Entrances
The bottom of the slim fitting, red gown billowed across the steps of the grand staircase. Logically selected golden heels resounded throughout the empty halls as Hermione anxiously made her way to the front.
It was finally time.
She hadn’t believed it when she’d gotten the OWL to be the next Witchette. She didn’t feel worthy of the thousands of galleons spent on wardrobe and makeup and (merlin help it) her hair. Hermione nervously tugged at the tight updo and pushed in the pins keeping her hair tidy.
As she made her way past the Great Hall and towards the enormous double doors, her fidgeting only grew.
These men were the best of the best. If she couldn’t find a partner here, then she was truly and utterly meant to be alone.
Shaking the grim thoughts from her head, Hermione straightened up and brushed non-existent crumbs from her gown, the slit in the side swaying and exposing one pale leg. This was her night! She put on a dazzling smile. And she wasn’t going to let some petty insecurities ruin it!
Her well-manicured hands immediately covered her mouth when she swung open the heavy doors to a heavenly sight.
It looked straight out of a painting.
What seemed like a million twinkling stars shined upon the cobblestone path illuminated with floating lanterns. A faint mist rolled out from the lake in the distance, giving the air a newly-rained smell. The dark grass glowed in the moonlight and the forbidden forest lay quiet and unmoving, seemingly aware of her important night.
Tonight, twenty eligible men were on their way to whisk Hermione off her feet for the chance of a lifetime of happiness. Drama, laughter, love: she was ready for the unexpected.
The castle rumbled, individual stones shifting and an omnipotent voice boomed from the walls.
“Hermione Granger! Are you ready to meet the men?”
She smoothed her hair and nodded, answering the building.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Then let The Witchette begin.”
Dust scattered from the shifting parts of Hogwarts as the building quieted in anticipation and excitement.
The sound of hooves on the path rang in the silent air, when a carriage pulled by thestrals came into view. Hermione, still smiling nervously, wrung her hands together, the bodice of her beaded dress pressing heavily against her rapidly increasing heartbeat.
The carriage abruptly slowed down in front of her. The jutted, ghastly outline of four thestrals halted their march by some unseen conductor. They whiffed and snarled menacingly but made no move to approach Hermione.
She gulped. This was it. The moment her life would change. At the end of these eight weeks she would be engaged to someone worthy of her. Someone who put up with her habits, someone who would make her life exciting. Someone she loved.
Her nerves had Hermione nearly fainting in the cool, misty night. Fingernails dug into the palms of her hands as the shadow of the first contestant loomed in the carriage doorway.
First, a hand. Followed by a head full of gleaming brown hair not unlike her own. A well-polished shoe was halfway out the door when a startling shriek filled the air, followed by the sounds of several defined thuds.
“Ow,”
The brown haired fellow with a bit of a baby face rubbed his skull and scowled at his rotten luck before quickly remembering where he was.
Scrambling up from his knees to his feet, his face flushed as he met Hermione’s eyes.
“It’s-It’s so great to finally meet you!”
He took a calming deep breath before continuing.
“I’m Neville Longbottom and did uh-” He scratched the back of his neck and avoided eye contact with her.
“Did you -uh- fall recently?”
Her face twisted in confusion, “Didn’t you?”
If it was possible, Neville’s kind complexion turned even more fiery.
“I mean! Uh- Did you fall from an angel?”
He gripped her hands. She could feel his sweaty palms but gave him a small smile and chuckle before putting the nervous man out of his misery.
“Did I fall from heaven because I look like an angel?”
He sheepishly turned his face to the side. “...Yeah.”
Hermione gently laid one hand on his cheek to bring his eyes to meet her again.
“You’re very sweet.”
His grin could’ve outshined Christmas and he rushed into a perfectly-formed hug. His rough hands brushing the skin from her backless dress.
Hermione absolutely melted into the contact. She couldn’t remember the last time she had-
Neville pulled away and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
“I can’t wait to get to know you, Hermione.”
