Disclaimer: I do not own any canon characters or situations in the Harry Potter Universe; nor am I paid for this. I just play in their world in no small thanks to Rowling's generosity.
Warnings: Story content contains strong language, violence, and graphic sexual scenes.
A/N: Here's Chapter 29! I'm uploading these, one right after the other, so if you've yet to read chapter 27 and 28 then please do so! I was hoping to have chapter 30 up today as well, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. I'll try and get that and maybe one more up this weekend. Thanks everyone! Enjoy! xo
"And then she was like POW! And then she was over here like YOU FU-"
"Neville Augustus Longbottom! I know you weren't about to say what I think you were." Hermione croaked quietly from where she lay unmoving in the hospital wing bed.
"Oh, she's waking."
Hermione frowned as she tried to force her eyes open, flashbacks of her time spent in the coma rushing through her head. After a few twitches and an audible growl of frustration, she finally managed the task - rapidly blinking away the black spots that had taken over her vision, obscuring whatever the hell was hovering over her head. As the spots began to disappear one by one, the thing quickly became a face.
"Sirius?"
"We've got to stop meeting like this, Kitten. It's bound to rouse suspicion." Sirius grinned, his grey eyes sparkling in the evening light pouring through the windows.
"The bloody hell you doin' here?" she asked, doing her best not to notice how close he actually was - nor that his breath held the scent of her favourite toothpaste.
Laughing, he took a couple steps back to allow her to see the room and its many occupants. "I - we - were all watching you kick some serious arse out there today. The kid over here hasn't stopped spouting your glorious praises since you passed out after the maze."
At the reminder of a certain little boy who had most certainly picked up on some adult language, she scanned over the faces of Albus, Minerva, and Augusta to finally land on said boy who was currently blushing to the roots of his hair. Staring sternly in his direction, she watched him defiantly stare back for one...two...three...four seconds before he bowed his head with a whispered sorry.
Waiting just a moment longer she let herself find amusement in the situation and opened her arms, beckoning him forward. When he noticed her invitation, he rushed over and climbed up beside her. As he moved, her eyes caught a pair of legs behind him. She let her eyes trail up slightly-muddied jeans, up to a black and blue flannel, a neck with a long scar trailing down to the collarbone, and up into spring-green eyes framed by slightly shaggy light brown hair.
Brown eyes growing wide, her brain shut down, the sound of violins playing in the distance as they shared their final dance together. "R…" she choked, "Uhm…hello. I don't believe we've met before." She tightened her arms around Neville attempting to ground herself in the earthen scent of his hair until the ghostly music faded completely.
"Remus Lupin, Miss Granger. It's a pleasure to meet you. I apologize for showing up at your bedside, but Sirius absolutely insisted I come."
Hermione quirked an eyebrow in Sirius' direction, "Did he now?" Looking back towards her wolfy friend, she smiled as reassuringly as she could manage, "It's nice to meet you, Remus; and, please, call me Hermione. Seems only fair considering you've seen me in this." She laughed as she picked with slight disgust at the patched pajamas Madam Pomfrey had seemingly put her in. "So, surely I wasn't brought here just because I passed out?"
"If only that were the case, Miss Granger. Magical depletion, muscles ripped from living plants and bloody acromantulas, and I've had to mend the bones in your ankle from where that blasted dog fell on you. The nerve you have Albus, you old fool. She's supposed to be preparing for the school year, not here lying in one of my beds from something you insisted she do. Completely absurd, I tell you! You just wait; Albus Dumbledore, you and I are going to have words later!"
Hermione rapidly blinked, mouth open wide in a mirror image of everyone surrounding her bed as they all stared over at the fuming matron who was currently bustling about with vials piled in her arms. The silence ticked on until laughter bubbled up within Hermione, causing her body to shake. Neville felt the movement and turned his head to look at her. Noticing she was trying to hold in her laughter, causing her cheeks to turn bright red, Neville felt a smile blooming before he began to laugh alongside her. As the others began to slowly join in, Madam Pomfrey stopped and graced each of them with a fierce glare - of which was mostly nostalgic for not only Hermione, but Sirius and Remus as well - before muttering under her breath and stomping off to her office.
