Hello everybody, I am back with a new chapter. Yay! Sorry for the delay but I hope this mamoth chapter will make up for it. On a completely unrelated note, I have a new puppy (a black lab) and his name is Sirius. Please read and review I really do love to hear from you guys.
Anyways enough from me and happy reading
Allons-y
Hermione tried to keep a good face around the boys in the following weeks after Sirius' party, but every now and again the ache in her chest became too much. Hermione knew that they parted ways for the right reasons especially because she knew about Tonks and the unbelievable happiness that awaited him. Even with the benefit of hindsight was of little help to Hermione. It was with Remus that she first started to feel at ease in the past. She never needed to rely on someone else to make her feel worthy of happiness, love or respect. Each of the Marauders had played their parts in making her feel welcome but it was something different with Remus. He was her first official boyfriend and no matter what would happen past, present or future that meant something.
'Hello anyone in there' Lily snapped her fingers in front of Hermione's face to gain her attention as they sat together in the Great Hall. Thank Godric for Lily. She was the only one perceptive enough to notice the change in Hermione and Remus. It had been a month since Sirius' sixteenth birthday. A month since Remus and Hermione had ended their relationship and they still hadn't told anyone about it except for Lily. She knew it was delaying the inevitable but it really just had not come up conversation. Everyone just assumed that Remus and Hermione were together and they were just not correcting people. Besides, it was closer to Christmas now, and she did not want anyone to find out until after the holidays. She would not have her first Christmas in the past being tainted with pity.
'Pardon what…?'
'Christmas shopping tomorrow, meeting up after breakfast. Honestly Hermione I swear you are so aloof sometimes for someone as intelligent as you are' Lily shook her head at her best friend. Hermione flushed with embarrassment. She had not meant to be so distant it was just harder right now. There was a lot going on in Hermione's mind from planning horcrux hunts to pretending to be a normal sixteen year old.
'What's aloof when it's at home?' Sirius plonked down in the empty space next to Hermione as James sat across the table next to Lily.
'Hopefully you and Potter' Lily whispered under her breathe
'Come on Evens you love me I know you do' Sirius winked at her and Hermione swore she could see the faintest blush roll across Lily's cheeks.
'I thought I called dibs on the red head' James protested as Lily threw him a look that could have made milk curdle. Hermione simply laughed her motley crew of misfits. She would need to talk to James about his pickup lines honestly, she was kind of ashamed for him even if James saw nothing wrong with his actions. At this rate Harry would never be born.
'You two are insufferable, I'll see you later Hermione. Remember tomorrow.' nodding to her female friend lily swung her legs around kicking James in the process. If she'd tried to get a negative reaction from the boy, Lily had failed miserably, if anything he looked elated by the sudden contact.
'What's tomorrow?' Sirius enquired with a cocked eyebrow and a sly smile.
'Holiday shopping, speaking of is there anything either of you want?' she answered bluntly looking over to James whom was still blatantly staring at where lily used to be. It would be next year when things turned around for the pair of them, then just maybe they might get there acts together.
'I would like a hot girl, in some skimpy Christmas themed lingerie like in the muggle centerfolds' Sirius claimed withouth missing a beat. Hermione wondered just how many people he'd asked for such a thing. Though it would be unlike him to ask for anything less.
'That's disgusting, what about you James, what do you want'
'Something you can't give me' he replied with a sadness that melted Hermione. She would have to try and come up with something extra special for James. Something that held remnants of his greater wish.
'She'll come around mate just you wait, if not at least you know you end up with someone according to our resident oracle' Sirius consoled his friend as Hermione reached for his hand
'Anyway, what can I do for you two this morning, where's Remus?'
'Calm down Vixen your furry lover boy is just a late riser today; full moon is in a few days, besides James has something he wants to give you' Sirius's segway made Hermione slightly nervous. Not everything that these boys offered was necessarily safe. Taking a steadying breathe Hermione turned her full attention to Prongs waiting for what was to come.
