The next few days passed by much like the had previously, this time however the three time-travelers were less concerned than last time. Professors were following after Harry, making it hard for him to discreetly meet up with Luna except in the Library. The wizard was wondering just how long it would take for Bones to get Fudge to release a new statement on Black and recall the stupid dementors. The answer was thankfully not long.
With him barely noticing (having forgotten Hermione didn't originally order a subscription to the Daily Prophet until Fifth year), Hermione was able to shove the rag that was the Newspaper in his face.
Black Innocent? Trial Never Given is Now Set!
Harry didn't bother reading all the gritty details, but murmurs were alive in the Great Hall until they fell silent, causing the wizard to look up.
"Good morning, students," Dumbledore started, "I have a few announcements to make that some of you may have already noticed. First and foremost, the Dementors will be recalled and sent back to Azkaban sometime around 9 o'clock this morning."
Cheers erupted from every table. The old man allowed this for a few seconds before calling them to order.
"Next, although Sirius Black may be innocent I would like to warn everyone that Azkaban changes a person and he was locked up for many years. He may be innocent, but he is still to be considered dangerous until his trial is carried out. Classes will resume per usual, but as the Kiss on Sight order has been recalled I felt it would be best to remind everyone to stay on the lookout for their safety. Thank you," with that Dumbledore sat down and the noise levels rose again.
"Apparently Pettigrew was caught recently, alive and with a Dark Mark," Hermione said, with the paper in front of her, giving Harry a long side glance.
"You don't say," Harry nodded, letting his mate know that it was indeed the real Pettigrew that they caught.
"Harry, mate, this must be a relief for you," Ron said, "You might even be able to convince McGonagall to reconsider Hogsmead!"
"Again, I can't without the form signed, Ron," Harry said angrily, stabbing his eggs with his fork.
The messy haired wizard ignored the redhead for the rest of breakfast.
It turned out that Harry liked Runes and Hermione and Luna were also taking it upon themselves to teach Harry French (We have to make use of the neuroplasticity while you have it! Hermione explained). He was at the same level as everyone else, doing well (third best in class), and worked ahead in his homework in the rest of his classes.
Luna and Harry were able to convince Hermione to write what length was requested and could give an extra inch or two the most. They knew she knew the material, the professors knew she knew the material, and it just caused extra work for both the professors and her. Thus, she was able to complete all of her homework early and had extra time to work on her Animagus studies. While the witch would sometimes struggle to condense her knowledge onto the parchment, she was pleased to note that she still received her regular O's and had less scathing remarks from Professor Snape on her graded assignments.
Luna, meanwhile, had more time to focus on her Animagus studies and was able to prove her dedication to Professor McGonagall through the extra time spent with the older witch. She also took it upon herself to make more jewelry and other side projects. Being a second year again was boring, but she was able to avoid Cho Chang and her gang, which was a bonus.
Soon the first Quidditch match was upon them and Slytherin couldn't weasel their way out of playing this time around as Buckbeak had never hurt Malfoy. Harry however was slightly careless, even though the Dementors had been recalled.
Nevertheless it didn't stop Oliver Wood from constantly trying to give Harry tips in between classes. One meeting went so long he was, once again, 10 minutes late for DADA.
"Sorry I'm late, Professor Lupin, I –"
It was the same class that Snape was covering as last time.
"This lesson began ten minutes ago, Potter, so I think we'll make it ten points from Gryffindor. Sit down," Snape drawled.
Unlike last time Harry didn't argue and took his seat by Hermione, "Yes, sir. Is there a reason Professor Lupin isn't here?"
"He says he is feeling too ill to teach today," Snape said with a twisted smile.
Harry wanted to wipe the smile off his face, but also didn't want detention.
"What's wrong with him?"
Snape's black eyes glittered.
"Nothing life-threatening," he said, looking as though he wished it were, "Five more points from Gryffindor for being nosey."
Harry could live with that, Snape loved to take points and he was already sitting.
"Sir, we're due to start Hinky –" Hermione tried without being insistent this time.
"Be quiet," said Snape coldly. "I did not ask for information. I was merely commenting on Professor Lupin's lack of organization."
