AN: Welcome to my new story! I don't have anyone checking after me, so any and all mistakes are my own. I also don't own anything from Harry Potter, but there a few OCs that are my own. That means anyone not from the HP universe are my own creations and bear no reflection on real people. This story is a bit different, but I enjoyed writing it. I will warn now that there is an extremely good reason for the M rating. I plan on uploading every Saturday unless things change. I hope you all enjoy it as well! -Saber

Now you're coming down to earth

Okay, hello, welcome to the world

"Welcome to the World" by Kevin Rudolf

Dragon Heartstring

I sat at my desk for the last time of the school year. I couldn't help but feel sad at leaving the magical school and my friends. It had been a crazy year once more, and my mind had been wandering back over the past year.

I had taken full advantage of the Time Turner that I had been gifted to borrow for the year. I had used it to take more courses, as well as go back in time to save Sirius Black and Buckbeak from certain doom. The two now were off traveling together in secret, full of appreciation of their newfound freedom. Harry had been put through so much yet again, and I couldn't help but pity the boy.

"I do hope you all will enjoy your summer and make sure to stay safe," Professor McGonagall stated, the edges of her lips twisting ever so slightly in an effort to smile.

The students sitting voiced their thanks and wishes of the elder woman to take care as well before rising to make their exit.

"Ah, Miss Granger, if you could please wait a moment," the Gryffindor Head of House called to me. I nodded and stood behind my chair while students rushed by to freedom. I couldn't help but hope my favorite professor was going to offer suggestions on studies and symposiums I could attend during the summer. She knew how much I loved to learn and was willing to help expand my knowledge—a big part of why I was so fond of the Scottish witch.

"Yes, professor?" I asked as I made my way to the front of the class where she stood.

She studied me for a moment, eyeing me up and down before speaking. "How have you been feeling lately, dear?" I tilted my head in confusion. I could see worry clearly in her eyes.

"I feel fine, why? Is it because of all of the time travel?"

She pressed her lips tightly as if contemplating something. "Have you been eating enough or exercising more than usual?" I thought for a moment before shaking my head. "Have you noticed your magic growing rather exponentially?"

I opened my mouth to reply but shut it after a second. I had noticed that performing spells and charms took practically no effort, and I was able to perform much more difficult spells with increasing ease as each day passed. I thought it was simply some sort of magical growth spurt or a side effect of the Time Turner.

Simply nodding my answer, the older woman studied me for a few more moments. "I want you to keep in touch with me during your break. Pay attention to any changes you deem as odd or unusual and inform me if anything happens. I apologize for seeming cryptic; I simply worry about my cubs. I hope you can forgive me." This time, a rare full smile appeared on the stern professor's face.

I smiled in return. "Of course, professor. What exactly should I keep an eye on?"

"Your physical and magical abilities. You seem to have hit a growth spurt, and I want to make sure you are alright—that the repercussions of the Time Turner are controlled."

"I will, Professor, you have my word. I will owl you if anything happens," I replied. I was grateful that the woman genuinely cared about me. I had struggled to make friends during my first year before I was attacked by a troll, but the Transfiguration professor had always kept a close eye on me, helping and guiding me when I needed it.

She smiled once more. "Of course, Miss Granger. If I recall, your birthday is coming up next month, correct?" I nodded with a blush, surprised she knew something so personal. "Perhaps I can find a suitable symposium as a gift."

"Thank you, Professor, I'd greatly enjoy that," I beamed, now eagerly looking forward to June 28th.

She nodded, "Yes, well, I won't keep you any longer. The train should be leaving before too long. Why don't you get along and have a good summer, Miss Granger."

Chancing a hug, I wrapped my arms around the older woman, who tensed slightly at the rare contact, before returning the hug. "Have a great summer, Professor," I replied and took my leave.

I had already packed my belongings and grabbed my trunk and things from the dormitory before heading to Hogsmeade to board the train. Once inside, I found my two best friends, Harry and Ron, chatting excitedly about being finished with homework and getting away from Professor Snape.

As I entered, I thought about reminding The Boy Who Lived about who he was returning to, but I decided to let him bask in his happiness while he could. I knew it wouldn't last, as he had made me and Ron well aware of how abusive his aunt, uncle, and cousin were. We had debated about rescuing him from them, but in the end Harry said he couldn't bring himself to leave them for good.

Terrible as they were to him, they feared him and were more than eager to get rid of him each school year, letting him spend time with the Weasley's at the Burrow during holidays from time to time. That was about all they were good for.

The boys fussed as I expressed my sorrow for leaving all the knowledge that Hogwarts held behind. I was eager to get my list of books for the next school year to start reading and getting ahead on my studies.

"Blimey, 'mione, summer is supposed to mean a break from school, a time to relax and actually enjoy yourself. Why do you want to torture yourself more?" Ron frowned, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his seat. Harry smiled as he watched his friend express his distaste for anything revolving around education.

"Because," I said authoritatively, "education is a vital part of our lives. Merlin knows you two couldn't have survived the past three years without me. Someone has to be smart enough to keep you both alive—no offense, Harry."

Harry simply shrugged, knowing I was right. Ron, however, pouted. "Well it's not like we asked for all of these things to happen. We just have rotten luck."

"I'd say we've been pretty lucky," Harry argued before pointing out, "'mione's right—without her we surely would have died more than once. So keep studying, mate, and thanks in advance for all of the future times you're probably gonna be saving our sorry arse's."

I giggled and nodded as Ron huffed in defeat.

"You know, Hermione, I'd say that Time Turner business really worked for you, though," the redhead stated, looking me up and down.

"What do you mean?"

"You look bloody fit after everything." Harry scrunched his eyebrows, clearly having not looked at me in that way. But now that he was, he agreed with the other boy.

I wasn't sure whether to be repulsed or what. I had never cared about my looks—there were far more important things on my mind than what people thought about my physique. "Uh, thanks, I think?"

I suddenly remembered about McGonagall asking me if I had been working out more. Apparently she had noticed a physical change in me as well. Guess I had been too busy lately to notice—not that I cared.

We changed the subject, to my relief, and talked about plans for the summer. We promised to owl each other as much as possible and agreed to try and meet up at the Burrow at some point. I was willing to go, so long as it didn't interfere with my studies or any lectures I wanted to attend.

As we arrived at Kings Cross station, we got off the train with our luggage. I quickly spotted my parents standing awkwardly as they waited.

I chuckled, knowing they weren't used to the whole magic business, but was grateful they were supportive of me. I exchanged goodbyes with the boys once more before taking off to greet my parents.

"Hermione, it's so great to see you, dear," mum smiled and wrapped her arms around me. I smiled at the embrace, having missed my parents, and turned to hug dad after mum released me.

"How are you, pumpkin? Have a good year?" dad asked. I chuckled at his nickname for me. Since I was a witch, he deemed it a fitting term.

