Chapter Text
The four of them casually walked towards the Great Hall, and just before they entered it, they were greeted by Auror Smith and Auror Bailey. Everyone stopped and stared at each other before Auror Smith pushed her partner forward, making her stumble for a few steps. “Professor Granger, I wish to offer my deepest apologizes for my words and actions last night.”
Hermione smirked while she shook her head and she replied, “That was almost believable. Let me guess, the Headmistress explained some things in great detail after we left last night.”
“That would be correct Professor. As a matter of fact, I told them everything.” Minerva said as she walked up to the group. “Let’s stop blocking the way. I want you in my office directly after breakfast.” She looked directly at every else and said, “All of you.” Minerva took a few steps inside before turning back and with a twitch of her lips she said, “And do try to make sure you are presentable when interacting with the students Professor Granger.”
Hermione laughed as she replied, “Forgive me Professor, it won’t happen again., Please don’t take away house points.” Harry playfully shoved her as they all had a good laugh. He then wrapped his arm around hers before the two skipped towards the head table laughing and causing a scene as if they were still students themselves. All Minerva could do was shake her head at the two’s antics as the few students watched with their mouths hanging open.
Minerva followed close behind and waited for the two to be seated before stopping behind their chairs to say, “Can we have at least one meal where you two behave like the adults and professors you actually are?”
Harry and Hermione looked at her with a straight face before turning to each other. One moment completely serious, and the next they were laughing hysterically and shaking their heads. The only time they stopped was when Minerva smacked the back of both of their heads before going back to her own seat.
In the mean time, Fleur and Narcissa were standing off to the side trying their hardest to keep a straight face while they watched the whole exchange. Breakfast turned into a rather entertaining affair between Harry and Hermione trading bards and hexes, and Fleur and Narcissa stealing bits of fruit from Hermione’s plate while one was distracting the brilliant witch. As they were finishing up, the post finally arrived.
Three owls flew right for Hermione. She paid for the Daily Prophet first, then grabbed the two letters without even looking at the envelopes. Hermione quickly scanned the Prophet and found one particular head line that jumped out. “The Golden Trio to be reunited! Story on Page 3.” Hermione frowned as she quickly flipped through the pages to find what she was looking for.
“The Golden Trio to be reunited!” By Rita Skeeter.
One third of the infamous trio has been released from St. Mungo’s after being treated for various damages due to several Dark curses. Mr. Ronald Weasley suffered these while fighting the worse Dark Lord in Britain’s history. It was due to these curses he went after the Golden Girl, who has been deemed the Brains behind the Trio, Muggleborn Hermione Granger. After speaking with several of the Healer’s that helped with Mr. Weasley’s treatment, they confirmed that finding the Muggleborn in bed with another witch drove those curses into over drive.
In an exclusive interview with Mr. Weasley, which is to be printed at a later date, he confirmed as much to me. “I stopped by Hermione’s apartment unannounced and what I found truly broke my heart. I was there to confess my love to her and to ask her to marry me.”
You may recall a similar situation a few years back when Miss Granger broke Our Savior’s, Harry Potter, heart for a relationship with famed Bulgarian Quidditch star Victor Krum. Thanks to an anonymous tip from a high ranking ministry official, a meeting is set for later today to bring the trio back together. I for one will keep my quill at the ready in order to inform all of you loyal readers of the joyous news as soon as I hear it. My one question is, can the Trio with stand from anymore heart break from the very witch in question?”
The hall was eerily silent as they all watched their professor’s closely, waiting for someone to explode. By the time Hermione finished reading the article, she was shaking from all the pent-up anger. Having been on the receiving end of the witch’s anger and wand just last night, her guard simply stood close behind her with their wands at the ready. Minerva stood from her chair and made her way over to the four and said, “Why don’t all of you head up to my office now.” Seeing Hermione’s fists turning white, she looked to the others who simply nodded before gathering their own post.
Narcissa turned and said, “Why don’t we go for a walk Hermione. There are students staring and it would be wise to keep whatever explosion is coming from them.” She placed a soft hand on Hermione’s elbow and started to carefully help her to her feet with Harry’s assistance. As the three made their way towards the side door, Fleur reached down and grabbed the two forgotten letters. Taking a quick glance, one was from an unknown sender, perhaps another transfiguration master and the other was from Tomes and Scrolls, most likely informing Mione of a recent delivery. Stowing the letters in her pocket, she quickly followed behind.
The small group made its way towards Minerva’s office, with Hermione’s guards in tow, in utter silence. Every single one of them tried to say something to Hermione and were swiftly shut up with an icy glare. It appeared as if fire would come out of her eyes as the excess magic was crackling through her hair and the very air surrounding her. Harry looked over and gave everyone a nonchalant nod to make sure they had their wands ready. With each step they took, it brought them closer to the Gargoyle, when four figures slowly came into view.
