January 31st, 1969
It took five months, five bloody months, to find the beaded bag and now that she did, she and Pansy could begin their scheme of Voldemort's downfall.
Tiptoeing to her twin's bed, a megawatt smile in place, she slowly sat down, jostling Pansy awake.
"Merlin, woman," Pansy bemoaned rolling over and whining at seeing Hermione sitting in her bed, "please tell me it's morning because if it isn't please let this be a dream."
Hermione giggled, uncaring how high-pitched and chipper the girlish noise was, she was too happy about the news she wanted to tell her. "It's not a dream nor is it morning, my fair lady."
Slowly, Pansy sat up, her eyes narrowed as she scanned Hermione's face in suspicion, slowly bringing her duvet up as it blocked the bottom half of her face. "You're scaring me."
"Oh, seriously," Hermione muttered with an eye roll, "I have some good news and it couldn't wait til' morning."
Pansy perked up instantly, her eyes widened in surprise, "you've talked Alexander out of the betrothal contracts?"
Hermione opened her mouth to reply but quickly shut it with a low growl and snapped, "no, that sexist, male chauvinist pig—"
"That's rude," interrupted Pansy with a slight frown.
"—won't budge and neither will Amelia and I'll be damned if they think they can just pass me off to some incorrigible, partisan, self-important arsehole who thinks they have a say in my life! I won't allow it!"
Breathing irregular from being so frustrated, Hermione ran her fingers through her hair, feeling a panic attack rising within her. She didn't know why she did this to herself, worrying about stupid things like marriage arrangements and such when there were more pressing matters to attend to— but to be bonded to some pureblood idiot was kind of a big deal and since she gave up so much of her life as it was, Hermione would fight tooth and nail to find her way out of it.
It was one bloody thing to give up her identity as Hermione Jean freaking Granger but to give herself to an inbred bigot? Absolutely not. There was no way she would cooperate in making arrangements for her marriage. She was going to be difficult about the whole ordeal.
"So much for formalities," muttered Pansy under her breath and then deeply inhaled as she closed her eyes. "What's the good news you wanted to share, my beautiful sister who annoys me so much."
Letting out a breathy chuckle, Hermione shook her head, giving Pansy a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry—"
"Oh, no," Pansy cut in with a smirk, "I'm all for your stance against betrothals but don't you think we have more immediate issues to focus on?" She rolled her eyes playfully, "like, I don't know, find the beaded bag and plan Voldemort's destruction?"
"You're right," Hermione sighed, sharply inhaling and slowly letting it out through her nose, "I lost myself for a moment there."
Lifting a brow, Pansy didn't have to speak to let Hermione know she agreed wholeheartedly.
"I found the bag," she informed the witch, a smirk playing at her lips, enjoying the way Pansy began to gape like a fish out of water.
"You— you did," she chuckled disbelievingly, "you bitch!" Pansy jumped up, grabbing Hermione as she hugged her tightly, "you found it?! Oh, Merlin, you found it!"
Laughing aloud, Hermione pulled away, her bottom lip between her teeth as she nodded enthusiastically, "I did, it was hidden underneath the stone bench near the water fountain." She rolled her eyes, "leave it up to Severus to place it somewhere difficult to find. He put a bloody concealment charm over the damn thing!"
"He was a nuisance, yes," Pansy murmured fondly, smiling sadly at Hermione.
They stayed quiet for a while, each in their own thoughts but both missing their friend terribly. Although they would be attending school with Severus Snape, it wasn't their Severus Snape and Hermione was still struggling to cope with that depressing thought.
If she were being honest, Hermione found herself struggling most nights. It was hard to be rid of the nightmares she carried and was often afraid to fall asleep. During the day, she was fine, studying with Alexander was always a great distraction and even spending time with Amelia in the gardens or taking tea in the drawing room. The days were full of lectures on etiquette, home-schooled by their father and other things that occupied her mind from nightmarish thoughts. She did fine during the day.
But at night, alone in her room as she lay in bed knowing sleep would never come, Hermione would stare at the ceiling unblinkingly and watch as the world she lived before this life played out for her as if it were a horrible movie she starred in. Tears would slide down her cheeks unabated as she silently wept for hours of the night knowing that she was unable to cry aloud fearing the Shafiq's would hear.
She didn't dare tell Pansy knowing the witch was struggling as well and Hermione cursed herself for waking her up in the first place. It was probably the only night she had slept through peacefully until Hermione just had to muck that up as well. But so far, she would like to think they were both doing well with the situation they put themselves in. So many times she had to remind herself that she was here for a reason and the world she knew was gone and her friends hadn't been born and she was going to make a better life for them all.
One day. One day she would talk about it with Pansy and let it all out. But for now, she pushed all thoughts of her previous life in that little chest and locked it securely and shoved it deep, deep down in her mind— she'd think about it later.
"So the plan?" Pansy asked softly, smiling a bit. "I'm kind of nervous, if I'm to be honest."
There was no point in delaying the inevitable and, really, she just wanted to get it over with so she could deal with Pansy's disagreements and the tantrum Hermione knew she would throw soon enough. And she knew if she didn't tell the witch right now, she would hold it against her for sometime.
Pulling the beaded bag out her robe, Hermione quickly stuck her head in, searching for the journal with all of their notes. The extension charm was quite handy and she was glad to have casted it long ago even if it brought memories of her time on the run with her two best friends.
Finding the journal near the books, she smiled and grabbed it, pulling herself out of the bag along with the journal.
"Found it," Hermione voiced with enthusiasm. "Okay, so we've been over the horcruxes, yes?"
"Yes," Pansy confirmed with a confused brow. "We've talked about finding them in this timeline and destroying it with the basilisk fang Severus had found traveling to Africa." She gave Hermione a pointed look as she gestured to the bag, "it's still in there, yeah?"
