The night of the last full moon things had gone about as well as a led balloon in Hermione's humble opinion she could still see the pain on Remus' face, not to mention the anger in Sirius' voice. Both cut her deeper then she could have possibly fathomed at the time. She just wished for a chance. In the days that immediately followed the "incident" as Lily was putting it, the boys shunned her Sirius even went out of his way to threaten Hermione outside of their charms class when all she needed was to talk. Maybe this was her fault too for picking the second worst (the first being Peter) marauder to talk to.
'Sirius please I just need to talk to one of you' he had practically been running to get away from her, so when he finally and suddenly stopped Hermione nearly bowled him over.
'Well did you ever think that we don't want anything to do with you?' the anger that festered just under the surface was close to erupting. His voice was cold and cruel Hermione had only seen such a tone revered for Snape.
'Well maybe you don't have a choice' Hermione was coming to regret her decision of talking to Sirius and they had spoken so little. It was obvious that he was hurt and angry with her in a way that she could not understand. However, in her defense if they would just talk to her maybe she would be able to understand
'There is always a choice Granger, like the choice that I will make when I tell Dumbledore that you are an illegal animagus' this had Hermione taken aback not only was he calling her by her last name but he was threatening her. For Hermione this escalated the situation from zero to one hundred in a matter of syllables
'Are you threatening me Sirius Black?' Hermione felt the need to defend herself against Sirius because in that moment his madness reminded her of a not too distant cousin of his.
'Maybe I am, so leave me and the others alone before I put my plan into action' her hand had been itching its way towards her wand for the latter half of their conversation. She knew he would not do anything magical to harm her because that is not who he was, but she would not put it past him to do something physical, like frightening Hermione by lunging at her. Then for a moment, Hermione thought logically without the heightened emotions that she had come to feel for the boy standing in front of her. He was bluffing.
'You won't do it Sirius, to reveal me is to reveal yourself and Remus and you would never do that' the look on the already maddened face showed Hermione everything that she needed to know. Sirius was not going to tell anyone anything although like a cornered wild animal, she knew he was going to attack in the only way he could. He was going to say something he would later regret.
'Just try me you…you mudblood' Hermione's face reflected the horror that came across Sirius' as the words left his lips. Only a handful of people had ever called Hermione that malicious term and now Sirius Black was on that list. The man of her time would never dare to speak something so vile to her, but in that statement was her answer Hermione was not in her time anymore. Instead, she had a boy who had yet to learn the lessons to make him the man he had the prospect of becoming. In her anger, Hermione said something that she knew she would come to regret also but in the moment, she needed him to hurt as she was.
'Congratulations Sirius you have lived up to your family name they would be so proud' Hermione did not bother waiting for a reply, nor did she attend that particular class. It was not one of her finer moments. That was over two weeks ago now. As it changed from September to October, the boys had still not approached her and she did not expect them to either. Other than some sideways glances in classes and at meal times it had been radio silence. Not that she could truly blame them, she had dropped a rather large bombshell on them. It was just a pity that there was more to come. The only thing keeping Hermione going was the thought that after they know the truth about Peter, the Potter/Evans family would be saved, and that means Harry will have both of his parents just as it always should have been. Hermione had withdrawn herself from all of her friends with the exception of Lily, whom refused to leave Hermione on her own. There had been more than one occasion were Lily had caught Hermione crying just looking at the gifts that Remus and Sirius had given her. Lily really was trying to help and Hermione knew this but it was hard to let her in. Hermione wished more than anything is that the boys would let her explain, but more than that, what annoyed Hermione is that after the "incident" she had thought of what could have been a less dramatic way to get rid of Peter. As it was her own doing, Hermione had to accept the consequences for her actions. Therefore, you could only imagine her surprise when Remus of all people approached her in the library. His face was somber as though he was trying to hold so many things back. Hermione knew she deserved to hear all the things that he was about to tell her, bracing herself for the worst Hermione failed to prepare herself for the best
'I've missed you Hermione' there it was his sweetness when she did not deserve it really. She lied to him and they both knew that now. so why was he being this way towards her, in a moment of selfishness Hermione wished that he would get mad like Sirius because that lasts only a moment.
'I've missed you too' the uncomfortable feeling welled in her chest, it was the same one that she had experienced in the forest and it threatened to unravel her where she sat. When the tears brimmed her eyes, Remus spoke again his voice cracking slightly
'Please don't cry, I will not be able to say this if you do' trying her hardest Hermione tried to keep her emotions in check. Right now having the emotional range of a teaspoon would be an incredible gift.
