Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue part one. 

July 6th 1994.

"Hermione, honey, will you please come downstairs? We have something we have to talk about." Jean Granger shouted from downstairs.

Instead of shouting back Hermione quickly dog-eared the book she was reading, The Shining by Stephen King . She always loved reading. Most people would automatically assume her go to's books would be a romantic classic, which would be true. However it's just a fact, her guilty pleasure is definitely reading one of his works.

Her parents are always poking fun during the holidays, one day Hermione would be drinking a hot Earl Gray tea reading one of her mum’s favorite books The Great Gatsby while snacking on some apples and peanut butter. This was of course before she discovered she was sensitive to peanuts."Darling, you remind me of your mother." Her father would say and the next day she'll be drinking an iced cherry Ginger Ale while snacking on sliced pickles, reading one of her dads favorite books Lord of the Flies and her mum would say the same thing her father said the last day, "Love, you are so much like dad." 

Hermione tossed the book down by her dusty blue dragon stuffed animal she's had for as long as she could remember. While Hermione was walking out of her room she nearly tipped over a pair of shoes that were tangled in a couple articles of clothing. She should clean up her room a bit, it's not that messy by any means but it's definitely not tidy. Or was it from lack of sleep? Making her way down the stairs all Hermione could think about was how she wanted was to get a decent night's sleep but every time she shuts her eyes and goes to sleep she has the same dream of a faceless woman singing a sweet tune that would be fine but it's what happens after she's done singing, the woman breaks out into a terrible bloody scream.

The first time she started dreaming of the faceless woman was when she was attacked by a loose Dementor. To make it worse, Draco Malfoy was the one to find her. Their dynamic was odd, they weren't friends by any means, but he never went out of his way to pick on or call her crude names. Believe it or not, the only ones to call her mudblood were older Slytherins. Merlin, she heard it more from people in her own house. Ron did in fact call her it a couple times, but never Malfoy, he was actually the one to explain what that word was.

They’d always been cordial to each other in their shared classes, even nodded at each other in the hallway, while passing one another. That was until one day, it was like he turned into a whole different person; he was running his mouth as normal to Harry and Ron, instead of leaving like he normally did, he turned to her and said how it was a true shame that the bloody basilisk didn't finish the job the year before. After hearing that, Hermione was so caught off guard, she would’ve sworn Malfoy was speaking to someone else, if it wasn’t for Crabbe repeating it, while looking straight at her. Harry and Ron started yelling at them, the next thing she knew she was punching Malfoy in the face.

To make it weirder a few days later while in the library Malfoy found her alone reading, and sat right across from her and cleared his throat and when she looked at him, he actually apologized and went on saying he had to say that in order to ‘maintain his image’. She also found herself apologizing too. As he got up right before he left he looked at her for a few seconds and smirked while saying ‘if it was anyone else that broke his nose, the person would be in the medical wing for the rest of the year’ They went back to how it was before. If they walked past each in the hallways he'd just nod and continue walking in the direction he was going. It was actually mind boggling, brain hurting, strange, really. Malfoy's shouting brought attention, and Professor Lupin was there. Where were Harry and Ron? They were gone. She had a big argument with Ronald. He was being such a git, worse than normal. That day Ronald showed his true colors.

Ronald grabbed Hermione and shoved her so hard into the three, she got a bit dizzy and felt warm liquid running down the side of her head. On top of that, her wand went flying to the ground and before she could even pick it up Ron snatched it up, putting it in his robe pocket, making her freeze up. Panic flew through her body, trying to figure out what was causing him to act in such a horrible way. Before she could open her mouth and ask what in the seven hells was he thinking or what was happening. 

Ron started shouting in her face and saying the most outrageous hurtful things and the most ridiculous accusations she's ever heard of. "Why are you always acting like this? Merlin Hermione.You’re supposed to be the brains of the group, that's it, that’s why we keep you around!" Ron kept spat off, then he added “Seven hells, it's not like we actually like you. I don't see what Harry sees in you honestly. Most of the time you are so draft even for being a damn bloody Mudblood.” Ronald raged on and on. 

He only stopped because we heard Harry making his way over. “Harry! Dean was looking for you. He said something about needing to speak to you, Dean said it was quite important” Ron said, spinning on his heels already almost near Harry. Hermione was still shocked from Ronald”s hurtful words, she slowly slid down the tree blinking away her tears, lost in her thoughts. She barely had time to process what happened next, she heard someone shouting while also hearing the most heavenly voice singing. It wasn’t her mum, she couldn’t hold a tune to save her life. But then the bloody shrinking screaming. 

Next thing she knew Professor Lupin was there. “Merlin Miss Granger, why were you alone!" Professor Lupin said, adding "They haven't gotten all the Dementors just yet, there's still a few stragglers. You should've known better than anyone to not be alone. Why did you let it get so close to you! Where's your wand? You could have fought it off." 

Hermione simply shook her head blinking away a few tears. Once she took a few deep breaths and found her words they were simple really. “I’m sorry Professor Lupin, I wasn’t alone for too long really, the boys were here but Ron and I had an argument and I needed a moment to myself.” She said softly, avoiding eye contact as best she could. “I left my wand in my dorm. I didn’t think I'd need it with Harry and Ron, we just planned to walk by the lake before we leave for the summer.” She rambled on mentally beating herself up for thinking if it was too much or too less. 

Hermione couldn’t well say 'Oh yeah, according to Ronald Weasley my friends are only keeping me around for my brian! Oh why don't I have my wand you ask? Well Ronald Weasley snatched it from me while he shoved me so hard into this very tree the damn dementor got me at and my wand went flying off and before I could grab it, the bloody damn git picked it up and shoved it into his robes pocket!.' She couldn’t say that . Everyone would think she's lost the plot. 

Malfoy was just standing still staring at Hermione, during the whole time, like who does that! I understand it was probably such an inconvenience for him but oh well it doesn’t matter that he's been somewhat cordial or not she didn't need him or anyone else to see her like this. Before she could even tell him off he opened his mouth and spoke somewhat softly and said 

“Ehh Granger, you’ve got a bit of blood here.” Malfoy mentions while bringing his hand up to his face, taking his fingers up to his hairline near his temple and dragging it down to the side of his cheek. Hermione narrowed her eyes at him, and quickly took her hand and did the same motion and felt it, she sucked in her bottom lip, chewing on it to stop the hissing that wanted out, as she applied a bit of pressure to the wound with the end of her sleeve. She glanced back at him and just gave him a simple non as a thanks and proceeded to walk back to the castle to collect her things.

“Hermione, sweetie, were you even listening?” Her fathers gentle voice brought her back to reality.

“I’m sorry dad, I’m here now please will you repeat that once again?” Hermione said softly as she looked to both of her parents as she spoke. Something isn't right. Something feels very off about this talk.

Maybe it’s a bit too warm in the house. She picked up her iced tea her mum gave her once she sat down at the table. The tea’s a bit too sugary. She should’ve asked for it to be plain and then made it to her preference, but it's okay she wanted to make her mum feel happy. 

Her parents took a few deep breaths and patted their joint hands against each other. Her father picked up a medium sized deep green tin box lined with thin golden flowers. Her mother was holding a few envelopes. This time her mother is the first to speak up.

“Love, we are so proud of you. You’ve accomplished so much, you were always top of your class in school. It didn’t matter if you were struggling, you’d never give up. You never let your dyslexia or autism define you, you knew your limits. If you got stuck on your work or were having a bad day you’d let us know and we'd help to make you feel more comfortable. Yes, we know it was hard making and maintaining friends throughout your childhood.You were so incredibly independent. The hardest thing we’ve ever had to do was let you go, once you got your letter to go to Hogwarts. Everything changed, you don't have to try and deny it. You were more like yourself, you got a great group of friends now. It's true. But honey-” Jean wiped away a few tears and took a shaky breath, she grabbed her tea and took a long sip. Rob kissed her temple and whispered something Hermione couldn’t hear into her mother's ear.

While Hermione was processing her mother’s words she wouldn’t help but feel ashamed she hasn't told her parents about the nasty argument she had with Ronald, mainly because she hasn't been able to speak to Harry and see his side of it. Hermione knew she couldn't forgive Ron. She also knew she couldn't ask Harry to stop hanging out with Ron he was friends with before being friends with her. 

Hermione was trying to read between the emotional lines of her mother’s words, Jean’s facial expressions were mixed, she’d only speak with her hands if she was very angry which meant in this moment she was. she was almost angry more than sad, maybe heartbroken? While speaking.  

“Well thank you for the kind words, mum I really appreciate them. I don't mean to be so blunt. Please correct me if I am, are you dying? Is dad dying? I dont understand whats-”

“NO! NO ONE IS DYING HERE!” her father shouted immediately, not allowing Hermione to continue. Her mother on the other hand was borderline hysterical at this point. 

Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath while bringing  her left hand up to her face and pitching the bridge of her nose, exhaling. She couldn’t take it anymore, it was now boiling hot in the house, her tea was terrible and now with her mother crying, she doesn't know what to say. Does she apologize for causing her mother to be in this state? Herminone didn't mean to bring up dying but she couldn't wrap her head around the strangeness. Hermione went to stand up and go hug her mum. Maybe that will help? Physical contact typically made her uncomfortable but over the last few years she’s gotten alot better at hugging others that weren't her parents she’ll still get overwhelmed though.

“Hermione, you’re adopted!’ Jean cried out, making Hermione flinch slightly. She stopped dead in her tracks from the almost shriek that came out of her mother. Hermione was only a couple inches from her mum. She might as well get the hug over with, she brought her arms around her mother and held tightly for good measure. “It’s okay mum, please we don’t have to continue this conversation right now. I don't like seeing you upset.” She said softly, with a final tight squeeze she pulled her arms back and wrapped them around herself.

Taking a few deep breaths, Hermione knew her parents were hiding something but didn’t know it was something this drastic. Logically speaking of course she always wondered where she got her dark strawberry honey unruly curls from, both of her parents had straight raven hair, why she would burn instead of tan, why she had freckles when neither of her parents did, but the biggest one, her eyes, while both her parents have pale green eyes, she had light golden brown eyes with a single freckle on almost on the pupil of her right eye. Her parents would say

“You got the curls from dad’s great grandmother, she had beautiful honey strawberry curls, everyone thought she was stunning.”

“I only started too tan when I hit thirty seven. I grew and my freckles left.”   

“Your beautiful golden eyes come from the stars above my love.”  

“I love you both, but if you’ll excuse me I need some time alone. I still have a bit of summer homework I need to finish up before school.” Hermione said softly and left the table, making her way upstairs to her room. She shuts her door. Making her way over to bed she lays down. Hermione is so overwhelmed with her thoughts, she grabs her dragon clingy on it like her life depends on it. 

How should she react? What should she do? Maybe there's some books she could read and figure out everything. She mentally makes a checklist of things she still needs and has to do before school starts. She couldn’t owl Harry, he’s in America with his parents. She’s no longer friends with Ronald so that's a no brainer plus he wouldn’t even know what to say or do.

She wishes she could owl Pansy, but she's at Malfoy Manor, and it’d be odd.  Pansy Parkinson and Hermione have been best friends since their first year, they actually bonded over a book in the library of all things. Hermione couldn't owl Pans though, they choose to keep their friendship a secret, in a way. Neither wanted to hear the backlash from their housemates. It was a mutual discussion at the end of the day. The only other person that knows is Professor Snape.

Everybody thought that Hermione only had Harry and Ron but at the end of the day it was Pans, Luna Lovegood, Harry and Ron until the last day of third year anyways. Sometimes she thinks that damn hat sorted her in the wrong house. She doesn't get along with anyone in her house, she’s tried and tried but in the end she did in fact give up. It was too much work. That's the only thing that she’s ever fully failed at, she never told her parents, they worry too much. Hell, even her own head of house notices the way her housemates treat her and that draft bint never says or does anything about it. Professor McGonagall is like Dumbledore; she can’t seem to give Hermione straightforward answers to her questions. Maybe that’s why she prefers Professor Snape, he always tells her how it is, he's very blunt and honest, straight to the point. She prefers that over silly little riddles or sayings.

Don't even get her started on that so-called headmaster Albus Dumbbore. The few times Hermione had the unlucky chance to speak to that man, it always ended the same way. He’s the straight definition of a walking enigma! He makes her head spin. Once in first year she accidentally blew up half the things in his office, she was just so frustrated with all his cryptical sayings. He looked her dead in the face and said

“ My, My, Miss Granger. You are so powerful for one, but I will ask you, please try not to repeat this the next time you’re in my office.” The whole time he spoke his eyes lit up like he just won a prize.

Safe to say she made sure she would never step foot in that man's office alone. If she didn't see it herself, she wouldn’t believe it but Professor Snape actually chuckled from her “outburst” which he quickly tried to cover up as a cough. But she noticed the look in his eyes, it was almost like he was proud of her? She found whatever it was, she liked it. Professor Snape was known to be a very strict teacher, supposedly he only gave points to his own house but that night, as he was walking her back to her tower, he gave her ten points for making his night. She was flabbergasted. A matter of fact in all of her years of attending Hogwarts, not once had Professor Snape treated her poorly, she can't say the same thing for the other students though. That being said, he rarely gave points to the other children; hell, she’s the only one in all of Gryffindor to have ever received points from the professor.  

“ Miss Granger, while I detest things being blown up in my class, I found tonight's demonstration enjoyable. Let’s keep that between us though. I take it you’re not a big fan of his cryptical sayings?’ He softly said. Hermione nodded her head,”Yes sir, I apologize for you having witnessed such poor behavior, but why can't he speak like the grown man he is! It's despicable honestly, he's how old? And he's speaking in rhymes and riddles like a child.” she scoffed. She then realized this was of his colleagues ‘Oh my, Professor Snape I'm sorry, I know he's the headmaster and everything.. I just, I've always been straight forward and very blunt, I am sorry. My parents and I are still working on my people skills.” She kept rambling on and on. Professor Snape brought his hand up making her stop speaking completely. It took him a moment to speak but when he did his face went fully relaxed he looked like he was lost in thought as he narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke 

“Herimone Granger, don't you ever change for those around you, it’s not your fault people can't keep up with you. You’re clearly far more intelligent than those around you, the others are clearly dimwits. The world needs more people like you in it. You remind me so much of a couple of my friends I grew up with, sadly one of them is no longer here but the other one is very much happily alive.” He gave a sad smile. Not knowing how to respond, Hermione matched his sad smile, and muttered the password and went to the girls' dormitories, getting ready for bed.   

Since that night in first year, Professor Snape has been a big part of her life while she’s at school. He has always been there for her, if she needed anything, if she needed to just talk he'd always give his best advice, he was the only one to see her, the real real her. Professor Snape never not once made her feel stupid, for always asking so many “why” questions, Hermione secretly thought he enjoyed all her questions, or maybe because they weren't actually  stupid questions. There have been only five in total so far he couldn’t answer from the top of his head, which made him scowl and mutter a nasty word under his breath each time he was faced with it.

He once let her cry in his personal office, that turned into her crying there a couple times a month, but he never not once said anything negative about it. Professor Snape was her safe person. She'd dreaded leaving for the the holidays but the only good thing about it was seeing her parents, and if she was out shopping with her parents and something catches her eye, and reminds her of him she’ll get it and give it to him the second she makes it through the castle grounds, of course no-one seemed to understand it, everyone including some of the other professor found it very odd. 

Professor Snape would say “ Miss Granger, they are simply wholly inadequate to understand such, if you were to give something to Professor McGonagall it’d be normal, simply really  for she is your head of house, if you gave something to headmaster Dumbledore, they’d praise you. Now enough of this, let’s get back to the sad excuse of so-called homework, I swear these students get dumber than the last.”  

July 7th 1994.

Knocking, and hearing her door open up in what woke Hermione up. She rolled over and saw her dad, sitting on the corner of the bed before she could say anything he spoke up.

“Love, there is someone here looking for you. She says you know her son and she would like to see you, she's waiting downstairs.” He stared at her with sad eyes. 

Could it be Molly Weasley? She’s only met the lady twice and she wasn’t so friendly at all, truth be told, Hermione was quite frightened of the women. Molly also doesn’t know what the Granger’s address is. It can’t be Harry’s mom Lily, their all visiting friends in America. So who could it be? Hermione hates not knowing. She looked up to her father and said “Ehh, yeah okay. What was her name? Give me a minute.” 

“Her name is Narcissa Malfoy, she said it’s really import-” 

Hermione cut her father off saying “What! Why is she here?” She questioned her father. He shrugged his shoulders, shaking his head. 

Hermione got up and quickly threw real clothes on, a simple plain black shirt, and dark jeans. Making her way into the bathroom she splashed water on her face and brushed her teeth. She used a spell to attempt to fix her hair, thank god Professor Snape gave her a spare wand that didn’t have an age tracker, it’s not like she's doing anything bad! It’s for her for extra potions summer homework! Does she also use it to try and tame her unruly maine? YES. That’s it. As she makes it to the stairs her head is swimming with questions, is this because she punched her son? Oh Merlin. She's already apologized to him, and he even agreed he was in the wrong! Maybe he was just lying? 

Merlin, am I getting thrown in Azkaban? She thinks to herself.

Once she steps off the last step, she's not only meant with the woman in question but also with Professor Snape. Snape and Hermione lock eyes and she's practically screaming at him, she knows he can jump in people's minds as he pleases. Snape has been teaching Hermione not to go buck wild and jump into one's minds, Hermione discovered a couple years ago she's naturally gifted occlumency and legilimency, she doesn't even need a wand to cast the spell.  

As Hermione narrowed her eyes on everyone, without saying anything she made her way to her favorite chair, and sat down.

Mrs. Malfoy and Professor Snape both look quite distressed, Hermione took a deep breath, trying to figure out what to say, only to be saved by Snape. “You’re not in trouble, Miss Granger. We just thought it is time to be formally acquitted-” 

Mrs. Malfoy cuts him off, coming closer to Hermione ”Severus, I’d like to speak with Miss Granger alone if that’s fine with her.” Jean and Rob shared a look and nodded. 

Hermione stands up and walks near the back door, Narcissa follows, they walk near the garden. Both women look at each other. Hermione notices the feeling, it's the same feeling she has with Professor Snape, she’s never able to explain it, but maybe it's because he's here even though in the moment she's here outside. 

She’s always wondered if Professor Snape felt it as well but she couldn't bring herself to ask. Even if she did grow a pair and ask what if he thinks she is crazy, she couldn't lose him, he's too important. Maybe it’s because they’re close friends? Are they even friends? A little giggle broke her train of thought. Hermione looks at Mrs. Malfoy, about to open her mouth only to close it back.

“My dear, your thoughts are all over the place up here.” she softly says, bringing her hand and using her finger to tap on her temple. 

Hermione’s eyes widened, then she narrowed them on her, and she let out a huffed out sigh, this woman was in her head how rude! 

‘It’s not every kind to look into one's head without their consent Mrs. Malfoy.” Hermione said flatly. She attempted to throw up her walls as best she could. She still needs to continue her occlumency practice as soon as possible, having Professor Snape in there in one thing but this lady has no right to be! 

“My sincerest apologies Miss Granger. I just wanted to know if you were really the one I was looking for, I mean, I can feel it but there's nothing wrong with fact checking I’m sure you understand that.” Mrs. Malfoy quipped. Narcissa added “There are a couple things I needed to speak with you, I’d prefer to discuss them in private as well.” She said softly.

Not knowing how to react to that last part, Hermione gave Mrs. Malfoy a simple nod. “Before I begin, I must really get this out of the way, are you okay? I heard a couple disturbing statements not only involving a dementor but a fellow classmate put their filthy little hands on you, and was able to pocket your wand. On top of that, not one of those professors was told of the incident.” The way she spoke was gentle, but towards the end she sounded angry yet her facial expression did not show it.  

Panic rushing through Hermione, she didn't tell anyone, not her parents, not Harry and not even Pansy. To her knowledge, Ronald and Hermione were alone, until Harry showed up but even then, Harry didn't seem to notice her. Merlin, Hermione made it her life's mission that day to avoid everyone. Once she made it back to the Gryffindor Tower, she ran into Harry and he gave her an odd look and just said something like how he found her wand on the floor. She grabbed it and ran to her dorm and quickly shrunk down her things and placed them in her pocket.

Leaving the tower without saying anything to anyone, Hermione found herself in her favorite professor's office. Professor Snape was silently asking questions with his eyes as he muttered some healing spells. But of course he never spoke, he didn't even attempt to see her thoughts. Hermione was grateful he didn't do that. She couldn't bring herself to speak about it. However he did ask her if she was in need of an alibi, he’d be more than willing to provide it for her.

He also asked if he should fetch Pansy Parkinson for her, she shook her head no, and muttered a thanks but all she wanted was to be alone in her safe space. He nodded and gave her a cup of  tea, that may or may not have been laced with calming draught. Through her tears she gave a shaky laugh. It was the first day she didn't say anything about what made her show up in such a distressing state. He went back to what he was doing. Professor Snape said she can wait in here for the carriages to arrive.

All she felt that day was shame. Eventually the carriages arrived and took the students to the train, she found an empty compartment, once back at the platform even though she noticed Harry looking at her strangely she avoided him. She didn't go out of her way to say goodbye to the two boys, Hermione did catch a questionable look at her from Pansy but she just shook her and sent a quick smile to the girl.  

“No offense ma’am, but I don't know you. I most certainly don't know your sources from the claims you stated, but if said things did happen I don't know why you’d think I’d speak to you about them.” Hermione spoke kindly yet very matter of factly. 

Without warning, Narcissa  brings her arms up and wraps Hermione in a hug, and the weirdest part about the whole thing is, She felt safe. Hermione felt a rush of emotions, she also felt like her magic was screaming at her, in the best way possible. She felt like nothing could hurt her. Hermione felt peace and somehow quiet. She started slightly shaking from the overwhelming feeling. The only time she felt this was when she hugged Professor Snape for the first time, and she never got a chance to ask him. Before she could speak up and what just happened Narcissa whispered softly in her ear.

”Darling, it was my son who witnessed it.” Hermione stiffened at that, before she could say anything the woman continued to go on.

”The second he got home, Draco practically demanded me to look inside his head at his memories from earlier that day. To say Draco was upset, would be an understatement. After rewatching it, Draco went on and said how he should have stepped in sooner, and done something. But at first Draco didn't know if you guys were just roughhousing around until he saw the way that boy manhandled you and had your wand . At that point Draco went off to find Professor Snape, he didn't get very far since he realized Severus was off helping gather the dementors. That's when Draco went back to and I quote ‘teach that filthy weasel a lesson’ apparently he got there too late. Draco noticed the one attacking you. He started to shout, that's when Professor Lupin came in, and well you know the rest.”  The whole time Narcissa spoke gently, yet when she mentioned Ron, not by name of course she spoke with irritation, almost like that she herself was offended for Hermione. But when she got to the wand part, she tried her best not to scowl, and said it like she just ate a rotten egg flavored bean. 

Hermione didn't know how to react to that, she just sat there while the words hit her. When Narcissa said weasel, Hermione couldn't help but laugh, she laughed so hard her eyes started watering, wiping them away she quickly apologized and once Narcissa was done talking. She asked Hermione why of all things to ‘ weasel’ get her to laugh. 

Hermione gave the women a sad smile and said “In second year, my old friend and I got into a huge argument outside and he called me a draft bint mudblood, mind you I didn't even know what that was at the time, it was actually your son who explained what it meant. Anyways I was so angry at my friend I called him the first thing I could think of which was a ‘ wannabe bint weasel’  or something along those lines. After months of not speaking and no he still did not  apologize a friend of mine kept hexing him, with boils, and every class they shared, every time he went to write, all his words would turn into what I called him. The last day of school he finally found me and apologized. Me being me I forgave him. But we are no longer friends and it's very unlikely I'll even acknowledge his existence when we get back to school. Is it wrong of me to admit he's actually dead to me? Like we’ve been going back and forth all these years and yet I always forgave him! How stupid is that of me. But not this time, no he called me that again and I will never forgive him. I’ll move on of course but he's genuinely dead to me.” Herminone finished shaking her head towards the end, blinking away a few tears. “Merlin, forgive me ma’am. I’m normally a lot better at keeping my emotions in check, but the last couple of days have been very outrageously emotional for my family and I.”

Narcissa waves her off and looks like she's trying to find the right words. When she does go to speak it was soft and kind in a way but also like she was testing her limits?

