Summary:Hermione granger always knew that she was special. From her unfailing memory that could recall whatever she desired, her thirst for knowledge and hunger to be great. But also, the magic she could do that no one else could, not even in the likes of hogwarts. It wasn't until a man came barrelling through the doors claiming he has a bastard in this school by the end of third hear, did she finally realise how integral this moment was for her in the future, and how special she truly could be.
Chapter 1Notes:Disclaimer: all characters, creatures, places etc. recognisable from the Harry Potter franchise are the property of JK Rowling, I do not own them unfortunately and do not benefit financial from the consumption of my written work.
Chapter TextHermione granger was an orphan. And had been for a while now, since the age of 8 in fact. And she hated it with every fibre of her being.
For starters the women at the orphanage despised her. Coming to the orphanage at the dead of night as a crying and sniffling 8 year old set them with a mindset of irritability when interacting with her, and it slowly turned to despise as her regular bouts of accidental magic came along. Things that the dreary staff (and anyone with rational minds) couldn't explain.
So they did what they do best. Or rather, what mankind does best. Fear it. Going as far as to attempt to get rid of it. For the faculty were "stewards of god" and such "devil-work" had no place in their St Mary's home for bereaved children. At first they tried to beat it out of her. Daily. She almost winces every time she thinks back to the times of constant bruises and welts that littered her body. Each inflicted with a multitude of kicks or belt lashes in their hatred for her. She can never forget the look on their eyes. One of glee. Even with the slight audacity to show amusement. They took pleasure in her pain, as if she were a toy. It was then that hermione realised she couldn't trust anyone in this world, not even those who are meant to protect her.
Eventually due to her reaction depletion (constant beatings made her pain tolerance increase, less susceptible to such easy pain), they took to isolation. Countless hours and days spent alone, isolated and quiet, with only her thoughts to keep her company. It would make anyone sane go mad. Locked away under lock and key, with only a dirty mattress and a thin itchy sheet for an uncomfortable substitute of a blanket. It was here she was told to "pray it away" and pray she did. She prayed to rid herself of this torture, prayed for her to become "normal". Of course such prayers were never answered. Leading to her second lesson, to not rely on God to help.
Hermione through this abuse learnt to quickly control her magic, to ensure she got to grips with it so that she wouldn't showcase her power. Unstable control, but control nevertheless. And the women, satisfied with their "cure" finally relented. They ignored her majorly, giving her and all children a set list of chores to complete, and reinstated her back at school (they were "homeschooling" her for the time being).
It was here that hermione learnt some semblance of peace, everyday after school she would be able to walk by the woods and read the book she had chosen, she loved listening to the birds chirping and the squirrels scuttling through the trees. And the trees swaying in the wind, branches quietly hitting eachother and leaves rattling noisily. She lived for quiet moments like these, for they were the only things that kept her sane.
One day, however, around the age of 9, as she did her usual rounds of the forest; she came across a harmless garden snake. Startled, she stepped back and tried to regain her bearings, when she could swear she heard it speak, so she stopped, crouched down, and spoke back.
"Hello, who might you be"
"Oh? A speaker? I've never met someone who can. I am ajundé. Who might you be?" The snake quirked its head in intrest, curiously waiting her response
" I am Hermione Granger, and what do you mean a speaker? It is you who can understand the english language."
"No, child. You are speaking in a language snakes speak with. You and a few other gifted individual throughout history have such an ability."
"There are others like me?"
"Yes child, I've only heard about them in passing, few possess this ability to understand, and even fewer to speak." it paused, thinking of its next question "Who might your parents be?"
A certain solemn tone enveloped her, thinking about her mother "I am an orphan, my mother is dead. I never knew her father"
"I see, I do not know much but I can tell from your ability, that you are a powerful girl, one who will soon be able to do great things"
From that day on, Hermione took to conversing with the snake about a plethora of topics, and through these regular visits a regular smile appeared on her face. Her very first friend.
Her 10th birthday flew by without celebration as well as the many months that came after it. The caretakers, often left her alone, of course with a few hits here and there but never as much as before. And her regular meet-ups with ajundé never faltered. Her year was, in all honesty, mundane, or as mundane as it gets for her. Until a woman appeared
This woman greeted the orphanage caretaker, Mrs Bennate tentatively, as if she was trying to find the correct place. Hermione made a noise somewhat akin to a snort. What would make this woman want to come here? The impoverished, decrepit orphanage, where the children are scruffy and the clothes are too big for them. And her accent too. Odd. She'd never met a Scottish person before.
Hermione was so lost in her thoughts that she almost missed the womans eyes lingering on her, the woman had looked at her, and through that moment of eye contact caused the woman to smile. Hermione didn't smile back, choosing to leave instead, she wanted nothing to do with her.
Choosing to retreat back to her room and eventually went back to reading when a knock came about her door. It was the woman again, who closed the door behind them, leaving only hermione and herself inside it.
"Hello, how do you do" hermione asked cautiously, curious as to what the woman could want from her.
"I am fine, thank you, I'd like to ask you a question, Miss Granger."
Hermiones heart started to pound, frantically thinking back to all that she'd done to make this woman come here for her. Did she find out about me speaking to snakes? No it can't have, she was always careful in watching her surroundings. In fact she was more scared of the other thing
Hermione, assumed to be a pleasant child at school, often a quiet one who found the company of books more intresting than the company of humans. One that despite getting the highest grades in the class, didn't really want to interact with the class themselves. However she had a secret desire that she had kept to herself. And that is how she liked to hurt things.
It started off small, an ant or spider here, but then the desire got bigger until eventually she took to rabbits and even foxes. She carried around a small Swiss army knife she had knicked from a shop a while back and often took to stabbing the animals until she watched the light leave out their eyes. She knew what she was doing was wrong so she had a routine; she'd commit this act of sin then feed majority of the parts to her companion ajundé who loved her efforts (hermione was a stickler for wasting things, especially how growing up, she barely had anything of her own). Her second rule was that she wouldn't indulge in it too much, just once or twice a month.
So yes, it doesnt help that this woman has decided to come and speak to hermione so much as a day after her sinful indulgence. So hermione forces upon a small smile, a subtle curve of her lip and a calm voice bordering on sweet to give it that subtle touch of innocence saying that
"Yes, I'd be happy to answer whatever questions you'd like to ask."
Professor McGonagall now took a brief moment to inspect her room. It was neat, tidy, orderly, almost too much for a child her age. It was as if bordering on obsessive. And it was even seen on the girl. Dressed in brown trousers and an old grey sweater it was as if she picked clothes consciously to avoid stains appearing. Furthermore they didn't look ironed, but there weren't too many creases, something that McGonagall had seen on the other kids as they walked around the house. This girl was different. She cared about her appearance, and how she presented herself.
Furthermore to her, it also seemed the young girl had a very inquisitive mind. Old torn books lay in stacks on the floor, books on history and science, maths and English, it was all there. What McGonagall also noticed was that the books were not for her age rather for older children. 'She appears to have above average intelligence'. She thought taking a look at the girls very haphazard hair, wild and unruly, covering her eyes which made her appear almost intimidating. 'She'd make a fine ravenclaw, no doubt about that.'
What came out the womans mouth, however, was not what Hermione expected
"Have you ever done anything you couldn't explain? Shattered a glass when angry? Or levitated something you wanted? Or caused hives on a bully?
Hermione stifled a giggle at the last one staying silent as she contemplated. It was not as if she showed it. She refused to show anything more than she needed to.
The second issue was that she didn't fully trust the woman. Here she comes storming in one afternoon asking questions that if the caretakers should know the truth, would lock her up and throw away the key.
"No."
"Are you sure? Is there another miss granger I should know about."
"Just me to my knowledge." She quipped quietly, already treating the woman as if she were about to leave, walking over and sitting on her bed, putting out a book from her pillow. She could wonder about the circumstances later, as of now, she'd just have to tolerate the woman long enough for her to be satisfied and leave.
"You see... I can do magic too."
"Show me." Hermione said quickly, taking her eyes off the page to stare unrelenting at the woman.
She obliged of course. Raising what hermione thought to be as a stick before after a subtle hand movement, levitated a small book off the stack she had in the corner, it hovered for a while, moving the way the woman wanted it to before the woman carefully released its hold allowing it to fall into Hermiones hands.
"Is that enough proof"
Hermione stayed silent, staring back at the woman, before nodding. She couldn't refute it, it made sense anyway, if Ajundé said that people could talk to snakes she had assumed there are others with similar if not exact abilities as herself.
