The Hermione Chronicles

Disclaimer: I do not own any character in this story. (Waves wand)"Righoitous Ownius" (POOF!) . Nope, still nothing.





"You, Ron Weasly, are a bloody idiot!"

Hermione Granger shouted at her friend as she strode into the Great Hall. He was standing with Harry Potter, her other close friend, by the punch bowl at the Sixth Year Ball. Ron and Harry were quite unsure as to what Ron had done to incur the wrath of Hermione, but she certainly seemed to be on the warpath and ready to slaughter anyone who got in her way.

"What did I do?"

Ron barely managed to squeak out amidst the ranting of a thoroughly incensed witch.

"What did you do? What did you do? You know bloody well what you did, you twit!"

She screamed at him.

Harry looked hurriedly around to see if anyone had been alerted to this argument. He breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that the music was enough to drown out even Hermione at her loudest.

"Umm. Hermione, as it appears that Ron hasn't got the foggiest notion as to what has you so upset, maybe you could tell us."

He regretted his interference immediately when the young girl rounded on him.

"You want to know what this freckle-faced git managed to do in Potions today? He blunderingly, stupidly, and moronically poured phosphorus alkaloids into a wolf's bane and dragonfly wings brew. Had it been done properly, it would have merely given me the hiccups for a few hours, instead it had me burping purple smoke all day!"

Hermione shouted full force at Harry, her eyes blazing and her face a dangerous shade of mottled red. Neither boy felt that that would have been a good time to mention that her skin looked slightly blotchy. It was as if she read their thoughts or saw them written on their faces, because she turned and stomped towards the dance floor. As she passed Seamus Finnegan, she reached out a hand and grabbed a hold of what she thought were his robes, pulling him to the dance floor.

Professor Serverus Snape sat back in his chair and watched as the Granger girl grabbed onto Mr. Malfoy and proceeded to dance with him. Neither of them aware of whom they were dancing with. Snape looked over at Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher and spoke softly.

"That my friend is as unusual a pair as you will ever come in to contact with."

He nodded his head in the general direction of the couple that was swaying slightly to the music.

Sprout looked up from the drawing she was doing in order to examine the objects of Snape's scrutiny. She dropped her quill in shock at the sight that assaulted her eyes.

"Granger and Malfoy?? How did that happen?"

"Darned if I know. But I do know that this should soon turn into an eventful evening."

He then turned back to what he considered to be a true spectator sport.

Draco Malfoy was standing with his cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, muttering dark oaths against Harry Potter and his worthless friends, the muggle lover Weasly and the mudblood Granger. He could hear the said mudblood in the background screeching like a harpy out of Hell. He did his best to ignore the piercing shrieks yet he was forced at one point to look over to see what it was that had Granger in such a wild state. As he turned he caught the very last bit of her statement to Potter,

".had me burping purple smoke all day!"

He laughed out loud and turned to add this tidbit to his house's enormous repertoire of Granger humiliation stories. Before he could utter a word, he felt himself grabbed by the collar of his robes and pulled to the dance floor. Assuming it was Pansy, as usual, he turned back to his fellow Slytherins and recounted what he had just heard. He felt no inclination to acknowledge his partner seeing as how it was she who grabbed him. He could still hear Granger in the background only she seemed much closer than before. He continued to block out the noise with the sound of his own voice.

Harry and Ron stood in utter disbelief when Hermione, in an attempt to grab Seamus, mistakenly pulled Draco Malfoy with her instead. They weren't the only ones in shock.

Professor McGonagall had just come into the hall and upon seeing the unlikely duo promptly turned and walked back out, unwilling to risk her sanity to try to figure that one out.

Meanwhile, Hermione was still turned towards Harry and Ron and was oblivious towards her error. Ron turned to Harry with an almost frightened look on his face.

"Do you think we ought to tell her? Or do you think it's too hazardous to our health in general?"

Harry regarded, first Hermione and then Ron and Hermione again.

"Ron, how do you think Hermione will react if we don't warn her that she's dancing with Malfoy?"

Images of great destruction and pain filled Ron's mind causing him to shudder.

"Alright Harry, have at it."

Harry turned in astonishment and hissed,

"Me? You want me to tell her that she's dancing with her most hated enemy of all time? The only person I can think of that she hates to face even more than a troll?"

Ron nodded vigorously,

"Harry, she'll take it better from you. As you can see, she's still furious about what happened in Potions."

As he said this, they were pulled from their conversation by Hermione's voice shouting more mild expletives towards Ron.

"The only thing worse than being paired with you for a partner, would be having to deal with Malfoy tonight."

Harry and Ron winced in unison as they heard that said simultaneously with Malfoy's next slam against Hermione. Both of them paled as they saw Hermione and Malfoy perk up at the sound of their names spoken by their respective enemy. Time slowed down as two heads turned in the direction from which the insult was lobbed and when brown eyes met grey the entire audience gasped in unison.

Hermione had been collectively launching insults to Ron and about Malfoy when she heard that miserable death eater say her name as he paired it, yet again, with the word mudblood. Didn't he ever get tired of that? As she turned to look for the source of the insidious voice, she saw Harry and Ron grow extremely pale. Confused she turned all the way around and found herself face to face with Malfoy. The gasp from the crowd was unheard by her as her thoughts screamed and then began to voice themselves in an extremely volatile way. She pushed Malfoy from her and shouted,

"Expelliarmus!"

Malfoy went flying across the hall and landed with a satisfying thump in Snape's lap. Hermione then turned away from the gawking stares of her peers and strode from the hall, ignoring her friends completely.

Draco, while dancing, had continued his barrage of insults against Granger, but he turned from that when he heard a particularly nasty remark about him emerge from her lips. He whipped around and found himself facing one of his worst enemies. He saw her eyes widen and then quickly narrow as she opened her mouth and screamed. She then pushed away from him; he was too shocked to do anything but stare, mouth agape, as she shouted,

"Expelliarmus!"

He then felt himself flying through the air and soon found himself in his house leader's lap. Snape wasted no time in pushing him to the ground where he lay quietly, mulling over the evening's events.

Snape's plastered grin grew even wider when he saw the twosome recognize each other. He turned again to Sprout,

"See, what did I tell you? Eventful, most eventful indeed."

He made a move to say more when he heard the disarming spell shouted from Granger and then found Mr. Malfoy lying across his lap. He promptly shoved him off and rose from the table, glaring at the students gathered and went back to his chambers.

Harry shook his head at Hermione's retreating form as he debated whether or not to go after her. He then pictured the look on Malfoy's face as he flew through the air, and as enjoyable as that had been, he did not look forward to a similar fate. He opted instead to search for his suddenly missing friend Ron. It didn't take long to find him huddled under a table clutching on to the leg for dear life.

"Is she gone?"

He asked. Harry nodded. He understood Ron's fear. He could only imagine what Hermione would say when she decided she was speaking to them again. It wouldn't be pretty, that was for sure. So in the mean time, Harry and Ron thought it best to retire and give their friend as much space as she needed and practice as many protection spells as they could.


TBC…

Disclaimer: The voices in my head tell me that I own them, but my shrink says that all I've got is Professor Kinsar. Oh well, someday I'll heed the voices, someday.



Hermione Granger was on her way back from the library when she accidentally ran into Draco Malfoy.

"Hey! Watch where you're going mudblood!"

