A/N: As promised, things are about to get very interesting. And a few answers in the mix. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 14: Summer of Preparations and Change
James and Lily's POV
James and Lily Potter stood on Platform Nine and Three-quarters waiting for the Hogwarts Express to arrive. Lily glanced around and saw more than one anxious face on the parents waiting for their children. The return of Voldemort was making the ones that knew edgy. Those that believed Fudge's lies about it were just confused about the added security and nervousness of others. Lily shook her head, she knew Fudge would act like this, and she forgot about doing anything about him. She cursed quietly, she should have known.
Lily looked over her shoulder, at the sound of a familiar voice. She saw Molly and Arthur Weasley coming through the barrier. Lily waved Molly over to them. It was only then that Lily saw that Molly was chatting with someone that had just came through after them. It was another set of parents, but they look distinctly Muggle.
"Hello, there, James, Lily," Arthur greeted them with a warm smile as they joined them.
"Hello, Arthur. How's work?" Lily asked as she hugged Arthur than Molly.
"Hello, Lily dear," Molly replied.
"Busy. Anyway, James and Lily Potter, this is Jack and Jean Granger, Hermione's parents," Arthur introduced. "Jack, Jean, these are Harry's parents."
"Pleased to meet you," Jean said.
"You as well," Lily smiled with a nod.
"I'm just a bit confused," Jack said as he shook James' hand. "We were told you were…well…uh…dead."
"Yes, well…" James started.
"It's a very long and very complicated story," Lily said quickly. "Short version, something happened, we all thought the others were dead, and events brought us back together."
Lily looked at Jack and Jean Granger as they accepted her short explanation. Jean had bushy brown hair like Hermione, but it wasn't as full-bodied. Looking at Jean, Lily felt the same memory charm crack more. Lily thought for a minute. Could it have something to do with Hermione? she thought. But, how? An idea sprang to mind that just might be the key to breaking the foreign memory charm.
"I see where Hermione gets her hair," Lily commented offhandedly.
"You would think so, but sadly, no," Jack said with a sorrowful look as he put his arm around Jean. They looked at each other sadly, then nodded.
"We were planning on telling Hermione this summer, anyway," Jack began. "We might as well get it out now. She'll want to run and tell Harry and Ron soon enough."
"I was diagnosed as barren years ago. Hermione is adopted." Jean swallowed hard. "We don't know who, or what happened to her birth parents."
As Jean spoke, Lily and James staggered a little, holding their heads as the memory charm shattered. Arthur steadied James, as Jean helped Molly hold Lily upright. "Are you alright?" Jean asked, concerned. Lily looked at her blinking a few times as her mind cleared.
"Yes, I'm fine," Lily answered. She turned to James. "Jamie?" He looked at her with a nod, both knowing the charm had broken.
Memories flooded back into place. Their wedding day, of Sirius and Marlene McKinnon disappearing during the reception. Returning to Potter Manor after their short honeymoon to find Marlene having morning sickness. The party Lily and Alice had thrown Marlene to announce her pregnancy to everyone, including Sirius.
Sirius being happier than they had ever seen him. Marlene being ecstatic about having a baby with Sirius. Going through the nine months of that pregnancy, being there for her friend. A frantic Sirius waking them at two in the morning. The birth of a baby girl on 19 September, 1979. Of Marlene naming her little girl, Hermione, because of her love of Shakespeare. Of being named godmother.
Six weeks later, Lily getting pregnant with Harry. Dumbledore coming to tell them the first Prophecy. Dumbledore saying it was better to hide any other close relatives outside of the family, until Voldemort was gone for good. Dumbledore saying, they all should hide. James and Lily refusing. Sirius and Marlene were furious that he would even suggest separating their little family and friends. Of Dumbledore not giving them a choice.
The memory of waking up one morning, feeling like something was missing but not knowing what it was or how to remember. Anger and frustration flickered across Lily's face. A sense of deep betrayal settled in her chest.
"James…?" Lily cried, grasping his arm as a few tears ran down her cheeks.
"I know, Lils. I remember it all, too," James said pulling Lily into a tight hug. Jack and Jean watched them with confusion.
"Give them just a minute," Molly said, patting Jean's arm.
"Jack, Jean…" James said carefully. "What you just saw was a Memory Charm that was placed on us breaking."
"The one you two have been trying to break for a year?" asked Arthur. Lily nodded.
