A/N: I have edited up until chapter 6 so far, I will be going back to edit Chapter 7 onwards, but I wanted to give you the next chapter first. Enjoy!
Edited: August 22nd 2021 - All 12 chapters are now edited, hopefully don't need to do this with future chapters now.
-oOo-
Peter Pettigrew spent the day wandering the castle. He had to come up with a plan this summer to split up Remus and Lily, and cause James and Sirius to distrust Remus. His plan was sound, it was approved by his Dark Lord when he informed Lucius of it. He never had to be brought before his Master until he was to receive the Mark during the Yule Hols. Then that mudblood bitch showed up and ruined everything! He didn't know what to do anymore, James barely spent any time alone with Lily because he was always around Hermione. He had to get rid of her, but then James would be suspicious. Even Sirius would be, he called her kitten!
"Hmm maybe that is a new idea," he thought aloud. Maybe, he could get Sirius and Hermione together to break James' heart. Then he could run to Lily to comfort him and cause them all to distrust each other, instead of just the werewolf. Peter wanted to jump up and down with excitement that he thought of a new plan. He just had to have it confirmed by his Master, he didn't want to do anything that could interfere with his plot.
Peter made his way to the corridor in the dungeons that he would sit in to 'study' that Mulciber would know to meet him. He only sat with his books in that corridor when he needed someone to send word to the Slytherins that a Gryffindor was in their territory, when word followed that it was Pettigrew, only Mulciber would go to deal with it. Previous years it was Lucius, and he suspected soon that Snape and Black would be given that task soon now that they were moving up in the ranks.
He settled down in his spot and started pretending to read his textbooks. He listened to everything happening around him with his rodent-heightened hearing. He heard people walking past, in and out of classrooms, but no one hovered or shuffled their feet to make him suspicious of eavesdroppers. It felt like hours before Mulciber finally showed, it likely was as the Slytherin loved to keep him waiting.
"What do you want Pettigrew? You better have something worth my time," Mulciber warned.
"Why would I bother coming here, to this dismal end of the castle, if it wasn't worth your time?" sneered Peter. He hated the Marauders and he hated Mulciber. He wanted the power he was promised. He wanted to tell people what to do and humiliate them, no longer would he be the one bossed around.
"Dismal you say, but I find you wandering down here more than your own tower," replied Mulciber.
"Maybe because none of you snakes leave it!" snapped Peter. He took a breath and paused; he didn't need to show his anger to the Slytherin. He needed his message to get to the Dark Lord, he needed it approved and ideas on how to accomplish it, "I have a new plan to run by him."
"What is wrong with the old plan exactly?"
"The mudblood is proving to be a bigger nuisance than I originally suspected. Potter is stuck to her side, they're trying to hide it or she's playing hard to get. But Potter is infatuated with her, the plan with Evans won't work without eliminating the new mudblood. Black is taken with her, very friendly, and Potter and Black never share," smirked Peter. He didn't need to explain his plan, he didn't have a way to carry it out, but planting the idea will allow them to plot for him.
"Hmm, yes, further divide if Potter and Black are at odds. A heartbroken Potter will go running to Evans, then we have all three 'brothers' at each other's throats. Leaving you as the blameless friend who they can turn to in times of need. I like it, Pettigrew, surprising you came up with this," Peter scowled at the Death Eater Slytherin. He was always underestimated, so when this was over, he could laugh in their faces that they were taken down by the 'lowly Marauder'.
"I need it approved by him, I don't want to do anything with the Mudblood if he has his own plans," explained Peter.
"Lucius is coming tomorrow as an aspiring Governor for the school board. I will pass along your scheme to him then. Do you have anything else on her that could prove useful?"
"She is smart, exceptionally smart. She helps Lupin and Evans with their homework. Today she was in two meetings with Dumbledore, one at lunch and one she left for at dinner. I didn't see her come out, and his wards won't allow me in. I don't know what she could meet with the Headmaster twice for, not even a transfer student would need to see him, Head of House should be good enough. Lupin has been overly protective of Evans, barely spending time with the others, that may prove difficult when the Evans and Potter portion of the plan is to happen."
"Okay, keep following her. Find out about those Blood Purist attacks that you explained before, we need to know who attacked her. The Dark Lord must determine if she is a Seer or from that portal, has she indicated anything?"
"No. She hasn't had any visions, and she is very careful with her words. I followed her in my animagus form and she just cries and falls asleep on Potter. I haven't overheard anything important yet, I will keep trying. I want to know who this bitch is," snarled Peter.
"Relax, we will deal with her," laughed Mulciber, he took great pleasure in bringing blood traitors and mudbloods to their knees. Perhaps the Dark Lord would give her to him as a boon, he had been diligently passing on information. Even if Pettigrew was the one following her, Mulciber was a practiced observer. He watched her in the Great Hall, the way she interacted with Potter, Black, Lupin and Evans, even how she interacted with Pettigrew. She didn't like Pettigrew, even the boys seemed to recognize something and had been keeping the girls away from him. Evans used to sit next to him all the time the previous years, but now Lupin, Black, or Potter always played buffer.
He also noticed that she walked with determination and purpose, she never walked anywhere without a destination. She was quick on her feet, her steps having a slight bounce, a warrior's walk, always ready to move when the moment called for it. Mulciber really did not think the rat could have discerned any of that, even with stalking her as a rat.
"If that is all Pettigrew, I have my own things to attend to." Just as he was about to leave the rat on his own, a voice called out from down the hall, "Stevens! Shut your mouth!"
"Shut your ugly face Mulciber, I don't take orders from you! I'm not one of your band of branded brothers!" hissed Stevens. Kaden Stevens may have wanted to serve the Dark Lord, his father may want to prove his loyalty to the Dark, but Kaden had others to think about. His sister was in Ravenclaw and his mother wanted to remain neutral in the war. He would not be following the other Slytherins and receiving a tattoo on his arm, he would serve the Dark Lord in other ways, but it would not be slavery with a tattoo that could incriminate him.
"What do you want Stevens?" drawled Mulciber. He didn't care for neutral purebloods; they were essentially announcing that they would join whoever won. Where was the loyalty in that?
"That Granger girl returned from her meeting, I followed her like you asked. Potter joined her to walk her back to the Common Room. I think he knew I was following, he kept glancing back looking for someone or something," explained Stevens.
"Fuck, he didn't see you, did he?" asked Peter.