He practically shouted at her. It didn't go unnoticed, however, that he waited until she was a good hundred feet away. Obviously he remembered the night of the Sixth Year Ball. Unfortunately, so did Hermione. How could Ron and, especially Harry, not have told her she was dancing with Malfoy of all people? The very thought made her shudder. First Ron makes her burp purple smoke and then her two best friends allowed her to humiliate herself like that in front of the entire school. How could they? That was why, weeks later, she was still refusing to speak with them. Still fuming, she made her way to the Gryffindor Hall and up to her dormitory. Oh well, they'd both been repentant, and begged for her forgiveness, with a distinct look of fear in their eyes, so she supposed it was time to forgive and forget. At least she would after dinner.

Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were sneaking their way into Snape's classroom to steal, or as Ron said, "borrow" the necessary items to put the kibosh on Malfoy's indescribably annoying behavior.

"Hey Harry look. I found the crocodile tears, what else do we need?"

Ron asked as he picked up the tiny vial.

Harry pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose before answering.

"Pig's nose hairs and something from Malfoy when he was an animal."

Ron gagged at the first and chuckled slightly at the second.

"Well, it shouldn't be hard to get either one you know."

Harry looked confused.

"What do you mean? I found the nose hairs, but we'll have to wait until Transfigurations to steal a hair."

Ron's grin grew broader.

"No we won't. Remember when Moody turned him into a ferret? Do you honestly think I could have passed up grabbing a memento of that occasion? I have some fur and a claw he lost when he was being bounced up and down."

Both boys laughed. It would be the best thing they could ever do for Hogwarts, steal Draco Malfoy's magic ability once and for all. The clincher was the only way for Malfoy to regain them was to kiss a Muggleborn wizard. And due to an outbreak of measles Hermione was the only one left at the school, there was no chance of that ever happening. It was time to begin the ultimate revenge.

Draco Malfoy was having the best day of his life: his father had actually sent a letter of praise, Potter and Weasel had gotten detention and he'd only had one run in with the mudblood Granger. One thing he would give her, she knew how to use the disarming spell. His back was still bruised. Stupid git. He continued to rant as he made his way across the quad. By the time he had reached it and spotted Hermione, he'd worked himself into quite a tizzy. Spotting Granger perched atop the railing leading to the Great Hall, Draco readied his wand to curse her into falling.

"Klutzificus!"

Barely had he said the word when his wand suddenly flickered and then was still. He knew immediately what that meant. Someone had taken his magic. Three guesses as to whom and all but one of them counted. He knew from having watched his father perform this curse that the cursed must then kiss a mudblood in order to regain their magical powers. With this knowledge, he was quite certain that Hermione had nothing to do with it; she barely tolerated his presence on this planet, much less on her mouth. No, this spell most definitely smacked of Scarface and Measles. For a moment he was tempted to go and tell her what they'd done, but no, she'd never believe him. No, he'd have to use the sneak approach. Those two bungling idiots did this spell thinking he wouldn't kiss Granger because she was a mudblood, under normal circumstances they'd be right, but now, that would disgrace the Malfoy name and there was no way he'd let anyone get away with doing that. So he would have to do everything he could think of to get that kiss from Hermione as soon as possible. The longer he was without his powers, the greater his chances were of never getting them back. He'd get them back if it was the last thing he did, and knowing Hermione's temper it probably would be.

TBC…

Hermione walked into Potions class with the ever-chatting Lavender.

"And Ron said. Blah, blah, blah."

Hermione tried her best to feign interest while blocking the mind numbing prattle. Suddenly her eyes landed on Malfoy, who was staring at her with a strange look on his face. There was a gleam in his eye that made her shudder in apprehension. Shaking her head, she turned back to Lavender, who was still chattering like muggle wind-up teeth on a cold day.

"Excuse me Lavender, I need to go sit down now. We'll finish up later."

With that she walked to her chair and sat down, opened her book and prepared to take whatever notes were necessary. Thankfully, Neville was not in class today, yesterday's explosion had left him laid up in the hospital wing for at least a week. It wasn't that she didn't feel bad for him; it was just that she didn't think Gryffindor could stand to lose another thirty points. No sooner did she breathe that sigh of relief, than Malfoy walked by her desk with a fleeting,

"You know Granger, you've got nice eyes."

As he sat down, Hermione sat stunned with disbelief and fear.

'My eyes? What about my eyes? What does he want with my eyes?'

She ran through every spell she could think of that involved human body parts and though none of them were pleasant, none of them were in the realm of Malfoy's capabilities. This did nothing to ease her mind, if anything, it made her even edgier because all that was left was to think that Malfoy was paying her a compliment. Now this could mean one of two things, one, that he wanted something or two, that he had actually decided to. like her. The first was unlikely to happen and the second was just nightmare inducing. Perhaps the measles that had struck the other students had finally infected Malfoy Whatever the reason, she felt a chill in her bones.

'Great'

She thought,

'I'm finally getting my life back to normal and now I've got Malfoy over there mooning at me. Oh well, at least it can't get any worse.'

With that she turned her mind resolutely away from the death-eater wannabe and focused on Professor Snape explaining how to make the Bectar antidote, as well as the poison itself.

'If Malfoy gets too annoying, that could come in handy. Watching his eyes roll back in his head and then watching his head turn inside-out.'

She shook that thought out of her mind, it was too tempting, and focused once more on the teacher's lecture.

Draco's POV


Draco Malfoy had come up with a plan, albeit a stupid plan, but a plan nonetheless. He knew he had to kiss Hermione to get his magic back, but he saw that as no problem. The inspiration of how to get the kiss came to him when he got his hands on muggle fiction. There were many ideas for other sorts of problems, but Sleeping Beauty was the one that caught his eye. He figured he could sneak into Hermione's bedroom and steal a kiss as she slept.

Draco was on his way to Transfigurations trying to figure out a way to get into Gryffindor when a rustling in the bushes startled him from his thoughts. He strained his eyes trying to find the source of the noise, but saw nothing at first. Then Scarface Potter emerged out from underneath a cloak and flung it behind the bushes.

"Eureka!"

Draco crowed.

"Potter you have finally made yourself useful to me."

Draco waited until Potter had left before walking down the stairs and snatching the cloak. This was his first class ticket into Hermione's room.



Hermione's POV

All through the day Hermione felt as though someone was watching her, yet every time she turned around, there was no one there. The feeling was creepy so creepy in fact, it made her shiver. She thought about mentioning it to Harry and Ron, well maybe not Ron. He had a tendency to tease her, whereas Harry was sensitive and would listen to her. That's what tended to fuel the rumor fires concerning her and Harry being a couple. A rumor they had recently squelched again, so perhaps it would be better to keep this quiet. It was probably nothing more than her imagination. She told herself that throughout the rest of the day, all through dinner and even as she was getting ready for bed that night. Lavender and Parvati were not there to distract her from her thoughts with their constant blithering, so she had nothing else to concentrate on. Nothing that is until she'd climbed into bed and closed her eyes; that's when she realized that she hadn't seen Malfoy at all. Not that she'd looked for him, but still. Hermione's curiosity kept her awake a while longer until finally she drifted off.



Draco's POV

Draco watched Hermione as she slept. Her breathing, even and deep, provided the only sound in the room. Things had run Draco's way today, first Potter leaving the cloak behind and then those two prattling idiots Hermione had for roommates had gone and gotten themselves detention. So he'd had lots of time to be alone with his prey. Draco crept soundlessly from Lavender's bed to Hermione's and shrugged the cloak to the floor. Leaning over the bed, he moved to kiss her and suddenly found himself flung against the wall, coming face to face with Hermione angrier than he'd ever seen her before.

"You stupid death eating, inbreeder!"

She screamed at him. Mercifully, the impact with the wall had been hard enough for him to slip into unconsciousness, so he was spared the rest of her charming speech.