“Hermione, may I call you that? I know we just met but please promise me, you'll never let another person ever treat you that way, I don't care if they’re your friends since nappies, or you met them before the sorting. That is unacceptable behavior, it’s gross and you better send a nastiest hex next time someone even so much mutters it in your proximity. But you should know, my husband has used it in the past growing up. It was in our upbringing but over the years since we had Draco I told him I wanted better, I didn't want to raise him like we were raised, Lucius has gotten alot better but even once in a blue moon I have to hex him for he lets it slip out if he's been around his friends too much, and some are stuck in the past. I think we all go through our own situations, we learn and grow from them, sometimes it just takes time to actually see that a person just isn't good for us. Or think of yellow; it's a beautiful color for flowers, and even when painting. But if I were to wear it, I'd hope my husband or son would tell me it's a terrible crime, and pinks oh Merlin, don’t even get me started on that, I went through a weird phase when I was pregnant and my poor husband didn't have it in him to tell me how horrid some of the pieces I owned, thankfully it only lasted a couple of weeks. I’m getting off topic. I apologize. I don't think it makes you a bad person for thinking of your ex friend as dead, as long as he fully deserves it. At least tell me you do have someone at school you fully trust to go to if that boy does give you any problems at all?” Herminone nodded her head, that was a lot to process it took her a but when she did Hermione said 

“Thank you for your honesty, it means alot, you didn't have to say or share that part of your life at all but you did so thank you. I do, I promise I will send them the nastiest hex I could think of. Professor Snape and a girl, but she’s in a different house, so we keep it a secret, so we don't have to deal with the backlash. We try to meet at least three times a week, sometimes more. Neither of them know about what happened. Professor Snape was the one who healed my wounds, he even said if I needed an alibi he would cover for me if need be. I couldn't bring myself to speak about it since it just happened and on top of being attacked by a bloody dementor, I just couldn't. I also lied to Professor Lupin when he asked where my wand was and it was just so much I felt so overwhelmed by everything. I didn't want to feel that from Snape, not that he would make me feel like that! He’s never, not once made me feel bad! Merlin, he's not even head of my house but I listen to him more than that daft McGonagall, I swear her and the Headmaster has it out for me! Aghh. And don't even get me started on the way they speak in riddles!” Just thinking and saying their names made Hermione scowl, Narcissa was actually laughing towards the end and it made Hermione laugh too. They shared a smile.

Their eyes are drawn to the door, it opens and Professor Snape makes his way over to the table and sits on the opposite side of the table. The two adults share a look before nodding at each other. Before Hermione can open her mouth Severus Snape brings his hand up stopping her and he goes to speak up. 

“You prefer blunt and honest Miss Granger. For reasons I couldn’t say before, I haven't been very forthcoming at times, and if anybody deserves it at Hogwarts it's you. You put your trust in me daily at school, you’ve poured your heart out so many times in my personal office. We have an unspoken understanding between us. You ask me hypothetical questions, I give you my hypothetical answers. That being said for what I'll be saying will change all of that. I could only ask for you to please listen and hear me out, before you hex me.” Hermione simply nods for him to continue. And when he does he looks off into the trees, flowers, sky. 

“Have you read that one book I gave you about Magical guardianships; Pros & Cons. ?” Hermione shook her head no. 

“Merlin child, I was sure you would have by now, it's been almost a full summer since I lent it to you, if it was for school it would’ve taken you a few hours at most for you to read it. Next time I give you a book I’ll make sure to mention it’s for homework so we don’t have this problem.” He chuckled

He then immediately got serious again once he spoke up “Years ago I had this acquaintance, one night his late wife who was more of a friend than her husband, she was half-blood like me. But her husband was always out cheating and doing as he pleased, they had a very unhealthy marriage. They struggled and had a hard time getting pregnant, but that wasn't true and we all knew it. The only issue she had was only having daughters and the husband didn’t like that, each time she fell with child and if it was a baby girl he’d force her potions to get rid of it. He thought it was unacceptable, he demanded her to have at least three sons so he could have his heir, then he’d be fine with a girl. Once they had a son. He had an heir. She fell pregnant again only this time since he was abroad, he wasn't able to find out the gender just yet. He was gone for most of the whole pregnancy, thank Merlin for that. She came to me, joined with Cissy, she was in labor, we didn't think the child would make it, she was three  months early. After a few hours and a lot of blood replenishing potions, she had a beautiful baby girl. She was hysterically sobbing just looking at the baby and thinking about her husband. She made Cissy and I, the godparents and made both of us take an unbreakable vow that night, Cissy took the baby with her later that night along with the mother. Almost three months later the husband shows up to an empty manor and goes straight to Malfoy Manor, they get into a heated argument and if Cissy wasn't holding the baby girl in the other room with both the boys, both mother and daughter would’ve died that night. Lucius sent a nasty spell to the man, and then stunned him.” 

Narcissa wiped away some tears and cut him off and added more ”I have never been more angry and murderous than that night, if the aurors’ didn't show up to raid the manor I would have unleashed all the Black family's magic on him at that very moment. I lost my best girl friend, a son and daughter lost both of their parents, but the son gained us, Draco gained a brother, we love Theo more than anything. Draco and Theo are brothers in every way but blood, but that doesn’t matter, none of that matters. At the end of the day I love both of my sons. But I lost the chance to see my goddaughter grow up. Of course, throughout the years Severus and I would make sure to check on her from a distance. On her birthdays we always made it a point to see her, always speak to her, as she got older we had to do so under polyjuice of course, she got to have two birthdays since, her real one, July 7th 1980, the other one is the day her adoptive gave her, September 19th. We came and met her both days, it all changed, when she turned 11, she got a very special letter delivered to her. We both no longer got to see her both days out of the year, well at least I didn't. Severus, however, does. I’m still jealous of him for that. She attends Hogwards, she thinks that the damn hat sorted her into the wrong house. Her own head of house doesn't understand her, not like her favorite professor. From what I've been told the whole school finds their dynamic quite odd. I think the hardest thing is Theo, he knows his sister attends the same school but has not a clue she has a brother. He is always keeping an eye out for any person that resembles him, their mother and or father. Still to this day Theo is always asking updates on his sister. Both of the boys knew we were the godparents, so we always gave them updates. He also knew there was an unbreakable vow made that night in the vow, it’s mentioned that if both birth parents are gone, and she is in fact a Hogwarts student by the year of her 14th birthday, Severus and I can seek her out and be relieved of our vows.” 

To say Hermione was a blubbery wreck would be 100 percent correct. But so was Narcissa, Merlin, even Snape stared off into nothing and wiped away his tears. She couldn’t help but sob for these adults that lost their friend. She cried for the family, for the son who lost his entire family but gained a new one all in the same night. She cried for herself, the friend she had lost because he's a bully and the other friend she might lose. She cried for her own parents.

Before she knew it Narcissa was hugging Hermione so tightly and Hermione found her whispering her apologies for her fallen friend, and she hugged Pressfor Snape whispering the same thing. As Hermione sat back down still crying, she took a few deep breaths trying to stop crying. It took a minute but eventually they calmed down, they all looked at watch other, the adults for longer, Narcissa cleared her throat and spoke up again but before she did she gave Hermione a sad smile

“Do you have any guesses on who the sister and daughter is, love?” Narcissa said gently. Looking straight at Hermione, making her cry again.

”I don't mean to sound presumptuous but is it me?” She whispered out, not even caring if they heard it or not, merlin did it leave her lips? She couldn't even tell you at this point. 

Hermione felt sick, she felt almost betrayed by her professor for keeping something like this from her, was he only nice to her because he was her godfather? Her head was spinning and she couldn’t breathe, she couldn't focus, she felt like she was drowning. She looked up to Narcissa and Snape and saw their lips were moving but she couldn't hear them. She thought she was dying. Everything that happened next was almost like in slow motion, yet as if you fast forward a movie, she remembers Snape bringing something to her lips. Then the next thing she knows she's upstairs laying in her bed clinging on her blue dragon like it held all the answers to her questions. The last thing she vaguely remembers is hearing herself cry out saying 

“I want my PansPans.” before total darkness took her out. 

Narcissa narrowed her eyes at Severus and said “She wants her Pans-Pans? Severus, does she mean Pansy Parkinson ? Are they friends? Have you been holding out on me!” Narcissa chuckled as she did the last bit, then added “Theo is going to lose it now, when he finds out Pansy found his sister before he did. I’m going to have to find more of those weird short story picture muggle books he's so crazed about, oh what were they? Comics books, That’s it!.” She said, shaking her head. 

Severus smirked as he said “Cissy would you believe me if I told you I was coerced into making an unbreakable vow only once at the last the Parkinson’s girl deemed it unnecessary, and she apologized for going along with it. Before you say it, no it wasn't Parkinson's idea, it was all Hermione's plan Hermione hit me with the muggle version of it, a ‘ Pinky Promise’ They befriended each in the first year. Merlin in all seriousness, I did question it myself over the last couple years, if in fact she was sorted in the wrong house, she shows more Slytherin traits, but that damn stubbornness and competitiveness she has, she's driven, it's alarming at times. You should have seen her during the school year. The poor girl was running on fumes. I had to threaten her to a weeks-long stay in the medical wing, if she didn't start eating more and actually take a couple hours break to just breathe during her studies. Bloody hell, none of the others noticed! Or if they did they didn't let it show. I found myself hyper-focused, borderline obsessed on looking for her, making sure she was okay. There were times I actually had to lace her tea with a calming draught, she knew of course. I was just concerned about her Cissy.” 

Severus huffed out an annoyed sigh, letting his eyes linger around Hermione’s room. It's not a typical teenage girls room. Her walls are a dark yet vibrant plum color. If this wasn't a muggle household he’d think it's Tyian purple, such a  lovely rich shade of color. She had her first self brewed Polyjuice Potion, the pros and cons essay framed on her wall by her desk facing the window, it was successful. Merlin she was only in second year when she did that, it was a sixth year potion. She had little paper cranes hanging from her ceiling. Speaking of her ceiling, she has stars covering her whole ceiling wall. Her bedding was a deep green almost black, she had a couple bookshelves filled to the brim with so many books. Severus looked back at the sleeping teen. He can't help but feel pity for the girl, she went the last fourteen years thinking she was someone else, he can only hope that last three years of their dynamic won’t change that much but then again since Hermione is bright, and she already knew about unbreakable vows maybe a small part of her will understand? He’ll answer any and all questions she has for him for this moment on. He no longer has to boycott or give an ever so slight lie to her ever again. 

“She still has the dragon. I  always wondered who put it in the bag that night, Draco and Theo were so young but I remember Draco gave it to her. But at the end of the day I remember poor little Theo, coming in and telling us what he did, how he snuck it in the bag. Poor baby was a wreck when he told us. Merlin, They were too young to understand and Draco was so upset for the last year he only wanted that specific one. Do you remember? He was so vocal, demanding and dramatic, that boy. Whom was also almost five years old ‘ But mummy, where is the blue one, the blue with the purple tummy! I need it or I’ll simply die, that one is my first favorite one!’  Now that I think about it, it took him a while to understand it. Of course when they were six somehow that damn dragon got brought up again and little Theo told Draco it was protecting his baby sister.” Narcissa said with a hint of saddest but hopefulness. She added “Should I go fetch Pansy? She's back at the manor with a few other of the children's friends.” Narcissa questioned. 

Severus quickly spoke “Hermione will be out for another hour, maybe two at most. I think bringing the girl will be good for Hermione right now. She’s had her whole world crumpled; everyone she knows hasn't been forthcoming, Parkinson has from the start. We should wait and see what Hermione will say about wanting to meet Theo, before you and Pansy leave here, we'll ask Hermione if she’s okay with you telling him. Hermione needs to have a say in this decision. I do think you should pop over and get the comics for Theo. He knows today is his sister's birthday. Theo will be expecting answers when you get there to pick the girl up, so you better choose your words carefully.”

Narcissa rolls her eyes, while nodding her head at Severus’s words, she quickly said “Sounds good I'll be back in about an hour then.” making her way to the door only stopping to turn her head and smirk at her oldest friend to say ”Do try and not sulk, dear friend.” Before he could reply she was off. Severus made himself comfortable on Hermione's desk chair and got lost in his head.

~~

“Dobby, will you please fetch Pansy, I need to speak with her. If Theo isn't on his broom please send him in as well” the elf nodded his head and popped away, she only had to wait a minute before not only Pansy and Theo came but also Draco was with them. 

“Pansy darling please go change, maybe put that lovely muggle sundress on, something came up. You are needed elsewhere for the rest of the day.” Pansy narrowed her eyes, while nodding her head and went to her wing to change. Draco and Theo shared a look, neither of the teens spoke up yet. 

“Theo, love. Severus and I met her at her house. She took it quite well, actually I won't lie to you, there was a lot of crying going on, not just her, but I was too, you didn't hear this from me but even Severus shedded a couple drops of water. She knows about you, but towards the end Severus had to give her a calming draught. He’s still with her. She’s resting as we speak. Due to the circumstances, Severus suggested that we let her choose the day she meets you, only for now. Her whole world got flipped upside down. Her parents barely told her she was adopted last night, she’s been lying to them about her whole Hogwarts social life. They thought she was happy and thriving, Merlin, the only one who knew she was fronting, was a professor. Please love, just try to understand, you also have a few new comics in your room.” The mother told the teens, she added with a smile “On a happier note, she still has that dragon you somehow stuffed in her baby bag, Theo. She was clinging on to the thing like her life depended on it, shortly before I left her. Oh what was that silly name you gave it Draco? Orlin? Doc-Ock?” She giggled.

Theo had a sad smile and broke out into a laugh “It was ‘ OtterPop the third’   Why was it that the third anyways? You’ve only ever had one! Oh Merlin” Theo said in between laughs. 

Draco narrowed his eyes at his brother shaking his head, speaking  “I don't really remember since I was clearly a small child Theo, but I feel like maybe even as young as we were, I added 'the third' because there were three of us. Who knows.” Draco spoke that last part quietly looking out into nowhere really. Before Narcissa could respond to that, Pansy came up and said she was ready to go. The young teen held one of Dobby’s hand while Narcissa took the other hand and they popped away. 

Landing in the Grangers back garden, Pansy takes in everything and as she is about to speak Narcissa says “Darling, we're at Hermiones, I know you two have been friends over the last few years, she's going through a lot. She needs her friend right now. I can't say anything more than that.” Pansy slightly widens her eyes, nodding her head.

Before she can think she is already spitting off questions,”Is she okay? What happened? Was it that bint ginger weasel! Oh I swear on Merlin the second I see him, he’ll wish he was never born! I’ll send the nastiest hex I think of! I don't care if I get detention for the rest of my time at Hogwarts. I’m sure my parents will understand, well daddy will, but only after I tell him, he’ll probably want to hex the boys’ parents himself! Mummy is off with her new husband, I haven't seen her in ages. I doubt she’ll say anything that matters anyways." Pansy went on getting angrier and angrier by the second, once she was finally done she took a much needed deep breath. Narcissa smirked and kept nodding at the teen. Narcissa knocked on the back door, Hermione was the one to open it, her eyes widened as she saw Pansy. 

Pansy wasted no time, pulling Hermione into a tight hug whispering something Narcissa couldn't make out. Once she finally let Hermione out of that hug Pansy went on and on telling Hermione how she planned on making that weasel pay for what is costing her pain. Hermione looked straight at Narcissa, so Narcissa cut Pansy off.

”Pansy darling, maybe you should ask Hermione what's bothering her, instead of automatically assuming it has something to do with and I quote ‘That weasel’ Who even is that? This is the third time this summer I've heard a nickname. I must say, I’m getting quite jealous that I'm not in the loop.” Narcissa says smiling at the girls, as she looks over at Hermione and gives her a wink.

”Pansy, please pinky promise you won't get mad at me, you also have to promise what I tell you won’t leave this table until the other person is looped in. By that time I'm sure it won't matter anymore.“ Pansy nods and gives Hermione her pinky, so Hermione continues 

”Let me just get this out of the way, Weasley and I are no longer speaking feel free to make the rest of his school like hell, Merlin even get the other snakes in on it if you want. He’s dead to me, don’t kill him though you're too pretty for Azkaban.” Pansy cuts her off, saying with a big smile ”It’s done, I’m staying with Draco and Theo, a couple others are too, for a couple days! Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy has been showing us so many new spells and hexes so this’ll be amazing. I’ve been wanting to try them out on that git.” 

When Pasny mentioned Theo’s name Hermione couldn’t help but give her friend a sad smile. Then she laughed because of course Pansy would be looking forward to hexing Ronald. Once she was done talking, Hermione spoke up. Before she did though, Hermione looked at Narcissa and said “Do you want to do this alone?” At that Hermione shook her head and grabbed the woman's hand and held it tight “I want you here, I also want Severus if that’s fine” Hermione whispered, praying Narcissa heard it. She did and got up and went to grab him. 

Pansy narrowed her eyes and said “ Severus, as in Professor  Severus Snape ? Hermione, why is he here? at your house! Did something bad actually happen between you and Ronald Weasley! Oh Merlin, I’ll tell daddy he’ll help I promise. You will never be alone with him. We’ll go straight into that coot of a headmaster's office and demand him to expel that git, I don't care! Do you hear me Granger? Just tell me.” Hermione winces at hearing her last name coming out of her best friend. Pansy has only ever called her that when she's exceedingly upset. Merlin, this is the fourth time now. 

Thankfully she was saved by Professor Snape as he cleared out his throat, as she did that it was like they were back at school, Pansy immediately sat up straighter in her seat.”Miss Parkinson, as much as this pains me to say, Merlin forbade. If you find yourself in need of an actual life or death situation regarding the Weasley boy, please find me and say ‘ Eengray applesyay' ( Green Apples) and I'll provide you with an alibi.” He scowled.

Before he let Pansy reply he looked at Hermione and added. “Narcissa told me you wanted me here while you speak about everything.”

Hermione nodded while taking a deep breath. “Before I start, the only person that knows the first part of the story is Mrs. Malfoy. I didn't even tell her, someone else did. When it happened, at the time I was dealing with other things as well and felt even more bad” Severus nodded at her, Pansy looked freaked out, and Narcissa gave her a smile. 

Hermione continued on with what happened on the last day of school, attacked by not only a bloody dementor but also by Ronald, with what he said and did. She was proud she wasn't crying, Pansy looked like she was going to set something or someone on fire if they got in her way. Professor Snape kept taking long and deep breaths, he slowly started to look like Pansy. At one point someone clearly couldn’t control their magic, a few things happened all at once, the three cups of tea shattered, the tea kettle went flying with the snacks and the rose bush caught fire. Narcissa had to cut her off “Severus! Pansy! Get a hold of yourselves, Don't even try and deny it, Severus, you're staring right at the damn bushes, Pansy, darling, take a few deep breaths.” She tsked at the man as she spoke, once she got to Pansy she rubbed cheek.”Please continue Hermione” and with that she did.

She told them how last night her parents told her she was adopted and how she knew they were keeping something from her but didn't think it was something this big. She even said she could understand but she was just so overwhelmed so went straight to bed. She found herself getting quieter and quieter speaking about why Narcissa and Severus came over, to the point Pansy spoke up and said “Mi, love. Please could you repeat that a bit louder?” Hermione blinked away a couple loose tears and said “Pans, Professor Snape and Mrs. Malfoy are my godparents.” Hermione brought her hand to her face and wiped away more tears as she told Pansy what they told her earlier, she told her everything how she has this new brother and all her fears and how she doesnt want Theo to be disappointed when he finds out she's his sister, especially since she's bloody Gryffindor. At that point she was crying even harder. 

“Mi, listen to me love, he won't care, Theo knew you were at Hogwarts the whole time, he won't care what house you're in. Merlin he’ll just be so happy to meet you. Wanna know a secret? Theo carriers around a list, the only people who know about it, are Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, Draco and I. Well now Professor Snape does, but he won't say anything.That’s it, anyways Theo wrote about all the girls in our year that have curly hair. You're on it, I am not even lying! Thank Merlin’s beard he’s never been a git to you or that’ll be weird.” Pansy  giggled and said softly, walking over to Hermione and giving her a long hug. “It’ll all be okay, Mi.” Pans whispered in her ear. Speaking a bit louder 

“When are you telling Theo? I’d like to be there if that’s fine, of course even if it’s not I'll still be there I'll just go into another room.” Pansy said smiling. Looking at Hermione, she said, “Soon, I’d like to meet him soon, before school starts. It’s kind of funny to think he’s my brother. I remember the last month of school my housemates went crazy gushing about him and a couple other Syltherins. I’m just grateful I've never had a crush on him! Talk about gross. No offense to him, I've just always thought of him as an almost friend? We get partnered up all the time, in Potions. ” Once Hermione was done she narrowed her eyes at the potions teacher. Professor Severus Snape had the audacity to just smirk. 

Pans went on saying ”Oh Merlin I’d say tell me but I’m a bit scared that someone  would say either Crabbe or Goyle and I’d simply puke, and pass away. If it’s neither, please do tell” Hermione giggled at her friends dramatics and said “Well a lot of the girls talk mainly about you're little group, so that’s Nott, Zabini and Malfoy, umm also for the older ones Puncey, eww even Flint Once they said his name I left the tower! I couldn't stay there any longer, Pans, it got seriously weird” As she listed off the people she quickly said Malfoy and went off on a rant hoping Pansy didn't hear his name. 

Clearly it didn't work because when she spoke she said “I’m sorry, who else I couldn’t hear you? It was after Zabini and before Puncey.” Pansy finished with a smirk. Hermione shook her head, rolling her eyes saying,

“ Malfoy, a couple of my dorm-mates have googly eyes for that guy.” and then added,”Seriously Pans, it’s ‘ Did you see Draco Malfoy in class, he’s total fit, I think I’m in love,’ and ‘ Did you see that! Draco Malfoy just stared at me. Do you think we’d make a cute couple?’ Our babies would look so cute! ' The list goes on and on. It's very tiring.” Pansy was now laughing at Hermione’s impressions of her dorm-mates. 

“Please tell me more. This is the best thing I've heard all week, who is it? It’s Brown ain’t it! Bloody cow has poor Draco so scared of her, he says she's so batty, she makes him feel uncomfortable. I’ve had to hex her a couple times.” Pansy was in a giggling fit, and took a breath adding “Merlin, he was always whining on about it saying ‘ Pans why is it her! All the bloody girls in the whole school, I told Brown off, said we’d never work. She's still following me and popping up from nowhere. It's bloody ridiculous.’ It was quite funny, but then got annoying. I told him he should go off and find himself a girlfriend to fix that issue, and the guy looked me dead in the eyes and said ‘ Let’s pretend to be a couple?’ I told him ‘no’ of course I didn’t want the guy I like to get the wrong idea.” Pans made a face towards the end, shaking her head. Narcissa giggled while Professor Snape let out an annoying sigh. 

Narcissa is the next to speak up.”Hermione I’m sure we can plan something special, maybe have a nice dinner at the manor? Or if it makes you feel more comfortable I can have Dobby bring Theo here. Oh you must join us when we go get school supplies in the next couple of weeks! It’s better to do the shopping sooner than later. It'll be lovely. Only if you want too of course. I don’t want to pressure you into anything. Theo will be so ecstatic to officially meet you, I could cry just thinking about it.” Narcissa's eyes lit up while smiling. 

Hermione found herself nodding along and smiled while saying “ I don’t want to impose on that, but I’d like that very much!” Then said “Maybe Theo and I can meet before then so it’s less awkward? Like just think ‘ Why is Hermione Granger even joining us?’ Oh god it’ll-“ 

Pansy interrupted her saying “ Hermione Granger is my best friend and I won’t hesitate to send a hex to any of the guys. If they so much as breathe in the wrong way in your proximity.” Narcissa laughed at Pansy’s dramatics and Hermione simply shook her head and held in a laugh. 

“Hermione dear, what would you like me to tell Theo when we arrive back at the manor? I gave him a brief update earlier. I kept out your identity, of course. Knowing the young man, Theo has never been fully satisfied with      all the information we’ve given him through the years. It pained me truly, he always had a façade it seemed. Yes, he’s had us and his friends, but as a mother, you wish for your children to be happy, healthy and safe.  As  Theo got older and time went on I realized why he’d often isolate himself, He was drowning in some sort of strange guilt. I think having you back in his life will be such a good thing, not only for himself but of course for  you.” Narcissa said, wiping a couple tears away. 

Hermione just sat there listening to the woman’s words and tried to find the perfect thing to say, eventually she softly said “Please tell him if it’s fine with him, we’ll be meeting a couple days before we head to Diagon Alley. Only if he’s free of course!” Then added “also tell him not to be disappointed when he figures out the identity of his sister” Hermione awkwardly laughed. 

Pansy nudged Hermione’s side and muttered something about how lucky Theo would be to have Hermione as a sister and if, Merlin’s bloody beard he does something wrong she would jinx Theo so bad he’ll wish he’d never met her. Narcissa giggled and even Professor Snape chuckled. 

Severus Snape, he may look scary but if you knew him personally, merlin you’d still think that. Under all that thick darkness he's a sweet man. That’s what Hermione kept telling herself, as time went by he simply sat right by Hermione and listened rather he’d like or not, it made Hermoine appreciate him even more. He didn't vocally complain when Pansy went off talking about boys, did he look uncomfortable and like he’d rather Avada himself than be at a table listening to two teenage girls gossip about boys? Yes. Would he huff and puff out sighs, while scowling every chance he got? Yes, yes he did. But he never made any attempts to get up and leave. It made Hermione even more happy, then she's been as of late. 

As the sun was setting, and the conversations slowly died out, Narcissa called for Dobby while the girls said their final goodbyes for the time being. Severus pulled Hermione into a hug and whispered something into Hermione's ear that neither Pansy nor Narcissa could hear. Pansy was the next to hug her, she said how everything will work out and she should try and not stress out about it too much.  Narcissa said the same thing only gently and she also told Hermione to call her Cissy from now on.