"Lily and I know who Hermione's birth parents are," James nodded.
"Oh, my word!" Molly breathed.
"You…you do?" gasped Jean. "Who are they? Can we get together with them when we tell Hermione?"
"Her mother was my cousin, and one of my best friends, Marlene McKinnon," Lily told her.
"Was?" Jean swallowed.
"Her father is my best friend, Sirius Black," James told them before they could question more.
"And I was named her godmother," Lily said.
"Sirius is at our home, right now," James stated.
"You're her…?" Jack gasped. "He is…And her mother?"
"We don't know for sure. Her body was never found among her family's," Lily said quietly. She looked at James, who gave her a nod. "What are your plans for tonight?"
"Nothing, except picking up Hermione," Jack shook his head.
"Have dinner with us at the Manor? We can try to break the news to the kids…and Sirius, gently," asked James.
"Alright," Jack agreed, after a nod from Jean. "But how do we get there? We aren't Magical."
"Why not just come home with us when the kids get here," asked Lily with a smile.
The Grangers looked at each other with a shrug and then a nod, then agreed. Soon the train was pulling into the station.
Hermione sat with her parents on one side of the outside table at Potter Manor. It had surprised all of the kids, who were growing up much too quickly, when they told them the Grangers were coming over for dinner that night. Jean Granger looked at Hermione with a look of curiosity, that only an explanation would satisfy. Hermione glanced at Harry and Ginny as they talked quietly. Harry smiled and leaned in, giving Ginny a quick kiss on the lips. Jean Granger choked on her water.
"You alright, mum?" Hermione asked with a smirk.
"I think so," Jean replied. "Why…I thought…I'm so confused?"
"Harry and Ginny?" Hermione giggled. "No, mum, they are not brother and sister."
"They're married," Lily said nonchalantly.
"Wha…What?!" Jean stammered. Jack looked at a loss for words. Sirius let out a barking laugh, until he was speared with a glare from Hermione, Lily, and Ginny. He sniffed and cleared his throat.
"Long story, short, mum, dad," Hermione began. "Harry saved Ginny's life back in our second year and now they share a soul bond."
"A what?" blinked Jack. Hermione sighed.
"I'll take it from here, Hermione," smiled Lily. "You see, what you call a soul is actually a Magical Core. That's as simple as I can put it," Lily began. "Sometimes, when those cores are similar in wavelength, they form a bond. You refer to it as soulmates. Follow so far?" Jean and Jack nodded.
"When Harry saved Ginny," Hermione continued, with a look at them. "And when they realized they had feelings…"
"You mean Harry realized," Ginny spoke up, taking Harry's hand.
"Hey," Harry protested. Ginny just gave him a look. Sirius snickered. Harry frowned at him. "Not helping. Okay, okay. When I figured it out, our bond started to grow."
"Took you over two years, but you got there," Ginny smiled, kissing his cheek.
"Yeah, well," Harry smiled impishly. "I was just channeling my mum on being slow about figuring it out."
"Watch it, mister!" Lily smiled as she playfully swatted him.
"Nine hundred and forty-eight mean anything, Lils?" Sirius chuckled.
"Oi! Shut it, you!" Lily laughed, throwing a roll at Sirius. The whole table laughed. "With there bond, in our World, since they can never be with anyone else, they are considered married and legal adults."
"They just don't act like it most of the time," Sirius laughed, earning him two more thrown rolls.
"Anyway, in all seriousness, not you," James said, before Sirius could say anything. "We invited Hermione and her 'parents' here for a reason."
"First, Sirius, I need to check something," Lily said, pulling out her wand. Sirius went wide-eyed and started to cringe away. "Oh, relax, you big baby! It's just a scan," Lily frowned at him. She waved her wand over his head. A reddish orange glow appeared. "Just as I thought."
"What?" Sirius asked, concerned.
"Memory Charm," Lily answered. "Hold still. I need to crack it. It'll break fully in a few minutes." The red orange glow became bright orange. She tapped his head with her wand. "That's it."
"Okay, Lils, I trust you," Sirius said. "But I don't feel anything."
"You will," James said, nodding to the Grangers.
"Now then," Jack said clearing his throat. "Hermione, your mum and I have something to tell you." Hermione looked at them with interest.
