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Chapter Text

Pansy POV

Everyone's excited to see the new girl - Hermione Granger make her debut. Forks was such a small cold town, surrounded by forest with a small population of three thousand people, everyone knew everyone else. There was hardly anything going on, except for the tourists visiting during hiking season. And this isn't just any girl, this was Chief Granger. He's one of the nicest people in town, but usually keeps to himself. Pansy's parents gossiped about his ex-wife remarrying and how his daughter would transfer to Forks High to give them space to be newlyweds. Pansy's never been to Arizona so she was curious how different it was to Forks. 

Pansy thought a nice welcoming basket, filled with some biscuits and hair ties and some scented bottles would be a fun way to leave a good impression. 

"Oh, I wish I thought of that." Daphne inspected the basket with bright blue eyes, she has her raven dark hair in french braids. They're sitting by the school entrance, eyes searching. "My sister was so jealous to find out she'll be in our year. I'm sure Hermione's going to love this."

"I've seen her picture before, you know how my Dad sometimes drops by the station to catch up during hunting season? Chief Granger leaves it on his desk. She's got beautiful hair." Pansy has left her black hair brushed to rest behind her shoulders with a green and silver headband accessory. She's painted her nails purple to match her violet eyes. "I hope she'll sit with us." 

"Well who else will she sit with, the Tonks?" 

And as if on cue, a Ferrari and two Lamborghini's drove into the school car park. Pansy told herself she had to have some pride but she couldn't stop herself. As soon as those doors opened, her attention was caught. The most beautiful group of people she's ever seen, its as if they jumped straight out of a magazine. Uncannily pale with matching amber eyes, not a hair out of place, simply moving sculptures waltzing into their school. They were all in the same year, adopted by the rich doctor couple Ted and Andromeda Tonks. 

Pansy always thought it was weird, how they lived together but were also a couple, like real boyfriend girlfriend couple. They aren't blood related no matter how similar they looked, but surely there was some rule about it? Perhaps Forks was too small to care about it. The Tonks and their adopted children moved here last year, and at first, Pansy was excited to make friends, but they kept to themselves. Pansy hoped Hermione wouldn't be like that. 

The first couple, was Susan and Michael. Susan's long red hair was in a side braid, she was without a doubt, the prettiest girl in school. Elegant, with that vibrant red smile. Any boy would love to date her, but no one dared with Michael around. He had so much muscle for an eighteen year old. Funnily enough he never joined any sports event no matter how much the school begged him to try. 

The next couple was the one Pansy voluntarily steered clear of. Nymphadora, or Dora for short, was bubbly and very kind. Pansy loved her style, she rocked the short pink hair with an abundant of sparkling pins. She loved gifting things for the holidays and was very fun to work with in class, but her boyfriend- Talbott, who never smiled and constantly glared at anyone with that constipated look, he's off putting. And he constantly hovers behind Dora. Pansy has also caught Dora stare at nothing for an hour, that was not normal behaviour. 

And the last one, the only 'single' from the group, was Cedric. Styled blond hair with a cut sharp jaw, always with his head in a book, ignoring the world. Apparently, no one in school was good enough for him. He's in competition with Susan for the most secret admirers. Pansy can't help feel a little prickly about that.

Because he'd never look at her no mater how hard she tries, and she hates herself a little for feeling a little bit hopeful he would. 

No matter, he'd probably be waiting for Doctor Tonks to adopt some other hot model so he could finally date someone 'worthy' of his perfect complexion. 

She almost did a double take because she thought, as he passed her, his lips raised in a little smirk. Did she speak her thoughts out loud?

No, impossible, he doesn't even know her name. 

"What are you two doing here? Welcoming us?" Draco and Blaise have arrived, and even though they don't 'shine' like the Tonks, Pansy's lips lift because her friends are here. They've been friends since freshman year, and Draco and Pansy have survived a break up and still remained close. 

There's a bit of a situationship going on between Daphne and Blaise, and Pansy has a hunch the reason their hesitant is because they witnessed how disastrous Draco and Pansy's relationship was, but honestly, Pansy thinks that's ridiculous. Daphne and Blaise are different than her and Draco, they'd be a better couple together. Not like she'd convince them of it, watching them dance around has it's perks. 

Ah, the sweet feeling of blooming romance in the air. 

"Everyone excited to meet the new girl?" Blaise was jumpy today. 

"I saw her picture, she's pretty." Draco confessed. 

Pansy slapped his arm. "Don't try anything on the new girl and scare her off." She warned. "I want her to sit with us." 

"If we're an item of course she'll sit with us." 

"Honestly, let her breathe will you?" 

"Shhh, guys, I see a police car! I bet that's her!"

All four of them stand in anticipation, as the black and white police car rolled in, and from the passenger seat, Hermione stepped out. 

Curly brown hair that crowned her small face. She had Chief Granger's petite nose and awkward gait, in simple jeans and a big brown baseball jacket, clutching her backpack for dear life. It was endearing, how nervous she looked. 

"Shit, she's pretty." Draco whispered. 

"Oh stop gawking, don't make our new friend uncomfortable!" Pansy strutted forward, basket in hand with Daphne in tow, a smile already on her lips.  

She didn't see Cedric turning to stare at Hermione too.

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Hermione fitted right in the group, just like Pansy imagined. She was smart, pretty and needed a lot of help when it came to fashionable choices. 

Which was perfect for Pansy because that was her forte. At first, Hermione was all shy and would give single worded response. Pansy had to warn Draco to tone down the staring because she didn't want him ruining things for them. Pansy loved Daphne and would never trade her for the world, but she was a little preoccupied with her 'secret crush' and Pansy was getting lonely.  Plus, it's just nice to have more girls in the group. They could talk about girl things and she wouldn't have to hear Draco complain about how boring shopping was. 

Hermione needed a lot of coaxing to get out of her shell. Sometimes she talked so fast, sometimes she talked so low. 

Today, they were in Hermione's room, checking out her wardrobe. 

"Oh God, this embroidery, it looks expensive!" Pansy held out a colourful floral cardigan. 

