Hi, everyone here is the latest chapter. I am currently working on my other story as well and I hope to have a new chapter up by Wednesday (AEST), but for now enjoy.
Hermione gasped as the black car pulled into the long gravel driveway of Potter Manor. The driveway was lined with snow covered pine trees and immaculately manicured hedges. She wondered what the grounds would look like in the spring or summer. Perhaps she would ask James if she could come back for summer break. She would love to see the grounds in full bloom.
'Welcome back to Potter Manor Vixen' James smiled as he took Hermione's hand and pointed towards his house. If you could even call it a house. A mansion would be closer the truth. The dusting soft white snow only enhanced the magical nature of the two-story house. From the outside, the creamy yellow tones looked as though they had been spun from gold from a distance. Adding to the lavish nature of the home was the two marble pillars that framed the large double doors. The large gothic looking bay windows framed the house with even some of the ivy growing over them. Hermione wondered what it looked like on the inside as the sun set on a clear night. The excitement began to swell in her chest, as Hermione remembered the Potter's extensive library.
As the car came to a stop and each James still holding her hand led her through the large double doors and into the houses entryway. If Hermione though the outside of the house was beautiful then clearly she had never been inside. The sheer vastness of the open space was enough to astound Hermione. Her head was spinning as she looked around the room. The marble floors was beautifully accented with warm brown timber features of the large winding staircase on left side of the room that lead to a Juliet style balcony on the second floor. The wall on the staircase was completely covered in photos. What The subjects were exactly Hermione was unable to make out, though later she looked forward to studying them. However, by far her favorite feature of the room was the large crystal chandelier that hung in the void space. A smile spread across her face as she noticed a number of small rainbows filled the room. Hermione wished Harry could see this. He would be embarrassed but still amazed. A noise that sounded like the crack of a whip snapped Hermione from her admiration. She had heard this sound before, turning to the stairs Hermione saw an elf appeared on the bottom step. Hermione immediately noticed that this elf looked unlike other house elves she had ever seen. Her features were typical of many house elves (the large bat like ears, big tennis ball like eyes on a delicate and gangly frame that was no more than two to three feet tall) but this elf was wearing a clean light blue dress that looked made just for her.
'Young master has come home Pinky is most pleased. Young master James must stop growing so fast soon he will have no need for Pinky. Sirius Black sir you too grow too fast, for Pinky's liking you must too stop. Pinky remembers when young master and Sirius Black was eleven and caused much trouble oh yes. Remus Lupin sir, Pinky needs to make you something to eat much too thin you are. Pinky made your favorite chocolate cake. Who is this young Miss. Pinky has not met young Miss before' her high pitch voice was almost sing song-y in her excitement and it made Hermione's stomach turn.
'Pinky this is Hermione Granger, please treat her like you would treat any of James' friends. She will be staying with us for the holidays. Now would you please bring in their trunks from the car' Charlus asked with a smile as Pinky beamed up to her master. It made Hermione feel sick that Pinky served the Potter patriarch so gleefully.
'Yes Mr. Charlus then Pinky wants to help Hermione Granger get ready for dinner. Pinky will do Hermione Grangers hair. Pinky always wanted a Young Mistress for Pinky to look after. Oh yes Pinky is much excited for Hermione Granger to stay for the holidays' with another crack the little elf was gone. Hermione would have to talk to Mrs. Potter about perhaps allowing her to get ready on her own. Once Pinky was gone, Dorea dismissed her husband and the boys asking Hermione to please stay behind. Without needing another word, the marauders ran up the stairs like a pack of wild and unruly animals. Hermione had been waiting for this moment from the second she had received her invitation. Taking a deep steadying breath Hermione turned to Dorea Potter. With an inquisitive almost daunting tone as Hermione had become soberly aware that she was alone.
