If You’ve Got Enough Nerve
Chapter 3 - If You’ve Got Enough Nerve
“Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.”
- Ginny Weasley
September 17th 1976 - Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scottish Highlands
“Shit.” Hermione swore as she checked the time. She was meant to be getting ready for Slughorn’s party but got caught up reading - very typical of her.
Alice laughed at her. “Do you need help?”
“Please.” Hermione groaned, marking the page of the book she was on and finally closing it. “Are you going too?”
“I wasn’t invited but Frank is taking me as his date. Slughorn has invited him to these events for years, his whole family have been successful Aurors and he hopes Frank will be one too. He’s really good at defence.”
Hermione’s eyes widened. “You’re meant to bring dates?”
“Don’t worry,” she giggled, “no one will care if you don’t have one, I mean, since you just transferred.” The French witch breathed out a sigh of relief.
After a few minutes of groaning and complaining, Hermione decided to wear one of the outfits her cousin Narcissa had gifted her. It was an extremely graceful dress made of white silk and fell to just below her knees. The dress had a sweetheart neckline that showed off her collarbones and clung to her body, accentuating her curves. The elegant flared sleeves it featured were very fashionable for 70s wizarding fashion, Hermione observed.
Alice helped her pull half of her hair up into a ponytail with a white ribbon and a few curls framing her face and Hermione cast a few light beauty charms over herself, giving her some subtle eyeliner and lip tint. Pulling on small silver heels and earrings, Hermione couldn’t help but admire herself in the mirror. She felt beautiful .
Embarrassingly, a few tears stung her eyes but she blinked them back quickly before Alice noticed.
Alice was also looking stunning in a pale blue dress with thin straps. The v-shaped neckline was low but not enough to be distasteful. Her silky blonde hair was curled and pulled up into a ponytail and she wore silver strappy heels which allowed her to show off her long legs that were tanned from the summer. Alice’s cheeks were lightly painted pink and mascara elongated her eyelashes. “Ready?” She grinned at Hermione.
The brunette witch beamed and nodded her head and the pair headed down the stairs towards the common room.
“Frank!” Alice threw herself into her boyfriend's arms and gave him a light peck on the cheek. “Oh! Before I forget, this is Hermione Rosier.”
“Of course, I know who you are. Your brother’s in my year.” Frank grinned. “But it’s a pleasure to meet you, Hermione.” The witch smiled as she said the same.
“By the way, how did you get in? Don’t tell me you finally figured out the riddle this time.” Alice inquired.
“I wish. Crouch actually let me in.” Hermione’s eyes darted to the wizard standing a few feet away from them.
“Barty! What are you doing here?” She exclaimed. The Ravenclaw wizard was dressed in fine black robes and Hermione remembered that he mentioned also being invited to Slughorn’s party as well.
“I’m escorting you to the party!” He exclaimed happily.
“Escorting me?”
“As your date, I even turned down loads of girls for this.” He teased.
Hermione’s face scrunched up in confusion before realisation dawned on her. “Oh, Evan asked you to, right?”
“No…Why would he?”
“Wait, if he didn’t ask you then why are you doing this?”
“Well, we’re friends aren’t we?” Hermione’s heart swelled when Barty said that. His eyes were bright and hopeful and his hair slicked back with a few strands out of place and she noticed that he had a dimple on his left cheek as he smiled at her. He looked so adorable that Hermione couldn’t help but smile back as she nodded and took his arm.
The usually dim demeanour of the dungeons was drastically different when Hermione entered Slughorn’s office for the party; the ceilings were draped with white curtains and fairy lights which brightened up the space and created a makeshift tent. There were around fifty guests, as Slug Club had around twenty members, most of whom brought dates, alongside guests from outside Hogwarts that Slughorn had invited personally.
An office probably wasn’t the most appropriate venue for a party like this as the room seemed slightly cramped, but Hermione appreciated Slughorn’s efforts.
She and Barty had arrived slightly later compared to the other guests, but not so late that it was considered rude. If the Ravenclaw witch thought she was overdressed (which she did) then she was definitely mistaken as she spotted many girls around the room wearing flashy dresses and high heels that looked incredibly painful to walk in.
