Hidden Lies

July 1st 1993

Today marks the students' return to London, it was a rather stressful year somehow. Hermione's extended stay in the hospital wing during the second term seems almost unbelievable in retrospect. She was concerned about finding sufficient time to complete her studies. However, to her not so pleasant surprise, the school announced the cancellation of all exams due to recent circumstances. Hermione was astonished-how would she now attain her goal of perfect grades? Nonetheless, she was delighted at the prospect of spending time with her two closest friends.

Stepping onto the train, she felt so relieved and happy to be together with her bestfriends specially after everything that had happened. As they settled in, laughter arose spontaneously, filling the compartment. Shortly after, they enjoyed an assortment of snacks and sweets from the passing trolley, savoring the simple pleasure of sharing this moment amidst the comforting rhythm of the train's journey.

"Honestly you two, I can't believe that you've solve it!" Hermione beamed at them proudly.

"We couldn't done it without you Hermione," Harry replied with a smile.

Hermione looked at them with a confused expression; she had been searching for weeks and she hasn't figured out the answer to what lies in the chamber. She unfortunately got petrified before she could find what she was looking for. She reckons it's a Basilisk haunting the castle, petrifying not only Muggle-borns, but anyone the Slytherin heir wants.

"Of course! I've been searching about that creature for months!" She offered a strained smile, hoping to conceal the untruth she had spoken.

"Now tell me how did you manage to defeat it?" She shifted the conversation to a different topic.

Harry and Ron excitedly retold their adventure, beginning with Harry's visit to Hermione, where he found a crumpled note in her hand. They explained how Ginny Weasley had been taken to the Chamber of Secrets and how Harry discovered the entrance in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Ron's quick thinking in realizing Harry needed to speak Parseltongue to open the chamber was lauded. They, then detailed how Lockhart's attempt to use a Memory Charm backfired due to Ron's faulty wand, resulting in Lockhart suffering such severe amnesia that he could not even remember his own name.

"Lockhart's a fraud?" She had known this since the pixie incident, yet still remained captivated by Lockhart's smile..

Harry continued his account of the events, explaining that he found Ginny unconscious and encountered a manifestation of Tom Riddle, a memory fragment of Voldemort. He shared with Hermione that he found Tom Riddle surprisingly handsome, a comment that visibly surprised Hermione. After Harry's battle in the chamber, Fawkes the phoenix rescued them, and Harry later recounted everything to Dumbledore in a private conversation.

"You mean to say, Tom Riddle is good looking?" Hermione found this amusing, her eyebrows rising slightly at the extra detail Harry had included.

"It's true 'Mione!" He raised his hands defensively.

Hermione shook her head, still amused by Harry's detailed account of Tom Riddle's appearance before his descent into darkness. She subtly suppressed her giggles as Harry continued, describing Tom Riddle's height and dark, curly hair, and how well Slytherin's green colors complemented him.

"Harry!" Hermione snorted, unable to control her laughter.

"I swear Hermione-" He voiced his dissent. "You would have been bloody speechless if you we're there!"

"Blimey Harry, you never told me you have a thing for You-Know-Who." Ron grinned.

"Sod off Ron!" Harry sat slumped in his seat, his arms folded across his chest, while Ron continued to laugh heartily, holding his stomach.

Laughter filled their compartment for the entire duration of their train ride, with Ron delivering a monologue teasing Harry about him being mesmerize by Riddle. After a harrowing year, Hermione was relieved to still be able to laugh about it with her best friends. She gazed out the train window with excitement as they approached their destination. Hermione was looking forward to seeing her parents and sharing stories about her year, although she planned to leave out the details of her, being petrified for almost half of the semester and accidentally turning herself into a cat with Polyjuice Potion. Merlin, it's the last thing she would tell them, or they would be worried sick when they send her off next term.

After disembarking the train and going through the barrier between Platform Nine and Three Quarters and King's Cross Station, she politely said goodbye to Harry and Ron before departing to see her parents. Half an hour passed with no sign of them. Hermione started to worry that they might have forgotten she was coming home that day. Just then, a tall man in a suit holding a black case approached her.

