[IC] A Spellbinding Destiny

[Genkai]

Saying goodbye to her parents was never an easy task but she told herself that she would be able to see them come winter break. In two or three months, tops. And with four years of education and life experiences under her belt she was a lot less nervous than her first journey on the Hogwarts Express. Hermione looked down at the handwritten letter she had gotten from Professor Flitwick about her newly appointed status of Prefect. She was pleased with herself and knew the slacking she did last year had surely put her reputation of a reliable witch in harms way. But the past didn't matter and the bookworm was determined to reassure those around her that her uncharacteristic behavior had been a fluke and that she was still responsible, studious and trustworthy.

Her grades this year would be much better than the previous and she wouldn't get detention for slacking off or talking back.

Those rebellious days were far behind her now.

Professor Flitwick had put his faith in her and she wanted to do right by the Ravenclaw House. She and Terry Boot were Prefects and she had been summoned to a special car to have a meeting with the others. The Head Boy and Girl from each House were also in attendance and there had been a nice spread of tea and treats. The first hour or so was spent mingling with one another and the next was spent going over general rules and questions. Hermione and Terry were jotting down notes while Ron and Lavender were more concerned about the snacks on the table which were running low after the long morning. As the ink finished drying, she rolled up her parchment paper and slipped it into her book bag as they were dismissed and told that they could go back to the other parts of the train if they wished.

Hermione felt someone touch her shoulder and saw it was Terry who said he wanted to go find his mates. She of course knew he meant Michael and Anthony. "See you later." Hermione said in farewell and went back to shuffling around the contents of her bag. She had several books and rolls of fresh parchment papers and bottles of ink. Her mother had generously given her a new quill for the start of term and she was loving it already. Now she just wished she had gotten a bigger messenger bag to suit her growing collection of school supplies. Her cat was still by her side, though all the pets were being transported separately. So for now, no one was really by her side except Harry Potter. She had read a great deal about him and his history and found it troubling but also fascinating.

Even so, the brunette had failed to become friends with him.

They were acquaintances at best but not due to the lack of commonalities, but just the lack of time together. He was friends with Draco Malfoy and although they had both saved her from a troll, she found it grating to be around Draco and his rude comments. Of course she observed the pair from afar when her books couldn't keep her entertained. From what she had seen, Draco and Harry's interactions were less malicious and more positive. Draco's slimy behavior was soon washed off by their Third or Fourth year and Hermione wondered how things would have been if Harry had been put in Hufflepuff or even Gryffindor. But since she didn't know the boy with the lightning bolt scar that well, save for books and petty observations, she needed to reserve any claims until after they became friends, if that was ever a possibility.

Since he wasn't around his pack of questionable allies, Hermione felt less intimidated and resolved to take the given opportunity to get to know Harry since Professor Snape had deemed him a suitable enough person to become Prefect. Now came the query of what she could say to spark a conversation. Her first idea was to bring up the Tri-Wizard Tournament but with the death of Cedric on everyone's minds, she didn't think it would be appropriate. The next possible topic would be their new jobs but that wasn't very interesting. "Hey Harry," She started to say. One of her weakness was showing and it was only making her more flustered. "Congratulations on becoming Prefect." She said though it wasn't what she wanted to say and her grimace probably hinted at that. "I know things have been really hectic for you and I hope this year will be less so." She offered to him, pushing her long wavy hair back over her shoulder.

She already had her robes on and the badge had been sewn in as well.

"But should things get too stressful, I'm happy to help." She offered to him. Everyone in her House was already very witty and intelligent so she couldn't help anyone there. But she had offered her services in her Second Year and was now thinking of doing it again, even with the added responsibility of being a Prefect. Perhaps she also wanted to redeem her own tarnished image. Last year had been a difficult one for her. Hermione had blown off studying and focused on the party and excitement of having a fresh addition of students pour into Hogwarts and now she was paying the price. She had gotten low marks and had been given detention for her flippant attitude. It was shameful and she was just happy to be where she was, with other students who cared about the school's well being. "Did you enjoy your summer?" She asked then asked him.

