A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you for the reviews and for continuing to read this. You Rule! On a side note...I just realised that I messed up who the Ancient Runes professor is...But I've fixed it now, here and in the previous chapters. I could've sworn it was Professor Vector and not Professor Babbling. Whoops! Much Love! :)
Disclaimer: Characters and world belong to J.K Rowling. No copyright infringement is intended.
Into the Black
Chapter 25: Birth Day/Death Day
Hermione woke up to Ginny tackling her as she rolled over in bed, barely awake.
"Happy Birthday!" Ginny whispered excitedly to her.
"Mmhmm," Hermione mumbled as Ginny detangled from her. "What time is it?" she asked.
"Almost eight in the morning," Ginny replied. "I haven't seen you sleep this late in a while, 'Mione."
Hermione grinned to herself. "I stayed up late reading, Gin." She told her. "But I still usually wake up earlier than this." She stretched in her bed and sat up, running her hand through her mass of tangles.
Ginny grinned at her. "Do you have any plans for your birthday?" She asked as she rummaged through her trunk for a shirt.
Hermione nodded a little as she watched her redheaded friend pull out a wrapped package from her trunk. "Regulus – dad – wants to take me out for an early dinner. Just him and me, at a little restaurant in Hogsmeade. He's gotten permission from McGonagall." Ginny handed her the package. "Gin – you didn't have to," Hermione protested lightly.
Ginny scoffed. "Of course I did! Don't be ridiculous." She admonished her. "Open it!" She wacked Hermione in the arm as she sat down on her bed.
Hermione tore open the gift. Ginny had given her something that looked like a day timer. Hermione frowned and looked at Ginny. She was with her when she purchased one at Flourish & Blotts over the summer. She didn't understand.
"It's not what you're thinking it is. It just looks like it." Ginny began. "Fleur gave me one this summer. It's a book on girly stuff. Hints for feeling better during your period. Tips for more enjoyable sex…when the time comes for you. There are even spells in there to tame unruly hair. I thought it'd be perfect for you."
Hermione grinned at Ginny. "Thank you."
She looked a little closer at the little book. Hermione opened it up and saw it had spells to tame frizzy curls, with moving picture diagrams on how to hold one's wand. This would be perfect for her. "Why did Fleur, of all people, buy this same book for you?"
"We've gotten closer. I realised that I was treating her like absolute garbage and that I was in the wrong. I apologised over the summer and we ended up going shopping together." Ginny paused. "She and Bill are trying to have a kid…don't tell mum. Apparently this book has a section in it that allows you to keep track of your fertility. Both to have children and to prevent having children." Ginny looked at Hermione pointedly. "In case you forget the contraceptive spell. You can keep track of the times when you are the least fertile, so you don't completely stress out and have a breakdown as you are waiting forever for your period to arrive." Ginny finished as she pulled an old t-shirt over her head, getting ready for her early morning quidditch practise.
"Have you ever forgotten the spell?" Hermione asked her, curious.
Ginny shook her head enthusiastically in the negative. "Nope. Never." She stated bluntly.
"Bill taught me the contraceptive spell the summer before my fourth year, after I accidentally let it slip to him that I had given Michael Corner a handjob." Ginny paused and swallowed, lost in thought. "He knew that at that time, my head was still fucked up from the diary. He knew mum's response to deal with it was to feed me more food and to not talk about it…to sweep it under the rug, so to speak." She took a breath. "Bill knew I was still struggling a bit. That I was trying to feel something other than fear. Something other than darkness. He had worked with shit like that in Egypt, he said to me. He understood how it messed with people's heads. He knew that it had messed with me more than most people realised."
"Instead of telling me I needed to stop what I was doing, he took me aside, and taught me the contraceptive spell over the summer at Grimmauld Place. Sirius had told him the Ministry wouldn't be able to track me there in terms of underage magic. His parents had set something up to prevent the Ministry from monitoring the home." Ginny smiled wetly at Hermione. "Bill told me that I wasn't alone. That I could talk to him about anything, anytime. He didn't make me feel dirty for what I had done already. He understood."
"Gin," Hermione said quietly as she reached an arm around her friend and pulled her in for a hug. "I'm sorry I didn't know you were struggling that much."