Harry's POV

Harry had searched high and low for his invisibility cloak but could find no trace of it anywhere. He knew that he had left it behind the bushes after having returned the "borrowed" ingredients from Snape's classroom, but now he just could not find it. He thought it was possible that maybe Malfoy had gotten a hold of it, but then the question became, Where was Malfoy? Harry sat down in the Common Room mulling this over when a bloodcurdling scream sent him and three other Gryffindors hurtling up the stairs to the girls' dormitory. Harry heard one of the others whisper,

"That's Hermione! Do you think it is You-Know-Who?"

Another answered,

"What else would make Hermione scream like that?"

Upon entering the room they saw an unconscious Malfoy on the floor and a furious Hermione waiting for him to wake up so she could yell at him some more. She heard the door open and turned to see who it was. Seeing Harry among the group she hissed,

"If you or Ron had anything to do with this, you'd better fix it. Or I swear as I live and breathe, I will make you pay."

Harry was suddenly struck with a desire to fetch Ron so they could come with an alternative cure for the curse and so he could prevent Hermione from blowing up half the school, starting with him, Ron and Malfoy. This would not be fun, nor would it be easy. Then again, was it ever?

Setting: Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom

Hermione was having a really bad day. And she'd actually thought yesterday had been the worst there could be. But today surpassed it with no troubles. First there was the memory of waking up last night to find Malfoy leaning over her bed trying to kiss her, Sleeping Beauty style, then there was the declaration made by Gryffindor's head girl Deanna Mordean that Hermione would not be left alone until they figured out what Malfoy was up to, Hermione would never forget the image of Dean rolling around on the floor peeking around corners to make sure there was no sign of Malfoy, and now it seemed she wouldn't be able to get a moment to herself, what with Draco and the Mod Squad continually trailing after her. So she'd ducked into the seldom-used bathroom for some much needed privacy in which to compose herself. She was at the sink splashing her face when she heard a strange noise coming from one of the stalls behind her.

"Ok, so either someone's let in another troll or basilisk or Myrtle's playing a joke on me."

She turned back to the mirror and began trying to straighten her hair. What with the whole Malfoy mess she hadn't had any time at all to fix herself up this morning. Thankfully he was no where to be found today, though strangely enough, neither were Harry and Ron. She shrugged her shoulders and went back to the mirror when she heard the noise again.

"Alright Myrtle, enough is enough. Come out of there right now and stop playing jokes."

When Myrtle did not come out, Hermione marched over to the stall and flung the door open, barely biting back a scream when she saw Malfoy standing in front of her. She swung the door shut with all her might and was rewarded with a loud smack as it collided with his nose. He made a strangling sound and fell to the floor as Hermione raced out of the bathroom desperate to get away from him.

"What is going on here? Why won't Malfoy leave me alone and if he's so intent on keeping me in one place why doesn't he just use a spell?"

Then it dawned on her. In the last three days of class Draco had yet to try to show up the others with his magical ineptitude and knowing him as well as she did she knew he would use magic to get anything he wanted. But what if he couldn't use magic? She'd read of spells that could take away a wizard's powers and they could only be restored by kissing a…

"Muggleborn witch. Oh no, that's what he's been up to. That's why he's been acting so strangely, even for him. But how could this have hap." She trailed off as she realized the two people who would be daft enough to pull a stunt like this. Gritting her teeth she marched off to find her two village idiots and give them a piece of her mind.

"I will kill them. I will kill them and just to spite them I will bury them as far away from the Quidditch pitch as possible. How dare they pull a stunt like this? Oh, when I get my hands on them they are going to wish all I did was kill them."

Hermione flew down the hall almost without touching the floor bent on causing as much death and destruction for her best friends as she could without being sent to Alzkaban. As she ranted she didn’t notice Professor McGonagall coming out of the room next to her.

"Then again I have learned a few things from Sirius. Killing your best friends isn't a happy thought; the Dementors couldn't touch me. When I find them I'm going to hurt them, and then when they have healed I'm going to kill them. After that I will raise them from the dead"

She raised her voice in greeting as she barely noticed McGonagall.

"Hello Professor."

She went back to her ramblings.

"I'll raise them from the dead and kill them again."

Hermione stopped at Professor McGonagall’s voice.

"Ms. Granger, whom is it that you are going to hurt, kill, resurrect and then kill again? And why?"

Hermione jumped in surprise.

"Oh, Professor McGonagall, I was just. umm. well just."

McGonagall smirked.

"You were just plotting someone's death. Two someones if I heard correctly."

"Well what else am I supposed to do with two dunderheaded prats who cast spells on malicious, insipid scoundrels like Malfoy?"

"You're upset with someone for casting a spell on Mr. Malfoy?"

At Hermione's nod McGonagall grew very confused.

"May I ask why this has you ready to commit homicide?"

"Because the only way for the spell to be broken is if Malfoy kisses me."

McGonagall thought a moment before asking,

"Is it safe to assume that the objects of your wrath are Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasly?"

"Yes. They took away Draco's magic and now he keeps following me around trying to kiss me so he can get it back."

McGonagall began chuckling.

"Perhaps you should go speak to Professor Snape about this problem."

Hermione was confused as she watched her professor continue to laugh.

"Why Professor Snape?"

"Because if I recall, James and Sirius cast a similar spell upon Serverus when they were in school."

Hermione scowled.

"Apparently casting stupid, childish spells that cause your friends a good deal of suffering is a genetic disorder."

"Well Ms. Granger, that has yet to be determined. However, I would not recommend you being the cause of death for your friends."

"What would you recommend then?"

"Well, you have three options: one, give Mr. Malfoy his kiss."

McGonagall couldn’t help but snicker at the look of revulsion on Hermione's face

"Or two, find an alternate cure, although I highly doubt there is one, or three, learn to live with being chased about by someone you despise."

"This is something I'm going to have to think about."

With that Hermione began a slow walk down the hall, so lost in her thoughts she almost didn't see the group of Gryffindors or Malfoy walking her way. She caught sight of them at the last minute and dodged quickly behind a pillar.

Deanna Mordean was rallying the troops again.

"Alright everyone, there is Malfoy. Keep a close eye on him and make sure he doesn't get anywhere near Hermione. And if any of you happens to see Hermione, stick to her side and do not leave no matter what. In fact, Colin I want you to go search the library and see if you can find her."

Hermione waited until the group had gone past in pursuit of Malfoy and Colin left in search of her before coming out. With a groan of frustration she realized there was only one place that she might be allowed to think in peace. The Forbidden Forest.

Setting: Forbidden Forest

Hermione walked a good distance into the forest before sitting down on a log to think out this predicament. The whole time she walked she looked around her and realized that even daylight did nothing to dispel the aura of evil emanating through the forest. Shivering slightly, Hermione pulled her robes around her more tightly and began trying to sort through her thoughts.

"What am I going to do about Malfoy? This is ridiculous; I can't spend the rest of my life running away from him. But to kiss him? Ahhhhhh. Blast Harry and Ron for this. How could they pull a stunt like this?"

Hermione sat down on a stump and tried to calm down. She sat for a long time and thought about her situation. Thought so hard her head began to ache and she needed to lie down. Spotting a clear area near the base of a tree she went over to it and pulling her cloak even tighter about her shoulders she laid down and closed her eyes intent on catching up on the sleep she had lost over the last few days. Soon her breathing had evened out and her mind had drifted to the land of dreams. She began to dream of the time last month when she, Harry and Ron had come into the forest in search of Crookshanks, her cat. They'd wandered as far as the nest of spiders, of course that's as far as Ron would go before his knees gave out from fright, when they spotted the big orange cat nestled against the side of a young unicorn. Its coat shone white in the misty evening and its horn was glowing slightly. Hermione grabbed onto Harry's arm and it was some time before she let out the breath she had been holding. Slowly she walked forward and reaching a hand out touched the unicorn's flank.