'James has told us a lot about you Hermione, of course we too already know about you thanks to our mutual friend Albus Dumbledore' the weight of Dorea's eyes and words made Hermione shift uncomfortably. She had heard stories about Dorea from the adult Sirius but it was another thing entirely to be standing in front of her. Everything about her oozed confidence and intimidation. Her steel grey gaze narrowed in on her looking for a sign weakness. From what Hermione could tell and remember, she was a fiercely protective of those she held dearest. This surely had to be a test and Hermione refused to fail. Rather than allowing her the further pleasure, she squared her shoulders and stood up tall and proud before she answered the Potter matriarch.
'I have many friends at Hogwarts Mrs. Potter. One of them happens to be the headmaster, but others do include James, Sirius and Remus furthermore, I must thank you for inviting me to your home for the holidays. It was truly an honor' Hermione remained guarded as she waited for the next comment. However, she was not expecting a smile to spread across Dorea's lips.
'Call me Dorea please Hermione. You are truly one of a kind aren't you? Now enough of this I will give you a tour of the house before I show you to your room. After all the last time you were here, I was unable to show you more' although she smiled to Hermione's face Dorea Potter was going to watch the young woman like a hawk. It would be a foolish move to underestimate the Potter matriarch, and that was one thing Hermione knew for sure. Round one might be over but it would only be a matter of time before round two. Let the games begin.
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True to her word, Dorea Potter gave Hermione a tour of her "humble home". It took the better part of an hour for the tour to conclude. Hermione had been shown the homes two studies, library, large kitchen, formal and informal dining rooms, a banquet hall, six bedrooms each with their own adjoining bathrooms, the sitting room and family living room plus 3 full independent bathrooms. Her head was spinning as she was astounded by the houses size and beauty. She had thought to herself more than once home immaculate the home was that it could not possibly get any more beautiful, or for that matter any bigger, but then there was always another room. How in the hell was Hermione going to remember where her room was, let alone anywhere else. Dorea then led Hermione up the stairs and down a long corridor Hermione counted the number of doors they passed until they stopped outside of a set of white double doors.
'And this is where you will be staying now and in the future when you come to stay' As Dorea opened, the double doors Hermione could hardly believe that while she stayed here this would be her room. The white wooden four post-canopied bed was the central point of the pale pink painted room and for good reason. There was a smaller version of the crystal chandelier from downstairs hanging at the foot of her bed. On her bedside tables, were fresh red roses seemed to draw the room together. She had a sizable vanity against the wall that led to the ensuite and walk in robe. This room was lager then most apartments. However, the cherry on top of it all were the long chiffon curtains that had been drawn back from the double doors that lead to her private balcony to let the light in of late December in. Was this really going to be her room? If it was a dream, she hoped to never wake up.
'It's beautiful, although I fear that the word doesn't do it justice. Thank you Mrs. Po… I mean thank you Dorea, truly' Dorea simply smiled as Hermione offered her thanks.
'Think nothing of it my dear you have become quite important to our son, he tells us about you often. However, you would know that I fear for his safety given I know the reason behind your presence here' as though it were a boxing match, Hermione heard the bell ring. Ding, ding time for round two.
'I would never knowingly put him in danger; he has become important to me too.'
'Are you in love with my son Hermione?' Dorea looked coldly at Hermione as if she was searching for something. Was she looking for Hermione's feelings towards her son? Alternatively, she was fishing to see just how much James knew about her mission in the past.
'James and me oh god no, I mean no offense but I know he has feelings for someone else' Hermione could feel Dorea searching her features for a tell, that would somehow give her away. Nonetheless, Dorea would have to try a lot harder if she wished for more information. Not looking away for a moment a cunning smile crossed Dorea's lips. She looked eerily like a cat about to pounce on the canary and Hermione didn't like that she was said bird.
'I wasn't just talking about James; I have heard you dated Remus. Do you love him?' Hermione was about to answer her question, when she realized something wrong with her wording.
'You used the past tense'
'Clever girl' Dorea unwavering in her stare, as her smirk grew larger. There were many things Hermione had been called in her life and clever was certainly one of them. Although she doubted this would be the last thing that Dorea would call her before the holidays were over.
'Sly lady' Hermione retorted mimicking her smile. At least this Christmas was not going to be dull.