'Mum and Dad sent this to me this morning, the guy's already have theirs and well this one is yours' James handed Hermione a thick emerald green envelope that had her name written on the front in the most delicate crimson calligraphy Hermione had ever seen.
'What is this'
'A hippogriff, Hermione it's an envelope' Padfoot laughed at his friend. Hermione choosing to ignore him ran her fingers over the beautiful red lettering of her name before turning it over where she examined the small red wax seal. Even squinting she couldn't make out the words that surrounded its crest of house Potter. She wished that Harry could see this. This was the emblem for his family. He would have loved this.
"Novissima autem inimica destruetur mors." Hermione looked up at James as he recited the words. She just wished at this moment she spoke Latin.
"Pardon?"
"The motto of the noble house of Potter, Novissima autem inimica destruetur mors.The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" he said so proudly that it made Hermione's heart swell in her chest. It was not the first time she'd encountered these words. The images of Lily and James' tombstones flung to the forefront of Hermione's concentration. The look on Harry's face burned into her mind as she conjured a wreath to place on their graves. Just as then and now, Hermione thought the words were oddly beautiful.
'Yeah, yeah open the damn thing' Sirius said impatiently
'Don't be mad Pads just because your house words aren't as epically awesome as mine' Hermione shook her head choosing to overlook the bickering between the boys. Breaking the seal seemed like a pity to Hermione until she pulled out one of the must extravagant looking invitations she'd ever seen. The square snow-white invitation had a slight shimmer to it as it folded into the center, an iridescent ribbon wrapped the textured paper like a gift. The icing on top of it all however was the snowflake shaped crystal that adorned the knot of the bow. As she began to untie the perfect bow Hermione could not help but think it was a shame that she had to do so. She would never be able to tie it that perfectly again without the use of magic. As she opened the folds, Hermione was taken aback by the elegance of something as simple as an invite. She had not had much do to with purebloods in her time except for the Weasley's and they could hardly afford anything quite as lavish as this. The silver writing inside shimmered in the light of the November day as she read its contents.
The ancient and noble house of Potter
Cordially invites you to annual Yule Tide Gala
Christmas Eve night at the Potter Estate.
Formal dress robes mandatory.
'James I couldn't possibly go' Hermione protested the moment she had read the invitation fully. She would have no idea what to wear, how to act, how to dance if you do dance or what to do at an event as glamorous as a Gala. The only thing that could come close was the Yule Ball in her fourth year.
'What why not?' he sounded so offended at her rejection.
'There are a thousand and one reasons James firstly I have nothing to wear' a smile-spread across James' lips that could only mean trouble. Hermione had a feeling that no matter what she was going to say he was going to have an answer. She was waging a losing battle.
'Thought you might say that Mum said you can use anything with the Potter volts as your own for the evening' clearly smitten with himself Hermione tried another argument.
'I wouldn't know how to act at a Gala' another very fair argument for the opposed.
'You're a quick study' Sirius quipped, clearly this was an unfair fight as it was two against one.
'I'm not getting out of this am I?' she tilted her head forward in defeat as the boys waited for her surrender. She was going to say yes but it was going to be begrudgingly and fully coerced. Like many of the other things, she agrees to do for the marauders.
'Afraid not love' Sirius' wicked smile was enough to cause butterflies to swarm in the pit of Hermione's stomach. He really was not that awful to look at.
'Fine I accept' Hermione sighed exasperatedly. It was a futile battle that she had known she would lose yet she waged it. it would be her first Christmas in this time and she had planned to spend it alone, rather than with the Potters celebrating with the family that Harry should have had in the home in which he should have known. It was at times like this that Hermione felt guilty. It seemed like a crime that she gets to spend so much time with the people Harry so rightly deserved.
'Wonderful, bonus Remus will be there too so you can be all loved up' sirius smiled brightly at hermione as she tried (and failed) to reflect his happiness. She and Remus are really going to have to start telling people and soon about the whole break up. She did not know what she felt guiltier about in that moment. Lying by omission or Harry.
