Hello to all my readers! PLEASE READ! This chapter has a little bit of everything, Marauders, Lily, family bonding, and a little Dumbledore interaction. I know Dumbledore can be a controversial character. Some people love him, some people believe he was a manipulative and one of the worst characters in the series. Personally I lean more towards the manipulative side BUT for the purposes of this fic I am trying to simply portray him as human. Somebody who has the wizarding world's best interests at heart but doesn't always go about it in the right way. I am sorry if you do not agree with this but that is the direction that I am taking it.
Next in regards to Peter Pettigrew (he will have a bigger role later on down the line, but for now he will only sneak in here or there) I have not decided what I am going to do with him yet. He may still betray the Potter's or he may be able to be saved from his canon fate of Death Eater. His role in this story is still very flexible so please do not get upset with how I portray him either.
I am very excited for this next chapter and I hope you enjoy it. I know the ending might not be as satisfactory as you may hope but I couldn't fit the conversation between Charlus, Dorea, and Hermione into this chapter as well. We would be looking at probably 15,000 words. So I have already started on that and hopefully will get that out in the next week or two (sooner if I can find the time to write). So please keep reviewing! I love to hear everybody's thoughts.
Chapter 8
Charms was the last class of the day for the Marauders, and then they had a free period before dinner. The four boys decided to head back to the common room to drop their books off, while Lily chose to go to the library with her dorm mates to get a little studying done before meeting her boyfriend's sister for the first time.
Back in the common room the four seventh years collapsed in front of the fireplace relishing in the moment of relaxation for the first time in what seemed like weeks.
James was the first one to break the silence. "Mates, how do you feel about having dinner in the Hospital Wing tonight? My parents are staying one more night before they take Hermione home tomorrow."
"Are you serious?" Peter questioned.
Sirius opened his mouth but before he could say anything Remus interrupted. "Not a word Padfoot. It hasn't been funny in about six years."
The dark hair wizard mock glared at his friend but remained silent.
"Of course I am. You all need to meet her. She'll obviously be around this summer. Besides she was actually the one to suggest it. She's eager to meet the both of you, and Lily," James informed them.
"Oh so you finally pulled your head out of your arse and spoke with your girlfriend?" Sirius teased.
James leveled him with a glare. "Yes. We spoke after Transfiguration if you must know. Anyway, dinner? Meeting my sister? Interested?"
"Of course we'll have dinner with your family tonight. You didn't even have to ask," Remus answered.
"Brilliant!" The messy hair Marauder exclaimed before standing up and stretching. "Well just come to the Hospital Wing at dinner time. I'm headed there now. Are you coming Pads?" He addressed Sirius.
"Go on. You haven't had much time with her just the two of you. I'll come with these two later on."
"Alright. I'll see you later," the Head Boy called as he headed out of the portrait hole.
James made it to the Hospital Wing in record time, excited to spend the evening with his sister, something he never thought he would be able to do.
"Good evening dear sister of mine!" He shouted as he burst through the doors.
Hermione looked up from her book at the older boy's dramatic entrance and started giggling, he may look like Harry but their personalities were worlds apart.
"And what may I ask are you laughing at?" he mock glared at her, which only served to make her laugh even harder.
"Merlin, could you be any more dramatic?" She questioned once she was able to quiet her giggles.
James thought about it for a second before answering, "Why yes, yes I could."
His answer only caused her to giggle again while rolling her eyes. "Well what are you doing here now? Shouldn't you be in class?"
"Nope, free period for the last section of the day. Thought I would keep you company until dinner. Which, by the way, will include all four Marauders and my wonderful Lily-flower for your entertainment."
"Ooh dinner and a show, must be my lucky day," Hermione commented dryly.
"Absolutely!" James agreed with her. "Don't worry. You'll love them. They are all looking forward to it. I think Lily is a little nervous."
"What's she like?" Hermione asked. Despite knowing she would have the chance to get to know Lily Evans for herself, she was quite curious about her and James' relationship.
