Summary: "Do you love me?" Hermione asked. "I do. Since 1970," he replied.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: All is well on my end. I hope you are all safe and healthy.
Thanks for the wonderful reviews!
.
This story was inspired by the following fanfics:
1. Bewitch, Ensnare by Kittenshift17
2. Aurelian by BittyBlueEyes
3. The Dark Lord's Daughter by AmandahLeigh
.
Chapter 2:
July 24, 1995
(present time)
Hermione smelled her cayenne pepper tea and smiled. It reminded her of a particular wizard; the only wizard whoever managed to make her heart flutter and send blushes on her cheeks.
She went to the ball with Viktor last Yule and while his gestures were touching, the Bulgarian Seeker did not manage to steal Hermione's heart. They decided to go to the ball as friends. She remembered Viktor teasing her by asking if he was unattractive. She laughed and apologized for not being a member of his fan club.
There was only one wizard whoever stole her heart.
"Where are the boys, Mum?" asked Ginny while putting syrup on her pancakes. Hermione decided to have fruits and cayenne pepper tea.
"Sirius and Remus are with Dumbledore. It was the full moon last night. They'll be back later in the afternoon. Your father and brothers are at the Burrow, mowing the lawn and cleaning the house," replied the Weasley matriarch.
"And Fred and George went home without complaining?" asked Ginny.
"Of course they argued with me, but when your father spoke, they couldn't rebut," Mrs. Weasley replied with a chuckle.
Hermione chuckled as well. She noticed that the Weasley boys were more afraid of their father than their mother. Probably because Mr. Weasley was very kind and gentle all the time.
"Hermione, dear, are you sure that it's enough for you? I can prepare a full English breakfast," offered Mrs. Weasley. "You'll be needing the energy to clean that dusty room on the third floor."
She gave Mrs. Weasley an appreciative look. "This will suffice until lunch, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you. I appreciate the offer."
"You and Severus are alike," commented the middle-aged witch fondly.
"Severus?" she asked, trying her best to sound casual.
"Professor Snape, dear. He only drinks cayenne pepper tea when he's here, nothing more," she explained. "Maybe that's why that man is very lean and his hair grows fast."
"Yes, probably," she replied with a smile. "Cayenne pepper helps lose weight and is good for hair growth."
"Don't rush, dears. It's just the three of us until afternoon," Mrs. Weasley said when she probably noticed that she and Ginny were eating quickly.
.
"Hey, Hermione!"
She didn't look up, but she knew it was Ginny, approaching her on the couch in the library. She was busy reading a book she found about forgotten jinxes and curses. The Black family library was her favourite part of the house and she was glad that Sirius gave her permission to read whatever she wanted and spend time there as much as she wanted.
She felt Ginny sit beside her and when she attempted to snatch her book. "Don't lose my page," she shifted and placed a bookmark before snapping the book shut. She faced her redhead friend. "Now, what?"
"Let's play chess. I'm bored to death," the younger witch said with a plea.
She scrunched her nose. "I don't like Wizard's Chess. It's barbaric. I thought you're helping Mrs. Weasley bake something?"
Baking wasn't her thing. Hermione and a spatula just didn't match. Sure, she could cook simple breakfast and prepare sandwiches, but she could never bake, so when Ginny wanted some pies and cookies, she politely excused herself from the two Weasleys.
"Mum sent me out of the kitchen because Tonks wanted to talk to her," she explained.
"Did something happen? To Harry?" she asked, worried.
Ginny shook her head. "No, it's not about Harry and no one's hurt. I guess Tonks wants Mum's advice on something personal. She looked like she was about to cry."
"Oh. I hope she will be fine, soon," she said sincerely.
"Yeah. Me, too. Tonks is really nice." Ginny sighed and for a moment, they were comfortably quiet.
She started thinking about what she could do with Ginny, aside from playing wizard's chess. She was about to suggest Exploding Snap, but then they heard a loud thud downstairs.