'I better go owl Mum' James beamed. It was a smart tactical move on his behalf reply immediately giving her little to no chance to decline further down the track after all it would be rude especially if it was closer to the date.
'Wait up Prongs see you later Vix' Sirius leaned in and kissed Hermione on the cheek before leaving to follow his best friend. Hermione cursed herself. Not only was she attending a fancy event that she had no idea how to behave for, but she was going to be spending her holidays with her ex-boyfriend and his rag tag group of goons. At least it couldn't get any worse…right? This was going to be an interesting first Christmas.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
James could ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach. A prank on Hermione just sounded like a terrible idea. Not only could she defend herself tenfold but also she was just…scary. Sirius had been huddling over his cauldron for days now inventing some sort of concoction.
'I think this is a bad idea Pads, she is going to kill us' James had every right to fear Hermione. She repeatedly proved she was a worthy opponent, never to be taken lightly especially when it meant that she could one up her rival. However, no matter how many times this was brought to the idiots' attention Sirius refused to listen instead he just looked positively gleaming with excitement over his menacing plan.
'Come now Prongs where's your sense of adventure is, nothing is more up lifting then an innocent if not brilliantly timed prank. After all she did buy me this book and she intended it to be used' rolling his eyes Prongs wished she had never brought him that damn book. The power had gone to Sirius' already inflated head as he "tested" his ideas on his now skittish roommates. It was just this morning James woke up to find shaving cream all over his face. Apparently, it had been hysterical to Sirius when James slapped himself with a hand full cream repeatedly.
'I am sure she did but I doubt she meant for it to not to be used against her I am sure of that' James shook his head at his best friend. It was official Sirius Orion Black the third had a death wish. If Moony were to catch wind of their target, they both would be dead men. James was just a by stander but they would both view him as a co-conspirator and that could mean a whole lot of trouble. James tried to think about what Lily would say, Hermione was her best friend. He could just imagine the look on her face now. Lily's emerald green eyes filled with hatred and disappointment. Would this ruin his chances forever? Before he could raise another argument, Remus walked through their door. James and Sirius both simply froze in place like statues in odd positions. It must have looked suspious as Moony crossed his arms and examined the two of them. He had known Sirius was planning something and now all Prongs could hope for was that Moony would not ask too many questions.
'What are you two up too?' his voice sounded inquisitive it was just a pity his face was reading pissed off. Sirius of course looked as cool as an ice dragon. Was he really trying to pull the wool over our furry friend's eyes? More importantly was it going to work.
'Just some harmless fun Moony, I solemnly swear it will be an absolute pisser' Sirius' cocky smile was not helping the situation as Remus shook his head and began to poke fun his friend.
'I don't think you know the meaning of harmless Padfoot'
'First your lady friend and now you why do people see it fit to insult my integrity today' James looking to his friend couldn't help but see for just the faintest of moments something else cross his face. It was gone too soon for it to even really register, but James could have sworn the same thing happened with Hermione in the great hall this morning as well. Something was happening and he was not in the loop and James did not like not being in the loop.
'How is Hermione by the way?' he asked tentatively.
'Good actually she accepted the invitation' Sirius quipped not looking up from his cauldron for even the slightest of moments now that he had unofficially gained Remus' permission to prank.
'Really that was unexpected; I mean I thought she might have had other plans' James wondered why she would not have told him herself, had they not seen each other today? Usually by now they would have skulked off somewhere for a snog.
'Surely she would have told you if she had you are her boyfriend after all and you know girls they never shut up about things like Christmas or Valentines Day, birthdays, anniversaries et cetera et cetera ' James could not help but think of how odd it was that they were being so well odd for lack of a better word. Maybe they had just had one of those days that they had missed each other after all absence makes the heart grow fonder.
