CHAPTER 14
Lovegoods and Revelations
"He's a strong one, dear Aunt," Bellatrix said softly, a long fingernail running idly down his arm. "You did well today. Kept your family's honor alive."
Regulus stared at his mother across the room, who held his gaze steadily. The pride in her eyes tantamount to satisfaction sickened him. Here, finally, he felt the unadulterated hatred that his cousin was trying to pry out of him, but not in the form she wanted.
Icy fingers gripped him suddenly by the cheeks, puckering his lips as he was forced to look into hard, black eyes. "Are you ready to prove your worth to the Dark Lord?"
His eyes flitted to his mother one last time. A flash of annoyance crossed her face at Bellatrix's grip on Regulus, but other than a deep frown, she made no move to stop her. Sirius's irritating face popped up in his mind then. For so long he thought Sirius to be the idiot of the family, the one who broke his mother's heart when he left Grimmauld Place. Sirius, who had escaped.
His throat was too dry, and he knew that any word he'd utter at that moment would be nothing but a hoarse whisper. So instead, he gave a curt nod. Bellatrix's unchecked fingernails dug even deeper into his skin.
A pleased grin spread on her lips, and she bounced backward in her approval. "I knew I could trust you, baby cousin. Gather your things," she made a careless gesture for him to move to the staircase, "your initiation awaits."
Cold dread filled his stomach. Regulus's eyes flitted to his mother.
"Upstairs, Regulus. Mummy has to talk to your cousin for a bit." Regulus nodded and turned around wordlessly, marching up the stairs. Faintly in the background he could hear her exchanging sharp words with Bellatrix. Mind racing, muscles tensed, Regulus strode to his room and quietly closed the door. He made for Celsus, opening his cage with trembling fingers and hastily scribbling a note on a scrap of parchment. The elegant owl ruffled his feathers with a worried hoot, unaccustomed to Regulus acting so strangely.
"Shush, shush," he whispered, tying the note with fumbling fingers. Celsus fluttered his wings again, and Regulus stroked his feathers soothingly. "Quick and quiet," Regulus murmured, looking into Celsus's sharp red eyes imploringly. "Make sure you are not seen, and return immediately. Don't wait for a reply. Okay?"
Celsus hooted affirmatively and took off without a sound.
Regulus sagged against the window. It was a stupid thing to do. He should not have written to them—no, he truly should not have. He'd put them all in danger. How would Sirius and Hermione help him? Sirius would not…he could hear the long-suffering words already… 'I told you, Reggie, now look what you've done…made Mother proud, haven't you?'
The door to his room flew open, and Regulus straightened. "Mother?" he said in confusion.
"No need to get ready so soon," she said crisply, appearing very pink in the face. The argument with Bellatrix must have been more taxing than he thought. "I've spoken with your cousin. You will begin your—services—at the proper date and time."
"And when is that?" he asked quietly.
"You'll know when." The stern look faded and she walked up to him, pressing her palm lovingly to his cheek. "You did the right thing, darling," she said, smiling proudly. "You've brought honor to our family again. You have no idea what this will mean, what future will await us…without this, without you…." She looked troubled for the briefest moment, as if tempted to say more. But she did not; Walburga Black pressed her lips into a thin smile and brushed them lightly against his cheek, and left the room.
When he was younger, much younger than now, he might have agreed. The details were always obscured, because back then his mother would gently explain these sentiments to him and he would listen with wide-eyed wonder, but never a minute later Sirius would pull him to the side and tell him that mother was wrong. He was tugged on both sides since birth, Sirius wishing him to ignore the family motto and his parents wanting Regulus to uphold it. It wasn't until he learned the absolute power of forbidden magic that he began to sway the other way. Who wouldn't be interested in that kind of magic, with power and possibilities beyond his wildest imagination?
But this—this is not what he wanted. Not after Bellatrix…not after what he had seen, and what he had done. Not when the Dark Lord personally asked for him; when his mother relied upon him so heavily in the name of family honor; when Sirius found an escape from this house and showed him there was an alternative; when Hermione Granger was able to wield dark magic but did not taint her hands with the malice behind it.
Regulus blinked at the realization. Hermione Granger was actively curious about dark magic—she used dark magic—and yet she could not be more different than Regulus. They were one of the same, and yet their fates could not be more different.
Regulus walked slowly to his bed and sat down. His back was straight and his countenance calm. Celsus reappeared at the window, letting herself in and looking hopefully at Regulus. He reached over and fed Celsus a treat, earning him an appreciative nip on the finger.
Abruptly, Regulus walked to his desk once more and picked up his quill.
xxx
"Sirius, slow down—" Hermione stumbled on the stairs as she tried to match Sirius's long strides, "—will you wait! You can't just rush into this—"
They reached the top of the stairs and Sirius threw open his bedroom door. Hermione hesitated for a fraction of a second before following him inside. Sirius was moving things around haphazardly, as if looking for something, and made a noise of triumph when he found a piece of parchment.
Hermione's eyes widened and her hand shot to his wrist to stop him. "No," she said fiercely. "It's not safe. You cannot owl him."
"Let go, Hermione."
"Listen to me. Think about what Mrs. Potter just told us. The Dark Mark was sighted here and we saw a store get blasted into pieces, and now Regulus sends for help? We both know what's really going on here, and I'm telling you we have to think this through."
"He's my brother," said Sirius angrily.
"The letter has my name on it too," said Hermione sharply. "And we have to think carefully about what we do next." Hermione slid her hand from his wrist to grasp him firmly by his hand. "Please, just think for a moment what will happen if your owl is intercepted. If someone other than Regulus reads your reply and gets wind that he asked for your help, they will hurt him as well as us."
Sirius's body tensed briefly. He returned her grip on his hand, looking angrily at the ground. The muscle jumping in his jaw slowly ceased. Finally, he met her eyes again, cold grey irises filled with trepidation.
"What, then?"
"Well," she started, but did not know what to say. Her eyes darted around the room unsurely before landing on the window. She pointed at it. "We could start by letting that owl in."
A large black owl had just swooped down at Sirius's window and began tapping the glass impatiently. Sirius unlatched the window and untied the note, jumping slightly when the owl launched into flight without further preamble. Closing the window tightly, Sirius sat next to Hermione and ripped open the note.
All is well. Don't send a reply owl.
"That's it?" Sirius said incredulously, turning over the letter to check the back. Hermione let out a sigh.
"I told you," Hermione said shakily, reading the note herself. "Sending an owl would've been disastrous."
"This doesn't explain anything. What happened? How do I get in contact with him?" Sirius kicked a box by his bed angrily. "Bloody git! This is just like him! Riling us up, then lying through his teeth! I bloody hate him!"
Hermione said nothing. She was worried at what could be happening right now at Grimmauld Place, wondering what could have compelled Regulus, who wasted no time declaring his absolute hatred for Sirius, to ask him for help. And why did he address Hermione as well? Their last exchange was far from friendly.
"One thing is for certain," Hermione said quietly. She looked at Sirius gravely. "He's being initiated to the Death Eaters. There's no other explanation why he would owl us these messages on the day all these attacks happened."
Sirius gazed back at her intently, as if trying to solve a riddle in her eyes. "I agree," he said finally. "There's no doubt about it. My idiot little brother is going to be one of them. But he doesn't want it anymore. I'm not sure if he wanted it at all. He was always fond of the dark arts—no, he bloody loved it. He just didn't realize there was a difference between fascination and practice."
"So what do we do?"
Sirius shrugged with a deeply frustrated scowl. "Hell if I know. Can't bloody owl him, can we? And I'm not about to knock on the door to my house and ask to see him. We'll just have to wait and see if he contacts us again."
"I don't think he can, or will. We have to get him out of that house," Hermione frowned deeply, chewing her lower lip in thought. An idea sparked in her head. "Snape!" she exclaimed.
Sirius gave her an ugly look.
"Regulus is friends with Snape," Hermione said emphatically. "I could, I don't know, owl Snape and ask him to owl Regulus saying he wants to see him. And we'll be there when they meet up. Nobody would suspect Snape to be working with us."
"Yeah, with good reason," said Sirius bluntly. "He won't help us, Hermione, or have you forgotten that Snape marches with the Slytherin Death-Eaters-To-Be day and night at Hogwarts?"
"I know him better than you think, Sirius," said Hermione firmly. "He hates you, yes, but I will be the one to ask him. He'll listen, I'm sure of it."
"You have an awful lot of faith in him, you know," said Sirius. "I know judging you in the past hasn't gotten me very far, but there's a reason why Snape doesn't get on with anyone. He knows more dark magic than anyone in the school. He's just no good, Hermione."