Nodding slowly, Hermione answered, "yes, it is." Glancing away, she flipped the journal open, finding the page she wanted and handing the notes over to her friend. "We know time is dangerous to meddle with. Us being here as the Shafiq twins has, no doubt, changed things."
"Obviously," Pansy murmured as her eyes scanned the notes in the journal. "Why are you showing me this? I've read this about a thousand times."
The locations, Pans," Hermione urged with patience, "don't you realize?"
Pansy immediately slammed the notebook shut with a loud snap and shook her head, "no."
Chuckling nervously, Hermione said, "you don't even know—"
"You want to be sorted into Slytherin and become close to Voldemort and his inner circle," Pansy scoffed, tossing the offended item to the side, "that wasn't the plan. We were supposed to be sorted into Gryffindor, join the order and find the horcruxes together. Without causing turmoil within said order."
"But just think—"
"I don't need to think, Hermione," Pansy hissed as she shoved her duvet off in anger, "and I don't have to agree to yours and Severus' idiotic plan!"
Hermione watched with narrowed eyes as Pansy began to pace in her room.
"Did you even consider the danger you would be in by placing yourself in the fray?!" Muttered Pansy, running her fingers through her hair with agitation as she began to pull on her ends. "For Merlin's sake if you are found out he will kill you!"
Situating herself on the bed, Hermione crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned back against the headboard, crossing her legs at the ankle, watching Pansy rant and pace. She'd figure the witch needed this to cope and she was all too willing to let her rave out her anger until she was calm enough to see reason.
Did she honestly think Hermione wanted to do this? Of course, she didn't! There was no place she'd rather be but in the company of the Marauders and snuggled in the common room where it was safe and familiar in Gryffindor tower.
But it was the only way to steal those horcruxes Voldemort would no doubt give to his most trusted and if she were with the snakes, she could be one of those trusted followers, she could destroy it.
Running around with Death Eaters had not been Hermione's choice; it had been Severus' and the more he spoke about being sorted into Slytherin the more it made sense to her. It was obvious that Tom Riddle was a bit intrigued by the twins, for what reasons, Hermione had no idea, but she would be an idiot not to act on it. And if anyone were to go undercover she was best for the job. Not only was her Occlumency strong but she could fool them all.
"That's why you were all chummy with Bellatrix, wasn't it?" Pansy continued, her slow pacing turned into angry stomping. "And why did you think to keep this from me in the first place!"
Hermione didn't bother to answer, knowing she was talking aloud. So she laid her head back against the headboard and closed her eyes waiting for Pansy's anger to subside.
Thoughts of Severus floated in her mind to a certain conversation that happened so long ago. The first time in years she had ever felt so betrayed and angered by the stupid, stupid wizard that she cared for deeply.
"You mustn't tell her," Severus murmured, his finger tracing over the ink in the notebook. "She wouldn't understand."
"I can't keep this from her, Sev," Hermione told him softly with a shake of her head. "She deserves to know."
Severus' eyes cut to her with simmering anger as they narrowed into slits. "Hasn't she been through enough? She watched her friends and her family being slaughtered and tortured by the side she called friends."
"Still," Hermione insisted, "what is to say she wouldn't agree with it? We both know Pansy is a strong witch and capable of—"
Scoffing, Severus sat up in his chair with a sneer on his face. "You're a fool if you think Parkinson will let you face this mission alone. She won't do it. She will want to be with you to help you."
Hermione stood, shaking her head in disappointment. "This is exactly the reason we are in this mess, Sev, because of secrets and dishonesty. I can't spout my hatred for a man who kept me and my friends in the dark while I do the same to Pansy. I'm not a hypocrite."
"You owe me," Severus snarled as he quickly stood and grabbed Hermione by the shoulder.
Gasping, Hermione pushed his hand away from her person, shocked by his words. "Are you serious right now?"
Severus pursed his lips and gave a quick nod. "You owe me and I'm collecting."
Growling in pure rage, Hermione stepped into his personal space, poking his chest, "if you think cheating and lying—"
"You owe me," Severus bit out, again, cutting her off mid-sentence.
Hermione scoffed, taking a step back. "Fine. I won't say anything."
"An unbreakable vow, Hermione," Severus murmured softly.
"Absolutely not!" Hermione hissed, making her way towards the door. "You're asking me to lie to my friend and using a life debt to collect it." She turned over her shoulder and stared at Severus in disappointment. "I'll keep this to myself but once Pansy and I go back, I'm telling her because she doesn't deserve to be lied to by the two people she trusts in this world.
"And, frankly, I would stop treating her like a fragile doll if I were you, Severus, she won't appreciate that."
"You treat her just as much if not more," Severus bit back.
Wincing at his words, which were true, Hermione shook her head, "I care for her as a person and would do just about anything to protect her, yes, but keeping secrets like this? I would never."
Slowly opening her eyes, Hermione blinked as she watched Pansy lean against the wall, tears sliding down her cheeks.
"Pans?" Hermione asked softly as she slowly sat up.
"It was his idea, wasn't it?"
There was no point in confirming her question, the silent was obvious enough.
"I guess I feel… hurt… that you kept this from me too." Pansy said softly as she wiped away her tears.
As much as Hermione wanted to tell her how Severus blackmailed her to keep her in the dark, she couldn't do it; it wasn't her intention to paint Severus as a deceiving berk and if Pansy should be mad at anyone, it was Hermione for even agreeing to keep secrets from her in the first place, life debts be damned.
"It wasn't my decision to make, Pans," Hermione spoke just as quietly, "but if you would let me explain, you'll—"
"I get the gist of your plan," she snapped, her voice strained. "I'm not an idiot. So, what? I'm sorted into Gryffindor and do nothing while you infiltrate Slytherin?"
