Good Morning! (It is 1 am when I'm writing this)
First of all...how...did...we...hit...500 followers on this story? Currently on 505...just, insane. Thank you all so much for reading my story. Seriously, you have no idea how grateful I am, and how much it means to me.
This chapter is pretty long, and I we're back into plot related events :D Next chapter ought to be loads of fun! (A certain someone made a guess, and she may or may not be right ;p, you know who you are ;D)
This chapter is unedited, but I really wanted to post it so hopefully I'll have time tomorrow or Sunday to go through it and fix up any issues. I do hope you all enjoy it! :)
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Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me.
Wednesday, October 17th, 1973
Sirius Black's Birthday
Potions Classroom
Most people would be upset that they had earned themselves detention on their birthday. Normally Sirius would be as well, but it had been worth it. Snivellus had thrown a tripping jinx at him whilst he was rushing to Divination. He told James and Peter to go on ahead of him when he had spotted Riley on their way to class. Managing to have a quick, pleasant conversation with the younger girl. After which he had walked her to class, getting her there just in time for her class to start; which meant he was going to be late for his.
Sirius hadn't even bothered with his wand, launching himself at Snape. Professor Flitwick had found the two third year boys tussling and rolling on the ground. Snape's friends, which included the Carrows were standing on the side trying to figure out what to do. They didn't dare throw a hex and risk accidentally hitting Snape.
Which is how he ended up not only with three days of detention, but he also had to carry them out with the greasy haired git that was currently glaring holes in the back of his head. Snape never said anything, but Sirius could feel the other boy's hatred pouring off of him in waves.
"Right boys, when you're finished sorting the ingredient cabinets then you are free to go," Professor Slughorn said absentmindedly, sitting down at the front of the Potions classroom, popping pieces of candied pineapple into his mouth.
"Vapid fool," Snape grumbled under his breath before opening up one of the cabinets. Sneering at how disorganised they were.
The boys set about their task in silence, Sirius wasn't certain what some of the ingredients were or even how he was supposed to be sorting them. So he worked on grouping the same ingredients together.
"Do you have any redeeming abilities?" Snape drawled lazily, Sirius flinched involuntarily and angled his head in the other boy's direction.
"Pardon?" Sirius narrowed his eyes, tucking some hair behind his ears and out of his face.
"You're sorting them willy nilly and that bumbling idiot isn't going to care how you do it, but I'm not going to let you leave that cupboard in such disarray."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know there was a particular order in which one organised potions ingredient cupboards," Sirius sneered snidely, stepping back and gesturing for Snape to organise the cupboard himself if he so desired.
Snape looked at him blankly before stepping forward into Sirius's former position and set about meticulously re-arranging and sorting the cupboards. Snape muttered something about Sirius could go and dust out the cupboards and he would sort the ingredients. Sirius hesitated before doing exactly that, somehow they worked surprisingly quickly and well over the next hour.
When they were done, they reported to Slughorn, who peered past them at the cupboards, smiling and offering them some pineapple. They both declined the offer, and the plump man waved them off, telling them they were free to go. Sirius refused to even acknowledge Snape's presence as they left the Potions classroom, they reached the corridor, their footfalls the only thing to be heard. That was when the guilt started to eat away him, a nagging voice that sounded scarily like Hermione's telling him that he ought to say something to the Slytherin. That perhaps it hadn't been utterly horrid working with him over the past hour. When Sirius turned to his left to say something, he saw that Snape was already hurrying down the corridor towards the Slytherin Common Room. Sirius cleared his throat, rubbing his neck, shaking his head.
Sirius took his time getting back to the Gryffindor Common Room, it was almost curfew so everyone was bound to be asleep already. There hadn't been a lot of time to celebrate his birthday today since they had classes all day; he had received presents from his parents in the post that morning, Dorea and Charlus had also sent him a gift. Sirius grinned wildly when he opened his gift from the Potters and saw in the bigger post box were two packages. The smaller one was a deep blue velvet box, and nestled inside was the Potter seal so he could use it if he wished Dorea said in her letter. He swallowed thickly, highly emotional, the bigger part of the gift was an assortment of baked goods and a carton of double chocolate vanilla swirl ice-cream from Fortescue's in a miniature ice box.