"No, I don't think so," replied Stevens slowly. The more he followed the Mudblood since he was asked, he really didn't understand why he was recruited for this. She may be a Mudblood but she was a Gryffindor transfer, the Marauders were all leaving after this year. Who cared what those people did? Apparently, the Dark Lord was interested, which the more Kaden thought about it, he decided it was quite sad that the most powerful wizard to live, according to himself, was involving himself in the lives of children. Recruiting children. And afraid of the old man in the castle. How did this wizard become so feared? All day, as Kaden followed Granger, left to his own thoughts he was questioning his choice to back the Dark Lord the more involved he became in the Hogwarts faction of aspiring Death Eaters. Sitting in the Common Room listening to their reasoning behind following the Dark Lord he was doubting himself.
Kaden Stevens was a smart Slytherin, he understood how the world worked. He knew Mudbloods didn't steal their magic from purebloods, it was logistically impossible as well as downright stupid. However, he did agree that they didn't deserve a place in Hogwarts or the Wizarding World, their magic was new and less powerful, Evans and Granger may have taken an active role in discrediting that notion however. Kaden loved his mother and sister, he respected his father, but his sister was best friends with Sarah McLaggen who was a halfblood, a blood traitor. He could not fathom killing her best friend because of who her father was. Kaden believed that only Mudbloods should be introduced to their world like House Elves, to get rid of all halfbloods and blood traitors would diminish their population, and that was economic and magical suicide.
"Fuck sakes Stevens, now I need to find more people! I guarantee he saw you, that bastard has seeker eyes and can spot anything, fuck! Mulciber give be some of your Slytherins to follow them!" demanded Peter.
"Ha, how about no? This is your mission Pettigrew, I am just the messenger," laughed Mulciber, "Figure it out on your own!" he called as he stalked back to his dungeon common room.
"Fucking hate that guy," swore Peter, "Stevens, get your sister to find out about her."
"I will do no such thing. I want her to have no part in this, if you want to join with those branded bastards then go ahead. But do not drag my sister into this. If I find out you have gone to her, I swear your head will be so far up your ass you'll choke on your own shit. Hear me?" Stevens was right up in Peter's face and had a fistful of Peter's shirt balled in his hand.
"I get it Stevens, leave her out of it. Fine," sighed Peter.
"Leave me alone too, I would gladly have my way with the Mudblood but if Mulciber says this is your mission then I'm out. The Dark Lord can approach me for funding after graduation if he sees fit, but I refuse to do your dirty work."
Peter scowled, he would have to continue to follow her as a rat, he would worry about her more than the others. Stevens pushed Peter off him and followed Mulciber to the dungeon common room. Peter straightened out his shirt and made his way back to the Gryffindor tower. As he rounded the corner out of site, Lily, Remus, and Sirius exited the abandoned classroom. Lily and Remus had been in the library and were about to leave for curfew when they spotted Peter heading to the dungeons, they decided to follow him and bumped into Sirius and Josephine Travers on their way. Travers returned to Hufflepuff common room, while they tried to find Peter again.
They found him sitting in the corridor waiting, and fortunately Sirius had the invisibility cloak with him, so they expertly snuck past him into the unused classroom to listen in.
"We have to tell James and Hermione about his new plan," said Lily quietly.
"James is going to be livid. Peter's right, we don't share, he'll kill me if something happens," said Sirius sadly. He didn't want to betray James, he liked Hermione, he thought she was great for his Prongs.
"He'll understand Pads, as long as he's aware that it's just a plot. You're not interested in Mione right?" asked Remus cautiously.
"No! I like her, but not like that! If anything, she's my Lily to James, sister-like only!" cried out Sirius. He hadn't been trying too hard to get close to Hermione right now, mainly because James was cuddling up with her so much. However, he also wanted to give her space. He knew what she was going through to an extent, and she didn't need to be smothered by anyone. Talking to who made her feel safe was what was best for her, and he knew James was fitting that role perfectly. Sirius would make time for her this weekend, sit with her, and remind her that she can talk to him whenever the pain of loss was too much. He had lost his family, and then gained one back. Hermione had lost her family and was slowly gaining a version of them back. They were the same, or as similar as someone could be to her situation.
"Then James will understand Sirius," said Lily. Together the three of them returned to Gryffindor tower, Lily checked the girl's dorm for Hermione but finding her bed empty guessed she was with James, "They barely saw each other today, we'll tell them tomorrow."
"Alright, Lily want to sleep in the dorm with me?" asked Remus, a lopsided smile gracing his handsome features, "I'll set wards on the bed so no one can come in or hear us."
"How can I say no to that?" smiled Lily. She didn't particularly want to be near Pettigrew, but with wards on the bed she would feel safe with her boyfriend. Technically without the wards she would feel safe as well, he was a werewolf with heightened hearing after all, but the wards just gave her that extra peace of mind. Especially against the rat, who could scurry in and watch her sleep or change. Peter always creeped Lily out, he liked to stare, and Lily was sure she caught sight of a rat leaving after a girl's shower a few times throughout the years, but he was Remus' best friend. She never wanted to be the girl who came between friends, especially the Marauders, so she never said anything. However, this was vindication for Lily to always trust her gut. If she had a sense that something was off with someone, she would listen to those thoughts and investigate.
Sirius, Remus, and Lily went up to the boy's dorm to see Peter already sleeping in his bed. They bid each other good night and climbed into their beds and fell asleep. Tomorrow they would tell James and Hermione about Peter's new plot. Hopefully that was all he would be directed to do, hopefully You-Know-Who wouldn't make his own additions or plans for Hermione.
-oOo-
Hermione woke up early the next morning to the scent of James, but the body heat was missing. She rolled over and noticed she was alone on the couch in the Head Dorm, covered by James' blanket. Hermione smiled at his thoughtfulness and decided to go back to sleep, Peter couldn't get suspicious of her sleeping alone on a couch.
It was several hours later that Hermione rolled over again and woke to the handsome face of James Potter on the armchair across from her. He was holding a cup of coffee and had a book open on his lap.
"Morning Mi," he smiled just as their eyes connected.
"Morning James, what are you doing?" she asked, sitting up and stretching. James watched her as she stretched, her shirt rising slightly on her stomach and a small moan escaped her lips when her back cracked.
"Well, I was trying to go over our last Charms lesson for my homework, but something, or rather someone, was distracting," he winked.
"How could I be distracting? I was sleeping James," she laughed.
"Mi, you haven't seen yourself sleep. It's the most delectable sight," he leaned over and whispered into her ear. His breath grazing over her ear sending a shiver down her back.