Minerva knew the girl was from an orphanage, often regarded as horrible practices, and also realised that she hadn't shown something to the poor girl. That she could trust her, and just because she's now accepted the fact that she shares the same affinity, she must appeal to her less skeptical mind to take up her offer.
"Hermione, you're a witch, and that is why you have this ability. It is a marvellous thing to have and its why I, Professor McGonagall am inviting you to attend my school" she said, holding a letter to hermione saying 'Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry'
"And what makes you think I'd want such an offer?" Hermione is not stupid. That is at least for sure. She knew that in the muggle world she could go far, finish her GCSE's with A*'s, sixth form will come next to finish her O levels at some prestigious school she gets a scholarship from, enabling her to get grades and extracurricular suitable enough for Oxford, or Cambridge University. She had a goal. One in fact. To leave this life entirely. The orphanage, with its broken doors, damp ceilings giving off a rather disgusting odour, and the people who either beat her or stayed silent in her suffering.
And now this...woman comes around, claiming to be from a school to teach her magic? Sure she proved herself but how is she to see the potential in it all? She was aiming for power, for the spot at prime minister. And she wouldn't give that up easily
"Tell me, what are the advantages of such a school?"
"Well first you are able to control your magic-"
"I can already control it just fine."
"You can meet likeminded people-"
"I've survived this long without them, it's not a necessity." Voice slightly laced with irritation. Hermione didn't really like interacting with people. She was awful at making friends before the orphanage, and even worse at it during it. The kids steered clear of her and so the only friend she had made was ajundé and he was a snake goddammit.
It bothered her at first. Majorly. But now it was all but routine, an ever present loneliness that she's used to. She didn't care much for friends, nor did she care much for enemies, none of it was appealing to her, and she was starting to get rather bored.
"Then how about this. You'd learn more than what you ever could in a muggle school. And with the qualifications you get can assimilate almost seamlessly into the magical world and its occupations."
This. Piqued her intrest. "What type of occupations?"
"You could work in the ministry - the equivalent in muggle society is parliament, could work as a healers - doctor, business woman, journalism - the point is Miss Granger. That there are occupations to choose from, often aligning with the muggle world in its own ways. You will not be stunted in your education should you choose magic"
She paused for a second. Considering the appeal of it all. Her mind and body despised mundainity. She was special, reguardless of her magical affinity. And she wanted more - much more - than the life she had now.
"I'll accept...on one condition."
"Which is?" The woman replied rather quickly, seemingly desiring to get this over and done with sooner rather than later
"I continue my muggle studies. The bases, just math, English and science throughout my time there. And if I should ever desire leaving such a world, I'll go back to the one I was brought up in. Those are my terms"
"Are you sure? Balancing the two works might prove difficult in the future, especially as the work load increases."
"I've had no issue balancing my schoolwork, you don't need to worry... professor"
--------------------------------------------‐---------------------------------------------------------
Hermione and McGonagall went to grab supplies over which she was also told how this whole endeavor must be remained a secret. Hermione did not refute this, the less people knew the better, especially at the orphanage. McGonagall told the orphanage caretakers how she got a scholarship to a boarding school. A lie which was easily believed due to her stellar marks and upon arrival to Diagon Alley she was signed up for the funding for disadvantaged children at gringotts (giving her 20 galleons which must be spent carefully)
Hermione was excited, going from shop to shop to grab all of her supplies, most of her money went to extra books some of which McGonagall (observing her inquisitive mind) bought for her as well. She asked brief questions to the professor and she was routinely given a rather diplomatic answer from the woman, which she was rather greatful for.
On Professor McGonagalls side, she was rather taken aback by how calm the girl was, her eyes did not shine in excitement like hers did, she did not run to shops beaming from ear to ear but walked calmly, checking out each book with the utmost scrutiny, debating which ones she'd have to put back due to lack of funds. It was not an experience to which she seemed to enjoy nor despise, but instead it was a necessary thing one must endure. Professor McGonagall knew that the girl had grown up far too quickly, but this only heightened such feeling of pity even. A mind and ability like hers in a place like that... it didn't take a genius to know she had suffered because of it.
And it was during hermione internal debate on whether or not the 'beginners guide to transfiguration understanding' or 'the in depth debates on charm uses and techniques' was around the time that Professor McGonagall seemed to have caved, feeling a slight bit of pity for her due to her disadvantaged means. This was the only time that the girl shot her a proper smile, a genuine feeling of happiness washed over her and her face contorted into a position that, upon looking at the girls face afterward seemed to have felt almost foreign. Hermione muttered a small "thank you" before putting the books onto the counter all being fabulous beginner's guides to her topics.
She did not know much about the girl, how long she had stayed in the orphanage or what happened to her parents either. It was an unfortunate thing, seeing a child go through that, even more unfortunate that she still had to endure it.
Now she was down to the final thing. Her wand. And so she pushed the door to Olivanders to obtain it.
Hermione regarded him as scruffy, almost like a mad scientist, with the dark apron, quirky goggles and his manner of speech that had a hint of eccentricity, he was kind through and told her how
"The wand chooses the wizard, or in this case, the witch" he said giggling like a little kid. It was clear the man enjoyed his job, that much was obvious.
The man didn't say much at first, but rather handed her a wand from a dusty old case
Hermione picked it up and instinctual flicked her hand...eventually causing the shop windows to explode. Expecting to see Mr olivanders wrath she inhaled deeply only for him to shrug and say "clearly not that one, try this instead". It was here that hermione realise that such reactions are common for witches and wizards finding their wands, so with more confidence she repeated the process again...and again... and again. She could see the frustration on olivanders face, trying to decipher her lack of partnership with a wand.
It was around this time that he actually bothered to truly make her acquaintance.
"So who are you miss Granger?"
"Pardon, sir?"
"Who are you? Traits? Characteristics? It's more often than not that the wand and wizard have a connection through their personalities."
"Wands are sentient?"
"Wands are...well... Wands I suppose. Magic flows in its wood, and we channel ours through it. I heard about a blind boy a century ago who's wand helped him sense things, as if it were his eyes. You see now?"
"I suppose." She didn't really but even so, it seems they were things those who make them don't fully understand.
"Now, back to my other point say things about yourself"
"I'm smart, read a lot of books sir"
"Ah! So you have your nose stuck in a book eh? A ravenclaw it seems! And a fine one at that. Try this now, unicorn hair, made of Vine wood 10 inches."
She tried it out, whisking her hand swiftly, it glowed at first and he was about to congratulate her until it started to flicker and sputter, almost like an old engine.
"We are getting there Miss Granger, we will find your wand soon enough." He now disappeared further into his shop, calling out to her "What do you want to do for your future occupation!" He shouted
"I don't know, sir!" She called out
He laughed walking back, "then what do you imagine yourself as? Hm?" He queried now staring at her curious about the girl
At this hermione thought for a moment, she'd never been asked such a question before "I want to be great" she settled on "as great as I can be, to reach my full potential, whatever that is in it doesnt matter to me"
Mr olivander nodded at this seriously "some would call it a childs dream but...your determination, your ambition even, I sense it in you clear as day. It seems you'd make a wonderful slytherin." He paused as if suddenly recalling a wand "How about.." he went back into his dense forest of wands, clatter and loud sounds heard as he scrambled to find the one he desired. And when he came back, he looked even scruffier than before. "This. Try it."
Hermione picked it up and felt a rush right through her even before she had used it. A beautiful golden hue emitted from the wand, and even her, as if they were tethered together. As if they were tethered together. It had chosen her.
