Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Beyond the Pale	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 81374 -:- Recommendations : 11 -:- Currently Reading : 17
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does, lucky woman. I make no money from this, which is probably why I'm poor as a church mouse.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
Draco blinked rapidly and then sighed. “Granger.”

Hermione couldn’t stop the sharp thrill that ran through her body. His voice was rough from disuse, deeper, and held dark promises that her core responded to. She looked away quickly, hoping that he couldn’t smell her sudden arousal. He dashed any hopes for her regaining control when he sat up, sheet barely covering his assets. He was a sculpted masterpiece, void of the thin silver scars he’d had all over his body.

“Hello Draco,” Severus said from the door. “I have some clothes for you here. I’ll help you get dressed and we’ll go for your first feeding.”

“I don’t need help.” Draco sneered and made to stand, only to land in an undignified sprawl in the floor.

Hermione giggled. “I did the same thing,” she said quickly when he scowled at her. “You’re at your adult height, which is a bigger adjustment than mine. You’ve probably grown half a foot taller!”

Melody grinned. “Not to mention wider. Come on Hermione, let’s go wait downstairs. Dad just arrived.”

Hermione nodded and sprinted from the room as quickly as she could, relishing Draco’s startled gasp. Listening to him get dressed for the first time was highly amusing. He seemed to know more swear words than all the occupants of the house put together, and that was saying something. Melody alone could hold up against a sailor, perhaps the entire Royal Navy.

“Well, he certainly has some diversity,” Melody said in awe. “I’ll have to compare notes.”

“Honestly, your mouth is already foul enough,” Alex said. “You don’t need an improvement.”

“But they are so creative!” Melody cried. “I mean, who honestly thought of Merlin’s asshole that way?”

“I’d hate to know,” Alex said dryly. “Where are we going for breakfast?”

“Beggars Alley,” Melody answered and big back a laugh when Alex wrinkled his nose. “It worked wonders for Hermione. You’ll just have to endure.”

“I’ve eaten at cleaner whore houses,” Alex scoffed.

“And it wasn’t enough to deter my mate so you can forget it,” Melody said hotly.

A loud cry followed by several thumps and a groan caught their attention.

“I said slowly,” Severus growled. “Six inches and three stone is a lot of extra body to get used to.”

Hermione shook her head. “People are going to get suspicious. I haven’t grown that much but he has.”

“Oh you’ve grown,” Melody grinned. “And people will notice. I’ll see what I can do in the way of a glamour. Perhaps something braided into your hair that you don’t have to worry about taking out.”

“But I-“ Hermione started before clamping her mouth shut.

“You like looking at the changes,” Melody said with a waggled eyebrow.

Hermione harrumphed. “You’re the one always telling me I should embrace my body.”

“I know,” Melody grinned. “And now that you have, you aren’t the least bit anxious to see the gangly thing you once were. Or perhaps you have a certain affinity for Roman gods now.”

Hermione pursed her lips as Melody gave a pointed look over to Draco who had just entered. He really did look Romanesque now, the skin tight black t-shirt and faded jeans leaving nothing to the imagination. Oh what she could do to that body. She mentally slapped herself and did an about face to walk out the door.

“Stop,” Severus said authoritatively. “We’ll take the port key from here.”

“Where are we going?” Draco asked hoarsely.

“To feed,” Melody said softly. “And with any luck, you won’t kill anyone while you’re at it.”

“Are we all going then?” Draco said skeptically. He’d apparently heard their conversation.

“Yep, and then Hermione and I are off on a grand adventure. Perhaps we’ll find a boy to play with.”

Hermione caught herself panting at the momentary flash of rage in Draco’s eyes before her grandfather’s snickers shook her out of it. Honestly, it wasn’t that funny.

“Pick one up for me too dearest,” Alex said fondly.

“Why daddy, I had no idea,” Melody said, schooling her faced to look properly scandalized.

Alex grinned. “You did too, you big liar.”

Melody chuckled. “Yeah I did. Still into the feminine ones?”

Alex nodded. “Yes, but don’t forget to pick out an Adonis or two for yourselves.”

Melody smirked at the very dark looks she was getting from the staircase. “Actually, I’m in the mood for a foreign quidditch player, eh Hermione?”

Hermione managed to nod her head. She could feel the anger coming from Draco, brighter and stronger than she ever had when he was a human. This was going to be much harder than she thought.

“Port key,” Severus barked. “Now!”

They landed in a heap, Draco’s large form sprawled out on top of everyone. Alex groaned from somewhere under the pile. “I still hate port keys.”

“You and me both,” Melody grunted and heaved Severus off of her before pulling Hermione from the bottom of the pile. “Off with you. Go feed so you can stand his first lesson.”

Hermione didn’t need to be told twice. She sprinted down the alley, taking delicate sniffs of the air for something palatable. She caught it, lamb curry coming from a rather large bloke huddled in the corner. He didn’t smell of magic. She approached him steadily, hoping he wouldn’t put up too much of a fight.

“Well, well,” the man called in a gravelly voice. “What’s a nice bit of trim like you doing here?”

Her hackles rose at his crudeness but fought it down. There were too many people watching, despite the alley’s reputation for being tight lipped. She needed to get him into a more secluded place, like the juncture between two buildings that was just behind him. She smiled innocently at him. “Just looking for a bite to eat. Know where I can find one?”

“Oh I have something you can nibble on,” the man said with a wolfish grin.

“Oh do you?” Hermione said in a breathless voice, her insides churning with disgust the entire time. She followed him into the dark and made sure no one was looking before she mesmerized him and sunk her fangs in. He tasted delicious, despite his foul mouth and general demeanor. For a moment, she considered not stopping but thought better of it. Even scum didn’t deserve to die that way.

She left him in a heap and followed the sound of her father’s voice back to her family. He was lecturing Draco on proper technique. By the time she walked back, Draco already had a rather burly man in his clutches and was sucking with vigor. He ignored the initial pleas for him to stop but managed to pull back after they mentioned that he would kill the man. Apparently Draco had just as much distaste for murder as she did. Perhaps all was not forfeit…or it could just be that his ire was directed at Dumbledore. Before doubt could cloud her thoughts again, Melody grabbed her.

“He should be fine now,” Melody whispered. “Let’s go.” They disappeared with a loud crack, only to appear in Knockturn alley. “Sorry,” Melody said breathlessly as she ducked into a little niche. “This is the safest place to apparate in. No one will say anything about us breaking apparition laws in this alley. Here, put the glamour clip in and then we’ll visit the twins.”

“Why did we leave so quickly?” Hermione asked.

“Because I didn’t want to have a row with Sev. I was teasing Draco, for your sake mind, and I’m afraid he got a little worked up. He knows I would never ever stray but it doesn’t keep the jealousy at bay.”

