GOLDEN ERA 05: New Year's Party

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- BLACK FAMILY CELESTIAL HALL

When little Hermione finally finished her conversation with the Black matriarch, her mind was reeling from the overload of information. In the span of an hour, she was shown what her life might have been, only to have that snatched away from her. And now she just felt lost.

Finally emerging from the grand foyer, she was surprised to see Nova outside the doors waiting for her.

"I'm meant to show you to your room," Nova said in explanation.

"Right..."

They walked in awkward silence as Nova led Hermione through the maze that was her house. The first-year was fidgeting nervously.

"Listen, Hermione... I'm really sorry about today. I guess I didn't think things through enough. Obviously, I didn't expect this."

"I don't think any of us could have," Hermione said wryly.

"I'm really, really sorry."

"It's alright," Hermione said softly. "I'd much rather know than not know, no matter how complicated it may be."

"Can I make it up to you somehow?"

Hermione smiled. "Show me to your library?"

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The next few days passed surprisingly quickly. As anxious as Hermione had been to stay with a wizarding family, she fit in very well with this one. Nova wasn't allowed to leave the house, but they all had a grand time at the family home.

The twins were particularly intrigued by mini-Mione. Leo, who was the more boisterous of the two and took entirely after his father, barraged Hermione with question after question, each one getting more outlandish than the last.

What's your favorite color?
Periwinkle.

Do you also like those muggle movies?
Obviously.

Do you have the same scars mum does on her arm and chest?
No...

Caelum was the more steady of the two. And instead of questions, he would make occasional odd observations about Hermione during their time together. He preferred to watch and asses rather than jump headfirst into the situation like his twin.

You know you're right-handed like our mum.

You like sugar quills too! Just like mum.

You both look away when you're embarrassed.

With each question and each observation, the Black kids began to realize that despite the seemingly obvious differences in appearance between the two Hermiones, they were very alike.

Regulus was the quietest of all the kids, but he was also the most studious. Hermione was jealous of all the magical books he buried his head in. If only she'd had such access to knowledge at such a young age.

Soon enough, it was New Year's Eve. The entire family was abuzz in preparation for the annual party at the Burrow. Apparently, their congregation of families split up the Holidays. According to Caelum, the Weasleys always hosted the New Year's party. The Malfoys host a Christmas Eve ball. The Potters hosted a picnic during the summer solstice. The Prewetts always held Samhain celebrations. And the Black family held the annual Bealtaine celebration right after the kids finished their term at Hogwarts.

"You'll have to come to Bealtaine this year!" Leo said excitedly. "You'd love the family celebrations- there's so much magic!"

"Of course she's coming," Cealum rolled his eyes.

Hermione felt her heart warm suddenly. She hadn't anticipated she'd be so easily brought into the fold- especially not by the Black family of all people. From her limited understanding of wizarding families, she thought if she were to get close to any family, it would be the Potters or Weasleys. But life worked in strange ways.

"What do you mean I can't go?" Nova whined impatiently.

"Did you forget that we grounded you?" Sirius asked in amusement. "It doesn't suddenly go away just because there's a party."

"But this is the annual New Year's party!"

"Well, it wouldn't be a punishment if we just let you go, would it?" Her mother asked wryly.

"BUT-"

"It's settled, Nova," Hermione Black said firmly. "I'll stay back with you. We can have a quiet celebration at home."

"You're not going?" Mini-Mione asked suddenly, looking between Nova and her mother. "Maybe I should stay too..."

"Nonsense!" Sirius declared loudly. "The others are going to be so excited to meet you! The Weasley's parents know about Hermione's identity, as do Harry's parents and Remus. They'll be excited to talk to you."

"Professor Lupin?" Hermione asked incredulously. He knew?

Sirius chuckled warmly. "Oh yeah! 'Mione, didn't you have a crush on Moony back in the day?"

Hermione Black turned to her husband with a firm glare, though he could detect a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. "Stop teasing."

"You should go," Nova agreed reluctantly. "All your friends will be there. Harry, Neville, and Ron."

"Let's go!" Sirius exclaimed excitedly.

»»— ༓ —-««

- THE BURROW

"Hermione!" Ginny Weasley exclaimed in surprise.

The youngest Weasley had sprinted downstairs when she heard the floor roar to life. She was as surprised as the rest of the Weasleys when Hermione Granger came trailing out after the line of Blacks.

"Oh my goodness!" Molly exclaimed sharply.

"I know, Molls," Sirius grinned in amusement.

It had been so long since any of the adults who knew the truth had seen Hermione's true features that seeing young Hermione now was jarring. Hermione couldn't help but stand there in anticipation as the Weasley's parents stared at her in awe.

"Let's go outside," Ginny invited warmly. "Ron and the twins are already out there. We're just waiting on the other families."

"Fred and George!" Leo exclaimed, running out the door towards the pranksters he idolized.

