Chapter 81: Insult to Injury
"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!" Hermione's dad roared.
Hermione recoiled into her mother's arms. She expected her parents to be angry at her, but she'd never seen her father so furious.
"I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I didn't think–"
"That's the problem!" he shouted. "You didn't think! You've spent so much time at that school where they're apparently teaching you not to think for yourself that you've started doing it!"
"But–" Hermione started.
"After all your reassurances that Rose would keep you safe! Where was she when you were tortured?!"
"It's not her fault!"
"Isn't it? She's obviously the leader of your group, and she sets the example that it's okay to run in without thinking! I'm sure she's already congratulated you on a job well done!"
"No she didn't! She told me never to do it again!"
"That might be the first sensible thing she's ever done!"
"What?!" Hermione shouted. "Rose is my friend! She'd never do anything she thought would get me hurt!"
Her dad closed his eyes and clenched his fists. After taking a few deep breathes, he continued, albeit calmer than he had been.
"You're not going back to that school," he said. "In fact, you'll be lucky to go to any of them."
Hermione was speechless. She'd arrived not 10 minutes ago thinking her parents were going to be scared, pass some rule about Rose not leaving her side again, and that'd be the end of it. Now she'd likely never see Hogwarts again.
"I need some air," her dad said.
He stormed out the backdoor, letting it slam shut behind him.
Hermione cried for what felt like hours. She rested her head on her mum's shoulder while her mum stroked her hair.
"I didn't mean to," Hermione sobbed.
"I think you did," her mum said. "You just didn't mean to make your father so angry."
"What?"
"What were you thinking?"
"I don't know, I–"
Her mum picked up her head and turned to face her.
Hermione averted her gaze. She couldn't bear to see her mum's accusatory glare.
"If there's one good thing Rose has done, it was giving you that hair clip. You're always thinking, Hermione. There's always something on your mind, and I know you'll remember what you were thinking."
Hermione thought back to the previous night. She remembered the fires, the screaming people and the Death Eaters.
"Promise you won't get angry?" Hermione asked.
"I'm already angry. Your father was more vocal about it, but those are my sentiments too. I want to know what you were thinking because I know you're not so irresponsible to think that this had a chance of working."
"But it almost did!"
"No, it didn't. What if you'd only blinded some of them? What if there were more hiding behind you?"
"But–"
"What if they hadn't left you there? What if they kept on hurting you?"
Hermione didn't have an answer. She'd thought of that too. The thought of that curse going on was unbearable.
"I don't know," she whispered.
"So what were you thinking?"
"I thought if I just ran away, I wouldn't be able to live with myself."
"Why would you think that?"
If Hermione told her about Thars, it would be the end of her time with Rose. There was no chance of her returning to Hogwarts, but there was still a chance that Rose could visit her in solitary confinement.
"Because that's how it felt when Sirius attacked us last year," Hermione said. "It was horrible watching him drag my friend off, and there wasn't anything I could do about it. I used to think Rose was mad for just charging in without going for help, but now I get it."
"Hermione, that's not–"
"Where were the grownups then?" Hermione asked.
"That's why we want you out of Hogwarts," her mum said, raising her voice. "That's exactly why we don't want you going back there. It's not just that you're in danger, it's that you think no one's going to help you. It always comes down to you and your friends to save people, and that's not how it's supposed to be. At a normal school, you won't get attacked by students, and you can trust the teachers."
"I'll still get laughed at. People are still going to pull my hair, make fun–"
"But you won't be in any danger."
"I'll be miserable! Doesn't that matter?"
"Of course it matters, but your safety is a bigger concern to us."
"This isn't fair!"
"No, it's not. We're trying to reason with you, because that's what we want for you: to be a reasonable young woman. If you're not going to see reason on this, then we'll fall back on force."
"You can't make me stay here!" Hermione exclaimed. "I'll just get Rose to bring me back."
"No, you won't," her mum shot back, holding out her hand. "Condition conch."
Hermione had never felt so angry in her life. She felt as if her parents had betrayed her. She'd never see Hogwarts again, and there was nothing she could do about it.
"Fine," she said.
She took the condition conch from her pocket and handed it to her mother. Hermione took one last look at it before her mother closed her fingers around it.
That was the end of it. She'd lost.
Her mum opened the backdoor and called her father back inside. Her parents sat down at the kitchen table opposite her.
