Shout out to NutsaboutHarryPotter- I typically try to reply to reviews and she had reviewed the story but I could not reply to her privately so I will do so here. Thank you so much for taking your time to review. It was great to hear that you are enjoying the story and my choice of names for some of my characters! I try to use names that I feel would go well in wizarding culture. I hope you continue to enjoy the story. Also thank you to everyone else who has reviewed. I also want to take a minute to explain a brief history about the Black Family Tapestry. I have had some concerns about Hermione getting caught in a lie because she does not show up. I did a lot of research on the tapestry such as; how it works, who was burnt off of the tapestry, why they were burnt off that tapestry, and when.
Within the time of Hermione needed to find a relative to use 4 members had been disowned that were from the era she could use. 1. Andromeda Tonks- obviously she would not work because she would not be old enough to of had Hermione and she is still alive. 2. Sirius Black III - this one is self explanatory. 3. Alphard Black- He was burnt off after Eloise would have been born therefore she would have shown up on the tapestry, which leaves us with… 4. Marius Black- Dorea's Brother who was disowned for being a squib and left to go to the muggle world, because he was burnt off and disowned as a child he was the perfect candidate. His date of birth and death would not be seen, and any marital changes or children he had would never show up.
For example Nymphadora Tonks is not on the tapestry because her mother was disowned before she was born for marrying Ted Tonks a muggleborn wizard.
I'm very sorry for the long rant but I just wanted you all to understand my choice and know that for all intents and purposes she can get away with this. Now I would have come up with something different if I wanted her to go stay with Walburga because that psycho would have wanted magical proof… let's hope that won't be needed and if so she can find a loophole.
Hermione paced the length of Dumbledore's office trying to figure out how to tell him everything.
"Hermione my dear, do quit pacing and take a seat." He swept his hand out towards the plush chair that sat in front of his desk.
Hermione, looked sharply towards the headmaster's at the use of her first name and sat down in the chair gently. "So you are aware of my situation then." She spoke slowly.
"I am aware of a part of your situation and have been making my own assumptions for the rest. It may be best for the both of us if you just, how do the muggles say it? Come clean my dear."
"Yes, of course. That's actually why I am here but I am not sure where to start."
"From the beginning is usually best."
"Right of course."
Hermione launched into her tale of the second wizard of war she had lived through. From Harry's first year, all the way to the end of the final battle. How they had at last won the war, but that the toll it had taken on everyone was far too much. Harry a shell of the man he should have been, Ron and the rest of the Weasley's no longer a boisterous bunch, to the way that Hogwarts felt. It was all wrong. She told Dumbledore about how she took a position with The Department of Mysteries after she graduated from Hogwarts and how she had been developing and running tests on a new time turner and his she had finally managed to create one that could go back decades. The work had been tedious. Many long and lonely hours had been spent running through time. The head of the department was proud though. He couldn't believe what she had done. Somewhere along the way Hermione had realized the power she had with the device. She could do it. She could go back and make sure that the second war never even needed to happen. She had all the knowledge of the first war, when attacks would happen, who would perish. She could change the course of the war. Harry could have his family. Ron his brother. She, well she would no longer exist to them, but that would be fine. It would be worth it. Hermione told Dumbledore of her research into the Black family, and how she knew she could pass off the relation. She also told him of her de-aging potion. The years she removed from herself in order to be of age to go through the last years of Hogwarts and infiltrate the tight knit group. And he listened. He never interrupted her. Instead his steel eyes began to soften as he listened.
"That is quite the tale Ms. Granger. Now I must ask if you to never repeat it. You are a part of this timeline. You have all the documentation needed. You were thorough. This is of the utmost importance. May I assume that you have put the turner somewhere safe?"
"Yes sir, it is safe." Hermione's shoulders sagged in relief. "Now I have to know, sir. I am not sure as to how I should go about handling Peter. Recently I began to wonder if instead of pushing him out of the group, if I should make sure to solidify him into the group. James is about to get together with Lily and that may be what allowed him to slip away. The time would be right for the assumption. He begins to talk to some unsavory students next year. He gets swayed because he is upset that he is left out and behind while the boy's get distracted by school, love, and life."
"Just how would you solidify him into the group?"
" I would make sure that even when the boy's start to move on from their school age tendencies they include Peter in their plans. That the quiet boy is not left behind to be targeted."
