Chapter 3
After a rather unpleasant dinner, she decided to take a walk down the corridor. She didn't really intend to return to the common room. She knew that meeting Harry and Ron now wouldn't lead to anything good. She walked on, despite the chill in the air. Not only was she walking alone, but there were also a few others strolling around. In contrast to her dull mood, they were much more cheerful. She could overhear quite a bit from some of the students. However, most of it was related to Harry. She placed her hand on the railing, and the late autumn rain softly drizzled a few drops. She stretched her hand out to catch the rain, feeling the droplets run through her fingers. She quietly listened to the sounds around her.
The conversation of two Slytherin students caught her attention.
"Have you heard the news?" One of them asked.
"What news?"
"The Minister of Magic has been replaced by Rufus Scrimgeour. With the corruption in the Ministry, it’s clear that when the Dark Lord returns, the Minister will be ousted."
"I look forward to that day..."
Her ears rang with the sound of the wind. Rufus Scrimgeour was the new Minister for Magic. She didn’t trust the Ministry. It had become more and more corrupt over time. But with Voldemort’s return, the Ministry was still regarded by wizards as a place of safety. Though not certain, the Ministry was where rumors of Voldemort’s return were both denied and confirmed. This had really caused many people to lose trust in the Ministry’s reliability. She knew the Ministry was not a good place. Before Voldemort’s return, the Ministry had already been bought by purebloods and Voldemort’s followers. And the Ministry’s errors with Hagrid spoke volumes. There was no shortage of greedy, cunning officials in the Ministry. The laws they enacted were utterly foolish. Clearly, many wizards were Muggle-born or half-blood, yet they were never treated fairly. Even those who had worked at the Ministry for years, like Arthur Weasley, still lived in poverty. Although the magical world wasn’t governed the same way as the Muggle world, everyone privately (or openly) acknowledged that the Ministry dominated the magical world. The Ministry held all the power and issued laws for the wizarding world.
The Ministry always proclaimed that it would protect the wizarding world and everyone in it. But it seemed like the Ministry was doing the opposite. It claimed to provide safety and trust, yet it was rotting from within, making mistake after mistake. And the Ministry’s biggest blunder was not believing Harry, not believing in Voldemort’s return. Especially allowing Umbridge to teach at Hogwarts in fifth year. It was a horrifying period with a professor like her. The injustice done to Sirius Black was still something the Ministry couldn’t deny. To track down an innocent man for over 10 years. Absurd.
Discrimination was evident. Werewolves didn’t really have jobs, they were considered dangerous creatures. Goblins were treated as slaves, subservient to their masters. Class division had existed for a long time, especially when the 28 pureblood families held power.
Leadership didn’t come from just one side, like a king or queen, but from many sides. The Ministry, the pureblood families, all had a say and wielded power. The Minister was merely a puppet for the powerful.
–––––––––
She walked down the hallway ahead. She paused slightly when she saw the figures before her. Draco and Theo. She couldn’t believe her "luck" in encountering the two of them here, walking together. It seemed the conversation hadn’t been pleasant, as all three had dark expressions. He still had that cold, indifferent face. He wore a sharp black suit, hands in his pockets, eyes straight ahead.
The gap between the two of them narrowed with each step. He was only an arm’s length away. He didn’t look down but gazed at her from above, the arrogance clearly visible on his face. She didn’t get angry but glared at him. She could smell a faint mint scent around him.
They brushed past each other. No words were exchanged. His hand lightly brushed hers. The slight touch made her shiver. She glanced back at him, but he walked on as if nothing had happened.
She continued walking, not paying attention to the gaze behind her. The boys looked at her strangely. Blaise turned to Draco, smiling as he spoke.
"Is that Granger? What’s she doing here?"
Theo didn’t look at Draco or Blaise, still watching her.
"Do you care?"
"No, I just find it strange that Potter and Weasley aren’t following her," Blaise shrugged.
"Isn’t that a good thing?" Theo replied.