Hermione was on the bed with her knees tucked in. "It's something Tom, that's my uh, step dad, Tom Riddle, he bought most of that for mum and me. I think he feels bad if he only buys gifts for mum." 

"I mean, why wouldn't he splurged? He's a professional baseball player right, you're so lucky!" Pansy checked out the cardigan against herself in the mirror. 

"You can have it if you want, I don't really do bright colours." 

"Oh, I wouldn't dare take it from you, they're yours! Maybe borrow it sometime though?" 

"Sure, anything you want." Pansy squealed in excitement, yes, being friends was the best thing ever.

"Do you not enjoy shopping then?" Daphne asked, sitting on the bed beside Hermione. 

"Oh, I love shopping." Hermione smiled and pushed a curly hair back behind her ear, "I tend to over spend when it comes to books." 

"Well you're not clever by accident. What books do you like?"

Hermione blushed then, and both Pansy and Daphne egged her to share. 

"Okay, but don't laugh." 

Hermione pulled something from under her bed, it was two large boxes. "I didn't have time to buy a shelf and well, unpack yet, but uh, these are my books." 

"The Lockhart series!" Pansy cried, recognising the cover of the man with the pearly white smile and curly waved blond hair. "I love his books! Daphne and I save money every year to buy the new series- a different couple for every magical adventure!" 

"You read his books too?" And this time it was like Hermione had finally allowed herself to breathe, she simply radiated with colour. "No one back in Arizona likes him, calls me silly for reading romance- but it's not just romance-!" 

"It's got fascinating world-building and tons of magic." Daphne nodded her head vigorously. "But even if it was just romance, what's the problem? I hate it when people try to look down on what girls like. So his characters are over the top and showy? It's fun!"

"Yeah! And I love a good physics book, but come on, the drama-"

"It's sooooo juicy." Pansy agreed.

"I'll admit though, I like how colourful his stories are," Daphne began. "But I'm more of a Snape fan, his stories are so gritty and raw...and he writes angst and yearning men so well-" 

Hermione screamed before clamping her mouth, "Shut. Up! I LOVE his books too!" 

Before long they had taken all of the books out and chatted for hours about the fun plots and characters they enjoyed. 

"I've read them all though, and reread like a ton of times, but I'm still so desperate for more." Hermione confessed. 

"We should go shopping in Portland next weekend?" Daphne suggested. "There's this new bookstore Pansy and I wanted to check out, but Draco and Blaise never want to come with." 

"Oh please Hermione it would be so fun!" Pansy pleaded, "And maybe check Madam Malkins? I just want to see what else I can find to pair with this lovely cardigan." 

"Let's!" And Hermione smiled so wide, Pansy thought she finally felt relaxed and comfortable around them. 

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New books in hand and Pansy held out a new purple shirt that fitted so well with the cardigan, all three girls walked in step, chatting to their hearts content. 

"Let's grab a bite somewhere before we leave, I'm starving!" 

"You're the one who held us up." Hermione teased. Daphne was too kind to ever remind Pansy about the time, but Hermione had no such qualms. 

"It was a difficult decision!" Pansy defended, "And you weren't choosing swiftly either, who hear spent almost half an hour trying to decide between Half-Blood Prince or Prisoner of Azkaban?" 

"It was the front cover!" Hermione's cheeks reddened, but she held her newly acquired book fondly to her chest. "I hate how they make criminals look so handsome, but he's just something isn't he?" 

"It's a prison escape, so I'm sure it'll be exciting!" Daphne said. "I can't wait to borrow it from you later." 

They were so enthralled with their new books, that they hadn't noticed three men following them from a distance. Pansy prided herself on being aware of her environment at all times, but she might have been a little shop-drunk to have noticed. 

A blue Lamborghini swerved near their sidewalk, all three of them jumped back with a squeal of surprise. Pansy might have done karate chop hands, when Cedric, wearing a long blue coat that highlighted how dark and deadly his eyes were, stepped out and gave those three men a deathly glare. 

"You should leave." He said, and despite the low hum of his expensive car, she's positive she heard a growl.

Pansy had never seen Cedric so, so threatening before. He was standing right beside them and she caught the whiff of his cologne. Oh God, this was the closest she'd been with him. 

The men hesitated at first, but anyone with eyes could see Cedric was dead serious. They left, muttering insults under their breath. 

"Are you okay?" And he turned to look at Hermione, who, like the rest of them was taken aback by his sudden question. 

"A bit shaken, but yeah, how about you guys?" Hermione asked, Pansy and Daphne both said they were fine. 

"How did you know they were there?" Pansy inquired. Because he just came out of the blue, like some god damn super hero. "How did you know they were dangerous?" They could just be men taking a normal stroll. 

Cedric had his hands in the pocket of his coat, "I was driving, and saw them tailing you since the clothing shop." 

"Since Malkins?" Daphne exclaimed with a shiver. "Shit, that's scary." 

"You've been following us since Malkins?" Pansy reiterated, suddenly very suspicious. She would have noticed the car if it was parked nearby, and she's always had a Cedric awareness- her senses could pick him up from a crowd. 

"I needed to shop." He excused lamely, and she didn't miss how his eyes flitted to Hermione. 

There was a tight inward pinch in Pansy's chest, she tried to smother it down, it was very stupid. She had always known Cedric didn't give two pennies about her, but Hermione? 

She's only been in school for a month and Pansy had never noticed Cedric's interest for her. Whenever they had lunch, he would just frown and turn his chair pointedly away. 

"It's late, do you three want a ride home?" Cedric suddenly offered. 

Daphne and Pansy shared an alarm glance. Cedric had never offered to give them a ride before. But it was Hermione's panicked reply that surprised Pansy most of all. 

"I think we're good, we said we'd go for a bite before we left right?" Hermione clenched Pansy's hand tightly, her eyes trying to convey something - Pansy immediately nodded. 

"Yeah, and we've made arrangements with my dad too, he's out with my mum, watching a movie. But we're going back with them." 

Cedric looked despondent, Pansy knows it's not because of her and tries not to let it get to her. "If you're sure." 