"Hmm James, if you think that's delectable..." she trailed off leaving the dorm to go to her own. James groaned at her teasing and was thankful his book covered his manhood. She could rile him up so easily and he couldn't even do anything about it! He remembered thinking yesterday that he would try and convince her that they could have a relationship in secret, they just had to sneak away to the Room of Requirement. However, after speaking to her last night after her meeting and seeing how happy she was becoming, he didn't want to push her. She would be ready when she was, and if he pushed her that time might end up being further away.
James waited for his situation to die down before he got up and followed her out to the Gryffindor common room. When he didn't see her, he guessed she went up to her room to get ready for the weekend. He wondered what she would do today, maybe he could convince her to sit and tell him more of her adventures. He sat down on the couch in front of the fire and put his feet up on the coffee table, getting comfortable while he waited for her and his friends.
"Hey Prongs!" called out Sirius from the stairs. James looked over and saw Sirius, Remus and Lily descending the stairs together. Peter once again missing.
"Where's Peter at?" he asked casually.
"He said he had to get some tutoring for his classes this year so he could get his NEWTS," replied Lily with a slight eye roll. James nodded and discreetly pulled out the Map, he quickly checked to see where Peter was and found him in the Great Hall.
"Must have been hungry first," replied James. Everyone got comfortable on the chairs around him and gave him a look indicating they wanted to talk about something. James left the Map out open to the common room, to watch for any possible scuttling rats.
"So, what were you up to last night Prongsie?" asked Sirius, "You were pretty out of it at dinner."
"I had a rough flying session, lost in my head. I just sat and stared at the Map, I just needed to make sure she made it back safe from her meetings. Then we talked about them," replied James.
"Looks like all of us need to catch each other up," said Remus. James looked at him curiously, but he just shook his head, indicating he wanted to wait for Hermione, who arrived not two minutes later.
"Hey guys!" she greeted happily. Sirius caught James' eye at her enthusiasm, a silent conversation exchanged; Hermione was happy. Genuinely happy. She was still mourning and broken, they knew that, it had only been a month, but she was living and was happy about it.
"Hi Mione!" Remus replied just as happily, "How was your evening?" Hermione glanced at James and then down at the Map, he gave her a small nod to tell her she was safe to talk.
"I met the cutest little boy! Charlie Weasley, I could just eat him up," she laughed, "I had some great meetings, and I can start my potion brewing today. It was an amazing day!"
"A cute boy, eh? Charlie? James looks like you got some competition!" chuckled Sirius.
"Oh totally, four-year-old really know how to steal my heart!" Hermione giggled, "Sorry, almost five years old. He was quite excited about that."
"I'm glad you had a great day. Do you think we could go to that Room we met in before?" asked Lily, "We just want to talk about some stuff we heard yesterday and even without him here, the common room isn't the best place." Hermione nodded happily and led them all out towards the Room of Requirement. She decided to think about the potions lab she set up yesterday since she would be starting the potion up before she ate anyways.
"Woah, what is this place?" asked Sirius looking at the incredible lab that was before him. There were multiple station areas for cauldrons, bookshelves filled with books on potions, and the supplies area had the best quality knives, cauldrons, and scales. This would make any Potions Master want to cry at the beauty of it.
"This is my Lab, I set it up yesterday," replied Hermione, "I'm starting the Wolfsbane today, I want to do a practice round. It should take about six days to brew and then it requires a day to reduce before I can give it to you, Remus, to drink every day leading up to the moon. I will apologize now, it tastes ghastly, and no sugar will help. Sugar renders it useless."
"Can I eat sugar after?" smiled Remus. Hermione burst out laughing, Remus really was a sweet tooth. His older self was more of a chocolate fan, they had to hide every bit of chocolate in the house, although he could still sniff it out. Even when it came to his Wolfsbane, he had a mug of hot chocolate on standby to chug right after. This Remus seemed to want anything with sugar in it, chocolate was obviously still his favourite but now, they had to hide all forms of sweets from the boy.
"I can make you a glass of sugar water to gulp down one minute after, or a spoon of it by itself" she replied, "Did you make him watch Mary Poppins or something Lily?"
"Surprisingly no, it would make sense if I had," Lily laughed. The boys looked at them oddly which caused the girls to break down more.
"This Yule hols we are getting a telly and we are introducing you to all the films," Hermione told the boys, "That film will be on the list."
"Mary poppits? Who is she?" asked Remus, "And why would I have seen it?"
"Mary Poppins. It's a film about a super sweet nanny of two children and she spreads happiness in a slightly magical way. She sings a song about 'A spoonful of sugar will help the medicine go down.' I thought maybe you got your medical advice from her," Hermione explained. Remus, Sirius, and James were laughing, they decided that from now on Remus would be living by those words when it came to his medicine. Madame Pomfrey was going to go sparse with him in her Hospital Wing from now on.
"Well now that we've been introduced to this amazing lab, which I would appreciate a chance to use," smiled Lily, "We need to discuss why we're here.'
"Okay, what did you need to talk about?" asked Hermione. Lily went on to explain what she, Remus, and Sirius overheard last night between Peter, Mulciber, and Stevens. "That was dangerous following them into the dungeons, what if they caught you?" Hermione said after they finished.
"We were thinking that we didn't want plans being made without our knowing. Plans that could endanger our friends and ourselves," replied Sirius with an edge to his voice.
"You're right Pads. Hermione, they have people spying on us, and not just Peter anymore. He hired Stevens, and now he will need others, Mulciber might even have his own people. We need everyone to listen when they can. We need our own spies," explained James.
"We have Regulus and Severus, they can listen in the Slytherin Common Room. We shouldn't be risking ourselves, not only is it dangerous for you, but whatever future lay ahead. If they were caught, Peter would know they don't trust him! It means the future I know won't happen and I can't plan around an unknown path!" Hermione angrily replied jumping up from her stool and pacing the room. "I can't let Peter be caught now; Voldemort needs to think he has us where he wants us. He needs to think he's winning. Until the horcruxes are gone, Peter is your best friend. He must believe he is trusted," James knew she was right, if they were caught who knows what Peter and Mulciber may have done, but he also knew that Sirius, Remus, and Lily were right to follow them.
"Give us some credit, you think Peter and Mulciber could have caught us?" snapped Sirius, he hated being underestimated.
"Sirius, Peter is a rat! He has heightened senses like you and Remus. Mulciber is an aspiring Death Eater who will do anything to be noticed. I don't want a repeat of my future because a different path in favour of the dark happens. I will not watch everyone I love die again!" Hermione broke down. She had found herself so happy for the last two days that the grief snuck up and struck full force, it was like getting punched in the gut. James caught her before she fell and soothed her sobbing form against his chest.
