Disclaimer: Still not mine.
I'm sorry to say that this chapter does not have much Harry/Hermione interaction. This chapter is actually one of the most personal to me, because of the situation Hermione is placed in. This chapter is important because it is a theme that will be seen throughout the story. Thank you for all the reviews and comments about my story. Also Big thanks to Jenn (aka Lady Raven) for editing this fic! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy.
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 4
Nice and Determined
When we arrived at the Burrow, we ended up doing our separate tasks. Ron and Harry would usually enjoy their afternoons playing Quidditch with the twins, Ginny, and Percy. Of course Percy would only play when he wasn't busy with his urgent work. During the time, I would help Mrs. Weasley around the house or read my favorite book Hogwarts A: History. Nights were spent with Harry and Ron around the fireplace, laughing over jokes. Some times Ginny and I would stay up late in her room and just talk. I was able to have a real conversation without the rumors or gossips involved when talking to a girl. Occasionally Harry's name did pop up but no ones perfect.
The day before we were to leave for school, I was left with Ron as my only company. Mr. Weasley and Percy were at work and wouldn't be home until dinner. The twins had locked themselves in their room again, which would lead to sporadic explosions. Harry had just disappeared. He had mumbled about visiting Diagon Alley again, but I hadn't seen him since breakfast. Ginny was outside with Mrs. Weasley fixing the wire that had broken over the fence. I was reading over my homework when Ron looked up from his work.
Since being reunited again, his attitude seem different to me. Harry said I was just imaging things. But I still wasn't convinced. It wasn't a dramatic change, but little details he did. His actions towards his sister seemed more affectionate. He didn't complain as much when he was asked to do something. I didn't even hear him complain about his family's economic status. Maybe Ron was growing up.
"Mione, can't I just look at your charms paper? I swear I will not copy it." He pleaded with me. Or maybe not.
"Ron if you wait until the last minute to do your homework that was assigned 3 months ago, I'm not going to help you cheat." I lectured in my best professional manner.
"You're going to be a perfect Prefect." He chuckled to himself.
"I intend to be." I answered proudly.
"Just don't be another Percy. I don't know if I could handle that."
"I'll try my best." I smiled at him. " Ron?" I asked curiously.
"Uh huh." He said while working on his paper.
"I…well…never mind." Maybe Harry was right. I was probably just imagining his difference.
"What is it? You only stutter when you're not sure of something and that rarely happens."
"It doesn't seem important now." I looked back towards my paper.
"Spit it out or I'll go crazy of what you wanted to say." He placed his quill down and looked into my eyes. Okay Granger, you asked first.
"I've just notice. I mean…why do you seem so different?" Great tact Hermione! Really and you thought yourself brilliant with the English language.
"What do you mean?" He sat up on the floor.
"Well you've been doing things that make you seem more mature. They're nothing big, just little things. Like your attitude towards your family. Or how you treat Harry and me." I said while joining him on the floor.
"Ah, I thought you were going to ask something else." I looked at him questionably. " Nevermind, anyway the answer to your question is easy."
"What is it?"
"After last your, you should know why. I mean I was jealous of my best friend when half the time he could have died. Things just seem a lot more important to me now. But look I'm still the quick tempered, loud, and sarcastic Ron. I just want to start learning how to be more responsible too." He fidgeted with his arms while explaining to me.
"Okay I get the point." I nodded and stopped his pestering hand gestures. " So what did you think I was going to ask?"
"Nothing at all." Then he sprinted towards the door, without a reply. The little brat. I got up to chase him when I ran into a familiar body.
"Nene, why is Ron running away like he saw a three headed spider?" Harry asked confusedly.
"It's…well I asked him something and he won't tell me." I whined to Harry. "Can you get him to tell me… please?" I started pouting with my eyes wide open.
"Why aren't you like this in front of anyone else?"He strolled into the house carrying a bag with him.
"Because this is Nene, and no one else knows Nene but my parents and you. Where did you go? What's in the bag?" We sat down in the living room, where I had left my work.
"I went to Diagon Alley, don't worry I met someone there, so I wasn't alone."
"Good." As I tried to peek into the bag.
"Anyway I had to get something for your parents as a thank you gift." He took the bag away from my reach.
"Harry, I've told you a million times. You do not have too."
"I know, but I still wanted too. Besides it is from Sirius too."
"You were meeting Sirius and you didn't tell me."
"We wanted it to be a surprise."
"Still you should have told me or even Ron."