When he reached the Fat Lady's portrait, he was set on eating some of the chocolate chip cookies that Dorea had baked before Remus smelled them in his sleep and ate them whilst asleep; knowing him he would be dreaming that he was eating them.
"Password?" She asked, yawning.
"Newt Eye," Sirius responded, the Fat Lady nodded curtly before swinging inwards.
Sirius stepped through the Potrait hole and was wholly unprepared for what happened next. It seemed like most of the house was there, they all jumped up and exclaimed loudly, "Happy Birthday, Sirius!"
Gideon set out small fireworks from his wand and Sirius was still stunned. Walking towards his friends in a state of shock. Hermione threw herself into his arms and he hugged her tightly after a moment.
"Who's ready to party?" Gideon asked excitedly, throwing his arms out to the side. Louds cheers met his question.
"Make sure you end all the festivities at a reasonable hour, Gid-" A blonde, brown eyed boy that Sirius recognised as the Sixth year male Gryffindor prefect started. Gideon cut him off.
"Oh c'mon Murphy, live a little!" Gideon clapped the boy on the shoulder, he didn't look impressed however, mouth set into a grimace as he strode off, muttering something about it being time for his rounds.
"Do you like it?" Hermione asked Sirius, who nodded, at a loss for words.
"Alright, it's a week night," Gideon climbed onto a table, hands outstretched. There were may groans that rebounded throughout the room at that statement, but Gideon wasn't finished. "So everyone needs to be in bed by midnight, it's currently ten thirty. I think that's plenty of time to have a good time, don't you think?"
Loud whistles and noises of agreement followed, to which Gideon smirked, "so what're you lot waiting for? Our Sirius only turns thirteen once!"
True to his word, the festivites and merriment only lasted until midnight, but someone had pulled out their stash of butterbeer and Firewhisky for the older students; James Thomas announcing that he had stocked up on Pepper Up, which was definitely going to be needed by some of their fellow Gryffindors in the morning. There were several party tricks, crazy stunts for the hell of it, and a lot of dancing in the hour and a half that they had been afforded.
When it all died down, and the Gryffindors traipsed themselves up to their dorm rooms, Sirius found himself surrounded by his friends in his bed. Hermione was snuggled between him and Remus, James and Draco were on his other side, and Peter was happily curled at the bottom of the bed. Draco had cast an extension charm on the bed so they would all fit. It turned out that his birthday had turned out pretty well after all. Sirius felt Hermione hand curl around his, and he smiled merrily. Pretty darn well indeed.
...
Saturday, 20th October, 1973
It was their first Hogsmeade trip and the other boys had done nothing but go on about it all morning. Sirius had woken them all up by jumping from each of their beds to the next. Draco was seriously contemplating using a tripping jinx on his mate until Remus had had enough and with incredible precision, lobbed one of his pillow at the Black heir, knocking him down onto his own bed.
After that they had all gotten ready, boots, several layers of shirts, jumpers and a warm coat as well as pants were put on. Draco wrapped his house scarf loosely around his neck, pulling on a pair of black gloves. For whatever reason, Sirius had found himself a pair of bright red pants, paired with a black jacket and his house scarf. He'll definitely stand out in the snow, Draco thought in amusement. James was wearing similar colour to him with the exception that his winter jacket was grey. Remus of course was snuggled up in his various jumpers, and his olive green jacket unbuttoned, a black beanie neatly secured on his head.
"Everyone ready? Got their permission slips?" Draco called over his shoulder as he left their dorm. Echoes of 'yes' followed him. Draco shoved his hands in his pockets and quickly descended the stairs. The Common Room was stifling hot since they had on so many layers, but seeing as they were going to be out in a matter of moments, Draco didn't bother unbuttoning anything. Draco noticed that the girls were waiting over by the door, and his eyes immediately locked on Hermione.
His 'twin' was wearing a grey slate jacket which was open, a white jumper underneath and black pants, a pair of black wellies were on her feet, her house scarf across her shoulders but not wrapped around her neck yet. The other girls were dressed in similar attire. Draco recalled a time when he would've cringed seeing so much red and gold in such abundance, but now it was strangely comforting. Never thought that day would come, Draco thought.
"Ready?" Hermione grinned brightly when the boys joined them, Frank had headed down before them, and was in the girl's midst, next to Alice and Nancy.