'I was a Slytherin after all, anyway my dear I will leave you to freshen up before dinner. It will be served at seven' with her final words she gracefully glided from the room leaving Hermione in the first moment of silence she'd had all day. There was one thing for sure; Hermione would forever remember the Christmas of 1975.
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It was close to six o'clock when Pinky appeared at Hermione's door eagerly wanting to help her get ready for dinner. Not wanting to cause a ruckus, she let the ecstatic elf into her room. The pushy elf practically dragged her to the vanity were she began working on Hermione's for tonight's dinner. Pinky was half way through doing her hair when the vile knot in Hermione's stomach became too much for her bare.
'Pinky are you a free elf or are you owned by the Potters?' Hermione asked so quickly that Pinky stopped what she was doing. For what felt like a long time, Pinky simply stared at Hermione with her large blue eyes before she answered the curious girl.
'Pinky is a free elf Hermione Granger, Pinky was set free by Mistress when she first came to the manor after Mistress married Master' a smile of relief crossed Hermione's face before she felt the need to ask another question that was burning the tip of her tongue.
'Why did you stay after she freed you?' the little elf smiled as she told Hermione about how she became a free elf and why she stayed.
'Pinky have nowhere to go. Old Mistress was mean to Pinky but new Mistress was kind. Pinky looked after Mistress when she was a baby, then she looked after young master too. Pinky could never leave her family. Pinky loves them very much and they love Pinky too'
'Do they pay you for your work?' a look of disgust crossed Pinky's face as though Hermione had asked something perverted or wrong.
'They try but Pinky not want money. Pinky throws it back at them when they try. All Pinky wants is to look after Mistress and her family. That means Pinky now looks after Hermione Granger like she looks after young master'
'If it would make you happy Pinky you can do my hair while I stay here. Would that make you happy?'
'It would make Pinky very happy Hermione granger' without another word, Pinky resumed the near impossible task of taming Hermione's hair. Pinky had been pulling, pinning and twisting her hair for what felt like forever or at least the better part of an hour before Pinky announced that she was finally done. When she looked at the finished product in the mirror, Hermione was astounded. Her often-unruly mane had been tamed into an elegant French twist with some small curls surrounding her face.
'You did a wonderful job, it looks lovely'
'Pinky knows she is just that wonderful. Pinky will leave young Miss. Hermione to get dressed. Donner is in twenty minutes' with a loud crack pinky was gone.
Hermione knew exactly what she was going to wear to dinner. Looking through her trunk Hermione was glad to see she remember to pack the red dress Lily had given her for her birthday. Now seemed like a good a time as any to wear it. Stripping from her bell-bottom jeans and simple white top Hermione was just about to put the dress on when the doors to her room swung open with an almighty thud and her three friends entered the room. Turning to the boys, she put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
'So much for knocking. Can I help you?' the looks on each of their faces were vastly different. James was modest and refused to look anywhere but actually at Hermione in her half naked state. It eerily reminded her of lily when Sirius was naked in the common room. The was nothing Remus had not seen before however there was two things that seemed to cross his face, one was embarrassment but the other was longing. Now as for Sirius, the unashamed young man took his time raking his eyes over her body. Taking in every curve and every detail, he could before she threw them out 'All right everyone out, the peep show is over get out' Hermione said as she tried to usher the boys to the door.
'And what a peep show it has been but If you give me a minute Kitten I could be in the same state of undress' Sirius winked at her as he backed up not wanting to take one moment of her nakedness for granted. Rolling her eyes Hermione quickly fired back.
'Funny Sirius I heard a rumor you only lasted a minute now get out' with a final shove, Hermione pushed the boys into the hall and slammed the doors. There was a small swell of pride in her chest as she finished getting dressed. At least the day had not been boring and to think they had yet to have dinner.
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A soft knock came from Hermione's door as she was slipping her foot into the simple pair of black pumps Marlene had loaned her for the holidays.
'Come in' Hermione called as the door opened Hermione was surprised to see Charlus Potter.
