A/N: Disclaimer for this chapter. Torture, murder, and rape are included.
-oOo-
It was a clear, starry night on the warm September night, all was quiet on the Bristol street. A young, newly graduated Hogwarts girl was helping her mother and father put away the dishes from dinner, discussing her possible future careers. Young Cassandra had spent her summer in France, immersing herself in the French magical community, a place she was very tempted to return to with her family, away from the bloody supremacy of England.
"I'm just saying honey, you could stay here and get an education in the muggle world. It will give you so many more options," argued her father, Johnathan Copper.
"Daddy, you know my future is in the wizarding world. Magic is everything to me, I just want to be somewhere I'm valued. Here it is hard, I don't have magical ancestors, so I don't have a head start like everyone else. I have to start lower than the bottom, and I just don't see myself moving up very fast. France offered so much more, even an ability for you to see the magical world too. England wants to keep muggles away from magic, France believes you were entrusted a magical child by Lady Magic thus you are worthy. I just want you to come see it, then you can decide!" argued Cassandra.
She had researched everything while she was away, there would be a specialty car mechanic shop her dad could work at, fixing classic cars rather than a scrap yard with junk cars he worked with now. Her mum could work at one of the hotels that allowed muggle and magical patrons, she was fluent in French and knew her way around Paris, she would be a great Hotel Manager. Cassandra had picked up applications for them and even had a portkey appointment planned for tomorrow, depending how this discussion went with her family.
Her mother sighed and placed a hand on her father's arm, "We will come and see it honey, but we are not promising to uproot our lives in England so you can fulfill your dream of the magical world. We can visit if we decide France is not for us."
With her mother's say being the end of the conversation, all three sat down to watch a movie before bed. Johnathan got the popcorn, Stacey, his wife, got the wine glasses, while Cassandra brought the bottle. They were enjoying their drama movie about Egyptian queen Cleopatra, a famous muggle woman played the role very well, Cassandra was entranced by the performances. She got up from her seat to place the second VHS tape in for the second half when their front door was blown in. Cassandra went flying against the television, smashing into the wall.
The quiet, clear, starry night was now nothing but screaming and bright lights.
Cassandra was trying to push herself up from the ground when she heard her mother's screams. She looked over to the couch where her parents previously were, to see a horrific sight. The couch had been blasted in half; her father lay broken on the floor. His legs and arms were pointed in unnatural directions, his chest was heaving heavily trying to breathe. He seemed to be trying to drag himself across the floor, but his body wouldn't allow it, although he tried pushing through the pain, screaming on the ground. Cassandra looked to where her father's eyes would not leave, where he was trying to painfully force himself to get to. He was staring at her mother.
Two men in black robes and silver masks stood above her mother, both with wands pointing at her father, laughing at him. At their feet was her mother, covered in blood, as another man held her by her throat and ripped her clothes of. Stacey Copper was sobbing and screaming as the man violently removed her clothing, not caring that his fingernails and wand were breaking her skin and releasing more blood. Cassandra had to do something, she couldn't just watch as someone raped her mother and then killed her parents. She was trying her hardest to stand up, her back screaming in agony from being blasted against a television and wall. She was almost standing when they spotted her, their laughter didn't stop, their grins actually grew bigger at the sight of her.
Cassandra released her wand from her wrist holster and threw a stunner towards them, her arms were shaking so badly that the curse missed them easily. She threw three more in a row in hopes something would hit them. The two masked men quickly dodged all three spells and placed themselves in front of the man assaulting her mother. They both advanced on Cassandra, casting their own darker curses at her, she narrowly dodged them all, but she was starting to think they were deliberately missing her. She was slow, injured, and in a small space but nothing hit her.
"Filthy mudblood, think you are any match for us?" snarled the one man. The other laughed maliciously as more screams came from behind them.
"Fuck Rockwod, this muggle bitch feels amazing. Maybe they are good for something," grunted the man from behind them, "Have a go!"
"I think I'm going to hold out for this one," the one man, Rockwood, purred. He pointed his wand at Cassandra and cast the torture curse, she fell to the ground screaming. When Rockwood lifted the curse her eyes were staring at the body of her father, the light in his eyes gone but the pain still evident on his face. His eyes still staring at where her mother was being raped, now by the second masked man. Her mother's sobs filled the room, Cassandra's could hear nothing else.
The night started with her trying to convince her parents to move, and now it had ended in their murder.
Cassandra had nothing left to live for.
The second robed man finished with Stacey Copper and ended her life in a flash of green light, her naked, bloody body left like she was nothing. Cassandra tore her eyes from her mother, tears escaping her eyes, and looked to the ceiling feeling numb.
"Now my sweet, I did want a mudblood to myself," Rockwood whispered, leaning over her, his wand tracing down the side of her face, "Pretty for a mudblood. I think I'll have you."
Rockwood grabbed her by her hair and dragged her out of her destroyed childhood home. Cassandra screamed and kicked as he dragged her past the bodies of her parents, and out into the street, which was just a horrifying sight as her home. Dozens of black robed men in silver masks were casting curses at anyone who ran screaming. There were homes on fire, cries and screams filled the air, women were being raped in the street, one man – no monster- had children dancing in the air as they sobbed for their mother dead below them. Cassandra saw one pale faced man standing in the middle, smiling at the chaos around him, Rockwood began dragging her towards the terrifying man. The closer she got, the more afraid she became, she could tell at one point he could have been considered handsome, but his eyes made him terrifying. His aura gave off nothing but evil and darkness, as if the blackness of the night exuded from him.
"Ah Rookwood, what do you have here?" asked the monster.
"My Lord, a mudblood was found," Rookwood addressed his master, bowing at his feet with Cassandra's hair still clenched in his fist.
"I hope you disposed of the filth that produced it," spat Voldemort.
"Travers and Rosier disposed of the mother, quite thoroughly, the father was weak and died where he lay," both men laughed at her parent's deaths, bile rose in her throat that they enjoyed this.
"A successful revel then. As a reward to the valuable information you provided Rookwood, I offered you a boon, would this mudblood be a satisfactory reward?" asked Voldemort. Rookwood's grip tightened on her hair and his malicious grin grew bigger and more predatory under his mask.