[JDLPorsta]

If the summer between third and fourth year had been the best year of Harry's life, then the summer between fourth and fifth year had to have been the worst. Where he had idealistically hoped for a peaceful family with Sirius and conspired with Draco to change Slytherin for the better, Harry James Potter had found himself adrift. The return of Voldemort had marked a turning point in his life. Harry had thought that the last of his naivety had left him when he had accidentally killed Professor Quirrell so long ago in first year. Cedric's pale face flashed before Harry's emerald eyes and the teenager's normally placid face contorted into a grimace. Things had changed infinitely after that night in the Graveyard. Where before he had been a beloved celebrity and possessed several friendships, now he was reviled by the Wizarding public. His grimace twisted into an unpleasant sneer at the thought of all the Ministry had done to blacklist him. He had trusted in Dumbledore when the old man had suggested speaking on the matter publicly, but it had only brought the ire of the Ministry down upon himself. The Dementors that had almost killed his cousin were proof of that much.

With a sigh, Harry shook his head and stood. He had spent nearly the entire summer with Sirius at Grimmauld Place in a state of depression. Now that he was back at Hogwarts, the time for weakness was over. Harry had noticed the subtle glance his own 'inner circle' had given him upon the platform. They would all meet tonight in the room of requirement to determine what must be done. Normally, the group would meet in this very same cabin; alas the change Voldemort brought could be felt once more. Before Harry was the Boy-Who-Lived, he was a Slytherin. He had made clear his loyalty to the House time and again. Now it was time for his friends. Would they be loyal to the friendships they had developed? Which Heir of Slytherin would they follow?

Harry's face returned to it's neutral expression as he exited the cabin. He had been chosen by Professor Snape as the male prefect for his year. Naturally the man had made such an honor seem like a punishment, but Harry knew where Severus Snape's loyalties lay. The man had become, over time, something of a mentor to the teenager. It had started with simple defensive magic, but the man's tutelage had extended beyond simple hexes. Occulumency and Dark Magic had been the focus last year. Snape had always been extremely careful about what spells he taught, but Harry knew the heady rush associated with magic created only for the purpose of harming another. It had surprised Harry that Snape had taught him the little bit he had, but the teenager supposed the older man recognized the burning ambition that lay within him. And now, that magic would be needed for the coming war.

Harry's steps were calm and measured as he walked down the corridor of the train. The meeting would be starting soon and the Slytherin knew he would be reprimanded harshly for tardiness. Reaching the door to the appropriate cabin, Harry made a half-hearted attempt to tame the raven colored mop of hair that adorned his head. It had become habit more than anything as it was more likely he would be able to tame Fiendfyre before the unruly hair. The door opened smoothly and Harry looked around for a seat. Realizing he was the last to arrive, his eyes landed upon the only empty seat which was next to Hermione Granger.

Emerald eyes observed her in an appraising manner as he moved to take the seat. The two were not quite friends, but certainly not strangers. Harry imagined himself and the Ravenclaw girl to be pleasant acquaintances despite Draco's cruel barbs. The pureblood had finally stopped using the derogatory terms for muggleborns at Harry's insistence, but old habits died hard. Ever since the two had saved Hermione from a troll back in first year, Draco had resented the girl. Personally, Harry thought his best friend's opinion foolish. Hermione was a brilliant witch and Harry had always found her company relaxing.

As the meeting began, Harry discretely glanced at the girl a few times out of the corner of his eye. He could see why Victor Krum had asked her to the Yule Ball. She had grown into quite an attractive girl since puberty had begun chasing away the awkwardness of youth. Her bushy hair had tamed somewhat over the years and looked soft to touch. The teenager mentally wince and turned his mind away from such frivolous thoughts. The girl was attractive, but it was no reason to dwell on it. Now was not the time for romance. Perhaps once Voldemort had perished he would have time for such hopes. The meeting soon ended and Harry almost made to leave the compartment before he heard Hermione speak.

"Hey Harry," She began in what appeared to be a tentative manner to the Wizard. Harry knew that Hermione had not always been the most sociable of students had Hogwarts, though he could hardly judge. What friends he had made might attempt to kill him that very night. His mind winced at such thoughts and focused on the Ravenclaw girl's words, "Congratulations on becoming Prefect. I know things have been really hectic for you and I hope this year will be less so. But should things get too stressful, I'm happy to help. Did you enjoy your summer?"

For some unknown reason, her words caused a burning irritation to bubble in his stomach. Occulumency was excellent for emotional control, but Harry could only be considered average in the art currently. The stress of the summer finally overwhelmed the young man as he bit out angrily, "Are you saying you don't believe I am capable? Very well, you can kill Voldemort yourself if it's not too stressful!"