"I know," said Hermione quietly. "You're not wrong in thinking this. You've known him for five years so you know what he's been like." Hermione shook her head. "But I know him too, and you have to understand that there's more to people than black and white. He's grown up, Sirius, and so have you. This time last September, you would've considered hexing me just for the thought that I'd ask help from Snape. People change. Trust me on this."
Sirius looked unconvinced. Hermione sighed loudly. "Do you have any other brilliant idea of how to help Regulus? No?" Sirius scowled at her, but said nothing. "Well, there we have it."
"Not today then," Sirius deflated. "We'll wait a few days before doing anything. It would be…safer…for him, I think."
Hermione nodded, inspecting him warily. For the time being, he seemed ready to let it go. "Where's James run off to?" Hermione suddenly remembered, realizing she last saw him run up the staircase frantically several minutes ago.
Sirius shrugged.
"Let's go then," Hermione stood up and strode out of the room. Reaching the door, Hermione knocked twice. "James?"
"Don't bother," Sirius rolled his eyes and opened the door.
James was sitting on his bed, glasses drooping to the point of his nose and holding a newspaper. "What you got there, mate?"
James looked up in surprise and sighed, tossing the paper towards Sirius. "Nothing. I thought maybe there'd be something in here, but there wasn't anything. When you mentioned Xenophilius Lovegood, I couldn't help but be a little…worried."
Hermione sat down next to him. "Have you still been documenting the mysterious muggle deaths?"
James nodded. "I have, but there wasn't anything in the last issue. I dunno, mysterious deaths, the Dark Mark suddenly appearing, and that paper shop blowing up…this isn't a coincidence."
"I wish we had a television or something, just to see what's happening in the muggle world," Hermione said wistfully. "I suppose we could start a subscription to one of their newspapers…"
"A tele-what?" James asked with a puzzled expression.
"It's like a box with moving pictures and colors where people tell the news, or have movies and shows airing." Hermione explained. At Sirius and James's blank faces, she sighed. "I'll show you next time we're in the city."
"Regardless, we need to get to the bottom of this," Sirius continued firmly. "I can't just sit here waiting for something to happen. We need answers."
"Dorea would never allow us to leave the house any time soon, not after the Mark showed up," Hermione frowned.
"Not forever. And the first chance we get, we have to get to the bottom of this."
"We should see Xenophilius Lovegood," James said suddenly. "Anything could happen to him now, and despite the utter nonsense that's filled in the Quibbler, he was the only one to catch the strange deaths. I'm betting he got wind of the Death Eater's movements and he's been sent a warning."
"Death Eaters don't send warnings, with itching powder in an envelope," said Sirius mildly. "They set examples. If they wanted to hurt Xenophilius specifically, he would've been dead long ago."
"So you're saying that shop blowing up was coincidence?" asked Hermione skeptically.
"I'm saying we don't know anything for certain," said Sirius. "And James might be right here. We should go see him. There's nothing else we can do right now."
Hermione nodded. They had a point. Visiting Xenophilius could potentially answer several questions that had been eating at her mind for months.
"I just hope he's okay," Hermione said worriedly. "If he was a target, he must be in danger. The Ministry is probably seeing him now already."
The three paused their conversation when they heard the door slam loudly downstairs. Exchanging looks, they instantly flew out the door and to the living room, finding a very tired Charlus Potter settling down into an armchair.
Dorea stepped in urgently. "Well?" Her voice was wavering and afraid, as if terrified to know whose name he would say.
"There was nobody inside that house," Charlus said tiredly. "Very odd business. Ministry officials got rid of the Dark Mark, and when they went inside, it was empty. It's like they all vanished."
"What family lived there?" Hermione asked. Charlus exchanged looks with Dorea and shook his head.
"That's not for me to tell," said Charlus. "And it's best for your three not to meddle in this. These are dangerous times, not for three teenagers to try to solve."
"But Dad—" James protested.
"No," he said firmly. "Be grateful nobody has been seriously hurt. It's late now; you should be off to bed anyway."
James, Sirius, and Hermione stared mutinously. Dorea moved to them impatiently and started to shoo them away. "Up you go then, you heard him! In your beds!" Grudgingly they went up the staircase but stopped once they reached the hallway, leaning down the railing to hear if Charlus was telling Dorea any more, but it was not so.
"Probably cast a Silencing charm," James muttered.
Hermione sighed and headed to her room, wondering who lived in the house where the Dark Mark was cast.
xxx
"I don't feel right doing this," Hermione whispered harshly as they stealthily headed out of the Potter house. A full two weeks had gone by since the explosion at the muggle shop, and the Potters had kept Sirius, James, and Hermione on a strict rule that kept them from leaving the house without supervision.
The beginning was the worst. Sirius out of all of them was like a coiled spring, gaining energy each passing second and waiting to be released. The confines of James's house had never bothered him before, but the absolute restriction upon him and the rest of the family was one he had no real right to contest (at least, that was what he presumed), and to some vague degree understood. It did not mean, however, that he was quiet about it.
"I asked mum if we could have muggle food today," said James reassuringly. "And we're going out to get it."
"I don't think she had this in mind when she gave you permission," Hermione said breathlessly as they walked speedily down the block.
"We'll climb that hippogriff when we get there," said Sirius. "Do you have the address, James?"
"'Course," James assured. "It'll be a bit of a walk though. Damn, I wish Apparation was taught in fifth year instead of sixth. We could've done this much more quickly."
"We could always call the Knight Bus," Hermione suggested.
Sirius shook his head. "Too risky. Anyone could be on it who'll recognize us. I'd prefer a quiet affair, thanks."
They walked in silence for a length of time, the summer sun beating down particularly bright that day, causing a red flush on all of their cheeks. Hermione wished she had brought something to tie her mess of hair up.
James suddenly stopped.
"His house is just along this path," James pointed ahead. Hermione squinted.
"This is it?" asked Hermione, puzzled.
James nodded. "This is his address. He lives in a flat here." At Hermione's skeptical expression, he frowned, "What?"
Hermione shook her head quickly. "Nothing. I just expected something different, I guess. Something more in the country."
Hermione was referring to her knowledge of where Luna lived. She knew the Weasleys and the Lovegoods were distant neighbors, but clearly she did not know for how long.
James shrugged, and together the three approached the front door. Standing nervously, no one moved to knock for a few moments. Sighing, Hermione leaned forward and knocked three times.
A shout came from within, and Hermione flinched. Sirius tensed to her right, and James watched curiously.
The door flew open, and the first thing they saw was electric blue eyes. Hermione faltered at the familiarity of them, and Sirius said, "Xenophilius Lovegood?"
"Are you here for the Thestral Convention?" asked Xenophilius excitedly. He appeared to be very young, perhaps two or three years older than them, his pale blond hair brushing his shoulders in tangled wisps. He was dressed in an extremely odd fashion, wearing multicolored robes with orange feathers poking out from the sleeves.
"The what?" asked Sirius, looking at him oddly.
"Clearly not then, what a shame indeed. Better to start off young, that's how it all begins anyway! Would you like to attend? Unless," a shrewd look suddenly overcame him, and Xenophilius looked at the trio suspiciously. "Are you solicitors? Consorts of the Ministry? Or of the Prophet? Don't tell me they're starting young as well."
"Have they been here, then?" asked James curiously.
Xenophilius sniffed. "They certainly have. Nearly couldn't finish my latest article on Scandinavian Bluff Imps, they stayed so long. I don't have time for that kind of interruption today, apologies! It's best you go," his voice turned business-like as he began to close the door, but Hermione stopped the door before it could.
"We're not from the Prophet or the Ministry!" Hermione interjected. "Please, sir, we just wanted to ask about your newspaper."
Xenophilius paused. "The Quibbler?" Sirius, James, and Hermione nodded vigorously. A brilliant smile broke out on his face, and Xenophilius pushed the door open wide. "Well why didn't you tell me from the beginning? Come in, come in! Lyanna, is there a pot of tea made? We have guests!"
No response came from within, but Xenophilius did not seem surprised. They entered what appeared like a grossly overpopulated antique shop; the furniture was misshapen and lumpy, and the walls were covered with bright green wallpaper that seemed almost luminescent. Dozens of bits and bobs were littered on every surface, with drawers and tables overflowing with strange objects, and the room lined with bookcases filled with potions supplies. It was an interesting duo of chaos and intellect, and if everything was not so horrifically much, Hermione would have appreciated it greatly.
