleweredoingwell,LavanderBrownwasfastbecomingherfirstfemalefriend,thoHermionestillgotmentalwhiplashwheneverLavanderchangedfromgigglingschoolgirlintoascholarorbackatmomentsnotice,ParvatiPatil,whoshehadinitiallydismissedasevenworsethenLavanderactuallyknewanastoundingnumberofcharmsthatwereusedforcosmetics,quiteafewofthemrelativelyadvanced,especiallyforafirstyear.HerillicitresearchwiththeWeasleytwins,wassomethingnew,slightlydangerousandjustplainfun.Whoknewyouneededvastamountsofdiversemagicalknowledgetorunpranksofallthings.Shehadbeenafooltothinkthemallchildish.Theywereallchildrenafterall

NeedlingMalfoyaboutlackofmannerswasalsoveryamusing.Shelovedwatchinghimsnapfromspoiledbrattopurebloodsocialautomatonandwonderedwhenhewasgoingtorealisebothwereconditionedresponsesfromhisparents.

Heracademicshadneverbeenbetter.ShealwayscamefirstinTransfiguration,halftheworkinthesubjectwasmerelybalancingmentalflexibilityandhardfocus.HerpracticalCharmsworkwasaboveaverage.Onlythingthatstoodoutwastheeaseandcontrolsheexhibitedoverthelevitatingcharmandit'svariationswhichdroveprofessorFlitwicktochallengeherevenmore.Themoreacademicstudieswere,of

course.Perfectrecallcombinedwithaquickflexiblemindwashertickettothetopandsheknewit.

True,notallwasrosesandsunshine,therewassomethingfishyaboutthethirdfloorcorridor,shestillcouldn'tbelievesheallowedherselftobetalkedintoexploringit.Damnedcuriosity.TherelationshipbetweenprofessorsSnapeandQuirellseemtobeincreasinglystrainedtothepointthatprofessorSnapewasnowopenlyglaringatQuirrelduringmeals.Andshestillhadn'tfoundanythingonNicholasFlammel.

Perhapsshedidhaveareasontobeslightlynervous.WhatwithagreatbigCerberusinthecastleandall.

TheoldHermione,theonethatwasterrifiedofsteppingevenalittleoutoflinewouldhavebeentryingtoignorethegreatbigpuzzlethehappeningsinthecastlepresentedbutthenewHermione,theonewhokilledanadultmountaintrollonherownandwasrelativelylikedbytheschoolpopulaceandtheteachers?Shewantedtocrackthepuzzleohsoverymuch.

Stillitdidn'tdotodwellonthingstoomuch,soonshewasgoingtoseeherparents.Andbeabletousesomeofhernewfoundknowledgefortangiblefinancialgain.Eventhethoughtofcollectingamassivepersonallibrarybythetimeshewasfifteenwasenoughforhertofeellikegrabbingoneofherclassmatesandwaltzingdownthecorridor.SheruthlesslyquashedthatideaandconcentratedforamomentonherOculumencyandtighteninghercontrol.Eveniftheexercisewasgivinghersomedifficultyeversinceshefinallyfinishedsortinghermemorieslastnight.

HermindputateaseandhermorechaoticideasrejectedshetriedtopaymoreattentiontoherfellowGryfindoorastheychatteredaboutthefirstclassfortheday.

NevilleandLavanderwerediscussingtheirHerbologyassignmentandHermionelistenedcarefullybecausesheknewthatNevillealwayshadgoodinsightintothatclasswhenafeelingofnauseahitherfromnowhereandtheworldgreyedaroundtheedgesofhereyes.Shestumbledforamomentthepeoplearoundlookingatherwithconcern.

Someonecalledouthernameastheworldtiltedonit'saxisandshefeltarmsaroundhertheworldfadedtoblack.

ShewasthreeyearsoldandshewashavingaceilingteapartywithhertoysjustlikeMarryPoppinsdid,hermotherstaringatherinwonderwhensomemeninfunnydressesandholdingpointysticksappearedinherroomwithaloudcrack

"I'msorrydear.Them'stherules."

Onesaidandpointedthestickathermotherandsaid."Oblivate"thenturnedtoher.

Hermionewokewithastartandshuddered.

"DrinkthisnowmissGranger."askedMadamPomfrey,offeringheravial.

"Whathappened."Sheaskedaftershedownedthefoulsmellingconcoction.Whywheremedicalpotionsalwayssovile?Sheknewforafactthatatleastsomecouldbemademorepalatable.

"Well,accordingtomyscansyouhadsomesortofseizure.Youbrainactivitywaselevatedalmostthreehundredpercentabovenormal.Howdoyoufeelnow?"Thematronasked.

Shetookstockofherself.Clenchingherhandandunclenching.

"Good.Noache,painordiscomfort.I'mnotsurewhathappened?"Hermioneapproachedthesubjectfearfully.Theideathatsomethingwaswrongwithhermindhadtetheringontheedgeofpanic.

"Howfardidyougetwithyouroculumency?"MadamPomfreyaskedoutoftheblue.

Hermionelookedatherforamomentapprehensionmakingherfeelalittlequeasybutansweredwithouthesitation

"Justarrangingmymindandmeditatingtogetintomymindscape."shefinallyresponded.

"Anddidyouperhapsseesomething?Amemoryyouhadforgotten?"Themediwitchaskedwithinterest.

Hermionenoddedfrowning.Shebrieflydescribedhowshehadrelievedamemoryofherselfbeingoblivatedbyaurorsalongwithhermother.

Themediwitchsighedinrelief"Good,theotheroptionwasthattheknocktoyourheaddamagedsomething.Iamglad."

SheglancedatHermioneandpattedherheadreassuringly."Thisshouldnothavebeenaproblem.AllchildhoodblocksaretoberemovedwhenyouareacceptedtoHogwarts."Sheshookherhead."I'lltalktoprofessorMcGonogalandgetanOblivatorinchargeofyourdistrictheretohelpremovethem."

"Childhoodblocks?"Hermioneasked,theideaofsomeonetamperingwithherheadfeltwrongonsomanylevelsshedidn'tevenknowwhattofeelaboutthewhole

situation.

"IttakesalotofworktoprotectSecrecymissGranger.Ihavetoapplaudyouyourstudyofpersonalmindarts.Mostpeopledon'tevenbotheruntiltheirNEWTsandthenworkonlyenoughtoimprovetheirmemoryretention.Heredrinkthisone."Shesaid,handingHermioneasmallvial.Hermionetookitanddrankwithouthesitation.Drowsinesshitheralmostimmediatelyandjustlikethatshewasasleep.

HermionewasannoyedthatPomfreyhadsnuckanothersleepingdraughtonher.Theyawakenedherfromhernapinthelateafternoonandstillrefusedtotellherwhyshehadhermemoriesnotbeenrestoredearlier.Shehadhersuspicionsbutthetall,thinministrymanwithglasseswasnottalking.

ProfessorMcGonogalassuredheritwillbefineandshestoppedaskingquestions,fornow.TheministryOblivatorwasnotaverylikeableperson..

"NowmissGrangerthiswilltakenotimeatall.Allmemoryblocksonchildrenaredesignedtobeeasytobreak."OblivatorTippleintoned."Justcloseyoureyesrelaxandtrytostaycalm."

Shewassixwhenthecarswervedandrusheddirectlyather.Shescreamedandthecarcrumpledaroundher.Withabunchofpopsthemenwithstickswerethereoneofthempointedastickatherwhenitallwentblack."Sorrydear,it'stheLaw."

Shewasninewhenamantriedtopullherintoavanandshesethimonfire.

"YoushouldbemorecarefulHowamIsupposedtoexplainthis.SpontaneousHumancombustion?"Hesighedasheoblivatedherwhilehiscolleaguesdiditfortherestofthestreet.

Shewasfourandhertoyscametolifetoplaywithher,hernannyfoundoutandstartedscreamingwhenamaninasillydresscameandmadeherquiet."Helloagain.Powerfullittlethingaren'tyou?"

Shewaseightandshelearnedshecouldfloatbooksfromthehighestshelfallbyherself."NotuntilHogwartslittleone."

ShewasfiveandshecouldflyjustlikePeterPan.Hecaughtuptoheronabroom.Themangaveherasamekindofsmilemommydidwhenshewrotealettertodaddyonmommy'spapers."Thiswilltakealldaytofixyourealise?"

Moreandmoretimeswhentheytookmagicawayfromher.

Memoriesswirledinakaleidoscopeofevents.

Menwithsticks.

"Obeytheruleskid,seriouslynormalwizardingkidsnevergiveusthiskindoftrouble."

Compulso.

Oblivate.

Akaleidoscopeofmemoriessnappedintobeinginhermind,instantlyfittedintotheemptyspotsshehadfailedtounderstandbefore.Itwasalmostautomaticbynow,towithdrawinwardsandcataloguenewmemories.Thefeelingofuneasinessthathadfollowedheralldayvanishedevenashermindreeledatthegrossviolationofit'ssanctity.

WithamentaleffortshedraggedherselfintorealityandopenedhereyestotheOblivator'ssweatingface.Theroomwasspinningandherheartwasbeatingrapidlyasshestaredattheceiling.Shetouchedherlipandrealisedhernosewasbleeding.

"Merlin'sbeard!"hecalledoutandstaredather."MissGrangerI..."hetrailedoffanddabbedathisforeheadwithahandkerchief.

McGonogalsteppedup,aworriedexpressiononherfacewhilemadamPomfreywasalreadywavingherwand.

Themangotaholdofhimselfandsatdowninachair.

"TimeslikethisiswhyIhatethenewamendmentstotheSecrecylaws."Heintoned."MostMugglebornhaveanincidentortwoperyear."HeshookhisheadandlookedatMissGrangerwithsomethingakintopity"Eightyears,oneortwointerventionsamonthattheleast."

"Youtookitaway"saidHermionequietlyassheshuddered."EverytimeIfoundityoutookitaway."

"I'msorrychild.Secrecyisofutmostimportance.Wehadtodoit."Heintonedsadly.

"Whataboutmyparents?"Shewondered."Cantheyremember?"

"I'msorryMissGrangerbutreversingoblivationonmugglesisalong,difficultandexpensiveendeavourAlsoyouneedanadultfamilymembertoaskforacourtorder.AndGrangerfamilyhasnomagicaladultrepresentativeuntillyouareofage."He

said,wavinghishandanddismissingherparentsasunimportant.

Shelookedathimforamoment,nodded."TheLawistheLaw."Shecouldn'treallyblametheaurorsfordoingtheirjobs.Evenifitwaswrongwrongwrong.Shetookadeepbreathandclenchedherhandtostopitfromshaking.

"I'mtirednow."Sheannouncedandturnedherbacktotheadultsintheroomandcoveredherselfwiththesheetpretendingtogotosleep.'Theymessedwithmesomouchandsooften.NowonderIhadbeendiagnosedwithminorobsessivecompulsivebehaviour.'

Shesuppressedshiversaswavesofhomesicknessalmostoverwhelmedherasshecataloguedmemoriesoflaughterplayandawetheirparentsdisplayedeverytimetheywitnessedheraccidentalmagic.

Shewantedtogohome.

FredandGeorgewerenothappy.SomethinghadhappenedtoGrangerandshewaswalkingaroundsulking.Youcouldpracticallyvisualiseastormcloudlurkingoverherhead.Andsheavoidedthem!Walledherselfoffbehindher,admittedlyeffectiveoculumencyshieldsandjustbrooded.

Thetwinswerenotsoeasilyturnedaway.Itwasaquestionofhonour,gallantryandprankstersolidaritytohelptheirlittletrollkillerandpart-timeaccomplice.Butmostlytheywerecuriousandslightlyworried.

Theycorneredherinthelibraryonthelastday,slippingfromthebookshelvesandsittingoneithersideofherandstaredatherwiththeirheadsproppedontheirhands,bigcoweyesstaringmournfullyatherwithmaddeningpersistency.Shecouldalsofeelthemprojectingcheekysortofcuriosityather,lacedwithafaintundertoneofconcern.

Shefinallysnapped,closingherbook.

"Whatdoyouwant!"shepracticallyhissedatthemcaughtbetweenwantingtoyellatthemandstayingquietinthelibrary.Shedamnedthem,mentally,theyweresobloodyadorablejustthen.Amusingevenwhennotsayinganything.

"Wemissourlittleslayeroftrolls."IntonedFred

"Weneedyoursharpwittokeepusfromblowingupanymoreclassrooms."AddedGeorge.

"What'sbotheringyouickleslayer?"Fredasked,concerned.

"Howcanwehelp?"OfferedGeorge.

Fredwasconcerned.Hecouldfeelwithwhatlittleleglimencytheybotheredtolearnthatithadsomethingtodowithworriesaboutthefuture.Possibletroublewiththelaw.Foramomenthewonderedifshehasfoundadarkartsbooksomewherebeforehisbrothergavehimametaphoricalsmackontheheadovertheirlink.

Georgewasworried.Theiradorable,bushyhaired,quasi-sisterhadfaintworrylinesandtheundersideofhereyeswasdarkfromlackofsleepandworry.Hecouldfeelheragitationwithjustatouchoffear.Hepausednotinghisbrother'strainofthoughtaboutherpractisingdarkartsandmentallylethimknownottobeanidiot.Hewasgladthegirlwasgettingbetteratshieldinganddoublysoaboutthefactthatshejustdidn'tbotherkeepingthemoutcompletely.

Hermionefrowned.Theworldofmagicwasnotwhatshethoughtitwouldbe.Butshecouldtrustthetwinswithsomeofherthoughts.Theytreatedheralmostlikeshethoughtbigbrotherswould,anexasperatingmixtureofteasingandprotecting.Shesighedandstartedtoexplain.

"Ihadtogrowupalittle.Ithoughmagicalworldwouldbespellsandunicorns.Nottrollsandmemorycharms."

"Memorycharms?"Thetwinsexclaimedinunison,mentallypromisingretributionIfsomeonehascausedherharm.

Hermionenoddedandstarteddeclamating.

"Sincethesecrecylawsaddendumof1964allMugglebornaremonitoredforaccidentalmagicandanyoneinvolvedisoblivatedincludingthechild.AndIjustfoundoutthattheyamendedthelawagainthreeyearsago.Asatimesavingmeasuretheynowremovetheblocksonchildrenonlyifanadultwizardinpositionofauthorityoverthechildasksforittoberemoved.Myparentsholdnorightsovermeinthewizardingworld.Andit'snotall.AfterIgraduate?MugglebornIntegrationAct:WhenIturntwentyIwon'tbeabletokeepmywandunlessIholdamagicaljob,marryawizardorenterintoanapprenticeship.IcanforgetopeningabusinessduetoalltheMugglebornspecifictariffsandextralicencesandmytaxeswillbetwopercenthigherthenthoseofpurebloodsandhalfbloods."Sheletitalloutinonefastsentencebeforefinallyquietedputtingherhandsonherfaceforamoment.

"Yourwand?BloodyhellGrangerwheredidyoudigthatup?"Fredwasboggled.Takingthewandfromawizardwasusuallythemostheinousofinsultsandmostly

doneonlyformosthardenedcriminals.

"Andhowcomeweneverheardofthisbefore?Muggleborntaxes?"Georgeasked,intriguedyethorrified.Nowonderhenoticedinhiseconomystudiesthatthewizardingeconomywasslowingdown.HehadheardoftheMugglebornIntegrationactbuthistorybooksclaimeditwasawaytoensureMugglebornwerenotforcedbackintothemuggleworld.Hewassecretlygladtheywerenotmuggleborn.Openingamagicshopbythetimetheylefthogwartswasgoingtobedifficultasitis.

"AsIsaidIappreciatetheofferforhelpboys,butasyouseeyoucan'thelpme."shesaid,grimly.

"Thehellwecan't!"saidFredangrily."OurdadworksfortheministryWe'llaskhimaboutthisovertheholidays.Maybeyoumissedsomething.Theycan'tjusttakepeople'swandawayiftheyhaddonenothingwrong."

"IappreciateitbutI'llbeallrightI'mjustgoingtohavetopreparebetter.PerhapsgetmydegreesinthemuggleworldjustincasesoI'mnotstuckwaitingtablesintheLeakyCauldronorsomething."Shesaid,tryingnotsosoundgloomyabouttheprospect.Shewantedtobeanenchantressnotaarchaeologistoramathematiciandamnit.Sureshehadthecapacitybutshefoundmagicaltheorytobevastlymoreinterestingthanmostmuggleprofessions.

"Aw,comenotGranger.Chinup!Youhavenineyearstoworksomethingout.AndI'msureyouwon'thavetroublefindingajob!Awitchwithyourmind!."Fredtriedtocheerherup

"Don'tforgetthetrollslayingabilities."InterjectedGeorge.

"AndifallelsefailsGeorgeherewillmarryyou,hehasnoromanticprospectswhatsoever,beingtheuglytwinandall."

"Hey!Whoareyoucallinguglytrollface!"

"WhoareyoucallingtrollfaceButnose."

"Freckleface!"

"Carrottop!

Itlastedforafewminutesuntiltheirincreasinglyabsurdinsultsofeachother'slooksbroughtasmallsmiletoHermione'sface.

Thetwinssmiledproudly.

"That'sthespirit,chinup!Iknow.Let'sgopranktheSlytherinQuiddichteam."saidFred

"Yeah,Wemadethistimedelaymodifiercharm.WecancastitnowandhavetheirhairturnintoGryfindoorcoloursonthetrain."saidGeorge.

"We'llteachittoyou!"offeredFred.

Hermioneperkedup."Timedelaycharm?Tellmemore."

'Perhapsthingswon'tbesobad.'Sheshethoughttoherself.'Afterall,IhaveenoughtimetoprepareanddecidewhatIwanttodo.Thankstomycounterpart."

Thetwinswereright.Sheshouldn'tbroodaboutthefuture.Sheshouldprepareinstead.

Hergloomydescentintomopingforgotten,thetrainridehomewasabitmorefunthenthefirstone.HarryhaddecidedtostayatHogwartsandRonaldhaddecidedtostaywithhimasasolidaritygesture.Shemadeamentalnotetolookintobothboysfamilylives.

CurrentlyshewasholdingafascinatingdiscussionaboutthepotencyoffreshplantsversuspreservedoneswhenusedaspotioningredientswithNevilleLongbottom,ParvatiPatilandLavanderBrownwhenascreamingMalfoyranpasttheircompartment.

"WasitjustmeorwasMalfoydressedinscarletandgold?"AskedNeville

"Noitisn'tyou.Hishairwasalsobi-coloured."Lavanderconfirmed.

"Andhiswastryingtoremovehisshirt,Ibelieve."Parvatiputinhertwoknuts."Itchingsolutionperhaps?"

"Wellshouldn'taFiniteIncantemreversemostspellsandevenneutralisetheeffectsofmostexternallyappliedpotions?"WonderedLavander.

Hermionechuckled."Notreally.Somespellsorpotionsmaybealteredto,ohIdon'tknow,Itchforinstance,whenhitwiththemagicalenergiesofaspell,FiniteIncantemincluded"

ParvatiPatilfrownedatHermione"WhatdidyoudotohimGranger?"

Hermionesmiled."Well,Ican'treallyconfirmthatIhadsomethingtodowiththis.ButperhapsapersonwasintheprocessofassistingsomeoneelseinaprankontheSlytherinquiddichteamwhenMalfoyannoyedthatpersonwithinsultsaboutapersonsparenthood.Itwouldbesimpletohexthearrogantlittleprickwithamodifiedversionofatimedelayedspell."

Longbottomlaughed."That'sbrilliant!SoItneedsaspecificcountercurse?"

Hermioneshookherhead."Actually,IfIdidit,whichIcouldn'tassuchspellsaretooadvancedforamerefirstyeartocast,itwouldbeacharm,notacurse.Perhapssettoactivatewhenexternalmagicwasappliedtothetarget?AndIt'dmakeitaffect,afteradelay,anyclothingheputsoninsteadtargetingtheclothes.Itshouldwearofinadayortwounlesshekeepsfuellingitwithmagic."

"Howdidyoudoit?"AskedLavander.

Hermionewavedafingeratherfriendsternly.

"Nownow,IneversaidIdidit.IthinktheArithmancyworkwouldbealittlebeyondanickllefirstielikeme,notevenayearinschool.Don'tyouagreeNeville,Parvati?"SheneededtochangethesubjectandsoturnedtoLongbottom."Now,areyousurethatWolfsbaneisactuallymorepotentwhendriedNeville?Itsoundsdodgytome."

Nevillelookedoffendedforamomentandlaunchedintoanexplanation.Shesmiled.Theboywasabitshybutgethimtalkingaboutplantsandheforgotthatheissupposedtobeincompetentandshy.Shereallydidlikeitthatsomeofherclassmatesactuallyknewhowtoholdadiscussion.HeckevenParvatiPatildisplayedhiddendepthswhenpushed.

Whowouldhaveknownshe'dlearnsomuchaboutenchantingandillusions.'WellIsupposewhenonewantstobeamagicalbeauticianonehastoknowhercharmsandpotions.'

Therestofthetrainridewasspentinpleasantconversationthatsomehowdevolvedintoagameofexplodingsnap.

Itwasprobablythelastroundandshehadbeencarefullytryingtomanipulatethewaycardswereexchangedbyusinghersuperiormemory.ShehadavagueideaonwhateveryonewasholdingandshewasaimingonaFullVictoryCascadewhenithappened.Nevillelookedatherandaskedheinnocently."Doyouhaveanyfours?"

HerplanfellapartfromthereandwhiletheFullVictorycascadehappeneditwentoffassoonasLavandertookhermissingMermaid.Yes,thecascadeendedupexplodingintoHermione'sface.

"There'salessoninthissomewhere"Hermionemusedm,wrinklingherslightlysingedforehead"AssoonasIcanthinkagainIwillcontemplateit,perhapswriteitdown."

Shesatonthefloor,halfdazedandlaughinglikecrazyattheironyofgettingafacefullofherownplan.Thecascadehasbeenagloriousseriesofexplosionsthatleftthemalllookingsingedandridiculous.Exceptthevisctoriouslavander.Aprefectcameintothecompartmentwhiletheywerestillgigglingortryingtocatchtheirbreath.Notingthecardsstrewnalloverthecompartmenthesmiled."Cascade?"Heasked.

"FullCascade."respondedLavandersmugly.

Theprefectwhistledappreciatively."Well,thatsoundedfun.ButIsuggestyoupackup,we'willenterthestationintenminutesorso."

Hewavedhiswandandastreamofbrightcolouredmagicgatheredthecardsintoasingledeckandairedthesmokefromthecompartmentatthesametime.

Hermionelookedathimwithstarsinhereyes."Wasthatalayeredspellcompositeyoujustcast?"Sheaskedinawe.

TheHufflepufflookedathequizzically."Whyyesitis.MyUncleisanarithmancerandshowedmehowtomeshspellstogetherforaspecificpurpose.IttookabitofworktotothecalculationsandmodifywandmovementsbutnowI'mpracticallyguaranteedanOonmycharmsNEWT."

"Youmustplayalotofexplodingsnapthentobothercreatingthatparticularcombination."Lavandergiggled.

Henodded."AsamatteroffactIdo.IplacedtwelfthlastsummerintheEssexExplodingSnapchampionship.Now,lesstalkandmorepackingup!"

AftertheyarriveditwasasomewhatsingedwhirlwindoffamilyintroductionsandgoodbyesbeforeHermonecouldfinallygolookforherparentsoutsideplatformnineandthreequarters.

Author'sNote.

YesIamstickingtotheplotofthefirstbooksomewhat.Toitwillslowlychangeuntillatsomepointtheplotwillgoonatangent.AslightlysaneronethenmyfirstdraftbutstillquitedifferentthenthestorybookfeeloftheJKR'swork.

Nowtellme.Forthoseofyouthatinteractwithteenagegirls.HowwouldtheyreactiftheyfoundouteverytingHermionedidinthepreviousfourmonths?Yesthatwasahintonthevacationchapter's.

Chapter6:GreetingsandSanity

Disclaimer:JKRownsHJPandKITAoWWonFFNisNo$

VerylittleisknownaboutthepersonunderthenameIncantabile.HernameislistedasFrancescaIncantabille.HerbirthdaylistedisJanuary1st1900.ShehasstrongtiestoallofthefamiliesoftheCosaNostra,andoccasionaltiestootherinfluentialfamiliesinEurope.Noprooforevenconjecturehasbeenofferedaboutherbeinginvolvedinanythingillegal.Manypowerfulfigurescometoher,humblyaskingforadvice.Theonlyotherbitofhardfactonheristhatsheisalwaysaskedtoattendbirthsandweddings.Sheisalsoagodmothertoaverylargenumberofcurrentbosses.

MI6Summaryexcrept

"Incantabilleisoneofthelasttrueelvesleftinourworld.Sheisveryold,verypowerfulandhadstayedbehindwhenlasttrueelvesleftourworldbeforetheGreatChange.Overseventeenthousandyearsoldshehadtakenuphobbiestoamuseherselfwhileshewatched.During1900'sshehadposedasaseerwithtiestotheCosaNostra.Inthe1990'syoucouldfindherinLondon.ShespendsherafternoonsdrinkingteaatMama'sDinerincentrallondon.Sheiswillingtoofferclarityandanswerstothosebraveenoughtoask.Rememberthisthough.TheFaymaybebenevolent,buttheirsenseofhumourisalienandsometimescruel.Ifyoupolitelyexplainthatyouareindistressshewillstop.Intimeyoumaycometounderstandwhatsheseesanddoes.Andthenyouwillbefriends.Inaway.Justdon'tdrinktoomuchofherwine.Itwon'tdamageyounomaterhowmuchyoudrinkandyetyoucouldusethesweetdeliciousstufftospikeavatofabsinthe.Infact,stickwithabsintheifyouareinpublicratherthenherwine.Speakingofabsinthe,didyouknowthatasawitchyouhavethreetimesthecapacityforalcoholofanordinaryhuman,nonegativesideeffectsandamuchfasterrecoverytime?Yourbodydoesn'tcareifitburnssugaroralcoholtofuelthemagic.Justdon'tgoforthehardstuffforafewyears.Itstillimpairsjudgement."

HermioneJaneWaesleytoHermioneJaneGranger.

inCompilationofusefulthingstoknow.

Chapter5ish

Hello'sandSanity.In.

WhenshefinallylaideyesonherparentsHermionejuststoodthereforalongmomentasithitherhowmuchshemissedthem.

HerFatherwasatallstrongmanwithstrongwideshouldersshortblackhairandsensiblefeaturessoftenedsomehowbyasmallwellgroomedgoateeandmoustache.Despitehissomewhatharshfeatureshiseyeswerewarmandhislargehandssurprisinglydexterouswhenhetinkeredwithhisspringsandwatches.

Hermotherwasaheadshorterthenherfather,andthatincludedthetwoinchesaddedbytheuntamedbrowntressessoreminiscentofHermione'sown.WhenworkingHermotherusedhaircareproductsandkeptherwelltiedtotameitsomewhatbutduringholidayssheallowedherverycurlyhairtospringtofreedomitstruggledfor.Hermotherwasastrongwilledandsensibleanditshowed.

Shestoodthereforamomentandcouldseehowmuchtheystruggledtokeepfromgushingatthesightofher.sherelentedandthrewherselfathermotherwithagrin.Shehadmissedthem,andthatdistancethatshehadtriedtobuildoverthelastfewyearshadseemedsofoolishnow.StupidministryOblivatorsandtheirblastedlawsandmeddling.Theyalmosttookherparentsfromher.

"Mummy!I'msogladtoseeyou."shesaidgivinghershockedmotherthefuzziest,cuddliesthugshecouldimagine.

"Hermione!I'mgladtoseeyoutoo"herJaneGrangerintonedhappily.Hermionehasn'tcalledhermummysinceshewasnineyearsold.OnedayshehadcomebackfromschoolandHermionehadstartedcallinghermother.Itdamnnearbrokeherheart.Shehadforgottenhowvibrantherdaughtercouldbewhenshewasgenuinelyhappy.

"Heytheresparrow!Don'tIgetahello?"ohngGrangeraskedandafterasquealof'Daddy!'waspromptlyengulfedinahug.Heexchangedhappylookswithhiswife.OvertheyearsHermionehadretreatedintoanintellectualshellandhardlyeveractedlikehislittlegirlanymore.Butnowhislittlegirlwasgenuinelyhappyjusttohughim.

"Letmelookatyou."Hesaidandfrowned,notingtheblacksmudgeonherfaceandhersomewhatsingedeyebrows."Whathappenedtoyou?!"Hegrowled.Ifsomebullywasmessingwithhisdaughtermagicornomagichewasgoingto...

Hisbeloveddaughter'sringinglaughterrangacrosstheplatformandpulledhimoutofprotectivefathermode.

"Ohdaddy!"Shesmiledandgavehimakissonthecheek."YouknowIwouldn'tletanyoneharmme.They'dgetthepatentedGrangerrightcross."Shesaidtakingupaplayfulboxingstanceandplayfullyswipedatherfatherbeforeleaninginlikeshewassharingaconfidence.

"NottomentionedwhatIwoulddotothemwithmylevitatingcharm.Icanactuallydoitwandleslynowforapoundortwoofweight.Don'ttellmycharmsprofessor.HeisstillprocessingthefactthatIcanlifttwohundredpoundswhenusingmywand."Sheaddedmischievously."ImaginewhatIcoulddotoahundredpoundbully."

"Explainthesmudgesthen."heasked,amusedbyhisdaughtersanticsbutunwillingtobedistracted.

"Explodingsnap."Sheintoned."Amagicalcardgamethatisasortofacrossbetweanagameofhotpotato,bluffingandsomebasicmathematics.Theincentivetothewinisthus:ifyouwinyourcardsdon'texplode."

"Explode!"Hermotherexclaimed.

"Ohrelaxmum,it'sperfectlysafe.TheworstsnapexplosioneverrecordedwasduringworldSnapchampionshipandthatwasamildseconddegreeburnthatwashealedinminuteswithsomeburnhealingpaste."Shesmiled.

"I'llteachyouhowtoplay."

Bothparentsunknowinglysharedthesamethought.

IfHermionewaswillingtojustplayaroundperhapsthisboardingschool,magicthingmoghtnotbesobadafterall.

"Shallwego?"HermionesaidtuggingatJohn'sjacket.Helookedaroundlikeherememberedsomething.

"Um,whereisyouluggagesparrow?"Hefinallyasked.

"Ohdaddy,Iamstudyingmagicyouknow.Runesaregreat!"Shepulledthematchboxsizetrunkoutofherpocketandsmiledathim.Janetookitoutofherhandandstudiedit,unsureifhergirlwasjoking.

"Here,youcarryitJohn,I'tsmuchtooheavyforpoorlittleoldme."Shehandedtheminiaturisedtrunktoherhusbandandsmiledmournfully.

JonathanGrangerwasamazed.Herememberedthesizeofthethingandhowmuch

troubletheyhadgettingitintoandoutofthecar.Helookedathischeekywifeandthentheatricallypickedupthetinytrunkandleadthewaytothecar,herlookedatthetrunkforamomentandthencheekilywenttothefrontandstoreditintheglovecompartment.

"So,Sparrow,howaboutalunchintown?"Heasked.

"Ohdaddy!Iknowjusttheplace!It'sasmallItalianplaceinBeakstreet.PolpoorPolpo'sorsomethinglikethat.Itcamehighlyrecommendedandit'snotthatpricey."Shesmiledinexcitement.Ohthiswasperfect.Shehadwantedtotrythis,supposedlydivine,linguini'seversinceshereadaboutitinthe'placestovisit'folderinherletter.

Herparentsagreedandfollowedherdirections.TheyfoundparkingnearbyandastheypassedbyasmallkioskHermionesuddenlygotexcited.

"Ohdaddy,looktheyaresellingChristmaslotterytickets!CanIfilloutone?"Shelookedaroundandleanedinlikeshewassharingasecret."Agirlindivinationdidmyhoroscopeanditsaidmyluckynumbersweresevenandthirteen,thatIwillhaveawindfall,financiallybutthatIshouldbewareofoldenemiesandbluecats."Shepaused."ThoughI'mnotsurethatlastpartwasright."

Ofcourse,sheknewthatthepartaboutwindfallwasaccurate,whenyouhadfinancialpredictionsforthenexttenyearsorso,aswellasallmajorlotterynumbers,arrangedbycountryanddate.Aslongasshedidn'tmaketoomanybigfinancialwavesthestockmarketthenextfewyearswouldnethermillions.

Herfathersmiledindulgentlyandtookhertothebooth,paidthemanandhandedhertheformtofillout,abitbemusedbythesuddeninterestingambling.

ShefilledinthenumbersoftheChristmaslotteryshehadmemorisedthenightbefore.Shehesitatedwiththelasttwonumbersandthenfilledthemoutwrong.Twelvethousandpoundswasmorethenenoughfornow.Theponyfarmcouldwait.

"Thereyougosir!"Shesmiledcheekilygiggledattheoldman'sindulgentexpression.Shemusednotmanygirlscomeandfilloutalotteryticketatarandomboothonthestreet.

Johnwascontent.TheyhadtalkedtoHermioneaboutschoolandasidefromquicklymentioningsomeunpleasantnessaboutatrollsneakinginwhiletheprofessorsweredoingsomesecuritymaintenanceherfriendsseemedinteresting.ShemostlytalkedaboutthisHarryPotterfellowandtheWeasleybrothers.Thoughtheysoundedliketroublemakerstohim,herefrainedfromcommenting.Hisgirlknewwherethelines

areandhetrustedhertokeeptothem.HerdormmatessoundedinterestingandherstudiesalsowhileabitesotericforJohnwereintriguing,ifsomewhatpintless.Whywouldanyonewishtoturnamatchstickintoaneedleandviceversa,hehadnoclue.Thatlevitatingcharmsoundedusefulthough.Hejustwishedhecouldbragtohisnavybuddiesoverthepokertableabouthowhisdaughtercouldlifttwohundredpoundsaboveherheadusingonehandandastick.

Lunchwasadecidedlypleasantventureheconcludedattheendoftheday,thefoodasverygood,andtheserviceimpeccable.ThoughwhywouldHermioneleavethematthetablewhiletheyweredecidingwhattoordertogopayrespectstoanoldwomanthatwasdrinkingtea,hehadnoclue.

JaneGrangerwasawomanwithamindlikeasteeltrap.Whileherhusbandtookaboutthreequartersoftheactualworkloadshehandledfinanceandthelegalissuesaswellasalltheschedules.WhereherhusbandhadhispokernightssheindulgedinmathpuzzlesandcreatedthecrosswordpuzzleforthelocalgazetteandmadetheoccasionalguestlectureatOxfordoncryptology.Shestillconsulted,foraflatfee,withMI5whentheywereshortstaffedorhadatoughnuttocrack.Afterallyoucouldnevertrulyleavethecompanyevenifthestressgottoyou.