He felt so...genuine! She felt swept off her feet, and this was only the first guy! She watched his built frame walk the steps into Hogwarts, tripping several more times as he looked back at her and smiled.
As much as she wished to talk to Neville more, as soon as the clumsy man was inside, a second appeared from the carriage.
The following men were much less nervous than the first, but each held a dazzling smile and showed a keen interest in herself.
She was introduced to Dean, a fit lad who presented her a set of matching English football Jerseys with the promise of challenging her to a match later.
She met Collin. A little younger than she expected, but he had a lively energy that made his photography hobby very entertaining. He tucked a polaroid into her palm before he kissed her hand and followed the lanterns inside the great double doors.
She even had the absolute pleasure of getting to know Oliver Wood. Who flew in on a broom and laughed heartily as he stirred the wind into lifting her gown up. Her hands quickly moved to bring the dress back down for decency and her cheeks burned in embarrassment.
“No need to be worried, love,” The olive-eyed boy winked at her, “It’s nothing I won’t see later anyways.”
Hermione cringed and the daft man took it as the opportunity to sneak closer and lean in for a kiss before abruptly being stopped in his path.
“Let’s-Let’s save that for later, shall we?” She maintained her calm composure while her hands twitched, wanting to shove the man all the way back to where he came from.
Oliver’s eyes twinkled with his perverted thoughts and his hands trailed down Hermione’s sides, getting dangerously close to groping.
“Of course, anything the lady wants.” He purred before Hermione removed his hands gingerly and smiled at him until he was out of sight. After he was gone, her face immediately twisted into a grimace. There was no way that guy could be her soulmate.
Her thoughts were interrupted by more sounds along the road up to Hogwarts. Her hands flew to cover her mouth and hide her amusement when what looked like a bright orange pumpkin carriage made its way to stop in front of her. The wheels looked like green spindles and the handles seemed to be leaves. Exactly like a fairytale.
The royally decked out coachman hopped off the front seat and made his way past the sniffling clydesdales and approached the equally orange-ridged door. When opened, a series of orchestra instruments floated out, playing a lovely waltz. Then an elegant gentleman glided down the organic-looking steps. Once again, Hermione was left speechless.
The man was lavishly adorned like a prince. The dark grey jacket embellished with golden epaulets and a shimmering sash. Hermione’s eyes trailed from the outfit to his face, the harsh buzz cut somehow accentuating his large features. He seemed nervous as he approached Hermione, his hands fidgeting with something behind his back.
“It is honor to meet you, Hermi- Hermon.” A thick german accent accompanied the butchering of her name. When he drew his hands to the front, the thick fingers delicately held a small tiara.
“I am Viktor. And I...May I…?” Seemingly lost for words, the man fidgeting as he motioned to her hair and the crown.
Hermione nodded vigorously and her breathing shallow as the giant man lightly placed the sparkling gem on her head. When he was finished, Viktor knelt down and gave her hand a swift kiss.
“You are princess, Hermoninny.”
Her face flushed, “I...oh, thank you Viktor.”
With a boyish smile, Viktor’s well-toned legs stood and made for the exit, the orchestra and lovely melody following him inside. Leaving Hermione in silence as she watched his retreating form.
How could anyone possibly top that? A real prince, straight out of a storybook. It was what every bookworm dreamed of.
Despite the kindness and creativity displayed by the next several bachelors, Hermione couldn’t stop thinking about the sweet princely Viktor.
Even when the handsome Blaise rode in on his enchanting motorcycle. Her mind wandered to the pumpkin carriage.
Even when the mysterious and moody Severus gifted her a potion of vitality (an incredibly difficult potion to master, she would know). Hermione couldn’t help but think of the enchanting orchestra.
Not even the respectful Cedric, who in a display of incredible magic, apparated past the wards and startled her. Her mind was reeling over the crown.
It took a whole explosion to knock some semblance of concentration back into her.