'Anyway so I have deniability I am off to the library to study, I never saw anything happening here' collecting his book bag Remus left the room and his friends behind, James only wished he could claim the same deniability as the often smarter wolf. It however did not take long for Sirius and James to mull over the finer details of how they were going to execute this brilliantly simple yet effective prank against their female member. He just hoped he lived to see Christmas after Hermione was done with them. James really was looking forward to the fancy caramel cream pastry puffs that his family served only once a year. He could not help but feel for Hermione after all she had been the one to go on about an initiation. Looking into the simmering blue pot James smiled and thought to himself, welcome to the club Vixen.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
Hermione welcomed the sting of the scolding shower on her skin. Thankful for the privacy she relished in the hollowed sounds of the water as they echoed off the simple rooms walls. There were not many things that gave Hermione the same release as a steaming hot shower. In fact, she could only think of one other thing smiling to herself Hermione laughed at her own innuendo. Taking her time Hermione lathered her skin in her new favorite body scrub, relishing as the vanilla scent filled the steamy air. Running her hands over her body she did not ever remember being unashamed of her body in her timeline. Massaging herself, she now admired the subtle curves of her re-developing body. Thinking to herself as she always did in the privacy of a shower, Hermione wondered if it sounded vain to admire herself in such a way. Where was the line between vain and confident? This was one of the many things Hermione contemplated as the water rippled across her body, washing away any sign of her difficult day. However, it was not the most prominent thought on her mind. She needed to talk to Remus, about setting the record straight. It was just hurting her more to pretend otherwise. She would speak to him after dinner this evening. As the thought crossed her mind, she would have to quickly wash her hair before dinner. Hermione smiled once more, she really did love showers.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
James and Sirius had been annoyingly jittery all afternoon. Each looking over their shoulders, just waiting for whatever petty prank they had been planning to come to fruition. Remus could not deiced whether he was glad not to be involved or if he wanted to be in on the joke. One thing was for sure he needed a good laugh. Ever since the night of Sirius' party the wolf had been calmer but Remus had just been lonelier. He missed her, she was still there but things were not the same. Rightly so of course but it was the unfiltered affection that he missed most. He used to be excited to see her now it was just sadness. It wouldn't be that way forever, but having people still think they were together was hardly helping the situation. Lily was the only one who knew, Hermione had told her after Lily had noticed a change. Remus determined that after dinner he would need to talk to Hermione about coming clean to their friends enough was enough. The thoughts refused to subside in his mind it was just all so chaotic. Taking a steadying breathe Remus brought himself back to the present. Back to his friends, back to their prank. He was not fully aware of who or what they had planned and that in its self was an alarming thing. He just hoped that their rogue pranking would injure no one. Looking over to the Slytherin table both Regulus and Snivellus was already sitting there. They seemed perfectly regular…well as regular as you could be for a snake. Remus searched for the other potential target. Peter had been sitting alone on the other end of the bench, as far away from them as he could possibly get from the trio…was the rat their intended target.
'She'll be here any minute' Sirius smiled across at James.
'Who will?' Remus enquired. If it was a she, it narrowed the field substantially. Lily or Hermione. The likely hood was Lily. This could only end one way with an outrageously annoyed Evens cursing James' very existence whilst threatening to curse his bollock off. In other words, it would be another average Friday night. The only other option was Hermione and surely, they were not stupid enough to do anything to her. Firstly, that would be breaking some kind of code; surely, his two friends were not that stupid…were they.
'Vixen of course' Shaking his head Remus could not believe that old Padfoot and Prongs were exactly that kind of stupid. Before he could open his mouth to explain exactly how dead and intellectually challenged these two were a commotion came from the entrance hall. Turing to see what had happened Remus had been expecting many things, however this simply took the cake.
'Um…guys care to explain' Remus' jaw hit the floor as an exceptionally angry looking Hermione stood in the door of the hall with vibrant electric blue hair. Fuck, Remus thought to himself if he had known she was the target he would have cautioned the knuckleheads to avoid her. Having just taken a sip of pumpkin juice Sirius turned from his goblet. Nothing could have prepared poor James for the onslaught of amber liquid that was spat clear across the table into his face. That is what finally made Remus crack as his friend tried to find a dry section of clothing to dry and clean his glasses. Before Moony had, time to comprehend what was happening a very, very, very pissed of Hermione slammed her hands down on the table hard enough to rattle and rumble at least three of the surrounding place settings.