Harry's eyes suddenly widened as he realized the words that had exited his mouth in anger. His lips suddenly thinned and his body slumped with a painful sigh. Hermione had a good heart and hadn't meant anything insulting by her words. And he had returned her concern with a caustic remark. With a shake of his head he murmured out, "My apologies, Hermione. I did not mean to snap. My summer has been stressful."

[Genkai]

If she had known what Harry had encountered with his cousin, if she knew the immense stress he had been weighed down with, if she had knew that his summer had been hot and miserable, she wouldn't have asked. If she was his friend, though, she would have known. But due to their lack of communication outside of Hogwarts, Hermione had been asking an innocent question, one she would ask to Cho or Anthony. But she saw his eyes shift and before she could find a way to reword her simple inquiry, the boy who lived lashed out at her. He questioned her faith in him and then quickly told her to deal with Voldemort herself and by his word choice, she wouldn't help but wonder if something had happened and that he may be envious of her lack of stress, as he put it.

The girl physically recoiled, leaning back slightly as her face slipped into a flat expressionless gaze. She really didn't mean to hit a nerve. In fact Hermione had been purposely trying to select her words carefully in order to maintain a jovial tone as they neared their school, their home. Initially she hadn't been sure if she should or even bridge the gap between what they were now and what they could be in the future, which was friends. After his angry comment, Hermione was already questioning their future. An awkward but sharp silence formed between them and before she could leave the compartment, Harry seemed to collect himself in an attempt to make up for his rude behavior.

Harry let out a small apology but it was better than being chided like a child.

"It's alright, I'm sorry to hear that." She said gently, now trying to navigate a proper way around him. It was like walking on the teeth of dragons. Outside the long sleek train, the green and blue scenery rushed by and yet between her and Harry, things felt rather frozen and muted. The Ravenclaw noted that the only ones who remained in the same car as them were three others, two of which were the Head Girl and Boy from Gryffindor. Hermione never once considered herself a candidate for any other House. Gryffindors were restless sorts who were mighty confident in their actions.

That wasn't her.

And there was Hufflepuffs who were great with organization and helping others. One might think she was suited there but honestly, Hermione wasn't that organized. She lost track of books and even homework on occasion. She wasn't thoughtless but she did juggle a lot. And of course that left the Slytherins who were difficult to explain, mostly due to their bleak history and reputation. Hermione tried to remain unbiased when she thought about the green and silver House but it wasn't an easy task. Harry didn't suit any one House though, at least she couldn't pin down a specific trait like The Sorting Hat did.

Now at the moment, things still seemed tense and almost hopeless. Conversation for her came easier with those she knew well. But to actually get to know someone, you had to mull through the process itself, which was sometimes difficult. And Harry's poisonous reply had certainly infected Hermione's interest in getting to know Harry Potter more. Still, she wasn't willing to completely discard the opportunity to become mates. Not just because of one outburst. If she was in her first year, she would have given up. But thanks to her collected experiences with people, she could press onwards, not around.

She sighed and glanced at the table though most of the snacks had been eaten already, she spotted a teapot which still looked to be of use. The steam coming out of the spout suggested such. Hermione poured him a cup of tea and then another for her. She added a light splash of cream and a sugar cube to hers and handed Harry the other teacup. "My mum always thought tea would help any problem." She explained tentatively. "It hasn't failed me yet, it may not help right away but just give it some time." Hermione smiled a little and turned her attention back to her own cup. She blew on it and then took a sip. While it looked too hot to drink, whatever charm may have been placed on the cups made sure the temperature was perfect for drinking right away, not too hot or too warm.

She began to wonder if Harry was hoping to get back to Draco and the others. Hermione knew they were close and she was certain that their bond would only grow as they did. She set her cup down on the saucer, still cradling it in her hand. Her bag was still over her shoulder but it wasn't giving her any trouble for the time being. When she got to her dorm she would set things up. Her mind was already eagerly awaiting the advanced courses she may be able to take. This would be a big year for her and her friends and she was ready to get to work. Even as a Prefect, she was excited to shoulder more responsibilities and become a mentor to some of the younger students. "Oh sorry, I didn't know if you took anything in your tea, I should have asked..." She suddenly remembered as she finished taking another sip of her sweet tea.