"Who? Lily?" James asked, when Hermione nodded her head he continued. "She's brilliant. Beautiful, smart, kind, thoughtful, wicked temper though. I've lost count of the number of times she's hexed me."
"Each one I'm sure was more than deserved," the young witch chuckled.
"I will have you know…." James began. "Okay, yeah the majority of them were probably deserved, but I'm sure there are one or two she did just for the fun of it. You will get the chance to get to know her yourself though, don't let me spoil all the fun. What have you been up to all afternoon?"
"Oh the usual, potions being forced down my throat, sitting in bed, more potions. Honestly I feel fine, I don't understand why Madam Pomfrey feels the need to keep force feeding me. I just can't wait to get out of here. I've spent more time in the Hospital Wing in my life than I would prefer."
James looked horrified for a moment at the thought that his precious baby sister spent even a night in a Hospital Wing. "What do you mean? How much time have you actually spent in a hospital?"
Hermione paused looking at James' face. "Oh nothing, you know just little scraps here and there," she slightly fibbed. So maybe they weren't all little scraps, but it's not like she was going to tell him about how she spent months petrified due to a basilisk, or the time his best friend, in werewolf form, attacked her and his son. Though he would probably find the time she turned herself into a cat funny.
James scrutinized her face. What could her life have possibly been like? He wasn't sure he wanted to know given the state that he found her, but he couldn't help himself. "Tell me something about yourself?"
Hermione just looked at him with wide eyes at his question.
"Please," he pleaded.
"Errr...well what do you want to know?" She wasn't sure how to respond to his question. She couldn't truly tell him anything, at least not yet.
"I don't know. Anything. What's one of your happiest memories?"
Hermione couldn't help but smile thinking about Harry and Ron. Oddly enough the first thing that popped into her head was first year. "Well I grew up muggleborn. I didn't find out about magic until I was 11 when I got my letter. Of course I thought it was amazing. It explained so much and I thought it explained why growing up I didn't have many friends, but when I got to Ho - my school, well let's just say I didn't make friends instantaneously. There were these two boys and one of them liked to make fun of me. Well it was Halloween first year and the boy said something particularly nasty about me that I overheard, so I spent the rest of the evening and the Halloween feast in the bathroom. What I didn't realize is that somebody had let a troll loose in the castle, which had somehow found its way to where I had been crying. The two boys realized that I didn't know about the troll so they came looking for me, and luckily for me they got there just in time. One of them, Harry, jumped on the troll's back to try and distract him, only to end up shoving his wand up the troll's nose. The other boy, Ron, ultimately ended up knocking it out with it's own club. After that we were inseparable. They were my best friends."
"Where are they now?" James asked.
"Honestly? I don't know."
The two sat in silence for a few minutes, before James broke the quiet. "Did your friend really stick his wand up a troll's nose?"
Hermione burst out laughing, unable to contain her mirth. "He did, he really did."
James joined her in laughter and this is how the two elder Potters found their children. They didn't want to interrupt what was obviously a moment between the two. Their hearts swelled with happiness at the sight of having both their children together, happy and healthy, finally.
"Care to let your old parents in on the joke," Charlus interrupted, walking forward out of Madam Pomfrey's office, where they had just come out of her Floo.
Both Hermione and James looked up to see their parents striding towards them, but unable to stop laughing. James finally managed to wheeze out "troll bogies" which only sent Hermione into another fit of giggles.
Dorea huffed. "Now really James, you are eighteen-years old and you are laughing at troll bogies?"
It seemed to be contagious because a moment later Charlus joined in their on their laughter, and shortly after so did Dorea. Another few moments of laughter passed before everybody managed to calm down, all with smiles on their faces.
"Well it is good to see the two of you getting along so well," Dorea commented as she went to hug and kiss both of her children.
"How are you feeling princess?" Charlus inquired of his daughter.
"Much better, thank you. Though ready to get out of here. Please tell me Madam Pomfrey is letting me leave tomorrow?" Hermione begged.
"Yes, she is. But she's requested to check on you in a week to make sure you aren't overexerting yourself," the youngest Potter was informed.