'I need some answers from you and so do the others, so I am asking you if you would like to go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend please say yes' his green eyes looked conflicted and filled with many things which he was just keeping at bay. Hermione knew what was going to happen at this meeting, but it was not just in their best interest that she accept this invitation but hers also. This was her chance and for that reason, she had to say
'It would be my pleasure to join you'
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'Are you sure you want to be doing this Hermione, they basically cut you off without letting you explain and then Black called you that awful thing, I just wonder if this is in your best interest is all. Don't look at me like that I know why you have to but it doesn't mean I have to like it' Lily was being particularly difficult; she simply refused to believe that the boys did not have an angle that they were looking to exploit. When the truth was that Hermione was the one who was going to be the manipulator. Knowing enough about the boys Hermione had a fairer understanding of how each of them were going to react and she was going to take full advantage of this opportunity. She could not help but think it was all very Slytherin-esque of her. Justifying it to herself, Hermione also thought that she was doing this for their own benefit. Lily snapping her fingers brought Hermione back to the conversation at hand.
'I am sure that they are looking for answers, about certain questions. I will not be giving them any real answers until I give them the Veritaserum. I cannot just come out and say hi by the way I am from the future and you are all screwed without me. Lily I need you to just tell me once without any of your sassiness that I am doing to right thing for the future' Lily topped her pacing and sat next to Hermione on her bed before pulling her into a bone crushing hug.
'You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met Hermione, you came back to an unknown time to save those you care about most. You do not need me to tell you if this is the right thing or not because you already know in your heart that it is. You are doing this for them and in turn for James, Remus, Sirius and me. I will never be able to express the gratitude I feel for you because of you I may have the opportunity to see my son grow up and that is worth more than every galleon in the world' Hermione had to admit that she was incredibly lucky to have Lily on her side, she would be lost without her. Both girls sitting on the bed had begun to cry at different points during Lily's proclamation. It was possibly the most humbling thing Hermione had ever heard. However, for now Hermione had to focus on the other side of the overly complicated equation that was telling the boys the truth, even though at this moment they deserved a high five in the face with a chair. Especially Sirius (repeatedly).
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By the time, the weekend rolled around Hermione felt as though she had adequately prepared herself for what was bound to happen when the boys had their moment of confrontation. The weather had begun to change outside; it seemed almost coincidental to Hermione that the transitional season suited her current situation. Except her transition did not hold the same promise that eventually things would become beautiful again. For her it was all just so unknown, she did not know whether -at the end of the day if any of this was actually going to make a difference. In all honesty, that frightened Hermione the most. She wondered about the ripple effect that would occur if she were successful or not. Would she just fade away as memories so often do? Shaking her head Hermione tried to resist thinking such things especially now as she was about to enter the lion's den. She had been somewhat dreading what was to transpire today but she could not put it off any longer. The boys needed to know about Peter, and she was going to be the one to do it because she was their only hope of knowing before it was too late. Taking a deep breathe Hermione left the comfort and security of her room. Coming down the stairs Hermione was surprised to see Remus there waiting. She smiled for just a moment before realizing that this was not a time where he was her boyfriend waiting for her, instead this was a time where she had something he needed. It was a duty to him right now rather than a desire. She wished that it could be as it was before but the feeling of sadness was all that consumed Hermione in that second. Taking a deep breathe she tapped Remus on the shoulder. Clearly, he was away in his head today too.
'Hi you look…well you always look…geez I'm sorry Hermione how about we just get going huh?' he was still so reserved with her as they left the castle. She wondered if they were going to be able to recover after what happened in the forest, but Hermione found herself hoping more than anything that he would give them another chance after she told her truth. However, the more time they spent alone together the more she truly believed that, that would never happen. He went out of his way not to touch her, or even look at her for that matter. She understood of course but that fact did very little to bring her any kind of comfort. The road to Hogsmeade was littered with happy and jovial students glad to be rid of the castle for the afternoon, while Hermione wished for nothing more than to be back there. When they stopped outside of the Three Broomsticks, Hermione could see Remus struggling to keep his composer though he was not doing a particularly good job. Just by looking at him, Hermione could see his nervousness, awkwardness and most of all fear. When he finally did speak to her, the tone of his voice did not match the emotions across his face.
'I hope you know that we just need answers, we are not here to burn you at the stake' Hermione had to appreciate attempt of the calm exterior that he was putting forth in an effort to make her comfortable enough to give answers. She just wished that her heart was not breaking, watching him try to be kind to her when she truly did not warrant such an action. Before she could answer him, a familiar (and annoying), voice came from behind Hermione. Turning around Sirius looked just as cocky and infuriating as ever. James and Peter stood behind Sirius, both nodding an acknowledgement to Remus while keeping their opinions to themselves. However, Sirius Black was well Sirius and he just could not help himself
'Speak for yourself Moony, hello Granger' he was trying his hardest to make hid tone light and comical however there was a darkness there that frightened Hermione to some extent. She knew he was not above slander so she wondered if this meeting did not go as planned how this dark horse in the marauders would react.