"I actually told everyone but you." Ouch " But again we wanted to surprise you and I actually wanted to meet with Sirius alone." Harry sincerely answered keeping eye contact with me. Why would he want to meet with Sirius alone? Because he's the only father figure he has. Great use of brains Hermione. "I'm sorry. This is from us." He handed me the bag with guilty eyes.
"No I'm sorry Harry. I didn't mean to be so rude. I understand that you would want time alone with Sirius. But don't be afraid to tell me next time." I gave a small smile.
"Look inside," he said running his hand through his hair. Why is he nervous? I pulled the bag apart to see a beautiful black owl with spots of silver. It had translucent golden eyes and a smooth peach beak. I stared at the sleeping creature. " I saw her and she reminded me of you."
"Thank you, she's beautiful." I opened the cage to stroke her soft feathers.
"Now you can communicate with your parents as much as you want." He moved closer to me. "What do you want to name her?"
"Nice," she reminds me of summer nights.
"Why nice?" Harry asked.
"No not nice, Nice. I use to go there when I was younger. My mom's uncle lived on a small estate by the River. I use to lay on the beach and look at the stars." I smiled to myself. I miss those days.
"I'll like to see it sometime. I can just picture miniature Hermione wishing on a star."
"Don't worry, I will definitely take you there. You would love the fresh air and scenery. Uncle Leroy would show you off in the town." Then it was silent again, as I remembered my childhood. I continued petting Nice and Harry just sat next to me with a buoyant grin.
There is only one word to describe the Weasley family: unpredictable. We were all eating breakfast and several discussions were happening. I was engrossed in my book when I head Mrs. Weasley squeal like a baby. Since our arrival the house was never this quite. I looked up to see a mid-twenties man with tan skin and distant freckles. He was the shortest Weasley but had the most athletic build. He bright red hair was in a shaggy mess everywhere. Wow and I use to think being messy was bad.
"Charlie!" Everyone shouted at once. Then he spread his arms and each family ran into his embrace. Harry and I stood back letting the family have time with the 2nd son. Soon questions flew everywhere of what he was doing here? Was he eating enough? Did he bring gifts? Why he was wearing leather trousers?
"Well before we start playing 20 questions, shouldn't you lot have your trunks ready? I mean it is almost time to leave." Then chaos filled the house as people ran up and down, to gather their belongings. Being punctual I already had my things near the door. Harry offered to bring Nice in since Hedwig was still out of her cage.
"Hermione, Hermione Granger?" Charlie asked in a doubting tone.
"Hi Charlie, how are you?" I extended my hand to shake his.
"I'm great. You look wonderful." He took my hand and pulled me into a hug instead. Why is it that some families just like to hug?
< Cough, cough > I heard Ron's voice behind me. I turned to see a flushed face Ron and blank look from Harry. Charlie walked over to Ron, and said something, which caused him to blush immediately. Harry shrugged at my arched eyebrow and gave a hug to Charlie also. Once everyone was done, we placed all the belongings in to the car. "I'm glad to see the money was well spent dad." Charlie patted Arthur on the back.
"Red is our family color." Mr. Weasley beamed and walked towards the shiny red car. Our ride to Hogwarts Express was filled with stories told by Charlie. He was teaching Care of Magical Creatures until Hagrid would return to Hogwarts. Afterwards he would return to Romania and begin full leadership in Dragon care. Everyone listened whole heartily and love gleamed in their eyes. Even Percy gave his full attention to his older brother.
After the hugs, kisses, and lectures about being good, each person went their own separate way. The twins met up with Lee Jordan to show off their latest inventions. Ginny was pulled away by her Ravenclaw friends, who probably wanted to hear about Harry. Ron, Harry, and I still stood on the platform chatting with other classmates. Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan told us about their adventure in Dublin and how they were attacked by herds of sheep. It wasn't very amusing but Seamus's Irish accent made it funnier too me. Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, and Alicia Spinnet came over to tell Harry about which positions were open and voting for new captain. I tuned them out since they started arguing about Quidditch, and who was the best team. I let my eyes wander to see if I saw anyone else or if anyone changed over the summer.
Then my gaze ran into the platitmum blonde hair, which had too much gel. He had grown to Harry's height and still had pale skin. Crabbe and Goyle stood behind him, blocking others who wanted to board the train. Surprisingly the two bodyguards had grown taller yet still seemed gargantuan. They had their black robes on which stood out in the colorful scheme of summer clothing. I was about to turn away when they started to board the train. But like always our eyes met. They were still gray with a puzzled study. He didn't recognize me with my new hair and clothes. He was about to walk over when his gaze caught Harry's. Then the look of disgust and hate resurfaced.