"Sweetie, back in 1977, I was diagnosed as sterile," Jean began. Hermione looked at her confused. Harry and Ginny looked on in disbelief. "We wanted a child, but… We went to an adoption agency in December of 1979, and we adopted you fully in January of 1980."
"What?! No!" Hermione said not believing what she was hearing. "That's not possible!"
"I'm afraid it is, sweetheart," Jean said, with tears in her eyes.
"But…" Hermione cried. Harry and Ginny rounded the table, hugging Hermione.
"It was not your parents' choice to give you up, Hermione," Lily soothed as she joined Harry and Ginny. Ginny looked at Lily taken aback. Harry caught how the certainty in Lily's voice and blinked at her. "Have some patience, sweetie. And know I'm here for you." Hermione looked up at Lily, even more confused.
"You see, Hermione, it was a very bad time in our World," James said, watching Sirius carefully. Sirius shook his head as the Charm started to break. "Voldemort was at the height of his power and the first war was in full swing."
"You were put into deep hiding, because of how close your parents were to us," Lily continued. She glanced at Sirius who looked like he was dealing with a headache. "And because of who you are…"
"And who am I, exactly!?" Hermione cried, angrily.
"Hermione Jean…Black," James answered.
"B…Bl…Black?" Hermione stammered, looking at Sirius. Sirius swayed in his chair, grabbing his head. James held him up. Hermione stopped crying, staring at them with wide eyes, and open mouth. Harry and Ginny shared a surprised look.
"Yes," Lily confirmed, drawing Hermione's attention back to her. "Your mother was Marlene McKinnon. She named me your godmother, sweetie. That makes you cousin and god sister to Harry."
Hermione couldn't speak. She stared between Lily, Sirius, and who she had thought were her parents. Ginny rubbed her back. Harry was holding her hand supportively. Sirius stared back at her with a look of shock.
"Hermione," Jack began as he stood in front of her with open arms. "You will always be our daughter. And you are welcome to come home anytime you want." He helped her to stand, engulfing her in a hug. Jean joined them.
"We will always love you," Jean said. "And would love to be a part of your life. No matter what the circumstances of how you came to us, we are thankful to have had you for this long. But we think you should spend some time getting to know your real father," she looked at Sirius for emphasis. Hermione looked at them with tears in her eyes again. She swallowed hard, wiping the tears away with a nod.
Sirius stood slowly, looking at Hermione. Hermione looked back at him. It was several seconds before anyone moved. Hermione broke into a short run to him. Sirius greeted her with open arms. They hugged each other, both with tears in their eyes.
"We promise you both this," James began with a discernable edge to his voice. "We will be speaking with Albus Dumbledore tomorrow."
"Thank you, … Uncle James," Hermione said, testing how to refer to him. James smiled and nodded. Lily came over and hugged Hermione close. "Thank you, Aunt Lily." Lily smiled. She knew Albus Dumbledore was in for a very bad day tomorrow.
Dumbledore's POV
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office finishing his end of term paperwork. His thoughts were on the war he knew was coming. Voldemort was back, and the incompetent Cornelius Fudge was not listening to anything he was being told about it. A flash of green flames ignited in his fireplace, drawing his attention. He was surprised to see James Potter's face floating in the grate.
"James," Albus greeted him pleasantly. "What can I do for you?"
"Come to Potter Manor now!" Albus frowned slightly. James did not sound at all happy. Albus sighed as he stood. He wondered what could be so urgent as to flash in like that.
"I'll come straight through," Albus said pleasantly. James head disappeared. Albus had a sinking feeling settle into his stomach. This is all I need right now, he thought. Steeling himself with a deep breath for Lily Potter's famous temper, he crossed to the fireplace and flooed to Potter Manor.
When Albus stepped out of the grate, however, it was not to the entry hall of Potter Manor, but the basement holding cells. He turned as the fireplace sunk back into the wall. He then turned to see the very unhappy faces that were waiting to greet him. The four Potters, Arthur Weasley, Sirius Black, Hermione Granger, and a very angry looking Minerva McGonagall were all staring at him. He couldn't help the lump he felt building in his throat.
"May I ask…?" Albus tried.
"Shut it and sit!" James ordered.
"I beg your…" Albus started.
"This is my house, you are in my dungeon, and you have a lot of explaining to do!" James cut him off. "Now, shut it and sit!"
Albus paled as he looked around the small cell. He tried to draw his wand.