“He is rather possessive,” Hermione agreed reluctantly.

Melody hummed. “We’ll be fine. The important part was Draco’s reaction. Rage at the thought of you with someone else is a good sign. It means that he might not be too far gone yet.”

“You heard Bellatrix,” Hermione hissed. “She said he was happy, eager to carry out his mission.”

“And that is what Sev is going to try and wheedle out of him today,” Melody said quickly as she directed them to Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. “Remember, it’s hard to lie to your family.”

“But are the bonds strong enough?” Hermione wondered. “It was my blood he drank, not father’s.”

“It’s strong enough,” Melody said. “How is your bond to my dad?”

“As strong as it is to you I suppose,” Hermione said. “It’s…different, but I can’t lie to him easily.”

Melody nodded. “And that is what we’re hoping for. Come on, the shop looks pretty busy.”

Hermione commended herself on ignoring the smells. The magic stung but after smelling Nancy for a week straight, the multitude of smells here seemed like child’s play. Instead of focusing on her senses, she let her eyes explore the wonders of the shop. It was hard not to chuckle as children turned into canaries on the spot, only to turn back again with bewildered looks.

“It is rather amusing,” Melody grinned. “Too bad we don’t eat. I want to see how a Sev canary looks.”

“Probably black as tar,” Hermione shot back. “And then your arse would be red.”

“Oh but it would be worth it,” Melody sighed.

Hermione shook her head. She had finally realized that her mother was into pain…and her father was into giving it. She just didn’t see the appeal. One spanking had been enough to put her off, though some of that was because she creamed herself. How much of a slag was she anyway, aroused by a spanking?

“Ah, there they are,” Melody called, startling her out of her thoughts.

The twins were across the room in matching turquoise and pink suits complete with sparkling lights. It fit their personalities though and she smiled indulgently. It warmed her heart to know that they accepted her. She started to walk towards them but was assaulted with a very unsavory smell…wet dog.

“Oh fuck,” Melody hissed. “Quick, come here!”

Hermione stepped back into the shadows and watched wide eyed as Melody frantically flicked her wand over both of them. “What was that?”

“Scent blocking spell,” Melody hissed. “It’s Remus…and his nose is almost as sharp as yours.”

Hermione felt the blood drain out of her face. “Oh gods, he didn’t smell us did he?”

“I think he did,” Melody whispered. “Because he is coming straight at us.”

Hermione watched in sick fascination as Remus’s amber eyes focused on them. For one moment, she was sure she saw the werewolf lurking just past the normally docile orbs. It was the first time she’d been frightened of the man since that night at the shack. Even then, her father had protected her.

“What brings you two here?” Remus said softly.

“We just wanted a word with the twins,” Melody said, her voice strong and cool before she dropped it down to a whisper. “We don’t want any trouble werewolf.”

Remus’s eyes narrowed. “How are you out during the day?”

“Experimental potion,” Melody hissed. “Now please, we’ll meet with the twins and then leave.”

“You want to eat them?” Remus growled.

“No!” Melody said in horror. “I commissioned them for a project. Is that so hard to believe?”

“Frankly, yes,” Remus sniffed. “I’ve dealt with your kind before.”

“We’re different,” Melody said softly. “Please, we just want to talk.”

Remus’s eyes bored into Melody’s for a few more moments before he nodded. “I’m keeping an eye on you. The Weasleys are my friends, like my second family, and you will not harm them.”

“I can assure you,” Melody said, her voice full of respect, “I hold them in the same regard.”

“Hey!” Fred cried. “Where have you two been?”

“Busy,” Melody answered, shooting a look at Remus that said ‘I told you so.’

“Got something for you,” George said, slipping a blood pop into Hermione’s hand.

She couldn’t help her squeal of delight or the instinctual urge to hug the life out of the twin.

“Easy there,” George grimaced.

“Oh!” Hermione cried and backed up like she’d been burned. She kept her voice a whisper, just in case Remus picked up on it. “I’m so sorry. I keep forgetting.”

“Eh, Forge can take it,” Fred joked. “Come upstairs. We have something to show you!”

“Fred, George,” Remus growled. “You don’t want to do that. They are dangerous!”

“It’s alright Remus,” Fred said with a grin.

“We know what we’re doing,” George added.

“I’m coming too,” Remus said with an air of finality that no one could argue.

The twins shrugged. What else could they do? Remus made sure to place himself between the twins and the girls on the way upstairs.

“So,” George began. “It’s been a while. What have you two been up to?”

Melody frowned at Remus before sighing. “I found a trainer for her.”

“Did you?” Fred asked with a grin. “How was it?”

Hermione ducked her head in embarrassment.

“That good ey?” George asked with a wink.

Melody stifled a giggle. “Let’s just say that she’s ready and leave it at that. Now, can we get on with it?”

“Honestly Gred, these vampires are an impatient lot, aren’t they?”

“I say so Forge. It’s astounding, considering they have an eternity.”

“Boys!” Melody snapped. “While she might live for eternity, I can assure you that her guardian will come and drag her out of here if you don’t stop dawdling.”

“Why would he do that?” George asked.

“Use your brains,” Remus thundered. “She’s dangerous!”

“Nah,” Fred said nonchalantly. “She just needs a focal point.”

“So give her one,” Melody snapped.

Hermione whimpered at the argument. The strong emotions in the room made the smells even better. She was still so weak and the twins smelled delicious.

“Eat the damned sucker,” Melody growled and she complied, grateful for the distraction.

“That’s just a temporary solution,” Remus said in disgust.

“Great Merlin’s ghost,” Melody said in exasperation. “The girl’s only a month old. Cut her some slack.”

“She is?” Remus asked, his eyes widening.

“Yes,” Melody huffed. “Even you have to give her compliments for that. How many month old vampires do you know with that much control around humans?”

“None,” Remus said softly. “How?”

“Strong will,” Melody said proudly. “Now boys, we’ve really got to speed things up.”

Fred and George grinned at each other. “He’s going to punish you.”

“Yes,” Melody snarled. “Now hurry up or I’ll have him punish you next!”

“Right,” they answered, both a little pale before they started dragging things out.

“Here we are!” George cried and sat down two contraptions on the table. The first looked like a muggle body piercing gun. The second was a small hollow cylinder with two flat disks.

“What’s that?” Melody asked, her voice wavering.

“Well, we got to thinking,” Fred started.” If M-she’s supposed to be around humans undetected, then she’s going to need to have a delivery method that is also undetected.”

“And a sucker is a bit conspicuous,” George said with a knowing look. “Especially for her.”

Hermione smiled. Leave it to the twins to remember her parents were muggle dentists and had strict rules about her eating sweets.