"Nothing would please me more, my Lord."
"Take her to Malfoy Manor, place her in the dungeons. She will be our test subject for the ritual," ordered Voldemort. Rookwood bowed to his master once more before apparating away with Cassandra in his grip. They landed in a grand entrance with marble stairs and statues, portraits covering the walls, Cassandra couldn't help but think this wasn't somewhere monsters would live. She expected a dark and cold room with a large throne in the middle to show all the dark robed men that the monster was master. This home told her a family, albeit exceptionally wealthy and ostentatious family, lived here. She didn't have long to look around before Rookwood was dragging her again towards a drawing room with another door, leading her towards a dungeon. He opened the cell door and threw her in violently, no care for her already sustained injuries or the sharp rocks against the wall causing more.
"Get used to your new home for now, soon you will be mine!" Rookwood growled before slamming the door shut and leaving her alone. Cassandra sat against the wall and sobbed; her entire life gone in the blink of an eye. She had no idea what Rookwood had planned for her, but if had to take a guess she knew it would be similar to how her mother met her end. The ritual part frightened her, what possible ritual could they have planned and why was she involved?
Cassandra Copper was left in the cell alone for what felt like days, her stomach growled in hunger and her throat and lips were parched in thirst. She thought she was going to die alone in the cell from the hunger or thirst and that suited her quite well, better than whatever Rookwood had planned. She contemplated slicing her wrists on some sharp rocks but her hunger made her feel too weak and lethargic, she ended up just dozing in and out of consciousness.
It was on the third day that Cassandra was collected from her cell, to then be dragged into the throne room, which matched what she pictured the monster would have. In the room was every marked Death Eater all arranged in a circle facing into the middle of the room. Voldemort's throne was against the wall and a gap between all Death Eaters so he could see into the middle of the circle. In the middle of said circle, there were candles and a knife, as well as a waiting Rookwood. He stared at her hungrily, his eyes roving over her body. The fear Cassandra felt in her home returned tenfold.
The Death Eater who collected her dragged her into the middle and threw her down at Rookwood's feet, she scrambled looking around for an escape but there was none. All the Death Eaters had taken a step forward to tighten their ranks, the only gap was down Voldemort's line of sight, she would never escape alive, and if Voldemort killed her it would surely be more painful than anything else.
"My loyal Death Eaters, it is time to witness the one of many rewards for enabling me in our fight. Rookwood, your reward as requested," Voldemort raised his hands in offering and sat at his throne to view the proceedings.
"You're mine now mudblood," laughed Rookwood, staring coldly at Cassandra. The Death Eaters around them began chanting in latin, the candles dimmed down and Rookwood advanced on her. He used his wand to vanish her clothes and his own, he grabbed at her wrist and pulled her hand violently towards himself, slicing open her palm. He did not release her hand while he sliced his own open and allowed his blood to drip onto her cut and mix with her blood.
"Forever serve, forever follow, forever submit," Rookwood chanted three times. After the third chant, a flash of light escaped her hand, and the candles grew brighter until they went out completely. In the darkness the ritual's magic flared in her body, a fire pulsed through her veins and she began screaming. Her screams seemed to awaken Rookwood even more, with his tight grip still on her wrist he pushed her back against the ground and raised her wrist above her head. Rookwood entered her suddenly, and the fire pulsed even hotter in her blood, she was screaming from the ritual and from Rookwood's thrusts. She wanted to scream and cry and die, she knew she hated every monster in this room, hated the man that was raping her, but at the same time she felt the magic pulsing through her telling her to submit to the man, listen to him. When she moaned in pleasure she understood.
He had bonded her to him only. A blood-marriage bond they would bond their blood with each other, Rookwood had only bonded his blood to hers. She would submit to whatever he wanted no matter how hard she fought. She would serve, follow and submit to him. Forever.
Cassandra's life was forever a nightmare. She wished she died with her parents. She wished she made a run for it and let Voldemort kill her however painfully. For now, she was nothing but a slave to Rookwood.
Cassandra Copper was violated before all the Death Eater's multiple times, a mixture of her screams and moans as the bond took over. They all enjoyed the view and it encouraged them to impress their lord. They too wanted a boon. And a slave by ritual was an encouraging gift.
-oOo—
Hermione woke the next morning in a cocoon of pillows with a pounding headache. Firewhiskey, wine, and sugar together apparently left a brutal hangover. She rolled over and saw that Marlene, Mary, Dorcas, and Lily were all still passed out, if the boys walked up here they would get an amazing view. Marlene was cuddled into Mary, her short nightie showing off her long legs, while Mary's head rested on Marlene's breasts. Lily was draped across the pillows with her cleavage on full display, and Dorcas was laying on her stomach with her shorts riding up showing off her bum. Hermione looked at herself and saw that her shorts had also ridden up, and her cami was loose on her shoulder with her left breast almost escaping. She quickly fixed that, covering her scar that was completely visible.
Hermione decided to climb over all the girls, carefully, and head to the bathroom to change for the day. Deciding that she was going to work on the potion today and study in the library, she threw on a pair of tight, black jeans and an old Puddlemore United strip she stole from her Sirius back in Grimmauld. Once she was dressed and she fixed her nest on her head, she made her way to the Room of Requirement. It took her a few hours but she finally got the first days stages of the potion completed, it was the correct shade of slate grey. Tomorrow it should be a light silver shade before she added the ingredients to turn it cobalt blue.
Once complete she headed off to lunch and ate by herself wondering where everyone was. She wasn't left wondering long when all eight of them dropped themselves around her, they all appeared to be dead on their feet.
"Hello everyone," she greeted happily, she received eight grunts in reply. Smiling to herself Hermione continued to indulge in her delicious stew and bread as she read about an introductory to Potions Mastery. Everyone around was guzzling coffee down like their life depended on it and eating eggs and bacon sandwiches.
"How are you alive right now Hermione?" asked Marlene, her eyes scrunched up and her fingers on her temples.
"Not sure, I woke up a few hours ago and have been on the move since," she smiled. The Marauders looked up from their lunch and mockingly scowled at her, although Peter's was obviously real.
"Kitten, you must not have partied as hard then," smirked Sirius.