"We'll see about getting a transfer into one of the schools around here after you've had time to cool off," her mum said.
"What about my friends?" Hermione said. "Can't I at least say goodbye? Seems fair, seeing as how I'm never going to see them again."
"Don't be like that," her mum said. "This is for your own good."
"That's exactly what the Ministry said about the Dementors," Hermione snapped.
A year ago, Hermione would've started crying after snapping at her parents. Now she felt as if they deserved it. They deserved it after the way they'd treated her.
"That's not helping, Brain."
The three of them turned to see Rose standing in the kitchen doorway. Her face was sullen, just like after the boggart incident.
"Rose–" Hermione started.
"I'm just here to fetch Ana," Rose said. "Sorry, I couldn't warn you."
"It's fine," Hermione's dad said calmly. "Just take it."
"Hold on," her mum said. "You don't need to take Ana. We don't want to cut you girls off entirely, we just think Hermione needs a break."
"But–"
"Brain, don't talk to them like that," Rose said. "It only makes things worse."
"You do it!"
"Which is how I know it makes things worse."
Hermione couldn't believe it. Her parents were against her, and now Rose was against her. She'd expected Rose of all people to understand how she felt. Why wasn't Rose standing up for her? Didn't she know what was at stake?
"I can never go back!" she blurted. "I'll never see Hogwarts again!"
"I know. Ana told me."
"Then why?! Why aren't you helping me?!"
"Because you don't know what you did wrong," Rose replied. "If you had waited for your team, you'd have been fine. Scarface could've stayed as a lookout, Cohort and Firecracker could've drawn aggro. Instead of waiting, you thought 'What would Rose do?' and ran in on your own."
"That is what you do!"
"I've got blindsight out to 60 feet, Ref checking on that during combat, foresight to give me warnings about incoming attacks, a 50% miss chance from greater blink, and the ability to move around the battlefield with ease. If they can somehow get past all that, I've got an AC of 73 and tons of immunities and resistances. You've got none of that!"
Hermione glared at Rose.
"I'm good in combat because I've had practice," Rose continued. "Freedom in my world means the ability to fight and stay alive. All you've had is the training I gave you last year, which I made up on the spot. You lot assume because I'm good at it that I'd be good at teaching it. I think Professor Snape is a shining example of why that's wrong."
"So I'm just supposed to stay here and never see my friends again?!"
"I doubt your parents are asking that. When… When Valignatiejir attacked me, Sk'lar didn't want to let me out of his sight, and I was older than you are now."
"They took the condition conch!" Hermione shouted.
"They are still in the room," her mum muttered.
"It sounds like they took it because they think you were going to get me to break you out and take you back to Hogwarts." She turned to Hermione's parents. "Which I won't do without your express permission."
"Thank you, Rose," her dad said.
Hermione looked at her parents, then at Rose. She wanted to plead with Rose to take her away, but she could see from Rose's face that wasn't going to happen. Her one chance of freedom was gone.
"So that's it?" she asked. "I'm never going to see my friends again?"
"Don't be so dramatic," her mum said. "Just because you're not going back to Hogwarts doesn't mean you can't still see your friends."
Rose sat down beside Hermione.
"Can I make a suggestion?" Rose asked.
Hermione scowled at Rose. What was going on? Who did Rose send in her place? She was far too calm and reasonable to be Rose. Maybe that was it! Maybe the real Rose wasn't there, and she'd sent someone else to negotiate on their behalf.
"So long as it doesn't involve her going back to that place," her dad said.
"It does, but not for the year," Rose said. "Just a few nights."
Her parents exchanged glances, then looked back at Rose.
"How many nights?" her dad asked.
"Hold on," Rose said, opening her notebook. "The opening feast, Hallowe'en and the day before, the 24th of November, the 25th of December, preferably the week leading up to the 25th, although that's optional, the 24th of February, and the 24th of June."
Rose closed her notebook and looked up at Hermione's parents.
"Those are some awfully specific dates," her dad said.
"Some events are happening at Hogwarts this year," Rose said. "Nothing that will be dangerous to Hermione, or any of our friends, for that matter. Professor Dumbledore doesn't want me going into details, so I can't say much about it."
"Why do you know about it?" Hermione asked, annoyed that Rose had apparently been keeping something else from her all summer.
