Twisted Destiny
All belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling

I just like playing in her sandbox

This is a non-canon AU and characters and creatures have been edited to fit my vision

Thank you to my wonderful beta PrncssBunny, without you I don't even want to know how this would turn out.

All errors remaining are my own

Chapter 13

The following day found Hermione in Minerva's chambers having tea before the quidditch match. Both of them had been discussing who could possibly have the diary. It had been obvious to both of them that the diary had been taken by a house elf as they were the only ones who could get into the Slytherin dorms without leaving a trace. It had helped that Professor Snape performed the spells to check on who had and hadn't entered the dorms.

"I've been watching the map that the Marauders made and haven't been able to find any correlations between those that actually enter the bathroom and who might have the diary. I can't watch it all the time and that leaves so many opportunities for others." Frowning over her cuppa, Hermione hoped that Minerva had an idea that might help.

"My dear, all we can do is hope to find it before the snake kills anyone. We both have been trying to find out who has and hasn't entered the bathroom. It would make sense that it would be a fellow Slytherin. Though with all the friends you've made, I doubt it would be a Slytherin."

Reaching for a biscuit from the tray a house elf had provided, Hermione took a few nibbles pondering on who it could possibly be and what they could do.

"Profes...Minerva, do you think we could dispatch the basilisk while the diary is still out there? It would make sense, that way the students wouldn't come into harm. The main worry would be what the diary would do without the snake."

"That's a very good question. I had wondered the same thing. This time I have my doubts that the sword of Gryffindor will come to your aid, what with you being in Slytherin."

"I hadn't thought of that. I was and am still working on how to dispatch the snake without being bitten like Harry. Everything I've read about basilisks said they are impervious to most magics and fire. They only listen to the first person to bond with them unless that person dies, then they only listen to the next person who bonds with them, if there is such a case as most take on the traits of the first person they bond with and are loyal until death. There is a high probability that the snake has bonded with Tom Riddle and knows that he isn't truly dead so can't bond with anyone else."

Both sat in silence for a time pondering what could be done. Taking the last sip of her tea, Hermione spotted Fawkes flying through the window to perch on the back of Minerva's chair. In his beak was a thin book which he unceremoniously dropped into Minerva's lap.

Picking the book up, Minerva gave a slight gasping sound before a wide grin spread across her features. "It seems, my dear, that Fawkes has thought of a way that would be helpful for both of us to do away with the basilisk." Handing the book to Hermione, Minerva then turned to Fawkes to hand him a bowl of fruit from the table.

Laughing upon reading the title of the book, Hermione couldn't help but think the bird was magnificent. "You think we could do something like this down in the chamber without getting hurt?"

"My dear, I believe we both would be able to do this, but I also don't want to think us infallible. I would recommend bringing in two more people who you were close to that would help us. I know one will be a nightmare to convince while the other, well he always thinks first before his emotions run rampant. Both would be exactly what we need to ensure our survival and the demise of the beast."

"Who are you thinking of bringing in on this? You know I don't want to tell anyone and trusting more than you is something that I have a hard time with," stroking the feathers of Freya who had joined them when Fawkes had entered, Hermione could only assume the two men Minerva was referring to but wanted to know for sure before she said anything either way.

"I highly suspect both Alaster and Kingsley would be our best options."

Nodding her head, Hermione knew they would be their best bets. "What if Dumbledore placed spells on them, the same as you and Professor Snape? Don't get me wrong, I do love them both, but getting Mad-Eye to trust anyone is so far out of reach we would have a better chance of catching a falling star. Kingsley would be a bit easier, though I do worry about Dumbledore's influence on them both. Won't the wards alert him to anyone coming into the school?"

"If we should time it just right, we can have them at the school and help us while the old goat is out. As for getting them on our side. I have a plan for that." A wicked look took over Minerva's face as she planned. "How do you feel about using a time-turner again, though a year earlier?"

A wave of relief swept through Hermione as she took in all that Minerva was implying. "I have no issue with it, though this time around my friends are more observant. That might be an issue, but we could always cross that bridge when we cross it."

"Good, good, now it's time for the game and we both need to be out there and seen. We will have to plan further over your Christmas hols. Do you think the Dolohov's would mind if I stopped by over the hols?"

"Not at all, I know both adore you. Thorfinn should be there if his schedule permits. I know Mama has added you to the wards along with the floo access. Antonin will be busy most of the hols with his apprenticeship. Mama has told me we will be going to Paris for some shopping, I would be thrilled if you joined us. I'm not one for shopping, though the time you took me, I had a wonderful time."