Once they all left, Hermione made her way inside and while she didn’t think she could talk anymore she made the executive decision to face her parents and talk to them and tell them what she thought would be best about everything she found out today. Hermione didn't have to look for her parents; she found a note on the table forgetting the date, she sighed. Her mother and Father will be gone for the next two weeks, they had a dental conference this week and  from the conference they’d be off to celebrate their wedding anniversary. They did ask Hermione if she wanted to tag along with them but she politely declined earlier that week. Looking at the time she realized it was now 6pm and she barely had any real food today. She quickly raided the kitchen and saw what she could make. She found all the things for Shepherds Pie, gathering everything together before she started. She turned on the radio and played the Beatles, and she cooked. Hermione found cooking to be therapeutic. After a while once the timer went off she made herself a plate and went into the living room to watch a movie. 

July 14th 1994.

" Theodore, I swear on Salazar Slytherin himself, if you change on more time and make us late I’ll hex you so bad you’ll make up in the future!” Pansy screeched, making Draco and Theo slightly flinch, seeing Theo’s face fall. Draco shot a jelly leg jinx at the girl, making her fall, he called for Dobby to remove Pansy. 

Draco then made his way closer to Theo and said “Theo it’s okay, this is a big day for you. You can take all the time you need. I do have to say the dark red shirt does look better with the black trousers than that awful purple one Pans tried making you wear.” He chuckled at the end, making Theo smile. Adding, “You’ve waited fourteen years for this very moment and I am so happy for you but I can’t lie to you, we don’t lie to each other. I’m a bit sad at the same time, I can’t help but think what will happen to us, what if she hates me? Merlin, she's your sister. You're my brother but she’s your blood" Draco ranted on and on. He only stopped then he felt arms around him, Theo hugging him, he hugged tighter. Knocking is what pulled them apart. Pansy comes back this time with Narcissa.

The teen boys looked at the mother while she made herself comfortable on the end of the bed, clearing her throat, she spoke softly to them “Are you boys almost ready to leave? I received an owl and she’s been quite the nervous wreck, I popped over there and she needed help finding the and I quote ‘perfect outfit that wouldn’t make her look bad and having her new brother hate her’ she definitely has her moments for the dramatics.” The mother giggled towards the end, shaking her head with a smile, adding “My my, Theo you look so handsome! I take it this outfit is the winner?” She questioned taking a full look at the teen, Theo’s wearing a dark red fitted button down shirt with black trouser slacks, with black dress shoes to match. She couldn’t help but look in awe of the young man standing in front of her, Draco was wearing the same thing but a dark blue almost black shirt. She smiled at them with so much love.

Theo nodded his head and said “Yes Cissy, sorry for the delay on my part, I’ll just need to add a couple more things but it’ll only be a minute!” He made his way to his dresser, grabbing his cologne, he sprayed a couple squirts of it, putting it back down. He grabbed his rings and put them on. Meeting them all in the hallway they made their way out into the main living room. Narcissa called Dobby and OtterPop once the elf’s popped up, Narcissa told the elf’s the meeting place, Theo and Draco took a hold of OtterPop while Narcissa and Pansy held Dobby and they were both popped off.

Landing in Hermione's back yard. Pansy looked up at the mother and said “I take it you told her we’d be joining? Don’t want to scare her off with a bunch of snakes.” Pans smirked at the last word that left her mouth. Narcissa shared a matching smirk, while shaking her head at the girl's joke, while the boys shared a confessing look from Pansy words.

Narcissa saw the boys and spoke, “Darlings don't fret she in fact knows who all was joining. I do think it’ll be a bit less overwhelming if Theo and her share a few moments alone though, Pansy, Draco and I will stay out here until Theo tells us otherwise. Unless Theo wants one of us to go with him, it's his decision and we’ll support whatever he wants to do.” She said the part sternly yet gently. Looking at the teens, the teens all nodded at the woman's words. Narcissa added “Right then, off you go Theo, you may enter. She knew we were on our way, she would be in the living room.” Narcissa weaved the boy off, almost shooing Theo away. Theo nodded his head.

As Theo got to the door he brought his hand to the knob, but stopped he looked back at the woman, Narcissa gave him an encouraging smile while nodding her head. Theo took a deep breath in and let it out, “Are you sure it’s appropriate to just walk in? What if she thinks I’m some kind of muggle serial killer!” Pansy and Draco shared the same look of horror, Narcissa shook her head. 

Draco spoke up “Theo why in the seven hells would she think that? You have a muggleborn best friend at school! No office, but you wouldn't hurt a fly let alone go off killing muggles. That's simply the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard you say, and I've heard a lot throughout the years.” Drace said, shaking his head, turning to his mother looking for help, but once he looked at her, she looked like she was trying to suppress a laugh. 

“Theo, love, if it'll make you feel more comfortable I’ll walk you in. Let’s go.” Narcissa said walking up to Theo, opening the door, making their way into the kitchen, Theo took a few breaths in, once they made their way into the living room they were met with an empty room. Theo looked to Cissy with an almost disappointed look, before he could ask where she was, they heard someone walking down the stairs. Theo brought his head up, he was fidgeting with his rings on his fingers. “It’ll be fine love” Narcissa whispered to the teen, sending him a smile.

“Granger?” Theo said, taking a new look at the girl. He let out a strangle laugh, shaking his head, taking a deep breath in. “I am sorry, please forgive me I’m not laughing at you! It’s just, this is so weird, and in uncomfortable situations I either laugh or simply get lost in my thoughts sometimes I tend to be overly talkative like I am right now oh Merlin I’m sorry again.” Theo finished while shaking his head.

Hermione  chuckled and once he was done talking she spoke up “Trust me, When Cissy and Snape showed up here last week I thought a couple bad things were going to happen, one of them involved being thrown in Azkaban, but I never thought they'd tell me ‘ Oh hey on top of being adopted we're your godparents and you also have a brother!’ It was a lot to comprehend. It still is.” She said, shaking her head, looking at Theo, she gave him a small smile then added “At least we get along every time Snape makes us partners in class, so that’s a plus. I do have to say, I’m the same way when I find myself in uncomfortable situations, I either get lost in my thoughts, or talk way too much.” Hermione noticed Narcissa make a face and once Hermione was done talking.

Narcissa was the next to speak up, looking at the teen girl with questioning eyes, “Now love, why on earth would you think you'd get thrown in Azkaban ? You are at the top of your year, up until this point you didn't do anything wrong, silly girl.” she finished up giggling at the end. 

Theo smirked, probably knowing what Hermione meant by that. She didn't know how to respond so she quickly gave Theo a look, almost asking him for help. He apparently understood, Theo said

“Well Cissy, during last term, Hermione punched a boy. From what I heard she even broke his nose, but he did say something so crude to her. I even shot him a couple jinx’s to show I don't support that kind of behavior. To my acknowledgment the boy took a few days but he apologized.” Narcissa nodded and then it’s like something clicked, she then laughed and said

“Oh yes, I heard about that. I told Draco he was very lucky he only got a broken nose.” she tsked, while shaking her head. She then smirked at Hermione and Theo started laughing. 

Theo and Hermione got to talking. They shared stories of their life growing up, and how they spent their free time, what they loved, what they hated. In the end they discovered they both loved the same authors, they hated the same vegetable, ‘Baby corn is so gross, it doesn't even taste like corn!’ Their all time favorite fruit was a tie until Hermiome told Theo he had to try ‘Chopped cherries on skinless green apples, it’s amazing Theo, It’ll be your new favorite way to eat them!, if you are feeling daring to add a bit of honey on it. ‘It’s the best thing ever.’ Theo promised he’d try it. 

Theo got kind of serious while taking a breath and then he looked at his sister and softly said “Hermione, I know you're friends with Pansy, which is great.” Hermione nodded for him to continue he added “But last week when she got back to the manor, she immediately told us and I quote ‘ We got the green light to make Weasely’s life hell for the rest of his sad school life.’ As she was telling us she kept getting angrier and angrier. Merlin, she blew up a tree. The last time I saw her like that, it was in second year when you got petrified. I guess what I'm trying to ask is since you're friends with the guy and her, do you know what she’s talking about? Has Potter or Weasley written to you about anything? I want to know the reasons before I go sending hexes and jinxes to the weasel, just on Pans command.” Once Theo was done talking he looked at her, hoping she’d elaborate.  Hermione nodded her head, taking a deep breath she said. 

“Well Theo, for the recorder I am no longer friends with that git. Weasley pulled something on the last day of school and Pansy found out. It doesn't help that I did in fact tell her if she wanted to, she could get the other snakes in on it if need be. I only said it because he’s always running his mouth about the lot of you. He has this weird obsession with hating you guys, for your parents' mistakes. It's not right. You guys didn't ask to be born, so you guys shouldn't have to  put up with all the others taking it out on you, especially Ronald Weasely .” Hermione heard someone snicker. She followed the sound only to see it was Malfoy, she quickly moved her eyes to Pansy and got up to go hug her. 

Pansy said quite loudly “Mi, this is so weird having my best friend in the same room as my other friends, we’re just missling Blaise.” Pansy chuckled, adding “You’ll love him, he's so sweet! I can't wait to get back to school, he's unfortunately still in America? I think that’s where he went, I’m not too sure. During the first part of the holidays he's with us at the manor but then his mum picks him up for the last part and takes him anywhere he wants.” Pansy said, shaking her head smiling. Hermione nodded her head not knowing how to respond to that. She just sent a small smile to her best friend. 

“So, Granger, you're the missing sister. I take it. Well not missing but you know what I mean? Merlin, bloody hell this is so weird, not  that you're weird I just meant the whole thing. Like Theo has waited a long time for this and I’m just glad it's someone normal like you, no offense I just mean someone like what’s her name? Something Brown, she's in your house. If it was her I’d lose it, I’d seriously probably cry. Might have to ask my parents to obviate me.” Malfoy kept talking on and on. 

Hermione found herself actually listening and then thought she's not heard him talk so much before, she found it a bit odd but then started to laugh when he brought up Lavender Brown, she wasn’t the only one laughing, Pansy was too, even Narcissa giggled. Hermione took a breath to stop laughing. She failed and took a few more. Once she was done she went to speak up saying

“Please for the love of Melin, Draco Malfoy don’t you ever compare me to that troll thick bint ever again.” She couldn't help but laugh. Pansy and the boys laughed too, she added “Her name is Lavender Brown, she's not just my housemate but unfortunately she's also my dorm mate.” Hermione scowled just thinking about the girl. “This is going to make her even more crazy, if you all go back chit chatting it up that Theo and I are siblings. No offense Theo, please feel free to run and shout if you please. Just a reminder, I do have to live with crazy girls for the next few years.” Hermione finished shaking her head while she sighed. 

“Will you please try and talk some sense into her? Tell her whatever you can so she leaves me alone, I've tried, so has Pansy. She still comes around when Pans isn't around.” It almost sounded like he was begging Hermione. 

She gave him a sad smile and said “Oh trust me, I’ve told her and the others that it'll never happen, and even went as far as telling them if they acted like that in Muggle London people would call the police.” Hermione held her hand up then continued, “they are like muggle auror’s, muggles don't put up with stalking and all that. The girls just laughed and said I was just jealous but then again they also thought Marcus Flint  was snogable, once they said that, I immediately left and all but ran to the medical wing. I swear Madam Pomfrey thought I was on something because I told her I thought I was having a stroke or something.” 

Hermione found herself feeling a bit sick but then started giggling at the end. Pansy was laughing so was Theo and Draco, until she mentioned Flint, that made the guys stop laughing just to make faces. She nodded her head agreeing with their reaction. 

“Please, Granger, don’t ever talk to me ever again if it has anything to do with that git, it’s bad enough we're in the same house, I don't want to think about how some Gryffindorks have a weird thing for some nasty snake.” Malfoy said, rolling his eyes and making a face like he just ate a rotten egg flavored bean.

Hermione simply nodded her head agreeing with him then said “Well, Malfoy. Trust me, I had the unlucky chance to hear it straight from the girl’s mouth. How you feel right now is how I felt in that moment, actually probably worse. I thought she was somewhat smart until she went off and said that.” Hermione rolled her eyes while shaking her head saying the last bit. 

Hermione looked at Pansy, she and Theo looked a bit cozy, Hermione wondered if Theo was the boy Pansy was talking about. She meant to ask Pansy who she was talking about, but she forgot. “Yes, they both like each other but neither has done anything about it.” Malfoy whispered, near Hermione’s ear, making her slightly wobble back from how close he was to her. Hermione can’t remember her or Malfoy being this close to each other. 

Hermione nodded her head at Malfoys words. She found herself saying “Make sense why she didn't want to fake date you. It’ll make her look like a slag for going after your best friend when they do start going out.” She couldn't help but giggle towards the end. Malfoy stiffened and looked away, muttering something Hermione couldn’t understand. 

“I apologize, that was uncalled for. I just meant you should’ve thought about how it’ll make Pans look, being a girl is tough as it is, you probably didn’t fully think it through before you asked her to fake date you. If Brown is still continuing to harass you when we get back to school, tell Pansy and I’ll try my best to find a solution to get Brown to back off. Worst comes to worse we ask Snape to obviate you from her mind. I’m sure he’ll do it, but everyone involved will have to make an unbreakable vow for obvious reasons.” She went on and on, Hermione whispered the last bit. 

“Merlin, Granger. Who are you and where’s the Granger that attends Hogwarts? This certainly doesn’t sound like the Gryffindor princess. Have you always been like this? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you speak like this before that’s for certain. You should be careful when you’re out and about, one might think your in-facted fellow snake.” Malfoy chuckled towards the end, shaking his head while smirking. 

Hermione was listening, nodding her head once he was done speaking she couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking her head at his words. It took her a minute to find the right words but once she did she spoke up “Well Malfoy, you don’t know me that's the problem, not really anyways. Whatever ideas of me you have from school and the classes we share, you should chuck them all out now, I’m a very different person. Merlin, I just mean I’ve been known to say and do certain things back at Hogwarts that’s cost issues with the other Gyffindors. I don't know ” She huffed out an annoying sigh and shook her head but quickly added “Don’t get me wrong, I do still read and I love learning. That shouldn’t define me as a person though, there’s more to it. You know what I mean right? Merlin I don’t think I'm explaining it right.” She let out another sigh, shaking her head. Hermione doesn’t even know why she’s telling him all this, maybe it's because he made that remark or she needed to get it off her chest or it was just for the hell of it. 

As Draco let her ramble on he couldn’t help but feel a bit bad for her, she was right, he didn’t know her personally, everything he did know was simply from the shared classes or from hearing it at school. Draco found himself agreeing with the last bit she said. It's the truth, you don't know anything about a person if you don’t truly know them. What Draco said next was something he never thought he would do to someone that wasn’t a fellow Sylitherin.

“I completely agree with that bit about not knowing a person well enough but still, said person is judged openly by others, without knowing the person at all or just from rumors or even facts from the past. It’s really shitty to be on the receiving end of it, and I’m sorry you’re going through that.” Draco shook his head trying to stop overthinking,but then it hit him, he quickly added “It’ll be worse, when we go back to Hogwarts, it’s going to get a lot worse for you unfortunately. You're a bloody Nott, regardless of if you plan on changing your last name, you know what that means right?” Draco was completely serious as he spoke, he made eye contact with his mother, Narcissa simply gave a small nod at Draco, she was probably thinking the same thing as him. 

Hermione sat there and listened to Malfoy, once he was done it took her a second to find the right words to respond, hoping they were she said “It’s because he was a Death Eater isn’t it? It honestly makes me sick how the children of them are constantly being harassed. Like it’s not their fault their parents choose to follow a madman! I had hex a few Gryffindors a few times just to get some peace and quiet” Hermione quickly added “No offense Malfoy, it’s to my understanding your father was one of them, Merlin so was Snape! and look at the man, he’s the sweetest man in all of Hogwarts, well to me anyways." She rambled on and on. Apparently the last bit was funny to hear, Narcissa laughed, while Draco and Theo stared at her, Pansy was the first to break the silence and speak up and what she did was more of a threat. Everything happened so fast.

Pansy pulled her wand on Hermione’s back and said “Who the hell are you?! Where is Hermione! Who was my first crush or better yet what was the last thing my mum said to me! You’re clearly not Mi. Snape isn’t sweet, he is a very scary man!” Narcissa quickly summoned the wand, and spoke up saying “Pansy that was uncalled for, you know only the weak will pull their wands while their opponent is turned with their backs. Hermione is right, Severus is very sweet and kind, however he’s only like that to those he deem worthy of it.” Once she finished speaking, Theo and Draco kept staring, not sure what actually happened that made Pans freak out.

Theo spoke up saying “Pans, if you want Snape to be kind to you, you should start by showing him respect,  maybe try turning in your work on time and actually doing your work.” He chuckled

Hermione spoke up and looked Pansy dead in the eyes and said “Pans, it’s me. Do you really want me to air out who it was? It’s embarrassing you know that. Your mum said ‘it's just for the summer’ which was clearly a big fat lie. If that’s not enough proof I don’t know what is.” Hermione let out a sigh, hoping that’s enough, she couldn’t say Pansy had a silly little crush on Ron Weasley even if it was for two days, in first year, that’ll be bad.

Draco interrupted her thoughts. “Oh please everyone knows it’s T-”  He was cut off by Pansy literally shoving him to the floor, covering his mouth with her hand.

Hermione didn’t know what made her say what she did in that very moment but she found herself all but yelling “It was a red head actually and said crush lasted two full days, before Pansy realized that he was thicker than a troll, You made me all but swear to never bring up his name so I will not, but there are you happy? Let's eat now.” Hermione huffed out an annoying sigh and as she walked to the kitchen Malfoy gave her a strange look.

July 31st 1994.

Hermione kept staring at the letter, she reread it going on six times now and she couldn't help but feel like she was being lied to, she was so lost in concentration she didn't hear the pops coming from the next room. Shouting is what brought her back into reality, seeing smoke is what also made her jump up from her chair and she ran to find the mysterious smoke.

“Hermione! you need to calm down, you set fire to the back curtains, Merlin, thank sweet Salazar we popped in when we did. What made you so distracted?” Narcissa said, going to Hermione checking to see if she was hurt, finding the teen unharmed, Cissa let out a deep breath, shaking her head.

Hermione shook her head and instead of giving Cissa an answer, she asked a question “What are you doing here? Oh no, did we have plans!? I am so sorry Cissy, I’ve been doing my summer work, Snape gave me extra, when he finds it's all correct, I'll finally be able to officially brew whatever I want! Within reason of course.” When Hermione was done explaining, she left out what got her distracted though.

“Hermione, isn’t Rob and Jean supposed to be back now? Are you normally left alone for so long, during the summer?” With that Hermione giggled, shaking her head. Fanning her face with her left hand. 

She simply said “Cissy don’t be so silly, I’m used to being alone a lot during the summer, and no they're not coming back for another few weeks, they won some time chair thing at a work conference so they cashed it in.” Hermione shrugged her shoulders. It did kind of hurt Hermione’s feelings that her parents would be gone longer than they originally planned. Maybe that’s how they're coping with the whole situation? It’s not like they didn’t know though, they did. Hermione is the one that was left in the dark about it. Her thoughts were rudely interrupted by someone

“Oii Granger, why are you getting so many owls right out?” Malfoy asked, but he didn't have time to add more even if he wanted to. 

Hermione immediately spoke up, almost shouting “Please tell me why! I’ve been dealing with this for the last few days now. Letters are coming every couple of hours, multiple at a time, and it’s so bloody irritating Malfoy!.” She quickly added “I don’t mean to shout, it’s just driving me mad, I don’t recognize any of the senders or owls so I’m not responding. I kind of have just been tossing them in the bin to be frank.” She spoke softly this time and was shaking her head, bringing her hand to her face using her thumb and index finger to pinch the bridge of her nose, squeezing her eyes shut, taking a deep breath in. 

Narcissa was the first to act, she immediately pulled out her wand and was muttering spells left to right, Draco and Hermione shared a look, Draco was the first one to do anything, walking up to his mother, he tapped her shoulder with his, all she did was looked at him the look its self spoke volumes. He quickly turned around and went straight back to his original spot near Hermione. Once there he shook his head and spoke lowly

“She’s in the zone we shouldn’t bother her until she’s done or speaks actual words to either of us.” Hermione nodded her head at his words, not knowing how to respond to that.

“Malfoy, why didn’t Theo or Pans come along with you guys?” She spoke quietly, adding “Why did you guys even come?” She looked directly at him, she noticed how close they were and she couldn’t help but realize how lovely Malfoy's eyes were, big silver eyes, eyes that looked like they could actually see into your soul, she immediately looked away. Putting her walls up just in case he could in fact read her thoughts. 

“Pansy went to Spain with her father and Theo was dragged with her, they’ll be back by the end of the week. Theo has been writing to you, right? He didn’t mention that he was leaving for the week?” Malfoy said, looking around the living room, the living room walls were dark navy blue, dark oak wooden floors, four floor to ceiling bookshelves, a good sized black velvet couch that fits the Grangers plus the nice married couple that lives three houses down. They frequently come over for dinners. It wasn’t over the top but it was home. 

Before Hermione could speak up Narcissa comes back into the room and says “Hermione, I don’t want to alarm you, but the wards are severely compromised, I don’t feel comfortable having you here alone. I need Severus’s help with them, I need you to go pack an overnight bag. You’ll be staying at the manor, this isn’t up for discussion. Go run along now. Draco, love I’ll need your help with them as well, and your fathers. Oh Merlin, I don’t see how this happened! They’ve held up for fourteen years.” Cissy went on and on. Hermione nodded her head as she got up from her spot. She made her way upstairs to her room and began to look for her backpack.

As Hermione was done packing the essentials, she grabbed the current book she was in the middle of and chucked it into the bag along with her summer work, the last three pages of it anyways. She was about to walk out when there was a knock at the door, she didn't remember closing it which she found odd, she said “Come in.” Not caring who it was. 

“Mother sent me up to let you know you should pack a bit extra just in case, I guess Snape got called away, he won't be able to come for three days. Mother feels very confident in her wards but she would feel much better having more people involved. Especially when the situation involves a godchild.” Malfoy said, looking around the room. His eyes landed back on Hermione. 

She nodded her head and collected a bit more clothes, she added another book, and both wands. Once she was satisfied with everything she spoke up and said “Can I bring my cat, Crooks? his my familiar” Malfoy nodded his head and said “I don’t see why not.” hearing that she packed a few of his things up. 

They made their way to the stairs, Hermione stopped dead in her tracks, making Malfoy bump into her. “What Granger?” was the only thing she heard, already entering her room and making way to her bed grabbing her dragon, stuffing him in the bag, picking up her glasses and putting them in her other one. Making her way back to the stairs she muttered sorry. 

Once both teens were out of the living room Narcissa checked over the house once again, shaking her head. Narcissa couldn’t find the missing leak, so she sat where Hermione sat before leaving to go pack a bag she could help but peek at the letter that was on the coffee table, what happened next truly frightened the woman. She heard Hermione’s voice yet the girl wasn’t speaking

“ Cissy, you shouldn’t have read it. Leave it alone please.”   

“Hermione! How did you get in my head?! Get out!” With that Hermione left her head. Narcissa was met with both teens back in the living room, she looked directly at Hermione shaking her head, not knowing what to say she didn't say anything.

Draco was the first to speak up and say “Mother, is everything okay? You look a bit pale, shall I grab you some water, or maybe tea?” The mother simply smiled and shook her head.

Hermione spoke up next, it was aimed at Malfoy this time of course. “Hey Malfoy, you probably have and do, but have you heard of Legilimency and Occlumency? Do you participate in either?” She smirk, then thought about it, she added “You don’t have to answer that I’m sorry, that’s a bit personal.” She shook her head, at her words. This not only made Malfoy freeze up whatever he was doing, it also made Cissy laugh.

“Hermione, she is gifted in both, She doesn’t need her wand or spell, she does it at will, Draco. She didn't know what to think when it first happened. It was in the first year, Hermione nearly gave Severus a heart attack”

Draco interrupted his mother, “What? What do you mean! That’s impossible, isn't it?” He narrowed his eyes at Hermione slightly taken back, and then back at his mother. Narcissa shook her head ‘no’ and what she said next Made Draco rethink everything he’s ever known.

”Hermione found herself in my head a few minutes ago, it was alarming. She did it so smoothly and it genuinely frightened me. The last time someone was in my head like that, it was Voldemort.” When Hermione heard that she gasped and said “Cissy, I am sorry. It’s a bit hard to stop jumping into people's heads when you’re borderline sleep deprived.” Hermione shook her head, while squeezing her eyes shut. Narcissa waved the young girl off.

Draco was still stunned at this new found knowledge, he was intrigued with it, his mothers wall was unbreakable, yet Granger got through it. Draco had so many questions he wanted to ask but he didn’t. He found himself stumped, Malfoys do not just shoot off and ask someone a million questions. Draco mainly wondered if she'll be able to get through his wall. Just to be safe he thought up a bigger and better wall than before, as he did that he heard a little giggle. He raised an eyebrow to Hermione.

Hermione shook her head and said "I don't have to force myself into your head to know you either hid stuff away and or just rebuild your wall, it's probably not strong enough anyways, no offense. Snape is always on high alert when I'm around him, and even then I can accidentally get past his walls without even trying. But I'm getting a lot better at not doing that, for one I hate it and it's an invasion of privacy. I just have to be a lot more careful especially when I'm sleep deprived." 

Draco rolled his eyes at her words. Not really believing her for a second. Maybe that's why he said what he did "Well, Hermione Granger, have you considered the fact that maybe they're just a bit old to fight it off, or hell, they let you in? You haven't been in my head. My walls are a lot stronger than you'd think." Draco flashed a smirk at Hermione. He doesn’t know what possessed him to do so but he found it exciting, new challenges always brought him so much joy.