"Well, I think it best if Minerva and I depart for the evening. Come see me in the morning, Hermione. I've given the other Professors until then to turn in your marks."
"We need to be leaving as well. Neville, come." Augusta stood from where she sat and looked at her grandson expectantly.
Neville nodded and planted a kiss on Hermione's cheek. "Bye, Hermione." Just as he was getting up from the bed, a thought struck him causing him to jump back up and nearly jostle the both of them onto the floor. "I nearly forgot! We've changed plans for my birthday! Gran and Mr. Potter decided to just combine the parties as we're inviting the same people anyways! Can you come?"
"I was coming in the first place, love. It doesn't matter whether it's held at Longbottom Manor or in Godric's Hollow."
"Godric's Hollow?" Sirius frowned, "They live at Potter Manor. How do you even know about Godric's Hollow?"
"I beg your pardon?" Hermione asked.
Sirius stared down at her in what appeared to be a mixture of both confusion and suspicion. "How do you know about Godric's Hollow?"
Hermione blinked, trying to focus her thoughts. Fortunately for her Remus answered for her. "Oh shove off, Pads. Can't you leave that auror nonsense behind for a bit? All Pureblood properties can easily be found in the Ministry listings. Who doesn't know about Godric's Hollow?"
Sirius glanced up at his friend before returning his attention to Hermione. "That still doesn't explain why she would think they live there."
Hermione shrugged, doing her best to appear nonchalant about the whole ordeal. "If you'll remember I had a very traumatic experience not that long ago and am now suffering from magical drainage. So, you'll forgive me if I've muddled up the facts."
He continued to stare down at her in thought and was just about to say something when Augusta cut him off. "Oh give it a rest, Mr. Black. I can vouch for the girl and if you have anything further to say, I will be duty-bound to challenge you to a duel; and I promise you boy, you do not want my wand pointed in your direction."
Silence claimed the room once more as the Lord and Lady stared at one another, before Sirius ultimately backed down. "My apologies, Lady Longbottom. It won't happen again."
Nodding her head sharply, "Right. See that it doesn't. Neville, come."
Neville looked between his Gran, Sirius, and Hermione before he decided it was in his best interest to do as his dearest grandmother ordered. Taking the time to give Hermione one more kiss on the cheek, he scampered off the bed and followed his grandmother out of the room.
As the click of the lock seemingly echoed around the three remaining occupants, not a second more passed before Sirius was turning back around, "I'll make you a deal, Kitten."
Hermione snorted, "Sorry, but I don't make deals with the devil and stop calling me that."
Remus laughed, "Well, she does appear to have those claws you spoke so highly of."
Quirking an eyebrow in his direction, she looked up at Sirius, "You've been talking about me?"
Sirius simply smiled and shrugged, "Don't get too big a head, love. I talk about every pretty thing I cross paths with. Now, do you want to hear the deal or not?"
She rolled her eyes at his antics, but ultimately decided to play his little game. "Fine. What is it?"
He grinned, his cheeks pulling tight and thin wrinkles pulling at the corners of his eyes. "Well, I'll keep my word with Lady Longbottom...if...you let me take you to dinner."
"Sirius! She's practically bedridden and you're asking her out on a date? You can't be serious, mate!"
"Oh, but I am Sirius, Moony. You've known me since first year!"
Hermione tried really, really hard not to roll her eyes; but by the exasperated laugh she received from Remus, she knew she hadn't really tried that hard. Tilting her head back and forth, stretching out the tense muscles in her neck, she sighed. "Look, gentlemen. I appreciate you visiting with me, but I'm tired. Sirius, I have no intention of dating you or anyone else in the foreseeable future. If I am able to secure the Defence position, then my first priority are the children residing in this castle. Remus, it was lovely to meet you. I hope we cross paths again soon."
She watched as they retreated from the room after giving equally polite goodbyes, before curling up on her side and staring out the window into the darkening sky. The blues and indigos began to blur as tears slowly dripped from her eyes and violins of a time long passed slowly began to filter in.
