The Boy Who Fought: OC X Hermione

Assumptions

"You're sure Katie did not have this in her possession when she entered the Three Broomsticks, Leanne?" Professor McGonagall asked, as Leanne and the four were being questioned since they were witnesses to what happened.

"It's like I said. She went to the loo and when she came back she had the package. She said it was important that she deliver it." Leanne explained, nearly in tears.

"Did she say to whom?" Professor McGonagall asked, and Leanne shook her head.

"All right, Leanne. You may go." After she left the room, she interrogated the four friends "Why is it always you four? Hm? When something happens?"

"Believe me, Professor, I've been asking myself the same question for six years." Ron explained, as she nodded. Just then, Snape walked in.

"Severus."

"Is this it?" Snape asked, eyeing the necklace with fascination.

"What do you think?"

"I think Miss Bell is lucky to be alive."

"She was cursed, wasn't she? I know Katie. Off the Quidditch pitch she wouldn't hurt a fly. If she was bringing that to someone, she wasn't doing it knowingly." Carson explained, as Snape nodded.

"Yes. She was cursed." Professor McGonagall told him.

"It was Malfoy." Harry cut in, everyone turning their attention to him.

"That's a very serious accusation, Potter."

"Indeed. Your evidence?"

"I... just... know."

"You... just... know. Once again you astonish with your gifts, Potter, gifts mere mortals could only dream of possessing. How grand it must be to be the Chosen One."

"I suggest you return to your dormitory. All of you."

Hermione and Carson went to their dorm, while the boys went to theirs. When they arrived, Carson sat on the bed, and Hermione soon joined him.

"Do I really have to go to the stupid Slughorn party?" Carson asked, not fond of the idea.

"Yes. It'll be fun! And there's ice cream for dessert..." Hermione added, knowing he loved ice cream.

"Fine. I'll go. Only this one time and only for the ice cream."

"That's all I ask." Hermione told him, as he nodded.

"A toast! To Hogwarts' best and brightest!" Slughorn boomed, as everyone except Cormac reluctantly raised their glass.

"Hear, Hear!"

Hermione looks at Carson and Harry, noticing the one empty chair. Hermione was helping Neville with using which fork and knife, while Carson was talking to Harry.

"This is the worst thing I've ever been to."

"Same here. And we've fought Voldemort."

"So tell me, Cormac. See much of your Uncle Tiberius these days?" Slughorn asked, trying to get to know everyone here.

"Yes, sir. In fact, I'm meant to go hunting with him and the Minister for Magic over holiday."

"Well, be sure to give them both my best. What about your uncle, Belby? Working on anything new? For those of you who don't know, Marcus' uncle invented the Wolfsbane Potion."

"Dunno. He and me dad don't get on. Probably because Dad thinks potions are rubbish. Says the only potion worth having is a stiff one at the end of the..."

"And you, Miss Granger? What is it your family does in the Muggle world?" Slughorn interuppted Belby, Hermione growing nervous. Carson connected their hands under the table and sent her a smile.

"My parents are dentists. They tend to people's teeth." She explained.

"Fascinating. And is that considered a dangerous profession?"

"No. Though, a boy named Robbie Fenwick did bite my father once. Needed ten stitches."

"And you Mr. Marshall? I do send my condolences about your father. Good man, Steven was."

"Thank you sir. Mum's doing alright, I think. We don't really communicate much. She's been kind of paranoid these days."

"That's a shame." Cormac interrupted, "She let herself go I see."

"Leave it to you McLaggen to be the most insensitive git I've met so far. Don't talk about my mother like that."

"Miss Weasley! Come in, come in." Slughorn yelled, stopping the argument there.

"Sorry, I'm not ordinarily late.."

"No matter. You'll be just in time for dessert. That is...if Belby leaves you any."

As Ginny moves to her seat, Hermione whispers to Harry, "Look at her eyes. They've been fighting again. Her and Dean."

Harry nods, then stands as Ginny reaches the table...the only one. Hermione and Carson notice, and they eye him with amusement as he sits.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Thank you, one and all, for a most stimulating evening. We'll have to do it again."