Shesawdetailsandnuancesandshehadseenthemomentmoreclearlythenherhusband.Herdaughterhadseenthebooth,wheelshadspunandpro'sandconswereweighedinasplitofasecond.Shewasn'tsureaboutdivinationbutherdaughterknewsomethingthatmadehersureaboutthelotteryticket.Ofcoursewithmagic,shemighthaveactuallybeensurebecausesomeonereadnumbersinherhoroscope.

Shelistenedtotheconversationbetweenherhusbandanddaughterasshedroveandmadeamentalnotetotalktoherdaughterabouttrolls.Sheglossedoverawfullyquickoverwhathadreallyhappened.

Thelunchplacewaswellselectedandwhileshetrustedherdaughtersjudgementsheorderedlasagneforherself.ShewouldstealthelinguinifromJohn.

ShesurmisedthattheoldwomanHermionewenttogreetwasmagicalandputitoutofhermind.Thensherealisedshehadputitoutofhermindtooquicklyandtriedtolookagain.Afterseveraltriessherealiseditwasindeedsomeonemagicalandthatshecouldn'tponderthemattertoclosely.ShewrotedownAskHermioneaboutOldTeaLadyinhernotebookandlettheslipperythoughtescapefromherhead.

Shewasgladherdaughterwashappyandallelsecamesecond.

Hermionehadexcusedherselffromthetableandwentovertoaboothintheback.UnknowntoherafewpeoplewatchedherwithraisedeyebrowsasshebowedpolitelytotheIncantabille.Shewaitednervously,foracceptanceordismissal.

Thekindelderlygrandmotherlookedatherwithcoalblackeyesandsmiled."Sitchild,speaktome."

"GreetingsSyse'rleeoftheeast,Evervigilantwatcher.IamHermioneJaneGranger."sheintonedpolitely.

"Ah!Youarewiseforyouagechild!Hiddennamesareatruepleasuretopuzzle."Theoldwomanlaughedmerrily.Evenasshesomehowchangedandgrewwithoutseemingto.Thewomanhadapresencethatwaspotentandhumbling."Tellme,Jane,MirageoftheHornsofgreen,witch,whatwouldyouaskoftheKeeperofEastLines?"

RelievedthattheFayseemedpleasedHermioneneverthelesschoseherwordscarefully.

"Iwouldnotpresumetoasksuch.ButperhapsIncantabillecouldhelpme?"

"Perhapsshecould."Thedisguisedfeynodded."Speakyourneedtome,slayerof..."Shepausedhereyewidening."Slayeroftrolls?Haveyoutruly,slainsuchacreatureatyourage?Yes,ofcourseyoudid.Iseeitnow.Yourmagicwasrawandunfocused,buteffective,andbrutal.Yetyouarenotawarrior.Youconsideryourselfascholarfirst.Howrefreshing.Iseeyoumoreclearlynow.Youwillseekyourwaythroughapathriddledintraps."Shechuckledatthisandnoddedherhead."Ha,Riddledindeed!"

Shepouredthegirlsomeofherteaandofferedherthecup."Drink,thenspeaktomeofyourpresentneed.Thefuturewillcomeasitmay.WhatscenariodoyoucraftinyoumindIwonder?"

TheFaymovedforward,aninhumanvissageghostingacrosstheedgeofperceptionasavastpowerlookedawayfromtheworldandfocusedherwholeattentiononatwelveyearsittinginarestaurantinlondon.

Hermionerefusedtobreakintoagibberingwreckattheattentiontighteninghertenousgriponherownmind,steeledherselfandlookedatthosesharp,alien,deepclearblackeyesforamomentandrealisedshewasbeingtestedsomehow,inhaledthestrongteainwonderment.Itsmelledofasummerbreezeandhoneycombs.Ittastedofwarmsunlightandgrowth.Sheclosedhereyesandcommittedthefeeling

tomemorybeforetakingstackofherself,itwasallsoclear!Hermindonfire,hervoicedistortedandhermindclearshespoke.

"Isee(know/Taste)thetrapsyouspeakof,andknowunknownobstaclesawaitjustoutofeyesightandbeyond.Ineed(wantdesirecrave)freedomtoactinthemuggleworldoffinance,someonewhowoulddoasIinstructthemandprepareforafuturethatwouldnotcome.Isee(dream/perceive/know)achange(Death/fire/cleansing)coming,manyyearsfromnowthatmanywillfeel(Despair/rejoice/endure)Wewillstruggle(holdavastanger)andagainst(smite)thosethatwouldharm(Eat/corrupt/challenge)us.ThelinesofDragonswillglowwithfireastherebirthoftheworldstartswithaFall.WieldingtheSwordoflightandtheHammeroffuryacrossthestarsHumanitywill...Humanity...I."Hermionefalteredthereandshookherheadherhandovertheheartmgraspingalittledragononachain."No.Toomuch.Toofar.Nofateiscertain"Hervoicefadeddowntoherusualinflectionandlookedattheelfstrugglingtocomprehendwhatshehadseenandknew/hoped/fearedmight/nevercomeabout.

"Icouldtell,IfIlooktoofarIwillloosemyselfandshatter."Hereyesshiningfromthepotentbrew."Whatisthistea?"Sheasked.

"EarlGrey."AtHermione'sincredulouslooktheFaysmiledandrelented."Brewedintearsoffeythatweredilutedinwatersfoundinthedeepestcavesofthedwarvenclans.SweetenedwithhoneycreatedbytheonlySunBeacolonyleftintheworld.SeasonedwithseedsofpoppyandtheessenceofakindofcactusfromwhatyounowknowasMexicoaswellassomeothersthathavenonameinhumantonguessincetheyareextinctinallplacesasidefrommyownhome."Thefeyhadagleaminhereye."Nomortalcanwithstandtheclarityofknowingwithoutchangingvastly.Orshattering."Andyetyoudolittlechild.

"Itmakesoneseethings.Truethings.Beautifulthingsoflightandsinew.Terriblethingsofteethandbutterflies."Hermionespokeinaquietvoice."EvennowIcan'tseemtorememberdetails.YetIhaveperfectrecall"

"Calmchild.Somethingsthemortalmindrefusestorememberinordertoprotectitself.Youhavetoldmeenoughtomakemecurious.AndIwantedtoseeyourpotential.Icouldneverseesoveryfar."Thefaytrailedofflookingatherowcupandthemseemedtostraighten,evenassheseemedmoreliketheoldfrailwomanthatsheneverwasorwillbe.

"Iwishtoseewhatwillbecomeofyouandthosearoundyou.Iwillsendamantoyou,whowillcreateacompanyInYourNamethatyoumaygatherresourcesthatyouDesire.Didyouhaveanameinmind?"

"Magitechnologies?No.MagiTech."Hermionemurmured,slightlydazedasthepreassureofthatvastterriblebeautifulattentionfaded.Shecouldstillfeeltheechoesofthevastlywidenedperceptionthesocalled'tea'caused.Whatscenariosdoyoucraft.IncantabileAndHermioneonlynowrealisedthatshecould."Yes.Icameforadviceonstartingacompanyofmyown.Iremembernow."

Leanedback,fadingevenmoreintoherguiseasafrailoldwoman.

"Thenhearmyadviceanddecideyourfuture."

Incantabilespokeofproxiesandcodes,ofpostofficeboxesandcompanystructuring.Ofseedmoneyshewouldneedandsalaries.Hermionestoreditinherinmind,butalltherestofHermionecouldthinkofwasthathorribleclaritythatengulfedher,themomentshehadbalancedaboveadeepabyssandshudderedatwhatshecouldbecome.Tolkienwaswrong.Ifyouaskanelfforadvicetheywillnottellyoubothyesorno.Theywillshowyoutheconsequencesofyouractionsandleaveyoutodecideyourownfaithwhileknowingthecostoffailiure.

Shehadcametoherselfasshesatdownatthetablewithherparentsamereminutesaftershehadleft.Theclaritywasgonefromherownmind,apartofherselfsheltereduntilshecouldabsorbitintinypieceswithoutharmingherself.Sherememberedavagueconversationovertea,thefinancialpartoftheconversationclearinhermindandsmiledashermotherthreatenedherfatherwithlinguinitheft.PleasedthattheFayhadnotaskedforsomescarypriceforherhelp.Notknowingithadalreadybeenpaidwithatinysliverofhersanity.

TheSecretServiceagentsthatmonitoredthelocalorganisedcrimetookphotosofherfamily,wonderingwhothischildwas,thatsocasuallysharedteawiththemostinfluentialwomanintheworld.

Andhiddeninthefoldsofherthickshirttheeyesofatinysilverdragonstoppedglowingandfadedbackintosilver.

Incantabillehadbeenponderingthegreatchangethathadrushedacrossthehigherplainsashorttimeago,notevenayearwhenapresencestoppednearher.Shehadnotseen(sensed/tastedthelightofhersoul)herbeforeshesteppedinfrontofhertablethenanditwasananomalyinit'sownright.Shelookedwithhereyesandwonderedinpuzzlemenasthegirlspoke.

Thechildhadsomehowdivinedheroldtitles,andbycallingthatoldnameunwittinglyrevealedherownsecretnametoher.Whatunusualchildtohaveso

manyhiddennames.Andwasthat?Yesitwas.Rise,andManifest!Amindsosharpmanywouldcutthemselvesonit.Usingthepuremagicofhersoul!AWitch.Atrollkilleratthatage.Andthemostdangerousofall.Agirlwithsecrets.Onesevenherselfcouldnotsee.Excitementrushedthroughher,thelikesofwhichshehadnotfeltinalongmillennia.

SheHADtotesther!

Rangacrosshermindasshepouredpureteatothegirl.

Andindeedthegirlwasamarvel.

Incantabillesmiledtoherselfasthelongmomentpassed.Thegirlhadrevealedlittle.Andmuch.Shecouldfeelthreadsoffateshiftingacrossthehigherdimensions.Thatchildwasmostunusual,tohavethateffectonher,aswellasthefuture.Toseebeyndthevailofafewdecades,toseesofarandstaysane.Thefaysippedherteaandponderedwhathadpossessedhertogiveanuntrainedchildtheessenceofmadnessandecstasythatwasthebrewofsecondsight.Andhowintheworldhadthehumanchildwithstooditwithoutherhelp.Shehadplannedtostaythemadnessandguideherback,butthechilddrewherselffromthebrink,usingsomesortofanchor.

Mirageofthegreenhorns.Illusion,yes.Butwhathadgreenhorns.Trolls?Dragons?Thechild'ssecretnameisevenmoreconfoundingpuzzle.HermioneJaneGrangerwasbeyondherinfluence,andthusinteresting.

Showmewhatyouwilldototheworldchild.AndperhapsIwillseeyousometimeinthefuture.Ifwestillstand.

Shefelthopeful,TheStarofMorningdid.Andyoungagain.Changewascoming.Soon.Perhapsacenturyorless.Incantabilewouldgointoretirementabitearlierthensheplanned.Toolonghasshebeenanoldwomanandwouldnotwaittheturnofhumancentury.Itwastimeforanewguise.Shewantedtoplayagain.FroliclikeayounggirlinSunlightandSea.

Whatshouldshecallherself?Dawnperhaps?Yes,SummersDawn.

Nowwhereshecouldgotohavesomefun?

HermionehadhadawonderfulChristmaseve.

Shehadsnuggledbetweenherfatherandhermotherastheywatchedafantasyfilm

aboutagirl,wishesandgoblins.Yes,itwastraditionaltowatchit'sawonderfullifehowevertheirfamilywasneverthattraditional.

Shehadlovedthelookonherparent'sfaceswhenshewandleslylevitatedthestartothetop.Sheweightedtheriskgettingawarningfromtheministryagainstthenotionthatunderagemagicwasbeingtrackedthroughherwandsignature.

Thelooksofwondermentonherparent'sfaceswouldhavebeenworthanyofficialwarninganyway.

ShedidanimpromptudancewhentheChristmaslotteryhadbeenannounced.Thesecondnumberwasdifferentthenwhatwassupposedtocomeupbutitwastheoneshedeliberatelyskippedanyway.

"GoodforyouHoney!Whatwillyoudowithallthatcash?"Hermotherhadasked.

"WellIalwayswantedafarmoflittleponies."RepliedHermioneinnocently.

Shelaughedattheflabbergastedlookonmum'sfaceandexplainedthat,whileshedidinfactwanttoownahorsethatwouldhavetowaitafewyearsandthenchangedthesubjectbygoingtothefrontdoortolistentothecarollers.

ShehadbeengladwhenHedwigshoweduptopickupHarry'schocolatefrogs,likeshehadaskedher.ThebeautifullwhitebirdhadpreenedatherJane'sattentionandcoaxedfartoomuchtastybaconoutofherbeforeheadingout.

Themidnightmasshasbeenwonderfulandshecouldactuallyfeelthepositiveenergyfromthepeoplesingingflowingintotheskyandground,andfeltalovingpresencegiveherafondlookwhenshesentherconsiderableenergiestojointhem.AfterIncantabilleshewasnotquiteasshakenbytheexperienceasshemighthavebeen.

Joytotheworldindeed.

Nowshewassnuggledinherownbedtiredbuthappygivingafinaltouchtoheroculumency,toensureshewouldalwaysremembertheday.SheknewsomethinghadhappenedwithIncantabile.Somethingdisturbingandlifealteringbutoutofreach.Butshetookcomfortinknowingthatallwasrightintheworld.Andifatsomepointthatchangedit.Shecould,andwouldmakethingsbetter.

Herdreamsthatnightwerefilledwithideasandpossibilitiesthatclashedandmerged.Dreamsnofwarsandgamesandwargames.Ofherselfasdarkandbenevolent,shiningandhorribleaswellasallinbetween.

Andonceduringthenightsomethingwithtwistingarmourcarapace,strongimpossiblesinewandsharpdeadlyteeththesizeofamountaincameforherandthendecidedtolookfornourishmentelsewhereassomethingevenworsestoodinit'swayandprotectedheraswasit'sduty.Itgaveherafondsniffwhenitnoticedherlookinganditslitheredcomfortinglythroughherbones,pattedherfondlyonthebrainbeforeitflowedinandsideandflewawayfromherintothenighttoprotectothers.Itwasdisturbingandcomfortingevenifshewouldneverquiterememberitproperly.

Asthenightfurtheredalong,heroptionsbecameclearerevenashersightfadedShefoundherworriesebbawaywiththepotentbrewstillinherveinsandshefrolickedwithagirlnamedDawn,onasandybeachsomewhere,feelingcompletelygoodaboutherself.

Justbeforedawnsheperceivedthesnowgentlyfallacrossherhomeasshesleptandthelastoftheteabrokedowninherbody.Theclarityofmillionsofgentlyfallingworksofarteachheartbreakinginit'sfragile,passingbeautywassomethingshewouldrememberfortherestofherlifeasoneofthemostbeautifulthingsshehaddreamt.

AN:Well.intheoriginaldraftIncantabillecameoutofnowhereandiactuallythoughtofherasArwenthatdidn'tfadeaway.ImanagedtostepawayfromLOTRandamincorporatingherintosomeotherstuff.

NoI'mnotcrossingthisoverwithBuffy.

Hermione'sparent'smeetingoutofcountryduringsomesortofinsurgency(blackop?)inthe80's('75?)theideaoriginallycamefromfleshingouttheircharacterssometimeduringthesecondhalfofthechristmassbreak.IseeJaneassomesortofdataanalistandjohnasa(specialops?)sailorthatbailedherout.Bothelectedtopursuealessmorallyambigouscareer.Theyareintheirlate30'sathetimeofthestorybutlookyoungerduetothesamequirkofbreedingthatspawnedawitch.:)

I'minthemiddleofreworkingthenextchapterslightly.

ThanksfortheteenageviewsMorgannaandSJ.

Andthankseveryone(andSnowdoveXD)forreviews.

Chapter7:OldenemiesandInsanity

"Whenyourmindgetsusedtotheincreasedflowofincomingdatacausedbyexpandedmentalperceptions,youwilllearntoanticipateeventsandpredictthebehaviourofothers.Scenarioswillbegintoemerge,malleableaccordingtoyourwill.Muchwillgoyourwayeveniftheoddsappearthesame.Youmustenvisionagoal,actinthecrucialmomentofbalanceandtipthescalessothefuturewillfallintoplace.Bewarned.Ifyouaretoorigid,toocommittedtoasinglestrandofprobabilityyourscenariowillmostlikelyshatterandcutthehandsthatformit.OnlytheflexibleMindmaytakeadvantageofanopportunity.Beitamomentaryslipinyouropponent'sfencingskillorexploitinganadvantagecausedbythemovementtheplanet'stectonicplates."

'Doctrine:flexibility'byHermioneJaneWeasley.

Hermionewasgenuinelycontent.ShehadspentChristmasdaysnuggledbetweenherparentsdrinkinghotcocoaastheywatched(theLabyrinth?)onvideoandplayinggameswithherparents.SomehowthestressofthelastfewweeksinHogwartshasevaporatedfromher.Shecouldn'tgetevenmildlyannoyedwhenherfathergotthecallandhadtogotoworkforafewhours.IfsomeoneiswillingtopayemergencyratesforaChristmasdaytoothextractionshewasnotgoingtoobject.HermotherwasassistingandHermionehadafewhoursonherowntokill.

Shedecidedtogotothelocalpark.Thedaywasclearandwhilesomewhatchillytherewasnowindtomakeitworse.Thesunwasshiningasbestatitcouldunderthecircumstancesandthesparrowswereouttobegorstealbredfromtheparkgoers.Inessenceitwasoneoftherarewinterdaysthatwerejustperfectforasnowballfight.Thesoundofsmallchildrenplayingintheirsnowfortsandthesparrow'schirpingwasasoothingbackgroundnoiseunlikeanyother.

Shesatonabench,herwamndsnugagainstherarminitsstillabitstiffnewleatherholster.Shehadn'tbeenexpectingtroublebutshecarriedherwandinawristsheetheversincethequiddichwasneverevergoingtobefumblingforherwandagain.

Sheplacedherselfasfarawayfromthechildren'sescapadesaspossibleandstudiedtheheftyformoftheSelfUpdatingTomeOfLaw.Itwouldn'tdotobecaughtbysomethingstupidlikethatrulethatstatedthatifanyunescortedunwedwitchspendsthreeconsecutivenightinthehouseofanunwedpurebloodmaleitisconsideredasinitiatingthefirststageofabetrothalarrangement.Ashortfewstepsafterthatandshe'dbemarriedbeforesheblinked.

Stupidmisogynisticoldfartsneverrepelledthelawevenifithaslastbeenactually

usedinthethirties.Eighteenhundredandthirties.Shemadeamentalnotetogetacompetentlawyeronretainerassoonasshemanagedtoputsomeofthosefinancialchartsintogooduse..Whoknewwhensomeonewouldtrytorailroadherintosomething.

Stillthedaywasperfectandthesubjectofherstudywasbothintriguinganduseful.Evenifittookabitofefforttointerpretlegalise.Shewasatpeaceandsheshouldhaverealiseditwasnotmeanttolast.

"Oy!Beaverbreath!Haveyougetkickedoutofthat'Special'schoolnoonehasheardofyet?Tooannoyingforthem?"Afamiliarandhatedvoicerangacrossthesmallpark.

Hermionesighed,sheknewshewasforgettingsomethingaboutthelocalpark.

MargaretWhitehasbeenthebaneofherexistencethroughherschooling,ayearolderthenheryetstillinthesamegrade.Hermionehadbeenaborderlinecase,agewise,andhasbeenenrolledinschoolearly.Herbrightmindworkingagainsthersocialprospects,shehadoutshinesthehighlytrainedchildofapoliticianonthefirstdayofschoolandhereternaltormentorjusthaditinforhereversince.Ofcourse,allphysicalconfrontationsendedafterherfatherthoughtherhowtothrowapunch,waybackinsecondgrade.Buttherearemanyformsofbullying.ThegirlsparentswealthandinfluenceextendedlikeandumbrellaandMargarethadmanagedtomaketheGrangergirlasocialpariahintheearlyyears.

OhshehadlearnedtocopeandevenstartedtosnipebacktheyearbeforeshegotherHogwartsletterbutithadbeenlonelyfiveyears.

Sheturnedtolook.Therewasthebint.Shewaswearingashortwhiteskirt,halfsee-throughembroideredstockingsandanexpensivelookingwhitefurlinedleatherjacket.Thefurwastheexactsameshadeashershoulderlengthextremelyblondehairofcourseandmatchedthefuronherboots.Highheeledboots.

Herjacketwasunzipped,probablybecauseshewantedforeeveryonetoseeshehad'grown'inthechestarea.Hermionechuckledsoftly.Whodressedlikethat.What'sthepointofasweaterifyouremovedthenecklineandputinaVcut.Highheeledboots?Duringwinter?!Thegirlwasjustbeggingforacoldandasprainedankle.

Herganghadchangedaswell,allgoingforthathipadultlook.Wearingmakeupandwasoneofthemactuallysmoking?Yes,yesshewas.Mental,thelotofthem!Asawitchshecouldnevergetcancerorhavelungproblemsandshestillthoughtsmokingwasastupidstinkyhabit.

Sheslowlyclosedthebookandlookedatthespoiledbitch.

"ForyourinformationSnowhite.Hogwartsschoolforgiftedisbyinvitationonly.Youcan'tbuyyourwayintothatone,daddy'sgirl."Hermioneintonedsarcasticallyovertheselfstylednickname.Likeshecouldeverpassforprincess.

"Youwatchyourmouthbeaver!"MargaretWhitegrowledandstalkedforwardtryingtointimidatethesmallergirlandhercohortsfollowed,someofthemgrinning,probablyanticipatinganotherrandombeating.MargaretstoppedjustinfrontofHermionewholookedupattheangrygirl,meetinghereyes,unconcerned.'OhdidIhitasorespot'Shewonderedassherelaxedhermindandextendedafledglingleglimencyprobeintothegirl'sunprotectedmindandcaughtaglimpseofhersurfacethoughts.Snowhitewouldhaveflunkedschoollastyearbutdaddymadeadonation.

ForthefirsttimesinceshestartedherexpandinghermindHermionecouldfeelarealscenarioforming.Yesshecouldseetheoutcome.Peoplewerealreadyglancingtheirway.Itwouldstartwithasimplesentenceandendwiththatlittlebitchgettingherjustrewardfortormentingherallthoseyears.Allitwouldcostherwasafewdaysofpain.

ShehatedMargaret.Shehatedhersomuch.Andnowshehadthemeanstogivehersomepainaspayback.Lettingoutashortbreathshefloodedherbloodwithwhatmagicshecouldmuster,shefeltherperceptionssharpenandknewthatshewasartificiallymakingherselfalittlebitstronger,faster,tougher.Shehopeditwouldbeenough.

"Oh,Ididn'tmeananythingbyit.Iamsuredaddyjustdonatedthenewgymtocelebrateyoupassingyourclasssomehow."Hermioneintonedsweetly,stillsittingdown.Ohthiswasperfect.Margaretshookforamoment.Shecouldseeitevenwithoutleglimency.Sheknows!Nooneknows!Justme,Fatherandtheprincipal!

JeniferJohnson,theoldestofthelotfrowned.Atfifteenshehadlivedonthestreetsandusedtobeinarealgangandnotthisprissysuburbiaknockoff.ShewasacceptedintotheSnowhitesgangaftershetransferredhere,eventhoughshewasacharitycasebecausesheknewhowtoscoregoodweed,hadscarstodisplayandcoolstoriestotell.ShehadheardabouttheGrangergirlbutshecouldn'treallyconnectthebushyhaired,bucktooth,knowitallwiththisyoungwomaninfrontofthem,sittingthereohsocasuallyclosingtheoverlylargelawbookofsomesort.AndshewasdeliberatelyrilingprincessMargaret"Snow"Whiteintoafrenzy.Jenny

wasn'tstupid.Sheheardthevenominthegirlsvoiceandsawitinhereyes.Shesawthatkindofeyesbefore,butneveronasmallishthirteenyearold.Coldcalculatingeyesbrimmingwitholdcoldangerthatwouldonlybesatedbyblood.

Shedidn'tknowwhatprivateschoolthegirlhadmovedto,StTrinianscouldhavedoneit,iftheschoolwasreal,buttheGrangergirldefinitelywasnotthepushovershehadheardof.Thiswouldturnugly.ThewaytheGrangergirlheldherselfwassettingalarmsinherandthere,whensheshiftedherbalance,stillsittingohsocasually,legreadyforajump,Jennyglimpsedahintofleatherupthegirl'sforearmandthewaytheshirtfelloverit.Bollocksthatbladeisatleastthirteenincheslong.

"Whatareyouinsinuatingbitch!"MargaretWhitethestupidbintpracticallyyelledinthegirlsface.Totallyopenforaknifetotheribs.

"IthinkweshouldjustletitgoSnow."StatedJenny.Shehadnointentofupsettinghercaseworkerorbeimplicatedinparticipatinginanotherbloodbath.Shewasoutandhomefreeifshekeptherheaddownandherasscovereduntilsheturnedeighteenandherrecordwassealed.Shereallywantedtoavoidbecomingacareercriminal.

Margaret,thestupidbintactuallyturnedtoher,displayingherbacktotheknifecarnyinggirlshehadbeenscreamingat.

"What?"Shehissedather."YouarenotheretothinkJennifer.Acharitycasedruggielikeyoushouldkeephermouthshut.Ifyouwanttoleaveleave!"

Jennyactuallytookastepback,stunnedatthehypocrisy.ThiswaswhattheHusingbintreallythoughabouther?ShelookedattheothergirlswhohadmaliceintheireyesJenniferhadsomehowmissedduringthepastfewmonthsandthentherewastheGrangergirlwhowasforthemomentignoringeveryoneelseandlookingstraightatJennifer,onlysheseemedtogiveheralookofappraisal,andaraisedeyebrow.'Whattheheckareyoudoigngwiththeseidiots.'thoseeyesaskedher.Jennynoddedandshrugged.Youfitinwhereyoucan.

"Actuallysheseemstoatleasthavesomebrainsunliketherestofyourlot."Hermionesmiled.Thatnew,oldergirllookeddangerousatfirstbutseemedtobeareluctantparticipantandseemeddeterminedtostayoutofthebeatingHermionewasabouttoreceiveandshenoddedatherinrecognitionofthisfact.Thegirlnoddedbackandshrugged.Shecouldseetheheadlines.Localgangbeatsuphonourstudentinapublicparkbrawl.Prominentpolitician'sdaughterimplicated.'Let'sseeyourdaddycoverupthis.'

"That'sIt.You'llgetyours."Margaretyelledsteppedbackafewstepsandpointed."Gether!"sheorderedandallthegirlsexceptJennyobeyed.Hermionereactedastherestofthegirlscameafterherpushingherselfoffthebenchandintothethrongofgirls,allkneesandelbows,breakingthroughthemintheirconfusionandpainandquicklysteppingpastMargret,flippingthegirl'sskirtupasshepassedforthewholeworldtosee.'Alrightwhereintheworlddidshefindfrenchlaceinhersize.'wondered'Andwhytheheckwasshewearingthem?'

"WhatisitMargret,can'tteachmealessonyourself?Perhapsdaddyshouldhiresomethugstobeatmeupforyou?"sheaskedandthatwasallittooktopushMargaredovertheedgefrommadtoinsanewithanger.

Ofcourse,noplansurvivesexecutionintact.WithascreamoffurryMargaredactuallypulledoutaswitchbladeanditflickedopenwitha'sknit'sound.

Hermionefrowned,stillridingtheedgeofadrenaline.Thiswasn'tinthescenario.Sheweighedthepro'sanconsinthesecondittookMargarettoyellout"I'llkillyoumyself!"

Theworldslowed.Asplitofasecondseemedlikeallthetimeintheworldtothinkthingsover.

AttemptedhomicidewouldgetMargaretintoamagnitudemoretroublethenheroriginalscenarioofbeingbeatenblackandblue.Ontheotherhandshewouldactuallyneedtoallowherselftobestabbedsomewhere,otherwiselawyerscouldsweepitupunderarug.

Thequestionwas.Didshewanttobestabbedjustforrevenge?Didshehatetheherthatmuch?Enoughtodowhateverittook?Thenagain,whatwastheactualdanger?Margaretwasalwayswayslowerthenher.Andworstcase,hermagicwouldkeepheraliveundermostcircumstances.Afewdaysofpainuntilshewasbackinhogwartsinexchangeforruiningthebint'slife?Whyyes.Yesshewouldconsiderthisafairdeal.Thespoiledprincessruinedherchildhood.Shedeservedit.

Andtheneverythingwastoofastagain.RightinfrontofherwasMargaret,awild,crazylookinhereye,lungingatherwithaslashingstrikeatherthroatandHermionetriedtoguidetheblowthebestshecould,lettingitcutalongbutthinlineacrosshercollarboneinstead.Theenforcersquadwasstilldowninatanglebehindtheirbossandthenewgirlwaslungingtowardsherfromtheleft.No.ShewaslungingatMargaret.Notetoself,thankthegirllater.Somewhereinthebackofhermindpermutationstothescenariocontinuedtochurn.

"No!GetawayfrommeMargaret!"Shescreamedintheloudestgirliestvoiceshe

couldproduce."Help!"sheaddedasshegrabbedthestablinghandandguideditawayfromherstomachandintothebackofherleftarmwhileplantingamagicenforcedkneedirectlyintothegirl'sgroinactuallyliftingherfootorsointheair.Shereadthatdespitethemyth,girlcanbestunnedwithawellplacedstrike.Notquiteaspainfulperhaps,butgirlsdidn'thavetheprotectiveinstinctthemalespecieshadoftheirequipment.

"Ohmygod!Youstabbedme"Shecontinuedscreamingasshefelltothefloorpullingthegirlontopofher,carefulnottoinjureherselftomuchbyfallingonherleftsidethatstillhadtheswitchbladestuckinit.Thepainwasdistantandnegligible,shehadpreparedandcarefullycutoffthepainbehindamentaldam.Althoughitwasgoingtohurtlikehelloncesheletitgo.

"Getawayfromme!"Sheyelled,strikingawellplacedelbowintothearrogantbitchesribsandbreakinghernosewithherforehead.

"Help!"shescreamedassomeonepulledthenowsemiconsciousgirloffofher."Someonehelp!I'vebeenstabbed!"

Surprisinglyitreallywasthatnewgirlthatcametohelpher.Thoughthepanicinthegirl'seyeswasconfusinguntilshesawthegirllookattheapproachingpatrolmanandmuttersomethingaboutcaseworkersandjail.Thescenarioshiftedagainandshethrewherselfintothegirlsarmsthankingherloudlyandprofuselybeforebringingherlipstothegirl'searandwhisperinginstructions.

AsJennywatchedMargaretpulloutaswitch-bladeandstartedrunning,knowingshewouldbetoolatewhentheGrangergirl'sscreamingconfusedher.Thatmalignantlookonherfacedidnotgowiththevoiceofascaredlittlegirl,screaminginfear.

ThenextfewsecondswereabittoofastforhertofollowbutshehadseenMargaretactuallyliftintheairbyawellplacedknee.BythetimeshepulledMargaretoffofGrangerthecrazybinthadaswitchbladethroughherhandandSnowhitewasliberallybleedingfromherface.Wait.WasGrangeractuallyusingMargaret'sbloodtomakeherselflookhurtworsethenshewas?Whatthefuck?!SheletMargaretdroptothegroundandlookedatthegirl.Herforeheadwasbleeding,hershirtwasslashedopenandtheruddyknifewasstillinherarm.Jennyneversawanythingsobloodyinsaneinherlife!ShecouldunderstandSnowhitegoingcompletelyinsaneshetookalineofwhiteearlierthatdayandthatimpairedonesjudgementonthebestoccasion.Butthisgirlwasjustplainwrong.Andscaryashell.

Shelookedaround,theideathatsheshouldhavebeenlonggonedawningonher.

Andthereitwas.Adultsrunningover.Themanthatwastakingsnapshotsofchildrenplayingraisedhiscameraintheirdirectionandstartedtakingphotos.Therestofthegirlswescattering,andlook!It'sabobbierunningdownthestreetandhereshewas,twoinjuredandbloodygirlsatherfeet.Theabsurdityofthesituationandtheimpendingruinationofherlifemadehergroan."Ohbloodyhellmycaseworkerisgoingtogiveuponmeandsendmestraighttojailthistime."

Grangerlookedatherforasplitsecondandthenthrewherselfintoherarmsyelling"Thankyou"overandover.Only,inbetweenthankyou'sshehadwhisperedinherear."PlayalongandI'llnotonlygetyououtofthismessbutmakeyouintoalocalhero."

Achillwen't'downJenny'sspine.Partofitwasfearandpartofitwashope.Shemightactuallyhaveafuture.Perhapsshecouldevenkeephersoulandonlypayinblood.Shedoubtedthatsomeonecapableofpullingoffwhatshehadjustseenwouldacceptless.

ChiefMellowswashavinganicedayuntilhistelephonerangandsomeoverexcitedsergeantstartedtalking.Hewasappealed.Astabbing!Inaplayground!Inbroaddaylight!

"WhatthehelldoyoumeancouncilmanWhite'sdaughter!Whostabbedher?!"Heblanchedandthenturnedgreenashewascorrected.

"Whatthebloodyblazesdoyoumeanshetriedtokillantwelveyearoldgirl?!"Hecouldfeelhisbloodpressurerising.

"Whatdoesthepresshavetodowiththis?!"Ohandtheregoeshisulcer.Trulyhisday,nohismonthwasgoingtobedownrightvexing.

"Wellbloodywellarrestherandbeextracarefulwithproperprocedure!"Hecarefullyintoned,tryingtokeephistemper..

"Idon'tcareifherfatheristhebloodypope!YoubookhercallherparentsandIwantithandledYESTERDAY!"Hefinallysnappedhisfaceturningpurpleandbreakingoutinsweat.Heslammedthephonedownandbuzzedhersecretary.

"Simone!Mypills!Quickly!"hemoanedout.Ohyes,therewerethespots.Thelovelyspots.'MedicalleavehereIcome'

Shesatintheemergencyroomandwatchedinamusementastheattendingnursefinishedturningwrappingherarminabandage.Whenherfatherbargedintotheroomlookingreadytokillsomething,hermotherrunninginsecondsbehindhim.Shesmiledatthemastheyfussedandsearchedherforinjuriesliketheyexpectedhertobebleedingtodeathonthefloororsomething..Shefeltnopain,thedrugsmadecertainofthatandwhiletheymadeherabitwoozyshekeepatightleashonheroculumancy,lettingherthinkandactalmostnormally.

"Ohmum.Quitfussingit'ssoundsworsethenitis."Hermionesaid,feelingabitguiltyforputtingthemthroughthis.Perhapsshehadn'tweighedallthefactorslikesheinitiallythought.