"Accio wand!" Sirius summoned. Albus didn't resist. It would have been pointless. Harry alone was too powerful for him to face alone, let alone all four Potters. Albus found the chair and sat, making himself as comfortable as possible at the moment. This could take a while.
"We have some questions for you, and I suggest you be truthful, or will get Amelia Bones involved," stated James.
"I'm not sure what you mean, James. I…" started Albus.
"Save the lies, Albus!" Sirius snapped. "You are responsible for hiding Hermione from me!" The slight smile that had been on Albus' face slid off and he paled.
"You also hid her from us," Lily growled. Albus gulped.
"Not to mention, hiding my true family from me, Headmaster!" snarled Hermione. Albus paled more.
"And that is not even bringing up the Memory Charm and Compulsion Charm you placed on me, Albus!" snapped a very cross, very stern looking McGonagall.
"That's not even the mentioning the Compulsion Charm you placed on Ron!" Harry ground out.
"Or simply hiding everything from Harry and me," Ginny snarled.
"Or the pseudo-horcrux that is in my son!" Lily almost shouted.
"Or letting Snivillis teach in the first place," Sirius spat.
"It all goes back to the Prophecy and the greater good," Albus sighed, removing his half-moon glasses to rub his eyes. He felt tired, and he knew this was just going to get worse for him.
"Explain," ordered James. "Enough of your secrets!"
"When I heard the Prophecy, I knew Harry was the only one that could defeat Voldemort for good, so I started putting things in place to insure I would be the one to train him. I thought then that if he had other family besides Petunia, he would be too unpredictable to be effectively trained to do what needs to be done to rid our World of Tom Riddle.
"I knew nothing of the second Prophecy, so I set out to systematically destroy his family so he would only come to me for training."
"That's your excuse, old man?!" Harry yelled heatedly as James held him back. The walls began to shake and the torchlight flickered in a wind.
"How dare you?!" Ginny all but screamed at Albus. Lily was struggling to hold her back as well. There were sparks of Magic flowing off the two of them, the likes of which Albus Dumbledore had never seen in all his years. For the first time in his long life, he was afraid. Very afraid. These two dwarfed him in pure power.
"You're lucky we didn't bring Molly with us," spat Arthur. Harry and Ginny calmed somewhat as they hugged each other. A pulse of Magic ripped through the room, knocking Albus off the chair. He sat there staring at them with an open mouth and fear in his blue eyes. Lily took two steps toward him. Her green eyes flashing dangerously.
"By the way, as you can see, you failed, utterly," Lily spat. "Not only are James and I alive and well, but Sirius is not in prison, Remus is out on a date with Tonks, not to mention Harry and Ginny are soul bonded!" Her voice was so sickly-sweet sounding, Albus knew he was being eviscerated with kindness. "Oh, and the best part; you can't do a damn thing about it!"
"No," Albus conceded. He knew he had to tread very carefully. "No, there is not. But I ask you, how will you remove the soul piece…?"
"Oh, don't you worry about that!" Lily continued in that evilly sweet voice. "I will take care of that!"
"You have two choices, Albus," James started as he stepped even with Lily. "You can stop with all your nonsense and support us," he leaned over, looking Albus in the eyes. "Or I promise you, I will personally see you removed from Hogwarts!"
"You have the summer to decide," Lily said before turning and directing Harry, Ginny, and Hermione out of the cell. Minerva gave him a look of disgust before she turned and followed Lily. Arthur glared at him, shaking his head before leaving.
"And don't even think about trying to mess with my daughter, again," Sirius growled as he tossed Albus' wand toward the wall where the fireplace appeared again.
"Now, get out of my house," snarled James.
Albus stood, shakily. He picked up his wand and vanished quickly into the green flames of the floo. He reappeared in his office in Hogwarts. Albus walked over to a cabinet and pulled a bottle of Firewhiskey out. After a quick drink, he replaced the bottle. He collapsed into his chair. Albus knew he had made mistakes, but this was one of the biggest he had ever made.
He removed his glasses once again, and buried his face in his hands. For the first time in many years, Albus Dumbledore wept.
Lily's POV
Lily waited impatiently for the floo to turn green. Their guests were due anytime. She paced the length of the foyer of Potter Manor. She stopped for a minute, looking into the back garden as her son, his wife, and their friends were training with Sirius, Remus, and Tonks. The last few days had blurred together as they were so busy. James, Arthur, and Sirius had taken all of the teens to the Ministry, meeting up with Neville, his grandmother, and their other friend Luna and her father.