Ginny wiped her eyes and gave Hermione a watery grin. "I was very good at hiding it. Too good. Mum has no idea," Ginny snorted to herself. "And you know how persistent she can be with gossip, with knowing other people's business. She thinks I'm still a virgin, Hermione. I even got the sex talk the day before we left for school this year." Ginny shook her head in disbelief. "Bill and Fleur were there in the kitchen when she brought it up…I think she wanted back up for some reason. She asked if I knew the contraceptive spell at all and, fortunately, I was able to tell her that Flitwick taught everyone in our fifth year charms class." Ginny paused. "Bill asked how I did on that charm, while hiding a smirk, and I told him that I passed with flying colours. That Flitwick practically toppled off of his chair with excitement at how well I performed it."
Hermione snickered.
Ginny chuckled, grinning at Hermione. "Fleur told mum that in France, they teach them in their third year at Beauxbatons. Both boys and girls in charms class. Then she gave me a wink. It was about a week after she picked out the book for me." Ginny hesitated. "I just want you to know that you can talk to me about anything, Hermione. I know you're close with Harry, and Theo and Regulus – but, you can also talk to me if you need someone else. About anything. About sex, about nightmares, anything. I've had my fair share of both. I won't judge. Ever."
Hermione nodded and gave Ginny another hug. "Thank you, Ginny. It means a lot."
…
…
Hermione was sitting at the Gryffindor table, putting some jam on her toast. She hid a yawn behind one of her hands. A hand touched her shoulder gently. Hermione looked to the side and spotted Theo sitting down next to her.
"Hey, sleepyhead." He kissed her cheek. "Happy Birthday." He grinned at her, grabbing a slice of toast from the table.
"Thank you," Hermione grinned back at him. Colour in her cheeks.
"I got you a gift," Theo smiled. Hermione watched as he reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out a small wrapped box. He placed it next to her plate.
Hermione wiped her hands on a napkin. "You didn't have to," She told him quietly.
Theo nodded. "I did." He laughed at her.
Hermione carefully unwrapped the little box. Jewelry, she thought. It looked like a jewelry box. She slowly opened the velvet lid. Inside was a simple white gold necklace with a small, dark blue teardrop stone pendant. Hermione gasped and looked to Theo with wide eyes. "Theo…this is beautiful." She swallowed. "You didn't have to do this. This is too much." She frowned, unsure.
No one had ever gotten her something like this before. They always bought her books, not that she was complaining. She loved books. Harry had gotten her a new book on Ancient Runes for her birthday this year that she hadn't read before.
"Hermione," Theo began. "It isn't too much when it's for someone I care about. Someone special to me." He smiled at her. Trying to get her to understand her worth. "May I put it on you?"
Hermione nodded her consent.
Theo removed the necklace from the little box and unclasped it. Hermione held her hair up off of her neck. Giving him better access. She turned slightly in her seat, looking away from Theo.
Theo reached around her front and pulled the necklace up to her neck. Hermione felt as he clasped it back together, it was now sitting around her neck, the stone resting high up on her breastbone. She turned back around to look at Theo. "Thank you," she smiled at him. He gave her a short kiss on her lips.
"You are very welcome, Hermione." Theo grinned at her. "What are your plans for today?" He asked her as he buttered his toast, making himself at home at the Gryffindor table. "Still going out with your father for dinner?" Hermione nodded. He looked around the great hall, towards the head table, searching for Regulus. "Where is he, by the way?" He looked to Hermione, waiting for her to answer. He took a bite of toast.
"He's not a morning person to begin with, and it is the weekend." Hermione answered him. "I'm going to go and visit him after I finish my breakfast. My mum passed away today." Hermione gave Theo a small smile, it not reaching her eyes.
"Hermione…" Theo put his arm around her. "I had no idea." Hermione nodded. "I'm sorry to hear that. When did she die?"
Hermione swallowed. "During my birth. She bled out. They couldn't go to St. Mungo's. They were in hiding, basically. Dad was trying to protect me and mum from Voldemort. Trying to keep both of us a secret so we wouldn't be used against him." She answered him quietly.
"I'm sorry," Theo told her again as he pulled her closer to him.
Hermione smiled softly at him. "Thanks Theo. It means a lot." She frowned to herself. "I wish I could have met her. I want to learn more about her, from dad, but I don't want to upset him."