"RelaxMissusGranger,she'llbefine.ThatoneoneofthecleaneststabwoundsIeversawinmylife."ThemalenursethathadbeenhelpingHermionetriedtoutilisehistrainingindealingwithdistraughtpatientsandtheirfamily.Hewasquitebadatit.

"Ohmybaby!"JaneGrangercalledout,cryingandholdingHermioneinherarms.Yes.Hermionewasnowfeelingthetiniestbitofguiltfordecidingtogothroughwiththe,inretrospect,crazy'ohshepulledoutaknife,let'sletherstabmesoshe'dgetintoevenmoretrouble'plan.

"Ohmother.I'mfine.Ithardlyevenhurtsafterthathorseshottheygaveme."Sheglaredattheorderlywhoinsistedongivingherafulldosedespiteherprotestsandhesmiledcheekilyback.

"Yes,yourdaughterwasreallybraveandseemedtomindtheanaestheticmorethanthewounditself."ThecheekybuggerintonedandHermionestuckhertongueoutathim.Shewasignoringhimsothere.Nowshewasfeelingkindahungry.Shewonderedifitwaspossibletoconjurefood.

Johnchuckledatthemedicalattendantscommentandsmilingfondlyathisdaughterwhoseemedtobeexaminingherhandsintently."Ahyes,shewasalwayslikethat,hatedneedlesallherlife.Iremembershesprainedanankleonceandcriedmoreaboutthetetanusshotthenthesprainitself.

"Nowyoungmiss,youneedtotelluswhathappened."saidhermotherinano-nonsensetone.

"Ahyes.IfImayparticipatealsointhis?"TheyturnedandHermionesmiled.Thatwasthathelpfulbobbythatrefusedtoleavehersideuntiltheknifewasremovedbyemergencycareprofessionals.Hewasnice.Shewonderedifhewashungrytoo.Perhapstheycouldordersomepizza?No.Wait.Theyhadtodo...Stuff.Andshewasdoingsomethingwith...Mind.Ah.

"Ah,yes,misterchainofevidence."Shemurmuredashergrasponoculumencyslipped.Sheshookherheadandsnappedherthoughtsintoplace."Ah.Iapoligise,hospitalworkersseemtobekeenonturningmybrainintoauselessmush.Idon'tbelievewe'vebeenpropperlyintroduced."

"That'sallrightmiss,InowrealiseIneverintroducedmyself.SargentPotter'sthename.Woulditbealightifwegetastatementoutofthewaynow?"helookedatherparents"OrdinarilyIwouldn'taskbutmissGrangerseemstobeontopofthingsaftershecalmeddownabit.Downrightsensiblethegirlis."

"Ah,"startedHermionedrawingattentionbacktoher."Itookthelibertyofwritinguponeasyouwerebusystoringtheknife."Athissurprisedlooksheelaborated.Ihadtokeepmyselffromthinkingabouthorseinjections,irrigations,strangehissingpowdersandstitchesandwhatnot."

Thepolicemanblinkedtakingthesheetofpaperintohishands."Well,I'mnotcertainif..."Hestartedtosaybuttrailedoffasheread.

"Well.Thiscertainlyseemstobewellwritten."Hemused,addingthedateinthecornetandhissignatureatthebottom."Allright,ifyourparentssignthisIwon'tbotheryoufornow.Yousayyoudonotwishtopresscharges?"Heasked.

"Well,itseemsamootpoint.I'mcertainthejudicialsystemcanhandlethiswithoutmypressingacivilsuit."Sheintonedandthenbithertongue.Alrightthatwasabitoverthetopthereforasensiblelittlegirl.She'dbeenreadingtoomanylawbookslately.

"Youseemwellinformedforanelevenyearold.WhatdoyoudoforalivingMisterGranger?"Thepolicemanasked.Somethingwasoffaboutthis.Nowthathethoughaboutitthegirlwasabittoocoldbloodedaboutbeingstabbed.

Herfatherseemedabitsurpriseatthisnonsequiturbutansweredpromptlythathesharedadentalpracticewithhiswife.

Hermionerealisedthatthismanwastoocompetentforhisowngood.Timeforalittlesmokeintheeyesbeforehestartedtoconnectthingsandshehadtoresorttotheconfunduscharm.Shereallydidn'tthinktheministrywouldfineherorplaceawarninginherrecordifsheconvincedthemitwasaboutprotectingsecrecy.

"Well'fcourseI'minformedIgotoaveryexclusiveprivateschoolforthevarygift'd."Sheslurredabitandshookherheadagain.Itwasgettingprogresivelyhardertothinkstraught."Blo...Fu...Merlin'sbeardmanwhatthehelldidyougiveme!?Horse

tranqulisers?"Sheglaredaccusinglyattheorderly,whileherfatherchokedonherlanguage.Theorderlywaslookingatherpuzzledandthenlookedathiswatch.

"Well,totellyouthetruthmissthetranquillisershouldhavekickedinandcausedmorethandrowsiness.Infactyoushouldbeasleepbynow.Standardprocedureforphysicallystablechildrenintraumaticsituationsyouknow."Hesaid.

Andofcourseshedidknow.Shewaskeepingherselfawakewithmindartsandinternalmagic.ShelookedatSargean'tPotter.

"CanIgohomenow?"Sheasked.Thechildishwhineinhervoiceonlyabitexaggerated.Shereallywastired,andthelongdepletedadrenalinehadleftherfeelingempty.Inretrospectgettingstabbedwasfoolishandreckless.'MaybeIreallyamaGryfindoor.

Shemissedthesofteningofthepoliceman'seyesasshedriftedofftosleepawheezingsoundthatwasmostdefinitelynotsnoringemanatingfromherperson.

Ifshehadstillbeenawakeshewouldhaveresentedbeingreferredtoascute.

AN

Allright,allright,Iknow,insanemuch?

CoulditbethatHermioneisn'texactlythinkingclearly.Memorycharms,crazyelventeas,stressofthehappeningsinschool,hyperdimensionallyperceptivedreams,keepingasecretletterfromthefuture...

ThinkherseeingawaytolashoutatalonghatedadversaryshehadbeenpowerlessagainstallherlifeisabitDark?:)

She'llhavetoworkonitforawhiletogobacktoheroldselfandregainsomebalance.Evenifheroldselfdidcommitthefttobrewanillegal,ministrycontrolledsubstanceinhersecondyearwithaminimumofprodding.Incannon.

Now.MyoriginaldrafthadhergettingintofightswiththeravensoveracademicdifferenceswhenshegetsbacktoHogwarts,she'dfollowapatternofproddingthemintoattackandthencleaningtheirclockjusttore-expiriencetherushandI'mleaningtowardscuttingthatoutalongwithMcGonogalfreakingout.IfIdocutitIthinkI'llstillpostsomeofitasomakes.:)

BasicallyHermioneshouldbemorecerebral,notabrawler.Sheshouldbeminoringinkickassandbeingmorebookishandcerebral.

We'llsewhatactuallyhappens.(Well.Ok.Iknowwhatwillhappen.Still.Thingshaveawayofpoppingup.)

OOCarewillnotbeaffectingthemainplotmuch.Probbably.

PotterisacommonsurnameinEnglandright?:)

Chapter8:Fluffyinterludes

Disclaimer:Disclaimer

Humanisnotasresilientasonemightthink.Andnotasfragileeither.TheyareboththemosthardyanddangerouspeopleI'veevermetandthemostfragile.

Thedissonancieisdelicious.Theyareadeliciousasprayanddeadlywhenpredators.Cycleontheirworldwithcautionandkeepyourplumeshigh.

D'einsosI'charta,onnatueofhumanity.

Chapter:Afluffyinterlude.

Shewokeupwithvaguethrobbinginherarmandadreadfultasteofsomethingdownrightrotteninhermouth.

"Ohyuck!"Sheexclaimedandsatuppromptlyfreezingwhenherwoundsprotestedandstartedtosting.Sherememberedwhatexactlyshehadbeendoingyesterdayandresistedtheurgetohitherselfontheforehead.Theurgetojustgobacktobedandcoverherselfovertheheadhitherandshebarelyresisted.

"Reapwhatyou'vesownHermione."Shemutteredanddraggedherselfoutofbedherbodyprotestingthatiswantednopartofthissittingupinsanity.Sheslippedherfeetinherfuzzywiseowlslippersandstaggeredtothebathroomtowashoutwhateverhaddiedinhermouth.

Shewasbusygarglingsomemouthwashwhensomeoneknockedatherdoor.

"Honey?Areyouallright?"HermothercalledandHermionespitthemouthwashout.

"Justaminute!"Sheyelledandwipedherwetfacewithatowelasshemadeherwaytothedoor.Sheglancedatherreflectioninthemirrorandfrowned.Shelookedprettynormalforsomeonewhosemusclesfeltlikewetnoodles.Asidefromabandaidaboveherlefteye.Shehadnoideawhyitwasthere.

"Heymum,whatcanIdoforyou?"Hermioneaskedassheopenedthedoortolethermotherenter,wonderinghowdidsheknowshewasawake.

"Honeyweneedtotalk."Janesaid,sittingonthebedandturningoffthebabymonitor.

HermioneraisedaneyebrowandJaneflushed."Iwasworriedaboutyou."

"Ohmum.I'mfine."Shesad,wonderingwhyhermotherwasallserious.

"YOUARENOTFINE!"Janeraisedhervoiceandthentookadeepbreath."Ihopeyourealise,thatIhad,yesterdayatworkreceivedwordthatmydaughterhadbeeninvolvedinaknifefight."

Hermionecouldn'thelpherselfandshechuckled.

"It'snotfunny!Ialmosthadastrokeonthespot."Janesaid,wringingherhands.

Hermionerealisedhermotherwasonedgeandwentover,climbedonthebed,engulfinghermotherinahug.

ShesawherfatherpeekintotheroomandHermioneshooedhimawaywithagesture.

"Youknow,Ineverexpectedhertogothatfar,butyoumustrealise,Iwashardlyinanydanger."Shecarefullysaidrubbingherhandinsoothingcirclesacrosshermother'sback.Afainttappingnoisedrewherattention.Shelookedtothewindowandnoticedanowlhadlandedontheoutsideandwasholdinganofficiallookingletter.Aplanformed.

Janeextricatedherselffromherdaughter'shugandstaredatherforamomentincredulously."Elucidate."Sheintonedneutrally.Hermionesmiled.Hermothercouldbeemotionalwhnsheletherselfbutneverallowedemotionstogetinthewayoffacts.

"I'mawitchmother.Worstcasescenarioandshestuckthatthinginmyheart?I'dsaysecrecybedamnedandstunher.ItbeingapublicsurfaceOblivatorswouldbeallovertheparkintwentyseconds.I'dbeinSt'Mungosinforty.Andwithmagic?Myheartwouldrefusetostopbeating.I'dbeoutofthereinadayortwo.I'mjustthatdarnresilient.Abloo...blastedtrollkickedmeintoawallinschool.Thisisaneightfoottallbeastthatlugsaroundninetypoundpieceofwoodlikeit'satwig.Iwasonmyfeettomorrowmorninglikenothinghadhappenedandthedrattedthingwasdeadbymyhand."

Janeglaredatherdaughter."Ah,Iknewtherewasmoretoitthat'trollsnuckintotheschoolyesterdayhadabitofexcitement'business.Youareaterriblecorrespondentyounglady.Whenwereyougoingtotellus?"

Hermionelookedaway."Iwaswaitingfortherightmoment."

"Andwhenwouldthatbe?"Hermotheraskedsternly.

"Whenthatlettercame?"Sheintonedpointingatthewindow.

Hermotherlookedandwentovertothewindow.TheowlhootedandflewovertoHermione.

"Thankyoubeautiful."Sheintonedknowingowlswerebothhardworkingandvain."Doyouneedtorestforamoment?"

Theowlhooted,shookit'sheadandflewoff.

"What'sintheletter."Jon,whohadobviouslybeenlisteninginjustoutofsight.

Hemioneclearedherthroatandbegantoread.

MissHermioneGranger

IamherebysaddenedtoinformyouthatthenotionforawardingyoutheSpecialservicesawardhasbeenrejectedbytheboardofGovernors,seventosix.Thegeneralreasoningwasthatwhileyourfeatwasmostimpressive,thetrollwouldhavebeensubduedbythestaffifyouhadnotintervened.

OnthebrightsidetheGovernersagreedyoushouldberewardedforyourvalourandability.IamherebyproudtoinformyouthatyouHermioneJaneGrangerhavebeenawardedaFullHonorsHogwartsScholarship,thisincludesschoolfees,books,suppliesandafivegaleonsamonthallowanceforthefullsevenyearsinHogwarts.

AlbusDumbledore

HeadmasterofHogwartsSchoolofWitchcraftandWizardry,

OrderofMerlin,FirstClass;

SupremeMugwumpoftheInternationalConfederationofWizards,

ChiefWarlockoftheWizengamot,andGrandSorcerer

"Ah,that'smygirl."Hesmiled."So,trollhuh?"

"IwantdetailsMissy."Janeintoned."Anddon'tskimp."

Hemrionenoddedandbeganhertale,herparentsweresuitablyoccupiedwithitandforthemomentforgotaboutherstabbingandhermotherdidn'tstartcrying.No

oculumencyintheworldwouldkeephercalmifshesawhermothercrying.Hermionemadeamentalnotetospareherparentsasmuchgriefasshecouldandstillcomeoutaheadintheworld.Perhapssheneededtobealittlemorecareful.

"So,Sparrowwhatdoyouintendtodowiththemoneyyouwon?"AskedJohncuriouslyaftertheirtalkofmagicandtrollsandstabbingshadturnedtheholidaysabittooserious.

Thesmileonhisdaughtersmadehimthinkheshouldhavestayedquiet.Hermothersometimesgotthatlook.Rightbeforethey'dexpandbusinessorchangeamajorsupplier.Foraprofit,ofcourse.Hehatedsigningpaperwork.

"Well,daddy,originallyIintendedtospendabitofitandusetheresttorelievepyouoftheburdenoffinancingmyschooling.Butnowconsideringconsideringthescholarshipmeansyouandmumwon'thavetocomeupwiththreethousandpoundsperyearformyeducation,roomandboard.I'dthoughttotrytofollowinmum'sfootstepsandtrymywayintheworldoffinancemyself."Hermioneannouncedsmuglyandtookasipofmilk.

Janechokedonherorangejuiceatherdaughter'sambitiousanswer.Andsomehow,piecesofapuzzlefellintoplace.Wrongplace,mindyou,butitclicked.

"Youknew!"Sheaccusedherdaughter."Thatdivinationthingworks!Andyouplantotakeovertheworldoffinancethroughmagic!"

ItwasHemione'sturntochokeonherdrink.

Johnlookathistwofavouritegirlsandthenjustlaughedattheirexpressions.Naturallytheyturnedtoglareathimbuthedidn'tcare.

"Aw,likemotherlikedaughter.Mylittlefinancialsharks."Hegrinnedcheekily.

"So,whatareyougoingtodo?"Janeaskedherdaughter.

"Stockmarket."SaidHermione."Andtheninvestintotechnology."

"Youcanusemagictotellwhichstockswillgoup?"AskedJane,hereyeslightingup.

Hermioneshookherhead.

"Notquite.Infactthosethattryusuallyanduplosingeverything.WhatIplanon

doingistostudythemarketmakeinformeddecisionsandifmyhoroscopesayI'llhaveabaddaybeconservative."

"Howdoyouplantodoallthis."AskedJane,mentallyreviewingherscheduleandtryingtodiguptimetohelpoutherdaughter.

"Proxiesandmail.Itispossibletosetupaboxinthemuggleworldthatwouldautomaticallygotoownpostandviceversa.It'saflatmonthlyfeethatIplantogetthemostoutof."

"Iwantyoutoputeightthousandpoundsinyoucollegefund.Therestisyourtodowithasyouplease."SaidJaneinatonethatbrookednoargument.

"Nowwaitaminute,Janeyou'renotgoingtolether..."Johntriedtobethevoiceofreason.

"NoJohn.Ibelieveinourdaughter,anditishermoneytodowithasshepleases."

Johnlookedthoughtfulforamomentandthenshrugged.Hiswife'sbusinessacumeniswhatenabledtwocollegestudentswithafewtenthousandpoundssavingsasmallchildandcollegebillstopaytoendupwithtwotopofthelinecars,apaidoffstudentloan,apaidforhouseinLondonasubstantialnesteggandaboomingdentalpractice.Innineyears.

"You'retheexgovernmentemployeefinancesharkmydear.I'mjustapoorsailorturneddentist."Hesmiledandgavehiswifeabigheartykiss.

"Ohgross.Dadstopsnoggingmum!"Hermioneintoned,disgustedbythebyplay.Likesheneededanotherreminderthatshewasn'tmadeinvitro.

"Heynow,It'snotmyfaultyourmumisanattractivesecretsuperspy."

"John!Justbecausemygovernmentworkisclassifieddoesn'tmakemeaspy!"Janecomplained.

"Idon'tcare,classifiedgovernmentworkequalssuperspyinmybook.¸CompletewithsuitsandaWaltherPPK"Hegrinnedcheekilyanddodgedherattemptatslappinghisarm.

"John!"

"MynameisGranger,JaneGranger.Ihavealicencetokill."Heintonedhuskily.

"Wellthenwhydon'tIjustgetridofyou!Noonewillknow!"Shegrowledasshe

chasedhimaroundthetabletoHermione'samusement.Shecarefullyfoldedhernapkinandwenttograbherjacket.

"Nownow,dear,ifyouvanishmeusingyoursecretgovernmentsuperpowerswho'lldothebarbecue!"Helaughedanddodgedhergrab.

"Iendupdoinghalftheworkanyway."Janegrowledandpickedupanewspaper.

"Youneedmetodoheavylifting."Heintonedlookingathismildlyannoyedwifeandsmilingcheekily,dodgingintothelivingroom.

"Hermionecandothatnowwithmagic."Janesaiddangerouslywrappingthenewspapersintoatightrollandlungedathim.Johndodgeddeftlyoutoftheway.

"NoonegivesmassageslikeIdo!"Hetriedtoswayhiswifewithromance.

"I'llhireamasseuse!"Shesaidgainingonhimandgrinninglikeashark.

"Ikeepyourfeetwarmatnight."hesaidsomewhatdesperatelyasshecorneredhimonthesofa.

"Hm...Youdomakeagoodfootwarmer."Janeintonedassheweighedthenewspapersinherhand."Allrightyoumaylive,afteryouhavesufferedforspreadingyourdeludedaccusations."

Johnwatchedthelookinhereyesandgulped.Ohpleasegodyesletherbeinoneofthosemoods.

Sheswattedhimontheheadonceandsmiled,slidingcloser."I'mstillnotasecretagent!"Shegrowledinhiseardangerously.

"Hemhem."Hermioneclearedherthroatbehindthemandtheysprangapartlikenaughtyteenagers."Itookahundredquidfromyourwalletmum.I'mtakingacabtoleakycauldronandtakingcareofsomebusiness,buyingsomesuppliesandsuch.I'lleatoutandprobablygotoacinemaafterwards.I'llbebackbysixandIexpectbothofyoutobedressed."

"Andwhatmakesyouthinkwe'llletyougotoLondononyourownyounglady?"AskedJane."It'snotsafeforagirlyourageto..."

Hermionegesturedwithhergoodhand,hermagicsurfacingsurprisinglyeasytoher.Abutterknifegentlyfloatedintotheroomfromthekitchen.Shemadeasharpgesturewithoutlookinganditspedoffandstabbedintoadartboardthathungon

thewallofthelivingroom.Shesmiled.

"...beoutonher...own."Janetrailedofflookedatthebutterknifeforamomentandthenlookedathermagnificentdaughterandthensmiled."Keepyourwandhandy,staysafe,don'twanderaroundLondonanddon'tbuydrugsorMcDonaldsfood.Andifyouhit((ARGHWHATWASTHENAMEOFTHEATDISTRICT)wearleatherglo...Nowait.Actually.Don'tgothereonthepainofeternalgrounding."

"Willdomum!I'llbringyouabutterbeerDad!"Hermioneintonedhappilyandwasoutofthehouseinaninstant.

"Youknow.AsfarasIrememberthatbutterknifeisratherdull."saidJohnconversationallyandwalkedtothegameboard.Hetriedpullingitoutandafterputtingsomemuscleintoithepulledthewholeboardoffthewall.Heyankedtheknifeoutandplacedtheboardback.Helookedathiswifehiseyeslarge."ItwentstraightthroughthelayeredoakpanellingJane.Adullbutterknife.I'veneverseenanythinglikeit."

Janeshrugged."ComenowJohn,youknewshecouldbedangerous,shehadtobeatthetrollsomehow.WhydoyouthinkIlethergooutonherown?"

Johnnoddedthoughtfully."Iguessitneverreallysunkinuntilnow.IguessIdon'thavetoworryaboutboysgettingfreshwithher."

Hewalkedintothekitchenhummingasongandtossingthebutterknifeintotheair.

IttookJaneseveralsecondstorealisethathewashummingsecretagentman.Shesmiled,sohestillwantedtoplay.

"OhJohn!WhathaveItoldyouaboutthatsong."Sheintonedsweetlyandstalkeddangerouslyintothekitchen,hipsswaying.

Shehadaveryproductivedaywithfewdifficulties.EveniftalkingtosubservientJenniferJohnsonwasabitodd.StillHermionefeltanobligationdraggingthegirlintohermess.Thelookonthegirls'sfacewhenHermioneoffered,onawhim,topayforthegirl'scollegeifshehadgoodenoughgradestogetacceptedwaspriceless.EvenifthegirlwasabittookeenonwhatfieldofstudyHermionewouldrecommend.Shesteppedoutofthetaxiandpaidthedriverhisdueandstretched.

WalkingdownthestreetHermionetransferredherbagstoherrighthandandlookedathernewlyboughtwatchasshemadeherwaytothehouse.Shewasrightontime.Shehesitatedatthedoorandthenrangthedoorbell.Herparentswereacting

liketeenagersagainansshewasnotgoingtohavearepeatofthegreatbedroomincidentof'88.ThesubsequentTalkwasembarrassingforbothherparentsandHermione.Shestillcouldnotlookatacoilofropewithoutblushing.

Still,whileapartofherthoughttheideaofherparentsindulginginromanticpastimewasdisgustingherpragmaticsideofherwasverygladtheywerehappywitheachother.Eveniftheyrefusedtosayanythingabouthowtheymet,asidethatitwassomewhereintheEast.

Dadhadjoinedtheroyalnavyassoonashewaseligibletosaveupmoneyforcollegeandhermotherhadbeenrecruitedasacryptologistoutofhighschoolbythegovernmentwhenshegraduatedat16.Theywerebothunhappywiththeirshadylife,bothromanticandprofessionaluntiltheyfoundeachother.

Whendad'stermwasuptheybothenrolledincollegeandbytheirthirdyearofcollegetheyweremarriedandHermionewasborn.

Shealwaysknewtheymetsometimebeforecollegebutwheneversheaskedwhatmadethemchangecareersthey'dgetthisfarawaylookintheireyesandsaythatitwasclassified.

Herfatherwasfortyandhermotherwasthirtynine.Andtheybothlookedliketheywerestillintheirlatetwenties.

Shesuspectedthatwasbecausetheywereborderlinesquibsbutcouldn'tconfirmituntilshegotdeeperintomagicaltheory.

Herfatheropenedthedoorandsmiledcheekilybeforelettingherin.

"Hadfun?"Heasked.

"Ofcourse."Shesaidandploppeddowninherfavouritearmchair.

"Well,howwasyourday?"heaskedherashesatonthecouchandreluctantlyturningoffthecricketmatchhewaswatchingonthetelly.

Hermionestudiedherfatherforamomentandthenshrugged.Hewasentirelytooneutralandtalkative.Hewashidingsomething.

"Well,Ididsomeshoppingindiagonalley,metupwithanattorneyandafternoonImetupwiththatgirlthatsavedmefromMargaret.YourememberJenniferright?Sheiskindofallright.ThenIwenttoacinemaandtookataxihome."

"Soundslikeabusyday.Whatdidyoubuy?"Heaskedlookingatherbagscuriously.

"Acoupleofbooks,somenewquills,aPOboxandastockbroker."

Johnlookedatherfunny."Youboughtastockbroker?Caretoclearupthatstatement?"

"WellIleasedhimtotellthetruth."

"Hermione!"

"Ohallright.BasicallyIwenttoanattorneythatwasrecommendedtome,hadhimdrawupsomepaperwork.Assoonasyouandmumsignoffonithe'llmakearrangementswithareputablebrokerthroughwhomI'llbeabletoengageintradeinthestockmarket."Shepaused."Well.I'llbeabletodoitoncethelotterymoneycomesthrough."

Johnshookhishead."Istillcannotbelieveyouscoredthirtythousandquidonatealeafprediction."

"Daddy!Itwasn'tatealeafprediction.Itwasahoroscopechart."Shenudgedhimwithherfoot."Nowit'syourturn.Whatareyouhiding?Didmotherswitchmyfifteenmegharddriveforthefivemegintheofficecomputeragain?"

Johnknewhewasbustedbutheknewheonlyneededtostallforalittlelonger.

"Mepumpkin?WhywouldIbehidingsomething"Heasked,apictureofpuzzledinnocence.

Hermionesmiledandstartedcountingonherfingers.

"One.Youturnedoffcricket.Two.Youvolontarilyaskedaboutshopping.Three.Youareactingentirelytooneutralandinnocenttobemydaddy."

Johnhesitatednervouslyandthenhesmiled.

"Allrightpumpkin,yougotme."heaskedafterglancingbehindher.

Thehissingandthefainsmellofsulphurwereherfirsthints.Sheturnedaroundandtherewashermothercarryingacakewithsparklesstuckinit.

"Surprise!"thybothsaidatflabbergastedHermione.

"What?Why?What?"Hermionesaideloquentlyashersmilingmotherputdownher

patented,mouthwateringSugarlessDeathbyChocolateStrawberrySurprise(TM).

JanegaveHermioneabighugandthenexplainedtoherstillstunneddaughterbycountingoffreasonsjustlikeHermionehasbeendoingbeforeJanewalkedin.

"One.WeneverhadaCongratulationsyou'reawitchparty.Two.Mybabycandefeataneightfootmonsteronherown.Three.YougotyourselfanAchievementScholarshipduringyourfirstyear.Four.YoustooduptoMargaret.TrueI'dhavefeltbetterifitwassanstheknifefightbutthatwasn'tyourfault.Iamjustgladthathoweverithappenedyouareherewithusandsheisinthehospitalisaproofthatmybabyisgrowingupintoanindependentyoungwoman."JanewasfrowningalittlewhenmentioningMargaretandthenshrugged.

Johnsmiledathiswifeandexpertlyaddedantherfingerintothecount."Five.Ifwebribeyouwithenoughcakeyou'llvisitmorewhenweareoldanddecrepit."

WiththatthesombremoodwasbanishedbeforeitgotafootholdHermionesmiledwatchinghermumbanishhercheekyhusbandintothekitchenforplatesandcutlery.

Yes,allwasrightwiththeworld.

AN:Justasimpletransitionchapter.I'llskiptohogwartsnext.

Chapter9:DragonsandFriends

Disclaimer:TotallyNotWhatJKRwouldwrite.OhandNo$ismadebythis.

Withthisyoucanseewhytheterm'muggle'asitiswascommonlyunderstoodfelloutofuse.Sofaronlysixpercentofthesocalled'muggle'volunteersshowzeroabilityatusingthecrystalamplifierstomanipulateTchaikovsky-Grangerfields.Andallofthosearecapableofgeneratinganull-nulleffect.You'dthinkthismakesthemweak?Socalled'truemuggles'areamongthedeadliestsoldierswehave.Youtryfightingawelltrained,sevenfoottallpowerarmored,Gaussriflewielding,nullfieldgeneratingbehemothinyourbattlerobesandwavingawoodenstaffandtellmeaboutwizardingsuperiority.PersonallyIthankthegodstheyexistwhenanoneuclideandemon,comesthroughwithbloodonit'smind.ThenWEbladeinthebloodofOURenemiesforachange.I'dyellbloodforthebloodgodeverytimeithappensbutKomissarAbbotwouldkickmyassforinvokingchaos.WhatcanIsay,it'saremnantofmymuggleupbringing.Ijustwishthey'dletmedesignaboltershapedgauspistol.

MajorAtsuSawalha,BloodJackals,Egyptianportalenclosure.

SteppingthroughtheplatformandseeingtheHogwartsexpressfeltlikeasmallweighthadfallenfromhershoulders.Itwasareliefbeingabletoputherguarddown,inamannerofspeaking,andturnoffthatsectionofherbrainthatconstantlyfearedlettingsomethingsliptothemuggles.True,themagicworldhadit'sdangersbuthereshehadalliesandfriendsthatwouldsharetheburden.Shelovedherparentsdearlybutshewasgoingtokeepthemoutofthegrimysideofmagicasmuchaspossible.

"Hermione!Overhere!"AgirlinBadgercolourswavedheroverandHermionesmiledrecognizingSusanBones.Shewasstandingnexttoatall,imposingwomandressedinprofessionallookingrobes.

"HelloSusan.AndMadamBones?"Hermionegreetedthemaftershewalkedover.

Thewomanhadwarmfriendlyeyesbutexudedapresenceofcommandthatwasunmistakable.Shewasn'tprettyinaclassicalsensebutshecutafinefigureandherfacehadastrengthaboutit.

Amelianodded,confirmingheridentityandofferedherhandtoHermione.

"Yes,youguessedcorrectly.SusanhasbeentellingmeaboutherGryfindoorfriend

wholovesbooksandfightstrolls.SomehowIthoughtyou'dbetaller.Iampleasedtomeetyou."Shesmiledwryly"WecouldusesomecompetentAurorcandidatesoneoftheseyears."

Hermioneblushedassheshookthewoman'shand.Foronce,outofwords.Shewasusedtopraiseonheracademicachievement,butthiswasthefirsttimeastrangercomplimentedheronherfightingprowess.Itfeltgood.

"Well,Iwouldliketostayandtalkbutdutycalls.IfyouandSusanremainongoodtermsyoumayvisitoverthesummer.I'dliketodiscussthatmugglewarpoetrybookyoulentmyniece.Fascinatingread."

Hermionecouldonlynodandmuttersomenonsensicalagreement,hertonguestilltied.

SheturnedtoSusan."Youbegoodnowanddon'tfightanytrollswithyournewfriendunlessyouhaveto."

Andjustlikethat,withawinkandasmileAmeliaBonessteppedovertotheapparitionzoneandquietlydissapated.

"Wow,yourAuntsurehasapresenceabouther"Hermionesaidonceherheadcaughtuptoher.

Susanlookedatherfunnyandthenshrugged.

"Youshouldknow."Shemutteredandstartedforthetrain,draggingherhugetrunkbehindherandleavingapuzzledHermionetocatchup.

"Wait,whatdidyoumeanwiththat?"Hermioneasked.

"Wellyouknowyoucangetintenseyourselfwhenyoufeelstronglyboutsomething."Susanexplainedpatiently."Auntiegetsthesameway.ThatwashowIknewIcouldtrustyou."

TheyranintoHannahAbbotontheirwaytothetrain,well,morelikeHannahAbbotpatientlytrackedthemdownlikeprey.

"Heyguys!Nicetoseeyou,listenHermioneI'llneverdoubtyouaboutmugglesagain.IusedtheadvicefromtheArtofWarandtotallytrouncedmycousininGoblinsandWizards!I'llneverforgetthelookonhisfacewhenmygoblinsapperssetfiretohismobilepotionslaboratoryandhealertentsatthesametimehisHitwizardElitewascaughtinaflankingmaneuverbythethreesquadsofgoblin

regulars.Hisremainingaurorforceneverstoodachance!"

Susanlaughedatherfriendsenthusiasmaboutthatsillygame.

"WellgladyouhaveyourprioriesstraightHannah.It'sgoodtoseeyoutoo."SaidSusan.Hannahblushedandgaveherbestfriendahug.

"SorrySuse,butyouknowhowcloseIwastodroppingthegame.Myfigurineshadstartedtoignoremyorderssometimes,thewarleaderwasalwaysglaringatmeandtobehonestIwasgettingfrustratedatalwaysloosing.IfIcouldn'twinagainstmycousintherewasnowayIcouldaffordtoentertournamentsorbuildapropertwothousandpointsarmyonmyallowance.IbarelymanagedtoscraptogethermyfivehundredpointHannah'sMerksasitis."

"I'mhappyForyouHannah."SaidHermione."IwasconsideringplayingthemuggleversioncalledWarhammermyselfuntilIrealizedthatthefigurineswerekindofpricey.Youhavetotellmehowthebattlewent."

"Allrightyoutwo.Firstwefindacompartmentthenyoucantalk."Susansaid,puttingherfootdown.

AndsothetrainridehomewasspentWithHannahshowingoffherGoblinfigurines.(Whichkeptsingingherpraises)learningaboutmoreaboutthegameandeventryingashortskirmishbetweenonehundredpointgoblinsquads.

TheytalkedabouttheirfamiliesandtheirholidaysandforatimeHermionecompletelyforgotabouttheMysterythatawaitedathogwarts.

ShehadonlybeenbackinHogwartsfortwodaysandTheRavenclawswerealreadystartingtogetonhernerves.Honestly,accusingherofcheatingbecauseyouhadbettermidtermresultsthentheydid.Ofcourseshewasbetter,shehadalreadydonealltheworkfromthebooksandhadbeensystematicallgoingoverthesecondyearmaterialsandlookingupsomeofthemoreusefulspellsfromhigheryears.Herreadingandretentionspeedwasatit'speakthusallowinghermoretimeforpracticalexercises.TheonlyareaHarryhadbeengivinghertherunforhermoney.Amazinghowwellthatboycouldcastwhenhismindwasintoit.

TheRavensjustrefusedtoleaveheraloneandtooktoquizzingherinthehallsinthehopesofcatchingherinalieorsomething.

Inselfdefenceshehadtakenup,rilinguptheRavenclawsthatdidsoanditwasquicklybecominganamusingpastime.

Evenifshepushedittoofarsometimes.Likejustno.ChanghadbeligerentlyconfrontedheraboutherrecenttransfigurationessayandHermionehadcalmlyandlogicallydissectedhiserroneoussuppositions,winningtheargumentandtheninapiqueofwhimsymadeacasualcommentaboutherintelligenceandnowthegirlwasincoherentwithrageandrushingatHermionewithfistsraisedofallthings.Shehadexpectedahexnotafistfight.Welltheregoestryingthatprotegospell.

Perhapssheshouldhavetoneddownonthesarcasm?