"Very sure." Hermione said. 

Cedric paced, once, twice, before returning to his car. "Alright then, stay safe."

As soon as his car was far away, Daphne yanked Hermione's hand. "What the hell was that?" 

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They settled for a nice restaurant, Madam Puddifoot. Pansy loved the decor although Hermione snorted at the amount of pink confetti. 

"I mean we can just go back home now." Pansy suggested.

"No, let's just take a seat," Daphne rushed to find them a seat. "What's the thing about Cedric?" 

Cedric, Pansy's stomach did a flip. She knew it wasn't about her but her appetite was slowly withering away.

"Let's order first so we won't be interrupted." Hermione suggested, picking up the menu. 

Once they had their plates and drinks served, Hermione shared with them a bizarre story. 

"It all started in Biology class, do you remember how I pricked my finger?" 

"Cedric was absent for a week after that." Pansy admitted without a second thought, thankfully no one noticed. 

"Right, but when he came back, he insisted we became lab partners again." Pansy remembered that, she was partnered with Draco and watching them balefully from two tables behind.

"So in the beginning he was ignoring me and covering his nose and shit, and I was like, whatever right? The second time though, he started asking me questions, why I moved here, what other classes I took, what I thought about the weather! Who the hell cares what I thought about the weather?" 

"Ooooh." Daphne's eyes brightened, Pansy gave a half-hearted smile, poking her mash potatoes. 

"Don't get too excited." Hermione pushed back a curl behind her ear, "Remember Mrs Sprout's Greenhouse field trip? He was such a jerk to me then, told me I shouldn't talk to him, shouldn't be seen with him, said he was no good for me, and basically demanded I change schools." 

"Cedric said that?" Daphne mirrored Pansy'c confused expression. 

Pansy had never heard Cedric speak in that way to anyone. Anytime Pansy overheard him speak, he was so polite and careful. He was known as very caring with the teachers, and he always pulled a chair for his 'sisters' and helped people around. Pansy had this whole fantasy of him as a gentleman. 

But maybe that wasn't his true self?

"Yes! And do you remember the accident in the parking lot last week?" 

"The one with your cheap truck?" Pansy said. 

"Hey, don't hate it, it's mine."

"I wouldn't be caught dead riding it." Pansy sipped her drink. 

"It's kind of funny." Daphne interjected with a small giggle. "You're so small and that truck is so big and peach." 

"I won't take any slander against my baby." Hermione insisted. "Anyway, back to my story, remember how bad Blaise's car was afterwards? And there wasn't a scratch on my car?" 

Pansy wasn't following. "Didn't your truck total his car?" 

"Blaise was really upset about that, your dad was scary too, he gave him a good yell." Daphne said. 

"I'm not mad at him. it wasn't his fault the road was slippery."

Pansy, Daphne and Draco had all rushed to the hospital to check on their friends once they heard. "You met Doctor Tonks right? And Cedric was there?" Pansy guessed.

"Yes! Not just at the hospital but during the accident too!" 

"What do you mean?" Daphne and Pansy both leaned closer. 

"I know this sounds crazy, but I kid you not. As soon as I got out of my car, I saw Cedric getting out of his, and he was at the other end of the parking lot, and the only reason why my truck didn't have a scratch was because he stopped Blaise's car from hitting me and my truck." 

"What do you mean he stopped the car? How?" 

"I don't know, with his bare hands?" 

Michael maybe, Tallbott was a close second because he had that vibe... but sweet and quiet Cedric? "Are you sure?"

"I know it sounds crazy, but that's what happened." Hermione was red faced, cutting her fish fiercely. "When I confronted him about it at the hospital, he said it was all in my head- I know my own head!" She was breathing heavily.

Pansy had the urge to say Hermione might have knocked her head in the accident, but she noticed the water gathering in her eyes and, she felt ashamed of herself, she was the one who wanted to be friends with her first. 

"We believe you."

Daphne nodded viciously. "He's such a jerk to try and gaslight you!" 

Hermione's snatched a napkin to dab the corner of her eyes. "I thought I was going crazy you know? Seeing things. But I know what I saw." She covered her face with her hands. 

Daphne and Pansy rushed to hug her. Pansy's hand rubbed her back as Hermione sniffed into her napkin. Her earlier feelings suddenly felt very stupid. Hermione was terrified, and what she shared about Cedric finally pulled the curtain back about what kind of person he was. Pansy had no idea he was such a jerk.

"That's not the worst part." Hermione's voice was muffled, before she lifted her head to clear her tears. "I had this sense that someone's watching me. I can't explain it. But I left my window door closed every night, I hate the cold. But every morning I find my window unlatched- I just- I don't want to worry my dad, but I don't know what to do!" 

Pansy felt horrible, it was worst than she thought. What did she know about Cedric beside the fact that he was good looking and constraint-ly polite and a loner? What if he was a creep? What if Hermione was in danger?

He might be her long time unrequited crush, but Hermione was her friend. She had an idea. 

"If you're worried, you should come sleepover my house, I'm sure your dad wouldn't mind, he knows my dad." 

"I don't want to be a bother." Hermione said in a low voice.

"We don't think of you as a bother!" Daphne met her eye. "Is that why you kept this to yourself, you were worried about what we'd think?"

"I've never had close friends like you two before. I'm kind of, stupid when it comes to friends." she sniffed. "When I was younger everyone called me a know-it-all and stayed well away from me." 

"Aww, we don't think you know it all." Daphne helped cleared Hermione's tears with a clean tissue.

"Apologies Hermione you're stupid like the rest of us." Everyone snorted at Pansy's remark, but more importantly Hermione stopped crying.

"Thanks."

"Oh I'm so glad we're friends." Daphne said, "Let's do the sleepover thing! Pansy has too many pillows for herself, and we can start reading our books together. It would be fun!" 

"Yes, Hermione, let's." Pansy said sincerely. "You don't have to feel alone, we can figure out just what Cedric's problem is together." 

"Really?" 

"Darling, I'm not a fan of repeating myself." 