"Are you Miss Hermione Jean Granger?" The stranger asked, Hermione responded with a subtle nod.

"I'm here to collect you." The man simply stated.

"Sorry, sir- but collect me?" She seemed a little perplexed.

I apologize for having to deliver this news in this manner." He paused. "But I came here bearing grim news." Hermione's heart skipped a beat, her breathing became uneven, and she seems to be experiencing a panic attack.

"Wha-what news would that be sir?" She attempted to muster her bravery, but her emotions overwhelmed her.

"Your father and mother have passed away." The words hung heavy in the air, delivering the grim news.

Her face turned pale, like snow, and she appeared quite weak. Tears welled in her eyes, tears she hadn't expected. Then, she shattered before the unfamiliar man, falling apart and grieving for the people she cherished most.

The pain was excruciating; her parents had been her only family. She had no known aunts or uncles, and her last living grandparent had passed away just the year before. Now, it seemed, she was utterly alone in this harsh world.

"Where do you s'ppose I'd go?" She inquires softly, attempting to compose herself.

"The orphanage where you were adopted has contacted the person who left you before your late parents adopted you. " He explained.

Adopted? I have been adopted all this time, yet they never mentioned it once?

Hermione was struck by yet another bombshell of news, delivered like a ticking time bomb with only seconds left to detonate. The man handed her an envelope, It contained a letter left by her late adoptive parents before they passed away. Following the unfamilar man's guidance, she sat in the back of the car and opened the letter.

To our beloved daughter,

We hope this letter never reaches you, but if it does, it means we're no longer here. We always imagined having more time with you, but life had other plans. In 1981, after learning I couldn't have children, your father and I visited an orphanage where we instantly fell in love with you. Though not by blood, you've always been our daughter. We regret not sharing this truth sooner and apologize for any pain it caused. Know that you are courageous and strong. We can't make amends now, but we hope you'll forgive us in time. May you find someone who cherishes, protects, and loves you endlessly. Hermione, we're deeply sorry that we had to leave you this way. Remember, we'll always be with you in spirit, cheering you on as you navigate life and make your mark on the world. We're immensely proud of you and grateful to have had such a wonderful daughter.

With eternal love,
Mum & Dad

Tears began to fall onto the letter, dampening the parchment. Hermione found herself unable to contain her emotions any longer. She longed to seek solace with her mother, but the painful reality struck-she wasn't there anymore.

"We're here." The man announced as he brought the car to a stop.

Hermione carefully exited the vehicle, gathering her belongings. After a moment to collect herself, she looked up and read the inscription on the archway.

Wool's Orphanage. She read it silently.

He followed the man who led her inside an office. "There is someone here who would like to speak with you." He spoke.

"Who?" Hermione asked.

The man paused briefly before replying. "He was the person who left you here approximately thirteen years ago." He remained silent and departed, leaving her alone in the office.

A soft knock came from the door before it opened. Hermione was shocked to see who stood before her. "Professor Snape?" She quietly said.

"You're my father!?" Her eyes widened in realization of the truth she had just discovered.

"Don't be silly Miss Granger, I'm merely someone tasked with putting you up for adoption." He said.

"You know who my birth parents are?"

"Of course I know who they are!" He scoffed.

Hermione hesitated to ask more, but she knew she had to; she had to know her birth parents and why they decided to put her up for adoption. "Who are they, then?"

"Cassandra and Ignatius Nott." Hermione was stunned as soon as her professor named them.

"Nott?" It wasn't even a question, honestly. "You're saying I'm a Nott?"

"Aren't you an insufferable know-it-all?" He quirked his eyebrows as he stared at her blankly. "Yes, you are a Nott. A pureblood witch in fact."

Hermione was putting the puzzle pieces together to make sense of something. "Then, Theo is..." She paused, yet again.

"Yes, Miss Granger, Theodore is indeed your brother; in fact, he is your twin." He said.

Theo is my brother?

I have a sibling? A twin!?