Planning for their visits over the Christmas hols, both walked down to the field where they were swarmed by students and professors alike. While Minerva made her way to the Deputy Headmistress's seat, Hermione found her place between Theo and Blaise.

Most of Slytherin had become her friends though none as close as Draco. There, of course, was still the issue of Pansy and Flint. Both had it out for her and she didn't know why. Shrugging to rid herself of those thoughts, she tried to focus on the game, Slytherin versus Ravenclaw. Both her boys were playing and both had decided that while on the pitch, their friendship would be set aside so that nothing could come between them.

The game went on for hours. The scores were neck and neck, both seekers had spotted the snitch a few times only to lose it somehow. Some of the students had headed back to the castle for lunch so the stands weren't as full as usual. Glancing over to where the Professors sat, Hermione thought of the time she had set Professor Snape's robes on fire, this brought on a giggling fit. Several eyes turned to look at her in concern before leaving her be to focus back on the game. She may enjoy the game, but this drawn out game was getting boring, she needed something to help pass the time.

"Did you know, sir, that if you soak the sopophorous bean before crushing it with the side of your blade, you get more juice? You can also ask nicely and promise to plant it earning you more juice."

Watching carefully, Hermoine could tell that her projection had worked from across the pitch. It was good to know that she could project her thoughts this far away. The look that passed over Professor Snape's face as he heard her was almost comical. His eyes were darting around as if looking for the source. She made sure to be looking up at Draco and Harry as they were lazely flying around searching for the snitch.

"If you gather moondew at the first sign of sunlight, do you get moondew or do you get regular dew? I would think it would be more potent and might change the recipe. I often wonder if aconite could be gathered in the moonlight of a full moon to harness more magic in the plant and make it so that the wolfsbane could be taken but once instead of all week prior to the full moon."

This had the Professor's eyebrows shooting to his hairline.

"If the ingredients for the wolfsbane are harvested under the full moon, would the ingredients be more potent? Instead of trying it out on a werewolf you could always ask Sinista to run it through her arithmancy equations. They might help and you'd waste less since all the ingredients are so expensive."

She was having fun! Watching Professor Snape, as his eyes darted all over trying to figure out who it was entering his mind, it was beyond priceless. She knew if he ever found out it was her, there would surely be hell to pay but for now it was entertaining. A wicked thought popped in her head and thinking to have more fun, Hermione decided to go with it.

"Did you know you have a great arse and when you smile it lights up your face? I shouldn't stroke your ego anymore as I'm sure you know you are a very good looking man, but your eyes truly are amazing to look into. I wonder if you are as intelligent as you are handsome?"

Blonde eyebrows rose so high, it amazed her that they remained on his face. Mr. Malfoy turned to look at Professor Snape who in return could be seen talking. Both men returned to look amongst the stands.

"Oh no, you won't find me that easily. Yes, I'm projecting to both of you. The game has become rather stale and I'm in need of entertainment. Did you know that Voldy is a half blood? His mother was a squib who potioned a muggle to fall in love with her. That ended up badly wouldn't you say? Also, did you know that the Headmaster had a sister who was killed in the crossfire between himself and his lover, Gellert Grindelwald? It was never proven whose spell actually killed her and is the reason for the distance between the two Dumbledore brothers."

Hermione had to fight giving away the laughter that wanted to burst from her as she revealed a secret that few knew. Both men had a look about them that she couldn't fathom to decipher. All that research she did before they had left for the horcrux hunt was paying off. Both men now had something else to ponder and would hopefully lead them to question motives on both sides.

Minerva leaned over as if asking Professor Snape if he was alright as he had become paler than his normal pallor.

"I'm having a bit of fun at their expense. Neither know it's me and I've given them both something to think upon. I will have to share it with you the next time we have tea or when you come for your visit this Christmas."

Projecting to Minerva was a bit different. There was a fuzziness to her mind that she hadn't met before. This was something new and she would have to explore it further.

Before she could project anything further, a bludger hit her on her back knocking her off the stands. She could feel herself falling through the air. Bracing herself she remembered that she needed to be limp to prevent further damage to her body. Fighting her normal reactions was difficult but she forced herself to become limp, or as limp as she possibly could. Shutting her eyes she waited for the impact that never came. Instead a pair of arms wrapped around her waist from either side causing her to scream in terror.

"Easy, Mia, we've got you," Harry said from her left side.

"Couldn't let you get hurt, could we," Draco said from the otherside.

Opening her eyes, she found herself sandwiched between both her best friends who had concern written all over their faces as they hovered above the ground.

"I can't feel my legs," she whimpered as the boys lowered her to the ground. She couldn't feel anything from her waist down. The pain started to flow through her as the adrenaline wore off. Tears streamed down her face as she held onto her friends hands.