Hermione chuckled softly, sniffed again and leaned her head on Pansy's shoulder, "Okay."

Pansy knew this was the right choice. They'd get to the bottom of the Cedric mystery one way or another. 

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They had a fun sleepover and made a rule not to bring up any boys and just have fun. It was refreshing. 

Although Hermione returned home the next day, promising she would be alright, Pansy still couldn't quiet her worry. What was that about Cedric? She thought she knew everything there was to the family, she's been observing them for months and was hungry for any titbit about them, but perhaps there was something she overlooked?

She asked her parents about them. 

"Oh Doctor Tonks is a private man." Her dad said. "His family don't like to cause trouble and they give generous donations to schools and all sorts of organisations." 

"But where do they live?" 

"They have a house in the forest, hey enjoy hiking dear. I heard from my friend Narcissa they routinely go hiking in the woods every month or so, as a family." Her mum shared. 

"Don't you think it's weird? How they're so closed off from the rest of us?" 

"They are't hurting anyone." Her dad said simply. 

Which was true, except for the fact Cedric was making Hermione nervous. Pansy couldn't let this go, so come Monday, as soon as Hermione and Daphne had left for lunch, Pansy made an excuse to go to the bathroom. 

But what she did instead was stop in front of Cedric. 

"We need to talk." 

He didn't look surprised, but he did frown, as if annoyed. Pansy thought that was rich of him, considering what he's done.

His lips twitched then.

Everyone else was leaving the class, and his 'siblings' noticed Pansy and Cedric, they lingered for a moment before Cedric nodded and they left them alone. 

Pansy could feel her heartbeat steadily rising. This was the first time she was going to talk to Cedric more than a passing hello. they've never worked together in class or had any reason to socialise, and despite his odd pale complexion, he looked even more handsome up close. 

"So, you want to talk about Hermione?" 

Right, she was here to warn him not to mess with her friend. 

"You're making her uncomfortable and it's not funny." She thought of Hermione's fearful expression, the image of her at the restaurant, and felt emboldened. 

Cedric had his eyebrows furrowed then his face morphed into what looked like sincere remorse. "I don't mean to do that, I should apologise." 

"You should stay away from her." Pansy reiterated. "If you cross a line, I'm going to have to tell her dad." 

"No, I'm not looking for trouble. You're right." And he looked sincerely chastised then. "I'll stay out of her way." 

"Good." Pansy held herself, trying her best to look stern, because this was a serious matter. "I'll be going then." 

Cedric looked at her, and it was different this time because he didn't look annoyed or tired anymore. 

"You're a good friend Pansy." 

Pansy turned around, not wanting to be tempted by his sweet voice. 

"Just stay away." 

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She hoped he'd have the self respect to follow through.

There have been deaths in the news lately, bodies found in Portland and she thought about the scary men that followed them and shuddered, everything felt like a big red flag warning her. 

But just because she wanted Hermione happy and safe, it didn't mean she could let go of her irrational feelings for Cedric. Her mind began to traitorously wonder, what was it about Hermione that caught Cedric's attention? Pansy wasn't Susan, but she thinks among the 'normals' she's pretty high up there. And she has a mouth on her, but so does Hermione! 

Was it because Hermione was the shiny new girl? 

She felt horrible having these thoughts afterwards because Hermione hadn't asked for any of it. 

They decided to have lunch outside, the sun was out and the weather was good, and her friends were chatting happily. Daphne was leaning against Blaise, Hermione was checking all their quiz scores, she wasn't kidding when she said she loved studying. She hadn't stopped talking about why everyone deserves an extra mark on that one question that was worded wrong.

Pansy sat before her, pretending to listen, with Draco laying his head on her lap. Her tray untouched. The Tonks never came out on sunny days. It's as if they were allergic to the sun. 

Draco rudely bopped her nose with a limp fry. She swatted his hand away. 

"You're so childish." 

"And you're sulking, what's wrong?" 

"Oh, it's nothing." Draco was annoyingly perceptive and wouldn't let it go. They sat in the back of class in English class. 

"Is it about Cedric?" With a sly grin that was begging for a slap, "He's got a crush on Hermione doesn't he?"  

Pansy's face was a neutral mask but inside she was screaming, how the hell did he know? He pushed his face away to make him focus on the lecture. 

"For the record, I don't think they make a nice match at all." He whispered.

She sighed. "That's because you want to date Hermione." She glared at him. "She doesn't look at you that way, you know."

Draco shrugged. "She hasn't said no yet. Sides, he's too creepy for her." 

So he thought so too?

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She had to stop her feelings, it was just bringing her down, surely there was some way for her to switch off this unhelpful crush she had. 

She laid on her bed, and stared at the ceiling of her wall. She should date someone, to get over him. Draco again? They weren't that bad together, he was good looking too, and a good kisser though she wouldn't admit it. It just felt like friends hanging out, and she had to do all the work to get them together, it was obvious Draco was never into it. They were using each other, both to get experience and finally the thrill of romance. But there was no spark between them. 

Maybe she needed a new hobby, become a nun? Swear off all men altogether? But maybe it's because she's trapped in Forks, once she leaves the small town she's sure there will be loads of men for her to date. 

Someone who could appreciate her for who she was. Who she didn't have to try so hard to impress. 

She couldn't help the small fantasy she had, of Cedric greeting her at school, shower her with flowers, take her to ride his shiny car. Hermione wouldn't appreciate it, but she could. 

Pansy placed an arm over her eyes, she hated these random dark thoughts. She felt like a monster to her friend. 

She heard her window sill open and before she could move or make a sound, a hand clamped over her mouth. Her heart jumped because Cedric lifted a finger over his lips. 

"You have to promise not to scream." 

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"I'm sorry, what?" 

"This is serious Pansy." 

Cedric was pacing in her childhood bedroom, he had jumped in through her window, of course it was serious. 

"I need to process what you just said." Pansy said. "You're telling me you need help... to stay away from Hermione? Because her blood sings to you?"

"Yes, it's getting harder and harder for me to stay away from her. I almost came rushing to school because I needed to see her." 