HarrywatchedHermionedissectanotherRavenclaw'soverlylargebrainandsmiledtohimself.Thegirlwasbloodybrilliant,somewhatviolentandabsolutelycrazy.Yetshewasnobully,andmoreimportantlystillwantedtobehisfriend.Heck,sheactuallybeatitintohisheadthatheisnotmerelyexpectedtothinkandexcelhereatHogwartsschoolofwitchcraftandwizardry,butactuallyencouragedhim,onthepainofbrutalhexingtolearnallhewanted.Notthathedidn'thavefinegradesbackinthemuggleworld,itwasjustthathehadverylimitedtimeforlearningbackthenandnoonecaredanyway.Here?Hecouldlearnallhewantedandwasexpectedtoexcel!

Andlearnhedid.Hecouldn'tkeepupwithHermione'sinsanelevelsoftheoryandstudybuthecouldalreadycastallfirstyearspellswitheaseandactuallyknewhowtonavigatethetwistedtangleofpurebloodlogic.Oratleastpretendhecouldbybeeingmysterious.Historywasjustboring,thoughwatchingHermionedragobscurereferencesandquotesoutofherarseandverballyclubRavenclawswiththemovertheheadwasamusingenoughthatheactuallyrememberedsomeofit.

Snapestoppedopenlyspittingathisworkandwouldsettleforsayinghisworkwasbarelypassable.HecomparedhispotionsoftenwithHermione'sandknewtheyweremorethanpassable.

Butitwasastart,anotherthinghelearnedfromHermione.Shehadbeenteachinghimtothinkpolitically.Andcomplainingloudlythathispotionswerebloodywellmorethanpassablewouldonlylandhimwithpointslostanddetention.InsteadhepresentSnapewithhisbestdistantbutobedientstudentfaceandwaitedforthedayhewouldgetabloodyOonhisPotionNEWT.Thenhewouldrubthebloodypieceofpaperintheruddygit's'face.

OfcoursetheonlyreasonhehadnotsnappedbynowatSnape'scausticcommentswasthisOculumencythingshehadbeenteachinghim.InternalandMindartsweresomethinghecoulddooverthesummer.ImprovingyourBodyandMindwithmagicwassomethinghewasveryinterestedeversinceHermionehadpromisedhimthatifheworkedhardenoughhe'dnevergetbeatenupbyDudley'slittlegangagain.He

wasinaweofthewayshewheedledhimtotalkabouthishomelifeandevenmentionHarryhuntingtoher.Itwasprobablybecauseshehadsharedwhathappenedtoherovertheholidayswithherownsetofbullies.HehadforgottenhimselfandsaidhewishedhecoulddothatwhenhiscousincameHarryHuntingagain.

Ronhadbeenwearyofadditionalstudyuntilshesetuptwentychessboardsandchallengedhimtospeedchess.Hewasbetterthanheroneonone,winningeightorninetimesoutoften.Hesnortedtohimselfrememberingthefirsttimehewatchedthosetwoplayandhowafterfourgames,shefinallyforcedadraw.Shestalkedoffmutteringaboutannoyingidiotsavants.

Buttwentygamesatoncewithonlysixsecondsperturn?Rongotcreamedsixteentothreewithonetie.

One'Wanttobeabletosplityourconcentration,keepkeephundredsofgamesinyourheadandcreateyourstrategyfasterthenyouevercouldRonald?'laterandRonwashookedintomentallessonswithhim.Heevenstoppedgrumblingwhenherealisedheactuallyhadlessstudytimenowthathecouldrememberthingsafterhereadthemonlyfiveorsixtimes.Suddenlyrevisingmadesense.Andsodidhisclasses!

SuddenlyHermion'sdiscussionwentfromwordstofistsandhetensedforamomentwhenthatsillybintwentforHermioneandthensuppressedhisprotectiveinstinctsandjustmovedtowatchherback.HestoppedtheotherGryfindooraswellandsaidonlyoneword.

"Watch."

HermionewastouchedbyHarry'sconfidenceasshewatchedChangcomeatheratfullspeed.Well,fullspeedforheranyway.Shedidn'tknowmuchaboutmartialartsandonlyhadthebasicsofpugilismtaughttoherbyherfather.Shedidknowalotaboutmomentum,andspeed.Andforherthearrogantbintwaswaystooslow.Herfatherhadonlyshownheracoupleadditionalthingsduringtheholidays.Mostlyconcentrationondodgingandcounterattacking.Sheknewitwashisownwayofcopingwithhislittlegirlbeingstabbedandanythingshedidwithdaddywasalwaysfun.

Bythetimethefightreallystarted,inatypicalinstinctinherenttostudentseverywheretheyhadgatheredinacircleandstartedcallingoutjeersandencouragement.

Hermioneconcentratedonthegirl'smovements,feltthemagicflowthroughher,thebuzzmakingherwanttolaugh.Shehadn'tletlooselikethisinyearsuntiltheSnowhiteincidentandshehadmissedbeeingabitwildattimes.Ifonlyheroponentwasbetter.ForallherquiddichambitionsChangwassoslowandinept.Hermioneslidtothesideinherbasicboxingstanceanddodgedtotheleft,Chang'spunchmissingbyamile.

Herownnon-enhancedpunchwasmuchfaster,aleftcrossandshejumpedbacktoseehowshehandledit.Shehadnointentionofendingthistoosoon.Thegirlshookhisheadandcamebackformore.Herrespectforthegirlwentupasmallnotch,mostgirlsdidn'tknowhowtotakeapunch.OfcoursenowshewaswonderingwhyChocould.Shedancedaroundforabitmore,mostlydodginghispuncheswhensheheardtheherheadofhouseyellattheboysintheback.

Shefrownedatherfunbeingendedanddodgingonelastineptpunchsheplantedabeautiful,magiclacedrighthookintothegirlsgut.ChoChangfelltothefloorlikesomeonecuthisstringssuckinginairandjustshaking.

"MissGranger!MissChang!Fighting!!TwentypointsfromGryfindoor!ChangdetentionwithFlitwick!"Theloudsternvoiceofherheadofhouserangacrossthecourtyardandjustlikethatthefunwasover.Shecouldseethewomanwasupset,anditwasunderstandableuptoapoint.Butshecouldclearlyseebarelysuppressedsomethingbehindthosesterneyesthatshecouldnotunderstand.Whywouldherheadofhousedespairoveralittlescuffle.

AboutthreeweeksbeforeChristmasbreakHermionewaswonderingiffriendshipwithPotterandWeasleyhadbeensuchagoodthing.Whywouldshebewonderingthat?Hagrid,thefriendlyneighborhoodhalf-gianthadbeentryingtoraiseadragoninhishut.Harryhaddecidedheneededtohelpthemanavoidtimeinjailandhereshewas,draggedintoittwentyminutesbeforemidnight.Sneakingbeneathaninvisibilitycloakandlevitatingadisillusioned,silencedcrate,dodgingprefectpatrolsandFilch,allintheefforttosmuggleandillegaldragonoutofthecountry.Ohallright,shewouldneveradmititbutitwasabitfun.ShewasjustgladMalfoyhaddecidedtokeephismouthshut.Shewascertainhe'dbebacktohisoldselfsoon,howeverhewasstilltooshakenbywhathappenedwhenhertriedtoambushherontheseconddayaftertheholidays.OnehitKOandhehasbeensingingsopranofortheday.

HermioneknewherwayaroundthecastleandcuttheirtripinhalfbyleadingthemthroughseveralsecretpassagesandHarryshowedthemanotherthatthetwinsnevershowedher.

"Allrightthecoastisclear."WhisperedHarryandtheyshuffledtowardtheAstronomytowerspiralstairs.

Theyhuddledinthecorneroftheastronomytower,coldwindsbuffetingthemeventhroughtheastronomytowerwards.Hermionehadlithernowpatentedfairyfireinanefforttokeepthemandthedragonwarmandmadementalnotetolearnthewarmingcharmassoonaspossible.

"Wherearethey?"HissedHarrytroughchatteringteeth.

"Charliesaidmidnight."WhisperedRonwhowasforoncegratefulforhisthickWeasleyjumper.

"Wellit'sfiveminutespastmidnight."ComplainedHarry.

HermionewastoocoldandtooirritatedatHagridtoparticipateintheconversationandtriedtostaveoffthecoldbycirculatingmoremagicthroughherbody.Itseemedtohelpabitandshemanagedtoregainenoughwarmthtostartlookingaround.

"Willyoutwobequiet."Shehissed"Theretheyare!"Shepointed.

"Where?"AskedHarry."Ican'tseeathinginthissnow."

Ronlookedlongerandshookhishead."YoumustbeseeingthingsHermione."

Shelookedatthemandletoutanindignanthuff."WellreallyRonald.Howaboutalittlewager.TheycomefromthatdirectioninthenextminuteyoudoeverythingIsayuntiltheSummerbreak.IfI'mwrongIwon'tbotheryouwithhomeworkuntilnextyear"

"Deal."SmiledRoneagerlyandshookherhand.

Nottwentysecondslater.Theoutlinesoffourbroomridersdescendedonthetower.

"Bugger."MumbledRonandHermionehithimontheshoulder.

"LanguageRonald."Shecautionedhim,butyoucouldheartheamusementinhervoice.

"Hellokiddies!Goodthingyoulothadafiregoing,It'sabittrickyfindingthetowerinthisweather."saidthelarge,darkhairedleadeoftheparty.Thethreeothersexpertlylookedoverthesleepingdragonandputsomecharmsonthebox.

"YoumustbeRonald,HermioneandHarry.Wediscusseditandthinkyourwayhas

merit.Carryingasleepinghatchlinginawarmedboxismuchbetterforitthenthewayweweregoingtotakeit."

Bythetimethechildrenwereintroducedtohischeerfulcompanionstheywerealreadyharnessingtheimprovised,lightenedboxtotheirbrooms.

"Well,We'reoff,wanttobeacrossthechannelassoonaspossible.Takecarekiddies."Thecheerfuldragonhandlerintonedandjustlikethattheytookoffinaformationandweregone.

"Efficientfellows."HermionemurmuredadmiringtheirprecisewayofflyingasHarryandRonmadetheirwayforthestairs,lookingsmug.

"Heyguyswaitup!"Shecalledasshepickeduptheinvisibilitycloakandtriedtocatchup.

Shewentafterthemandfrozeinthemiddleofthestairsasasoundoffaintfootstepsechoedpastthem."Shh,quiet!"Shetriedtowarnthembuteithertheydidn'thearherortheyignoredherandcontinuedontheirwaysdownchattingandlaughing.

"Wellnow.Youtwoarereallyintrouble!"

TheboysfrozeasFilchemergedfromthedarknessandgloatedabouttheirpunishment.

Hermionewaveredforamomentandthenloyaltywonover.Shestuffedtheinvisibilitycloakinherbagandcamedownthestairs.

"Threesir."Shesaid,emergingfromthedarkness,tryingtoseemasneutralaspossible.

Filchblinkedatherforamomentandthenshrugged,leadingthemwithouthisusualgloating.

AfterleavingtheminMcGonogalsstudyFiltchresumedhispatrolwithoutaword.

BackinMcGonogalsOffice,underthewatchfuleyesoftheportraitofAngusMcGnongalthechildrensquirmedastheywaitedfortheirheadofhouse.

Harrysatquietly,tryingtocomeupwithareasonableexcuse.

Ronaldstaredatthewalldazed.Hismotherwasgoingtoskinhimalive.AndHermione!Heavenhelphimifsheknewhehadignoredher.Hereallyshouldstop

doingthat.

Hermionetrembled,wonderingifsheshouldhaveturnedherselfin.Thiswasgoingtocosther.SheglancedatRonaldandhelookedawayguiltily.Shefrownedandmadeamentalnotetofindoutiftheboyshadignoredherdeliberately.

ProfessorMcgonogallstalkeddownthecorridorsofhogwarts,oneoftheportraitshadawakenedherjustaftershehadfinallyfallenasleepandshewasfurious.Honestly,Studentsintheastronomytower!Ofallthestupid,indecentplacesforaliaison...

Shestalkedintotheroom,furiousreadytoreadthecoupletheriotact.Thefluffywhiterobewithpinkandblueflowersandhadhaircurlersinherhairsurprisinglydidnothingtomakeherlooklessintimidating.Shelookedtakenabackbywhowaswaitingforherandthenherfuryredoubled.

"Youthree!What?!Ithoughtyouknewbetter!"Sheraisedhervoiceandstartedpacinginfrontofthem.

"Firstyearsintheastronomytowerpastmidnight!MissGranger!Howcould..."Shestoppedpacingandreallylookedatthem."No.Nevermind."

ShelookedatHarryandRon."Detentionandthirtypointseach.Youtwomayleave."

Shecutofftheirprotestswithasternlookandshooedthemoutbeforetheyknewwhatwashappening.

ShesatdownacrossfromHermioneandlookedtired."MissGranger.Iknowyouareatatimewhenyourbodyisgoingthroughchanges."Shestartedcarefully."AndIsupposeyouarealmostayearolderthenthosetwobutIhonestlythoughtIwouldnothavetohavetohavethisconversationwithatwelveyearold."

Hermioneblinked.Wait.Shecan'thonestlybethinking...'

"NoonecanforbidromancebutIhavetowarnyouthatifyoucontinuetosuccumb...Imeanyouwillgetareputation...Thatistosay..."McGonogaltrialledofflookingpaleandlost.

Hermionejustlookedatherforamomentandanexplanationthatdidn'tinvolvementioningdragonssnappedintoplace.

"Um.Professor."ShestartedcarefullyandMcGonogallookedather,butcouldn't

lookherintheeyeforlong.

"Imustpointoutthatitisfartoowindyandcoldtonightforthatsortofliaisonintheastronomytower,wardornowards."

McGonogallookedatherandfrowned.

"Second.It'sHarryandRonald."Sheintoned,hertoneshowingherstillhealthydisgustregardingactuallykissinganyboys.Sheshudderedinhorror,rememberingwhathercounterpartfromthefuturewrote.

"Honestlyprofessor.Ican'tsaythatIwon'tchangemymindwhenI'molderbutjust...Ugh..."

Theprofessornowlookedmorepuzzledandamusedthenherearliermixofexasperationandembarrassment.

"Ipromisetheinformationstaysinthisroomwillyoutellmewhatyouwereupto?IreservetherighttopunishaccordingtoHogwartscharterbuttheexactreasonwillstayinthisoffice."

"Intentbasedwards."Hermioneblurtedoutthefirstthingthatpoppedintomindthatwasn'tdragons.

"What?!"

"I'vebeenlearningaboutintentbasedwardsanddecidedtotryoutabasicarraybyplacingahairdyingspellontheastronomyentrancethatwouldactivateonlyifacouplewithindecentintentwalkedthroughthedoor.HarryandRonthoughtitwasareallygoodprankandwantedtowatchmebuildit."

McGonogallookedatherforalongmomentandfinallyreliefshowedonherface,thatwasalmostimmediatelyreplacedbyexasperation.

"BethatasitmayinadditiontothethirtypointsIjusttookforbeingoutaftercurfew,Iamtakinganothertenforvariousoffencesofspellcastinginthehallwaysandtwentymoreforgettingyourclassmatesintotroublejustforaprank."

Hermionelookedlikeshewasgoingtocomplainandthensighed."IguessIearnedthat."

"InadditionIapologizeforjumpingtoconclusionsmissGranger.WhileyoumayoccasionallygetintotroubleIhadnoreasontojumptoconclusions."Shepausedfor

alongmomentlookingatthegirlandthennoddedtoherself.

"Thatisall.Well,Itrustyoucanfindyourownwaytothecommonroom?"McGonogallintoned.

"Naturally.Goodnightprofessor."thegirlsaidsomewhatstifflyandleft.

ProfessorMcGinogalwalkedtoherdeskanddropped,boneless,intoherchair.Shesighedandreachedintothebottomdrawertakingoutabottleofpurplelabel.

Shepouredashotintoaglassanddownedit.Sheputtheglassonthetableandplacedherheadintoherhands.

"Intentbasedwards."Shemuttered,hereyesfaraway."Themostbrilliantwitchofherageandsheuseshertalentsforprankingandgettingintofights.It'sbloodyLillyEvansalloveragain."

Hermioneclosedthedoorandleanedagainsttheminrelief.Shesmiled,shookherheadandsuppressedagiggle.Shecastalumosspellandmadeherwaytowardsthecommonroom.Herheadofhousehadbeenworriedabouthervirtue.Shegiggled.ShewonderedwhatwouldhappeniftheprofessormisheardaboutbeingmarriedtoRonandthatsheknewaboutHarry'sbedroomhabits.Notthatshe'devertellanyone.Afterallshelookedupwhata'top'anda'bottom'are.Eachtohisorherownshesupposed.

Shetriedreallyhardnottolaughattheabsurdityofhercounterpartsromanticlife.

AsshemadeherwaydownthehallwaysofHogwartsshecouldn'thelpherselfandstartedchuckling.Thenotionwasabsurd.Butthenagainwhatelsewouldagirlbedoingwithtwoboysontopoftheastronomytower.Asidefromsmugglingadragon.

Anothergiggle.

Shemadeaeeriepicture,asmallgirlwalkingdownthehallsofanoldcastle,gigglingmadly.She,HermioneJaneGrangerhadlostherfirstpointsforpranking,liedtoateacherandinawayshehadgottenawaywiththerealmischief.Andyettheworldwasstillstanding.

Theboyshadbeenwaitingforherinthecommonroom,pacingandworryingandstaredindisbeliefasabarelystandingHermionepoppedinthroughtheportrait,gigglingtoherself.Shelookedattheirfacesandburstintolaughter,intheendsuccumbingtogravityandfallingtoherkneesonthefloorclutchinghersides.

Theboyslookedateachother,andwithanexchanged"Girls"and"Nutter"commentstheywentovertohelpherintoanarmchair.

Andeachtimeshecalmeddowntoasnickersheonlyhadtolookatthemandshe'dstartlaughingagain.They'dcaughtwordslike"sixtypoints","snogging","Detention"and"pranking"butfailedtogetthestoryoutofher.

Intheendittookahalfanhourandasleepyprefectwithacalmingpotiontocalmherdown.

Intheendtheentirehouse'knew'thatHarryRonandHermionecostthehouseonehundredandtwentypointsduetoafailedprank.

IttookweeksforHermionetostopsnickeringwhenevershesawHarry,RonorDracoMalfoyforsomestrangereason.Sheabsolutelyrefusedtotellwhatwasfunny.TheworldfilteredthroughthegrapevinethatMalfoyhadtakentolockingallhispossessionsinhisbloodbasedtrunkduringthenightandhadstartedtouseasubstancedetectionringoverhisfoodcarefullybeforeeatingit.

ItwasprobablyparanoiathatfinallypushedDracoMalfoyintoabetterpreparedpreemptivestrikeonemorning.HehademployedCrable,Goyleandathirdyear,VetrixBluttsoninacarefullyplannedambushschemeacorridordownfromthelibraryonherusualroutefromthecommonroomtothelibrary.UnfortunatelyforthemHermionewaswideawakeandalertatsixaclockinthemorning.

"Wellthatisitforscheduleconflictsandpatrolarrangementsforthismonth.Pleasetalktoyourprefectsandpassdowntherelevantportionsofourdiscussion."IntonedDumbledorewithasmallglimmerofrelief."Now,arethereanydisciplinaryissuesleftunresolved?"Helookedoverhisstaffandnoddedtohimself.SeverusSnapelookedamused,McGonogallookedputoffandFlitwickappearedembarrassed.Yes,MissGrangerwasstillatit.

"Minerva?"Heasked,inakind,inquisitivetone.

"IswearAlbus!Thegirlhasmeatwitsend!"McGonogallookedatheroldmentorsternly."Whywon'tyouletmedosomethingabouther?"

"WhichgirlwasthatMinerva?"Dumbledoreasked,eyestwinklingslightlyashiseyesslidoverSeverus.Thecornersoftheman'slipsweretwitching.Wouldheactuallysmile?

"TheGrangergirl!Allthattalentandyetshestillkeepsgettingintoarguments.That

devolveintoFights!Andshekeepstryingtowriteinmugglesubjectsintotransfigurationessays!QuarterPhysicasandChemnistry!WheneveryoneknowstransfigurationisaboutWillandIntent."Shesighed."Andshestartedofassuchagoodgirl."

SeverusSnapelistenedtohiscolleague'spaineddiatribeandonlybyhisironselfdisciplinekeptfromlaughinginherfaceathermispronunciation.

"AhMinerva,youofallpeopleshouldnotbesurprisedattheGryfindoorsfighting."Snapeintonedwryly.Hewonderedforamomentifitwasunusualthesedaysforanelevenyearoldknowwhatquantumphysicswerebuthedismissedit.Hehadbeenoutoftouchwiththemuggleworldafterallandtheykeptteachingtheirchildrenallthelatestscientificbreakthroughs.

"ButIt'snotproper!Thegirlkeepslosingalmostasmanypointsasshemakesanditdoesnothingtomakeherkeepherheaddown.AndtheTwinsareeggingheron!LastweekIactuallyhadtopushthroughabunchofstudentstobreakupafistfightbetweenherandoneofyoursecondyearboysFilius.Afistfight!Withaboy!Overcharmstheory!"BytheendofthesentencetheusuallycomposedTranfigurationprofessorwasstandingandhittingthetableinindignation.

AlbusDumbledore,HeadmasterandSupremeMurgwurpwasamused.Infact,hecouldrememberthelasttimehewasthisamused.Itwasbackin'36duringawizengamottrial.Hisbrother'strialforcastingimpropercharmsongoatstobeexact.HehadwatchedtheprosecutionanddefencetiethemselvesintoknotswithlegaliseandhisfellowJudiciariesturnpaleandgreen,imaginingtheworstofperversions,wheninfacthisbrotherhadbeenmerelyengorginghisgoatsthreetimestheirsizeandsoldtheirincreasedmilkyield.

"Minerva,doyourememberArthurWeasleyinhisfirstyear?Scrappylittleboyhewas,alwaysgettingintofightswithMalfoyandtherestoftheSlytherin?IalsoseemtorememberayoungMinervaMcGonogalinathreewaycatfightwithherdormmatesoveryoungThomasBones"

Minervablushedlikeaschoolgirl."She'safirstyearfightingboys."Shemumbled,heraccentthickeningalittle."It'snaeproper."

"Indeedfightingwillbeproperlypunished,butwemustunderstandthemoderntimesMinerva.Sheisastrongyoungladyandwillnotletherselfbecowed.Sheonlystartedestablishingherselfinthepeckingordersoonerthenweareusedto,andwithmoreenthusiasm.Independentwomeninthemuggleworldaremorenumerous

theninoursandshehasbeenexposedtotheideaearlier.Thatandafterthetrollitisnotsuprisingshecan'treallybeintimidatedbyalargerboylikeanordinarygirlmightbe.Andsurelyyoufelthermagic.She'swellaheadofherclassalready."

"Well,youdoadmitthatayounggirlestablishingherselfwithherfistsisabitunusualheadmaster."InterjectedPomonaSprout.

"True,butI'vewatchedherduringonefight.Sheisusingproperfightingstancesforfisticuffs.Shehasbeentaught,eitherinschoolorexternalclasses.Soforherthenotionofbowingdowntoaphysicalchallengemaybeasalienastheideaofalittlegirlfighting,physically,withboysistous.Wouldyoubepressingthisiftheywereusingtheirwands?"InterjectedDumbledore.

McGonogalconsideredthisforafewmomentsandthensighedsittingdown."IwillconsiderthisfurtherHeadmaster.Thereisisstilltheunusuallyhighnumberoffightsthisyear."

"Filius?Yourtakeonthematter?"Heaskedandthefaintitchinhiseyeswarninghimthathereallyshouldremovethattwinklingcharm.Itwasnotcalibratedforthislevelofmerriment,afterall.Withadiscretegestureofhisarmheadjustedthestrength.

Thediminutivemanstoodandtriedtoshakehisembarrassment,finallyhetookabreathandstarteddeclamation.

"Myfindings,atleastwhenaltercationswithmystudentsareconcernedarethus:MissGrangerwasbothrightanlogicalinhersometimesunusualnotionsandneverattackedfirst.ShecanalsogetverycreativeinuseofsimplecharmstodefendherselffromtheraremagicalattackandhasmasteredthelevitationcharmtoalevelIhaveneverseenbefore.Asideformherlearningcurveeverythingelseaboutherisquitenormal."

AnoddnoisefromSnapethatturnedouttobeasupressedcoughinterrupdedhimforamomentbeforehecontinued.

"InconclusionIwouldpointoutthatmissGrangernevercomplainsaboutherpunishmentsandconcedestoauthority.Nofurtherdisciplinaryactionisrecommended.Sofarithasnotbeenescalatingintoainterhouseissue.Itissimplythatlessmugglebornarewillingtoletthingsslide."Hispiecesaidhesatdown.Alsohewouldhavewordswiththeentirehousetonight.PickingafightwhenloosinganargumentwassupposedtobeaGryfindoortrait.Oncewasalesson.Twicewasfollyanymoreandthey'dbeGryfindoors.

Dumbledorenodded,thatwaswellinhandwiththeinformationhehadaswell."Severus?"heaskedandwidenedhiseyesinwonderment.

Severusactuallysmiled.True,itwasaslightlysinister,vicioussmilebutitwasasmilenevertheless.

"Asyouknow,someofmymorestudiousSlytherinshadsimilardiscussionswithmissGrangerbutnothingevenremotelyheatedhashappenedsincetheIncident."Youcouldpracticallyhearthecapitalletter.

"Ah,youareperhapsreferringtoThreeofyourfirstyearsandathirdyearbeingfounddisrobed,petrified,silenced,underafadingdisillusionmentcharmandstucktothewallsofthegreathall?"Dumbledorewondered.

"Yes,IbelieveFiliusmanagedtoremovethecharmsthatkeptspellingUnsubtleGryfindoorsingoldandscarletontheirforehead?"Severusnoddedtothecolleagueinquestion.Thecharmworkwastrickyinit'ssimplicity.

"Ah,yes,hedid,Ihadtoassistabit.ThoughIthoughtmissGrangerwasnotimplicatedinthat?"WonderedDumbledore.

"Well,theboysclaimtheyfelldownthestairsandthatsomeonemusthavefoundthemanddidittoembarrassthem.I'dalmostsayitwastheWeasleytwins,howeverIhaveseenthelooksontheirfaceswhenthedisillusionmentworeoffduringbreakfast."

Heofcoursedidknowtheentiresequenceofevents,havinggottenitoutoftheboy'sminds.TheyhadknownthatMissGrangeroftenwenttothelibrarybeforebreakfastandplannedtoambushher.MissGrangershowedconsiderablesituationalawareness,almostlikeshehadbeenexpectingsomethingtohappen.Andhedelightedinthebrutalironyinherbeatingthemsenselesswiththeconsiderableheftofatomeonpurebloodfamilies.Thegreatfivehundredifhewasnotmistaken.Atsixinthemorningmostofthecastlewasstillasleepandwhileshewashavingtroubleactuallycastingthedisillusionmentcharmontheboysshemanagedtodoitinabouttenminutes.Shethenlevitatedthem,stunnedandpetrifiedbutquiteconcious,stoppingtospeakwithasleepyGryfindoorprefectonmorningpatrolinanarrowcorridor,levitatingthedisillusionedboysabovetheprefect,thecheekygirl,andfinallymakingherwaytothegreathall.Ittookaboutaminuteorsotodivestthemofclothing,sticktheirundergarmentstothewallandleave.

Theresthehadseeninperson.ShehadbeeneatingbreakfastwithPotter,andthefourWeasleyboys.whenthedisillusionmentworeoff.Shehadeveryrighttobesmugaboutit,neverthelesshetooktwentypointsfromGryfindoorforitfromthe

twins.Hedidn'twanttoseemsoftafterall.Still,atthatpointhemadeamentalnotetokeepaneyeonmissGranger.Malfoyhadkepthisbigmouthshutaftertheincidentandactuallyopenedhiseyestotheworldaroundhim.Anyonewhocouldscaresomeofhisstupiderstudentsandhisownspoiledgodsonintoasemblanceofsubtletywasonetowatch.

"Besides,mostoftheSlytherinhouseknowsbatterthantotanglewithagirlwhocantakeoutatrollandlive.Verbalsparingisonething,actualphysicalconfrontationwouldlandmySlytherinsinbigtroubleandtheyknowit."Heconcludedandsatdown,lookingsmuglyatMcGonogaljusttoseethateyebrowtwitchagain.

"I'dhavethoughttheSlytherinpurebloodswouldbemoreupsetathermugglebornstatus?"WonderedFlitwick."Iknowsomeofthefightswereaboutpurebloodpride."

"AhFiliusbutthereisarumourgoingonthatmylittlesnakesareheeding.ApparentlyMissGrangerisandHeirtoadormantlineandisonlypretendingtobeamuggleborn,inalongtermplot.I'veevenhadNarcissainquirewithmeastothetruthofthisrumour.IncidentallymygodsonstillconsidersheranenemyonparwithWeasleybuthasnotusedthewordmudbloodeversincehecamebackfromtheholidays."

"Anytruthtothis?"WonderedmadamPomfreywhohadbeenkeepingquietsofar..

"Whoknows?"Snapeshrugged."Lookhardenoughandyou'lleventuallyfindamagicalancestorforoverhalfthemuggleborn."

"WhataboutyourSeedlingsPomona?"AskedDumbledore,tryingtokeepthespeculationtoaminimum.

"Notmuchtosay.SomeofmygirlsareparticipatinginmissGrangersbookoftheweekprojectandoneofthemisinherStudyclub.MyHufflepuffsknowageniusofhardworkwhentheyseeoneanddonotgetjealousoversuccess."Sheintonedandasfarasshewasconcernedthematterwasended.

"Ah,yes.Thestudyclub."Theheadmasterwastwinklingagain."IbelieveitisMissGranger'stwodormmates,MissPatilAndMissBrownforGryfindoor.FromSlytherinitisMissGreengrassandfromHufflepuffitisMissBonesandonoccasionMissAbbot.HowunusualtoseeRavenclaw,insteadofSlytherinbeingexcluded,isn'titFilius?"

"IndeeditisHeadmaster.IwillhaveawordwithmyRavensaboutourourhousequalitiesandexcessivepridenotbeingoneofthem."Itwouldn'tdo.IftheSlytherinscanbeciviltothegirlthenbyMerlinsowouldhisRavensorelse!

"Now,Hagridhasaskedforseveralpairsofeyes,fourorfiveatleasttohelphimlookforawoundedunicorn.Doanyofthefirstthroughthirdyearchildrenhavedetentionsassigned?"

"IhaveonlyoneSlytherinwithdetentionassignedHeadmasterbutParkinsonisstillinthehospitalwing."Helookedattheschoolhealer.Whoshookherhead.

"Outofthequestion.I'mnotreleasingherfortwomoredays."

"MySeedlingsdon'tgetdetentionsmuchHeadmaster."

"Weasley,PotterandGrangerHeadmaster.Alittlejauntintheforestwilldothemgood."

"EdgcombeandThompsonHeadmaster.Iwouldn'trecommendsendingthegirlintotheforest,sheisfartotimid."

"Wellthatsettlesisthen.Thompson,WeasleyPotterandGranger.Ifthisisallforthismonth?"AskedDumbledoreandateveryone'snodsheconcludedthemeeting.

Hewantedtogetbackintohispersonalstudytoresumehiswork.TheenchantingofthemirrorofErisedwithtrapswastrickybusinessbuthewasfinallymakingheadway.Aweekortwoandthetrapwouldbeset.

Hesighedasthelastofhiscolleaguesleftforbreakfast.IfhemanagedtotrapTomforafewyearsorperhapsevendecadesitwoulddomuchforHarry'squalityoflife.Hewishedthattheboydidn'thavetodietogetridofthehorcrux.Thebesthecoulddoisprovideanordinary,happychildhoodfortheboywhilepreparinghimforthefinalconfrontation.IfonlyhecouldfindthelastHallow.Thentheboymightstandachance.PlushecouldtellAriannahewassorry.

Author'snoteandminiomake.

OMAKE

"MyHufflepuffsknowageniusofhardworkwhentheyseeoneandceirtanlydonotgetjealousoversuccess!"Pomonnasproutexclaimedindignantlydisplayingherstrongwhiteshinyteeth."FORNOTHINGCANSTOPTHEPOWEROFYOUTH!"

AN:Alright,firstofallthereviewergoingbythenameVictoriashouldtakeupdivination.Isupposewhenyoureadenoughstoriesyoustartseeingthepatterns.Alsoforher.The'oldlady'isexplainedintheboldtextprecludingthechapter.

SnapeismistakingHermionesage.Sheisinfacttwelveyearsold.

IhadmorebutIjustranoutoftime.

Chapter10:ForestofDeath

It'snotthatunusualthatourancestorsdid.Peoplearelazy.Ohtruearitualwillgiveyouslightlymorebangforyourbuckbutthedifferenceisinsignificantandyouactuallyhavetoputmorementaleffortintoit.Weonlycamebackintoritualandcadenceforawhilewhenwerealizedatraditionalwandcanfocusourpersonalreserves.Andeventhenwehadtorewritetherulebookandfindnewmagicalfoci.Bloodofmyenemyandallthat.Still,thewandisstillwidelyusedoutsideofcombat.Yourarelyneedalotofmagictocleanyourclothesorbuildahouse.Tossingalightningboltwithisabittrickierbutstillpossible,ifbarely.Widescalecombatthough?Wellyouseewhatandragonclasssorcerercandowhentheytapthedragonlines.TrychannelingTHATthroughapieceofwood.

JaredoftheFlames,afocicraftsmanonthesubjectofreasonableexpenseofinfusingdemonbloodcrystalsintoastaffcore.

ForestofDeath

ThethreedragonsmugglingGryfinddorwerehavinganoddday.HalftheGryfindoorsweremiffedatthemforlosingpoint,mostlytheloweryears.Someoftheolderonesthoughttheywereinalovetriangleandteasedthemercilessly,whilesomeofthemoreboisterousGryfindoors(IEthetwins)eggingthemontodomorepranks.Theywereeatingasomberlunchwhenthenoteswiththeirdetentionassignmentarrived.

FilchwilltakeyoutoyourdetentionwithHagrid,meethima11PMintheentrancehall.

ProfessorMcGonnogal.

Filchwasquietandwalkedwithalimpthateveningandleftthemquicklywhentheycametotheedgeoftheforest.Hermioneconsidereditoddthattheusuallyperpetuallyangrymankeptquietlatelyandthenshruggeditoff.Everyonewasentitledtofeelingoffonoccasion.

TheylookedaroundnervouslywhenHagridcameoutofthewoodswithasecondyearRavenclawwhowaslookingaroundcuriously.HagridhimselfwasamountainofamanandhewaswieldingwhattoHermionelookedlikeaslightlydowngradedsiegecrossbow.NexttothemsteppedFangwhowassniffingaroundhappily.Shewasunsurewhatsortofbreedhewasbuttheoversizedfangsprotrudingfromhisclosedjawimpliedamagicalbreedofsomesort.Thesightmadeherfeltbetter

aboutthewholetraipseinthewoodsinthemiddleofthenightbusiness.Notthatshewasafraidofthedarkforestoranything.Shewasjustcautious.Yes.