"Did you do it?" Draco turned to Sirius and whispered in his ears so no one else could hear them. Sirius smirked, clapping Draco on the back as they all started to file out of the Common Room.
"I most certainly did, mate," Sirius murmured back.
Draco had been slightly take aback when Sirius had come to him for advice, since he was closer to James and Remus than he was with Draco; but he had been more than happy to help. Which is why as they made their way out of the castle, down moving staircases and through various corridors, Riley Paddington was opening a small box that had been left on her bedside table. A feat that had been accomplished by the borrowing of James's invisiblitly cloak and some careful manoeuvring on Sirius's part. The young Hufflepuff smiled warmly when she saw the white mug that had her name spelled out in bright orange letters. Sirius remembered her telling him that she had an obsession with tea, so he had asked Draco for his help in putting the letters on the plain white mug he acquired, and neatly wrapped up some of the tea his Mother had sent him for his Birthday. Walburga didn't give gifts that other parents might; she gave things since as an assortment of exotic teas, black liquorish and cuff links.
When the Marauders reached the Entrance Hall they found their fellow classmates in their year clumped together, with McGonagall in front of the students. Quickly they joined the others and would have to had to strain their ears to hear if McGonagall had not been projected as well as she was.
"In an orderly fashion, I will collect your permission slips, and once that is complete, we will all make our way to Hogsmeade village. I don't think this needs saying, but I must insist you all be on your best behaviour. That includes you Mister Black," McGonagall sighed as Sirius raised his hand.
"Are we allowed to go anywhere in the village, Minnie?" Sirius asked loudly so she could hear him at the front of the hall.
"I hope you know that means to stay in the village Mister Black, and need I remind you that curfew is at seven o'clock?" McGonagall tilted her head to the side, hands clasped in front of her, her green robes catching some of the light that was filtering into the hall. Hair hidden beneath her pointed hat, the tip curved backwards.
"Why of course dear Minnie," James responded this time. McGonagall narrowed her eyes, but didn't say anything in return, instead she began to collect permission slips.
"One at a time," Minerva instructed firmly, and one by one students handed her their slips, moving to the side and out of the way; waiting until their fellow students slips had also been collected.
Draco nodded at McGonagall when he handed her his slip, pausing until Hermione had given their Transfiguration teacher her's before walking away. They moved off to the side, and Draco grabbed her hand when no one ws looking, she peered up at him curiously.
"What do you and James get up to when you think none of us are paying attention?"
Hermione's shoulders relaxed, obviously she had thought whatever he was going to ask was of a much more severe nature. Hermione blinked at him innocently, the corners of her mouth twitched upwards, but she didn't say a word.
"You're not going to tell me?" Draco raised his eyebrows, a bit shocked, a little hurt as well, but he shoved that down before she could see it in his eyes.
"It's a surprise, trust me, it's nothing bad," Hermione reassured him, moving her hand so she was grasping his, squeezing it gently before letting go completely.
Draco remained silent after that, accidentally biting the inside of his cheek, the metallic tangy taste of blood swirling in his mouth. Their friends joined them shortly, and before he knew it they were trekking through snow on their way to Hogsmeade village. Draco watched Hermione link arms with Lily and Alice, the three girls slightly ahead of the rest of them. Nancy was telling Kira a story about her little brother's tions mishap that had happened during the past week, Frank and Peter were talking about Herbology and the plants they were studying this year, and Sirius, James and Remus were joking about one thing or another. Draco was next to Remus, who seemed to notice something was off. Draco felt a hand on his shoulder, Remus's eyes filled with concern when he met them. Draco subtlety shook his head with a somewhat aloof smile; Remus frowned lightly, but left it alone.
The first stop the third year Gryffindors decided to go to was Honeydukes, Draco noticed that quite a few of the older students were making their way to Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop or over to the Three Broomsticks. It had been a while since he had gone into the Three Broomsticks; back in the future he avoided it and instead often found himself in the Hogshead instead. He didn't think he's exactly be welcomed back by Rosmerta after he cast the Imperius curse on her. If he remembered correctly, she was the Barmaid of the pub now as opposed to the Landlady. Hermione saw where he was looking at poked his side gently.
"What?" Draco asked a bit harsher than he intended, Hermione didn't seem fazed in the least however, and merely said what she needed to, "you aren't the same person that cursed her, Draco. She doesn't even know you yet. You don't need to be scared to go in there anymore."