The pair navigated through the crowd to a corner of the room where mostly Slytherins were and greeted Regulus and Rabastan who were both wearing fine robes like Barty’s and looking extremely bored. “Aww, how cute are you both!” Paisley Parkinson, a Slytherin witch in their year, exclaimed at the sight of Hermione and Barty. Rabastan had invited her as his date and she seemed to be all over both him and Regulus - who looked extremely uncomfortable.
“Please never say that again.” Evan grimaced as he walked over to the group of fifth years to greet his sister. “Slughorn was looking for you.” He told her.
“Really?” Hermione asked in surprise. Slughorn had been gushing over her in Potions recently but she hadn’t thought much of it.
“He wanted to introduce you to someone. Be careful, I heard he invited the Minister of Magic to this and you know how Father would feel if you were on his radar.”
“Harold Minchum?” Rabastan snorted, “He’s harmless.”
“I heard he’s advocating for more dementors in Azkaban and he’s been increasing Auror training.” Dorian Greengrass, one of Evan’s friends and Alice’s cousin, contended.
“I hardly think I need to be worrying about Azkaban, but thank you, Greengrass.” Hermione mumbled. “I’ll go see what he wants.” With that, the French witch sauntered off towards the centre of the room.
She hadn’t walked that far when she felt herself stumble slightly and begin to fall, only to be caught by someone. She looked up into the amber eyes of Remus Lupin who smiled shyly and averted his gaze, quickly letting go of Hermione when she was steady. “Thank you…” She trailed off, realising that he had never actually been properly introduced to her in this time.
“Remus Lupin.” He offered, “We met on the train but I just realised I never told you my name.”
“Yeah, I remember. Hermione Rosier.” She wasn’t quite sure what to say and she could feel the silence between them turning awkward so began making small talk. “I’m actually looking for Slughorn; I’ve never been to one of these before and I heard he wanted to introduce me to someone.”
“To be honest, I wasn’t even actually invited, but I always end up attending these somehow. They aren’t really that bad, just a bit boring I suppose.”
A loud voice interrupted their conversation. “Where’s my beautiful date? Mooooony!” It practically yowled. The Gryffindor rolled his eyes as Sirius Black came stumbling up to them. He hadn’t changed from his school uniform, probably came straight from detention considering his reputation. “There you are.” He grinned and began speaking rapidly but stopped when he caught sight of Hermione.
The witch smiled slightly as she caught his eye. Sirius didn’t really look to be completely sober, she guessed that someone (probably himself) had spiked the punch and Slughorn either didn’t notice or didn’t care.
There was a long moment where neither of them did anything; Sirius seemed to be at a loss for words and Hermione was incredibly uncomfortable. Having both Remus and Sirius in her presence - together - was beginning to feel overwhelming and she could feel her skin becoming hot and a flush creeping up her neck.
“Hi Hermione!” Sirius declared joyfully. “This is Hermione, Moony.” He explained helpfully to his taller friend, who seemed to be holding back a laugh.
“Thanks Padfoot, I had no idea!” Remus replied with equal enthusiasm. Sirius beamed at both him and Hermione.
James and Peter had snuck up behind him but hesitated to scare Sirius when they saw who he was talking to. Hermione Rosier was standing in front of them, looking extremely adorable in her white dress with a bow in her hair. James felt butterflies in his stomach but quickly suppressed them - shooting the witch an irritated glare instead.
“What’s the snake doing here?” He seethed. Hermione was taken aback at James’ hostility towards her. In the stories shared about him, he was described as a noble and attentive young man. Though she had heard that he had a supposed prejudice against Slytherins from Harry, who was quite distraught when he shared that with her, she never expected it to be true. Hermione especially never expected that prejudice to be against her considering she wasn’t even Slytherin!
She eyed James in confusion and concern.
“Snake? Hermione?” Sirius interrupted, seemingly in thought. “Nah, she’s more like a dove.” With that, he began to flap his arms and make whatever sound he thought doves made - wildly inaccurately might I add. It sounded far more similar to a dying cat. Remus hissed as he covered his ears.
“Alright Sirius, it sounds like it's your bedtime. Say goodnight to everyone.” The werewolf placed his arms on the shorter wizard’s shoulders and began to steer Sirius (who was waving goodbye to the remaining Marauders and Hermione) out of the dungeons. Hermione couldn’t help but smile fondly at the Gryffindors as they left; the scene being extremely reminiscent of late nights at Grimmauld Place where Sirius drank more than he should’ve.