"Wellnowyouthree.Rightontime.Listenup,whattonightwillbeabitdangerousforyoufour,soIwantyoutobecarefulandkeeponthepath.Nounnecessaryrisks."Heintonedsomberlyandmotionedforthemtofollow.HermionementallysworethatifshediedshewascomingbacktohauntprofessorMcGonogalforatlasttenyears.Whilesinginghorriblesongs.Atnight.

Heledthemintotheforestdownalong,unevenforesttrail.Astheywentdeepertheforesttookonamoreancientfeeltoit.Largetreesdominatedsomeparts,withsmalleronesnestledaroundthemandthereweremosscoveredremainsofbrokentreesindicatedalargepredatorhadpassedthroughawhileago.AfterabouttenminutesHagridstoppedthematapointwhereanothertrailcrossedtheonetheyweretakingandpointedoutasilvery-bluesplash.

"Rightthen,that'sunicornblood.Wearetryingtofindtheinjuredbeastybeforewhateverhasbeenhuntingtheunicornsdoes,ifwecanwe'llhelpitandifwecan'twe'llgiveitthemercystrikewewill.Iftheunicorn'sa'rightI'llneedyoukidstokeepitcalmwhileIlookitover.Unicornsrespondwelltochildrenandthaiswhyyou'rehere."

Hepointeddowntheintersectingpath."Thisonecirclesaboutquartermileandthenmeetsinaclearing.IwantRonaldandThompsontogothatway..."hestartedexplainingwhenhewasinterrupted

"What?Onourown?"GulpedRon.

"Isn'tsplittingupanunnecessaryrisk?"AskedThompsonpolitely.

"Don'tbesillyRonald,I'msendin'Fangwithyaeknowsthaway.AndmisterThompsonthepathyouaregoingdownleadsneartheforestedgeandwillbeabitsafer,asmallergroupmakeslessnoiseandthesoonerwefinishthebetter."Hagridexplainedhavingexperiencewithleadingchildrenthroughtheforest.

"NowHarryandHermione,youarewithme,Ineedcoolheadswithmesincewe'llbepassinneartheacromantulacolonyandthedragonbeenest."

Hermionegaspedinalarmatthis.Dragonbeesweresimilartodragonfliesthesizeofaman'shead.Onlywithnastystingersfullofparalysingpoison,thetemperamentofAfricankillerbeesandapenchantforgeneratingaconfundusfieldinlargeenoughnumbers.Ohandtheycaneatnectar,magicandmeatwithequalgusto.Theonlyreasontheyarenotmuchofamenaceistheirstrictnestingconditionsalimited

distancetheycouldmovefromthemainnestbeforedyingandthefactthatthequeencanonlyspawnoneeggpermonth.

Now,noworriesabouttheDragonbees,theyshouldbeasleep.AcromantulasmaybehuntingbutolAragoglikesmeandwouldn'thurtaflyreally.Now,ifanyoneseesanythingorrunsintotroublejustshootoffredsparksandIllbethereintenseconds.Oh,IfFangwhinesandstartsrunningIsuggestyoushootredsparksandfollowhimoutoftheforest.Mostofthemischievouslittledarlingswon'tleavethetrees.Youlotknowthejellylegsjinxbynow?Mostbeastiesarenotimmunetomagicyouknow.Justalittlehinteh?"Hechuckledtohisjokeandstrokedhisblacktangledbeard.

TheysplitupandsoonHagridwasmovingandtalkingwithmuchlessnoise.

Hermionefoundtheforestdarkandforeboding,evenasHagridsunusualstealthreassuredherthatheknewwhathewasdoing.HereyesquicklygotusedtothedarknessandshecouldnotunderstandwhyHarrykeptstumblingoverroots.Shefinallyresortedtoholdinghishandtokeephimfromfallingonhisface.Innowaywassheclutchinghishandduetofearoftheforest.

Sheconcentratedontheirtasktokeepfromoverthinkingthings.Thesilvery-bluebloodshoneinthebrightmoonlightlikeabeaconandsheoftenpointedoutthetinyspeckstohercompanions.

"IsayHermione,youhavegoodwoodcraftthere.Mostfolkscan'tdowellintheforestafterdark."SaidHagridapprovingly.

"Wellthefullmoonisratherbrightsoit'snotthatbad."

"What'chatalkingaboutit'sonlyahalfmoon.Iwouldn'ttakeabunchofkidsoutintheforestduringthefullmoon.Goodeyesthoifyouseethatwellinthedark."NoddedHagrid

"Oh,sonowerewolvesthen."SaidHarryalittlehappierandstoodalittlestraighter.HehadbeenclutchingHermione'shandastightasshewasholdinghis.

"Okspillit.Howcanyouseeinthismurk?"HewhisperedtoHermionewhileHagridbentdowntoexaminetheforestfloorforamoment."Iknowyouaren'tpartcat!"

Hermionestaredathimandthengaveherselfamentalhitinthehead.

"Allright,rememberthatchannelingtrickItaughtyou?Trydoingit."Shewhisperedback.

"Thatstuffishardtokeepupandgivesmeaheadache!"Harrycomplainedandthensighedanddidashewastold.Afterafewminutesheblinkedandlookedaround,Hermionenotedhiseyesnowreflectedlightlikeacat."Oh.ItslippedintomyeyeswhenIwasstrainingtolookaround.Thisstuffhassomeusethen.Whydidn'tyoutell..."

Hagridfrozeinfrontofthem."Quiet!Behindstepbehindme!"Hehissedandpointedhiscrossbowatsomethinginthedark.Afeelingofforebodingsuddenlypermeatedtheforest.

Hermionecouldbarelysometallfigureskulkinginthedarknessandfaintsoundofclothscrapingagainstsomethingbeforethepresencewasgone.Hagridrelaxedafractionandmotionedforthemtocontinue.

"Thatwassomethingforeigntotheforest."Hewhispered."I'mnotsurewhatkindofcritteritwas:"

"Itwastall,manlike."SaidHarry."Ithadsomethinginit'sarmsitwaslonganddarkerthenhisrobes."

"Icouldn'tmakeitout.Onlyatallfigure."AddedHermione."Isupposethatwhispercouldhavebeenclothacrossthegrass.

Haggritlookedatthem."Goodsensesthat.Aye,Icouldmostlyhearitandsmellit.LikesomethingdeadbutIfeltafaintsmellofgarlicsoitain'tavampiresononeedtoworry."

Theycontinuedmakingtheirwasdownthepath.Amothcoveredtreehadfallenacrossthepathandtheyhadtoclimboveritbeforetheycameacrossaclearing.

Hermionestaredinwonder.Outsidethetreesitlookedlikeareallymurkyday,beautiful.Somenocturnalflowersshininginthenight.Thesilverylightsparkledoffthegrass.Unknowntoheranyoneelsewouldmerelyseeadarkmeadow.Instrainingtoseeinthedarknesshermagicwasamplifyingthelightmanytimesandherbrainwastryingtouseherothertraditionalsensestoamplifytheeffect,aswellasstrainingtotheextrasensesshehadforgottenshehadusedoncebeforetoseeglimpsesofmagic.

"It'sbeautiful,"shewhisperedandHarrygaveherastrangelook.Hesupposedthemeadowwaskindofniceandhecouldseewellenoughbutitwasnothingspecial.Girlswereafunnybreedhemused.

"Who'sthere!"BellowedHagridsuddenlyandpointedcrossbowagain."Show

yourself!"

Acentaurinhisprimesteppedintotheclearing.Hishumanhalfwasstrongandmuscledandhishorsehalfwasblackandshiny.Histailflickerednervously.

"NowthereHagrid.Youwouldn'tshootafriend?"adeepstrongvoiceintonedinanamusedtone.

"Oh,It'syouRonan.Howareyoudoing?"IntonedHagrid,relaxing.

"Iamwell.Whatareyoulookingforinintheforestwithtwofoals?"Thecentaurinquiredcuriously.

"There'ssommatfishygoinonaroundthesepart.SomethingisHuntingunicorns.Thechildrenwouldhelpcalmit.TheseareHarryandHermione,studentsatHogwarts.Children,thisisRonan,aCentaur."

"Ah,students.AnddoyoulearnwellinyourHogwartsschool?"Thecentaurasked.

Harryshrugged,stillstaringawedatthecentaur.

Hermionejustnodded."Wedo,thereismuchtolearnintheHogwartslibrary.TheclassestooIsuppose,eveniftheygoabitslowlyformytaste."

Thecentaurnoddedinagreement."Learningisgood.Youshouldnotbetoohastytoskipanylessons.Steadylearningisbest."heintonedsagelybeforelookingup.

"Marsisbrighttonight."

"Yes."intonedHagrid."ListenRonan,haveyouseenanythingunusualintheforest,thehurtunicornperhaps?"

Ronnansighedsadly."Theinnocentareoftenthefirstvictims.Marsshinesbrightlytonight,morethanithasforsomedays."

"Ah,Iunderstandbutdidyouseeadarkpresenceperhaps.Anythingunusual?SaidHagrid."IntheforestImean."

Ronnanlookedathimforalongmomentandthenshrugged.

"Theforestholdsmanysecrets."Hesaidfinally.

Withhardlyanoiseanothercentaursteppedoutatthefarendoftheclearingandapproached.ThisoneseemedmorewarliketoHermionethentheother.Probably

thelargebowstrungacrosshisshoulderandlarge,longknivesrestingonit'sflanks.

"Ah.Banegoodevening."SaidHagridtothenewcomer."Haveyouseenanythingunusualtonight."

BanesteppeduptoRonanandlookedatHagridforamomentthenlookedup.

"Marsisbrighttonight.Unusuallyso."

"Well,um,yes,Imeantintheforest."Haggridtriedtoexplainmoreclearly.

HermionefrownedandlookeduptryingtoseewhatwassodifferentaboutMars.Centaurscouldn'tbemisunderstandingHagridthatbadly.Shefounditeasilyenoughanditwasshiningbrightlywithanice,redsheen.Shesquintedtryingtofigureitoutandforamomentsomethingsnappedintoplaceandshecouldseeit.Thevastexpanseofthesolarsystem,justlikeinthedocumentariesandthedusty,coldredplanet,spinningpeacefully,asmallstormragingacrossaportionofit'sequator.PhobosandDeimoswereonthefarsidesoftheirorbit.reflectinglightbackattheearth.Acometskimmingacrossit'satmosphere.Apartofhershiedawayfromthedistancesinvolvedandretreatedintothatsafeplaceitcouldgotohidefromthebiguncaringuniverse.

"Nowonderit'sbright.PhobosandDeimosarereflectinglightbackatus.Andthere'sasmallcometskimmingMarsatmosphere.Ifitcrashesit'llmakeabigfussandperhapsevenrain,probablyfeedthestormsomethingfierce.Andevenifitpassesonitwillhaveleftsomewatertotheplanet.AonemoresteptoanewlifeIguess"Shecommentedabsentlytoherself,rememberingsomefictionshereadontransformingMars.Shepausedforamomentrealisingwhatshewassayingandthethemomentpassed.Hereyesstungpainfullyandshestumbledavertinghergaze.Sherubbedathereyesandopenedthemcarefullyblinkingspotsfromhereyes.Hadshereallyjustturnedhereyesintotelescopes?No.Shemusthavebeenimaginingsomeofit.Shecouldn'thavebeenorbitingMars.Thatwasjustsilly.Shesmiledatherimaginationforfillingintheblanksandshookherhead.Thatwasprobablyit.Herbrainwasnotwiredformagnificationandshedreamedupthedetail.

Inthemeantimethetwocentaurslookedatherwideeyed.FinallyRonanspoke.

"Thetwinsonsofwarlookdownonus.Acalamitythatmayleavethechanceforanewlifebehind."Henoddedsagely."Yes.Itfits,eventhoughyourwordingisunorthodox."

Hermionelookedbackathimthinkingaboutthemythology,andsomeunderstandingofhowcentaursspoke."Marsisbrighttonight.Isee."

Shesmiled.Andtheysmiledback,faintly.

Hagridinthemantimehadhadenoughofthistalkaboutthestars.

"WellIthingwe'llgolookatsummatclosertohometonight.Let'sgochildrenthatunicornwon'tfinditself.GoodeveningRonan.Bane."

RonanandBanestaredafterthemforalongmomentaftertheyleft.FinallyBanespoke,hessitantly.

"Ididn'tknowhumancanstargaze."

"Neverheardofonethatdid.Nolikethat.Thatsoundedlikeitcamefromthemouthoftheshaman.Speakingoftheelementslikethat;Thecomingstormandachanceofanewlifeindeed.Doyoustillthinkallhumansareworthlessmybrother?"

Baneconsideredthisforalongtimeandthenfinallyspoke."Perhapsnotall.Hagridishalfhumanandheistolerableifabitsimpleinhispatterns.Andthisfoaliswisebeyondheryears.Oneisanaccidentbuttwomaybeabeginningofanewpattern.Andthelightningchild.Hejuststayedquietandobservedwithcleareyes.Likeayoungapprenticewould.Noneofthatpointlesshumanrashnessandfolly,askingquestionsthatwouldbeanswerediftheystayedquietandobserved."

Hefinallyplacedhishandonhiscomradesshoulderandsighed."Iguessonlymosthumansareaplague.Somemightbesymbioticafterall.Gaiasaveus,theyjustmightnotfallthistime."

Hagridledthechildrenalongthetrailstillintothedarknessoftheforestandspoke

"Goodlotcentaursare,eventhoyoucan'tgetastraightanswerfromthem."

"Theyseemedclearenoughtoeachother.Theyseemtobefondofdiviningthefuturefromthestarsandspeakinginmetaphor.Wejustdon'tspeakthelanguage."SaidHermioneshrugging.

"Dotheyalwaysspeaklikethat."AskedHarrycurious.

"Dattheydo!Almostnevertalkaboutanythingcloserthenthemoonthatlot.Nicetotalktho,alwayswillingtochatwhenIwantsomecompany."

"Soareyou..."StartedHermioneandthentrailedoff.ShegrabbedHarry'sarm."Didyousee!"

"Idid!RedSparks,theothersareindanger"

"Alrightyoutwogoonalongthepath,I'llgohelpthosetwo.Greensparksifyoufindtheunicorn,redifyoufindtrouble."Hagridsaidandranforitdisappearingintotheforestlikehewasneverthere.

"Quickman."Harrysaidlookingafterhim.

"Yes.Comeon,"HermionesaidpullingHarry'ssleeve."Didyounotice,wecanseethebloodbetteronthispath.Likeit'sfresher."

Themadegoodtime,walkingquicklyalongthepath.Theblooddidcomefasternow.Andyoucouldseehoofmarksnow,liketheanimalhadgottenheaviersomehow.

"Ireadaboutthat.Ifitgetsweakitcan'tsustainthemagicthatmakesitsodifficulttotrackthem."Hermionespoke

"Look."Harrypointedatalargepatchofcrushedvegetationandblood."Itmusthavefallendownhere!"

"Poorthingmusthavebeeninagonytotossaboutlikethat."WhisperedHermione."Let'sgocheckthatclearingupahead."

Theycameuponaclearingsoonandsawit.Apurewhite,marewithanivoryhornonit'sforehead.Itwaslyingonit'sflank,it'ssidesmearedwithblood,alongdeepgashalongit'sribsandflank.It'seyeswereclosedandit'sbodywastwitchinginspasmsit'sbreathquickandshallow.Thewoundwashadtinyblackveinsalongtheedges,frompoisonperhapsorgodsknewwhatDarkmagic.

Theyapproacheditquicklybutcautiously.

"Allrightdear,it'sallright"Hermionesaidsoothingly.Aflickofherwristandherwandwasinherhand."Ipromisetodomybestforyou."

"Harry,sendoutgreensparks.Keepwatch.I'lltrytohelpit."Shesaidasshetriedthebloodclottingcharm.Theflowstoppedforamoment,theunicorntwitchedandthentheflowrestarted,alittleslower.Themarewentintoanotherspasmlettingoutafaintwhinny.

Hermionesworementally,rememberingtheirinbornresistancetoforeignmagic.Sheconcentratedandthentriedtomatchthepatternofhermagictotheoneshefeltfromthemarelikeshedidwhenalteringarunearray.ItcamemucheasiertonightthenusualandHermionewasthankful,forthepatternwassomuchdifferentthen

whatshewasusedtoandshewasjustlearningtosensemagic.Withglacialspeedshespreadthepainnumbingcharmtomakeitcoverthewholebody.TheunicornshudderedandthenrelaxedabitandHermionesighedinreliefthatitwouldwork.

"That'sitgirl.I'llhelpasmuchasIcan."Hermionesaidsoothingly,tryingtofightbacktearsdespitetheoculumency.Someoneharmedsuchabeautifulcreaturewasamonster,nodoubtaboutthat.

Sheconcentratedagainintomatchingthepatternsandstartedonacleansingchant.Ritualsandchantswereaboutaseffectiveasspellsbuttookmuchlongertocast,gotprogressivelyintricatetocastwithgreatereffectandweremostlyabandonedinthelastfivehundredyearsorsotothemodernandmuchmoreconvenientspellcasting.Itwasconsideredexoticanduseless,exceptasacuriosity.Hermionelikedthem.Mostspellswerejuststreamlined,condensedorjustplainbetterversionsofchantsandritualsanyway.Youcouldpreciselycontroltheeffect,soifshehadthetimeshewouldpickachantorevenaritualcircleforanythingfiddlylikeprogrammingarunicgrid,notthatshe'dbetryingtodothatanytimesoon.TheHogwartslibrarywasapricelesstreasuretroveandHermionewasgladthewardsontheplacelikedhersomuch.

Shehadjustlastweekreadthisone.Itwasafiveminuteprayer/chantingreekthatinvokedbalanceandnaturemeantforcleaningminorpoisonsandremovingdarkresidue.Shewasn'tsureifshewasquitestrongenoughforit,likespellschantsandritualstookacertainamountofmagicalstrengthandexperience.Shelackedbothbutifshedidnottryshewouldneverforgiveherself.

Sheallowedherselftofallintothecadenceandletthemagicflow,itpushedhertotheverylimitanditwasjustbarelyenough.Shedugasdeepassheeverdugtomaintainhermagicflowingintotheslowlybuildingpattern.Becauseoncesheletupshedoubtedshewouldhavethestaminatostartitagain.Sheclosedhereyestobetterfeelthethegrowingpatternandjustheldon,beggingthegodsnottheletsuchamagnificentparagonofbeautyperishinpainanddarkness,bleedinghelplesslyontheflooroftheforest.

AsthefinalergofenergyleftandthefinalsyllablesweresungHermioneshuddered,collapsingtoherkneesandopenedhereyes.

Thebloodstoppedflowingandthewoundlookedlikeashallowcut.Hermionefeltafainthope.Shefeltforapulseanditwassoveryfaintshealmostdidnotfindit.Shelookedatthepoolofsilverybloodaroundtheunicornandshuddered.Itfinallyopenedit'seyesandlookedatherwithwarmthandsentiencebutmadenoefforttorise.It'sheadfallingbacktothegroundanditsighed.

Itstartedtoshivernow,andHermionecouldjustfeelitgettingcoolerunderherhand.AndHermioneknewshehadbeentoolate.Itwasdying.

Knowingitwasfutilebuttookoffhercloakandlaiditontheunicorn.

"I'msorrygirl."Hermionewhisperedpettingtheunicorn'sside."Idon'tknowenough.I'mtooweak.Ican'tsaveyou."

NyarratheStorytellerletoutasoftsoothingwhinny,relaxingcompletelynowthatitunderstoodthehumanfoalwasnotapredatororaslaver.Justanothershaman,doingherwork.

Astheirmothersbroodmother'stoldthemothertohersire,shehadlistenedandfoundhercallingasthekeeperofthepast.Oncetheyhadspokenofthehumanshamans,theonesthatsangthemagicintheproperways.Afadingbreedamonghumans,eveninthetimeswhengodsstillwalkedtheearth.Itwarmedherheartthathumanshavenotquiteforgotten.

Shecouldfadeawayintotheeternalfieldssafelynow.Herpaingone,thetaintfadedtonothingness.Athoughtstayedherforamoment.Herdutytothetribewasunfulfilled.Herlinewaslongyetheronlyfoalbarelyintohergrowth.Sheknewnothalfthestoriesandwasdestinedtogrowaloneamongstthebroodofhersireandforthememoryoftimesuntoldtofadeintothenight.Andyetshewashappy.Forherspiritwouldfadeinpeaceandnotsuffering.Asshefaded,somethingAlientuggedattheedgeofherconsciousnessandsheLooked.Andherheartskippedabeatandalmoststopped.

"Hermione!"CalledHarryandshelookedatwherehewaspointing.

Ablackcloakedfigureglidedintotheclearing,thefeelingofdreadreturning.Ithissedatthemangrilly.HermionewatchedHarrygrabhisscarandstumble.Shegraspedherwandandstoodup,refusingtoletitseehowweakshereallywas.

ShehearHarrywhimperinpainbutitquicklystoppedandhesteppedtoherside,onlyasmallsheenofsweatshowingherhowhardwhateveritattackedhimwithwashadbeentoresist.

"Youcan'thaveit."Harrysaiddefiantlyhisvoiceflatanddetermined.

"OverOurdeadbodies."Sheagreedandcarveditinstone.

"Thatcanbearranged,nosychildren."Acruel,inhumanvoicehissedinthedarkness.Itsoundedlikeitwascomingfromeverywhere.Andyetitwashesitating.

HarrywincedasitspokeandHerminecouldseehisscarwasred,inflamed.

AsforHermioneshefeltthefirststirringsofthatangeratthewizardingworldshehadbeenfeelingallyeardriftfromunderherfadingoculumency.Shehadkeptherangerattheinjusticespercieveddownbutnowitwasleakingthroughwithavengeanceandshewasalreadyfeelinghermagicsluggishlyreplenishitselffromthewarmthonherchest.

"Reductothattreebehinditassoonasitmoves."Shehissed."Smashthroughit'sbaseascloseasyoucantotheground,cleanthroughlikeyoudidthatonetimewhenwepracticed."Shetoldhiminawhisper.

Thecreature,orman,orwhateveritwasfinallyfinishedconsideringandsteppedtowardsthemraisingthelongblacksleeveofit'shoodedrobeandHarryshothisspell.Thecreaturelaughed,notevenbotheringtododgetheapparentmiss.Itstoppedlaughingattheterribleexplosionbehindit.Itturnedtolookandthenjustasquicklyturnedbacktoblockastunnerthatwasflyingit'swayandthebattlewasjoined.

Hermioneraisedherownwandandthefallingtreesuddenlyrushedacrosstheairandintotheclearingandthenhereyeswidenedinsurprisewhentheflyingtreeburstintoflames,courtesyofHarry'swelltimedincendio.OncemoreHarryprovedhecouldoverpowerspellsbetterthenHermione.

Thetreeshatteredagainstalargebronzeshieldthatthefigurehadconjuredinaninstant.TheShieldhadasilversnakeonitanditwasobviousnowfromthewandprotrudingfromit'slongsleevethatthedarkthingwasawizard.

Theburningtreesmashedagainsttheshield,sendingloudgongingnoiseacrosstheclearingasHermionegrittedherteeth,grippedherwandandwithawildslashingmotionandtriedtosmashthedarkwizardtodeathwithalargeburningtree.

Harryinthemeantimewassendingoutstunners,butthemanwasdeflectingthemwithhisotherhand.Wandlessly.

Withawaveofit'shandawallofforcecrashedintothechildrenandittookonestepcloserasHermioneandHarrylandedontheirbacks.Thetreethathadbeenkeepingthewizardbussyfaltered.Heraisedit'swandtofinishthejob.

Suddenlywithaloudcrashingnoisealargechestnutcentaurjumpedintothe

clearingthroughatallbush.Inamomentittookintheinfernodancingaroundtheslightlysingeddarkfigure,thechildrensuddenlypushedbackbythedarkpresence,theunicornthatthechildrenhadbeenguarding,theunicornwhichwasstrugglingtostandbloodstainedcloakoverit'ssideandraisedit'sbowandletlooseanarrow.Thecloakedfiguresawthisandwithagestureofit'swandthebowstringwasseveredandhereceivedasmallgashalongthebackofhiswandhand.Thecentaurdrewaswordandpreparedtochargeandsellhislifedearlyevenasthewizardslashedanotherdeeplinenotquitemissedhisrightforeleg.

Shelayhelplesslyathersideasitsteppedintotheclearing,thethingthathaddrunkthebloodofhersistersapporaching.Shehadseenabominationsinherlonglife,likethemonstrousspidersthatprayedontheiryoung.allofwhichthestallionshaddefeatedbutthisonewassomuchmorefoulandtwisted.

Andasthefoalsstoodtoprotecthershefeltsadnessfortheycouldnotstandagainstit.Andthenashercousinsteppedintothefightshefeltshameandtriedtostand.Andfinallyasitlaughedshefeltanger.Shecouldnotjustliethereandfadeasfoalsandyounglingsfoughtforher.Aburningspikeddeepwithinherthatshehadneverfeltbefore.Adeepredfireinherveinsthatfeltlikeitwouldburstherfailingheart.Sherememberedherlineandherduties.Andtherisingdarknessthatkilledhersistersandleftherdaughteralone.

ShewasNyarratheStoryteller,descendantofNiistatheBold,descendantofthegoddessEponee.Shewouldstand.Andshewouldfight.Nodarknessnoabomination,notevendeathwouldstandinherwayofherwill.Shehadthingstodo.

Musclesclenched,flanksburned,breathcame.Andthenshewasfree.

Alightshonebrightlyacrosstheclearingandoutlinedthemarewhichhadmanagedtogettoit'sfeet.

Itletoutaloudwhinnythatranglikegoldenbellsalongtheclearingthatsangofwarmthandpassion,offreedomandanddutyoflightsinshadowandacleansingfire.Thedarkwizardflinchedastheunicornchargedstraightpastthechildrenathimengulfedinlightandsilveryflames.

Withalargecrackthedarkwizarddissapated.

Thelightaroundtheunicornfadedandthechildrenstaredatthesilveryghostlyfigureofthehorseasitrearedinchallengeandscreamedinfury.Thentheylooked

behindthemandtherewasit'sbody,deadandlifeless.

TheghostlyUnicorntrottedtowardsthechildren,prancedalittleinfrontofthemhappily,nibbledatthechildren'shairandthenwithahuffitgallopedoffintotheforestfadingoutofsight.

Thecentaurstaredafteritforalongmomentbeforeheslowlylimpedovertothechildren

"Areyoutwoallright?"Heasked

HarrynoddedwhileHermionesmiledhappilyandsaid."We'lllive,thankyou.CastthegreensparksagainHarry.I'mdry.Thehealingspellstookalargechunkofmymagic."

Harryslappedhimselfontheforeheadandthenwincedathowsensitiveitwas.

'Weforgottosentredsparks.'Hekickedhimselfmentallyashesentoutgreensparks.

"Youtriedhealingtheunicorn?"Askedthecentaurlookingatthegirl.

"Ifailed."SaidHermioneinaweary."IthadlosttoomuchbloodandIdidn'tknowenoughhealingtocounteractthat."

Shesatdownonthegrass,torest,justforaminute.

"Thenyoudidmorethanitcoulddream."Hesaidwithanoddtoneofvoice."Whyareyouherechildren?Fightingwiththatmonstrosity?"

"WecamewithHagrid."SaidHarry"Tolookfortheunicorn."

Thcentaurnoddedandthenstaredattheboy'sforehead.

"YouareHarryPotter.Youshouldnotbehereinthisforesttonight.Thestarsyouareindeadlyperil,andindeedtheforestcanbeadeadlyplace."

HarrysnortedandHermionechuckledtiredly.

"Yes.Wekindofrealisedthatbeforewecame."Hesaid."ForbiddenForestandallthat."

"Wellcomewithme,IamFirenzeandIwillleadyououtoftheforest."

"Wecan'tjustleaveit'sbodylikethat!"Hermionetriedtostandupbutherkneeswobbled.Andshesatdownbackonthegrass.

"Mypeoplewillguarditandtakeproperstepsinyourname.Youhavedoneagreatthingfoal."

"Whatdoyoumean?"AskedHarryasheofferedHermioneahandtohelpherstandup.

"Whenunicornthatdiesofnaturalcausesandechoofit'sspiritwillusuallylingerinagladeitdiedin,makingitintoaholyplaceforsevenyears.Aunicornthatshed'sit'sformtofightevilbecomesaspiritprotectorofanentireforestforthesametime.Youmadesureitdidn'tdieinpain,andfearandeveninspiredittofight.AfterallifchildrencouldfighttheDarkhowwouldanyoneelsedoanyless.Youjustmayhavemadetheentireforestabetterplace."Heexplainedastheywalkedeachwiththeirownlightlimp.Hermioneleanedheavilyonbothofthemandkeptsilent,listening.Shewasverysleepysuddenlyandconcentratedmostlyonstayingawake.

"Sowhatwillbecomeofthe.Um...Spiritunicorn?"AskedHarrycuriously,sheneverreadanythingaboutthis.

"Itwillguardtheforestaslongasthereisneedforitandthenitwilldepartforthegreatpastureinthestarslikeallghostsdo."

"Whatwasthatthingafter?"Harmioneasked."Howcouldanyoneharmaunicorn."

"Whatdoyouknowaboutunicornbloodyoung..."Itpausedforanobscureword."Youngchildling?"

"Notmuch,wedon'tuseitinpotions.Weusetheirhairinwandsandit'sshedhornsifsomepotions."Hemioneexplained.

"Freshunicornbloodstraightfromtheveinisaverypotenthealingagent.Itcansaveamanonthebrinkofdeath.Andyet,tokillaunicornforit'sbloodwillcursewhoeverdoesitintheirlifeandaftertheirdeath.Doomthemtoanexistenceofhalf-life,oftorturousun-death.Acursedexistence."

"Butwhocouldbethatdesperate?"Harryasked."Orthatevil?"

Hermionesnorted.

"Didn'tyoulistentowhattheman..um,centaursaid.Whoisalreadyundead,aftersomethingnearby,isobscenelyevilandhasnothingtolose?"

"Yes,evenifitaquestionifhehasenoughlifeforittobecursed.Orenoughhumanitytocare..."

Harry'seyeswidened.

"Vol.."

"Tharyouare!"CalledhagridashakenlookingRavenclawandadazed,whitefacedGryfindoortrailingafterhim.FirenzelookedatHagridandpushedthechildrentohim.

"IleavethechildrentoyouthenHaggrid.Goodevening."Andwiththathefled.Toomanyhumansinoneplace.Andmuchtodobeforethenightwasover.

"SorryIttooksolong,theboysranintosomeofAragogsspawnandtookabitoftalkingtomakethingsright."

HarrylookedathimblandlywhilesteadyingahalfasleepHermione."Right,wearejustpeachy.Noneedtolookfortheunicornanymore,thecentaurshaveit."

Therewaslittlefusswhentheycamebacktothecastle.ThechildrenweresentstraighttobedandHaggridwenttotalkwiththeHeadmaster.

Onlysomeofthemweretoowiredtoevenconsidersleep.

"HowcouldyouwanttoplaychessatatimelikethisRon?"saidHarry,pacingaroundthecommonroomafterHermionehadwentofftosleep.Hewastoofullofnervousenergytofollow.

"Idon'twanttothinkaboutthes...spidersHarry."ThestillshakenRonexplained."Canyouclearupwhathappenedtoyourscarwhenit...Hecame."

"I'mnotsure.LikeIsaid,foramomentIwaspanicking,abouttorun,myheadwassplittingopen.AndthenIsawHermionethere,grippingherwandtightly,angersurginginhereyesandmyoculumencyshieldjustslidintoplacelikeitdidinpractice.Thepainwasquarteredinstantly.AndVoldemortfledoncetheunicornjoinedthefray."

Ronflinchedatthename."Lookmatelet'sjustforgetthewholething.IknowIwanttoforgetthosebloodyhugespidersandneverevenseetheforestagain.

HarrywalkedovertoRonandgrabbedhisshoulder."Lookmate,wehavetowork

harderonthestuffsheteachesus!Oculumencysavedmylife!Ibetonit!VoldemortisafterthestoneRon!Notjustanywizard!Voldemort!"

"Enough!"YelledRonshakingshyingawayfromhisbestfriend."Stop.Saying.His.Name."

Harryjustsighedtheatricallyandwentbacktopacing.

"QuirrelorSnape.Oneofthosetwowillstealthestoneforhim.AndVoldemortwantsmedead.Ihavetolearntofight.Ihavetolearnfast."HestoppedandstaredatRon.

"Lookmate,stepuporstepdown.IhavetostoplarkingaroundandprepareoroneofthesedaysI'llturnaroundthecorneranditwillbegoodbyeHarrypotter.Andifyoustickwithmeyou'llbeinthemiddleofit.AndIdon'twantyouhurt."

"AwcomeonHarryYou-know-whoisafraidofDumbledore,he'llkeepussafe!"Rontriedtoreassurehisfriend.

"YesRon,notevenDumbledorecanbeeverywhere.Andevenifhedoes,soonerorlaterwehavetoleaveHogwarts."

TothatRondidn'thaveananswerandheremainedsilent.

Andashewenttobedthatnightashudderrandownhisspine.Hemightactuallyhavetostudyoutsideofclasswork.HewouldhavetodoifhewantedtostayHarry'sfriendandlive.

AndifYou-know-whoreallywasalive...Ashiverwentdownhisspineandturnedintofullfledgedfear.Andhesilentlywept.ForhewasaWeasley.Hewouldhavetostandbyhisfriendsandallies.Hecoulddonoless.EvenagainstYou-know-who.Andsincehewasnotpowerfulsmartortalentedhewoulddie.

Andashisdreamsturnedtonightmaresafewoftheredhairsonthebackofhisneckturnedwhiteashedreamtthathesoldhislifedearly,faraboveit'scost.Hecouldneverfindsomethingofhisowntoseparatehimfromhisbrothers.Itwasforareasonitseemed.Hehadacalling.Hewoulddieyoung,standingagainstthedarknesslikemanyWeasley'sthroughtheageshad.

AN:

InthebeginningIwassorelytemptedtosidelineRon,probablytheinfluenceofallthoseficsthatmarginalizedhim.ButthenIrealizedhejustneededtofocusbetteron

whatwasimportant.

Thispartisthefirstturningpoint.Deviationfromcannonhasbegun.Evenifitwon'tbethatobviousuntillsecondyear.

WasitjustmethatwasannoyedabouthowJKRwroteinthecasualkillingofUnicorns?JustlikethattheydieandQuirrelMortfeeds.Notinthisepictheydon't.

I'mprobbablyforgettingsomethingbutmyonlinetimeisverylimitedsoi'llhavetolivewithit.

