BIGGER THAN US
One
A week before the start of "The Golden Trio" seventh year, Severus Snape returned from a Death Eater revel and announced that Voldemort planned to make his final and largest attack during the Hogwarts Sorting Feast. The Order of the Phoenix was gathered at 12 Grimmauld Place listening intently to Severus' report.
"Evidently to catch us off our guard," Albus said calmly. "Well, we have a week to prepare. Thank you Severus, hopefully, that was the last revel you will ever have to attend."
"I just hope you have something good planned, Albus. This is going to be fast and bloody, for everyone."
That first night of term was tense as Albus tried to set everyone at ease as much as possible. The first years were sent away as soon as the hat announced their house. For their safety, the other younger students were sent safely away soon afterward while the sixth and seventh years could stay on a volunteer basis. Truth be told, their help was needed. Their energy and tenacity would make a fine addition to the experience and power of the adults. The students were divided into teams with professors and given instructions. The plan was to draw Voldemort into the Great Hall, where Dumbledore had warded it to make escape impossible.
The rub?
They would be stuck in there with Voldemort.
Not long after the sorting, house elves reported that rumbling and flashes of light were coming from the front courtyard of Hogwarts. The house elves knew what their role was and were thrilled to be doing it: assist the sentient magic of Hogwarts. Their own ancient Elven magic would help defend the castle against the trolls that were coming with Voldemort. Stupid beasts wouldn't have a chance.
Before long, a battle was raging and spilling into the front corridors of the castle. Hermione lost count of the number of times she had been cursed and hexed. How many Avada Kedavras had she ducked? Poor Ron had been hit with a Cruciatus and was out of the action, having been whisked away to a temporary infirmary in the dungeons. Severus was now a target as much as anyone else- his role as a spy and traitor had been discovered and he was second on every hit-list after Harry. In the corridor leading to the Great Hall, Severus and a group of fighters were drawing the protective group of Death Eaters away from Voldemort as Dumbledore, Harry, Hermione and a group of Aurors lured him toward the Great Hall.
"Now Harry!" Dumbledore shouted.
Dumbledore deactivated the anti-apparition wards for Hogwarts just long enough for the group of fighters to Apparate into the Great Hall, in the hopes that Voldemort would follow. Voldemort, thinking that Hogwarts was weakening and the fighters fleeing, followed their magical signatures and appeared in the Great Hall after them. As soon as he appeared, he realized his mistake. He was struck from behind by a spell he never heard of or felt before, chanted by Hermione, then by Dumbledore, the two repeating the incantation over and over. Voldemort felt his power waning gradually. Dumbledore fell to his knees.
"Now Harry!" she yelled.
"Upstart little mudblood...think you can take me, do you?" he hissed and barked out "EXPELLIARMUS!"
Hermione, expecting this, continued the incantation, looking straight at Voldemort as she chanted the spell. Harry needed every second of this power-draining spell she could give him. Scared to death but bracing for the spell, she felt it hit and was thrown through the air toward a large window, shattering it with her petite body, dropping ten feet to the courtyard below. Harry, shocked then enraged at the sight of his best friend flung out a window, screamed, "AVADA KEDAVRA!" at Voldemort.
Time seemed to slow as the green flash of light struck Voldemort mid-chest. His hands dropped, he sneered and laughed, then exploded. Harry's scar burned horribly for a moment. The resulting magical shockwave knocked everyone to the floor, shattering what windows remained, shooting green light in all directions from the Great Hall. Dazed, Harry rose to his feet. That was it. He rushed to Dumbledore, who was sitting on the floor.
"Sir, are you alright?" Harry asked.
"Yes Harry, just catching my breath," Dumbledore said.
"Oh my God, Hermione!" he yelled and rushed to the window where Hermione had made her dramatic exit.
She was lying unconscious on the ground, blood pooling around her, being tended by a house elf, Neville Longbottom, and strangely enough, Draco Malfoy.