They had petitioned, and received waivers for all of the teens to get them all licensed to Apparate, and use Underage Magic outside of school. Amelia Bones had been a great help in getting that done. She had even done the same for her niece, Susan. Amelia, at least was seeing the need to prepare for war.
Then came the roundabout with the wedding plans as the Weasleys came to spend another summer with them at the Manor. Talks with Harry and Ginny, talks with Molly, talks with the house-elves, and back again. It was enough to give Lily a headache, and she was just the mother of the groom! At least Harry and Ginny had their training to take their minds off of the planning for a few hours.
Lily began pacing again. She had gone to Gringotts while everyone was at the Ministry. She had retrieved the next set of memories from her vault. Lily had to breathe a sigh of relief knowing some of the events had already been changed and most of her plan was in good shape. Not all, but most. Then came the nervousness again. Things were about to change, and it would affect more than just one person this time.
James stood by the wall in front of the fireplace waiting much more patiently. He watched as Lily walked from one end of the hall to the other and back. Finally, he couldn't watch anymore, and reached out as she was walking by, hugging her to him.
"Will you calm down, Lils?" James smiled that half smile at her that normally made her melt. "You're going to wear a groove into the marble," he joked.
"Jamie," Lily sighed. "You just don't understand, yet?"
"So, enlighten me," James told her.
Lily bumped her head on his chest a few times before looking up. "It's not that simple, James," she sighed again. "This goes well beyond just us. I just can't tell you, yet." Lily closed her eyes, leaning her head on his chest again. "It affects more than just us this time. It affects…several people."
"More memory blocks?" James asked with a sigh of his own.
"Yes," confirmed Lily quietly. "And this is a big one. It affects more than just you, this time."
"Who else?" James asked evenly.
"Sirius, Remus, and others," Lily said biting her lower lip.
James sighed as he let go of her. He ran his fingers through his hair. "Just how big is this scheme of yours?"
"Bigger than you have any idea of, at the moment," Lily sighed looking away from him. Lily gathered her thoughts, with a deep breath. "Fine, but two things," she paused as James nodded. "One, not all of the blocks, yet. And second, you can't say a word of this to anyone, yet." James nodded again as Lily pulled her wand, saying the reversal incantation.
James swayed a little, holding his head as he leaned back against the wall. "A little warning next time?" James paused as his memories flooded back of what Lily had just unlocked. His eyes flew wide behind his round glasses. "You mean…? She's…?" he pointed at the fireplace. Lily smiled, with a small nod.
"Now, do you see why I'm so nervous?" she asked.
"You do know he's going to flip, once he knows?" James asked in return. "And he won't be the only one."
"You have no idea!" Lily said enigmatically. James looked at her confused, but had no chance to ask or respond as the fire flared green in the fireplace. An older man stepped out and smiled warmly at Lily.
"John!" Lily shouted as she ran over to him. He hugged her warmly, fatherly.
"Hello, Lily," he smiled, pulling back to look at her. "You look great."
"Hello, Lil," Paula greeted her as she stepped out of the grate.
"Paula!" Lily smiled as she hugged the middle-aged woman. "It's so good to see you two again."
"You, too," Paula smiled. "So?" she asked expectantly.
"Oh, right," Lily said shaking her head. James had to chuckle. "I would like both of you to meet my husband, James Potter. Jamie, this is my surrogate parents, John and Paula Pittshire."
"James, its so good to finally meet you," Paula smiled.
"A pleasure," James said shaking hands with John. "I wanted to thank you both for looking out for Lily while she was in the Americas all those years."
"It was our pleasure," John smiled.
"Before she gets here," Lily said glancing at the fire. "I released James memories somewhat," Lily told them. "He knows who she really is."
"We haven't done that, yet," John said.
"It's fine," Lily replied. "I wanted to wait for dinner tonight, anyway. That way, they're all there."
"Understood," Paula agreed.
"Just how much do you know?" James asked.
"Not much more than who our 'niece' really is," Paula commented. Nothing more could be said as a dark-haired boy, and a bushy, dark haired girl came out of the floo.
James and Lily looked up in surprise.