"A very powerful wand" he says "it's one of my own creations, an experiment to make the most potent of wands. This was a part of the few that managed to make it out if thst trail stage. Whats unique is that it's made from 2 Woods in fact. It's a Vine and Yew hybrid. with a dragon heartstrings core, 13 inches" he paused for a second "this tells me all I need to know about your personality Miss Granger." "However so?" "A Vine wand is typically are for individuals who see a higher purpose. Those who are often underestimated. Those who have a vision beyond what the average person could see. Yew on the otherhand is one that revolves around, life, death, rebirth. A powerful wood that refuses to choose a mediocre individual, often choosing powerful and intense ones. Often those traits align with more controversial individuals amongst wizard society. You are destined to do great things Miss Granger, I know that much for sure. But what you must remember is that it is your actions that shape the futures of those around you. And with that I wish you the very best of luck." He said with a smile Her lip twitched ever quickly, revealing a small smile eyes gleaming with the light in the store before her lip fixing back to its original position. But she was surprised to see Olivanders eyebrows pull inwards into a frown, his gaze fixed upon her watching her very intensely. "Hm. Curiouser and curiouser said Alice" He spoke softly "Pardon?" "I remember every wand i have ever sold Miss Granger. I remember the faces of those i sold them to. In your face just now, i saw a boy whos wand I sold 27 years ago." "A rather specific number" "And a very special boy miss granger. Had a yew wand like yourself. He is a dangerous man now, but the boy? The boy, I knew would turn out to do great things." His gaze eventually ceased and he lifted his glasses up rubbing his eyes "I'm an old man now Miss Granger, I see things that are not there." He chuckled heartily "I believe I shall bid you adieu. Goodbye and goodluck"
McGonagall was waiting outside for her to come out and once she did she was brought back to the orphanage much to her dismay. She said her goodbyes and hermione spent the rest of her time reading the multitude of books in her own personal heaven. Somewhat excited to start the coming year.
Chapter 2Notes:(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter TextHermione arrived at King's Cross train station, with a ticket, one luggage case and a dream. She stared hard at this ticket with what she thought was understandable confusion as the ticket staring back at her is telling her to go to the platform 9 and ¾, it also dawned upon her how stupid it was to take up so much of McGonagall's time asking her about hogwarts itself, rather than how to get there.
Upon wondering in aimless confusion she eventually heard a group of individuals talking about 'muggles' a term she also heard said by professor McGonagall, making her infer that they are also magical people
"Hello there" she said "I am new to the school and cannot find my way onto the platform, can you help me?"
"Why of course, dear" the ginger haired woman spoke with a smile upon her face, "in fact we must be attracting a lot of muggleborns this year, we also have a new student who has asked us, Harry wasnt it?" Hermione looked around and found a boy whose hair was black and scruffy, his clothes too big and is arms too small. Kids from disadvantaged homes alwayd recognised their own, and she knew from the way he stared back, he recognised her too. "Anyway my name is Mrs Weasley, and these are all of my children" She then proceeded to list them out as they greeted her one by one and she smiled and responded back, pleased that this family are able to help her.
"You go through to the platform by running headfirst through the wall, the older boys'll show you, it's Ron's first year as well and Ginny will be joining next year". She nodded and waited for the boys to start, Percy ran first, he gave off an air of arrogance, the type one would find when they think they are more intelligent, hermione noted this down in her mind, possibly for one to be wary of. The twins came next, both giving a vibe of what can be described as the antithesis of Percy's, more carefree and mischievous, its clear they're ones for jokes and reminded herself to stay on their good side for the foreseeable future. Now it was her turn and so she ran headfirst into the platform where she was greeted with a beautiful steam train, she waited for Ron and Harry to also get in, greeting them both with a smile on her face as all 3 went to sit down in the same carriage.
"Hello, I'm Ron by the way, Ron Weasley" sticking his hand out to them both.
"I'm hermione granger, nice to meet you" and shook it, after all it would be terrible to make an enemy so early into her journey, and she'd need an interpreter for the magical world that can only be given from one who grew up in it.
"I'm Harry, Harry potter" he said nervously
"Youre Harry Potter?!" Ron exclaimed in absolute awe, hermione also now paying more attention, through the books she read she knew about Harry and his fame for defeating 'you-know-who' as people mentioned him in books, and was surprised that the world renowned boy was...well...this, a scruffy boy who looks like he's suffered through mountains of neglect, it was all rather underwhelming
"Do you have...y'know" Ron trailed off, signalling to his forhead. To which harry pulled up his hair to reveal a small lightning shaped scar with a small smile on his face
"Wicked" Ron said in absolute awe
Before anything else could be said, the trolley of food came round and a woman asked "Want anything?" and hermione had soon realised how hungry she was. At the orphanage she had barely been given any notice, the gruel for breakfast was the same, often accompanied with a slice of toast. The scowles on the caretakers faces, hell they'd probably be celebrating me leaving, the so called devil spawn, and through all this she forgot to pack any lunch for the trip, however she had no money so she replied with a
"No thanks, I'm not hungry" a slight growl of her stomach betraying her previous statement
Ron also looked sheepish to get anything holding up a wrapped crumbled sandwich from his side pocket saying that he's "all set"
Harry however was kind, and pulled out a bunch of galleons saying how "We'll take the lot" with a smile on his face. And smiles also grew on their faces too
After a while when their sugar rushes had slowed down and hunger cleared, they took to talking again, and Ron taking out his wand to try a spell "Sunshine, daisies butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow". Hermione giggled at this and asked "is that a real spell?"
"I don't know, it's what my brother taught me"
"Fair enough, have any of you practiced during the holidays?" She asked, glancing around to the 2 of them
"Not yet" Harry said, I spent the last few days getting my things in order, haven't had much time to start reading books yet
"Ohh understandable, in all honesty I've only started done a few spells, would you like to see?" Upon them both nodding she took out her wand, aimed it at Harry's nose and said "Oculus repairo" causing Harry's glasses to be fixed
"Oh, thank you" he said, pushing his glasses up with a smile
"Blimey" Ron breathed out "its not often people are able to do magic offhand, especially not someone who just learnt of magics existence, well done"
"Haha, anytime, now I think ill go off and get changed into my clothes, I'll see you back here when I am done, goodbye you two".
"Yeah we should too, meet back here in 20 minutes"
Eventually hermione came back and continued to talk to the two boys until the end of the train ride, certain she's finally made some friends.
She got off the train and they all boarded the boats, able to see the grandeur of the castle with such a view, no book (including Hogwarts, a history) could not do it justice. It was stunning. Once we got into the castle, Harry potter had a run in with a boy called Draco Malfoy who insured Ron and tried to befriend potter with his elaborate showcase of superiority, saying how "some wizarding families are better than others" and how he "shouldn't hang around the wrong sort" Harry refused to shake his hand, and through this he gained an enemy.
We all eventually gathered round Professor McGonagall to which she gave us the 'run-down' so to speak of what will take place; how there are 4 houses and the sorting hat will choose one for us.
Hermione wondered which house she'd be put into, she that that Ravenclaw, Griffindor and Slytherin were all amicable fits. Her heart beating as the first person was called "Hannah Abbot" and the girl shuffled forward, and put the hat on her heard before it shouting "HUFFLEPUFF" to which she smiled and sat down. "Lavender Brown" "GRIFFINDOR", "Seamus Finnigan" GRIFFINDOR"
The names worked its way down and more people were sorted into their houses, until for what seemed like hours"
"Hermione Granger" putting on a more confident facade, she stepped forward, sat down and placed the had on her head. She was surprised to see that the had spoke in her mind, and could hear her thoughts
"Hmmm, intresting, very intresting, you are intelligent for starters, and a desire for knowledge, you'd be an adequate ravenclaw but..."
"But?"
"You have other qualities, ones stronger than ravenclaw, your ambition and cunningness is bountiful, you've suffered in life amd it seems that you've developed those areas to help you survive, yess yesss youd be a fitting slytherin. Apart from one thing"
"Well what is it" a slight tone of irritability on her tongue, what could be making this hat think so hard
"Your courage, bravery, ability to fight, it also doesn't help that you haven't gone your 'families change' so to speak"
"Family change? What so you-"
"yessss yesss, it would be wise to see your personality afterwards and make a final decision based on what you truly are, for now however, I should put you in the house that suits you currently which will be..."
"GRIFFINDOR"
Hermione huffed and got out of her seat, she was happy to be put in griffindor but unhappy at the fact that the stupid had didn't answer any of her questions. She sat down when Lavender Brown started to speak to her
"That was amazing" she exclaimed, clapping her hands rapidly, a beaming smile on hermione
"What was?"
"YOU, you were, that was a proper hat stall apparently its been a while since the last one" Hermiome recalls hat stalls from one of the books she read, however the conversation barely felt like a minute
"How long was I with the sorting hat?"
"SEVEN minutes, not many people make it that long I must say, what houses was it thinking of putting you?"
"Majorly slytherin and griffindor but it did also consider ravenclaw"
"Three houses? You'll be one to beat I must say Hermione, nice to meet you"
Hermione smiled at the girl, albeit loud but kind, she wouldn't mind being her friend at all.