Chapter11:Plot?

WhilechildrenaremorethancapableofwieldingthenewcrystalmatrixarrayIstronglydisapproveofloweringtheadmittanceagebellowsixteen.Therewillbenochildsoldiersonmywatch.Iwillconcedethatteachingeveryoneovertheageoftwelveinhowtouseandpowershieldcrystalsandelementalamplifiersforcitydefencepurposeonly.ButundernocircumstanceswillIallowchildrentoparticipateinawarwiththosemonstrosities.Oncewasenough.ChildrenshouldnotwatchtheirfriendsdiegruesomedeathsandIwillbendmyconsiderablypowerandinfluencetoensurethatit.Does.Not.Happen.Again.

AdmiralHermioneJaneWeasley-Granger-Harris.Sorceress,Dragonclass.HeadofTheRagnarokWarCouncil.Mother.

AlbusPercivalUlfricBrianDumbledoreponderedhisageforamomentashisdeputypacedhisofficeonthevergeofunleashingherlegendarytemperandthenacceptedthenotionthathewas,infactgettingtoooldforthesekindofexcrementexplosions.

"CalmdownMinerva,Idonotthinkthiscouldhavebeenpredicted."Heintonedamicably.Hecertainlydidn'tthinkanactualduelwoulderupt.HewasjustwishedheknewmorethanwhatHaggridtoldthem.Harry'sexplanationof;'Wefoundthedyingunicorn,Hermionetriedtohealhim.Adarkwizardcamewefought,acentaurshowedup,theunicornturnedintoaghostandthewizardranaway.DoyoureallythinkitcouldhavebeenVolemort?'hadbeensomewhatlackingindetailbutHagridhadsentthechildrentosleepbythen.Andnow,afterthemeetinghewasleftwithafurious,protectiveMinervaMcGonogaltoplacate.

"Calmdown?Calmdown!"Minervabristledathim."Whiletherestofusweresleepingmycubswerefightingadarkwizardintheforbiddenforest!Alone!"

"IamsureHagridhadeverythingundercontrol."Hetriedtoplacateher.HerealisedhismistakewhenMinervastoppedherpacingandturnedandlashedhimwithanicylook.

"Hagridisacompetentwoodsman,anexcellentfighterandacaringman.Hewasalsohasdifficultyunderstandingthattherestofusaresomewhatlittlemorefragilethanhim.AndHeadmaster?AsfarasIcouldtellhewasn'teventhere.Hewassavingtheothertwochildrenfromthespiders."

Albusstaredathisdeputyforalongmomentandthensighed.Shewasn'tbuyingit.Buthejustcouldnotunderstandwhyshewasfussing.

"Wellwhomeverthechildrenfacedcouldn'thavebeenacompetentwizardifacoupleofchildrendefeatedhimMinerva.Iwilltalktothecentaursforabitmoredetailandwewillcontinuethisdiscussiontommorow?I'mafraidtheseoldbonesarenotwhattheyusedtobe."Hereasonablybuyinghimselftimetoponderwhichsecretstoshare.PerhapssharinghisideaoncapturingTom?AfterallifitwasTomtheyfacedHarry'sprotectionprobablyactivatedandhadtobekeptasecret.Andifitwasn't?Awizardwhocan'tholdhisownagainstuntrainedchildrenwashardlyathreattoanyone.

AlbusPercivalUlfricBrianDumbledorewasawellmeaningoldmanwithalotonhismind.Heperformedhisdutiestothebestofhisconsiderableabilityandtriedtobeprogressiveandstayintouchwithcurrentevents.Butevenaftermorethenhalfacenturyasaneducatorhestillcouldnotconceivetheideaofdangerousyoungchildrenseriously.Afterall,childrenwereundisciplinedandlackedthewisdom,knowledgeandpowertostanduptoagrownwizard.Theyhadtobecarefullymoldedintotheirdestinies.

AfewdaysaftertheforestincidentHermionehadbeenmindingherownbusinesstakingashortcutonherwaytothelibrarythroughthefalsewallnexttothecrackedstatueofUthgartheUnlucky.Itwasanoddfewdaysandthingswerejustgettingbacktonormal.McGonogalhadbeenaskingalotofquestionslatelyandHermionetriedtoanswerwhatshecouldwithoutgivingupherownsecrets.HarryhadagreedtokeeponeortwothingsasecretbetweenthetwoofthemandRonaldwasnotspeakingmuchwithanyone,twichingeverytimehesawaspider.

Onthepersonalsideshewasgladthataccordingtothefinancialtimesherinvestmentsweregoingalongnicely.Butthequestionwasshouldshebemoreagresssiveinherinvestment.Howmuchmoneywasenough?Andwhatkindofexpencescouldsheexpectinthefuture?

Thusshewasdeepinthoughtwhenshewasruthlesslyambushedagain.AndunliketheMalfoyincidentshehadbeentakencompletelybysurprise.

TheWeasleytwinsliterallypoppedupoutofnowhereandpositionedthemselvesatherside,divertinghergentlyfromthelibrarypath.

"Thereyouare,oursisteroftheheart."SaidFredfondly."Youhavebeenbusy."

"Yousneakylittlerulebreakeryou."IntonedGeorgecheekilyasheputhishand

aroundhershouldergentlyencouraginghertoturnlefttowardstheirlaironthesecondfloorinsteadofthelibrary.Hermionedidn'tevenbotherwithatokenprotest.Shehadbeenneglectingthetwinslately.

"Idon'tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout."Hermioneintonedinnocentlyastheychangedhallwaysandfloorsviaasmallsecretstairwaybehindthetapestryofthethirdgoblinrebellion.Orwasitthefifth?Shemadeamentalnotetoreaserchthat.

"Nousepretending."Theyintonedinunison.

"Weknowallaboutit."AddedFred.

"PercymentionedyouwereinthelibraryearlyinthemorningbeforebreakfastonthedayoftheMalfoyincident."SaidGeorge

"Ialwaysvisitthelibrarybeforebreakfasttoavoidcrowds."

"AndoneofoursnakeyearmatessaidMalfoyhasbeenbraggingintheSlytherincommonroomhowhe'llgetyouinfrontofthelibraryrightuptothatmorning."ExplainedFred.

"Malfoyalwaysbragsaboutthings."

"Andyoudidgetustoteachyouthestickingcharmaftertheholidays."PointedoutGeorge.

"Withchescuriosity.Itwasmerelyforacademicreasons.IhadnoplantodoanythingtoDracoMalfoyandhiscatspaws.OrareyousayingIshouldtakeDivinationclassesearly?"IntonedHermionesmuglyastheyemergednearthekitchens.Itwaseventrue.Theactualevenwasimprovisedonthespot.

Sheloweredhershieldsasmidgeonandfeltthetwinsprojectedamusementandcuriosity.

"Howdidyoudoit?"FredfinallyaskedwhileGeorgewasbusygettingapeartolaugh.

Sheignoredhimasshegreetedthehouseelveswithapolitebowandsatdownatoneofthesmallunusedtables.Shewasatleastteachingthemtoavoidbowingtoher.Itamusedhertoseethemgetflusteredeverytimeshebowsback,deeperthentheydid.Theywerelearningfasttotreatherwiththeleastamountofpompaspossible.

"C'mon!Tellme!Howdidyoudoit?"FredwhinedtoherandGeorgesamusement.

"Dowhat?"AskedHermionewhilemaintainingherinnocence.Shelookedatthehouseelvesbustlingaroundhappily,bynowusedtotheirpresence.Sheepishlysherecalledtheconversationshehadwiththetwinsonthelifeexpectancyofafreedhouseelf.Thatwasoneoftheraretimesshehadseenthetwinscompletelyserious.SocietyforPromotionofElvishAdvancementandKindnesshasbeenborn.WiththetwinsasfirstmembersRonandHarrywerenext.TheS.P.E.A.K.goalsweresimpleandplainlystatedintheorganisationsverytitle.

"HowdidyougetMalfoyandhisgoonsfromthelibrarytothegreathallunderPercy'snose?"SnappedFredexasperatedly.

HermionelookedathimandexchangedlookswithGeorge."Idon'trememberhimalwaysbeingthisimpatient?"

Georgelaughed."I'mcurioustoo,butithasbeendrivinghimmadinthelastcoupleofday.Accordingtoourinvestigationthetimingwasoffunlessyouhadaccomplices.Whichyoudidn'tsincemostGryfindoorwerestillasleep"

ShecouldfeelexasperationflowingfromFredandamusementfromGeorgeanddecidedtobeabitcheeky.

"Well,Ibetterelucidatebeforeoneofyouburstssomething."Shesaidwhilediscretelylevitatingherwandoutofit'sholsterandintoherhandandperformingprecise,minutemovements,justoutofsight.

SuddenlyGeorge,Fred,theirchairs,thetableandherownchairliftedintotheairalongwithher.Trickybitofworksplittingherconcentrationandaleviationcharmfourwaysbutjustwithinhergrasp.Shejustlovedthechalengesinherentinmagicandstreachingwhateveryonesaidwaspossibletothelimitandbeyond.

"Doesthisansweryourquestion,Fredericdear?"Sheaskedhimsweetlyasthetwinsgrippedtheirchairsandspluttered.TwobutterbeersandacupofEarlGrayappearedonthelevitatingtableandHermionesmiledattheelvesunflappabilitywhenitcametoservice.Shesippedhertea,milkandadashofhoneyasshelikedit,andwaitedforthemtofinishspluttering.Shecarefullyconcentratedonsteadilyloweringeverythingtothefloortoavoidspillage.

"AndPercydidn'tnoticeanything?"AskedGeorgeinwonderatthesheercheekinessofheraction.Honestly.Levitatingstudentsallovertheschool?

"WelltobehonestIdid,stun,petrify,silenceanddisillusionthemfirst."Shesaid,

projectingasmugsenseofaccomplishment.Thenshepaused."ThoughthedisillusionmentcharmonGregorydidwaveroccasionally,nowthatIthinkaboutit."

Thetwinssharedoneoftheirlooksandnoddedtoeachother,decisiontheyhadbeenponderingconfirmed.

"AllrightMissGranger.MybrotherandIwouldliketoinviteyouintooursupersecreteliteorder."SaidGeorge

Hermioneraisedaneyebrow."Andwhatwouldthatentail?"

"Prettymuchwhatwehavebeendoing.Weshareknowledge,youkeepoursecretstoyourselfandviceversaandoccasionallyweexpectaprankideafromyou.Wehelpyouwithyourpranksandoccasionallyofferadvice."IntonedGeorgesolemnly.

"Ohandyouhavetoexplainhowintheworldareyouperformingmultiplelevitationsatonce."AddedFred.

Hermioneshrugged."Ihaveaknackwiththelevitationsubgroupofspells.Iamunsurewheretheproficiencycamefrom.SofarIdon'thaveanythingelsethatIcancastaspowerfullyoreasily.ItisalsotheonlyspellIcancastwandleslyandnotforthelackoftrying.EvenifitmuchweakerwhenIdoitlikethat."

Shesawhowthattidbitaboutwandlessmagicresonatedwiththetwinsandsmiled,inadvance,atalltheideastheymightcookuptotakeadvantageofthat.

"Asfortherestofyouroffer?"Sheasked."Youbasicallywishaformalalliancebetweenindividuals?Itsoundsabitinnocentforallyoursupersecretclubtalk."

"Well.There'sthemandatoryillegalanimagustrainingwhenyourwegettoknowenoughtransfiguration."Georgesaidandsmiled.

"Ah,mydearbrother,it'sonlyillegalifwefailtoregisterafterwetakeourNEWTs.Thelawsaysso!"AddedFred.

Hermioneperkedup.Tobecomeananimagi?Andwhatwasthemischiefshewassensingfromfredwhenhespokeaboutthelaw.

"Whattheheck!WheredoIsign?"Shesaid,shruggingnonchalantly.Shewasgoingtojointhemanyway,thetwinsknewsomanyHogwartssecretsandsuchdiverserangeofmagicshewasconstantlyexasperatedathowlowtheyscoredinclass.TheLiterarySocietyhiddentomeswasworthprettymuchanythingtheyaskedofher.Notthatshewouldtellthemthat.

"Wellyoufirstswearasolemnoath."SaidFredashepulledoutanoldlookingpieceofparchment.

"Amostsacredandancientoath."AddedGeorgeashisbrotherspreadtheparchmentonthetable.

"TheoathoftheMarauders."Theyintonedtogethersinisterly.

AtthispointHermionewouldhavebeenatouchwearyifshecouldn'tfeeltheirsurfaceemotions.Therewasnohidden,malicioustraphere,justthetwinsusualantics.Shemightgetprankedasapartofthebargain,butshecouldlivewiththat.Aslongastheycouldlivewiththeirunderthingshangingfromthetopofthequiddichgoalslikeagiantflag.

Timepassed.Therumoursabouttheforbiddenforestincidentdieddownsomewhat.Thechildrencontinuedtheirinvestigation,spellpracticeandextracurricularstudies.Ronaldrejoiningthemafteraweekofasocialbrood...ehem,contemplation.Butitwasawhileuntiltheyactuallygotanyrealproofthathogwartsprofessorswereinvolvedintherecenthapenings.

IthappenedsometimeafterHarrywonyetanothermatchfortheGryfindoor.Adefiniteproofofaconspiracy.

"Allright,concentrateonemoretimeandtrytorepeatwhatyouoverheard,verbatim."Hermionecalmlyintonedperchedonthedeskofaremote,abandonedDADAclassroomtheyhadbeenusingfortheirmeetings.

"GiveitarestHermione!"Ronaldexploded."It'sobvious.SnapeandQuirrelaretryingtogettowhateverFlammelguyhastheHeadmasterhidingdownthere."

"NoyougiveitarestRonald.Look.ProfessorSnapehatesHarry,Igetit.Ithinkit'sunprofessionalandirrational.Ihaven'tbeenabletofindformalevidenceofaformalfeudbetweenSnapesandPottersbutthetensionisthere.Andit'sobvioustheprofessorsarenotworkingtogether!InfactfromwhatIcantellProfessorSnapeloathestheman."Hermioneyelledexasperated.

Shestillcouldn'tbelievetheboyshadfoundheanswertothepuzzleinaboxofchocolatefrogsshehadsentthemforChristmas.

"HedidtoneitdownsomewhateversinceIlimitmyinteractiontosimple,neutralYesprofessor,NoProfessor.Usinghistitlewiththestrictneutralinflectionandbodylanguagegetshimtobackofsomewhat."Harryadded.Hedidn'tlikeSnapebuthe

knewthevalueofsubterfuge.

"Wellmaybetheybothwantitandareracingwitheachotheroverwhowillgetit?"Ronacquiesced.

Hemrionenoddedthoughtfully."Thatmightbepossible.AlthoughI'mstillstumpedonwhytheHeadmasterwouldkeepthedarnedthinginschool.Supposedlydangeroustrapsornodangeroustraps.IfIwantedtohidesomethingI'dputitinaFideluscharmedboxandputthedarnboxonmynightstand."

Harrynodded."Ican'tgetoverhowhowineffectivethefirsttrapis?UnwardeddoorswithasleepyCerberus?"

"Iseeyourpoint,butitcouldbeafalseopeninggambit,tolullsomeoneintoafalsesenseofsecurity."SaidRonthoughtfully."Butwhatdowedonow?"

"Well,Wecouldfollowthemaround?"Harrysaidandgrinnedcheekily."Withmyshinyandohsousefulinvisibilitycloak?"

"Letmetalktothetwinsfirst."Hermionesaidthoughtfully."Theymighthelp."

"How?"AskedRonsuspiciously.

"Can'tsay."Hermionesmiledmysteriously"IsworeanOath."

Theboysknewwellenoughtoleaveitaloneiftheywantedtokeeptheirhaircolourstatic.

Itwasapproachingmidnightasthetwocloakedfiguressnuckintothedimlylitroom.Athirdfigurethatwasperchedregallyonashadowythrone.

"Reportmyminions."Ahushedvoicespoke.

"ZisizzuperzzpyGred,wehafafeeklyreportforyou."SaidFred

"SuperspyForgeagrees.Wehavemuchoreportoforyou."AddedGeorge.

Hermionecouldn'thelpherselfandshegiggled,breakingthesinisterscene.Shelitupalumosspell,hoppeddownfromtheprofessor'sdeskandraisedaneyebrowatGeorge."Muchoreporto?"

The'serious'twinscratchedhisheadsheepishly."IdrewtheshortstrawsoFredtookthecoolaccentandIgotstuckwithfakeSpanish.WhichIcan'tuse."

"Whynotjustbeabritishspyinstead?"sheaskedhim.

"Oy!Whydidn'tIthinkofthat?"Georgeslappedhimselfontheforehead.

Fredsnickeredathisbrotherandthenprocededwithhisreport.

"Well,asyouknowthemaninquestionhasbeenmeetingwithsomefellownamedTomMalvoroRiddlefromtheedgeoftheforbiddenforest,everythirdevening.Thoughlatelyhehasbeenleadinghimintothecastle."explainedFred

"Andlettinghimsleepinhisquartersandinhisbed."Georgemadeaface.

Hermioneblinked."Wait,youmeantogether?"

Frednodded."Wecouldn'tthinkofanyotherreasonfortheirdotstopracticallycrawlovereachotherallthetime."

"WellthatwasonethingIdidnotwishtoknow."

"AlsotheyhavebeenhangingaroundthirdfloorcorridoralotbutSnapeoranotherprofessorwouldcomeafterabouttenminutes."

"Anythingelseunusual?"AskedHermione

"TheheadboyandheadgirlhadbeenspendingalotoftimealoneintheprefectsbathroomaftercurfeweveryFridayandSaturday?"Georgewaggledhiseyebrows.

"Asinallthewayuntilearlymorning."AddedFred.

"Anythingelse?"

"Filchhasbeenspendingalotoftimeinthedungeonslately.WithJarvisMangrove,SixthyearRavenclawprefect."

Hermionemadeaface."NotquitewhatImeantbutnevertheless,Ithankyougentlemen."Hermionesaidandhandedthemasmallleatherbagwhichclinkedasitchangedhands."FifteengaleonslikeIpromised."

"Ithasbeenapleasuredoingbusinesswithyoumylady."SaidGeorgebowingtheatrically.

"EvenifmonitoringthemapfrommidnighttofiveAMeverynightdidcutintoourbeautysleep."SaidFred.

"Ifyoueverneedtohireminionstodoyourbiddingagainletusknow."Georgeaddedcheekily."Yourtasksarebothabusinessandapleasure."

"ZieMerzenariesGredandForgearealfaysguthilfe.UndZisisfunJa?"

"Ohhushyourtwoandlet'sgetbacktothecommonroombeforeFilchcatchesus."

"Allright.Youhaveapoint.It'sQuirrel."SaidRon,reluctantlyaftersheshearedhernewinformation.

"Sowhatdowedo?"WonderedHarry.

"Wecouldtelltheteachers?"OfferedHermionehalfheartedly.Someonehadtoplaydevilsadvocate"Dumbledoreperhaps?"

"Andtellthemwhat?QuirrelisafterthePhilosophersStonealongwithhisloverTomMalvoroRiddle?"AskedRon.

"Weshouldatleasttry.Thisishislast,bestchancetodoit.He'sboundtogoforitanydaynow."SaidHarrywithasigh."We'lltalktoProfessorMcGonogalafterclasstommorow."

Noneofthechildrenquitebelievedtheadultscouldbereliedontotakethemseriously.

Ofcourse,itwentprettymuchasshehadexpected.

"IassureyouthatProfessorDumbledoreknowswhatheisdoing,andthatProfessorQuirrelisnotworkingwithYou-know-who.Hisliaisonsarealsohisbusiness.YouwilldropthematterimmediatelybeforeIstarttakingpointsfromGryfindoorforyourinvadingaprofessor'sprivacy!"McGonogalltoldthemoffsternly.

"Yesprofessor."Hermionesaidbeforetheycalmlywalkedaway.Shehadtriedtherules,andnowshewasfreetodothingsherownway.

AN:

Ihonestlythoughtthiswouldbedonebynow,unfortunatelyIaccidentalydownloadedalifeanditgotinthewayofrevising.AlsogotbitbyaTwilekplotbunnythatkeepsnibblingatme.

ToanswerMorganaLeFaethepartsinthebeginingofachapter.Somearefrom

textsHermioneisreadingandsomeareglimpsesofpotentialfutures.

Chapter12:Traps&Tricks

"Noplansurvivescontactwiththeenemy.Thishasbeentrueforaverylongtimeladiesandgentlemen.Iaddtothisthatbackupplansandgotohellplanscanfailaswell.Whenthathappensallyouhaveleftisyourskill,yourinherenthumanabilitytoimproviseandsheerguts.Remember:Whatyoucan'tdazzlewithglitterconfusethemwithbullshit."

SargeantSelenaLovegood-Jones

Part,12?:OnFertiliserandGlitter.

"HarryHermione,It'sstarting!"RonaldWesleyrushedintothecommonroomandannouncedtoeveryone.

Hermionegroanedandplacedherhandintoherpalm.

"WhatisstartingRonald?"AskedPercyWeasleyglaringsternlyathisbrother.

"Um...Er...NothingPercy."Hemumbled.

"RonaldWesley!"PercystartedtosaywhenHermionewalkedover.

"HonestlyRonaldifyoudidn'twantanyonetoknowthatyoulistentotheWitcheshouronthewirelessyoushouldnothaveannouncedittothecommonroom."Hermioneannouncedfromherseatandsnickersspreadthroughthecommonroom.

"ComeonboyswecanlistentoitonHarry'snewwireless."shesaidanddraggedRonupstairs.

Harrysighedandstooduptofollow.

"Harry!Youcan'tbeserious!"DeanThomasannouncedincredulously."That'sasappygirl'sprogarm."

Harryshrugged."Sometimesyouhavetotakeahitforthesakeoffriendship."

Andwiththattheyweresafelyintheboysdorm,wirelessturneduploudly.Thegamewasafoot.

"WhatdoyouhaveRonald?"AskedHermione.

"IoverheardFlitwicksayDumbledorewillleaveforBrusselstonightonanurgent

businesstotheICWandwouldnotbebackuntilmorning."Ronsaid.

"Soit'stonight."Harrysaid.

"We'llhavetowaituntilaftercurfew.ThestaffmeetingbreaksupatelevenandweshouldhaveenoughtimetogettothestonebeforeQuirrel."Hermionesaidandeveryoneagreed.

Theymetdowninthecommonroomattenandsilentlymadetheirwaytowardstheexit.

"Oh,Ialmostforgot.Taketheseandputthemonyourwrist."Hermionesaidhandingtheboysasimplerubberhairbind."It'sfor..."

"Andwhereareyouthreegoing?"Avoicerangloudlyacrossthecommonroom.

TheyturnedandthereNevillewas,sittinginalargeleatherarmchairlikeaJamesBondvilain,pettinghisfrog,halfhiddenintheshadows.Hewasfarofffromtheshystutteringboyhewasatthebeginningoftheyear.

"Neville!We..."

"No.Wearethirdinpointsthisyear,andyoulotwillnotbedraggingGryfindoorjustsoyoucouldkeepupyouramusements.Iknewsomethingwasoff.Ronhatesthatruddyshow.I'mcallingaprefectrightnow."Nevillegrowledandstoodup.

"Neville,I'tsnotlikethat..."Harrytriedtoexplain.

"Icant!Hermione!YoucostGryfindoorasmanypointsasyouearn.ProbablymorewiththoseHundredyoulosttraipsingaroundinthemiddleofthenight.Ihatepranks!UncleAlgiealwaysplayedprankstryingtogetmetos..showmagic!"Hestutteredattheendandstartedwalkingtowardthedormitories.

"Nevilleyoucan't..."StartedHarryatthesametimeasRonsaid

"Mateplease..."

Hermionesighedandsnappedoffapetrificusandlevitatedhimbacktothem.

"NowyoulistenhereNevilleLongbottom.Youpickedaruddybadtimetostartstandinguptopeople.Iagreewithyouinpronciplebutnotinthiscase.Youdon'thaveallthefacts.Now.Incasesomethinghappensandwedon'tmakeitback.QuirrelandRiddleareworkingforVoldemort.Don'tlookatmelikeI'mmadNeville..ThePhilosophersStoneisbeingkeptunderthethirdfloorcorridor.Dumbledoreis

awayandtheprofessorsdon'tbelievethatthereisanydanger"Sheglancedatherwatch.

"Inonehourandthirtyfiveminutestheendoftheyearstaffmeetingwillend.QuirrelandhisaccompliceRiddlewilltrytostealthephilosophersstonewhileDumbledoreisawayanduseittorevivetheirmaster.Wearegoingtostealitfirst.Youwillstayinthissofauntilsomeonereleasesyou."Shesighed."Ifitwearsoffonit'sownitmeansI'mdead."

TheyleftandNevillewasstuckinthecommonroomhisbodyfrozen,buthisthoughtsarushingamileaminute.

(((LINE)))

Hermionestoodinfrontofthechessboardandfrowned.

Fluffywaseasytocircumvent.HarryhadpractisedandplayedhimasimplelullabyonthewoodeninstrumentHagritgiftedhimwithwhichlulledthebeasttosleep.Theplantbeneaththetrapdoorwasn'tworthmentioning.

ThebroomsandthekeyswereabittrickieruntilHermione'sdiagnosticcharmsmadeherrealisethatthedoorswerewardedbutthehingeswerenot.Transfiguringsteelintosleetwasanextracreditthirdyeareffort.

Shehadbeengettingworried,thinkingtheobstacleshadbeentooeasy.Andthenthis.

"ProfessorMcGonogalyoureckon?"AskedHarry.

"Yes.Thefigurineslookdangerous.AndIdon'tlikethewaytheblackqueeniseyeingus.Orthewaytheknightsaregrippingtheirswords."Hermionefrowned."AreyoucertainyoucangetusacrossRon?"

"JustrelaxHermione.Lookcloser.It'sastandardCreativeCombativeChessset.Onlyenlarged.EversinceyoutaughtmeoculumencyI'vebeenslaughteringit.Thepatternsaretrickybuteasytoread.Pieceofcake."

((LINE))

"PieceofcakeRonald?"Hermionegrowledattheredhead.

Hehadbeenposedtocheckmatetheblackkingwhentheblackknightcheckedtheirking.ItwentdownhillfromthereandnowRonwasbeingthreatenedbythe

blackqueen.

"Look.Hermione,it'llbefine.Ijusthavetoletthemgetmeandyoucancheckmatetheirking."

"Ronno!Thosethingsarevicious."HarrytriedtotalkhimoutofitbutRonwasalreadymoving.

Thewhitequeenruthlesslybashedhiminthehead,causinghimtocrumplelikeasackofpotatoesdraggedhimoffthefieldandthengrinnedattheremainingplayers.Hermionetookthekingandthechesspiecesstooddownthequeenreturningtoherpositionwithabow.

HarryandHermionerushedtoRonandcheckedhimforinjury.Withagroanheopenedhiseyes."ManIcertainlyfeltthat..."

"Ron!"Harrycalledout."Talktomemate."

"I'mfine."HesaidtryingtostandupwhileHermionerestrainedhim.

"LiestillRonald.Youcouldhaveaconcussion."Hermionechided.

"WillyourelaxHermione!Ihadacushioningcharmon.Iknewthequeenalwayswentforthehead."Ronexplainedsmugly.

"Dammitmateyoucouldhavetoldusthat."Harrygrumbled.

"Icouldn't.WhoknewwhatelseMcGonogalchanged.ThosethingsweresmarterthananyotherchesssetIplayed."Hegrinnedexcitedly."Shecouldmakeaprofitifshemarketedthat."

Harrysmiledashehelpedhisfriendup."Shallweseewhichprofessorisnext?"

"SnapeorQuirrel."Hermioneresponded."Dumbledore'dbelast."

Thetriowentthroughthenextsetofdoorsandthenjustasquicklyturnedback.Animpactagainstthereinforceddoorsreverberatedthroughthechessroom.

"Blimey."AwhitefacedRonswore.

"Thatone'sevenbiggerthentheonethatyoutookoutHermione."Harrywhispered.

"Adifferentbreed."Hermionewhisperedback.Shethoughtforafewmomentsandthennoddedtoherself."Wesneakbyunderthecloak.Wejustneedsomethingto

distractit."

Shedrewherwandandwithafewgesturesdrewacircleandasetoffierylinesintheair.Therunepulsedandthecircleshiftedaroundit'saxis,formingaglowingorangesphere.Hermionetouchedawandtoisandaseriesofsymbolsrushedaboutit'ssurfacebeforevanishing.

"Icallittheguidinglightmarktwo."Hermionewhisperedsmugly."Auri"Shewhisperedtoitandgiggled.Thespheregiggledbackperfectly.Sheopenedthedoorslightlyandwhispered."Gobaby.Danceformummy."

Itworkedlikeacharm.Thesphereshiftedtoandfro,lettingoutHermione'sgiggleoccasionallythetrollfolloweditandthechildrensnuckintothenextroom,bunchedupunderthecloak.

Thethirdroomwasanemptyasidefromatablethathadseveralcolourfulbottlesonitandapieceofpaper.

Itlookedinnocentenoughuntiltheysteppedinside.Thenacircleoffiresprungaroundthem.

Hermioneyelpedandstartledreflexively.

Harrygaspedandwhirledabout.

Roncringedandpressedclosertotheothertwo,earninganelbowtothearmfromwhirlingHarry.

"Bloodyhell."Ronsworeatthecollisionandthefire."Whatthehell!"

Hermionefrowned.Thelethalityofthetrapsincreasedprogressivelysofar.Approachingthetablecarefullyandtargeteditwithadiagnosticcharm.Nothing.Shepickedupthepaperandreadtheriddleonit.Shesighed.

"Seemssimpleenoughdrinkonetogoin.Drinkanothertoleave.Therestarepoison.HoweverI'mnotcertainprofessorSnapewouldleaveaneasywayoutlikethis."Sheponderedthisforafewmoments."Yeah.Iseemtorememberhimleafingthroughitinclass."Shemumbledtoherself.

Shehittheflameresistancepotionwithacharmthatwaslistedinthebackof1001potioningredients.Itwasadiagnosticcharmthatlistedtheingredientsusedinasubstanceintheairinfrontofher.Theflameresistancecharmhadasuperfluousneutralingredient.Shecheckedthereturnpotionandchuckledatthevisciousness

oftheirpotionsprofessor.Sometimesitpaidtohaveaneideticmemory.

"Checkitoutboys.Neutralingredientsontheirown.Actslikeabinarypoisonwhencombined."Shesaid."Sure,thepotion'swillgetyouonewayortheother.Butgobothwaysandtenminuteslateryougotosleepandneverwakeup.Mixingthepotionswouldactasaprimitivebuteffectiveformofthedraughtofthelivingdeath"

"BlimeyHermioneI''mnotsurewhat'sscarier,himdoingitoryoufiguringthatout."Hepaused."Um.Whydoyouknowthat?"

"Ohshememorisedonethousandandonemagicalingredientsandit'suses.Andshemademepromisetodoitbytheendofsecondyeartoo."Harryansweredhiminstead.

"WellhonestlyHarry,whatuseisimprovedmemoryifyoudon'tuseit?"Shecomplained.

"Sowhatdowedonow?"Harryaskedher.

Hermioneshrugged."IfitwasanormalfireI'djustcastaflamefreezingcharm,butIt'sblackfyre.Justonestepdownfromfiendfyre.Darkmagic,kindof.Itdoesn'tspreadbutyoucan'tmagicitinerteither.Itburnsaslongasawizardisinthevicinity."

"Sowe'restuck?"AskedRon."Wecangobackbutwecan'tleavewithoutthestone.Butifwegoforwardwe'recan'tgoback?"

"Notreally.I'vebeenreadingtheunabridgedversionofHogwartsahistory.TheoriginalversionthathadcurrenteventsandgossipconstantlyaddedtoituntileighteensixtyfourwhenHeadmasterBonesrestrictedadditionsduetothesheerpresenceofthebook'sconcisioncharmshaditthreateningtounravelthelibrarywards."Hermionesmiled.

"Gettothepoint."GrowledRon.

"ApparitionisimpossibleinHogwarts.Andtheportkeywardsaddedinsixteensixtysevencauseanyportkeynotsanctionedbytheheadmastertobounceoffcourseandintothelake."

"So?"

"TherewasanamusinganecdoteonpagethreethousandandsixteenabouttheentireRavenclassclassofSixteenSixtyEightusingaportkeytotraveltoandfrom

classesinprotestofthenewlyinstalledportablestaircasedefencesystem.Portkeyshavebeenaddedtotheevergrowinglistofforbiddenitemsinsixteensixtynineafterandincidentinvolvingtheheadgirl,amiss-alignedportkeyandtheprefectsbathroomtowelrack."

"Butiftheportkeywards...Ah."Harrynoddedandglancedathisarm.

"Wheredoesitgo?"

"Infirmarryandthethirdfloorcorridordependingonthecodeword."

"Didyoumakethem?"

"Nah,Idon'thavetheskillsyet.IbribedaseventhyearRavenclawtomakemeacoupleofblanksetsasan'intellectualexercise'.Ithenboundandtestedthedestinationpointsmyself.ThatmuchIcoulddo."

"What!"Roncomplained."YoknowIhateitwhenyouguysjumptheconversationaroundlikethat."

"ThehairbindersRon.TheyareportkeysandtheyworkinsideHogwartsonly."Harryexplained.

"Wellwhatarewejuststandinghereabout.Whichoneistheflameresistancepotion?"Roncomplained.

((LINE))

"Hermione!"Harryyelledandyankedherback.

"Theimageinthemirrorswirledinafractanpatternsandbrokeapart."

"Harry!IwassoclosetofiguringoutwhatIwasdoing!"Hermionehissed.

"Itwasn'treal."Hesaid.

"Whatareyoutalkingabout?"Shefrowned.

"That'stheMirrorofErised."

Shestaredathimforamomentandthenhershouldersslumped."Oh."

"Heyguys?"Roncalledout."Thatfogcomingfromthemirrorislookingkindacreepytome."

TheduolookedaroundandthenbackatRon.

"Whatfog?"Hermioneasked.

"ThatfogcomingfromthemirrorandgatheringaroundyouHermione."Ronhissed."Getawayfromthere."

Hurriedlytheysteppedawayandsawthefogdisperse.

"Whatwasthat?"AskedHarry.

"Ihavenoidea."saidHermioneandfrowned.Shecheckedherwatch."Thirtyminutesleftunlesstheyendearly."

Hermindwhirledwiththemyriadofritualsanddiagnosticcharmsthatwouldtellherwhatitis,alargeportionofthemstilloutofherleague.

Shetriedseveralcharmsbutallshegotwasthestrongmagicalsignatureofthemirror.Shetriedaminorrevelationchantbutitfailedtoevenregister.Shepaced.Shefrownedshetriedmoreobscurethings.Twentyminutespastassheworkedherselfintoafrenzy.RonandHarryexchangedglancesatthebeginningofitandwiselykeptquiet.