Ron was horrified at the action.

"Hermione! What are you doing? You know we're not supposed to touch a unicorn no matter what."

"But Ron. oh I don't know how to describe it, but it. it"

Harry, however, had understood.

"It called to her. I could feel it."

"Yes! Yes, that 's it. That's it exactly."

The unicorn was quite amenable to Hermione's attention and turned its head to nuzzle her hand affectionately. The moon was suddenly hidden behind a cloud, but the unicorn just whinnied softly and the three young mages were comforted by its presence. Hermione moved her hand from the unicorn's flank and reached up to stroke the horn. The horn glowed brighter in response. Touching it, Hermione's ears were suddenly filled with the most beautiful music and she heard a soft voice whisper to her.

"I am Anthera. You are my friend and I will protect you always."

Hermione jerked her hand back at the sound of the voice. This couldn't be. It just couldn't be. Those words had not been spoken; they had been placed inside her mind. She looked into the eyes of the unicorn and in that instant she knew it had been true and that it had been the voice of the unicorn that she had heard. Again her hand reached for the unicorn, for Anthera. Again her hand touched the horn and she was once more connected with the mind of the unicorn.

"Tell me, please, why did you call to me?"

Anthera answered softly

"I have something I must show you. You need to know."

And suddenly, Hermione's hand was engulfed in light, as Anthera's horn grew brighter and brighter. And then, Hermione found herself watching. watching herself. She was with two young children. Girls, both were about the age of nine. One had silver blond hair and Hermione could just make out the presence of brown eyes so much like her own it made her look twice. The girl also had the same haughty lift to her chin that Malfoy sometimes got when he was truly affronted by something. And as she thought of Malfoy, he came into view. He picked up the little girl and twirled her in his arms, his eyes bright and sparkling. Love was clearly written all over his face and it touched Hermione deeply. She then turned her attention to the other child. This little one had bushy brown hair and she looked up to where watching Hermione felt herself to be, almost as if she could see the witch standing there, and Hermione could clearly see bright green eyes and a crooked smile. Her own chin and nose were very evident in this child's features, but it was the eyes that held her transfixed. Suddenly, two arms wrapped around her other self and watching Hermione could feel the love emanating from the person that held her other self. She watched as she picked up the other little girl and held her close as the arms wrapped further around her to include the little girl. With a jerk Hermione was brought back to the forest and found herself looking into the concerned eyes of Harry.

Harry’s face showed his concern.

"Hermione, are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm just fine. Why?"

Ron also looked worried as he answered her question.

"You had the strangest look on your face and you weren't moving at all."

"Well I'm fine as you can see. Now come on, let's get back to the castle before anyone notices we're gone."

With that she had picked up Crookshanks and stalked off towards the school leaving Ron and Harry very confused. She knew she was being very snappy, but she had so wanted to see if the man holding her had been whom she thought it was. But suddenly, the feeling of love she had felt for those children washed over her and she felt nothing but joy washing over her.

TBC…

And it was with this feeling that she awoke and found herself face to hood with a Dementor. Hermione screamed and got up to run but her legs would not cooperate as she felt the air around her become thick and cold. She began to shake and in the back of her mind she could hear a faint screaming and then a woman's voice.

"No, don't touch her. Take me, I'm the one you want anyway."

A voice hissed an answer as Hermione caught a small glimpse of a robed figure wearing a mask.

"As you wish Mudblood. I will not touch the girl now, but I will have her later. And by your hand too, I'd wager."

Hermione heard herself say one thing before her vision cleared.

"Persephone!"

Then she found herself back in the forest and could barely hear a voice calling her name.

"Hermione, come on. Get up. We have to get out of here."

She looked up to see Malfoy had a hold of her arm and was trying to pull her to her feet. She saw the Dementor come up behind Malfoy and saw it begin to lift its hood from its face. She knew what it intended. It was going to give him the kiss. She had to save him. After all, wasn't that why he had followed her into the forest? Before she knew what she was doing, she lifted her wand and shouted the spell to summon the Patronus.

"Expecto patronum!"

Though her voice was barely above a whisper, she put as much force behind the spell as she could. Suddenly, a bright silver mist erupted from the tip of her wand and there, before them was the image of a huge house cat. It was very large and had extremely fluffy fur. The Dementor tried to brush it aside, but pulled its hand back as it touched the silver creature. It reared back and hissed as though in pain. Then it turned and found itself impaled upon the horn of Anthera the unicorn. It dissolved into a green smoke as Hermione heard Anthera's voice in her head once more.

"I told you I would protect you always. You need only call for me and I will be wherever you need me."

Hermione ran to the unicorn and threw her arms around her neck. Hermione spoke mind to mind with the unicorn.

"Thank you and Anthera. I don't know how long I could have held off the Dementor with out you."

"You did it all on your own. The reason you could summon that Patronus was because it was done out of concern for someone whom you are not fond of."

"That's putting it mildly there."

Anthera made a noise that was half a snort of annoyance and half a snicker.

"I showed you those things for a reason my friend. He cares for you. He proved that today. You should reciprocate the gesture."

"Well he did try to save my life. And it was brave of him to face a Dementor with out his magic. I guess you're right."

Hermione let the unicorn go after bidding her farewell. She then turned to a shocked Malfoy.

"What was that all about? I mean what just happened here?"

Hermione didn't answer him. Just bent her head down and brushed her lips gently against his. Pulling away she stopped to whisper in his ear.

"I think we started a half friendship Mal- Draco."

The use of his given name did not go unnoticed by Draco and he smiled crookedly at Hermione.

"Maybe we did Gra- Hermione."

They smiled again at each other and then in silent agreement vowed to keep their friendship a secret from their classmates. One never knew what would happen if others found you consorting with a member of the wrong house. With a wave of their wands, they cast light hexes on one another and made their way back to the school bickering the whole way. All the while, their minds were working to digest this new development in their acquaintanceship. Hermione was also working to uncover the meaning of the visions Anthera gave to her. To the untrained eye, it would appear that she was watching herself with Draco's daughter, but how would one explain the presence of the brown eyes so much like her own? And the other little girl as well as the mysterious arms that engulfed her and the child with love. It was all so confusing. More confusing, however, was the vision she had with the Dementor. For the life of her, she could not remember who Persephone was, but something in the back of her mind told her it was important, that she needed to remember. Hermione shook her head and ran to pass Draco to the Hospital wing. She'd think about all of this later. For now she just wanted to get rid of the. the extra eye in the middle of her cheek that Draco had hexed her with. She took a peek at him and saw him scratching at the athlete's foot, poison oak combination she had spread all over his body. Yes, there were much less complicated things to think about right now, such as the perfect revenge for what Harry and Ron had put her through over the last few days. Revenge would most definitely be sweet.

TBC…

Several weeks later, after much groveling on the parts of Harry and Ron and after many, many sleepless nights of wondering when Hermione would exact her revenge upon them for their little stunt, Harry Potter was sitting with his best friend, Ron Weasley, while they waited patiently for Hermione to get away from her fireplace chat with her soon-to-be-ex boyfriend, Viktor Krum. Harry and Ron were a bit mystified as to why Hermione was ending the relationship, and it would seem they would continue to be so as Hermione would only tell them it was a difference of opinion and then give them the "Hermione Death Glare" and they decided not to speak of it further.