"Still-" Draco stopped his protests when he saw the firm look Hermione had fixed him with, sighing, resigning himself to the fact that it didn't make any sense arguing he nodded and walked off in search of sugar quills.
It wasn't long before they had all purchased their various sweets and had the all left Honeydukes very happy fully stocked up on all of their favourite sweets for at least a few months.
Once they were all outside then came the conversation of where they were going to go next. "I want to go to the bookshop," Lily announced.
"We're going to head to Zonko's," Sirius gestured to the male Marauders who were gathered around them, Frank's looked from Alice to the other boys, and after what seemed to be a spot of internal dileberation he reached out and squeezed Alice's forearm gently before walking over to the other boys.
Hermione pursed her lips thoughtfully, pulling her hair out from her scarf, shaking her head causing her curls to bounce arbout. Hermione shot her boys an apologetic look and linked arms with Lily; who smiled brightly at the Potter girl.
"Ok, so we're heading to the joke shop, and you girls are going to the bookshop?" James asked for confirmation.
"Yes," Hermione responded, grinning broadly at her brother.
"So you want to meet up at the Three Broomsticks after you're done?" James queried.
"Sounds good to me," Alice responded, everyone else soon agreed.
As the girls began to walk away, Hermione looked over her shoulder and called out, "don't get lost in there now!"
"Mione...you don't want me to respond to that!" James guffawed, fixing his glasses with his free hand. Hermione scowled before whipping her head forwards again. Draco smiled softly, he was surprised she hadn't hexed James or even retorted.
"Alright boys, to one of the most wonderful places on Earth!" Sirius declared, walking as quickly as he could through the snow. Soon they were shoving each other playfully and joking about as they trekked through the snow, sounds of the cold, white powder crunching underneath their boots lost as they made their way towards the joke shop. Their voices and laughter travelling throughout the village.
It was wondrous students from all ages were moving about, eyes full of wonder and awe. Draco recalled fond memories of coming here during his younger years with Theo, Blaise, Vince and Greg. Dungbombs, Hiccough Sweets and all sorts of other items. Normally it was for getting back at people who had wronged you, and sometimes for a good laugh. Draco saw Sirius making a beeline for the Nose-biting teacups and he laughed to himself, I can't wait to see what he wants to do with them.
Time passed fairly quickly and all of the boy had their arms piled high with merchandise as they made their way to pay. Draco felt the back of his neck prickle and he turned around and saw Dorcas Meadowes and Emmeline Vance peering at him behind a display, as if he was a subject that they were observing in his natural habitat. Their eyes wide, full of curiosity. Emmeline had short, frosty blue hair and bright hazel eyes, a splattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks, Dorcas had dark chocolate brown hair that brushed the small of her back, a birthmark shaped like a distorted pear on her neck Draco noted with interest, she had ice blue eyes that cut though you like a knife.
"Meadowes is cute, isn't she Moony?" Sirius elbowed his best mate, managing not to jostle his items too much. Draco stepped forward as the last person in front of them finished up at the teller. Peter went first since he was closest, and Draco tried to focus on paying attention for when it was his turn; ignoring the fact that two Ravenclaw girls were staring him down like he was their prey.
Remus refused to answer Sirius, and then proceeded to give the lady exact change. Of course he did, Draco chuckled mentally. Which meant the poor witch had to count every coin, and then sort them into their assigned sections before she could move onto the next customer. Peter and Remus stood off to the side, waiting for their friends to pay for their goods.
Draco let James, Sirius and Frank go before him, when it was finally his turn, the lady smiled at him politely; Draco frowned when he saw the two girls leave where they were, which was halfway across the shop floor, and head in his direction. He sighed softly, accepting his bag from the petite lady and handing her a bit more than was necessary, when she reached in the teller for change, he shook his head, holding up his free hand and smiling gently at her.
"Right, everyone got everything?" Sirius glanced around at everyone, who checked quickly and responded moments later, confirming that they did in fact have everything.
"Time to go meet back up with the girls then," James said gleefully.
"Try not to drool when you see Evans, Jamie," Sirius tapped James's cheek lightly, throwing his free arm over James's shoulder, holding his bags in his other hand.