Before Hermione could respond, Narcissa spoke up “Draco, you should really be careful of what you wish for son. We will continue this back at the manor. Hermione please do try and stay out of my head in the near future, maybe when you don’t have enough sleep, let us know by saying,’ Otnay enoughyay eepslay, orrsay.’ (Sorry, not enough sleep.) how does that sound?” Hermione nodded her head and said “Ohyay esyay ofyay oursecay!” (Oh yes of course) She quickly added “Oday allyay urebloodspay eakspay igpay atinlay? Isyay ityay ayay amilyfay aittray? or yay obbhay?”(Do all purebloods speak pig latin? Is it a family trait? or just a hobby?) She smiled at Cissy, she was so excited to find someone else that spoke Pig Latin. Of course she had Snape, but he was at Hogwarts.

Draco looked at Hermione dumbfounded. Is there anything she can’t do? He thought to himself. He spoke and said “It’s aya ackblay amilyfay aittray, omsay urebloodspay oday owknay ityay utbay eythay don’t useyay ityay atyay allyay, it’s actuallyyay adsay. Asyay ildrenchay eothay andyay iyay ouldway useyay ityay, ehay oppedstay ofyay oursecay ummay andyay iyay illstay useyay ityay oughthay.” Draco added "Andyay ownay ouyay iyay upposesay (It's a Black family trait, some purebloods do know it. But they don't use it at all, it's actually sad, as children Theo and I would speak in it all the time then stopped, of course mother and I still speak it. Well now you as well I suppose) Hermione nodded her head at Dracos words.

“Before you ask, no Granger Pans can’t speak it. We tried teaching her as kids. It just never stuck, she got really frustrated and actually banned us from speaking it! She’d attempted to use wandless spells on us, whenever we snuck it around her, she was and still is rubbish at wandless spell.” Malfoy’s eyes lit up while he laughed, shaking his head. 

Hermione found she was mesmerized by his little laugh, it sent tingles through her body, his laugh was very adorable, who knew Draco Malfoy could be so adorable? Hermione found herself laughing along with him. The next thing she knew she playfully swatted his upper arm with her palm, and said “Oh yes! Malfoy, I'm quite aware of her hate for the language. When I’m ridiculously frustrated I swear in it. Pansy hates it." She said, shaking her head smiling. 

“You know what, Granger? you’re pretty chill. You can clearly keep with us in the school department. Well, you can’t fly for shit, actually. I do have to admit you have somewhat good taste when it comes to books. I suppose the real question is, are we not acquaintances back at Hogwarts because of the obvious house rivalry and I tend to make fun of your little male friends?” Draco has no idea why he said the last part but he can’t take it back, and he doesn’t know if he even wants to. Truth be told, he thinks he’d maybe even find it fun being acquaintances with Hermione but there's no way in the seven hells he’ll ever say that. 

Hermione was caught off guard with the last bit of what he said, it took her a minute to reply, but when she did she could help but giggle a bit for the first part ”Did thee Draco Malfoy just compliment me? Quick alert the Daily Prophet!” She chuckled adding “I never believed in all that house nonsense Malfoy, a close friend of mine is in Ravenclaw. And my best friend is in fact a Slytherin, Merlin. My new brother is also a snake!” She smiled, shaking her head. She added “I don’t know why you feel the need to poke fun at Harry and Weasley, but they're on their own this year, mark my words. Harry will side with Ron, I’m over the drama honestly. Do you want to be acquaintances? Or maybe even friends?” She doesn’t know why she said so much but oh well, what’s done is done. Hermione felt a bit nervous about it though, Malfoy seemed like someone she could actually get along with. She nervously spun the ring on her left index finger. Maybe this was a mistake, she thought. She zoned out as she got lost in her thoughts. 

“Would we be secret friends when we get to Hogwarts. Like you and Pansy? I’m sure once we get back Theo will help bring you and her out, he’s your brother after all.” Draco gave a slight smile, almost sad actually. Hermione didn’t know why but seeing him like that felt like someone stabbed her, she hated that feeling. Maybe that’s why she quickly said “It wasn’t like that, we were 11. If you want to be real friends we can, yes people will think it’s just because of Theo but at least we will know the truth.” She hit his shoulder with hers in a playful manner, adding “You know, actually I don’t think you’ll be able to keep up with me if we’re real friends, I may just be like the chilliest, coolest Gryffindor, you’ll find it challenging most days. It’ll be your loss at the end of the day though. At least I can brag and say some stray snake couldn’t stick their fangs and poison me.” She giggled.

Draco couldn’t help but be mesmerized by Hermione, his new favorite sound was her giggle, he’ll do anything to hear that lovely sound coming from her. He found he really liked everything about her . His new thing was how he wanted to run his fingers through her unruly lion's mane of so-called hair, he didn’t know why, it just looks soft but deadly at the same time. And her eyes, oh Merlin she has the most gorgeous eyes he’s ever seen. She was also funny without trying to be, it was at this moment he knew he was royally screwed, he was falling for her. Get it together! He shouted inwardly. He looked back at her fully listening to her talk about how he wouldn’t be able to handle having a Gryffindor as a friend and he actually laughed hearing her little Slytherin coded joke. Oh he much rather kiss than bit-wait what the seven hells. Brain stop, she's our new friend no kissing of any kind! He squeezed his eyes lightly and threw all his thoughts in a box and shoved them far far away, once he was satisfied he realized he hadn’t spoken up yet and now staring at the girl she seems to be regretting her choice of words? Oh no they were good and funny.

“You’ll be my little indorkgryffay (Gryffindork ) , respectfully of course. I couldn’t pass on that, good to know, I’m always up for a challenge. Oh Granger, the only type of bragging you'd do is make the snake sound more appealing, you should know, if a snake has their fangs on you, that’s it. Once they catch their prey it’s over.” Draco couldn’t help but give her a devilish grin. Does he regret it? Far from it. Can she keep up, he’d give anything to find out. Hermione Granger will be the death of this man and he’s perfectly okay with that. Draco Malfoy honestly finds it thrilling, he may have sent all those thoughts away but now they're back screaming at him, and he’s definitely determined to see if there’s any more chemistry between him and Hermione. Hogwarts is going to be very interesting this year and he’s quite excited about that. 

If Hermione was going to respond it definitely didn’t happen since his mother interrupted them, stating that the teens could finish this back at the manor. Dobby and Otterpop were here, waiting on them. Draco took this as an opportunity to swoon Hermione, he offered his arm, she took it, once they were in the kitchen, his mother gave him an odd look, smiled and shook her head. Draco shook it off not really knowing how to react anyways. Hermione and Draco took Otterpops hand and they popped away, landing outside in a garden, it literally took Hermione's breath away. She was gasping for air and shaking her head. Draco frantically gasped for air just as Hermione did. The last thing he could make out was a blurry image of his mother and possibly his father? and then blackness took over.

Once Narcissa pops onto the garden grounds, she’s met with total chaos, several house elfs, Lucius barking orders and demanding them to find and fix whatever is costing the children to act this way. Narcissa saw fear in her husband's eyes, the last time she saw him so fearful, Lucius was taking orders from Voldemort.

“The wards, Lucius! We need to remove the children at once.” She shrieked and only hoped her husband heard her, without wasting much more time she told the elfs to take the teens back to Hermiones, that was the first place she could think of.

Lucius and Narcissa were following right behind them. Once they were at the Grangers, she found the teens laying on the couch, Narcissa ran every health spell she could think of. What she found made her gasp, she couldn’t believe it. 

“My love, what is it? Do we need to get the healers involved? Tell me Narcissa, I’ll have this whole house swimming with them in an instit!” Narcissa could help the little laugh that escaped, her husband had always been the dramatic one in their relationship. She smiled and shook her head ‘no’ she said “My love, it’ll be alright. I know why they fell ill, it appears they're connected, they're still so young though, but then again when we met, we knew at that very moment. Why didn’t I see this sooner!” She added in a serious tone “It isn’t safe here, someone broke the wards, that’s why I had Hermione at the manor. We need to fix them immediately, I need Severus but he was called abroad, he won't be back for three days. I need you as well, and Draco. I even plan on asking Andi. She’ll understand, it's for my goddaughter.” Lucius listened to his wife, he couldn’t help but feel angry at whoever broke the wards, he took a breath and focused on his wife, he looked at his son, and he couldn’t help but stare at Hermione. 

He remembers the first time he met the little baby girl. He was filled with so much happiness, at that very moment. Truth be told, at some points during the couple years of her stay. Lucius was the only one able to calm the crying baby girl. At the time he felt like his family was complete. Even though she wasn’t actually his, he found himself not caring, he was prepared to raise the girl as his own, just like he did with Theo, but that all came crashing down, when Hermione was almost three years old, Tiberius Nott. That foul sad excuse of a wizard, he had hired someone to harm Hermione. It was the saddest day for the Malfoys and Severus Snape. As godparents Narcissa and Serveus took it the hardest, they didn't want to hide, Mafloys didn't back down if anything they retaliated, and hit you whenever it hurts the most. Witches cared about climbing up their statuses in their social circles. Wizards cared about their political agenda, and making sure their alliances were happy. A sad day struck the Malfoy once again. A week before Hermione’s third birthday there was another attack directed at the toddler. Narcissa took it personally, that day she vowed to personally Avada the next person to so much as look in the small girl’s direction. The three adults knew as much as it broke their hearts. Hermione didn't deserve to be locked up and hidden away, Severus was at a loss for what to do, he couldn't care for a small child, he tried, he did, he babysat once and it was a complete shit show, even with the house elves helping the man. They were shocked when Lucuis mentioned Muggle London. It took them a day before her third birthday to find the Grangers. It was a bittersweet moment. 

The adults sat the toddlers and explained the best they could, the situation. Hermione started crying, she said ‘Don't wanna go Aco, I stay with Eo and Aco’ Draco ran to get his dragon and once he got back he gave it to the small girl. He told her ‘Miny it’ll be okay, Otterpop the third will keep you safe, isn’t that right’ he looked to his mother, Narcissa tried her best to not cry, she gave her son a watery smile and said ‘yes, of course my love.’ she looked at Theo, who was clinging to Lucius, the boy kept repeating ‘It's because our real father is a madman.’ tears in the young boy's eyes, Lucius hugged the boy and said ‘Theo, one day he will pay, I can promise you that.’ Later that night Severus casted a simple ‘ Forget me but do not erase me’ spell, it’s not like the obviation one. This one takes all the important ones and hides them deep into the back of the mines, such as names and faces, since they're still young as they grow it’ll be like they never saw her. But once they turn 16 they’ll slowly come back. 

Hermione kept muttering the same words over and over again, each time, it sounded sad and sadder. ‘Aco, Eo, Ecopop.’ but hearing the last word ’Cius’ , made the two adults freeze, they both looked at each other and the girl. Lucius hadn’t heard that name in ages. It did some to his heart hearing the nickname leave the teens mouth in such a distressing voice, he immediately went to the girl, looking at his wife, who was holding back tears. He did the first thing that came to mind, he simply ran his fingers through the girl's hair and whispered calming words in her ear. Draco was next, muttering ‘Miny, Miny, Miny.’ he all but cried out, Narcissa was by his side running, mocking her husband's actions. She shook her head looking wide-eyed at Lucius.

“Lucius” She shook her head not knowing what to say, she nearly had tears in her eyes, she took a deep breath. “Why haven’t they woken up? It's been nearly five full minutes now.” He shook his head then a thought popped in his mind. He gently shook Hermione, Narcissa did the same to Draco and not even 20 seconds later both of the teens were waking up, still groggy but at least they were up now. Lucius smirked at his wife and said “When in doubt try it the muggle way, Severus told me that once. So I thought it might work this time.” She smiled at him shaking her head. Looking back at the teens. She was about to speak but Hermione beat her to it saying

“What happened Cissy? Why are we back here?” she added “My head, My head is killing me” she had tears in her eyes, wiping them, shaking her head. She looked around the room and noticed Malfoy looking the way she felt. “Malfoy, are you okay?” He looked like he was lost in his thoughts, after a minute or two he finally spoke up and said “Yea, I’m okay.” He looked at her for a few seconds then back at his parents and said much quieter “I think I just remembered something and it felt very important.” He didn't care if anyone heard him or not but he felt like he did, but he couldn’t remember what.    

Hermione nodded her head understanding the feeling. “I feel like I remembered something too but I don’t know. I remember myself as a child crying out for my dogs called Aco and  Eo. Don’t laugh, I know, there are completely ridiculous names. But that’s what happens when adults let a three year old name the family pets.” Hermione couldn’t help but smile remembering her late dogs.

Draco nodded along not really listening to her but something popped inside of him when he heard her say the names ‘Aco’ and ‘Eo’ he narrowed his eyes, hearing those words felt like someone ripped out his heart, but he couldn't explain why but it did. He found himself repeating the words over and over in his mind but hearing her say them were better, maybe that is why he said “Granger, say it again, say the names again” he all but demanded to the girl who was to the left of him. 

She gave him an odd look but then said “Aco and Eo? Their silly names, I know, Malfoy, but I was three years old. Now that I think about it, I named my stuffed otter Aco and my stuffed shark Eo. Oh Merlin and my dragon! I combined the names and named it Eco” She laughed more at herself, shaking her head. Once she calmed down she looked back at Malfoy who was now staring at her. She narrowed her eyes at him and said “What? Malfoy what happened why are you staring at me like you just won the jackpot?” He shook his head smiling even wider now, looking at his parents. 

He then said “Granger, I know this is going to sound mad, but listen. What’s my first name without the first two letters! And Theos without the first two of his! This cannot be happening!” He all but shouted, Hermiones never saw him this happy, it took her a couple seconds to understand and then it hit her.

She gasped and yelled ‘ACO! EO!’ She couldn't understand what was happening, shaking her head with all these questions she looked around the room seeing Narcissa and Lucius, looking back at Malfoy, it was like she got another hit and whatever happened she said “Cius. It's a short version of ‘Lucius’, your fathers name. Can you explain that?” She looked at Draco while asking him that question.

Draco brought his lip in and chewed on it, that was a tell tell sign he was focusing. He let out a sigh and looked at his father, who kept glazing between the two teens.

“You had to be at the manor for sometime before coming to Muggle London, maybe it was longer then we all thought” She interrupted him adding “That's the only reason for the ‘odd’ nicknames I gave the dogs, and my nenes cat.  ‘Aco, Eo, Cius’ I had to have been old enough for talking but too young to properly annunciate certain words ‘Draco, Lucius but Theo is simpler than either of them. Oh but I did have to take speech lessons so that is all on me and it doesn’t factor the age.” When she finished up she added "Sorry I didn’t mean to cut you off.” Draco shook his head, flashing a smile. As he was about to reply, Lucius cleared his throat, Narcissa looked like she was holding in tears, Draco looked at her much longer than he realized, and Narcissa gave her son an odd smile, shaking her head.

Lucius spoke and said “There’s a lot we need to talk about, but we’ll have to wait until Theo is back.”He added “Miss Granger, if you don't mind, my wife and I would like to test a theory.” 

Hermione nodded her head ‘yes’ before she could ask what it was Dobby grabbed her and popped away, she was back at the manor, everything was spinning and she felt like she couldn’t breathe, she asked for Dobby to take her back, if he did she wouldn’t know, she blackout.

Draco was the first to speak up and he said “Father, what's going on?” Soon Draco started to feel a bit uncomfortable, his hands were tingling and he found it difficult to catch his breath. He started to panic, he knew to slowly take in deep breath, struggling to breathe. Shaking his head, the room was spinning and he felt like he might pass out any moment he quickly said “Father, I can’t brea-” Draco didn’t finish his sentence, he was met with darkness. 

His father was quick to catch his son. Lucius knew it was pointless but he said “Draco, it’ll be okay, you will be fine, any second now, I do apologize for I will be placing a small cut on your hand but it's for the theory my son.” He went on and on trying to calm himself down. He cut his son's hand, as he did that Narcissa popped back in with Hermione’s limp body. 

He quickly looked at Hermione’s hand and was astonished by the fact that she had a cut on the same hand, in the same spot as Draco’s. He looked at his wife shocked, unable to believe it. He shook his head looking for something to say but he couldn’t, he didn’t know how to comprehend it. Typically when you are connected with a person, you have to do so many things before it’s complete. Merlin, marriage is the final step. But even that, the odds of being fully connected like this are extremely low. Could this be a natural soul connection? He’s read about them, and of course a few generations back it ran through the Malfoy line, and on the Black family's side but there were only nine in total, that’s counting both sides of the family. He was stumped. 

“So our theory is proven right. Now the real question is, do we tell them or should we let them figure it out themselves?” Narcissa said, she added “If we don’t, I will give it a year’s time before they come asking questions.” She smiled at her husband. Lucius smiled back at her and said “Let us wait, my love. We shall only get involved if it’s necessary. I do have to say, Draco seems smitten doesn’t he? I  remember when they were babies, he was always chasing after her, making sure she was nothing but happy, and loved. I even had a little idea they would be together as they got older. I haven’t seen him act like this with the other witches before.” He finished up chuckling a bit, shaking his head. It was the truth, everything he said was everything he thought .

“I wonder why the manor is rejecting her. I must go find out and fix it immediately. Before I leave, let's put a lot more wards up. Once Severus is back and we have your dear sister, we shall make this home as strong as Malfoy Manor.” He got up and took Narcissa's hand and they got to work. After a few minutes, once they were satisfied he left. Narcissa decided to head to the kitchen and make the teens some food, it was well past lunch, dinner was approaching.

August 4th 1994

“Granger! As my new best friend you must at least pretend to like quidditch, it’s law!” Malfoy kept going on and on, Hermione laughed, throwing her head back, saying “I never not once claimed to ‘hate’ it, I find it quite exciting actually, but then there’s always a point in the game, where it’s just slow. That’s when I whip out a book and read..” She shrugged her shoulders, explaining it. They were at the Quidditch World Cup, looking for their box seats. Truth be told, Hermione was actually excited to see a professional match.

Draco smirked oh no, not that look, in the years of getting to know Malfoy, whenever he smirks like that, it’s never good, especially since Hermione got to know him personally over the last month. It’s always followed with an inappropriate joke or of the sorts. And of course Hermione was right Draco said “Oh I see, so what, you only come watch us for the potential fights? Do you like it when we play dirty?” He laughed at his joke, Hermione rolled her eyes at him, shaking her head. Theo and Pans laughed along, Draco nudged Hermione’s shoulder with his, “Oh come you know you wanna laugh, it’s okay I know I’m quite funny.” He sent her a genuine smile this time and a wink.

Merlin he's an idiot but he’s also adorable, he’s an adorable little idiot. Hermione thought to herself. When he nudged her once again she finally caved and giggled while saying “Okay yes, you’re right, not cheating though that’s terrible. But it’s I don’t know how to explain it, you guys don’t have Hockey here, back in the muggle world there’s this sport and it’s amazing. And I watched it all the time, I still do during the winter holidays. I blame them” She said shaking her head Pansy looked intrigued and asked “What is this Hockey Mi?” Herminine simply said “Pans, very hot guys, ice skating and there’s a lot of fights” She could help but giggle at it while telling Pansy about it. “I need to see it! Please Mi, I’ll ask daddy if I can come during the winter holidays and we must find this Hockey and see it! Oh please!” Hermione agreed, the boys were staying and before Draco would say anything his father told them they were here.

It was as if Hermione’s worst nightmare came to life, right in front of her, the whole Weasley clan, along with Harry and a couple others she knew by face not name. Hermione felt like she couldn’t breathe, literally it felt like someone or something was crushing her lungs. She made a small noise and apparently Pansy noticed and said “I’m sorry I didn’t know they’d all be here. I don’t think anyone has seen you yet.” Pansy looked severely uncomfortable which hurt Hermione’s feelings. 

Hermione immediately said “Are we real friends or not?! I am sick and tired of secret’s Pans.” She added “I have never not once been ashamed of our friendship. I feel lucky to even have  the chance to know you, Pansy Parkinson. That goes for Theo and even Malfoy now.” 

“Uckfay eahyay, atthay isyay ymay ewnay estbay iendfray, oppay offyay angergray, owshay ouryay ansypay owhay ashay awsclay” (Fuck yeah, that is my best friend, pop off Granger. Show our Pansy who really has claws) Draco all but shouted, coming and nudging Hermione’s shoulder playfully sending Hermione a genuine smile. She could help but laugh, she smiled back at him. His mother even laughed but then scolded him for such inappropriate language. 

She took a deep breath and walked with her head held high. Making their way to their seats she didn’t care if her housemates saw her with the snakes. After all, one is her best friend, the other is her brother, and the last one is her new friend. She wasn't lying when she told Pans she wasn’t ashamed of their friendship. Narcissa showed the teens to their seats, Lucius and Narcissa sat in the row just behind the teens. Hermione and Pansy were chit chatting with the boys.

Harry was the first to notice Hermione and he wrinkled his face, confused and maybe slightly disgusted. She didn’t have to look into his mind to see what and how he felt. She didn’t pay attention to him though. 

It wasn’t until Ginny gasped, and loudly said “Why is Mione over there with those snakes!” The others heads shoot into her direction.

She didn’t care though. She stayed sitting with her friends but Hermione quickly turned her face so no one could see the scowl forming on her face, hearing that awful nickname, she’s always hated it. It didn’t matter how many times she'd tell them to stop, they never did. Narcissa looked at the Wesley’s then back at Hermione, silently asking what’s the problem. Hermione did the only thing she could think of at the moment and she let Cissy in her head, it was only for a couple seconds at most. Once they were but Narcissa couldn’t help but giggle, shaking her head, she sat up from her seat and went to Draco’s side only to lower her head near Hermione’s ear and say

“I'm quite glad I’ve never had the urge to call you that, what a ridiculous little nickname love.” Hermione couldn’t help but laugh, which caused Draco to sift his head to look at her, she started laughing again, shaking her head. She tried to calm down, taking deep breaths once she was done she attempted to speak up she said 

“Thank Merlin Cissy” Hermione smiled at the woman. Hermione practically heard Draco‘s thoughts, they were screaming at her. She matched Ginny's volume and said “Alfoymay issycay oundfay outyay owhay uchmay iyay atehay ethay icknamenay ionemay andyay onay attermay owhay uchmay iyay oldtay emthay otay opstay eythay don’t, eshay ankthay erlinmay orfay evernay avinghay ethay urgeyay otay allcay emay idiculousray amenay” (Malfoy, Cissy just found out how much I hate the nickname 'Mione' and no matter how much I told them to stop calling me it, they don't.  She thanked Merlin for never having the urge to call me that ridiculous name.)

She was laughing again, Draco and Cissy were laughing as well. Theo looked like he was trying to comprehend what was being said, Pansy looked annoyed. Lucius actually chuckled, and placed a hand on Hermione’s shoulder. Draco leaned over and said “Well Granger, that's good to know.” He flashed that stupid adorable smile that turns Hermione’s brain into mush. 

“Why is everyone acting so strange?” Hermione wondered out loud then corrected herself “scratch that, why are the men all googly eyes?” She narrowed her eyes looking around the room, double checking to see Theo and Draco are actually acting normal. “Wait double scratch that! Theo you’re normal so are you Malfoy.” She said shaking her head, she felt a migraine forming just from the confusion.

Narcissa laughed and explained “Love it’s the veevla magic, it makes men crazy.” Hermione made a slight face, but nodded her head. Narcissa added “Men that haven’t given their hearts to someone else act crazy, those who appear to be normal, are either married or have serious crushes.” She sent Hermione a wink. Hermione nodded her head not really knowing what to say to that kind of information.

Once the match started everyone stopped talking, Theo and Draco would have to explain what was happening ever so often, but eventually Hermione stopped asking questions and then would actually correct Theo on something and then immediately ask if that was right or not and Draco would smirk and yes “Yes, Theo you’re wrong mate, Granger got you there.” She didn’t know why but it felt really good.

After several hours, the game ended, Bulgarian won. Theo and Draco were extremely happy about that. Merlin even Hermione jumped out of her seat and threw her hands in the air while she cheered when that Krum man caught the golden snitch. “Theo, did you see that!” She exclaimed, adding “it was such a gnarly catch and oh my gods!” She would’ve kept going on but she was rudely interrupted by Ronald Weasley. “Oii Mione’ put a sock in it we all saw it, we have eyes. Didn't even know you were a fan of quidditch but then never thought you’d be slumping it in the dirt with the snakes.” He added “Watch your back, you know it's not safe to be around those types especially with your blood.” A lot of things happened all at once after he spoke. 

Pansy, Theo and Draco had their wands out, Narcissa and Lucius looked appalled, Mr Weasley and the twins were shouting at their brother, and son. Harry looked uncomfortable. Ginny looked like she was gonna hex anyone and everyone. Hermione took a deep breath and calmly said “Well, Ronald, for your information, I’ve been friends with Pansy since first year. So I don't know what you’re referring to when you say ‘those types’ She’s been nothing but kind. It isn’t any of your business but” she looked at Theo, he smiled and nodded his head she added “During the summer a lot happened, and Theo is my brother.” She smiled proudly. Finish up with “I don’t care what you think, I don’t have to prove myself to anyone especially not to you. At the end of the day I know who my real friends are.” With that she looked to Lucius and Narcissa, she said “I apologize for the scene Ronald caused, I’m sure we’re all ready for some food, shall we head back to the tent?” Everyone made their way out.