"Professor Dumbledore says it's supposed to restore good will between Hogwarts and the Ministry," Rose said. "He knew if he didn't tell me to stay out of it, I'd want to get involved, which, as he put it, would only harm that endeavor. So he told me about it and made me promise not to tell anyone."
That relaxed Hermione a little. Contrary to popular belief, Rose had some redeeming qualities, and her insistence on upholding promises was one of them.
"Would Hermione be participating in these events?" her dad asked.
"No, she'd be a spectator," Rose replied. "Nothing dangerous, either, and if I detect the slightest hint of danger, I'll get her out."
"Thank you, Rose, but no you won't," Hermione's mum said. "This isn't just about Hermione being in danger anymore, it's about her seeing that she needs to respect the authority of the people in charge."
Rose nodded.
"Understood."
Hermione nearly called Rose out right there. No way was this her friend. Rose had never been so calm and rational, especially when talking about her friends.
"If that's what you want, I'll leave her in Professor Vector's charge," Rose said. "Which reminds me, she'll want to continue Hermione's lessons, if at all possible."
"We'll have to discuss that later," Hermione's dad said. "What time on each of those days?"
"The opening feast, the Hallowe'en feast, the evening of the night before that, one o'clock on the 24th of November, the evening of the 25th of December, 9:30 am on the 24th of February, and after sundown on the 24th of June."
"February's a Friday, and June's a Saturday," Hermione said. "Even if–"
"That's not the issue," her dad said. "It's good to know, and we can always excuse you from school if necessary, but–"
"Professor Vector and I would pick her up when she's ready, and Professor Vector would not leave her side until she returns home."
They all sat in silence for a few minutes. Every time Hermione opened her mouth to say something, Rose would elbow her and shake her head.
Her parents whispered to each other every so often, although Hermione couldn't make out what they were saying. She picked up a few words, none of which were in English. After a lot of whispering, her parents turned to her and Rose.
"We'll start with the opening feast," her dad said. "You may take the Hogwarts Express, but Rose, I want you to get Professor Dumbledore's word that there won't be an incident like last year."
"Consider it done," Rose replied.
"Hermione, we want you home by eight," her dad continued. "We're going to send a letter to Professor Vector to make sure that happens. If you're not, then any chance of you ever setting eyes on Hogwarts again are gone."
Hermione nodded. She wanted to go back, but even a chance to see her friends again was better than nothing. The thought of never seeing Rose, Cedric, Ron, Sally-Anne, or any of her friends again was horrible. At least she'd get to see them, even if only for one night every other month.
"We'll discuss each night as it approaches," her mum said, sliding her hand across the table. She opened her hand and left the condition conch in the middle of the table. "If we find you gone when you're supposed to be here, this is going away for good."
"Thank you," Hermione said, taking the condition conch back. "I'm sorry for yelling earlier."
"It's fine," her mum said. "We were all a little on edge."
"Sk'lar and Alice nearly tore each other apart after Valignatiejir attacked me," Rose offered. "I've never seen them that angry. Carolina said they were just scared."
Silence fell over the room again.
"Rose, would you mind telling us where you're from?" Hermione's dad asked.
"Another world," Rose said. "It's called 'De'rok'. I'm… 23 years old, and I don't know why I'm here. It's got something to do with Hogwarts, and that's all I know."
Her mum looked at her dad, who nodded.
"Thank you for being honest with us," he said. "And thank you for stopping by. I think you made everything a lot better."
Rose smiled.
"Owl's Insight does that," she said. "I've got +10 to Wisdom for another 40 minutes."
"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed. "That's why!"
Her parents frowned at her.
"I just… erm…"
"She probably couldn't figure out why I was being so… not like myself."
Rose stood up, and the others joined her.
"I'm gonna get going," she said. "Can I come visit on Hermione's birthday?"
"We'll see how the opening feast goes," Hermione's dad said. "If it goes well, I don't see why not."
"Thank you," Rose said, then she hugged Hermione.
"See you soon, Brain," Rose said.
"Can't wait."
Rose curtsied to Hermione's parents, then, after a quick hug to Ana, vanished.
When the Hogwarts Express pulled into the platform, they stepped outside into a storm. Rain sprayed them from all sides, and they rushed to get inside a carriage.
"I hope the Thestrals are alright," Luna said.
"Never mind the Thestrals," Ginny said, wringing out her hair. "I hate rain." She turned to Hermione. "Hey, Brain, can you teach me a spell to boil rainwater off me?"
