Rewritten Destiny

The crisp morning air buzzed with excitement as the first-year students gathered on the Hogwarts grounds for their flying lesson. Hermione stood with the other Slytherins, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. This would be her first time on a broom, and she was determined to excel.

 

Madam Hooch, the flying instructor, strode onto the field, her hawk-like eyes surveying the students. "Welcome to your first flying lesson. Well, what are you waiting for? Everyone stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up."

 

Hermione stepped up to a broom, noticing Neville Longbottom from Gryffindor looking particularly anxious a few paces away. She gave him a reassuring smile, which he attempted to return.

 

"Stick out your right hand over your broom and say, 'Up!'" commanded Madam Hooch.

 

"Up!" Hermione called out firmly. The broom leapt into her hand immediately, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. Around her, brooms were rising reluctantly or not at all, and she noticed Neville's still stubbornly on the ground.

 

Madam Hooch demonstrated how to mount the broom properly. "Now, when I blow my whistle, you kick off from the ground, hard. Keep your brooms steady, rise a few feet, and then come straight back down by leaning forward slightly. On my whistle—three—two—"

 

Neville's broom suddenly shot into the air before the whistle blew. His terrified yelp echoed across the grounds as he ascended rapidly, flailing to maintain control.

 

Hermione's heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, she mounted her broom and kicked off, her mind focused solely on Neville. She could see he was in real trouble, and her instinct to help overrode everything else.

 

As she soared upward, she pushed her magic into the broom, willing it to go faster. She felt a pull on her magic as the broom responded, its speed increasing rapidly. Neville was dangling precariously, and she was just below him when she saw his fingers slip.

 

"Hold on, Neville!" Hermione shouted, but it was too late. Neville fell, and she reached out, catching his wrist with both hands.

 

The exertion and the magic she poured into the broom caused it to vibrate violently. She felt the broom handle grow hotter, the runes glowing yellow, but she ignored it, focusing entirely on Neville. With a final, desperate burst of strength, she pulled Neville onto her broom.

 

"Hang on tight!" she instructed him. Neville clung to her, eyes wide with fear. Hermione leaned forward to descend, but the broom shuddered. Sparks began to fly from the handle, and she realized the broom was not going to survive the trip.

 

They were still several feet above the ground when the broom burst into flames. Hermione made a quick decision. She tightened her grip on Neville and jumped, using her body to cushion their fall. They hit the ground with a thud and rolled, the flaming broom crashing down beside them.

 

Hermione felt the impact jar her bones, but she ignored the pain, quickly assessing Neville. He seemed shaken but unhurt, which was a relief.

 

"Are you alright?" she asked, helping him sit up.

 

Neville looked at her with wide, grateful eyes. "I—I think so. You saved me, Hermione. Thank you."

 

Hermione smiled, brushing the dirt off her robes. "I'm glad you're okay."

 

Madam Hooch rushed over, her face a mixture of anger and concern. "What on earth happened here?" she demanded, extinguishing the flaming broom with a wave of her wand.

 

Before Hermione could explain, Neville spoke up. "Hermione saved me, Madam Hooch. I lost control of my broom, and she caught me before I fell."

 

Madam Hooch's stern expression softened as she turned to Hermione. "That was very brave, Miss Granger, but also incredibly dangerous. Brooms are not to be trifled with."

 

Hermione nodded. "Yes, Madam Hooch. I'm sorry, but I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

 

Madam Hooch sighed. "I understand. Just be more careful in the future." She turned to the rest of the class, who were watching with wide eyes. "Class dismissed. We will continue this lesson tomorrow."

 

As the students began to disperse, Neville turned to Hermione. "Hermione, my family, House Longbottom, we owe you a great debt. Thank you."

 

Hermione blushed slightly, not used to such formal gratitude. "It was nothing, really. I'm just glad you're alright."

 

Neville shook his head. "No, it was everything. If there's ever anything I can do to repay you, just let me know."

 

Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Neville. Let's just get through the rest of the school year without any more incidents, okay?"

 

Neville chuckled, his usual nervousness easing a bit. "Agreed."