"Argh!Thetricedamnablethingislikeastonewall!AndifIgettooclosethedamnthingtriestodigit'sclawsintomeagain."Shekickedthestonefloorandpouted."AtlastIknowwhatthefogdoes."

"Whatdoesitdo?"AskedHarrycautiously.Hermionewouldn'teverhurtthembuthertemperwasaneeriethingtobeonthereceivingendof.

"It'sthemistakenlynamedLethe'sfog.Itwillleechthemagicalstrengthofapersonwhileheorsheisgazingatthemirror.Asideeffectislossofshorttermmemorycausingtimetoseeminglycondensefortherecipientoftheeffect.Andtheeffecthasbothbeenstrengthenedaswellasmaskedfromanyonestandingnearthemirror.I'mguessingDumbledore'swork.Abrillianttrap."Hermionefrowned.Onedesignedtoweakenand..."

ApalelookingHermioneturnedherbacktothemirror."Wehavetogobackandfixthe..."Shepaused."toolate."

"Hermione?"

"Itdoesn'tmatteranymore."Hermionespoke."Myguidinglightreportedand

intruder.He'llbehereinaboutfivetotenminutes."Shecringed."Makethatafewminutes.Hejustkilledthetrollwiththekillingcurse."

"BloodyHell."Ronsaid.

"You'rerepeatingyourselfmate."Harryquipped."Evenifitbearsrepeating."

Hermione'sbrowsscrunchedupforamoment."Oneofushastogogethelp.It'ssafetosayweboloxedupDumblerore'splan.Quirellwillknowsomeoneisdownhere.TheothertwostayhereanddistracthimandRiddle.Itmightendupafight."

"ThenI'mstaying."Harryannounced."AndasmuchasitpainsmesoareyouHermione.Ronisawenoodlewhenitcomestomagicalfighting.Er.Nooffencemate."HeglancedguiltilyatRon.

Ronshrugged."Hermione'sthebrain,you'rethepowerandI'mthemuscle.Sayitasitis."

"FornowRon."Hermionecautioned."You'llgetalotbettersoonenough.Go.Gethelp."

Ronnoddedandpulledouthiswand,tappingtherubberbandandmumblingtheinfirmarypassword;Hogsmeade.

"Sowhat'stheplan."InquiredHarry.

"Weimprovise.Youhideundertheinvisibilitycloak.I'llpretendIwantedtostealthestoneformyself."

"Whynottheotherwayaround?"

"Whoismorelikelytostealit?HarryPotterthesaviourofthewizardingworldorHermioneGrangerthemuggleborntroublemakerwithalustforforbiddenknowledge?"

"WhendoIrevealmyself?"Harryaskedevenasheputonthecloak.

"Astunnertothebackiftheytryanythingdangerousoryouhaveabrilliantidea.Useyourowndiscretion.Ifyoucangetyourhandsonthestonesomehowportkeyoutimmediately.Accioisyourfriend.DothataswellifyouseeawandpointedatyouandhearthewordAvada.Nowstayquiet.Theycouldbehereanyminute."

AsHarryfadedawayHermionequicklygottowork.Aflickofherwandandtheapproximationofabutchereddeadcatappeared.Shetookoutafistfulofchalkfrom

mokeskinpouchandthrewitintheair.Withatwirlofherwanditsettledintoacircle.

Fourswishesandfourtinyflamesoffairyfiresprungtolifehoveringabovethecircleonfoursides.Shethentookoutherpotionsknifeandasmallcup.Sheprickedherfinger,smearingthebladewiththebloodforrealismandthenmurmuredaminorhealingcharm.AsmallAquamentiandacolouringspelllaterandthetransformationfromsillyfirstietoDarkWitchwasalmostcomplete.Shetracedthewandalonghercheeksandtwostreaksofredranacrosshercheeksandacrosshereyes.Noddingtoherselfinsatisfactionsheconjuredtwomoreguidinglightsandsetthemtohoverabovehercastingadarkredlightoverhertocompletetheillusion.

Thestageset,sheheldupthecupinherhandandsettled,crossleggedtowait.

Notevenafullminutelaterthedoorsopened.

AN:

Thereisareasonforthedelay.Ididn'tliketheendingIwrote.ItleftmesodisgustedthatIgaveupeverytimeItriedto'revise'itfor'publishing'.Ittookmeabitoftimetofigureoutanonyawn/uberendgamethatfitmyoverallplot.

Alrissa:"Youhaveaplot?"

Hush.

Anotherreasonisthatanotherplotbunnybitme.It'sofficial.Mymuse(WhoasnamedAlrissaasyoumightgather.)isstickingaroundagainafterleavingindisgustandisonceagainmakingmeimprovethelotofunderestimatedfemalecharacters.Yesthatisashamelessselfplugtogocheckoutmytitlepage.

NowIficouldjustresistwritingSailorMoonwithapersonalitytransplantfromWensdayAddams...

Chapter13:Bestlaidplans

"Thedifferencebetweencoldbloodedmurderandwartimeexecutionofcollaborators?Legality.IdowhatImustwiththefullbackingofthecouncil.TheonlyconcessiontohumanityIcanaffordistomakeSUREtheyarecollaborators."

GuinevereWeasley-Longottom.EthicsofWar.

ProfessorQuirrelsteppedthroughtheflamesandstopped.Hehadexpectedmanythings,Potter,Severus,orperhapsevenan(unlikely)ambushbyDumbledore.Whathehadn'tbeenexpectingwasthelastcadencesofachantandacustomisednecromanticritualcirclerightunderHogwartscastle."MissGranger?"Hespokeinsurprise,forgettingtostutter.Seeingasupposedchildofmugglesperforminganecromanticritualofwasviolatinghisworldviewsomewhatfierce.

Shecalmlydrainedthecupandlookedathim,lipsredfromblood,eyesablazewithunholyenergies.

"Professor."Shesmiledathimpolitelythenlookedbehindhimcuriously."Youcamealone?"

"Youdon'tseemsurprisedtoseeme."hespoke,gatheringhisshatteredthoughts.

"Iknewyouwerecoming.Ijustthoughtyouspecialfriendbewithyou."Shespokewithaslydrawl.Quirreldidn'tlikethatallknowinglookintheclassroombuthereittookawholeothermeaninganditlookedlikesomeoftherumourshadmerit.Shestaredathimforamomentandthensheturnedawayfromhim.

"NowgivemeamomenttocheckthemirrorandI'llgiveyoumyfullattention."

Sheturnedherbacktohimfullyandgazeduponthemirrormurmuringaliensoundingwordstoherselfjustontheedgeofhearing.

Quirrelswallowed,unsureofwhatexactlythegirlknew.Whocouldtellwhatsecretsthespiritscouldwhisperinherear.Hewassomewhatusedtodarkmagic,bytheninehellshewasavesselforthedarklordhimself.Butthisgirl'scasualdismissalwascausinganunpleasantfeelinginhisgut.Onlythemostpowerfulhadthearroganceandtheabilitytodismisssomeonelikehimasinsignificant.

"WhatisshedoingQuirrel."Avoicequietlyhissedinthebackofhisheadandhe

shuddered.

"Itlookslikeavariationontheritualofsecondsightmylord.Anecromanticvariationjudgingfromtheunholylightinhereyesandactualimbibingthebloodofasacrificedanimal.Sheseemstobestudyingalargemirrormylord."Quirrelwhisperedcautiously.

"Showme."Thehismasterordered.

"Mylordyouarestill..."Astabbingpaininhismindstoppedhim.Hismasterwasnothappy.Quirrelwasjustgladthemastercouldnotleglimenshimwhileinthisstate.Hehadstartedregrettinghischoicewhenhekilledhisfirstunicorn.Bynowitwasfartoolatetogobackandhismasterwouldmerelypunishhimforhisdoubts..

"ShowmeQuirrel!Iwishtoobservethissupposedmudbloodperforminglonglostrituals."

ResignedQuirrelremovedhisturbanandturnedhisbacktothegirl.

AfterthirtysecondsofmutteringHermionestartedyelling."Donotshyawayspirit!Pushthrough!Youoweme.Obey!"Sheyelledout."OBEY!"Shebellowed.AneeriescreechcouldbeheardandsuddenlythelightsonthecirclesnuffedoutandtheMarkIIorbshoveringabovehershatteredoncommand.

Hermionestoodthereforamomentandthensighed.

"Subtlemagicks."Shespat."YouwinthisroundDumbledore."

LordVoldemortsuppressedtheurgetocackleinglee.Shetrulyknewwhatshewasdoing.Perhapssheevenhadthetalent,thespark,theaffinitywiththedeadthatabornnecromancerinherited.Thespiritnotturningonherafterafailedconjuringwasevidenceenoughforhim.

ThevenominthegirlsvoiceasshecursedDumbledorewasmusictohisears.OhiftheoldmanknewwhatserpentwashiddenamongsthispreciousGriffins.

Hehadtodrawherinandmakeheroneofhis.

HerideasfortheatricsrunningoutandherknowledgeoftheritualexpendedHermioneknewitwastimeforalittleverbalslingingofbull.Shejustmentalythankedhermotherforthatactingthingshesignedherupfortwoyearsago.Don'tactthecharacter,bethecharacterindeed.

SheturnedtoQuirrelandallthoughtsfledfromherhead.Theprofessorhadhisbackturnedtoher.Andthisthingstaredatherwithcoldserpentineeyes.

Thebestshecoulddowasthrowuphermentalbarriersandfleeintohermindtostopherselffromscreaming.Luckilyforherbecauseamomentlateranunsubtlebutpowerfulprobeacrosshermentalbarrierssnappedheroutofit.Mindworkingamileaminuteshebowedinthemannerofahouselordgreetingaguestandtookashotinthedark.

"GreetingsTomMalvoroRiddle."Shespoke."Wemeetagain."

Thethingletoutahissandreeledlikeitwasphysicallystruck.Shefeltherwordsresonateinthechamber.Wordshavepowerinthespiritworld.Sherecalledasnippetofapassage.Ruleofthree.

"Ifyouknowthatsecretthenyouknownottotakemelightly."Ithissedathermenacinglyandthenblinkedwhenthenamedidnotfullyresonate."Andwhenhavewemetbefore?"

"Iknowmanythings.TomMalvoroRiddle."Sheansweredsomewhatcryptically.Really,ifshecouldsayanythingelse.Beingtoospecificwouldgivethewholegameawayifshesaidthewrongthing."AndweclashedoverthePotterchildwhenyourservanttriedtohexhisbroom.IfeltyoumagicinhimasIfeelthemnow."

Hehissedagainandhiseyesdartedtoandfrom,ridingthefirstbeginningsofpanic,Quirrelsbodytremblingwiththeangerofhismasterandthenhisredeyeslandedonthebrokencircleatherfeetandhisapprehensionfadedcompletely.

"IgreetyouHermioneGranger."Hefinallyspoke."Iknownoothernameforyou.Attempttobindmeandfeelmywrath."

"Ineverplannedonbindingyouinanymanner,TomMalvoroRiddle.Butsomerulesmustbefollowed.Iwouldspeakwithyouwithoutmalice."Shespokedandfeltsomethingsettleintheroom.Akindofpressure.Shecouldfeelhispresenceintruthandnotinfiction,afoulredstenchofcorruption.Perhapssheshouldhaveusedadifferentwording.SomewhereinthebackofhermindthewordswraithandananagramsnappedintoplaceandHermionerealisedwhoexactlyshewasspeakingwith.

"Youseekadeallittlenecromancer?"Hespokenextandsheshudderedasthatresonated.Technicallyhewasright.Byinvokingtheoldwaysandbindinghisspirittoparleyshecouldbecalledapractitionerofnecromancy.Heseemedtosenseatruthinthisnameaswellandsmiledawicked,inhumansmile.Itwasnotatrue

namebutitwouldworkatleastpartially.

"Iseekthestone."Shespokesimply."It'sin."Shepausedacompulsionsettlingoverhertospeakthetruth.Adoubleedgedswordsherealised."Ithinkitmaybeinthemirror."

"Youwanttoliveforeverlittlenecromancer?"hehissedinglee."Perhapsweneednotquarrel.Ialreadyhavemypathtoimmortality.Ineeditonlyformyresurrection.Iwouldshare."Hepausedandthenaddedgrudgingly."WorkformeandIwouldshare."

Hermionesmiled.Sothecompulsionsextendtohim.Nowtoseehowfarshecouldstretchthetruth.Compulsionsdonotlendthemselvestophilosophyafterall.Shebusiedherselftidyinguptheremainsofherfalsecirclewithacoupleofvanishingcharms,tryingtolookcasualandpractisedatit.

"Whowantstoliveforever."Sheshrugged."Whodarestoliveforever?"Sheseeminglycorrectedherself."I'mnotcertainyourkindofimmortalityisthebestthingsinceslicedbread.Askmeagaininacoupleofhundredyears."Shejokedandhechuckledobligingly.

"Soyou,doyouwantwiththestonelittlenecromancer."Herepeatedthetitlehebestowedherathirdtimeandthepeaceoftheroomvanished.Hegrinnedandpulledouthiswand."Allianceordeath?"Heaskedcalmly.

Hermionesighed."Andweweregettingalongsonicely.Iwillkeepmytheoriestomyselffornow."Shesteppedaside."Idon'twanttofightyouforthestone.IamcuriousaboutitbutIdonotneedittolivealonglifeandfulfilmyplans.AndwhatIwilldoduringitwillgrantmeaformofimmortalityIdesire."Literaltruth.Sheplannedonstealingthestonefromhim.AndendingupinhistorybooksasamultipleNobelprizewinnerwasaformofimmortalityshecouldeasilycrave.

Thisstatementseemedtopuzzlethedarklordbuthecouldnotfindfaultwithit.

"Goahead.Youtrygettingit.AllIgetfromthemirrorispatternsandstars."Shesteppedasideandbowedgraciouslybitinghertongue.

Shefrownedasshealmostblurtedoutmore.Thetruthcompulsionstilllingered.Thedarklordwavedthewandoverhisjointsandsteppedtowardsthemirror.HestoodfacingHermione.

"WhatdoyouseeQuirrel?

"Iseemyselfbyyourside,usingtheStoneMyLord.Butnotwhereisitnow."Hemuttered"Idon'tunderstand?"

Hermionesuppressedagaspatthis.AndsomewhereinthebackofhermindapuzzlefellintoplaceasTomMalvoroRiddlerearrangeditselfintoIamlordVoldemort.Itwasanticlimactic.Shehadexpectedadarklordtobeabitlesssusceptibletodeception.

"Letmehavealook"Voldemortsworeimpatiently."Youkeepaneyeonher."

WithashudderQuirrelturnedtowardHermione.TheDarklordgasped.

"It'sshowingtheritualIgatheredfragmentsof!Oneofthosethatcanrestoreme!Andhowtousethestoneinsteadoftheboneofthefatherandfleshoftheservant!"

QuirrelturnedandtheDarklordyelledathim.

"NoyoufoolturnbackImissedit!"

Theybickeredlikethatforawhile,repeatingthemselves,seeminglyforgettingaboutHermioneasthewhitefoggatheredaroundthem.HermionesighedinreliefwhenshefeltHarrystepnexttoher.

"Whatnow?"Hewhisperedfaintly.

HermionedarednotspeakandextendedamentalprobetowardsHarry.

'IftheygetcaughtinDumbledore'strapI'llbehappy.Ifnotyoucouldridetomyrescuelikeagoodconfusedwhitenight.'Sheprojectedhardlybelievingtheruseworkedandtheyconsideredherapotentialally.Shefelthimgettheideaandsneakofftowardstheentrance.

Itseemedtobeworking,shecouldpracticallyfeelthetrapclosearoundthemwhenherwaterproofwizardingwatchchimedmidnight.HermionewincedasVoldemortglancedather.

"Thisisnotworking!"Quirrel'smasterhissed."Wewillhavetousethegirl."

Hermionedidnotlikethesoundofthat.

"Nothingpersonalmydear."Quirrelsaidasheliftedhiswand.Areductorcurseflashedfromtheentrance.QuirrelwhirledandhastilyputupashieldstaggeringhimundertheforceofHarry'senhancedmagic.Theshieldheld.Hermionemadeamentalnottofindastealthierwaytoambushsomeonewithmagic.

"Hermione!I'llsaveyou!"Harryyelled,playinghispart.

"Harry!Help!Hekidnappedme!"Hermioneswitchingfromsinisterfiguretohelplesschildinaflash.Shecalleduphermagicandfilledherbloodbeyondwhatshehadeverused.Shewasgoingtoneedeveryedgeshehadtoactuallyfightaspellduel.ShetriednotththinkaboutthewholeVoldemortpart.

QuirrellookedfromHermionetoHarryforamomentandthenshrugged."We'lljustuseyouboth!"

HarryandHermionefiredstunnerswhileQuirreltalkedandtheredbeamsrushedtowardsthepossessedteacher.

Quirrelsnappedupashieldwhichbarelyabsorbedtwofullpoweredspells.HestumbledbackwardsinsurpriseandthuswasbarelymissedbyHermione'sblastingcurse.Ithitthestonesbeneathhisfeetandpepperedwhatwasleftofhisshieldandthemirrorbehindhimindebris.

Hestumbledbackwardsashisdoublyweakenedmagicfailedhimandhisshieldshattered.Anotherroundofstunnersflewdirectlyathim.QuirrelthrewhimselftothefloorwhileVoldemortraged."Whatareyoudoingyoupatheticexcuseforawizard!"

ThespellsmissedQuirrelandhitthemirroroferisedinstead.Thesurfacebulgedlikeastonehadbeenthrownintoapond.Thewavetravelledacrossthemirrorandthenitshattered,sendingpiecesofthemirrorandsmallshardsofaredstoneflyingeverywhere,Quirrel'sbackincluded.ThedarklordhissedandfinallyhadenoughswiftlytakingcompletepossessionofQuirrel'sbody.ThemagichummedasheburnedwhatwasleftofQuirrel'slifeforcetofillsomeofhisalmostdepletedreservesofmagic,furtherravagingtheman'sverysoulforabriefsurgeofbarelysufficientpower.

Thechildrendidnotknowthis,tothemQuirrelseemedtohavewokenupashismastersincoherentcursingstopped.WithashortefficientgesturesofQuirrel'swandthedarklordsendbackaseriesofcuttingcursesatthechildren.HehadtofinishthisquicklybeforeQuirrel'slastvestigesofmagicandlifeforceranout.Helamentedhisweakness.Akillingcurseandanimperiouswouldhavecleanedthingsupsonicely.

Thechildrenrealisedthestakeshadbeenraisedandpushedtheirgameupaswell.

HarryalreadyquickreflexeswereboostedbyHermione'sinternalmagicteachings.Hewasablurashedodgedeverythingsentathimandrespondedwithblasting

curses,forcingthemantowasteenergyshielding.Hermionerealisedshewasbarelykeepingup,pushedmoremagicintoherbodyandfeltherbonesprotest.Still,itworked,theworldsloweddownaroundherandshehadtimetoactandcast.Themagicflowedthroughherveinsforatime,hermindworkingmuchfasterthenherbodyandshemovedtoflanktheiropponent.Andthenherbodyfailedher,somethinginherbacktoreitselfapartasshewhirledtoavidabarrageoflowlevelbutstillverydangerouscurses.Shestumbledandhissedinpain.Herperceptionwasstillworkingatfullspeedevenasherbodyfailed,inslowmotionshesawshewouldnotbeabletoavoidallofthespellsthatwerecomingtowardsher.Shetriedtoputupquickenedprotego.Thefourthyearvarianceoftheshieldingspellprovedabittoomuchforher.Itshatteredafterthefirsthit.Shegotclippedbyacuttingcursealongtheribs,nearherheartandthenastunnerhither.Shewentdownlikeapuppetwithseveredstrings.

"Ennervate."Avoicewhisperedintherecessesofhermind..

Thewordechoedinherheadandshethankedthegodsforcontingenciesandhercounterpart'sgenius.Afaintscreaminggrewlouderassheswamtowardsconsciousness.Sheopenedhereyesandlooked.

QuirrelhadhishandsaroundHarry'sthroatandHarrywasgrippingQuirrelsheadclawingathiseyes.TheywerebothscreamingandblackcrackswerespreadingalongQuirrel'shandsandfaceandHarry'sthroat.Shetriedtogetonherfeetbutaharshacidicpainsentwavesofblacknessacrosshereyes.Shecouldbarelymoveherheadaboutandherhandsfeltliketheywereencasedinjelly.Shewouldnotbegettingupanytimesoon.

Overuseofrisewilldamagethebody.Knowyourlimitsorsuffertheconsequences.

Thepassageechoedinherheadandshecursedsilently.Sheknewthismighthappenbutdiditanyway.Notthatshehadmuchchoice.

Hermionewasstartingtopanic.Harrywasdying,shecouldn'tseeherwandanywhereandtheonlyspellshecoulddowandlesslywastooweaktopullQuirrelandHarryapart.ShelookedaroundforanythinglightenoughtoliftandhereyesfellonalongthinglassshardoftheMirrorofErisedthatlayseveralfeetinfrontofher.Anideapoppedintohermindandforamomentsheshiedawayfromit.

Thedifferencebetweencoldbloodedmurderandwartimeexecution?Legality.

ShelookedatthesmokeraisingfromHarry'sandQuirellshandsanddecided.Shakilysheforcedherhandtomoveandalong,thinshardofglassroseatherwill.

Foralong,longmomentshehelditinthegripofhermagic,knowingthatthiswouldchangeeverything.AndthenherhandtwitchedtowardsQuirrel.

Theshardflickeredfollowedbyasquelchingnoise,thescreamingebbedasbothHarryandQuirrelfelltothefloor.Ascreamingwraithfledstraightdownthroughthefloor.Hermioneclosedhereyesandletherselfcometorestontheflooroncemoreasawaveoffatigueovercameher.

Crunchingfootstepsechoedthroughtheroom,sometimeafterwards.Fearinghesomehowcamebackshebarelyhadstrengthtopeerthroughhereyelashes.Awaveofreliefspreadthrough.DumbledorewaswalkingslowlytowardsHarry.

Heplacedhisfingertotheboysthroattolookforapulseandsighed.

"Youarealivemyboy.Iamglad.Youdeservetoliveatleastalittlelonger."

Shewatchedhimstrokehisoldhandthroughtheboy'shairandshakehisheadsadlyashelookedattheshatteredmirror.

"Thebestlaidplanofmiceandmenmyboy."Theoldwizardsaidashegatheredtheboyinhishands."Isupposethepowerofprophecywillmouldeventstowardsresolution.Yettofulfiltheprophecyyouhavetodie.UnlessIfindthethirdHallow."

Hestartedtoturntowardsherandshehastilyclosedhereyes.

"Atleastyouhavefriendstostandbyyourside.Youmayyetlivedearboy,youmayyetlive."

Shefeltherselfriseintotheairandfloatandallowedherselftodriftaway.Shewastootiredtothink,tootiredtocare.

AndsomewhereinthedepthsofhermindshemovedDumbledorefrom'Respected-competent-but-crazy'to'Enemy?'.

Andasshedriftedofftounconsciousnessshementallyslappedherselfontheforeheadrememberingtheportkeys.Whichtheyhadn'tused.

AN:

Inanswertosomequestions:

Thefayofmanynames(Summer'sDawn)willshowuponocasionyes.

TheLiterarysociety,aswellashermione'sbookclub(separateentities)willfeatureabigpartatsomepoint.

Naru-chanhitonthespecialtrainingpurebloodsandevenhalfbloodsget.Itnevermadesensethatpurebloodslearnednothingusefullathome,atleasttheoreticalknowledge.

Asforhermione'sparents.Well...LookfarenoughandeveryonehasaWizardinthefamilysomeplace.:)

Oldercharacterwillparticipate.Evenaftertheyleaveschool.Firstyearismostlysetup.Olderyearsdon'thangwithfirsties.Formorehintsonfuturestorywaitandsee.:P

AsforspellingofsomewordsfromHPuniverse.idomybestandsometimesmyspellcheckerREMEMBERSthespelling.Andthenautocorrects.AndSometimes?Itrememberstheerrorsandautocorrects.Iwon'tmakepromissesbutifIgetsomefreetimeI'llfixtheolderrors.

Asforthischapter:

IwantedtoillustrateHermionewasnotperfectandhowthingscanbeforgottenintheheatofbattle.Theyarenotsoldiersbutchildren.Exceptionalchildrenbutchildrennontheless.IalsoshyawayfromstealingHarry'tthundercompletely.Butinsteadofheroesandsidekicksthiswillbeapartnership.EvenRonaldwillfindhisniche.Sidelininghimseemstobeastandardpracticeinfanfiction.PersonallyIdon'tlikehimashewas.Butwhatifhefoundthatthingwouldsethimapartfromhisbrothers.Atalentorcallingorhisown.Iwonderwhatitmaybe.:)

Anyonecaretobetaformeinthefuture?

Ireallyneedakickinthearse.

Chapter14:Year'sendpartI

"Communicationisanessentialpartofwarfareaswellascivilianlife.ImagineourliveswithoutGlobeNet?Withouttheabilitytoestablishlivechatorconferencecallwithanyoneontheglobe?Withouttheabilityofdeepimmersionandglobalscaledatabases.AndwhatwouldwehavedonewithoutSpellNettoInterNetConverterstotideusoveruntiltheCrystalRevolutionhadrunit'scourse?MagicandTechnologyarebothsidesofthesamecointhatiskeepingusaliveandthrivingintheharshworldweliveintoday.Informationwantstobefreemyfriend,andwehavesetitfreewhilemaintainingprivacyforthosethatcraveit."

ChairmanChang,MagiTechIncorporated.

Chapter12:YearsendPartI

Hermionefloatedinacloudofnothingnessglimpsesofscenesflyingacrosshervision.Everytimeitstartedthesame,avisionofQuirellandHarry,andeverytimeshedidn'tkillQuirrel,hewouldstilldie,andsometimeHarrywoulddiewithhim.OronlyHarrywoulddieandVoldemortwouldrise.

IguessIdidwhatIhadtodo.

Andwiththatthoughttheimagesshatteredandshewokeup.

"Ah,goodafternoonmissGranger."MadamPomferyintonedhappily."Yougaveusabitofascarewithhowlongyouslept."

"Howlong?"Hermioneaskedfeelingheavyandsluggish.

"Threeandahalfdays.Mindyoutherewasnothingwrongwithyoutopreventyourawakening,yourbotchedcelerityspelldidsomedamagetoyourbackandthespellsthathityoudidnothelp.Youneededalotofresttoheal.AndrefrainfromcastingNEWTlevelspellsuntilatleastthirdyear."TheMatronaddedwryly.Thatafirstyearcouldachieveevenpartiallsucessatacomplexpieceofbodymagiconlywasastounding.Itrequiredabasicunderstaningofanatomyonalevelonlyhealersusuallybotherlearning.

"Harry,Ron?"Sheaskedgroggily.

"Harryisfine.Hewokethismorningaswell."Shegesturedwithherheadtothebedontheothersideoftheroom."YourWeasleyfriend'sconcussionforcedmeto

confinehimforadaybuthehasbeenupandaboutforawhilenow.Thethetripfromthethirdflooddidn'thelp.Hewasbarelycoherentwhenhewalkedinandcollapsedimmediatelyafterwards.LuckillyhetoldmeenoughthatIcouldsendamessagetoHeadmasterDumbledoreandurgehimtoreturnquickly."

"WhatwaswrongHarry?"

"HeusedupabittoomuchmagicdoingwhateveritishedidtoQuirrel.SoIgavehimadraughttofixthat.Heshouldbeupbyleavingfeast."

"What?Thatwasmyfault."Hermionesaidstrugglingtogetup.

"Don'tyouworryyourselfaboutthat.TheHeadmasterperformedaprioriincantemonyourwandsandlookedatthetracesofmagicinthemirrorroom.YourReductorcursebrokethemirrorbutthemanwasdyingonhisfeet.Harry'sbloodprotectionwasrejectinghispresence,hehadapieceofthemirrorstuckinhiskidneyandthepossessionwouldhavekilledhiminamatterofhoursatthemost."

Hermioneblinkedandlaidbackchewingonthatstatement.Wandlessmagicleaveslittletraceandshekilledamanthatwasdying.Somehowitdidn'tmakeitseembetereveninherstillfuzzystate.

"Ah,thesleepingbeautyisawake!"Theheadmastersannouncedasheenteredtheroom.

"Headmaster,I..."

"NownowMissGranger,donotworryyourselfaboutanything.WeoweyouandHarryagreatthanksafterall.Restupandbereadyforatheleavingfeast.Idaresayitwillbeentertaining."ThatsaidhetookMadamPomfreyintoheroffice.

Hermionefrownedatthedismissalandtheannoyancesentatinypulseofmagicthroughherbody.Shegaspedinsurpriseathoweasilyitflowedthroughherbodyandhowmuchbettershefelt.Sherealisedwhatwaswrongwithher.Shewasusedtoconstantlychannellingatinybitofmagicthroughherbody,afractionofwhatshedrewuponduringthefightandwithoutitshefeltslowandheavy.Thiswasbothgoodandbad.Goodbecauseitindicatedhermagichasgrownanbadbecausethewordaddictioncametoherwhenshethoughtifneedinsomethingtofeelnormal.Itmerritedsomecarefullstudyoverthesummer.

Sheappliedwhatsheheadlearnedaboutinternalmagicandpushedmoreintoherearstotriedtolisteninontheconversation.

"...willbeabletopowerthebloodwardswithoutfallingill?"Theheadmasteraskedsoundingrelieved.

"Yes,he'llfeelabitweakinthefirstdayorsountilhisownmagicfullyrecoversbutyouknowhowIfeelaboutthatkindofmagic."

"Itisnecessary."

"Butifhewasanormalboythatkindofwardwouldleavehimwithbarelyenoughmagictostayalive!"

"Harryisstrong,andtheWardISkeepinghimalive.Ordidyouforgettheassassinationattempts,orwhathappenedinthisveryschoolrecently."

"Allrightheadmaster,butIwanthimoutofthosewardsforapartofhissummer.Hispubertywillbeslowedandhisgrowthstuntedifhestaysinthereforthatlong."

"HavenofearmyMadamPomfrey,heonlyneedstostayforaboutfiveweeks,sixtobesure.AfterthatI'llgethimtotheWeasley's.Willthatdoit?"

"Yes,Ifhestaysinamagicrichenvironmentafterwardshewillhavenoilleffectsinhisdevelopment.Andforheavenssakeexplaintohisguardiansthedietaryneedsofawizard.Heprobablystilleatslikeamuggle!Awizardneedsenergyhighfoodstothrive!"

"YouaretheHealer."Intonedtheheadmastermerrilyandbidhergoodday.

Hermioneclosedhereyesandsighed,realisingshewasnottheonlyonewithplansandagendas.Theheamasterpuzzledher.SheseemedlikehewouldletHarrygetkilledtofulfillsomeprophecy,puthiminabadenvironmentandseeminglyplannedhislifeforhim.Somethingwasnotquiterightthere.

Shesubmergedherselfindeeptranceignoringtheoutsideworldfortheclarityofthefledglingmentalconstructthatdepictedhermind.

Hermentallandscapewasstillasimpleone.Alargeroomwithasinglewallandnoceilingfloatinginthemist.Bookshelvesthatcontainedasumtotalofherknowledgewerelinedupinthemiddleoftheroom.Alargecomfortableleatherarmchairwassthere,asmallboardflledwithpostit'swhereshekepthermentalnotesandasmallcinemaprojectorforwhenshewantedtogooverhermemories.

Anantiquetelephonestoodonawoodenstand,representingherfledglingleglimancy.

Thefogoutsideherroomrepresenteduntappedpotentialofhermind.Awarmeverlastingfireofhermagicburnedmerrilyinafireplace.

Shewalkedalongtheshelvesofhermind,pullingoutaprojectorreelhereandthere.Whatshelearnedrecentlydeservedasecondlookandcarefulconsideration.

((line))

HarryRonandHermioneweretakingthescenicroutetothefeastandmakingsmalltalk.Hermionecastingasounddistortioncharmarroundthemmadetheboysperkup.

"TimetotalkaboutwhathappenedyetHermione?"Ronaldaskedteasingly.

"Notreally."Hermioneretorted."Wallshaveears.Evennow.WhatIwanttomakesureweuseoursummersproductivelyandtogiveyousomethingtokeepincontactwith."

"Hermione?Ithoughtwe'dbevisitingeachotherduringtheholidays?"Harryasked,puzzled.

"IthinkyouwillhavetospentafewweeksattheDursley'sfirst,ifmysuspicioniscorrect."Shesaidfrowning.

Theboyswaitedpatiently.Theyknewthatlook.HarryperkedupknowinghewasgoingtolearnsomethingnewabouthisworldandRonsquirmedknowingalecturewascoming.Theywerebothright.

"BloodmagicwasusedevenbeforethefirstOlivandermadethefirststaffin203BC.Iwon'tgointorefinementshisdescendantsperformedlaterIwilljustpointoutthatawandcorefilledwithpowderedbloodofit'srecipientwillalwaysbecompatiblewiththecaster.Tomakealongstoryshort:DuetotheactionoftheDarkLordSangvinusBloodmagicwasdeemedDarkbytheprecursortotheMinistryin1673.Itwasmadeillegalandcastasimmoral.Thebenevolentusesofitwererestrictedtoministryapprovedcastersandlargelyunused.Thiswasamendedin1934butthedamageisdoneandmostofbloodmagicofoldliesforgotten."

"WhoisthisSangvinus?"AskedRoninpuzzlement.HehadneverheardofanydarklordasidefromGrimwald.

"Ministrydirectives."ExplainedHermione.

"Youneedtogetyourhandsonbookspublishedbeforenineteenhundredstoreally

getdataonhistory.Nowhush,I'llfinishquickerifyoudon'tinterrupt."

"Bloodmagicispotentwhenusedwithwards.Theonlydrawbackisthatitneedapowersourceanchoredinbloodofalivingbeinganprotectsalongthesimilarityprinciple.Likedrawstolike."

Harrysawwherethiswasgoing."Dursleys."Hemuttereddarkly.Hermionenodded.

"Yes.Theirbloodprotectsyouandthem.Youfuelthewardswithyourmagicwhenyoustaywiththemandwhenyouleaveyoutakeaportionoftheprotectionwithyou.Ididn'thavemuchluckinfindingdetailsofhowitworks.Ionlyhadthreehoursinthelibrary."

"Howlong?"Harryasked.

"Threetofiveweeks.IsuspectDumbledorewillletyougosomewhereelsethen."Sheexplainedasshepulledoutwhatlookedlikeplasticbricksoutofherbag.

"Itransfiguredthesetolooklikecellularphonessimilartotheonedaddyuses.Thereisanenchantedmirrorinsidethatwillenableustoseeandtalktoeachother."