Harry also took quite a bit of time, but not enough to br considered a hatstall but he was sorted into griffindor like her, Ron was too but he didn't nearly take as much time, just a slight pause. On the other hand malfoy barely had the hat touch his head before it placed him in slytherin but that hadn't surprised her, nor her peers. But hermione didn't fret on it for a moment longer, she was happy in her current position and was excited her classes but also her new peers
Notes:I intended to provide like a background as the proper story is meant to start at the end of 3rd year but realise I want to develop hermiones character a lot more, as I feel there are things in hermiones character I'd like to further develop so I'll write more chapters delving into book one and two (see how much as we go along) and then officially start it at where I intended for it to start. Also hermiones newfound powers will come at that time so essentially hang in there, things will be cleared up eventually and yknow enjoy innit
Chapter 3Chapter TextOver the course of the next few weeks with hermione going from a lonely kid from an orphanage to a witch at a boarding school she came to realise that there was one thing that still hadn't changed.
Her love for school. And by extension, her love for learning.
Hermione took to these classes like "a duck takes to water" as one might say, constantly absorbing knowledge like her brain was a sponge and never refraining from developing a curiosity by asking her teachers. She had also realised that she'd have to interact with her teachers differently.
Professor McGonagall was the easiest, she was firm but calm and kind, she was also exceptionally intelligent, striving for no less than 100% effort. She knew that to impress her all she had to do is work hard and practice often, and work she did. She made it her mission to perfect transfiguration early so that she wouldn't fall behind and more often than not spent time in the library to find new ways to improve and channel her magic.
Potions however was different, Professor Snape was a ruthless individual, cold to all but cruel to all but his slytherins. He doesn't tolerate inadequacy, let alone lack of preparation and thus he had his favorites to torment. Majorly people like Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom. For neville, the poor guy was absolutely terrible at potions, always blowing something up at least one time per lesson, the absolute epitome of what Professor Snape despised. Harry however always seemed to be someone Snape took his anger out of, hating him for absolutely no reason. She thought it weird how Snape chose people he truly despised.
However her relationship with Snape was a silent tolerance. She did the work, obviously to the utmost perfection, and only answered when he called on her not when she wanted to answer. She had a feeling that he wasn't one to take to "know-it-alls" and besides, hermione had always thought that true intelligence is for it to speak for itself, she didn't feel she had to remind people that she was smart. And rather felt she'd let the grades speak for itself. This mindset however, thankfully kept her in his good books. Or rather, as good as she could get as a griffindor. But through his lack of torment towards her, she felt an enjoyment towards his lessons, she enjoyed potions and felt a peace.
However she couldnt feel the same peace for defence against the dark arts. Professor Quirrel was odd. Quite odd. In fact so odd that even hermione couldn't put her finger on what made him so, well, weird.
For starters it was his stance; one moment cowering away like a snivelling child only for him to stand tall and proud like an authoritative figure only mere moments later with a sharp piercing gaze to top it all off. Hermione could even swear his eye colour slightly changes.
Next was his stutter, Quirrel in some topics of the curriculum could harely get a word in because of his stammer. The man stumbled over his words constantly during these periods and despite him being a very skilled wizard, it was quite frustrating when it came to him being a teacher. However there are also other times she had noticed him speaking fluently. Eloquently. As if the speech impediment ceased to exist. All of this tended to put her a little on edge, hermione hated not knowing things after all.
However despite such inconsistencies actually did enjoy his lessons, and more often then not, to feed her curiosity, stayed after class to discuss parts of the lessons. It was on no particular day in one of the rainy foggy days of November that she decided to do the same
"Professor, may I speak with you?"
"Oh y-yes Miss G-G-Granger, always w-willing to help such a c-curious mind" he said, moving towards his desk in an almost shuffle towards his desk.
"I was reading a passage in a book and was wondering if you could explain its full meaning" the passage read:
'A legilimens is a person who has the ability to read a person's mind, they can be able to read the person's thoughts, memories and emotions at their whim. The antithesis of this however is occumency, the ability to hide one's mind away from prying eyes. In addition, extremely skilled legilimens have the ability to warp one's memories, making them take shape of whatever they fancy, but the amount of memories warped and the types of memories warped could cause harm to the warper, often warping and changing their own memories in the process. Such usage is not only strictly forbidden but also extremely dangerous, often having disastrous effects on the victim and perpetrator.'
Professor Quirrel took a brief time to scan the passage before saying, "I see no issue in the text, what seems to be the issue?"
Ignoring the fact that Quirrel no longer has a stammer she proceeded with her query "The passage doesn't provide any detail on if this is an innate ability or one that can be learned"
"I now understand, well for the short answer such an ability can be learned, it only requires a persistent dedicated mind to learn it, however what makes you want to hide your mind away, so hastily Miss Granger, hm? Or are you the one wanting to do the prying?"
"I feel thoughts are meant to be for the thinker, to hear ones thoughts is to hear one's secrets. I don't want to be read like an open book for others to see, as for the latter" she paused thinking of her response "I don't see why I shouldn't learn it in case I need it In the future, it is one's duty to be prepared in my eyes. Ignorance is another form of stupidity is it not?"
Professor Quirrel breathed out in the form of a slight laugh, his lip curling upwards into a smirk "indeed it is Miss Granger" he then picked up a pen and paper and began to write. "This is a letter to give to Madame Pince to gain access to the restricted section" hermione's eyes widen at this "Oh come on, you really think you'd find such books in the regular sections? This however..." taking out a small note to give to me "Is a list of books to read about the topic, and on the back are some other books to do with dark arts. I know you find these classes quite...lacking in challenging, so once a week we can talk and discuss your findings, and you have that opportunity to ask my any questions you deem appropriate to ask" finishing up with what hermione could only describe as a twisted grin
"Understood sir, and thank you for your help"
"Wishing you good luck Miss Granger."
So hermione went and did just that, and learnt the basics of both occumlency and legitimency in order to strengthen her mind. In addition she also checked out the other books that her professor recommended them, she knew they were on the borderline of dark knowledge but she didn't care, after all, it is one's duty to protect themselves. Is it not?. In addition she also met up with quirrel, and asked him all sorts of questions that she felt she couldn't ask other teachers and students alike. In some way shape or form she felt they were 'cut from the same cloth'.
It was during one of these meetings that she asks him to help her practice occumlency.
"So you want me to go into your mind? Miss Granger isn't the entire reasoning if you learning occumlency to defend it against people? I may have you know from first hand expierience that you can learn it without practicing for the most part-"
"And that's precisely my point professor" she defended with a reasoning almost unyielding tone, "for the most part I can practice without help, but I've come to realise it is harder, and with my limited first year knowledge it is almost impossible to learn so early in life without the aid of an experienced legitimens. And the fact that you gave me dark books to read and learn means that whatevers in your mind I imagine to be far worse than what you'd find in mine so...please?"
Quirrel thought for a moment before saying a final "Alright, but it will hurt"
"I didn't think for a moment that it wouldn't professor" with a beaming smile
And that was the start of their lessons, at first hermione was well, horrible, and she knew it. She hated being so exposed even with someone she sort of trusted but it didn't matter, whatever it took to hide her mind. And boy did Quirrel see everything, he saw her beatings at the orphanage, the isolation, her killing of animals, and whatever else that she thought was reprimanding worthy. But he didn't say anything, he treated it like it was nothing and always gave her tips for improvement. Hermione took this as a sign and said a thank you to whatever God was up there for picking the right teacher.
Professor Quirrel/ Voldermort's POV:
I had never intended to teach any of Quirrels classes. Despite in my early days of me wanting to become a professor and applying to the DADA position, I had stayed quite away from overtaking quirrel and was happy to co-exist, only interrupting when I felt there was something to add. But again teaching was only a small brief desire I had many years ago, and felt much less of a need in the present day. That was until Hermione Granger.
I always knew she was smart, from the moment she sat down she gave off an air of intelligence much similar to the way the Malfoy heir gives off an air of arrogance (such blonde hair stuck put like a sore thumb). But she never gloated or boasted about her abilities and seemed content in letting her abilities speak for her, I found her quite intriguing. However it wasn't until she asked me about defending her mind that she really piqued my intrest. I would've loved to have a teacher to ask about such things, rather than doing risky experiments and procedures to try and figure it out myself, so I decided to help her, indulge in her will so I gave her tips on the books, aided any questions she wanted, even going as far as to invade her mind for her practice. It wasn't until I did that, that the game truly changed for me.