Madam Pomfrey was running diagnosis scans as the Professors rushed to her side from their stands. "Severus, do you have a pain potion on you?"

Reaching in his robes, Severus found the vial he always had on him, he handed it to Madam Pomfrey. Opening the vial, she poured it down Potters throat. He could see the trail down her face left by the tears she had shed. Looking down, he could tell that something was wrong with her legs as they were laying at an odd angle from her body. What had caused her to fall from the stands? Had a fellow student pushed her?

"We need to get her to the infirmary now. I will have to call in a specialist from St. Mungos to aid me," Madam Pomfrey wasted no time in conjuring a stretcher and hustling her to the infirmary with both Professor Snape and McGonagall following closely behind her. Oddly, the Headmaster was not amongst those to rush her to the infirmary.

Reaching out, Hermione grabbed hold of Professor McGonagall's hand and held it tight as the mediwitch ran all sorts of diagnostic spells on her before turning to rush into her office. Professor Snape stood to the side watching as Hermione held onto Professor McGonagall's hand as if it was a life line.

"Nothing to worry about Mia, Madam Pomfrey will get you fixed up in no time and you will be right as rain on a spring morning," the strong brogue was brought forth in Professor McGonagall's voice as she tried to reassure Hermione.

The slip of Hermione's name for her nickname didn't go unnoticed by Professor Snape. This had him pondering just how close his snake was to the queen lioness. It would make sense with all that Minerva had been asking and telling him certain details that she was being fed tidbits by someone who knew more than they let on, and that didn't surprise him, much, that it would be Hermione Potter.

Madam Pomfrey and another wizard rushed back into the room. There was a flurry of activity as they poured potions down Hermione's throat and soon Hermione was out like a muggle light.

It was very late, or very early depending on how you looked at it, when Hermione was awoken by a sound of someone gently nudging her arm. Slowly, her heavy eyelids opened as she took in the dark that surrounded her. The only light came from the one scone that was lite at the entrance to the infirmary. Looking down to where a small hand was touching her arm, Hermione was somewhat startled to realize it was a house elf touching her.

"Dobby," the grogginess in her voice was prominent as she struggled to fully wake from her potioned induced sleep.

"Hermione Potter shouldn't have come to Hogwarts. Dobby warned Missy Potter but she not listen to Dobby. Now Dobby tells you to leave Hogwarts as very bad things are happening and Missy Potter needs to be safe." The little elf had his ears up straight and seemed to be looking through her as he spoke.

"Dobby, were you the one responsible for sealing the entrance to the Hogwarts platform? More importantly, are you the one responsible for hitting me with a bludger?"

"Dobby only meant to keep Missy Potter from getting to school, not get boys in trouble. Dobby had to iron his hands he did." Dobby lifted his hands to reveal the bandages wrapped around them. "Dobby not meant to harm Missy Potter with bludger, only send warning and maybe hurt her a little so she leave Hogwarts," the squeaky voice raised as he kept talking.

"Dobby, who sent you here? I know you're a Malfoy elf. Was it Mr. Malfoy or was it Mrs. Malfoy?"

"No ones sends Dobby. Dobby bad house elf," leaping up he grabbed a vase full of flower to pound against his head. Flicking her hand, Hermione vanished the vase from Dobby's hands before he could beat himself too bad about the head.

"Dobby, I want you to listen to me very carefully," taking his hands in hers, this caused the elves eyes to widen to comical proportions. "I know what is going on in the school. I won't be harmed as I'm working with others to stop it before anyone else can be hurt. I need you to leave and stop trying to protect me as you are only hurting me. I know you only want to protect me and I do appreciate it. Next time if you feel the need to try and protect me, please come talk with me." Hermione tried being soft but also firm with the house elf.

"Missy Potter wants Dobby to talk with her?" Squeaking and ears flapping the little elf had a broad smile upon his face at this.

"Yes Dobby, I want you to come talk with me the next time you feel the need to protect me." A nod was all she received as there was noise coming from the entrance to the infirmary. Just then as Dobby snapped his fingers to pop out, Madam Pomfrey came into the room to check on Hermione.

"Ah, I see you are awake Miss Potter. How are you feeling?" Not waiting for a response, the mediwitch began waving her wand in complicated motions over Hermione as she ran diagnostic spells. "The scans reveal that your back has been mended. I suspect you will have some lingering soreness and some stiffness the next few days. You need to know that you broke your back and were paralized from the waist down. Healer Breanan and myself had to repair your spinal cord and fix a number of your lower spinal discs. You've had more Healers take a look at you to make sure you will have a full recovery than any other Hogwarts student I've treated. Lady Dolohov is a formable witch and insisted on having only the best attend you."