Hermione paused.
"I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks."
Rose looked at each of them, then frowned.
"Have I not put endure elements on any of you?" she asked.
"No, you made Professor Dumbledore some socks with it," Luna said.
"Oh yeah," Rose said. "I hope he's enjoying those."
As always, they were greeted by Professor McGonagall when they arrived at the castle.
"Peta-Lorrum, haven't you got something in your bag of tricks for this?" she called when they arrived.
"For what? This lovely weather?" Rose called back.
Professor McGonagall let out a cross between a growl and a sigh.
"I missed you too!" Rose called as they all went past.
After everyone made it inside, Professor McGonagall took the lead once again. They hadn't walked 10 feet before Rose shouted "Duck!"
Half the students hit the ground as a volley of water bombs flew overhead.
"PEEVES!" Professor McGonagall shouted, rounding on the resident poltergeist. "Stop that this instant!"
"I think they want to play!" Peeves's voice echoed through the corridor.
Professor McGonagall looked around the corridor, but couldn't find the poltergeist.
"Eight o'clock," Rose said.
Professor McGonagall spun around and turned a few more water bombs into birds that flew off down the corridor.
"No fair!" Peeves wailed.
He appeared down the corridor, flying off as if he were just sent to his room.
"Thank you, Ms. Peta-Lorrum," Professor McGonagall said.
"I forgot he exists," Rose said. "We hardly ever see him."
"No, you hardly ever see him," Ron said. "He bothers everyone else, but he's probably afraid of you."
"I wonder why," Luna said.
"No idea," Rose replied.
They filed into the Great Hall, where they found the teachers waiting for them. Harry scanned the Teachers' Table for their new Defence Professor. Sure enough, there he was.
The man looked old, although Harry didn't know how old. His hair was dark gray, and one of his eyes darted around the room independently of the other.
Harry glared at him. He didn't care who the man was, he had replaced Professor Lupin, and that was bad enough.
The Sorting Hat sang a new song, then the first-years were sorted.
"Harry, what's wrong?" Sally-Anne asked.
"Who does he think he is?" Harry asked.
"Who?"
"Our new professor. How could he replace Professor Lupin?"
"Give him a chance." Sally-Anne smiled. "I'm sure he'll be fine."
Harry glowered at the man, then looked back at Sally-Anne.
"You won't be giving up on Professor Lupin. Not just by liking our new professor."
"Creevey, Dennis!" Professor McGonagall called.
"I didn't realize Colin had a little brother," Sally-Anne said.
Harry glanced over at Colin, who was taking pictures of Dennis as the younger boy sat down in the front of the Great Hall.
"GRYFFINDOR!" the Sorting Hat announced.
Dennis took a seat beside his brother as the table applauded.
"What happened to you?" Sally-Anne asked, noticing that the boy was soaking wet.
"Fell off the boat on the way here," he replied, a huge grin on his face. "It was brilliant! Something in the lake pushed me back on the boat! I think it was the Giant Squid!"
Harry didn't know why that was so exciting to anyone, but then again, he didn't know why he was so exciting to anyone.
"Dennis, I'm Sally-Anne Perks, and this Harry Potter."
"No way!" he exclaimed. "The Harry Potter?"
"The one and only," Sally-Anne replied, flashing her small, sweet smile.
Why was she acting so weird lately? Was it all because of her elocution lessons? Why'd she bother taking them?
Harry and Ron figured it was some girl thing that neither of them understood.
"Before we all begin our feast, I've got a few announcements," Professor Dumbledore said. "First, as many of you have heard, Professor Lupin retired at the end of last year. Unfortunately, some personal matters arose that needed his full attention."
There were some murmurs from the crowd, and Harry muttered something under his breath he hoped Sally-Anne couldn't hear.
"But there is a silver lining. Joining us this year as the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor is former Auror Alastor Moody!"
Moody stood up, nodded, then sat back down as the crowd applauded.
"What's wrong with his face?" Harry asked. "It's covered in scars."
"You can talk, Scarface," Ginny teased.
Harry shot her a glare that could make a basilisk cry.
"Sorry," Ginny said. She leaned over to Hermione. "What's with him?"
"Dunno," Hermione replied.
"I can still hear you," Harry said.
He picked at his food during the feast. He didn't feel like eating. Sirius was keeping secrets from him, Remus was gone, Hermione was leaving, and there was another Creevey to annoy him.