However she was brought back to reality as she met the eyes of Peter Pettigrew and James Potter, both of whom were staring at her distrustfully.
James was scrutinising her with his jaw clenched; his dislike of her seemed personal and neither Hermione nor James himself could figure out why. Was it the fact that she was associated with Slytherins? But no , James thought, I never cared when Lily or Peter did it, so why would I care when a random transfer student did? Perhaps that was the reason for his disfavour of her. Who just decides to transfer to Hogwarts randomly before their fifth year? Was there a reason? Was she expelled ? The not-knowing was driving him crazy.
He was too caught up in his thoughts to realise that Hermione had left to chat to Slughorn and James had been staring at the empty spot she had been for the past minute or so. Peter was shaking him slightly, a concerned look etched upon his face. “What was that?” The blond wizard asked warily.
“No idea, Pete.”
Hermione tried to be interested in what Slughorn was saying, she really tried, but she couldn’t stop herself from turning her head back to catch another glimpse of James Potter.
He had been wearing his glasses for once, round frames that suited his face perfectly, and his uniform was messy; his shirt unbuttoned and his red and gold Gryffindor tie hanging loosely from his neck. James had exceptionally unkempt hair and a tall and broad frame showing off his Quidditch physique. He looked happier and healthier than Harry ever did in Hermione’s old time and while it was heartwarming to see, she couldn’t brush off the look he gave her.
It was frightening to see such a look of loathing on his face; Harry’s face. The thought of her best friend ever regarding her like that sent shivers up her spine.
The French witch was extremely certain that she hadn’t done anything to deserve James Potter’s hatred. Especially considering that his other friends had absolutely no issue with her - except Peter, which was understandable as she often sent nasty looks towards him, silently punishing him for his future actions.
Not to mention, the only “snake” in the Marauders year that Hermione ever really associated with was her brother, who she knew for a fact never antagonised the Marauders like his friends did. Evan and Sirius had an unspoken agreement since the summer before their first year, where they promised to protect each other, and neither of them had broken it despite their petty house rivalries.
In conclusion, Hermione was thoroughly baffled at the Gryffindor’s behaviour. Part of her thought to just dismiss it and forget about it, but another, much larger part, was stressing over the idea of Harry’s future father hating her. If she didn’t set this right, she might never be able to see Harry after he’s born, or make sure that if her plans fail, at the very least October 31st 1981 would not result in the murder of the Potters. She had to fix this, which meant going against her rules.
Hermione found that she couldn’t enjoy the rest of Slughorn’s party with these thoughts on her mind and when she returned to her brother and the Slytherins in the corner of the room her mouth was set into a thin line, her eyes gleaming in determination. Evan sent an inquiring look at the expression on her face to which she merely shook her head and sighed. She noticed that a couple more people had joined the group, including Severus Snape, Augustus Rookwood and Thaddeus Nott - Theodore’s father.
“I could’ve sworn I saw you talking to those Gryffindors in our year earlier.” Nott mentioned casually, raising his eyebrows as he spoke, but not looking at her.
“Not really, only Remus.” She shrugged in response, eliciting snarky laughter from Severus Snape. He was shorter and much less intimidating than he was as a professor, but he still had his greasy hair and pasty skin even in his youth.
“Lupin is-” Before Snape could speak, Evan groaned and snapped at him.
“Merlin, nobody cares if you think he’s a werewolf, Snape. You’ve made your point how many times? Just please shut up about him.” Snape’s nostrils flared but he kept quiet. Hermione felt immensely proud of her brother and thankful that nobody cared about Remus’ condition, which Severus seemed to have shared his suspicions about with them. However, the attention once again shifted to Hermione when Benjamin Wilkes scoffed.
“Why were you talking to Loopy Lupin?”
“Loopy Lupin? Isn’t that kind of childish?” Hermione countered. “Besides, it wasn’t even a full conversation.” Before he could reply, a voice interjected, changing the subject.
“I heard Black got drunk again,” Rabastan offered, breaking from his conversation with Barty and Regulus to relieve some of the tension that had grown in the air. Regulus rolled his eyes and muttered something along the lines of ‘of course he did.’