"Mama, was here," questioned Hermione as she took in all that Madam Pomfrey had revealed.

"Oh yes, Lady Dolohov and Antonin were both here. As far as I know, Lady Dolohov is staying somewhere in the castle so that she can check on you first thing. I'm surprised she isn't in one of the beds next to yours as she put up a fight when told to leave the infirmary." Patting Hermione's hand, Madam Pomfrey gave her another pain potion and a mild sleeping potion before leaving Hermione for her office.

The bracelet! That's how they knew. How could she forget that the bracelet would alert them to any danger she may be in. Mama would of course be livid with everything that had happened and Dumbledore being incompetent. He had rescued Harry when he had fallen from his broom, yet he didn't even raise his wand when she had been hit by a bludger. Hermione was pretty sure Mama would have given Dumbledore a piece of her mind and then some. She could only hope that she wouldn't be on the receiving end of her ire, was the last thought that Hermione had before the mild sleeping draught had her falling into a light slumber.

Raised voices could be heard before the infirmary doors swung open revealing Mama and Antonin, behind them stood Finn. A huge smile spread across her face when her eyes met Finn's. She had missed him terribly. All had a look of relief on their faces when they saw she was awake.

"Dear girl, you scared us all when your bracelet alerted us that you were in danger. We had a time with Dumbledore getting through the wards to see you." Mama grasped her hand tightly as she smiled down at Hermione. "You would think that man would realize you are now legally a part of our family and knew he couldn't keep us away from you."

"I'm fine now," she smiled up at all three of them. "Madam Pomfrey is brilliant and healed me. I won't have any lingering difficulties. I'm sorry to have worried you so." She felt so guilty having them thinking the worst about her after all they had done for her.

"Princess, I'm happy to see you're awake this time. You sure had us all worried. We're all relieved that you're better and won't have any lingering issues." Finn came to sit on the bed next to her, drawing her into a soft hug while planting a kiss to her forehead. Hermione crawled into his lap while he wrapped his arms around her holding her against his strong chest.

Breathing in his scent, Hermione couldn't think of a better place to be than in his lap, wrapped up in his strong, protective embrace. Let the world turn all it wanted, this is where Hermione felt safe.

Antonin stood as he watched his best friend hold what he considered his sister in his arms. He knew Hermione was keeping something from them but figured in time as she grew closer to them, she would open up and trust him with her secret. Never in his life had he felt drawn to be so protective over someone, yet this little witch had drawn him in from the beginning. Glancing at the clock on the wall, Antonin made note that it was time for him to leave so that he could make it in time for work.

Bending down, Antonin gently placed a kiss on her forehead,"Ты моя сердечная сестра."

Before anymore could be said, the doors to the infirmary opened once more and in came Dumbledore in the brightest yellow robes she had ever seen. Behind him were Professor Snape and Minerva, who gave her a smile. The conversation that took place in the infirmary was something that Hermione never thought would be possible for her. Not only did her three lecture Dumbledore on the safety issues that he failed to uphold. Mama, of course, laid into him about the fact that Hermoine was now under their protection and that they were now her legal guardians and as such couldn't be turned away when something of this magnitude happened, even if it did happen at Hogwarts.

Hermione sat there, keeping silent as she listened to the adults argue over the facts. She took in all the looks she received from the three professors. Minerva had raised the fact that Dumbedore had not alerted her family as protocol dictated, which earned her a scathing look from the Headmaster. Snape was silent during the whole ordeal yet, seemed to agree with her family and Minerva. As her head of house, he was the one responsible for sending the news to her family but by the sounds of it, Dumbledore had denied his request to contact them.

As her family was bidding her farewell with the promise of seeing her soon for the Christmas hols, Freya swooped in to land on Hermione's shoulder. The gentle greeting and nibbling of her fingers gave Hermione a sense of peace after the turmoil of the afternoon.

"Sweet girl, I've missed you. I hope Draco has taken care of you while I've been laid up here." Stroking along her back, Freya gave a small churring noise.

"Of course I've taken care of her! What do you think I am, a heathen?" The blonde boy strode through the doors as if summoned by her thoughts. A brilliant smile spread across her face as she saw her boys come through the doors.

Harry had a large bouquet of wildflowers in a stunning silver vase that seemed to swirl with the light. "I hope you like them, we went and picked them ourselves and Draco's father gave him the vase to give to you."

Stunned, Hermione couldn't quite wrap her mind around the fact that Lucius Malfoy would give his son something to give to her. "Did you talk with your father, Draco? Will he help getting Siubhan to her new home?"