Ron turned to Harry and voiced the thought that had been running through both their minds.

"Hey Harry, you suppose Krum’s gonna take this breakup all right?"

"Well, there’s not a whole lot he can do about it now is there? I mean when was the last time you saw Hermione change her mind when she thought she was right?"

Ron snorted and remarked sarcastically

"Around the last time I saw Snape in a tutu."

Too bad for Harry that he had such a vivid imagination and could actually picture his Potions Professor in a tutu. He shuddered violently at the image of the tall, dark and scary man twirling about in a pink sparkly outfit to the tune of The Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy.

Harry elbowed Ron in the side.

"Thanks a lot Ron. I needed a subject, other than Voldemort, to have nightmares about."

At that moment Hermione approached the table with a look of death and doom marring her normally serious, though pretty, features. She flopped down in the seat next to Harry and leaned forward quickly, banging her head against the table. Harry reached out a hand and caught her head as it plunged once more to continue the brain damage in progress.

"What’s wrong ‘Mione?"

Ron looked over at her.

"Yeah, I’ve never seen you have quite that large a lovefest with a table before."

Harry winced at the resounding smack Ron received for that comment and then purposefully steered Hermione back to the topic at hand.

"So really, what’s the matter? Did Viktor not take the breakup so well?"

"No, actually he took that quite well. It’s what he told me after that has me so upset. He told me that the schools are going to have a competition to see who can keep me away from a plate of chocolate the longest. Not only is that humiliating, but it’s totally insulting to imply that I have so little self-control they have to make a contest of it."

Ron snorted and dodged another smack sent his way.

"Well that’s easy enough to picture. I mean you do love your chocolate ‘Mione."

Hermione glowered at him dangerously.

"This coming from the boy who was once in such a hurry to down his chocolate frogs, he practically snorted one up his nose."

"I only snorted it from laughing so hard at you walking around with your robes tucked in the waistband of your skirt."

Hermione lunged at him but quickly had her attention diverted as Harry, in an attempt to hold her down, accidentally found his hand resting against her breast. Harry pulled it away quickly and began stammering an apology, desperately hoping for something to either distract Hermione or end his life immediately. That something came in the form of Ron’s next comment that almost served to do both.

"Anyway ‘Mione, back to the contest, Harry and I have known about it for weeks. In fact I have to be honest and tell you we’ve been up discussing strategies at night for some time now."

It was time once again for the "Hermione Death Glare" which surprisingly was leveled at Harry and not at Ron.

Harry was thoroughly confused as to what he had done to warrant such a look.

"What’s that look for ‘Mione? What did I do?"

Hermione still glared at him as she answered.

"You knew about this and didn’t tell me? I mean Ron I’d expect that from, but you? Never."

She turned her back on the two boys refusing to look at either of them. Harry tried to apologize.

"Come on ‘Mione, Dumbledore didn’t tell us that long ago and besides he asked us not to tell anyone. You know under normal circumstances I would have, I’m sorry."

Hermione turned back to him slightly mollified.

"All right Harry, I believe you. So did Dumbledore explain to you why exactly, they picked me for this particular mortification?"

Harry began to recount the details of the contest.

Flashback

Dumbledore had just called Harry and Ron into his office and sat them down.

"I suppose you’re wondering why I called you in here."

At their nods he continued.

"Hogwarts and Durmstrang are going to have a competition. It will basically involve the competing wizards to keep someone away from a plate of chocolate."

Harry was baffled to say the least.

"Chocolate?! That’s the competition? No disrespect sir, but it doesn’t seem like such a hard task."

Dumbledore’s eyes sparkled in that familiar yet maddening way.

"It is enchanted chocolate. It is ten times more tempting than any other in existence. And the one whom you and Viktor Krum will be keeping from the chocolate is Ms. Granger. The reason we picked her is because she is an extremely powerful witch and we wish to see how you can hold up against her."

Ron looked distinctly nervous as he spoke up

"Umm…Professor, I can understand why you picked Harry for this…seeing as how he’s faced You-Know-Who so often, but why me? I can barely face a troll, let alone Hermione on the warpath."

Harry chortled.

"That’s odd seeing as how you like to keep her there as much as possible."

Ron: "Shut up Harry."

End Flashback


"So that’s why they picked you."

Hermione moaned piteously.

"If I have to go through this kind of thing just because I’m intelligent, I really wish I was more like Neville."

Harry and Ron cracked up over that one. The idea of a potion bubbling up and spilling over the edge of her cauldron and onto her shoes, and that’s if it was a good day, was just too funny to imagine.

Harry sobered a few minutes later and rose from his seat.

"Well come on you two, it’s time to go back. The weekend’s just about over and if we don’t leave now, we’ll be late."

The threesome got up from their table and walked out of the Three Broomsticks and down to where the carriages would soon be arriving. Before long, the others had joined them. And unfortunately Draco Malfoy just happened to be among them.

"Hey Mudblood, I hear that wide load you’re sporting is about to get larger, what with the whole chocolate competition coming up. And Potter, you’d better watch out for those fangs of hers, they may be smaller than before but they still look dangerous to me."

Ron sneered back.

"So tell us Malfoy, why aren’t you in the competition? Daddy afraid you can’t stand up against Hermione?"

"He knows I would have no problem, he just doesn’t want me to have to touch a Mudblood."

Hermione stood for a moment, quivering with rage even though she knew he didn’t mean a word of it. They had to go through this to keep up appearances. She drew herself up regally and turned pointedly away, but not before giving Malfoy a withering scowl.

"Of course Lucius doesn’t want us touching, if we did, Malfoy might turn into a decent human being and of course we couldn’t have that now could we?"

For the second time in mere minutes Hermione reduced Ron and Harry to a mad fit of laughter. Draco just sneered at them and shoved his way into the carriage that had just arrived. The trio mounted the step into their own carriage and they were off before they knew it.



Setting: Hogwarts Library



Hermione sat at her regular table poring over Hogwarts: A History, yet again, trying desperately to distract herself from the fact that in a matter of hours she was to face her two best friends and her ex-boyfriend in a competition that no matter how it went, was sure to embarrass her to no end.

"How could Dumbledore do this to me?"

She shook her head in disbelief and tried very hard to see this as an honor. As Dumbledore’s way of saying he believed in her strength, but all she could see was the fact that tomorrow she would be fighting to get her hands on something as completely unimportant as chocolate. She laid her head down on the table wishing more than anything that she had someone to talk to about this. She couldn’t talk to Harry because he would more than likely point out that it was an honor and she should feel pleased, not humiliated…blah, blah, blah. And Ron would treat her; as though she had blasphemed by saying that chocolate was unimportant. So here she was, waiting until the sun rose so that it could later set upon her tragic experience. She decided to go to bed, seeing if she was going to be utterly mortified, she might as well be well rested.

The Next Morning

Hermione had just awakened from a wonderful dream; Dumbledore had just come in and told her that it was Malfoy, not she, that would be participating in the chocolate challenge. Unfortunately, even at this early hour Hermione knew it was only a dream and in a matter of minutes she would be out on the Quidditch Pitch wrestling her two best friends and her ex for plates of enchanted chocolate in front of the entire student population of both Hogwarts and Durmstrang. Hermione muttered to herself as she got up

"Well we mustn’t keep them waiting must we? Have to get up and make a fool of myself for other people’s entertainment. This must be what politicians feel like before a speech."