"He's the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher we've ever had," said Dean Thomas boldly, and there was a murmur of agreement from the rest of the class.
Snape looked more menacing than ever. "You are easily satisfied. Lupin is hardly overtaxing you – I would expect first years to be able to deal with Red Caps and Grindylows. Today we shall discuss werewolves," Snape said.
"Professors Quirell and Lockhart did an awful job. However, sir," Hermione tried again in an agreeable tone, "we're not supposed to do werewolves yet, we're due to start hinky-punks —"
"Miss Granger," said Snape in a voice of deadly calm, "I was under the impression that I am teaching this lesson, not you. And I am telling you all to turn to page 394." He glanced around again. "All of you! Now!"
With many bitter sidelong looks and some sullen muttering, the class opened their books. "Which of you can tell me how we distinguish between the werewolf and the true wolf?" Snape asked.
Everyone sat in motionless silence; everyone except Hermione, whose hand shot straight into the air on reflex.
"Anyone?" Snape asked again, ignoring Hermione. His twisted smile was back.
"Are you telling me that Professor Lupin hasn't even taught you the basic distinction between –"
"We told you," said Parvati suddenly, "we haven't got as far as werewolves yet, we're still on –"
"Silence!" snarled Snape. "Well, well, well, I never thought I'd meet a third-year class who wouldn't even recognize a werewolf when they saw one. I shall make a point of informing Professor Dumbledore how very behind you all are…"
Hermione the third year had answered his question anyways, Hermione the warrior huffed with attitude, her hand still in the air. Snape glared at her and to Harry's surprise she shot him a stare straight out of Professor McGonagall's handbook, meeting him head-on. The class held their breath.
When Hermione raised her brow at him, Severus Snape sneered, "5 points from Gryffindor for your attitude, Miss Granger. And put your hand down!"
Hermione blinked slowly at him and didn't change her look, still staring at him in silence even after she lowered her hand. Hermione would proceed to pin him down in silence for the rest of the lesson. The rest of the class listened to the lesson in silence and took their notes quietly.
Severus Snape couldn't help but be mildly unnerved by the sudden change in attitude from the bookworm. He knew his students, despite not always wanting to, but the change in Hermione made him so suspicious that he tried to use subtle legilimency on her.
Hermione however was able to deflect him, but did manage to send a subtle sign that said: RUDE, STAY OUT at the forefront of her mind. Snape wouldn't be able to hold her back or talk to her about it as it was against the law to perform such scans without permission. Last year her mind was organized chaos as it usually was, this year it was closed off to him. Interesting…
Day of the match the weather was just as dismal as last time and Hermione cast an impervious charm on his glasses for the match. Wood once again looked as though he was about to kiss her for the forethought. Harry had forgotten how his Nimbus 2000 couldn't handle the harsher winds that his Firebolt could.
After Hooch blew her whistle he rose as fast as he was able and his broom swerved under him. He felt a little better knowing that if he was swerving so were the Slytherins as they had the same broom as him.
What was different though was it was a much more brutal match than it was against the Hufflepuffs. Harry did his best to look for the Snitch though, thankful to Hermione for her charming his glasses. Malfoy it seemed wasn't as lucky, but did have his own pair of goggles.
Within the first 5 minutes they were all soaked and freezing, Harry however wasn't as affected as everyone else. He somehow still had phantom chills from when he was on the run so it didn't bother him nearly as much. He could see Malfoy shivering though, only due to his platinum blond hair.
Thankful of Hermione's forethought he was able to spot the snitch much sooner than last time, but much like last time the damn golden ball decided to hide out higher than normal. Malfoy was quick on his tail, having decided to tag along in his own way before falling back due to a lightening bolt.
Harry however kept going, his body pressed against his broom urging it to go faster, his hand stretched out. The snitch dived down, having noticed him, and Harry followed. Malfoy took that time to get himself back in the game once the snitch was in a safer range for him; that was further away from the storm clouds and lightening.
Harry followed the snitch much like a hunting dog would a rabbit. When his hand finally grabbed the snitch Harry didn't notice a bludger coming straight at him. He sat up quickly, holding the ball for all to see. Yet the wind moved him up causing the bludger to hit his Nimbus 2000 straight on the handle, pushing the broom from under Harry! Harry was free falling!