"I do think that would be a good place to start. From what you told me it seems that next year could be the year when resentment settles in. He always was a. Ice boy." The headmaster said while he began to tinker with some devices on his desk. He was turning knobs and writing down tunes.
"I am going to begin some calculations. May I have any research you have brought with you. I am going to see what we can do with what you know and what the risks will be. For now work on Mr. Pettigrew." With that Hermione was dismissed. She fished out the bundle of papers she had with her own calculations and notes and left them on the desk. She took off for the train station in Hogsmeade. She still had some time.
/
Eloise found the boys in a compartment at the back of the train. The four of them were playing a hand of Exploding Snap.
"We can deal you in next round Eloise." James said without even looking up from the pile in the middle. He had an odd glint in his eye as if he knew any moment there would be an explosion.
"Yeah, that would be great." Eloise was trying to decided where to sit as she didn't want to begin to be too friendly towards the boy in which so far she had barely said a word to all year. Instead she nudged Sirius over and sat next to the window. When she looked up Remus was looking at her with his head cocked to the side. "Can I help you Remus?" Eloise questioned with a smug grin on her lips.
"Not at all." Remus said quickly before looking back towards the pil in the middle. Just then there was a huge explosion and Sirius looked up from the deck with his hair going at all angles and a black face from the explosion.
Eloise tried to hide her laughter when Sirius looked towards her. "This is all your fault you know. If you hadn't nudged me over."
"You know perfectly well that is not how the game is played Sirius Black. You were just unlucky. Now deal the cards." Eloise stated, no longer hiding her amusement of his situation.
/
The rest of the train ride had passed much the same way. Yet Hermione began to give smiles to all of the boys and treated everyone fairly. At the end of the trip to London she asked if Remus and Peter would be joining them during the holidays. Upon their confirmation she gave both a kiss on the cheek and went to find Mr. and Mrs. Potter.
When Charlus say Hermione a huge grin spread across his face. "My darling Eloise! You're coming home again at last. The house hasn't been the same without you." He sighed dramatically.
"What are Sirius and I chopped liver?" James questioned with a pout on his face.
"Well…" Charlus began allowing his sentence to trail off with a smile on his face.
"Oh come here my darling boy's." Dorea grabbed both boys and began to smother them in hugs and kisses, quickly the boys were no longer jealous of the greeting Eloise had received and tried to wipe their faces off while also retaining some of their dignity.
"Thanks Mum." both boys said moodily.
"Enough fun now dear let's get the kids home." Charlus took his wife's arm into his and led her towards the apparition point. Sirius followed suit with Eloise while sending her a wink. "Yes come darling, let's get you home." Sirius said towards Eloise who just winked back and allowed him to steer her towards the fireplace.
/
The next couple of days were a blur filled with shopping and last minute plans for the Potter Christmas ball. Eloise had finished her shopping, even including a handsome set of quills for Peter that when lost showed back up in your bag after a day, he was always losing his quills and she was tired of loaning hers out. For Remus she found a wonderful tan traveling coat and gloves that had a cashmere lining on the inside. She knew it would keep him warm and he would appreciate the gift for years to come.
As for the ball Eloise was fitted for a beautiful gown in a metallic gold fabric. The dress was beautiful and she tried to fight Dorea on it yet she had insisted. Her reasoning because this would be Hermione's first debut into society and she had to look her best. The gown had thick straps and cut across her chest in a modest sweet heart cut. At her lower back there was a long train of the fabric this piece could be set up to become a part of her skirt or left flowing behind her. Needless to say she knew that she would look stunning and was a little excited to mingle at the event. She had never gone to any society gatherings before and couldn't wait to go to this one.
Before she knew it Christmas eve was upon them and the manor was buzzing with excitement. Eloise had been locked away for the day being pampered so she would glow just as much as her dress. Dorea wanted her to look her best. Eloise was sure that Dorea had something up her sleeve as she had seen that Sirius's robes seemed to match hers in an odd way. She also caught the elderly woman sending her sly smiles whenever her and Sirius bickered over silly things such as how Sirius over sweetened his tea or how Hermione enjoyed curling up with a good book and would not join the boys while they went flying.
Her bath had begun to cool down and she did not feel like heating up the water once again. With a sigh she hoisted herself up and donned the fluffy robe that was waiting for her. She had an hour before she was expected downstairs and she still had to put on her makeup and do her hair. Luckily she had become friends with some girls this time around and had been taught some charms to apply makeup and to do her hair. Her hair had been tamed before she started Hogwarts but she wanted her curls to look more like waves. She applied the necessary charms to make her hair into a style similar to the waves that women wore in the 20s and then began applying her makeup charms. Soon enough it was time to get into her gown and head downstairs.