"We're sorry Hermione, we didn't want to upset you. We just thought we were helping," Lily said quietly when Hermione's cries stopped.
"No, I'm sorry. I should trust others to help and not take it all on myself. You learnt important information, all without being discovered," Hermione apologized, "We have to watch what we do around everyone if we don't know who could be following us."
"What do we do about this whole you and me thing?" asked Sirius, "No offence but I don't really think we should snog in a broom cupboard."
"No offence mate, but I'd punch you if you did," growled James.
"James," warned Hermione, "We don't know how they plan to pull it off. It's not even been approved yet, worst he will do is try and make comments to make you jealous."
"Maybe we should try and give him opportunities?" suggested Remus. James and Sirius looked at him incredulously, "Hear me out. We're all friends, we were close in the future and so was Hermione and Sirius. Personally, I would like to get to know you better and that requires talking, without being overheard. Which would mean we would need to sneak away without everyone, Peter could observe this and mention it to James to try get a rise out of him. Especially if you appear romantically interested in each other in public."
Hermione blushed at Remus' mentioning romance and James together. This plan worked directly against her decision to avoid James romantically until either Peter was gone, or never because he moved on, as he should. If she showed her interest publicly, and he responded, it wouldn't be long until she couldn't hold back. Wouldn't be long until she felt him pressed against her –
'Stop Hermione, there are other people here!' she reminded herself, bringing herself back to the current situation. The others were all smirking at Hermione and James, as she noted he was also blushing and staring off into space. What Hermione didn't realize was that James was thinking about how ecstatic he was that Remus found a loophole for them, he was actually thankful to Peter for taking his plot in this direction.
"What if the plan is approved? We don't know what they will do to try and get me and, and well Sirius to do what he wants," Hermione asked nervously. Sirius was attractive sure, but if she started something with James, she was not going back on it for anything less than saving his life. She did not want to break his heart over something as trivial as cheating!
"Well first, we do not get upset with each other over anything we know is planned by Peter," said Lily seriously, staring each boy in the eyes hard, "If Peter slips something like Amortentia we will not let it affect our relationships. Understood?"
"Yes Lily," all three boys replied grudgingly.
"How did you do that?" Hermione asked laughing.
"Years of practice and lessons learned," replied Lily smugly.
Before they left the Room, they each agreed that henceforth Hermione would take time to talk to Remus and Sirius alone, and be very obvious about it to Peter. Remus and Hermione decided that the library was a great place to talk to each other, while Sirius and Hermione chose to meet on the grounds and talk by the lake and in winter move it to the corner armchairs in the common room. Hermione was beyond excited about being able to bond with both separately as she had been doing with James. Lily reminded her of girl's night later that day, which left the boys to have a boy's night that they could indulge James' attraction to Hermione.
Hermione didn't leave as she wanted to start the process of brewing the Wolfsbane, and James lingered behind to check that she was okay.
"Mi are you okay with all of this?" he asked awkwardly. He wanted her, he had told her so, and he thought she wanted him, that was until she said no. Rationally, he knew she was only saying no because of Peter and the danger they could be in; he could sense her attraction for him, she had even shown it with her delicious mouth. However, this new, unsure, and doubtful side of James questioned whether she was lying and didn't really want him at all.
Hermione was a formidable witch, intelligent, oh so intelligent, and incredibly powerful. She disarmed Alastor Moody easily, she was fast, and no one could match her duelling skills. Her beauty was not conventional but it was radiant. She was the kind of witch that when she walked in a room all eyes would be on her. She could control a room with her power, and even with her scars no one could match her. James was entranced by her smile and eyes, everything about her drew him to her. But why would such an incredible and beautiful witch deem him worthy of her?
James was not a fighter, he was gifted in Transfiguration, he was above average in his other classes. However, he had never had to fight to survive, always joked around, played pranks, played Quidditch. He would fight for those he loved sure, but he had never had to really. He had defended Sirius against Slytherin and called out Gryffindor for not showing loyalty to one of their own. He had become an animagus for Remus so he would never be alone. Peter he had tried to help with classwork and trying to raise his confidence before he learnt the truth. He was a good friend, but that didn't make him worthy of Hermione Granger.
If she didn't want him, he wouldn't force her. She deserved better than to be forced into a situation she was uncomfortable with.
"Not really," replied Hermione slowly, upon seeing James' heart breaking expression she quickly continued, "James it's not that I'm not okay with it being you, or having to be closer to one another. I'm not okay because I didn't want it to be part of a plan, I wanted…"
"Wanted what?" he asked quietly. He dared to hope she wanted him, wanted to be with him.
"I wanted it to be real," she whispered, so quietly that James almost didn't hear. His mind was racing, she wanted it to be real, but it was! James took two big steps towards her and pushed her against the potions counter and snogged her senseless.
"It is real, oh so very real," he said with a smile against her lips when they broke apart.
"It is?" she asked dazedly. Her eyes were glazed over, and her lips were puffy and red from his own lips.
"Hermione Granger, I have wanted you since we met. I told you this, I told you in that classroom when we kissed, and I admitted to you that you were special to me. I wasn't lying. I also wasn't lying when I told you I would wait for you, I would wait a thousand years. If I died, I would be a ghost until they day you joined me and then I would pass on so I could be with you in the beyond. I want you Hermione Granger, for your warrior spirit, your incredible heart, and for everything else good and bad about you. I have never felt this way about someone Mi, and it's not just in my heart or in my thoughts, I can feel it in my magic too," James said, kissing her between each sentence as a vow of truth.
"Oh James, I don't deserve your sweet, incredible words. I'm not as amazing as you-" Hermione tried to say, her eyes looking down sadly.
"No Hermione, don't. Don't talk about yourself like that. You are an amazing witch, you are a survivor and are still fighting, fighting for the good in the world. Anyone else in your place could have become bitter and cynical, you are still looking for a way to win. You could have come back to the seventies and decided to live your own life in another country and let this play out."
"I could never!" Hermione huffed.
"Exactly, your heart is pure Mi. Dumbledore selected you, chose you to go through a portal to save us and he knew you could. Is there anyone else he could have trusted to do this and pass through the portal?" James asked.