She did not have time to dwell on the thought, however. Instantly they were seated at a wooden table in the shape of a pentagon, and five saucers were thrown haphazardly down by Xenophilius. Hermione realized belatedly that he was still talking, rapidly and excitedly. She slid her gaze to James, who was listening attentively. Sirius looked like he was just trying to keep up.
"Earl Grey?" Xenophilius asked, producing a pot in his hands.
"Yes, thank you," Hermione smiled politely. Xenophilius took a seat as well and folded his hands.
"So. So. Fans? Struggling with inspiration suddenly bursting forth?"
"Intrigued readers, sir," replied James.
Xenophilius gave a wounded look. "That again? Merlin, do I look like a 'sir'? When did that happen? Lyanna! Do you think I'm a 'sir' now?" No response came again. Xenophilius beamed. "I do think she's mocking me."
"Is Lyanna…?"
"My partner in crime," Xenophilius straightened in his seat proudly, fiddling with the golden band around his finger. "It's been about two years now, last I checked! Not the easiest, but certainly the most fun. She's a potions master, Lyanna. Graduated Hogwarts with distinction. Me though, I'm dead awful at potions. Never got the hang of precision and ingredients and simmering—but she does!" He grinned again. "So, what really brings you to my doorstep?"
Hermione exchanged glances with Sirius and James, before taking a breath. "Well, actually, you see—well, James here, he's been reading the Quibbler for a very long time—"
"Almost religiously," Sirius informed.
"—and he noticed that in a particular section of your paper, you listed some important, ah…deaths, so to speak—"
"Patterns," James added, fussing with his hair in a way that almost seemed bashful.
"And it interested all of us, really," Hermione finished.
Xenophilius blinked. "Well, what? What was it that interested you?"
"It was the pattern of deaths in your obituaries, si—Xenophilius," James corrected quickly. "I've been reading both the Prophet and the Quibbler closely for a very long time, and I've noticed that the Daily Prophet…well, it tends to glance over the more menial, 'less important' cases. Most muggleborns and squibs aren't covered at all, but yours do—and you also document muggle deaths. And—and there's a pattern. It's what lead us here to speak to you in person."
"A pattern of deaths?" said Xenophilius, intrigued. "I—I suppose some of them could be considered, well, odd, but I never really thought more of it—"
"It's been very important that you documented them," Hermione said seriously. "With Death Eaters on the rise, and the political propaganda that's spreading amongst the pureblooded societies, this is exactly the kind of thing they wouldn't want the common witch or wizard to know. It's all being hidden and hushed, and maybe the Prophet doesn't realize it either, or the Ministry hasn't been giving it a top priority, but you have been writing about them."
For the first time since their meeting, Xenophilius was struck silent. He looked at the trio carefully, appearing much younger than Hermione thought he would be.
"Why are you here?" he asked quietly.
"You know about the shop that blew up two weeks ago?" Sirius inquired.
Xenophilius nodded slowly. "Ministry officials came by to ask me several questions, wondering if I was still alive. 'Course I knew it was all rubbish, I hardly think a Death Eater would target me; I'm just a silly writer. Just a silly writer…"
"The shop that was targeted was the one that supplied parchment for you newspaper," said James, leaning forward in his seat. "I'm sorry, but I can't help but think this wasn't a coincidence."
"I'm afraid it was," said Xenophilius firmly. "What mad men do in their spare time is their own affair, and it was unfortunate that their muggle target was the supply shop I did business with. Now, I don't know what answers you were looking for when stopping by, but I fear that this is all the help I can give you. I know nothing else, nor did I suspect of a—a pattern of deaths, as you say—"
"But sir, please, we're just—"
"I'm sorry," Xenophilius shook his head furiously. "No, I really am. I'm afraid I'm just of no use to you right now. I genuinely do not know any more than I've told you already. I didn't suspect anything strange these past few months. There is nothing more I can do for you."
Hermione scowled and turned to Sirius impatiently. His eyes flickered to hers and she saw him nod mutely, his expression understanding. There was nothing else to be done today.
"We'll be off, then," said Sirius courteously. They stood up, and Xenophilius walked them to the door. "Just one more thing," Sirius added. "Have there been any more deaths lately? There was nothing in your last paper."
Xenophilius shook his head again. "No, actually. There haven't been any deaths in the muggle world or the wizarding world in the past few weeks." Suddenly Xenophilius's eyebrows knitted together, as if realizing something. He blinked and then cleared his throat, ushering them outside.
The door closed loudly behind them, and they walked a full three blocks before James exploded. "He didn't know anything! How could someone not know anything about what's going on? He's got his own newspaper, for Merlin's sake!"
"What a foul little man," Hermione bristled, her mind still buzzing with agitation. "Of all people, I never thought he'd be the one to say 'what mad men do in their spare time is their own affair'. The reason why these problems keep happening is because people keep ignoring them!"
"We did find out one important thing though," said Sirius gravely. "Nothing's been happening for weeks now. No random death. No suspicious activity that Xenophilius would usually catch. It's as if the Death Eaters have gone silent."
"The calm before the storm," said Hermione, a slight shiver passing through her. "I really…don't know what will happen now."
Sirius rubbed her shoulder and smiled at Hermione encouragingly. "None of us do. But that won't stop us."
The return to their home was a silent and stealthy affair once more; James signaled for them to come inside once he confirmed it was safe to do so—the last thing they needed after their unsuccessful meeting with Xenophilius Lovegood was Mrs. Potter's shouty disappointment.
Hermione closed the door to her room and sank onto her bed. After all she had anticipated when meeting Luna's father…this was far beyond her imagination. "How could he not know anything?" Hermione whispered to the ceiling incredulously. Was it really all by random chance? Was everything James had been documenting really unnoticed by Xenophilius himself? Or was he merely saying that to throw them off?
Hermione did not know the answers to any of those, nor did she have much chance to dwell on them. A soft hoot came from her table, and Hermione jolted up in surprise.
"Did you let yourself in?" Hermione asked, bemused, as she walked over to her desk. The window was already open, and a tawny owl was perched atop her copy of Hogwarts, A History. A letter was tied to the owl's leg and Hermione took it carefully. "Sorry if you had to wait a bit. I was out on a very uneventful goose chase. Here," she pushed a small dish of water, to which the owl took a generous gulp. Hooting gratefully, it waited for Hermione to read the letter.
Ripping the seal open, Hermione's eyes flew over the words written on the parchment. She read it twice more to be certain, and breathed in deeply. "You're waiting for a reply, right?" Hermione looked at the owl again. It ruffled its feathers affirmatively. "Hang on a minute, then."
Hermione left her room and crossed the corridor. The door to Sirius's bedroom was ajar, and she knocked twice before pushing it open.
Sirius was flipping through a catalogue when she poked her head in. He glanced up in surprise. "Hermione?"
She held out the letter as she let herself inside. "I think it's time."
Throwing the catalogue aside, Sirius launched to his feet and pored over the contents of the letter. "Tuesday?" he noted mildly. "Who the hell does anything on a Tuesday?"
"I'm not even going to try and understand what that means," Hermione said irately. "Severus knows what he's doing."
"He'd better," said Sirius, before reading the letter again. "Well, we should figure out what we're going to say to them. To Regulus, I mean." He ran his fingers through his hair nervously. "I have no clue what we're going to do about this."
"We're going to try to help him," said Hermione softly.
"And how do we do that? 'Please Reggie don't become a Death Eater'?"
"Something more constructive is what I'm hoping for," Hermione remarked dryly. "First, we have to know exactly what is going on with him. No more ideas and half-guesses. What happens after that…we'll see. Come on."
They headed to Hermione's room where the owl was waiting patiently. Sirius clasped his hands behind his back casually as Hermione rummaged her desk for a quill. "Honestly…where in Merlin's name are all my quills?" Hermione muttered under her breath. "I think—maybe my trunk—oh whatever," Hermione grabbed a pencil and piece of parchment and scribbled her reply. "Where should we say to meet? The Leaky Cauldron?"
"And be seen by the entire wizarding population? No thanks," Sirius crossed his arms.
"You've been awfully paranoid lately," Hermione remarked with a raised eyebrow.
"When you have Bellatrix Black as a relative, you learn to be more cautious."
"Alright, then…someplace muggle? Outdoors?"
"Too many eyes watching."
"Inside?"
"Too many ears listening."
"Outer space, then? Or are there interplanetary wizards too?"
Sirius smiled. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
"I would've already if there were," Hermione rolled her eyes. "How about somewhere inside? We could go to that bakery Severus and I went to several weeks ago. It seemed safe enough for me, and not too crowded."
"Crowded would be preferred, actually…"
"Sirius, make up your mind!"