Sirius stayed back to speak to Molly and Arthur as Ginny tugged Hermione outside. She'd always envied Ginny for the ease with which she navigated people. Ginny and she were never even close, yet the confident young redhead made her feel as though they'd been close for ages.

"Blimey! Hermione!" Rom exclaimed in surprise. "How are you here?"

"I'm a guest at the Blacks' house for the week," Hermione supplied with a friendly smile.

"Oh right! Is this about Nova inviting you to their Christmas?" Ron asked as he stuffed a puff pastry into his mouth.

Ginny smoothly ignored her brother's eating habits. "But we didn't see you at the ball!"

"I spent Christmas with my family. I only just got here this week."

"Oi!" Ron yelled across the garden. "Look who's here!"

The two girls whirled around to see the Potters had just arrived. Ginny squealed in excitement, running straight for Bryony. She passed Neville and Harry without a second glance, tackling her best friend into a hug.

"Gin, I just saw you the other week!" Bryony chuckled.

"Ugh, you know there's too much testosterone in my house! I'd kill to have another girl around."

Neville and Harry approached them with growing smiles on their faces.

"Hermione!" Neville greeted excitedly. "I didn't expect to see you here!"

"Hey 'Mione!" Harry said enthusiastically, pulling her easily into a warm hug.

They all grilled her about how her holidays had been. Neville blushed when Hermione thanked him for the pack of sugar quills he'd sent her for Christmas. Harry and Ron blushed in embarrassment when they realized they hadn't sent Hermione anything. All three boys then began accusing each other for never having invited Hermione to any of their family gatherings before. Hermione could only watch in amusement and a tinge of discomfort as they bickered amongst themselves.

She wondered how different her housemates were as a result of her older self's interference. She already surmised that Bryony Potter wouldn't exist if Harry's parents had died when he was a baby. But she wondered if they weren't close friends now because the boys had just grown into different people. Ron was like a big bear. He was the tallest of the boys, and he was also the bluntest with his opinions. Quick to lose his temper, but equally as quick to crack a joke, Ronald Weasley was the epitome of both the loyalty and pride that Gryffindors were infamous for- for better or for worse. Neville was more reserved than the other boys, though he carried himself with his own brand of quiet confidence. At first, Hermione thought she was the most like Neville. But she quickly realized that unlike herself, Neville felt perfectly comfortable in his own skin and among his friends. Neville was intelligent, though sometimes oblivious. But he was easy-going and a natural leader. Obliviousness seemed to run in the family because Harry Potter was the embodiment of it. He was magically talented in his own right and picked up on the practical applications of magic with an ease that made Hermione's hair crackle with frustration sometimes. However, Harry was hardly ambitious. With his easy humor and friendly persona, the messy-haired boy preferred to live in the moment and take things one decision at a time. He didn't put in any more effort than was necessary. He would call it efficient. Hermione called it laziness.

With their differing personalities, Harry was often stuck between Neville and Ron. She'd seen Harry take reprieve with his adoptive brother when he wanted to slow down a bit. And Ron was always great for energizing the lot of them.

"'Mione, I think my godfather's calling you over," Harry told her.

She looked over to see Sirius waving her over to the group he stood with. Said group included the Potters, Weasleys, and Professor Lupin. Well, bloody hell. They were really doing this.

"I'll be back," she said weakly, striding towards the group staring at her with curious gazes.

"Oh my," a beautiful redhead whispered in surprise. "I never thought I'd see the day."

Hermione met her eyes and immediately saw Harry reflected in them.

"Everyone, this is Hermione Granger- the original." Sirius introduced her with a chuckle.

"You have no idea how hard it was teaching you every year without giving it away," Remus told her teasingly.

Hermione turned bright red, much to her contrition. It didn't help when Sirius Black began laughing at the sight.

"Oh, leave her alone, Sirius!" Lily Potter immediately came to her defense, whacking her friend in the shoulder.

It was weird having a bunch of adults she'd never met in such awe of her. After all, she hadn't done anything! Perhaps an alternate version of her in a different timeline had, but Hermione could hardly take credit for those actions! It seemed like they could sense her uncertainly because they quickly dialed it down. With final assurances that she could come to them for absolutely anything, they sent her back to her friends.

She's nearly reached the group of her housemates when she realized they weren't alone anymore. Nova had told her how close all their families were, but Hermione still hadn't been able to picture it for some reason. At least, not until now. Because standing shoulder to shoulder with her housemates was the platinum-haired snob from Slytherin.

Hermione was considering making a detour when a pair of clear grey eyes locked onto her. Not wanting to seem intimidated, she forced herself to join them.

"What is Granger doing here?" Draco asked the group in confusion as Hermione approached.

Harry glanced at Hermione as she joined their circle. "Nova kidnapped her," he informed with a laugh.