Theo hummed. "What was her name? Do you know?" He asked her.
Hermione nodded. "Madeleine Erickson. She was a Ravenclaw student in the same year as Regulus. They were study buddies in their final year." She looked at Theo as he gave her a grin. Hermione scrunched her nose in thought. "Her parents were also in Ravenclaw when they were here. They were both Muggleborn. They were healers at St. Mungo's until they died of Dragon Pox in 1978."
"Damn," Theo muttered.
"Yeah," Hermione agreed.
"She and Regulus started seeing each other during their final year. Mum got knocked up. Apparently Regulus and mum forgot the contraceptive spell in the heat of the moment." Hermione snickered. Theo smirked. "Um…They graduated in June. Mum hid at the house where Regulus is living today – not Grimmauld Place, but his own home. He visited her when he could get away from Voldemort. He was there when she went into labour with me. Two days later I was born, mum had died, and Regulus dropped me off at Jean and Robert Granger's place. He had followed them from a muggle adoption agency to their home and placed me in a crib in their house. He obliviated them and gave them false memories of me. They thought I was their biological child." Hermione looked down at her plate. "I had no idea they weren't my parents until I went to obliviate them to hide them from Death Eaters just after sixth year. I found out that my mum – Jean – was never pregnant with me, but she always told me she was. She had memories of terrible morning sickness, but there was no evidence of an actual pregnancy. Regulus was sloppy when he planted the new memories into their heads."
Theo hummed. "He probably had a lot on his mind, Hermione. His whole life changed in minutes." He stated quietly to her. "Also, the Grangers…they were your parents, Hermione. Biological or not. They did raise you as their own, because they believed you to be theirs." He paused. "Regulus is your parent, too. As is Madeleine. You have a bunch of parents, not just two."
Hermione gave him a grin and a nod of her head.
"There's nothing wrong with that," Theo told her.
Hermione nodded again. Listening to what Theo was saying to her.
"I'm going to go visit Regulus now…is that alright?" Hermione asked Theo, watching his face for his expression.
"Of course," Theo smiled at her. "Did you want to meet up afterwards in the library to study?"
Hermione nodded. "Yeah."
"Alright, that's where I'll be." Theo gave her a smile.
Hermione kissed his cheek and stepped up from the table. Theo standing up with her to head towards the Slytherin table.
Not long later Hermione was knocking on Regulus' office door. It clicked unlocked. Hermione gently pushed the door open. The room was empty. She walked through his office towards his living quarters near the back. She knocked again. The door unlocked. Hermione let herself in.
The room was mostly still dark. The drapery was tight, blocking out any sunlight. There was a small fire still burning in the fireplace. It was the only thing giving off light. Hermione spotted Regulus still lying in bed. One hand covering his face, the other still pointing his wand at the door from when he unlocked it.
"Dad," Hermione said quietly.
Regulus hummed in acknowledgement. He brought his hand away from his face and looked at Hermione.
Hermione stepped hesitantly closer to him. "May I come in to visit with you?" She paused. "I don't want to be a bother. I can go if you need to be alone today." She backtracked. She didn't know what to do. She was never any good at comforting people.
Regulus sniffed. "It's alright, Hermione. You can come in to visit." He sat up in his bed. The lanterns of the room softly came on. Giving Hermione the ability to take in how Regulus looked.
Hermione watched as he pulled on a shirt, hiding his Dark Magic scars from view. His torso was covered in them. Hermione swallowed, tightly. She didn't think she'd ever get used to seeing them.
Regulus ruffled up his hair and sat on the edge of the bed. He patted the spot next to him. Inviting Hermione to sit down with him.
She stepped towards him and sat down next to him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
"Happy Birthday, Hermione." He said to her as he kissed the side of her head.
"Thank you," Hermione gave him a bit of a smile. She hesitated. "Are you doing okay today?" She took in his red eyes and stuffy nose.
Regulus gave her a small smile. "I promise I'm okay. I will be. Today is just a little difficult sometimes, that's all." Hermione nodded in understanding.
"Is it this difficult every year for you?" She asked him.