Hermione's brows crinkled in confusion, "you're joking, right?" When Pansy didn't respond but merely scoffed, she sighed, "Pansy, Peter Pettigrew is sorted into Gryffindor. He is also a spy who killed many important key people in the order."
"And what am I supposed to do with him!" Pansy wailed, stomping her foot like a petulant child. "It's not fair that you get to take down Voldemort while I sit in Gryffindor tower like a useless child! I can take care of myself!"
A snort left Hermione's mouth as it quickly turned into laughter.
"It's not funny!"
Shaking her head, hermione wheezed out, "I know it's not but, Pans, you're looking at this all wrong."
"Explain," she hissed, jumping onto the bed and sitting next to Hermione, grabbing her hand for comfort.
That was a good sign.
Lifting their joined hands, Hermione swiftly placed a kiss to the back of Pansy's palm and squeezed tightly. "You've been sorted into Slytherin before, Pans," she began quietly, "you've told me the struggles you and your friends went through. You didn't get to enjoy your time at Hogwarts because of your family name—"
"You didn't either," Pansy cut in with a pointed look. "Every year you and your friends' lives were in danger."
Hermione laughed, resting her head on Pansy's shoulder, "you're wrong."
She felt Pansy take in a deep breath, "what do you mean," she murmured, letting out her breath as she spoke.
"I have great memories with my friends at Hogwarts," Hermione said with a chuckle. "There was more than sneaking around fearing for our lives, you know."
"Still," Pansy persisted, "you still had to worry about your lives during school," she cleared her throat, "and my friends and I didn't make it any easier."
Lifting her head, Hermione grabbed Pansy's chin, turning her so they were face to face, "you didn't have a choice but I'm giving you one now." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Severus didn't want you sorted into Slytherin for very good reasons, Pans, and I don't want you sorted in Slytherin because I want you to know what true friendship is. I mean, obviously you're friends were, somewhat, good friends but you all were limited by rules and family honor.
"I want you to be able to let down that facade you're always wearing and be free to make stupid choices without fearing punishment from your parents and friends, not mention you're aunt is sorted into Slytherin the same year we are not mention your father who would be in his fourth year when we start." She lifted a brow in amusement, "seems kind of awkward for you to befriend them, yeah?"
Pansy chuckled, "I guess."
"And," Hermione continued, "I want you to sneak about and pull pranks and laugh freely and smile until your face hurts.
"And I need you there to lift me up when I feel like I'm drowning in darkness with no one to bring me back." She inhaled sharply, glancing away, "and I need you to always bring me back to the light and continue to care for me no matter what foul and disgusting crime I know I'll have to commit." She turned back to her friend, giving her a small smile, "but if you want to be sorted with me into Slytherin, then I'm not stopping you."
Grabbing the notebook, Hermione threw it into their bag and shoved the item into her robe pocket. Hesitantly, she leaned in and pecked Pansy's cheek with a small kiss and began to climb off her bed to go back to her room.
"Think about it, yeah?" Asked Hermione softly.
It was late and they both had to wake early to meet their father in the library and go over their lessons.
Pansy hadn't spoken a word and Hermione figured she needed time to think about everything she revealed to the witch. Her hand on the doorknob, she quickly, but carefully and quietly, pulled it open and slipped out without another word said between the two.
Sighing as she closed the door behind her, Hermione tiptoed back to her room and breathed out in relief for making it without being caught.
Willow was a force to be reckoned with and was always attuned when it came to Hermione sneaking about. Not this time, she thought with a smirk, disrobing and hiding her beaded bag underneath her pillow.
Throwing her body onto her cozy bed, she let out a deep sigh, feeling lighter for speaking with Pansy about the first part of Severus' mission. Even from beyond the grave, that old fool was still able to irritate her greatly.
Hermione hoped Pansy would be alright and regretted immediately the way she left without assuring she was okay. At the time, she thought it was a good idea to leave her to her thoughts and figure out what she wanted to do on her own but now, she should've stayed and demanded answers from the witch.
Closing her eyes, she thought fondly of her best friends that night. It was the first time she and Pansy spoke of their former lives — it wasn't much, but it was a spark of good feelings — and a smile twitched at her lip once she began to think of the many adventures they had gone on. Instead of thoughts that always involved death and bloodshed, she thought of unconditional love and laughter.
Bright green eyes glistening with excitement flashed through her mind, along with shining blue ones that held a twinkle of humor and mischief. She missed her friends so much her heart felt heavy.
For the first time, Hermione felt peace as she held onto those tender moments she had with her best friends and fell into a sleepful slumber.
——————————
February 1st, 1969
"Missy Ayla wakes up now! Mistress is upset yous is late!"
Groaning as her covers were suddenly yanked from her warm cocoon, Hermione swiftly turned her face into her pillow to block out the sun that shone through her window, lighting the coziness of her room and eliminating any darkness the room held beforehand.
"Come now, Missy Ayla," Willow shrieked, pushing Hermione out of the bed, "mistress be's angry with yous for sleeping in, she is!"
The only words she heard from Willow's yammering mouth was 'sleeping in' and 'yous is late.' Eyes widening in horror, realization finally dawning in her sleepy mind, Hermione quickly gathered her things, dressing so fast she didn't bother with her hair. Ignoring Willow's shouts of protest, she dashed from her room, running down the flight of stairs and down the hall to get to the library, dreading the consequences of her tardiness.
"Father," she breathed out once she burst through the double doors, her steps leading to where they usually meet for their lessons, "I apologize—"
"Ayla," her father called out, his voice sharp with a hint of anger.
Taking notice of his voice, Hermione glanced at him and stilled, aware of the other occupant in the room, his back towards her and his head bent in a book. It didn't take a genius to know exactly who the guest was.
