Chapter Text
Having a few hours before the students arrive, Hermione decided to make sure everything was set up in her class room for the fourth time. As she was checking the last book on her desk, an owl flew in and dropped a note before leaving. Hermione cautiously picked up the note which read:
Professor Granger-
I know you are busy preparing for the start of term, but I was hoping you could please stop by my office within the next few minutes.
Headmistress Minerva McGonagall
Hermione sighed loudly before grabbing her robes and setting off towards the gargoyle. Thanks to all those years of running around with Harry, she managed to make it there fairly quickly.
Minerva must have been waiting for her, because the gargoyle jumped aside before she even had a chance to utter the password. Feeling slightly on edge, Hermione kept her wand grasped tightly in her hand and a shield charm on the tip of her tongue. Despite knowing that she was expected, Hermione wrapped on the door and waited to hear, “Enter!” She cautiously pushed the door open and poked her head in first to see Harry and Fleur standing next to Minerva and speaking to…Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Still wanting to hex the man, she went to stand between Harry and Fleur. “Thank you for coming Professor Granger. I know you are busy trying to prepare for the upcoming semester.” Kingsley said in a deep baritone voice.
Hermione saw that Harry wanted to take her wand but she quickly said, “Let’s cut to the chase Minister. I already know why you are here. Why was that monster released? I guess it’s ok to almost beat to death the Brains of the Trio and one of the Saviors of the wizarding world since she is nothing but a Muggleborn?”
Kingsley cringed slightly at the steel in her tone. Because they were in the Order together, he had gotten to know her very well and was smart enough to not piss her off. “I’m sorry Hermione, there was nothing I could do. The healers said he was fully recovered and the parole board deemed him reformed and eligible to rejoin society. He is to have no contact with you and must remain sober. If he violates the terms of his parole, he goes straight to Azakaban.”
“And based on the evidence at the trial, do you honestly think he will care about the terms? Do you truly believe that he has reformed? We both know that he has a tendency to tell tall tales and more than capable of manipulating those to serve his own motives.” Hermione replied with such passion, that her hands were flying everywhere and you could see the fire burning brightly in her eyes.
“I have no say in this matter…” replied Kingsley.
“Clearly.” Interrupted Hermione.
Kingsley frowned and went on to say, “If you would feel more comfortable, I can have the Head of the DMLE assign an Auror guard.”
Hermione stood from her chair as she said, “We both know that is a ridiculous idea. I will not have my personal life interfere with the student’s studies. When Ronald makes contact, I will inform you.”
“I highly doubt that Mr. Weasley would be foolish enough to risk Azakaban.” Kingsley said while keep a close eye on witch’s wand arm.
Hermione snorted at this and replied, “With all due respect Minister, you do not know Ronald Weasley as well as we do. Now, if you will excuse me, I plan on heading to Hogsmeade for lunch. Good day.” She didn’t wait for a reply, quickly turning on her heel and leaving.
As she got to the bottom of the stairs she heard Harry call, “Wait a second Mione!” When he got to a few steps away he said, “I’ll come with you.”
Hermione cupped the side of his face and said, “No. I’m sorry Harry, but I need to go on my own. I need to get out of this castle for a bit.”
.Harry frowned as he replied, “What about taking Fleur with you? I don’t think you should go alone.” At this point they were walking through the halls and were next to the library.
“Really Harry, I don’t want to be an inconvenience. I’m sure you two have plenty to do.” Hermione said with a shake of her head.
“It’s not a problem Mione.” Called Fleur as she was walking down the hall.
Before Hermione could reply, Narcissa was coming out of the library and caught the tail end of this. “Why don’t we turn this into a girl’s luncheon. I’m sure between the three of us, we could come up with a very intelligent debate.”
Hermione sighed deeply as she replied, “That really isn’t necessary. I’m sure you all have things to do before the students arrive.”
Narcissa waved Hermione off as she said, “Nonsense. You have nothing to worry about darling. Besides, it will give you a chance to tell us about our future students and who we should pay close attention to. Do you need to do anything before we leave?”
Hermione’s shoulders dropped slightly realizing that she was defeated. “I am ready to go whenever you are. I was planning on walking there.” She said, thinking that this may deter them.
Fleur and Narcissa smirked at each other as Fleur replied, “That is not a problem. I could use the fresh air.” Hermione narrowed her eyes at the two, instantly knowing that they were up to something, but she was unable to tell what that was.
Harry was trying hard not to laugh when he said, “I’ll walk with you all to the gates.” He wrapped Hermione’s arm around his as he pulled her down the hall, following closely behind his girlfriend and Narcissa who were discussing some new fashion trend that was taking the wizarding world by storm. Harry slowed their pace down just enough so he couldn’t be heard asking, “What’s the deal with you and Narcissa?”
Hermione just shook her head as she replied, “Nothing.”