From seeing her mind I truly saw who she is, an orphaned, abused child, who's both ruthless and hurting, I saw her as a kindred spirit, not only from suffering abuse from teachers but by enacting the same on animals. Something about my ability to control the animals final moments excited me, and from what I saw in her mind it excited her to. So, my idea to not teach had been removed from my mind, and I was more than willing to help this girl so to speak, and taught her more manipulative tactics to win her opponent, I told her the best places to hide the bones of her animals, just like I did, and telling her what animals lived where, their skills and bought her a knew knife as the ones she used was almost too dull to be deemed unusable.
Best of all hermione knew I knew, she knew I was helping her and from what I could tell she was greatful for it, believed me to be a good mentor and knowledgeable teacher, is it a wonder that she and I got along so well? It's a shame I was rejected from that teaching position. From the looks here, I think I would've been amazing at it.
Chapter 4Chapter TextHermione has always loved winter. It was always a special time for her. For at these times she felt the air turn cold. Almost still. And she felt like it enveloped her with an errie numbing-ness that she always started to crave when devoid without it.
Winter however also one of her favourite seasons and it contained her favourite holiday. Christmas. Hermione was never the sentimental type, she isn't the sort for gathering round a fire to open presents to hang stocking or decorate the Christmas tree but she had her own reasons for liking it. Typically at the orphanage, the caretakers were particularly "nice" to her (if you could count nice as indifference) and the portion sizes were always slightly bigger. However in hogwarts she thought of nothing better than to spend her days with the emptiness of the castle. And more often than not to tuck herself away in a small corner of the library and to pick up a good book
There was also one more particular reason for liking this holiday, and that was how she could finally indulge in whatever killings she wanted. Tis the season of giving after all, and what better way than to treat herself especially when majority of staff and students were away.
She packed a small bag for her little travels, consisting of gloves, leather not wool (hard to clean out the stains), a rope, her pocket knife, wand a small sandwich for her travels, a book and a small garden spade, one that she took from the herbology classroom. she decided it would also be best to keep ahead of her studies and this would be a good time to do it. Professor quirrel also told her of a certain spot in the forbidden forest, a part where its deep enough to not be spotted, but not too deep where the forbidden part comes to play. So as she was on her way to get to her Christmas celebration she was unfortunately met with a
"Hey Hermione, would you like to hang out with me and Ron?"
She paused with her back still turned to Harry and gave an unsightly frown. She was glad he couldn't see her face right now, so she turned around and forced a smile upon her face saying
"Oh, sorry Harry I'm a little busy"
"Do you need me to come with you??"
"Haha no no, I just want to go on a walk for a little while...Christmas was my mother's favourite holiday" she said slowly, emphasising the pause for a more emotional effect. She had already told Harry about her own predicament, with him agreeing not to say anything to anyone, including Ron, and knew that this was the best way to get him to leave her alone. I mean hey, if you have a dead mother why not use her for your own advantage, being an orphan has to have some perks, does it not?
"I understand, I truly hope you feel better, meet afterwards?"
"Of course Harry, talk later" she said, turning back round and briskly walking off to not prologue the conversation any more than it had to be. Once she was out of those doors she felt a strange rush of excitement, she's been awfully busy with fighting a troll, her studies with professor Quirrel, her constantly trying to keep out of trouble but also having mischief here and there that she hasn't had any time to herself. Even the mere thought of such a thing was invigorating.
She soon arrived at the edge of the forest and began to prepare. She loved this part and even after she found out she was a witch she never wanted to do this part with magic. Some things are better off done the muggle way. She laid down her rope and tied a knot leaving somewhat of a small hole, similar to a noose. Connecting that to her base (a twig placed on the ground) she then tied a sapling onto the hook and connected the hook and the base together. And put some bait. She then decided to take out a book and hide behind a tree dead tree trunk and read.
Hermione didn't mind the wait, in fact she enjoyed it, she was a patient girl when she needed to be and patient she was. Books had always been her first love, and an escape for her for any hardships she expierienced. In fact the was so engrossed with her "Beyond the basics: Transfiguration Techniques" that she almost didn't realise the single snap of a branch and the fearful groan of animal.
Her smile slowly grew wider as she prepared herself for her secret present. She hastily shoved the book into her bag and hurridly put on the gloves and stuffed the knife into her trouser pocket as she approached the animal. A beautiful fox, it was hurriedly thrashing itself on the rope, further putting further strain on it, and bearing its teeth as it saw me approach. She carefully grabbed its mouth and held it together as she cut the rope and brought the animal down. Hermione held it down as she unsheathed the knife that Quirrel got me. The animal constantly trying to get away from my grasp so she pushed it further down and sunk her blade into the animal. Looking at it with such venom in her face she removed the blade and sunk it again, and again, and again. The animals making a weak feeble sound before the light left its eyes. She always did love that part. But even so hermione didn't stop plunging the knife inwards, it was her way of channeling rage, hatred, and more emotion than she's ever had even when interacting with most people. Blood splatters littered her face and neck as well as the snow around her. She breathed and huffed, sweat silently dripping down her forhead as she took in the sight in front of her. The animal was downright mangled, barely recognisable but it didn't matter. The second phase begins.
Hermione loved order, and is always a stickler for it. But she loved it most during these moments. She turned the dead creature on its back in order to cut it open. To see what's in it. Most people would gag or look onward in disgust at something like this but not her. Not hermione. In all honesty it probably intrigued her even more. She loved looking st the organs, the brain, heart, but it was always the bones thst intrigued her most. Most I'm the spines and skull. And so she began to cut it all up, to remove the properties of the animals bones and all. She pried out a canine tooth and shoved it into her pocket. A momento of sorts and only then when there was nothing left inside of this dead animal did she finally snap out of her trance. She looked around and with a breathless laugh muttered "Damn, overkill".
Now hermione granger is not stupid. She's smart enough to know to not leave this behind and to always cover her tracks no matter where she is. So she decided to put its guts sloppily back into the foxes body and with the spade dug a hole deep enough and wide enough so that she never has to worry about its rotting corpse ever again. Satisfied with her work, she checked her spot and using her wand, cleaned up the blood off the ground and off herself (a difficult spell she learnt from madam pomfrey who was quite reluctant to teach, but with ample persuasion she got her to teach it to her). She walked back with a slight smile on her face and a kick in her step as she went to find Harry and Ron.
"Hermione, welcome back, Harry said you went on a walk, did you enjoy it?" Ron asked her without looking up to her, heavily concentrating on wizarding chess with a look that hermione had never seen when in class
"Yes" she said with slight joy in her voice "I enjoyed myself very much"
Chapter 5Chapter TextIt was the end of the school year for Hermione and all things considered it was a really good year. She learnt legitimency and occumency to a decent enough degree, she was able to find the sorcerors stone and prevent it from being taken, she had was her house the house cup this year due to her brave actions (causing immense anger from the slytherin table) But in some ways it ended on a solemn note.
For starters her mentor Professor Quirrel was discovered have a head underneath the turban he wore so very often. One that was revealed to be the Dark Lord himself. It explained everything from his change in mannerisms to his surprisingly advanced knowledge in the dark arts, things thst he shared very willingly to Hermione. She was just glad that she decided to tend to Ron instead of going forward with Harry so she didn't have to verse him in a duel.
She saw a side of the Voldermort that not many people got to see. One where he saw the potential that she had and helped her in achieving all that she wanted in this year, and she couldn't have been more greatful.
As she was packing the book Quirrel (or Voldermort rather) allowed her to keep (an old book on Potions he'd allow her to keep) she was surprised to open it and find a letter inside. The book pages had been cut to fit it inside. There was contents inside it too she guessed. Now she was not the type to ever tolerate a book being ripped but it was outweighed by the eagerness to see what might have been one of the last things her mentor would say to her she read it almost tearing off the wax seal.
Dear Hermione,
I have given you this letter in case I do not see the end of the year. Stuck in an unfortunate body such as this, it wouldn't come as much of a surprise. However I know you had your doubts on me and my true persona from the very start. But by now I will either be asking for this book back to take the letter away or I will no longer be present to get it.