Fred grinned and held out a dark red capsule. “So, we created blood pellets, completely synthetic, different make up from the stuff you mentioned earlier.”

“But you’ll have to taste it,” George said softly. “Because we can’t.”

“And the nutritional value?” Melody asked curiously.

“As far as we can tell, it’s about half,” George answered. “But if she needs to miss a few feedings, it’ll get her through.”

Melody nodded. “Well, take a taste little one.”

Hermione stared at the little blood capsule with trepidation. She was still so weak. What if it kicked her feeding instincts into overdrive? She rubbed her throat reflexively, even though it didn’t hurt.

“Oh damn it, I forgot sweetheart. Forgive me,” Melody said with a shake of her head.

“What?” the twins asked.

Melody sighed. “She had a run in with a dominant vampire, tried to claim her as his mate.”

“But she’s already got one of those,” Fred argued.

“Git though he may be,” George said with a nod.

Melody grimaced at Remus’s disgusted sniff. “Vampires can be cruel when it comes to mates.”

“Humans can be just as cruel,” Hermione said darkly, memories of Sirius flashing through her mind.

“That they can,” Melody said with a sad smile. “Anyway, she had to consume some venom. It burned her throat so she is reluctant to try out the new pellets.”

“Then how will we test them?” Fred asked.

Melody smirked and popped one in her mouth, winking at the twins’ gasps. She wrinkled her nose a moment and then swallowed. “It’s a bit…rich…but it doesn’t taste horrible. It should be enough to suffice should she miss a feeding but it won’t last very long.”

“That’s where this little thing comes in,” George said gleefully as he held up the gun and plastic piece.

Melody’s eyes widened. “You expect her to pierce her tongue?”

“Why not?” Fred asked. “It’s clear, so no one else will notice. It is designed to release the blood slowly out the top. She can feed and no one will ever be the wiser.”

“Except for when she starts popping blood pellets in her mouth,” Melody sniffed.

“That’s the best part,” Fred said with glee.

George held out the plastic container for them to inspect. “It has an extension and separation charm on it. All she has to do is load this tube up with ten pellets and then place it in her tongue. She just has to click her teeth against the top disk in a certain rhythm to activate it.”

Melody sat back in awe. It really was ingenious but there was a flaw. “You do realize that vampires heal almost immediately, right? She’ll have to re-pierce her tongue every time she needs to reload it.”

Fred grinned. “No she won’t.”

George nodded. “The bar-bell separates into two pieces.” He slid one disk back and flipped the tiny piece over, revealing a separate container. “You can summon the container separately. That way, she never has to take it out.”

“And most won’t notice the clear disk on her tongue,” Melody said knowingly.

“And she can chalk it up to being a muggle trend if anyone does spot it,” Remus piped in, startling the others. “What? Even I can appreciate a good invention.”

“It’s amazing boys,” Melody said with awe. “You just solved our dilemma. How much do we owe you?”

“Nothing!” The boys said proudly.

“We’re doing it to help out an old friend,” Fred said.

George grinned mischievously. “And if it turns up a bit of profit in the underground, who are we to complain?”

“I hope you won’t market it for a while,” Melody said with a frown. “People might catch on.”

“Oh no,” Fred said. “We’re just going to market the blood replacement. The other is just for our vamp.”

“Thank you boys,” Hermione said, her heart full to bursting with thanks. She didn’t mind the piercing one bit, especially if it would curb her thirst and make her life easier.

“Um,” Melody hedged. “Could you create a second one?”

“Sure,” Fred shrugged.

“Why?” Remus asked.

“For a friend,” Melody hedged.

George grinned, catching on. “We can create another in just a few hours.”

“Thanks boys. This means a lot,” Melody said with a grin.

“Keep that thought in mind when we start working around her mouth,” Fred said softly.

Melody chuckled. “I’ll do the piercing. Wouldn’t want any accidents, would we?”

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Hermione clicked the plastic disk against her top teeth for the tenth time in as many minutes. The piercing had only hurt for a moment before she had healed. They tried one blood capsule and it worked brilliantly, chocolate flavor seeping into her mouth like a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves. She didn’t dare load more until she got the hang of wearing the contraption. It required a funny rhythm to activate it, the tune of shave and a haircut. Those twins, ever the jokers.

“Quit playing with it; it might crack,” Melody scolded.

“No,” Hermione snapped. “Fred said there was a shatterproof charm on it.”

Melody sighed. “Fine then. You’re annoying me and my nerves are shot. Stupid fucking werewolf.”

“How did Remus know what we were?” Hermione asked, her speech a little stilted from the apparatus.

“Werewolves and vampires are enemies, remember? To them, we smell sickeningly sweet.”

“And they smell like wet dog,” Hermione filled in, wrinkling her nose in memory of Remus’s smell.

“Yep. Werewolves are just as territorial as we are. Put us together and there is bound to be a fight.”

Hermione walked along behind her mother deep in thought. Remus had watched them both like a hawk, as if he was just waiting for them to rip into the twins. She’d never seen that side of the normally gentle professor before. It was chilling…and brought out a harsh reality. “He’s going to know about me.”

Melody nodded and tapped the bricks for them to leave. “Afraid so little one. I can teach you to mask your scent. We had to the entirety of your third year and your father always has his in place when out in public. But with that handy little tool in your mouth, he’ll spot it instantly.”

Hermione choked back a sob. “I always liked him.”

“I know little one. I am so sorry.”

Hermione sighed and exited the pub. “It isn’t your fault. If you hadn’t been there…I’d be…lost.”

“You’re already lost little one,” Melody said sadly. “I just offered you a simulated life.”

“Simulated is better than none,” Hermione insisted. “I still have a chance to help Harry.”

Melody hummed and started strolling down the street. “What will you do after the war?”

Hermione shrugged. “Assuming we all survive it, I might just decide to travel.”

“No more studies?” Melody asked in shock.

“Oh, I’ll still study,” Hermione corrected. “But…I have eternity, right? I don’t need life goals anymore.”

“Sounds grim when you put it like that.”

Hermione huffed. “Well, at least I’ll have plenty of time to get my work done at school.”

Melody chuckled. “You’ll have it finished in a month. Speaking of which, I promised a lesson today. She pointed to an alleyway between two abandoned buildings. “There’s a shady spot. Let’s go.”

Hermione followed her eagerly. When they were far enough, Melody whirled around and promptly stepped into the shadows…as a shadow! She reappeared a few feet away with a grin.

“WOW!” Hermione shrieked. “That was brilliant!”

Melody chuckled. “Now you. Step into a shadow.” She waited for Hermione to comply and then continued. “Close your eyes, concentrate like you would to hover. When you feel the points in your body, imagine them being dark, shadow like.”