"That's one way to put it," Hermione shrugged. Not entirely inaccurate, either.

"Where is Nova?" Ron asked loudly.

"Well, she got in a spot of trouble for kidnapping me, you see," Hermione responded dryly.

Harry snorted, and Ron chuckled. She could even see the faintest smirk on Malfoy's face at her sarcastic response. Soon after, most of the kids and a good portion of the adults took to the skies for their usual quidditch scrimmage.

"Harry and Draco are not allowed on the same team!" Bryony yelled to the group.

"Afraid you'll lose, Red?" Malfoy called out teasingly.

"Hardly!" Ginny rolled her eyes in place of her friend. "It's not our fault you two are so competitive you drive the rest of us barmy!"

"I want to be on Sirius's team!" Draco announced.

"He's my godfather!" Harry cried possessively.

"Well, he's practically my uncle!" Draco smirked.

Hermione watched with a small smile as the group threw comments back and forth as they all ascended on their brooms. She could finally see what Nova meant when she said the house dynamics just fade away outside of Hogwarts. But at the end of the day, she couldn't help but feel a little lonely.

The other girls also played quidditch. Ginny was a chaser, and Bryony just liked to fly and filled in for whatever position was needed.

Before she could burrow further in her own self-pity, someone dropped down beside her on the lawn chairs.

"Finally, I get company down here!" Neville said. "I thought I was the only one who didn't like flying."

"I hate heights," Hermione told him wryly.

"I hate brooms," he told her seriously, shuddering as he remembered his unfortunate flying accident from the first year. "Welcome to the club."

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Hermione had a lovely time talking to Neville. She hadn't even realized how much time had passed until Molly Weasley asked him to go find all the younger kids and call them out for dinner. Neville left her with a parting smile.

Moments later, the first flyer touched down, ready to go wash up for dinner. Hermione avoided his gaze when the tall blonde approached her. If only she weren't sitting directly in his path.

"Granger," Malfoy nodded cordially.

"Malfoy," she returned stiffly.

Draco sighed at her frosty demeanor and was about to continue on his way when the young Black boys came racing out of the house.

"Hermione!" Leo cried excitedly. "You've met Draco!"

"Did you know he's our cousin?" Caelum asked her smartly. "On our father's side. You'll have to see a lot more of him now that you're always going to be around."

Draco's eyes narrowed on the young twins. "I didn't realize Granger was so close to your family."

"Close?" Leo snorted in amusement. "She practically is family!"

Caelum rolled his eyes, but it was young Regulus who elbowed his older brother urgently in a warning.

"What?" Leo whisper-yelled. "I said practically!"

Before Draco could question the Blacks any further, the boys scampered away. Instead, he turned inquisitive and piercing eyes to a fidgeting Hermione.

"I didn't realize you and Nova were that close," he observed astutely.

Hermione gulped. What was she supposed to say? They weren't close! As sweet as Nova's fascination with Hermione was, she was also a willful first-year, and they'd only just started talking minimally this term. But the thought of Malfoy of all people coming anywhere near the truth between their families was terrifying to Hermione. In the face of her uncertainty, she fell back on her defensiveness.

"Why?" Hermione sneered. "Does it offend you?"

Hermione winced ever so slightly when she saw Malfoy recoil in surprise. She had to remind herself that Draco was not the prejudiced arsehole she'd thought he was. He was not the same as the other Slytherins who bullied her. In fact, she probably owed him an apology for their last interaction.

"Oh please," he sneered back defensively. "As if you're that special."

Hermione could feel her throat turn to clay as he made to pass her by. Part of her bristled at his accusation, hitting upon the very core of her insecurities. She already knew she wasn't. But the more logical side of her knew she'd provoked him unfairly.

"I- I'm sorry!"

Malfoy came to a stop in his tracks. Unfortunately, he happened to be right beside her when he did. He turned his head, meeting her eyes with utter incredulity pasted on his face.

"What?"

Hermione sighed, fortifying herself. "I'm sorry for slapping you before. I didn't give you the chance to explain."

Draco opened his mouth but failed to gather any coherent words as his shock stalled him.

"Nova told me your entire family wasn't raised to believe in that stuff," she rambled to fill his silence. "I made assumptions- incorrect ones- because I thought you were like the others in your house. You just looked so angry that day, so I just jumped to conclusions. I shouldn't have."

Malfoy just continued to stare at her, though his expression of surprise had been pulled under control very quickly.

"Anyway, I am sorry." Hermione nodded with finality. There. She'd apologized. That should be enough. With a final nod, she whirled on her heel, ready to rush back inside. She'd nearly made it too when Malfoy's voice stopped her.

"I was angry," he admitted quietly. She turned back to him inquisitively. "I was furious."

Hermione quirked her eyebrow curiously. She felt frozen to the spot when his mercurial eyes bore into hers meaningfully. "But I wasn't angry at you. I was angry at them."

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