"Great, how about you two?" I asked, allowing dad to take my luggage as he reached for it. He began to pull it behind him as we strode through the crowd to leave Platform 9 ¾ and return to the Muggle station.

"Quite well, no complaints," dad replied. We had to step aside to dodge a group of people who nearly plowed into us as they passed. They all gave us dirty looks for getting in their way. It wasn't exactly our fault, as we had literally appeared from practically nowhere.

When we left the rush of the train station, we climbed into my parent's car before heading home. Within thirty minutes, we were walking in the front door. I smiled, inhaling the familiar scent of my home. It was one of my favorite scents, second to parchment and ink. I retrieved my luggage from dad and carried it to my room before setting out to put everything up.

Crookshanks hopped onto my bed as I let him out of his cage, watching me work. I stopped occasionally to pet the fluffy cat with a smile. When I was finished, I hoisted him up and carried him back to the living room with me.

Shortly after I sat down in an armchair, mum came in with three cups of tea and sat on the couch by dad. "So, tell us how school was?" mum pressed before taking a sip of the steaming beverage.

I smiled softly, wondering where to begin. I knew better than to tell my parents about all of the danger we had faced during the school year, but I did try to explain the Time Turner as a way for my vast academic load. They seemed to understand a little, though I knew if I went into detail about its workings and such, they would be over their heads. They did their best to simply accept I had travelled through time to take extra classes on magic—something they never really believed in before I received a certain acceptance letter from a mysterious woman.

My parents then proceeded to tell me about their work at the dentistry. I was invested in what they did, having been raised as a Muggle-born. Luckily I no longer had to endure that process of cleaning and fixing my teeth anymore. I still preferred to brush my teeth as opposed to cleaning them with magic, but I had recently picked up on a spell that straightens teeth—something I had quickly put to good use.

While I didn't care what I looked like, it was nice to have a decent smile. It was either use magic for my teeth or risk my parents forcing me into braces, and I knew enough horror stories to refuse them.

As the days turned to weeks, Professor McGonagall kept her promise to send me invites to studies and lectures held on a wide range of topics. It kept my mind busy, but it didn't distract me from paying attention to her request to keep an eye on anything odd that happened to me.

Now that it had been pointed out, I noticed my body had become much more tone, and I had an excess of energy. I went for a run in the morning and just before dinner every day now. I also noticed that I had shot up about five inches in the span of about as many weeks. My appetite had grown as well, primarily with a desire for anything meat. I also wasn't sure if I was imagining it or not, but I felt like my senses were sharper as well.

My parents noticed the changes as well and were clearly worried about me. They could probably guess that this wasn't a normal thing, even for a witch. I had written to Professor McGonagall every week since school ended, and she had even gone out of her way from time to time to meet me at some of the symposiums. I always caught the anxious look she wore as she studied me, and I couldn't help but worry something was wrong with me. Did the Time Turner cause more damage to my body than I had previously thought? Dumbledore had said there shouldn't be any drastic or lasting effects, but I wasn't so sure anymore.

It was now a few days before my birthday, and I woke early, drenched in sweat. Even though it was summer, I felt abnormally hot as I began my day. I decided to wait until after my run to shower and quickly changed into appropriate attire. I would have to wash my bed sheets, as the outline of my body could be seen from the sweat.

I shivered with revulsion at the sight, but ignored it for now, too energetic to sit still much longer.

I had jogged for nearly an hour before deciding to head home. I was still feeling fine, not winded or tired, as I made my way back, slowing down occasionally to take a sip from my water bottle.

When I got home, I jumped in the shower, relishing the cool water as it washed the grime and sweat from my body. I went to the kitchen after dressing and grabbed a bowl and some cereal, pouring a glass of orange juice before sitting at the table. Mum and dad joined shortly after, preparing to go to work. We ate in relative silence after mum asked how my run was.

I knew they were worried about me, and I knew they likely blamed the Time Turner. I did my best to quell their fears, saying it was just a part of puberty. I knew they didn't believe me, but what other explanation was there? I didn't want to blame magic for something being wrong with me—I didn't want my parents to withhold me from my abilities and friends. They needed me, so whatever was wrong with me, I would fight it like I had so many other obstacles.

After my parents left, I plopped down on the couch and pulled out a book on portkeys. I was lost in the knowledge when I heard several taps on the window. Looking up, I spotted the familiar owl and smiled. Rising, I made my way over to the window and opened it for Hedwig to enter. She fluttered in and happily landed on the back of the couch I had been sitting at.

"Hey, girl, how are you?" I smiled, stroking her head affectionately. Crookshanks simply looked up at our guest for a moment before curling back up in the armchair and dozed off once more.

I spotted the letter the owl was bearing and retrieved it off her leg. She ruffled her feathers and looked at me expectantly. I smiled and summoned a bag of treats for the snowy owl. I hadn't even noticed I performed this activity wordless and wandless.

The owl hooted happily and ate the few treats I presented her, pecking my fingers affectionately before resting back down. Guess she was waiting for a response.

Sitting back down, I unfolded the paper. Harry had written about how poorly his summer had been going—his family was seemingly trying to do their worst, and he was struggling from leaving for the Burrow. He asked how I was and how all of the lectures had been going. I felt bad for my best friend, but was happy that he had written. He had been the only one to write consistently, as Ronald often forgot or got too distracted with Quidditch or something.

I managed to find a pen and paper and wrote a reply. I kept my changes to myself, per McGonagall's request. I didn't blame her desire to keep an eye on me, as I was worried too. Harry had enough on his plate to worry about me as well. He deserved to have a break from all of the stress in his life.

So I simply replied with as positive an attitude I could muster, informing him of all of the lectures I had attended, going into some depth to try and give the boy something to distract him from his troubles. That, or bore him enough that he might actually learn something.

When I finished, I tied the letter to Hedwig's leg, giving her a few more treats, before sending her off to her master. I returned to my book and lost track of time until my parents entered the house.

"Hello, dear, how was your day?" mum asked as she kissed the top of my head.

"Wonderful," I smiled. "I read a book on new theories on portkey advancements. Oh, and Hedwig dropped in with a letter from Harry. He's not doing too well with his aunt and uncle."

My parents frowned at that information. "While I'm not fond of it, if he needs a place to stay for a while, he's more than welcome here," dad said. I knew he was referring to being unhappy about having a boy under the same roof as me, but I simply shook my head.

"Don't worry, dad, there's nothing between me and Harry—he's like a brother to me. And no, I think he'd prefer to go to the Burrow so he doesn't have to listen to me rant about runes and theories on portkeys," I chuckled. My parents simply smiled, letting me go on about my studies.