"Harry, are you alright?" Sally-Anne asked.
Harry glared at her, but eased up when he saw her face. It wasn't like it was last year. Before, she'd always had this look like she was going to force her help on him, but now she looked like she had when they talked about Cho Chang. She just looked worried about him, but not like she was ready to do anything about it.
"I… I guess there's a lot going on right now," Harry said.
"Alright," Sally-Anne said. "If you want to talk, just let me know."
"I will," he said.
After the feast, Professor Dumbledore stood up once again.
"And now, a few final words. First, I regret to inform you all that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not be taking place this year."
Harry wanted to scream. He wanted to fling something at Dumbledore, at all of them. First they replaced Professor Lupin, the best Defence Professor he'd ever had, now they were telling him that Quidditch was cancelled for the whole year! He couldn't fly! They'd grounded him!
"What?" Harry hissed, forcing himself to stay contained. Fred, George, and Ron were equally shocked by the news.
"Before you all start the Great Hogwarts Revolution, let me explain why. Hogwarts has been given the most wonderful honor of hosting the Triwizard Tournament."
The entire Great Hall went quiet.
"For those of you who don't know what that is, allow me to explain," Professor Dumbledore went on. "And for those that do, I appreciate your patience. The Triwizard Tournament began about seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, and Hogwarts. Each school selects a champion, and the three chosen students compete in a series of three tasks. Each school had its turn to host the tournament every few years, but the death toll was too high, and the tournament stopped."
This sparked another series of whispers in the Great Hall. While still disappointed about Quidditch, Harry found the Triwizard Tournament interesting. Maybe it could help take his mind off things if he were chosen. When he thought about it, he was sure he didn't want the attention that would come with being chosen.
"Together with the Departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports, the three schools have decided it's time to try again. We've all worked tirelessly over the summer to ensure that no champion is placed in mortal danger."
"That would be a first," Hermione muttered.
"Students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will be arriving at the end of October and remain at Hogwarts for most of the year. There will be no classes on Hallowe'en, and after the feast, the champions will be selected by an impartial judge. The chosen few will be competing for the glory of their school and a thousand galleons prize money."
"That's me," Fred whispered.
"Not if I'm chosen," George said.
Harry caught Rose pressing her lips together.
"What's so funny?" he asked. "So sure you're going to be chosen?"
Rose shook her head.
"No."
"While I have no doubt that many of you would make fine Hogwarts champions, there is one more rule. Due to the issue of the champions' safety, the Ministry of Magic, Professor Karkaroff of Durmstrang, Madame Maxime of Beauxbatons, and I have agreed that for the safety of the students, no one under seventeen will be allowed to enter."
Professor Dumbledore paused to allow the students to voice their distaste for this newest rule, and give them the opportunity to insult his character, clothes, face, and anything else that came to mind.
"The tasks in the tournament will be dangerous, and were designed with sixth- and seventh-years in mind. This is for your own safety. I ask that none of you below that age waste your time trying to enter."
Harry was positive Professor Dumbledore glared at Rose for just a second when he said that.
"On that note, I wish you all good night, and hope you're all looking forward to classes in the morning."
"I bet a bit of aging potion will fool whatever bloke they've got to be their judge," Fred said as people began to leave.
"Nothing to it," George agreed.
"Like Professor Dumbledore said: Don't waste your time," Rose said.
"Like you're not thinking of entering," Ron said.
"I'm not," Rose replied. "I promised Professor Dumbledore I wouldn't."
"Besides, I'm sure he gave whoever this judge is a list of all our names," Hermione said. "There's no way he'll let any of us enter."
"I can't see why any of you want to enter," Harry said.
"A thousand galleons," Ron said, grinning from ear to ear. "Fame and glory! It's been so long, it'd be like being the first champion of the Triwizard Tournament!"
"I'm set on both, thanks," Harry said.
"I'd still like to give it a shot," Ginny said. "It could be fun."
"I doubt I'd make it past the first one," Neville mumbled.
Harry didn't want the attention, but he understood the idea of wanting to enter. It could be exciting. Maybe one of the tasks would involve flying! That might be worth it.
"Brain, time," Rose said.
Hermione muttered something under her breath, then nodded.
"Do you have to go?" Ginny asked. "Can't Rose sneak you in?"