"They look like their father, don't they?" chuckled John. James looked at John, he nodded, confirming to James who the father was. "I've seen pictures," John answered James questioning look.
The floo flared once again and a woman about Lily and James' age stepped out. She had light brown hair, a trim figure and was a few inches taller than Lily. Her blue eyes had a haunted look to them of someone recovering from a personal tragedy. Lily looked at James, she didn't look the way they remembered her at all.
"It's a glamour," John whispered to Lily, seeing her reaction. Then understanding dawned on Lily. "James and Lily Potter, this is our 'niece', Sara Anderson. And her twins, Madeline and Martin."
"But we just call them Madds and Marty," Sara said, shaking Lily's hand.
"Twins?" James swallowed.
"Yes," Marty said.
"Last I looked," Madds smiled.
"Madeline," her mother warned. She turned back to James and Lily. "Sorry about that. She has a very sarcastic streak."
"It's fine," Lily said. "I deal with it on a regular basis." She gave a significant look at James. "Both teenage and adults." Sara chuckled as James feigned offence.
"Oh, we will get on just fine," James smiled at Madds, making her grin. Lily rolled her eyes.
"So, where is our 'grandson' and his bride?" Paula asked quickly.
"Outside training," Lily answered. "Come on, I'll show you the way."
"Again!" bellowed Tonks.
George came at Harry again as if to attack him, only to be thrown over Harry's shoulder, to land flat on his back.
"Ow," George said, not moving.
"Ginny, Fred, you're up," Tonks called, ignoring George. Soon Fred was on his back next to his twin. "Neville, Ron, your turn."
Lily stopped outside of the training area, as Ron joined the twins. Lily was waiting for Tonks to finish her class to make introductions.
"Auror?" Sara asked quietly, as they watched Tonks correcting Luna's stance.
"Yes," Lily answered. "How did…?"
"My late husband was an Auror," Sara said. "He was killed in the line of duty."
"Oh. I'm sorry," Lily said, placing a hand on her arm in genuine sympathy.
"Thank you," Sara smiled, patting Lily's hand. "But it was three years ago. Slowly trying to learn how to live again." She paused as her eyes fell on a staring Sirius. Lily heard her breath hitch and saw a blush redden her cheeks. "Who is that?" Sara asked very slowly.
"Oh, that's my husband's best friend and my son's godfather, Sirius Black," Lily grinned, looking at the similar look on Sirius' face.
"And the tall redhead in the circle?" Madds asked, sounding much like her mother. Lily and Sara turned to her. "What? I am a girl, and I am a teenager."
"That's Ron Weasley," Lily replied.
"Alright, you lot. That's enough for today," Tonks called. The teens all cheered dryly. "Keep it up, I'll have you run around the wall," Tonks threatened.
"But…that's…like…" Ron paled.
"Eight miles," Harry confirmed. "Plus, three just to get there."
Ron looked horrified, but remained silent. Lily had to giggle at that. She waved Harry and Ginny over. As soon as Harry spotted John and Paula he broke into a full run. Ginny walked slowly, with a big grin, shaking her head.
"Hey, mum," Harry said as he stopped in front of her.
"Harry, this is John and Paula," Lily said. She didn't get to finish her introduction as Harry and Paula surprised everyone by hugging without a word spoken between them. Lily was about to continue, when Harry did the same to John.
"He's been so excited since he got your note, he's spoken of little else," Ginny said as she arrived at Lily's side.
"I can see that," Lily said. "Harry, we do have other guests."
"Oh…uh…sorry, mum. Just wanted to greet gran and grandad, properly first," Harry shrugged.
"That's a good boy," Paula said hugging him again. "Now then, how about you introduce us to your lovely wife." Ginny was blushing at Paula's comment.
"Gran, Grandad, this is Ginny, my gorgeous wife," Harry said, leading them over to Ginny. "Love, my gran, and grandad."
"How do you do," Ginny said formally, extending her hand.
"Oh, posh," Paula waved her hand away, pulling her into a hug.
"Don't even think about the hand, young lady. We are family, and families hug," John said opening his arms. Ginny giggled and accepted the hug.
"You're going to love my mum," Ginny laughed.
"Harry, Ginny, this is Sara and her kids, Madds and Marty," Lily indicated each.
"Hello," Harry and Ginny echoed together.
"Wow! The Harry Potter!" Marty said wide-eyed, earning him a swat from his twin.