You are an intelligent inquisitive child. Remind me of myself as a kid. An eager mind who doesn't mind how light or dark magic truly is, the road you will embark on will be terribly isolating I must say, even more so with you being in Griffindor, so I've decided to help you, more in the fact of giving u books for the years to come to give you a stepping stool into infamous advanced magic. In hogwarts there is a place. The undercroft. I read about it in books that were in my family heirlooms. And no one has known about it for quite a long time. The directions are engraved onto the key. Which I have no doubt you'll find with ease. Once you open the door you'll have your own secret place to not only learn but to also practice. In this area you'll find stacks of books. The stacks closest to you you can learn now, the 2nd set of stacks for year 2 and so on. This is also my way of being able to protect these books from the aurors that'll come to invade Quirrels office so it's a win for me. You can take these home however you must be careful. Caught with this and it'll earn you expulsion at the very least. Heed my warning Hermione.
Good luck.
-TMR
She read the letter beaming with joy. 'He didn't forget me after all.' And shook the letter contents to find the key. An old metal key a pronounced 'G' at the base of it. Leaving her packed suitcase. She took to reading the key as if her life depended on it following the hidden map to her. He was right of course, it hardly took her much time to do so and found herself standing in front of a door with clocks on it. Looking to her right to see if anyone could see her she twisted the key to open it and walked down to see what was inside.
It was cold for starters. Cold like winter. And it was almost like a cave. Dark so dark she had to cast lumos to see and a certain damp smell that smelled like grass when it rained. 'This will do perfectly.' She cast confringus at the fire pit and the hanging lamps to get some light and walked towards her pile of books. To say they were quite a bit would be an absolute understatement. As she walked further down she also observed that there were more books than the previous piles, and more to read as she advanced. 'Just think about the potential, I could be the single most powerful witch to ever grace these halls with these'.
She practically ran back to her piles and started to look further. Finding books on "Dark Rituals and artifacts; how to use, make and cast" as well as "Moste Potente Potions".
After careful consideration she decided to bring at least 4 for her holidays. And decided to put those in her suitcase and carry 2 books on the ride home with her. The reasoning for this was simple. Most adults, knowing her desire to read, will just think that studious hermione is just wanted to get ahead or recap her knowledge, so it wouldn't look abnormal to see her appear with such dense books at the train station. Then the books, though not bring on her person can just hide in plain sight. So she spent the rest of her time talking with her griffindor friends and acquaintances in the great hall.
"Are you all excited for summer. Its been agess since I've seen my parents." Lavender said with a grin. Shoving her clothes into her own luggage carrier without a shred of organisation "My parents told me if I got at least 4 E's we'll be going off to Italy for 2 weeks.
"Well how many did you get?" Parvati inquired
"3 E's and one O. On they'll be so pleased at my work. I was ranked 31th in the year group"
Hermiones ear quirked at that "There are rankings? How did you find yours?" She inquired clearly missing this piece of infomation
"Oh you didn't know? Once you read ur grade letter you should see your ranking next to it, as well as the total in first year which is 60 students"
"Oh, that is intresting who was in the top 10?"
"Well most of the purebloods in slytherin as well the ravenclaws got the top spots as per usual; Blaise got 10th, daphne in 9th, Anthony In 8th, Padma in 7th..." she paused "I dont know the rest, we can ask around though"
"I see, I suppose its a mystery then" she spoke, then trying to find her sheet of paper, annoyingly enough with the whole issue on voldermort and his undercroft made her completely forget about her grades.
"Who do you think got first?"
"I think its Harry, he fought voldermort again, you need talent for that" said Aria Grey
Hermione audibly snorted at that
"What? You think it wasn't him"
"Harry isn't daft by all means but he also isn't the smartest person here, he's a good student but I don't think it's him"
"Hey!!" Harry said with a smile in his face "I'll have you know that beating voldermort was very challenging" he laughed and showed everyone his grade sheet "6 E's 2 A's, one A being in potion which is unsurprising. It puts me at 18th" he then folded the not to put back into his pocket. Whoever that person is, is far better than me."
"Potter! What did you get?" We all turn from out table to see Malfoy and his group of pureblood friends staring back at us
"18th"
"Ha! You're pathetic in your ranking, it's clear to me that fame isn't everything" he said with a sneer, repeating the words that Snape had told Harry on his first day. "I don't even need to ask the rest of you fools, especially Weasley, as dumb as an oaf that one"
"I'll have you know I got 21st, but what did you and your lackeys get?" Ron said clearly furious by the insult at his intelligence
"Well if you must know, pansy got 5th and I got 3rd. Nott however beat me for 2nd" he said holding his head high as if showing off his superior intelligence. The only think he reminded hermione of was a bird trying to prune his feathers. His attention then turned to her
"What did you get mudblood? Probably bottom of the year aren't you?"
"I wouldn't know, I've lost my sheet"
The slytherin table laughed at that
"Lost? Or making up an excuse?" He sneered again "it seems to me that the griffindor table is nothing more than a group of useless dumb brats"
Hermione had it with his insults, she stood up and walked over to professor McGonagall and told her how she lost her sheet, the professor smiled and with a simple motion magicked the sheet up for her.
She took it read it and showed 8 outstandings on the left, and on the right a "1st/60". Despite inwardly jumping for joy she kept her face straight, and marched back to the bullies slammed it hard onto the slytherin table and looking malfoy dead in the eyes said "Eat shit" his eyes widened at her page before she took it back and stuffed it into her pocket and going back to eat her food. Only one griffindor managed to get into the top 10, and it was her, a muggleborn orphan who singlehandedly beat out all of the purebloods who have been tutored for that grade. And it felt good.
Chapter 6Chapter TextHermione realised she had way too much fun at hogwarts. She enjoyed the freedom and the acceptance of it all that she had completely forgotten what life was like previously. And now she's back. From the moment she got off the bus to the dreaded orphanage, she felt her soul practically cry out due to the injustice of it. Her other friends got trips to Italy, Canada, India yet she was stuck here, with the dead rats and the rotting wood.
From the moment she got back she was given a mountain worth of chores and duties, to "make up" for her time at her "prestigious boarding school". This also made the older kids go from indifferent towards her to downright despise. They hated the fact that she had opportunities and they didn't, hated how she might get somewhere in life but they won't. And the caretakers weren't any better, their constant snides, sneers, and hits were enough to drive anyone insane. But it was tolerable. Until it wasn't. One of the caretakers Miss Biggs was an intolerable woman. Her tongue as sharp as the pencil skirt she'd wear around the orphanage, and her slight make-up to give an air of naturality. All to give off a pseudo-elegant aura. But she was anything but. And what made her one of the worst was her desire to single people out. Every now and again she'd choose a boy or girl to recently pick on for months on end. And if you weren't picked you'd often go to sleep with the sound of a child wailing in pain to the belt whipping through the air. Horrid sound of course, but better them that you. And it was just her luck that she chose her to be the target In these coming months, when she has no means of escape.
It often starts small, a few remarks no doubt, but a remark from her? Everyone knew the inevitable where to happen. It then slowly escalates, a slap here, a hit there all to build up to the pinnacle of torture. Hermione woke up to her covers being ripped off her. A hand came up fast to pinch her air and use it to haul herself out of bed. But hermione was smart. And she had learnt to bide her time and strike when the time is right. So for the first night, she took the bruises, but she didn't cry, and stayed an emotionless state that even the Miss Biggs was surprised of. She repeated the same with the second night
And the 3rd. But on the 4th night she decided it was time to teach her a lesson. Too long has her reign of terror occurred. And such revenge could be fine if its to a person like this, right?
So when Miss Biggs took her out of bed, and brought her to the empty classroom. A look of amusement evident upon her face, as if silently telling her 'This is the day you finally crack' 'This is the day you cry', hermione simply looked at her dead in the eyes and smiled.
Hermione always knew she could hurt people if she wanted to. She chose not to, just like she chose to put up with it all. So when she locked eyes with Miss Biggs she imagined the worst pain possible. Miss biggs slowly started to falter, her smile dropped and her eyes widened in terror. She dropped her belt and dropped to her knees. Her pupils dilating as she felt what could only be discribed as a serpent, slithering through muscle and bone slowly wrapping around every limb. Every ligament. As if trying to tear then out of their places. Every nerve screamed in terror, as her body felt pulled in every direction, as if the very flesh were pulled by an unnatural force. Hermiones gaze remained as it slowly invaded her mind, hissing whispers of madness which can only as if the snake was not only conducting her body, but her very soul. Her back arched in pain, and her hands clawed aimlessly, as if trying to escape but not knowing where to run to. She let out an ear piercing scream. One can only discribe it as pure madness. She woke the whole orphanage up. A wailing child is one thing, but a wailing caretaker is another. The other caretakers stormed into the room only to find Hermione standing there, her gaze finally off Miss Biggs and towards them.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS" Mrs Kilburn, one of the head caretakers screeched. Eyes wide as she tried to take in the situation.