"We talked a little and he agreed to help locate her a new home. He is contacting his acquaintance and should let us know by next week what he hears. Now on to more important business," the firm frown upon Draco's face could only mean she was in for a lecture.

"What happened, Mia? We both saw you grinning and looking like you were having fun watching the game, then the next we saw was you falling from the stands. No one knows what happened." Harry came to sit next to her on the bed.

Reaching out, she took both their hands in hers. "I was hit from behind by a bludger. I have no idea where it came from or how it only hit me and none of the other students around me. I talked with the Dolohov's and Finn. You should've seen it! Mama gave Dumbledore a lecture I'm sure he won't soon forget. I don't think anyone has talked to him that way in a very long time."

"But Mia, it seems like when you come to our games you get hurt. Last year you were injured and now this year you almost died and it's not like you play the game. Maybe you shouldn't come to the games anymore," a thoughtful Harry voiced his concern while Draco looked at her as if he was agreeing with him.

"There is no way I will not attend your games," exclaimed Mia. "I enjoy watching you both play and if either one of you makes a comment about not playing anymore, I will hex you both."

The guilty looks the boys shared confirmed her suspicion. She knew they both loved the game and she wouldn't be the reason either stopped playing. The doors to the infirmary flew open and two matching redheads waltzed through the open doors. Upon seeing her up and looking well, both had grins on their faces.

"There's our girl."

"Fit as a feather I see."

"Now onto more important business."

Both came to stand next to her bed looking excited. Something had to have happened to make both boys act like nothing had happened if they were ignoring the fact that she was in the infirmary.

"We brought you something."

"Something we are sure you will need."

George reached into his pocket and produced a small box. Fred took the box and handed it to Hermione with a wink. Opening the box, Hermione gasped loudly drawing her two boys to look at what the box held.

"Um, thank you boys, but why would you get me a bracelet? This isn't a courting gift is it?"

Laughter from both redheads roared throughout the infirmary.

"Dear, sweet Mia."

"No courting for us."

"This has protection charms on it. That way none of the quidditch equipment can harm you."

"We invented it just for you."

"Been working on it since last year."

"We finished it last night."

"All you have to do is wear it while at the games and none of the quidditch equipment can come near you if it has malevolence purposes." Fred proclaimed brightly. Both redheads looked proud of their achievement, as well they should. The bracelet was a beautiful gold band with a small clear stone in the center. It was simple but beautiful. The meaning behind the gift was more than enough to bring tears to her eyes.

"Thank you," raising up she crawled to the end of the bed and wrapped her arms around both boys in a fierce hug. "You both are amazing and I love you both." Giving each a small peck on each cheek, she drew back to sit on the bed between her boys.

The days flew by once she was discharged from the infirmary. She had some tingling down her right leg, but that soon disappeared. The day before they were to board the express to head back to London, Hermoine received a summons from Dumbledore. She had no idea what he wanted, but she knew she wasn't going to be alone in his presence and that meant she needed to speak with Professor Snape, she just hoped he was in a decent mood.

Knocking on his office door, she waited patiently for him to admit her. Once she entered the office, she found him sitting behind his desk with a mountain of papers waiting to be graded. He had bags under his eyes that normally weren't there. Maybe he had started to use a glamour charm to hide them?

"What do you want, Potter?"

"Sir, I've been summoned to see the Headmaster and was hoping you would accompany me." Tilting her head, she took in the rest of Professor Snape. He seemed drained, like he wasn't sleeping. "Sir, are you ok? I mean, you don't look like your normal self."

"It's none of your concern, Potter." Standing from his desk, Hermione was dismayed to see him sway slightly before collapsing back into his chair.

Not waiting a moment longer, Hermione drew her wand from her holder before summoning her patronus. There before her wasn't the otter she had before, but a beautiful clouded leopard. It rubbed up against her waiting for directions. Speaking softly she directed it to Minerva. Watching as it ran from the room, Hermione pondered slightly on how her patronus had changed. Before she got to ponder long, Professor Snape drew in a ragged breath and opened his eyes.

His normally piercing black eyes were clouded and his brow had beads of sweat along his hairline. Summoning a cool flannel, Hermione tentatively stepped around his desk. Gently, she placed the cool flannel along his forehead earning her a soft moan.

"What do you think you're doing, Potter? Go back to your dorms this minute."

"Sir, you collapsed. I've sent for Professor McGonagall in hopes she can help you or bring Madam Pomfrey to you. Please sir, stay sitting. You are very ill and need to be looked after."