Hermione thought about it, she didn't want to think she was the only one but maybe she was? Ron abandoned them, yes, he came back, but he chose to leave, and it would always weigh on him, he was also incredibly jealous of everything Harry had, forgetting what Harry didn't have. Ginny was strong enough to maybe survive the war, but she was possessed by Riddle when she was eleven, who knew what darkness could have been left behind? Remus was unfortunately a dark creature no matter how kind his heart was. Neville was probably the closest in heart, but Hermione remembered that Neville had only come into his confidence the year before Dumbledore passed, so he would not have been a viable choice to their Headmasters plans. Harry would never work for two reasons; one, if the Dark won then Harry was dead, and two, if Harry prevented Peter's first betrayal, he would cease to exist.
She really was the only option.
"Oh."
"Hermione, you know I want you, but do you want me?" They were both still face to face, no one had moved since James released her lips from his own.
"James, I've wanted you since I saw your eyes the moment I apparated into Dumbledore's office," she replied honestly. The words had barely left her mouth when James' lips descended on her own. His lips were everything, they were soft and demanding, his tongue darted out and slid along her lower lip requesting entrance. When she obliged, he deepened the kiss, their tongues dancing around and caressing each other. She tasted of his own personal heaven, sweet and fruity, and he tasted of serenity, Hermione's personal calming draught.
Soon his lips left hers, leaving them feeling cold, instead dragging across her jaw leaving behind a trail of fire. He moved up to her ear lobe and sucked, eliciting a moan from Hermione. His hands were moving up and down her sides, grazing her breasts lightly as he passed.
"Mm James," she sighed when his lips moved down to her neck, leaving behind a slight bruising. Seeing the mark made James' cock twitch, his mark on his witch.
"Oh Hermione, please say it. Say you'll be mine," he begged, his lips moving back up to hers.
"Yours, all yours," she whined as he pulled her lower lip between his teeth. Hermione's hands had been caressing James' chest, but she was tempted to move them down lower. She wanted to touch him, wanted to see him, see him lose control with her, but she also wasn't ready. She still had her scars that she wasn't ready to show yet. James must have sensed her reluctance as he pulled back to look into her eyes.
"Mi, I won't make you do anything you don't want, not until you're ready. I just want you to be mine, I want to be yours, I want us to be together. Whether that is just sitting in the common room in front of the fire, or in here brewing a potion, or snogging in a broom cupboard. We can go however fast or slow you want, you set the pace," he smiled at her, pure sincerity in his eyes. Hermione fell more in love that moment
'Wait love? I can't be in love with him! It's only been a few weeks' she thought. But deep down she knew, Hermione had fallen hard for the boy in front of her, she just didn't know when exactly it happened.
"Thank you, James, you are amazing, I don't deserve your understanding," she said quietly.
"You deserve the world Mi, and I will give it to you. First, we will win a war together, and then we will have a future together," he promised. Hermione smiled and kissed him gently on the lips.
"Together," she agreed. They kissed for a little longer before Hermione had to push him off her so she could begin her potion. James watched her brew and admired her ability, she was fluid in her movements, everything was done as if it was a dance. James knew that if she was his professor in potions, he may have paid more attention. Although her ass would have distracted him the moment he had to brew by himself.
When she had completed her initial phase of brewing, they left the Room and made their way down to the Great Hall for an early lunch. They walked side by side, bumping hands occasionally and smiling at each other when it happened. They decided together that for now their relationship would be a secret, for now all they would do was show they were interested in each other. They would start off slow, and after a few weeks they could move into the relationship phase publicly. Then if Peter's plan was approved, he would make his first move.
-oOo-
Hermione spent the day outside by the lake with everyone, including Peter and the girls, Dorcas, Marlene, and Mary. They laughed telling Hermione stories of Hogwarts days prior to her arrival and Sirius and Remus put on a show talking James up to Hermione, causing both to blush. James and Hermione sat opposite each other in the group, but they glanced at one another a lot and made a very convincing show for Peter.
Hermione felt silly that she was acting like a young schoolgirl with a crush, but James brought it out of her. He made her insides feel warm and tingly whenever she caught him looking. She blushed every time she caught his eyes, she was used to boys looking at her, but it was always at her boobs or her ass. Whenever she caught James, he was looking right at her lips, or her eyes, and once she caught him staring at the dimple on her cheek when she was smiling. When he made her laugh, she saw his eyes light up that he was the reason behind her laughter. James made her feel special, like she was the only one there even when they were surrounded by people.
Peter watched everyone interacting, all while keeping up his act. He told stories from their days, flirted with Mary, and tried to ask Hermione about her past. Everyone had informed her that she never had to share anything unless she brought it up herself, while glaring at Peter. Mary had been the one who spoke up and informed Peter that he had no right to ever ask Hermione anything about her past, especially since she wasn't asking about his personal life at home with his mother. Peter had the sense to act shamefaced and apologized to Hermione.
After dinner the girls left the boys and went to the girls seventh dorm room. They agreed that they had girl's night in their dorm every year and they couldn't change it for their last year, so they allowed the boys to take over the Head Dorm.
"Welcome to your first girl's night!" announced Mary, pushing open the door. Inside the room was set up with a blanket fort, twinkle lights floating above it, and pillows covering the floor. There were bottles of elf wine and firewhiskey on the table, along with the largest sweet and chocolate spread Hermione had ever seen.
"How do you manage this without Remus sniffing this out?" Hermione laughed.
"I compensate for it," replied Lily cryptically. Hermione raised an eyebrow at her, causing all the girls to fall into a fit of giggles.
"Get a few drinks in her Hermione, and you'll wish you never asked that question," smirked Marlene. They each changed into their pyjamas, Hermione wore her cotton shorts and cami, Lily, Dorcas, and Mary wearing something similar, Marlene though, was in a tiny silk night gown.
"Marlene, are you trying to make Sirius believe those fantasies you told him we did on these nights?" chastised Dorcas.
"We might have a pillow fight, and we might do a little more," Marlene replied with a wink, "Truth or Dare is still on the table."
"Marlene you're so bad," laughed Mary. Hermione wasn't sure what to expect from this night, but she was very curious, truth or dare though had her wary. Marlene poured them each a shot of firewhiskey and demanded they drink to start the night off, and initiate Hermione into their girl's night.
"So, Hermione, I saw those glances at the lake with James. Anything you would like to tell us?" winked Dorcas, sipping on her wine. Hermione blushed and downed her firewhiskey to give her something to do besides answer, "Oh Hermione, no reason to be shy. Nothing leaves this room. Girl's Night honour."
"Well, he's very handsome," Hermione shyly replied.