'You pathetic insensitive ass holes asked for it.' Hermione without another word turned on her heel and left the hall. To her it must have looked like he was laughing at her. The thought sobered Remus. To her it would look like he would helped plan this shenanigan, she must think he was a monster. Break up after shagging, lying by omission then torment her. Maybe he really was a monster. James and Sirius could not stop laughing and all Remus could do was think that they had no idea what they had just started. This meant war, and they were on the losing side.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
Hermione was hungry, pissed off and embarrassed in her mind it was a lethal cocktail. Who the fuck did they think they were… her friends certainly not. She would have the last laugh and they would learn that pranking her would be prohibited from now until forever. Hermione Jean Granger would make those idiotic Neanderthals regret making her the punch line of some stupid insensitive and quick frankly cruel joke. In order to pull of the elaborate plan Hermione would need some help, and there was only one woman up for the job. Seeking Lily out Hermione allowed herself to feel the hurt that had festered deeper down in her chest. How could Remus have condoned this behavior? He was hurting just as much as she was and yet he allowed her to be further humiliated. He shagged her then ended their relationship; if that was not enough he found it appropriate to shame her. Well that ended now this was war.
'Hermione what is wrong with hair?' Lily gasped as she took in the outlandish and unnatural shade of her best friend's hair. Hermione felt eerily calm after her initial outburst. An older Hermione might have cried uncontrollably but this version of herself was seeing things crystal clear. Her tone was menacing as she replied and asked Lily for her help.
'Long story, how do you feel about revenge and some fun?' the next words were music to Hermione's ear, without hesitation or even fully knowing what she had planned Lily had her back.
'I'm in what do you need me to do' a smile spread across the scheming girls faces as they planning and plotted against the male marauders. Revenge is a dish best served cold and bitch this was Antarctica. The boys had no idea what was coming and that was just the way Hermione liked it.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
It was a simple Monday morning when James and Remus emerged from their dorm looking madder than hell, with fluorescent green hair. The busy room paused and began laughing at the two pranksters. It was a remarkable sight, as the pranker's became the pranked. It was just been an added bonus that the girls had stolen every stitch of clothing they owned except for a transfigured Slytherin tie and a set of matching boxers. Unable to contain their laughter Lily and Hermione clutched their sides in the euphoric hysteria.
'What the fuck Hermione' Remus snapped. If he had not been, such a dick Hermione might actually feel, guilty however, that was not their circumstance and he had in fact been a dick. As her laughter died down Hermione wiped her tears away.
'Aww green is definitely your color boys; I think the sorting hat didn't do you a fashionable justice. It really makes your eyes pop' Lily giggled beside her. It had been her idea to dye their hair but Hermione's to steal their clothes, the Slytherin thing was their collective brain child. The saying go hell hath no fury like a women scorned.
'Cut the crap, where are our clothes' James demanded in such a way that Hermione could swore she could see his hair crackle with electricity and anger. It was becoming clear they could not give as good as they got. Hermione couldn't help but wonder how Sirius was dealing with it all, if anything she was looking forward to his reaction the most. The thought of forcing him into the green and silver, might have been cruel considering she knew his feelings towards the house. Still she would have loved to see his face when he woke up this morning.
'Hanging the courtyard and in varying other locations around the school, think of it like a twisted game of hide and go seek' smiling viciously Hermione took a moment to admire their handy work. If this is the rush that any of her friends got when it came to pranking, she could see how it was addictive. Seeing the planning come to fruition was truly rewarding especially because they deserved it.