"PLEASE HELP ME" Miss Biggs yelled, helplessly crawing towards them "That child" she said pointing a trembling hand at hermione "That child is the devil"
"I'm not any more a devil than you are. And I didnt hurt you, all I did was stood here"
"Miss Biggs is this true?"
"Yes b-but-"
"But what? Spit it out"
"I KNOW it was her. It had to be her. It's ALWAYS her. GET ME OUTT GET ME OUT RIGHT NOW" she shouted, thrashing about like she's in a cage. It took 2 male caretakers to subdue her and drag her out. And I never saw poor miss biggs again.
As for the others, the orphans and caretakers alike? They feared me. I was surprised they heeded her warnings but it seems that she made am impact to them as well. Apart from interacting with chores she could go days even a week or 2 without proper interaction. With a human that Is.
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Hermione had to admit even to herself there was no greater joy than meeting Ajundé again. She unfortunately had to leave him behind last year due to rules stipulating that they can only bring a toad, owl or cat. However seeing how many people had familiars deviating from the rules, she decided that it couldn't hurt to bring her own "familiar" with her this time. She found it fun to tell him about the year she expierienced, as well as everything she discovered. Another way she enjoyed her holiday was her friends owling her. Thankfully she had a small bedroom to herself (majorly because no one wanted to share with her) and could accept owl letters from her window. She enjoyed reading her friends letters. Knowing Harry's predicament with his parents however, made her decide to send letters via muggle post, either finding coins scattered around the orphanage and saved up or find them or asking Ajundé for help. It was though this that Harry realised that he wasn't getting any mail and she was more than happy to be used as a middle man to get Ron and Harry's letters across until we could all figure out what the issue is.
As for the books, she spent the first 2 amd ½ weeks utterly engrossed by them, the only shame is that she didn't take any more than 4. And unfortunately unable to practice wand magic due to the trace, she could only sit and read. She decided to make it an effort to strengthen her magic by practicing windless spells. Often having to retry a simple levitating charm for utter days on end. It was a good way to not only get better at spells albeit an exhausting challenge, but also a good way to pass the time. Time that she couldnt wait to speed up.
Throughout the holiday Hermione (and by extention Ron) had learned that the situation with Harry's relatives is worsening, more taunts and chores, less food and freedom, even going as far as to put bars on his window to prevent him from leaving to Hogwarts. It's totally barbaric. She felt jittery about the situation, nervous about it. Harry was her friend, its only normal to care about his situation. So hermione being the loyal friend that she is sent a letter to Ron asking for help, and through countless debates through letter form and passive aggressiveness they came to the conclusion that they'll use the car to break him out. For hermione however, she had to help Harry sneak some things out prior to the breakout, to smooth the whole operation out. Thankfully Harry's house was a 40 minute walk from her location (around 15 minutes via a bus) and so she spent the days before the breakout injured with a bruise or 2 through Harry's wreckless attempts at chucking parts of his luggage out of the window of his aunt and uncles (when they were off at work or tending to some other part of the house).
The day of escape came at 12am when Hermione had to walk to her main road and waited for the car to arrive, 5 minutes away from the orphanage so it wasn't too difficult to haul the items there. Hermione was beginning to feel impatient until she saw 2 beaming headlights in the sky, making its way down to her.
"Hermione!!" Ron shouted waving his arm frantically
"Ron!!" She waved back, unsure if he could truly see her that well
"Oh look what the cat dragged in" one boy said,
"Another conspirator to our devious plan ey?" The other chimed in, seemingly able to read his brothers mind. Identical twins.
"Names Fred, and that one over there is George" he said with a huff, stuffing all of Harry's items into the trunk.
"Now let's make this quick shall we? The sooner we rescue Harry the sooner we can go home"
So we all quickly got into the car and drove (of should I say flew off) as the twins were talking amongst themselves Ron and I decided to have small conversation
"So Hermione, I know it's been a while since we properly talked, I had asked you to give my letters to Harry so I was more focused on rewriting those than sending others to you. How are you though? Did you at least do anything exciting with your family?"
"Family?" Hermione snorted before realising 'she hadn't told Ron yet' "Oh Ron, I'm sorry I uh, forgot to tell you before, I'm an orphan."
"What? I had no idea, when did this happen?" Ron said dumbfounded as if it was a recent thing thst I had lost my parents
I laughed saying "since I was 8, i lost my mother, never knew my father"
"I'm sorry that that happened, Hermione, I won't say a word" he smiled, moving his finger to pretend to zip up his mouth
"Don't worry about it, now, where are we going after we rescue Harry?"
"Well the main aim is to prevent grab Harry and get the car back in time before my mum realises its missing" he slightly shuddered as if thinking of the repercussions of his actions if caught by her "but first we must be able to get Harry out"
For the rest of the car ride there the talked about all sorts of things to pass the time, and hermione felt as if she had seen him the day before, as if no time had passed.
Upon arrival, they ripped off the bars in his cage and carry could easily climb through with his main luggage and owl, he narrowly missed Mr Dursley by the skin of his teeth and hermione silently praised herself for bring some of his items beforehand. There would've been no way he could've escaped without her aid. Harry now in the backseat with ron and hermione spent ages chatting and cheering on their newfound win of Harry's freedom. On the way back to the burrow the dropped her off at the orphanage to avoid any suspicion of her whereabouts at such an ungodly hour (not that they would've cared much of course, but a missing child poses an issue to their establishment and so a strict hometime is imposed until the age of 14. Its clear that after that no one cares where you are.) She snuck into the orphanage, crawled into bed and slept with pure bliss on her mind.
Chapter 7Chapter TextHermione loved school more than anything. A sense of total relief washed over her as she stepped off the train and began her walk to hogwarts. It was as if the train station had a barrier to leave her past behind, all worries, troubles, trails and tribulations completely go away once she begins her journey to the castle.
Well, not all of them
For starters malfoy and his gang of lackeys had continued their ridiculous name calling and snides at her and her friends. Typically calling her a "filthy little mudblood" and trying to show her up in every class since then. It didn't work of course, but It seems Malfoy especially is particularly angry about me beating him. She also noticed a sort of hierarchy between each pureblood. Malfoy initiated all confrontations with us, Crabbe and Goyle only then unfailingly trying to help his insults with their brass attempts to add fuel to the fire. In contrast, Nott didn't say or do anything about me holding first place in last years grades. He was always the neutral type, and always with his head stuck in a book, quiet and calm, only answering when prompted to. Hermione always thought that Nott was most like her out of all the students in Hogwarts, often acting the exact same way. And to her there was no doubt in her mind that during malfoys antagonises, when Nott finally draws himself out from the comfort to the book to look up at her, that he feels the exact same way too.
The second most prominent issue was about herself. She was always drawn to the sacred 28. The way their gazes are sharp and intimidating. Their clothes are pristine and their voices are calculating. So young and yet, they know just the right words to say. It makes her attempts at similar actions look. Well, unrefined. Crass. Unpolished. She was going to make it her mission this year to emulate their actions. Almost as if conducting a study. She wants to act like them. Walk like them. Talk like them. Even be them (even though such a feat is impossible). Because behind a desire for such characteristics, envy lay beneath. She will make them respect her, no doubt about that.
The third issue is a new one. Now that her mentor Quirrel is gone she was feeling that her guidance was lacking. But what was even worse is that he was replaced with an absolute wackjob. He was useless. Utterly useless. Too far up his own arse to see how awful he was at any sort of magic. It was astounding he made it this far in life. What's worse is that he was, according to the daily prophet, accomplished. His books sound more like fiction the more she reads them as part of her work assignments and the more frustrated she gets that she has to waste her time with these when more of her time can be spent in the undercroft. Usless man.
Her final issue was more...obscure. she was hearing voices. More specifically a singular voice in the walls. She thought she was going mental, adding schizophrenia onto her list of problems was not on her bingo card. So it was an absolute relief when Harry mentioned to herself and Ron in the great hall
"I hear this voice sometimes. It sounds like it's in the walls. It keeps on saying 'come...come to me... let me rip you... let me-' "
"let me tear you... let me kill you" Hermione interrupted, looking at him dead in the eye. "I've been hearing it to Harry. I thought I was going mad"
"Wha?" Ron said his mouth stuffed with chicken, he really needed to do something about his table manners "I ha'e not eard ane thing" he said, swalling the food in his mouth "you guys should really get checked out"
"Yeah we really should"
"Hermione you can't be serious-"
"But its the truth, we are hearing voices that other people aren't. I'm not saying go to someone to get checked out but I meant to figure out what we were hearing" she said standing up, seemingly finished with her food. I'm going to go to the library and check out any books. And with that she turned in her heel and walked out
She had already checked the library. She wasn't stupid of course it's the first thing she would check when she started hearing that voice. She said it so she could turn to her secret collection and look for a book to help her. Books have never failed her before so why would they now?