Earlier
Draco, who had no intention of being some moronic servant to an evil maniac, played the part of a junior Death-Eater well over the years. He used to admire his father, but now he saw him as just plain stupid. He knew the only way he would be free to lead his own life was for Voldemort to be out of the picture. During the attack on Hogwarts, he stayed close to Severus and fought Death Eaters and their sons (some of his stupid former classmates) who joined with Voldemort when he attacked. Amazingly he found himself fighting alongside Neville Longbottom and some other sixth year Ravenclaws in the Great Hall courtyard when he heard glass shattering from above him. To his shock, Hermione Granger was seen flying out the window. Her body the ground with a sickening thud and snap of bones.
"Not something you see everyday," he mumbled.
"Mione!" Neville cried out and ran to her.
There was more shattering of glass and bright green light was seen emanating from the Great Hall. All around him, the anguished cries of Death Eaters were heard, and Aurors rushed to bind them. He went to where Neville was kneeling next to Hermione casting what charms he could to help her.
"Stand aside Longbottom and let me help before she bleeds to death," Draco said in exasperation.
Hermione wasn't Draco's favorite person, but he didn't want to see her bleed to death either. He cast charms to slow the bleeding and close the bigger lacerations, but there wasn't much he could do with the other injuries. He winced when he saw two large shards of glass embedded in her back, a bone sticking out of her lower leg and a large, nasty looking bruise on her head from where she had hit the ground. Harry came running up and skidded to a stop when he came to Hermione. He dropped to his knees next to Neville.
"Mione, why didn't you get down?" Harry whispered and stroked her hair carefully. "Hang on, help's on the way."
He looked up at Draco.
"Oi Malfoy, your side." He pointed to Draco's side. "Alright there?"
Draco looked down at his left side that was covered in blood.
"I'm fine Potter, better than she's doing," Draco said, glancing at Hermione.
"Is it over?"
"Yes Malfoy, it's over. He's gone."
"Good."
School resumed a month later to great fanfare. The new Minister of Magic, Arthur Weasley, was on hand to cut the ribbons for the doors to the rebuilt Great Hall, present awards to the house elves, students and Professors. There was never a more proud father than Arthur Weasley when he presented Orders of Merlin, 2nd class to Ron and Ginny. Arthuropenly and without hesitation, presented medals to Severus Snape and some of the Slytherins, to their immense surprise. Draco silently accepted his medal. He could drown in the irony of the whole blessed situation.
Hah! Take that Father! If you could see me now!
He took his seat and heard from Dumbledore, "Hermione Granger, Head Girl, Gryffindor, is hereby presented the Order of Merlin, First Class."
He turnedto seeHarry and Ron help Hermione to her feet. She blushed when the two kissed her cheeks. She slowly made her way up the aisle, cane tapping on the floor, hobbling toward Arthur. She stopped in front of him, and a camera flash was seen from the side when the medal was placed around her neck.
Granger looks just like her mother! Draco thought of the picture-snapping woman, who excitedly waved at the again-blushing Hermione. Hermione hugged Arthur then made her way back to her seat.
Granger's hair looks kind of pretty when the light hits it just right. Draco thought.
So it does. another voice said.
Am I hearing voices now? Great, just great. he thought.
He straightened in his seat and carefully looked from side to side, then looking behind him to see Severus smirking at him.
Not funny Godfather, to be thinking you're going 'round the bend!
Draco turned his attention to the remainder of the ceremony. There was a feast and socializing after and Draco's eyes kept drifting to Hermione. He couldn't explain, understand or help it. He didn't know whether to be aggravated or pleased by it. She was standing with her parents, Harry and Ron. Draco made his way closer to the group, listening to her soft conversation and amusing comments. He stood stock-still when he came to her face. He felt like he was in some trance, like in those trashy love novels Pansy read.
Do Potter and Weasel realize it? She's beautiful! Sweet Merlin, those eyes!
"Malfoy? Hello?"
He was startled out of his musings by Potter snapping his fingers beside his face.
"Malfoy, are you alright?" Hermione asked.