'I must admit Vixen you got us good, but I think you could do better really' there was an audible gasp from the room. It was as though everything in that moment froze as Hermione followed the pointing fingers. Standing at the bottom of the stairs in his full naked glory was Sirius with nothing but a smile on his face. It took everything in her will not to look down immediately. Just breathe, just breathe she repeated to herself. It pissed Hermione off that her efforts would be overshadowed by his shamelessness. Trying to gather enough control of her shaky limbs Hermione stood from the comfortable red chair.
'Please you know I bet your petty prank tenfold, no need to be so green with jealousy Pads, just admit you're impressed'
'Oh sweet girl I am very impressed, but I have a more burning question. How did you get all of our hair this color' with shaky steps Hermione closed the already small gap between her and the excruciatingly handsome and very naked Sirius. Unashamed in her movements Hermione leaned into Sirius' ear and began to whisper softly, seductively and in her opinion a little vindictively. She could feel the heat radiating from his body as she stood so close to him. Trying her hardest to ignore his nakedness, it was becoming increasingly difficult not to look down.
'Tell me one thing Sirius would it turn you on if you knew how Lily and I snuck into your room and meticulously and joyously raked over your body to get every hair. Well I am so sorry to burst your overly sexualized bubble but we slipped something into your water jug and for good measure into that contraband bottle of fire whiskey. Very naughty by the way. Although I must confess I am rather upset that you refused to wear the tie at the very least'
'I just wish he was wearing the boxers' Lily couldn't look him in the eye. Hermione wondered if this was the first time, she was seeing a naked boy. Laughing to herself Hermione finally allowed herself to take in his amazingly toned body in its full glory. If she was completely honest, she could see why he had been so popular with the girls within Hogwarts. Now her only curiosity is if he truly knew how to use it. she would have to ask one of his many conquests.
'I would not dare do something as violating as that Lily, the fact those two did still makes me sick' he motioned towards the more modest James and Remus. Hermione could feel there was an air of truth behind his mockery.
'At least cover yourself' Lily pleaded as she still awkwardly stared at the celling. Hermione thought the confidence Sirius had in himself and his appearance was actually somewhat sexy. Not that she would ever admit that to him that is.
'I usually go commando anyway. What's the matter girls don't like what you see' his intense silver gaze raked over Hermione. Was he seriously flirting with her right now, as he stood buck ass naked in their common room? For the briefest of moment, Hermione truly debated about whether or not to respond. Ultimately she decided to throw caution to the wind she was newly single lets have some fun.
'Never said that' she lowered her voice and bit her lip. His shift was encouraging, as he looked ready to engage in their regular flirty banter, until he brought her back to the crushing reality.
'Careful love you have a boyfriend remember' there it was again, Remus and Hermione's lie. Immediately she withdrew, not wanting the raw nerve to be plucked and played with. For a moment, she saw concern on his face. Had he noticed the change after all, had they not given James and Sirius enough intellectual credit? Before she had another chance to speak or even, think a stern and all too familiar voice brought Hermione back to the situation at hand. Standing with arms crossed and a disapproving glare was Professor McGonagall.
'I think they have seen enough Mister Black' if they hadn't already been in trouble the Sirius' next words would have sealed their fates.
'Minnie how lovely it is to see you' shaking her head and face palming Hermione wondered how he could truly be that stupid. It was people like Sirius that gave Gryffindor's a horrible and reckless reputation. Hufflepuffs were kind, Ravenclaws were smart, Slytherins were ambitious but Gryffindor's were irresponsible bold and brawny.
'I expect all five of you in my office in ten minutes and for Merlin's sake put some clothes on' McGonagall's voice was icy, as a small first year dropped a stack of familiar clothing at the boys' feet. The Professors look was one of pure disappointment; it was a look Hermione knew all too well unfortunately. At least there was a comfort in her troublemaking. No matter what time it was at least she was being consistent.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
As the train pulled away from the Hogsmead station Hermione couldn't believe just how quickly the time had passed as the delicate snowflakes fell from the sky. She could have sworn that just yesterday it had been mid-November. Standing in McGonagall's office receiving their detentions. It had all been worth it in Hermione's eyes of course no matter how long she'd been paying for the crime. Thankfully, Minerva was able to reverse all four of them back to their natural hair colors. However not before James asked for a photo of his rag tag group of friends. Begrudgingly McGonagall agreed. She would have to ask James for a copy. It was moments like this she wished that she could share with Harry. Telling him about his crazy family. Hermione still felt guilt over the amount of time she was spending with Sirius, James and Lily. It always should have been Harry who had this time not her.