If looks could kill, Ron would’ve died several times already from the looks Narcissa sent him. Once they got back to the tent the parents summoned the fire whiskey, along with five cups. The teens shared a like with each and then with the adults, Lucius spoke up and said. “It was a long day, one glass wouldn’t hurt, I think we all deserve it. Especially Hermione, Merlin. Maybe she’ll have two. It’ll be her decision.” He handed the glasses out, Fig the elf brought out trays of finger foods. They snacked on some fresh fruit and vegetables, alone with some cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches.

“Can we go explore for a bit?” Draco asked. Lucius ever so slightly stiffened but looked at his wife, and she took the lead in the conversation, she said “I don’t see why not.” But added “they’re going to be a lot of drunken buffoons so you can only stay out for an hour, Fig will join with you. Do not leave each other's side, do you hear me?” She gave Draco the classic mother look. It frightened Hermione. As they got ready to leave Lucius stopped them. “These are emergency portkeys, if anything happens it’ll take you all straight back to the manor.” They all got one each, simple brackets. The teens thanked him, and promised to be back in an hour. 

“They're worried, there’s been rumors of you know who. The rumors turned into whispers, and the whispers turned into possible sightings” Theo said, looking a bit ill. Draco immediately spoke up and said “It doesn’t matter, father and mother would keep us safe no matter what, even if it means sending us away.” Draco looked at Hermione and added “you’d come with us too. Don’t worry” he nudged her shoulder with his. She nodded her head, she didn’t know what to say to that.

They looked at some many things, some many different types of magic. It was all so beautiful. Draco bought a couple different things, so did Theo. Pansy ran into her father, so she said her goodbyes. Theo, Draco and Hermione called it a day, making their way back to the tent. Once they were back they were met with Lucius and Narcissa making out on the couch like a couple of love sick teenages. The boys screamed and Narcissa and Hermione laughed. They went to their separate rooms and changed into some comfortable clothes. Hermione found herself in the kitchen grabbing a cup of water, walking back she ran into Draco, he gave her an odd look and said “Did you have a good time? Minus the unsavory words from the weasel anyways.” 

It took her a second to find the right words but when she did she said “Actually yes, I had a wonderful time, who knows I’ll probably go to a lot more games when we get back to Hogwarts.” She smiled and added “How about you? Did you enjoy it?” She already knew the answer to that question, she mentally kicked her brain. 

Of course he had a good time. It was the freaking Quidditch World Cup, and he was a freaking quidditch player.

As if sensing Hermione’s internal battle with her brain. Draco chuckled, while saying “We’ll of course, I don’t know if you care to remember or not but I am in fact a seeker for no other than Slytherin , at our School.” He sent Hermione a cocky smile, it took everything not to punch him in the face or kiss him at that moment. Hermione didn’t know what was happening. She said “Yes, I’m well aware of your position as seeker Malfoy.” She rubbed her temples, her migraine came back full force, causing Hermione to wince out in pain “I don’t mean to sound rude or anything but I think it’s time for bed, I have a killer headache and need to sleep.” She said, drinking her water and filling it up. 

Draco nodded and said “Yes, I do too, it started earlier, I thought it was just all the noise. I hope you feel better in the morning, if not please let mother know. She’s really good at helping relieve the pain.” He filled up his own cup with water and they walked to the walkway before they spit up he said “Goodnight Granger, sleep well.” She looked back to him and said “Goodnight Malfoy, sleep well yourself.” She sent him one last smile before opening and entering the room. 

Hermione woke up to straight chaos. there were screams of panic. “Hermione! Wake up!” Narcissa urgently shook the girl,”We need to leave now it isn’t safe” the teen woke up frazzled, quickly threw her jumper and shoes on, the two had met Lucius and Draco in the wall as he frantically yelled “Draco! Where's Theo!?” Adding “Cissy, Theo wasn’t in his room” he looked at his wife then to the teens, Hermione didn’t like that face, he looked scary, she could only pray to never be on that receiving end ever again. 

Draco paled and said “He probably snuck out to see Pansy!” He added “We need to go find him, father!” Hermione was already tugging on Draco’s arm ready to go find her brother. They made it outside only to be dragged back into the tent.

Lucius said “What in the seven hells are you thinking! You two are to go with Cissy to the safe point. I will go to get Theo, and either meet you at the safe point or see you back at the manor.” He then looked to his wife and said “If I’m not there within 20 minutes you will leave, do you understand my heart” He wasn’t asking, he was demanding. His wife hesitated only for a second; she nodded her head, and kissed her husband.

She gathered the teens and said “It’s chaotic out there. Please hold my hand as tight as possible.” The teens looked at each other and then grabbed the woman’s hand. 

As they took one last deep breath they left the tent. When they reached the outside it was maddening, people running in circles, fights were raging on. Hermione tightened her grip on Cissy's hand.  

They were almost to the forest, Hermione guessed that’s where the safe point was. People kept shoving to get past her, of course they would only care of themselves. Hermione kept telling herself that. 

Everything that happened next was so fast Hermione could barely comprehend it. As they were running, someone grabbed Hermione’s arm, and she was dragged away and she fully panicked, once she no longer saw Cissy and Draco. Hermione cried out “CISSYY, DRACOO.” As she was running, she was nearly trampled on by all the people.

Hermione ran and screamed out their names, she only stopped once she saw people being dragged into the air. She trembled backwards, shaking her head, she closed her eyes trying to breathe.

She heard the screams and then she heard the thumps of the bodies hit the ground. She was going to puke. Then she felt someone grab her from behind and she shrieked out and pulled her wand, ready to send a nasty message to whomever grabbed her. She was met with Draco, she wasted no time, she clung to him, he didn’t complain.

She wheezed out “Fuck, Draco someone rushed into me, and the next thing I knew I was being swallowed in the crowd and I tried running, I was screaming for Cissy and you.” She threw her hand out and said “Did you just see that! What the fuck.” She squeezed her eyes shut, she couldn’t finish her sentence. They continued to run to get to safety, then it hit her and she said “Draco, Draco where’s Cissy!?” She frantically looked around through the crowd of people.

Draco shook his head, bringing his hand to his face and said “We got separated also! I was on the verge of hexing everyone just to find you and mother. We all know the safe point so we need to continue on.” He didn’t waste anymore time talking, he dragged Hermione closer to himself. Once they got closer to the forest something felt off, Draco didn’t like this feeling at all.

He stepped in front of Hermione. He leaned down so he could whisper in her ear, he said ”Wands ready. Stay vigilant.” Hermione nodded, she tightened her grip on her wand, bringing it to her chest. Multiple spells were already forming on the tip of her tongue.

They immediately stopped walking once they heard steps coming from the other side of the bushes. They got in position ready to attack whoever was coming from behind the bushes. 

“Oh thank fucking Merlin!” Narcissa shrieked out, once she came out from the bush, the teens lowered their wands and ran to the woman. Draco said “Mother, language.” He chuckled. She looked at her son and said “Oh pardon me, I spent the last 15 minutes frantically looking for the two of you. Come now, let me do a quick check.” She wasted no time checking the teens, once she was satisfied with the diagnosis, she brought them into a hug, clinging to the both like her life depended on it. 

“Cissy, what are you guys still doing here!? I told you not to wait!.” Lucius and Theo came running towards their family. Narcissa shook her head and quickly explained what happened to her husband, and how they just found each other so Merlin forbade her to take a moment to hug the teens. As Lucius pulled out the portkey and it pulled the group together.

They counted down the time, it felt like minutes had passed. That’s when they all saw it, clear as day. Someone casted the Dark Mark.The green mist covered a part of the midnight sky, a skull with a snake intwining within its self forming. And then they all got pulled in and were back at Malfoy Manor. 

Once they got back, the three teens immediately chucked up the contents of their stomachs. Lucius summoned the fire whiskey, Narcissa asked Fig to bring tea and calming draughts for the teens.

Narcissa and Lucius shared a look, both gave the teens a sad smile and gathered them around. Lucius is the one that spoke up first

“I’m sure you all have questions, we will fully discuss this in the morning, but just know, Cissy and I are taking care of it. We will not let anything happen to you children. I know there’s been rumors of the sightings, and then tonight's event” He huffed out a sigh and took a deep breath, he downed his drink, filling it back up. He added “It’s true, Voldemort is back but he isn’t strong enough and he will not ever be. A small group of trusted people are working with us and we’re going to take care of it.”

Narcissa gave the teens their tea and calming draught. They didn’t hesitate to drink either one down. Narcissa summoned some blankets for the teens. 

August 18th 1994.

The last two weeks have been a bit rough, the first few days after The Quidditch Would Cup Hermione didn’t leave Theo and Draco alone, but they didn’t care, truth be told if Hermione wasn’t in the same room, Draco and or Theo would go look for her. The three of them stayed together only ever separated to shower. They didn’t even sleep separately; they all slept in the same room. Hermione and Theo got closer and closer but so did Draco and her, some days it was like they were the same person. They found it a bit freaky how similar they were, rather it was an odd headache, or how they’d find similar cuts and bruises on each other. 

It wasn’t until one day Draco and Theo were out flying, Hermione joined them, she read on the grass. She went to stand up but got insanely light headed and collapsed on the pavement, right at the same time Draco fell from his broom and crashed into a tree branch. Hermione got a nasty gash on her left arm, so did Draco but he fell on his right side. Hermione had similar injuries on her right side. Theo was the one to said “What the actual fuck” the two looked at Theo confused, Theo added “Ni, why is your right side covered in bruises? I saw you, you fell on your left side, and Drake you, you bloody crashed but it was mainly on your right side your right arm never touched that branch.” Draco and Hermione looked at each other and shook their heads at Theo not knowing what to say. 

Draco said “Theo, mate. I genuinely have nothing to say, but now that you brought that up. I have noticed we did get migraines at the same time. Merlin, when I had that really bad one yesterday I truly thought Ni was making fun of me. It was only then I realized she had one.” Draco winced remembering how he lashed out at her the day before. It took her crying out, holding her head to realize she wasn’t mocking Draco and she did in fact have a migraine just like he did, he immediately apologized for the way he treated her, she waved him off

Hermione on the other hand wasn’t paying any attention to the two guys, she was completely zoned out, lost in her mind. She didn’t even notice the way the two kept trying to get her attention until Theo shoved her, she instantly inhaled a deep breath of air, her lungs were burning and screaming for oxygen. She then saw the way Draco and Theo were looking at her, she narrowed her eyes at them and said “What? What is it, did something happen?” She was genuinely confused at the concerned looks they shared. Theo was about to speak up but Narcissa and Lucius came out and told the teens to clean up, and be ready, they’re going to Diagon Alley to get their new measurements and robes. The trio nodded their heads and made their way to the bathrooms and cleaned up. 

Hermione decided to put effort into her look today, she did a simple makeup look, aka a deep purple, thin wing for eyeliner, and mascara. She added a bit of blush and bronze. With that she moved onto her hair, she dutch braided, she took a couple pieces out. She was satisfied. She put on the icey blue robes Cissy had brought her. She put her daily jewelry back on, it was a couple things, a simple sliver ring her fathers mother gave her, along with a necklace, and a silver bracelet. She finished up by spraying a bit of her perfume on. It had a lovely scent, jasmine and sweet cherry blossoms. She grabbed her small coin bag and went to the seating room.

Draco and Theo entered the room a couple minutes after Hermione. Narcissa and Lucius joined them. Narcissa asked if they were all ready to go and the teens smiled and said yes. They all gathered in the floo, Lucius grabbed a handful of floo powder and yelled out 

“The Leaky Cauldron” and just like that they walked out the floo and went out to the streets. 

Lucius took the boys to get hair cuts, if they wanted to any ways. Narcissa and Hermione went to get hair, skin and body potions. 

They all met up at Madam Malkin’s robes shop, the boys got new measurements and their new robes. When it was Hermione’s turn, Draco said “Madam Malkin, I’m sure after this year, Ni here won’t need any new measurements, I’m afraid she’s gonna be stuck at this height in definitely.” Draco nudged Hermione with his shoulder, laughing. 

Apparently this act was frowned upon, Mada Malkin swatted Draco and sharply said “Now boy, us witches do grow in other departments, other than heights” She swatted Draco once again and Hermione couldn’t help but laugh. She said “Aco, must you act in such a way, you must be careful! I don’t want Madam Malkin to mess up her lovely work.” She smiled at the older woman. 

Draco shook his head, sending Hermione a mocking look, to this she narrowed her eyes at the teen, he then sent her a genuine smile and said “Ni, I’m sorry, please forgive me, I must say Malfoy’s don’t beg but as my best friend I might just have to break that rule for you” Theo, Lucius and Narcissa they were snickering at Draco’s words, he rolled his eyes at them, he didn’t even care. All he cared about was the feeling he got every time he made Hermione laugh, giggle, smile. And the way she calls him ‘Aco’ it was like he whole body burned on the inside. She was perfect in every way possible but he wasn’t gonna tell anyone about it. 

Hermione smiled at him and said “I suppose I’ll forgive you, you should apologize to Mada Malkin as well.” Draco walked up to the older woman and placed her hand in his and apologized for his previous actions. Madam Malkin rolled her eyes but eventually told him she forgave him. Draco sent Hermione a cheese grin.

As they walked out of the robes shop, with their new uniforms and two formal suits and a dress, Narcissa insisted on getting. They ran into Pansy and her father. They decided to have a late lunch before they went back to the manor. Pansy joined while her father declined the offer, he had a meeting so it all worked out. The teens didn’t need to do anything else since they had their books, parchment and quills with ink delivered to Malfoy Manor earlier in the week. They chit chatted and ate. Once everyone was done eating  Lucius excused himself and got up to go pay the bill. 

Theo sat up from the table and immediately offered his arm to Pansy, she took it, smiling at him. Draco didn’t offer Hermione his arm, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t eventually get her. Once they left the restaurant, he nudged her shoulder with his and took her hand and lopped it around his. It felt like it was second nature for him to do so. He has only felt like this with Hermione though. It felt right. He only hoped Hermione felt it too.

Hermione felt a lot of things, some of the things made logical sense, others made her overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of the ‘what if’s’ Draco Malfoy fell under that category, which made her feel like she was slowly driving herself insane. He’s a whole different person then who or what he chooses to show during his time at Hogwarts. Hermione has to admit, she finds this side of him to be her absolute favorite, not that he was unpleasant to her, Hermione can only count once he’s been an imbecile, he did apologize though. He’s also been nothing but kind since the beginning of all this. He has his awkward moments, but so does Hermione, he’s so insanely funny and sweet too. He makes her feel happy, and her crush is getting stronger each day she spends with him. Especially when he's playfully affectionate, it seems like it’s so effortless for him. 

Truthfully she’s only been on the receiving end of playfulness with Harry, apparently Hermione reminds him of his nine year old sister, Hermione didn’t know how to feel about hearing that, so she immediately stopped laughing and left the dorm. She didn’t know how to feel about it, she was 12 at the time and didn’t want to be reminded as a nine year old. After a few months of not speaking Harry apologized. Hermione didn’t know why he did it but she accepted it. She also apologized for the way she reacted. He just waved her off.

Draco interrupted her train of thoughts saying “Granger, how is this going to work when we get back to Hogwarts?” This question really stumped Hermione, in the sense she’s been wanting to know the same thing but she’s never found the right way to ask him. She looked at him and said “Well, I’m your best friend, you've made that pretty clear.” She shrugged her shoulders and laughed not really knowing if that’ll answer his question or not. She added “I suppose we just go on though. We go to classes, do our work? I don’t know what you want to hear Malfoy.” She raised her eyebrows to him.

Draco nodded his head, he said “Will we study together? Would that be fine? And quidditch games, will you come and support us?” He quickly added “Theos on the team and he’s your brother so you know I just thought you should know that.” He said as if he was trying to convince not only Hermione to believe him, but also himself. It’s the little things like this that drive her crazy. She couldn’t help but laugh and said “Why yes, I’m well aware that Theo is on the team, Pansy wouldn’t shut up about it for weeks after he made it.” She smiled and added “I don’t see why we can’t study together, but during exams I get a bit frazzled so it'll probably be best we avoid each other then.”

Draco couldn’t help but laugh towards the end and he said “Yea, you gave Severus a few near heart attacks last term. At first I didn’t understand it, but now I do. I still can’t believe you had a bloody time turner.” He finished shaking his head. He didn’t know what he’d do if he had a time turner, but it definitely wouldn't be to take all the bloody course Hogwarts had to offer, that’s for sure. 

Once they all got back to the manor, before the teens went to wander off, Lucius and Narcissa asked Hermione to stay behind, they needed to talk to her. Lucius summoned two small boxes, and he looked at his wife, she smiled and nodded her head. Lucius then gave Hermione the two little velvet boxes, one was black and the other was green. He said “Open the black one first, then the green one.

Hermione stared at the boxes for a moment then opened the black one like he said, she let out a little gasp. It was a clear ring, but with what looked like blood? She immediately looked up, with so many questions. 

Narcissa spoke up and said “Yes, love. It’s blood, I don't have to read your thoughts to know what you’re thinking. In the wizarding world, it’s tradition to give our godchildren blood rings, this ring has your blood, mine and Severus’s. If anything happens at all it will alert us, but you can call on us as well, through the bond we share. You remember how to call on us, right? This is quite important to know.” Naricssa added “The ring will look normal to others, only the three of us will see the blood.” Narcissa finished up and Hermione nodded her head at Cissy words.

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she cleared her mind, her thoughts slowed down as she pictured Narcissa, Hermione attempted to call on Cissy. Ever so slightly she peaked one eye open to see Cissy's reaction. The woman smiled at the girl and said “That’s good! It’s a bit weak but continue to practice, in the event of something bad, it should come naturally. Merlin forbid, there’s ever a situation like that.” Once Narcissa was finished up, Lucius motioned for Hermione to open the next box. 

Hermione stared at a beautiful silver ring, twig vine, pear shaped diamond ring, with what looked like moss in the middle of the diamond, there were two dark emerald stones on either side of it. It was breathtaking. Hermione was speechless, she just stared at the ring and then looked up and Lucius nodded his head and said

“I take it you like it? Is it too much? I wanted to be included. Cissy always says I'm one for the dramatics so while we were in Diagon Alley, I stopped by Gringotts, when I saw this ring in our vault it reminded me of you. I knew at that very moment it was meant for you. This ring is charmed with the oldest Malfoy magic. It will protect you if you are ever in any danger. Both boys have similar rings.”He cleared his throat and added “Please Hermione, make sure to wear it at all times, especially during this time, just until we know it’s truly safe.” When he was done talking Hermione got up from her seat and went up to the man and hugged him. She thanked him and  promised to always wear it. 

With that out of the way they told Hermione she could go and join the boys, Hermione nodded and just before leaving she hugged and thanked them once more. 

While Hermione went to go find the others, she couldn't help but get lost in her thoughts. With everything that’s already happened so far, and with what might happen, it was a lot for her to take in, but Hermione was finding herself very happy and excited for once.

August 25th 1994.

It started as a normal day, Hermione woke up and was immediately met with the sight of Draco, she rolled over and tried to get back to sleep. She then felt Draco’s hands grabbing her, pulling her closer to him. She rolled her head on his chest and went back to sleep.

Dobby popped in and said “Misses Hermione! Up, up, Hermione’s brother Mister Nott is needing her in the drawing room.” He added “Master Draco, Mistress Malfoy is needing you as well, she’s waiting in the drawing room too!” Dobby happily clapped his hands and pranced around the room and threw the curtains open.

With that, the teens groaned and got up. They quickly changed from their night clothes to day ones. Hermione and Draco made their way out of her room. Making their way to the drawing room, Draco felt a bit nervous like why does his mother want him? Surely she couldn’t know about the secret sleepovers they’ve had, it’s not like they’re doing anything bad, they just cuddle and sleep. Walking into the room.

Theo immediately went to Hermione and said “Ni, I’m doing it. I’m going to ask Pansy out, officially anyways. She’s been truly great all summer but I want to do this right, I just wanted to let you know. I know she’s your best friend.” Theo rambled on and on.

Hermione couldn’t help but smile and say “Eo, that’s great! I’m happy you're finally doing it” Theo smiled and ran off and shouted ‘thanks,love you’ leaving Hermione, Draco and Narcissa all alone. 

She looked around and then looked at Draco and Cissy and spoke up, “Was that it? He had Dobby wake me up just for that!?” Hermione exclaimed. She was exhausted, she barely slept at all last night, she was plagued with night terrors. She let out a sigh shaking her head.

Draco was the next to speak up. He softly said “Miny, you should eat some food, allow me to make you a plate.” She nodded her head and slumped her head to the table.

Narcissa narrowed her eyes at the teens. She spoke up and said “Hermione, love. You look awful this morning, what’s going on? It seems like the closer we get to getting back to school, the worse you’re getting.”

Hermione let out another loud sigh and said “Cissy, I’m having nightmares. I’ve slept a total of maybe ten hours straight this whole week! It’s bloody ridiculous! Is it so wrong of me to just want a good night's rest!” Hermione took a deep breath in and out. Draco passed her a full plate and she muttered a ‘thank you’ he waved her off. 

"Well I'll have Ginger whip something up for you to take this evening.You could have came to me sooner love, and told me this." Narcissa spoke up again and said “Oh! Hermione, the Grangers sent you a letter a few minutes before you got down here, here love.” Hermione took the letter from the woman’s hand, she read it while chewing on a piece of toast.

Hermione narrowed her eyes at the words, shaking her head, she gasped and looked up from the letter and said “Cissy, may Dobby take me back to my house immediately!” She quickly got up from the table and Narcissa nodded her head and said “Why yes of course. Is everything alright sweetie?” Hermione shook her head and said “I’m not too sure actually. My father said if I wasn’t home by mid day he’ll remove me from Hogwarts.”

'He's treating to pull me out of Hogwarts?! that's rubbish!' Hermione thought back to last night when she saw her parents. They had gotten into an argument, Hermione needed to stand her ground. In her eyes they were in the wrong it was based off the facts. 

"It's nice to see after all these weeks apart darling." Jean said, embracing her daughter in a hug. Hermione wanted to correct her mother and say 'it was nearing two months' but she didn't.

Hermione just smiled and said "Yes, it's nice to see you guys too, after all this time." All the lines she rehearsed at the manor disappeared from her mind. She felt excluded from her own parents.

Hermione saw her dad stiffened and as he cleared his throat. Jean did the same thing. This is were things weren't making sense everything was slowly starting to change and fall apart. Hermione literally felt the shift as if it was the most obvious thing ever.

"Sweet heart, there's no need for the attitude." Rob said.

Hermione blinked up at her dad fully stumped, she didn't have an attitude, or did she? All she did was smile and say it was nice seeing them.

"I don't have an attitude? Dad, I was agreeing with mum." She said while playing with the ring Lucius gave her, avoiding eye contact with the man standing in front of her, she can barely recognize him.

"Hermione Jean Granger, you will respect your father! I do have to say now that you know the truth, that doesn't mean you can start treating us so poorly! We are still your parents young lady, I think you've been spending too much time with those people. MY daughter isn't this type of person! She's sweet and kind, she's best friends with Harry and Ron, Where did that girl go! It's time for you to come home now." Jean all but yelled.

Hermione was dumbfounded, 'What the fuck is happening right. now?' she thought to herself. Hermione looked up to both of her parents, something is so off but she couldn't put a finger on it and say what it was, it was angering her now.

"I have not a damn clue what is going on, but I know for a bloody fact I am not giving you both attitudes! if anyone has an attitude It's dad!" Hermione spoke with so much anger and frustration she could hardly breathe " Ronald Weaslely isn't my friend he never was! Harry isn't either, watch come this term he'll side with the bloody git! you'd both know if you were here during the summer, but no you just had to leave!" Hermione tried to calm down and breathe through her hot tears. 

Hermione flinched hearing her father throws a cup of tea so hard at the wall, the once lovely clock that was there now fell down in broken pieces.

Hermione's parents started to yell at each other and then at her. This isn't right, They've never fought like this before. Hermione shook her head and tried to calm down. 

When things got too loud her mum Jean left Hermione to deal with her father herself. Hermione decided that wasn't going to happened so she made her way to the front door and left. Hermione knew deep down she should've turned around but she had too much pride.   

Draco scrunched his face while shouting “He can’t do that! Mother he can’t, can he!?” Narcissa gasped and quickly called on Dobby. As soon as she did he was there, she told Dobby to take Hermione home but to stay with her until Hermione says otherwise. Dobby nodded and grabbed her hand and they popped away.  

~~

“Thank you Dobby, please stay out here or better yet, can you pop in my room right up there? And stay there until I call you again?” Dobby smiled and nodded. He popped away.

She made her way closer to the house, it was so silent, mysteries, Hermione couldn't help but feel like this was a mistake in some way. She couldn't help but wonder who'd be the first to break? her or her parents. The ancient old he said she said, conversations played in her head.  

Hermione took a deep breath and reach for the door handle and turned the handle. That’s when she was met with total chaos, her parents were screaming and begging. She stopped and tried reaching for her wand only to realize she didn’t have it, it was back at the manor. She tried quietly walking back to the back door but she met with a stranger, dressed in all black, wearing a golden mask. 