Hermione took a deep breath and concentrated, feeling out her body. If she could just shift…there! She opened her eyes to notice that everything looked the same…except her. Her body was gone, a shadow. It felt so light and airy. A clink made her lose her concentration, her body coming back to itself.

“Oh damn,” Melody hissed. “Forgot about that.”

“What?” Hermione asked, a bit breathless from her sudden mass. It was then she realized that something was missing. “My piercing!”

“Yep. Guess we’re going back. I forgot that part. You won’t be able to shift until this thing has the correct enchantments on it. I learned a very long time ago to include a spell in my glamours that let them shift with your form. They only work when you are in your human form but they stay with you in every other form. I suppose we should finish your training and go back to get them to fix this thing.”

“Can’t you put it on?” Hermione asked. She wasn’t in any hurry to see Remus again.

“I’m afraid I might interfere with one of the existing spells. It’s better to show the twins the spell and let them weave it. I know you don’t want to go back little one, but we must.”

“Fine,” Hermione huffed.

Melody chuckled. “Shadow again, if you’d please.”

Hermione took another deep breath and stepped into the shadow, this time thinking about melting into it. She wanted to shout with glee when she felt herself drift into shadow but couldn’t. Her body suddenly came back into focus and she giggled. “Can’t speak when you’re a shadow!”

Melody gave a great belly laugh. “You are so funny. Go on, more practice and we’ll move on to mist.”

It took a few more tries but Hermione finally was able to maintain her shadowy form for a few minutes. She skipped down the alley, giddy with being able to conquer one more aspect of being a vampire.

“Perhaps I could get you some silver shoes and we can skip to Oz?” Melody asked and grinned when Hermione flushed. “Next is mist. It’s the same as with shadow, only you concentrate on water. Remember how it feels to swim in the pool? Try to twist the shadow form into that.”

Melody transformed to show her. Hermione bit her lip, thinking hard for a moment. What would mist feel like? She tried changing to shadow but thought of the water and felt a jolt. The world went a bit fuzzy for a moment before she realized that the haze was her.

“You did it!” Melody clapped. “Mist will be your dominant form. Turn back and we’ll start on animals.”

Hermione went to answer her and yelped when her body transformed back to itself with a cold jolt. “That’s going to take some getting used to. Wait, dominant form?”

Melody nodded. “Every vampire has one form they can transform into easier. Can you guess Sev’s?”

“Shadow?” Hermione threw out.

“Got it in one,” Melody chuckled. “It seems that the darkness in him flows through his form as well.”

“So what’s your form?” Hermione asked curiously.

Melody spun in place and reformed as a little red wolf with beautiful jade eyes. It howled and stalked over to Hermione, rubbing back and forth against her legs with soft whimpers.

“You’re beautiful.” Hermione whispered and reached down to pet her head.

The wolf yipped and turned into Melody. “Thanks! Dad always said I was a fiendish little bitch.”

“Why would he say that?” Hermione asked in bewilderment.

“To make the coven believe he wasn’t as attached to me as he was…and because it was true. I really was a horrid bitch around the coven but I had to be. Anyway, to transform into an animal, picture them in your mind. Make note of their characteristics and where they would be in correlation to your own and twist. Most common animals are wolves and bats.”

“It sounds so simple,” Hermione said in awe. “Why do wizards have such a hard time with it?”

“Different magic,” Melody assured her. “It’s in your makeup, a part of the predator. Changing shape helps us catch our prey and escape capture, a survival mechanism if you will.”

Hermione nodded. It took her much longer to get the hang of her animal forms. She stared up at the clock across the street in her wolf form and realized that three hours had passed. The bat hadn’t taken long but the wolf was hard to imagine for some reason. She supposed it was the nature, as she didn’t feel like a natural predator. Her lesson ended with her running into a wall.

Melody chuckled. “Takes some getting used to, I guess. Come on then, let’s go back to the twins. They should have Draco’s barbell done by now. We can get them to weave the new charms and go home.”

Just before they entered the pub, a cellphone went off. It was Melody’s. The wary look on her face was enough to set her teeth on edge.

“Um, hello?” Melody answered cautiously.

“Hello dearest,” Hermione heard Alex’s smooth voice over the phone. “Been having fun, have we?”

“Um…yes daddy?”

“Did you know your mate is fixing to start tracking you?”

“Shit,” Melody breathed. “Can you stall him for like…another half hour?”

“I would need a very good reason.”

“I’ve got to go back to the alley. The twins figured out an answer to our problem but it needs to be tweaked just a bit. Can you convince him to cool off for a bit?”

“I’ll try dearest but after that little dig earlier, he’s a bit…surly.”

Melody sighed. “Alright daddy. We’ll try to be quick.” She hung up the phone and sighed. “Come on. Let’s get this damn thing fixed and go home. Maybe I can get back before he goes ballistic.”

“Um, Cara?” Hermione whispered when they’d entered the joke shop. “I smell bangers and mash.”

“I know,” Melody breathed. “I can smell him too.”

“Where is he?” Hermione hissed. She remembered that smell, Sirius. This would not end well if he was in this store. Before she could spot him, the smell of wet dog hit her full force.

“What are you two doing back here?” A low growl from behind them had them spinning around.

“Problem with the merchandise,” Melody said coolly. “Could you get the twins for me?”

“I don’t trust you,” Remus hissed.

“Then that makes two of us damn it!” Melody snapped.

She was looking increasingly agitated and Hermione was certain she knew why. The smell of Sirius was getting stronger. It had to be setting her on edge. Sure enough, a cloaked man came into her line of sight. He might have been in the dark, but she could see his blue eyes from where she was standing.

“There they are!” Hermione breathed and practically dragged Melody through the store and to the twins.

“Thank Merlin. I was fixing to have a damned heart attack,” Melody sighed.

“Ready for the second one?” George asked when they reached him.

“Yes, and we need you to tweak both of them. Can we go upstairs…like right now?” Melody asked.

“Sure, come on up,” Fred said, casting a curious glanced at them before turning.

When they got into the twin’s flat, Melody spun and put every locking and privacy charm she knew over the door. She was panting by the time she was done and practically collapsed in the floor. She was able to get herself together and explain the problems with the piercing to the twins who wove the new charm in beautifully. Hermione endured the momentary pain again and then tested the device out during a shift. It worked perfectly, so well in fact that she planted a kiss on both the twins, leaving them red and spluttering.

“Thanks guys!” Melody said happily, pocketing Draco’s device as well. “We’ll check in again in a few weeks. Be careful you two.”

They zipped out of the flat and ran all the way back home, evading a very nasty punishment.

