Disclaimer: I do not own anything other than the story line . All rights belong to J.K. Rowling
Chapter Twelve: Big Changes
Sirius Black turned from the doorway, wondering once again just what he could do to help. He had been watching his Godson and the young boy's friends lying on Harry's bed. He hated the blank stares that each of them had on their faces. It broke his heart each time he checked on them. Admittedly, it had only been four days since the attack in the restaurant that had claimed the lives of the Patil parents, but it was like the kids were numb.
He lightly padded his way downstairs to find the rest of the adults in the living room. He joined Hestia on one of the couches and let out a frustrated sigh. Hestia gave him a half-hearted hug and then snuggled up into his arms. He looked over at Robert and Jean and shrugged. "They're still just lying there, doing nothing. I don't really know what to do…"
"They're hurting, Sirius," Robert said softly. "The twins have lost their parents, and while you and Hestia are providing them with guardianship, it isn't the same. Hermione and Harry, well, they each took a life that day, and they don't have the experiences necessary to cope with it. What they're going through is normal enough. Right now, they probably are all feeling shock and disbelief at what happened. Give them a while to work through it. They'll grieve in their own ways, and then it will start to get better."
Sirius nodded at the man who had quickly become a friend and surrogate family member. The Grangers had a quiet strength that seemed to radiate from them. The two of them were a joy to be around, and they had helped Sirius to recover quickly from the ten year ordeal that he had been forced to live through. He owed these two much, perhaps even a life debt.
"I just feel so… impotent…" Sirius whined. "I don't like that feeling. I prefer to be in control of things."
"I understand," Robert replied. "So how are things going on the adoption front?" he asked, changing the subject.
Sirius snorted. "Well, we have obtained temporary guardianship of Parvati and Padma, contingent upon how things proceed between us, the girls' relatives, and the two respective governments. Provided that all parties agree, once we get married we can apply for foster parenthood of the two. That has to continue for six months to a year, and then there will be a formal review that shall determine if we are considered worthy of being adoptive parents." He waved his hands in frustration.
"All things considered, it could have been worse. At least we have them for the time being. The fact that you have provided a home for us until we can get our own place established has helped immensely. Thank you again."
Jean stood up and crossed over to Sirius, giving him a huge hug. "We were glad to, Sirius. We've never had a lot of family, and this is our chance to have that. Harry has become a fixture here, and so have you two. What's two more? The girls are lovely, and such sweet young things. They are so well mannered and cultured. Robert and I are honored to have them here."
"The paperwork is almost complete for us to get married," Hestia said. "I know it was somewhat rushed, but those two girls need us, and I want this. I've wanted it for at least the last month. I love Sirius, and that isn't going to change. I think we're good for each other." She smiled at her fiancé. "I love you, Mutt," she murmured into his ear.
"Love you too, 'Tia," he replied softly. His grin was genuine and loving.
The ringing of the doorbell broke up the look that passed between them. Robert went and got the door. From the sounds of it, he knew whoever it was. It was only a moment later that he led in Remus and Tonks. There were two other people with them, a man and a woman. The woman was about five feet, three inches tall with long curly dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. She had prominent cheek bones and angled, elfin features. A broad grin spread across her face as she entered the room.
The man was almost six feet tall, fair haired and big bellied. He saw Sirius and laughed. His voice was mellow and melodious. "Sirius Black, a pleasure to see you again, my good man," he said jovially as he strode over to shake Sirius' hand.
"And you as well, Ted," Sirius barked his reply. He returned the hand shake whole heartedly, and then scooped the woman up in a bearhug. "Andi," he said quietly. "It's so good to see you again."
He set her down and made introductions all around. The older couple was Tonks' parents: Ted and Andromeda Tonks. They were warmly greeted and then all of them took their seats.
"I suppose you're wondering why I invited you here," Sirius started.
Receiving the nods he expected he continued. "I'll let you in on my little secret in a moment. I have to bring down some people who really should be here to witness this." He got up and took the stairs three at a time. A few minutes later he led down Harry, Hermione, Parvati and Padma.
"Andi, Ted, this is Harry Potter, my Godson, and Hermione Granger…" he stopped as Hermione glared at him. "Erm… Hermione Potter, his bond mate," he continued. "And these two young ladies," he indicated the twins with a sweep of his hand, "are Padma and Parvati Patil. They have just suffered a family loss and are currently under our guardianship," he explained.
The two Tonks greeted the youngsters warmly. The greetings were returned politely if not as warmly. The twins went to the couch and snuggled up on either side of Hestia. Harry and Hermione joined her parents on another couch.
"Now that everyone's here," Sirius began, "we can get on with things. The reason that I asked you lot to be here is that I want to correct a wrong that can only be corrected by me, as Lord Black." He looked pointedly at Andi. "Years ago, my bitch of a mother cast you out of the family, Andi, and I've always hated that she could do that to you. I would like you, if you, Ted and Dora are willing, to accept being drawn back into the Black family. I don't put up with any of that pureblood supremacist crap that the family expounded on so much when we were younger. The only thing that blood is good for is to keep you alive. I want you back in the family. Please say you'll come back. Please?"