That's when she let out a scream and cried out “DOBBY! GET CISSY RIGHT NOW IT ISN'T SAFE HERE!.” At the same time she ordered the elf to leave, she was dragged by her hair into the living room where she saw her parents, they were bloody and bruised. She gasped and shut her eyes and tried clearing her mind. 

She took a few deep breaths and pictured Cissy, once she was satisfied she said or well more like though ‘Cissy, Cissy please help. I, I don't have my wand. I think they're Death Eaters here. I don’t know, they're wearing all black and have golden masks on. Just like the same people from the World Cup. They're hurting my parents." 

Seconds later she heard the men start casting multiple spells on her parents at first, then they looked at Hermione and before the man in front of her could cast anything she sent him flying to the other side of the room, hitting two others.

Hermione quickly summoned as many wands as she could, it was only four of six but it was still better than nothing. It was like she wasn't in control of her magic, she kept casting spell after spell, blocking the men. She then lost it hearing one of them cast the Avada on her parents.

Once she saw the green sparks leave their wand, the whole house shook as she screamed, shaking with rage and sadness unable to stop herself. 

Hermione clenched the wands she was holding and screamed "AVADA KEDAVRA" as she saw the flash of green light hit the two men, she hit the other two with another one, by the time there was only two men left standing.

Hermione was sent to the floor, as one of them sent her a crucio. She cried out and screamed in agonizing pain. Hermione couldn't help but find the pieces of the clock that lies broken, still on the floor she mindless stared at it until she was blacking out, one minute than the next thing she knew she was standing up, screaming, as if magic its self came over and took control of herself.

Hermione felt the house crumple a bit and the two people standing in front of her went flying back, hitting the wall. She summoned their wands and slowly walked up to the men, she tilted her head and stared at them, before bringing up their wands.

She froze them, and snapped their wands right in front of their faces. "I could kill you just like I did to your friends over there." She said unable to even recognize her own voice, she shook her head, "I didn't want too" she spat. she added "you damn people made me a fucking killer!" 

Hermione removed the masks, she was staring at a crazy haired, older woman, and a man. She has never seen these people before. "I'll be driving you mad. You'll regret ever stepping front into this house. Hell even in the damn Muggle world." Hermione said before giving the woman or man a chance she throw herself deep into his mind and crushing and breaking everything she could, then she did the same to the woman.

"Bellatrix." Hermione said out loud. The woman wrinkled her nose, Hermione smiled. "Tell my father, Tiberius Nott if he sends anymore people after me they'll never get back to him." Hermione took a breath and signed as she added "Cissy won't be happy about this. What a shame." Bellatrix slightly flinched and was about to speak but before she could Hermione fell to the floor.

When Hermione woke up she cried out in pain. She took in her surroundings, from what she could barely see, everything was just shapes and colors. Hermione was still home, she tried calling for Dobby but she didn’t know if he could hear her or not, she closed her eyes again, and took a few deep breaths in, she wiggled her fingers and toes.

She was still on the floor, once her vision began clearing she tried to call on Dobby again this time she spoke with confidence and almost demanded “Dobby! Come now!” She looked over and saw her parents.

She cried out and trembled over to them and she shook them both trying to wake them up and when that wasn’t enough she slumped down and started hyperventilating, she didn’t know how long she sat there for.

But the next thing she knew Lucius busted the door down, came in shouting, wand was raised, ready to attack.

What he saw made him sick. He saw a bloody Hermione slumped down in between her bloody parents. He screamed for Narcissa and he ran to the girl and dropped to his knees, he grabbed onto the girl and said

“Hermione! Merlin, we’ve been here, the wards were so strong it took us a few minutes to break through.” He said as he looked at her parents.

Narcissa gasped when she came in she immediately went to Hermione, Lucius left to go check the people whom where left, then he made his was to her parents, It wasn’t until Hermione cried out “Don’t bother, they’re gone.”

Hermione clung to Cissy and said “I tried calling onto you but I don’t think it worked. I also tried calling out for Dobby but he never came back.”

Narcissa shook her head and whipped the girls tears away with the pads of her thumbs and softy said “No love, Lucius and I were here the second Dobby came back distressed. I got your messages darling. We couldn’t break the wards. It took us a few minutes. Damnit, Lucius.” Narcissa was shaking her head.

"Cissy, I can fix this, I just need a time turner. Once I have it, I can make sure everything will be fine. It'll be okay." Hermione added through her teary eyes "I won't have to kill anyone, it'll be like this ever happened." Hermione cried, shaking her head.

Narcissa looked at Lucius with a severely distraught look, as she listened to her goddaughter admit to the murder of the few Death Eaters. 

"Love, take Hermione back to the manor, I’ll take care of this. I’ll ward it back up and see you two back at the manor.” Lucius told his wife and she nodded and gathered Hermione and she went to Dobby who was a sobbing wreck he kept apologizing to her for not being able to come in. They took his hand and popped away. 

~~

Hermione and Cissy were met with Snape and he immediately spoke and said “Cissy! Where were you! Draco was attacked by something. He kept screaming out in pain. I didn't know what in seven hells was happening!” He did a double take and said “And what the hell happened here!?” He was about to speak when

Hermione said “First thing's first we'll need to start with the math first, so my calculations will be right, if I could take us back, if I just just do that we'll have to go as far as maybe earlier this morning right Cissy? Dobby came and woke me up at what time?" Hermione said through more tears and then saw Severus she said "I need to get a time turner, I can turn back time before the attack. But why and when did the Death Eaters come!" Hermione started to gasp for air.

Hermione added, "They killed my parents and tortured me.” She was losing it, she couldn't breathe, everything was spinning. Hermione fell as her knees gave out, trying to breathe she couldn't. Hermione tried really hard to get a grip and ground herself but she found it really hard to do so.

The two adults looked at her and the last thing she remembers was, she looked into Severuss' eyes and mind, 'Severus, I killed four people this afternoon.' 

Severus blinked and let that information sink in. He did the only thing he knew to do, he walked to the young girl and hugged her. He said "Everything will be fine." Hearing this Hermione clung to the man more and cried. After a minute, Dobby helped Hermione to her room, she didn’t look back.  

~~

Hermione stepped out of the shower and got her clothes on and she went to her bed. She didn’t know what to do next, she couldn’t stop thinking about the men and watching her parents being tortured in front of her. She grabbed Eco and clung to him as she cried, she cried a lot. She barely heard her door open and close. Theo and Draco were very quiet for a few minutes.

Theo finally decided to break the silence. He spoke softly and said “Ni, full disclosure, Cissy didn’t tell us, we actually kind of heard most of it. If you need anything or want to talk, we’ll be here for you.” He said as he moved a bit closer to her, he gently pulled her into a hug. She nodded her head and hugged back and after a few moments she let him go. 

"There was no time for goodbyes, I didn't even get to apologize" Hermione cried, and added "I didn't even get to say I love you" she sobbed and after a moment she said "Cissy and Severus must think I'm mad for bringing up the time turner." She sobbed looking for Eco.

The two boys shared a sad look. They didn't get a chance to say anything yet, Lucius, Severus and Narcissa came into the room and asked the boy's to step out for a few minutes.

Hermione stared at the adults already knowing she wouldn't be able to get a time turner.

Lucius cleared his throat and spoke softy and said "Hermione, it pains me to say this, but we can't get you a time turner, they were all destroyed earlier today, of course a few were probably saved but no one knows where they are at the moment. I've already owled a few people asking if they have and or can spare one, but the possibility of getting one is slim to none. I am so sorry love."  

Severus cleared his throat and spoke next, "Hermione, did you tell Draco or Theo what you told me?"

Hermione eyed the man and made a face. She then asked "What? about the time turner? of course I did" Hermione shook or head closing her eyes as she whispered "Or did you mean the fact that I'm a murder now!" she added through tears "I didn't, if that's what you were wondering." 

"Darling, you are not a damn murderer! it was an act of self defense." Narcissa said, eyeing the men. 

"If it was one yes, but Cissy I killed four! When the Aurors find out they're not going to care to ask questions, they'll throw me in Azkaban in a heart beat!" Hermione cried out "Oh my gods, that's just perfect, I'm just like my biological father!" She sobbed into the stuffed dragon she found, muttering 'I just want to forget this ever happened.'

"Hermione you're not going to Azkaban. I've spoken with Kingsley Shacklebolt, he's more worried about your safety, He'll be here in the morning to go over the events that occurred this afternoon. He made it very clear he plans on signing a few Aurors to you if they haven't found the others, by the time you go back to Hogwarts." Lucius spoke softy yet matter of factly.

"You told Cissy they were wearing golden masks, is there anything at all you can remember, or better yet how would you feel if Severus took a better look?" Lucius added. 

Hermione chewed on her bottom lip and tried to calm down, she looked at the man who just spoke and nodded her head, after a minute when she found the right words she spoke up and said 

"I don't remember I'm sorry, Severus is more than welcomed to take a look though." she added "Will Mr. Shacklebolt actually have Aurors assigned to me at Hogwarts?!" Hermione was making her way to Severus, she took a deep breath and let her walls down.

Severus was looking at anything and everything taking it all in like they were running out of time, the next minute they noticed a weird pale red mist of some sort and they both looked and as they got closer they were both dragged out and she was panting, Severus and Hermione shared a look and before he said anything she yelled out "What the hell was that!" she added at the same volume "Severus did you see that too?!" 

Severus was already in deep thought, he didn't even waste time he quickly casted a few spells on Hermione, Narcissa and Lucius were asking a million questions about what was happening, it got to the point where Severus threaten to Silencio them if they didn't shut up.

Once Severus was done he gave Hermione a nod, and he went back into her mind. Hermione felt so dizzy, once again they found the mist again, this time Severus was murmuring something Hermione never heard before.

Hermione felt like she was drowning, she was struggling to breath she doesn't remember if she actually said 'Severus' or not, but the next thing she knew they were back in the room and Narcissa was shutting for Dobby.

"What. What happened Severus?" Hermione slurred. Before anyone could say answer her, they interrupted by Theo and Draco.

Hermione saw the three adults look at her and even though she couldn't hear what they were saying, she knew it was serious enough for them to throw up a Mufferiato, since Draco and Theo came in.

Theo's face lit up and he broke out into a huge grin and said “Okay I know this is very bad timing but Drake, look!” He grabbed Eco and added “It’s Otterpop the third!”

Hermione shook her head, looking at the boys confused and said “No, Theo huh, I think you are confused. That’s Eco, I’ve had him since I was a baby.” She reached up and gently grabbed her dragon and brought him to her chest and clung onto him like her life depends on it.

At that moment it felt like it did. She eyed the boys and they looked at her and Draco had his eyes on Eco. He smiled and shook his head. He started laughing. She sent him a deadly glance. 

“Easy there Granger, I’m not laughing at you, Theo's right though. That was my dragon as a very small baby, I thought I lost her when I was four? I think.” Hermione shook her head and looked down at Eco, then back at Draco.

Tears burning in her eyes. This was too much to think about, she’s not going to let go of this damn dragon, Draco will have to kill her, Hermione’s so done with change she doesn’t want anymore of it.

As if sensing it, Draco immediately said “She has you now though, so that’s good. I mean he, so yeah that’s good yea.” He awkwardly scratched his head and kept stuttering out his words.

Narcissa let out a little giggle, grabbing the teens attention, she tried to play it off as a coughing fit. Severus and Lucius laughed at their friend and wife.  

"Hermione, I'll have Dobby bring you my special tea." Severus said quickly leaving the room to go get it ready.

Narcissa and Lucius said they'll also have Dobby bring food with it, as they left the boys with Hermione.

Hermione wiped away her tears, and sent Draco a small smile. She went back to staring at the dragon, mindlessly playing with the wings and tiny claws while she laid her head closer to Draco. The teens stayed quiet for what seemed like hours.

She eventually broke the silence and softly said “I hate change, I always have. The past month, almost two; there’s been a lot of big changes and it overwhelms me to the point where I slowly feel like I’m drowning. Some of the changes have been nice, meeting and getting to know you Theo, it’s been wonderful, even getting to know you better Draco. I think I might be a bit broken right now, though. After today I don’t know. I don’t know if I can go back to school and pretend to be fine. Theo I’m so sorry but can we just keep being siblings between us. Just for a while” Hermione tried not crying but she failed towards the end.

She cried out “They were Death Eaters, there were a lot of them; six of them to be exact, when I went in it was too late. I was so scared. I actually fought like hell though, I did.” She couldn't say what she did though, how she killed them without blinking. As Hermione felt hugs, and the boys whispering calming things and what felt like empty promises. 

Theo said “Ni, don’t worry love, I promise I won’t speak a word about it to anybody but you did tell Weasley off at the World Cup, so we’ll all prepare for that. In the meantime if people start asking questions we tell them we’re friends, okay. We’ll study in the library, if you want we can sneak you into our dungeon, we can meet in the astronomy tower, there’s loads of other places too.” He looked to Draco for help and then

Draco said “Yea Miny, Theo is right, and if anybody gives you a hard time they’ll have to deal with us. End of discussion. People know Slytherins are loyal to each other, but we’ll let you in on a little secret we’re deathly in packs and as my best friend, I deem you an honorary member of Slytherin, that means we’re loyal to you love, we'll always have your back no matter what, you found your way to our family. People don’t mess with my family, I’m extremely protective of my family and friends.” Draco finished off grabbing Hermione’s hand and giving her a gentle squeeze.

She chewed on her bottom lip and nodded her head at their words. Hermione couldn’t help but chuckle through her tears while she said “They’ll also have to deal with the wrath of Pansy Persephone Parkinson.” The boys smiled and laughed.

Dobby popped in and gave Hermione a cup of special tea, before she drank it she forced herself to eat some fruit and some toast. Dobby brought it when he popped in. Once she was ready she took the tea and chugged it down. She placed the cup on her night stand. The last thing she remembered before she was met with darkness, Draco was much closer and he wrapped his arm around her as she laid her head on Theo's chest. 

August 31st 1994.

Hermione couldn’t stop crying. She stayed up in her room at Malfoy Manor. She hasn’t left her bed. She was upset, not at the boys, she felt safe here, especially with them.

But she needed to be alone right now. She knew she just needed to calm down. She knew this, logically speaking she’s upset at those damn people who killed her parents.

Rob and Jean might have been her adopted parents but up until last month she only knew them as her real parents. She didn’t know how or why those people were there at her house.

A knock is what broke her train of thought, she murmured a ‘come in’ not caring if it was very loud enough or not. Apparently it was loud enough she was met with Draco. He made his way to her bed, and laid down next to her.

Draco didn’t try to ask her a billion questions. She clung to him and after what felt like forever Hermione sniffed out and said “I’m a bloody wreck. I’m absolutely heartbroken but I don’t know how to feel really, they were the only parents I’ve ever known. But logically, DNA speaking they weren’t and I know but I just can’t help feeling like I was somehow responsible for everything.” She cried again. 

Draco held her and rubbed her back, he softly said “Miny, love. Sharing DNA doesn’t mean anything, look at Theo, he doesn't have Malfoy blood but he’s my brother, my parents treat us the same way. Just because your DNA wasn’t matching, that doesn’t mean anything different. They raised you, they loved you, they were your parents. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you, everything keeps changing. Father did say Severus and him are getting closer to finding the Death Eaters who were responsible for it thought so that a good thing. It makes it worse they were wearing masks though but you said they were golden so that's another plus. Oh Merlin I'm so bad at this I'm sorry Miny."  

Draco let out a sigh and added "I'm sorry. I guess what I’m trying to say is, please promise me when we get back to Hogwarts, just continue to talk to me. Like if you’re having a really really bad time and Snape isn’t helping just find me, or call on me” Draco removed an arm and reached inside his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet box, he handed it to her. He told her to open it and when she did she was looking down at a black oxy ring, she looked back up to him and he said “I asked mother for help, to make sure it was actually working. When you wear it, if either us needs each other during the day we just tap it and it’ll get slightly warm, but the longer we hold the tap the hotter it gets.” 

Hermione put the ring on, one her left pointer finger and gave Draco a small smile, she glanced at his hands and noticed his ring was on the same hand and even the same finger, she couldn’t help but laugh. Draco smiled at her. She tried the ring out and held her finger then for a moment and Draco sent her a grin and did the same thing and once she felt it she let out a small gasp and said “Aco, this is wonderful.”

Draco shrugged his shoulders and murmured how it wasn’t a big deal but he also wanted to make her something special. She hugged him much tighter this time and for a lot longer. They both stayed in that position until Dobby popped in and asked if they needed help packing. They both declined his offer saying “We’ve already packed Dob, but thank you” hearing that Dobby took a few moments and then popped away.

They got back in their comfortable position again after a few minutes of silence. Hermione decided now would be a good time to bring up a quick question that’s been on her mind.

“Draco, when we get back to school what should I call you? I noticed I’ve only called you by your full first name a couple of times. Merlin I’ve called you ‘Aco’ more times in the last few weeks this month than even ‘Malfoy’. I know Theo and Pansy call you ‘Drake’, which I know for a fact I won’t be calling you that. No offense, it just seems like a completely different name.” Hermione went on and on. 

Draco listened to each word she spoke, this wasn’t new, however each time she called him ‘Draco’ or his favorite ‘Aco' he couldn’t resist smiling he just felt nothing but happy hearing it.

Draco said “You can stick with Aco, it’s quick and easy. It’s also nice.” Draco didn’t bother explaining why he wanted her to call him that, he added “Malfoy, is a mouth full and since we’re friends now there’s not a reason for you to call me it, well unless you’re mad at me, that’s what Pans calls me when she’s in a mood.” Draco said, nudging her shoulder with his. She sent him a small smile while nodding her head. 

“What about you Granger, what shall I call you? You’ll always be Granger no doubt about it, but you do have a bit of a mouth full first name.” He chuckled out, added “I do call you Ni, and Miny. Is there one you prefer?” He also calls her 'love' and 'darling' but he didn’t feel like stating the obvious. 

She smiled at him and said “Ni is fine, I do feel like I should state the obvious though, I think I like it better when you and Theo call me ‘Miny’ it feels different hearing it from you two, maybe because it is. Maybe it’s how you guys say it, it’s very kind and it sounds ever so slightly different then ‘Mione’ I don’t know. I think I’m just overthinking it but it feels more special hearing it from you guys then my housemates.” She shrugged her shoulders and chewed her bottom lip, she felt Draco nod his head against the pillow. 

She peek her head over to see what he was doing and she saw him deep in thought, she doesn’t know how to explain it but he makes this certain face when he’s lost in thoughts. She felt content with him being there, he’s been there for her all week, so has Theo. But it felt kind of different, being with Draco, she enjoyed their time together. 

He didn’t have to be there for her yet he was and that made her feel special because he’s choosing to spend his time with her. Maybe that’s why she asked what she did at that moment. 

“Why are you here right now? Why aren’t you and Theo off riding brooms and playing quidditch or whatever you do.” Draco looked at her and said “Theo's gone, he went to speak to Pansy's father. He needed to talk with him about something important.”

Hearing this Hermione rolled over so she could face Draco, she said “Stop! He isn’t talking about courting her is he?!” She said with a smile, her eyes lit up.

Draco broke out with a big smile and said “Yes, brother dearest decided to go all in, Pansy’s going to be a part of this weird family.” Hermione couldn’t help but giggle and actually smile, a big genuine smile. She rolled farther into Draco, she was basically laying on top of him at this point and threw her arms around him and murmured into his chest how happy she was and how this is what she needed, she needed more happy things. 

Draco didn’t hesitate to bring his arms around her and hug her, however after that little stunt he found himself in an awkward situation, he quickly threw her off and immediately got up and walked away to the door and said “Nini forgot something it’s important I’ll be back in a few minutes!” He didn’t wait to hear  her response. He quickly turned around and walked away from her door and made his way to his bedroom. Stupid hormones, stupid sweet and lovely Hermione, he thought to himself. 

After a few minutes alone, he decided he’d grab a book he did say was important,'Shit Draco think', he thought to himself. He made his way back to Hermione’s room, he didn’t bother knocking he just let himself in and went back to his spot, Hermione smiled at him, she didn’t know what he was doing did she?! He thought to himself. Damnit wait she could jump into anyone’s head at any moment. This made Draco more nervous and he was slightly worried and uncomfortable right now.

Apparently Hermione could tell, she said “Is everything okay? Why do you look like that?” She narrowed her eyes on him.

Draco immediately threw up his walls and looked at her and said “You’d tell me before you decide to jump into my head right?” He added “I remember you said you hated doing it, it was an invasion of privacy and what not. You also said it’s more difficult to not do so when you're running on fumes.” He looked at her and she looked uncomfortable and shook her head.

Hermione said “What? Of course I’d tell you. I promise you, Draco, I haven't looked inside your mind.” She was worried now then she said “Did you want me too? I can.” She looked directly at him, she added “I remember you doubting my ability and even challenged me to try to break through your wall.” She looked over his face, and then sighed softly.

Draco immediately shook his head no and said “No! Not right now! That won’t be necessary. Maybe when we get back to school.” He looked away from her as he talked. Hermione giggled and murmured okay sure.

After a few minutes of awkward silence she turned to look at him and said “Are you just going to stand there? Draco what’s going on? You're acting all strange, did I do something wrong?” Draco got back in the bed, shaking his head and trying not to think too hard about what happened.

Draco said “Ni, I’m fine really.” He added “No of course not, you didn’t do anything wrong at all.” He nudged her side with his. She nodded her head and decided to let it go and lay down and read.

He did the same thing. Halfway through the book, Draco took a deep breath and then slipped his hand up and grabbed hers intertwining their fingers together, he tilted his head down so he could see Hermione

Draco softly said  "Ni, we should get some sleep, it’s getting late and tomorrow morning we’re leaving.” He waited a few seconds and when she didn’t answer he knew she was asleep, he gently grabbed the book she was reading with his free hand,he sat it down on the nightstand, he placed his book there also. Draco decided he’d sleep in her bed again. The only difference this time, his parents knew, Draco and Theo haven’t left her alone since the accident. One of them would always be there if not the both of them.

Draco murmured “Goodnight Ni, have sweet dreams ymay ovelay.” (my love)

November 28th 1994. Fourth Year.

The last couple of months now have been very quiet for Hermione, Kingsley Shacklebolt stayed true to his word and assigned a couple aurors' He told Hermione their names; Nymphadora Tanks, Sirius Black, where going to keep an eye out for her.

Hermione mainly stayed to herself or would always be spotted with Draco, Theo and Pansy and Blaise, he is courting Luna Lovegood. Hermione was happy for them.

Blaise and Hermione get closer with each passing day, he says “Merlin Hermione where have you been all my life I’m so happy to finally have you as a friend!”

Hermione would laugh, and Luna would say “Oh yes, Hermione has been here since first year but she just needed time and the right people to help guide her home.”

Pansy would say “Mi has been my best friend for years, you lot just found her but I knew she was always there.”

Theo would say “I’m just happy to finally have her back.”

Draco would say “Grangers my best friend Parkinsons, she’ll be your sister so that title is invalid now.”

Hermione was happy with the outcome, she was studying and maintaining her grades, Hermione found it hard to focus, some days are better than others. 

Hermione barely spoke to Harry, didn't even bother to look for Weasley, Ginny refused to even look in Hermione direction, if the youngest Weasley and Hermione where in the same room, Ginevra would turn her nose at Hermione, and leave. 

Which leads us to today, it’s a day from literal hell and or total confusion; Hermione woke up to her freaking period, rude. It didn’t stop there though, all her dorm-mates were up her ass about all the time she was spending with the Slytherin teens.

Lavender Brown even had the audacity to say “Hermione love, respectfully just because you spend all your time with the snakes, doesn’t mean they’ll actually like you enough too sleep let alone date you.”

Hermione rolled her eyes and said “Lavender love, jealousy isn’t flattering on anyone especially you. No sane snake will ever find that attractive.” She tsk’ and continued to get ready, grabbing her bag she left for breakfast, as she was walking out of the tower, making her way to the stairs she ran into Harry and Ron. She awkwardly walked past them, continued walking down the stairs only to trip on the last three steps which caused her to fall and ripped her tights, scratching her knee, she let out an angry sigh. She quickly got up and walked, making it to the dinning hall.

She took a deep breath in and out. She looked at the Slytherin table and noticed none of her snakes were there yet, she sighed and made her way to the Gryffindor table. Thankfully Neville was there, she walked over and asked if she could sit by him and he smiled and said of course. She sat down and started filling her plate with egg whites, bacon and toast, with some fresh fruit. She poured herself some cranberry juice.

As she was eating when she noticed the Weasley twins coming over and they sat in front of her, she raised her eyebrow.

They said “We’ve talked it over, we wanted to apologize sooner for our brother’s actions at the World Cup. We wanted you to know, rather you liked it or not, were choosing you. We much prefer you over him anyhow, not only do you help us every once and a while but you're genuinely kind and we’d like to be your friend. Don’t have to answer us now, love. Sleep on it.” Before she could even get a word in they both got up and left. She shook her head, and went back to eating.

“Ovelay,(love) would you like to finish up at our table or shall I join you at yours?.” Draco was already sitting down and made himself comfortable, bringing his arm up around her shoulder, taking a couple grapes off Hermione’s plate with his free hand. This wasn’t new, he’s done this almost every morning since they’ve been back.