"Yes, yes, alright! To hell with it. Let's go to your muggle bakery."
Hermione folded the letter neatly into an envelope and sent the owl on its way. She smiled hopefully. "It'll be okay, Sirius. Trust me. We'll figure this out somehow."
"I'm sure," said Sirius calmly, a sharp contrast to his troubled expression. He picked up her pencil and inspected it, before drawing a scribble onto a sheet of paper. Knitting his eyebrows together, Sirius said, "If these things exist, why the hell are we still using quills and ink?"
xxx
The details of their rendezvous were sent back the next day with stern instructions written out carefully by Severus. Sirius managed not to roll his eyes more than ten times while reading the reply letter, and even began planning out what their cover story would be when telling the Potters where they were going.
"Explain to me again why I have to stay here, while you two traverse to a muggle café and have all the fun without me?" James folded his arms over his chest, the smallest trace of a pout forming on his bottom lip.
"Because, dear James, somebody has to stay behind and protect the family name," said Sirius, mirth dancing in his eyes despite the seriousness of the matter. "And it's not a café, it's a bakery."
"Because that makes all the difference in the world."
"You weren't really in the original plan, James," Hermione reminded. "Besides, having three people show up is far more suspicious than two. Two is small and discreet."
"And three is an army," said James dryly. "Very well. I'll stay. Just be safe, alright?" James looked at Sirius seriously. "I mean it. No funny business today, mate."
"I wouldn't today, you know that."
James nodded, and turned to Hermione. "Good luck."
Sirius and Hermione left the house without too much grief from the Potters. Things were starting to normalize again since the sighting of the Dark Mark weeks ago, and they realized that hiding and living in fear was no way to go about their business.
It was a healthy walk to the bakery from Godric's Hollow, but there wasn't much alternative. And while Sirius was normally good company, neither of them could be distracted from the task at hand today. Upon reaching the bakery, Hermione fiddled with her purse and glanced around surreptitiously. "I think it's safe," she murmured.
Sirius nodded. They walked inside and headed to a booth near the far corner. Neither Regulus nor Snape could be seen, and Hermione checked her watch.
"They're late," said Sirius under his breath.
"They're not late," Hermione sighed.
"If they're not here ten minutes early, they're late."
"Says who?" Hermione said in disbelief.
"The laws of etiquette," Sirius scowled.
"And I assume you wrote them?"
"I merely enforce them."
"So if someone were to arrive on time…?"
"They're very late."
"Yes, that makes complete sense—"
"It does, in fact—"
"Fighting like a pair of old hens already?" a smooth voice drawled over them, and they saw Severus standing before them with his hands in his pockets. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
Sirius leaned sideways and glanced behind him. "No friends with you today?"
"He wanted to maintain a healthy distance while walking over here," Severus replied, with a twinge of annoyance in his voice. "Standards to keep, I'm told."
Sirius let out a genuine snort, and Severus narrowed his eyes. The door to the bakery swung open and in walked Regulus, flushed and slightly out of breath. Hermione's eyes roved over him and didn't detect any overt harm done to him, except he looked slightly thinner than when she last saw him on the Hogwarts Express.
Regulus slid into the booth wordlessly, choosing to sit beside Hermione. Snape looked over at Sirius in disgust, and Sirius refused to move over. Hermione scowled deeply.
"Sit. Down," she said through her teeth. "People are staring."
That did the trick. Sirius shuffled a bit to let Severus sit beside him, but Severus sat at the very edge of the booth as to ensure the greatest amount of space was between them. Sirius moved as far as possible from Snape, both of them sitting uncomfortably with identically expressions of distaste.
"Did everything go alright?" Hermione spoke first. She looked to Regulus. "You got out of the house fine, right?"
"No questions were asked," he replied softly. "Snape's plan was a good one. Spending the day with a future Death Eater doesn't cause much suspicion in my family."
Severus flinched but said nothing. Sirius's expression darkened instantly, his hands gripping the wood of the table forcefully. "I knew it." He narrowed his eyes loathingly. "I—"
"No," Hermione cut him off with a stern look. "We don't have time for that."
Sirius gave her an incredulous look. "Hermione, open your eyes! He's bloody joining them!"
"And he brought your brother here to help him! Doesn't that mean there's something about this situation you're not aware of?"
Sirius still looked at Severus with repugnance, but she could see the confusion and questions in his eyes. "Why are you helping us, Snape? What are you doing here?"
Severus slid his eyes slowly to Sirius, fixing him with a carefully blank stare. "Hermione asked for my help. I'd thought you would understand what helping our friends means."
"And is my brother your friend?"
Severus gave him a long-suffering look before turning to Hermione. "Can I speak to you in private?"
Hermione nodded slowly, avoiding Regulus and Sirius's stares, and slid out of the booth. She could feel Sirius burning a hole through the back of her head as she was pulled outside the bakery.
"Yes?" she asked Severus.
It took only a glance to see Severus's patience was wearing thin. Clenching his hands into light fists then loosening his grip, Severus sighed. "Don't you think this would be easier if they knew?"
It took a moment for her to understand what he meant. Hermione's eyes widened. "Are you mad? You think they're ready for that? They'll think I'm making it all up!"
"Would they?" Severus prodded. "I know it was…difficult…telling me everything, and admittedly there was a period of disbelief for me, but don't you see how impossible it is right now to correctly explain to them why I am joining the Death Eaters, and how we could help Regulus out of this? How will Sirius and Regulus trust me to help if they don't believe I'm on their side?"
"Then tell them the truth about why you're joining! Because you're a-a spy!"
"And why would a sixteen-year-old want to be a spy for the Death Eaters? You honestly think they'll believe that, after knowing my…past history?" he said delicately. Hermione was panicking. No, she wasn't ready for that…she couldn't tell them she was from the future. It wasn't time yet to tell them—to tell Sirius.
"I'm sorry. I can't tell them right now. It's just not the right time."
Severus looked at her frustratedly and turned away. She could feel his disappointment as it passed through her, but she would not change her mind. Severus didn't know just how dangerous it was to start this right now, in such a precarious situation.
"Then what do we tell them?" asked Severus finally.
Hermione bit her lip. "Maybe…as close to the truth as we can get. Maybe—maybe I don't have to tell them I'm from the future just yet, but I can tell them that I want to bring Voldemort's organization down." Severus shuddered violently.
"Don't say that name out loud!"
"It doesn't matter!" Hermione whispered harshly.
"There're ears everywhere, Hermione! It's not safe right now to be bold."
"Alright, alright," Hermione placated. "Well, what do you think? Giving that explanation could work. And it might actually smooth over some questions Sirius has been having about me."
Severus looked off in the distance again, thinking rapidly. "It will have to do."
They walked back inside and found Sirius and Regulus exactly as they left them; silent and stewing in each other's company.
"Nice chat?" asked Sirius innocuously.
Hermione didn't respond to Sirius's snark. "There are things that Severus and I have to tell you. But first, we need to focus on why we're here. Regulus?"
Regulus looked up, startled at the unexpected attention placed on him so soon.
"Yes?"
Hermione pinned him with a firm stare. "We can't even begin to help you unless we understand what's going on. You need to tell us what's happened, and what those letters you sent a few weeks ago mean."
Regulus's eyes flitted to Severus then Sirius, looking like a trapped animal. She could see the doubt and fear behind those grey eyes and the boyish face, already burdened at his young age. He swallowed convulsively as his eyes hardened, pulling up defensive walls that he was so accustomed to having.
He dropped his gaze. "I'm not sure what to tell you," Regulus answered quietly.
Sirius made a noise of impatience. "Damn it, Reg, just spit it out. We're just trying to help—"
"I don't want your help," Regulus hissed, his eyes flashing with anger. "Did that thought occur to you, or did it get stuck in that ridiculously long hair of yours?"
"You sent us a letter for help," Sirius reminded calmly, refusing to rise to Regulus's instigation.
"A mistake. I sent a reply if you remember, informing you that all was well."
"And yet here you are," Hermione interjected, arching an eyebrow. "You didn't have to agree to Severus's plan. You knew we would be here, and you knew why you would be here. Stop trying to fool us and stop trying to divert us from what you're trying to hide. We can stay here all day, if that's how you want to do it."
Regulus fumed silently, glaring at Hermione with such intensity that Hermione had to fight away the impulse to fidget. She held his gaze steadfastly, until the coldness in his stare faltered; until his expression turned troubled once again and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Finally he broke away from her eyes and looked at his hands as they joined together tightly.
"I don't want it."