I headed out for my evening run, cutting it short, and returned home to help mum with dinner before showering again. Luckily I had enough sense to wash my bed sheets during the day and smiled as I breathed in the fresh linen after I said my goodnights to my parents.

Lying there, I quickly found myself sweating again. I guess I had been too lost in my book to pay attention to how hot I really was. I twisted and turned before casting a cooling spell to try and help me get comfortable enough to sleep. Finally, I drifted off, eager for my birthday coming up.

It was the day before my birthday. My parents had left work early to spend time with me, and had taken off the next day before the weekend. We had gone out to do a bit of shopping so mum could prepare my new favorite dish—a pot roast with steamed vegetables. It wasn't so much the veggies I enjoyed, but rather the heaping portion of the meat.

We had gotten home and I was helping put the groceries away when there was a knock on the door.

"I've got it," dad called from the living room. I heard him shuffle, but paid no more attention as I put some cans of green beans in the pantry. "Hermione, would you come here."

What did he need me for?

I glanced at mum to make sure she had everything taken care of, and she simply nodded before motioning me to join dad. I hurried towards the door and suddenly stopped as I spotted Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore in the foyer.

"Professors, what are you doing here?" I asked, finally forcing my feet to move closer to the pair.

McGonagall's stoic expression softened as she saw me. Dumbledore, who had looked amused moments earlier, stiffened slightly as he studied me. I couldn't help the bundle of fear that formed in my chest at his reaction, but I only prayed they were here to inform me of some new lecture I could attend.

"Ah, Miss Granger, good to see you," Dumbledore started as he quickly collected himself, seeming as if nothing had been amiss. "We do apologize for intruding on you all without notice, but felt it necessary."

"No trouble at all. In fact, we were about to start dinner. Would you like to stay?" dad offered with a smile.

The two professors exchanged a glance and nodded. "That would be wonderful, thank you," the old headmaster spoke. Dad motioned the pair further inside, and I returned to the kitchen with them behind me.

"Mum, Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall are here. They're staying for dinner, so I'll help you prepare it," I offered.

Mum turned and greeted the witch and wizard as they entered. "Oh, what a pleasure! I do hope you enjoy Sheperd's pie," she stated.

"Ah, I do in fact enjoy a delicious Sheperd's pie," Dumbledore smiled.

"Is there anything we can help with?" McGonagall asked, fidgeting slightly.

Mum shook her head. "Nonsense! You're our guests—it's only fair that you both relax and enjoy yourselves. Hermione can help." Mum winked at me, and I giggled. The two professors studied me for a moment before accepting.

"Why don't I make us up some tea and we can relax in the living room," dad suggested. The pair happily accepted and followed dad after the tea was prepared. I helped mum by cutting up the potatoes and mashing them while she prepared the rest of the food for the meal. When we had finished and put it all in to cook, I joined the others in the living room while mum made the two of us tea.

"So, what brings you here, Professors? Is there another symposium coming up?" I asked eagerly. Mum entered and handed me a cup of steaming tea before sitting next to dad.

The two exchanged another anxious look. "Well, Hermione, I wish that were the case," McGonagall started. I felt my chest tighten with fear. I could only think of one thing that would warrant the arrival of both my Head of House and Headmaster, and I didn't think it was to wish me a happy birthday.

"Is it because of what's happening to me?" My voice was small, and I wasn't sure they had heard me.

"You see, Miss Granger, Professor McGonagall has informed me of certain changes happening to you. I can see them now for myself. Has anything else happened outside of the growth spurt and increased energy? She mentioned something about increased appetite as well. Is there anything more?" Dumbledore leaned forward slightly, and I knew he felt this was serious.

I swallowed hard, wanting to deny everything, to run and hide and pretend everything was fine and that I was normal. But who knew what would happen if I denied the changes?

"I feel like…I feel like I can see things better. Like things are sharper or something. And I can hear more than I could before. I can also smell things I usually wouldn't, or they're stronger," I mumbled, looking down for fear of their reaction.

"Is there anything else?" the older wizard prodded.

"I think I've been having hot flashes or something. I wake up in a pool of sweat, and a cold shower only staves it off for so long." With this, I lifted my eyes enough to see the curious look on Dumbledore's face, and the concerned expressions on the others.

Dumbledore sat back and began stroking his beard, deep in thought.

McGonagall looked at the old man. "Is it possible, Albus?" she pressed, still looking worried.

The wizard simply smiled slightly, his eyes full of kindness as they held my own. "I think we will find out tomorrow for sure, Minerva," he replied.

"What? What's this about? What's wrong with Hermione?" mum asked anxiously, taking dad's hand.

Professor McGonagall pressed her lips together for a moment before sighing. "Is there something you haven't told your daughter yet?" Her expression was soft as she looked at my parents, almost as if she knew something.

My parents blinked in surprise, and I couldn't help but feel completely lost. "What haven't you told me?" This whole situation had me filled with terror, and now there was something I didn't know regarding my parents.

They shifted in their seats before looking at me. They looked worried, and it made me feel sick. Mum began. "Hermione, dear, you know that we love you with all we are, right?" I nodded slowly, wanting them to get to the point but afraid of what said point might be.

"Well, you see, we're…we're not your biological parents," dad said softly.

I stared at the couple, my mind going blank as I tried to process and understand what had just been said. "W-What? What do you mean?"

"Hermione, love…We adopted you when you were an infant," mum replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

My eyes shot between the couple that had raised me, loved me, given me everything I could have ever wanted. The couple that was now admitting to not being my real parents. I opened my mouth, but I found myself unable to produce words. What was I going to do now? Who were my real parents?

"We're so sorry, Hermione," dad frowned. I could see he was also holding back tears. "We love you so much; that will never change. We were unable to conceive on our own and decided to adopt. That's when we came across you. We fell in love with you the moment we saw you—you were so perfect in our eyes. We never meant to hide it from you—we just didn't want you to hate us or not see us as your parents anymore."

Tears were now coming from both parents, and I couldn't stop my own from falling. I understood why they hadn't told me, but it wasn't really their place to hide it either. "I could never hate you. Just because I don't share your genetics doesn't mean you're not my parents. You really should have told me, though. Does this have to do whatever is wrong with me?"

My parents followed my gaze to the professors. McGonagall had the decency to appear uncomfortable, but Dumbledore continued to smile softly at the exchange.

"We believe so. You see, the traits you displayed at the end of the school year worried Minerva. That was why she requested you keep in touch on any new developments—a wise decision on her part," Dumbledore nodded to the woman, who smiled slightly.

"So what exactly is wrong with her?" dad pressed. "Is there anything we can do? We'll do anything to make sure she's safe."

I couldn't help but feel a slight warmth at dad's determination. Even if he wasn't my real dad, it meant more to me because they had chosen me. They had wanted me enough to take me in and raise me as their own, even though I turned around and flipped their entire world upside down with being a witch.