"You missed school."

"I know." He groaned.

"Is there a reason why you can't come to school today?"

He mumbled something incoherent. "I should know better than to come here and say this, I'd be endangering my whole family, and I know I promised you not to bother her but-" 

She stood up and walked at him. He was standing there with his eyebrows knitted. 

She didn't let herself think the thought and just raised her hand to slap him. His eyes widened in shock, she knows she didn't hurt him because her hand was smarting but he looked unbothered. 

"I wasn't expecting that." He said dumbly. 

"After what you just said?" Pansy said and tsked. "Do you hear yourself? Her blood sings to you and tempts you to do what- constantly bother her? Do you hear how stupid that sounds like? How all of this is your fault?!" 

"I know it's stupid." He was pulling the back of his hair. She hated herself for noting how nice he smelled this close, it reminded her of the Portland shopping incident. "But I'm at my wits end. You and I both know it's a problem, and I can't figure out what else I can do to help because it's getting worst." 

"You need to cut your dick that's what." Pansy said harshly. She massaged the bridge of her nose, she couldn't understand why this was her fate. "Look, I hate to break it to you. Hermione isn't into you, stop making this about you, get over it and live your life." 

He hung his head low. "You mean it's best to leave Forks altogether?" 

She wanted him to stay and notice her, stop thinking about Hermione and fulfil her every fantasy. But that ship had sailed hadn't it? He wasn't in the right frame of mind. She had to be stronger and let him go.

She walked to her window and gestured for him to leave. 

"Dude, you need help." 

Chapter Text

Hermione POV

Her mum was right, there was courage in letting people in. For the first time in years, Hermione has never felt so welcomed than in her new group of friends. She decided to move to give her mum and new step dad some space for themselves, and also to spend some years with her dad. Richard Granger wasn't getting any younger, and Hermione had some fond memories of Forks, she had high hopes for her final year in High School. 

She did not expect to be suddenly thrown into a mystery. She wasn't afraid of Cedric, but it did unnerve her, all the attention she was getting, his cold and hot behaviour, for what reason? She didn't like it and wished to be left alone. 

Daphne said something about how sometimes boys would try to do anything to gain a girl's attention and Hermione was mortified by the very thought of it. She knew some romance stories had those tropes, but honestly, this was real for her. Why couldn't he talk to her like an equal? 

What was the point of all the mystery?

"The Tonks are just shrouded with mystery, no one here knows about them." Pansy said, and Hermione couldn't understand why. Because just like her dad, Hermione could never let a mystery go. 

Ever since Hermione's confession, the three of them went everywhere together. Hermione and Daphne slept over Pansy's house every Friday night, and during those nights, mostly what they would talk about are books and the Tonks. She was determined to learn everything she could about them. They pulled out newspapers from the archives in the library. There were only news about Doctor Tonks generosity, his kind spirit, his beautiful family. It was odd how no one knew their address, why they would come to school at Forks and Pansy brought up a good point,

"Why do their eyes look the same if they aren't related?" 

Daphne tapped her chin and tilted her head, "Obsessed with contact lens?"

The deeper they searched, the weirder it got. The girls tried to keep a low profile at school and stay well away from Cedric. In fact, a happy day would be a day where Cedric never crossed her mind. 

The first time after the weird shopping incident, Hermione nearly stumbled into Cedric in the canteen, she dropped her apple and he tried to pick it up for her. at that moment she looked up to see Cedric's eyes were no longer amber yellow but black and hollow. 

In her embarrassment and shock Hermione had ran to the bathroom, hyperventilating. It was very stupid to have such a strong reaction to someone who did nothing except act weird. Maybe it was all the crime stories she was reading. Did his eyes really changed colour? Was she seeing things again? 

Pansy and Daphne managed to track her down and calm her. "There's nothing to be ashamed about, I'd freak out if that happened to me." Daphne soothed. 

"And to be fair, I notice the weird eye change too." Pansy shared. "It has to mean something!" 

Hermione was much calmer after that, and she's grateful for everything her friends do to help her. Pansy took it upon herself to make sure Hermione wouldn't cross paths with him at school. She'd always walk ahead, try to distract Hermione by asking questions about her homework, and steer Hermione to class safely. 

"You know how my sister is sick and my grandmother believes in magic and stuff. I know it's weird." Daphne rolled her eyes and grinned deprecatingly, "But I asked her if there was anything that could help keep people out, and she gave me this-" Daphne pulled out a cloth cut in a long line, on it was black inked marks in a foreign language. "These are suppose to help ward off demons. I mean, it could help, right?" 

"Oh God, just put garlic on your window for good measure!" Pansy said, giggling with a hand over her mouth. 

"Oh stop it Pansy, I think it's really nice of you Daphne." Hermione took it, and ran her fingers along the markings. Her friends were so nice, if nothing came up about this Cedric debacle, at least Hermione knew she had made good friends.

"I mean, what could it hurt? I'm grateful for all the protection." 

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Just as soon as she was getting her confidence back to face the Tonks and Cedric, he and his family left Forks. Hermione felt like a weight was lifted from her shoulders and began to relax more at school. She wanted to hang out with her friends more. 

"Surfing, in this weather? Are we sure?" Draco was behind the wheel, staring at the ocean before them with a hard frown.

It did look a bit intimidating, especially with the greyish clouds and the violent splashes the waves were making. 

Hermione remembered summers visiting the reservation and the Weasleys, when she voiced this idea, Blaise had been excited for a weekend at the beach, Daphne was excited to learn surfing, Draco tried to suggest movies at the city, but he later relented, talking big game about swimming the furthest. And Pansy, she merely sighed dramatically. Pansy had been looking down these last few days but Hermione asked and Pansy said she was fine. Hermione hoped she would tell them when she was ready. 

"Back to this surfing idea, you know I'll have to come to babysit all of you?"

So here they were, shivering in their bathing suits, on the coldest day in October, preparing for a day at the beach. 