Five potions, twenty minutes of stretching, and two days later Hermione found herself standing in the center of Longbottom Manor's sitting room. Twitching fingers ran nervously down the sides of her simple lavender dress, over and over again. Her eyes flicking back and forth between the shelves of large tomes that stood taller than she, and yet she felt no draw to them. Nothing, but an overwhelming anxiety about finally, finally meeting Harry. Well, this Harry. Truth be told, she felt as if she were about to be sick all over Augusta's thousand pound Persian area rug.
"Hermione! You're here!"
She quickly turned towards the double-paned doors and saw a neatly dressed Neville charging towards her, nearly bubbling over in his excitement. What tension she held in her shoulders lessened as she felt Neville's small, lanky arms wrap around her waist, his head coming to rest just under her chest.
Running a hand down his neatly combed hair, she took a step back and forced a smile. "Happy birthday, love. Ready for the party?"
"Yes! I can't wait to see my friends and tell them all about you! They're going to love you. Oh, they're going to be so jealous that you're my Aunt and not theirs." Neville grinned mischievously.
Hermione stared down at him for a moment, flashes of the eleven-year-old Neville she had known at that age flickering in and out of reality. The difference was surreal. Where that one slumped and stuttered, this one stood tall and confident - at least most of the time. She was amazed and yet saddened by the changes. The boy she had known had grown up into quite the exceptional young man, and she could only hope she could help do the same for this one.
Together they stood in silence for several moments, Hermione doing all she could to stand and Neville playing with the buttons on his shirt when he noticed her legs were trembling. When he looked up he noticed her colour was a bit off. "Hermione? Are you alright?"
"Hmm? Yes, fine. Why?"
"Your legs are shaking. Are they acting up again? Do we need to tell Gran that we need to go to St. Mungo's instead?"
Hermione chuckled and bent down to his level. "And miss your big birthday celebration? No way! I'm fine, Neville. Just a bit of nerves is all."
His frown deepened, but just as he was about to open his mouth to ask why, his gran walked into the room in a flourish of burgundy cloth.
"Hermione, dear. Lovely to see you again. Are we all set then?"
They both nodded quietly and watched as Augusta swept over to a bowl filled with green sand sitting on an elegant iron wrought stand next to the fireplace. They watched as she called out for Potter Manor and disappeared into the green flames. Reaching down, she gently placed her hand atop Neville's shoulder and gave him a gentle nudge forward. "I'm right behind you, Neville. Remember it can be a bit of a rough landing on the other side. Just be sure to take a step or two to the side so I don't tumble into you. Okay?"
Neville nodded and as she watched the boy disappear into the green flames she sighed. Closing her eyes, she tossed her head back and thought on how, exactly, she was going to make it through the next couple of hours without completely bungling everything up. Taking a moment to relax her breathing and ensure her beaded bag was tucked neatly into her side, she stepped forward and into the green flames.
"So, you're who Neville keeps on about. He absolutely adores you, you know."
Hermione smiled and, for a moment, her breath caught in her throat as an image of Ginny smiled at her. Blinking a couple times, willing it away, she saw green eyes instead of blue and her hair was much darker, nearly auburn, in colour. "As I adore him, I'm sure." turning to face her more fully, thus preventing her eyes from playing tricks on her, she asked, "Just as much as I'm sure you adore your little Harry."
She watched closely for any sign of deceit - ready to wield her wand and whisk her brother away from another terrible home - but found none and, thus, kept her wand securely tucked up her dress sleeve. What she did find was a slow, sweet smile spreading across the lady's face as she looked over towards the two boys surrounded by their group of friends. "I find that there's not much else I adore more than him. Though don't tell James. He'd be awfully offended."
A burst of laughter escaped her in a completely unexpected rush causing her to toss her head back and unknowingly draw the attention of the room - one occupant in particular. Finally calming herself she grinned and stuck out her hand, "I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I'm Hermione Granger, Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts."