He spoke so softly that they almost missed it. Sirius inhaled sharply, but remained silent. Severus did not look surprised.
Regulus lifted his gaze and stared angrily back at Sirius. "Why did you have to leave? Why did you leave and force my hand into this?"
"I left for the same reason you're here," said Sirius patiently. "I didn't want that life."
"And now it is mine. I'm—I'm to be initiated this Saturday, keeping the family name sparkling and pristine." He looked away with his brows knitted together. "I didn't know…I didn't realize what this all meant until the Dark Mark happened…and now I'm stuck."
"Do you want to leave?" asked Hermione softly. "It's—I don't think it's too late for that. Sirius left, didn't he? You could to."
"And go where?" Regulus sneered bitterly. "To the Potters? You think they want another orphan under their roof? I would rather eat a jar of dung beetles than be indebted to yet another person."
"So you want to stay?" Sirius demanded. "Because you sound very resigned for someone who doesn't want it."
"I'm going to be initiated," Regulus repeated, his lips curling derisively. "That isn't going to change no matter what we discuss today."
"So that's it? You're just going to be a Death Eater?" said Sirius incredulously, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."
"It's like we've said," Hermione frowned at Regulus. "Everybody has a choice, no matter what. Did you already make your choice?"
Regulus looked back at her intensely, his eyes wide and filled with an unnamable emotion. Slowly, he nodded.
Sirius leaned back heavily against the booth and glared at his brother. "You're a goddamn fool, Regulus. You don't want it, but you won't even try to leave it. The hell do you want us to do about that? What are you playing at?"
"I don't know!" Regulus exclaimed, a crazed look in his eyes. "I don't know, alright? I—I can't stop what's happening now, and I can't help but not want to be a part of it! I can't leave it because I have a responsibility now—and unlike you, I actually want to protect my family."
"Oh yes, our family," Sirius seethed, his hands curling until his knuckles cracked. "A magnificent family we have. Was it the third or fifth time when we saw Bella perform the Cruciatus on our house-elves that you decided you wanted to protect that family? Or when dear old Father hung us by our toes for stepping out of line—how old were we there, again? Seven and six? And Mum, oh I could spin tales about her—"
"Don't you bring her into this," Regulus growled menacingly. "You know she's different, you know she is different!"
"Boys!" Hermione shrieked, alarmed. "We're in a bloody bakery! You need to calm down and lower your voices!"
"I have nothing left to say anyway," Sirius grimaced, standing up suddenly. "This was a waste of time."
"Just when I was wondering how long it would take for you to run away again," Regulus mocked.
"Regulus, for once in your life shut the hell up," Hermione snapped. "Sirius, sit down. Sit down." She glared furiously at the elder Black brother until he acquiesced, collapsing back down on the booth with a brooding expression. Hermione glanced at Severus, who was quietly watching the scene.
"And thank you, Severus, for being so helpful these past few minutes," Hermione couldn't help the sarcasm that leaked into her voice. Severus blinked calmly.
"I think that argument was long overdue," said Severus silkily. "It wasn't my place to interfere just when they were getting somewhere. Now, I assume both of you have run out of unintelligent things to say?"
No response came except a paralleled sound of huffed breaths.
Severus smiled faintly.
"Good. Regulus," Severus turned his attention to the youngest of their company. "You're going to be a Death Eater. That seems fairly final from the way you've described it to us."
Regulus pursed his lips, but did not disagree. Severus continued, "And we know your family and your love of the Dark Arts brought this on you."
"It's not just a love for Dark Arts," Regulus interrupted, already appearing tired. "You know I am fond of all the practices this world has to offer. Why should I limit my knowledge to just what we're taught in school?"
"Because it's doing you so much good now," Sirius scoffed ruthlessly, staring at his brother as if he were constantly holding back the impulse to whack the back of his head.
"Not now, Black," Snape finally spoke to Sirius directly, giving him an irritated look. "The time for childish comments is over. We have to find a solution to our problem."
"Childish comments are fitting for a childish boy." Hermione kicked Sirius under the table, and he went silent.
Severus ignored them. "I already anticipated this to be your reason for initially contacting Hermione and Black, and then withdrawing your plea for help. I must ask for certainty, though, so answer truthfully." Severus leaned forward on the table, fixing Regulus with a firm stare. "Do you believe in the motto and practices of the Death Eaters and their leader? Do you agree with them?"
Regulus clenched his jaw as his muscles tensed. He shook his head firmly. "No."
Hermione could see the relief in Severus's eyes. He straightened abruptly and nodded. "Good. Then we have a solution."
Regulus frowned. "What solution could there possibly be?" asked Sirius bluntly.
Severus glanced at Hermione, and she inhaled deeply, bracing herself. "It's what I mentioned before, when I said Severus and I have some information that you should…probably know." She glanced nervously at Snape again. He nodded encouragingly.
This was it. Hermione's heart pounded in her chest as she let the words spill from her mouth, "We're going to try to bring down You-Know-Who's organization."
Hermione expected some disbelief or silence, but she did not anticipate the genuinely mirthful laughter that came from Regulus. Hermione gave him a withering look as he chortled, with some of Regulus's usual annoying charm reviving inside of him.
"Oh Granger," Regulus wiped his eyes. "Just when I thought you didn't have a sense of humor."
"You're joking," Sirius half-smiled, a sharp contrast to the worry building inside him.
"She's not," Severus confirmed. "It's why I'm going to join them. We need someone on the inside to bring him down."
Sirius was mumbling and shaking his head, rejecting the idea altogether. "No. No way. You can't do that. You're bloody sixteen; you think you can change the world? Why the hell would you do that?"
"Because Voldemort destroyed my life and my family," Hermione said evenly. All three of the boys sitting around her flinched to some degree. "I'm not afraid of saying his name, and I'm not afraid of him. You think things are bad now? Think about how bad it will be a few years from now, if they're allowed to continue terrorizing the wizarding world! Not even that, they're targeting the muggle world as well! They're getting away with these supremacist ideas because they're catering to the pureblooded society of the wizarding world. And I—I'm not going to sit here and wait for them to come to my doorstep and kill me."
"Hermione," Sirius's voice was soft with understanding. "You know I agree with you. But just…how are you planning on doing this? How will you go up against people the Ministry of Magic can't control? This isn't a game; you can get seriously hurt! We're just…we're just a bunch of school kids." Hermione lifted her chin as a cold chill swept over her, and months of repressed words began to slither out.
"We are not children anymore. The violence will not stop because we're not ready for it. This war started the moment they cast their first Dark Mark into the sky."
Her eyes bright and cheeks flushed, Hermione waited for someone to rebuke her, to call her mad again…but the words never came. Regulus and Sirius were looking at her as if they were seeing Hermione for the first time.
"What is your plan?" asked Regulus quietly. "And how does this involve Snape? And, well, me?"
"I will be part of the Death Eaters as someone who can relay information to our side," Snape replied in a low tone. "Like Regulus, my circumstances were already somewhat compromised before I was approached. I made it pretty obvious how I felt about the Dark Arts and…how I used to feel about muggles."
Sirius made a sound of disbelief, but did not comment. Hermione stepped in.
"The idea, Regulus," said Hermione, "is that, well, since you're being forced into the Death Eaters and don't actually agree with their work, you could do what Severus is. Ideally, you just wouldn't join," Regulus tightened his jaw, which Hermione ignored, "but since that isn't an option with you, I thought maybe this could be best. Severus will be there with you every step of the way too."
Regulus shook his head slowly, a laugh bubbling inside of him. "I really admire you, Hermione. Honestly, I do. We just barely tolerate each other, but you're probably the only Gryffindor student I admire. But you're—you're forgetting something," Regulus actually laughed a little. "I don't think you fully understand what Snape and I will be doing as Death Eaters. Do you really understand? If you want us to be spies, we have to be utterly convincing. The Dark Lord can read minds, they say, and me—I'm a bloody open book! He'll see right through me. And the things I will have to do…the things I've already done…" Regulus shook his head violently. "No, you don't understand. It's like Sirius said, this isn't a game. I'm—I'm going to have to do things, unspeakable things!"
"You are also choosing this life!" Sirius nearly shouted. "Hermione is trying to suggest to you, instead of wasting away there like you already plan to, you could help us."
Regulus deflated and looked down at his hands. Hermione frowned as a thought suddenly occurred to her.
"Regulus…what did you mean by 'the things I've already done'? You don't—you don't mean—?"
Regulus lifted his head and his expression was raw with agony. His eyes slightly red, he croaked brokenly, "I did something terrible, brother."
Sirius went still. His eyes went wide and he reached over to grip Regulus's wrist.