Regulus shook his head. "No, actually." He gave her a smile. "I've been good for the last few years, but being here today is hard. Being at Hogwarts today is difficult for me. Too many memories." He paused. "That and you're here with me. I've never been around you on your birthday except when you received your letter." He pulled her close, giving her a side hug. "You are remarkably like your mother, did you know that? You remind me of her so much."
Hermione hummed. "In what way?" She asked him quietly. Curious.
"Well…" Regulus began. "You have the same fluffy, curly hair that seems to have a mind of its own. Yes, your hair colour and eye colour are that of a Black, but the other characteristics are Madeleine's one hundred percent. Your school smarts are also similar to your mum." Regulus grinned at a memory. "I remember her quoting textbooks to me when we were studying together to prove her point. Word for word, Hermione. Much like you do sometimes. She'd even tell me what book it was and which page it was found on. Completely ridiculous, but completely Madeleine."
Hermione snickered.
Regulus smiled at Hermione's response. His eyes travelled down to her neck.
"Ah," He grinned. "I see Theodore gave you his gift already."
Hermione's hand unconsciously moved up to the pendant as she toyed with it gently.
"Yes he did. Just before I came here to see you." Hermione replied. She felt her cheeks heat slightly. She couldn't stop blushing when she thought of Theo. It was annoying really.
Regulus chuckled, easily spotting her blush. He stood up from the bed and began searching in his dresser drawer. He pulled out a small, wrapped gift and handed it to Hermione. Retaking his seat next to her.
Hermione began carefully opening the gift. Careful not to tear any of the wrapping. She pulled out another little jewelry box. Velvet. Identical to the one the necklace was in.
She looked to Regulus as she propped the lid open and gasped when she looked down at the item in the box. It was a white gold watch. Small. Very feminine looking. High quality, but not gaudy or obnoxious. "Dad," Hermione murmured. She looked back up at him.
Regulus grinned. "Traditionally, wizards, when they reach seventeen they get a watch from their family. Marking the moment when they officially become a man, when they officially become a man of the House…so to speak." Regulus softly informed her. "You are not a man, I know, and I know you are older than seventeen. But, sometimes, older families will have watches in their Family Vaults for both the Heirs and Heiresses. This is a watch from the House of Black. It is the least obnoxious one I could find in the vault." Hermione snickered as Regulus rolled his eyes at some of the over-the-top things that were in the Family Vault.
Regulus took it out of the box and clasped it onto Hermione's wrist. "There," he said.
He looked at the time on the watch and gave Hermione an amused expression. "Whoops," he said to her. "I didn't realise I was in bed for this long."
Hermione snickered. "At least it's Saturday." She replied as he jumped up from the bed and began rifling through his armoire.
Regulus hummed in agreement. "What are your plans for today, before our dinner that is?" Regulus asked her as he grabbed a shirt.
"I have this defence thing to do…the professor gave us all a four foot assignment about non-verbal spells for us to do on my birthday weekend. I can't believe it." Hermione said shaking her head.
Regulus too shook his head. "What a bastard. You should complain to the Headmistress to get him fired."
Hermione snorted and stood up from his bed. "I'm going to head to the library to study with Theo for a bit. Harry and Ginny will be there after quidditch practise." She said, pausing. "Are you sure you're going to be alright today?" she asked Regulus.
He nodded. "Yeah…yes, I'm feeling better since I've spoken with you." He gave her a small smile.
Hermione smiled in return. "Good to hear." She stepped towards the doorway. "Four in the afternoon, correct?"
"Yep," Regulus replied as he grabbed a pair of trousers.
…
…
It was nearing four in the afternoon, when Hermione finished her defence assignment. She had just begun her Transfiguration assignment that was due the upcoming week.
"I think I may be done for the rest of the day," She told the small group of study partners.
Theo was there with her, working on his potions assignment. Harry and Ginny were also working on their potions write up. Pansy was tucked in between Blaise and Draco as they worked as a group on their charms assignment. Luna has sat herself down beside Draco and continuously inched herself closer to him as she helped him with his Charms work. She herself was working on her transfiguration assignment.
"Off to dinner with your father?" Theo asked her as he set down his quill.
Hermione nodded at him. "Can we meet up afterwards?" she asked him quietly.
"Of course," Theo replied. "Where?"
"I'm not sure…I don't think we will be gone for too long. How about here?" Hermione asked.
Theo agreed with her and Hermione soon left the library and headed towards Gryffindor tower.