Literally.
The ground shook and fire took to the sky. Shocked and unexpected, the intensity of the explosion shifted the ground, causing Hermione to lose her balance and tumble to the ground, the tiara falling off her temple.
A myriad of reds, golds, greens, and blues, took to the sky forming a heart. The twinkling lights then burst into another formation of a ferocious, roaring lion.
Hermione steadied herself upright and dusted the dirt off her hands without taking her eyes off the display. The flames danced and swayed, circling a shadow on the lake before rocketing up again and forming a name in the night sky.
Seamus
The colors lit up the wide lake and wide array of scattered fireworks shone light upon Seamus’ freckled face. His boat docked and he hastily stepped out onto the shore. Shiny shoes imprinted the path with his footprints, Seamus jogged up to Hermione, his face lit up joyously.
“ ‘Ay there Hermione! I ‘eard ya like perennial plants!” His hands fumbled around his pockets before sticking his fists out. Enclosed was a beautiful sunset red bouquet of daylillies.
His grin sharpened smartly, “And they match yer dress, what a coinc-”
A sudden heat filled the air and smoke seemed to be originating from the center of the flowers.
Seamus’ face dropped suddenly. Hermione raised an eyebrow at the sudden change in demeanor.
“Watch out!” He dropped the flowers and hurtled into Hermione, knocking her to the ground and shielding her with his body.
She was about ready to push him off and scold him for such a violent entrance when a sudden BOOM echoed, rippling the lake and causing the castle to shudder.
Soot covered the ground. As Seamus pushed himself off of her, he held out a hand and let out a sheepish chuckle.
“Was that supposed to happen?” A small smile appeared on Hermione’s face as she accepted the gesture and was pulled to her feet.
Seamus looked at the now completely decimated daylillies and jokingly replied, “Sweep ya off your feet? ‘Ay. Endanger ya life? Not exactly…”
Hermione wiped the residue from his face and smoothed down his sandy hair.
“Well, you certainly bring the heat to the competition.”
His boyish grin grew. “Heat’s me meddle name darlin.”
He winked and looked behind Hermione’s shoulders. The other competitors stood in the windows of the castle watching the scene play out, glaring towards Seamus. He smirked.
Hermione shook silently with laughter, strands of chocolate hair moving with her, now loose from the explosion.
Seamus sauntered off to join the rest of the men soot covering the originally maroon suit, but he didn’t seem to mind. Not one bit.
It was already a circus and not even half of the men had arrived. And Hermione deemed herself the ringleader.
She took out her wand and did a quick scourgify on her gown. There was no need for the others thinking she was a mess!
Following Seamus’ lively entrance. Several more boats crossed the lake to introduce themselves.
There was the strapping Harry. Who gave her a chocolate frog and delivered a cheesy line.
“The dementors may not be able to kiss you, but I’m no dementor.”
After him came the red-haired Ron who mumbled something to her about looking nice before quickly shuffling into the castle.
The last lake entrance came much more flamboyantly - on top of the giant squid itself.
He shouted love proclamations as he wrangled a harness onto the angry beast. His long hair tossed up into a man bun as his suit clung to his frame, dripping from the water the squid was spraying him with.
“You are the most beautiful girl in the world!” The squid jerked left.
His grip held. “I want you to be my one and only!” The squid yanked right.
He wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead and shouted a final, “I am Sirius! And I am seriously falling for you!”
The squid vaulted from the lake, and unexpectedly, Sirius’ grip slipped, sending the man flying into the water.
Even Hermione could hear the cackling from inside the castle as Sirius’ dripping form made his way confidently to Hermione.
He leaned in for a hug and Hermione smiled but pulled back.
“Perhaps when you’re inside and dry?”
Sirius let out a barking laugh. “I suppose there’s time yet to make you wet.”
He began his entrance to the castle, each step squishing from the water caught in his shoes. While walking, Sirius untied the loose ponytail holder and rang his hand through his ebony hair.