He then leaned his head closer to hers and whispered “What happened to your knee? Are you okay?” As he spoke he dropped his fingers to her knee dragging them and once he stopped talking he started muttering a healing spell. During the whole thing Hermione couldn’t help but get goosebumps from his actions.

Draco sent her a smile when he was done and asked if she was fine she found herself looking elsewhere and instead of talking she nodded her head. She took one last bite from her plate and muttered how she’ll see him later. 

During potions, which the Slytherins and Gryffindors shared; Hermione walked in and instead of going to sit by Theo like she’d normally would, she felt creeped out, she looked around and saw odd paring’s.

Harry was with Theo, Draco was with Neville but what made her visibly stumble backwards was Pansy was with Ron Weasley.

Hermione immediately without thinking said “Atwhay ethay uckfay isyay appeninghay!” (What the fuck is happening) Apparently it was loud enough for heads to look at her.

Draco laughed, shaking his head and said “language Ovelay, our lovely odfathergay(godfather) decided to switch it up and make the akessnsy(snakes) and indorsgryffay (Gryffindors) buddies for the ayday(day) I hope anyway.” Draco motioned his hand to the board. Hermione went up to the board and then sighed. She didn’t have a partner, that’s good, she looked back to Draco and it was like he was waiting for her to respond she sent him a smile.

It wasn’t until someone snickered and she looked at Ronald Weasley. She narrowed her eyes at him, he laughed and said “What? Bit sad isnt little swotty brain couldn’t get a partner, but the slimy snakes could.” He went on and on, Hermione smirked as she rolled her eyes and she loudly said “Oh yes. Somebody please alert the Daily Prophet, the weasel can finally comprehend something in class for once!” She couldn’t help but laugh, Merlin, most of the whole class laughed. Everyone except the weasel himself anyways.

She found an empty table and sat down, getting all her things ready. Severus Snape walked in and gave instructions for their lesson but once he looked at Hermione he immediately stopped talking and said “Miss Granger, why are you sitting at the table? Get up, and go to the front.” She made a face and he said “Didn’t you receive a letter? You’ll be assisting me not only today but the rest of the term.” There was a bunch of gasps and of course a few people couldn’t help but say ‘boo’ ‘why her’ ‘this is unbelievable’ ‘just wait till the headmaster here’s about this!’ Snape just looked and it immediately shut them up.

“As I was saying. Miss Granger; The headmaster should've told you this was happening, maybe he simply forgot. I do not know, because I am simply a mere professor. Today we’ll be focusing on antidotes, each one of you will have the poison and the other will have the antidote.” A few of the students raised their hands and Snape sighed deeply and said “Hands down, if you do not have either, it’s simply because you are incompetent and I didn’t feel like explaining to your parents why your stupidity got you killed.” He narrowed his eyes on a couple students. “That being said, to those students who didn’t receive one go to the left side of the room. The students with them go to the right side.” There was surprisingly just under an equal amount of students on either side of the classroom. After another minute Severus nodded his head and sarcastically said “Now that we got it all figured out, those on the left side will be learning and following Miss Granger. The one’s on the right side will be learning from me.” 

Hermione blinked and stopped breathing for a good four point five seconds. She immediately looked and had every intention of jumping into Severus’s mind, but she took a deep breath and cleared her throat and said “Excuse, Professor Snape may I have a word with you, maybe outside?” He looked at her, she had that face that said ‘I won’t hesitate to jump in your damn mind’ Severus nodded and she led them out to the corridor. She immediately threw up a sound proof spell, and said “What the hell! Why didn’t you tell me last night! Better yet, what were you thinking!? I’m a bloody fourth year sir!” She exclaimed. She fanned herself with her hand when that wasn’t working she threw her hair up in a messy bun and used her wand to hold it in place. She looked back at Snape and narrowed her eyes at him. He spoke and said gently “Do you feel better now? Hermione you are aced out of everything for the next three years, think of this as a potion apprenticeship, I’m the master and you’ll be my apprentice.” Towards the end he kind of shrugged his shoulders not really knowing if his words made sense or not. Hermione laughed, she laughed so hard she was crying. She apologized and wiped her tears away and they made their way back into the room. She went to her side and he went to his. 

Hermione went to meet Snape at his desk and he handed her the lesson. She looked it over and couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle which she tried to cover up as coughing, Severus knew exactly why she laughed. She’s teaching her side basic potions 101. She clears her throat and said “Okay, today we’re working on the Wiggenweld potion, you should know the ingredients so go ahead and gather them.” While they left to get what they needed she peeked over to Snapes side and couldn’t help but feel happy all her friends were on that side, well everyone except Neville. Hermione decided she’d use this opportunity to help Neville the most, she won’t bother with Harry and Ron. 

Once they were back at their desks, they just looked at Hermione and she stared back up, narrowing her eyes at each of them and then  after a couple more minutes of looks she finally said “Well, what are you all waiting for? I’m not gonna hold your hands, get to work! You’re all fourth years, this is a standard potion.” She weaved them off and went to the small desk Snape made for her. 

She didn’t know what to do so she started doing her homework for her other classes, every so often she’d get up and walk around to her fellow students, making sure they understood or if they asked questions she’d explain her answers. After a few she’d get back to her own work.

She looked up just at the right moment and shouted “No! Ronald, what in Melrin's bloody beard were you thinking? How much did you add! it’ll cause a deadly thick black foul smelling fog!” She ran and shoveled him. Already calculating, summoning the anti ingredients she'll need to fix the potion. “Pay more attention in classes rather than talking and making jokes.” She shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut, she brought her hand up to her face and pinched the bridge of her nose, she let out a deep sigh. She added “You should be grateful I was here in time to fix this, everyone here could've died because of you! Dammit this potions 101, why did you even grab that. You sure be grateful I don’t have the authority to give and take points.” She went to walk away only to stumble into Snape.

"Miss Ganger, if you did have the authority to take points, how many would this be?" The professor drawled out, narrowing his eyes on the Weasley teen.

Hermione gave him a serious look and said " Professor, I'd take every single one, add a lifetime detention and have him removed from my class immediately." Snape nodded his head and Hermione gave one last look at the guy shaking her head, walking away.

Snape went to the front of the class, he didn't have to say anything, everyone was already quiet. "Before I begin, as much as this pains me, I would like to take a moment to congratulate Miss Granger. She coughed something I, myself even didn't." Hermione had tried and not laughed, she bit down on her lip so hard.

Severus was a lot of things, he did and said a lot but it only ever happened maybe twice he'd ever found himself in a pickle. Severus cleared his throat and added "150 points from Gryffindor for Mister Weasley's not only incompetence, but also putting a great deal of us in danger."

As Severus was speaking to the class. Hermione went to see the other students around and landed on Neville and said “Yes Nev, your potion looks amazing!” She happily offered him a ‘high five’ then she stopped when she heard Snape take 150 points from Gryffindor. She stumbled slightly back, Neville Longbottom caught her before she was able to meet the floor. 

He said "Are you okay Hermione? should I go get Professor Snape?" 

Hemione shook her head and said "No, no I'm fine I just tripped over my own foot, nice catch though Nev!" and she went back to her desk. 

After what felt like forever Snape finally dismissed the class, students left immediately, he asked Hermione to stay back, she did.

Once everyone was gone he smirked and said “How do you think it went today?” Hermione narrowed her eyes and said “Are you serious? It was a complete joke. I now understand why people fear you, and those idiots they can’t follow simple instructions without you breathing down their necks! I wanted to strangle Weasley and a few others several times!. It’s a damn miracle you haven’t murdered anyone in my years of attending Hogwarts. Sir.”Hermione exclaimed. She added “Only three got the work prefect actually, one of them being Crabb, it’s quite scary, but Potter and Longbottom were the others. I think it has a lot to do with the pairings as well. I’m a mere teen though, and you're an adult so take that with what you will.”

Severus tried to hold in his laughter but he failed miserably, he was laughing so hard he got tears in his eyes, he quickly wiped them away and muttered a ‘sorry’ once he gained his composure back he took several deep breaths and then said “35 points to Gryffindor for amazing leadership and 100 points to Gryffindor keeping a cool mind under deep pressure.” He smirked at her, he added “You still have time to strangle the boys, today was just day one. At this rate it pains me to even speak it, but you might just win the house cup.” He added “tomorrow please take notes while walking around. It always helps having a good progress report.”

She smiled but then immediately scowled, and said “I don’t think it’ll work out like that, you take more points from the other then you give me! Which is completely fine, I don’t care about winning the house cup, is it wrong I actually hope Slytherin wins? My friends deserve it more than my house, that's for sure.” Towards the end she shrugged her shoulders and sighed. He nodded and Hermione slightly flinched grabbing her hand and holding it to her chest she quickly said “Will that be all? I must go now!” She added “I’ll be sure to take notes tomorrow!”

She was already walking out of the classroom, when she literally ran into Draco, so hard, she almost fell but he caught her just in time and said “Easy there Granger, where the fire?” He smirked, still holding her arm.

Hermione chuckled while saying “No fire, just some blonde haired snake calling me with a nifty ring.” She matched his smirk. Draco broke out into a smile now and it made her smile.

She added “What’s up?” They were now walking to their next classes. He looked and shook his and said “I just wanted to say it was pretty cool seeing you up there teaching that side of the room.” He shrugged his shoulders and then grinned while adding “I’ve known you for a couple months now and never knew you were a total shit talker too.” She threw her head back laughing and said a quick thank you and nudged his arm with hers.

After a few minutes of walking around it hit her, she stopped dead in her tracks and gasped while saying “Aco! We have separate classes next, you'll be late if you don’t leave right now!” Hermione panicked, doing the math, his class was on the whole other side of the castle and here he was walking aimlessly around with her. If he didn’t leave in the next minute he’d definitely be almost two minutes late, one minute and forty nine seconds late to be exact. Draco shrugged his shoulders and brought his hand to her arm pulling her back so they could walk again. They made it to her class. He said “It’ll be fine, I’ll see you later.” And left her.

She walked into Charms and sat down, pulling out her work, doodling away, waiting for the others to come into class.

What happened next was crazy. Hermione couldn't believe it, let alone comprehend it, it happened so fast. None other then the damn weasel, shoved her face into her desk so hard she swore, she almost knew he broke her nose, the crack she heard and all the blood, oh Merlin so much blood it made her dizzy, seeing blood doesn’t make Hermione faint or anything like that but when it comes to seeing her own, that’s a whole different story.

Hermione’s things went flying around the floor, he kept spitting off and saying ‘Who do you think you are correcting me in class’ and ‘You’re not allowed to talk shit about me’ ‘Dirty mudblood’ she barely heard what he was saying true be told, she was more focused on the fact that he just physically assaulted her and they were the only two in the room, after taking a few deep breaths, and hearing the last thing clear as day “it’s no surprise your parents died, couldn’t wait to get away from you.” She lost it, she immediately sent him flying to the other side of the room, thanking Merlin for wordless spells.

She didn’t bother getting her things, she just left the class running to Snape, she didn’t care if he had another class or not. She barged into his classroom, teaching his students he looked at Hermione as she yelled "Green Apples" he told the class he’ll be right back.

He dragged her into an empty classroom and before he even had the chance to ask what happened she said “That uckingfay!(fucking) Ronald Weasley Severus, I sent him flying after I got my momentum! That filthy pig the things he said! Oh gods I hate him. I’ve never felt like this.” She cried angry tears while adding “He shoved my whole ass head face first against the damn uckingfay table in Charms! My nose is definitely broken, heads a bit foggy but I’ll live, I need you to heal me, I’m itshay(shit) at healing spells.” Hermione tried calming down, she took a few deep breaths and added “I’m done. I’m so uckingfay done, please can you write me a note or something. Do I go to Madam Pomfrey to get out of the rest of classes today? What do I do, Severus? If I see him again I’m a bit scared, not of him but of myself” she gestured to the room, she’s already broken the chairs and tables accidentally. 

Severus may have been physically there but mentally he was gone, he was so far away he was planning how to get the filthy ginger boy out of school and possibly kill him. He was only brought out by the table flying across the room and hitting the wall. He nodded his head and said “Go to the medical wing. Tell Madam Pomfrey everything. Hermione, tell her you're frightened of him even if you're not, cry, do anything you can, hell beg. She’ll have to tell the headmaster. Most importantly lock this whole conversation away, hide in so far it’ll be impossible for anyone to find, do you understand.” She nodded her head and left

~~

“Miss Granger, why-“ Madam Pomfrey let out a shriek and said “Merlin, what happened! You're the second one to show up bloody!” She immediately got Hermione into a bed, and went to work.

Hermione cried out “It was awful Madam Pomfrey, I was sitting in Charms and Ron Weaseley came out of nowhere and he” she broke off crying and then added “He just lost it on me, he shoved me, by my head straight into the desk! I was so scared, he said a bunch of nasty words to me.” She sniffed and cried again and finally added “He brought up my late parents and how they’re better off dead, then being alive with me.” Hermione didn’t have to fake cry; she was a total wreck truth be told.

Hermione knew Madam Pomfrey couldn’t hide her emotions, and she saw how the med witch visibly flinched at her words. Apparently Pomfrey noticed how Hermione was staring at her, she tried to gain some composure as she said “There there girl, I fixed your nose up, you do got a concussion, you won’t be able to continue with lessons today. Please excuse me while I go get Dumbledore down here.” With that Pomfrey left, a minute late what she didn’t expect, was for her curtain to be violently ripped open, and she saw a very pissed off looking Draco. 

Draco took several breaths before saying “Please tell me my concussion has me hearing wanky things. Please tell me this is all a bloody joke and you aren’t here for being physically assaulted by that damn weasel. Granger!” Hermione flinched at the words, she couldn’t find the right words at the time. 

She decided to deflect and she said “Oh you have a concussion? Are you okay, what happened Aco?” She sounded so innocent even the look on her face was, she was genuinely worried about him though.

Draco shook his head and his once pissed off expression turned soft he said “Miny. What happened?” He gave her a worried look. She shook her head and smiled through her tears.

Hermione said “Aco, I’m fine really. The tears are all real, utbay ostlymay orfray owshay,(but mostly for show) there’s eyesyay (eyes) and earsyay everywhereya.(ears everywhere) I will tell you all about it at our spot later, okay?” She added “Now tell me, why are you in here with a concussion!” She looked him over, he had dried blood on his tie, a couple spots on his white shirt. Just like she did, of course her blood spot was mainly on her tie and the gray part of her shirt. 

“I don’t know what happened Miny, one minute I was in Herbology actually paying attention and about to snip a plant, when I got dizzy and I guess I fell.” He shook his head,shrugged his shoulders, he saw the look Hermione had on her face, he took a deep breath, chuckled while he added “I can barely remember it actually, I just remember feeling a killer migraine and then getting an overwhelming sense of dizziness, I guess I hit something hard enough to break my nose.” He sent her a grin, rolling his eyes.

She couldn’t help but giggle which made her instantly apologize and say “I’m sorry, love. I was just thinking how Hogwarts might be cursed, you seem to have a strange streak of getting broken noses here, that doesn’t involve quidditch of course.” She looked at him and smiled, shaking her head chewing on her lip trying not to laugh. It then hit her, she’s never called him ‘love’ before she didn’t even know where that came from. 

Draco couldn’t help but laugh, Hermione was right, this is the fourth time he’s gotten a broken nose, it seems like each year it’s a weird tradition. But he’d be lying if hearing her call him ‘love’ wasn’t causing his heart to beat up more than hearing ‘Aco’ which in itself made his brain turn into complete mush. Draco knew deep down that Hermione was it, he didn’t know how to explain it, he just knew and maybe that’s why he did what he did next. It felt like he wasn’t in control of his movements though as if dare he say magic itself was. 

Draco brought his hand and placed it gently on Hermione's cheek, his fingers through her hairline almost touching her ear.

When they locked eyes it was as if the world had slowed down, it was just the two of them, Hermione was like a magical magnet that caught him, and Draco wasn’t even mad about it, it excited him if he was being honest. His eyes flicker from hers, to her lips and back to her eyes, he didn’t even know how their faces got this close, Draco didn’t know who closed the gap, in all honesty he didn’t even care, all he knew at that moment and all he cared about was how he was able to finally kiss Hermione, it was as if his body needed it, everything burned, it was like he was full awake now, his magic was screaming and dancing, sending a strange warm sensation throughout his body.

Hermione didn’t know what possessed her to kiss Draco like she did and she wasn’t even mad about it, she couldn’t think straight and she didn’t even care, kissing Draco felt so right. She brought her hands to the nape of his neck while she ran her fingers through his hair, his hair was so soft holy hell, Hermione thought to herself. Hermione thinks they only stopped because someone cleared their throat.

Draco slowly pulled away and couldn’t help but send Hermione a genuine smile, Hermione matching his smile. Hermione immediately dropped it as she locked eyes with Albus Dumbledore, she immediately sat straighter and threw her walls up, she grabbed Draco’s hand and only hopped he threw his wall up as well. 

“Miss Granger, Madam Pomfrey told me something quite strange and I would like to know what happened from your perspective? I’ve spoken with Mister Weasley and got his, but these are serious accusations.” Dumbledore spoke. 

Hermione didn’t know why but she felt like she was being played but that’s why she said “Sir, did you see it or did you simply hear of it?” Hermione didn’t know why but she looked at Draco and squeezed his hand getting his attention and she only hoped he understood the look she was sending him, it would be easier if she just jumped into his head but she promised him she wouldn’t do that. That’s when she noticed? Or more like felt like Draco himself was trying to get inside her mind, she took a deep breath and looked deeper into his eyes and just like that they were in her mind, or the place she had set up for when she had unwanted visitors. 

“I didn’t mean to Ni, it was important though, you're not seriously going to let that coot in, are you?” He exclaimed 

“ Aco, it’s fine. I’m glad you did, I actually debated jumping in yours and asking forgiveness later. There’s no way that man actually spoke to Weasley already. This could be my chance and I’m gonna take it.” Hermione tried reasoning with that, Draco simply nodded his head, while letting out a deep breath.

Hermione said in an innocent voice “Sir, would you like to see it?” She added “Will it hurt sir? I’ve only read about it.” She immediately brought that memory up, making sure everything she didn’t want him to see was locked away.

Dumbledore chuckled and shook his head and said “No, it will be painless my child. Are you ready?” Hermione felt herself cringe but she nodded her head yes. Hermione was about to reach out to grab Draco’s hand, when he immediately grabbed hers and she pulled it much closer then it was before. 

Albus Dumbledore was a damn liar. She was taken back, one she felt off and he wasn’t even trying to hide the fact how he was actually snooping. Two, she literally yapped out from all the pressure that was happening, she’s never felt whatever this was, was this normal? Why has she never felt this? Severus was in her head a lot and it’s never been this painful. 

Once he saw everything he looked directly at Hermione and said in a sad voice “Miss Granger, I am appalled by Mister Weasleys actions from earlier. Unfortunately my hands are tied, I’ll let the board know of course. In the meantime I’ll transfer him from your shared classes, I’ll let the painting’s know to keep an extra eye out so you won’t be alone with him.” With that he left. He just fucking left. What a bloody joke. 

Hermione was stunned by the stupidity, she literally was speechless. She just stared at the spot Dumbledore once occupied. Then she started laughing, she laughed so hard she had tears in her eyes. She could barely breathe from it. Hermione looked at Draco and saw his face and started laughing even more, shaking her head wiping away her tears. She was barely able to say “What a bloody joke.” 

“Ni, Ni what are you doing in here? What happened, you okay?” Theo all the sudden popped out of nowhere he made his way closer to Herminon he added “Why are you laughing? Did Drake tell you he broke his nose again.” Theo chuckled. 

“Oh Theo, hi how are you?” She said and added “oh yes, he did, as for me, it’s nothing really. I’ll be fine! I was actually just about to bet with Aco, I’m predicting the weaselbee will be leaving Hogwarts indefinitely.” Hermione smiled, looking from one boy to the other, Theo shook his head and broke out into a big grin, his eyes lit up.

He looked from his sister to Draco, then Theo got serious, and said  “Hermione, what makes you say that? Everyone loves him since he’s Potter's friend.” Theo shook his head and sighed towards the end. Hermione and Draco rolled their eyes. 

Hermione shook her head and muttered “Well that’s slightly false, when I was friends with them I was still getting bullied..” Hermione shrugged her shoulders and inhaled a deep breath.

Draco nudged her shoulder with his, looking at Theo and he then cleared his throat and said “Theo, I bet you 30 galleons Grangers right.” Draco smirked, giving Theo a raised brow.

"Are we betting a time as well? or what?" Theo said. Hermione smiled and Draco laughed.

"I say this will be his last half term. Before we leave for summer break, unless something actually comes to happened before hand." Draco said. Hermione chuckled, Theo nodded.

"No, sooner, something is telling me it'll be a lot more sooner than we think, I will give it till the new year, that's being generous though. I don't know why. I just feel it in my bones?" Hermione said while she made a face, still lost in concentration. She added "Sorry I don't know how to explain it. It's just like, I somehow just know it, does that make any sense?" The teens shared a similar look, then nodded at Hermione. 

"Okay Drake, I'll bet you. The ginger weasel will leave, however I'll raise that 30 to 45 it'll be in, let's say February. No offense Ni, I understand you have feeling, but let's be real?" Theo said the last bit in a nicer way and Hermione just shrugged her shoulders and smiled at her brother. 

Theo handed Draco his homework from the previous class, along with notes. He and Draco spoke for a bit, before Madam Pomfrey came and told Theo he should run off before he's late to his next class. Theo sent the med-witch a smile and said 'thanks' as he gave his sister a hug and Draco a fist-bump, he made his way out.

the last thing Hermione remembered was Draco saying how he'd be writing to his parents about this, and Dumbledore should feel grateful that his mother wasn't here. Hermione giggled at that and then was meant with total darkness.

December 25th. 1994.

Hermione stepped stepped out of the bathroom fully satisfied with her hair and makeup done; for her makeup she decided to go for a dark green eyeliner, a pop of sparky white in her inner corners, and of course black mascara, she kept her face bare only adding a bit of concealer, bronzer and a bit of blush. Her hair was in a high bun with some loose curls falling out, it was simple but elegant. As she went to put her dress on she couldn’t help but feel enthusiastic yet a bloody nervous wreck. 

She was going to the Yule Ball with Draco, everything had to be perfect. Yes they were going as friends but kind of more, who knows he might decide tonight’s the night and ask her, she hasn’t been pushy about it or anything she’s wants it to happen organically. Truth be told she thinks they're still dancing around each other because of Theo. It’s completely understandable, Hermione’s his sister but Draco’s his brother. 

She shook her head, she needed to stay focused and continue to get ready, she added a cushion charm to her heels. She sprayed her perfume on, adding a bit extra. She got her normal rings on, and instead of her normal necklace, she put the one Draco gave her. The necklace was very special to her, the two boys have the same one. She put the bracelet Cissy gave her on, along with emerald diamond studs for her earrings. Once she was done she looked in the mirror and she could help but feel incredibly beautiful. 

She grabbed her wand and chucked it in her small bag, thanking Merlin for expendable charms. Yes they are illegal, Hermione thought that was completely ridiculous. 

Making her way out of her dorm and into the common room, she noticed the glances from her housemates. Hermione sent a smile to those who smiled at her. It was only Dean and Neville. They seemed to be the only ones to still talk to her, and of course the twins; Fred and George Weasley. They four of the guys were nothing but kind.

“Sweet Salazars, Miss Granger. Allow me to escort you from the tower, you look too beautiful to go alone” Fred smiled and added “Please save me a dance.” Fred winked at her. She shook her head, laughing and smiled at his words. She took his arm and they made their way out from the tower. “Well, why yes of course I shall see to it Frederick” she said, as they made  their way to the staircase Fred bid his farewells and went to go look for his date. 

Hermione took a couple deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves. She made her way down the steps. Her eyes immediately noticed Draco down at the stairs. She tripped on the last step, Draco was quick to catch her.

He smugly said while smirking “Couldn't help but fall for me already, love.” She playfully rolled her eyes, biting her lip so she couldn’t smile, while shaking her head and said “Well, it seems like you’re always there to catch me” He took her hand in his, walking to  the entrance doors, Draco sent her a genuine smile and said “Granger, I’ll always be there to catch you” Hermione couldn’t help but let her smile break through this time. 

Hermione could care less about the fact that people were opening staring and the whispering and gasps, from them. She was happy as ever being here with Draco. She didn’t care about anything. It was her and Draco, of course Theo, Pansy, Blaise and Luna were with them too. She had all her friends together, that’s all she needed. As they ate their meal, they chatted about nothing and everything.

Once they were done Draco got up from his seat, went over by Hermione and asked her to dance, he offered her his arm and they went to the dance floor. They danced, laughed and even made a few jokes and bets about the others. 

“Ni, I bet you 20 gallows Pansy will ‘accidentally’ spill her punch on Astoria” 

“Oh, Aco hun, I  bet you 45. She’ll do it, fully admit it, while she has a smile on her face.” 

“Ni, what in Merlin’s name is weaselbee wearing!”

“Aco, I didn’t think it'd be possible to get ill from looking at something so horrible. It almost makes me feel bad.” 

They took a break and sat back at their table drinking punch. Hermione started feeling a bit off, she couldn’t shake the feeling, it wasn’t a good happy feeling but it felt more like something or someone was watching her. At one point she excused herself and decided some fresh air would help her nerves.