A short time later Hermione was standing in her dorm room, looking at her clothes. She wasn't entirely sure what she was supposed to wear. Regulus had told her it really didn't matter. Hermione frowned to herself. It was beginning to get a little cool out, so she decided to stick with some jeans and a nice fitted jumper. She'd throw on her pea coat that her mother had bought for her a few years ago, just in case it was chilly at night on the walk back to Hogwarts. She kept her hair tied up, which she had done earlier when she had been studying in the library to keep it out of her face. She finally pulled on her boots that Tonks had gotten for her, she liked the style and they went well with her jeans. She was ready to go. She nodded to herself in the mirror, and left her dorm to search for Regulus.
He was waiting for her just outside of the Great Hall by the front entrance to the castle.
Regulus gave her a smile, looking better than he had earlier in the day and they both left the castle together, walking towards Hogsmeade.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked him after a few moments. "What's the name of the restaurant?"
"Rupert's Pub and Eatery," Regulus replied. "It's sort of off the beaten path, but it's a cozy little place. Good food too, if I remember correctly." Regulus grinned at her.
Before long the two of them arrived at the eatery and quickly stepped inside, it was beginning to get chilly out.
"Just for the two of us," Regulus said to the hostess who greeted them with a smile.
"Of course," she replied. "Follow me." She grabbed a couple of menus and led the way to a table near the back of the cozy little restaurant.
Regulus hung Hermione's coat on her chair and pulled out her seat for her as she sat down.
"Thank you," Hermione grinned at him. Regulus gave her a smirk as he sat himself down across from her.
"Our special today is our fish and chips. We have haddock and cod for our fish. Caught fresh just this morning." She gave them both a grin as she gave them their menus. "A waiter will be with you shortly." She left the pair alone.
"I feel like haddock," Hermione told Regulus. "I haven't had fish and chips in ages."
"Sounds delicious." Regulus replied as he set down his menu. "What will you have to drink?"
Hermione hesitated. "May I have a beer?"
Regulus chuckled. "Of course, I'm your dad right now, not your teacher."
Hermione grinned at him.
A waiter soon arrived at the table. "Greetings," the young man said to them both. "Have you both decided what you're going to be having?" he asked.
Hermione nodded. "I'm going to go your special, the haddock fish and chips. May I have it with a pint of Wizard's Brew?" Hermione asked him.
The waiter gave her a nod.
"I'll have the same." Regulus said as he handed his menu back to the waiter with a grin.
They made small talk as they waited for their meal to arrive. Hermione slowly sipping her beer as Regulus told her tales he had of this place. Apparently, a few of the Slytherin's in his year, and the years above, liked to come here for a pint or two during their classes. The eatery was notorious for not caring whether or not a student was supposed to be in school or not. A customer was a customer. Something that couldn't be said for the Three Broomsticks which was often frequented by the Hogwarts staff during the week.
Soon their fish and chips arrived, Hermione's mouth was watering. She hadn't eaten lunch, instead opting to focus on her schoolwork.
"Oh Merlin," Hermione said in awe as she took a bite of fish. "This is delicious!"
Regulus chuckled at her, but nodded his head in agreement. His mouth full.
"I have a question for you, Hermione." Regulus said to her after he swallowed. "Just a curiosity of mine."
Hermione gave him a nod, allowing him to ask his question.
"What are your plans after you finish Hogwarts?" Regulus asked her. "No pressure. I'm just curious."
Hermione's eyebrows shot up on her forehead in thought as she slowly chewed her food. She took a sip of beer. "Well," she began. "I've been wanting to change some of the laws that are in place pertaining to beings and creatures. Werewolf laws, house elf laws…that sort of thing." She told him. "I assume I'll be working in the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures." She paused. "Why do you ask?"
Regulus frowned to himself. "You know…you don't necessarily have to work in that department to change the laws that are currently in place, right?"
Hermione frowned. That was the first she had heard of it. "How else would I do it?" She looked to Regulus. Curious.
"You can take over the House of Black seat on the Wizengamot." Regulus told her. "That's how most of the laws are passed anyway. Most people who are working in a department at the Ministry are just working on cases, that sort of thing. They don't get to change laws, they just have to uphold them." Regulus paused. "I mean…you can work in that department. There is nothing wrong with that. At all. But I just want you to know that you don't necessarily have to, to change things."