Lily lit up like the sun, "Oh, believe me, I know who you are. Between Neville and Sirius, I feel as if I've known you for ages. I'm also holding a bit of a grudge seeing as you're the woman who managed to not only take seven NEWTs, but score an O on each of them. You beat my record of six. I'm bloody well jealous."
Hermione frowned, "What in the bloody hell does Sirius have to say? I've met the bloke twice."
Lily laughed and smiled mischievously, "Oh, no. Neville gives me all the personality traits. Sirius, on the other hand, well as I'm sure you've gathered, very much appreciates the female form. However, he only referred to you as my Kitten for the most part, so I couldn't be sure if it was you or not."
The longer Lily talked the further Hermione's brows rose up her forehead. It wasn't much longer that she was practically grinding her teeth. Only half listening to what her new friend was saying, she let her eyes scan the room until they locked on one Sirius Black - who was currently staring right back at her with firewhisky in hand and an odd look on his face.
Frowning, Hermione asked, "Why's he looking at me like that?"
"Hmm? Who?" Lily questioned, turning her head to look over the room as well. It didn't take long for her to find the culprit and roll her eyes. "Ah, see, I told you he seems to be fixated. I've never seen it before. It's quite odd really. Don't get me wrong, I love Sirius to pieces. He's James' brother; but he is a bit of a...shall we say, philanderer."
Nodding, Hermione smirked and returned her attention to Lily. "Believe me, I noticed." Crossing her arms over her chest she adjusted her position until her back was more fully against the wall.
"You're not used to being around large groups are you, Hermione?"
"What? What makes you say that?"
Lily laughed and linked her arm through the defensive witch's. "I say that because in the time you and I have been speaking: your hands have twitched for your wand twice, you have your attention diverted between me - to be polite - and everyone else in the room especially Harry and Neville, and you've secluded yourself as far as possible from the crowd. I mean, honestly, even Augusta is over there carrying on with Arthur. I promise we don't bite, Hermione."
Her lips grew thinner and thinner the longer Lily spoke the truths of Hermione's life until finally she exhaled sharply. "Yes, you're right; but from what I've heard, you nearly always are. I...my late childhood wasn't exactly...pleasant. I lived alone for a long time, so, I'm just...nervous."
The other witch nodded thoughtfully, tightening their elbow link slightly. "I completely understand. Why don't you walk around with me and I'll introduce you to some people, yeah? If you're too uncomfortable at any point, let me know and I'll let you return to your little hidey-hole. However, you won't be spending the entirety of the party there. I'll give you shorts breaks to recollect yourself and then you will join us. Understood?"
Hermione's mouth flapped open and closed like a fish out of water as she waited for her brain to process the fiery witch's words. When it finally caught up, she laughed and tightened their link herself. "I do believe I'm a little bit in love with you, Lady Potter."
They both giggled as Lily guided her around the room, introducing the nervous witch to her friends. Friends that, hopefully, they could both share one day. It was as they were nearing the Terrible Trio that she felt Hermione stiffen slightly. Looking over and asking if she was alright, Hermione simply nodded and kept focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.
The two witches came to a stop before the three men. "Hello." Hermione said, giving a single wave of acknowledgement.
"Hello again, Hermione. I'm glad to see you're doing well after your potions accident. You did absolutely smashing at your test the other day, too. Nearly as exciting as a game of Quidditch. And congratulations on your new position. I know the boys are excited for the coming year." James greeted with a smile, wrapping his arm around Lily's waist and tugging her into his side.
"Thank you, James. I must say I'm excited myself to see what the year has in store for us. I'm afraid these little hell-beasts may just overtake me." Hermione laughed, being careful to avoid Sirius' gaze.
"You'll be absolutely fine, Hermione, and if they don't behave simply give them detention. Merlin knows we had our fair share of it in school." Remus grinned.
Hermione eyed him carefully. "Yes, and I can see you're completely changed men for it."
"Why of course, Madame. We are nothing but upstanding wizarding citizens." Remus winked and Hermione couldn't help but chuckle before looking in Sirius' direction.
"Hello, Sirius. Doing well?"
He simply took a long sip of his whisky and nodded. "Fine, thanks. Still not want to go on that date?"