"Nope, she drank a whole bottle of wine to herself Sirius," replied Dorcas, slightly green at the thought of the wine.
"And all that firewhiskey, who taught you to drink Hermione?" asked Mary. Hermione glanced at Sirius quickly and shrugged noncommittally at Mary.
"Lily here tried to keep up, but her loose lips put a stop to that," laughed Marlene, then cringing at her own volume.
"Mmm loose lips? What did those lips say Lils?" smirked Sirius, "Did you ladies enjoy it?"
"Sirius, don't be gross. Marlene lied to you, we do not have pillow fights or practice kissing with each other," Lily said destroying Sirius' fantasy. Everyone laughed at Sirius' pout, but Hermione spotted that Remus and James had similar disappointment in their eyes. Hermione chuckled to herself that all boys were the same, she remembered Fred and George making jokes about Hermione with Lavender and Parvarti, that was until she reminded them of the time they caught her with Seamus, in her fifth year. Lavender's kissing techniques did not change between Seamus and Ron, so the twins had walked in on her literally licking around Seamus' mouth, she was forever a turn off for them. Harry once made a joke about her and Ginny, however he was then accosted by Ron and had to apologize, while Ron's fantasy had been the Patil twins.
"I don't know, you and Mary were awfully snuggly this morning Marlene," teased Hermione. All four boys' eyes lit up and looked over at Marlene and Mary.
"Hermione, how could you tell them the secret of our love?" demanded Marlene dramatically, her hand on her forehead in mock exasperation.
"I never understood why you wanted us to be a secret Marls, our love is true!" sang Mary jokingly.
Hermione laughed along with everyone, finished her lunch and told them all that she would be in the library if they needed her. She sat down in the back of the library and pulled out her books, she had her charms and transfiguration notes out, however she could not concentrate. Every time she tried to read a paragraph, her mind drifted away, she would think about her mission, the horcruxes, other events she could perhaps prevent. She looked at it analytically, trying to keep her emotions separate from it, she was able to do it for her adventures with Harry and Ron, she had to be able to do it now. If it wasn't for her ability to push down her own fear and emotions, she would never have been able to come up with the stinging hex for Harry or fight through Bellatrix. She looked at that moment as a mission that could not fail, Harry could not die, now she had that same problem, but it was everyone. She would not fail, James, Lily, Remus, Sirius, Dumbledore, the Weasley's, the Prewett's, Mary, Marlene, Dorcas, they could not die.
Her distracted mind was brought back to the present by a bag being dropped on the desk before her.
"Sorry Mione, I tried to get your attention, but I don't think you heard," Remus greeted her nervously.
"Oh, hi Remus, it's fine, I was just off in my own world there," she smiled at him which gave him assurance that she was okay, so he smiled in return.
"I was wondering if I could study with you?" he asked sitting beside her. She nodded in return and moved her books and parchment to the side to give him some space. He pulled out his defence book and some parchment and began his own essay, while Hermione forced herself to concentrate on her charms work.
They sat in silence for a while, only the sound of Remus' quill scratching and Hermione's book pages turning. Remus had come to the library to spend some time with Hermione, Lily had informed him she was going to do some Head duties with James and then go look for Severus, which Remus thought was the perfect time to try and get to know his new friend better. He felt awkward approaching her though, he knew they were friends here and now, however the future version of himself was so close with her, he was honestly worried that he wouldn't live up to her expectation of him. Her Remus was wiser and lived through more, was more sombre sounding and had learned the hard way what loss was, while he was just a child. He hadn't experienced the world, he didn't have profound words of advice, he was just a prankster trying to graduate school with the love of his life. It was those thoughts that left him unable to start a conversation, every attempt died on his lips.
"Remus, are you okay?" Hermione asked without looking up from her book. He jumped a little at being addressed and having been caught at his inability to act normal.
"I'm fine Mione," he replied, "I just wanted- Uh- No, I just thought that we should get to know one another."
"We should, but you're unsure of how since I knew you differently than now?" Hermione asked him. He was amazed at her ability to read him, maybe he really wasn't all that different then than now?
"Exactly. I just don't want to disappoint," he replied sadly. She had lost everyone and had a chance to gain some back, but he didn't want to disappoint her.
"You never could Remus, you are you no matter what. This you is much happier and that makes me so happy to see you like this. I saw it once, before everything ended, and then it was taken from you again before you could really live and enjoy it. I won't let that happen to any of you now, you will all be happy in the end," she promised him. Remus gave her a bright smile at her, he was happy she came back to them, came to be a part of them as their pack now instead of twenty years from now. She would fight for all of them, and they would fight for her.
They both continued working on their respective work, offering to help to each other when needed, while in between discussing topics Hermione recalled having with him before. He had the exact same mentality and thought process behind prejudice in the wizarding world and what they could possibly do, however with his relationship with Lily, he wasn't as cynical as his older version. This Remus believed they could have change, and a lot of that came from Hermione's presence, even with Lily he was more positive, but Hermione's appearance in their time told him it was possible to make extraordinary changes. Hermione also told him about some of her adventures with Harry and Ron, how she was always the researcher and plan maker, Remus in turn told her about his pranks with the Marauders and how he was the researcher and problem solver of failed pranks. James was the originator of many pranks, he came up with the idea, Remus researched it, coming up with how to implement it, while Sirius planned and timed it ensuring nothing went wrong and Peter tested it. However, if Sirius came up with the prank, James would have to plan, time, and orchestrate it. There were even a few times where Remus came up with the prank, and James and Sirius would fight over who would research. They sat in the library for hours, it wasn't until Remus noticed that it was dinner time that they packed up their work and made their way to the great hall.
Upon entering Hermione noticed James and Sirius sitting together with Lily and Peter on the other side. She glanced at Remus and noticed his nostrils flaring and his eyes flashing between his moss green and Moony's amber. James and Sirius threw an apologetic look while Lily threw him one that told him to calm down, she was okay. James quickly made space for Hermione by pushing Sirius over.
"Mi, here! Come sit beside me!" he yelled loudly, "Only the best for you!" Hermione laughed, she was finally getting a look at the James she was told about, the boy who made a spectacle.