"How would I get laws passed, or read even if I was just in the Wizengamot?" Hermione asked him quietly.
"Well…you can work with a lawyer to help write up what you want done. Say 'equal employment opportunities for werewolves', for example. They help you with the wording. They help you with the holes in the law that you may not see. Then you bring it to the attention of the Wizengamot during a time you're discussing legislation. Members take it home to read. Eventually they all come back and either pass or reject the legislation. Or they tell you to adjust it somewhere." Regulus told her as he munched on a chip.
Hermione nodded. It made sense. "But, how would little, old me get it to pass the Wizengamot?"
Regulus grinned at her. "Allies, silly. You can get different families to support you. The Potter Family will, without a doubt. They have a seat that's been empty since before Voldemort fell the first time, in 1981." He paused. "Probably the Malfoy Family as well, assuming they take their seat. Having those two families supporting you will probably get you support from both Light and Dark Families." Regulus told her. "Even though the Potter Family is more neutral than Light."
Hermione nodded, lost in thought. "I've never thought of it in that way. I've never known that that was the way you get things done in the magical world."
Regulus gave her a tight grin. "You wouldn't have…you were just a muggleborn. You didn't have a seat on the council. Nor would you. You'd have to fight tooth and nail to get anything done." Regulus paused. "Because you are a Black, you should be able to get more people, more families to listen to you." Hermione gave him a nod in understanding. "Work smarter, not harder." Regulus finished quietly.
Hermione swallowed her fish. "Another way in which Muggleborns are treated differently from everyone else." Regulus hummed in agreement. "Thank you for telling me."
"Of course," Regulus responded. "Now that you know that you don't have to work in that department to get stuff done, do you have any other interests?"
Hermione nodded as she munched on her fish. She swallowed. "I really like ancient runes." Hermione told Regulus. "We're working on a translation of a journal of some sort. It's never been translated before, we will be the first people to do so. I really like what we are doing. It's extremely interesting to me. Translating." She paused. "I don't think I want to do curse breaking…it's not really my thing. But I do like the idea of working with Gringotts or someone like that and translating works found. Working alongside curse breakers. Alongside Gringotts."
Regulus nodded in agreement, giving her a grin. "Bathsheda said during one of our staff meetings that both you and Theo were her best students."
Hermione smiled brightly at the praise from her favourite professor. It was something for her to think about.
…
…
Regulus and Hermione arrived back at Hogwarts soon after dinner had ended. Hermione made her way back to the library in search of Theo. She wanted some couple time. They barely spent any time together other than to work on their schoolwork. As she walked into the large room she quickly spotted Theo sitting, reading his transfiguration textbook at a table.
Hermione sat down next to him with a grin. "Hey," she chirped in greeting.
"Hello," he smirked at her. "How was your dinner with Regulus?" he asked.
"Great!" Hermione replied. "We had a good talk with each other. And some delicious fish and chips."
"Mmm." Theo said with a grin as he packed up his schoolbag after seeing that she wasn't taking out her textbooks to read. He stood up from his chair and helped her up from hers. "Room of Requirement?" he asked her with a grin.
Hermione fought a grin of her own. "Yes please." She paused, unsure if Theo would go for it. "Can you go to your dorm and get your pajamas?" she asked him quietly as they left the library.
Theo looked at her questioningly.
"I really want to spend time with you outside of studying or class time." Hermione said to him. "I was wondering if you wanted to spend the night with me in the Room of Requirement." Hermione questioned him quietly, fighting a blush. "Just to talk. And sleep eventually. About anything other than schoolwork."
Theo grinned at her. "Alright. Let's head to the dungeons to get my stuff." He looked at her. "I take it you want some snuggles?"
"Yes please," Hermione said quietly as she pulled him closer to her, her arm wrapping around his lower back.
The couple soon made their way to the Room of Requirement. Hermione gasped as she pulled open the door. Theo had been the one to think of the room this time. Inside was a large fireplace. Bookcases lining the walls. A seating area off to the side of the cozy room. A large four poster bed was the focal point. A loo was off to the side of the room.
"Alright?" Theo asked her, watching as she took in her surroundings.
Hermione grinned. "It's perfect."