She and Ginny glanced at each other. It wasn't a sound of Apparition. No one could Apparate that loud, not even Fred and George who just got their licenses. They both stood up and went downstairs, bumping into Mrs. Weasley and Tonks. The two older witches were already holding their wands out and gestured for Hermione and Ginny to follow behind. The four of them entered the drawing-room and there, on the center near the coffee table sat a little boy, wearing a wizard's robe, sporting curly, black hair, and carrying a small body bag. He was facing sideways and was reaching for something inside his robe. Hermione's eyes widened when he pulled out a time-turner and got rid of it and his bag.
"'Tis heavy," the boy muttered, before looking around. His brown eyes first saw Mrs. Weasley and surprisingly, he smiled. "Nana Molly!"
Mrs. Weasley gasped and looked at them with wide eyes when the boy ran to her and hugged one of her legs.
"Oh my god," whispered Ginny. "Hermione... do you see that?"
Ginny's eyes were fixed on the time-turner the boy abandoned on the floor. "Yes," she whispered back.
"Is he from..." Tonks asked, but trailed off.
"The future," replied Ginny with a nod. "He called Mum 'Nana'. Could he be... Angelina and Fred's?"
Hermione was thinking the same thing. Among the seven Weasley children, only Percy and Fred were dating. Percy's girlfriend, Penelope had blonde hair, but Fred's girlfriend, Angelina had dark hair and skin colour. But, Fred and Ange were just incoming seventh-year students and no Time-Turners could allow anyone to go back for years!
"Nana Molly?" came the boy's confused tone. Mrs. Weasley squatted to level herself with the boy. "You crying, Nana Molly?"
Mrs. Weasley smiled. "Don't mind Nana, darling. Can you tell me your name?" she asked carefully.
"My name is Leo," the boy replied promptly.
"Leo. That's a very nice name," Mrs. Weasley said fondly. Hermione saw for the first time how good the old witch was with a child. "But I am sure that's just your nickname. Can you tell me your whole name, dear?"
Hermione saw the boy's frown, but afterward, he chuckled. "You're silly, Nana."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. Nana is just confused because... I was hit by a bludger, but I am fine now. Nana will ask you questions again, all right?"
The boy's deep brown eyes were fixed on the Weasley matriarch, but then he nodded. "Okay, Nana."
"Can you tell me your name? Your long name?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Leontes," the boy replied promptly.
Mrs. Weasley smiled. "That's a unique name. What's your surname, dear? Weasley, is it?"
The boy looked confused even more. He shook his head. "Not Weasley, Nana... But Papa Art said I'm like one."
Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and they both inhaled sharply. Could he be Harry's son? Harry is practically Mrs. Weasley's son...
"Oh, you will always be," Mrs. Weasley assured him. "But, can you tell me what people call your parents? They call me Mrs. Weasley. Papa Art is Mr. Weasley. How about your mummy and daddy?"
The boy shook his head once more. "We don't speak Dada's name, Nana, remember? Bad guys will find us."
"A Taboo!" whispered Tonks but Hermione heard it. The boy's eyes went to Tonks, but he said nothing.
Hermione and Ginny turned to each other once more. "Harry?" Ginny mouthed. She shrugged in response.
"Oh, I remember. I'm sorry, dear," replied Mrs. Weasley. "How old are you, Leo?"
"I'm four years old," the boy said as if he was introducing himself at school. "Nana, who is she?" He was looking at Tonks.
"Tonks!" the Auror smiled and extended her hand.
Leo looked rather unsure. "A friend, Nana? Not a bad witch?"
"Not a bad witch, dear. Tonks is Nana's friend," Mrs. Weasley assured her.
Leo smiled at Tonks. "I'm Leo. The two shook hands.
Then Leo looked around, his eyes caught Ginny. "Aunt Ginny?"
"Hello, Leo!" Ginny greeted cheerfully despite the surprised look on her face.
Then, he saw her. Brown eyes met brown. "Mummy!" Hermione froze and her feet seemed glued on the floor. To say that she was shocked was an understatement.
Leo hugged her denim-covered legs and looked up. "Mummy!" he repeated.