Seeing that one of them was Kingsley Shacklebolt, Narcissa and Harry kept a firm hold on each of Hermione’s elbows. Kingsley took a step back seeing the expression on Hermione’s face and wisely motioned for his own guard to do the same, just as Minerva was coming up from behind them. Since no password was needed, the gargoyle jumped aside when Minerva got close enough and was followed closely by the Minister’s group and then by Hermione and her support. Her guards were a few steps behind, not really sure what was going to happen.
They all ascended the stairs in silence and on edge, unsure what was about to happen. Minerva waited for everyone to be seated and upon seeing Hermione ready to strike said, “If you cannot control or calm yourself Professor, I will not only restrain you for the duration of this meeting, but will also force a calming draught down your throat myself. Do I make myself clear?”
Hermione tried to force herself to sit back on the sofa, and felt Narcissa’s arm start to wrap around her shoulders as she gave a quick nod as a reply. Feeling herself being pulled back, Hermione looked directly into Kingsley’s eyes and said, “I see I was right. Tell me, have you figured out who the leak is? Personally, I would love to have the opportunity to speak with them myself.”
Kingsley eyed Hermione cautiously as she twirled her wand. Thankfully, Narcissa put her hand on Hermione’s wrist and pushed it down as she said, “Perhaps you should let him speak before you hex him.”
The Minister cleared his throat and answered, “We are still investigating where the leak came from. As for the first part, we already discussed that matter. If it were up to me, he would have been locked away for the rest of his life.”
“When is the bastard coming then?” Hermione asked with narrowed eyes.
The look she was giving him, made him stuttered and caused a shiver to run up his spine as he replied, “Within the next few minutes.” He quickly tried to disarm Hermione, but found his spell bounce of her shields.
Next thing Kingsley knew, he was facing a set of blazing emerald eyes. “I’m sure you have a good reason for firing a spell at my sister Shack. It seems your skills have slipped drastically since you’ve started to sit behind that desk. Tell me, what would Mad Eye say?”
Kingsley snorted and replied, “I’m sure he would have a few choice words for me while kicking my arse from here to Hogsmead and back.” He motioned for his guard to stand down. “Everyone in this room would have done the same thing I tried if they had to be the one to tell Hermione that. As for Mr. Weasley, he will be arriving within the next few minutes along with a team of Aurors and he rest of my cabinet.”
The room was silent for a minute as everyone watched Hermione closely. After what she did to Bellatrix Lestrange in a duel during the Battle of Hogwarts, no one dare to cross wands with the Bright Witch. Narcissa was the first to try and break the silence and softly coughed to clear her throat before she said, “Perhaps I should leave. I don’t wish to impose…”
Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she gripped Narcissa’s hand tighter. “Stay… Please. You seem to be one of the only people who can help calm me.” Hermione opened her eyes to face Narcissa and saw she was giving her a warm smile.
Fleur quickly moved to sit on the other side of Hermione while Harry went to stand directly behind her while her guards stood on either side of him. Harry looked Kingsley directly in the eye and said, “I am holding you responsible for this Shack. If Weasley so much as steps one toe over the line, I won’t hold Hermione back, nor myself for that matter…” Harry’s feature darkened as he narrowed his eyes and continued, “I will also personally see to the end of every persons involved careers. We both know how much I hate my fame and popularity. If anything happens, this is your only warning… Friend or not, I WILL end you.”
The Minister of Magic paled at the threat, knowing full well that it was anything but empty. Thankfully for him, one of the paintings announced that there was a contingent of Ministry officials along with Three auror’s, one Ronald Weasley and family located at the Gargoyle. Narcissa motioned for Fleur and Harry to lean in just as she was leaning over to whisper, “I know we all have our wands out, but would it be wise for Hermione to keep hers?”
Fleur smirked, Harry chuckled, and Hermione snorted as a reply. However, no one but Harry and Fleur knew she had two other wands on her besides her Vine Wood, that was when she had a brilliant idea. “You may be right, when Ronald walks in and is seated, I want you to take the wand from my hands Harry.”
Harry lifted a brow at her, knowing full well that Hermione always chose her words carefully. He gave her a knowing smirk and nodded since the door was opening. In walked the delegation of officials, followed by Ronald who was surrounded by the Aurors, then came Molly and the rest of the Weasleys. Although, it looked as if Percy was with the delegation more than his family.
Once everyone was seated, Harry decided to play along with Hermione’s plan and took the wand that she was twirling in between her fingers. Ignoring the “Glare” Hermione gave him, he said, “Let’s get this over with. Say what you need to say Ron and then stay the hell away.”