Pansy had her hair tied into twin braids, she was wearing a purple one piece, and was helping Hermione with her hair in the back seat. Daphne and Blaise went to rent an extra surf board and Draco was setting up the picnic. 

"I could use some help!" He shouted, the wind was gaining steam and he looked a sight, blond hair windswept in a bright red and green Hawaiian themed shirt. 

Pansy and Hermione shared a glance and giggled before they stood up to help. 

"Ah, finally." Draco sprawled on the newly laid beach mat. "Maybe you guys should go ahead, I'll stay back and protect the food." 

"Honestly Draco, your parents own a sports gear shop, don't you have more stamina?" Pansy was stretching her legs, ready for a light jog. "The drive was barely an hour." 

"I slept in late. Had to help at the shop." Draco whined. "My dad has to hire new employees, Mr Dobbison and Mr Kreach are useless."  

"They're his most loyal employees because they're among the few who never complain with how stingy he is." Pansy snarked back, tying her hair back. "Well I'll be off then- Hermione?" 

"I need to put on some sunscreen. You go on first." 

Daphne and Blaise were already hitting the waters, and from where Hermione sat she could make out Daphne's blushing smile. Pansy had confirmed that yes, Daphne and Blaise were 'having a thing', and that they were in denial about it. Hermione thought it was very cute. She loved studying and learning, and would probably one day get into law (just like her dad, but in a different way), but it didn't mean she wasn't a young girl with dreams and feelings. She's wondered about relationships too. Back in Arizona she used to date this older boy named Victor Krum, but he was a young sports protege and was constantly busy with baseball. He was a young sport star. She didn't feel they were a right fit and broke up with him before she moved to Forks. They were still in touch, as penpals. She didn't regret it, but she did miss the moments of companionship. 

She was so deep in thought, she almost didn't notice Draco gazing at her. 

He had his head propped up with one arm and was smiling a little too brightly for someone who just complained they were 'tired'. 

"So." he started. "You've never been to the movies in the city yet?" 

"No, I don't think I have." Hermione tried to stop herself from smiling, rubbing the last of her sun cream onto her arms. Draco was very friendly, but that's all she saw him as. Just friends. 

"There's a new movie coming out- it's action packed- d'you wanna-" 

Before he could finish his sentence, Hermione looked up and gasped. 

Walking towards them, towering boys- or were they men? Because the size of them felt almost Godlike, tall, with pecs and muscles for days,  laughing and chatting at each other as if they owned the beach. 

And maybe they did? Didn't their family live on the reserve for generations? She squinted, catching the eye of one of the freckled skin redhead, his blue eyes shot daggers into her chest, her stomach and it took her longer than a second to realise she recognised him!

"Ron Weasley?" 

"In the flesh." He casted a shadow over them, giving a pearly white grin. There were others she recognised, people whom she met as a child. Her dad was close to them, and during her summer visits she would play with them. "Hermione Granger, it's been so long, I wondered if you would ever visit the reserve. When I saw the car and Colin told me there was a new face around, I had to come check it myself." 

"New face?" She didn't have time to question it some more when Ron pulled her up and gave her a friendly hug. Hermione's cheeks heated, so close to the sturdy body, but she also couldn't help smile. How could she have forgotten the Weasleys? She had fond memories of growing up with them. 

"How are you settling into Forks?" 

"It's been great, I made new friends from school." 

"She means me, I'm her friend." Hermione didn't notice Draco standing, his arms crossed over his Hawaiian shirt. "You live on the reserve?" And there was something off in his tone and the way his chin was slightly raised, it made Hermione frown. 

Ron gave him a curt nod, unbothered. "And you don't." He replied instead. 

Draco didn't get the joke, but Hermione quickly introduced him. "This is Draco Malfoy." 

"My father owns Malfoy Outdoor Gear.Inc." Draco added with a haughty flair. The only girl behind Ron coughed. 

"Right." Ron accepted easily, then gesturing at the friends behind him. "This is Harry, Ginny, Colin and Cormac." They each gave their own salutes, although Ginny, the only girl with a tank top, was heavily scowling at Hermione. 

"All my other friends have already gone swimming, Pansy, Blaise and Daphne." 

"But I'm here." Draco said and he seemed to have raised his shoulders for some reason. 

Ron was still smiling at her, her heart fluttered a bit, it had been years, and he just looked so different. "Well are you joining them for this swim or-" 

"Yeah, I was, about to go." Gosh, she had to stop staring at him! 

"Brilliant," Again with that smile, and those pretty blue eyes! "Let's go together." 

"Uh, okay." 

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The waves kept pushing her around, and even though Hermione's feet was firmly planted in the sand her body still wobbled around like a scarecrow in the wind. After flailing about for a good minute, trying in vain to maintain stability she fell into the waters, face first anyway.  

Ow. 

Ron chuckled, helping her up. "Still a clumsy klutz?" 

"It's the ocean! I'm better on dry land!" She protested, pushing back her wet hair from her eyes, secretly pleased she had good reason to hold unto his thick arms. She was wearing a red swimsuit and he was in his swimming shorts, so there was a lot of skin touching. she couldn't help notice how hot his body temperature was against the cold waves. 

"I'll believe it when I see it." If she was being tossed around, he was immovable. A static island in the water. 

"It's not fair, you've obviously-" She gestured wildly at his height. "-grown!" They used to be the same height once. She would spend time at his house while her dad went out fishing with his dad. She was too shy to spend time with the other boys, and Ginny had her own group of friends. She remembers Ron begrudgingly accompanying her to show her around the reserve. She would talk about the book she was reading, she was into high fantasy then, and would nerd out about all the characters and the world-building. Ron was the only boy who put up with her blathering. He listened and picked fights with her about the existence of unicorns and magic.

His eyes seem to stare at her with deeper meaning too. Was he thinking about their past as well? "So have you. Grown I mean." 

"Not like you, you've drank some protein shakes or something, honestly what is your work out routine?" 

Ron's smile faltered, his eyes downcast. "Like everyone else? I can't compare. This is just who I am, let's say I'm born this way." 

Hermione snorted, "If you're born a rock then I must be a starfish."