Hermione sighed, knowing that there was no way around that. "Alright. If it will get me out of here I'll do just about anything."
"Good. Now, your room at the manor is all ready for you, but you are more than welcome to make any changes you wish to it. I was also thinking in a few days, once you've gotten settled. The two of us could go to Diagon Alley, pick out some new robes for you and anything else you need. Would that be okay?" Dorea asked her daughter hopefully.
Hermione was not one really one to shop, but seeing the look on her mother's face, how much she clearly just wanted to be with and make sure Hermione was comfortable and settled, she couldn't do anything but say, "Of course, that sounds lovely."
Dorea beamed, "Wonderful. We'll make a day of it. Now, James how was the rest of your day?" She addressed her son.
"Boring. Studying for NEWTs. I swear the teachers are trying to kill us with everything they are trying to cram in. Oh! Peter, Remus, and Lily all agreed to have dinner with us tonight."
"James, I don't know if that's such a good idea," Charlus began glancing at his daughter.
"I did ask before I just invited them," the Potter heir protested.
"It really is okay. It was actually my idea. I don't mind," Hermione confirmed.
"Are you sure?" Dorea inquired of her daughter.
"Yes. I just want to start feeling normal again, and well I guess this is my new normal," she said as she smiled weakly at her family.
Charlus and Dorea looked at each other with sad faces before Dorea took Hermione's hand gently. "We know this must be difficult for you, and we don't want to make this harder than it has to be. We have waited twelve years for you to come back into our lives, but we also acknowledge that you have another family out there. You said they are muggles, we wouldn't be opposed to having them in our lives too. One can never have too much family."
Hermione stared at the Potters with tears in her eyes. These people were so inherently good. They had lost their daughter and had only had her back for a few days but were willing to open their hearts to the people who she called Mum and Dad. They weren't jealous or trying to be selfish by trying to force Hermione into a role she wasn't ready for. Their only concern was for her comfort, safety, and happiness.
"Tha-thank you," she finally managed to get out after a moment. "But that won't be necessary. My parents aren't around anymore. It's just been me for awhile now, well me and some friends."
"Well your friends are welcome any time as well," Charlus added.
Hermione gave them a sad smile, "I had actually just told James when you walked in, I don't know where they are. We were separated. Please, I promise I will tell you everything I can when we get back to Potter Manor."
Both Charlus and Dorea observed her before acquiescing to her wishes.
"Alright," Dorea agreed. "So what time is the calvary showing up? And where is Sirius? I'm surprised he isn't here bothering Hermione's peace and quiet as well."
"Sirius said he wanted to give us time alone to get to know each other," James informed his family, "but I assume that they will all be here soon."
The family of four sat and chatted for a while longer about nothing and everything, with Hermione contributing little due to being uncomfortable about potentially sharing too much. James regaled her with tales of his adventures at Hogwarts with the other Marauders, while her parents told stories of James growing up, and reminisced about both James and Hermione before she had disappeared.
Hermione enjoyed her time with her new found family, while it made her heart ache to think of her adoptive parents and Harry, there was something about being with the Potter family that was calming. She didn't know if it was due to her acceptance of her situation or if this had something to do with the family magic the Headmaster had told her about, but either way she was very content for the time being.
Eventually the Potter family was distracted by a loud disturbance outside the doors of the Hospital Wing. They burst open and in toppled Remus, who had been tackled by Sirius, with Peter following the two in laughing hysterically at the hyper Black heir. It seemed that none of them were surprised at Sirius's antics if the eye rolls that all of the Potter's exhibited were anything to go by.
What did surprise Hermione, though, was both Remus and Peter. Remus was quite handsome and had an air of confidence about him that he never exuded when she knew him in her time. He didn't have any greys peppering his sandy colored hair, there were no scars on his face, and he looked healthier than she had ever seen him. It appeared that while Azkaban had ravaged Sirius of his good looks, the years Remus spent battling Moony alone took its toll on the werewolf.