"Ah yes, the best, right next to Sirius," she teased. James placed his hand over his heart in mock hurt and the others laughed. She sat down in between James and Sirius, James' hand immediately going to her knee. Hermione blushed, smiling up at him through her eyelashes. James' smile became quite pleased before he started eating some dinner, his hand never leaving her knee except to trace circles on her thigh. Hermione talked to Remus and Lily about some muggle books that they had all read. Sirius flirted with Marlene who was sitting a few seats down from Remus. James talked to Peter and Dorcas about an upcoming Transfiguration essay that was due, giving them some pointers as he was so gifted in the class.
Peter only half listened to James' explanation, he didn't really expect to do well in his NEWTs, nor did he care. Once the Dark Lord was in power, NEWTS didn't matter, he would be by his right side after giving him his new recruits or handing over Light fighters. Peter sat and observed his 'friends', they were all talking about useless things, the mudblood's and Lupin discussing muggle things.
'Those will be obsolete soon, stupid muggles not understanding how to do anything! Mother thinking muggles could help her, and when they didn't, refusing magical help. My way isn't 'normal', isn't 'natural'. The Dark Lord will fix her and make her see that magicals were the right way, it was muggles that were useless. Useless apart from breeding halfblood children.' Peter thought to himself.
When Peter started his endeavour to the dark side, it was to help his mother. He always reminded himself it was always for her because he loved her. As his magic turned darker and blacker, becoming more corrupt, his love for his mother became tainted. When he thought of his mother or saw her, he no longer felt the joy and love anymore, he simply felt nothing. His magic no longer spurred the comfort and delight he used to feel when he had memories of her.
Peter no longer reminded himself he was doing it for his mother, now he was doing it for the power. Muggles like her were only as good as their magical children, she was worthy because he would be powerful. Evan's family were unworthy, they had no magic, Lily was an abnormality that did not deserve her magic. Peter truly believed that muggleborns were undeserving, after being shown up by Evans for years and his now perverted magic, he was starting to take on the blood supremacist view. Remus' mother was potentially worth keeping, if Remus turned to the Dark Lord his mother would be a useful muggle, producing a powerful son. If Remus stayed with the Light, his mother would be seen as an enemy, producing Light-minded children. Sirius was stupid and didn't follow his family, he had lost his way and Peter would show him again, would show him the right path. James was his biggest issue, his family was Light but pureblood, they were blood traitors for centuries, but Peter saw his power. The Dark Lord knew of the Potter power, and he wanted it, he wanted to convert the longest running Light family after Dumbledore, Prewett, and Weasley. The Dark Lord hated the Dumbledore's therefore he could never have that power, and he deemed the Prewett and Weasley not worth his time but to see the end at a Death Eater wand.
Peter watched Granger again, the wrench in all his plans. She was his possible downfall to all he planned for the last year. He turned to the Dark Lord after his fifth year, watched them all sixth year and with his information he finally received his mission from his master this past summer. He was so excited, almost jumping from joy at the thought of his friends turning to him after they betrayed each other. Then he arrived at the station to Granger. This girl who was glancing at James constantly, James who glanced at her, Peter narrowed his eyes at James' right arm. It seemed to be moving slightly and when it moved a bit more suddenly Peter noticed Granger blushing.
'He's caressing her leg! Oh, he really is trying hard for her,' Peter sneered. They all finished eating and made their way up to the Common Room. Hermione walked in between James and Sirius, the former's arm resting over her shoulders. Peter strayed behind the group and watched the interaction between James, Sirius, and Granger. Hermione was smiling at both of them as she walked, laughing at their jokes, leaning into James' side, Sirius' arms moving about animatedly as he told a story. When they arrived at the Common Room, the girls minus Hermione went to the Head Dorm to work on their homework due tomorrow. James went to sit in the corner armchairs to work on his Quidditch strategies for the tryouts this week, Remus sat before the fire and read on of his books while Peter sat beside him working on his essay for McGonagall.
Hermione and Sirius sat on the couch behind Remus and Peter, and continued talking to one another. They decided tonight they would get to know each other a bit more while playing into their plan for Peter, they talked about Hermione's friends and past, without going into detail, Sirius just wanted to hear more about how she felt about it all. They were both being exceptionally careful about what they said since Peter was sitting close enough to hear, but they could feel the honesty and sincerity behind the words.
"I miss them, it's hard being somewhere new without my family and friends," she confessed, "I never thought I'd be without them."
"It's hard to lose the people you grew to rely on, although sometimes it leads you to a better life," Sirius replied with a little nudge to her ribs. She smiled back at him, he was right, she missed them, even though it did lead her to better. She wouldn't be a tortured prisoner; she was back at school living a normal life…for now. It was her most normal year ever, she didn't have professors trying to kill her best friend or ruin her life, she didn't have a Dark wizard trying to infiltrate the castle and steal a stone by possessing a teacher, there was no basilisk, there was no massive tournament, or secret lessons for her best friend. All she had to do this year was watch Peter, even the horcruxes she could sit back and leave to the Order, she wouldn't, but she could.
"Thanks Sirius, I think you're right about that. I'll see them again after all, most of them," she smiled. To anyone it sounds as if she is speaking in the world after death or in her future but Sirius knew better, he knew she would see them all soon, she would see them growing up. Except Harry. They turned their conversation around to pranks and Sirius told her about a prank he was working on. Remus had come up with it in the summer and Sirius was in charge of researching it, unfortunately he wasn't the best at researching. Hermione asked what the idea was and started coming up with possible ideas and solutions, as well as suggesting certain topics to study.
A few hours passed and soon everyone decided to make their way to bed. Hermione had started dozing on the couch against Sirius as he stared into the flames lost in thought. Peter was still at the table writing his essay, he had distracted himself by listening into Sirius and Granger's discussion to see if he could learn anything, while also checking James to see if he was at all jealous of the closeness of Sirius and Granger. Remus bid goodnight to everyone and when it was just James, Sirius, Peter, and Hermione in the Common Room, James finally put down his notes for Quidditch and made his way to over to the threesome.
"Hey Pads, is Mi okay?" he asked leaning over the couch smiling down at Hermione.