"I don't drool when I see Evans," James protested, pausing before adding, "I don't...do I?"
"Yes," Remus said in a deceivingly sincere tone, smirking when he strode past James; who looked horrified. Draco rumpled his brother's hair as he passed by him, peering over his shoulder to see James's expression melt into a broad smile.
Draco noticed that Dorcas and Emmeline had disappeared, and he pursed his lips, the other boys making quite the ruckus as they left the joke shop. Draco throat felt bone dry, he swallowed thickly as they exited the joke shop and began to make their way over to the Three Broomsticks. He knew it was irrational to be anxious, especially since Rosmerta would have no idea who he was, but he couldn't help himself. He was so caught up in his thoughts, playing out the many scenarios that could possibly happen within the next few minutes when Sirius's exclamation caught his attention.
Draco followed the other boy's line of sight and saw that they had reached the Three Broomsticks; Draco halted in his track's, his friends not noticing and began to walk in. The bell on the door ringing as they did so. Draco could hear the sounds of mirth and merriment coming from inside.
"What's wrong?" Remus asked from Draco's left, the raven haired boy flinched visibly. Draco thought that Remus had gone in with the others, but clearly that had not been the case. Sometimes the Werewolf was a bit too observant for Draco's liking. Taking a deep breath and steadying his heart rate, Draco faced his friend.
"Why would you think anything was wrong?" Draco asked with an air of casual confidence.
"Maybe because your heart was beating at an alarming rate, you've been exceedingly quiet since we left the castle, and you're doing that nose scrunch thing you do when you get frustrated or upset," Remus explained calmly, folding his arms across his chest, his bags swishing about in his hand as he did.
"I don't do a nose scrunch thing," Draco touched his nose briefly, looking at his sandy haired friend.
"You most definitely do a nose scrunch thing," Remus snorted, "you're changing the topic. Seriously, are you okay?" It hit Draco like a ton of bricks then. Remus was worried about him, actually worried. Draco watched Remus's brow furrow in concern.
"I'm okay, really, Moony. I swear, I've just been feeling a little off today. I'll be fine," Draco smiled warmly, jerking his head in the door's direction he continued, "c'mon, the others are probably wondering where we are."
Remus didn't look wholly convinced, but he nodded regardless and followed the Potter boy as they walked into the pub, Draco had to remind himself to breathe as the bell rang out clear as day in his ears. Rosmerta was walking around, drinks in hand as she attended to patrons. Of course, just my luck, Draco thought bitterly. It was okay, he was going to be fine. He wasn't the same sodding prick that had cursed her, he was different, this was different. A fresh start. Draco closed his eyes as he breathed in slowly for a few moments to calm himself down, when he opened his eyes he shoved all his doubt down. He was not going to let some irrational fear rule over him. Draco steeled his resolve and it was then that he spotted her, his eyes somehow always found her. Hermione. Head thrown back in laughter, hugging Lily to her side sitting next to the redhead in a booth on the far side of the room. Hazel eyes shining with joy, her outer layers shed since it was quite toasty in the pub. Homey, comforting like a Mother's hug.
A few things were different, the Welcome Mat was brown instead of the reddish brown that he remembered, the furniture looked brand new, polished, the upholstery a nice cream colour as opposed to the darker colours that it was in the future. Draco peeked at Remus, the werewolf grimaced when one particularly boisterous man belted out a deep, hearty laugh to their immediate right, sitting at a table with his companions not seven steps away from the door. Right, sensitive hearing.
Rosmerta was already at the table getting the other's orders when Draco and Remus reached them, she greeted them with a warm smile. Draco scrucnhed up his nose as he slid in next to Sirius. Who was grinning deviously, and Draco was mentally counting down how long it would take before Sirius used his boyish charm on the barmaid.
"The name is Sirius Black, what's yours my fair lady?" Sirius purred, leaning in Rosmerta's direction. Rosmerta was clearly used to patrons trying to woo her, and she seemed amused by Sirius's attempt.
"My name is Rosmerta," Rosmerta responded cheerily. "Oh, your friends have arrived, what can I get for you dears?"
"I'll have a Butterbeer please and thank you," Remus smiled at the barmaid, Draco noticed that after making his order Remus' eyes immediately found Hermione's across the table. Draco pinched his thigh under the table, and met Rosmerta's eye. Her expression was warm, amiable and kind, Draco smiled crookedly, ensuring to maintain eye contact when he placed his order.