"Your mother and Ava are in the drawing room," he bit out with a strained smile, "did Willow not inform you of the change of plans?"
Swallowing thickly, she nodded her head, "apologies, father, she did, it must've slipped my mind. I'll be going now."
Before she could even move to leave the library, the voice that was too melodic for such a psychotic killer, spoke up in that alluring voice of his that Hermione had no doubt he used to swoon his followers to his side. After all, you could catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
"Miss Shafiq, it's good to see you again."
"Master Riddle—"
"Please, call me Tom."
Her eyes dashing towards her father for permission, he gave her a sharp nod. Hermione nodded slowly as her eyes travelled back to Riddle, "Tom, it is."
"You may leave, Ayla," her father said dismissively, "I'll speak with you later."
If Hermione was a daft bimbo, she would have missed the fear that flashed in her father's eyes too quickly for anyone to notice and it gave her pause as she controlled her features that would, no doubt, give her away. Instead, she nodded like the good little girl that she was and took her father's warning to get the hell out of there. It was obvious he didn't want her around Tom Riddle and maybe Alexander Shafiq knew of his evil ways as well. Which was a good sign.
It was abnormal for her father to be so curt with her and Hermione knew something was very wrong.
"Yes, father," she answered, then dipped her head again, "Tom."
She turned to leave but paused when he spoke again.
"Now, wait a minute," Tom called out with a deep chuckle, "your father has informed me of your studies and excelling through the Hogwarts curriculum. I believe he said you and Ava are halfway through the fifth year syllabus." He lifted a brow, "a difficult achievement for a pair of eight year olds, wouldn't you say?"
Deeply inhaling, she held her breath before letting it all out quietly as she turned with a smile. The last thing she ever wanted to do was to be cordial with this vile man. He was charming, she'd give them that, but Hermione wasn't a fool. She knew exactly what he was doing.
It never occurred to her, or Pansy, that showing their strengths during their lessons with their father would cause unwanted attention. It was obviously too late to reel it back a bit and his curiosity of two eight year olds too smart for their age just confirmed what Hermione had been thinking all along; Tom Riddle was interested in the Shafiq twins. Of course, it was a good sign but it still sent unpleasant shivers down her spine. What she needed to worry about was taking his attention off of Pansy which was quite worrisome knowing he would want to collect the both of them.
She cursed herself ten times over in her stupid mind for surpassing in all their study sessions with their father but it was all too easy and quite boring relearning spells and charms she had learned long ago in a different life. She didn't think her father would boast about their intelligence though so if anyone was to blame, it was Alexander Shafiq— yeah, right. Blame an innocent father who was beyond proud of his two clever daughters and wanted everyone to know how proud he was.
Making eye contact with Riddle, she felt a nudging sensation in her mind and quickly slammed her walls up and looked away. She didn't catch the way his eyes briefly widened and narrowed in suspicion.
Turning to her father, she smiled fondly, "it'd be… unbecoming of a young lady, such as myself, to take all the credit, father is an excellent teacher."
Alexander Shafiq puffed out his chest and held his head a bit taller in pride as he beamed at Hermione but there was a glistening of uncertainty in his honey eyes as he discreetly glanced between Riddle and his daughter.
"Yes," Tom murmured, his eyes glazed over, "I remember he was quite studious back in Hogwarts." He glanced at Alexander with a lifted brow, "no doubt all those books in Ravenclaw tower."
Her father gave out a hearty laugh, "no doubt, indeed."
"It was nice seeing you again, Tom," she dipped her head, her eyes to the floor, "but I must be going." Her eyes glanced to her father, "I apologize again, father, for intruding."
"Behave yourself, Ayla," her father dismissed and Hermione fled the library.
Startled to see Willow there with her tiny hands on her waist and a scowl twisting her features, quickly took hold of Hermione's wrist and began to lead her away from the library's entrance.
"Willow's be's angry with Missy Ayla, she is!" Willow tells Missy Ayla to wait but she's not listen, no she's does not. Missy Ayla never listens to Willow, no, no, no!"
Hermione rolled her eyes as she let the house elf drag her to the drawing room where her mother and Pansy were taking tea. It was quite a surprise that Willow was given permission to punish Hermione and Pansy when they were up to no good and Willow ruled with an iron fist. She didn't hesitate at all to slap the twins upside the head when they were being disruptive and she didn't hold back when reprimanding the two.
The elves she remembered in her time weren't so outspoken and stern and Hermione found herself causing more trouble for Willow just because she was an annoyance. She was always there with narrowed eyes and hands on her hips standing at four feet just waiting to give Hermione and Pansy a tongue-lashing, the little shite.
It didn't change her views on house elves and the way they were treated. Willow was one of the few lucky ones to be with a good family. There were still elves who were mistreated by their masters clearly remembering Kreacher and his treatment of the Black's.
Once they arrived at the drawing room, she tensed, knowing her mother was going to flip out and drive herself into a state of worriedness. Swallowing the trepidation down with a gulp, Hermione calmly strolled toward the sitting area and grimaced at her mother's scowl and sneered at Pansy who was smirking behind her teacup.
"For Merlin's sake, Ayla," her mother hissed with disapproval. "You do know a lady should never sleep in! And you're late for Salazar's sake!"
Sighing, Hermione nodded to Willow who proceeded to make her tea while she tsk'd in agreement. "I'm sorry, mother, I thought we were meeting in the library like we usually do on Saturdays for father's lessons."
"Did Willow not inform you of the change of plans?" Amelia asked with confusion, repeating her father's question, which was uncanny.
Willow shot her a displeasing look, and Hermione sighed again. "She did but I was so late I disregarded them."
"Goodness, dear," Amelia said disapprovingly, "Willow is there to help, you should listen to her, she'll never steer you wrong."