"She's fine, tired as all. She worked that mind of hers hard helping me with that prank Moony thought of. Do you want to wake her to go to bed or….?" Sirius trailed off allowing James to think of a second idea.
"Nah, I'll stay with her. You two head to bed," James advised. Peter threw down his quill and complained about the torture teachers assign them before stomping off to bed. He jumped into his bed, shut his curtains around his bed and transformed into his rat form to go and spy on his friends.
"You sure you're alright mate? I can help you carry her anywhere?" winked Sirius.
"I'm not falling on my arse again taking her to her room, and I'm not keen on her waking up somewhere different than she fell asleep. Who knows how she could react to that, I'll sit with her until she either wakes or stay out here with her." Sirius nodded and left James alone with a sleeping Hermione, Peter hid in the shadows and scurried under the couch.
James sat with Hermione just watching her sleep, his fingers tracing shapes on her shoulder. He watched her with a smile on his lips, and a sparkle in his eyes, he could watch her sleep forever. However, then he would never see the beauty of her eyes again, so perhaps not forever. It wasn't long before Hermione started twitching in her sleep, whimpers starting to build up as a nightmare started to creep in.
"Mi, you're safe Mi. I will never let anyone hurt you again, especially not that monster of a woman. I'm here Hermione, you're safe with me, love," he whispered in her ear as he stroked her arm. He continued to whisper in her ear, reminding her that she was safe, and he would keep it that way, no one would ever touch her again. It wasn't long until Hermione's breathing evened out and the nightmare receded, never taking full effect, and she fell back asleep. James sighed in relief, leaned down and kissed Hermione on the cheek. When his lips touched her cheek, however, Hermione awoke and as James pulled away Hermione captured her lips with her own. James let out a surprised noise at the sudden kiss but quickly recovered and returned it enthusiastically.
As their lips were locked and tongues explored, Hermione manoeuvred her body so that she was sitting up and on James' lap. Her hands moved up his neck and into his hair, her nails scraping his scalp, pulling moans from the man below her. James' hands were roaming her back, moving from her shoulders down to her perky bum, he was in heaven. He wanted to touch her in more places, but he didn't want to push her, didn't want to scare her away.
"Oh James," moaned Hermione when his lips left hers and moved to her throat. She ground her hips against him, his hands moving to her hips to grip tightly as she pressed into his erection. Hermione's hands didn't leave his hair, instead she gripped tighter and almost directed him here to nip and lick on her neck. She could feel the wetness in her knickers growing, could feel his member pressed against her clit, she hadn't felt this amazing since before the war. The year in the tent was torture alone, so frustrated but she couldn't exactly ask Harry to help since he was like her brother. A year long break and she could feel herself building up from grinding against him alone.
James removed his lips from her skin resulting in a disappointed whimper to escape from her lips, until he swallowed any further noise by crashing his lips to hers again. His tongue grazed her bottom lip, entered her mouth, and caressed her tongue, he pulled her bottom lip between his teeth and nibbled, another moan leaving her. He moved his right hand from her hip and moved it to her inner thigh, caressing her lightly, creeping towards her center.
"Is this okay, Mi?" he asked against her lips, his fingers brushing lightly against her. She bucked forward at the light touch, her body begging to be touched. No words could leave her mouth, she could only nod before returning her lips to his. His fingers continued to lightly tease her, brushing lightly against her warm cunt before moving back down to her inner thigh.
"Please James, please!" she begged him, her hands moving down his chest to his bulge. She gave him a taste of his own medicine and lightly brushed her hand across the bulge in his pants. He released her lips and dropped his head against the back of the couch, a groan escaping his lips.
"Mm you little minx," he growled, capturing her lips again. When his tongue entered her mouth, he pressed his thumb on the crotch of her jeans where he knew her clit was, a gasp escaping her at the contact. He replaced his thumb with his three fingers and moved them in a circular motion, his ministrations causing all kinds of enticing sounds to come from her. James was in all his glory, the witch he adored was above him coming undone. Hermione could feel her orgasm coming, she re-positioned herself slightly so she was sitting directly on his cock, grinding faster and harder to match his fingers, both of their moans and grunts filling the room.
"I'm almost- ah James-: she gasped, his lips on hers when she crashed, his lips swallowing her scream. James thrust up twice more before finishing in his trousers, something he hadn't done in a very long time. Hermione made him feel like a teenage boy discovering sex for the first time, it was amazing, it was like he could feel their magic in the air. No other witch had made him feel like that.
They were both panting on the couch, Hermione still straddling James, her head resting against his shoulder, James' chin resting on hers. He felt wonderful, she was his perfect fit, he didn't even want to move. If that was how they felt after snogging on the couch and exploring over clothes, both were curious and excited what it would be like when they decided to go further.
"Mi, are you okay?" he asked nervously, he hoped he didn't push her too far or make her feel uncomfortable.
"I'm more than okay. How about you?" she asked shyly, leaning back to look him in the eyes.
"I feel bloody fantastic," he grinned, Hermione smiled and leaned in for another kiss. They kissed for another ten or so minutes before they decided to go to bed. Hermione stood up to allow James off the couch, he took her fingers in his and led him to his room. She once again went to sleep in James' shirt and boxers and slept beside him to push away the nightmares.
Meanwhile, Peter was hiding in James' room, dozing off in a corner. The young man had watched James and Hermione together and enjoyed himself far too much before following them to bed and falling asleep thinking of when he could make her make those noises, after he joined his master's side and took his reward.
-oOo-
The days passed by without much incidence, Hermione continued her Wolfsbane practice batch, she made time for Remus, Lily, Sirius, and James to talk to separately, as well as time with the girls. James and herself continued with their flirting in class and around friends, they didn't have any repeats of their night in the Common Room. James didn't steal any kisses or pull her into any broom cupboards, he whispered sweet and romantic things in her ears in class or when they were walking to classes or the Great Hall when he threw his arm over her shoulders. They all kept up with their appearances with Peter, making a show of Hermione and James flirting, not aware he had witnessed their intimate moment together.
