Chapter 5
When Hermione woke up in the morning, something was odd. One, the room was empty. Normally she was the first one awake.
Feeling slightly off, she walked into the bathroom, and the penny dropped. She was bald. Her hair wasn’t short. It was gone. She gave a broken keening wail of grief.
She sobbed through her shower and wished that she was back home.
It was not just vanity. Hair was so much more than hair. It was a symbol, a part of her identity. Without even knowing, they had found one of the most hurtful things they could have done. But seconds after that thought. The people who did the prank might not knowbecame so much more than just fashion and personal self-expression. This act cut deep and try as she might she couldn't help but take this poorly.
The house had other Muggleborns and Halfbloods. They had multiple students of colour one of whom also kept their natural hair. She wasn’t the only Black student in her house. They knew. They definitely knew. The cruel monsters.
Theo and Draco worried when Granger didn’t bother showing up for breakfast, so they found themselves cornering Longbottom.
“I don’t know either. The house won’t tell me anything about it, but Weasley is pleased.” Neville admitted. He was worried about the witch. Whatever had been pulled was clearly not good.
“I appreciate you looking out for her. I know we haven’t had the best history.” Draco managed to say, shocking them all.
“It’s not for you, Malfoy. Hermione’s special, you know?” He asked and watched as Draco tensed, ready to strike. Granger was special, but she was also his. The longer it took for the rest of them to realise, all the better in so many ways. By the time they bothered to court her favour, his place would be solidified.
Something in Neville’s expression let Theo know he’d seen it too. “We met on the train.”
“Looking for your dumb frog,” Draco remembered.
“She was the only one who offered.” He commented. “Same when I struggle too. She appears and patiently helps.”
Weasley laughed at that. “Patient, my arse. Stuck up is what she is. Not that she helps you anymore, hey?”
“Oh, but she did. Right after she announced she was no longer helping us, she found people in other houses to help me.” He gave a pointed look at his peers. “She was pretty sure none of you would.” And they didn’t. “Nott is helping with potions class.”
“Oh, and what’s Malfoy helping you with?” Ron snarked, a red creeping up his neck.
“Growing my patience.” Neville retorted with a smile, “Hermione has done nothing to you.”
“I’m improving his comebacks. As you can see, I am a skilled and talented instructor. No need to thank me. Come, Theo, the reek of Ephialtes giving me nausea.” Draco said, glaring at the house. Ephialtes was to the ancient Greeks as Judas was to Christianity. He betrayed his homeland for the prospect of some coins. His actions so horrific and unforgivable his name became the root for the term nightmare.
“It’s the lack of integrity and spine for me. I imagine their founder is rolling in his grave,” Theo drawled.
“Like yours isn't either. Slytherin didn't like people like her.”
———-
Theo looked up when he heard Draco’s quill snap. Granger’s hair was gone. That was what had kept her away in the morning. But short of the slight pink to her eyes, nothing would show how hurt she was.
A falsely bright smile was on her face as she took her seat beside Neville. His eyes widened as he took in the beautiful pressed flower crown on her skull:
Tansy, a declaration of war. Orange lily, deep hate. Monkshood, I am out to get you.
Theo had to grab Draco to stop him from going over and starting shit. Snape was going to start his class, and he would not tolerate any kind of nonsense.
Hell would be paid. Lives would be destroyed. Their Granger. Their witch with a heart too big and a brain ten times larger. Their best friend, who hung the moon, had been attacked by her own housemates.
“Fine. She can spend the night in the girl's dorms.” Pansy said from her seat behind Draco. “But she’s making me a Pansy bracelet.”
“Thanks, Pans,” Draco breathed.
“Is she staying for Christmas?” Pansy asked.
“No.” Theo quietly admitted. “Lucius wouldn’t let me stay. I’m going home with her.” Theo admitted with a relieved expression. “I just, I’m safe here all year. I’m safe over Christmas, and Mum is stuck there with him.”
“She wants you safe, Theo.” Pansy reminded him. “We all do. Apparently, even Granger.”
At dinner, Hermione was escorted and seated between Draco and Theo. Across from then was a girl with a dark bob and if Hermione had been feeling unkind a pug face. The girl she had seen lurking with Draco and his friends.
“I’ve known Draco and Theo since we were in diapers. And everyone knows what Lord Nott is like,” Pansy said, ignoring Theo’s discomfort, but Hermione took his hand and gently squeezed.
“It’s no hardship having Theo stay for the holidays,” Hermione said, smiling. “We are going to do a cultural exchange. Theo has agreed to teach me how to build a Yule Altar. And I’m going to teach him all about Christmas,” she gushed.
Pansy sighed. “Fine look. Granger, we are adopting you. You are very clearly in need of it since you’re struggling to dress yourself.” At least the nightmare hair had disappeared due to baldness. “I will contact mother and get a potion to regrow your hair but only if you promise me you will not allow it to be so ghastly.”
“Bitch is Pansy’s love language. She will help you understand wizarding fashions so you can avoid embarrassment.” Theo translated.
Hermione flashed Pansy a shy smile.
“Can’t be any worse than Gryffindor house.” She observed looking across the hall where Weasley glared at her from his seat with Potter. The redhead elbowed the other boy and both boys laughed.
To them it was a funny prank she was sure. Just a laugh. Only playing. She had heard it countless times when her bullies were reported. And it looked like the staff at Hogwarts were not going to do any better.
“Remember when I told you to not go after low-hanging fruit?” She asked Draco quietly and he nodded while swallowing.
“Potter and Weasley are not low-hanging fruit.” She answered giving him her full approval to be just as nasty in return.