Molly stood and gave a hard stare as she put her hands on her hips and screeched, “How dare you speak to my Ronald like that. After we treated both you like family, and this is how you repay us? Making up lies about him and what he did? You are nothing but a scarlet woman and a trollop Hermione Granger and don’t deserve to be in our world.”
Narcissa narrowed her eyes, ready to take Molly Weasley down a peg, but stopped when Hermione squeezed her hand and replied, “Just because Harry took the wand from my hand doesn’t make me any less dangerous. This meeting is for your horrible piece of dragon shite of a son to attempt to apologize for not only beating me almost to death, but also for raping me.” She tried to stand, but found Fleur and Narcissa holding her arms while Harry was pushing her shoulders down. “He can also explain himself for the article in this morning’s paper. If you cannot sit down and shut up, then you will quickly find out why I am the Brightest Witch of my age, wand or not.”
Molly abruptly sat down with a thud and decided to turn her frustrations towards Narcissa. “What is SHE doing here? This is no concern of hers and I demand that she leave at once!”
Hermione gritted her teeth as a small breeze begin to pick up around her. Narcissa rubbed Hermione’s arm and felt the other wand strapped to her arm. Keeping her face blank she said, “I was asked to be here and am simply honoring not only a request, but also a promise.”
Kingsley cleared his throat as he tried to draw the attention to himself and said, “Everyone who is supposed to be here is here. You however, Molly Weasley, are only to be here in a supportive roll. If you cannot control yourself, then you will be asked to leave. Is that understood?” He paused for a moment to make sure the stubborn Matriarch realized he was in charge and meant business. “Now then, Mr. Weasley, I will remind you that any sudden movements and you will find yourself incapacitated and off to Azkaban. Say what you need to say, I know the Headmistress and these professors have things they need to attended to in order to be ready for classes.”
Harry and Hermione couldn’t tell what Ron was going to do next. He at least had the decency to hang his head in shame as he said, “Look, I want to apologize for everything I did Hermione. I wasn’t in my right mind when the war ended.”
Hermione’s eyes narrowed and in a frosty tone replied, “For what Ronald? You need to actually say it. For not listening to me? For beating me within an inch of my life? For raping me? For attacking the woman I was in a relationship with at the time? Tell me, what of the article in the paper? What of all the lies you spread with that one interview?” She had to stop speaking as she felt her magic attempting to break free as her anger began to rise.
The tips of Ron’s ears started to turn red with each word. Unable to control his temper any long he sneered, “I spoke the truth in that article. It is not my fault you are too up tight and cold to realize it. If you told me the truth, then none of this would have happened! It’s your own damn fault! You were supposed to be mine and we were supposed to get married!”
Hermione’s magic exploded out, causing the very castle to shake. “First off you lazy piece of shite, I am my own fucking person. Second, I told you several times that I was not interested in you or what you had to offer. I am a bloody lesbian you fucking troll. How about the fact that you broke into my apartment? How about when you raped me, I became pregnant only to have a miscarriage as the woman who had saved my life and stayed by my side walked out on me, only to be physically and emotionally picked up by Harry ad Fleur. And now that I have finally started to heal, you come waltzing back into my life like a hippogriff in a damn china shop and expect… no demand to have a place in the life I have painstakingly rebuilt.”
Her magic was swirling all around at this point, as Narcissa wrapped the explosive brunette in her arms, while Harry held onto her shoulders and Fleur gripped her hands. Though gritted teeth she said, “No absolutely not. You and the ministry officials can take all of this and shove it. I wash my hands of all of you. Now, if you don’t mind, I have several things I must prepare for my first day of classes tomorrow.”
Seeing that everyone else was trying to back away from a very angry Hermione Granger, Harry said, “For everyone else’s safety, I believe this is where we part. Minerva, is there anything else we need to see to or are we able to leave the grounds for a few hours?”
Minerva stood and replied, “Take as long as you need. Make sure you are all back for dinner. Since you will have plenty of company, I would like Auror Bailey and Scott to stay behind.” The small group left with Harry taking point, while Fleur and Narcissa both held on to Hermione’s arms to make sure she didn’t hex anyone on their way out. To ensure there were no problems, the two Aurors followed behind them and stationed themselves on each side of the door.
The small group made their way through several hidden passage ways and onto the grounds. Before they knew it, they were at the gates and heading towards Hogsmeade. “You received two letter this morning.” Fleur said as she handed them to Hermione. “I noticed one was from Tomes and Scrolls, and the other one seemed private, so I didn’t open it.”
Hermione took both of the letters and put the one from the unknown sender in her pocket while reading the other. “It looks like they got a few new transfiguration books in and put a copy aside for me. I’ll stop in there before we head to The Three Broomsticks. Do any of you need to stop off anywhere?”