McGonagall studied me for a moment. "Well, if we're correct, it's not so much that anything is wrong with her. In fact, it's quite marvelous."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Indeed, Minerva. You see, we think that Hermione isn't simply a witch. We think she is actually a magical creature that will take full manifestation tomorrow on her fourteenth birthday."

Once more my mind went blank. "Wait…Y-You think I'm a-a magical creature?"

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Indeed, Miss Granger, and an incredibly rare and powerful one at that. We believe you are a Dreki—a type of hybrid between a human and a dragon."

"You think our daughter is a what!" dad shouted, shooting to his feet. Mum squeezed his hand and tugged him to sit back down. I watched my parents work to calm down, unsure how to feel at this revelation. This definitely wasn't how I expected to spend my birthday.

Professor McGonagall was the first to break the silence. "A little over fourteen years ago, there was a couple, a powerful witch and wizard. They were very much in love—it was evident to all who saw them. They married and shortly after conceived a child. During that time, however, a dark wizard was wrecking havoc on with wizarding world."

I instantly knew who the witch was talking about, and I shivered, fearing I knew where the story was going.

"In an accidental skirmish, it was revealed that the couple were really Dreki, powerful magical creatures that have been hunted to the point of near extinction. They fled for their lives, wanting to give their unborn child a chance to survive.

"They managed to escape long enough to give birth to a daughter and send her to an orphanage. Shortly after that…they were discovered and killed to be presented as trophies by some of the dark wizard's followers. We didn't know what had become of their child, just that she had managed to be saved."

"We believe that you, Miss Granger, are their child," Dumbledore finished.

"I-I can't be a-a Dreki," I stammered. "I-I'm just…just a normal, boring human—there's absolutely nothing special about me!"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Other than growing five inches in a month, enhanced senses, and overheating?"

I pressed my lips together. "That's just a coincidence. Early menopause or something."

Both professors burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but blush. It was a rather lame excuse. But there was no way I was a magical creature. There was no way I was special—that was Harry's job to be extraordinary. Not me.

Even my parents couldn't help but laugh at my theory. It still didn't ease my nerves and terror at being told I was a rare magical creature whose parents had died shortly after my birth. I couldn't help but feel a new connection to Harry.

"I must say, Miss Granger, early menopause would not elicit your changes, though that was a lovely breath of fresh air," Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But being a Dreki isn't a bad thing—in fact it's rather marvelous. You are one of a dying breed. I believe the changes that have been happening to you are only the tip of the iceberg, if you will."

I sighed. "Great, what else am I to expect?"

Even McGonagall's eyes were twinkling as she spoke this time. "That is what we are here for. Your body is transforming, and we believe it will be complete tomorrow, on your birthday. This will come with further enhanced senses, and a greater pool of magic. We are here to ensure that the transformation proceeds smoothly and guide you with your new abilities."

I processed all of the information I had received this evening. It definitely wasn't what I expected to hear. Happy birthday, you're a dragon.

Sighing again, my face fell. "What about my friends? What about Harry and Ron?"

"What about them?" Dumbledore asked.

"What will they think and say? How am I possibly supposed to help them now?"

The old wizard smiled softly. "Miss Granger, I believe, if anything, your friends will be in better hands now more than ever. Dragons are very possessive and protective creatures. As we stated, they are also extremely powerful. You will be more than able to protect and help them. They are very fortunate to have you."

I couldn't help but smile, touched by the sincerity of my headmaster's words. That seemed to be the only good thing to have come from this entire situation.

Another thought struck me, and I shifted. I didn't want this to backfire, so I looked down. "Um...What…What were their names?" I glanced up to see my parents exchange a look before nodding slightly to Dumbledore.

He clapped his hands together twice, keeping them together the second time before presenting them to me. When they separated, a picture of a smiling couple greeted me. "Lewis and Emily Anderson," the old headmaster replied with a sad smile.

I took the picture, tears forming in my eyes. The couple looked to be in their mid-twenties. The image moved as they looked from the camera to each other. Professor McGonagall was right—it was obvious just how in love they were from the way they looked at each other. I wiped a tear as it fell.

The man had short black hair and brown eyes while the woman had wild brown hair and green eyes. Guess I got something from each of my parents. They seemed so kind. It was truly cruel to think such good people had been taken from the world simply because they weren't human.

But then again, neither was I it seemed.

After a bit more conversation, mum pulled dinner from the oven and we sat to eat, enjoying the food in relative silence, outside of complimenting the woman for her cooking. She blushed, greatly overwhelmed by the praise she was receiving. When we finished, we returned to the living room.

"If it would be alright, I believe it would be wise for Miss Granger to be elsewhere when the transformation occurs," Dumbledore stated as he looked to my parents.

"Of course, but where would we go and why?" dad asked.

McGonagall's lips tilted up in a smile. "It's said to be extraordinary, the transformation of a Dreki. There is supposed to be a great amount of magical energy that will be released. We simply want to ensure that your own house is standing when this happens."

"What will I look like?" I questioned, curiosity getting the better of me. I hadn't heard of Dreki before tonight, so I now had something new to research. This thrilled me, but I was also sad to be learning too late about what seemed to be my real heritage.

Dumbledore chuckled slightly. "That, my dear, will be something you will have to wait and see."

I pressed my lips in frustration but sighed resignation. I knew I wouldn't get anything from the headmaster.

"So, where will we be going to, then?" mum asked, bringing dad's question back up.

With twinkling eyes, Dumbledore reached his hand out. I instantly knew he was planning on apparating us somewhere, but I wasn't sure where. I took my mum's hand before touching the old wizards. Dad took mum's other hand and reached out for McGonagall. As soon as we were all connected, I felt the uncomfortable pull behind my naval as we disappeared.

An instant later, my feet felt solid ground again. I gasped, hating the feeling of apparition. My parents fared much worse and were bent over, trying to keep from heaving up their dinner. I smiled apologetically, knowing side-apparition wasn't the most pleasant form of transportation. The first time I experienced it, I actually had lost my stomach.

Finally, I turned my gaze to the small house before us. "Where are we?" I asked.

"Why don't you try to open the gate there," Dumbledore suggested, motioning to a small metal gate that stood against a short stone wall that surrounded the building. I frowned slightly, confused by his comment, but complied nonetheless.

As I touched the gate, I felt like there was some magic present. Still, I managed to push it open and stepped forward. Looking back, I caught the amused expression on the headmaster's face. He simply stepped forward and raised his hands in a show of the house before us. I turned to look at it once more. It was dark out now, so I couldn't see too much, but it looked well-kept.

"This, Miss Granger, or rather Miss Anderson, is your house," the old wizard finally answered.

"My house?" I questioned, shocked by his reply.

