I am woman, hear me roar
Third-Person PoV:
Piper pulled on Jason's hand as they went down the field in the Castle towards the Great Lake. Jason hadn't shown it on his features, but he was apprehensive, a stone had settled deep in his gut feeling like it weighed him down. He knew that something was going to happen but he wasn't sure whether the outcome would be good or bad. Piper tugged on his hand again once they reached the bank of the Lake, they lowered themselves to the ground and sat down, he felt the warmth of Piper's hand leave his as she rested it in her lap, her hands clutched tightly together.
"What did you want to talk about Pipes?" He gave her a tense smile, unsure of what was to come.
She drew in a deep breath and steadied her breathing, this was now or never. "Jason, I-we." She stopped for a second and finally met his blue eyes. "I think we need to break up."
"Oh."
"It's just that- it's just that Hera made up our relationship and I think at times the memories that she planted from the Mist are still there an-and I just-" A hand rested on her shoulders, she paused in her hurried response to look up at his eyes, there was some melancholy rooted inside of them but also understanding and she dares say relief.
"There's no need to explain yourself, Piper, I understand. I think I'm really starting to understand why a lot of the Greeks don't like the Gods that much, they just come to us when it benefits them and leave their messes behind for us to take care of. That wasn't right of Juno to do that to us, or anyone, love isn't forced it... comes in its own time and it's not for everyone." He reached for her hand and squeezed it tight. "Sometimes I was scared myself that some of these memories weren't mine or that my love for you was made up and false, I'm glad you had the courage to talk to when I didn't even have it to bring it up. Would you like to be friends and see where it heads from there?"
Piper's eyes swirled like a rainbow caught in a whirlpool, tears sprung up at the edges of her eyes. "Yeah, let's do that. I heard that some of the best relationships come from strong friendships."
"That's some pretty good advice." His lip quirked up at the corner. "I'm glad we were able to talk about this Pipes, I was afraid to lose you.
Lose her. But hadn't she already nearly lost him before. Hadn't they all nearly lost each other enough times for the Gods, for the chance to live, a chance to breathe and take in the fresh air as they dance around the intoxicating fields of strawberries that sprawled at home?
The air smelt metallic and she glanced past their joined hands to stare at his stomach. A gaping hole jutted through with a golden sword embedded in, the crimson liquid thickly dripped down his abdomen onto the stone underneath them. His skin paling and his breath laboured as he drew in raspy breaths, grunts of pain slipped past his lips as his face scrunched up, his skin was cooling beneath her very eyes as his blue eyes began to droop.
She blinked.
And she was back outside the doors leading to the Great Hall.
"Y-yeah, I'd hate to lose you too...".
Time skip: The Hallow'een Feast, The Great Hall
Hermione slipped past the doors with Daphne and Pansy at her side, she was happy to say that they'd made great progress regarding the issues of House-Elves. S.P.E.W had gained more members than she could have ever imagined, the name had to adapt as some of the members believed that the organization could also help support other Magical Beings and Beasts like humans turned into werewolves like Remus Lupin. The new name was now 'Association for the Welfare of Magical Creatures', A.W.M.C for short. Hermione had quickly gained the support of Cedella, she had given some advice on some of the politics and movements that her family has made in the past, their progress was slowed significantly and pushed back when Fudge became Minister. She had even invited the group to come over to her house at some point to interact with the Magical Creatures that would often reside in her garden.
"It would prove to be difficult to obtain the support of more Slytherin's for your cause Hermione." Daphne softly spoke as they shut the doors behind them. The brunette sighed at the blonde as she readjusted the book help firmly under her arm.
"I know, but this is all better than I expected, to be honest, you guys have helped me a lot with understanding the history of Wizarding Society and why some things are done as they are." She smiled sincerely at them.
"I'm more than thankful that we're able to see eye to eye now. If someone told me that I could have a civil conversation with Hermione Granger I would hex them to Azkaban." Pansy let out a shrill giggle.
"Hmmm. I guess that just means that the Wizarding Society is learning to mature now, it'd take some time for the prejudices to be fully let go but we're getting there. See you at the meeting next evening Hermione." Daphne set off towards the Slytherin table, Pansy trailing after her sending the Gryffindor a quick wave, Hermione smiled back and set off to her own table, she ignored some of the lingering stares on her as she moved to a seat that Lavender was frantically waving at her from. Ron sent her a nasty glare as she passed him and Harry, the latter not even bothering to glance at her at all, it hurt her a bit, they hadn't talked in nearly two months now, the only comments between them were stinging phrases shot at each other. They had both made it explicitly clear that they weren't going to even bother talking to her as long as she continued to talk with those 'slimy snakes', which wasn't going to happen anytime soon.
She slid in next to Lavender who smiled wide at her. "Hello Herms, how was your library session with Daphne and Pansy?" Over the course of September and October Hermione had established a new friendship group with Lavender, Parvati, Daphne, and Pansy. Cedella would join them from time to time and Ginny at times too, she had enjoyed all of their presence immensely. It had really gotten her to realize how stressful her friendship with Ron and Harry was, she and Ron argued nearly all the time and Harry's outbursts at them had gotten worse since their stay at Grimmauld Place. Since when did she have to be careful of what she said around her friends and constantly stressed that she would upset them? That wasn't healthy at all.