Taking a small sip of her tea, Hermione so badly wanted to slouch and close her eyes for a moment but knowing the action will cause her mother to have a myocardial infarction, she resigned to sitting up straight and holding her teacup with much care.
She despised tea time with Amelia Shafiq. All the woman ever did, who she very much appreciated and came to love and adore, was gossip about the latest news with her two daughters and if there was anything Hermione hated more, it was definitely small, insignificant chatter about what this witch wore or who was betrothed to who.
It was a waste of time and she would rather take her chances with Riddle trying to use legilimency on her. Hermione stiffened, remembering the bastard tried to read her mind— an eight year old's mind! The vile pillock definitely had no limits whatsoever. This was bad. This was really bad and she knew Riddle would not forget how she pushed him out without batting an eye. She remembered Harry had specifically told her that Voldemort was a natural born legilimens and she just— a panic attack was pushing its way up and Hermione closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing.
Of course, she wanted to gain his attention but now she might've just done more than that which caused her to tremble as she brought the teacup back to her lips for another sip trying her hardest to distract her mind.
The tea tasted bland and she knew it wasn't because Willow had suddenly forgotten how she took her tea, but because the fear festering within her. There was a ringing in her ear and she couldn't control the way her vision began to blur.
The thought of meeting with Tom again frightened her and Hermione was at a loss as to what to do next. She knew she couldn't voice her worries with Pansy knowing quite well what that would do to the witch but she promised herself she wouldn't ever keep secrets from her and she didn't plan on doing so now. It would only lead to catastrophe and she needed Pansy not to be angry with her for holding her troubled thoughts and information to herself.
"Did you hear me, Ayla?" Her mother said with a sigh as she rubbed her temples, "what is going on with you, darling? You're acting strange."
She couldn't answer. Her breathing hitched as she set the teacup down, a tremble in her hands. Everything was happening too fast and she didn't know a way to slow it all down until she at least got her wand.
Breath in. Breath out.
Failure crept to the surface from deep within her and she closed her eyes tightly pushing the feeling away. How could she have failed when it hadn't even begun? He didn't know anything and she was being paranoid.
Breath in. Breath out.
"Ayla?" Pansy whispered worriedly, grabbing her hand and squeezing it reassuringly, "are you alright?"
Breath in. Breath out.
There was no way she could lose control. She was in control and she was worrying over nothing. Hermione couldn't let her mind take her to such thoughts.
I am in control.
I am in control.
Severus was aspy for years and he trained her inoccluding her mind; he was the best and ifhe could block his mind from Voldemort, himself, she could as well.
I am in control.
Clasping onto Pansy's hand tightly, she held her breath in for ten seconds and gently let it out through her nose. She repeated the process three more times until she felt sure of being in control of her emotions.
Glancing at Pansy, Hermione sharply inhaled, and relaxed at the small, reassuring smile she'd given her. Giving her friend a tight nod, she turned to her mother, "I went to the library and I was thinking of Master Riddle. He was there with father."
Her mother stiffened but cleared her throat as she took a sip. "He's here to discuss business with your father." She looked over Hermione with concern and asked, "he didn't," she let out a nervous chuckle as she set her teacup down, "this is going to sound ridiculous, but he didn't do anything to you, did he?"
Confused by her words, Hermione shook her head, glancing at Pansy who also looked worried. "No," she finally answered, "he was just interested in our studies and was surprised how fast Ava and I were quick learners."
Amelia nodded absentmindedly, and drew out her wand as she swiftly put up silencing charms around the room. She glanced around and, satisfied with whatever she was looking for, laid her wand down on the small table. "I'm afraid he has taken interest in the both of you."
Pansy shook her head, her grip on her hand tightening and communicating to Hermione that she was worried, "what do you mean?"
Amelia smiled softly at her and said, "you and your sister are very powerful, darling, and your father and I knew it would appeal to many witches and Wizards. Master Riddle could feel your magical aura and when together, it is as strong as ever.
"Twins, my dear girls, are a gift to magical families. Not only are they powerful, born with substantial magic, but they have the ability to draw on each other for support and other needs," she gave them a pointed look with a smirk twitching at the corner of her lips as she looked at their clasped hands. "Say if one of you were ill, the other could easily pull from their magical core to speed up the healing process. Twins share more than just similar appearances; their magic is identical and shared between the bonds they create in the womb."
Hermione instantly thought of Fred and George and how attuned they were to each other's needs. They were powerful wizards, she knew that, but she didn't think any of that mattered because twins were common all around the world. She remembered Hestia and Flora Carrow at Hogwarts. She remembered Parvati and Padma Patil and then there was Alecto and Amycus Carrow along with the Prewett twins who were Molly Weasley's younger brothers.
Realizing there were quite a bit of twins in the Wizarding World, it still didn't fit her and Pansy's situation. They weren't really twins that shared space in a witch's womb but took the place of Ayla and Ava Shafiq who were stillborns.
But there were times when Pansy would grab her hand, or she, Pansy's, and Hermione would instantly calm. Was it because of the blood ritual? Well, obviously it was because of the blood ritual, but she honestly didn't think it would work the same as being born into the family. Did it though? She had the blood of the Shafiq family, also the Selwyn family, did that mean it was the same as being born from them?
This annoyed her greatly and she swore the next time she was in the library she would research until she had all the answers she needed.
"The Prewitts, Mildred and George Prewitt, have twin boys who I hear are quite clever and graduated Hogwarts last year, I believe." Amelia smiled fondly, "Mildred is our family, your late grandmother's sister's daughter." Clearing her throat, she looked away, "I haven't spoken to Mildred for awhile now. Of course, she was older than I but we were close before she married George and we lost touch. Sad, really, I quite enjoyed her company."