 

 

Later that day, as Hermione returned to the Slytherin common room, she found herself the centre of attention. The room, with its low ceilings and greenish light filtering through the underwater windows, usually felt cool and serene. Tonight, however, it was buzzing with energy.

 

"Granger! What happened out there?" asked Pansy Parkinson, her usual air of disdain replaced with genuine curiosity. "We saw your broom catch fire!"

 

Hermione took a deep breath, preparing herself for the onslaught of questions. "Neville lost control of his broom, and I went up to help him. I had to use a lot of magic to catch him, and my broom couldn't handle it. It caught fire from the magical overload."

 

The Slytherins around her looked both impressed and sceptical. Draco Malfoy, leaning casually against the wall, raised an eyebrow. "You mean to say you poured so much magic into that broom that it actually burst into flames? That sounds a bit far-fetched, don't you think?"

 

Hermione met his gaze steadily. "It's true. I didn't have time to think about it; I just acted. I couldn't let Neville fall."

 

"That was reckless," Blaise Zabini commented, his tone neutral. "You could have seriously hurt yourself."

 

"I know," Hermione replied, her voice firm. "But I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

 

Pansy rolled her eyes. "You sound like a Gryffindor. All bravery and no brains."

 

Hermione felt a surge of annoyance but kept her tone even, she needed to spin this. "Maybe it was reckless, but it was a calculated risk. I knew I could handle it. And besides, what I did might seem impulsive, but think about the outcome. Neville is safe, and now I have a favour from an ancient and noble house. Just because we’re in Slytherin does not mean we cannot also be brave, we just don’t do it unless we have to or we can use the situation to our benefit, excuse me however if the concept is beyond you Parkinson.”

 

Draco's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "So, you risked your neck and ended up looking like a hero. And you secured a debt from House Longbottom. That's... actually quite Slytherin of you."

 

Hermione nodded. "I saw an opportunity to help someone and gain something valuable in return. It's about making the best out of a situation. With our houses reputation, it will certainly throw the other houses off their game to know that a Slytherin rushed to save one of their own, but not a single Gryffindor was brave enough to act, imagine the shame they’ll feel.”

 

The Slytherins seemed to mull this over. Theodore Nott, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "You did something remarkable, Hermione. You’re not supposed to be able to overload the runes on a broom like that, otherwise Quidditch professionals would do it all the time”

 

Hermione hesitated, considering how much to reveal. "Well, I wasn’t asking the broom for permission, I told my magic I needed to move faster and it responded.”

 

Draco frowned, looking thoughtful. "Interesting. Perhaps you're more powerful than we realized."

 

Pansy snorted. "Or more foolish. What if you'd ended up in the hospital wing?"

 

Hermione shrugged. "Or just lucky, the brooms aren’t exactly new, the runes and protections on them were probably failing, imagine if it had been Draco or yourself Parkinson on the broom and you’d crashed and died. Honestly, you’d think the school would fix this or even the board of gevnernors.”

 

Pansy's face paled slightly at the thought, and Draco's usual smirk faltered. "I suppose you have a point," Pansy admitted grudgingly.

 

Draco nodded; his expression serious. "We'll need to watch out for you, Granger. You're more resourceful than you look. I’ll have a word with Father, he’s on the board and you do raise a valid point."

 

Hermione smiled, feeling a sense of acceptance from her housemates. "Thanks, Draco. Let's just make sure we're all watching out for each other."

 

As the common room buzzed with conversation, Hermione felt a strange mixture of relief and satisfaction. She had reacted and spun the situation to suite, but it had paid off. She had saved Neville, secured a favour from the Longbottom’s, and earned the respect of her housemates. It was a win on all fronts. She might not want to be friends with these children, but there was no way she was going to watch children be harmed because the teachers were incompetent.

 

 

The next morning, Hermione was up early, her mind still buzzing from the previous day's events. She made her way to the Great Hall for breakfast, eager to start the day. As she entered, she noticed Neville sitting with Harry and Ron at the Gryffindor table. He caught her eye and waved, a grateful smile on his face. Hermione waved back, feeling a warm sense of accomplishment.

 

After breakfast, she made her way to the library. She had always found comfort among the rows of books, and today was no exception. She had a mission: to learn more about magical control and how to harness her abilities more effectively.