It was then he felt Hermione's magic around him slowing his descent. He was still falling but slower when he felt Luna's magic also hit him. The snitch was still in his hand thankfully, as Hooch blew the whistle, flying as fast as she could towards the wizard without a broom.
She grabbed his wrist and helped him land.
"POTTER CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WINS!"
Harry was immediately rushed by his teammates and quickly Hermione and Luna. Hermione then quickly dragged them all out from under the rain towards the locker rooms.
"Harry James Potter! You scared me!" she hollered at him, hitting his arm a few times before forcing him into a Hermione patented hug.
"We would appreciate it if you didn't do that again, Harry," Luna agreed.
"Mr. Potter," Hooch called, "I'm afraid I have some bad news…"
Harry looked at the Flying Instructor holding pieces of his Nimbus 2000.
"The bludger hit it straight towards the Whomping Willow, I'm sorry, Mr. Potter," the yellow eyed witch said.
Harry carefully took the pieces of his broom while the team gave him pitying looks.
"Thank you, Madame Hooch. Better it than me," he replied.
"Right you are, Mr. Potter," she agreed, "You should go see Madame Pomfrey though, that was quite a fall."
"We'll take him, Madame Hooch," Hermione insisted.
With a nod the yellow eyed witch left them to their devices after congratulating Gryffindor house on their win. Harry's first Quidditch loss, due to dementors, never happened. Harry didn't even see the Grim in the sky this time.
Madame Pomfrey would find nothing wrong with them, but made them all take a pepper up to prevent them from catching a cold on the off chance due to them all being in the freezing cold rain. No one argued with the matron.
Come Monday people were talking about the "Freak Accident" that happened to Harry Potter's broom. The Slytherin's of course were unapologetic, even if they lost, Harry Potter no longer had a broom.
Going to DADA wasn't a nightmare, but it was disconcerting after having Snape substituting the previous class. Hermione didn't even let Ron know if it was okay or not to enter after claiming he'd skiv if it was Snape again, she just walked in, knowing it was Remus.
While the werewolf looked ill, he was a great sight for sore eyes. He was very patient with his students complaining about their lesson with Snape and the homework he assigned. Harry didn't even worry about it this time, knowing Remus wouldn't accept it as they weren't on the subject. Hermione did it out of spite, planning to hand it to Snape in the Great Hall, she included many poisons and all foods that Hagrid could tell her wolves were allergic to (which wasn't many).
The rest of the time passed by better than the last, as Harry was quite happy to learn French, reward kisses being one of his new favorite rewards, and he didn't brood as much over his broom (despite it still hurting) or over the dementors as they weren't there (he still didn't like them).
Harry was just finishing his runes homework when the thought came to him.
"Do you think Sirius knows about his court date?" he asked Hermione quietly.
While they could spend time in the library with Luna together, Ron still joined them the day before the assignments were due, despite Hermione not sharing or doing his work for him (Harry still helped him for the time being).
"He should I sent him a letter letting him know with Hedwig, along with the article of the paper that gave details," she replied.
"You used Hedwig?" he asked.
"I didn't know I had to ask…" she mumbled nibbling on her bottom lip.
Hermione hadn't had to ask to use Hedwig in years so she didn't think about it.
"No, no, you can!" he hurried, "I just forgot is all."
What Harry couldn't say was he forgot the Ministry wasn't trying to track his mail for the whereabouts of Sirius since they didn't go to Fudge this time claiming his innocence. So Sirius couldn't have 'confounded' them this time around since they never met, or claimed to have met.
Hermione just smiled in response.
Hermione nibbled on her bottom lip as she struggled over an idea that had been bouncing around in her head since she came back. Did she go to Gringotts during Hogsmeade or simply wait for the Christmas Hols? If she did the first she risked being banned from all Hogsmeade visits for the rest of the year, maybe the rest of her Hogwarts career. If she did the other she might have the put up with her step-father. There was another… that she just go about her business and return once school resumed, much like she did while on the run.
She didn't have to worry about Sirius sending a new broom (she knew he would). She didn't have to worry about Harry's safety for the rest of the year, he would be fine.