“I’ll be right back, I’m going to step out for some fresh air.” She went to stand, getting ready to leave only to be stopped by Draco, he asked if she was okay. She just smiled, waving him off and said she needed a little air. Just before she made it to the exit she heard something that made her chuckle, she saw Pansy smiling and a very distressed Astoria Greengrass.“Merlin! Parkinson what in the seven hells was that, this dress was one of a kind!” Astoria shrieked.

Once Hermione stepped front outside, she was met with the much needed crisp cold fresh air. She took a few minutes to breathe. It felt amazing, even though it was winter, the coldness of the air made Hermione feel so alive, she’s always loved the cold months. As she took her final breath of the night's air, she was about to make her way back when something or someone caught her eye.

They were coming around the far end of the outside hall, and at first Hermione couldn’t see them but she smiled once she saw Draco. She went to speak but he gently grabbed her arm and they started walking from the school, they were nearing the forbidden frost, that’s when Hermione looked at Draco confused, she decided the silence was getting weird and said 

“Already, enough of the silence, what are we doing all the way out here?” She narrowed her eyes at him, she got a really weird feeling. She’s never had this one with Draco before. He’s not even talking to her, it's completely unlike him. Hermione was slowly becoming hyper aware of her surroundings, as the seconds turned into minutes she decided this wasn’t funny anymore and decided she was going to go back into the castle.

She looked at him one more time, and really took his appearance in and it was like the alarm bells went off, but she couldn’t place them. She said “This isn’t funny Malfoy. If you aren’t even going to bother talking, then  I’m done. I’m leaving.” As she went to get out of his grip, he only tightened it and started dragging them farther away and deeper into the forest.

She narrowed eyes and really looked at him. He wasn’t wearing his necklace. Hermione found that odd. He never not wore it. It wasn’t until he spoke up and what he said made Hermione's blood run cold, which caused her to panic.

He said “Hermione, chill out mate, Merlin, don't you ever relax anymore.” Draco’s never called her by her first full name, ever. Whoever this is, definitely isn’t her Draco. As she tried to get to her wand the only thing she kept thinking was who the hell is this person and why were they Polyjucied as Draco. 

Hermione took off running, through the forest, every so often she’d trip over her own feet, it wasn’t until the very last time just as she thought she gotten away from the mysterious person they grabbed her, and yelled “What the fuck! Hermione,stop it’s me!” They yelled in her face, causing Hermione to flinch and she attempted to get away again only to be shoved into the ground.

All the screaming and begging the person to stop just made them shove her face into the wet cold mud. Hermione tried to think of a spell to make them stop but at that point she felt like her brain was completely liquefied. She couldn’t think straight for long, everything inch of her body was on fire, burning with what felt like acid. She tried to call on Snape and Cissy. She only hoped it would work but she never felt anything back. 

After what felt like hours, but were maybe minutes, the mystery person let out a blood curdling scream and disappeared. Hermione didn’t know how but the next second when she opened her eyes and she was back at the entrance of the part of the castle she was originally occupying before.

This time she felt her wand in her hand, she death gripped it. Her head was so foggy she couldn’t see or barely hear anything. She saw a blur of black hair, panic coursed through her body raising her wand she started shouting. 

~~

“Draco, have you seen Mi? She’s been gone for quite some time and I’m getting a bit worried.” This is the third time Pansy has asked him, he definitely wasn’t keeping track of time that’s for sure. He also wasn’t getting a very weird and uncomfortable feeling the longer she’s been gone. He definitely didn’t feel like he was being held down, being suffocated. That would be weird. Draco shook his head, everything it’s to much, he couldn't think straight he took a deep breath.

“Pans, what the fuck was in the punch” Draco slurred his words and stumbled backwards.

Pansy shook her head and said “Drake, it was just a normal punch, is everything okay? You look a bit pale, maybe go get some fresh air.” He barely heard as he let out a scream falling to the floor. Pansy rushed to Draco, who was now screaming while thrashing around, Pans screamed for help. 

While a group of people gathered around the scene there was a few seconds or minutes in between where Draco could catch his breath and he muttered ‘Ni? Where’s Ni Pans?’ Then it’ll hit again and he'll let out another scream. Draco was rushed to the medical wing.

Madam Pompfrey was at a complete loss. She explained to the professors that the boy appeared to be actively being attacked with cruciatus over and over again. Draco cried out and begged for it to stop. Madam Pomfrey looked at the poor young man, she never saw or experienced this type of thing before, the only thing she could do was be there for him. She gave him a bit of pain relief but at this rate she couldn’t give him anymore until it was simply over. 

Severus was completely stumped and at a loss. He didn’t know what was happening to his godson, he most certainly wasn’t looking forward to explaining it to his dear friends. He sent an urgent patronus to Lucius and Narcissa, he said “Get to Hogwarts now .” Severus couldn’t shake the feeling something else was happening.

He took a deep breath, clearing his mind and attempted to call on Hermione, this was going on the third time since Draco and Severus were in the medical wing. She wasn’t there, nor was she responding to it. Severus couldn’t take it anymore he left, making his way to go find his god daughter. 

He casted a find my steps for Hermione. What happened next was probably the most traumatic thing he's ever seen, not counting all of the things he witnessed while serving the Dark Lord. This might trump it.

“Miss Granger! Wh-“ he was cut off by her, pointing her wand directly in his throat, he took in her appearance. Her once tamed hair was falling out of the high bun it was previously in, she had sticks and leaves in her hair. She was covered in mud, dirt smeared all over her face, she was shaking and nearly hysterical. He attempted to slowly place his hand on hers to lower her wand but that’s when she snapped and started shouting out a bunch of things

“WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING SEVERUS SNAPE DID WHEN HE FIRST MET ME IN FIRST YEAR!” She kept repeating it over and over. Each time getting louder and louder. She was losing control of her magic no doubt. He couldn’t help but stiffened and gently said 

“Hermione, you made the headmaster's things blow up in his office, I chuckled, which I quickly tried covering up as a cough. I later walked you to your tower, and gave you ten points.” Apparently she was satisfied with his answer, her hand dropped.

She looked at him and cried out “Snape?” Severus began to panic even more, not knowing what caused her to show up like this.

She somehow managed to get some bits out “At first I thought it was Aco, but then he wasn’t speaking and it was all odd and then he started chasing me through the forbidden forest, he wouldn’t stop Snape, he grabbed me by my arms, pushed me down, and shoved my face into the dirt and” She was hyperventilating and hysterically sobbing now. 

Severus cupped her face with his hands and softly said “Hermione, love, breathe. You gotta take a deep breath in and out okay” he added “That’s good darling, just focus on me, you’re safe.”

He couldn’t hear the rest but he somehow knew, and he didn’t want to. His blood ran cold and as much as he wanted to go look for whoever did this and Avada him, himself he couldn’t just leave her like this though. He didn’t really know what to say or do at that moment.

He gently took his arms and placed it around her, and softly said “Hermione. We need to get you to the medical wing now” She shook her head ‘no’ as she started crying again, after a few minutes he told her once again and then she said ‘okay’ with that, they made their way back into the castle, walking through the doors. 

“Oh my heavens, Miss Granger! What on earth happened!?” Minerva McGonagall and Severus looked at each other, Hermione didn’t answer. She clung farther into Snapes’ side. Severus angrily said “What does it look like Minerva! Either stay or walk with us, we’re not stopping.” As the now trio made their way to the medical wing, Hermione didn’t even acknowledge her head of house. 

Severus looked at Hermione one last time, and McGonagall once asked what happened, Hermione narrowed her eyes and shook her head. Once they were finally in, they were met with Draco, Theo and Pansy. They all went to ask Hermione what happened, they didn’t get that far, she immediately looked at Snape and pulled her wand out he did the same thing locking and wards the doors.

They made everyone freeze. She said a quick sorry before meeting them each in the eyes, even Severus did. Once they were done with asking questions and everything, Hermione collapsed. 

Draco called Snape over to his bed and asked the man what happened, Snape shook his head and said “You’ll have to ask Hermione, I will not tell you of the events that occurred tonight.” He eyed the young man and added “Stay vigilant, always ask questions. Someone stole Polyjuice ingredients.” 

Draco widened his eyes. His face quickly became serious and he said “Severus, how do you know?” Severus looked at Draco then looked at Hermione. 

She cried out for Severus. He quickly made his way over to her bedside and she wiped away more tears. She looked at the man and said “I tried to fight, I really did. It was like the more I did. The rougher he got though” she looked away saying the last part, and added “After a while he only stopped to scream out in pain, and it was like he was hit with some kind of spell or something. Once I got the chance I didn’t hesitate to run. I think anyways, I don’t even remember running truth be told I kind of blinked and then I was back at the castle. I’m sorry.” She sniffed. 

Severus gently pulled her in for an awkward hug and whispered softly into her ear “Don’t you ever be sorry. The only one who will be sorry is that filthy animal.” He inhaled a deep breath and let it out, he added “I can only healed what I could see on the spot, where in the seven hells is Madame Pomfrey.” He called on an elf and asked them to bring tea, and toast. 

Was Severus planning on slowly torturing and maybe killing the sad excuse for a man? Yes, indeed yes he was. He looked at the teens, he felt defeated. 

Just then Madam Pomfrey let out a near shriek upon seeing Hermione, she went on and asked the girl a million questions which she didn’t get answers to, Pomfrey looked at Severus and then looked at Draco, and asked them to leave the area which made Hermione break her silence treatment. “Madam Pomfrey, they shall stay. I want them, Severus was only able to heal my visible wounds, I'm only here so you can run an internal diagnosis and fix whatever internal injury you find.” Hermione brought her hands to her face and wiped away more loose tears.

Hermione added “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like an ungrateful person I just, tonight has been hell and I would rather not talk about it.” She shook her head, she sucked in her bottom lip and chewed her till it bled. An idea popped in Hermione’s head, she grabbed the woman and stared directly in her eyes, hoping she could get the images from the event. 

Madam Pomfrey clearly did and she went to work and checked Hermione’s vitals, and ran a bunch of tests and gave her a bunch of potions. 

Once she was done, she went to Severus and said something no one was prepared for, “When you find that filthy thing, once he’s on the verge of death bring him to me. That vile animal hit the poor girl with multiple cruciatus, along with other terrible things. She'll be somewhat fine but rather than that she’ll live, she needs a lot of rest.” She added in a dead serious tone “I am well prepared to take an unbreakable vow, Severus, whoever did this, best not live to see another day..” Severus ever so slightly nodded in agreement. 

As she was done walking away Madam Pomfrey let out an angry sigh, Severus received an urgent patronus from Albus Dumbledore. He told the teens and he'll come back as soon as he can.

The elf popped back with tea and toast, Draco thanked them. Draco made his way to the chair and sat by Hermione. She told the boy he could just sit on her bed, he of course didn’t hesitate, they slumped closer to each other, letting her head fall on his shoulder. Draco didn’t want to know but he had to. He brought his hand to her head and ran his fingers through her hair. 

Draco softly said “Ni, we don’t have to talk about it right now, but when you do you know I’m here right?” He felt her nod her head. He took a deep breath and bit his lip not knowing if he actually truly wanted to know the next answer or not. He added, “The person, they were Polyjuiced as someone close to you?” He said it so soft and low he didn’t even know if the words left his mouth. Was it selfish that he wanted to know who they were impersonating? His head was still foggy, and his body ached from tonight’s event. But on top of all that he couldn’t help but feel guilty about wanting to know.

Hermione murmured “They were you” she added “Whoever it was clearly doesn’t know you personally.”

Draco felt sick just thinking about it. He literally thought he’d puke any second. His heart broke when he felt Hermione’s head nod, she started crying again. He brought both arms around her, hugging her tightly. Draco doesn’t know how long they stayed like that and he doesn’t care. 

The sound of the door opening and shutting caused both of the teens to stiffened in their position. There was shouting and Draco immediately pulled out his wand, aiming it at the curtain ready to hit whoever dared. His only thought was to protect Hermione. His parents pulled the curtain, they were met with both Teens wands.

“Draco, please-“ he immediately cut off his father and pointed his wand in his face, Draco immediately shouted and said “What was the date, Miny left the manor for good!” His parents widened their eyes, they both looked at each other, then back at the teens, Narcissa softy said “Draco, darling, it was the day before her third birthday. July 6th at specific 11:30pm, that’s what the muggle clock said.” She looked at her son, he was trimming and so was Hermione. 

Cissy spoke more softly and said “Hermione, love, what happened?” Draco still had his wand pointed at his father, he looked at Hermione and ever so slightly nodded his head, Hermione jumped into Lucius’s head after muttering a ‘sorry about this’ which caused the man to let out a yap, she was in and out so fast, Lucius didn’t even feel her in there, he was fascinated yet terrified. She did the same with Narcissa. Hermione sent Draco a nod, he dropped his wand, shaking his head. 

“Hermione! We’ve talked about this, you can’t jump into people's minds” Narcissa chuckled, shaking her head. When Cissy looked back at Hermione, she took a look at the girl, she looked terrible, it wasn’t until Cissy looked up at the girl's face and saw her eyes, Hermione grabbed the woman’s hands and really looked into her eyes.

Narcissa barely had any time to process what was happening, but then she saw. Narcissa saw everything that happened, she saw Hermione struggling and she felt the pain and panic, she felt everything as if it was actually happening to herself. She felt Hermione trying to call on her and Severus. Once Hermione was done Narcissa was back, she stumbled backwards hitting Lucius, Narcissa tried suppressing her emotions but failed. 

Narcissa spoke in a dead serious tone that was a bit frightening.“He’ll never see the light of day once I get through with him! Do you hear me, Hermione?, he's going to get what he deserves! I’ll find him!” Narcissa cupped her face and said softly “I promise you, Hermione, and he’ll never be found, no one will be able to find him once I’m done.” Cissy kissed Hermione’s forehead and wiped some tears. She cleared her throat and looked at Draco, she made her way to her son and hugged him, she kissed his forehead as well. Lucius was still trying to piece together everything, without lack of context it was a bit difficult. 

Draco cleared his throat and spoke up saying “This is probably a bad time, but we both were attacked with an unforgivable, multiple Crucios each. At least, Ni’s attacker had a face, mine didn’t. Madam Pomfrey is at a loss for how it happened. She’s never dealt with something like this before, even Snape was completely confused.” Draco felt Hermione tense up and he gently grabbed her hand and pulled it closer to him. Apparently this was indeed a bad time, not only for her but for his parents. 

They looked at the teens and said “Draco what?” His father started only to be interrupted by his mother “Merlin! Fucking Salazar.” The woman shrieked and said “That’s it! Lucius, it's time. Apparently I’m not planning one death but two, I will need help! This is ridiculous, where was Dumbledore during all this?, he’s the headmaster after all!? Isn’t that just peachy! Did I say two deaths? let’s raise that two to a three actually.”

The woman was pacing around and going on and on. Hermione found it fascinating she’s never seen Narcissa like this, she’s normally calm and collected. 

~~

Severus made his way to Dumbledore‘s office. He was met with each head of house. Dumbledore spoke up and said “Thank you all for coming, it came to my attention that two students were attacked? If this is true do we know who the other one is? It’s to my understanding Draco Malfoy was one but who is the other? And where are we on finding out how on earth he was attacked!” He added “and do we know where and who the alleged corporations are?”

Severus huffed out a sigh, McGonagall of course, was the one to answer as much as she could. “Albus, the other student was one of my cubs, due to the severity of the event, I’ll be withholding her name. Just know, it was someone very bright, we do not know who attacked her, she is refusing to answer any and all questions at this moment.” Dumbledore nodded his head. 

He looked at Severus for a couple seconds. ‘Jokes on you old man, my walls are up and no one can get through them’ Severus thought to himself, well he also lied, the only person to get through is Hermione. And at one point it was Voldemort but that was in the past. That chapter of his life is forever gone, good riddance. They only have two more Horcruxs left, then the damn snake man will be gone for good. 

Right as Albus was going to say goodnight to the heads of houses there was a big bang and the door went flying off, ‘oh goodie, Narcissa made it, she has great timing’ Severus thought to himself. 

“Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, you have 60 seconds to explain yourself! Why weren’t we immediately notified when OUR son was attacked by a bloody unforgivable!! Also my dear goddaughter! What the hell are you doing to find the filthy animal that did such a thing!” Narcissa yelled, drawing her wand on the old man.

There were a couple gasps and whispers, Narcissa didn’t care. She continued to look at the man in charge of the school, responsible for all these children. It only angered her more. Lucius slowly lifted his hand to hers so he could lower her wand. She immediately threw him a deathly glance but allowed him to lower her wand. She put it back down. 

Albus kept muttering excuse after excuse until eventually he said “Narcissa I wasn’t even aware you had a god daughter attending Hogwarts this year” he added “I take it she’s in Beauxbatons? Such a lovely place, how is she liking Hogwarts?” Hearing this Narcissa couldn’t help but laugh.

She then looked at Severus, he ever so slightly nodded. Narcissa sent the headmaster a wicked smile and said  “No, Albus, She’s been attending Hogwarts since first year-“

He immediately stiffened and interrupted the woman upon hearing this he said “Oh really what is her name? Why wasn’t I made aware of such a thing!?” 

Narcissa shook her head and narrowed her eyes at the man and said “It’s not your fault, you probably weren't paying attention, maybe you took a quick nap, but yes as I was saying, Severus and I are Hermione Granger’s godparents, you might know her. She’s so bright, many call her the bright witch of her year. They must stop though, she hates that title.” The woman couldn’t help but chuckle towards the end, it was true Hermione hated it. 

Albus shook his head and said “I’m sorry, did you say Hermione Granger? That mustn’t be right, Narcissa, Severus” he looked at the two, then added “Hermione is a Muggle Born.” He shook his head and explained to them the most obvious reason why they couldn’t possibly be Hermione’s godparents. 

To this, Narcissa laughed, Severus snorted. Albus was looking slightly confused.

“Oh no, that’s where you’re wrong. She was raised with the Grangers, but she was born and raised the first couple years of her life here in the wizarding world, with Lucius and I actually. Hermione’s the daughter of my late friend, Selena Nott, you remember her and her husband right?” Narcissa shook her head at the end. 

She didn’t even know why she bothered explaining it. Maybe it’s because Hermione and Draco were attacked and it was under Albus’s watch. Narcissa had enough, she suddenly got up from her chair and said “You will find the people responsible for tonight’s events, if you fail” she took a deep breath and said in a dead serious voice while saying “You’ll have me to deal with. You won’t like it when you’re on my damn shit list do you understand!” Narcissa made her way out, she met with Severus and Lucius. They made their way back to the medical wing.

~~

Hermione grabbing her face and shaking her head. She looked at Theo and Pans, they looked worried. She began to apologize and she was crying again. She shook her head letting out a big angry sigh as she felt more tears. “I’m sorry, someone stolen ingredients for Polyjuice, and it’s been a really fucking bad night for me and I’m so sorry guys.” She took a deep breath and said “fuck man, I don’t want to talk about it so please, I know you have questions I can practically hear them from here. I just need some time to process everything.

Draco softly said “Inemay,(Mine) Granger, we won’t let anything else happen, you’re safe here. I promise.” He brought her closer to his side, getting comfortable. Theo sent Draco a ‘what the actual fuck is going on’ look Draco shook his head and waved Theo off, Pansy looked like she wanted to ask a billion and a half questions. 

The teens all got comfortable and Theo said “Oh wait, Ni, Drake I have a change of real sleep clothes.” He pulled them from his bag and handed them to the two. She gave him a sad smile, Draco stepped out, and he went to the nearby bed he occupied.

Theo was the first to speak up and he said “Drake, no offense. Are you seeing my sister now? What the fuck is going on. Why did it look like she went through a bloody war and back!? When she was brought in by Snape!” Theo went on and on, truth be told, Draco kind of stopped listening. 

“Theo, I’m not dating Ni. We’re just friends. She clearly went through something terrible tonight. The only thing I know is, she was cruciatus a few times, like me.” He looked away and it made him feel sick just thinking about the rest of the event. 

He shook his head and added “Plus, even if I did want to date her, how would you feel about it? Like this is completely a hypothetical scenario of course.” Draco hasn’t fully thought about it, but through this year, he and Hermione have had their moments and there have been a couple things holding him back from just biting the bullet, Theo being the only one that actually matters. In all honesty this wasn’t the right time talking about such things but Theo did bring it up and Draco felt like murdering someone so to keep his cool he needed to think and talk about something completely different.

Theo broke out into a high grin and said “As long as she’s cool with it then I’m on board, if you hurt her, I will be forced to hurt you though, hypothetically speaking, of course.” He added, “Blaise and Pans owe me 35 gallows now.” He shook his head, he seemed very pleased with this new found knowledge. 

Then it hit Draco, “There’s a bet going on? That’s very presumptuous of you guys.” Draco shook his head. He couldn't even pretend to be upset, Draco felt very content.

Pansy said they can come back in and before Theo went straight to Pans, he went to check in with his sister, he gave her a gentle hug and back his way over to Pansy. Draco went back to his side on the bed by Hermione and she immediately got closer to him, laying her head on his shoulder, Hermione, bringing the blanket closer to her, getting as comfortable as she could in the state she was in. She then grabbed his left hand and took it, she picked up her head and said “Thanks for being there tonight Aco.” Draco looked down to her and nodded his head, he said “I’m just sorry I wasn’t there to stop it.” He brought his free hand and ran his fingers through her hair. Closing his eyes. He could help but slowly drift off into a much needed sleep.

The last thing he heard her say brought a smile to his face.”You owe me 45 gallows.”

He chuckled and muttered “I’ll give you every gallow in my personal vault if you go to sleep love.” 

The adults were met with soft laughter coming from Pansy and Theo, “Madam Pompfrey booted us out! Isn’t that ridiculous” Theo ranted on to Lucius and Narcissa. The woman chuckled, shaking her head. Lucius looked to the young man, he put his hand on the teen’s shoulder and said “Theo, it’ll be okay you and Pansy should get some sleep. We won’t leave their side.” Theo looked away, nodding his head and muttering his goodbyes, he quickly hugged each adult. Pansy and Theo walked hand in hand out the doors. 

Narcissa, Lucius and Snape were pulled Hermione’s curtain opened and they were met with Draco and Hermione were laying in bed, peacefully resting. Narcissa couldn’t stop staring at the teens, she knew it was time to let Severus know the situation regarding the two teens.

Narcissa  took in a breath and said “Severus, you technically won’t find the person who’s responsible for Draco’s attack this evening, you’re only looking for one person in fact.” 

Severus made a face and cut her off and said “Explain” She looked to Lucius and he nodded his head. 

She followed up with “Well it’s simple really. Their connection is the strongest I’ve ever seen. Lucius and I discovered it during the summer. I ran a test well, their soulmates. Real genuine ones, the only side effect is their bond is also physical. So, if one gets hurt the other one gets the matching mark! And this! This is ridiculous. I didn't even think to cast a spell to see how it’ll affect them, regarding spells, hexes and jinxes, why didn't we think of that Lucius! We haven’t told them, we don’t know how to, but I think they might work out in general, they’re both smart, they’re attached to the hip now, even during summer I couldn’t get them apart longer than a few minutes.” Narcissa went on and on. 

Severus nodded and then it suddenly made complete sense to the man. Why didn’t he think of something like this? Severus huffed out a deep sigh, and then a thought popped into his head.  

Seveurs spoke up and said ”Cissy, Hermione said she tried to reach us earlier, I didn't feel her at all. Did you? It freaked me out, I had to cast a ’find my steps’ just to locate her.  Hermione also said the man let out a bloody scream and just disappeared. That's how she got away but she didn’t even remember getting back to the castle.” He finished getting more upset. 

Lucius spoke and said “The ring! Oh gods, why didn't I think of it sooner, she's wearing it right?” He didn’t wait for a response, he went to Hermione's side and took the young girl's hand and saw the ring on her finger. “Even if they person was polyjuiced, we can find him, it’s simple. He’ll be dead in less than six hours, if he doesn’t seek out Madame Pomfrey, unless he's top class in positions he can easily brew an antidote but even then, he'd have to know what he was hit with!” Lucius went on and on.

Severus let out a sigh, he was exhausted. All he wanted to do right now was have a tall glass of firewhiskey and sleep for three days.

“Oh, how lovely is that, so if he doesn't seek help he’ll simply perish away within six hours.” Madame Pomfrey said, she muttered while adding “It’d be a damn real shame if I wasn't here to help the poor lad, wouldn't it be Severus.”

Narcissa and Lucius shared a look, then Severus and Pomfrey shared a look, before Severus was able to speak she spoke up again and said “Obiviate me or make a damn unbreakable vow right now, I will not save the boy who did such thing’s to Miss Granger.” Severus, Lucius and Narcissa shared a look and then Severus and Pomfrey.

They made a vow right then and there. Right before she left she quickly said “Lord and Lady Mafloy, I am sorry for your son's attack this evening as well. I’m sure you can get even with the person’s parents though. It still has me stumped, the moment I find anything I’ll have Severus owl you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a very large glass of whiskey.” With that she left the medical wing. 

“Well, that was interesting.” Narcissa said, eventually Sevrus excused himself and went to his chambers and was knocked out for the remaining night.

Narcissa and Lucius made themselves comfortable on an enlarged chair, and tried to get some sleep.