"You—you weren't involved in what happened a few weeks ago, were you?..."
Hermione averted her eyes at what she saw. It was as if something finally fractured inside Regulus and he was doubling over, hands sliding into his black hair and curling into fists. Hermione looked frightfully at Sirius, who was looking at Regulus blankly.
"I didn't—I didn't do much," Regulus mumbled as he slid his hands down to rub his eyes. "I wasn't really involved, since I'm not initiated yet, but…I saw what they were doing…I saw and heard things, and I did nothing to stop it…I stood there, horrified, terrified, with my mouth shut and my wand at the ready. Is this what my life is going to be from now on? Am I going to be the one terrorizing these people? Will I be the last thing somebody sees?"
"Stop," said Sirius fiercely. He leaned over and grabbed Regulus by the chin, forcing him to look up. His eyes were dry but red, as if he hadn't slept in weeks. Now that Hermione thought of it, that was probably close to the truth. "If you keep your head down, and listen to what Snape and Hermione here have to say, that will never happen. Understand? Never."
"He's right," Hermione nodded gently. "You have to trust us, Regulus. And you're forgetting you still have three more years at Hogwarts. You'll be free from any real duties throughout the school terms."
Regulus breathed deeply and scrubbed the side of his face. "I still don't understand how you're planning on dismantling the Death Eaters movement. Have you even told any adults about this, at least?"
Hermione cleared her throat sheepishly. "Well, no. But I probably will have to soon. I'm not exactly sure yet. As for what I plan to do to take it down, let me worry about that. It's, well, it's why I've been asking and doing a lot of the things I was doing this year." Her eyes flickered to Sirius's meaningfully, who narrowed his eyes questioningly. "I'll tell you the details later. I don't think it's safer to discuss all of our plans here out in the open…"
Hermione glanced around and was surprised no one was paying them any heed. The bakery was quite crowded as it was, but Hermione was certain it was because it was the only store on the block that had air conditioning.
"I think the point of this," Sirius began quietly, "is to make sure you know that you don't have to do this alone. You did the right thing when you sent those letters, Reg. No matter what shite we've had between us these past four years, you're still my family. And…well, now that I know what's actually going on in that head of yours…" Sirius grunted awkwardly. "Anyway, it'll be alright. Okay? You'll be fine so long as you stick with us."
"Keep in touch with Severus," Hermione ordered. "You'll need him the most if you want to survive this ordeal. You're lucky you're both in the same house."
"Lucky," Regulus snorted bitterly. "Yeah, that's what I am…lucky Regulus Black…"
Hermione glanced around. "It's best we leave now. It's getting late."
Severus and Regulus got up first, and Sirius and Hermione slid out of their booth after them. The sun was just about to dip behind the horizon, still giving streams of evening rays of light down the streets. Severus and Regulus disappeared down one of the streets quickly. Severus said his goodbyes to Hermione before leaving; Regulus simply walked away as fast as he could.
Sirius and Hermione began to walk the long trek back home. She glanced furtively at Sirius, observing that his brow was furrowed in deep thought.
"Bee in your bonnet?" she attempted to lighten the mood. It failed spectacularly.
Sirius shrugged his shoulder lightly, shoving his hands in his pockets. Hermione bit her lip and looked away. "Just say it, Sirius."
Sirius shook his head firmly, keeping his eyes averted. Hermione's concern escalated. "I can tell you want to say something. Just tell me."
"I—" Sirius paused as they stopped at the corner of the sidewalk. "Why didn't you tell us from the beginning, Hermione? I'm…how did Snape know this was what you were doing before us?"
Hermione nodded, keeping their eyes locked. "Snape was my first friend. He grew to suspect me like you did too, but that's where he was different from you—he trusted me. And he also earned my trust."
Sirius looked at her as if she'd knocked the wind out of him. Hermione broke their gaze and stared off into the distance. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner about what I've been planning. It had to be at the right time, when you were ready to know. You understand that, right?"
"Yeah," Sirius exhaled slowly, looking down. "Yeah, I understand. I suppose…I feel like a real asshole now, you know? I was such an asshole. I feel like I tell you this every time we speak to each other. Sirius Black, the Magnificent Asshole."
"Yeah, you were," Hermione agreed with a nod. She smiled lightly. "But you're not anymore. At least, not where it counts."
Sirius smiled back sheepishly, and they resumed walking. "So does that mean you trust me a little bit more now?"
"What, telling you my diabolical plans wasn't proof enough?"
xxx
"We are old maids. We are literally old maids. Every time you spend a day with Hermione you come back and report to us all the gossip," said James in a mildly revolted tone.
"This isn't gossip; this is actually serious stuff," Sirius exclaimed.
Remus shook his head. "James is right, mate. Last time we discussed something like this, I ended up not really talking to Hermione for months. I'm not about to do that without hearing what she has to say first."
"Agreed," Peter piped in.
"I can literally pull her in here and have her tell you this herself," said Sirius exasperatedly.
"Well go on," James arched an eyebrow.
Sirius sighed and stood up, striding out of James's room. He knocked twice on Hermione's bedroom door.
"Come in."
Sirius poked his head in her room. "Remus and Peter are here. Wanna fill them and James in on what happened today?"
Hermione blinked. "Er, yeah, sure? Wait, why are they here? Why didn't you tell me they came!"
Sirius waved away her questions. "Too much work. Just come by, won't you? I think they're—how do I put this mildly—'tired of my shit'?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and followed him back to James's room. The next hour was absolute chaos, and it made Hermione very grateful that she didn't tell them everything about her existence, like Snape had encouraged for her to do yesterday.
"Hermione have you gone mad?"
"Have you told anybody else?"
"Snape apparently knew—"
"—And your brother too, now—"
"Hermione—my sweet sister Hermione—surely there's a method to this madness, right? You're not—I mean to say…if this is about revenge…" He was cut off with a hard punch to the arm.
"Shut up, James."
Hermione rubbed her temples. She could feel the headache coming already, and she'd be damned if she let this tirade continue. "Your concern is really, really very kind. Honestly, it warms my heart to hear this. But I know what I'm doing, alright? If you know anything about me, it's that I don't do anything without thinking it through."
"How can you possibly achieve this alone?" asked Remus, stricken. "Merlin, you haven't even told an adult…this is so reckless, even for you."
"Pardon?"
"What he means is that you're going about this entirely the wrong way," Peter explained gently. "Going one-on-one against You-Know-Who and his followers is just asking to be targeted, Hermione. You need to think this through."
"You don't understand," Hermione shook her head. "And it's okay that you don't. But like James said, there is a method to my madness. I…can't really tell you any of the details right now. It's safest that way. But you have to promise to keep this to yourself, and you have to trust me. Can you do that?"
"We already can and will," said James impatiently. "It doesn't stop us from worrying. This is—I'm sorry Hermione, but this is all wrong. You shouldn't be doing this."
Hermione scowled. "This is…this is rich coming from a bunch of rule breakers, don't you think? Where's your sense of adventure and—and justice?"
"If we get caught we get detention," James emphasized. "If you get caught you'll be murdered! Don't you understand just how dangerous this is?"
"We're living in a dangerous world," Sirius replied quietly. "We're at danger every time we step foot outside the door. If we don't start fighting back now, things will only get worse."
Hermione looked at Sirius, shocked that he had come to her defense. He folded his arms and shrugged.
"Someone needs to at least know that Snape and Regulus are going to be working for the good side," Peter mentioned concernedly.
"Dumbledore?" Remus suggested.
"After they're initiated," said Sirius firmly. "Once the school year starts. I have to agree with them on this, Hermione. Somebody other than a bunch of teenagers has to know. People who have positions of power and knowledge that we can trust."
"Fine," Hermione reluctantly agreed. Dumbledore was going to know about Snape being a Death Eater in the future anyway. There was no harm in speeding it up. But how on earth she was going to bring it up, Hermione didn't have the foggiest.
"Blimey, it's almost time, isn't it?" James looked at his watch. "Remus?"
Remus rolled his eyes, grinning. "You just want to start early, don't you."
"I feel stifled in this human body, Moony."
"Am I missing something?" Hermione asked unsurely. The four boys froze, exchanging glances in a silent conversation. Remus nodded, and James sighed. He walked up to Hermione and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Hermione, there's something you should know."
Hermione raised her brows.
"I'm a stag."
"You're a…"
"Stag. Deer. Spirit of the forest. Protector of the wood."
"What the idiot is trying to say is that he's an animagus," said Remus wryly. "We all are, except me of course."