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Clothes, books, and quills flew through the air as Hermione frantically tried to pack everything before everyone got home. She couldn’t stay in the madhouse she’d come to call home. Between tiptoeing around a bewitched Wormtail, practicing with Alex, and avoiding Draco like the plague, she’d had it. It was time to get the hell out of there. She would help Harry and his quest to kill Voldemort and then travel the world. Maybe she would go to Egypt and study ancient hieroglyphics. Who knew?

“You don’t have to do this,” Nancy’s soft voice came from the door.

Hermione shook her head. “No I do. I can’t do this anymore. I can feel how much he hates me.”

“He doesn’t hate you,” Nancy said softly. “He’s confused. I imagine his turning was a shock.”

“And mine wasn’t?” Hermione screeched. “Neither of us asked for this. I told him to leave. I did.”

“The fact that he didn’t should say something.”

“Yeah, that his hormones were out of whack. No it will be much better to stay with my f-f-friends.”

“Who don’t know what has become of you,” Nancy said as she sat down on the bed.

“No, the twins know about me,” Hermione said weakly. “I wrote them yesterday and they’ve already set everything up. If I can’t stand the Burrow, I’ll stay at their flat. They know how to cloak their smell.”

“And you’ll still be hiding.”

Hermione nodded in defeat. “At least there I can’t feel him.”

Nancy sighed. “Well, do what you have to do. Keep in touch, yeah? I’ve gotten attached to you.”

Hermione gave her a watery smile. “Me too. Come visit after you’ve turned?”

“Of course,” Nancy grinned. “Maybe I’ll convince him to do it before I turn grey.”

Hermione chuckled. “You’re wearing him down more every day.”

“Oh I know,” Nancy said in mock seriousness. “It’s bloody hard to feign sleep when he stares at me.”

Hermione shook her head. “If only he knew.”

Nancy gave her a playful smack on the shoulder. “Well, I wouldn’t have had the guts to sleep nude if you hadn’t encouraged me to. He’s a very…visual creature, isn’t he?”

“I’ll say,” Hermione chuckled. “Well, I’m off. I’ll take the bike since I can’t apparate or make a portkey. I should reach the Burrow in about four hours.”

“You’ll be careful, won’t you?” Nancy asked worriedly. “I mean, you’re so young to be on your own.”

“I’ll be fine,” Hermione sighed. “And if I’m not…well, at least no one will know.”

“I’ll know,” Nancy said sadly. “Please take care of yourself…and call when you get there.”

“Alright, alright,” Hermione laughed at Nancy’s pout. “I’ll call before I reach the wards.”

“Good girl. I’ll pass your goodbyes on to Alex, shall I?”

“Of course. Tell him that I’ll miss him...all of you. I really will.”

Nancy nodded and gave her a timid hug. “I can’t wait until we’re family.”

Hermione nodded, a tear slipping down her face. She wiped it away and tried to smile. “Me either. See you later. They’ll be back in minutes.”

“Best be off then. Be well, love.”

“Promise me you’ll fight the darkness, Nancy?”

“Always.”

Hermione raced downstairs and jerked her motorbike onto the road. She only had about two minutes before her family would be back from Draco’s visit with his mum. She caught the soothing scent of her father just before she rode out of sight. An hour into her journey, Hermione was certain that no one was going to follow her. It was better this way. Draco had only been there a week and she was already in knots. His scent drove her insane with lust. All she wanted was to devour him.

Draco hadn’t said two words to her since he awoke. She remembered his first training in the pool, that Slytherin green speedo that left nothing to the imagination. The man was built like a God and she just wanted to lick every inch of him. He wasn’t ashamed of his body at all.

Lilac and rain…and home, that’s what he had said she smelled like. He didn’t know she had heard him confessed that. She had cast dozens of one way privacy spells so she could listen in on him without him clamming up. Melody had encouraged her to so she might understand. Draco railed on and on about how he was sick of Voldemort, bowing and scraping, but had no choice but to carry on.

Compared to his dilemma with the Dark Lord, he took his becoming a vampire in stride. In fact, he seemed almost happier in a way. His posture was more relaxed and he certainly didn’t have a problem with the affection aspect of it…until it came to her. His anger at her radiated from him, cutting her like a knife. He refused to touch her. That had perhaps hurt most of all.

Hermione shook her head to refocus. She needed to concentrate on the future. There would be no frivolous teenage things to consider like looking pretty for others. In fact, Melody had taken it upon herself to braid a permanent charm in her hair that made her look sixteen again, almost normal. Well, normal was abnormal now. She was quite proud of her body. At least that had taken Draco by surprise. He’d openly wanked while looking at her, but the hatred in his eyes made her sick to her stomach.

It was nightfall. Four hours had passed since she had gotten on the bike. Time didn’t seem to work the same now that she was continuously awake. Days bled into each other but she could remember all of her lessons and every book she’d read since her turning with razor sharp accuracy. Alex had explained that the turning opened up the neuropathways in her brain and allowed her to use its full capacity. He’d said, ‘In short, you really are an insufferable know-it-all now!’

Hermione chuckled at that thought and brought her bike to a stop at the edge of Ottery St. Catchpole. Any further and her cell wouldn’t work, too much magic. She flipped it opened and dialed Nancy. A few words later, she smiled sadly and put the phone away. Nancy was going to make a very good vampire and an excellent grandmother. She could hardly wait.

The smells hit her first as she coasted her bike in, Molly’s cooking. Food still smelled just as good, but eating it was another experience entirely. She’d been curious so Nancy agreed to give her a bit of a delicious looking raspberry tart. It felt like ash in her mouth and was hard to swallow. Afterwards, the indignity of her body trying to process it was enough for her to never try again. She demanded to know how Severus had managed it all his years.

“I wandlessly vanish it of course,” Severus said with a chuckle.

She was glad she’d had him teach her that charm. No doubt Molly would try to shove food down her throat the second she entered the house. Excuses would only work for so long. After all, how many times could you claim to eat before arriving? She really hoped the twins were there to meet her.

“What is that racket?” She heard Molly yell across the house.

“We’ll go see,” Fred and George yelled.

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that they had decided to meet her outside before the rest of the family got to her. She needed refill her tongue ring but was running low since most of her week was spent out in Muggle London testing her limits. The capsules worked like a charm and she’d only needed to feed twice. Luckily, her last feeding was just that morning so she was good.

“Nice motorbike Hermione,” Fred called with a grin.

“Pity you didn’t take a broom,” George answered.

Hermione shook her head. “I still hate flying, even as a bat. Besides, a motorbike is less conspicuous.”

“Who taught you how to ride it then?” George asked.

“Severus did.”

“Blimey,” Fred said and then whistled. “My respect for the git has just gone up.”

Hermione giggled. “He’s different once you get to know him. Did you bring the pellets?”

