Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Hermione exits the perfect bath later that evening and runs into Draco.
‘Hello cousin. I heard you had an interesting day.’
‘Oh?’
‘Shagging a Weasley at the Shrieking Shack? And not the one that is spreading this particular rumor.’
‘I'm going to kill him. It was just a kiss.’
‘A kiss? Which Weasley is worthy of your kisses, cousin?’
‘George and I are tentatively in a relationship.’
‘Clearly his brother is thrilled. Would you like me to hex him?’
‘Come up with a legitimate reason and go ahead. I'm not going to stop you.’
‘Hmm, I can't wait. Hey, how much more will you endure before you confront him? I mean he is ruining your reputation and I did way less before you hit me.’
‘Good question. I think I will let that be a surprise.’
*.*
The following morning, Hermione goes to breakfast and is surprised that Harry chooses to sit with her. Ron was up late the night before and opted to sleep in, Harry left him to it. When Hermione sits down and pours herself some pumpkin juice, Harry clears his throat.
Looking up, Hermione says nothing. Harry reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box before handing it to Hermione.
‘I meant to give this to you on your birthday. I'm sorry I let the days get away from me. I hope you like it.’
Hermione's smile is a little sad as she opens the small box. She gasps when she sees the intricate necklace.
‘This is too much. I can't accept this.’
Harry ignores her and instead asks, ‘Would you like help to put it on?’
Hermione can see the determination pouring off him. He will not accept that it is too much.
‘Yes please.’
‘You are beautiful, Hermione.’ Harry whispers into her ear after he fastens the necklace.
‘What?’ Hermione turns toward Harry, hoping to understand what is happening. Before either can speak Ron storms into the room, sits on Harry's other side and begins to talk about Quidditch, loudly.
Ron, Ron. RON' Harry attempts to get Rons attention but he just keeps talking. When Harry looks around again Hermione is not in the room.
*.*
Hermione walks the grounds contemplating Harry and her new necklace. As she nears the black lake she hears several voices calling out to her. Looking around, Hermione sees the girls from Slytherin walking in her direction hurriedly. After another moment the girls have caught up to her.
‘Hello’ Hermione says tentatively.
‘Hello, we received word from our parents. No one knows what happened back then but apparently Lyra wasn't the only child to go missing. Everyone who supported the dark side was worried that their child would be next.’
‘What about the light side? How were they affected?’
‘I will ask my parents again but I don't remember hearing much about them.’
‘Alright I understand. Thank you. Tell me about your families? Why are purebloods so uptight?’
`We are not uptight, there are just standards that we are expected to follow. Why are muggle-borns so against our way of things?’
‘Muggleborns don't understand what these standards are, there is nothing that will tell us about it. None of you are willing to talk about it. There is no class for it or books to read. How do you expect anyone to know?’
‘I never thought of it that way. How about we share what we know in exchange for what you know?’
‘That’s a start but I’m not the only person at this school who needs to learn these things.’
Hermione and the Slytherins spend the morning chatting about their traditions and family expectations, things that seem normal to one but foriegn to the others. At lunch the girls invite her to eat with them and Hermione agrees. As soon as she sits down Hermione hears Ron from across the room but she chooses to ignore him.
‘Hello cousin. Have you had a nice day so far?’
‘Actually yes it has been nice getting to know some of your housemates.’
‘Good to hear.’ Draco leans closer and lowers his voice. ‘I have letters for you.. I was instructed to recommend you read them in private.’
Hermione moves her hand closer to his and he slips the parchments into her hand. A moment later both parties return to eating their meal. After the meal Hermione is invited to spend the afternoon with her new Slytherin friends. They choose a small courtyard to relax in. Surprisingly several of them hand her presents.
‘But why?’ Hermione is stunned. These people that she knew for years but had never interacted with previously were being more kind then most of her housemates and many of her friends as well.
‘Remember we were discussing customs? This is one of them.’ Tracy explained
‘We acknowledge that you are Lyra and that your birthday is originally in August, however as this is the day you are accustomed to celebrating and several of us are related to you we wanted to get you something.’
Not sure how to respond to that, Hermione nods and says thank you all. Pansy and Tracy gifts her with beauty products to improve the quality of her hairstyles. Daphne gifts her a book with beautification charms should she choose to use them. Theo gifts her with an Ancient Rune text that she has been eyeing this year. Blaise gifts her with a box of her favorite sweets along with a new high quality quill and a selection of fine inks. Draco gives her a box of biscuits and a journal engraved with her birth name.
Hermione hugs everyone individually in thanks. Hermione promises to use the products she received but only if they will show her what to do. Tracy and Daphne share a look before grabbing Hermione's arms and pulling her inside the castle.
‘Where are you taking me?’
‘You want to learn how to use those products? It is clearly time for a makeover.’ Hermione is dragged through the halls and down into the dungeon. No one seems bothered by her sudden appearance in the Slytherin common room. For the rest of the afternoon Hermione gets a crash course in improving her appearance.
*.*
The girls enter the Great Hall for dinner and everyone turns to watch Hermione. Her hair is styled and tamed. She is wearing makeup that accentuates her beauty. Hermione thanks the Slytherin girls before walking to Gryffindor table and sitting next to Neville.
‘Wow, Hermione, you look great.’
‘Thank you Neville. How has your day been?’
‘Alright I suppose, Professor Sprout has been letting me tend to several plants in Greenhouse 7 on the weekends. It reminds me of my Greenhouse at home.’
‘That sounds lovely, what plants are you working with right now?’
‘A variety of mushrooms, the challenging part is that they are all different. From temperature to environment to light. It's very precise otherwise the mushroom will die. We are trying to cultivate them to thrive.’
‘This is fascinating. Can you share your notes with me? I would love to learn more.’
‘You are welcome to join me after dinner. I can show you around.’
‘I would love that.’
*.*
Harry has spent his Sunday thinking about everything that has been happening. He slipped away from Ron after breakfast. Unable to organize his thoughts, Harry chooses to write to his godfather and ask for advice.
Padfoot,
I don't know what to do. I messed up and I'm trying to fix it. I'm not sure how though. Hermione found out who her parents are and they are death eaters. While I was trying to wrap my head around that, Ron began to yell at Hermione. The two of them have not had a civil word to say to each other since. recently, Hermione and I have not spoken and I realized that I miss her. All Ron ever wants to do is discuss Quidditch and play chess. Hermione would always have new things to talk about.
Yesterday was the first Hogsmeade trip of the year. Throughout the entire day I wished Hermione were with me. When I caught sight of her I decided that I would speak with her. Once I finally caught up with her she and George were snogging and I felt-- well I'm not sure how I felt but I didn't like seeing them together.
Hermione and I walked back to the castle together and we were able to talk. I apologized for my actions and we agreed to spend more time together. Ron is less than pleased but I am done choosing one friend over the other.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I promise to write more often.
Prongslet
*.*
Mum,
Everything is falling apart. Hermione is a lying death eater spawn. Now she is always around the snakes. Harry is taking her side, and he is studying with the snakes too. No one wants to talk to me anymore and I don't know why. I'm barely passing my classes. Hermione thinks she is too good to help me anymore. You always told me that as long as Harry was my friend I would be fine. Now he barely has any time for me. What can I do?
Ron
*.*