McGonagall chuckled as she stepped next to me. "It would seem so, Miss Granger. There were wards put in place so that only the rightful owner, the child of Lewis and Emily Anderson would be able to enter. You truly are their daughter."

I couldn't believe it—I had my own house. "I-I can still live with my parents, right?" I asked in a sheepish voice.

The pair chuckled. "Of course, Hermione. In fact, I'd prefer it if you did. You are still young and attending school. On top of that, it will be wise to have them around to keep an eye on you," McGonagall assured.

I smiled, relieved I wasn't being forced out on my own.

"Well at least we won't have to worry about cosigning for her to get a house," dad chuckled to mum. She elbowed him in the gut, and he winced. "Right, sorry, it wouldn't have been a problem if we needed to. We know you're smart and responsible—you'd make us proud. You always do."

Tears welled in my eyes, and I threw my arms around my parents. They may not be blood, but they were still family.

After we separated, I turned and headed into the house. Like the outside, it appeared as if it had been looked after. Suddenly, I felt my heart drop. "Oh, Merlin, did my parents have a house elf?"

I felt horrible at the thought of owning a house elf—even more so given the fact that it would have been on its own all of these years.

"No, I assure you that the Anderson's refused any such service from any creature. They were much like you—wanting to fight for equality for all. It makes sense now that we know they were magical creatures as well," Dumbledore stated.

I sighed in relief, my shoulders dropping with the weight lifted. If I had been placed in the ownership of an elf, I would have immediately given it the shirt off my back and freed it. Luckily I was able to keep my clothes on for the time being.

Turning the light on, I moved forward to take in the sight of my new house. It was simple with little in the way of furniture. There were a few paintings on the wall, mostly of landscapes. There was a fireplace in the small living room with another painting of my parents above it. I noticed them smile as they watched us enter, and I knew they would be able to speak with me.

I felt tears return to my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. I would take time to speak with my birth parents later. For now, I continued to walk around. There was an ancient fridge in kitchen that looked in desperate need of replacing. Several empty cabinets lined the wall above and below the L-shaped counters, and a double basin sink was sat in the counter underneath a small window.

There was a small closet with shelves for a pantry or a linen closet. A bathroom was just off from the living room. Next to it was another room with a desk and chair against one wall while several bookshelves lined the others. They were all empty, but I knew I had more than enough books to fill them with several left over.

We made our way upstairs, where two bedrooms and another bathroom waited for use. This was in addition to the master bed and bath suite. The rooms were clean but looked untouched. It was rather depressing to me, knowing I could have had a life here with my birth parents and possibly had a sibling. No use in thinking of the impossible.

So I led everyone back downstairs. As we returned to the living room, the front door suddenly opened, and an older woman came barging in, her wand brandished.

"Who are you and how did you get in here?" she shrieked. She looked slightly batty, and my parents instantly wrapped their arms protectively around me. It touched me that they were trying to protect me, even though there was nothing they could possibly do against a witch.

Dumbledore spoke up, raising his hands in a friendly gesture. "My name is Albus Dumbledore. I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts. This is my deputy, Minerva McGonagall," he said, motioning to the witch beside him. "We have come to return Hermione Anderson to her rightful home."

The crazed woman's eyes shifted between everyone, finally settling on me.

"T-That's impossible," she finally spoke. "Lewis and Emily's child died when they did…"

"It seems as though they were able to get her to safety before they were killed," Dumbledore spoke softly.

I could see tears well in the woman's eyes as she studied me. "A-Are you really…Are you really their daughter?"

Dumbledore answered for me. "She was able to enter through the wards."

The woman gasped, her hands covering her mouth as the tears began to fall. "Please forgive me," she apologized, returning her wand to its holder. "My name is Laura Bell. I live next door. I was close to the Anderson's when they lived here. After they past, I took it upon myself to look after their house. I thought that the whole family had been killed, but I had hoped…And now you're here! You're really alive!"

Ms. Bell moved forward and embraced me tightly, causing me to struggle for breath. That, and she smelled like she took better care of the house than herself.

"Thank you; I really appreciate you taking care of the house. Hopefully you won't have to much longer," I said, forcing a smile. With my enhanced sense of smell, I couldn't help but have to fight a gag back.

The woman laughed heartily. "Please, I'm more than happy to continue—gives me something to do. Long as you don't mind a batty old woman around." She winked, her eyes gleaming. I couldn't help but wonder how often she got out and socialized. Still, she seemed relatively harmless, and I truly was grateful someone still cared about my parents. I was glad they hadn't been forgotten.

We sat in the living room, having to transfigure a table to another couch to seat everyone. Ms. Bell told us stories about my parents, about how they had been so kind to all of their neighbors. They got along well with everyone and never caused any trouble. That was why it had been so difficult for many of the people to accept they had been hunted and killed in the manner they had.

Seeing how upset the woman got bothered me. I wished I could have had some sort of connection with my birth parents, but at the same time, maybe it was best I didn't. That way I didn't have to suffer as much with their deaths.

"So tell me, as you are their daughter, does that make you a dragon thing like them?" Ms. Bell asked, eyeing me curiously.

"Well, I haven't turning into one yet, but with my birthday tomorrow, it seems I will be," I answered.

"Technically your birthday is today," Dumbledore mused. "Happy Birthday, Miss Anderson." I chuckled, and everyone else offered the same sentiment. It was odd to have your Headmaster and Head of House sitting in your deceased parents' home wishing you a happy birthday, but my life was anything but normal.

"Right, well, I suppose I should take my leave then," Ms. Bell said as she rose. "I would just like to say that I will be more than happy to continue looking after the house while you are at school, Hermione. The neighborhood may be a bit unfamiliar, but we would be more than happy to protect you. It's the least we can do in memory of Lewis and Emily."

Tears welled in my eyes once more. "Thank you, Ms. Bell, for everything. Truly." The woman simply smiled and motioned me in for another hug. Terrible as she smelled, I couldn't help but go to her.

She patted my back and wished everyone else a good night before heading out.

"I suppose we should go to bed, too," dad said as he checked his watch. "We can figure everything out later." I agreed as I yawned, weary from the long and exhausting day. I knew it would be just as long later, if my two professors were right in that I would soon be turning into a dragon.

As I was the youngest, the adults took the bedrooms while the couch was transfigured into a small bed for me. They all wished me good night and happy birthday once more before heading up.

I sat on the edge of the bed, looking up at the picture of my parents.

"Hi," I mumbled to them for the first time.

"Hello, dearest Hermione. You are more beautiful than we imagined you would be," Emily's image smiled softly.

I snorted, "Well you must have had pretty low standards. Sorry to disappoint."

The couple simply frowned before Lewis spoke. "You don't see the beauty we do. Nothing could possibly be wrong with you in our eyes." I blushed and smiled shyly. I could feel the sincerity in the comment.

"So, you are my parents," I stated awkwardly.