Ronwhistled."Whendidyoumakethis?"

Hermionesmiledathim."That'sNEWTlevelworkRonald.ThankyouforyourfaithinmebutIpaidMaryAnnetomaketheselastmonthandshecamethroughtoday.Idesignedthecasingmyselfbutshedidtheruneworktoadaptthemirrors."

"Howdotheywork?"AskedHarrywhohadneverseenanythinglikeacellularinperson.

"Youjustpresstheredbuttonandsaycallandthenanameofthepersonyouaretryingtogetoryoutypeintheirnameonthenumericalpad.Ifsomeoneiscallingyouthephonewillemitaringingnoise.Say'answer'andthemirrorwillpopoutoftheexpandedspaceinsidethecasing.Ifyouareinamuggleareayoujustpressthegreenbuttonthenputthispartnearyourmouthandthispartonyourear.Talknormally."

"Whatifsomeonewantstoborrowitforacall?"AskedHarrytakinghisphoneandstudyingit.

"Thefakedisplaywillshowitishavingsignaltrouble."Hermioneexplainedwithasmugexpressiononherface.

"Won'twegetintroublewithmydad'soffice?"Ronaldaskedhesitantly.

"No,It'snotamuggleartefact,itonlylookslikeone.ItactuallyhelpsSecrecybyhidingmagicalactivityintoamuggleacceptedform."

"Brilliant!"Ronaldexclaimedandtookhis.

"Sowhatisitcalled?"AskedHarry.

"ASpellphone."

Theleavingfeastwasmagnificent.AtthestartoftheyearHermionehadconsideredthefoodtobeheavyandtoorich.Thedesertstoogenerous.Sheknewbetternow.Magicwasfuelledinpartbytheenergiesofthebody.Howthisworkedeludedherbutitwastruenonetheless.

Shestillavoidedthecakes,stucktofruitsanddrankpumpkinjuicewhensheneededtheenergyboost.Still,eatingtwicethenwhatsheatebeforecomingtoHogwartsbarelysentapangofguiltthroughheranymore.

Sheknewshewasnotattractive,butshewasdamnedifshewasgoingtobecomeobeseontopofeverything.Shehadbeencarefullymonitoredherfigureforexcessivethickeningandafterayearofheavyeatingshefoundnone.Onthecontrarythemostofherpuppyfatshehadmeltedawaysometimeduringtheyear.

Sonowshehappilydugintothedeliciousfoodthatwasservedwithnocompulsiontogoeasyonthegravy,pouredcreamliberallyoverhermasherpotatoesandessentiallyatelikeawellmanneredpig.

Stilloneofhermentalnoteswasascheduledvisittothedoctoroverthesummerandcheckherbloodespeciallyforcholesterol.Justtomakesure.

Sheglancedaroundthetable,toherrightgirlswereexchanginglastminutegossip,LavanderBrownwashastilyscribblingsomethingwithherquillforParvatiwhiletheWeasleytwinsdeftlylevitatedsomethingintohergoblet.

ToherrightDeanThomaswasedgingawayfromRonaldWeasleywhoonceagainwaslosinghisgriponhismanners.Shesentadiscretestinginghexathimandhelookedathersheepishlyslowingdownabitandchewingwithhismouthclosed.Shemadeamentalnotetohavewordswiththeboyabouthidingthingsfromher.Ifsheknewhisheadbumphadbeenthatbadshewouldhaveneverlethimusehisportkey.

Shewincedeverytimeshethoughtabouttheportkeysandrecalledherrecklessstupidity.SheshookherheadandturnedtofindHarry.

Harrywasdeepinthought,probablythinkingabouttheirplansfortheholidays.

FinallytheHeadmasterroseandthechatterinthehallwaysdimmed.

"Ithasbeenalongandsuccessfulyear.Yourmindsarealittlefullerwithknowledgenow,andIamgladthateveryoneheretooktheeffort.Asyouknow,thetimehascometoawardthehousecuptoahousethatgatheredthemostpoints."

TheSlytherincheeredloudlyandtherestofthehousesgrumbled.Theheadmastersmiledindulgently.

"YesIseetheSyltherinhavebeenmonitoringthestandings.TheSlytherinarefirstwithaconvincingleadoffourhundredandseventypointsfollowedbytheHufflepuffwhohaveThreehundredandninetypoints.TheRavenclawsarethirdwithThreehundredandfifteenpointsfollowedbytheGrfyindoorwithtwohundredandninetyninepoints."

HesmiledandclappedwiththecheeringSlytherinandpolitelyclappingRavenclawsandHufflepuff.

"WelldoneSlytherin.However,Imustadmit,duetosomerecenteventssomepointsstillneedbeawarded."

Thehallquieted,theSlytherinlookingabitputoff.

"Firstofall,foradedicatedyearroundResearchandInvestigationintoasecurityissueRonaldWesley,HarrypotterandHermioneGrangerareawardedtenpointseach."

"Forpragmaticlogicandselfsacrifice,RonaldWeasleyisawardedfortypoints."

TheGryfindoor,clapped,whiletherestofthehouseshavebeenconfused.

"Finally,forexcellentteamworkandcourageinprotectingthisschoolandeachothermisterPotterandMissGrangerareawardedfiftypointseach."

TheGryfindoorheldtheirbreath,whiletheSlytherinlookedallittlegreenEveryonewasaddinguppoints.

"Now,thereisonemorepersontotodaywhodeservespoints.Thecourageneededtostanduptofriendswhenyoubelievetheyaremakingamistakeisharderthenthe

oneneededtostanduptoenemieswhoareathreattoyou.SotomisterNevilleLongbottomIawardasinglepoint."

Thehallfellsilentaseveryonedidtheirmathsandthenafterseverallongmomentsasinglevoiceroseinlaughter.MalfoyofallpeoplewaslaughingashestoodupandstartedclappingfollowedbytheWesleytwinswhogotthejoke.

TherestofthehallwassilentmostlyinconfusionlookingfromthetwinstoMalfoy,wonderingwhowon.

"ProfessorSnape,ProfessorMcGonogal,sincethepointsaretiedaccordingtotheHogwartscharteryoucouldeithersharethevictoryorchooseachampionandholdacompetitionforsupremacy?"

"Flipforit!"yelledoneofthetwins.

"Bobforapples!"calledtheother.

"Duel!"YelledaSlytherynprefect.

Asthehallrangwithmorepropositionsandideasthetwoheadsconferredwiththeheadmaster.

AN:

Istillcannotfindafunwaytoendthis.WhatsortofcompetitionwouldtheprofessorsengageinIwonder.IfsomeonemakesabrilliantsuggestionI'lluseitinsteadofmyarguablylacklustreone.

OnemorechapterIthinkandyearoneisdone.AndSummerDreamsstart.

Chapter15:YearsendII

"Somecomparethefuturetoriversorbranchesofatree.Isaythistothem:Thefutureisaseriesofavalanches,eachbeingsetoffbyasingleoriginalpebble."

MayaTrelawney,TwoEyes.

AN:Ihavetothankthepersonthatgoesbysiaru74oncearazkabanforpointingoutaconstantgrammaticallyerrorIhadbeenmaking.TaraLiisanothersuchperson,orthesamepersonhelpingmetwice.Iwastoodumbtoask.:)

IalsohavetoadmitmyoriginalplantofinishtheyearbeforetheendofNovemberhasfailed.Insteadyougetanothershortchapter.Onemorechapterleft,andthentheepiloguebeforeIstartonMidsummerDreams.

Chapter13.YearsEndII

ProfessorFlitwicksighed,dabbedhismouthwithanapkinandputawayhisdesert.Heknewwherethiswasgoing.Hewasuncertainwhattheheadmaster'sagendawasthistimeandintruthdidnotcare.Twomoredaysandhewouldbeonvacation.Hisdutynowwasclear.

HestoodupasDumbledoreannouncedaformalduelwouldtakeplace,andtookhisrightfulplaceofficiatingtheschoolyardscufflesthatthesocalledcivilizedpeoplepassedforcombat.Aflickofhiswandandspaceforastandardsize,sixmetercirclewasclearedinfrontofthefacultytable.

"Thiswillbeastandardpersonal,nonlethalthreeroundduel.Magnitudethreeorlowerspellsonly,knockoutsorpinningcountforvictory.IfoneopponentistooinjuredtofightorsafetymarginsareexceedIwillendtheduelandawardthevictoryaccordingtocurrentstanding."Heannouncedofficiallyastheduellerstooktheirplace.

"Areyouready?"Heaskedandastheduellersnoddedtheirassenthissurroundingsfadedandhisconsciousnessconnectedtotheduellingcircle,enchantedperceptionnotingeverydetailoftheduelandtheduellers.AgoldenhourglassappearedabovethedomeasFlitwicktookadeepbreath.

"Roundone.Fight!"

SeverusSnapewasapotionmaster.Helovedthesubtleartforitscomplexity,precisionandgrace.YetheheldmasteryinDefence,hisotherloveandwasasuperbduellerinhistime.Truehewasslightlyoutofpracticebuthefelthecouldholdhisownagainsthisslightlyoldercolleague.

Afterallshehadspentthewarmostlyinasupportroleandhehadbeenadeatheater.Hesettledintheduellingstancemostfavouredinthelasttwentyfiveyearsforit'spoweranddefensibility.Itpointedthewanddirectlyattheopponentwhilepresentingtheleastprofileforacounter.

Henotedthelightshakeinhisopponent'swandarmandthedeepbreathMcGonnagaltookbeforesheclosedhereyesandsmirked.

Theduellingcircleclosedaroundthemandhefeltit'sconfining,everpresentgripcauseasmallsurgeofadrenalineinhisfightofflightsystem.Hisopponent'seyeswerestillclosed.Toobad.Hesentoutaquick,silentparalysinghexgamblingonaquickfinish.

MinervaMcGonagalllookedatheropponentwithfalsecalmastheduellingcirclewasbuilt.Herhandsshookslightlyasshewonderedhowonearthshehadmanagedtogetintoaduelaftersomanyyears.

Ohsheknewthedirectreason:Albuswasuptohisgamesagaintryingtosalvageorredirectthingsafterthespectacularfailureofhisplantotrapyou-know-who.

Whatwasbotheringherwasthatsheallowedherselftobepulledintothisschemesoeasilyandagainstherbetterjudgement.TrueProfessorSnapehasbeenincessantlysmuglatelyandshehadbeenfeelinggenerallyrestlessinthepastyear.WithmissGranger'santicsremindingherofthingsbestleftforgotten.

Theofficiatorinquireduponherreadinessandshereluctantlyassentedasrealityfadedaroundher.Shetookadeepbreathandclosedhereyesastheduellingcirclesnappedfullyclosedandafamiliartinglerusheddownherspine.

Shehadthoughtitwasallbehindher,thedanger,thepainandtheotherthingsthatmadethepainworthit.Shewasalmostseventyyearsold.Combatwasagamefortheyoung.Orsoshehadthought.Apparentlyherspiritanimalhadotherideas.Honourofonesparduswasaseriousthing.Andshewasstillnottoooldtosmackdowntheyoungtomthathadchallengedher.Hogwarts,reality,herthoughts,fearsandreluctancefadedawayintothedarknessandherownsteadyheartbeat.

"Roundone.Fight."

Theworldnarrowedandslowedasbloodpoundedliquidfirethroughherveinsandasmall,wickedsmileshoweditselfonherusuallysternfaceasthewhitefirespreadoutwardfromdeepinherbelly.

Hereyessnappedopenanditwaslikeshehadneverstopped.Magicfromdeepwithinroseandcrackledalongherfingertips,eagertodoherbiddingandasheropponent,herprey,snappedoffhisfirsthexathersheknewshehadlostnoneofheredge.

Thecursespathwasobviousandshesteppedcasuallysidewayslettingthespellraypassher.Shereturnedasimpleimpedimentjinxjusttokeephimguessingandsettledintoamodifiedmanticorestancethatwasherfavouriteinoneononeduel.

Wandheldhighinherrightandbehindher,leftpalmpalmthrustinfrontforshieldingandfinemanipulationshebegantostalkherpreywhileadistantpartofhermindeasilykepttracksofthelimitsoftodayshunt.Shewouldtastebloodsomeotherday.

SeverusSnapefrownedslightlyasshesidesteppedhiscursecasuallyandsettledintoanunknownandawkwardlookingstance.Ittookhimhalfasecondtorealizeshehadsentareturnjinxathimwhichheblockedwithacasualandonlyseeminglyeffortlessflickofhiswand."Interesting."Hethoughtandconcededthattherewasmoretohiscounterpartthenhesurmised.Hersmileunsettlingandhefeltthehairsonthebackofhisneckriseasinstinctstousedeadlyforcerosetothesurface.Hequashedthemruthlesslyandanalyzedthechangedsituation.Apparentlyhewasgoingtogivethisduelhisfullattention.

HermioneGrangerwatchedinaweasthefirstprobinghexesdescendedintoafuriousexchangeofcursesandcountercurses.Shecouldbarelyfollowthefightandresortedtoboostingherownperceptionsoshecouldtakeeverythingin.Shebegantotakenoteoftheradicaldifferenceinstyle.ProfessorSnapepreferredcountercursesanddeflection,fightingwithcalmprecision,hismovementscrispandefficient,deflectingandcastingatthesametime.

ProfessorMcGonnagalontheotherhandmovedwithsleekgraceandintensity.Hercursesweresentatoddanglefromonhigh,herlefthandshieldingordeflectingcursesthatshecouldnotdodgewhileherrightattacked,matchingheropponentcurseforcurse.

Thestudentswatchedinsilentawe.Mostofthemhavingneverseenaduelofthis

classorintensitybefore.Aneeriesilencedescendedonthegreathall,theonlynoisethesoundofabootuponstone,theswishofawandandthesoundofshatteringstone.

"Timeup!"ThevoiceofprofessorFlitwick."Noclearwinner.TheNextroundstartsinthreeminutesandwilllastsixminutes,classfourspellsallowed."

Thediminutiveprofessorthensetaboutfixingthestonefloorforthenextround.Thegreathallexplodedinexcitedconversationandasthenextroundstartedshoutsofencouragementcouldbeheardforbothsides.

ThethreeGryffindorssatincontentedsilenceastheHogwartsExpressploddedonsteadilythroughScottishscenery.Ithasbeenahecticlastdayandthedisplayofskillandabilityattheendoftheyearfeastwasunlikeanythingtheyhadseen.NowthattheywerefinallygettinghomeeverythinghadsloweddowntoaniceserenepaceandtheGryffindorswereenjoyingthetranquility.

HermionewasabsentlyleafingthroughthenewFlourishandBlot'scataloguemarkingdownanoccasionalbook,RonwaseatingthechocolatefrogshewonbettingonMcGonnagallandHarrywaslookingoutthewindow.

"I'llneverbeabletolookatprofessorMcgonagalthesamewayagain."MusedHarryabsently.

Ronsnortedasheunwrappedachocolatefrog."TellmeaboutitHarry.Whoknewtheoldbiddyhaditinher."

"Ronald!"Hermioneswattedhimontheshoulderwithherpalm."Youcan'ttalkaboutherlikethat,especiallyafterthatdisplay.ProfessorSnapewasprettygoodtoo."

"IhavetohandittoSnape,heknowshowtoduel."allowedHarrygrudgingly."He'sstillabastard."

Hermioneglancedathimandraisedaneyebrow.

"WellcomeonHermione,heis!"hewhined.

ShejuststaredathimwhileRonaldchuckledatHarry'scrumblingexpression.

"Oohfine.He'snotabastard.He'srudetomeandanunprofessionalteacherevenifhecanfightandtriedtohelpmenotdieonceortwice,"hesighed.

"Shewipedthefloorwithhisarseintheendmatewhenhesummonedthosesnakes.IwishIhadpicturesofhisfacewhenshetransfiguredthemintomongoosesandturnedthemonhim,"snickeredtheredhead.HermionestoppedglaringatHarryandchuckledatthememory.Thathadbeenanamusingmoment.

"YeahandthewaysheconfundedthemintothinkingSnapewasabigtastysnake.Whatshemadethemsaytothemanwashilarious,"laughedHarry.Theothertwolookedathimfunny.

"WhattheMongoosesweresaying?"Hermioneaskedintrigued."Youcouldunderstandthem?"

"BlimeyHarry.Idind'tknowyoucouldspeaktomongooses?"Ronstaredathisfriendbeforegettingdistractedasachocolatefrogmadeit'sbidforfreedom.

Harryblinkedstupidly."Youmeantheyweren'tspeakingEnglish?"

AfeelingofdreadspreadinsidehischestwhenaslightlymadgrinspreadonHermione'sFace.Heknewthatgrin.

"Ijustbecamearesearchtopic,"hesaidwithresignation.

Shenoddedhappily.

"AndIhavetoparticipatesinceit'smyability."

Againwithahappynod.ShepausedandglancedatRon.Hersmilechangedandshenoddedatthebusyredheadredhead.Harrynoddedback.

"Andsincewe'llbedoingresearchwewillexpandthetopicsalittle,"headdedknowingly,hisvoiceseepedindoomandgravefeelings.

"Ha,Idon'tenvyyoumate.Spendingyoursummerinalibrary,"commentedRonashehappilybittheheadoffthefugitivechocolatefrog.

Harryglancedathisbestmateandgrinned."Ohdon'tworrymate,yougettohelp."

Ronstoppedchewingandhiseyeswidened.

"Oy!Holdon..."Hetrailedoffatapairofmadgrinsaimedathim.

"Don'tworryRonald,I'msurewecansetasidesometimeforhavingfun.Adayortwo."Hermione

"You'rejusthavingmeonright?"Ronretortedpleadingly.

"OhfineyoucanhaveSundaysofftoo,"Harryallowedamicably.

"Harry!"

"OnlySundayafternoonsHermione,he'llearnitbyworkingextrahardinthemorning,"heamendedquickly.

Ronstaredatthem,dazedashislostvacationtimeflashedbeforehiseyes.HeblinkedthespotsfromhiseyesfromtheflashandrealizedalaughingHarrywasholdingabatteredlookingcamera.HelookedatHermioneandrealizedbyhergigglesthathehadjustbeenhad.

"Youguysstink"RonalddeclaredandthenlookedatHermione."Wedon'treallyhavetodoresearch?"

"OnlyifyouwanttoandareabletovisitatmyhouseinLondon.That'swhereI'massemblingmynewlibrary."

"ThereisnowayMumwillletmeoutofhersightforthatlong.Anhourortwo,maybe.Longer?Noway,"hesighed.

"Don'tworryRonald.Wecanstilltalkonthespellphone,"Hermionepattedhisshouldercomfortingly.

Ronnoddedandthenseemedtorecallsomething.

"Youcanreallytalktomongoosesthen?"HeaskedHarry.

"Surehecan,"Hermionecorrectedhereyesglintingwithrealisation."Butonlybecauseamagicalmongoosespeakssnake."

RonaldgapedatherlikeshewasanutterandHarrystaredatherwithconfusionbeforeholdinghishandup.

"Stoprightthere,"heintonedfeelingslightlymiffed."Youarerightaboutmespeakingparseltongue.WhatIwanttoknowhowinthenameofthreelawsofflamingdecompressiondidyoufigurethatout.Ionlyfoundoutwhatitwascalledlastmonthandhaveneverevenhintedatthetalent."

Hermionesmiledmysteriouslyfiddlingwithherdragonpendant."Oh,Ihavemyways."

"Hermione!Comeonspillit!"Harrybegged,angleofattackchangingrapidly.Helookedathermournfullywithbiggreenpleadingeyes.

"Ohfine,I'lltellyou,"Hermioneseemingyrelented.Shetookadeepbreath,leanedclosedtosharetheconfidenceandafterasignificantpauseshesaid:"Icheat."

HarryslappedhisforeheadinfrustrationandgrowledatherasRonlaughedathisfriendsmisfortune."Shegotyoutheremate!"

"Tellme,"Harrygrowled.

"No,"cameamirthfulreply..

"I'llbuyyoucandy,"heoffered.

Hermionewasrelentlessandshookherhead.

"I'llcookyoulasagna,"heincreasedhisbid.

Hermionecockedherheadtothesideseeminglyinthoughtandthensmiledmischievously.

"Youalreadyowemehalfadozenmeals.No."

"Hermione.Don'tmakemetortureitoutofyou,"heleanedovermenacinglyandflexedhisfingers.

"Youwouldn'tdare,"shecounteredhesitantlyandleanedbackalittle.

Harrysmiledattheweaknessinhisstubborn,secretkeepingenemy.

"Lastchance,"hesaidleaningoverfurtherhisfingerswiggling.InafortuitousdiscoveryduringoneoftheirpracticesessionstheboyshavediscoveredHermione'sdreadfulsecret.HermioneJaneGranger,geniusextraordinairewas...Ticklish.

"HarryI'mwarning..."shewascutoffasHarrypouncedonherandexploitedhersecretweakness.

"Haaaaaary!"Hermioneyelledandthencollapsedintohelplesslaughter.

"Spillitandthetorturestops,"herelentedslightlyaftertwentyseconds

"Ron!"Hermionegaspedinbetweengiggles."Help!"

HarryandRonexchangedglancesandRonsmiledjoiningtheticklefight.OnHarry'sside.

"RONALD!"HermionesquealedRonpulledherhandsupandtheboysmadeherbegformercy.

HermionewastryingtofindamomentofweaknesstotryandturnthetablesontheboyswhilethankingthegodsshehadjustbeentothebathroomwhenthecompartmentdoorsopenedandDracoMalfoywalkedin.TheticklingstoppedandHermionegaspedforbreathastheboysinstantlystoodtofacethenewcomer.

"Malfoy,"growledRon.

"MisterMalfoy,"noddedHarrysomewhatformally.

HermionetookagaspingbreathandfinallymanagedtopulloutherwandheglancedatMalfoy.Sensingnomalicefromtheboy,onlywearyrespectshehastilydrewashiningcircleintheairandinfusedasplitterruneintoit.

"Iwantedtoproposeatrucefornextyear,"heglancedatHermioneandhiseyeswidenedslightlyasHermionedrewglyphsaroundthecircle.Shesmiledathimitwasnotanicesmile.

"HoweverasyouaregoingtobebusyI'llcomebackinsay...Twentyminutes?"headdedquestioningly.AtHermione'snodhebowedslightlyandhastilyleftthecompartment.

"OyHarrywhatwasthatabo..."

"FORTISRICTUSEMPRAMULTIPLICO!"

Acombinationofhystericalandevillaughterensuedinthecompartment.Aprefectbrieflyconsideredsteppinginbutrealisingwhosecompartmentitwashastilymovedalong.

Dracohurrieddownthehalltohiscompartmenthismindagainreelingfromwhathesaw.

DracoMalfoywasnofool.Ohheknewhehadeverythingservedtohimonaplatterandthathemightbeconsideredabitspoiled.Hedidn'tcare,helikedthesplendourofalifeofprivilege.Hewasnogreatbooklearnerbuthewassmartenoughtoseewhichwaythewindswereblowing.

Hehadlistenedtotherumours,heheardwhathadhappenedtotheRavenclawprefectthataccostedher.HehimselfhadfeltGranger'smagiconhisbones.Potterwasbeingciviltohim,duetoGranger'scounsel.AndeventheWeasleywaswrappinghiscontemptintocurt,sharpwords.

Hewasn'tsureifGrangerwasanaberrantMudbloodretainerunderPotter'swingorifshewasahiddenheiressthattookPotterunderher's.Eitherwayhermagicandpoisecommandedacertainrespectandherwillingnesstobackstabhertwofriendsinrevengespokeofacertainruthlessness.Truetheywerejustplayingaroundbutthatamplifyingcirclewassomethingstraightoutofhisgrandfather'srepertoire.Splittingaspellwhileretainingit'spotencywasn'tsomethingafirstyearstudentshouldknow.Orbeabletodo.Heknewhecouldn't.

Asfortheotherthing,whatPotterandWeasleyweredoing?Ticklingsomeonewithoutmagic?Whatanovelidea.HeopenedthedoorsandsmiledathisPansyandherfriendDaphnewhowaskindenoughtokeepthemcompany.

"Howdiditgo?"hisfiancéeaskedandheshruggedandploppeddownnexttoher.Itwasgoodtolethismetaphoricalhairdownintheprivacyofhisowncompartment.

"Badtiming,I'llhavetocomebackwhentheyarefinished.Theyseemedwillingtolisten,atleast."

"Oh?"Daphneinquiredeloquently.

"Grangeriscurrentlybusytorturingtheboysinrevengeforatransgression."

"Whatkindoftransgression?"Pansyasked.

Dracolookedathisfianceandsmiled.

"Oh,PotterandWeaslyhadtakencertainlibertiesuponherbodyandsheusedmyarrivaltoescapeandturnthetablesonthem.Hexedthemrightinthebackshedid."Daphne'seyeswidenedandPansylickedherlipsintriguedbythepotentialjuicygossip.

"Whatkindofliberties?"HisfiancéeaskedbarelycontainingherinterestandDracosmirked.Heknewhowhisbetrothedthought.Perhapsitwastimetoseeifhecouldpushthatallianceofmutualrespectintoactualfriendship.Itwouldtakesomethingdrasticandinformaltosignifysuchadesireandhehadlearnedjustthething.

"Perhapsademonstrationisinorder,"heflexedhisfingersexperimentallyandpouncedignoringthevoiceinthebackofhisheadthatscreamedbreachof

etiquette.HewasaMalfoy.Hemadetherules.

EndChapter

OMAKE(AcrossoverwithBuffyTVS)Asis,spellingerrorsabound.:P

Voldemortlookedupattheredhazethatwastheskythesedaysandwipedthesweatoffhisforehead.

ThelesserdemonswererelentlessandtheOldOnethathehadbeenbarelyfightingtoastandstillhadbeenweakenedbythedawnandfled.Heslowlyloosenedhisgrasponthelesserdragonlineandsighedinrelif.Helookedarroundthebattlefieldandgrimmanced.

"Sargeant!"Hehissed

"General!"ApowerfullfigureinmagitechmarkIIIpowerarmoursnappedtoatention.

"Status?"

"AlltwelveBasiliskknightsreadyandaccountedforSir!JenkinstookabeatingduringteminuteheheldoffthatOldOnewhenitshowedupbuthe'llbefineinafewdays.Theguardsmensufferedtwelvepercentcasulties.Threepermanentfatalities."

Voldemortnoddedathisfillower.HowamancanpuffhischestandlooksmugwhilewearingamarkIIIhehadnoclue.

"Icouldexpectnoless.FallbacktopositiondeltaandassistthedefendersonNewDelhi.YourmencantakesixhoursforR&Rwhenyougetthere.Youcantaketwo."

"Hurrahsir!"

Asthesquadfellbackfromtheoncemoredormanthellmouthandtheguardsmenarroundthemgatheredtheirwitshepulledoutacomunicationcrystal.

"ConnecttoWhiteWitch."Hespoke.

"XanderItoldyouthereinforcementsare...Ah.GeneralVoldemort.Myapologies.WhatcanCentraldoforyou?"

"DelhiHellmouthSealedforthemonth."

"Already?"

"AnOldOnemanifestedandpinnedmymendown."

"Andyoupoppedinthereonyournightoffandhelditoffuntilsunrisesotheknightscouldsealthebreach."Willowsmirked"Howverynoble."

"I'madarklord.Idon'tdonoble."Voldemortgrowledandcuttheconnection.Sillygirlcouldn'tunderstandthatthesethingsareamatterofcostandgain.AndtheBasiliskknightswereworthfarmorethenhisnightoff.Evenifthyusedtobemuggles.Hesighed.Thingshedidforsurvival.IfheevergetshishandsontheidiotthatopenedtheHellgate...

Heshookhishead.Notimetodwelluponplesantries.Bellawaswaitingandshehintedshehadacquiredabottleofchiantiandwouldkeepitoniceuntilhecameback.

Epilogue

Disclaimer:Donoown.

AN:Seenotesafterepilogue

Youwanttopredictthefuture?Howsilly.Youcan'tpredictthefuture.Itisalwaysinmotiontoparaphraseanoldmovie.Thebestyoucandoislistentoit'stuneandhopeforthebest.

SeleneLovegod

Epilogue:OfMusingMinds(Orhowitallwentofftherails)

TheoldScottishcastlewasemptyforthesummerandhighinoneofit'stowerssilhouettedinawindowafigurestooddeep,lookingoutsidedeepinthought..

AlbusDumbledorewastroubled.Tomhadbeenrightunderhisnosethewholetime.

Washegettingold?HefailedtogetevenawhiffofdarkmagicfromQuirrel.

Andhisbrilliantplanbackfiredwhenthosechildrentriedto"Save"thestone.Andhecouldnottellthemitwasallaruse.Nono.Theyhadtokeeptheirspirit.

AndthatGirl!Shewaspowerful.Merlin!Shecouldbecomealmostasgreatashimself!Couldhehavemisinterpreted?Wasthepowerfriendship?

Well.Friendshipwasaformoflove.Andwhoknewwhatmightdevelop.

Hewouldhavetochangehisplansalittle.Fitherintothepossibilities.Yes.

Hewouldtestitbeforechangingthefinalscenario.

Tobesure.

Hewouldnotfailthem.

NeverAgain.

Theoldmansteppedbackandwenttohisdesk,dippedaquillinsomeinkandstartedadjustingentriesthatwerewritteninsideasmallredbook.

TheinvisiblespecterofVoldemortdatedthroughthestreetsofLondondippinginandoutofpedestrianslikeablackdementedbutterfly.

Eachtouchwouldreturnaminusculeportionofpowertohim.Enoughtokeephimlucidandmoving.Heneededtheluciditysohefedontheselesserbeings.

TomMalvoroRiddlewastroubled.Hashefallensolowtobedefeatedbychildrenusingschooljinxes?

Theboy.Hewaspowerfulforachild.Hellfire!Hewaspowerfulforanadultwizard!Hehadtobekilled!

Andthegirl,Ohhesowantedtogethishandsonthatgirl.Thearraysherbloodwouldfuel!

Andyet.Theyshouldnothavewon.Evenifhewasweakened.

Coulditbethathehadspreadhimselftoothinly?Couldhehavemisjudgedthepowerofahumansoul?

Buthowcouldthatbe?Ifthatwastruethenwhatelsehadhemisjudgedinchoosingthispathtomortalityandpower?

Noitcouldnotbe.

Andyet.

Hehadtotestit.

Yes.

Hewouldre-absorbone.

Justone.

Totestit.

HermioneJaneGrangerwasquietonhercarridehome.SheGladasshewastoseeherparents,shenededtothinkandthusactedasifshewassleepyandtootiredtotalk.Hereyesclosedsheponderedheractions.

HadshebeenarroganttothinkshecouldstandwithaboyagainstaDarkLordandhisminion?

Hadshebeennaïvetothinktherewouldbenobloodshed?

Whathadshebeenthinkingwhenshefirstwalkedthispath?

Whatifshehaddied?Andforwhat?Friendship?Alliance?Whatifshefails?

Butno.Whatifsareuseless.Voldemortknewherfacenow.Sawherasanenemy.Theunholyspectre.

Shewouldhavetodelvedeeperandfasterintothementallabyrinthofhermind.

Studiescouldwait.Magiccouldwait.Homework...Yes.Evenhomeworkcouldwait.Sheneededaclearheadfromnowon.

Andwhenthetimecame...

Shehadkilledonce.Shecoulddoitagain.

Asmanytimesasshehadto.

Untilsheandher'sweresafe.

InaanotherquietcarVernonDursleywastroubled.Theboyhadcomebackchanged.

ItwassubtlebutVernonwasnofool.

Theboywaschanged.Hekepthishandnearthatblastedstickatalltimes,hiseyessearchingtheworldaroundhim.Constantlylookingforgodknewwhat,likehewasexpectingtrouble.Yettheboyswasnotanervouswreck.No.Helookedlikehewaswaiting.Calmdeadeyeswatchingtheworldaroundhim.

Likeacoiledsnakereadytostrike.

SlidingoverVernonanddismissinghimasanonthreat.

Hehadseeneyeslikethatbefore.Inazoo.

YesVernonDursleywasnofool.

Hewouldnotpushtheboy.Ithadhappened.

Likehehadfeared.

Andnowitwastoolatetotryandkillhim.

Wasn'tit?

LyinginhisbedthatnightHarryPotterwastroubled.

Voldemortwasaliveandpromisedrevenge.

Andhewasnotgoingtostayquietinhissuburbanhomeandkeephisheaddown.

HefeltashehadbeenasleepallhislifeuntilhemetHermione.Andnowhewasawake.Andhewasnotgoingbacktosleeporputtinghisheadintothesand.No.Hissoulwasburningbrightlyandhewouldnolongersuppressit.Dursleysmaylikeitornot.IfVernontriesraisinghisvoicehewouldignorehim.IfhetriesraisinghishandHarrywouldbreakit.Theywerebynomeanshisfamily.Hewouldfindonesomedaythough.Afamilythatwouldlovehim.

Fornow,hehadfriendswillingtostandbesidehim.Twoofwhichhadthesheergumptiontoriskfacingadarklordwithhim.

WhenheaskedwhytherigorousstudyHermionegavehimbooksthatstudiedthepreviousthreewizardwars.Henevercomplainedafterthat.

HewasawarethattherewasagoodchanceVoldemortwouldsparkthefireofanewwar.Possiblyverysoon.

AndHarrywouldberightsmackinthemiddleoftheblaze.

Carefreechildhoodmyarse.

Author'snote.

Yeah.I'mabadpersonforleavingthislikethat.IhadintendedtopostfirstfewchaptersofthesequelatthesametimeasIpostedanepilogue.Ifailed.WhileIhavesomethingswrittenitisnotwhatIneedtocontinuethis.Thedriveisnotthere.

OnthebrightsideIhavetwothingstosay:

1.Iplantocontinuethis.Imightdoatimeskiporgobyyear.ItwillbesomewhatslowunlessamusehitsmeovertheheadwithanInspirebat(TM)

ThemaindifficultyIamexperiencingisthatIhavenointentofrehashingtheHP

seriesandpossiblyIwillonlyusematerialsfromfirstfourbooks.(Orevenfirstthree)

2.SeveralpeoplehadmentionedthisandIconcurthatthereispotentialinthisso:

KickInTheArseChallenge

-Pickacharacter(Notthelead,ifpossible.Pickafemaleifpossible)

-PickaFandom(OrCrossover)

-GivethatcharacteraKickInTheArse

-Watchthewholethingsnowball.

Rules:

1.Whenpossiblethekickshouldcomefromanolderandwiserversionofthepersoninvolved.

2.NodirecttimetravelorResets.Messageinabottleonly,restrictedinhowmuchcanbesent.

3.Includejuicyfuturetidbitthatwillblowthatcharacter'smind.

4.Feelfreetoaddsomecrazyawesome.