"Good, we've nearly established our first course of action to help the welfare of House-Elves. We want to start at Hogwarts first, we just need permission from Professor Dumbledore to start."
"I'm sure the Professor would but it's the Pink Bitch that might become a problem," Parvati mumbled into her Pumpkin Pasty.
"She'd probably rattle on about how it goes against 'Educational Decree No. Bullshit'," Cedella mocked in a high-pitched prim voice, the four of them burst out in laughter nearly making Hermione laddle a spoonful of pumpkin soup onto the table.
This was healthy. She felt like she could talk with them about anything and they'd at least listen to her even if they weren't interested, sure they all were a bit too girly for her tastes but maybe that's just what she needed at times. And most of them didn't mind getting their hands dirty at least. Nights when they could sneak in Daphne and Pansy, Ginny had once brought Luna along which had proved to be eventful but nice, for sleepovers in the dorm room. Midnight runs to the kitchens on weekends to gossip over hot chocolate and cookies. debating about favourite subjects and the latest novel while guzzling Butterbeer in The Three Broomsticks. Whenever Hermione thought about it, before Fifth Year she knew next to nothing about her dorm mates. And she'd dare say that this is her best year yet.
"Do we have to Annabeth?" Percy groaned from a couple of seats down, over the course of October the couple had now been composing their guest list, which seemed like it was going to be a big party.
"Yes seaweed brain, Lady Hecate said we have to invite the Minister of Magic."
"But he's like the lovechild of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson." He whined, his bottom lip jutted out as he gave her his famous 'baby seal eyes'. Hermione could not help the loud snort that escaped her mouth as she doubled over.
"There's no need to rub in the fact that you're having the time of your life with your new friends Hermione." Ron sneered from his seat, the jovial atmosphere dulled as the tension rose, why couldn't he just stop ruining stuff for everyone?
The brunette cut a sharp look at him, he faltered for a second before he reinforced his glare, compared to the looks that the Americans had when they first met this was nothing. "Is there something you'd like to say, Ronald?" Her tone was flat as she placed the laddle back into one of the pots that held the creamy pumpkin soup. His face flushed as she could see his anger rising.
"No, just shocked that a nerd like you could even make friends. Last time I checked you only had time for books."
Her jaw clenched as she forced herself to stay calm, she was about to bite out a response but she was beaten to it.
"I'll have you know that Hermione is a lovely friend, it's a shame that you and Harry could just never appreciate and actually listen to what she has to say. Seemed more like you only used her for answers to homework, I don't know about anyone else but that doesn't really sound like a friend to me." Cedella hissed at him.
"Maybe what Hermione actually needed was supportive friends. She's made more progress with S.P.E.W this year alone than she did for the entire fourth year. It's changed and adapted to not only support the rights of elves but all magical creatures, the name had to be changed as well. But neither of you would have ever known cause you didn't listen nor support what she believes in." Parvati frowned at them.
"But we di-" Ron's protests were abruptly cut off.
"That's a lie Ron, you only turned up for one meeting and have tried to talk her out of it on multiple occasions. There's nothing wrong with what Hermione's doing and I support it, even if you didn't agree you should have at least supported her, that's what a good friend is and y-you're not really that good of a friend." Neville whispered the last part out as Ron's glare began to come back onto his face.
"Oh stop glaring at him Ron, he's speaking the truth." Hermione clutched her hands in her lap.
"Bad friends? How have we been bad friends?! We've stood up for you all of these years when those snakes have called you names and bullied you!" Harry threw out his hand towards the Slytherin table who were starting to quieten down as the Gryffindor table had, starting to catch the attention of the rest of the Great Hall. Even the ghosts had stopped their formation gliding with Nico and Hazel, the skeletons had stopped playing their instruments to listen in.
"And?! Yes, I'm thankful that you've stood up to me but what else have you done that proves you are?"
"It's not like you have, you talk down to me like I'm stupid."
"I'm sorry that I did that, that was wrong of me but all your conceptions were just...unwise."
"Unwise? If you're so smart then you could've resolved this two months ago by talking to us!"
"Talked to you?" Hermione tilted her head back and let out an amused laugh, her hand raised to her lips as her cheeks reddened from a peal of patronizing laughter. A habit she had clearly picked up from Pansy, said girl elbowed Draco in the ribs a smug smirk worn upon her face. "Talk to you? I'm sorry weren't you the ones who said that I shouldn't talk to you as long as I continued to talk with those 'slimy snakes'?" She frowned at Ron in mock confusion before letting out a conceited snort and shook her head. "Guess we won't talk again because I plan to continue associating with them as they're my friends." She drew out the last word like she was carefully taking to a child.
"But they're Slytherin's Hermione!"