“Yeah he did,” Hermione confirmed, oblivious to the looks shared between the older Slytherins. Augustus Rookwood, a seventh year and known Death Eater stepped towards her, invading her personal space.
“Listen here, Baby Rosier,” he began to snarl, “I don’t know if anyone’s told you this but people like us do not associate with people like Lupin and Potter. They are blood traitors, half-bloods and go around declaring their love for muggleborns, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away.”
“Rookwood.” Evan cautioned. “Don’t talk to her like that. Beauxbatons doesn’t work like that, she just didn’t know.”
“You better teach her soon,” Rookwood scowled, “you don’t want her to embarrass your family.” With that, he took a step backwards and out of Hermione’s personal space, which allowed her to breathe much easier. She took a moment to school her features into an unfazed look before tilting her head up to meet the seventh year's eyes.
“I think I can decide who to associate with myself, thanks.” There was silence as Hermione and Augustus glared at each other, engaging in a silent argument in which both refused to back down.
Evan sighed. He swore Hermione was just antagonising him on purpose; he could feel his blood pressure rising with every word his sister said. Of course, Hermione was a beautiful, intelligent witch and he loved her with all his heart, but she was definitely far too Gryffindor for his liking. She always stood up for what she believed in and was not afraid to call people out, which made her stand out amongst her Ravenclaw peers who were mostly indifferent towards any injustice they came across. Though Evan had to applaud Hermione’s recent efforts to change, she had yet to learn the consequences she would face if those around her found her to be too outspoken.
Sacred Twenty-Eight society was basically just rich families fighting over which family was better, which meant that all events; birthdays, weddings, even funerals, were filled with backhanded compliments and subtle insults towards each other. It was practically required for students to learn each family’s history and how to offend them most during etiquette lessons.
Luckily, Hermione was cunning in her own way, so Evan wasn’t too worried about her. His sister was scarily clever and knew what hexes hurt most, so he was sure that she could stand up for herself should any trouble arise. He also knew that she had immense knowledge about people, she knew things she shouldn’t, and she wouldn’t hesitate to use it against them.
What she needed though, was more time to adjust to the Pureblood customs in Hogwarts which she wouldn’t be able to do if she attracted negative attention from the wrong people. This is what caused him to stand between his sister and Rookwood and put an end to their heated discussion.
“What my sister means is that she was not associating with Lupin and his friends, she was merely being cordial to him which is something you clearly need to learn how to do, considering the reason Cynthia Travers refused a betrothal contract with you. What did she say again?”
“He’s too much of a tyrant and she’d rather marry Slughorn.” Thaddeus Nott snickered. Beside him Dorian Greengrass was also attempting to suppress his laughter. Rookwood was physically shaking at this point, his lips had drawn back into a snarl and his face was an ugly red colour.
Surprisingly, Regulus Black stepped in to continue Evan’s speech. “What Rosier means is, shut the fuck up, Rookwood.”
“Exactly,” Evan nodded approvingly. Rookwood brandished his wand and pointed it at him.
“How dare you?” He seethed, “Clearly insolence is a family trait. I always knew the Rosiers had gone soft after your grandfather died, I never thought you’d stoop so low to defend half-breeds though.”
“For the love of Merlin, Lupin is not a werewolf! Dumbledore may be eccentric, but he’s not completely insane. He would never let a werewolf attend Hogwarts.” Barty snapped. “Put your wand down, the only spell you know is Expelliarmus.”
“Everyone knows Slughorn only invited you to this since your brother refused to join when he was here.” Rabastan added.
Hermione found her voice. “Joseph Rookwood? I heard he’s on track to becoming head of the Department of Mysteries. And he’s taken up a seat on the Wizengamot.”
“His father must be so proud,” Cora Fawcett, a Slytherin in Hermione’s year, gushed. They all knew that this was a sore point for Augustus, it was known that his father rarely ever acknowledged him, instead boasting about his heir, Joseph.
In retaliation, Augustus turned his wand from Evan to Hermione and began to mutter an incantation that sounded suspiciously like one of the hexes she had memorised from the Half-Blood Prince textbook. No sooner had he opened his mouth was his wand knocked out of his hand by Hermione. Her wandless Expelliarmus caught the attention of Regulus and Barty who, unbeknownst to her, had begun attempting to develop their wandless magic.