*0*0*
Harry sighed as the compartment door slid shut behind him. It had been four days since Sirius had convinced the Tonks family to come back into the fold, and eight days since the attack. He and Hermione had spent the last three days alternating between sudden bouts of anger and spontaneously bursting into tears. They would both be happy to return to the relative normality of life at Hogwarts. He quickly crossed the short space to the bench seat and squeezed in next to Padma. The four of them sat huddled together, four against the world; each drawing whatever comfort they could from the others in the group. Harry felt a twinge of guilt over leaving Neville on the fringes, but he was still trying to cope with the events of the holidays. Besides, Neville was once again proving himself a true and understanding friend. He was seated across from the foursome, his head buried in his Herbology book.
There was a soft knock on the compartment door and a slightly scared looking Ron Weasley poked his head in. "Do you mind if I sit with you lot?" he asked softly. Harry looked at the girls and Neville, and finding no dissent he nodded to the young redhead. Ron walked in while giving a relieved sigh and sat next to Neville. He looked at the pudgy youngster and raised an eyebrow while cocking his head slightly in the direction of the others. A quick shake of Neville's head was surprisingly enough to warn Ron that this was one question that would be answered at a later time.
Harry let out the breath that he didn't realize he had been holding. He snuggled closer to the slender Sinhalese girl and reached across to the twins' shoulders to grasp Hermione's hand. It was going to be a long train ride.
A couple of hours later there came the disturbance that Harry was secretly dreading. He knew that it would be too much to ask that they would be able to have a complete ride to Hogwarts without having to endure at least one visit from the blonde-headed terror that was Draco Malfoy. Sure enough, the door to the compartment slid open and Malfoy sidled in with his two hulking flunkies in tow.
"So it's not bad enough that the Potters corrupt in blood traitors like Weasley and Longbottom? You had to involve the Patil twins? How much did you have to pay their parents to let the be your little concubi… urk!!!" Malfoy's voice cut off in a little gurgle as his eyes bulged out and tears leaked down his cheeks. He collapsed to his knees as a shrill shriek forced itself from his lips. A sharp ripping sound could then be heard and his hips gave a harsh jerk. One hand reached down to the front of his groin while the other tried to snake around to his backside. He choked out a sob and scrambled awkwardly for the door, followed by both Crabbe and Goyle. With a slam they were gone.
Harry turned to Hermione, concern etched across his face as he quickly moved to her side. She was shaking with rage, and her hair had started once more flowing in an eldritch wind. Harry gently cupped her face in his hands and whispered softly in her ear. Slowly her features softened and tears welled in her eyes. In a blink the twins were there and hugging her from either side.
"Thank you for protecting our honour," Parvati sobbed into her side as she squeezed the young brunette for all she was worth.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Hermione whispered. "He just made me so mad."
"It's alright, my Princess," Harry returned. "What did you do to him? It looked really painful."
"That little poop was talking out of his butt, so I gagged him…" she said softly; "with his own pants," she completed. Neville made a soft gagging noise and Ron started to giggle.
"Let me get this straight," Harry said. "You ripped his underwear off of him and stuffed them up his...?" Hermione nodded. "Remind me never to make you mad at me," he whispered reverently. "You're scary when you're like that…" The twins just hugged her that much harder.
*0*0*
The welcoming feast was very hard on Harry and the girls. When they walked into the Great Hall they could feel everyone's eyes on them. They slowly made their way towards the Gryffindor table. Padma didn't wish to be separated from either her sister or the others. The four took seats on one end of the long table, while Neville and Ron sat down across from them.
As the students waited impatiently for the meal to begin, the headmaster stood to address them. "Welcome back to Hogwarts," he began. "As you undoubtedly already know, there was a tragic attack on four of our students and their families over the holidays. While the four students thankfully were unhurt, family members were lost to this heinous crime. As the head of the Wizengamot, I have ordered a full investigation into this matter. Rest assured, if there were others involved in this attack, they shall be brought to justice. I would ask that out of respect for the students involved, you refrain from asking them the questions that are surely burning within you. This ordeal has been very trying on them, and as such, the staff and I shall be doing all in out power to help them cope with this tragedy. Thank you." He sat down and the tables filled with foods of all sort.
When the feast ended, Harry was not surprised to see his head of house walking towards them.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Potter, Miss Patil and Miss Patil, if you would please follow me?" she asked softly. With a resigned shrug Harry motioned for the three girls to precede them. He looked to Neville and Ron.
"I'll see you guys later, alright?" he asked.
"Sure Harry," Neville replied as Ron nodded. Harry hurried to catch up with everyone.