"The same statement over and over again. 'But they're Slytherin's', so what? Did you ever bother to think that maybe they aren't evil? Just because they're cunning that doesn't inheritably make them evil. And that's a major issue with this school, the whole system, everyone relies on what House you're in to make a judgment of you and just assume what your dreams, goals, and personality are like. It's sad that it even lasts in adulthood as well, it's just a flippin' house in a school, once you've left school in the Muggle world no-one cares what house you were in.
Why does everyone care about it so much? Maybe that's the issue, not me. It's just so sad that there are all these problems in the Wizarding World, when I first found out that I'm a witch I thought that the Wizarding World was going to be amazing and fantastic but no, it's just as bad.
Wizards all act like they're better than Muggles when you're just the same. There's racism in the muggle world which is equivalent to blood supremacists in the Wizarding World. If we claim to be such an intelligent species then why do we care about the colour of our skin and how much magic flows in our veins? I just want to scream there's no escaping this circle of hate and need to be the same. And don't even get me started on how Wizards look down on Muggles for being dumb, we know a lot more than Wizards could ever wish to know." The Hall was silent as Hermione finished her rant. They all stared wide eyes at her, some had their mouth agape, never had anyone seen Hermione be so loud, passionate, and angry about a topic.
A slow clap sounded from the Slytherin table, the students turned to look at Draco who brought his hands together, he was then followed by Blaise and a few of his surrounding Slytherin's. A burst of applause erupted from the Hufflepuff table until everyone in the Great Hall was clapping at the blushing brunette.
"That was a good speech, Hermione." Nico walked past her to sit next to Will, nodding his head, Hazel patted her on the shoulder as she passed her.
"You made some excellent points, you might just be helping to re-shape the Wizarding World." Her comment warmed Hermione's heart, was she really? Could she really re-shape the Wizarding World? She hoped she was, if she actually was then she could accomplish many things, she could even go down in history, she barely registered as Ron stormed out of the Great Hall, she wanted to apologize but for what? She had only spoken the truth and if he couldn't accept it then what was she to do.
"Come on Hermione, sit down." Lavender tugged at her cloak.
"Yeah, you haven't even eaten yet." Parvarti stuffed another pumpkin pasty into her mouth. Hermione gave a last glance at Harry who was halfway out of the hall, his emerald eyes burned into her hickory ones, but she couldn't decipher what it was from, it definitely wasn't anger but she would dare say it had a longing in it. He cut off their gaze as he marched out the doors, most likely to chase after a fuming Ron.
She sighed and lifted her spoon to take a mouthful of the steaming pumpkin soup, she chose to let herself be lost in the conversations of her friends as they spent the dinner gossiping, dining, and laughing on into the night. Pointedly ignoring the beady eyes of a pink monstrosity.
After Dinner, In the Demigod's Common Room...
Nico snuggled into Will's side as he allowed his tired body to droop into the blond's. He stretched out his aching muscles and kicked off the shoes that he had been wearing. "All Hallow's Eve is the best holiday ever." He closed his eyes and pulled a brief smile onto his face.
"Is that so? Sounds quite stereotypical of you Neeks." Will jabbed a finger into his cheek, the son of Hades lazily swatted a hand at him as a frown deepened onto his face.
"I can like Hallow'een without being a son of Hades you know." Will laughed at his response.
"Keep on believing that death boy." Nico clicked his tongue at his boyfriend and opened an eye to see Hazel trying some of the Wizarding candy that they had collected throughout the day. The Stolls were also somehow able to get some sweets from America for her to try, Hazel hadn't gotten around to trying out all of the new foods of this century. She plucked up a Cockroach Cluster and wrinkled her nose.
"Who would even eat something that looks like a bug? At least eat a real bug if they're trying so hard." She lobbed it into a bin nearby, she dug through their table full of pumpkin baskets and threw the Jelly Slugs and Fudge Flies in too. She pursed her lip at the Sugared Butterfly Wings. "I really hope these aren't real butterfly wings, I don't want to eat bugs."
"I wouldn't be surprised if they were ya know." Leo shrugged as he popped in a few Exploding Bon-Bon's into his mouth, he chewed on them and his cheeks puffed up slightly as he giggled. "I wonder what sweets Calypso would like..." He dug in through the pile.
"I think Sugar Quills would be a simple start, don't give her anything too...out there, give her some Liquorice Wands and Pumpkin Pasties, those should be nice." Jason handed Leo a box of each. The Latino nodded and loaded them into his toolbelt underneath his cloak.
"Honestly didn't think that Hermione would have it in her today..." Clovis murmured as the teens had quietened down munching on their assortment of sweets, Nysta sat on his shoulder, her head resting on his ears.
"Yeah, like she was always outspoken about her beliefs but she would usually get too upset before she could make her whole point. She's had quite a development and it seems like we really don't need to unite the school at all. From what we saw in the Feast today there are a lot more students who could agree and support the opinions on the treatment of Magical Creatures. Even if they all don't believe that Voldemort is back at least they'd be united when the time does come for them to acknowledge he's back and for war." Pollux sipped on a can of Coca-Cola.
"Guess mum was right, this just might be a holiday for us." Lou Ellen fed some bits of her Pumpkin Pasty to Choíros, the snowy owl nipped playfully at her fingers to persuade her for more.