"Good?" Draco raised an eyebrow, confused by his friend’s words.
"They just make her look like an idiot," Theo smiled, "Look at her, perfect."
Draco quietly regarded Theo. He thought about Theo’s praise for Hermione. He had never heard Theo compliment anyone like that before. Was she an exception?
"You seem interested in her, Theo?" Draco sneered. "I’ve never seen you praise anyone like you do with her. Is she your exception?"
Theo smirked cryptically. He looked at Draco with a probing expression. "How do you want me to answer?"
He stayed silent.
The two of them locked eyes, and silence enveloped them. Draco didn’t respond because he knew Theo’s words were true.
–––––––––
The Gryffindor common room was bustling. Everyone was happily awaiting the party. She stood before the Fat Lady’s portrait, quietly muttering the password. As the door opened, she slowly stepped inside. The sound of her shoes caught everyone’s attention. People stopped what they were doing and turned to look at her. There were confused and mocking glances, but she paid them no mind as she continued walking.
"Hermione, where have you been? We’ve been waiting for you after dinner."
It was Neville, looking concerned. She stopped in front of him. It wasn’t quite a smile, but she still gave him a faint smile, acting nonchalant.
"I just wanted to get some fresh air. Is there something wrong?" She looked at him with a fond gaze.
"Uh, no, nothing..."
She didn’t pay attention to Neville’s words, her eyes scanning behind him. Two figures were descending the stairs. Harry and Ron were talking as they walked. When they noticed her gaze, they hesitated for a moment but quickly turned away as if nothing had happened.
She walked up the stairs towards her room. Neville stood behind, watching her walk away. He turned back to his homework.
–––––––––
She entered her room, feeling exhausted and lying down on the bed. It was the only moment she felt at ease.
The thoughts weighed heavily on her mind. The mental strain of the internal conflict left her dizzy. She tossed and turned, unable to find comfort. Her eyes grew heavy, and she slowly drifted off to sleep.
8:30 PM, most people had gathered. Only Hermione was missing. Tonight, everyone was dressed more openly and liberally. It didn’t feel like a regular small party. People were talking excitedly. Some were eating and drinking, while a few couples had already begun dancing.
Ginny was sitting with Harry, Ron, Neville, and a few of their mutual friends. Ginny was wearing a spaghetti strap dress. The boys had also dressed accordingly. Ginny was looking around, seemingly searching for her. She took a sip of her drink, her worry evident. Ron, sitting next to her, looked irritated by his sister’s behavior.
"Stop looking, Ginny. She’s probably in the library," Ron mocked. "From the start, you should’ve listened to me. She’s not going to join these parties. She’s a bore."
Ginny shot him a glare, furious at her brother’s disrespectful words. She was even angrier when Harry just remained silent next to her. "Shut up, Ron. I don’t want to hear you talk like that about her. If she said she’d come, she will!"
Ron laughed loudly, unfazed by the looks from those around them. "You know her so well, huh? She’s always got her nose buried in books. Doesn’t know how to enjoy parties like these. A boring person like that, don’t expect much."
Ginny stood up angrily, nearly throwing a punch at Ron. Ron still had that smug look on his face. Harry, unable to stay quiet, finally spoke up.
"Ron, I think you’ve gone too far. You shouldn’t be talking about Hermione like that," Harry sighed.
"Harry, you know whose side you’re on. What I’m saying is the truth. Hermione is boring, she doesn’t know how to dress or wear makeup..." Ron kept rambling insults about her. He had to stop when someone approached.
Everyone turned to look at her. Even Ron, Harry, and the other boys were stunned by the sight before them.
Hermione walked forward confidently. She wore a black fitted dress, the hem just above her knees. Her long legs and black high heels made her even more alluring. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down her shoulders. Her already beautiful face was now enhanced with makeup, giving her a sharp look. She flashed a smile, resting her hand on her hip.
"Is that so?"