The closer the train came to Kings Cross the tighter the knot in Hermione's stomach became. She had only briefly met Mr. and Mrs. Potter and now she was going to be spending Christmas with them. Was that odd, should she have protested harder? What had James told them about her? What had they told him about her? They were members of the Order, would they not approve of her friendship with their son? As the questions swirled in her head, Hermione was finding it harder and harder to breathe. Was the cabin getting smaller, or was it in her head? Quickly excusing herself Hermione needed somewhere to breathe. She did not usually have panic attacks. How is it she can face a great evil like Tom Riddle but some perfectly nice people reduce her to a ball of nerve. There had to be several screws loose somewhere in her head. Making her way to the bathroom Hermione bolted the door closed as she sunk to the cold tiled floor. Barely regulating her breathing she heard three small taps at the door before an unexpected voice called her name.
'Hermione, are you all right? You shot out of the room pretty quickly and I just wanted to make sure you were okay?' she really did not want him to see her like this shaking on the bathroom floor like a damsel in distress. She would give anything for him to just walk away. Trying her hardest Hermione tried to have her voice sound like her regular self however, it failed. The voice that answered was shaky and weak.
'I'm fine James just give me a minute' wiping the tears from her eyes Hermione tried her best to control her shaking body as it convulsed involuntarily. Her breathing refused to steady
'Just open the door Vixen I know you are not okay please, oh god please open the door' unlocking the door ever so lightly James slipped through the gap. Immediately his face paled seeing Hermione in this state. Without another word, he sunk to his knees and hugged her close as she cried harder 'I'm here Hermione, I'm here just take some deep breathes. In and out, are you okay? You're not going to be sick or anything are you?' His hazel eyes swam with worry and affection. He really did look sickeningly like Harry. Hermione hugged tighter. For a moment, she could almost pretend it was Harry hugging her rather than his father. Pulling away from him, she couldn't look him in the eyes as he sat beside her. Instead, she focused on the outdated tiles on the floor.
'No I am fine it's just overwhelming really'
'Does it have anything to do with your break up with Moony?' her head snapped up meeting his non-judgmental eyes immediately. So many questions swam through her mind all within seconds. How long had he known? Did Sirius know? Why hadn't he said anything? Did Remus disclose it? Hermione needed some answers to her questions before she went mad, she decided to start simply and the work her way up to the heavier stuff.
'How long have you known' A small smile crossed his face as he answered the question. James had held his card so close to his chest. It was something that was very Slytherin of him especially because he waited to reveal his hand when it was most beneficial to him. Of course, Hermione knew better than to say this aloud to the often-proud James.
'Since just after the party, honestly I find it insulting that you two just sulked around. Sirius still does not know bless him' his smile never wavered, that was something of great comfort to Hermione as she felt like a raw nerve. For so long she had been lying to her friends (again). It felt as though this was the moment that Hermione could finally let some of her guilt and anguish.
'It doesn't have to only do with that by the way. It is just a mixture of things. It is just hard right now. I miss everyone from my time so much, and there is the guilt I feel over just being here. Your kid James was the one of the greatest people I had ever met, he deserves to be here to know his family. Yet here I am getting to spend so much time with the people with whom he had so little and now I am going to spend the holidays with his Dad, Grandparents and godfather. It just isn't fair.' Taking her hand in his James squeezed her tightly. With his free hand he directed her face and gaze to look at him as a single tear rolled down his cheek.