Hermione's smile was all teeth, "I'm good, thanks. I'm afraid I've got a terribly long list of things to do before the school year starts."
Sirius grinned and took a step closer, "Well, if you need any help doing anything for yourself, just let me know. I'm more than happy to assist in the matter. I've been told I'm quite good with my hands...amongst other things."
She stared up at him for a total of two frozen seconds before tossing her head back and laughing. "Changed men, indeed."
"Indeed, Kitten." Sirius murmured his grey eyes bright with excitement and firewhisky.
Hermione shook her head and turned to find Lily, when she noticed the woman was frowning and looking over the room. "Lily? Everything alright?"
She nodded, "Yes, I just thought Peter said he would be coming today. James did he cancel last minute?"
James shrugged and took a swig of his ale, "Not that I'm aware; but you know how Wormtail is, love. He's forgetful. I'm sure we'll hear from him in the next day or so with the typical array of apologies."
Hearing that name, Hermione who had currently been mid-sip of her pumpkin juice choked and sputtered until Remus began pounding her on the back, nearly toppling her. "Alright?"
She nodded quickly, dragging the back of her hand across her mouth. "Yes, sorry. Just got a bit choked up there. Does anyone have the time by chance?"
"It's a quarter past four." James called out. "Do you have to leave?"
"Yes, I'm afraid I do. I have a lot of things to sort out and organize at the school. Especially as I was brought on so late, I've only a month left to ensure everything is ready for the students."
Lily smiled, "We completely understand. It's hard to believe that in a month's time Harry will be starting his very first year at Hogwarts. The old adage of time flies surely does ring true once children are involved. Oh, but can you wait around for the pressies?"
Hermione thought on it and figured another half hour wouldn't hurt; besides she still needed to give Neville his present. Once she quietly agreed, Lily beamed and called everyone to attention. Together they all sang to the two grinning boys and while cake was being passed around, the eleven-year-olds ripped into their gifts. Forty-five minutes later and about a dozen toys for each of the boys, including the gifts from Hermione – a golden snitch with Harry's initials engraved and an ancient copy of a Herbology text for rare plants – and Hermione was finally able to say her goodbyes.
Another fifteen minutes and she was back in the Potter sitting room, grasping a handful of green sand. Just as she was about to toss it into the fireplace, she heard footsteps closing in behind her. Without thinking, she dropped her wand to her hand and swiftly turned on her heel, the tip of the wood pressing firmly into her follower's neck.
"Sirius?" she asked, lowering her wand. "Sorry about that. Reflex is all."
Sirius ignored the question floating around in his head about why, exactly, she would have a reflex like that, but instead shook his head, "That's alright."
"Did you need something?" she asked, taking a step back so their bodies weren't so nearly touching.
Running a hand through his dark, dark hair, he sighed. "Look, I just wanted to apologize for how I've acted lately. It's just...I don't know...it's whatever, really; but...yeah...I meant it. If you need help, the guys and I are more than willing to stop by and do some heavy lifting for you...not to say you can't do it yourself...I just mean...for fuck's sake, I'm bungling this to hell and back, aren't I?"
Hermione laughed softly and shook her head. "I understand what you're trying to say and thank you for the offer. I'll keep it in mind if I have any...heavy lifting...I need help with."
Waving her goodbye, she took the final step into the fireplace and disappeared into the green flames, just to shoot out three seconds later in a cloud of dust and ash into her new living quarters. Taking a moment to collect herself, she walked towards the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. Reaching blindly for the towel that hung on a circle, bronze holder, she patted her face dry and stared into the mirror.
Peter is here...how could I have forgotten about that putrid little beast? She asked herself. Dragging her hands down her face, with shoulders hunched, she let herself have this one moment of weakness. One moment to cry for the man and woman who lost their lives thanks to the betrayal of one they called friend, to cry for the man who had his life destroyed for twelve years holed up in Azkaban thanks to that same friend, and for the wolf who lost his pack and the man who lost his family because of that very...same...person.
Growling, Hermione glared at her reflection and determined that Peter would never again betray anyone else. Ever.