"Merlin is he ever," sighed Marlene, "Not my type, Sirius is my choice, and you know those boys don't share. Pick one or the other."
"Really, so no girl in this castle has snogged both?" Hermione asked cautiously.
"Well, not intentionally. Some slags out there try and go for it, but they share everything together. If any girl tries it, they both ignore her future advances. I think there's only three girls in the school who are on James and Sirius' list of no re-occurrence allowed."
"Huh," Hermione replied thoughtfully sipping her on her glass, now filled with wine. James and Sirius never shared, that definitely meant their threesome they admitted to during Never Have I Ever wasn't together. Hermione also couldn't help but be a little upset that James and Sirius not only ploughed through every girl in Hogwarts, but they shared their intimacies with each other. Would James go and tell Sirius everything they did together? She knew she was more special to him that all the previous girls, he wanted a future with her, wanted her to be his, but it also made her feel inadequate. He had so many girls to choose from and compare to, yet he picked her? What if she wasn't as good as the other girls? She was experienced yes, but she was a different person now. She couldn't even show him her chest because of her ugly scars, what if he got bored waiting and went to one of the girls who came to him? She saw them still trying to proposition him, but what if he gave in when she didn't?
'He told you that you set the pace, he isn't an asshole to lie and use you for sex,' she reminded herself.
"Marlene you're going to scare her away from him. Hermione, James is besotted by you. I have never seen him look at another girl like he does with you. I have honestly had girls asking me why he keeps rejecting them, he's never rejected anyone else before, even when he said he fancied someone last year, he still played the field. Even if you aren't in the room, he doesn't notice them anymore, the minute you walk in it's like he senses it," Lily explained.
"But the other girls- I'm not ready to-" Hermione tried to explain but her thoughts were coming out jumbled.
"The other girls have nothing on you, and if you're not ready for anything physical then you can explain. He would understand," Mary said kindly.
"He already has," started Hermione. The girls squealed and demanded an explanation. Hermione told them about her chat with him in the Room of Requirement, leaving out their decision to date, and anything related to Peter and the war. The girls all screamed and giggled in happiness that Hermione was 'snatching the Potter bachelor'. They continued to drink and talk about everything. Hermione told them a vague story of her relationship with her parents, that they didn't get along and disliked magic, she told them about her previous schooling.
"It was like homeschooling in a sense, but there were a few of us together, other children with a muggle parent or two muggle parents. We even had a pureblood, but that was because his parents didn't feel comfortable sending him away all year, and they lived near a muggle neighbourhood," she lied. Hermione had to lay a story down that could cover her tracks when she spoke of her past friends, Ron was pureblood and knew nothing of the muggle world, if she let something slip about his lack of muggle knowledge, it would be suspicious. She didn't distrust Marlene, Mary, or Dorcas, she knew they fought for the light, and at least Marlene and Dorcas died for it, yet now was not the time to bring them in on her secret.
They continued to drink late into the night, talking of the girls' relationships from the previous years. She learnt that Marlene and Sirius had dated in fifth year, but after his summer with his parents disowning him, he came back broken. She helped him through it, a lot of it was using sex to provide comfort, but that led to him seeking it from everyone. They broke up and Marlene told him that she understood his need for comfort on a physical level and when he was ready to settle down, she would be there. However, she knew that if she found love before Sirius found himself, she would give him one last chance before moving on.
Mary and Dorcas were single, had never been with Sirius but snogged James in fifth year. They promised Hermione it never went further, and they had no interest in him after that encounter. Later in the night after multiple drinks was when Lily let loose.
"Girls, girls, I never thought I was the kind of girl who liked it rough but boyyyyyy do I!" she giggled into her empty cup, toppling over onto the cushions.
"Here we go, Hermione, when Lily gets very drunk and giggly, she likes to divulge her dirty, sexy stories," smirked Marlene.
"Dirty indeed Marlene," Lily giggled some more, "Sweaty, dirty, kinky sex!"
"Lils," Mary jokingly warned.
"His furry little problem isn't a problem and isn't little," Lily continued, "He's a bad Mr Wolf."
"Oh my God! Lily I don't need to know!" laughed Hermione covering her ears. He was like a father to her in her time, and now Lily was telling her that they played up on the werewolf kink.
"Rough wolf he is," she kept going, "Pounds me constantly-" she was stopped from whatever else she was going to say by Hermione's silencing charm.
"Change of subject please!" Hermione cried.
"Hermione, I have to ask you something personal," Mary started awkwardly. Hermione could tell by her body language that the temperature in the room would drop the moment she asked her question.
"Sure Mary, what's up?"
"I know you've been through something horrible; I'm not asking you to tell us what!" she quickly explained, "I'm just, how did you continue after? Get up every day?"
"For a while I didn't, after my nightmare when I first arrived, I reverted back to how I was. Now, I force myself up every day because of you, because of Marlene, Dorcas, Lily, Remus, Sirius, and mostly James. He helped me, he talked to me about me and the good in my past. He never pushed me about the bad, but listened when I wanted to talk about it, comforted me when I needed it, and left me be if I needed space. In the end, I found purpose to continue. The bad events happened to me, but the world kept turning. My world was destroyed but the sun still rose, it still set, another day still passed. I could become a shell that survived for the days, or I could become a new me and live for the days I was given," explained Hermione.
"You really are incredible Hermione, I can see why James is besotted and the Marauders took you into their group," said Dorcas.
"Why Mary? Are you okay?" Hermione asked the girl, Mary looked quiet and nervous as she thought on Hermione's words.
"Only Lily knows, but, but," Mary sighed before continuing, "Mulciber from Slytherin, he attacked me in fifth year. He tried to rape me, he managed to assault me and strip me before Lily found me." Dorcas and Marlene gasped in horror, lunged at Mary, and pulled her into a tight hug.
"How could you never tell us Mary?" asked Dorcas quietly.
"I felt disgusting, I didn't want anyone to know," Mary replied, tears running down her cheeks, "Then I saw Hermione, and what you must have gone through, and I realized my attack wasn't as bad as it could have been."
"No matter how bad your attack is, how damaging it is, no matter what kind of attack, you did not deserve it. My trauma does not diminish yours Mary, you should never have been put through that. Mulciber is a disgusting, creepy, masochist," growled Hermione.
Sexual natured attacks disgusted her the most. Torture and murder were horrors that she had witnessed over and over, it was horrifying in both the muggle and wizarding world. Sexual attacks however, they were disgusting ways of ensuring a woman, or even a man, were humiliated and objectified. Men who wanted to show their strength and power over another using penetration were the worst form of criminal that deserved a slow and painful death, or a Dementor's Kiss. Hermione personally preferred castration as a form of punishment before a permanent end was met.