Unknowingly he had drifted closer to the group, to her. He dumbly nodded as he watched Hermione's moving lips. Harry and Ron looked at each other knowingly. Hermione was looking at him curiously.
"Um, Mum, Daddy, this is Draco Malfoy," she said.
Hermione's father held out his hand. "John Granger, this is my wife, Kathy. We're pleased to meet you. We heard what you did for our pumpkin, good show lad."
Draco was taken back. He had never shaken the hand of a Muggle. No one had ever said they were pleased to meet him, and no one, not even his own father, had ever told him "good show."
And they called her pumpkin!
Hermione's eyes were looking hopefully at him. He nodded at John Granger and returned the handshake.
Across the hall, Minerva and Severus watched the exchange.
"Severus, the boy looks smitten," Minerva said.
"That much is obvious," Severus said.
They saw Draco leave the group, go to a corner table and take a seat. He grabbed a cup of juice and quickly drank it. He ran a hand through his hair and said something to himself, nervously glancing around.
"Severus, go talk to him, he looks as if he needs it," Minerva said with a chuckle.
"Perhaps you're right," Severus said.
Draco looked at the bottom of his cup, contemplating what had just happened.
Wrong again father! My hand didn't fall off when I shook theirs and they certainly are not the uncouth, filthy Muggles I've been told about.
"Draco?" Severus said from beside him. "It's afirst step, you know," Severus said.
"What is?" Draco asked.
"Among Muggles handshakes are respectful," Severus said.
"So you think she liked it?" Draco asked quietly.
"If the she you are referring to is Miss Granger, then yes, I would say you got her attention."
He looked around and saw that Hermione and her parents were now talking with McGonagall. He also saw that Harry and Ron were talkingsoftly to each otherand glancing at him.
Do they know?
"I seem to have gained the attention of those two as well," Draco said.
"Which may or may not be a bad thing? You're a Slytherin, Draco. Feel the situation out; use whatever resources available to you to attain your goal. And keep in mind that you are your own man now."
At breakfast the next morning, the owls arrived with the post. A parcel from the Ministry of Magic dropped next to his plate.
Draco Malfoy
Hogwarts School of Wizardry & Witchcraft
Greetings:
In accordance with Ministry Decree No. 345 para. 3:
In the matter of Lucius A. Malfoy, convicted of Death Eater crimes, a sentence of a lifetime revocation of magic with residential supervision was made effective October 1st, 2001.
In the matter of Narcissa R. Malfoy, convicted of conspiracy of Death Eater crimes, a sentence of a lifetime revocation of magic with residential supervision was made effective October 1st, 2001.
Draco looked around and saw dozens of other students reading similar letters. Some looked puzzled, some were crying. Draco just laughed. Loudly. The entire Great Hall looked at him in surprise.
Why don't they just call it what it is? Mother and Father padding around that huge manor with no magic for the rest of their lives!
He continued to laugh.
"What do you suppose has gotten into him?" Harry asked.
After the dust had settled from the final battle, Arthur Weasly was elected the Minister of Magic. In a characteristic show of mercy, he had no desire to see anyone come under a Dementor's kiss, so he came up with a different idea of justice. Convicted Death Eaters were given a choice: take a potion that would irrevocably strip them of magic and be under house arrest for a lifetime; or a life sentence in Azkaban. Either way, you wouldn't have magic. To magical folk, especially Purebloods, not having magic was considered a fate worse than death. Draco was in utter disbelief that his parents would choose such a thing. Dumbledore stood and made an announcement.
"All those students whose families are affected by the new law will be allowed to return homeon weekends to get family affairs in order."
After breakfast, the NEWT potions students stood outside the locked classroom door.
"Odd, it's never locked, especially when it's time for class," Hermione said to Harry.
"Maybe he slept late?" Draco suggested.
Everyone turned around to look at him. Hermione grinned at him.
"And just maybe Hagrid will tap dance in a tutu on Trelawney's desk," Hermione said with a smirk. The group laughed.