Fleur linked arms with Hermione and said, “I will come with you and see if they have the charms book Professor Flitwick wanted me to pick up.”
Harry went over and kissed Fleur on the cheek before turning to Hermione. He stared at her for a moment with a smirk playing on his lips before leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek. As he pulled back Hermione playfully punched his shoulder and he said, “Ow! What did you do that for? I was only saying good bye to my sister. You would really hit the guy trying to show a little brotherly love?”
Hermione snorted in reply as she playfully swatted at him, before turning to see Narcissa fighting off a chuckle and smiled at the two. “Will you be joining us Narcissa?”
Still clearly amused, she attempted not to laugh as she replied, “I have a few stops of my own to make but will meet you for lunch.”
Harry stepped forward and said, “Do you mind if I join you Narcissa? I can’t help but feel that I will be in the way with those two.” This may have been true, but he could use this opportunity to figure out Narcissa’s intentions towards his sister. Narcissa knew exactly what his intentions were and thought it was amusing.
The group quickly split and once they were on their own, Narcissa said, “You should be safe to ask your questions now Harry.” Seeing the shocked look on his face she chuckled, “Of course I know the real reason you asked to come with me. For all extensive purposes, you are Hermione’s brother and feel the need to protect her.”
Harry followed Narcissa off to the side and replied, “Was it really that obvious? Hermione has had her life turned upside down too many times and after all that has happened, I can’t help but be protective of her.” He waited for Narcissa to be seated on a random bench, and asked, “It’s painfully obvious that something is going on between you two. I have not seen her act like this in a very long time, and can’t help but worry. You weren’t there to pick up the pieces and to put her back together. What are your intentions?”
Narcissa was touched seeing the great Harry Potter in this new light… Protector and Big Brother. “In all honesty, I don’t know what my intentions are. However, it would be a lie if I said I wasn’t attracted to Hermione. I am not trying to force anything if that helps. To put it plainly, I am simply following my feelings. It has been a very long time since someone has not only looked at me the way she does, but is also open enough to speak their mind when I’m around. I have no intentions of breaking her heart if that is what you’re worried about.”
Harry gave her a small chuckle and said, “I guess that will have to do. All I can ask is that you are careful with Hermione’s heart.”
The Other side of Hogsmead-
The village wasn’t too busy since the upper years were still at Hogwarts, so Fleur and Hermione made their purchases quickly. Finding their to do list finished, the two started to stroll through the semi empty streets, which helped Hermione attempt to organize her thoughts. She shoved her hands into her pockets and remember the other letter she received with the morning post. With an internal shrug she thought, ‘I will read it later.’ Out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw… she stopped suddenly and whirled around to survey her surroundings. While looking around she found nothing and heard Fleur ask, “What’s the matter?”
Hermione noted the concern in Fleur’s voice, and with a shake of her head replied, “I could have sworn I saw… nothing, never mind. Why don’t we head over to the pub to meet up with Narcissa and Harry.”
Fleur hooked her arm with Hermione’s, and felt herself being pulled forward. She wanted to ask more, but knew Hermione wasn’t going to open up about it. Instead she asked, “What’s going on between you and a certain Potion Mistress?”
Hermione turned and saw Fleur wag her brow, making her snort. She knew a simple nothing wasn’t going to fly. With a shake of her head she replied, “I wish I could say nothing. No matter how high I build my walls, they seem to easily fall with a single look.” She stopped Fleur, and when she held eye contact she said, “I feel drawn to her and that worries me. I can’t go through another heart break… I’m not sure I would survive. How can I trust her? Is it really safe for me to open myself up enough to risk that? I barely survived last time.”
The two started walking again in silence as Fleur thought about all she heard. When the pub came into view she said, “I cannot begin to know what you are feeling, I can only tell you what I see. I am not saying that Narcissa Black is the one, but there is no denying that there is a connection between you two. I cannot tell you what to do mon ami, but I think you should give this a chance... give her a chance.” Hermione just nodded her head, unwilling to reply as they walked through the doors. Fleur saw that Hermione was uneasy the moment she stepped foot into the Three Broomsticks, and asked, “What is it?” Fleur wasn’t sure if her comment struck the wrong cord, or if Hermione’s instincts were in over drive.
Narcissa and Harry made their way over to the two and both saw the change in Hermione’s disposition. As Harry went over to Fleur, Narcissa went to Hermione and put a soft hand on her arm and asked, “Are you alright?” Narcissa’s concern shone through her question, knowing that the last time Hermione was like this, it turned out they were being stalked.
Hermione was drawn from her thoughts the moment Narcissa touched her, and she placed a soft hand on top of the woman who was breaking every protective boundary she put in place. “I thought I saw someone…”
“Hermione…” A woman called as she came closer, making Hermione stiffen instantly.