The door behind her opened and in rushed Professor McGonagall who had Madam Pomfrey with her. Hermione gave a weak smile seeing both in the office. She knew that Professor Snape would be alright but still felt relieved having him looked after.

"Miss Potter, please step aside," Madam Pomfrey promptly started bustling around the Professor who had stayed seated much to Hermione's relief.

"Mia, that was a spectacular summons. I'm very proud of you, twenty points to Slytherin," whispered Professor McGonagall.

Both stood watching as the mediwitch ran scans on Professor Snape then ushered the grumbling man through a door Hermione hadn't seen before. Minerva placed a warm hand on her shoulder giving her a light squeeze.

"Professor, I came to ask Professor Snape to accompany me to a meeting with the Headmaster. Would you accompany me? I don't think I should meet with him by myself and Professor Snape has always accompanied me before." Twisting her hands in front of her, Hermione felt like a little kid waiting for permission to do something that wasn't normally allowed.

"I'd be honored to accompany you, Mia. I may not be your Head of House, but I will more than gladly stand in for him if the occasion arises." Smiling gently, Minerva knew this meant a great deal to the young girl. They had shared many cups of tea and had strategized once Hermione had explained everything, but this felt much more meaningful. The girl trusted her to stand shoulder to shoulder with her against Dumbledore. "When are you expected?"

Casting a quick tempus, "I was supposed to be there right now actually."

"Lets be on our way then." Leading the way out, Professor McGonagall strode briskly through the halls to the Headmasters office. "Lemon Drop." The gargoyle sprang away revealing the stairs to the Headmaster's office. Once they reached the top, Professor McGongall didn't bother to knock before entering the office.

Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his half moon spectacles perched on his nose and his long silver beard tied at chest length. The look of displeasure in his blue eyes was unmistakable as he looked behind Professor McGongall and saw Hermione walking through the door.

"Ah, thank you Minerva for bringing Miss Potter. I'm sure you have other duties that need attending to." It was a clear dismissal if ever she had heard one. Nervously, she looked at her former head of house and friend.

Waving her hand as she took a seat on one of the settees. "Nonsense, everything is handled and it was my privilege to be asked to join in on this meeting."

Hermione could see the wheels turning in Dumbledore's head as he registered that he wouldn't easily get rid of the Duty Headmistress. She let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding before joining Minerva on the settee.

"Sir, you know that I'm to have my head of house join me if my legal guardian's can't join us. Since Professor Snape has come down with what seems to be a nasty cold, I've asked that Professor McGonagall stand in for both absent parties."

That seemed the diplomatic response. She didn't want to rile the old man up nor get on his bad side anymore than she had already. Fawkes chirred from his perch before swooping past the Headmaster's desk to perch on her knee. For a bird of his size, Fawkes weighed next to nothing if not lighter than Freya. Reaching her hand out, she stroked his breast feathers which earned her a warble of approval as he slowly closed his eyes in pure bliss at the touch he so desired. Continuing to stroke his breast feathers, Hermione waited patiently for the Headmaster to make up his mind on whether or not to continue with this meeting or possibly dismiss it.

"The reason I've asked for this meeting is to inquire upon your health and to get your side of the incident without outside influences, Miss Potter." Dumbledore stroked his beard as he took in the sight of Fawkes resting on her knee. He knew he would have to be cautious in approaching the true reason for calling this meeting.

"Sir, I don't think I'm understanding you. I've already told you what happened while in the infirmary." Tilting her head to the side, she drew in her bottom lip and held it between her teeth, something she had been prone to do in her previous timeline. "As for my health, I'm sure Madam Pomfrey has already told you that I will be fine with no lingering effects from the ordeal. I do have some tingling down my right leg from time to time, but have been assured that will pass with time."

Looking into the twinkling blue eyes of Dumbledore, she felt the telltale signs that he was probing her mind again. This time she was ready with something she had been studying in the ROR. Throwing down her outer defences, she left the inner defences have at him in the most brutal way possible.

She had been studying in the room when the ROR had provided an interesting book about occlumency. In the book it had theorized that one who had mastered the art could theoretically build an inner wall that could be used as an offence. The book specifically recommended using a fire wall as the inner wall. Hermione had tried her best at this yet always seemed lacking. When she had thought about it harder, she had realized she had the innate talent for lightening, so why not give that a try. Her inner wall was that of an electrical storm, complete with bright purple lightning, which had become more or less her signature.

So when Dumbledore pushed against the clouds, bright purple lightning struck him. The bolt flowed through the pathway from her mind into his and zapped him so hard he flew back in his chair, which toppled over. When the Headmaster stood once more, all his white hair stood on end and his beard had a singed look to it. His spectacles were no longer perched on his nose.