Harry looked at her out of the corner of his eye and said, “You were always shite at lying Mione. Something is definitely going on.”
“I’m not lying Harry and watch your language. The first time we spoke was by the lake earlier today. She wants me to assist her with some research project and we were planning on discussing it over drinks in a few nights that’s all.” Hermione replied while secretly praying that he didn’t get wind of the half truth she was telling.
Harry stopped and forced her to look at him. “I know there is something else. You have this hungry look in your eyes. You usually get it when you are thinking some pretty naughty things. You’ve had it before with a few of your ex’s.”
Hermione was going to try and avoid his statement, but as soon as she felt the blush creep up she knew the jig was up. “Damn you Potter.” She muttered under her breath. “I’ve had a few dreams about her, that’s all. Now, can we drop the subject?”
Harry smiled at her response and replied, “You know that I love you no matter what, and I’m happy that your trying to get back out there. When Lex left, I saw what it did to you.” Hermione’s back stiffened at the mention of the ex who had broken her heart. As she forced them to start moving again he said, “I’m happy for you. Truly I am. But Malfoy’s mum? Really? Must have been one hell of a dream.”
The only thing Hermione said mere moments before meeting up with the other witches was, “You have no idea.”
~Page Break~
Harry kissed Fleur good bye before leaving the three witches at the gate. They walked in silence for a few minutes before it became too much for Fleur who asked, “Are you still doing that ridiculous morning routine?”
Hermione sighed at the question, already knowing what Fleur’s reaction was going to be. “It’s not ridiculous, and it does help.” Fleur snorted at her, but before the blond veela could say anything, Hermione went on to say, “In fact, this morning I started with a jog down to the boat house, then a row across Black Lake and then docked in Hogsmeade. From there I jogged through the village before heading back. Although, I think there was some Yoga mixed in there as well.”
“I still say your insane.” Fleur replied with a devious glint in her eyes that made Hermione stand a little straighter. She knew Fleur was up to something and wanted to be prepared for whatever the Veela had in store.
“Why do you do this? Do you do it every morning?” Asked Narcissa.
“After the war, I met with a shrink who thankfully was a squib. She was the one who recommended it to help with my anxiety and said that it would also help aide me in my recovery. Which it has.” Replied Hermione as she watched Narcissa’s reaction out of the corner of her eye.
“Now that your recovered, why do you still do it?”
Hermione chewed on her lower lip as she thought about Narcissa’s question. “I still have somethings to work on and working out helps keep my mind calm. I guess you could say it is my way to meditate, to sort out my thoughts and feelings. I tend to over think a bit.”
Fleur laughed as she replied, “A bit Hermione? I don’t think your mind ever stops!” Hermione playfully pushed Fleur in response to her comment and Narcissa chuckled at the two’s antics. “Tell me Hermione, has any witch caught your eye lately? Perhaps a potential relationship? Anyone occupying your dreams?” Fleur playfully asked.
Hermione stopped short and started at Fleur. Fear was slowly creeping into her eyes. She wasn’t ready for another relationship, not after the last time she had her heart broken. “No” was all she could whisper. Hermione withdrew into her thoughts as she rushed past the two witches.
“If I may be so bold, what happened with Hermione’s previous relationship?” Narcissa asked while following behind Hermione, but far enough away to give her some privacy.
“I’m sorry, but that is not for me to tell. I shouldn’t have brought it up.” Fleur said as she watched Hermione’s body language. “I have done the complete opposite of what I set out to do.”
“And what would that be Miss Delacour?” asked Narcissa.
“To keep Hermione laughing and to prevent her from over thinking. With word of Ronald Weasley’s release, many of us worry about her. It wasn’t pretty and we don’t think that she will survive if she has to go through it all over again.”
Narcissa nodded in understanding before gracefully speeding up to catch Hermione. She went to reach out to touch her while starting to say her name, so not to startle her, but Hermione spun around with her wand at the ready. Her time on the run taught her when someone was watching. “What is it Hermione?” Narcissa asked as Fleur came up beside them.
Constantly looking around Hermione replied, “Someone is watching us.”
Narcissa stepped closer and put her hand on Hermione’s arm and said, “Is it alright if I apparate us to where we are going? I know you said you wanted to walk, however, if you feel that someone is watching us, then perhaps it is for the better darling.”
“I am more than capable to do it myself.” Snipped Hermione.
Narcissa pulled Hermione closer and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Looking deep into those chocolate brown eyes in front of her she said, “I know that darling, and no one with half a brain would ever doubt you. However, I think we both know that you may have a little difficulty concentrating at the moment.” Hermione simple nodded in agreement, not being use to losing an argument multiple times in one day.
“You two go ahead. I will follow in a moment.” Fleur said while scanning the surrounding woods. Within a blink of an eye, Narcissa and Hermione were gone.