"Since you trusted us with a pretty big secret, it seemed about time to tell you about this one," said Peter, somewhat abashed. Hermione nodded impressively. So they figured it out how to transform already? She felt everybody staring at her, as if waiting for some reaction—right, right, she wasn't supposed to already know they were animagi, was she?
Hermione widened her eyes in shock and gasped lightly. "You—wait, are you registered? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to try being animagi on your own?" Perfect.
"Sounds like a familiar argument, doesn't it Sirius?"
"That it does, James."
"Interesting."
"I'm serious," Hermione narrowed her eyes. "What made you want to be animagi anyway?"
"Well," James sauntered over and slung an arm around Hermione's shoulders, and they sat down together on James's bed. "We've known from the beginning about Remus's, ah…furry little problem."
Peter snorted and Remus rolled his eyes.
"So naturally, we wanted to be there with him to help," James continued conversationally. "Granted, our methods were a little more extracurricular and frowned upon—"
"Illegal," Hermione corrected.
"Sure, sure. We did it to help our best friend. And revealing what we've done already isn't going to help anyone, is it?"
"I suppose not," Hermione admitted. "Hang on. Is that why all of you are here? It's the full moon tonight, isn't it?"
"Clever and deductive," James smiled. "Yes. And don't say you want to come along, because it's too dangerous even for us. You aren't an animagi."
Yet, Hermione thought to herself. She shrugged. "I wasn't planning on asking anyway. I have plans."
"What plans?" asked Remus curiously. As if on cue, the doorbell rang.
Sirius knitted his eyebrows together in confusion. "Who would be coming here at eight o'clock?"
Hermione smiled mysteriously as her gaze passed over James, lingering on him for a moment before standing up and wordlessly leaving the room. James watched her leave with a dumbstruck expression.
"What did that mean?"
"I dunno, James, but I think we should follow her," Sirius crept towards the door, and the rest of them followed suit. Walking slowly down the staircase, the four marauders were greeted with an open front door and a brilliant flash of red hair.
"E-Evans?" James spluttered.
Lily smiled serenely. "Potter." She looked up at the rest of the boys and smiled again. "Are you leaving already?"
"We're going back to my house," Remus lied, which Hermione presumed was the excuse he'd also given to Mr. and Mrs. Potter. "Sleepover, you see."
"We could stay for a little while, though, couldn't we?" James rounded on Remus with wide eyes that both threatened and pleaded.
"Mate, look at the time," Sirius pointed to his watch. Hermione tried not to laugh when she saw James visibly deflate.
"Right, yes, it's actually time to go now," James muttered morosely, resigned at the turn of events. "We ought to leave, then…hang on, Lily, you didn't walk all the way here, did you?"
Lily blinked at the sudden concern in James's tone. "No, of course not. My parents drove me here. I'm having a sleepover with Hermione."
James nodded slowly. "Alright. See you later then, Evans." He smiled and turned to the door, walking outside into the setting sun. The rest of the marauders filed out with their goodbyes, and the door closed behind them.
"I wonder why they couldn't just have their sleepover here," Lily noted thoughtfully.
Hermione shrugged. "Maybe Remus's house is more interesting."
Lily smiled slyly. "You didn't tell them I was coming, did you?"
Hermione shook her head, suppressing a smile. "They didn't ask."
"Cheeky. Let's go upstairs."
"Do you want some dinner? The house-elves would be pleased to make you something."
"You—you have house-elves?"
Hermione turned slightly pink. "Well, not me really, but…the Potters do. I was surprised too when I came here…erm, they're really very friendly, though, if you want to stop by the kitchens?"
"Okay," Lily beamed. "I've never met one in person before."
"They're amazing," Hermione and Lily walked down to where the kitchens were, and saw a dozen little house-elves scrubbing several large pots and pans vigorously.
"Miss Hermione!" they squeaked in unison.
"She brings a friend!"
"Everyone, this is my good friend Lily Evans," Hermione introduced, and Lily waved cheerfully.
"It's nice to meet you all. Hermione was just telling me how amazing you are."
There was a loud uproar, which was strange because it looked as if all the house-elves were about to faint. They gathered around Hermione and Lily and asked if they wanted more supper, and promptly ignored any refusal and made them a hot meal anyway. Hermione and Lily left the kitchens with arms full of food, and headed up the stairs.
"They're nothing yet exactly like what I imagined," said Lily breathlessly, placing the plates of food onto Hermione's desk. "It makes you wonder, doesn't it though? Like…I dunno, do some have wages for their work?"
"Technically they're not allowed to have wages, and if you try to give them any then it's considered the highest mark of insult to the house-elves," Hermione replied sadly. "You know, when I was at my other school, and I learned about house-elves, I made an organization to try to promote equal rights and welfare for them." She smiled sheepishly. "It didn't work out the way I thought it would…but I still think there is a lot of work to be done. Not just for them, but for all magical creatures. After the years I've had, with the professors I've had," her mind flitted to Umbridge, and she boiled internally with anger, "I know it's something I'd like to focus on after school. If I get that far."
"What do you mean, 'if'? Of course you'll get that far," Lily said firmly, clasping Hermione's hand comfortingly. "I know these past few weeks haven't been very good, and after what happened last summer…" Lily trailed, her eyes brimming with emotion. She shook her head violently as a fiery spirit roared inside her, and she looked at Hermione with determination. "You'll be just fine, Hermione Granger. You're already top of your class—well nearly, anyway," Lily grinned at Hermione's scoff.
"Nearly? Who's the first, then?"
"Me, of course."
"Darling Lily, we know things have changed since I started at Hogwarts."
"Not that much."
Hermione laughed, and she felt lighter and happier than she had in a very long time. "Oh Lily," Hermione sighed quietly, a content smile still lingering on her lips. "You make me very happy."
"Do I?" Lily feigned disinterest but she could see the pleased smile tugging at her mouth.
"Yes. You really do," Hermione answered honestly. "You remind me a lot of my old girlfriends. They were brilliant. And you are too."
Lily tilted her head. "You don't talk about your old friends a lot."
"No?...I hadn't realized," Hermione replied faintly. She shifted uncomfortably and moved to sit on her bed, and Lily sat opposite her. She looked at Hermione patiently.
Hermione cleared her throat. "It's really not that interesting. I had two best friends at the start of my first year. Boys, very annoyingly lovable boys. One of them was Ron, and I became friends with his younger sister Ginny…it was fun," Hermione smiled at the memories that began resurfacing. "I spent a lot of time with her. She had red hair like you too, coincidentally! There was also Lavender, and Parvati…they were a little gossipy, but who isn't at that age? I disliked them sometimes for that, but despite it all they were still loyal friends…and most of all, good people." Hermione looked away wistfully, remembering the foolish anger she'd felt towards Lavender just before the Time-Turner had pulled her into the seventies. How she would give anything to see even her again. "That's all that matters in the end."
"It sounds like you surrounded yourself by very good people," Lily noted with a soft smile. "As for me, I have Alice and Amelia, of course. They're probably the only two I've stayed close friends with since starting here. We did a lot of late night studying and talking for hours…" Lily grinned as she thought about it. "They're so much fun. It reminds me sometimes of me and Petunia when we were children."
"Petunia?"
Lily's eyes grew wide. "I never told you?" Hermione shook her head unsurely. "I have an older sister, Petunia."
"No, I don't think you did," Hermione said vaguely, although already about her. "Do you two not get along anymore?"
Lily snorted. "She can barely stand to look at me." A touch of sadness was in her voice, but she hardened herself and shrugged. "It's been this way for years, though. It's probably why I forgot to mention her to you; we just don't get along like we used to. She's a muggle, you know? I think that's why she resents me…"
"For not being a witch?"
"Sort of? If she was given the chance to go to Hogwarts right now, I doubt she would. Every time she mentions me and my schoolmates, she calls us freaks."
Hermione's mouth tightened into a thin line. She knew Harry's family was as unsupportive as it could get during his childhood, but seeing this insight first hand…knowing what Harry's aunt had been like even before he was born…he really hadn't stood a chance.
"And what about your parents?" Hermione inquired.
At this, Lily brightened instantly. "Merlin, I love them. They're muggles, so they get a kick out of everything I tell them about my studies and school life."
"Mine did too!" Hermione said excitedly. "My parents were dentists, and they couldn't wrap their heads around the idea that a few spells could replace their line of work in the Wizarding world."
"Mine are accountants, and I showed them my Arithmancy book in my third year and I swear my mum almost fainted. She was so excited."