"I'll have a Butterbeer as well, please."
"Coming right up, I'll be back with your drinks in a bit," Rosmerta told them, nodding before she headed off. Laughing and saying something to one of the men closer to the bar as she passed him; expertly ducking and weaving between the tables.
Draco breathed in deeply, letting out a heavy, relieved breath that no one seemed to notice thankfully. It had been alright, Hermione was right, it was different. He was no longer the frightened sixteen year old whose life as he had known it had fallen apart in a matter of months. His Father going to Azkaban, being given an impossible task, his Mother's life under constant threat from people whose side they were meant to be on.
Draco glanced around at the people surrounding him, his friends, he and Hermione had been given an opportunity to do it all over again, to be teenagers properly without threat of a madman and impending war looming over them. Draco saw Lily's bright smile, Remus's blush as Kira complimented him, James's arrogant smirk, Sirius's easy laugh, Peter's meek, watery smile, the happy look on Frank's face as he whispered something to Alice, Kira and Nancy gesturing to piece of parchment that Nancy had scribbled some sheet music on; and everything felt right, whole.
Of course I miss Theo and Blaise, my parents, heck I even miss the back and forth between Potter and I. Daphne, Pansy, Astoria...Draco's forehead crinkled as he thought about the youngest Greengrass girl. I was meant to marry her after we both graduated from Hogwarts, but I can't see myself doing that anymore. Draco's eyes flicked to Hermione, and he clenched his jaw, I definitely won't be able to marry Stori.
...
Hermione noticed that Draco wasn't as lively as usual, and wondered momentarily if it was her fault. He had been awfully quiet since she told him that she couldn't tell him what she and James were up to. She hated keeping secrets from him, especially since they promised to be honest with each other; she just wanted to surprise him, but if it was going to bother him this much, she wasn't sure it was worth it.
They were now on their way back to the castle, they had spent hours in the Three Broomsticks, and before they knew it, it was time for them to head back.
Hermione looked up ahead of them and saw a small group heading back as well, and began to nibble on her bottom lip when she saw Severus Snape's head from the back. She would recognise that hair anywhere, she had spent six years looking at it in classes, and now a few years as one of his classmates. She felt Lily tense beside her, that's right, they're still fighting. For Lily's sake I hope they make up soon, Hermione sighed mentally. She still hadn't cemented how she felt about the young Slytherin; she was still on the fence, tottering between writing him off and trying to make amends between herself and the boy.
"Hey, James, watch," Sirius grinned wickedly, Hermione's eyes widened a fraction as she saw what he was intending on doing. Sirius was holding a snowball in his hand, armback and raised. Hermione gritted her teeth as Sirius moved forward, hurling the snowball directly at Snape's head. Hermione muttered a vanishing spell under breath, aiming it at the snowball. The ball disappeared in thin air mere inches away from the back of Snape's head. Hermione nodded in satisfaction, whilst Sirius and James looked extremely confuddled and perturbed. Sirius scratched his head, bending down to pick his bags off the ground where he had rested them. One crisis averted, that could have gotten ugly fast, Hermione shook her head.
It had been a long day, which is why when they got back to the castle instead of heading to the Great Hall for dinner, Hermione headed straight for the Gryffindor tower. Not even stopping to relax in the Common Room for a little bit; her bed was calling her.
Hermione didn't even bother to pack away anything that she had gotten that day, placing it all neatly by her besd, kicking off her shoes, taking off most of her layers. Dumping them in the clothes hamper before striding to the bottom of her bed and reaching in her trunk, pulling out some pyjamas, quickly throwing them on before collasping on her bed, using her last bit of energy to duck under the covers, bundling down. In moments she was fast asleep, dark curls spread cross her pillow behind her, her soft snores filling the empty room; everyone else had opted to go to dinner.
With that, they had successfully survived their first Hogsmeade trip.
...
November brought frigid air, as well as brisk and shorter days, it snowed more often than it had the previous year which made Draco happy, which in turn made Hermione happy. The Marauders were often found on the Quidditch Pitch, practicing since tryouts were in a few days. It was all James, Draco or Sirius could talk about. Hermione smiled secretly to herself whenever they got started. Remus had quirked an eyebrow at her, but she would always smile a little wider and tilt her head to the side.