"Prettiest one on the beach." 

Hermione blushed, "You say that to all the girls." 

"Not unless they're all you." Ron said coolly, and he gave her a look that made her stomach flutter. "Come on, let's enjoy the waves instead of fighting it."

"I'm not fighting it, it just won't listen." She grumbled. Her breathe hitched as soon as he pulled her to stand before him, facing the open ocean, then placed an arm around across her chest, bracing her. "Okay?" 

"Y-yeah." 

The view was phenomenal, and the contrast of cold water and the heat of his body made everything perfect. 

"You're not dating Malfoy are you?" 

She turned her head slightly, "What gave it away?" 

"He's fuming on the beach right now, staring at us." Lips near her ear. "I think he's jealous."

Hermione's face could have been as red as her swimsuit but she boldly met his eye. "Whatever for?" 

"Think he wants to hold you like this." 

"Draco and I are just friends." 

"You and I are friends." He said. 

Hermione hummed. She thought, what could go wrong really? She didn't have to turn too far, his lips were right there. She's proud of being level headed and logical, but there are moments like these she doesn't want to be.

They shared a kiss. When she looked up- okay, her neck was beginning to feel this height difference- she caught his adam's apple bobbing, his eyes sombre. 

"I shouldn't have done that." 

She wasn't expecting that response, he was the one who was all touching her. She quickly pushed herself away from him, her stomach shrinking. "I- don't know what came over me." The waves might have literally swept her brains off. 

"Hermione." 

"No, it's fine, I think." Trying to gather her dignity, "I should go." 

His hand still held hers. "Don't. I'm sorry, I want to, you have no idea, I've had a crush on you since we were seven, but," He was shaking his head. "I physically can't." 

"Physically?" she blinked at their hands together. "Are you gay?" 

"No!" he said with sudden ferocity. But then calmed. "Not that there's anything wrong with it, I just meant- there are rules, and- I'm literally bound to follow them-."

"What rules?" 

Teeth clenched. "I can't tell you. But it's because it's my pack, and I have to follow, but I can't explain." 

"You can't tell me why you don't want to date me?" 

"Yes!" 

"You're not making any sense." 

"I figured that." He exhaled roughly. "I wish I could tell you everything, like when we were kids. I really, really want you to know." 

Oh God, this was the worst rejection ever. "Just drop it, Ron, you don't have to explain to me." She just wanted to go home. 

Why did he look so pained to let her go? Isn't it her who's gotten her heart bruised? 

She crossed her arms and with determined grit returned back to shore, searching for the rest of her friends. Pansy was on the picnic mat, chatting with Draco, who yes, was still staring at her and Ron. She knows technically he can't hear anything but she hopes he wouldn't ask about what he saw. Daphne and Blaise had given up on surfing and were now sitting together by the shore, she envied how carefree they looked. She couldn't help feel a little envious. Ron's friends were playing some weird water wrestling game, except for Ginny, she was standing by the side, scowling at Hermione again. 

What? She wanted to scream. First Cedric, now Ron, what was wrong with these boys? 

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Hermione asked Pansy, as casually as she could, if she knew anything about the people on La Push. If they had certain customs or rules she didn't know about.

"They've always kept to themselves to be honest." Pansy said, "They consider themselves the protectors of Forks, fancy that right?"

"Yeah."

"So you know them?"

Hermione sipped her apple juice, squeezing the box. "Yeah, we used to play together as little kids all the time." 

"That's cute. I didn't know there was a sister though, I always heard they were mostly boys there." 

"Do you mean Ginny? Yeah, she's friendly." Hermione couldn't help to add sarcastically. 

"She's surrounded by boys, I'd have a temper if I was her too." 

"Okay, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt." Maybe she was protective over Ron, because of all the rules?

"I saw you getting chummy with the other redhead." Pansy teased. "Draco saw it too, but he'll get over it." Draco was chatting with a few juniors down the hall. He gave Hermione odd looks after their beach trip, but he didn't hint about the movies ever again.  

She'd rather go with someone else, and Hermione is surprised herself by how much she's thinking about him. Would Ron like going to the movies?

"Ron's just a friend." Hermione had to be realistic and let it go. Even if she replayed their kiss a thousand times, wondering if she had acted too rashly? They had just met after years apart, and she had just assumed he was flirting with her. God, why did she let her heart take control?

"Friends huh," Pansy repeated with a knowing look. "The only one who'll believe you is Daphne and that's because she's thick in the love department too."

Pansy and Hermione both turned to look at Daphne twirling her hair as she was chatting with Blaise about some homework. They were leaning against the wall, close enough to kiss. He was staring at her like she hung the moon and stars. 

It was painful to watch them. "Should we help them?"

"No, let's all suffer together." Pansy said gleefully. 

Hermione tapped her knees with the empty juice box. She couldn't help the niggling feeling that Pansy wasn't telling her something, she was never one to stand back and let things go, "Are you suffering?" She asked in a low voice. 

"Pfft. What makes you say that?" 

"I dunno, the Tonks leave and you look pretty down about that." 

Pansy rolled her eyes, but she didn't deny it. She took out her textbook, of all things, opening a page as if to read from it. "Boys are simply bothersome aren't they?" 

Hermione wrapped an arm over Pansy's shoulder. 

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Hermione decided not to pester Pansy. She'd share whatever it was when she was ready. Hermione kept herself busy with her studies. Exams were coming up, and she had always done her best. With the Tonks gone, she could enjoy it more.

She hung out with her friends, had dinner with her dad, slept over at Pansy’s house on Friday nights, called her mum, and pushed Ron to the far back of her mind. Life in Forks was almost normal again.

It was after exams when Draco had to ruin it. 

"Why don't we try hiking?" 

They're at lunch and were discussing what to do on their break, when Draco suggested the outlandish idea.

"Hiking where?" Hermione asked

"The forest silly, it's nice there's a beautiful meadow deep in the forest, we can have a cook out too!" 

"Wasn't there a dead body that turned up on the hiking trail last week?" Daphne asked. 