Hermione was unsure how to respond to the news; she sensed a profound connection with Theo, but she wasn't certain if he would accept her as his sister.

"Do he- does Theo know that I-"

"Theodore knows Miss Granger." He calmly stated as Snape gazed into her eyes.

"What will- where would I even..",

"That Miss Granger," he paused for a brief moment. "That is outside the instructions I received."

She fiddles with her dark curls as she listens to her professor. It is a bit weird for her, honestly; the professor standing before her finds her as an insufferable know-it-all. Now he is helping her because of her mother's late wishes.

From his pocket, he produced a small, gleaming coin, a portkey no doubt; it was intended to transport them to a secret location in France, where, according to her Professor's cryptic hint, someone was expecting her.

Crossing the threshold into the foyer, they were greeted by an elf, whose deferential demeanor spoke volumes of the establishment's importance. The elf promptly relieved her of her belongings and gestured graciously towards a nearby tea room, assuring them that their hostess would be with them shortly.

Hermione sat, her thumb rubbing circles on the teacup she was holding as she waited anxiously for the lady of the house. The door swung wide open, revealing a lady who stood there so elegantly.

"Hermione." With a gentle smile and open arms, she welcomed her to the chateau.

"Erm.. Hello," She said, smiling shyly.

"Oh Merlin," She pauses, her smile remaining. "You looks so beautiful; you bear a striking resemblance to your mother."

"This woman, Miss Granger, is Narcissa Malfoy, a friend of your mother's and your godmother.,"

"Godmother?" Hermione was quite surprised; her last name hadn't occurred to her yet. "Malfoy? Are you perhaps related to Draco Malfoy?" She asked which led Narcissa to let out a small chuckle.

"He's my son," She sat gracefully by the chaise, her eyebrows raised as she regarded the poised witch before her..

"So, I assume you will be in charge of me then?" She continued to look at her with raised eyebrows.

"Well-yes, you have assumed correctly," Hermione observed the blond witch as she take as sip from her tea.

"No." She frowned, clutching the cup she held.

"I apologize, my dear, but-" Hermione interjected before the older witch could even finish.

"I refuse to be under your care." She pursed her lips, hands still clenched on the cup where the tea has already gone cold.

"My dear, as you are only thirteen, I must ensure your safety and well-being. I am here to care for you." Narcissa attempts to pursue her.

"I-" She pauses, unable to continue, and looks at Snape, who gives her a small, reassuring nod, encouraging her to trust the woman before her-the mother of her bully, who uses slur words against her.

Is it even safe for her to accept the help being offered? She is only thirteen, and her world has crumbled apart.

"I understand that my son, Draco, may have spoken unkindly to you."

"And he also hexed me." She added.

"As well as that." She nodded, "but I mean no harm, and as I said, I'm your godmother and I've sworn to your mother that if the plan does not go well, I will step in and care for you. And so I am stepping in." she gave her a reassuring smile still trying to get Hermione to let loose even for a bit.

"What about Theo?" She asked.

"Theodore has been under our care since your-" She paused briefly, searching for the most appropriate words. "After your mother died, your father used to beat your brother. He used the Cruciatus Curse on him as punishment if he did not meet your father's standards." Her eyes softens as the older witch in front of her tells the story of how her brother has been abused at home by their own father.

"I see-" she pursed her lips, chewing the bottom part lightly as she contemplates before speaking up again.

"If I we're to be under your care how would it work? Where would I live? Clearly I don't have a home anymore since I can't live alone." Hermione queries.

"Well, Theodore does stay with us during the holidays, and since your father has discovered of your existence, I must insist that you stay at the manor as well, for your safety, of course." She said,

"I- I'm not sure if I would like to be around with Draco, considering our past interactions."

With a smile, she gently placed her cup on the table and leaned forward, taking her own hand. "If your only concern is that, then I would be happy to prepare a room for you in a separate wing near the library." She reassured her that she and Draco would be less likely to encounter each other.

"If you prefer, I can wait to tell Theodore that you will be staying at the manor until you are ready." She added.