Hermione stood in front of Ron. The victorious expression on Ron’s face vanished. Now, all that was left was surprise and embarrassment, as if caught red-handed. Ron’s face turned bright red.
Ginny, on the other hand, was delighted by Hermione’s dramatic transformation. She couldn’t help but rush to her side.
"Hermione, you’re amazing!!"
Hermione felt shy but also happy at Ginny's compliment. At first, she hadn't planned on wearing this. But if she really wanted to embarrass Ron, she had to be different. And fourth year was when she started changing. Now was the time for her to become a "version" of herself. The perfect and more seductive version.
Before, even when she wore something a little revealing, she would feel shy. But standing in front of everyone's admiring and awed gazes made her smile triumphantly.
"Sit here, I'll go get you some water," Ginny said before running off.
She walked to where Ginny had been sitting. She sat down, facing Ron, as if nothing had happened. She had heard everything Ron had said about her. But she wasn't in the mood to argue twice in one day. She leaned back, gently crossing her legs.
They all remained silent, not speaking a word. Ron kept drinking, while Harry and Neville stayed quiet by his side. She carefully observed them. Suddenly, someone ran over.
"Ron!" A girl's voice made all four of them look up. It was Lavender Brown.
"Brown?" Ron looked at Lavender. He was drunk, his face flushed.
Lavender sat next to Ron. She looked shy, but kept smiling nonstop. Lavender smiled at Harry and Neville, but when she looked at Hermione, her expression was full of disdain.
At that moment, Ginny came back with a bottle of whisky. Ginny frowned when she saw Lavender. Lavender didn't pay attention to Ginny and stayed by Ron, talking to him, even though he wasn't paying attention to her.
Ginny poured Hermione a glass. She smiled back and took the glass from Ginny. Ginny poured for everyone except Lavender.
"Mione, you look beautiful tonight," Harry spoke first.
"Thanks," she replied without looking at him, taking a sip of her drink. Harry didn’t say anything more.
Ginny noticed the tension growing and cheerfully asked, "Where did you go earlier, Hermione?"
Before Hermione could answer, Lavender cut in, "You probably went to the library, right? Only there can accept you."
Everyone fell silent, waiting for her reaction. Hermione finished her drink and calmly replied, "Sorry, but you're wrong. I just went outside to get some fresh air. Because I'm afraid of seeing a 'stalker.'"
"What?" Lavender seemed angry but held it in when she saw Ron looking at her.
Lavender smiled cunningly. Hermione was sure she was about to say something unpleasant. Ginny looked at Hermione and then at Lavender.
"I saw you with Theodore Nott on the train, and even when you got to Hogwarts," Hermione continued, still looking at her without saying anything. "Why were you with him, Granger? Are you two having a relationship?"
Lavender's question didn’t surprise or embarrass her. She placed the glass down, observing Lavender. They all turned to look at her. Ron and Harry were the most shocked. Ron was red in the face, very angry. Harry just looked down at his hands.
"Theo is my friend. I have no relationship with him like you think, Brown," Hermione replied calmly.
"Really? I thought you and he were very close. You even used his first name," she said with sarcasm in her voice.
Ron angrily stood up and slammed his fist on the table. His eyes burned with fury as he looked at Hermione. Oh, here we go again. She stood up, crossing her arms, staring at Ron. Lavender, standing beside him, hid behind his back. Hermione felt bored by the scene.
"So after arguing with us, you ran to that Slytherin, huh?" Ron shouted.
The loud noise made everyone look their way. People started whispering about them. But Ron wasn’t intending to stop it there. Neville, seeing the situation getting tense, asked everyone to leave the room. Now, only the six of them remained.
"So that’s why you don't trust us, huh? Because that Slytherin brainwashed you," Ron said, losing control over his words, or maybe he didn’t care.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous. Theo hasn’t done anything to me. You two started this argument first," Hermione rolled her eyes, glancing at Harry, who still stayed silent beside her.
"Right, you're always right, Hermione," Ron mocked.