"My ability to come back depends on Rose not sneaking me in," Hermione said. "If I go missing, Hogwarts will be the first place my parents look, so she can't just hide me here, and the professors all know I'm not supposed to be here unless my parents give their permission."
Ginny hugged her.
"I'm gonna miss you, Brain," she said.
"I'll miss you too, Ginny. Good luck with Arithmancy."
"Can you still help me if I get stuck?" she asked.
"Of course."
One by one, everyone said their goodbyes to Hermione. Harry hated to see one of his friends go. It felt like a part of him would be gone.
"We need to get going," Hermione said after saying her goodbyes. "I haven't got a lot of time, and I want to talk to Professor Vector before I go."
"Can we walk with you?" Ron asked.
Hermione shook her head.
"No, we're not walking," Hermione said. "I need to be home by eight, so I've only got about 40 minutes, and I haven't seen Professor Vector all summer."
"We understand," Sally-Anne said, cutting off Ron.
Rose took Hermione's hand and the girls vanished, leaving the others alone in the Great Hall.
"So those were the dates you gave my parents?" Hermione asked as they appeared at Professor Vector's flat.
"Schools arrive the 30th," Rose said. "Champion selection is the 31st, each of the 24ths are the tasks, and there's a special event on the 25th of December."
"Some sort of Christmas celebration, I imagine," Hermione said. "Thanks for that. I'd like to see the events, even if it sounds barbaric."
"Professor Dumbledore's covering it," Rose said. "That's all I'm allowed to say."
Within a minute, Professor Vector arrived at her flat.
"I wasn't sure if you were going to stop by," she said. She turned to the portrait that protected her flat, and it swung open.
"Come inside, please," she said.
"I've got something to do, but I'll be back in time," Rose said.
"Thanks," Hermione said.
Rose smiled and nodded, then vanished.
Professor Vector poured them both some tea, then offered Hermione a plate of biscuits.
"No thanks, I'm not hungry," Hermione said.
"Other than the obvious, how was your summer?" Professor Vector asked after she took a seat across from Hermione.
"Other than the World Cup last week, it went great," Hermione said. "I spent time at the Weasley's house for a lot of the summer, but still went camping with my parents and Rose. My wandless casting's improved, and I studied where I could." Hermione stared at the tea, then decided she wasn't thirsty either. "What about you?"
"Not bad, other than learning that my star pupil won't be attending school anymore. Professor Babbling and I have made some improvements to the usability of the dimensional prison and researched the ability of the Shield Rune to absorb kinetic energy, as you suggested last year."
Hermione stared at her tea. She didn't know what to talk about for the next 35 minutes, but she felt she should be talking.
"What spell did you use on the Death Eaters to blind them?" Professor Vector asked.
"What? Just a lumos maxima, with the focal point on them. I also tweaked it to be wider, which probably made it worse, now that I think about it."
Professor Vector smiled.
"All in your head?"
"Sure, why?"
"Well, it should be expected, after your O.W.L. score."
Hermione blushed.
"It's not that big a deal."
Professor Vector took a sip of her tea, then a sly smile crept over her face.
"As you are no longer my student, I see no problem telling you that only two people have ever matched your score in this version of the Arithmancy O.W.L. One of those people is Professor Dumbledore, and I'm not sure you'd recognize the other name."
"Try me."
"Does the name Thomas Riddle ring any bells?"
"Voldemort took Arithmancy?"
Professor Vector winced at the name, and Hermione shifted in her seat.
"Sorry," she said.
"Yes, he did," Professor Vector said, looking as if she'd just swallowed something bitter. "I never taught him, thankfully, but he was, sadly, I might add, one of the most brilliant wizards of his day."
If Professor Vector's words hadn't tipped her off, her facial expressions would have. She looked like she hated admitting that, although Hermione didn't know why she was saying it if she hated it so much.
"Why tell me that?"
"Because it brings me comfort knowing that our new prodigy is on the side of good," Professor Vector said.
"Thank you," Hermione said, her face now bright red.
"Is there any chance we can continue our lessons?" Professor Vector asked.
"My parents haven't made a decision about it yet," Hermione said. "We did ask."
"I know, they explained the entire situation to me," Professor Vector said.
Hermione worried for a moment that Professor Vector was going to launch into another lecture. She'd already got one from her parents and Rose, and that was more than she needed.