She got out of bed and dressed slowly hoping to postpone the inevitable for as long as possible. She was just fastening her cloak when her two roommates Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil walked into the room. She wished that she had had some warning so that she could have hidden from them, but it seemed that this was just to be another part of her day. Dealing with the school’s biggest mouths that never seemed to close.

Lavender giggled annoyingly at her,

"Well Hermione, I bet you just can’t wait for this day to start. I mean you of all people chosen to muddy themselves for a little chocolate. Imagine."

Parvati shook her head.

"Yes, but remember Lavender, she is a "Mud"blood after all."

And with that the two of them went off giggling like hyenas sniffing nitrous oxide, leaving Hermione turning red and glaring at Parvati with a look that would have stopped a basilisk in its tracks. Suddenly small wisps of smoke started wafting up from the ends of Parvati’s brown hair. She started shrieking just as Lavender doubled over in a severe coughing fit. Hermione was puzzled until she saw Ginny standing in the doorway lowering her wand with a spark of mischief in her eyes. Hermione looked back at her roommates and wondered at their behavior. Something was off about this but she couldn’t for the life of her figure it out. Turning, Hermione followed Ginny out to the Quidditch pitch.

Down on the Quidditch field Harry stood waiting with his plate of chocolate sitting precariously balanced in his sweaty hands while Ron was trying desperately not to drop his on the ground as his knees began shaking uncontrollably. Viktor merely stood looking puzzled as though he had no idea what he was doing there in the first place. Harry was instantly alert when he saw Hermione and Ginny making their way towards them.

"Hello Hermione. How are you this morning?"

Hermione’s answer was scathing.

"How am I? Oh I don’t know Harry, how should I be? I’m about to essentially wrestle the three of you to the ground in order to get to that."

She pointed to the plate he was holding.

Harry smiled slightly.

"Come on ‘Mione, it won’t be that bad. Look at Ron, he’s shaking like a jellyfish riding a jackhammer, but he’s not eating the chocolate. And if he’s not, it can’t be too tempting can it? You should have no problem resisting it."

Hermione begins to look a little happier when a sudden flash of something pops into her mind.

"No Harry, you’re wrong unfortunately. I remember I read last night that this chocolate is made with a little essence from the person being tempted, so in a way it’s like they are after a piece of themselves."

"Oh. I’m sorry ‘Mione. I know this must be terribly embarrassing for you especially knowing that you’re only going to lose in the end."

Hermione was about to reply when Dumbledore signaled the beginning of the challenge. Hermione was placed in front of Viktor first and she realized that there had been a barrier of some sort blocking the smell of the chocolate from her. As soon as she smelled it all of her other senses shut down and she was running on automatic. She leveled Viktor with a disarming spell and grabbed his plate of chocolate within seconds. She sat on the ground and began snarfing it down like a suffocating man would gulp in air. Harry saw a flash of blood as her teeth nicked one of her fingers in her haste. Ron was next on her hit list. Literally as Hermione propelled him off his feet and grabbed the second plate of chocolate. As Ron lay flat on his back and Hermione inhaled the spoils of her effort, Harry could hear the crowd cheering. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hermione stalking towards him. He backed away quickly.

"Hermione, stop. There’s no need for more violence."

Hermione is finally able to find her voice but it was to say what Harry was least expecting.

"There won’t be if you hand over the chocolate."

Harry quickly put up a shield and was relieved when Hermione’s spell was deflected. The relief was short-lived as Hermione advanced again. But to Harry’s surprise she didn’t attack she merely walked towards him. Harry instinctively raised the plate above his head and waited for her next move. He didn’t have to wait long, for Hermione had reached one hand to try to meet his and wrapped the other around his waist to steady herself. Harry’s breath caught as her body leaned into his as she stretched on her tiptoes trying to reach the last of her reward. Her hair brushed against his face and he was overtaken by the scent of vanilla and roses. He turned to look at her and saw her smiling at him temptingly. He thought a moment to himself.

‘Hmm, the tempted doing the tempting. How ironic.’

He soon found his head swimming, his knees buckling and he was not all surprised to see that she had managed to relinquish his hold on the plate and had proceeded to rid it of its contents. In the aftermath of such close contact he couldn’t even build up enough strength to care that he had lost the challenge. All he could think about was how strange he felt right now. What was that anyway? He didn’t have too much time to ponder it as Hermione, left without anymore chocolate, apparently came back to her senses; saw that she’d won and by the cheers, whistles and catcalls figured she’d totally humiliated herself fled to Gryffindor Tower. Harry had no choice but to go after her.

TBC…

Hermione stumbled up the stairs, almost leaping over banisters as the staircases moved and made her way to the portrait of the Fat Lady and struggled to remember the password. Unfortunately, cognitive thinking had not yet begun to function properly and she stood stuttering idiotically. Finally, her chocolate addled brain flashed an image of a fairy-like creature.

"Pixie licorice."

As the portrait swung open Hermione hurried inside and up the steps to her dormitory. Reaching her room, Hermione flew through the door, barely touching the ground and flung herself on her bed after placing a locking charm on the door. As far as Hermione was concerned, this day was officially over. She was completely mortified and there was no way she would ever be able to face anyone ever again. Her career at Hogwarts was ended in one foul, and she did mean FOUL, swoop. Suddenly she heard a knocking on her door. Fearing it was the first of her tormentors getting a head start she raised her head and her wand.

"Give me some peace. You can wait to laugh at me with all the others."

"’Mione, it’s me, Harry."

"Go away Harry. I don’t want to speak to anyone."

"Come on Hermione, open the door."

Hermione’s voice was mournful.

"I’m not going to face you or anyone else after having made such a wild spectacle of myself."

Harry continued to plead with her.

"It wasn’t that bad and you really weren’t that wild."

He winced as Hermione wailed

"Harry, my finger’s bleeding!"

"Hermione-"

Hermione shook her head knowing he couldn’t see her.

"Just go away Harry. Please just go away."

There was a pause outside the door and she could picture the look of disappointment on Harry’s face as his hand stayed raised to knock again. Hermione heard a soft sigh and then the sound of retreating footsteps as Harry did as she requested. Hermione laid her head back on her pillow as she thought about the other reason she didn’t want to face Harry. How could she after she had practically tried to seduce him in order to get at a bit of chocolate?

"How could I have done that? He must think me such a fool."

Soon she found the sleep given to the truly miserable.



Later, Harry was having a very hard night. First, there was the Chocolate Challenge debacle, then there was the teasing that Hermione had anticipated, though missed due to her not coming out of her room, and now his dreams kept fluctuating between worry over Hermione and Snape in that ridiculous tutu. As Harry was once more clamoring up the steps to escape the ever-leaping professor, a bright light caught his eye. He turned to look at it and almost fainted, assuming one could faint in a dream, because before him stood his mother.

"Mum?"

Lily stared at her son a moment before answering.

"Harry."

"What are you doing here?"

"I’ve come to ask you a very important question."

Harry was eager to hear what it was she wanted to know.

"What?"

"What are your true feelings for Hermione?"

That was the last thing he had expected but he didn’t hesitate to answer.

"She’s my best friend, besides Ron of course."

Lily’s look was inscrutable.

"The best friends make the best lovers."

Harry visibly started and began protesting.

"What? No! I could never, I mean Hermione’s…"

"She’s what Harry?"

Harry stammered

"Well… she’s Hermione."

Lily smirked at him.

"Really? So it didn’t affect you at all being so close to her today."

"I admit it was a bit different, but Hermione’s like a sister to me."

"So knowing she wanted that chocolate so badly, but was still distracted by you has no bearing whatsoever?"

The question left Harry’s head spinning and he shook his head to clear it.