A young Peter Pettigrew was absolutely nothing like she expected. While Hermione still would have recognized Remus despite how much he had changed, she did not think she would have recognized Peter. Unlike the man who had been living as a rat for thirteen years, seventeen-year old Peter Pettigrew was actually quite attractive in a cute boyish sort of way. If she didn't know what he was capable of, she never would have guessed that this boy who seemed so full of life could ever betray his friends. No wonder he was never suspected to be the traitor.
"Mum! Dad! Splendid to see you again!" Sirius shouted across the room as he made his way over to his family. He then promptly sat himself down on James's lap. "How have you been? It's been too long!"
James tossed his best friend off of his lap, glaring at him. "You saw them this morning Pads."
"It's been 10 whole hours, a lot can happen in 10 hours Prongs," Sirius replied with a serious expression as he picked himself up off the floor.
James rolled his eyes, while Dorea smiled indulgently at her other son. "We are quite well Sirius. Remus, Peter how are you both?" The Potter matriarch addressed the other two boys.
Both informed her they were well, simply studying for NEWTs and preparing for life after Hogwarts while Charlus conjured some more chairs for the new additions to their group.
James then interrupted their pleasantries. "Moony, Wormtail allow me to introduce my sister. Hermione," he introduced with a great deal of flare.
Hermione rolled her eyes at his dramatics while sticking out her hand to shake. "It's nice to meet you both."
Remus was the first to shake her hand in greeting. "You as well. I'm Remus. We've heard a lot about you. How are you feeling?"
"Much better. Thank you," she responded before turning to Peter. She didn't really want to talk to the rat but she couldn't very well single him out and she truly wanted to see if there was anything she could do to stop him from switching sides. "Hello, I'm Hermione."
"Peter. Nice to meet you," he spoke while shaking her hand and giving her a wide smile.
Hermione gave him a shy smile in return before turning back to James. "So I've met all your friends. Where is Lily?"
James chuckled. "Most likely still in the library. She tends to get lost in her books sometimes. Especially when we have tests coming up. I'm sure she'll surface in the next few minutes or so. If not I'll go get her."
"Ah, a girl after my own heart. I love libraries. All those books," Hermione said with a smile. She thought back to her sixth year, before things got really bad, and how much she treasured her solitude in the library. No evil ministry hags pretending to be teachers, no Harry insisting that Malfoy was a Death Eater, no basilisks, trolls, or escaped convicts. Just her and her books.
"Not you too? I already have to put up with Moony and Lily spending way too much time in there. I'll have to drag you out of our library this summer won't I?" James complained.
Hermione laughed. "Most likely."
James and Sirius groaned while the other occupants of the Hospital Wing laughed, and they didn't hear the doors open.
"Hello, am I interrupting something?" A feminine voice inquired.
James jumped up and ran over to the red head. "Lily!" He then leaned down to gently kiss her cheek and led her over to the bed where he sat her down in the chair he had occupied while conjuring another for himself.
"This is my sister, Hermione. Hermione, this is Lily," James beamed.
Lily smiled shyly, nervous at meeting the other girl. She was still very aware she had accused James earlier of trying to leave her for this girl. Now that she saw her though, well it was quite obvious they were siblings. "It's nice to meet you."
"You as well. James tells me you spend inordinate amounts of time in the library. You'll have to tell me the best places to study there for next year," Hermione smiled. Of course she already knew her favorite places to study but it would give her something to bond with Lily over.
"Of course!" Lily exclaimed excitedly. "When are you going home? I can always bring you some things to read to keep you occupied if you'll be here for a few more days."
"Thank you, but it seems as if I'll be leaving tomorrow. I assume I'll be seeing more of you when school lets out. You can recommend me some of your favorites to keep me occupied until then."
James couldn't be happier that it seemed the love of his life and his sister would be able to get along. It would make for some uncomfortable family dinners if they didn't.
Sirius then clapped his hands together and interrupted, "Alright, now that the introductions are over I'm hungry. When are we eating?"
"Patience is a virtue you know, Sirius," Charlus chuckled. "Madame Pomfrey said she would have the house elves send up food when they serve dinner in the Great Hall. It should be soon."