"Marty! You heard mum, he doesn't like the fame!" Madds chastised. "Sorry, my brother is a bit of a fanboy."
"I'm used to it, don't like it, but used to it," Harry conceded. Harry looked behind him as the others gathered. "This will be easier, mum."
"Everyone, this is John and Paula Pittshire, Sara, Madds, and Marty Anderson," Lily pointed to each. "Wave when I call your name. This is Neville, Luna, Fred, George, Ron, Hermione, Tonks, Remus, and of course, Sirius."
"Well, hello, lovely Ms. Anderson," Sirius said taking her hand in a bow and kissing the back of it. Marty rolled his eyes at his mother's blush and giggle. Madds grinned.
"Hello, Mr. Black," Sara said heavily.
"Please, Sirius."
"Only if it's Sara."
"But, of course, my lovely Sara," Sirius grinned.
Dinner that evening was even more raucous than usual with the additions of another set of twins, and the three adults. Augusta Longbottom and Xenophilius Lovegood had also joined the Potters and Weasleys for dinner that night. Lily looked around the table, taking a deep breath she caught John's eye. She gave him a nod. It was time to start revealing part of her plan. She tapped her glass for attention.
"If I may," Lily began as she stood. "First, I'd like to say that despite anything that may happen tonight, it is not quite time for everything to be told." There were groans and complaints around the table. "I'm sorry, but you'll just have to wait," Lily said sternly. "Now, there are a few things that will come out tonight. John, if you would?" John stood and cleared his throat.
"First, Madds, Marty, what is about to happen does not make this person any different in personality or change who they are to you." Madds and Marty looked at him confused. Sara looked at him strangely as he turned to her. "In 1981, Paula and I took in a young woman who had no memory. We gave her new ones. As a side note, Paula and I have lost much over the years before that. We lost a daughter and a niece to the same tragedy. We were happy to take Sara and Lily into our family as our own."
"Uncle John, what are you…?" Sara started.
"It will be clear in a few minutes, sweetie," Paula said putting her arm around her.
"Lily, if you please?" John asked. Lily stepped over to Sara, wand in hand, whispering an incantation. Sara rubbed her temples.
"As that takes effect, I need to tell you about something," Lily started. "There was a time I had three best friends. They were Alice Prewett-Longbottom, Dorcas Meadows, and Marlene McKinnon. Alice is not able to be here. Dorcas was killed in 1979. Marlene was thought to be dead."
"What do you mean, 'thought'?" Sirius shouted as he shot up. Marlene was always a very sensitive subject for him.
"Have some patience, Pads," Lily soothed. She glanced at Sara who was swaying a bit in Paula's arms. "You see, Marlene came to me, scared out of her mind one night. She had just found out something and knew she needed to hide. Not from you, Pads," Lily added quickly. "So, we came up with part of my plan. I took her memory after we faked her death. I sent her to America for her own safety."
"That's where we came in," John said, looking as Sara cringed in pain. "Being a Customs Agent, I found her, and took her in. We recognized her from pictures in the papers. We figured that if she had no memory, it was for a good reason. We took Marlene in, changed her identity to our niece's that had just been killed, changed her appearance, and gave her the memories we had of Sara."
"We told her she had been injured on the job and she was forced to retire from being an Auror," Paula continued. "You were pregnant when we found you. Sara had a fiancée when she died."
"Luke?"
"Yes," Paula nodded. "He never knew you were not his Sara. We're sorry for the deception, but it was necessary. More than what we first knew."
"How do you feel?" John asked his 'niece'.
"Foggy," she answered. "Everything is slowly coming back."
"Do you know…?" Lily asked. There was quiet around the table as they waited.
"Wait," she said closing her eyes. She rubbed her temples once again. Her eyes flew open, looking up at Lily. "Lils?" she asked breathlessly.
"Marley?" Lily asked with tears in her eyes. Marlene nodded. She rushed to her old friend, they hugged each other. "Welcome back," Lily said thickly. John stepped up, removing the Glamour Charm, revealing bushy brown hair and brown eyes.
"Marlene…?" Sirius asked in a shaky voice. Marlene turned and nodded, the tears still flowing. She rushed over to the man she had once loved, still loved.
"Siri," she cried as they hugged.
"I hate to break this up," Lily said. "But there's one more I need to remove."