Hermione bit her lip and decided to pick Leo up. "Hi, Leo," she said carefully.
"Mummy..." he said again and buried his face on her shoulder. "'M hungry. Does Nana have cookies and milk?"
Hermione, still shocked by what was happening, turned to Mrs. Weasley, asking for help.
"Oh, dear yes, I do have some cookies!" said the old witch cheerfully. "Come on, let's go down to the kitchen."
Ginny and Tonks were silent, but the former grabbed the time-turner and bag on the floor before following them to the kitchen.
Once they were in the hallway, Leo was on his feet again and walked straight to the kitchen. He pulled a chair to the sink and washed his hands.
"You're such a good boy!" Mrs. Weasley praised.
"Great job, Nana? Mum?" asked Leo with a smile.
Mrs. Weasley's smile widened and nodded. "Great job, Leo!" Hermione said as she dried his hands with a towel and helped him get down.
Mrs. Weasley waved her wand and a plate of cookies floated from the corner of the room and landed on the table. Then, she prepared a glass of milk for the boy. Hermione sat across from Leo, silently observing.
Mrs. Weasley did the same while Tonks went with Ginny inside the bedroom the two young witches share. "Leo, dear, Nana, and Mummy will ask you some questions. Will that be okay?"
"Yes, Nana!" the boy replied cheerfully.
Mrs. Weasley ran a hand on Leo's black curls. "This may sound silly, but, how did you get here?"
Leo continued munching his cookie but met Mrs. Weasley's eyes. "Mummy said, I'm no longer sick... so, we left St. Mungo's. Mummy brought me here. She said I will get to see you all again. I have to close my eyes and wear the necklace. Then, count to ten."
"And did you close your eyes and counted to ten?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Yes, Nana. I want to see you all again. Mummy never lies. She said 'believe in magic' and I will see you again. I love magic, Nana."
Hermione stared at the boy - her boy- and there were so many questions in her head at that moment.
Why is he here? From where - or when - is he? Why did I send him back? Is Harry his father? I never thought of Harry as someone else, other than a brother. But how else could he be an honorary Weasley if not for Harry?
"Uh, Leo, who else do you want to see?" she asked.
"Dada, grandparents... my aunts and uncles, Victoire, Freddie, Rose, James... and Molly even if she does not like me," he replied, taking another cookie from the plate.
Hermione and Mrs. Weasley nervously exchanged looks while they sat with Leo.
"Molly?" asked Mrs. Weasley, her voice was slightly shaking.
Leo nodded innocently. "Molly teases me always. She says you don't love me and she's your favourite."
Mrs. Weasley's eyes widened as the found Hermione's.
"Is Molly called... Molly Weasley, Leo?" asked the Weasley matriarch, still sounding nervous.
Leo nodded. "Yes, Nana."
"Then, who's her daddy?"
"Unca Percy," Leo replied promptly, before munching his cookie.
Mrs. Weasley looked like she was about to cry. "Oh, Hermione! My Percy named his daughter after me!" she said happily.
Hermione reached for older witch's hand and squeezed it. "See? He'll come around."
"You and Unca Percy not speaking again, Nana?" asked Leo with a frown.
Mrs. Weasley, unable to answer the question, gave the boy a sad look.
"Don't worry, Nana. Unca Percy loves you. He will give you flowers again."
Mrs. Weasley happily reached for Leo and enveloped him in a tight embrace. "Thank you, dear." She kissed his forehead, too. "And don't you worry. All of you are Nana's favourites."
Leo's smile widened and he continued eating. After finishing his glass of milk, Leo dutifully put the plate and glass on the sink and pulled a chair again to wash his hands. Mrs. Weasley happily assisted him and praised the boy once more for cleaning up.
"Mummy, can I sleep now? 'M tired..." requested the boy.
Hermione quickly stood on her feet. "Of course. How about, a shower before bed?" she asked.
"Okay, Mummy," Leo agreed.
"I'll prepare your room," offered Mrs. Weasley.
"Can we go home to Dada?" asked the boy.