Standing quickly from her seat, Minerva waved her wand, righting the toppled chair. "Albus, are you alright? What in Merlin's name just happened?"

Hermione tried hard to hold her giggle in and not show the smirk that crossed her face before she was able to put up the Slytherin mask she had perfected. Fawkes warbled from his perch on her knee, acting as if he was concerned for the man but made no move to go to him.

"I do hope you are alright, Headmaster," her voice was laced with fake concern. She waited to see what the old man would do now that he knew for certain that he wouldn't have access to her mind and if he tried he would be harmed. She knew that the small jolt he had experienced was nothing compared to what could happen if she truly felt threatened.

Waving his hand in a dismissive gesture, "Yes, yes, I'm fine, Minerva. That was my own fault." He turned to face Hermione once again upon righting himself. "My apologies, Miss Potter. It is an old habit of mine as you must understand."

Meeting the Headmaster's gaze once more, Hermione took note of the broken vein in the man's right eye. She hoped that it wouldn't be permanent yet at the sametime she knew that this was a repercussion of what had just taken place.

"If that is all that you needed from me, Headmaster. I do have some studying to do and to finish packing before the train leaves tomorrow."

"Yes, yes, that is fine, my dear. As I said, I wanted to confer with you on the incident and make sure that you weren't coerced into a description that had happened. I expect you will be staying with the Dolohov's this hols?"

Letting a sweet smile bloom across her face and joy to fill her expression as she stood from her seat. "Oh yes, we have wonderful plans for the hols and I look forward to a happy Christmas instead of being locked away in a cupboard under the stairs like at my relatives. This Christmas is something I will cherish."

Fawkes warbled in what sounded like dismay at having to go back to his boring perch. Hermione walked over to where he had landed when she stood up. Reaching out to stroke the poor neglected creature, Hermione felt a tingle through her hand where she touched Fawkes. Making sure not to give away that anything had happened, Hermione waited to be dismissed with her back turned towards the Headmaster.

"Minerva, if you would please return here after walking Miss Potter back down," the dismissal finally came after a handful of minutes with no one saying anything.

Exiting the office, both walked a ways away from the entrance to the office before casting a modified privacy charm and a muffliato charm.

"Please be careful Professor, you know he will be asking questions regarding our relationship now that you have accompanied me. I don't mean to put you in danger and now wish I hadn't asked…"

"Ack, no lass. It is my duty as Deputy to make sure all rules and guidelines are followed by not only the students, but all the staff as well. This is what he will be told and now that I have taken lessons with Severus, I don't feel as if I would be risking much meeting with him alone. I'm an old hand and can take care of this with ease, lass." Reaching out she patted Hermione on the shoulder before turning to make her way back to the office.

Once back in her dorm, Hermione quickly packed the remaining items she would need for the Christmas hols, leaving out one outfit and traveling cloak. She would bath tonight so as not to rush in the morning. She was eternally grateful not to have her wild and bushy hair that she lived with previously. This made it possible for her to bath the night before without having to spend hours on her hair, not that she had anyway. All the charms she had learned and tried had always made her hair worse. Once she had converted a muggle straight iron to work around magic, that was when her hair had truly changed. It had still taken her an hour to straighten her hair, yet sometimes she knew it had been worth it.

Meeting the boys in the hall leading to the Great Hall for the going away breakfast, Hermione threw her arms around both boys. Hermione knew Harry was spending the hols in France with his mother's side of the family and would return shortly after the New Year to spend a few days with just his parents before returning to the school. They had made tentative plans to meet in Paris if his family would allow it.

Seperating, they each made their way to their respective tables. Hermione noticed that Draco merely pushed his eggs around his plate instead of eating.

"Don't worry Draco, you know if something were to happen all you need do is send word and I will come for you. I'm sure your father and godfather will protect you."

"I won't be going home this Christmas. I recieved word that father and Narcissa will be spending the hols on a vacation. Normally this wouldn't bother me but you won't be here and what will I do with myself since both my best friends will be gone?" Glumily, he shoved a mouth full of eggs in his mouth before glaring at his plate.

Thinking quickly, a plan formed in Hermione's mind. "Did you tell anyone else that you had to stay at the castle?" A shake of his head was his only indication that he had heard her. "Then why don't you come with me? I'd love for you to spend Christmas with me. You now there's a possibility that we could meet up with Harry in Paris. I know you don't like shopping, and neither do I, but this way you wouldn't be left to feel alone at the castle and you'll be protected so that way you shouldn't get into trouble if your father were to hear of it."

Whipping his head around, Draco threw his arms around his best friend. "Mia, you're brilliant!"