Hermione’s throat got caught as she watched him shake his head like a mangy dog, getting water all over her romantic path, going so far as to put out one of her lanterns. The view was certainly nice from where she stood.
She shot him a knowing look as he shrugged and winked at her again, casually flicking his wand to relight the floating light. Silent spellcasting and a knack for magical creatures? Sirius seemed like the whole package, and acted like he knew it too.
With so many grandiose and impactful entrances, it was getting hard to distinguish who was who. The dashing Viktor, the athletic Dean and Oliver, the bold Seamus and Sirius and so many more. It was going to be an arduous few months.
Rocking back on her heels, Hermione patiently awaited the next contestant, eyes glued to the still lovely and picturesque scene in front of her. The shore of the lake ebbed and flowed, no doubt the giant squid still recovering from Sirius’ capture. No sign of a contestant on the water. She looked down the path, but didn’t get far until the darkness obscured her view. But no contestant.
Then she felt a bug at the back of her neck. As any rational person would, her hand reached up to smack her neck when it was tugged into spinning her around, into the arms of - finally - the next contestant.
He stared at her with wide, unblinking eyes, his tongue briefly flicking over his lips in an almost animalistic manner. Hermione shrunk back to get away, but he only leaned closer, close enough to press his nose against her neck and take a deep whiff.
He exhaled.
“You smell like ink and mint.” His menacing smile grew as she pulled herself away from her rapidly becoming least favorite contestant.
She puffed out her chest and took a step back. “And you have no regard for personal boundaries.”
He seemed to ignore her tart comment as his eyes roved her body before sticking out a hand, fingernails jagged and dirt underneath them “Barty Crouch Jr. at your service.”
She cautiously took his hand, hesitant to be sniffed again.
His grip tightened and maniacal grin grew. “I can’t wait to unravel you.”
She gulped and immediately retracted her hand before strongly uttering, “If you wouldn’t mind going inside please. I have other contestants to meet.”
His gaze darkened and she quickly finished, “But it’s been a pleasure...Barty.”
He nodded, still without blinking, then ran inside.
She figured there would be a variety of characters, but she had hoped terrifying wasn’t one of them. But it was nothing Hermione couldn’t handle herself. Egotistical, foolish, and boring men didn’t shock Hermione. Which is what gave her the patience to handle Gilroy with his all-too-decadent outfit. The contestant critiqued her outfit choice before boldly declaring his intentions for her. She rolled her eyes.
She also had the stamina to deal with Fred who handed her a box that once unravelled, turned into a cobra that she promptly dropped amidst his laughter. She rolled her eyes.
Her tolerance even extended to Goyle who seemed so awestruck but his surroundings that he forgot to say anything at all. He simply gave her a small wave before bolting inside Hogwarts to join the others.
What her patience did not cover, was pompous arses.
Hermione knew when the gleaming, million dollar Mustang rolled in front of her, that she was in for a headache. Scuff free designer shoes stepped out from the driver’s door, hesitating on the natural ground. The perfectly fit tuxedo complimented his thin frame, the black suit making his pale hair and complexion stick out like a sore thumb. There was a scarf wrapped around his neck shielding him from the misty air, practical she supposed. But the aviators that covered his eyes were just unnecessary based on the time of day.
His hand moved to slick back his hair and remove the sunglasses, in a suave fashion. Some girls might have been impressed. Hermione was not one of them.
“Taking your time there casanova?” She called out and crossed her arms, waiting for him to come closer.
His chin lifted minisculely, as if offended. Then he broke out into a smart smirk. “Can’t rush love, sweetheart.”
The blonde man stepped forwards and extended his arm in a gesture of camaraderie. “Draco Malfoy.”
She met his handshake with equal force and a hardened gaze. “Hermione Granger.”
“I know,” His icy blue eyes looked towards the castle and then his car. Wandlessly, he waved his car away and it carefully took back down the road.