"What's stopping you from visiting her now, mother?" Pansy asked with a frown, "surely you could reconnect with her?"
Amelia's eyes took on a distant look as they glistened with unshed tears, the blue in her eyes sparkling like the sea, no doubt thinking of the memories she had with Mildred. It was crazy to think how she was closely related to Molly Weasley! They were family in this timeline and it was exciting to know that they were second cousins! How fascinating. Pureblood's really were about their magic staying within the magic.
"You must always, always, remember the Shafiq motto; familiae semper— Family Always. Do not stray from one another and to remember family is very important and must be treasured." Amelia swiped away a tear and chuckled sadly, "your father would go to the ends of the earth for us and nothing is more important than family to him. It always will be and has been raised by wonderful people who loved him deeply.
"Super omnia puritatis; purity above all." Their mother scoffed, which surprised Hermione greatly since her mother was always scolding her about such noise. "That was my family motto, a bunch of pointless words that every Selwyn believed. Purity. Ack."
Hermione didn't know how the conversation shifted but she was too lost to even speak. By now, she was used to her mother rambling but never had Amelia ever spoken of her family. She knew that their mother had a brother, Noah Selwyn who was a known Death Eater in her time who tortured Xenophilius Lovegood. He was a foul man and it was hard to actually picture Amelia related to such cruelty.
Their mother chuckled, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment, "I'm afraid I've gone completely off topic."
"Mother—"
"No, no," Amelia intervened, giving Pansy one of her brilliant smiles that was a bit wobbly, "I'm alright, dear girl."
The twins shared a look of concern, agreeing to discuss their mother's struggles in private and find a solution to help her if they could.
"As I was saying, you're way too young to be meddling in Master Riddle's affairs but," she worried her lip between her teeth before she shook her head and sighed, "just stay clear of your father and his associates.
"Anyway," her mother said with a soft chuckle, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief, "the betrothal arrangements."
Hermione sucked in a breath and pulled her hand free from Pansy's as she leaned forward, all thoughts of their previous discussions forgotten.
"I spoke with your father and, although he was quite upset about the ordeal, he listened to reason and believes you'll both find an adequate match."
Letting the words sink in, Hermione chuckled disbelievingly and glanced at Pansy who looked awestruck. They didn't say anything for a moment as they stared at each other, dumbfounded.
"Well, no need to jump for joy and thank your thoughtful mother. Unless you've changed your mind and want an arranged marriage—"
Hermione and Pansy both jumped and rounded the small table as they threw their arms over their mother, shrieking with happiness.
"Thank you, mother—" Pansy cried in excitement.
"I cannot believe you've talked father out of it" Hermione giggled with awe.
"Talked me out of what, exactly, my darling daughter?"
Hermione was the first to pull away as she stared at her father sheepishly. "Oh, mother just told us about the betrothal contacts."
"Ah," Alexander exclaimed softly, leisurely strolling towards Hermione and placing a kiss on her head. He then placed one on Pansy's and then kissed Amelia on the cheek. He then took the empty chair next to his wife while Pansy and Hermione resumed their seats across from their parents.
"I hope you don't mind, dear," Amelia dimpled as she smiled lovingly at her husband, "I just couldn't hold in the news any longer."
Alexander laughed, lifting a brow at the twins, "and?"
"Thank you, father," Pansy said with a grin on her face, "I'm happy you came to your senses."
"Ava!" Amelia laughed in delight. "You know it is—"
"Unbecoming of a lady to jest," Pansy said with an eye roll, "you've told me plenty of times, mother."
"Cheeky," their father said with a deep chuckle. "And Ayla? I know how angry you were about the arrangement?"
"I'm thankful, father," she smirked, "like what Ava said, I'm glad you came to your senses."
Alexander gave a deep chuckle as he shook his head in amusement, "your mum thought it best for you both to choose who to spend your life with." He reached over for her hand and held it adoringly, "and what is a husband without his loving wife?"
"A lonely man," her mother beamed beautifully.
What they had was amazing and to witness such love between man and woman— she pushed the thought aside; she didn't have time to find love, not until Voldemort was gone and even then, who knew what she would do with her time.
Hermione shared an amused look with Pansy and both stood.
"Well," Hermione began, "we'll just be in the library studying, I guess."
"Can never do too much studying," Pansy muttered with an eye roll but sighed in resignation.
"Thank you, again, father, for backing out of the arrangement," Hermione brought up, throwing the wizard a brilliant smile.
"Now, hold on, dearies," Amelia chided, also rising to her feet, "we'll be going shopping today and joining an old friend and her children for supper. I want you both ready within the hour."
Internally groaning, Hermione turned to Pansy and rolled her eyes as she continued to slowly make her way towards the exit of the drawing room, as if they hadn't heard her speak.
"Girls," Alexander spoke, causing Hermione and Pansy to pause mid-step and grudgingly turn to face their parents.
It didn't go unnoticed that the older they became, the more they spent time with the other Wizarding family that were part of The Sacred Twenty-Eight. She was beginning to doubt the sincerity of the families knowing that a Nott had written it, probably to cover his dirty laundry of a family member marrying a muggle, Merlin forbid. Maybe they would be another side project to dive into to keep herself busy until she left for Hogwarts. After all, they still had three more years to go.
"I won't be joining you tonight but I expect you to show your mother respect and be on your best behavior," their father said with a tone of finality.
"Of course, father," Hermione said.
"Yes, father," added Pansy.
"Now go and fix your hair, Ayla," Amelia chastised with a note of disgust as she stared at Hermione's hair with repulse, "don't think I didn't notice your state of attire. It is—"
"Unbecoming," Hermione finished with a heavy sigh. She flushed at her father's narrowed gaze. "Sorry."
Pansy chuckled, "did you not brush it? We can see the knots from here, sister."