“Of course,” George said and held up a brown bag.

“Unless you’d like a little nibble from the source,” Fred said as he waggled his eyebrow.

Hermione chuckled. “I just ate this morning, thanks. This is to keep me under control.”

“Best get them in quick then. I doubt mum will stay inside for much longer,” George told her.

Hermione nodded and quickly refilled the cartridge, pocketing the rest of the pellets. “Now that’s out of the way, tell me.” She leaned in a bit. “Does the glamour look alright?”

“Well,” George said softly.

“You look like your old self,” Fred continued.

“Sort of,” George hedged. “I’d say it was in between.”

“Which I imagine is what you were going for,” Fred finished.

“It was,” Hermione breathed. “One more charm and I’ll be ready.” She took out a small silver crucifix and placed it around her neck.

“Blimey,” Fred gasped. “Doesn’t that hurt?”

“Not at all,” Hermione assured him. “It holds a charm so Remus can’t smell me.”

George pouted. “But you smelled so good, like candy floss and peppermint.”

Hermione chuckled. “And that is precisely what I am trying to avoid.”

“Shall we go then?” Fred asked with an offered arm.

Hermione grinned and shrunk her bike down before she took his arm. George pouted so she took his as well. She couldn’t define how grateful she was for the contact. She’d had so little of it the past week. No, she couldn’t think about that now. She’d never get through this if she wasn’t focused. The strongest smell was sugar cookies and lightning, the Weasleys. There were others as well and…wet dog.

“Damn. Remus is here,” Hermione muttered.

“Does he smell that bad?” George asked curiously.

“Just like a dog,” Hermione said and wrinkled her nose as another smell assaulted it. “Sirius is here, too.”

“You know about him?” Fred asked with wide eyes.

Hermione cringed, cursing herself for her mistake. “Yes, I saw him under Dumbledore’s care but you mustn’t tell anyone. Please!”

“Course not Mione,” George said softly, realizing she was on the verge of panicking.

“Harry is ever so happy,” Fred continued.

“I imagine he is,” Hermione said with a sad smile. She was glad her best friend got his godfather back but her memoires of Sirius would forever be marred by what she knew of his past.

“Ready?” the twins asked softly.

Hermione trembled. “I-I’m not sure. I’m terrified I’m going to hurt someone. I just…I know they’re going to crowd me and…and I…I could handle my friend for a few moments but all at once? I just don’t know.”

“How can you resist us?” George asked.

“I’m used to you now,” Hermione said with a frown. “Of course, we are outside. It helps that I just ate and I know I have the piercing to help…and some blood pops just in case.”

“Well then Forge, I guess we need to play beater again,” Fred said with a wink.

“Carry on then Gred.”

They swung the door open and ushered her in. She was allowed a cursory glance around before shouts rang out and she was surrounded by warmth…and smells. Gosh they smelled good, like a buffet table with all her favorite foods. She felt her teeth itch and gave a terrified cry. She was better than this, she was.

The twins came to her rescue. “Alright then, that’s enough. Let the poor girl breathe.”

Hermione was ever so thankful for them. They were successfully pushing everyone away even as she cringed against the door, eyes squeezed shut so they couldn’t see the indigo blaze she knew they had become. There were so many emotions warring inside her, it was hard to process.

“Um,” Harry said as he rubbed his neck in a nervous gesture. “It’s good to see you Mione.”

Hermione managed to turn around and nod before the smell of potions and wood smoke reached her nose. Oh no. She spun around wildly, searching out the owner of the familiar smell. There he was, just coming out of the fire place. No. He couldn’t take her back. The door was now blocked by a very concerned Molly Weasley. Arthur was blocking the back. Perhaps she could reach a window. No. Remus was standing in front of it. A scream stuck in her throat as her father approached. She shook her head frantically and trembled.

“Stop that jerking about at once!” Severus snapped. She straightened like a soldier, both loving and hating him for being able to command her. Everyone in the room looked on agog as their snarky Potion’s Master ordered their best friend around like an elf. She was having trouble reconciling the Severus she’d known for the past month with the harsh Professor Snape that was standing in front of her.

Sensing the tension in the air, Severus squared his shoulders. “Miss Granger, has it occurred to you that it is not safe to be wandering about unsupervised throughout the whole of England?”

“I-“

“I’m not finished!” He sneered. She trembled but kept her mouth shut. “Your mother has been worried sick and contacted me to track you. Why did you feel the need to take off without a goodbye?”

“I-I did say goodbye. Well…I-I left a message.”

“Yes I heard,” Severus said in a deadly tone.

“C-can we talk privately Professor?” Hermione whispered.

Severus nodded. “Outside.”

Hermione nodded and ducked her head, not daring to look at anyone just yet. She heard the door slam and her father’s stiff steps across the yard. He was a respectable distance from her, consideration for their audience but it felt worse for it.

“Why child?” Severus whispered brokenly.

Hermione refused to turn around to face him. Her shoulders shook with the force of trying to hold in her emotions. “I couldn’t stand it anymore. Do you know what it feels like for your mate to hate you?”

“No,” Severus whispered. “But I am certain that your mother knows. I never truly hated her, though I’m sure it felt that way. I hated myself, both for how I had treated her and the way she made me feel.”

“How did she make you feel father?”

“Cherished,” Severus answered softly. “Though I didn’t deserve it. Your mother actually understands perfectly why you left but has been worrying herself sick. Couldn’t you have at least waited for an escort or a proper face to face goodbye?”

Hermione huffed. “Yes because it went over so well the last time I asked. Please don’t make me go back father. I can’t. It hurts too much.”

“And you’d rather live here, with those that will maul you?”

Hermione sniffed. “I thought I was going to eat them all. Fred and George are life savers though, got them all to back off. Now they think something is dreadfully wrong.”

“They’d be right,” Severus offered.

“I know that but I can’t bloody well go telling the world, can I? Not everyone knows occlumency like you. I’m scared enough to tell Harry but Dumbledore insists that You-Know-Who can’t invade his mind anymore. I-I don’t think I’ll be telling Ron until he’s been defeated though.”

“A wise choice,” Severus said. “Hermione please face me. It is hard enough to stand here and not embrace you. Denying me the ability to look at your face is cruel.”

“My eyes are glowing,” Hermione whispered. “I can feel it.”

“I believe my mass will shield you,” Severus said. “Please.”

Hermione wiped the tears from her face and turned around slowly, almost breaking down again at the unguarded look of affection on her father’s face. Even through his worry-lined glamour, she could see the gentleness just below the surface. “Father.”

Severus nodded, understanding her broken plea. “Alright little one. I’ll grant you your desire. However, I wish to make the transition easier for you. I have adjusted your training collar. It will ebb and flow with your urges becoming only an emergency buffer, should you need one. Will you accept it?”