"Mary, if you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable going anywhere alone, I will be there. If you need me to ensure Mulciber never touches another girl again, I can do that. If you want me to just pretend that you never said anything, I will understand." Mary launched herself at Hermione and hugged her as tight as she could.
"Thank you, Hermione, you are a good friend. Don't go looking for Mulciber, but if he tries something then I don't discourage you from punishing him as you see fit," she smirked. Hermione laughed and agreed, she wouldn't go seeking him out for revenge, but she had permission to do as she wished if he presented an opportunity. Hermione was excited at the prospect of putting a blood supremacist rapist in his place.
The girl's finished their night off with some stories from previous year girl's nights. Lily's silencing charm was removed after she promised not to talk any more about Remus' talented and impressive cock. It was well into the morning, a full bottle of firewhiskey, two bottles of wine, and an unhealthy amount of sugar later that the girls passed out on the pillows on the floor.
-oOo-
While the girls enjoyed their girly time in their dorm, the boys sat in the Head Dorm, the Marauders together without girls for the first time since their last night in sixth year.
"How's your mum doing Peter?" asked Remus. The three boys agreed earlier that they had to really put the truth of Peter behind them tonight and act like their old selves. It would be hard, but they really needed to pull it off in order to keep themselves, and most importantly, Lily and Hermione, safe.
"She's not doing very well since I'm not at home. She has a nurse come and visit from the hospital twice a week, but she has no help around the house or buying her groceries," explained Peter sadly. The boys weren't sure if he was acting or his mother was legitimately sick, if she was they could not wish ill on an innocent muggle woman.
"I'm sorry Wormy, is there anything we can do?" asked James honestly. Peter looked up and frowned at him, he hated James, he hated him and Sirius for their wealth, but he was offering to help while he was willing to give him up. No, he had to continue, the Dark Lord could save his mother. Make her well again, as well as give him the power to make him better than James and Sirius, more dangerous than Remus, therefore more respected. His mother being saved was the hook and everything else was just an added bonus. It took until their seventh year for his 'friends' to even know his mother was unwell, and that was only because he spent this summer plotting their demise and required an excuse. His mother was the perfect alibi.
"There's nothing to be done," replied Peter, "How could you help?"
"I don't know mate. We help our friends however they need it. Even if all we can offer is a listening ear," replied Sirius, "You, James, and Remus offered to help me after I was disowned, you couldn't really help me apart from giving me somewhere to stay during the summer. Yet you all offered to help just by supporting me, listening to me, getting drunk with me. That's what brothers do," Sirius replied emotionally. He really did love Peter for standing by him with Remus and James, it broke his heart that his brother betrayed them for reasons unknown. Was it his mother being sick? Was it jealousy? Was it for survival? One day Sirius would find out, he had to know why the boy who stood by him when his family did not, would turn against them to the very people Sirius ran from.
"Right now I'm fine, I may take you up on the offer to get wasted though," chuckled Peter. Sirius laughed and poured a generous glass of firewhiskey for all of them.
"To a Marauders night!" toasted James. They raised their glasses together before throwing back their drinks in one. The boys talked for hours about potential prank plans and what they may do after school. Sirius and James were still unsure of what they could see themselves doing, but luckily had time to decide. With their own fortunes they could choose not to work their whole lives and still have enough money to buy an international Quidditch team. Remus was drawn towards defence, he wanted to get himself a Mastery in Defence Against the Dark Arts before considering what he could continue with. As he was a werewolf, finding a job would be difficult, however extending his education meant he had more time to accumulate a reputation that was not related to his condition and potentially receive a job despite it. Peter was also unsure, he knew he was not talented in his studies or spell work, he admitted to having a tutor that he had to see. The boys were curious if he did indeed have a tutor and used them to cover up his occasional meetings with Slytherins, or if he had no tutor at all and just spied on them during those times, all the while relying on You-Know-Who giving him power.
After a few too many glasses of firewhiskey, Peter turned the conversation towards Hermione.
"So, what's going on there Prongs? I saw those looks at the lake today," he slurred.
"She's a gorgeous bird that one," replied James dreamily.
"Prongsie and Mione sittin' in a tree," teased Remus, "K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" he laughed as Sirius made kissing noises, Peter joining Remus in laughter.
"Sod off!" said James, pushing Sirius by the head off the couch.
"Oi!" yelled Sirius from the floor, "I wasn't the one singing children songs." Remus chuckled while pouring another glass for himself.
"No, but you still deserved it," he smirked.
"So, no kissing?" asked Peter as the laughter died down.
"No, no kissing," lied James, "Don't get me wrong, I want to, so badly, but she's not like other girls. I don't even know if she likes me."
"The way she was sneaking glances at you, and the blushes, say otherwise," encouraged Sirius, "She's a nice girl, I see why you like her."
"You think?" James asked acting doubtful. He couldn't wait to hold Hermione again; he couldn't wait until he could claim her lips with his own again. He wanted to hold her hand, whisper in her ear and feel the goosebumps and shivers that ran through her body. She was his, and he was hers. They agreed.
'She's mine, and I'm hers. Sweet Merlin, she is mine, and I am hers! Hermione Granger is mine. I am Hermione Grangers' he kept chanting in his head excitedly.
He couldn't believe it, weeks he pined for her, wished she could be his, and now they had admitted it and could be together. To what that entailed was completely up to her, he would go abstinent for years if he had to. He would prefer not to, he would much prefer to be shagging her in years, children in years, but if he had to wait, he would. She set the pace, she decided how far they went.
"James Potter is unsure about a girl, I think I've seen it all," teased Sirius.
"Mate, you can pull any girl. Hermione will be no different," said Peter. This sparked James' buried anger, how dare Peter think Hermione would fall for his tricks. How dare he think she was just another girl he would pull his tricks on. He felt bad that he thought of his previous 'conquests' as such, Hermione really put into perspective how he was treating the female population of Hogwarts. Looking back at how he played them, stringed them along, and thought they weren't good enough to protect from his tricks like he was doing for Hermione. She was better than those tricks, as was every previous girl he pulled them on. If he could apologize to all of them he would, but at the same time he knew they knew what they were getting into. They fell for the tricks after all, played along with them, and even encouraged him to try ones he used on other girls that they heard about.
Some of his previous encounters really were slags. Hermione was not. She was the exact opposite, and she was his.