Peter continued to pass along what he learnt to Mulciber, still waiting on word from his master. Severus and Regulus kept an eye and ear on their Slytherin house mates, however had no reason to reach out to Hermione or the Marauders. Lily never found Severus, it almost seemed like he was avoiding her or the entire group outside of class. Regulus and Sirius found times to sneak away to the Room of Requirement and talk, to rebuild their brotherly bond, but it was few and far between since they were being watched almost as closely as Hermione.
The days passed and before she knew it, it was Hermione's birthday. She didn't even know how old she was, she left her time at age eighteen, so technically she would be nineteen. However, she was also petrified for a year and then used a time turner, which played with her age. On top of the fact she wasn't actually born until two years from now, if she even was.
'I guess time turner makes up for the year I was petrified,' she mused, 'so I would be nineteen technically?'
She let James, Lily, Remus, and Sirius know that she didn't want to celebrate it. They knew when her birthday was after all, she revealed it in the original meeting. She didn't think they would have remembered that, but then Lily had asked her what kind of cake and presents she wanted. She immediately shut that down and told them she didn't want anything, pretend it didn't exist.
"But it's your birthday!" argued Lily.
"If you want, make it up at Christmas. I would rather pretend the day didn't exist honestly," Hermione explained. Lily looked disappointed but she conceded, informing Hermione that she would get the best Christmas present ever.
The day of her birthday arrived and thankfully all her friends listened to her request and didn't even wish her a happy birthday. They all gave her big smiles and hugs however, James even gave her a kiss on the cheek at the Gryffindor table, resulting in many angry female eyes directed at her. That night James led her to the kitchens and presented her with a small singular cupcake with a candle.
"It's bad luck not to make a wish on your birthday," he smiled. Hermione gave him a bright smile and blew out the candle.
'I wish I can end this war and find a happily ever after.'
"Thank you, James, this was very sweet of you," Hermione kissed him on the cheek before nibbling on her cupcake.
"If I had my way Mi, your birthday would have been a massive celebration. All of Hogwarts would have talked about it for years, however I know that's not your thing. So, this was my alternative," James leaned forward and kissed the chocolate frosting off her lip, "Mm delicious. Can I ask you a question though, Mi?"
"Sure, what's up James?" she asked happily.
"Why don't you want to celebrate your own birthday?" Hermione stopped mid bite and looked up at James. She hadn't told him much about her home life, or even her Hogwarts life. Yes, she told him some adventures, her first accidental magic, he knew her parents were dentists and that she was distant from them but that was all. How do you tell someone why you hate your birthday when you've avoided explaining all the negative aspects of your regular life? Hermione sighed, making her decision to open up to James. If she couldn't talk to the man she had feelings for, the man who told her he saw a future with her, then who could she tell? She decided to tell him about her parents, she told him everything she explained to the Prewett twins, followed by her birthday experiences.
"With my parents being from money, my birthday parties consisted of tea in the garden with mother and father's business associates. Their children would come and call me a freak, I was too weird and too smart for my own good, I wasn't good enough to be around them. I hated having parties because the children would just make fun of me. On my eighth birthday my nanny decided to invite some children from the neighbour houses and school, she thought perhaps they were kinder than my mother and father's rich friends' children. I was so excited, she made handmade invitations, bought balloons and party streamers. It had to be planned on a day while my parents were away, they would have been mortified at the childish decorations and cake. My nanny got me a big chocolate cake covered in sprinkles and candles, it was my first home baked cake, it would be the best day ever.
"The day came, and no children showed up, hours went by and I just sat waiting. My nanny promised me they would come but when she phoned the parents, they all said that I was a bad influence, I was snobby and rich and bad things happened around me. They had never met me but decided that I was from money, and they didn't want their children to feel less than. The next day I was outside playing, and they all came and laughed at me, told me I was stupid for believing people would even come to my party. Who would want to hang out with the freaky, weird, rich girl?
"After that I never wanted to celebrate again, until I went to Hogwarts. I thought maybe...maybe I was around people who would understand me? I was with magical children; other children like me. I quickly learnt how wrong I was. My first year I had no friends and everyone in my year called me a know-it-all and insufferable, I spent my birthday alone crying in my dorm. I couldn't send anything to my parents, I had no friends to speak to, and when I was sent to Hogwarts my parents fired my nanny. I had no one and then I met Harry and Ron. I thought maybe second year would be better, I had friends now. And then the day was almost here and I learned the word Mudblood. I was so excited to tell Harry and Ron about my birthday, I was going to let them know after Quidditch practice, but Slytherin came down and Malfoy called me a mudblood for the first time and Ronald started puking slugs. After that disaster I decided I didn't need one, I would turn a year older, and no one would even notice. It wasn't until fourth year that Harry and Ron even noticed, and that was after Sirius and Remus sent me a book. They asked me why and I just said it was for my fifteenth birthday, they tried to make a fuss, but I just told them to drop it and they did," explained Hermione. She looked down at her twiddling fingers the entire time she explained. She didn't want to see the pity in his eyes.
"Hermione, you deserve so much more than what you have been given. The fact that you went through all of that in your childhood and still have as kind and generous heart as you do is phenomenal. You are neither snobby, a bad influence, a know-it-all, or insufferable," James placed his hand under her chin and tilted her chin, so she was forced to look into his eyes, "You are modest, intelligent, incredibly intoxicating to be around, and the best example of a good person."
The sincerity in his eyes was palpable, Hermione couldn't not believe what he said. His hand moved from her chin and grazed up her jaw, he cupped her cheek and leaned in for a kiss. The kiss was not deep or passionate, however every emotion he was feeling was pushed into the kiss. The genuine honesty behind his words were further expressed through his lips, Hermione could not deny that James Potter felt something for her. Hermione could also not deny that she felt something for him, something deep within her heart and soul, sparking whenever they touched or kissed, even catching his hazel eyes could cause a reaction. He was perfect.
As it was a Monday, they didn't want to stay out long so the kiss did not last long, it was a chaste, romantic kiss before they returned to the Common Room. Hermione sat before the fire and planned the week. She had completed her Wolfsbane practice batch, a major success, and started the real batch for Remus to take next week. Peter had been disappearing here and there to study with his tutor, Sirius, James, and Remus taking turns to check the map and take notes on who they saw him converse with. While Sirius watched the map that night, as Peter was once again missing, Lily sat with James and organized some Head Duty tasks and patrols. Remus sat beside Hermione and read her potion notes over her shoulder, he was very interested in the solution he would be drinking next week.