“That wasn’t very nice.” Hermione pouted.
“Just wait until I tell Lucius,” Rookwood seethed, “I’m sure you know he’s my brother's best friend and he left me in charge of Slytherin. He will not be happy when I tell him about your disobedience.”
“He’ll be even unhappier when he hears that you tried to attack his future cousins-in-law.” Evan countered.
“Narcissa would throw a fit if you hurt her favourite bridesmaid with her wedding only a few months away.” Added Hermione.
Regulus chuckled before casually throwing in. “She’d probably have your head used as decoration for the new manor - you know how the Black insanity is.” Rookwood seemed to have had enough at that as he muttered something darkly under his breath and stormed off, taking Severus Snape of all people with him.
“All that and he’s not even Sacred Twenty-Eight.” Paisley Parkinson sighed.
“What a suck-up,” tutted Emma Vanity, another seventh year Slytherin who was also Quidditch captain. “He came to me begging to be Keeper for the team last year; not only is he not the brightest but he’s got no sense of direction on a broom.”
Hermione giggled and soon the Slytherins (and the two Ravenclaws) engaged in casual conversation before the party ended and Hermione was escorted back to the dormitories by Barty, who entertained her with his jokes on their journey back to the Ravenclaw Tower.
“Are they always like that?” Hermione asked quietly when they were in the Common Room.
“What do you mean?” Barty furrowed his brows.
“The Slytherins. Do they always act like that?” She added. Understanding dawned on his face.
“Like someone just wished death on their entire house and everyone is out to get them and can’t be trusted?” He confirmed, causing Hermione to smile. “Pretty much. You get used to it after a while.”
“Why do you never hang around any Ravenclaws?”
“They either think I’m psycho or my father did something to their family.” He shrugged. Hermione’s eyes widened.
“That’s awful.”
“It’s fine really. Reg and Rabastan aren’t that bad behind all their aristocratic ways and superiority complexes. And Alice has always been nice to me.” She could still see a slightly downcast look in Barty’s face and so Hermione reached out and hugged him tightly. He hesitated before hugging her back.
“Thank you for escorting me Barty, I had a lovely time.” She muttered against his shoulder. He grinned as he let Hermione go and she headed towards the girls dormitories.
“Anytime, Hermione.”
October 1st 1976 - Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scottish Highlands
“Quidditch tryouts day!” Alice screamed into Hermione’s ear, startling her awake. She shot right up and blinked for a moment to adjust to her surroundings before sending a scathing glare at Alice for interrupting her sleep. The blonde witch smiled sheepishly. “Are you going to try out?”
“I don’t know…” Hermione bit her lip and looked towards the window.
“I don’t know why you wouldn’t. Our team needs a new seeker after the last one graduated and I know you mentioned that you played at Beauxbatons, and if Jason Abott gets on the team I might Avada myself.” Alice rambled until she realised Hermione was giving her a blank stare.
“I’ve been the Keeper on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team for the past two years. My spot is basically secured unless the second years this year are crazy talented, which they probably aren’t. Barely anyone gets on the team in their second year.”
“You should try out, Hermione,” Isla Davies said sincerely from across the dorm, “I was a Chaser last year and the team really is great. Especially our captain, Jacob Goldstein, though he is terrifyingly dedicated.” Hermione laughed, imagining a Ravenclaw version of Oliver Wood, who as well as being unmerciful with practice, droned on about making strategies using Arithmancy.
By the time Hermione had sat down for breakfast, she had been thoroughly convinced by her two roommates to attend Quidditch tryouts. Barty offered to watch, saying he was rubbish at Quidditch but wanted to support Hermione, which she found absolutely adorable.
Ever since Slughorn’s party, Hermione and Barty had formed an extremely close bond. They now sat together in every subject which they were allowed to, spent every meal together and hung out after class; in the common rooms, library and even with Regulus and Rabastan sometimes. It was nice for Hermione to have a friend who didn’t constantly complain about how much time she spent reading or beg her to do their homework. For Barty, he finally had company at meals, someone to talk to in and outside class, a friend who stood up for him and didn’t care who his father was.