"Look Harry, Dumbledore’s going to have another challenge in a few days, it’s important that you win.’

"One, Hermione will never agree to go through that again and two, how can I possibly beat her? She’s no average witch you know."

Lily smiled in that way only a woman can.

"Distract her."

Harry had no clue as he asked

"How?"

"You’ll know when the time comes. She’ll be stubborn-"

Harry smiled for the first time since the conversation took this strange turn.

"That’s for sure."

"But Harry, you must follow your heart no matter what."

With that she begins to fade.

"Wait!"

Lily looked sad to leave him.

"I have to go now. I love you Harry. Always."

The light faded and Harry found himself awake and reaching into the darkness.

"What a very strange dream."

Shrugging it off to worry over Hermione and overactive teenage male hormones he laid back down and fell asleep again.

In the Gryffindor Common Room Hermione Granger tiptoed her way down the steps, careful not to wake anyone. If anybody should see her it would be very, very bad. For this was Hermione Granger, but with a few changes. Like being older, being a mother and…

" Hermione Granger Potter!"

And being married to Harry. She turned to look at her husband, his handsome features made slightly rugged by the jagged scar above his brow and the one that slightly puckered the skin by his eye.

Hermione turned to him.

"Yes Harry?"

Harry looked at her disapprovingly.

"I thought we agreed not to meddle and to let our past selves find each other on their own."

Hermione shook her head and paced a little ways away from him.

"No, you agreed. But I for one can not just stand by and let the most important thing in both of our lives go unnoticed because of my being stubborn and you being too… well too male. We have to find each other sooner than we did, or else we may never be together and we might also never have Robia. I couldn’t bear the thought of that."

Future Harry looked at his wife and pulled her to him desperate to get her mind off of the negative.

"Do you think the pregnancy will help it along?"

Hermione shook her head sadly.

"It didn’t before. And I can’t for the life of me remember why. Even back then I knew I wanted to be with you, but something held me back."

"Well don’t worry Luv, everything will work out."

Hermione looked up at her husband.

"How can you be sure?"

Harry grinned rakishly

"We found each other before, and we will again. But you’re right, we will have to help it along a bit."

He smiled a dazzling smile and pulled her chin up for a kiss that successfully took her mind off the problem at hand.

"Come on now. We’ve got to get back to our own time."

Pulling the time tuner out from under Hermione’s shirt and turned it to take them back to their own time. In a flash there was nothing where they had been.

But on the stairs was a speechless Ginny Weasley. Harry? Hermione? Married? Pregnant? Need to be together? So many thoughts were swirling around in her brain and yet none seemed ready to cling to anything solid.

"What on earth is going on here?"

Shaking her head Ginny decided that whatever it was, she would do everything in her power to help. Including getting her prat of a brother to help her. Of course she couldn’t tell him about the future, or what little she knew anyway. That in itself would be difficult, but the course to true love never ran smoothly. For now she’d have to sleep on it. Ginny made up her mind to discuss another Chocolate Challenge with Dumbledore in the morning. Smiling and scheming she made her way back to bed. This certainly would be an adventure!

TBC…

A/N: It’s done! It’s done!(Author runs around in crazy circles waving arms above head.) Big apologies to those who’ve followed this story from the beginning for having you wait so long for this chapter. Thanks for being patient.

Setting: McGonagall’s Room

Minerva McGonagall entered her room completely exhausted. Today’s events were tiring for everyone. Most especially Hermione Granger. McGonagall shook her head. She’d already been through so much this year, funny how it usually revolved around the girl’s two best friends. The professor began getting ready for bed and as she did she wondered how she was going to get Hermione to come out of her room. As it was Lavender and Parvati were sleeping in other dorm rooms. McGonagall had just turned down the covers when she heard a piercing scream and turned in time to see the object of her thoughts come crashing through her window on, of all things, a broom. The girl landed heavily on the floor and got up quickly stammering the whole time.

“Oh Professor McGonagall I … I uh… um. Oh dear, I am in trouble aren’t I?”

McGonagall would have answered in the affirmative if not for a few things. Such as the fact that Hermione was in her nightgown and bare feet and secondly, Hermione had a horrible fear of flying thus something was very much out of the ordinary. McGonagall opened her mouth to speak but before she got a word out Argus Filtch’s voice came through the door.

“Professor?”

“Come in Mr. Filtch.”

The caretaker came shuffling through the door and pointed accusingly at Hermione.

“That one was flyin’ around the Quidditch Pitch with no care for the rules. I saw her myself, flyin’ better ‘an any of them Chasers that’s out there now. But that was before she crashed through your window.”

McGonagall watched as Hermione paled as she remembered what had happened. Clearly she was upset by the ordeal and Professor McGonagall felt no need to make it worse. She turned to Filtch and quirked an eyebrow as she drew herself up regally and said,

“Thank you Mr. Filtch, I will speak to Miss Granger alone.”

Filtch bristled at what was clearly a dismissal. He turned with a sneer and all but slammed the door behind him as he left. McGonagall turned to Hermione as soon as he had gone.

“Miss Granger, tell me what happened.”

Hermione looked up startled by the calmness of her teacher’s voice.

“Well I was asleep and then I was suddenly awakened only to find myself flying. And as soon as I realized I was flying I lost control of the broom and crashed through your window. Professor I am so sorry I-”

McGonagall held up a hand to stop her.

“Miss Granger, were you dreaming?”

“Yes I was. How did you know?”

McGonagall smirked slightly.

“First tell me what you were dreaming.”

“I was dreaming about getting as far away from here as I could. After today it’s all I’ve thought about.”

McGonagall nodded.

“I thought so. Miss Granger it appears you have been sleep flying.”

“Sleep flying? Like sleep walking?”

“Exactly and I think I have a way to help you.”

Hermione stepped forward eagerly.

“Really? What is it?”

“We’re going to have you take private flying lessons.”

She paused a moment and stared hard at Hermione stopping her in mid protest.

“This sleep flying is dangerous Hermione. We have to stop it as soon as possible. I believe that once you are comfortable on a broom that you will stop.”

The girl stood looking confused.

“How will that help?”

McGonagall sat down upon her bed and motioned for Hermione to take the chair across from her.

“This is a subconscious need you have to fly. To set aside your inhibitions and just soar with no restraints.”

Hermione sat and pondered this for a moment.

“So when will I begin with Madam Hooch?”

McGonagall got up from the bed and walked to the door opening it as Hermione followed her.

“You will not be studying with Madam Hooch.”

Hermione cocked her head.

“With whom will I learn then?”

“Be at the Quidditch Field tomorrow at three o clock and you’ll see. Now try to get some rest. Goodnight Miss Granger.”

Hermione walked out the door calling a quick

“Goodnight Professor”

over her shoulder as McGonagall shut the door behind her. She then turned to the window and waving her wand muttered a repairing spell that sent the pieces whirling into the air, situating themselves back together as they went and then finally settling back into the window frame whole once more. McGonagall walked to her bed and climbed in as she said a hurried

“Nox”

and put out the lights. As she lay there she began to think about whom she would ask to be Hermione’s teacher. She went to sleep with that foremost on her mind.

Setting: Below the Tower

Hidden beneath an invisibility cloak were Future Harry and Hermione. Hermione pushed at Harry who was nuzzling her neck.

“Harry! Harry stop.”

Harry pulled back and looked into her eyes.

“What is it Luv?”

He pulled her closer.

“Something’s different Harry. It’s changed, I can feel it.”

Harry looked worried.

“Can you tell what it is?”

Hermione shook her head.