Hermione made sure that the boys managed to portion out some of their time to study and get their assignments done on time.
Hermione had also been spending more time with Lily and Remus, they had Ancient Runes together and they had unofficially made a study group together. Unlike her first time in third year, Hermione was relaxed, simply enjoying things as they happened. As opposed to the frazzled, stressed girl that had possibly taken too much on at once.
Hermione finished her dinner about an hour ago, and was currently in the Gryffindor Common Room. As of late she felt the need to write her feelings down, if just to get them out of her. Hermione always made sure she was on her own before she opened it; she charmed it so it would only open with a specific incantation, which she did non-verbally.
Just as she was finishing up she heard the noise and ruckus that came with the Marauders enter the Common Room. Ending her last sentence, she quickly closed the book and tucked it into her bag, pulling out her Ancient Runes textbook instead.
"Mione, why is it you're always studying?" Sirius teased, plopping down onto the couch next to her.
"I am not," Hermione snorted, rolling her eyes when James wriggled his eyebrows at her. He was the only one who knew her secret and she was surprised he hadn't uttered a peep to any of the others yet, not even Sirius or Draco.
"Moony," James grinned, hugging the taller boy from behind. Remus smiled lightly before shaking his head.
"You want me to help you with our History of Magic homework, don't you?" Remus guessed.
"No, why Moony, would I ever-"
"There have been numerous occasions in the past where you have," Draco jutted in, sitting on the ground in front of Hermione and leaning back against her shins; his eyes were closed and Hermione ignored how her heart had squeezed a little when she felt him lay back against her skin.
Peter muttered something before heading towards the stairs to the boy's dorms.
"Where is Pete going?" Sirius twisted his head to follow the smaller boy, reaching up to scratch the side of his nose as well.
"Going to get his book bag I think," Remus responded, dragging James (who was still attached to him) over to the couch. "You either let go, or I sit on you." Remus warned the youngest Potter. James ducked his head under Remus's arm and when they made eye contact he winked audaciously at the Werewolf. Who made an amused noise before wriggling out of James's grasp and sitting down next to Sirius. James squeezed himself in at the end of the couch, taking off his shoes and shifting so his legs were laid across Remus's and Sirius's laps.
"Comfy there, Potter?" Sirius guffawed, laying his head on Hermione's shoulder.
"Extremely," James hummed, arms crossed behind his head as he leaned back.
Peter returned a few minutes later, arms laden with parchment and a few textbooks, his book bag heavy on his shoulder, with him he brought Lily, Nancy and Kira.
"Are you lot going to do any work tonight?" Lily sighed exasperatedly, hands on her hips.
"We're always doing work, Evans," James answered.
"Is that so?" Lily raised an eyebrow, "have you done the essay for McGonagall yet? The one that is due tomorrow?"
"I have as a matter of fact," James said smugly, an arrogant grin on his face as he responded to the redhead; whose bright green eyes were carefully regarding the raven haired boy.
Lily turned her attention from one Potter to another, "Hermione, have you looked over the Ancient Runes reading we were given to try and decipher?" The raven haired girl angled her head at Lily, and nodded, before frowning lightly.
"Has anyone seen Alice or Frank since dinner?" Hermione queried curiously, just then, Alice and Frank entered the Common Room through the Potrait hole. Frank was whispering something in Alice's ear. Both Gryffindors blushing profusely.
"Look, there are our two lovebirds!" Sirius exclaimed loudly, still trapped underneath James's legs.
"We're just friends," Alice responded, cheeks still pink as the two strolled over to their friends.
"We caught Peeves teasing some first year Hufflepuffs and we got him to leave them alone under threat of telling the Bloody Baron on him," Frank diverted the conversation, smiling brightly as he sat in one of the armchairs adjacent to the couch the others were sitting in, in front of the fireplace. Alice moved to hug Lily from the side, her best friend smiling happily at her before resuming her conversation with Hermione. Whilst the boys changed their conversational topic to Peeves and how he was always such a great help with pranks.
Hermione soon droned them all out, her book consuming her; thoughts of her surprise lingering in her mind. It was definitely going to be worth it to see their faces.
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Indieblue xxx
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