"You really can't add sugar?" he grimaced, reading the ingredients.
"Sorry Remus, sugar renders it useless. I don't want to get your hopes up, but I am working on this. I want to make it better; I just don't know where to start. I was thinking about modifying when I add the aconite or the black quicksilver but those are the unstable ingredients. I also thought about adding maybe lemon and seeing if that changes the taste or potentially ruins the whole potion," Hermione thought aloud. Remus stared at her open mouthed, not many people could investigate a potion already produced and try and adapt it. Most potions if they worked were happily accepted by the community, no adaptions, or modifications necessary. As the muggles would say 'why fix what's not broken?' Whereas Hermione believed if something worked but could be tweaked to be better, then why not?
They sat and talked for a few more hours until bedtime, Lily and Remus went to the Head Dorm together and Sirius went up to his dorm. James stayed behind with Hermione to see where she wanted to sleep that night. For the last week she swapped between her own bed and sharing with James. She didn't want to become reliant on sleeping with him to keep her nightmares away, however she enjoyed the warmth and closeness it brought them. When she could feel herself being overwhelmed with desire for the man, she slept in her own bed. Tonight, was not one of those nights. She didn't want to be alone on her birthday.
Hermione had finally brought her own pyjamas to the room however it wasn't much better for James. Before he was incredibly turned on by his witch wearing his clothes, his shirt and boxers, but when she wore her own clothes, he was driven mad. Her tiny shorts and a small spaghetti strap cami had him wanting to touch her all over, he wanted to run his hands down her chest and rip it off, caressing her breasts and slipping his hand down her shorts to her slick center. He refrained, as difficult as it was. At first Hermione was wary wearing her cami in front of him, if it slipped down too much her scar would be on full display. Yet she pushed herself, she thought if maybe he peaked it slightly it wouldn't be as big of a shock when he saw it full force. She tried to remind herself every night that James cared for her and thought she was beautiful, scars and all, and she was starting to believe it. He was so gentlemanly with her, he hadn't pushed her further than she wanted, he gave her constant reassurance through his touch through the day, and she never once caught him looking at other women. It was always her, every time she glanced at him, he was either concentrating on his work, laughing with the Marauders, or looking at her. When she caught him looking, he never looked away, he caught her eye and threw her a brilliant smile and a wink, her heart swelled each time.
The next morning Hermione woke up before James, she was snuggled up to his chest and his arms were wrapped securely around her. She could wake up like that every day and be completely satisfied with her life. She smiled to herself at that thought and rolled away out of his reach to get ready for the day. When she climbed out of the bed and looked back to the handsome James Potter, her smile got bigger when she saw him reach out for her in his sleep.
The morning progressed as normal, Hermione enjoyed her breakfast before being joined by the Marauders and the girls. They each attended their respective classes, the Marauders and Lily had Transfiguration in the morning with Hermione, while Peter attended Care of Magical Creatures with Dorcas, Mary, and Marlene. Once class was finished Hermione made her way down to the Great Hall for lunch, she was surprised that the Marauders and Lily weren't right behind her since they came from the same classroom, but she shrugged to herself and decided to enjoy her stew and bread. While she was enjoying her lunch when Sirius came running up to her.
"Hermione!" he called out hurriedly, "Come with me, now!" She quickly dropped her spoon, picked up her bag and chased after him.
"What is going on!?" she demanded, following him down the corridor. Sirius ignored her and continued his path to the fifth floor; she wasn't sure where he was going and could make no guesses. Suddenly he stopped and she ran into his back, "Oof! Sirius what is going on?" Sirius looked around him and knocked against a portrait of a rolling hill landscape. After he knocked a certain rhythm, the door opened revealing Remus.
"Padfoot, Mione, come in," he said before looking out behind them and closing the door. Hermione walked into the room to find Lily, James, Regulus, and Severus sitting on some leather couches.
"What is going on? Where are we?" she asked looking around. It seemed to be an old guest room, very similar to the one she stayed in before term started. James was sitting on the black couch beside Lily, holding onto the Map, Lily was staring hard at Severus trying to will him to look at her, she had been unable to set up a meeting with the stubborn bat, and Regulus was sitting comfortably on the couch beside Severus.
"Hermione," smiled James, although it didn't reach his eyes. He stood up and pulled her into a hug, a tight hug as if telling himself that she was indeed there.
"What is going on?" she repeated. She was starting to get very frustrated, Sirius screamed urgency, but no one was rushing to tell her anything.
"There was a revel a week ago," stated Regulus, "Mulciber, Severus, and I received word of the reward that was issued to entice us to work harder." Before Hermione could even ask, Severus decided to share everything.
"Rookwood was rewarded for his information regarding the time portal. After the murder, rape, and torture of an entire street of muggles, Rookwood discovered a muggleborn family. A daughter and her muggle parents. Travers and Rosier enjoyed the mother, while Rookwood kept the daughter. She became his boon," Severus explained, disgust clear on his face.
"Alright," Hermione said slowly, trying to decipher where this story was going. She knew revels were disgusting entertainment for the Death Eaters, she was unsure why a revel was so important, however.
"Granger, he tested a ritual on her. It succeeded," stated Regulus. Hermione inhaled a sharp breath, rituals. He was tampering in more rituals!
"What one?" she demanded with a trembling voice.
"It was a bonding ritual; he has found a way to tamper with it. Instead of loyalty from partner to partner, he has discovered a way to bond the girl to his Death Eater but not the other way. She will serve, obey, and submit to him in every way, she has no escape but in death," explained Severus. Hermione could taste the bile in her throat, she wanted to vomit. A girl forced to submit to a Death Eater, a muggleborn enslaved to the will of a monster.
"The other followers are excited, apparently they witnessed the entire ritual. Mulciber was bragging for hours about how he couldn't wait for his 'mudblood whore' to be gifted to him," sneered Regulus.
"They watched?" asked a shocked Lily.