'Last time I checked they stopped doing that in the 1700's, but I am sure you wouldn't mind demonstrating the act for me Black' Hermione's comment had a little more bite then she intended it too. She knew this because once the statement left her lips the boys (Remus, James and Peter) all visibly stiffened. She missed the time when that would have been considered humorous rather than malicious. Sirius' laugh caused an uneasy mood in the group; he also had that cocky look on his face as if he already had a response for her
'Ladies first' Hermione though it was not the most original of comebacks but if he wanted to play then she was willing and able to do so. After all, she was only going to stop when he said mercy.
'Age before beauty' like him Hermione's comeback was not the most original comment but it still did its job. Sirius looked puzzled for a moment as if he was trying to do a math problem in his head. It was actually painful to watch, it was a moment before he even spoke again
'Aren't you older than me' it was Hermione's turn to laugh now. She thought the group was on edge a moment ago then Hermione's laughter just pushed the off the cliff without a parachute.
'No but I definitely am prettier' Sirius' face turned a deeper shade of scarlet once Hermione answered. It was hard for her to believe that he really was that vain. It was clearly a humorous jab but he took it in the complete opposite direction. It was at that moment that Hermione was glad that the others were there. Before Sirius was about to say something more James clamped a hand down on his shoulder as a warning, that he was about to take things too far. James awkwardly laughing put the group at ease.
'All right now you two enough there will be no one burning today' looking to his friend with his best attempt at puppy dog eyes Sirius, tried his luck.
'Not even a light charring' James and Peter laughed while Remus had, had enough. Hermione had never seen him like this before. It was as if the Moony side of Remus had taken hold for just a minute. His words where short and callous as he spoke to Sirius. Remus had the height advantage over Sirius. However, Sirius had agility and speed thanks to his multiple years of Quidditch training.
'Padfoot that is enough you have been ranting about needing answers and now that you have an actual chance you're about to blow it so shut ya trap. Am I clear?' Remus towered over Sirius, but that did not stop Padfoot from challenging the ominous force that was Remus at that moment. If this was, the discovery channel Hermione could just hear the commentator in some posh English accent. Sirius' response brought Hermione back to the situation at hand. He had never seen either of the boys so mad.
'It's not my fault you have some pent up rage with her' this struck a chord with Hermione. She knew he had every right to release that rage especially towards Hermione. Turning away from the other Hermione looked into Remus' eyes. He was so hurt that she wished he would lighten his burden onto her.
'Is this true Remus, I would not blame you if you did after all I do deserve it' she had yet to see him as conflicted as he was in that moment. She just wished the Sirius had kept his comments to himself, though if he had it would have been considered a miracle in anyone's eyes.
'At least we can both agree on that, argh geez James that hurt' Hermione had only seen the jab to Sirius' ribs in her peripheral vision though the sound was enough to turn her stomach. She wondered if James had meant to hit Sirius with such force.
'How about we actually enter this fine establishment now I think we could all use a butter beer' there was something missing in James' tone as if he was not really him, but a more distinguished and responsible version of himself. Hermione smiled to herself thinking that Lily would probably like this side of him. It was just a pity that Sirius could not follow suit.
'I think I would prefer a fire whiskey right now'
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The atmosphere of the pubs patrons was a stark comparison to those of Hermione and the Marauders. She had been nursing the same (untouched) butter beer for close to thirty minutes now. It was as though they were at a stale mate, Hermione did not know how to even begin this conversation and the boy's well god knows what was going on in each of their heads. Each conveyed such different looks as they waited for Hermione to speak. James looked as though he was readying himself to hold Sirius back. Peter looked as if he was relishing in the tension that was developing between Hermione and the others. She wondered if he knew what she was planning, but quickly struck the idea from her mind. Remus and Sirius were the two wild cards in Hermione's opinion. Either could go either way being angry and defensive or calm and protective. However, she believed that just like the night of the full moon Sirius would be the one to lose his cool. James had obviously had some time to think about this meeting as he strategically selected the table in the furthest corner of the establishment to give them the privacy that they needed. Hermione thinking strategically too occupied the seat with her back to the exit. There was one way in and out of this pub for patrons and Hermione had the distinct feeling that she would need to make a quick exit at some point during this meeting. Peter surprisingly was the one to start the conversation, though she rather wished that he would never speak or even look at her. His facial expressions did not match the inquisitive tone of his voice.