“I’ve no idea Harry. I only know that whatever it is, it isn’t right. I mean what if we’re the ones that changed things? What if we changed our entire future?”

“There’s really nothing we can do until we know for sure.”

She sighed.

“I supposed you’re right.”

Hermione sighed again.

“Whatever’s happened Luv, we’ll work through it.”

Harry pulled his wife closer.

“I guess I’ve got no choice but to believe that.”

She murmured as she buried her face against his chest.

“Harry?”

“Yes Luv?”

She snuggled closer.

“Whatever happens, I love you. I did back then so no matter what happens nothing will change that.”

“For me either Hermione.”

Setting: Hermione’s Room the Next Day

Hermione lay in bed staring at her canopy top. She had no intention of her room until her flying lesson at three that afternoon. A knock sounded on her door.

“Go away!”

She shouted. It was bad enough she’d had to let Lavender and Parvati in to change their clothes this morning, she wasn’t about to let anyone else invade her sanctuary.

“Hermione, it’s Harry. Open up.”

“Not a chance.”

She heard him sigh.

“Hermione you need to eat. You didn’t come to dinner last night, you missed breakfast and lunch is almost over.”

Hermione’s stomach growled at the mention of food.

“I’m not coming out.”

She called defiantly.

“I wouldn’t dream of asking you to Hermione.”

Came Harry’s uncharacteristically sarcastic reply.

“So what’s with all this talk about food?”

She retorted.

“Oh I don’t know I just brought up a tray for you.”

Again her stomach voiced its displeasure.

“All right Harry, hang on a minute.”

She got up and grabbing her wand walked to the door. She said the counterspell to her locking charm then opened the door to see Harry balancing a tray in his hands. She stepped back to allow him to come in. As soon as he had come in the room she slammed the door closed once more and locked it behind Harry. He raised his eyebrow at the locked door.

“I don’t want anyone else in here.”

She replied.

“Well glad you opened up for me ‘Mione.”

He set the tray on her bed and motioned for her to sit. As she came to the bed she noticed the amount of food piled in front of her.

“I know I’ve missed a few meals, but I’m not that hungry.”

She said in surprise.

“Actually I thought I’d join you.”

Hermione nodded and sat down on the bed with Harry across from her. They ate in silence until they both reached for the pumpkin juice at the same time and felt a jolt of electricity pass between them. Harry looked up sharply and caught Hermione’s eye. Hermione blushed and looked down. Harry continued to look at her. He watched as the sun made golden streaks through her hair. How delicately her hands were shaped and he saw the small callus on the side of her middle finger where her quill rubbed against the skin. When she looked up again he noticed the amber flecks in her eyes. He didn’t realize he’d spoken out loud until she looked at him surprised.

“You’re the first person besides my parents, and myself of course, to notice that.”

Harry could feel his face redden.

“I just think y-they’re pretty is all.”

Harry prayed fervently that she didn’t notice he’d almost called her pretty. It wasn’t that he didn’t think she was he just wasn’t sure how she would react to him thinking that way about her. Hermione’s voice startled him.

“Harry, what are you thinking? You look so serious.”

He smiled at her.

“Nothing terribly important ‘Mione. I should get going. Lunch is over and I need to get to class.”

“Well thank you for lunch Harry. It was very sweet.”

“Any time Hermione.”

Harry picked up the tray with one hand and squeezed Hermione’s hand with his free one.

“It’ll all work out Hermione, you’ll see.”

And getting off the bed he made his way to the door, giving her a tiny wave as he left.

“Oh I do hope you’re right Harry.”

She whispered at the closed door.

Setting: The Entrance Hall

McGonagall was waiting at the bottom of the stairs for Hermione to come down. It was nearly three o clock and she wanted to make sure Miss Granger didn’t forget their appointment. She needn’t have worried for ten minutes to three Hermione came down dressed for flying. McGonagall felt rather sorry for the girl as she saw cast furtive glances around the hall. She spotted McGonagall at the bottom of the stairs and swallowed nervously.

“Well Miss Granger, are you ready to begin your lessons?”

Hermione looked slightly ill as she replied.

“I suppose. I haven’t really got a choice have I?”

McGonagall didn’t reply as she led the girl outside and down to the Quidditch Pitch. While McGonagall’s strides were strong and sure, Hermione’s grew increasingly halting. Fortunately,

‘Unfortunately’

She thought darkly.

Fortunately for her she didn’t stop until she reached the stadium. Where upon her mouth fell open and a small squeak was emitted. McGonagall smirked.

“Miss Granger, I trust you know your new teacher.”

Hermione nodded her mouth still open.

“Good. I’ll leave you to it then.”

She turned on her heel leaving Hermione still in her state of shock. Finally Hermione found her voice.

“Harry?”

He looked down sheepishly.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m your new teacher.”

I gathered that. What I’m asking is why?”

Harry smiled.

“Two reasons I suppose. First because I’m a good flyer. Second because I’m your friend and might be able to calm any fears you may have. Now that we’ve covered that shall we begin?”

Hermione walked towards him then stopped uncertainly.

“Harry how much did McGonagall tell you?”

Harry took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

“I know about the sleep flying. McGonagall’s right. You need this before you wind up hurting yourself.”

He led her to his Firebolt and had her get on. Then he got on behind her. His hands resting in front of hers.

“Grab hold of my arms for now Hermione.”

Once she had complied he kicked off from the ground. Instantly Hermione had the sensation of falling. Her body tensed and her breath came in short panicky spurts.

She saw a girl’s face above her. Long black hair touched her shoulders. Her mouth was open in surprise as she reached out trying to grab Hermione’s hand.

“Hermione!”

Suddenly Hermione felt an arm around her waist and someone’s breath on her skin as they whispered in her ear.

“Sh, Hermione sh. Just breathe, you’re safe. Everything is all right.”

Hermione immediately recognized Harry’s voice. His arm was wrapped around her and he had pulled her close against him. Her breathing gradually returned to its normal pace and her heart was no longer racing.

“Are you all right now?”

Harry asked. His head on her shoulder, concern evident in his eyes. She nodded.

“Do you want to stop now?”

She found her voice and answered,

“No, not yet.”

Warmth had begun to spread throughout her body, stemming from where Harry’s hand rested on her stomach.

‘I rather like this feeling.’

Hermione started at this thought.

‘Where’d that come from?’

She asked herself.

‘Hormones and sheer animal attraction.’

The more mutinous half of her brain answered.

‘You just bugger off!’

Argued the sensible half.

‘You’re attracted to him.’

‘Am not!’

‘Well you know there is one way to prove it for sure.’

‘What?’

‘Kiss him. If you do and there’s nothing then you’ll be right. If you kiss him and there’s something you’re still right. And we all know how you love being right.’

The lesson continued as Hermione fumed at her suddenly cracked brain.

Down below Future Harry and Hermione hunkered under the invisibility cloak once more. A crystal held between them allowed Hermione to speak to her past self’s mind. Harry looked at his wife.

“Hermione, is it a good idea to influence your past thoughts like this?”

Hermione smiled and gave him a quick kiss.

“Of course. Besides I’m not really influencing myself. This is all stuff I had thought about before now. I’m just making it more vocal. Anyway, the only thing that could really go wrong is if the inner monologue became the outer monologue and I wound up confessing all this stuff to your past self.”

Harry grabbed her.

“Sometimes I really wish you didn’t have all this self control.”

“Well Mr. Potter, I have been known to let loose once in awhile.”

Harry smirked.

“As evidenced by our son Toby.”

Together they broke into a fit of giggles. Cares about changing the past momentarily forgotten.

TBC….