Hermione, after some hesitation, accepted the offer. She's doing this for her brother, whom she deeply cares for and knows needs her support, just as she needs his.

She nodded, agreeing to stay with Narcissa at the Manor for the summer, but with a few conditions. "Theo may be informed that I am staying."

Narcissa was pleased with her goddaughter's decision and respected her wishes. It was not a matter for discussion whether Hermione should conform to an ideal of pure-blooded lady. It wouldn't be her, Her blood status does not determine who she should be; she is an individual who forges her own path and will continue to do so. She will change this damn fucked up world they have.

⋆˙⟡

Several weeks have passed since Hermione moved into the manor, and Theo has visited her a couple of times. Their bond had deepened, and they shared everything with each other. How different their lives were, how amazing their mother was, and how kindhearted she was. Hermione was furious when she learned how their father had really participated in their mother's death.

As per their father's request, Theo had to return to Nott Manor for a couple of days. She felt relieved that she had not yet encountered Draco; she loathes him immensely and finds his smug expression particularly irritating.

It's been a week into August. Hermione had talked to Narcissa about wanting to stay in Diagon Alley for the remainder of the summer, as she would be meeting with Harry and Ron. However, she had insisted on leaving earlier to have a bit of a breather and unwind. She has been locked inside her room for a month now, still grieving over the death of her parents. She packed all her belongings and flooed to Diagon Alley; she stepped out of the Floo inside the Leaky Cauldron, where she had booked herself a room for three weeks.

As she settled her luggage, she began to wonder where Theo was. He said he would only be gone for a couple of days, but it had been a week since he left the manor; she couldn't help but worry about him.

During her initial days, she visited her late parents' gravesite and spent time there, quietly conversing with them. She recounted stories from her second year, relating unbelievable tales of accidentally transforming into a cat. She also shared her happy reunion with her brother, explaining how quickly they rekindled their friendship, which had begun on her first train journey.

"Remember the boy I always told you about?" She smiled as she looks at their headstone. "He's been my brother all this time-my twin actually." She softly chuckles, wiping away a stray tear.

"You would both find him quite charming, intelligent, and witty." She smiled as she talks about her brother.

"Perhaps you would have considered adopting him if you had met." She made a lighthearted remark.

She returned to the Leaky Cauldron as soon as the sun began to set; an escaped prisoner from Azkaban is at large. It would be unsafe for her, and for anyone really, to wander alone at night. She freshened up, changed into her sleepwear, crawled into bed, and picked up a book to read.

A loud bang repeatedly shook her door. It was the middle of the night, so she instinctively grabbed her wand from the nightstand as she slowly approached her door.

"Who's there?" She called out, but received no reply. Unlocking the door, which was still ajar, she found Theo, who appeared quite unwell.

"Theo! How are-what are you doing here?" She panicked as she let Theo in. As soon as he got inside, he let out his emotions; he was vulnerable.

Hermione kneeled in front of him, stroking his hair. "Theo-" she gasped, her brows we're connecting, eyes were filled with concern for her brother.

"What happened Theo?" He didn't utter a single word; he just kept breaking apart in front of her.

"He hurt you again, didn't he?" She bit her lip, trying to control her emotions and suppress her anger, as Theo subtly nodded, confirming that their terrible father had done it again.

"S'alright-" She gently comforts him, offering a hug and rubbing his back to soothe him. "It's okay, I'm here Theo," she said repeatedly like a mantra.

"You have me Theo," she reassures him that she is there for him.

"I- I tried Hermione," He rested his head on her shoulders. His voice was muffled and difficult to understand.

"It's okay; he won't hurt you here." Hermione placed her hand on both his shoulder and looked at him directly into his eyes.

"You don't mind sharing the bed, right?" Hermione offered a small, gentle laugh to diffuse the tension. "It's alright 'Mione." He finally offered her a smile, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

⋆˙⟡

The following days have been grand. It was their first outing together, a shared activity beyond their usual quiet reading sessions in the library. Theo generously provided a significant sum of galleons for both of them. Each of them reviewed their school supply list and obtained all the necessary items.