"Funny," uttered Hermione under her breath. She looked at her parents. "May we go now?"
"The mumbling, Ayla, for Salazar's sake!" She sighed, rubbing her temples and waved her unoccupied hand in dismissal.
Their father lifted an amused brow and said, "be ready in," he glanced at his wife, "would you say two to three hours, darling?"
"Oh, alright," Amelia sighed resignedly.
Quickly, the two witches left the drawing room before their mother changed her mind and sighed in relief once they were in the hallway.
"Tom Riddle was here?" Asked Pansy nervously.
Hermione flinched at the name, their confrontation hitting her in the face, but gave her a nod. "Yeah, we'll speak later."
Pansy nodded and whispered, "who do you think we're having dinner with?"
Snorting, Hermione glanced at her friend and shrugged. "Hopefully not the Blacks. I could go a couple more years without seeing Bellatrix again."
_
She spoke too soon. That was her problem. She opened her mouth and jinxed herself because of course they would be having dinner with the Blacks. Just not the family she had in mind.
Standing in the drawing room of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, Hermione didn't dare take her eyes off her mother as she greeted Walburga Black in a friendly manner that unnerved her greatly. Of course, she seen them socializing at her birthday dinner last year but this was just beyond ridiculous.
It was obvious to anyone with eyes that the two witches were very close. Perhaps closer than she was with Druella and somehow Hermione thought that was just the worst of it all.
For some odd reason, Hermione had never thought to ask how they had become so close. While Walburga was clearly in her late forties, her mother in her late thirties, Druella was in her late twenties. There was no way they attended Hogwarts together and Hermione knew Druella was a Rosier before marrying Cygnus while Walburga was a Black who married a... well, a Black. She didn't see how the three could make such a friendly connection, obviously not including being related in some distant way with the inbreeding and all but it was still very odd.
Picturing her mother growing up with these two foul women was hard to imagine— Amelia Selwyn was sweet and kind and caring. She couldn't say the same for the Black women.
Glancing around the familiar home, nostalgia overwhelmed her. This place had been her home for years and never in her life did she ever think it could ever look so... clean. The sofas were brand new, the carpet was spotless and the portraits on the walls were free of cobwebs. Not a single thing was out of place. It felt like what a home should feel and she preferred it's rugged look to what she was currently standing in.
"It was such a surprise to receive your invitation, Walburga," Amelia said with a sweet voice, "but thankful nonetheless. It has been too long, dear friend."
"Yes, well, I hope you don't mind Druella joining? With her daughters away at Hogwarts she gets quite lonely." Walburga replied with a tight smile.
Hermione refrained from rolling her eyes as she glanced at Pansy who wrinkled her nose.
"KREACHER!" She shrieked, her attention still on Amelia.
The Shafiq witches slightly winced that went unnoticed by the host. Merlin, her voice was still unpleasant now as it was back then.
With a quiet pop, Kreacher bowed low, really low, his forehead was literally touching the carpeted floor and croaked, "mistress calls for Kreacher."
Hermione's heart gave a little leap at seeing the poor elf. Although he was a foul little thing to her long ago, she could hardly blame him for his actions.
"Yes, we'll be sitting for dinner now and fetch my boys," Walburga commanded with a sneer. "Orion is busy but do set a plate aside for him and send it up."
"Kreacher lives to serve The Noble House of Black."
Without further word, he popped out of the room.
Walburga smiled and gestured with her hand, "this way, please."
Amelia beamed and followed quickly while Hermione and Pansy took their time to follow the Black witch.
"Can you believe mother is friends with that cow?" Asked Pansy in a whispered voice. "It's so odd, isn't?"
Snorting, Hermione nodded in agreement. "This is going to be so awkward."
"My sentiments exactly," Pansy huffed with wariness.
Dinner was a quiet affair for the children present at the table. While Druella, Walburga and her mother reminisced about the 'good 'ol days', the children were forced to, either stare at one another like complete fools or join the shrill conversation that seemed to be full of private jokes and ridiculous mayhem. Hermione preferred the former wholeheartedly. It hardly made any sense how the three would have any memories together in the first place considering the age-gap between the three of them. Of course, she wanted to know but she wasn't an idiot to actually ask. She'd rather not know then start that conversation.
She picked at her food, barely touching it as she moved the items on her plate with boredom. Just her being in this house was making her ill and Hermione lost her appetite completely. She couldn't slouch lest she get a tongue-lashing on her mannerisms; she couldn't make a sound lest her mother reminded her of how unladylike it was and lecture her in front of the Black's and she just couldn't do anything unbecoming. It was madness having to sit through this nonsense of a dinner. She still didn't understand why she and Pansy had to attend.
Pansy wasn't faring any better as she held her fork in her hand, her head bobbing as she began to doze off, fighting to keep her eyes open. Hermione felt a bit guilty; while she had a late morning sleeping in and actually felt refreshed from a dreamless night, Hermione had no doubt that the tired witch had stayed up late and woke up early barely resting for the night.
Clearing her throat to get Pansy's attention, Hermione lifted a brow when the witch turned her way. Her sister merely rolled her eyes and turned her attention to the cackling adults with another eye roll. Lifting her glass to hide her smile as she took a small sip, she discreetly casted a quick glance at Sirius and choked on her water.
"Goodness, Ayla, are you alright?" Her mother asked with worried eyes.
Grabbing her napkin as she hacked into it, Hermione waved away her mother's concerns.
"Are you sure?" Amelia asked again.
Clearing her throat, Hermione took a sip of her drink and gave her mother a wobbly smile, "I'm fine, mother," she croaked, tears blurring her vision from her coughing fit. "Really."
Glancing at Sirius, she narrowed her eyes at the boy who was smiling dashingly as if he accomplished something great.