The friction between the two was palpable. She didn’t know what to make of it yet.
He gently took her hand, stooped down and kissed it. Her eyes followed and analyzed every move.
When Draco was upright once more, he straightened his expensive scarf and intensely stated. “I look forward to talking with you more inside.”
Wordlessly, she nodded. His confidence and obvious wealth left a bitter taste in her mouth, but she couldn’t help but feel like she’d enjoy the challenge he presented.
The following two contestants passed in a dangerously memorable fashion. The lively Godric tested her immediately by sending a mild jinx to test her reflexes which she passed with flying colors and received a hearty pat on the back.
The reserved Remus appeared first as a wolf. And it simply reaffirmed Hermione was definitely a cat person. But then the clean-shaven man transformed back and quoted Pride and Prejudice. So maybe dogs weren’t all bad…
The final man. Hermione had since calmed down from the high of the first entrance and meeting all her options certainly had both quelled and stoked her fear simultaneously. There was only one more man to meet, then the real process would begin. Her nerves steeled themselves in anticipation. One more.
He didn’t come with a flash or some gaudy gimmick. The final contestant alerted his presence by the simple footsteps that hit the pavement. The air felt cooler as his onyx gaze met her own. His average suit wasn’t new but he wore it well. Not a single hair was misplaced and his aura simply radiated power.
He smiled as he reached Hermione, revealing rows of perfectly white teeth and extended a hand. When their palms touched, music from an unknown source seemed to swell around her.
“Care to dance?” He arched an eyebrow in her direction.
His composure, his allure, his...well everything seemed to scream academic. Hermione swallowed her fears and greeted his smile with her own.
“I’d love to.”
With her response, he swiftly gathered her in his arms and stepped forward. She responded with a step back. Invisible violins and cellos flourished while the pair floated across the moonlight path. The wind cackled around them, fanning her dress as they swayed and spun in union.
Mid-dance, the dark stranger whispered in Hermione’s ear. “You know, I rather think a good dance is like a good relationship.”
Her face flushed and she spun out, arms outstretched, then back into his arms.
“Two people in tune, I’d agree with that.”
The music crescendoed then slowed as their pace became slower. The final contestant guided Hermione into a deep dip as she arched backwards, the edges of her dress billowing around her.
Heart racing and brain stuttering, Hermione paused, eyes locked with the beautiful stranger.
His lips turned upwards into a smirk and he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His pale lips met her cheek in a chaste but longing kiss.
“Remember my name. Tom Riddle.”
The commanding words normally would have perturbed Hermione, but there was something different about him. Tom was confident but she was convinced that once she peeled the walls away, that his ego would be completely justified.
Tom pulled her upright and bid her goodbye, but his stride signaled that he didn’t intend to be parted from her for very long.
Hermione was left absolutely aghast. How was she supposed to do this? All of them - memories flashed to the perverted Oliver and dark Barty- well most of them seemed well-intentioned. It was going to be so upsetting to see them go and knowing she was breaking hearts.
But that was the price to pay to be in her shoes. Ugh, her shoes.
Hermione glanced at the already uncomfortable golden heels. The final dance had really surprised her, and these were definitely not meant to be dancing shoes. The straps had rubbed her ankles raw. She conjured a bench and took a careful seat not to tear her gown. Untying her pouch from her upper thigh, she reached for a quill and leather-bound notebook.
Inside the crisp, new pages, she wrote down each name and what she remembered of their entrances. Twenty contestants were bound to get confusing at some point and thorough notes were something that she excelled at. She tapped the feather on her knee, lost in thought.
One of these men was going to be her husband. That was going to take some getting used to.
Wiggling her toes to bring feeling back into her feet, Hermione gracefully tucked the notebook back into the pouch and under the dress. With one final glance at the enchanting view in front of her, Hermione turned to follow the lanterns back inside the castle, excitement growing with each step.
Showtime.