Chapter Text
001
HERMOINE
“Thank God you’ve inherited your Mother’s brains.”
It wasn’t every day that Hermione was invited into Professor Dumbledore’s quarters. The grand entrance added an extra buzz in her veins, a mixture of excitement and anxiety to play with her mind. No matter how high her IQ was or how calm she managed to remain in her final exams, a private meeting with Dumbledore was a task no one could attend steadily.
He was waiting expectantly behind his wooden desk, portraits on the walls smiling at Hermione as she entered. Politely, she greeted them in return and tenderly took a seat.
“Good evening, Miss Granger. How are your studies coming along?” Dumbledore started.
It made Hermione nervous, sensing his stalling about whatever matter resulted her in visit. Nonetheless, she pressed her lips into a line and said, “they’re a breeze.”
It caused him to grin slightly, too. “Of course. I expect nothing less.” He fiddled his hands together and met her gaze, soft grey eyes meeting hers. “As you are aware, the ending of your time at Hogwarts is coming to a close, meaning that the renowned graduation dinner is approaching.”
Ah yes, the Gala, Hermione thought. It could only mean one thing.
“Hermione Granger, you have been assigned as the valedictorian of your graduating class. Congratulations. I assume you are aware of what else has summoned you to my quarters.”
Hermione nodded her head, smiling slightly. “The Gala.”
“Indeed.” Dumbledore slid forwards a pile of three items: a small jewellery box, a cardboard letter and an envelope with something concealed within.
Hermione took them into her hands, first picking out the cardboard letter. Instead, it was no letter but an invitation. It was different from the other invitations she has obtained during her time at Hogwarts as it was on gold cardboard that shimmered under the candlelight and opened up to present the message.
Along the sides were shimmering foliage, melting into the gold border. The words were elegant, clean cursive that was much more impressive than Hermione’s own handwriting. The portrait of an animated lion’s head pulled the letter’s aesthetic together, the jungle inspired design giving it a sense of foreboding wildness that would surely be experienced at the event.
It all excited Hermione as she had already begun plotting ideas for the night, including a theme which would make the night more memorable.
The envelope was next in her hands, her eyes glazing over the front and back but failed to show any writings or rules. So politely, she set it aside, setting on asking Dumbledore later.
Next was the jewellery box. It brought back memories of a ring she was given not so long ago, the very same one that she never removed from her finger.
She opened the box delicately, revealing a cluster of gems and diamonds inside. It was a beautiful brooch, a mixture of orange, red and white diamonds in the shape of a lion with a crown. It was a marvellous creation that mesmerised Hermione. But quickly she closed it, afraid she had spent too long admiring its beauty.
Lifting her gaze to Dumbledore, he grinned and motioned his head towards the items in her hands.
“The invitation, the gift and a letter, Hermione. Similar to the Ball, the invitation is for the lucky Wizard – or witch – you wish to have by your side, along with the brooch. However, the brooch must be given by the first dance, but not before you enter the event.”
Hermione’s brows furrowed, the words sounding rather familiar. With her change in expression, Dumbledore lightly chuckled.
“I’m sure you know where to search for help, yes?”
The comment caught Hermione off guard, but with red cheeks, she nodded and rose from her seat.
“Thank you, Professor. I won’t let you down” she said strongly.
Dumbledore nodded and pulled a sheet of paper into the middle of his desk, dismissing her silently.
Leaving Dumbledore’s quarters released the weight from Hermione’s shoulders, letting her blend into the rush of students who were making their way back to their dormitories.
Except blending in wasn’t easy for Hermione anymore.
Everyone’s eyes would be on her, quick to judge and whisper wicked words about anything she did. Reread the potions book? Nerd. Laugh with Harry and Ron? Unfaithful. Succeed in a class? Over achiever. Nothing good came out of anything she did anymore. Ever since the Ball, she was different.
Well, in the eyes of everyone else.
Making her way towards the Library, a familiar dark-haired boy was making a beeline for her, glasses hitched up his nose as he smiled. Seeing him instantly made Hermione feel better, letting her walls crumble and be replaced with comfort.
“So, are the rumours true?” Harry questioned, causing a crease to form between Hermione’s eyebrows.
“And that rumour is?”
“You got expelled? You started to make everyone look super unintelligent and parents got embarrassed, so they had to expel you.” Harry chuckled as Hermione’s frown faded and a subtle grin replaced it.
“Oh, come on, Harry.”
“It was a joke” He chuckled. “But the one I was talking about was you becoming Valedictorian.”
“How did it get around so quickly? I found out only a minute ago myself.”
With a shrug, Harry began to lead Hermione through the crowd, in the direction of the Gryffindor Common room. Majority of the students parted like the red sea, but neither harry or Hermione knew which one of them caused such reaction.
“You know this time of year attracts gossip thirsty kids, eager to know the dirt on those in the spotlight” Harry began. “But you can never get rid of it. Sometimes it is best to simply go with the flow.”
“Easy for you to say. You’ve managed through people screamin ‘Merlins beard, it’s Harry Potter’!” Hermione grumbled.
Harry grimaced and turned to Hermione, a pitiful smile spreading on his lips. “Rough year then, huh?”
Hermione chuckled, rolling her eyes and embracing her books more firmly. “You have no idea.”
“You’ve handled it all rather well, Hermione. Ron and I, and Ginny and even that snake-boy is proud of you. At least they’re all only wondering what the Gala concept will be.”
Hermione lightly shrugged her shoulders, eyes shyly lowering to the ground. “I’m sure it’s just that…”
Harry’s arms snaked their way around her shoulders and held her close, they uneasy grind in her body slowing but not fading. Sure, there were moments where his spark didn’t shine too bright, but he still went out of his way to ensure she was at her best. It was why there were best friends.
“Thanks” Hermione said, sighing slightly. “I’m going to go to the Library. This Gala isn’t going to organise itself.”
The two parted ways as Hermione started to walk towards her destination. But before she could get too far, her name was called in the distance.
Her heart was cold until that voice echoed her name and suddenly, she was warm.