"It would seem so. You seem very bright, much like your father," Emily smiled as she looked affectionately at her husband.

"But you also seem to have your mum's temper," Lewis chuckled. The woman scowled and swatted him playfully. I couldn't help but laugh. They were an adorable couple like Ms. Bell had said. I really wish I had known them in life.

I bit my lip, trying to let my mind process all of the day's events. "Am I really going to turn into a dragon? Am I really a Dreki?"

I looked up to see the pair smiling affectionately down at me. "Yes, you are," Emily said softly.

"A pure blooded one at that," Lewis confirmed. "You will have powers far greater than you could possibly imagine. But don't worry, we will always be here to help you."

Feeling a little better, I lay down and pulled the covers over me as I propped myself up on my elbow. "So, what will it be like? Changing for the first time?"

Both looked slightly apprehensive. "We won't lie to you, Hermione. It's not the most pleasant experience. Your body is literally shattering and shifting to become something else. You will grow powerful wings and a tail, on top of gaining another few inches in your Dreki form. You will shrink when you revert back to your human self, but it still won't be pleasant the first time. The more time you spend in your Dreki form, as well as the more you transform, the easier and less painful it becomes."

I cringed at Lewis's explanation. I wasn't looking forward to the pain, but I knew I wouldn't have a choice. "Don't worry, we will always be here for you," Emily reassured. With my thoughts slipping away from me, I turned the lights off without the use of my wand. I barely registered this fact before the darkness consumed me as I drifted off to sleep.

Later that morning, I woke to the smell of food. It smelled like bacon, and my mouth instantly watered.

Rising with a stretch, I headed to the kitchen where mum was standing in front of the stove. The two professors were sitting with dad at the table.

"Good morning, birthday girl," dad beamed. He stood up and pulled me in for a hug, kissing my forehead. Mum turned away from her position to do the same. Even Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore greeted me warmly.

"How do you feel?" the old wizard asked, a curious twinkle in his eyes.

"Really hungry," I chuckled, looking over to the pile of bacon and eggs mum was creating. I assumed the professors had apparated them home to get food. It was still odd to have them sitting so casually with my parents, though.

Mum smiled and turned her head. "Don't worry, dear, it will be done soon enough. Would you like to get some toast going?"

I stepped beside her and grabbed out a couple of slices of bread before sticking them into the toaster and pushing the lever down. Grabbing a plate from the pile, I placed the hot toast on it before adding the next two pieces.

When everything was prepared, we all sat down at the table. "Here is to Hermione. May your birthday be everything you want it to be and so much more," dad smiled as he raised his glass into the air.

I snorted. "Yeah, right, dad. Finding out I'm a magical creature is definitely a bit more than I was expecting." The adults laughed, and I couldn't help but chuckle as well. It certainly wasn't how I was planning on spending my fourteenth birthday, but I'd take it. I now knew who my birth parents were, had learned so much about who I really was, that I was still overwhelmed.

After breakfast, my parents pulled out several presents. I smiled eagerly and tore into them. To my immense pleasure, they had gotten me several books on history and foreign culture. These were by far my favorite Muggle subjects, and I was excited to dive in and start learning.

That was until I felt a sharp pain rip through my body, so great that it stole my breath away.

I instantly crumpled to the floor, unable to stay seated.

"Hermione!" mum and dad cried, rushing over to my side.

In the next moment, an even sharper pain tore through me, and I cried out in agony.

"She's transforming!" Dumbledore announced. "We have to get her outside—she could level the house otherwise."

I could barely hear what was being said, not aware of what was happening outside of the immense pain coursing through my body. It felt as though my body was too small, as if something inside of me wanted out, and it wasn't letting my flesh and bone hold it back any longer.

A sickening crack echoed in my ears, followed by deafening screams. Another break, followed by another had me shrieking as my body was literally broken. I had never felt anything so horrible, and I couldn't help but think this is what it felt like to be under the Cruciatus Curse.

My skin felt like it was being ripped open, and when I wasn't trying to literally hold myself together, I was writing in agony. At this point, I felt like death would be merciful. How could any creature be willing to endure this? How could they be willing to have children, only to have them experience this?

Tears streaked down my face as I was deafened by my own screams. My throat was raw, but the cries didn't stop, nor did the tearing of my skin, the breaking of my bones.

It felt like this torture would last forever. How I hadn't passed out was beyond me. I would have given anything for a reprieve, but I wasn't that lucky.

For a moment, the pain seemed to plateau, but in the next instant, it renewed with a vengeance as my body worked to rebuild itself in its true form—in the form of a Dreki. This renewed anguish caused my shrieks to return, and I writhed on the ground, helpless to ease the pain, helpless to do anything but pray for it to stop.

It was a good thing my birth parents were already dead, or else they would be after this was over. If I survive, that is.

After what felt like an eternity, the snapping ceased as my body seemed to settle. Through the ringing in my ears, all I could hear were my whimpers from my raw throat, the residual throbbing keeping me twitching.

I felt like I had been skinned alive while each and every bone in my body was broken. Ironic, as that was basically what had just happened.

After a moment, I felt something be placed on me. It was light, but the sensation on my overactive nerves made me hiss in pain. Whatever it was, I wanted it gone, but I couldn't move other than shake from the pain. That wasn't enough to get whatever it was off.

I lay there, broken and beaten, for half an hour easily before I even bothered opening my eyes. If I wasn't so weak and fatigued, I would have gasped. Everything was vibrant, the colors and details sharp in my gaze.

My eyes wandered, and I spotted the people around me. My parents looked as though they had been crying. I could still see more unshed tears in their eyes. I could hear them sniffle as the ringing died down. Next to them, my two professors were looking at me with awe and wonder. I must have been quite the sight to elicit such a look from the great and powerful Albus Dumbledore.

After a few more minutes, I finally forced my body to move, cringing as the ache grew in protest. I looked down at my body as I stood up. Mum quickly made her way over to me and took the blanket and wrapped it around me as I was mostly naked now. If I actually had the ability to care, I was sure I would have blushed at my exposure.

As it were, I was too drained and sore to care. Still, I held the blanket up and began to examine my new body.

Slick, black scales covered my legs, arms, and torso. Looking behind me, I noticed a long tail with several protruding scales along the top that shrank in size as the line reached the tip.

Two large, smooth black wings had burst forth from my shoulder blades and were now tucked neatly in place. Part of me wanted to stretch them out to see just how large my wingspan was, but I was still far too sore to act on that desire.

"H-Hermione?" dad asked hesitantly. My eyes turned to him, and I tried to smile. I wasn't sure how it looked, given the amount of pain I still felt.

"Hey, dad," I managed to force out and gasped. "What the…"

Surely my hearing had to have been affected, or else I was in for an even bigger surprise than just being a dragon.