Professor McGonagall led them along a corridor that none of them had ever used before. As they followed her Harry raised an eyebrow at Hermione. She leaned in and whispered to him, "I think this is the staff section." Harry nodded to show that he understood. He noticed that the twins were holding hands and he reached out to take Hermione's hand. As she felt his hand slip into hers she gave him a soft smile. No matter what might come, her knight would be there by her side.
Eventually they seemed to reach their destination. They stopped at a portrait that had young witch with light purple and yellow robes, and a golden circlet on her head. She had shoulder length red hair and a bemused expression on her face.
"Hello, Minerva," the woman said in a melodic soprano voice. "Who have you brought before me today?" She regarded the youngsters regally.
"Hello, Your Majesty," the professor replied. "I have with me young Harry and Hermione Potter, and Parvati and Padma Patil. They are the ones that the Headmaster spoke with you about." She indicated each as she stated their names.
"Thank you, Minerva," the Queen replied. "We are Queen Mauve," she said to the children. "We are pleased to make your acquaintance."
Harry bowed low while the girls each curtseyed. "It is our pleasure, Your Majesty," they chorused. Harry could almost see the wheels turning in Hermione's head as she realized who the portrait was.
The Queen nodded her head imperiously and gazed at Professor McGonagall. "Password?"
"Education," the professor replied. The portrait swung open and McGonagall shepherded her charges inside. They entered into a small common room. Including the door they had just entered, there were ten doors, with two each on the two walls adjoining the wall they had just entered from, and three on both the one with the main entrance and the one opposite it. A small fire crackled in the fireplace, but two features caught their eyes. The first was a grand portrait showing the four founders gazing back down at them, and the second was that each of the other head of houses were waiting for them along with the headmaster.
Professor Dumbledore motioned for them to sit, so the four took the largest of the couches, though with not a small amount of trepidation. There was a twinkle in the old man's eyes as he chuckled at their readily apparent concern.
"While this marvelous place shall be explained in just a moment," he began, "there is something that we need to discuss first." He looked at the four of them, and his eyes turned steely. "Young Mr. Malfoy is currently in the infirmary with a most peculiar injury. He claims that you four are responsible for what happened to him. I would very much like to hear your side of this."
Hermione looked as if she might break down in tears, while the twins glared at him. Harry sighed and began to tell the tale. He left nothing out, including the way Malfoy had begun to taunt the twins and how Hermione had released a burst of accidental magic. As he did so, he moved to position himself in front of her. This did not go unnoticed by the staff.
"I see," Dumbledore said softly as Harry finished his story. "Do not be concerned Miss Potter," he said to Hermione. "You shall not be punished for this. Most anyone who has had to live with what you four have been through these past few days would be upset with what was said; and a witch as young as you are who is also trying to stabilize her magical bond with her bond-mate is going to have these things happen from time to time." He turned to Professor Snape. "I trust you have your answer, Severus?"
The professor nodded to the headmaster. "It shall be dealt with, Headmaster," he said in his soft baritone. "By your leave." With a swish of his robes he was out the door.
"Now," Dumbledore continued. "As to this place. We felt that it would be rather difficult for the four of you if you had to be separated in your houses and have to deal with your classmates pestering you for details that you didn't wish to provide. Therefore, for the rest of the term you shall have these quarters. There is a room for each of you, as well as a passage to each of the common rooms. This used to be dignitaries quarters, and thus provided for easy travel between common rooms. Each common room door is marked with the house colours."
He pointed to the door opposite from the main entrance. "This door leads to the infirmary. Should you need her services, Madame Pomfrey is available to you for counseling. She is skilled in these matters. I have instructed her to begin sessions with each of you individually and all of you collectively each week to help you come to terms with what happened."
He looked to the remaining heads. "Each of the heads shall rotate to check on you periodically. A great deal of trust is being placed upon you, do not make us regret our decision."
"We shan't let you down, Professor," Hermione said resolutely. The others nodded their agreement.
Dumbledore smiled at them warmly. "I believe that there are at least a couple of young people that wish very much to see a couple of you. Would you mind if I had Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick escort them in?" Receiving an affirmative the two heads exited to their respective common rooms and returned shortly. Professor McGonagall had Neville and Lavender Brown with her, while Professor Flitwick had a young Asian girl with him.
"Su!" Padma exclaimed. She hurried into the young girl's embrace as Lavender rushed to hug Parvati. Neville cautiously approached Harry and Hermione only to be embraced warmly by the pair.
"Please do not be out after curfew," Professor Dumbledore admonished the group as he lead the heads out of the room so that the foursome could be reunited with their best friends.
Author's Note: I have been busy with a lot of projects of my own, along with a huge lump of stress from work, so I haven't been able to update this fic like I would have liked. I thank all of you who have been bearing with me, and thanks to Evilman 1983 for reminding me that it has been too long between updates. I shall endeavor to be more active in the near future.