"Come on Nene," Harry whispered into my ear. " Everyone is boarding and Ron is getting us a compartment." I nodded and followed him in to the cabin. Opening my book, I stared blankly at the words.
So you're probably wondering why I would look at Draco Malfoy. They boy who has been our enemy since our 1st year. Simply because of curiosity. Let me explain myself before you think I have lost my mind. Growing up reading, there was always the misunderstood or mistaken antagonist. Somehow through all the evil and disgust, he/she returns to good. Then from learning history, and how society works, we know all ideas and morals are passed down through time. So his ideals are not originally his right? I mean true evil can not just exist. There has to be a reason. I guess I'm curious to know why he hates us or me the muggle? What justification does he have? What makes him think he is better then me? Sometimes when I see him without all the angry, jealous, or charade, I see a young boy who maybe isn't evil. He's just lost in all the chaos of meaningless words and deficient actions.
I mentioned this once to Ginny when she caught me looking at him during the Yule Ball. She didn't say much. Just that thinking like this leads to deadly mistakes and consequences. I didn't push for her to explain. I knew it was meant to be about someone else. Maybe I do make things simple to allow myself to reason about the problem. Maybe I'm just a hopeless optimist. Or maybe Draco and people that think like him are right. Because I am a muggleborn, I don't truly understand the fear, hatred, and power of magic. Not being surrounded by it since birth, I'll never fully appreciate it. Now that's a scary thought.
"Mione, stop reading and have fun. You're probably 10 chapters ahead already and get us 20 points on the 1st day back." Ron exclaimed seating across from me. Harry just grinned at Ron's hand waving. I smiled at his comment. Maybe they are right but a problem never has only one answer. I'm always up for the challenge to find another solution.
"Actually I was thinking 10, but since you said 20, I'll stop to join you in your great confidence in me." I smirked with pure snootiness.
"I'm so glad that you are giving us your precious time." He replied in a sarcasm manner.
"Only for you Ron." I gave my fake smile. We both turned to see Harry laughing at us.
"It's good to see that nothing has changed between us."
An hour in to the ride, I was called away to my first Perfects meeting. I was happy to leave because Dean and Seamus had entered in debating about whom would win the Quidditch cup. At the front of the train, I walked into a massive compartment filled with people. Everyone expect the heads were in the cabin discussing various issues.
"Hermione, I'm really happy you're the other Gryffindor perfect." I turned around to see the shocking Neville Longbottom. He had grown over the summer but still had the baby fat around his face. His dark brown hair and eyes carried the air of nervousness. " 5th years sit over there. I think we're going to start soon." Filling the front rows, I recognized all of the 5th years and a couple of the 6th and 7th years. Terry Boot and Padma Patil from Ravenclaw sat next to Neville discussing Quidditch. What a surprise! Justin Fitch-Fletchly and Susan Bones from Hufflepuff were behind them. I caught fragments of Justin trying to explain the functions of a microwave. And sadly Millicent Bulstrode and Draco Malfoy from Slytherin sat behind me. Surprisingly they didn't say a word.
After an hour and half of explanations, rules, and icebreakers, our meeting ended. Neville and I were returning to see what Harry and Ron were up too. Then I heard my surname being called. "Granger, I didn't think hair care and appearances was part of your talent as well. Do Potter and Weasel appreciate the new look?" His eyes glimmered with amusement at his own joke and smiling arrogantly. "But I think it is a waste of time. A mudblood like you won't ever get anything." Draco voice turned acid and stepped closer towards my body.
"Don't call her that!" Neville tried to defend me.
"Shut up Longbottom." He pushed Neville's chest, causing him to give a yelp.
"What is going on out here?" Roger Davis asked. "Do I need to remind you that you are perfects now! Go back to your cabins." He said with great authority. No wonder he was chosen as Headboy. Davis closed the door and I helped Neville off the floor. As we left, I heard Draco's voice.
"What Granger? Have nothing to say. Did you finally realize your place?" Breathe Nene; remember what mom always said. They only are strong if you seem weak. I turned half way, only letting him see my face. Raising my head and challenge in my eyes, I said to him.
"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you can't." (From Jacy's challenge called Simple Desire. Still more quotes to come in the future) I gave him a victory smile and walked away with Neville.
I didn't even look back when he said, "Next time Granger." There was always a next time. He didn't need to say it out loud to be known. But hopefully like this time, I can make him break. I won't stop until they know that Hermione Granger is not just a know-it-all-muggle. I am a witch like everyone else. I am going to make a difference in this magical world if they like it or not.