Looking back at my chest, I realized that it was now flat. Pulling the tattered remains of my pajama pants away, my eyes widened as another gasp escaped my lips.

"What in Merlin's name is going on! How the bloody hell is this possible?!"

My eyes shot to my headmaster, who seemed to be intrigued. "It seems as though the myths were true," he muttered softly. "Dreki take on a male form."

"T-This can't be real…I-I can't be a g-guy! I'm a girl!" I cried, my throat scratching from the strain. There was no way this was possible. Finding out I was a magical creature had been shock enough for me to last a lifetime. Finding out I became a male when I took my true form was just too much.

I broke down, sobs escaping as I covered my eyes, hitting my new snout in the process. What was I supposed to do now? This wasn't supposed to happen, was it? This had to be a mistake. That was it—I had simply passed out from the transformation, which was so great that I could feel the pain even in my dream, or rather nightmare.

Why, then, did I know that this was real? Not only was I a monster, I was a freak. I didn't want to be a boy—I was perfectly content being a girl. How would anyone ever want to be with someone like me? No wonder my kind had been hunted down.

"Hermione, please, relax—this is natural, something that is meant to happen. It's all part of Dreki preservation. Every person, regardless of whether they are male or female, takes on male characteristics in their dragon form. It's so there will always be a way to procreate."

I looked up to the older witch as she tried to explain the situation.

"Great, so I have to be a guy because my kind is dying and needs me to shag someone?" I cried angrily. The woman had the decency to blush at the reality of the situation.

"Hermione, don't speak to your professor that way," mum scolded. I sneered at her. She didn't wake up one day only to find out everything she thought she knew was a lie. She didn't have to deal with the fact that she would likely be hunted for the rest of her life for being a magical creature. She didn't have to deal with the fact that she could turn into a boy!

"What do you want me to do, huh, mum? Smile and laugh and say everything is okay, because it's not!" I screamed, tears falling down my face. I wasn't even sure if I could say cheeks—I didn't know what my face looked like now.

Mum frowned, clearly hurt by my outburst. "I-I'm sorry, I just…"

My knees gave out and I sank back to the ground. I hugged my knees to my chest and rested my head on them and cried. This had been the worst birthday ever. Thanks, Lewis and Emily, for giving me life, only to have it turn out so horribly. Thanks for the warning that I would turn into a guy. Would have been great to know last night so I could prepare myself.

And so I sat there and cried. I cried for all of the friends I would lose over this. I cried for my family to have to endure putting up with a monster. I cried for my education that would surely be put on hold while I hide away. I cried for myself. I cried, and I didn't stop.

After a while, I had finally cried myself to sleep, still hugging my knees as I sat on the ground.

When I woke, I felt like absolute shit. My body ached and was stiff, my head was pounding, and I was in desperate need of food and water as my stomach rumbled angrily.

I sat up, realizing I was in one of the beds upstairs. Sighing, I examined my body, realizing I was still in my Dreki form. I knew I had to apologize to my parents and professors. This wasn't their fault—they had been kind enough to stay by my side the entire time I suffered. I hadn't been alone, yet I had pushed them away, tried to isolate myself in my grief.

I forced myself up, taking a moment to steady myself before slowly making my way downstairs. I had to proceed slowly so I wouldn't fall in my new body. I was taller, and my body was now more awkward—I now had longer feet with talons instead of toenails. Even my hands bore small claws on the tips of my fingers. This was definitely an enormous adjustment. Especially as I looked in a mirror and spotted bright, blood red eyes staring back at me underneath a short mess of black hair. I looked completely different.

Making my way to the kitchen, I spotted the group sitting around the table tending to cups of tea. Mum saw me and rose to make me a cup. The others looked at me, watching to see how I would react.

"I, uh, would like to apologize for my earlier behavior," I stated in my new deep voice, bowing my head in shame. "It wasn't right or fair for me to take out my anger and fear on you all, and I'm truly sorry. I hope you can forgive me." Tears welled in my eyes as I finished, but I didn't want them to fall. I was sick of crying.

"You may look and sound different," dad started, "but you are still Hermione. Our Hermione."

He stood up and stepped over to me, followed closely by mum who set the fresh cup of tea down. They both wrapped their arms awkwardly around me. It was odd, being slightly taller than them. Not to mention my snout that got in the way.

I knew I didn't deserve their kindness, their forgiveness, after everything. I couldn't help but feel that this was what true, unconditional love was. These people, who hadn't even given birth to me, loved and accepted every aspect of me, from being a witch to a magical dragon. It was the greatest feeling ever, and I cherished it.

After receiving hugs and kisses from my parents, I turned to the professors. "I want to thank you for staying by my side and undoubtedly helping my parents with all of this."

"Miss Anderson, there is no need to thank us. You have allowed us to witness one of the most beautiful experiences in life, and for that, we are grateful," Dumbledore smiled softly.

"Albus is right," McGonagall said, her stern expression returning. "Now, we will have to work with you to control your new abilities. Your magic has increased much more than we had anticipated."

I tilted my head. I didn't feel any different. "How do you know?" I asked in my confusion.

Dumbledore chuckled lightly. "I suppose you were too distracted by the transformation to be aware that you would have flattened the entire neighborhood with the shockwave you released if we hadn't barely managed to contain it."

I blinked at him and snorted. "You're kidding, right? I didn't do anything but writhe in pain." The old wizard simply raised an eyebrow, challenging my recollection.

There was no way that two of the most powerful magical beings in the world had barely been able to control whatever magic escaped me during the transformation. That was just absurd for them to put me even close to the same league as them. Only in my dreams, but Merlin knows it wasn't reality.

"Your Headmaster is right," dad stated, breaking me from my thoughts. "You released an incredibly powerful burst of magic—I didn't even know such a thing was possible. I have to admit, I see why you were accepted to Hogwarts."

"Well, even if that is true, surely it was just a onetime thing, right? Like I was releasing the pent up power from the transformation?" I offered.

Dumbledore simply shook his head. "For that to even be possible, that magic has to have come from somewhere. You are an incredibly powerful witch, Hermione."

"Is it still right to call me that? I mean, I am a guy in this form…"

McGonagall chuckled, "Yes, well, surprising as that was to find out for certain, you are still a witch. Your magic is slightly different in this form. Perhaps your birth parents will be able to explain more properly."

I nodded and grabbed my cup of tea before leading the way to the living room. I sat down in the arm chair, the bed turned back into a couch that my parents sat in.

Looking up at the picture of my birth parents, they beamed proudly down at me. "Thanks for the heads up about the boy thing," I fumed. "Would have been nice to know last night."

"We're sorry, Hermione, truly. It slipped our minds—we were just so happy to meet our daughter and speak with you," Emily said with a slight blush.