"Have you been drinking, Miss Granger to suggest such a thing?" the voice of Professor Snape drawled as he swept through the students.
He waved his wand at the door for it to unlock and open. The students filed into the classroom and took seats. He saw how his godson was looking at Hermione. He saw admiration and hopes in those ice blue eyes. Maybe he could help this along.
And maybe he had been around Minerva's meddling too much.
You're getting soft, Severus old boy.
He cleared his throat. "Due to a new grading system I'm instituting, you will sit in pairs in alphabetical order. I assume you know your letters? Figure it out and take your seats."
Harry looked disbelieving at Snape when he realized he would be paired with Pansy Parkinson. They were the only two P's in the room. Hermione was smirking until she realized that due to the lack of students who opted for NEWT Potions, the next letter after "G" was "M."
Malfoy.
Now Harry was smirking right back at her.
New grading system indeed.
At least it wasn't Goyle.
She heard a throat clearing to see Draco holding a seat for her. She fought the urge to roll her eyes and primly took a seat.
"Thank you Malfoy," she said.
Severus watched with satisfaction. Minerva would be proud. Henoticed thatHermione was resisting the urge to object to Malfoy, but garner self-control and hold her tongue. He had often heard Minerva gush over her prize Gryffindor, about how sensible, kind and patient Hermione had become over the years. He hoped for Draco's sake that it was true.
Later in class, Draco and Hermione were reading a chapter in their books and taking notes. Hermione was anyway. Draco could barely read a sentence. He was overwhelmed by Essence de Hermione that was strawberries and some kind of lavender musk. He suddenly pictured himself burying his face in that cascade of thick, wavy strawberry scented hair and inhaling deeply. No, that wouldn't work. Hermione would probably shove him off his chair, thinking he had some kind of weird hair fetish.
Professor Snape was making his rounds of the room and Draco had to look as if was doing some work. He set his quill to his parchment only to break it. He went into his bag for another and found that there wasn't a spare. He felt a tap on his shoulder. Hermione was looking at him with a raised eyebrow waving a quill at him.
"Repairo does wonders, Malfoy," she said and returned to her work.
A minute later, he heard a soft snort from her. She was covering her mouth with a hand, turning red trying not to laugh.
Earlier, Hermione was wondering what in the world was wrong with Malfoy. He had never seen him so nervous.
Just the news about his parents probably. And why didn't he just repair his quill? It's such an easy spell.
She was wondering if he had a cold by the way he was continually sniffing. She glanced over to Harry and Pansy.
Oh-stick-a-wand-up-my-arse, those two are flirting!
She returned to her writing, stifling her laughter. She stole another glance at Harry and Pansy. Harry had casually brushed his bangs away from his forehead to just barely show his scar and tried to look over the top of his glasses. Having been the victim many times of Harry's Horrible Attempts At Flirting, she had to cover her mouth for fear of laughing out loud. That simply wouldn't do in Professor Snape's class. She didn't want to disturb Draco either; he was having a hard enough time in class today. When Pansy sat up and stuck out her chest, she could barely hold her quill up. She thought she might choke from trying not to laugh.
She heard Draco sniff again and was about to suggest that he go toMadame Pomfreyand get something for his cold when she caught sight of Harry and Pansy, and this time it sent her over the edge. Pansy had slipped her hand under the desk and put her hand on Harry's thigh. He jumped in his seat, knees hitting the desk and sending his books and papers flying. Hermione could take no more. A barking laugh escaped from her mouth. Everyone, Professor Snape included, looked at her in curious amusement. The bark turned into a full-bodied laugh, and she was fanning herself, trying to get some semblance of self-control. It didn't help when she saw Harry blushing beet red and Pansy sitting there as if nothing had happened.
"Miss Granger, please enlighten the rest of us as to why you find the Draught of Living Death so amusing?" Professor Snape inquired.
She sputtered. "W-Well, you see….when you infuse th-the," she stopped and sputtered through a giggle, "and the asphodellll-"