As if he had planned it, eight trays of food appeared on a table at the end of Hermione's bed where her potions were usually laid out. Seven of them seemed the be the meal that was being served to the student body while the eighth was a light vegetable soup with some warm bread for Hermione. Unfortunately she was still on a strict diet and vitamin potions until Madame Pomfrey said otherwise. She didn't want to shock her system after being malnourished for so long.
The trays were passed out and the group chatted about school, plans following their school careers, and anything else that came up. It wasn't long before Peter spoke up and asked Hermione, "So where did you go to school Hermione?"
Caught off guard a little by being addressed directly by Peter she choked a little on her soup. She really had to work on her reactions to him if she was going to act normally. "Oh, ummm a school in Australia. My family and I moved there when I was 10."
"Australia? That's nice," Remus sounded surprised. "I'm sure it's quite different being back in England."
"You could say that. It was definitely a bit of a shock to wake up here I can assure you," Hermione tried to laugh at the irony of her statement. It was a shock to wake up, not in Hogwarts but in 1978. "Well nothing to be done about it now. I'm here, and I most likely won't be going back."
"You can go back to visit if you'd like. We could go with you," Dorea offered gently.
Hermione smiled at her mother sadly, "It's okay. No need."
Despite the somber mood that had fallen on the group, dinner continued quite peacefully with Sirius and James trying to lighten everybody up by telling more tales of their adventures at Hogwarts to Hermione.
The seventh year students eventually dispersed leaving Hermione with her parents for the remainder of the night, with James and Sirius promising to come and visit before the three left the following day.
"Thank you for indulging James tonight darling," Dorea addressed her daughter with a smile. "The four of them are practically attached at the hip, and Lily is most likely going to be around for a long time as well."
"Of course, like I said earlier, this is our new normal. Might as well get used to it now." Hermione said around a yawn.
"Alright, to bed with you. Do you need me to get Madame Pomfrey for some Dreamless Sleep?" the elder witch asked.
"Please. Just another night or two and then I'll try sleeping without it."
Dorea went into the matron's office and came back with the purple potion already measured out. Hermione downed it and was asleep within minutes.
After she had fallen asleep both Potter's indulged themselves by tucking their daughter in with a kiss to her head, something they didn't think they would tire of doing anytime soon, before climbing into the bed they had enlarged the previous night and drifting off to sleep as well.
The following morning passed quickly. James and Sirius joined their family for breakfast before heading off to their lessons for the day. James gave his sister a tight hug telling her how happy he was she was home and that he would see her in a few weeks. They departed the Hospital Wing with a final wave.
Madame Pomfrey then came out and waved away the elder Potters to give Hermione a final check-up before releasing her into the care of her parents. She left Hermione with strict instructions not to over exert herself, as well as a list of potions she wanted her to take over the next week, and a nutrition plan to allow Hermione's body to re-adjust to eating regular meals. The matron would visit in a week to determine her overall health and if she still needed to continue with the potion regimen.
Finally Madame Pomfrey declared she was fit to be released and she would let the Headmaster know as he wanted to speak with the family before they left. Very shortly after she Flooed the older wizard, he came sweeping into the Hospital Wing.
"Charlus, Dorea, Hermione. How are the three of you this morning?" Professor Dumbledore addressed the family with an air of familiarity.
"We're well, Albus. Glad to be taking Hermione home today. Madame Pomfrey said you wanted to speak to us before we left though. What can we do for you?" Charlus spoke to the Headmaster.
"I would like to apologize for yesterday. It was not my intention to insult you or your family. I am simply concerned about Hermione's safety just as you are. With that said, I would like to offer my assistance and knowledge whenever you are ready to talk about your experiences back home." He acknowledged both the Potter parents, as well as Hermione directly.
"Thank you Albus," Dorea responded for her and Charlus, "We appreciate the apology. You know we would never do anything that harms any of our children, and that includes Remus and Peter as well."