"That's really interesting," Hermione mused, a thought suddenly occurring to her. "Do you know how fascinating it would be if a muggle mixed modern knowledge with witchcraft? You and I already know how to since we grew up in muggle homes, but imagine! What if a muggle took their financial knowledge and use Arithmancy principles? What if a doctor interwove modern medicine and science with magic?"
"Hermione, that's basically what the wizarding world already does," Lily replied with a humorous smile.
"I know I know, but—well, I dunno where I'm getting at. But it's really cool that your parents are actively interested in magic to the extent of reading your textbooks…doesn't that just mean that not all muggles would react horrifically if they found out about magic?"
"I suppose it would," Lily nodded slowly. "You know, you should really come and meet them. They'd love to see you, especially if you speak to them about this stuff."
"They're picking you up tomorrow morning, right?" Hermione asked. "Maybe I could pop by and say hello?"
"Absolutely. And then later you're coming to my house."
Hermione smiled. "Yes, alright, don't worry. I'll come to your house this summer."
"Good. Now let's dig in already, shall we?"
xxx
Hermione did not know at what time James, Peter, Remus, and Sirius returned home, but she knew they did once she woke up the next morning.
Lily was nowhere in sight. Hermione yawned and stumbled out of bed, uncaring of the status of her hair (which currently closely resembled pygmypuff fur), and glanced across the hallway. Both Sirius and James's doors were ajar, and from the lack of noise and frequent snoring, she knew they were empty.
Padding down the stairs, Hermione rubbed her eyes as she entered the living room. Peter was the only one sitting on a sofa, a book in hand.
"Good morning, Peter," Hermione greeted.
Peter glanced up and smiled. "Morning, Hermione!"
"Had a nice, er, night?"
Peter nodded vigorously. "Very fun. Tiring, but fun."
"Uh huh. Could you tell me where everyone else is?"
"Remus is still upstairs sleeping…oh and the Potters haven't come down yet, and the rest are…in the kitchens."
Hermione frowned. "What? Why?"
"James and Lily are—well, and Sirius is there to witness it, and I thought it better if I stayed here, too crowded in there—"
"You're not making any sense."
Peter gave a sheepish look. "I think it's best if you saw it for yourself."
Hermione blinked, then rounded towards the kitchens. Opening the doors, she let out a small scream.
James was desperately trying to put out a very tall tower of flames using the lid of a pot, while house-elves ran wildly around him, wailing and shouting. Lily had her head in her hands as if consumed by a massive migraine, and Sirius was leaning against the kitchen wall, observing with a contented smile.
"What the hell is going on in here!" Hermione shrieked.
"Master James won't let us help!" a house-elf cried, wringing her hands desperately. "He is making a mess in our kitchens, miss! He won't let us help!"
Hermione marched towards James and yanked him away from the stove. "James for the love of god let these good elves put out the damned fire!"
Immediately three elves jumped up and extinguished the fire within seconds. What remained was a very large pan with a pile of ash inside.
"Can somebody explain this, please?"
Lily crossed her arms over her chest, her face edged with anger. "Potter here thought it a good idea to forcefully take the kitchen and used his privilege as a master of the house to command the house-elves not to interfere, no matter what disaster falls to the kitchen."
"I was giving them a small break," James added hastily, wiping his forehead and leaving a trail of char across his skin. His glasses were askew and his hair more wild and untamed than she'd ever seen it before. "I just wanted to try my hand at cooking, is all."
"Is all? Is that really the only reason?" Hermione prompted, eyeing him questioningly.
James stiffened. "Yes."
Lily rolled her eyes. "I'm going back to the living room." She looked at the house-elves kindly. "I'm sorry about all this."
The moment she was gone, James cursed and raked both hands into his hair.
Hermione shook her head. "Seriously? You had to do this today?"
"I wasn't—I swear I wasn't trying to be smart," James said dully. "I…" he sighed. "I'm gonna head back upstairs. Sorry 'bout the mess," he mumbled, earning him several gentle words from the house-elves.
Sirius and Hermione were left in the kitchen. Sirius moved away from the wall and stretched his arms above his head. "Before you start," Sirius began, "the fire only started seconds before you came in. Otherwise, it was a controlled chaos."
"Nice of you to just stand there."
"I had to make sure I was preserving every second in my memory for when I get a pensieve," said Sirius innocently.
"You're all idiots."
By the time everyone was gathered together again, Remus was finally sitting sleepily on the sofa, and Lily was, surprisingly, sitting next to James and having a brief but civilized conversation with him. Sirius smirked and followed Hermione to breakfast.
Dorea was already seated at the table, a pile of letters in front of her. "You're in luck," she smiled. "Your O.W.L. results have come in."
Any cheer that was in the room drained instantly. Remus looked even more ill than he already was (which was saying a lot); Peter let out a startled noise and brought his nails to his mouth nervously. James and Sirius had equally cool yet utterly terrified looks, and Lily was gripping the wooden chair to the table so hard her knuckles were turning white. One by one Dorea handed the letters out, and after a few tense moments, they all began tearing through them.
There were both shouts of excitement and groans. "Nearly all O's," James sighed in relief. "Sirius, let me see…blimey, we have the same scores!"
"I told you there was no need to study," Sirius shrugged boredly.
"This is awful," Remus said in a dull voice. James walked to stand next to him and peered at the piece of parchment in Remus's hands.
"You have one more Outstanding than us, Remus."
"I missed two," he moaned, shoving the letter back into its envelope. "Mum will be furious."
James's expression faltered, and he clapped Remus's back encouragingly. "She's an idiot if she gets angry at those results. You did really well."
"Yeah, I got one less than both Sirius and James," Peter added helpfully. "How did you two do?"
Lily shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, I don't know. It's alright. I only got one E."
James's jaw dropped. "And the rest are O's?"
Lily smiled secretively.
"What about yours, Hermione?" asked Sirius.
Hermione looked down at her own paper. "Straight O's," she said in disbelief. "But…last time I…" Clamping her mouth shut, Hermione stared at the small 'O' printed next to Defense Against the Dark Arts. What had changed? Did she really learn more since then? It felt wrong, somehow…like she had a one-up on everything…but was that really her fault? This was the way it had to be, wasn't it?
And yet, despite having taken these exams already, Hermione swelled with unbidden pride at having achieved the goal she had wanted when she was a proper fifth year.
"There's another letter for you, Hermione," Dorea handed it to her after pecking her brow and congratulating her. Seeing Severus's name, she immediately ripped it open.
Initiation in two days at the Malfoy Manor. Anything I should know?
Malfoy Manor? Hermione bit her lip in concentration. What could she possible know…?
Oh. Oh.
"Excuse me," she muttered hastily and quickly ran to the staircase. Running to her desk, she grabbed a quill and parchment and began to write furiously.
Try to find a plain black diary. The words 'Tom Marvolo Riddle' is written in gold on the front. Not sure where in his house it could be.
Burn this letter.
She sealed the envelope and picked up her wand with unsteady fingers. She was of age. She knew she was, her body was seventeen no matter what time turner she used. Breathing in deeply and gripping her wand firmly, Hermione waved the tip at the letter and whispered a concealing charm.
She paused. Gazing outside the window nervously, she waited for an owl to swoop in and drop a howler on her desk, claiming she broke underage wizarding law.
But no owl came. Hermione waited several minutes, until she was certain that no post from the Ministry would be arriving for her. A victorious smile graced her lips. Finally, she could be free of the fear of performing underage magic!
Tying the letter to her owl, Hermione watched it launch into the air and soar through the cloudy sky. If all went well, another horcrux would be in her possession by the end of the week.
Hello!
Now before I hear the angry accusations, I will say that this sort of proves my repeated stance that I'm never abandoning this fic. An update!
Sorry for the ridiculous wait, there really is no excuse except school and my muse, both which have been rectified. I've successfully completed my 3rd year of college! Remember at the start of this fanfic when I was about to enter it? Ah, sentiment.
This chapter is the longest yet I think, and there's more to come this summer. The goal is to have Sands of Destiny finished completely by August, because honestly it's about time I updated regularly and finally complete this fic.
Thank you to ALL of your reviews and support and kindness! I have tried and failed to respond to everyone's reviews on the last chapter, but I will still continue to try. The response has been overwhelming, I don't think I quite deserve it. But thank you for being amazing, and there is no fandom as amazing as Harry Potter's, and the amount of love this ship has gotten in my fic is...unbelievable. I love you all and hope you all have wonderful summer.
As for the story: expect horcrux things. Expect it all the time.
Lastly, a massive Thank You to my amazing friend Hinatas for beta'ing this chapter for me! Without her, I don't think this chapter would have been tolerable.
Let me know what you thought! Until chapter 15! xx