"Stop being childish, Ronald."
"You dare call me that?" Ron stepped toward her.
"Why not?" she glared. "What do you think you can do to me?"
"You... You wear that to seduce that stupid Slytherin, don't you?" Ron looked her up and down. "Besides Nott, who else are you seeing behind our backs? Zabini, Goyle, or Malfoy?"
Harry, unable to stand the argument, felt helpless and tired.
"Ron, stop! What you're saying is too much. She isn’t wearing that to seduce anyone. Not Nott, not Zabini, or... Malfoy," Ginny stood between Hermione and Ron. "You're just blinded because she doesn’t trust you. And you're listening to someone’s filthy words," Ginny glanced at Lavender, implying it was her.
"Enough, Ron. I don’t want to hear you argue with Hermione anymore," Harry looked at Ron. "This is supposed to be a fun party, and you’ve ruined it. Now go back to your room, please."
Ron angrily left for his room. Neville followed him. Lavender, seeing Ron leave, didn’t want to stay any longer. Harry turned to Hermione, guilt in his eyes.
"Thanks," she softly said.
Harry looked at her, unable to hide his smile. "No, I should be apologizing to you."
Ginny, seeing this, didn’t want to intrude and went back to her room. The two of them stood there. She sat down, pouring wine into two glasses. Harry sat down, took the glass from her, and they both drank it.
–––––––––
"I'm sorry, Mione. For what Ron said and..."
Hermione interrupted him.
"It's okay."
"I don't want us to argue," Harry looked at her fondly. "But you have to trust me, Malfoy is a Death Eater."
She knew Harry would say this, so it didn’t surprise her much. She thought about it, choosing a suitable response. Harry still stared at her.
"I trust you, Harry. We'll prove that together."
Hearing this, Harry was happy. She didn’t mention that Draco was a Death Eater, because she figured if Harry suspected it, he'd find out eventually. So there was no need to tell him too soon. That was a secret just for her.
"But what about you and Nott? Are you really just friends?" Harry carefully asked, worried that his curiosity would ruin everything after they just made up.
She nodded. "Yeah, just friends. I ran into Theo on the train and became friends. Nothing else."
Harry felt relieved and relaxed a bit. She fell silent. Now, it was just Ron left.
"Has there been any news from Voldemort?" she asked.
Harry was startled and looked up at her. "No. Nothing new. He still only shows me people being tortured."
"We’ll never know what he’ll do next. It just makes everything worse," she took another sip of her wine.
"Yeah, the more people die, the more guilty I feel."
"You know it’s not your fault," she looked at him. Harry nodded.
"I’m going back to my room. Goodnight, Harry." She stood up and left for her room.
"Goodnight, Mione." Harry watched her figure retreating.
He sat there, watching her. If he said he didn’t care about her, it would be a lie. He cared about everything she did. He had noticed her gestures and actions all through the party. Clearly, she wasn’t comfortable in that tight dress. Nor was she as happy as she appeared. Her smiles weren’t the same as before. They were just fake smiles, a facade hiding something else inside. He watched her disappear around the corner.
"When did you change, Hermione?" he muttered.
He rested his face in his hands. Realizing that everyone changes, but in completely different ways. Hermione had changed, from the way she spoke, her actions. And perhaps she was hiding secrets she’d never reveal. Now, what should he do? How to solve the conflict between Ron and Hermione?
The pain hit him sharply, making him clutch his head in agony. Another image of someone being tortured flashed. Bellatrix’s crazy laugh echoed. Along with the screams of the prisoner.
"Please, spare me..."
"I...I don’t know anything..."
"NOOOOO!"
Then the scream stopped, the person was dead. Voldemort wanted him to witness these painful deaths, just to make him back down and surrender to him. Because of this, he hadn’t had a good night's sleep in days. But he couldn’t let fear take over his mind. He breathed deeply, stood up, drank the last of his wine, and slowly made his way to his room.
"Everything will be okay."