She couldn't stand being near the boy just because of who he was and tried her hardest to ignore him. Hermione knew that looking his way would cause trouble, the little shite. It was amazing how he could get away with balancing a spoonful of mashers on his nose and his fork shoved in his mouth without his mother noticing. But she had to admit, she missed his twinkling grey eyes and playful smirks.
Curious, Hermione turned to Regulus and blinked in surprise. He was sitting strait with a stoic expression as he kept his eyes on his mother and she noticed a distinct glimmer in his eyes that she couldn't quite place. For a seven year old boy, he seemed much older for his age... the way he carried himself so politely and a bit arrogantly. It was odd seeing a child so... mature. How disturbing and kind of sad. But he did resemble Sirius so, so much. Handsome but a bit dark.
It still amazed her how Sirius was able to find happiness in such a wretched place that lacked love and joy. He just seemed so out of place here with his family. Merlin knows his father was just as bad.
"Ayla, dear," Amelia chuckled nervously, "Walburga asked if you would like the see the Black Library."
Startled, Hermione turned to the women and smiled at the host, "that would be lovely."
"Sirius will show you and your sister the way," Walburga informed her with a smile that seemed off on her tight face. She glanced at her son with a confused expression, "do behave yourself, son."
"Always, mother!" Sirius jumped from his chair and thumped Regulus on the back. "Come on, Reggie, let's give the Shafiq twins a tour, yeah?"
Sighing heavily, Hermione stood from the table and nodded towards the host, "thank you for dinner, Madam Black, it was sublime."
"Not problem at all, Ayla," Walburga crooned with delight, a hint of madness glistening in her eyes, "you must come back to visit, darling." She looked at Pansy with an equal look of adoration, "same as you, my dear, Ava."
Pansy dimpled with a little curtsy, "thank you so much, madam Black."
Pushing in their chairs, the twins linked arms and followed the Black brothers out of the dining room and up the stairs towards the library. Of course, Hermione and Pansy knew their way around the house without needing a guide but it didn't stop the curiosity they shared wanting to know what the house looked like in its former glory.
"Mother's off her rocker to let us go without an escort," Pansy murmured with a chuckle. "Did you see how many glasses of elvish wine they had?! About a dozen!"
Hermione laughed, nodding vigorously. Before she could reply, Sirius spoke up with a roaring laugh and said, "they most likely had twenty glasses of wine."
"What did you do, Siri?" Regulus asked in a passive voice as he lightly glared at his brother.
Hermione watched in amusement as Sirius snorted. "I didn't do anything!"
"I'm finding that hard to believe with that ridiculous smirk on your face," Pansy deadpanned as she crossed her arms over her chest with a lifted brow. "Answer your brother's question."
"Why should I?" Sirius scoffed, offended, "I didn't do anything!"
"That's my mother in there," Hermione added with a scowl, "and if she wakes up with a nasty hangover, I'm going to be quite upset, Sirius."
He had the audacity to shuffle on his feet and glanced at his brother, who shook his head with wide eyes.
"Well?" Pansy insisted with raised brows in amusement, her honey brown eyes sparkling with mischief. "Go on and tell us."
Rolling her eyes as Pansy and Sirius began to bicker back and forth, Hermione smiled at Regulus and hooked her arm through his. "Come and show me the library, Regulus."
"O—okay," he stuttered uncertainly, "it isn't much but it has more than Flourish and Blotts."
"You like reading?" She asked as they entered the library, glancing around as the familiar scent filled her nose. She sighed in content as she let the little wizard guide her through the shelves.
"I do," he replied softly as he glanced around as well with a soft smile on his lips.
Turning her attention to the boy, Hermione narrowed her eyes with contemplation. "I like you," she blurted out, chuckling at her outburst. "And I think we're going to be best of friends."
His eyes widened in panic as he began to shake his head, "I don't—
"Too late, Reggie," Hermione smirked and wrapped her arms around the little boy, "I've just declared it and so mote it be."
"You're such a child—" Pansy's voice could be heard as she entered the library with Sirius laughing aloud behind her.
"And you're an ugly girl."
"You take that back, Sirius Black!" Her sister hollered with irritation lacing her voice. "You wait, I'll—"
"Punch me with your dainty— ouch! What the— stop hitting me, witch!"
Sighing, Hermione let go of Regulus and shook her head.
"Shouldn't we—"
"Nah," Hermione said nonchalantly and guided him away from the two bickering fools.
Grabbing a random book from one of the many bookshelves, Hermione took hold of Regulus' wrist after he grabbed his reading book and led him to the couch near the fireplace. She quickly sat down, pulling Regulus to sit beside her and flipped open her book.
Sirius and Pansy were still bickering and Hermione thought it was the perfect opportunity for her sister to actually get to know the wizard she'd grown to adore in her previous life. Although she felt a pinch of jealousy as the two laughed aloud, she quickly dismissed it without another thought, thinking that if anyone deserved to laugh so freely, it was Pansy.
Hermione would always keep her memories with her friends close to her heart and it was time Pansy created some of her own and maybe the witch in question would finally be able to create recollections of happy thoughts to produce a patronus.
Smiling as she flipped a page in some random book, Hermione's heart fluttered as Pansy laughed again and was genuinely welcoming the rarity of it.
Glancing at Regulus, she smirked as she watched him quickly avert his gaze, his cheeks flushing a deep red. He was so adorable, wasn't he? She wouldn't say she forced a friendship between herself and Regulus, she wasn't the forcing type any longer but it hadn't been part of her plan— well, not so early on but she could make it work in her favor. Hermione didn't know much about him in her old life but she would definitely change that now and when it came for him to endure Hogwarts and destroy the locket, he wouldn't be doing so alone.
It seemed this would not be the last they would see of the Black brothers before they begin their years at Hogwarts.