"The ritual demanded witnesses, they had everyone to cage her in to prevent her escape. The bond burned through her blood, and they were encouraged by her screams. They are all monsters, they all desire what they witnessed. They desire a witch that they can overpower and humiliate, they desire her to enjoy her humiliation, the ritual provides that," Regulus was disgusted. He could understand torture and murder to an extent from some of the disturbed men, but violation of a witch was always against his beliefs. He couldn't even justify harming a muggle woman in such a way, no person deserves such cruel treatment.
"What happens if we kill Rookwood?" asked Hermione. She hated the idea of witches being bonded to death eaters, if they took muggleborn's how many prizes would be distributed? If they took pureblood's would they force marriage and breeding? Hermione was starting to worry that her presence was exacerbating the war. She couldn't remember reading anything about rituals and muggleborn slaves in the first war.
"Cassandra will be kept in the prison to be used by Rookwood as he pleases. If Rookwood is killed, she will be bonded to the next potential Death Eater to be awarded a prize."
"Wait, Cassandra?"
"Cassandra Copper, she just graduated," answered Severus. Hermione wracked her brain trying to think why that name seemed familiar, she gasped when she finally realized.
"Cassie! Oh my god it's Cassie!" she cried out. Everyone looked at her in confusion, "Cassie Copper, I knew I recognized that name. She raised Theodore Nott!"
"As in Thadeus Nott?" asked Regulus incredulously.
"Theodore was his son. Cassie raised Theo, he believed she was his mother, his biological mother died in childbirth. Thadeus must have been gifted Cassie after her death. Theo loved Cassie, he told me that his best childhood memories were her reading him stories and singing him lullabies. When he was seven, he witnessed her death, Thadeus beat her so badly she bled out on the floor, poor Theo was hiding in the corner. His father raised him on his beliefs, he and Malfoy loved to spew their blood supremacy rhetoric at me, but in sixth year he learnt the truth. He came looking for me and apologized for everything, because he was raised by the most amazing woman who turned out to be a muggleborn. To hate muggleborn's was to hate his mother and he could never hate such a beautiful soul," Hermione teared up thinking of her old acquaintance.
The day he had come to her he had been so devastated; his entire world had been turned upside down. First Malfoy was being forced to complete a task for their Dark Lord and he was losing his best friend, but then he had discovered his own mother was not that at all. She was a muggleborn kept prisoner by his father but continued to love him every day.
*Flashback*
"How could she love me when she was imprisoned by my father. She must be so disappointed that I became nothing but my father" he had cried.
"You are not your father Theodore," he had looked up at her in surprise upon hearing his given name leave her lips, and not his surname, "That little boy she loved is still in there, you just lost him when she left. You'll find him again if you just remember Cassie."
"Why are you being nice to me? I have been nothing but cruel to you since you started at this school," he asked, tears running down his face. Hermione reached out and took his hands in hers.
"Theodore-"
"Theo please," he begged.
"Theo, you were raised to believe one thing. I cannot condemn you for what your father taught you. Our families have expectations of us and sometimes we lose ourselves trying to follow that path, you now have discovered that your path is different from what is expected. How can I be unkind to someone trying to find their way?" she asked honestly. Theo had looked at her strangely, trying to decipher if she was being truthful, or if she was like other Slytherins and saying anything to further her own agenda. He seemed to find what he was looking for because his eyes sparked a little more brightly and he leaned forward to capture her in a kiss. That was the start of their relationship, it was nothing more than comfort when he was feeling low. When he felt his father's influence was intruding on him in the castle, when Draco was pulling away from him, when he remembered Cassie, he found Hermione.
When Hermione had started up with Draco, she had informed both of each other, but neither seemed to mind. To them they expected to die in the war, if they survived and still desired relations with each other then they would worry about it. All they wanted was her comfort during their most difficult year and she happily provided it as she too was unsure if she would survive.
*Flashback ends*
"So, what do we do?" asked Sirius.
"Talk to Dumbledore?" suggested Remus.
"No," replied Hermione, "Dumbledore can't do anything, and we can't do anything until the horcruxes are gone. Things are already changing; I don't want too much to change or else I don't know what could happen. Cassie unfortunately is stuck, especially with a bond ritual. Even if we attempted a rescue, the bond won't allow her to leave, she submits to and obeys Rookwood. Time will fix itself hopefully, meaning she will go to Thadeus and raise Theo. If we can succeed in this war then Theo will be born, Thadeus will be arrested or die, and Cassie will not be murdered and be able to raise Theo happily."
"I thought we wanted this war over before any of the children were born?" asked Lily carefully, Dumbledore said before the new year of their birth to prevent the prophecy.
"The prophecy children were the youngest in the year, Theo was born before New Year 1980. Draco is the only one I'm worried about, I don't want to prevent his birth too," Hermione explained sadly. It was bad enough she was losing Harry; she couldn't lose her other friends. She didn't want this war to go into full effect until all the babies were either born or conceived, "I will discuss it with Professor Dumbledore."
James pulled Hermione into his side when he saw how sad she looked discussing her lost friends. He glanced down at the map and saw Peter prowling the corridor a floor below them, he informed the group and they each began leaving. Hermione, James, Remus, Sirius, and Regulus left, the latter heading to his Potions class, and the formers heading to DADA whereas Severus and Lily stayed in the room.
"Sev,please look at me" Lily begged him. The use of his old nickname had him looking up into the green eyes of his old best friend. He could see the pain and sadness in them, the pain at losing her best friend, and sadness that he turned to the dark arts.
"Lils," he replied, his voice cracking. Lily rushed to her friend and pulled him into a hug, no words were necessary. She forgave her friend and wanted him back.
"Sev, I have missed you," she cried into his chest.
"I have missed you too Lils," he pulled her in tight and rest his head on top of hers, smelling the sweet apple scent that always lingered on her. Lily looked up into the eyes of her old best friend and smiled, it felt like no time had passed at all yet it felt like years, which it was. Since they had class to get to, Lily made him promise to make time to catch up with her soon. She wanted to know all about his sixth year, she wanted to know the good and the bad, even offering herself as a listening ear or shoulder when it got too difficult.
They both left the secret room with smiles on their faces, they had their best friend back.
-oOo-
A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Starting to get further into this story. Next up is the approval of a plan.