 

She found a quiet corner and began to sift through the books, losing herself in the world of magical theory. Hours passed as she read about different techniques and exercises designed to help wizards and witches control their magic. She took meticulous notes, determined to master her abilities.

 

As she was engrossed in a particularly complex chapter on magical energy flow, she felt a presence beside her. Looking up, she saw Professor Snape, his dark eyes unreadable.

 

"Miss Granger," he said in his usual silky tone. "I heard about your... heroics during the flying lesson."

 

Hermione's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't tell if he was angry or impressed. "Yes, Professor. I didn't mean to cause trouble."

 

Snape raised an eyebrow. "Trouble, Miss Granger, is something that seems to follow you. However, I must admit, your actions were... unexpected. It takes considerable skill to channel that much magic through a broom without causing severe harm to yourself or others."

 

Hermione felt a surge of pride. "Thank you, Professor. I was just trying to help."

 

Snape's expression softened slightly. "Indeed. But remember, Miss Granger, that power without control is dangerous. I suggest you continue your studies and focus on mastering your abilities. Raw talent is only useful if it can be harnessed."

 

"I understand, Professor. That's why I'm here, to learn more about magical control."

 

Snape nodded approvingly. "Very well. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask. And, Miss Granger, try to avoid any more incidents. Slytherin cannot afford any unnecessary attention."

 

Hermione studied her head of houses face before responding “I respectfully disagree Sir. Our houses reputation is in complete tatters after the war, everyone see’s Slytherin’s as the next 'Dark Lords in training’ perhaps if we were a little more involved in incidents as the one’s solving the issues it would work to our favour.”

 

Snape's eyes narrowed as he considered her words. "You believe that by taking more visible, heroic actions, we can improve our house's reputation?" he asked, his tone skeptical but intrigued.

 

Hermione nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. "Yes, Professor. If we show the school—and the world—that Slytherins are not just cunning and ambitious, but also brave and willing to help others, it could change how people perceive us."

 

Snape's expression was unreadable for a moment, then he gave a curt nod. "An interesting perspective, Miss Granger. However, tread carefully. The road to redemption is fraught with peril, and not everyone will be as open-minded as you hope."

 

Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Professor. I'll be careful."

 

Snape turned to leave but paused. "And, Miss Granger," he said, looking back at her, "your ambition, while commendable, seems ill advised. Do not let your desire to prove yourself lead you into reckless behaviour."

 

"Yes, Professor. I'll remember that" Hermione replied, watching him as he walked away. She could tell he didn’t agree, but she wasn’t here to follow someone else’s path, this was her life, and no one would dictate what she did with it.

 

 

Later that day, as Hermione was heading to her next class, she was intercepted by Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson in the hallway. They both wore expressions of curiosity mixed with a hint of scepticism.

 

"Granger," Draco began, "we heard about your little chat with Snape. Do you really think we can change how people see Slytherin by playing the hero?"

 

Hermione met his gaze steadily. "Yes, I do. If we show that we're willing to help and protect others, we can start to rebuild our house's reputation."

 

Pansy scoffed. "You're starting to sound like a Gryffindor. All that bravery nonsense."

 

Hermione felt a flicker of annoyance but kept her tone calm. "Maybe it does sound like a Gryffindor trait, but it's also a cunning move. Think about it: by taking calculated risks and helping others, we can gain their trust and respect. It's not just about being brave; it's about being smart and improving our standing, surely you can understand the politics of it."

 

Draco's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "So, you're saying that by acting bravely, we can manipulate the situation to our advantage? Secure alliances, gain Favors?"

 

Hermione nodded. "Exactly. It's a long-term strategy. And it worked yesterday, didn't it? Neville Longbottom is now indebted to me, and everyone saw a Slytherin helping a Gryffindor. That's bound to shake up their perceptions."

 

Pansy crossed her arms, still looking sceptical. "And what if you get hurt in the process? Or worse?"

 

Hermione shrugged. "Every plan has its risks. But I'm not suggesting we act recklessly. We choose our battles carefully and make sure the benefits outweigh the risks."

 

Draco exchanged a glance with Pansy, then looked back at Hermione. "You might be onto something, Granger. But don't think for a second that we'll all start playing heroes. Slytherins value their necks too much."