"Hermione is not like any girl, she is unlike any other girl and deserves real romance and not the tricks I use to 'pull any girl'," James sneered, using his fingers as air quotations, "Don't talk about her like that again!"
"Sorry mate, didn't mean anything by it, was just trying to boost your confidence," apologized Peter, his hands up signalling surrender.
"It's fine," grumbled James. He may have lost his temper slightly, although this played directly into their plan to make Peter see the growing relationship with James and Hermione. A more protective James meant an angrier James if Sirius tried anything; a more heartbroken James willing to seek comfort in Lily's arms.
The boys continued to drink, switching the conversation to Remus and Sirius' relationships. Remus went into a bit too much detail for James' liking of Lily's sexual appetite for werewolf fantasies. Sirius admitted he was getting tired of running around broom cupboards with girls that weren't Marlene. He wasn't ready to go steady yet, but he was starting to really miss Marlene and how well she really knew him and could talk to him about anything.
"Look at this boys, I have Lils, James is deeply interested in the stunning Mione, Sirius may give up his doggish ways for the beautiful Marlene, and Peter here might pluck up the courage to ask out Mary. Our last year and we may all come out in committed relationships," mused Remus. When he started Hogwarts, he thought it wishful thinking he would have true friends, people who would stand by him even after they found out his secret, yet he met the Marauders. He never thought it would be possible for him to find love, however he had Lily, and she knew, she didn't run screaming in fear, but stayed screaming in ecstasy. Now his two brothers would possibly be finding that special love for themselves too. Something he never thought he would see them find, they were perpetual bachelors, at least they used to be.
"Who knew we would all grow up in our last year?" contemplated James.
"I may want to date Marlene, I may want to get a job after Hogwarts, but I sure as fuck don't want to grow up!" laughed Sirius. They joined him, all downing more alcohol, as they reminisced about their past years. They eventually passed out later in the night after finishing three bottles of firewhiskey.
-oOo-
Early Sunday morning Peter Pettigrew roused from his sleep and rolled over to the drooling face of Sirius Black. He jumped up and noted Sirius, James, and Remus were passed out across the couches and floor. Sirius had his feet on the couch but his torso and head on the floor beside Peter, he must have fallen off in the night. Remus was draped across the armchair, his head on one arm with his legs across the other, James, meanwhile was the only comfortable looking sleeper. He was curled up at the foot of the couch Sirius was previously on, wrapped around a cushion and smiling contently. Peter sneered at the sight, he hated that he had to act so friendly last night. However, he also felt something else deep down, it was strange. Last night brought back memories of the days they spent in their first five years, before Peter's jealousy and anger took over.
Peter was beyond excited that he had valuable information he could pass along to his Master, James was smitten over the Mudblood. He had admitted to his romantic feelings, and even showed his protective nature over her. If she broke the rule he and Sirius had, and hooked up with Sirius, then James would be devastated. Sirius would have broken a very important brotherly rule, leaving James without his trust in either Sirius or Hermione. He would turn to Remus and Lily, but with Lily being Head Girl he would spend more time with her, Peter would push them to 'accidentally' engage in something and have Remus catch them.
Resulting in Sirius, Remus, and James distrusting each other. When the Dark Lord approached them they would not have each other to back each other up, leading to You-Know-Who either breaking their spirit and causing them to defect to the Dark. Peter could be their boss and torture them for disobeying his orders, or they would refuse to join and You-Know-Who would eliminate them.
Peter felt a slight painful pull in his chest at the thought of his 'friends' being eliminated but he ignored it. Maybe he was feeling the satisfaction he would feel when he finally informed them of his true allegiance.
He ran into Mulciber on the way to breakfast and quickly relayed the additional information he learnt last night. Lucius would be here today to speak with the Headmaster and walk the grounds with his father, Abraxas Malfoy, a current Governor on the Board, to inspect any possible improvements.
Peter truly hoped his new plan would be approved soon, and he was given a means to fulfill the plan. Hermione Granger had to go, maybe after Sirius had his way with her and James dumped her, Peter could claim her as a boon. She was attractive, and Peter wasn't getting any luck with Mary. Or Betty. Or any girl for that matter. Granger would have no choice but to put out, especially if she was his reward. He did have to prove he was dark enough to stay in the ranks, he needed to emit fear from others, and how else could he cause fear but to have power over another? Power over an intelligent witch with no escape.
Peter did not realize that the pains he was feeling in his chest was his heart cracking and splintering as he plot the betrayal of his brothers. Brothers he bonded with through magic. His own magic was attempting to repair the damage to his heart, but the more he delved into the darkness, the more his magic failed and turned from copper gold to black.
If anyone could see magic by the naked eye, they would know that all children were born with a silver aura. As they age and experience the world, their magic glows copper gold. At magical maturity, or coming of age, a witch or wizards' magical aura will take on a bright gold if they are uncorrupted. If a witch or wizard delves into the realm of grey or dark magic with good intentions, their magical aura will glow a burnt copper. However, if they become entirely corrupted, their mind thinking terrible thoughts and performing despicable acts, their magic turns black.
If a witch or wizards magic turns black, their soul is irreversibly corrupted. Magic will prevent your ability to perform Light spells, such as a Patronus, and the joy of magic will leave. It will leave behind a cynical and bitter person who will always feel a shadow over their heart. The joy they felt in memories and family will dissipate and instead they will feel nothing but longing and disconnection with their own memories.
Those who study the nuances of magic discovered magic could be seen using a certain type of glass. They learnt that magic was always moving, almost alive, and studied it for centuries. They were their own secret research division that worked internationally, no one knew who was involved, only that every country volunteered their best wizard for the job, releasing information every few decades.
These researchers knew that if your magic turned black you would be living a half-life. It is comparable with drinking unicorn blood, but a step down from creating a horcrux. Even a Dementor would not be overly tempted to perform a Kiss, if another victim was available, they would choose them as they feast on the happiness of the victim, of the life sparking in their soul, a corrupted, black magic soul, was not a satisfying meal, having no happiness and only the dark thoughts Dementors left in their wake.
If Hermione had been sent back the previous year, she may have saved the boy from his fate. However, Peter had been betraying his friends for too long.
Peter was devising the destruction of a bond formed under its protection and Magic was not forgiving. Therefore, his Magic stopped trying to fight the impending darkness. Before the end of school year, Peter would be either be dying for his own tainted magic providing only half-life, or his black aura would power his magic and leave him as an angry and violently volatile wizard.
A/N: Please read and review! Hope you enjoyed this new chapter!