"She's right. We would like to thank you for taking our daughter in and raising her to be such a wonderful young woman," Lewis spoke to my parents, who looked completely flabberghasted at being spoken to by a painting. Guess they hadn't believed me when I said it was possible. They had seen moving pictures and such, but this seemed to be a bit much for them.

"Um, of course, it, uh, wasn't a problem at all," dad fumbled. "You gave us a great daughter, so thank you for that." The two couples smiled at each other for a moment before I interrupted.

"Okay, great, so I'm a male dragon. Is there anything else I should know about? Any special powers?"

Lewis chuckled. "Well you can breathe fire now, if that's what you mean." Great, of course that would be a thing. Dragon, duh. "But not really. Being a Dreki connects you to an even greater amount of magic to use at your disposal. I assume you were able to keep everything standing, Professor Dumbledore?"

The old headmaster smiled. "Your daughter is indeed quite powerful, Mr. Anderson. You should both be very proud. It was a bit of a struggle, actually, but yes, everyone around is safe."

We talked for a little bit longer before my professors decided to work with me on wielding my new powers. While I was in my dragon form, I was unable to produce my usual magic with my wand without extreme difficiulty. At my disposal instead, was an increased resistance to magic, along with the ability to breathe fire. It was a strange sensation, feeling the heat tickle in my chest as it worked its way up my throat. It took me a few tries to be able to actually get it out my mouth instead of swallowing it back and choking.

Over the next month, the pair came and went according to their schedules. It took me some time to adjust to the immense increase of magic power flowing through me. It had grown so great that my wand had been unable to handle it and cracked.

Keeping my human form, which I was learning to switch between, I made my way with my parents to Diagon Alley. We stepped inside Olivander's Wand Shop, and the eccentric old man emerged from behind a shelf. He looked surprised to see me in his shop once more, especially since it was still a little early for students to be wandering around for school supplies.

"Ah, Miss Granger, to what do I owe this surprise?" Olivander smiled kindly.

"I'm in need of a new wand," I stated, producing my broken wand from my sleeve. He took it and began to examine it. His shock only seemed to grow.

"My, my, my, it seems as though you happened to overwhelm your poor wand with great magic. Rather odd, indeed. Seems as though unicorn hair is no longer a fit for you. Yes, I see. Very interesting." I could only imagine the look of confusion on my parents faces as they observed the strange man literally talk to my broken wand. This was his way to show that wands were alive in a sense, as he often said that the wand chose its owner, not the other way around.

"Is there any way I can get a replacement?" I asked, looking forward to being able to properly and safely continue my training.

The white haired man finally looked back at me, studying me for a moment. "Yes, I believe I have a few things that we can try." With that, he disappeared back to his vast collection of wands and began pulling several boxes of various designs and colors down before returning to me.

"You may want to all step back," I warned. My parents quickly obliged, but Olivander simply stayed near, looking excited and expectant. Wouldn't be my fault if he got hurt then; I had tried to warn him.

I pulled the first wand from the box and a wave of magic instantly shot out, knocking several boxes off of the shelves. Quickly replacing the wand, I gave the old man an apologetic look. He simply chuckled before offering the next wand.

Nearly half a dozen wands later, Olivander produced a long, slim wooden case with an ornate dragon carved on it. "I think we may have finally gotten it right, Miss Granger," the man smiled and took the lid off. I gasped at the design of the wand—it had what looked like a tail wrapped around the length of the black wand, leading up to the head of a dragon on the hilt.

Carefully, I reached for it, grasping it carefully in my hand. I felt my magic within me stir excitedly as the wand didn't cause anything to explode or go flying.

"Blackthorn, 12 ½ inches, dragon heartstring, quite flexible. A powerful wand for a powerful witch." I looked up to the old wand maker, a wide smile forming on his face. His eyes were twinkling with joy as he matched another wand. "Go ahead, give it a flick."

Nodding, I turned to the destruction I had caused, and with a simple flick, the mess was put back in place, leaving no sign of the chaos that had occurred.

"It's perfect," I beamed. It felt so incredible to have a new wand that worked so well with my magic.

The man nodded, but his expression quickly grew serious. "Indeed, Miss Granger, though I must say this is rather odd. I have had that wand since shortly after I entered the wand making business. It was gifted to me by my Master, who also had it for some time. The core is said to come from an incredibly powerful and ancient dragon. It was said that this wand wouldn't serve anyone less than a dragon itself."

I swallowed hard, knowing I needed to keep my true identity secret for fear of my life. "T-That's quite the story," I replied simply. I knew Olivander well enough to be aware he fully believed the story.

"Indeed, Miss Granger. This wand will help keep you safe from danger, just make sure to trust in it—it will lead you true."

"Thank you, sir, I will." I paid for my new wand before turning and exiting, my parents on my heels. Finished with my business, we returned to the Anderson's house. Part of me wanted to stop in the book store, but I decided to hold off as I needed to work with my new wand and continue training. When I got my list with the books I needed for the school year, though, I would have my fun in my favorite shop.

I spent my days in my Dreki form, learning how to fly, which had become much more pleasant, among other things. It had taken me some time to adjust to using my wings, though they supported me with ease.

I didn't fly too high or far from the house, staying on the property. Of course the neighbors had become aware of my presence, but they had all been kind and accepting. Like Ms. Bell, they regretted what had become of my birth parents and were more than welcoming. It was nice to feel accepted for being so different, and they all had sworn to secrecy. They didn't want me to endure the same fate as the couple who bore me.

For bed, though, I reverted back to my human form. Switching between my forms everyday helped with the speed in which I could transform, as well as reduce the amount of pain. It still hurt and now only took a couple of minutes to shift, though I had been told I could get it down to mere seconds. I looked forward to having such little pain as well.

About a week before school started, Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore arrived back at my house for one last time to test me. They needed to make sure that I would be able to control my body so that I wouldn't accidentally transform and risk hurting anyone or endangering myself. They also wanted to make sure that I had a good enough grip on my newfound magical strength.

Luckily I was a quick learner and had managed to master the wand as well as perform wandless and wordless magic. The professors reminded me that it would be wise of me to refrain from such advanced and powerful magic, as it might give something away.

Satisfied with my progress, Professor McGonagall happily handed me a crisp white envelope with my school letter and list of supplies.

Saying their goodbyes to all four of my parents, the pair apparated away and returned to the school. I was ecstatic they deemed me well enough to be able to return to school for the year. I hadn't been able to go to the Burrow, which I figured was for the best. I had been told not to reveal my true nature to even Ron or Harry if I could help it for now. The fewer people who knew, the safer I was.

I trusted my friends, but I also wasn't sure how they would accept such a drastic change. "Hey guys, so you know how I was a Mudblood? Well turns out I'm actually a dragon!" Ron's brother, Charlie, would love to talk to me about that.

So for now, I agreed to keep my secret to myself.