"Of course I am." Laughing lightly at his response. They made plans to make it seem like he was still going home for the hols. Luckily the only person who might know differently was laid up in bed with a bad case of Wizards flu.

As soon as they were finished eating, Draco rushed back to the dorm to finish packing while Hermione went to sit with the Twins. Upon seeing her approach they pulled her between them and squished her in a big hug before continuing to eat.

"Aren't you two supposed to be getting ready to leave? The train leaves in a little bit."

"Haven't you heard?"

"Mum and Dad are going to Romania to visit our brother Charlie."

"Oh, the handsome one that works with the dragons?" Keeping her face blank of any expression she waited for them to realize what she said.

"Hey now!" They both exclaimed, turning to glare at her.

"We are the handsome ones."

"Though Gred, I am the most handsome of the two of us." George claimed.

"That is debatable, Forge."

Giggling, Hermione sat listening as they argued over who was the most handsome of the two of them. Eventually she stopped them both with a quick kiss on the cheek before excusing herself. Each twin sported a blushing red face. As she neared the doors, their stunned expressions changed. Hopping up they rushed her and each took a turn to swing her up, twirling her around before planting a soft kiss on her cheek. Laughing they all waited as Harry joined them.

They all walked down to the carriages to wait for Draco to join them. They had walked halfway to the loading platform when Draco rushed behind them causing Hermione to squeal when he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her into the air before setting her back onto her feet.

Turning around, she swatted his shoulder, "Draco, what do you think you're doing scaring me like that!? I could've hurt you!" Only then did the group notice that her wand was out and that a spark of lightning had hit the ground where Draco had just been standing.

A stunned Draco and Harry looked wide eyed at Hermione for a few minutes before each composed themselves. "Geez Mia, I'm sorry. I thought for sure you would've heard me running up behind you and you knew I was coming down to ride with you." Draco rubbed the back off his neck and had a sheepish look on his face.

"No, I'm the one that should be apologizing. I don't know why you startled me so bad. It's never happened before when we've horsed around. I'm sorry Draco for acting and almost hurting you." Reaching out she pulled him into a tight hug and whispered in his ear, "I am very sorry, Draco. I'd never hurt you, you must know that." Drawing back, Hermione looked Draco in his blue-grey eyes, trying to convey her sincerity.

The three of them finished their walk to the carriages without further incident. Once in the carriage, which they had claimed just for themselves, Hermione explained to Harry what had happened with Draco. Harry of course objected because it would be breaking school rules not to mention a law or two, probably that is, and he felt the need to point these out to them. Once he realized nothing was going to change their minds, he reluctantly agreed it was probably for the best. Not only to keep Draco away from Narcissa, but also away from the school.

~TD~TD~TD~TD~TD~TD~TD~TD~

Dumbledore had a problem and didn't know exactly how to handle it. Standing at the window leading out to the grounds from his office, he observed the Potter girl as Draco surprised her. The girl certainly had more power than any he had seen in many many years, possibly more than Tom Riddle himself.

He needed to get her to trust him once again. He was sure that at first she had trusted him, but he had botched that up when he had tried to get her to remain with her relatives. He knew that now.

Potter wasn't his only problem. Since the beginning of the year, he had noticed a change in Minerva. He had tried several times to passively enter her mind to glean insight as he knew she had gotten closer to Potter. He wasn't a fool and knew that she had visited the girl over the summer and formed a semblance of a bond of some sort. He could no longer enter her mind freely. Now when he tried, he came up against shields, shields only someone who had learned Occlumency could erect. Minerva had always been difficult to enter her mind without her knowing due to her being an animagus. Now it was impossible unless he used force. Using force would alert her to his entering her mind. Using legitimacy was illegal unless he had permission from the person or the DMLE.

Stroking his long white beard, he contemplated on what his next steps should be. Maybe he should put in an appearance at the Dolohov's? He might be able to plant a few charms that would be useful. Getting into see them would be difficult as he had already antagonized them with not wanting to let them through the wards when Potter had been injured. He would need to think on how to rectify this situation.

Walking over to where Fawkes was perched, Dumbledore reached out to stroke the bird. Putting some power into each stroke, he strengthened the tether he had magically placed on the bird all those many years ago. He couldn't risk having the bird abandon him. Phenoxis were after all symbols of the light. Having Fawkes abandoning him before he was ready wouldn't do at all.

Ты моя сердечная сестра Russian for: You are my heart sister.

A/N: Sorry for the super long delay. For some reason my muse abandoned me and then decided to start a fight when she came back. We've come to an agreement finally. Hopefully there won't be such a long delay again.