Hermione's mouth formed a small 'o'. Not knowing what to say, she closed her mouth again. What was she supposed to say? Tell me your father's name first, dear. That would be ridiculous.
Thank Merlin, Mrs. Weasley was there to save the day. "Darling, I'm sorry, but we have to wait for your Dad. He will pick you and your mummy up later. Then, you can all go home, all right?"
Leo smiled. "Okay, Nana! Thank you!"
"You're welcome, dear! Such a polite kid," she muttered.
Hermione and Leo went to her and Ginny's room. They found Ginny and Tonks holding Leo's bag.
"Found anything?" she asked them. The two witches shook their heads.
"It won't budge," replied Ginny.
"Maybe only Leo can open it," suggested Tonks.
"Leo, honey," she said gently, using her parents' endearment to her, "can you please open the bag for Mummy?" she asked. And now, I sound like Mum, she thought.
"You can open it, Mummy," he told her.
"Oh, all right," she replied and picked the small bag on the bed. She easily opened it and it was surprisingly full of different stuff.
"Undetectable Extension Charm!" exclaimed Tonks.
Hermione found a small suitcase, containing children's clothes. Of course, Leo's clothes, she thought.
"Aunt Ginny, where is Jamie?" Leo asked innocently.
Ginny frowned but smiled. "I don't know, too. What's your guess, Leo?"
Leo shrugged. "Maybe with Unca Harry."
Ginny's eyes widened. "Harry Potter? Why will Jamie be with Uncle Harry?"
Leo chuckled. "Silly, Aunt Ginny. Unca Harry is Jamie's dad!"
Ginny's slowly opened her mouth while looking at Leo. "And, who's Jamie's mummy?" she asked slowly.
"You!" And Leo laughed.
"Me?" asked Ginny, clearly not believing her ears. "And Harry?"
Leo nodded. "You, Unca Harry and James... you live here," he said matter-of-factly.
Ginny slowly beamed and left the room running. "Muuuum!" Hermione heard her yell.
"Ow. That is so sweet! Ginny and Harry!" exclaimed Tonks.
Hermione wanted to ask Leo who his father was but brushed the thought off. The boys would be home before dinner and Sirius, Remus or the twins could ask about the boy's father. Unless Leo's father was not a member of the Order.
Impossible, she thought.
After taking a bath, Leo laid on Hermione's bed and asked her to stay beside him. She wanted to ask him questions, but the boy looked tired.
"Mummy, I love you," Leo said but with a sad smile.
She felt joy in her heart and she couldn't help but smile. "I love you, too, Leo," she found herself saying. It was like 'love at first sight'. She couldn't believe that she would say those words sincerely to someone she just met.
As she lay down beside him and his tiny hand was on her shoulder, Hermione ran a hand in the boy's curls. They were like her curls; only that they were black. Leo's eyes, she noticed earlier was brown like hers and he also got her button nose. His mouth, though, was different. His lips were thin.
Leontes. It was Leo's name. She wondered if she or the boy's father picked the name. She had a strong feeling that the name was picked from the same book where her name was. Hermione was the queen of Sicily and Leontes was the king.
Her thoughts went to his age. He said he was four. At what age did I get married? Who is his father? What happened in his time?
When Leo was fast asleep, she decided to take a look at the stuff inside the bag but brought it to the kitchen where Mrs. Weasley, Tonks and Ginny were.
They found a sealed brown envelope. There was something written on it:
Daily Prophet clippings; June 2004- September 2006
There was also a box of vials but they didn't contain potions.
"Memories," said Tonks. "They're memories..."
"Hermione's, I guess," said Ginny.
"We need a Pensieve," she said. "The memories should explain why Leo was sent back in time."
"Hermione, dear, I think it is best if we call Albus and the rest of the Order before opening the envelope," suggested Mrs. Weasley.
"Sending him here, instead of Hogwarts or the Burrow, the older you must want the Order to know about Leo."
Hermione nodded in agreement. "I thought so, too," she replied.
Tonks was on her feet. "I will send a word to Albus."
