This next chapter was inspired by the song above

The weather turned wet and cold as September gave way to October.

Hermione and Draco met at their private and hidden corner in the library as much as possible. Their friendship was slowly growing and both were happy about it. Sometimes they sat in comfortable silence, other times they helped each other with their notes and assignments. Hermione's favorite part though, was when she would say something about the muggle world and then explain it to Draco, who had that childlike curious and confused face about it.

Because of this, Draco slowly asked little by little more about the muggle world.

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Over at the Gryffindor Tower, many students were gathered around the fire for warmth and comfort among one another. Some were working on homework, others on wand movement and studying for tests or quizzes.

Away from the cluster of people, sitting on a table by a window that looked out to the Lake and forest, sat three Gryffindor. Though it wasn't willingly since two of the students couldn't stand one another, while the third simply took his friend's side.

Ron Weasley was glaring at Hermione with anger, annoyance and even a hint of envy could be detected. In return, Hermione gave him a look of obvious dislike and more than sufficient annoyance. Harry on the other hand looked at one and then the other, staying silent.

"Why can't you stay out of our business?"

"Our? Last time I checked it's only Harry's not yours, so stop trying to make yourself better because you're friends with The-Boy-Who-Lived."

Ron's face tuned as red as his hair in anger at her words, while Harry stared at her in shock and anger; yet he was also feeling doubt due to them. He was trying to will her to take back her words to apologize and say that it was a joke.

She didn't.

All of this started after Draco mocked Harry earlier today after our first Flying Lesson, believing he was getting expelled for flying without a teacher present and without permission. Instead, Harry was given the position of Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

Draco didn't know that, but challenged Harry to a Wizard's Duel, to which Ron quickly accepted for him, and appointed himself to be his second.

Hermione was sure that the youngest Weasley wasn't the brightest of the bunch. Now she was convinced that he was the stupidest boy in Hogwarts.

Not only had Ron accepted Draco's challenge for Harry to duel him and his appointed second Crabbe, he had agreed to his terms of meeting in the Trophy Room. At midnight.

She had shaken her head mentally and given Draco a look that clearly said 'we'll talk about this later.' At least he had the decency to look a little ashamed before smirking her way.

Boys!

They were only first years for goodness sake! Neither party had any knowledge on dueling spells or the like at their disposition.

"Why don't you keep your nose out of other peoples business and in your book, since it's the only way anyone can stand you--oh wait, now they can't because you're such a bloody and annoying know-it-all!"

He'd gone to far and Harry knew it. He turned to Hermione and watched as her eyes had gotten a little wide before hardening, yet Harry could see that they were getting wet with tear. She collected her things, shoved them into her bag and promptly left Common Room. Turning to his best friend, he got upset at seeing the smug look on his face.

"Why'd you say that for?!"

"What? You know it's true. She spends every second she has reading and being a total teachers pet by answering each and every question. Not to mention she love reminding us of the rules!"

"If you would have paid attention Ron, you would have realized she no longer does that. Yes she answers most questions but now she waits to see if either someone else raises their hand or waits for the teacher to either point at her or waits for the teacher to move from a student that didn't answer them before lifting her hand."

Ron scoffed and turned away but Harry could see that he was thinking about what he said and remembering the past few weeks of school. Looking a bit abashed, Ron turned to Harry. "I guess you're right. Alright, I'll apologize next time I see her."

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"The nerve of that arrogant, idiotic boy! Putting themselves in the perfect position to get into trouble and possibly make Gryffindor lose points."

Hermione ranted as she walked through the Hogwarts Grounds, and to the Lake.

She had considered going to the library, but figured that a good long swim would be better. It was still light out, her classes were done for the day so it was the perfect opportunity to have a longer swim. She was really lucky to have found a hidden area near the lake for her to put her uniform and things hidden as she swam. Added to the fact that it was a pretty cool day out, not many would wander near the lake.

Quickly, she arrived at her hidden spot and put her uniform and bag in the hidden alcove, keeping her wand on her leg holster and covering her things. Taking a final look around, she dashed towards the water and dove, her legs quickly turning into her familiar blue and green tail, her wand still on her holster. 

(A/N: I forgot to mention in a previous chapter that her holster becomes a belt or an accessory of sorts when she turns into a mermaid.)

She loved her tail, but after spending time as a new Gryffindor, she couldn't help but wish her tail were scarlet red at times.

Floating just under the surface, she let the water calm her before she started to swim down towards a kelp forest. She loves swimming through them, her brilliant mind taking a break from all of her studies and notes. Looking around as she swam forward, she kept an eye out for Grindylows and her cousins.

Hermione wasn't upset that she hadn't seen them yet. Instead she kept all her senses on alert for when they decided to approach her.

Breaking through the forest, she stumble upon a small clearing and decided to swim to the middle of it.

Floating in place, calm now after the swim, yet she felt a wave of homesickness. So she decided to do something she didn't do in front of anyone other than her teacher and parents. She slowed her breathing and began to sing a song her mother used to sing to her at night.