"Headmaster," Hermione began, "While I understand your hesitance and concern, you have no right to dictate my life outside of this school. You may be a great and well respected wizard, but you are not infallible. No offence intended but I fear you may forget this at times." She understood that he was so used to being listened to and not questioned, but that is what got people killed. She couldn't let that happen. Not this time. While she may not fully trust him, she was aware she would have to work with him to achieve her goals, so she would knock him down a peg or two if need be.
"Hermione!" Dorea began to admonish, a little shocked at how candid her daughter was being with Dumbledore.
The wizard in question put his hand up to stop Dorea from speaking, "It's alright Dorea, your daughter is quite correct. When one is given too much influence and power, it can corrupt and cloud the mind. Even I am not immune to this. I will endeavor to do better in the future. And whatever you choose to do with your knowledge Hermione, know that I only have the best interests of our world in mind and will help in anyway that I can."
"Thank you Professor. I will keep that in mind."
With a nod of his head and quick goodbyes to the trio, Dumbledore departed the Hospital Wing. Hermione then gathered her things back in her little beaded bag, much to the surprise of her parents that she had any possessions on her, and the three took the Floo from Madam Pomfrey's office with a shout of "Potter Manor".
Hermione stepped out of the Floo following her parents and felt as if she had stepped into what appeared to be an enlarged version of the Gryffindor Common Room. There was a thick, dark, burgundy carpet covering the floor, with a grouping of dark red couches with gold trim in the center of the room. The door leading to the rest of the manor was directly across from the fireplace Hermione stepped out of, and along the wall to her left was a bookshelf spanning the entire wall. To the right of her was a large window and a set of french doors leading out to a large veranda and gardens beyond that.
"Pippy," Dorea called, and a house elf popped up next to her.
The little elf's eyes went wide at the sight of Hermione, "Little Miss is home! Oh Pippy is so happy her little miss cames back! Pippy will brings you anything yous need. Pippy has missed her little miss so much."
Hermione's eyes went a little wide at the house elf's exuberance. "Er...hello. It's a pleasure to meet you?"
"Meets me? Yous was my little miss before yous went away, but now yous back and Pippy can takes care of yous again. Is there anything little miss needs? Mistress, Master?" Pippy addressed them all, practically vibrating with excitement.
Charlus chuckled in the background as he sat on one of the couches, and Dorea addressed the excited elf, "We'll take some tea please for the moment Pippy, and if you could prepare some light sandwiches for lunch."
Pippy popped away and a minute or so later returned with a tea tray and placed it on the side table situated next to where Dorea sat.
"Is theres anything else Pippy can do?"
"No, that is all Pippy. Thank you," Dorea dismissed the elf.
"You have a house elf?" Hermione asked a little incredulously. "I do not need an elf taking care of me. I am perfectly capable of cleaning up after myself."
"Hermione, do you know how excited that little elf is that you are here? She started crying she was so happy when we told her to ready your room. She was practically inconsolable when you disappeared. She blamed herself that she didn't stop it, even though there was no way for her to know anything. You'll break her heart if you tell her you don't need her," Charlus informed his daughter.
"House elf servitude is slavery," Hermione argued.
"House elves need to serve. It's part of their magic. If they don't have a bond to a witch or wizard their magic will drain them. Their magic needs to be supported by our magic, it requires a balance," he tried to reason with her.
"It's barbaric. Wizards force their elves to injure themselves," the curly haired witch shot back.
"I agree. Some wizards abuse the bond their house elves entrust them with, but I promise you our family is not one to do that. We treat our elves with kindness and respect. After all, they are the ones that make our food, and I for one don't want that to ever be messed with," Charlus joked trying to lighten the mood a little, and to get his daughter to smile.
Despite herself Hermione did grin a little, "I don't want to bond with any house elves though."
"That's fine. They are bound to your father and I. That will only pass to you or James once we pass on, which will not be for a very long time," Dorea assured her, jumping in to the conversation between the two. "Now let's have some tea and discuss a few things. I know Charlus and I have had questions about to spill out of us for the past day or so."
"Alright," Hermione acquiesced after a moment. "Tea sounds good."