"Hermione, you've been thinking awfully hard lately," Luna said.
Harry was off at quidditch practice leaving the two of them alone.
"I know," she sighed heavily, "I have business at Gringotts, but I don't want my family to know, I also don't want to abuse my Hogsmeade privileges and possibly have them revoked."
"Why don't you stay, like you were planning, and ask your Head of House to take you to Gringotts before Yultide?"
Hermione smiled at the blonde, "This is why I love you. You see the most obvious solutions."
"I aim to please," Luna smiled back.
"Should I write them a letter first?" Hermione asked.
"No, it's always better to do business with goblins as blunt and in person as possible," Luna answered.
Hermione nodded in understanding.
"Have you decided if you're going to go to the ball with Krum again?" Luna asked quietly.
"I thought it over and decided that we should be open by then. Harry will need us and I refuse to even entertain the idea of someone other than you two," she replied honestly.
A grin bloomed on Luna's face.
"I will miss you, you know," Luna said, referring to the summer.
"I'll miss you too, but this time I'll be down the road for the most part if I'm staying with them again. Besides I've already seen the World Cup and I don't want to deal with that mess again."
"Maybe you could stay with me?"
Hermione looked up at Luna, "You'd want me to go with you on an expedition?"
"Of course, silly," Luna hummed.
Hermione stared at the paper in front of her thinking hard again.
"You don't have to you know," Luna said gently.
"I know, and I want to, but I also don't…" Hermione said trailing off.
"The run?" Luna asked.
"Yeah, I'm afraid it would remind me too much of the run, but also it was because of those trips that I was able to keep us safe," she explained.
"We won't find much of anything in Sweden this year anyways," Luna reassured her.
Hermione smiled at Luna again before letting her face fall.
"What else is it?" Luna pressed.
"What if… he wants to get to know me?" Hermione said softly, "What if he wants to spend time with me this summer instead?"
"Hmm, that's a good point. I didn't think about that, but I think it depends on who it is, don't you?"
"Yeah, you're right. I don't think I could make any summer plans without knowing what's going on with that first."
Luna nodded in understanding.
"Maybe… I could have professor Lupin take me. He knows about the soulbond between me and Harry," Hermione said.
"When did this happen?" Luna asked.
"After the boggart. I kissed Harry after everyone left and formed the bond then. I was so distressed, I forgot to tell you."
Luna heard the rumors about her boggart incident and simply nodded in understanding.
"Are you staying for Christmas?" Hermione asked.
"No, I'm going home with Daddy to celebrate Yuletide, the solstice, and the new year. But with finding out who he is I think you'll already be very busy. You'll let me know, won't you?"
"Of course, I'll let you know. Even if I don't like who it is, I'll let you know."
"Just be careful of glamours," Luna said.
"Glamours? I went through thief's fall and nothing happened then," Hermione tried.
"While that would take off initial glamours and potioned disguises, it wouldn't take away blood bound glamours," Luna explained.
"The reason why I look like him and not him," Hermione said while staring at her bondmate, "But why would they stay with my soul?"
Luna nodded, "I think Dumbledore or someone he chose would have returned close to your birth to take care of it and it was a form your soul was familiar with."
Hermione nibbled on her lip again and nodded.
The weeks flew by and soon Hermione was once again signed up to stay for the winter break. She thought long and hard and decided to approach Remus with her dilemma.
"Excuse me, Professor Lupin, may I have a moment of your time?" she asked after their last class.
"Of course, Miss Granger," Remus answered with a smile, "What seems to be the problem?"
"Can I speak with you alone?" Hermione pressed.
"Why don't we talk in my office?" Remus suggested.
"Yes, sir," Hermione smiled and followed the werewolf to his quaint office.
"What can I help you with?" Remus asked again once they were behind closed doors.
Hermione looked at him then took out her wand and performed a muffliato earning her a raised eyebrow from the werewolf.
"Where did you learn that?" he asked.
"A friend," she said evasively, "Anyways, Professor, I was hoping over winter holidays you'd be able to take me to Gringotts? I didn't want to abuse my Hogsmeade privilege and decided to ask a staff member over break instead."