"Are they actually serious? What kind of sodding book is this? With that kind of book, how am I s'pposed to complete my homework?" Theo expressed his dissatisfaction while reviewing their booklist. Theo, who was now comparing the list of books they needed, furrowed his eyebrows as his sister's book list was longer than his.

"Hermione-" Theo came to an abrupt halt, turning to face her.

"Exactly how many classes are you actually taking this year?" He began to wonder as he compared the number of books he had to hers.

"Oh, only a fair few," she hummed as she takes a book out from the shelf, Theo raised his eyebrows, appraising his sister.

"What?" She stared back at him.

"Nothing, it's like you have really lived up on becoming a real swot now." He chuckles at her, only to have a book thrown at his stomach, causing him to gasp for breath. "As if I wasn't even one before." She laughed as Theo grumbled.

"You desrve that, prat." She wrinkled her nose as she imitated him in a mocking way.

"You're brutal, do you know that?" He said breathily, still trying to collect air.

"So I have been told, dear brother." She smiled.

They have everything they need; everything was settled at the table. Hermione laughed at Theo as he repeatedly fails to open The Monster Book of Monsters. She finds it quite entertaining, especially Theo's constant profanity-laced screams every time he is bitten by the book.

On other days, she and her brother strolled around Diagon Alley, where they went to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour-which Theo insisted was the best ice cream place in Britain. Afterwards, they both went to Quidditch Quality Supplies since Theo wished to purchase some new equipment, hoping to try out for the Slytherin team. Hermione found her brother's detailed explanation of the store's equipment rather tedious.

Theo happily purchased a new broomstick servicing kit and promised Hermione she could choose the next shop they'll go.

"Oh, I actually want to go to Magical Menagerie!" She excitedly said, practically dragging her twin as they hurried to the shop. Theo was surprised that her twin chose to visit a different store instead of spending hours browsing at Flourish and Blott's.

She scans the room and checked out every animal they have; rats, toads, owls and cats. An orange looking thing had appeared stroking her leg with it's body, "hello there." She gently strokes the back of the orange cat, which is now purring.

"He usually doesn't like anyone, this fella right 'ere." Said the store personnel.

"Would you like to come home with me boy?" She cooed at the cat as she scratch his chin, purring more.

"Are you sure?" Theo gave her a look, "it looks ugly." He spoke impulsively, resulting in another painful blow from his twin.

"Shut it Theo, he's perfect." She continued petting the half Kneazle the store personnel told her about. She happily paid for her new cat and carried him throughout their stroll in Diagon Alley.

⋆˙⟡

"Shite," Hermione muttered a curse under her breath as Theo hurried over to her.

"What's wrong? What happened?" He posed numerous questions.

"Paranoid, much?" Hermione laughed.

"With every shite that's been going on? Yes I am." Theo stood with hands on hips, looking disapprovingly at her.

"I believe I've noticed an additional piece of parchment included with our Hogwarts letter. " She explains.

"With my parents being dead, there is no one to sign this!" It seems as though this may be the end for her; that parchment was indeed a permission slip for students in her year to visit Hogsmeade, a place she has heard is quite lovely.

"Perhaps you could ask Aunt Cissa?" He suggested, with a slight shrug.

"Oh, why didn't I think of that, Theo?" Her arms are folded across her chest.

"I'm not sure if you are asking that question for real or there is sarcasm along those lines." Hermione rolled her eyes and placed the permission slip firmly on Theo's desk.

"Clearly, dear brother-the professors don't know we're even related. How do you think they'll react once they see that my permission slip was signed by the Narcissa Malfoy? There would be questions asked, Theo!" She let out a small groan before going on. "And I- I am not yet prepared to answer any of those." She huffed, as she sat on her bed.

"Or you could forge their signatures." Another dumb suggestion Theo has offered. Hermione shook her head and gave his brother a disapproving look.