Hush now-my story
Close your eyes and sleep
Waltzing the waves
Diving the deep

Stars are shining bright
The wind is on the rise
Whispering words
Of long lost lullabies

Oh won't you come with me
Where the Moon is made of gold
And in the morning sun
We'll be sailing

Oh won't you come with me
Where the ocean meets the sky
And as the clouds roll by
We'll sing the song of the sea

Her voice, smooth and sweet, was carried through the waters of the lake to a certain distance. Eyes closed, Hermione let the familiar song surround her and move with song.

Unknown to her, a figure was at the edge of the clearing, watching and listening.

I had a dream last night
And heard the sweetest sound
I saw a great white light
And dancers in the round

Castles in the sand
Cradles in the trees
Don't cry-I'll see you by and by

Oh won't you come with me
Where the Moon is made of gold
And in the morning sun
We'll be sailing

Oh won't you come with me
Where the ocean meets the sky
And as the clouds roll by
We'll sing the song of the sea

The figure was joined by a few others. Even some fish had stopped by to listen, swimming around Hermione and creating a curtain of shimmering lights.

Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling...

Swaying to the song, the onlookers seemed lost in memory, of the times when their ancestors told them stories of their old home. How the waters would lull them to sleep with their gentle sway, the sound of them crashing against sand and rocks. How the waters would be as gentle as a tender and loving caress, then turn harsh and dangerous without warning.

Oh won't you come with me
Where the Moon is made of gold
And in the morning sun
We'll be sailing free

Oh won't you come with me
Where the ocean meets the sky
And as the clouds roll by
We'll sing the song of the sea

Grá go deo

Hermione sang the last words and opened her eyes, watching the fish disperse once more. Still lost in the echos of her song when a small round of clapping startled her. Hermione almost swam away before looking in the direction of the clapping and gasped as the unknown spectators made themselves known.

Their skin a grayish color with long, wild green hair. Eyes yellow and, were Hermione's teeth were white and like a regular human, their teeth were fang like and yellow as well. Their only accessories were necklaces with fangs and rocks and spears on their backs.

Hermione was face to face with her freshwater cousins, the Selkie.

The one in the middle swam forward, making Hermione turn her attention to the tail. Unlike Hermione's, her cousins tail moves from side to side like a fish, but the appearance resembles that of a shark's tail.

Just then, the Selkie spoke, "It has been a long time since one of our salt water cousins swam in our waters. Welcome young minnow." The Selkie bowed her (for it was indeed a female) head and the others followed suit.

Returning the greeting, Hermione was both excited and nervous. Like the Selkie, Hermione had grown up with some stories about them, and how staying in freshwater had changed their looks and anatomy to better suit that of their environment.

"Thank you cousin, my name is Hermione. What are yours?" Her voice was respectful yet still nervous; but seeing the sharp smile the middle one was giving her, she relaxed and smiled in return.

"My name is Emhná, and with me are Lunais," the one to her Hermione's right, a male, nodded and gave her a smile as well. "And this is Sesh," said Selkie, another female, nodded and smiled as well. "Minnow, what has brought you to our waters? I've watched you come into the Lake and explore as well as when you leave."

"Oh...well you see...I'm a student at Hogwarts and-"

"A student?" Interrupts the one to Hermione's right, Lunais. "Our kind cannot learn human magic, how are you a student in a school for human magic?" He asked, looking at his companions in confusion before turning back to Hermione, who was now flushed.

"It's because I can use human magic and learn it as well like a regular witch," she explained and watched as their looks turned to awe and disbelief.

"That is not possible. It's a myth-"

"It's true," Hermione said firmly as she looked at them before continuing. "When I was younger, I could do things that no one else in the pod could do. I could summon things if I wanted them by just thinking, make things shatter or vanish them if I was upset, both in and out of water. My parents told me about the story of when a mermaid or merman was able to use magic like that of a human witch or wizard, and that I was one. I didn't believe them, instead I got really upset. So upset that our home started to shake and cracks were appeared on the walls."

Once done explaining, Emhná swam towards her. It was then that Emhná noticed the golden ring that surrounds Hermione's light brown eyes, along with the wand around the beginning of her tail and gasps.

"It's true," she whispers before she raises her voice. "You speak the truth!" She grabbed Hermione's hand and smiled. "Come, you must meet our queen," and with that, Emhná turned and began to swim towards her home. Lunais and Sesh following behind, spears in hand.

"Emhná, why do you all carry spears? Are they for the Grindylows?"

"Yes, but also for the Giant Squid should we encounter it."

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They swam in silence for about half an hour. Hermione took the chance to take in her surroundings, trying to memorize the route they were taking and noticing plants and other such items that could be useful in potions. She would have to return at a later date with her special bag to collect ingredients. Her train of thought was interrupted though, when some light up ahead called her attention making her gasp.

Pillars of broken buildings surrounded the are, some still looked mostly intact. Selkie's stopped what they were ding and swam in our direction, most armed with spears or short looking swords. Hermione noticed only a few young ones, barely looking old enough to be eight human years old.