Unbeknownst to Hermione and Barty, they had begun to form an unbreakable friendship.
It was for that reason that Barty sat in the freezing October cold to watch his friend tryout for Quidditch. The skies were gloomy and grey and despite his multiple warming charms Barty could still feel the bitter winds causing goosebumps to appear on his skin.
The Ravenclaw had not been remarkable until a few years ago. Most of the time, Hogwarts was divided into two; Slytherin and Ravenclaw and Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Good and Evil. It was no secret that the red and green houses took the majority of the school’s attention, mostly due to the fact that students from those houses tended to be more outspoken. However, this was an advantage for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, as it allowed them to strategise and improve without the focus from the student population.
Jacob Goldstein devoted his whole life to Quidditch. He lived it, breathed it, and most importantly, loved it. This meant that he needed to ensure that Ravenclaw had the best possible team this season.
There were three spots opened on the team, from three students who graduated last year. Their last seeker has been quite terrible, if he was honest, as they didn’t have the best concentration or dedication in matches. There was also a chaser and beater position open.
All members of the previous years team also had to try out once again though it was practically guaranteed that they would keep their spot. They stood together on the Quidditch pitch with bored expressions, beside a dozen hopeful second and third years. Most of the previous teamlooked frustrated and impatient as they shivered against the breeze. Jacob wasted no more time beginning the tryouts.
Hermione listened to Goldstein’s speech with rapt attention as he explained the tryout process. There were only four other potential seekers for her to go against; Jason Abbott and two second and third year students. Goldstein organised for there to be four mini Quidditch matches that would end after the snitch was caught.
As Hermione waited for her go (she was to play in the fourth match), she couldn’t help but feel confident as she watched the other contenders. The second year was a tanned boy with auburn hair, and he moved frantically through the air. There was no caution in his movements and he manoeuvred in a jerky manner. The third year had quite a bit of potential - she was like a mini Angelina Johnson - however in the last minute she fell from her broom, and while a cushioning charm saved her, her chances of being on the team died. Jason Abbot was the last potential seeker and the one Hermione felt most nervous about. While watching him play she concluded that he was decent, but nothing special. He moved carefully but he didn’t take any risks in the game, there was no sense of adrenaline in the way he flew, and that was the difference between a good Quidditch player and an amazing one.
Hermione mounted her broom and waved at Barty when it was her time to play. She was feeling less nervous than she felt at the start as flying always comforted her and reminded her of Harry. As the game progressed, her mind detached from it and drifted towards her fond memories of watching Harry and Ron fly around in their spare time, tossing around a quaffle or playfully aiming bludgers at each other. Hermione sighed and a dreamy smile overtook her face.
In around the fourth minute or so she was pulled out of her dreams by a quick glimpse of gold from the snitch. Jacob (who was filling in as the other team's seeker) had not spotted it yet. Hermione smirked as she dived towards the small object, flying straight past Jacob at a dangerous speed. Her hand closed around the snitch and she lowered herself to the ground triumphantly, she could hear Barty cheering for her from the stands.
“I have to applaud your performance, Hermione,” Jacob grinned at her. “You are definitely on the team; I haven’t had this serious of a Quidditch opponent in ages!”
“You are so humble, Jacob.” Alice rolled her eyes playfully as she came up behind Hermione and threw an arm around her. “I’m glad we have an actual decent seeker now though. Our team will be practically unbeatable this season.”
“We’ll see about that.” Regulus and Rabastan had made their way to the Quidditch stands to meet Barty during Hermione’s game, and the trio joined Alice and Hermione on the pitch. Regulus glanced at Hermione with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I saw your game, Rosier. You’re almost as good as me, not quite there yet though.”
“Don’t worry, Black, we’ll see who is better next week when we play Slytherin.” Goldstein replied coolly. “Tell your captain I’m looking forward to watching you lose.” Alice leaned close to Hermione’s ear gleefully and began to whisper.
“Jacob has had a thing with the Slytherin Captain, Emma Vanity, since last year. They act like they hate each other but it’s so obvious.” She made a mock serious face. “Don’t tell anyone but I even caught them in a broom cupboard one time.”
At that, Hermione actually giggled, and the pair continued to laugh as they made their way to the changing rooms.