'So…how did you know to find us Hermione' as he smiled at her it made a cold shiver run up her spine. The look in his eyes were as if Hermione was the prey and he was the famished predator. The boys paid Peter no mind if they did then maybe Hermione's job would be easier, her bet was he was trying to sound naïve and innocent though scoping for any and all information.
'Well its complicated' it was the response she knew the boys would soon be sick of hearing. However, it was the only way Hermione could peak their interests, enough to lure them where she needed them to be. Now she sounded like the predator and she hated every moment of it. Remus looked at Hermione curiously. She wondered if he had already caught on to what she was doing, though it was probably Hermione just being paranoid
'Why didn't you tell us that you knew our secret?' James looked directly into Hermione's eyes and for a moment, it was as if Harry was looking back at her. The apple clearly did not fall far from the tree appearance wise anyway, but the more he looked at Hermione the more she thought about it. Harry was brave, caring, mischievous and compassionate. James was at least some of these things if not all. She was finding it particularly difficult not to explain everything to James; she wanted to more than anything to tell not just James but all of the boys but she had to stick to the script.
'It's complicated and I did that day at your house James' she hoped he heard her compassion. She really did already tell them that she knew their secrets, and if she remembered correctly, which she did. They treated her poorly out of fear. Hermione thought to herself that at least they were consistent.
'How did you know about my…lycan…my condition' Hermione sat for a moment even though she already knew her response she needed their attention. He was so scared, as if he thought that she would shout it from the astronomy tower and have him expelled and ridiculed for his differences. If anything, Hermione loved him for those differences. She would never dream of betraying him in such a way, but she needed this to work, for all their sakes she needed them to trust in her for a moment. It needed to be just long enough to get them to the room of requirement.
'It's complicated' as soon as the words left her lips Sirius' smacked his hands against the table causing all of them to jump. He stood so quickly and with such strength that his chair fell and slide away from him. Hermione looked deep into his stormy grey eyes and saw a hatred and frustration; it made her blood run cold.
"If you say it's complicated one more time Hermione I swear' Hermione was not going to have him act like a child anymore, she was done with this anger that he exhibited for her. It was now or never. This was the opportunity for Remus to step in and convince the boys that they needed to listen to Hermione no matter where or when. She knew that James would try to contain Sirius while Remus would tell them what they needed to do to hear the truth. She cared not for her own safety in all of this. Hermione only cared for them with the exception of Peter.
'You'll what Sirius; Call me a mudblood again or perhaps you are in the mood to curse me but I will tell you this for free I am getting really sick of you threatening me Sirius Orion Black' it was as though she was the matador and he was the bull charging at the red cape. James however at that moment was not helping the situation as he laughed at his friend's anger.
'Dude she used your full name I thought only your mum did that' not even a smack on the back of the head from Remus was enough to stop his laughter. It only ceased once Sirius looked at him. If looks could kill James would be deader the dead, six foot under and pushing up daisies.
'Shut up James, and don't you tempt me Hermione or I will make you so sorry' Turning his attention back to Hermione, Sirius looked as though he was ready to curse Hermione to oblivion. It all happened so quickly Hermione barely had time to interrupt what happened. Sirius flipped the table sending the pints flying before her tried to lunge at Hermione. Instinctively she reached for her wand before sending a silent Stupefy by his head. It stopped the boys for a moment, in Hermione's eyes it left just enough time for two things. The first was to leave before being thrown out and the other was to show the boys that she would not be threatened in such a fashion ever again. Before she had, the opportunity to move even a step Remus' hand clasped around her wrist. He knew what she was doing it was written there on his young handsome features. This was what she was hoping would happen after all. She planned for this, however now it was here, she wished she did not hurt Remus the way she had.
'Please Hermione we, no I need these answers more than anyone here, please' his eyes pleaded for the answers that he so desperately needed. They were so close but so far away for him. It all came down to this. She knew that no matter what he would convince the others, after all she was counting on it.
'I will tell you everything, tonight meet me at in seventh floor corridor by the tapestry depicting the attempt of Barnabas the Barmy to teach trolls ballet and I solemnly swear you will get all the answers you need' without another word Hermione broke free of Remus' grip and left the pub.
Stage 2 was complete.
Hello everyone, please leave a review if you liked it. This was a hard chapter for me to write I don't know why but I hope you enjoyed it.
My question for each of you in this chapter is do you think Remus and Hermione will be able to sort out their relationship?
Thanks again and have a fantastic morning, noon or night.
Enjoy :)