"Anyway-" Theo whistled, changing the topic. "I'll be returning later this evening. I'll see you at school, yeah?" Hermione didn't like the idea of Theo coming back home, their father is a vile creature. Yes, he is indeed a creature; referring to him as human is disrespectful to the human race. He doesn't have any humanity left in him, he and his so-called lord doesn't deserve to be called as humans at all.

"Hey, hey don't make that face." Theo brought themselves together; their heads collided.

"He can't keep hurting you like that." She tightened her jaw as he held his brother's hand firmly, his touch on her face gentle.

" I- I know, I'll try and be out of his sight." He tries to reassure her. Theo had put Hermione through hell that day, knocking on her door just a couple of minutes after he was healed; the side effects of the Cruciatus Curse were still visible.

"I'll be fine." He kissed her forehead and brought her in for a hug.

"Don't do something reckless, arlight?" She looked at him, eyes full of concern, her heart aching for him knowing she could do nothing about it; they were just thirteen years old. A bunch of kids forced to grow up quickly.

"I'm not a Gryffindor, being reckleds isn't-" Theo was interrupted before he could complete his sentence, and subsequently received an unpleasant blow from her.

Theo left to go back to his- well, their house. He mentioned that lately their father has been going out a lot and was barely home, which is great for Theo; Merlin knows what the devil would do to his dear brother if he had caught hin.

After a short while, a barny owl arrived at her window carrying a letter. She carefully removed the letter from the owl's feet and rewarded the owl with a treat.

Hermione carefully opened the letter and quickly recognized the familiar, somewhat messy handwriting.

Dear Hermione,

Did you hear what Harry did?

He blew his aunt up like balloon sort of thing! Bloody clever that is, heard he'll be in Leaky Cauldron. Mum, Dad and the rest of the family are going there as well. Figures I should tell you so that you can go to the leaky cauldron as well.

Ps. We plan to arrive on the evening of August 30th.

From
Ron

Hermione was in disbelief at what she learned-that Harry had accidentally blown up his aunt; otherwise, he would be expelled. She reread the letter and thought of meeting Harry tomorrow; she bet he was already here.

Morning arrived, and Hermione saw Harry sitting in the corner having breakfast, alone.

"Harry!" She called out to him, rushing over to give him a tight hug. "You- I can't believe you did that!" She scolded him.

"You know?" His eyes widened in surprise.

"Of course I knew," she scowled hitting him with a rolled up newspaper.

"Ow! Hermione!" He attempted to protect himself from her continued blows."You are so bloody lucky you didn't get expelled!" She continued to scold him.

"Hang on-" Harry finally managed to take the paper she had been hitting him with. "When did you get here?"

"Two weeks ago," She says, avoiding eye contact. "My parents decided to take a last-minute trip to France, and I chose to remain at home." She quickly gave him a false story; she knew Harry wouldn't question her. Instead, he gave her a nod, just a nod.

Ron and his family arrived later that week, and tomorrow they will all return to Hogwarts. She is excited to go back; there is a list of things she and her brother promised to do together, and of course, she had to compromise. Theo doesn't want to be cooped up in the library with her all year round. Both of them are really smart; the hat had even considered placing them in Ravenclaw, but of course, Theo threatened that he would set the hat on fire if it dared.

A bright morning awakened her, and all her belongings were neatly arranged. She hurried downstairs to have breakfast. The curly-haired witch found her cat chasing a rodent; to her surprise, it was Ron's rat, and the young red-headed wizard became quite angry that her cat nearly ate his rat.

"I'm warning you Hermione-keep that bloody beast away from scabbers!" Ron holds Scabbers tightly, keeping his pet away from her and the familiar she's hugging.

"What do you expect Ronald, he's a cat it's in his Nature!" She growled at him before taking a seat next to Fred.

"Taking a piss out on him already are you?" Fred teased, his eyebrows raised. "Oh sod off, Fred," She rolled her eyes, looking away and blushing. She had always had a secret crush on him.

"Showing it off again, Ron, are you?" George snatched the paper away from Harry and Ron.

Everyone carefully gathered their belongings and stowed them in the car provided by the ministry, who kindly insisted on transporting them to King's Cross. Each person gathered their belongings and swiftly crossed the barrier; they boarded the train, and she heard Ron's mother calling for him.