Hermione nodded. “Yes please…but what about Draco?”

“He has his own collar, a black one that can be disillusioned in the Dark Lord’s presence. It also shields his scent and blocks the vampire detection charm….much like the necklace Melody gave you does. I’ll need to put it on you from a submissive position though and I dare say we can’t do that here.”

“They are watching us like hawks,” Hermione breathed. “And that is my fault. I’m so sorry. I thought I could handle it but all that warmth when there has been so little…”

“I’m sorry,” Severus whispered brokenly. “I’ve been remiss in my duties as a father. I should have told Draco to hang and held you anyway. For that, I am ashamed.”

“What do you mean?” Hermione asked.

Severus smiled. “He does not hate you. In fact, I had to stun him to get away. He is mad with grief and blames himself for your leaving, rightly so I’d imagine. He is the reason you chose to leave, isn’t he?”

“He is,” Hermione said sadly. “I can’t take his scornful glares.”

“He’s angry at himself,” Severus said softly. “I do not wish to put words in his mouth, but I dare say he finds himself unworthy of you, despite the fact that you are his mate.”

“And if I were to return?”

“He would most likely glare a hole in your forehead and then lock himself in his room and pout.”

Hermione smirked. “That sounds about right…but I’m not going back Severus. I need to be here...if only to mend the riffs I’ve created. I just-I don’t how to explain my odd behavior.”

“Perhaps it is wise to alert them of your attack, only change the details.”

“To what? I was attacked in the park by a random stranger with sharp teeth?”

Severus chuckled. “I would leave the teeth out of it. Perhaps you were attacked by a stranger or a group of them, and you are still tense in situations requiring close contact.”

“Damn,” Hermione gasped. “I almost wish I were a Slytherin.”

Severus grinned. “We all have a little Slytherin in us. Perhaps you could have some too?”

Hermione blushed horribly and ducked her head. “I want to…badly.”

Severus chuckled then, loud enough to make the occupants of the house gasp in shock. Snape never chuckled. “You still need to feed. Melody made the suggestion that perhaps living under the same roof is too close a proximity for you two. Would you consider hunting with us every other day? You and Draco can be together for that period of time and perhaps work through the animosity between you.”

Hermione shrugged. “We’ll never work through it if he just glares at me and projects hatred.”

“I give Melody until tomorrow to talk sense into him,” Severus said with a rare smile.

Hermione smiled. “Alright Severus. I’ll go hunting with you but I’ll have to sneak out. Molly will go ballistic when she hears of my attack.”

“I have no doubt you can escape from her overbearing clutches. Now, let’s get this collar on you.”

“We could walk by the river,” Hermione offered. “It’s away from the house and the view is lovely.”

They chatted idly about magical theory on the way. “Here,” Severus said, picking out a particularly beautiful spot where they could see the half moon.

Hermione dutifully kneeled in front of him and closed her eyes when the collar snapped in place. To her surprise, she could still smell everything around her. She grinned up at him, happy that the charm worked. It was awkward not being able to use her senses.

“Come here child,” Severus sighed. “I wish to hold you, if only for a moment.”

Hermione sprang off the ground and nearly knocked him over from the momentum in her haste to feel his calming embrace. She snuggled into his chest and sighed. “Was Alex very hard on Nancy? I didn’t want her to get in trouble.”

“No,” Severus answered after a moment. “After all, Nancy is a squib…and entirely human. There would have been nothing she could have done if she wanted to stop you.”

“You worded that wrong,” Hermione said softly. “It should be, if she were to try and stop you.”

“No, I said it right. She let you go and she did so to see you happy. She will be a lovely vampire.”

“Will he turn her now?” Hermione asked curiously.

She felt Severus’s grin in her bones. “He had just finished when I left. That’s the reason for my delay. As soon as you hung up, he slid his fangs into her. They were just waiting on you.”

Hermione snickered. “Well, at least something came of me leaving.”

“We should head back,” Severus said after a time. “I’m sure they are wondering if I have murdered you.”

Hermione harrumphed but reluctantly got down, following him slowly. “If anything, the worst you could do is to order me to masturbate until I was chaffed.”

Severus chuckled. “I’ll save that for Draco.”

Hermione sighed. “It’s unnatural to want someone this badly.”

“We aren’t natural,” Severus countered as he walked gracefully towards the house.

“Touché. There they all are, gathered around the windows like ants at a picnic.”

Severus sniffed. “Are you sure you won’t come home Hermione? You could help Nancy fight.”

Hermione bit her lip. “I do want to help Nancy fight but I won’t stay there. Will you come and get me when it is time?”

Severus nodded. “Of course. I wouldn’t let Nancy fight without you.”

Hermione came to a halt just before she reached the door and froze in fear. It was almost tempting to go home, if only she didn’t have to face Draco’s stares. There would be no living in peace there.

“Do you want me to tell them?” Severus asked, realizing that her pause was more lengthy than normal.

“W-would you?”

“Of course little one, anything for my family. You know this.”

“Thank you.”

“Well, don’t dawdle. Go in. The collar will activate if you need help.”

Hermione nodded and braced herself to enter the Burrow once more. This time, it was her Potion’s Master that barked at everyone when they came to crowd her.

“For Merlin’s sake, give the girl some room to breathe! Can you not see the effects of your overbearing and sickeningly sappy attempts to greet her?”

Hermione tried desperately not to smile at her protective father. Instead, she made it look as if she were cringing at his tone. Inside, she was all warm and cozy. A twinge of pain crept up when she thought about what would happen at the end of this year. Her father would be marked a traitor and sentenced to death for the murder of a man who’s dying wish was to go painlessly.

Severus apparently felt her sudden despair and spun around, concern on his face before he slid his mask back in place. “Miss Granger, if you would permit me to tell your story and save us all valuable time?”

“Yes sir,” she managed to whisper and followed along into the den. She sat on the floor away from everyone. The smells caught her attention first, bangers and mash and wet dog. It was almost noxious.

“Hello Hermione!” Sirius called triumphantly.

“Sirius,” Hermione managed to say flatly. “You’re alive.”

“Yes ma’am. I guess I’m made of stronger stuff than anyone gives me credit for, crawled right out.”

“Remarkable,” Hermione said, trying not to laugh at the insults Severus was muttering under his breath.

Sirius frowned. “No hug?”

“I think not, Black,” Severus said, acid in his tone. “After what she’s been through, I imagine hugging a cur like yourself is the last thing on her to do list.”

“What are you talking about Snivellis?” Sirius sneered.

“Please stop,” Hermione whispered. “I can’t take anymore fighting.” In truth, her father’s irritation was making her want to throw herself at his feet and plead for mercy.