/
Hermione was enjoying the ball so far she had danced with James, Charlus and even Peter. Currently she was spinning around the dance floor with Remus, who she was most displeased to say was not a very graceful dancer. Remus had stepped on her toes more than Peter had, yet it was endearing as he kept getting flustered and had finally cast a charm to try and keep her feet from hurting too bad.
"Remus it's okay really." Hermione stated quietly enough that only Remus would be able to hear her.
"I'm usually a little better at this but I don't know what has gotten into me tonight. I just can't seem to get the steps right." Remus muttered looking put out.
"Have you finished your transfiguration essay yet that Professor McGonagall assigned us?" Hermione questioned trying to change the subject. She knew that talking about school would ease his mind.
"Yes, I finished it just the other day. I knew that I wouldn't have much time what with tomorrow and all…" Remus trailed off realizing he had almost said too much. Of course Hermione already knew that tomorrow would be a full moon, she could already see it in Remus' eyes and knew that it probably didn't help his dancing at all. Hermione let the subject drop as the song ended. She stepped away awkwardly not knowing what else to say. She knew that in all reality the little flutters she had when she looked at Remus would go away. He wasn't meant for her. Tonk's would eventually be introduced to him and he would find his mate. She didn't want to mess that up. As sweet and caring as Remus was it just wouldn't work. As she looked around she saw Sirius sauntering towards her.
"My lovely queen, how you enchant me so." Sirius dipped into a low bow with a smile on his face "May I have this dance? If you say no I just may die inside." He winked as he looked up at Hermione who was now laughing.
"Yes, of course." He swept her away into the crowd her laughter could be heard as he twirled her around. Remus looked on and walked back towards the edge of the ballroom. He knew that Eloise wasn't his mate but he wasn't sure he would ever find a mate and had been happy to think that maybe just maybe he could be happy without one. Although he also knew it wouldn't be fair to Eloise for him to drop her if he suddenly encountered his mate and left her in the dust. It would be for the best if Eloise and Sirius did become an item they would be good for one another.
Hermione meanwhile was beginning to tire out due to Sirius' outlandish dancing that reminded her so much of how Fred and George had danced at the Yule Ball so long ago. She hadn't laughed this much in so long though that she didn't really mind.
"What are you thinking about Eloise?" His hot breath tingled her neck and caused small goosebumps to break out on her arms. Shivering slightly Hermione looked up into his grey eyes and gasped at the heat.
"Nothing I'm just enjoying your company is all." She replied trying not to think about how much she wished for him to lean in and kiss her. She was not here for this, although nothing would really stop her. She would give him something to live for, something more to think about in a few years. Her thoughts were going a mile a minute now. Hermione was getting ahead of herself.
"Ah, you had me concerned for a moment you were looking at me so strangely. I thought for sure I must be doing something wrong." He grinned as he noticed her blush at being caught.
"No, nothing is wrong. I'm enjoying myself quite a bit actually. Although I am getting quite warm. I may need to go for a walk and get some fresh air."
"I know quite the place Eloise, follow me." Sirius grabbed her hand and lead her towards the back gardens where she knew there was a small rose garden lit up with fairly lights.
They passed many giggling couples and several groups of men smoking cigars and drinking firewhiskey. Probably talking business away from the bustle of the ball.
"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" Sirius asked Hermione.
"I don't believe you did." Hermione replied coyly.
"Well you look breath taking love." Sirius had his hands on Hermione's shoulders and began to run them down the length of her arms to her hands. They simultaneously stepped closer to one another and both leaned in for a kiss. Hermione's breath quickened and her eye's closed.
"SIRIUS! HERMIONE! There you are!" James exclaimed we were looking for you. Disappointment could be seen in both of their eyes as they jumped away from one another. "Why are you all out here?" James questioned.
"The poor bird couldn't keep up with my dancing style, she needed some fresh air." Sirius replied quickly. All four boys began to laugh and Hermione had had enough.
"You try dancing with the sod you wouldn't be able to keep up either. I'm going to go back inside. Have a good night. Merry Christmas Remus, Peter." With a huff she turned and walked away grumbling about Sirius Black and never changing. The boys all looked at each other and shrugged before heading off to create mischief with the hopes of not getting caught by Dorea.