"Ron! Ron!" Mrs. Weasley called out to Ron, who poked his head out the window. It turned out he had forgotten his pet rat, which his mother kindly gave to him.

"Don't lose him!" The train moved, and they decided to look for an empty compartment.

"Come on, everywhere else is full." Harry said.

"You reckon you know him?" Ron wondered.

"Professor R.J Lupin," Hermione answered.

"Blimey, you know everything - Harry how does she knows everything?" He turned to the raven-haired boy, seeking answers; however, Harry merely shrugged before sitting across from Hermione.

"It's on his suitcase, Ronald." She took a seat next to the supposed Professor, subtly rolling her eyes before allowing Crookshanks to settle beside her.

Harry recounted the events leading up to his aunt's unfortunate demise, from the moment before it happened until his arrival at the Leaky Cauldron, where he was surprised to find the Minister of Magic and learn of an escaped Azkaban prisoner targeting him.

"You mean to say-" Ron took a huge gulp before continuing. "That Sirius Black is after you?" Harry nodded before they came to an abrupt halt. Crookshanks, having fallen to the floor, began to meow loudly.

"What is it, Crooks?" She gently comforts her half-kneazle familiar, carefully lifting him back into her lap.

Ron, whose face was pressed against the window, tried to get a glimpse of what was out there. "Th-there's something moving out there." Ron whimpers, his hands still pressed on the window.

"It feels chilly- something is definetly moving out there!" Ron cried out, Hermione stood up unlocking their door. Other students also peeked their heads out; everyone was distraught.

The train was pitch black, and the cold air touched her skin. She caught Theo, out of her line of view, mouthing, If she is alright. She gave him a slight nod and sat back as Crookshanks jumped onto her lap. The door slid open where in a cloaked figure entered. The sleeping professor awoke, wand pointed at the cloaked creature, light emitting from his wand dispelling the cloaked creature.

"Harry! Harry, are you alright?" Hermione knelt in front of Harry as the older wizard handed him a chocolate bar.

"Eat, you'll feel better," He instructed.

The three expressed their gratitude as he departed. Harry was still processing his thoughts after falling unconscious. He had told her that someone had screamed and asked if they were alright.

"No one was screaming, Harry-" She pursed her lips as she furrows her brows, "you fainted and well-the dementors were sucking out your soul." She explains.

⋆˙⟡

The feast had begun. Dumbledore introduced their new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, hoping he would be much better than the last one. Godric knows how daft their old professor was.

"Potter-psst! Potter," Malfoy called out from the Slytherin table, slightly whispering.

"Is it true you fainted,?" he laughed. "Like you actually fainted?" Zabini was mocking Harry, acting it out.

Hermione grabbed Harry's robes by the shoulder, forcing him to turn around before he could say anything to Malfoy that would lead them to hexing each other. She has a lot on her plate this year; there's no room for detentions.

"Leave it, Harry." Hermione gave him a warning.

"But Malfoy-"

"Is being a prat like he always is, and you'll end up in detention if you keep on taking his baits!" Hermione scolded him.

"Why are you suddenly being all soft on Malfoy?" Ron, who is now devouring his second plate of roasted beef spoke.

"I'm not Ronald!" She hissed

"Sounds like you are-"

"Shut it Ron! Honestly, you're being a prat as well right now."

He didn't continue arguing with her; instead, he devoured more of his roast beef, stuffing his face with it.

This year is much like the first two years they had, only this time they are well aware of what they will be dealing with: the dementors guarding Azkaban and the mass-murderer Azkaban escapee, Sirius Black. Also, she has a brother now to lean on through all this madness.

Hermione doesn't expect this year to go smoothly; life as Harry Potter's best friend is, well-rather eventful, as she would describe. Also, having Theo as a brother will make her a living target of their father, who despises Muggles, alongside Tom Riddle, who calls himself the Dark Lord. Currently, her true identity and the extent of her power remain unknown to everyone, except her potions' professor and of course her older brother.