Harry and Ginny were holding a crying Hermione as she watched her true mother being revealed. Sirius held Marlene as the charm broke. She opened her eyes, turning to look at Hermione as Harry and Ginny helped her to stand.
"Mum?" Hermione cried as she ran to Marlene. She greeted Hermione with open arms.
"My baby," Marlene cried as they held each other.
"Lils, does that mean Madds and Marty are…?" Sirius asked. Lily nodded. Marty walked up to Sirius, Madds close behind. "I have…three…teenagers," he whimpered like his dog form.
"And two of us are girls," Madds smiled impishly. Sirius paled as he hugged them. James and Remus suddenly burst into laughter at the look of terror on Sirius' face.
"I always wondered why we didn't look more like Luke," Marty commented looking at Madds.
"Now we know," smiled Madds as Marlene and Hermione came over to them. "I guess that makes you the older sister?"
"I guess so," Hermione said, wiping her eyes. Madds hugged her, followed by Marty.
"Now then," Lily said loudly. "I hope some of what I have done makes more sense now?" Lily received several nods. "But I'm afraid the rest has to wait. Before anyone asks, I have to find something in some research first. And no, I cannot have any help with it without explaining the whole thing to that person."
"After this, Aunt Lils," Hermione smiled. "I, for one, can have all the patience in the world."
Hermione's POV
Harry's birthday was a mass of Quidditch and fun. With the "new" family members staying at the Manor, there were enough people to have full teams to each side. Harry and Ginny's team dominated as the teens had fun making the adults look slow on their brooms. Ron was still in a bit of a funk, as he still had feelings for Hermione, but as she told him, several times, they were friends and friends only.
That evening, after dinner, cake, and presents, the inhabitants of Potter Manor were treated to a fireworks display, courtesy of Fred and George. Hermione found herself standing slightly away from everyone. She was taking a breather. It had been quite an interesting six weeks for her. She had gone from having parents and being an only child, to being adopted by said parents. Learning who her parents were, and getting to know her father, both of them wondering what had happened to her mother. Then, suddenly, her mother was back, and she was the oldest of three children.
As a red and gold firework exploded in the air, she noticed someone walking in her direction. She sighed, turning back to the show. Fred edged closer, without Hermione seeing him.
"Enjoying the show?" he asked, making Hermione jump. "Sorry."
"It's alright. And, yes, I am," Hermione replied. "Quite spectacular."
"Well, thank you," Fred beamed. He gathered his Gryffindor courage with a deep breath. "So, do you have a date for the wedding, yet?" he asked looking flushed even in the glow of fireworks.
"No," Hermione smiled, shyly.
"Are you waiting on Ron to ask you?" asked Fred.
"Not really," she replied, looking down. "I think that ship sailed away at Christmas."
"Shame," Fred commented.
"You sound so sincere," Hermione said sarcastically.
"You've been hanging out with your sister again," grinned Fred.
"Maybe," Hermione giggled. Fred chuckled. "Why do you ask? About the wedding, that is."
"Oh…uh…Well, since Angelina and I broke up, I don't have a date, either," he admitted.
"Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't know," Hermione said, placing a hand on his arm.
"Yeah, that ship sailed on me at Christmas, too," Fred sighed. "Ang is with George now."
"Really," chuckled Hermione. "Do you two share everything?"
"Mostly. But it seems he comforted her when I went after this cute smarty-pants brunette that I know to make sure she was alright after a git we both know made some insane comments."
"'Smarty-pants'? …Wait, me?" Hermione asked surprised.
"You are a smart one," Fred laughed, earning him a playful swat. "So…You wanna?" he asked, looking into her eyes.
"What?" Hermione asked, confused.
"Be my date to my little sister's post-marriage wedding?"
"Oh!" Hermione looked at him in surprise, taken aback for a moment. She recovered, thinking on it for a minute longer, making Fred sweat a little. "Okay," she smiled, finally.
"Brilliant!" Fred said, taking her hand as they turned back to the display.
A/N: See, I told you! Anyway countdown is 2. Next chapter is the wedding/bonding made public. As always, thank you for the R/Rs. Next in rotation is Heart, then Birth Bond, just so everyone is clear. FYI: new one-shots will be posted every couple of weeks as I am in a writing comp. Feel free to check them out. First round entry is done and up. A Worthwhile Exchange, if anyone want to have a read.