 

Hermione smiled. "I'm not asking anyone to be reckless. Just to consider the possibilities."

 

Over the next few weeks, Hermione continued to focus on her studies and honing her magical control. She also made a point of being more visible in helping her fellow students, regardless of their house. Her actions did not go unnoticed, and slowly, she began to see a shift in how others perceived her—and by extension, Slytherin.

 

One afternoon, as she was leaving Potions class, she was approached by Neville Longbottom. He looked nervous but determined.

 

"Hermione, can I talk to you?" he asked.

 

"Of course, Neville. What's on your mind?"

 

Neville shifted uncomfortably. "I wanted to ask if you could help me with my Potions assignment. You're so good at everything, and I could really use your help."

 

Hermione smiled warmly. "I'd be happy to help, Neville. Let's find a quiet spot in the library and go over it together."

 

As they worked through the assignment, Neville seemed to relax, his usual nervousness easing. They chatted about various subjects, and Hermione found herself enjoying his company. He wasn’t as brash as some of the other students, something her adult self could appreciate.

 

"Thank you, Hermione," Neville said sincerely. "I don't know what I'd do without your help."

 

"It's my pleasure, Neville. And remember, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask," Hermione replied, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction.

 

That evening, as Hermione returned to the Slytherin common room, she was met with curious glances and whispers. It seemed her efforts were starting to pay off.

 

Draco approached her, a thoughtful look on his face. "Granger, I heard you helped Longbottom with his Potion assignment. Is that part of your grand plan?"

 

Hermione nodded. "Yes, it is. By helping others, we build alliances and change perceptions. It's all part of the strategy."

 

Draco smirked. "You know, you're starting to make this whole 'playing the hero' thing sound appealing. Just as long as it doesn't involve any broomsticks on fire."

 

Hermione laughed. "No more flaming broomsticks, I promise, although, that would be a cool story ‘Hermione Granger and the Flaming Broomsticks’, almost as bad as the Harry Potter stories in Diagon Alley.”

 

Draco chuckled, a glint of respect in his eyes. "You're something else, Granger. Let's hope your plan works."

 

Hermione smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her housemate. "Thanks, Draco. Just think, you might get your own catchphrase one day." She winked as she turned to leave.

 

As she settled into her usual study spot, Hermione smiled to herself, she was building her reputation up with her house mates, the rest of the school and now she was slowly gaining allies. There was more than just magical power at stake here, political power would be important in the long term, no matter what her aspirations were eventually.

 

The next day brought another flying lesson, and this time, Hermione was more prepared. She had spent hours practicing her control and honing her skills. As she mounted her broom, she felt a surge of confidence.

 

Madam Hooch blew her whistle, and the students kicked off from the ground. Hermione soared into the air, feeling the wind rush past her. She noticed Draco and the other Slytherins watching her with interest.

 

As the lesson progressed, Hermione demonstrated her newfound control, performing smooth turns and graceful manoeuvres. She was pouring a small amount of magic into the broom to improve it’s responsiveness, being careful not to flood the runes.

 

At the end of the lesson, Madam Hooch approached her, a rare smile on her face. "Well done, Miss Granger. You've shown remarkable improvement."

 

"Thank you, Madam Hooch," Hermione replied, a polite smile on her face.

 

As she dismounted her broom and walked back to the castle, she noticed the other students whispering and pointing. She could hear snippets of their conversations.

 

"Did you see Granger? She's amazing!"

 

"If she joins the Quidditch team we’ll never win against Slytherin."

 

Hermione couldn't help but smile. She was making a difference, one small step at a time.

 

Later that evening, as she sat in the common room, surrounded by her housemates, Hermione felt a sense of belonging. They were discussing their plans for the upcoming Quidditch match, and Hermione found herself contributing to the strategy.

 

Draco leaned over; his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Granger, with your skills, you should try out for the team. You even have your signature move! ‘The Flaming Broomstick’."

 

Hermione laughed. "I'll think about it, Draco. But honestly? I think my loads pretty busy as it is, let the ones who actually enjoy sports go play, I’ll stick to my books."