"Why can't you go with your family during the break?" he asked instead.
"I have reason to believe that my father isn't my father and I was told the quickest way would be through the goblins," she explained, honestly knowing he could smell lies.
"Miss Granger, I know the world isn't as accepting of muggleborns, but you have to understand smart and strong muggleborns do exist," Remus tried.
Hermione laughed coldly in a way that belonged to her old life, "I know, Professor and it has nothing to do with that."
"Miss Granger, would you indulge me for a moment while I run some scans over you?" Remus asked.
"Of course, Professor," Hermione said with a smile, "I trust you."
Remus smiled back and performed a few spells that would uncover disguises and finally one that revealed her age. Everything turned out to be the way he expected it.
"Are you sure you'd rather go with me than with Professor McGonagall?" Remus asked.
"I'm sure, professor. I believe that, while not intentional, she would tell the Headmaster the results, and I really don't want him to know. You already know one of my secrets, that I'm bonded. So you were the obvious choice," Hermione answered.
Remus smiled, touched, if only she knew he was a monster.
"Besides I'd rather see a friendly face after I get the results. For some reason I have a feeling I may not like them. Luna thinks I have a blood bound glamour, and she's hardly ever wrong when it comes to her intuition."
Remus paled at the second part.
"There's a way for me to find out, the spell is… more invasive than the other spells I ran earlier."
"Yes, please, sir," Hermione practically begged with her eyes.
Remus waved his wand in a complicated manner and said the words lowly under his breath before Hermione felt her blood tickle, it was uncomfortable to say the least, but she felt around her core something noticeable that she hadn't noticed before.
"She's right," Remus said at last, his voice was low.
"I think… someone… tried to keep me from my father and I need to know who he is," Hermione stated carefully.
"Are you sure? What about your… the man who raised you?" he tried awkwardly.
Hermione laughed without humor, "Heh, Father is most certainly never winning father of the year award."
"Are things alright at home, Miss Granger?"
Hermione looked him dead in the eye, "No. However it doesn't matter, they've covered their tracks."
"Oh…" Remus couldn't say anything since his own father was certainly a callous wizard and his mother couldn't do much of anything about it, even though she tried.
"I just want to find my real father, Rem- Professor Lupin."
"Do you often call your professors by their first name?" Remus asked, "It's not the first time you've almost slipped up."
Hermione sighed, "No, and while you know one of my secrets, I know one of yours. I'll start bringing you chocolate baskets after the full moon again."
"Again? Wait, you know?"
"Of course I know, I've known for a while. You're sick and it affects you 3 nights a month. I assure you while I'm not infectious I can be scary during my time of the month as well."
"Miss Granger, my condition isn't anything like a - a menstrual cycle," he finished with a blush.
"I'm not getting into this argument with you. I haven't told anyone," she started again.
"Miss Granger… Hermione, are you from the future?" Remus asked.
Hermione pursed her lips and pulled out her time-turner, "That's a dumb question you of all people know you shouldn't be asking Remus."
She avoided the question entirely while letting him draw his own false conclusions.
"You're right, I apologize, but how far back have you gone?"
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him.
"Right, I know, don't ask."
"We were friends, you were like our uncle, Harry and I, and I would… I would like my Uncle Remus there while I find out who my father is."
Remus took a while to absorb the information before just nodding, "Alright. Hopefully we can build our relationship back up."
"I would like that. Harry would like that. And… Remus?"
"Yes, Hermione?"
"I'm also bonded to Luna Lovegood," she blushed while biting her lip.
"Both of them?"
"Yeah. Same feeling different light," Hermione admitted, "Harry's bonded with her too."
"That's why they were both…" he understood finally.
Hermione nodded, "You… don't think less of me do you?"
"You really don't care about my –"
"Furry little problem? No."
"Clearly it's a match made in Heaven. When were you hoping on leaving?"
"After the train left?" Hermione asked with a hopeful tilt in her voice.
Remus nodded, "We can do that."
"Thanks, Remus," Hermione said before crushing him in one of her specialty hugs for a few seconds before letting go since Remus only returned it tentatively.
"I have to go tell Luna and Harry; bye, Professor."
"Bye, Miss Granger."