"I'm not going to lecture you, not when you've got to leave soon," Professor Vector said as if she read Hermione's mind.
"Thank you," Hermione said.
"I'll hate to see you go, Hermione," Professor Vector said. "You've got a mind like none I've ever seen."
"Thank you."
Something occurred to her. Rose said something about counterspells, but until the World Cup, Hermione hadn't paid it much attention.
"Is there a way to counter a spell?" Hermione asked. "As in stop it from going off?"
"In theory, but you'd need to know what another person was casting before they cast it," Professor Vector said. "You manipulate magical energies when you cast a spell, so you could invert it and cancel it out entirely."
"Any spell?"
"Sure."
"Even the… the Cruciatus Curse?"
Professor Vector nodded, but eyed Hermione suspiciously.
"I see why you're asking. You'd have still lost that duel."
"I lost the moment I was discovered," Hermione said. "I see that now. I've been working on a flashbang spell, actually, but I thought counterspelling would be a good backup."
"It probably would," Professor Vector replied, her face betraying nothing.
"I won't do something like that again," Hermione said. "I promise, but I don't always want to run away. One day I want to stand and fight."
Professor Vector nodded, her face still stoic.
"Alright, I'll see what I can find out for you."
"Thank you," Hermione said, smiling. "Not just for that, but for giving me a chance. For letting me take Arithmancy, and teaching me everything you have."
"The privilege has always been mine, Hermione," Professor Vector said. "You should get going. You don't want to be late."
Hermione smiled. She extended her hand to Professor Vector.
"I think we can drop the formalities, Hermione," she said.
Professor Vector hugged her, which Hermione reciprocated after her mind stopped panicking about the informality.
Teachers don't hug! Parents hug! And Rose! She hugs a lot! What's happening?! So confused!
Hermione bid farewell to her now former Arithmancy Professor, then left the flat. When she got outside, she was shocked to find someone waiting with Rose.
"Hi, Hermione," Cedric said. "Rose said you wanted to see me, that it was urgent?"
"Erm… well, you see… I'm…"
For the second time within a minute, Hermione's brain stopped working. She wasn't expecting to see Cedric, but as he stood in front of her, smiling, looking so handsome as always, she couldn't think of anything to say.
"Brain's not staying for the year," Rose said. "After the World Cup, they want her to stay at home."
Hermione blushed, and silently cursed Rose for calling her "Brain" in front of Cedric.
"What?" Cedric asked, looking from Rose to Hermione. "Is that true?"
"Yeah," Hermione replied. "I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to tell you."
Hermione's heart pounded in her ears, and she began to feel sick.
Keep it together! she ordered herself.
"Is there anything I can do?" Cedric asked. "Dad could probably send some Ministry reps to talk to your parents. Clear the whole thing up, say it was a hoax or something."
"They already know it wasn't," Hermione said. "I know it wasn't."
"You were there?" Cedric asked.
"I… I tried to stop them," Hermione said.
Cedric frowned, then his eyes grew wide. "Merlin's Beard! That was you?!"
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Dad said someone thought they saw a girl being tortured, but no one else saw anything. He thought it was too extreme even for them. Was that you?!"
Hermione looked down at her feet, then nodded.
Next thing she knew, Cedric had his arms around her.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione," he said. "If I had known, I'd have stayed back to help."
Hermione wanted to tell him it was alright, but feeling his arms around her, she dissolved.
"It was horrible," she sobbed. "It hurt, and I couldn't make it stop. I just wanted it to stop!"
"It's alright," Cedric whispered. "We won't let them hurt you again."
Hermione stayed in Cedric's arms for what felt like hours. She never wanted to leave. She wished that she didn't have to go home, that she could just stay in that moment forever.
"I'm sorry, but Brain, we've got to go," Rose said.
Cedric pulled away and put his arms on her shoulders.
"I'll miss you," he said. "It'll be harder keeping Rebecca in her place without you."
Hermione laughed, smiling for what felt like the first time in years.
"I'll miss you too," she said quietly.
"I hope to see you soon," Cedric said.
With that, he bent down and kissed her on the cheek.
Hermione blushed as Cedric turned to Rose.
"See you around, Rose."
Rose curtsied, then took Hermione's hand in hers.
Cedric's smile was the last thing Hermione saw at Hogwarts that night, and those last moments she'd spent there danced in her mind as she drifted off to sleep in her own bed.
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