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Books did in fact fail her. Weeks went by without any luck. She even asked Harry to borrow his cloak to sneat into the restricted section of the library but there was nothing on a "mysterious animal/plant/object that speaks in the walls" its like looking for a needle in the haystack without not knowing what a needle looks like. Meanwhile in the world of reality things have gotten worse, Multiple people, muggles, have been petrified. Frozen in a state of shock and strange clues to hint at the supposed "heir of slytherin".
Whats worse was the hate that Harry had been getting. Harry and Malfoy versed in a duel resulting in a snake being present. Harry tried speaking to it to drive it away from Simon Crawley. The snake however, irritated with his brass command was reluctant to obey him. She had to interrupt this power play. Hermione stood in front of Simon and looked the snake dead in the eye, and then, unrelenting, spoke to it in her mind. She knew better than to talk to it out loud. And she was more courteous, elegant, as Ajundé had also taught her a few things on how to not only talk to the snake but charm it. It was then that Snape removed the snake and glared at them both, putting a watchful eye not just on Harry but on herself.
Thankfully though, due to the fact that she had chosen not to speak out loud, people in class despite suspicious of her prolonged eye contact, didn't so much as spare more than a second to ponder it. Besides, their attentions were much more focused on Harry, who was a pastlemouth and deemed as the "Heir of Slytherin" it got her thinking, the trait that her and Harry have is rare, could it be possible that she herself could have some magical family? Recearch must be done later, but for now she's more focused on stopping herself from getting petrified and stopping the other hogwart students from killing Harry.
It was after this that she decided to also start looking through the undercroft books. Now at year 2 she was able to start on the easier books as she progressed through the year. One of which was given the title " Dark animals and their formations" That she stumbled upon an animal with similar things that match up with what's happening at school.
"The Basilisk, known as the "King of Serpents," is a serpent of extraordinary size and lethality. It may reach lengths of up to fifty feet, though its growth is continuous and dependent on habitat and age. Its scales are thick and impervious to most magical spells, and its fangs contain a venom so potent that few antidotes exist—only the tears of a phoenix are known to counteract it.
Its most infamous trait is its gaze, which is instantly fatal to any living creature that meets its eyes directly. Indirect sight—such as through a reflection or a camera—results in permanent petrification rather than death. The creature may be controlled only by a Parselmouth, one who can speak the language of snakes.
Despite its power, the Basilisk is vulnerable to the crow of a rooster, which is fatal to it, and to the use of mirrors, which allow safe observation. It dwells in dark, secluded places such as caves or underground chambers." The book also proceeds to fully elaborate on how to create a basilisk, as if a normalised thing, but hermione didn't care much for that. She had found it. The animal that's terrorising the school. But how could she catch it? She guessed that it would be moving through the pipes. Especially since she could constantly hear the damn thing in the walls, however she must protect herself, she is muggleborn after all. Armed with a mere mirror and evidence in hand, she sets off to try and find the creature, it was only until her mirror caught its yellow eyes that hermione felt immobilised, and the world faded to black.
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5 months. 5 goddamn months until she was unpetrified. Apparently Harry did find the note in her hand, and used that to figure the rest out. He even dueled with a version of voldermort from a diary which she would've enjoyed to use if she had known about it.
What worse is that school was officially over, instead of enjoying her time at hogwarts, albeit full of danger, she had to go back to that stinking orphanage, again! And although exams were cancelled she had a lot more to catch up on during the holidays, as well as advance her studies through dark arts. Hermione truly does hope that her 3rd year isn't as hectic ti make her have less time than necessary.
Over the course of the last few weeks she holes herself up in the undercroft like a maniac, desperately trying to absorb as much infomation as possible in order to make it to the final books of Yr 2 so take her new year 3 ones. Due to her excessively reading about dark animals, majority of the yr 2 stacks were on those so she was greatful she read up previously. She had also taken the time to know a Ravenclaw girl called Luna, she was sweet, odd, and always rambled on about nargles. Hermione however, being odd herself, accepted Luna's rambles with a kind genuine smile and with curiosity, there was truly so much she didn't know about this world. One thing she noticed about Luna was also the ability to well, see forward, often talking about events that hadn't happened yet. So as one does, Hermione decided to ask her.
"Luna, are you a psychic?"
"Pardon?"
"A psychic, y'know, one that sees into the future, some of the things you mention often come true in the end"
"Well if that's the muggle term for it then yes, we call them seers, and my great grandmother was one too. Its a trait passed down in the family"
"Oh? What do you see when you see the future?"
"My magic hasn't reached its full potential so I see mere snippets of the future, as if emerging from water, everything is often distorted" she trailed off, seemingly upset about it. "But I'm getting better though, I've been practicing"
"Thats good to hear Luna, well if you ever have a meaningful prophecy about me be sure to tell me about it" she said with a laugh, but Luna didn't smile back, she just sat there upset, fiddling eith her jumper
"What's wrong? Did you see something about me?"
"Not much I promise, its just, in the prophecy you looked angry at someone, blood running down your face as you yelled. I could hear your voice breaking, as if straining to get the words out. You are my friend hermione, I truly hope you stay safe"
Hermione could see her friend starting to worry, it was totally different from her usual zoned out face, it was probably more emotion hermione saw from Lunas face ever. She decided it would be best to not swell on such a matter, she must be better prepared in all aspects to ensure it doesn't happen. She stayed silent for a moment taking it all in before responding "Don't worry Luna, I'll be prepared for it. Thank you for telling me, and if you don't want to tell me any more prophecies it's alright"
Luna let out a breath that she had been holding, it had been a while someone acted calmly to a prophecy, some kids in ravenclaw had also found out too, but if she didn't give them the results they desired they turned her out. Refused to interact with her. Even going as far as to scatter her belongings around hogwarts. But hermione was calm, collected and came to terms with such a prophecy even though it wasn't desirable. So Luna simply gave a small smile, nodded and said "Thank you"
The conversation continued as if such a thing was not uttered and they hermione saw Harry and Ron in the hallway, Luna also saw a friend of hers nearby
"I'll talk to you later Hermione, goodbye now" and off she went without so much as waiting for an answer. Hermione walked towards Harry and Ron and they both gave her a hug and each walked beside her, as if trying to protect her as they talked about their day.
"Hey hermione I was wondering, I'd like to invite you to the burrow in the summer if you'd like" giving her a beaming smile as they walked to their last class, "my family is going to Egypt at the start so it would have to before towards the end, I already invited Harry but I'd want to invite you too"
She had never been to someone's house before, before her mother's death she had always been a lonely child, kids often teasing her about being a bookworm and she never had truly found a friend to play during playtime. After her death it was no different too. She had to admit she was a little excited to just enjoy her summer, she could even practice some magic there too.
"Of course, the caretakers would love to get away from me, and the feeling is mutual, so just owl me when I'm allowed to come and I shall"
"Do they despise you?" He asked tentatively
"Not anymore, they didn't like me due to me doing unexplainable things they couldn't control, but now they keep their distance, I enjoy the newfound peace, often relish in it" and proceeded to tell them a little about the orphanage and how it was like, somewhat opening up to her friends.
Ron loved Hermione. As a friend of course. But she was always so very quiet, don't get him wrong he wouldn't change her for the world but she was the type of person to be guarded, as if keeping secrets under lock and key, much unlike Harry and himself, who were always the oversharing type, hermione always brought a balanced dynamic. He had known that hermione was an orphan since the beginning of the year and he majorly pitied both her and Harry, both were in an unsettling environment without their parents, maybe worse for hermione because she had lost her mother in a way that she had never told them. Ron was happy she was talking more about her past, and felt honoured she had trusted them enough with it. And he still felt like he wanted to know a little more about her, he let her be and felt he'd ask those questions another time, or let her open up to him and Harry when she's ready. The rest of the evening was spent with the 3 chatting away about their families, getting closer than they were before.