“I apologize, Miss Granger,” Severus said softly, causing quite the stir. Snape never apologized to anyone unless it was backhanded. “Shall we continue on Black, or do we need to further discuss inappropriate gestures?”

“Why you-“

“Enough!” Harry shouted. “What happened Hermione?”

Severus cleared his throat. “Miss Granger was attacked during her holiday by a group of muggles and was badly damaged. As I understand it, she was without her wand at the time. She has an understandable fear of crowds now. I would suggest giving her some space.”

Hermione rolled her eyes at the shrieks of outrage. Honestly, it wasn’t like there was a thing they could do about it now. She sighed sadly when talk of muggle hunting started up. Her father quirked an eyebrow as if to say ‘typical Gryffindor’ and she stifled a smile. The twins offered her and Severus a salute at the brilliant story. It was Harry that called the crowd to order.

“Why did you leave then Hermione? It was dangerous to come here alone.”

“I know,” Hermione said softly. “I just needed some time to think. I had my wand though. I should have had it then but I didn’t. It was my mistake and I have to live with the consequences. As you can see, I still have trouble with contact. If everyone could not jump at me, I would appreciate it.”

Rounds of “Of course!” and “Take your time!” left her head aching. They were all talking amongst themselves when Severus came up to her.

“I must leave now child. I will call on you again tomorrow after midnight. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you cannot handle your stay here.”

“Yes father,” Hermione breathed. “Tell Melody I am sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt her.”

“No tears!” Severus snapped when he saw her eyes watering. “It is imperative that you not show your feelings in that way. Should you have need of us, simply tap the crucifix three times. We’ll find you.”

Hermione bowed her head. “Thank you Severus…for everything.”

Severus laid a hand on her shoulder, the only comforting gesture he would allow himself in present company. “It was never a burden Hermione. Oh, and if you feel the need to hex Black, whatever the reason, I find that a burning rash on the cock is a fitting punishment. Take care.”

Hermione giggled as she slipped out of the room and walked to the loo. She wanted to charm the mirror to read her appearance, should anyone happen to walk by if she was in there. On the way, she thought about Severus’s terrific sense of humor, dark, but amazing.

“What did he say that made you so happy?” Harry asked as she opened the door when she finished.

She managed to bite back the terrified squeak at seeing him so close. The collar had managed to mask his scent, sensing her need for concentration for the mirror charm. She could smell him now, pumpkin juice and lightening and…chocolate? It made her grin because it was just so…Harry. Then she realized he was still waiting for an answer.

“Oh! Um, he said that I shouldn’t let the sappy Gryffindors get to me.”

Harry snorted. “Typical Snape. Hermione…are you sure you’re alright?”

“I’ll be fine Harry,” Hermione said, unable to stop the quiver in her voice.

“You looked like you were about to lose it when you first came in,” Harry said softly. “And why the twins? Why could they touch you when I can’t?”

“Oh Harry,” Hermione breathed and turned around to wipe a stray tear from her face. “There’s so much I need to tell you…but I’m not sure if I’m ready yet. I’m hardly used to it myself.”

“You know you can tell me anything Mione, anything at all. I’m your best friend.”

Hermione let out a bark of shrill laugher. “I know! And that’s why I’m terrified to tell you. What if you hate me afterwards?”

“I could never hate you Mione,” Harry said gently.

“You say that now,” Hermione said softly. “The twins can touch me because they know what’s wrong…and they’ve been doing everything in their power to help me.”

“Well if the twins are alright with it, why wouldn’t I be?”

Hermione shook her head angrily. “They said Ron would react badly. Who would know better than they do, right? And I can’t ask you to choose between us Harry. That just wouldn’t be right. So I’d have to ask you to keep it a secret from Ron…and that’s not right either. I can’t ask you to keep a secret from your best friend.”

Harry frowned. “Ron is my best mate but if the twins say he will react badly, then I believe them. I’m not going to let this secret eat away at you. I promise I won’t tell Ron, but you’ve got to tell me what’s wrong with you. I can’t help you if you don’t.”

Hermione bit her lip. “I’ll need your word as a wizard Harry. If…if this gets out…”

“No problem,” Harry said, nonplussed at his friend’s nervous twitches.

“You do know that you’ll lose your magic if you go back on it, right?”

“Oh, well,” Harry stuttered. “I mean, I won’t tell anyone so it won’t matter, right?”

“Right,” Hermione said nervously. “But-but Harry, I don’t want you to have that burden.”

“I’ll do it Hermione, because you are my best and most brilliant friend.”

Hermione nodded. “We can’t do it here. I mean it. No one can know. No one.”

“Except the twins,” Harry said with a grin.

“Well, yes…they know.”

“Then they wouldn’t mind creating a diversion for us?” Harry asked.

Hermione’s eyes widened. “No…no I suppose not.”

“That’s settled then. I’ll tell everyone you’ve gone to bed, too much excitement and we’ll meet outside by the river.”

“Okay Harry. Thanks.”

Harry gave her the boyish grin she’d come to love. “Anything for you Mione. You’ve probably saved my arse more than anyone else. I think I owe you one.”

Hermione laughed and watched Harry take the stairs two at a time before she transformed into mist and clung to the ceiling. The entire house was a buzz, her name on everyone’s lips. It shouldn’t come as a shock. After all, it wasn’t in their nature to just leave it alone, was it? Of course not, so she listened in on their theories. Ron probably had the wildest one which Sirius was all too happy to listen to.

“I bet Snape did it,” Ron huffed. “I bet he jumped her and then took away her memories.”

“Wouldn’t put it past him,” Sirius conferred. “I mean, it is odd that he knew all about it, isn’t it?”

“Right,” Ron latched on. “I mean, since when does that greasy git care about anyone? I bet he’s got designs on her. Creepy pervert.”

Hermione felt anger bubble up inside her at the two men insulting her father. She felt herself start to shift and held, thankful she had better concentration in mist form than others. Before she could decide what she would do next, the room filled with purple smoke. Hermione directed her body out of the window. She touched down by a tree and waited for Harry. This would probably be the hardest thing she’d done so far. Even facing her parents hadn’t given her this overwhelming sense of dread. And if he took it badly, she knew instinctively what she’d do. She’d take his memories.

AN: Yep. She ran. I can sense the pitch forks and torches now. But a girl's still gotta eat right? It should be an...interesting experience. And, of course, we still have to find out Harry's reaction! Once again, you guys blew me out of the water! I-I can't tell you how overwhelming it is to know that everyone likes this story. Thank you to everyone who reviewed. I'm honored. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. (and I'm still a few chapters ahead of you guys so you know what to do) Until next time...Love you guys! YOU ROCK!
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Beyond the Pale