Hermione's heard about that from her dad. He was worried a serial killer was on the loose. "Then let's take a different trail?"

So they packed their hiking gears. Draco was in his element, introducing his family's shop and all the fancy new equipment. 

"Father's agreed to let us use some if we agree to share the pictures, we're setting up a website to attract more tourists." 

Most of them wore simple long sleeves and tracksuits and a large bag with a water bottle at the side. Draco held the compass up and was telling them the route to the 'super secret meadow'. 

"Pretty sure my family is the only one who knows about the spot." 

Pansy snorted. "Yeah right." 

They moved in a straight line with Draco in front and Blaise at the back. 

The trek wasn't that bad, and the forest was very nice. Cooling, and calm. Filled with red cedars and tall firs. Hermione could spend hours perched up one of them with a good book.  

"Oh look, is that a deer?" Daphne whispered and pointed. All of them stopped to look.

"Not to be a downer but if there's prey theirs bound to be predators." Pansy cautioned. "Just keep a look out."

"Are we close to the meadow?" Hermione peered over Draco's shoulder to look at his compass and notes. 

"We're close." He said ominously. 

 "Didn't you say that five minutes ago." Blaise grumbled. 

They kept walking, more than five minutes. Hermione was about to suggest they take a break and turn around before Draco cheered. "See, I knew it would be here!" 

Just like he promised, in the middle of the forest, was a meadow covered in violets of violet, yellow and purple. 

Everyone took in the view for a few minutes, Hermione was breathing rapidly, sweat on her brow, but she placed an arm around Pansy and Daphne anyway. She was happier to note Pansy seemed much better, no more dark circles under her eyes. Then Draco hurriedly asked everyone to pose for his father's pictures- Pansy and Blaise were both competing for the most outlandish prose and made Hermione and Daphne clutch their stomach laughing. They finally set up their picnic and took their well deserved rest. 

"This is much better than the beach." Draco groused. 

"I don't think Hermione would agree." Pansy waggled her eyebrows mischievously. 

Hermione ignored her to finish her sandwich, she was wondering if there were any rabbits or cute animals to see when she saw a shadow past in the periphery of her vision. 

The goosebumps on her neck rose. "What's that?" 

"What Hermione?" 

She squinted her eyes, scanning the trees. "I thought I saw something." 

"Not a bobcat?" Pansy sat up, high alert. 

Three people suddenly stepped out of the tress. Two men and a girl. All three of them were dressed extravagantly for a hike in the forest. Hermione hesitated to wave and call them over because she noted with a sudden eerie realisation, that all three of them had very pale complexions and deep red eyes. 

"We weren't expecting anyone else today." One of them said, and it was like she blinked and suddenly they were right before them. The suddenness of it made all five of them gasp and huddled closer together. Hermione tried to remain calm, even if she felt anything but. 

"We didn't mean to intrude." 

"Oh, you weren't intruding." One of the men said, he was flickering his tongue a lot, and he had a crazed look to him. "We're happy for the... company." 

"All of them look so young and pretty," The girl crooned, she has an asian look, wearing a large fur black and white coat, twirling her long black hair and leaning against another man. 

Her partner licked his lips. "Strong heartbeats too." 

"I'm Barty," The man with the flickering tongue said. "That's Cho and Terry." 

"You and your games, Barty." Cho said. 

"It's no fun if the chase is too easy." Terry said with a dangerous smile. 

"Are you playing us? Because that's not funny." Pansy said, tensed beside her, and whispered. "I've never seen them before." 

"What should we do?" Daphne whispered. 

"Get out of here." Draco said. 

"We're not here to cause any trouble." Blaise said, slowly standing up first. "I think we'll leave." 

In another blink, Barty had his hands around Blaise's throat, and he was struggling to breath. They all stood and screamed in shock. 

"What the hell dude?" 

"Let him go!" 

The other two moved just as fast, Cho pushed Draco with one swipe, he fell on his back with an oof. 

Terry grabbed her wrists and smiled wickedly. "I'll give you a head start, how about that?" And there were fangs growing out of his mouth! 

Hermione was ready to swing her feet and give a good kick in the balls when suddenly there was a loud snapping sound behind them, all three of the intruders looked up and froze. 

"Impossible." Terry said, with a growl. 

"It's a whole pack!" Barty finally dropped Blaise, who was coughing and clutching his neck on the ground, Daphne rushed to him. 

Hermione turned around and out of the trees were five large monstrous wolves. 

At the centre was one with green eyes and a lightning scar on it's left eye, it's black fur rose as it growled in warning. But what caught Hermione's eye was the one in deep red and bright blue eyes. 

Before anyone could decide what to do, the intruders turned around to run, but as soon as they did the wolves all jumped over the group to tackle and surround them. 

"The wolves are going to eat them!" Pansy exclaimed in fright. 

"Don't bet on it yet, those aren't normal people." Draco said with a groan. Hermione rushed to help him up. 

They moved fast and without hesitation, massive bodies slamming into the scary intruders- and Draco was right, they didn't look human at all, baring their teeth and lifting one of the wolves with an arm lock.

"Shit!"

Another wolf pushed them down. 

Hermione backed away, with the rest of her friends, trying to look for cover, her heart racing. 

Another was thrown aside and rose again immediately. Another twisted away from a wolf’s jaws and laughed, sharp and breathless. The wolves were both surrounding and snapping their teeth. 

One of them slipped through the wolf barrier.

Hermione saw the moment Terry's eyes lock on hers. If she ran, how far could she go?

She flinched, anticipating those cold hands to grab her, a loud growl, the red wolf had tackled him from behind. 

It lunged with a snarl that cut through everything else, snapping at the vampire’s arm and forcing him back. The man- whatever being it was-stumbled, swore, and the wolf stayed between him and Hermione, and suddenly-

Crack. The wolf snapped at his neck-

A loud scream. 

"Terry!" 

"We have to go NOW."

Hermione didn’t wait to see what happened next, running after Pansy. 

Muttering under her breath, "What the hell. What the fricking hell." 

Just what kind of place is Forks really?