'You know I never really thanked you for what you have sacrificed so much for my family. it couldn't be easy for you, to make it worse if you do change things then you will be the only one to live with the knowledge of what happened, that is no small thing. You talk about how my son was brave Hermione yet I think you are the bravest person I have ever known. You are so smart, compassionate and selfless, god if my son had a friend like you it makes me hopeful about who he was, and maybe this time around I will be able to be a part of his life. You too of course good old Aunty Vixen. If you ever want to talk about anything Hermione, you know you can come to any of us and we will listen. I cannot imagine what it would be like for you, to be here having to leave everything you have ever know behind' his words wrapped around her like a warm hug.
'Being honest I never even thought twice about it, we were at war in the castle and I had been given a mission in case we were going to lose. Well the rest you know.'
'You are incredible Hermione and I meant that. I just regret that he never knew his mum or me. You should never feel guilt though Vix that is not right, you are here for him and all the others that you lost. As for being overwhelmed if it happens again just find me and I will do everything to help you, that is my promise' leaning her head onto his shoulder they didn't move for a long time. Hermione was unsure when her shaking stopped, all she knew was that her mission was clearer than ever and she could not wait to be Harry's Aunty Vixen.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
By the time, the train pulled into Kings Cross station a weight had been lifted from Hermione's shoulders. Maybe Christmas was not going to be so bad after all. Not waiting for Remus or Sirius, James took her hand and led Hermione through the crowded halls of the train. He must had bumped or rammed into at least a dozen people as he fought to be the first one to step onto the platform. There was just something infectious about James' joy. As the door opened James shot out like a cork popping from a champagne bottle. Hermione ran with him eager to keep up. He was leading her to the two faces that she knew to be his parent Dorea and Charlus Potter. Dorea didn't hesitate to pull her son into a hug even his father did the same.
'Mum, Dad this is the latest addition to the Marauders, Vixen otherwise known as Hermione Granger'
'Lovely to see you again dear' Dorea Potter was a beautiful woman with raven black hair and warm grey eyes. She looked like a Black, but Hermione was sure that, that was where the likeness would end. The stories that an older Sirius had told of this women was nothing less than admirable. Dorea Potter was nothing like her maiden namesakes. Even in their short interactions that much was clear. Instead of judgement and exclusion, Dorea practiced love and acceptance. 'Likewise Mrs. Potter thank-you for hosting me this Christmas'
'Fuck I forgot you guys met before last summer at the super-secret meetings' As Remus and Sirius caught up to the small group of people a large smile came over Dorea's face as she pulled them both into a bone-crushing hug. Hermione knew enough about Remus and Sirius' home lives to know that the Potters are who they considered their real families. It was nice to see the light in their eyes compared to the older and broken men that she had known.
'James Charlus Potter you mind your language' Dorea scolded her son as Remus, Sirius and Hermione all began laughing. James' cheeks flushed red at his mother's words and his friend's mockery. Their laughter however was interrupted by a voice that made Hermione's blood run cold. It was one that she knew all too well. It was Walburga Black the current matriarch of the Black family and mother to Sirius and Regulus. Hermione had spent enough time at Grimmauld place to know her shrill and often foul language.
'Blood traitors and mud blood lovers the lot of them, you Sirius had such potential instead you chose to be a stain and disgraceful blemish on the noble and ancient house of Black and to think you were our heir' Ushering her children behind her Dorea stepped forward shielding them from the robust woman. Whatever warmth had been there but moment ago was now gone. Calmly and without emotion Dorea surprised Hermione with probably that best verbal smack down, she had ever heard.
'Hello Walburga how unfortunate it is too hear you still spouting that idiotic bigoted purist idealogoly with such conviction. Truly, it is a shame you mistook me or my family for someone who cares about you misguided and repugnant cause you toad-faced wench. Now have a very Merry Christmas. Come now children' with those last words, Dorea gathered her children and their belongings escorting them away from an infuriated looking Walburga. Hermione wished Harry had been here to see the conviction in his grandmother's eyes and her fierce love and protection of those whom she loved.
This Christmas was not going to that bad at all.