Hermione, Emhná, Lunais and Sesh made it to the center of what looks like an ancient plaza; more and more Selkie swam towards them before floating in a circle around them, waiting.

Just as Hermione was about to ask what was happening, a female slowly swam towards her.

This Selkie radiated power and practically demanded respect with her mere presence alone. Battle scars adorned her tail and arms, hair was longer and, to Hermione, looked much more vibrant than the others surrounding them. A necklace of freshwater shells adorned her neck and instead of a spear, she held a trident. Hermione could feel power coming from said relic, and she had to admire the beautiful craftsmanship.

Six foot long with runes etched into it, steel in color and just the correct amount of width. Three dangerous sharp points, all with runes and some other designs Hermione couldn't identify. The thing that stood out the most was the dark and beautiful gem at the center were the spikes met. Said stone gleamed with power and even hidden knowledge.

Finished with the trident's examination, the female holding it spoke.

"My name is Ránnla, Queen of this tribe," her voice powerful and sharp. "What is your name minnow?"

Hermione swam towards her before bowing. "My name is Hermione, Cousin to the Selkie and Student of Hogwarts."

Whispers started from the crowd at Hermione's words.

Some sounded amazed, others scared and a few remained silent; giving her looks that didn't comfort her in the least.

The queen lifted her trident and Hermione watched as the gem started to glow brighter before a pulse emanated from it, making all around fall silent.

"Silence, all of you," Ránnla commanded before looking back a Hermione."Explain how you claim to be, is possible."

So Hermione did. She explained what she meant, telling her what she had told Emhná, Lunais and Sesh.

The tribe heard her explanation and didn't know how to react towards her claims, all the while the queen listen with a neutral face. Once Hermione finished, she waited for the queen to speak, or simply react.

What felt like hours but was only a couple of minutes, the queen turned from Hermione and directed her words to her tribe. "My tribe, I understand that most of you are confused and in denial. Yet what Hermione says is true. You may not remember the story told to us when we were but mere young tadpoles, a story passed down from our ancestors. Our cousin is indeed capable of using human and ocean magics. She is a Mer-Witch."

Silence reigned for a few seconds.

"How can you be sure, my queen?"

Turning around, Hermione watched as a well built male swam forward a few feet towards them. Like the others, a spear rested on his back; but were as most Selkie had shells and fangs on their necklaces, his was only full of fangs.

"She claims to be able to do these feats, yet gives us no proof. How can we be sure she isn't here to cause us harm? To divulge our secrets to the humans? We-" before he could continue, a tremble started.

The ruins of the plaza began to tremble dangerously and even the water was shifting and turning violent, as if a storm were happening.

Him, along with the entire tribe turned towards Hermione, and the male realized he had chosen his words poorly.

The once calm and timid Hermione, had turned angry and upset. Her fists were clenched to the point her knuckles were white, and it was then he noticed a wand in her hand. Her hair floated around her like a halo and shifted with the water, but it was Hermione's eyes that had him frozen in fear.

Her once warm, brown eyes were now completely golden not even her whites were visible and the male had a good inclination to believe she was looking right at him.

The next thing he knew, there was a flash of silver before he was doubled over in a fit of laughter, unable to move and barely able to breathe. He gasps only to laugh harder and started to slowly sink to the lake's floor. He felt someone in front of him and saw through his fit of laughter, Hermione's glowing eyes directly on his face.

Just as he thought he would lose consciousness, his laughter ceased and he took a large gasp of oxygen before looking at the now brown eyes that belonged to Hermione.

She looked at her cousin in anger, but felt shame make its way to her heart and mind. Anger due to his words, and shame for her reaction. Looking around, Hermione saw as the tribe looked at her with wide and fearful eyes, making her bow her head.

Slowly she swam towards Ránnla. "I am sorry for what I did to one of your tribe members. I hope you can forgive my actions."

With that, Hermione bowed and then turned away, quickly swimming away from their home, ignoring how they all parted to let her pass, ignoring the shouting that was soon left in a curtain of bubbles.

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Back at the castle, students and staff were in the Great Hall having dinner when their conversations and meal was interrupted from the castle trembling for a few moments before it stopped.

Students and teachers were looking around at one another.

"Did you feel that?"
"What was that?"
"I've never heard of any tremors happening here."

Minerva turned towards Dumbledore, worry clearly visible in her eyes. The headmaster looked back, nodding and reassuring her. While his mind worked out what could have made their resident Mer-Witch upset to the point of causing the tremors.

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Down in the Slythering Common Room, students who had already eaten or skipped dinner were looking out the glass windows to the Lake.

They were on edge due to them being able to feel the tremors more so then the rest of the people in the castle. Talking and speculations circled around the room, as if hoping for an explanation.

No one paid much attention to the lone blonde sitting in a corner, looking out towards the spot in the Lake were he had seen a blue and green tail for a moment before vanishing.

"Beautiful."