'Good evening Miss Granger you look lovely, I was wondering if you would mind me escorting you to the dining room. I know my wife showed you around earlier but I also know it can be confusing to find your way if one is unfamiliar with the house'
'That would be lovely, thank you Mister Potter and please call me Hermione'
'As long as you call me Charlus in return'
'Deal' he held out his arm as Hermione gladly took it. On their way to the dining room, Charlus and Hermione talked about their favorite books and music. As wells as what Charlus did and what Hermione wanted to do once she left Hogwarts. It was easier to talk to Charlus; there was no motive he simply asked out of curiosity. By the time, they reached the dining room they had been laughing and talking like old friends rather the new acquaintances. Charlus ever the gentle men pulled out the seat for Hermione next to Remus before he took his place at the head of the table. Sitting directly across from her was Sirius whom had a smirk of mischief on his face.
'Nice dress Hermione but I must say I much rather what you were wearing before' Sirius winked at Hermione for the second time that evening. James who was sitting next to Sirius elbowed him as hard as he could in the ribs. Her son's sudden action peaked Dorea's interest as she asked a question.
'And what did you like about her outfit Sirius?' collectively the boys began to trip over each other's words before Hermione looked at Dorea and answered her question honestly.
'Well you see Dorea, the boys burst into my room without knocking first while I was getting dressed. So Sirius is referring to how they saw me in my underwear' Hermione answered a matter-of-factly. Standing from his place with the Daily Prophet in hand Charlus walked around the table smacking each boy on the back of the head with his paper before taking his seat again. Hermione and Dorea both laughed at the older man's actions, but more than that Hermione didn't know why not one of the at least tried to duck. No sooner had Charlus sat down pinky came in and with a snap of her fingers, a delicious dinner appeared. Hermione's mouth watered, as she smelt the lovely lamb roast with all the trimmings. The conversation came easily as they spoke about the shenanigans the foursome had gotten into during the year.
'Honestly Mum Hermione was wicked all we had was a tie and boxers in the Slytherin colors. Sirius refused to put them on so he just walked into the common room buck ass naked'
'Well it appears Hermione is not one to be meddled with. I hope you three learnt you lessons' Dorea said as she looked at each of the boys. James and Remus both nodded whereas Sirius was clearly a slow learner.
'Hardly just you wait to see what I have planned for her' he laughed
'Of course it would be you Sirius. You are the real troublemaker in this group but I would expect nothing less from you. Us Blacks were made to give them hell' Dorea smiled with admiration at her son. Hermione had heard from the older Sirius that the Potters were his real family but it was another thing to see it. It made her heart swell in her chest. Dorea really did see Sirius and Remus as her sons. No matter how many times Hermione had to play the game with Dorea it was all because she loved her sons, just as much if not more than Hermione.
'Hold on I'll be back in a minute. Mum, Dad am I excused' with a nod from his parents James ran from the room only to return moments later with a photo in hand. It was the one James begged McGonagall to let him take, when each of their hair was dyed a horrific color. Passing it around the table each person laughed at their loved ones. The stab of guilt in her stomach however over shadowed the joy for Hermione. The Potters were kind people whom had opened their home to a near stranger like Hermione without question. It hurt Hermione deeply that Harry had never been able to experience his family the way Hermione was. Before she could catch herself, tears escaped Hermione's eyes wiping them away quickly she excused herself from the table so rapidly that her chair toppled over. It was not her finest moment, nor was it one she was particularly proud of. Kicking her heels off at the base of the stairs Hermione ran to her room not stopping until she was on her balcony heaving in the cold December air. Her lungs burned with the frosty air rapidly entering her chest. Unaware by how much time had passed Hermione feverishly started taking down her hair not caring where the numerous bobby pins landed.
'Well you sure left quickly I swear there was still a smoke outline down there like in the muggle cartoons' Sirius' familiar voice filled her ears as she tried to clear the tears from her cheeks.
'I bet there was. God I was so stupid to think I could come here and act normally. I shouldn't be here' A soft laugh filled Sirius' chest as he stood next to hermione on the balcony, each of their breathes caused condensation in the icy winter air.
'James told Moony and me about what happened on the train' hermione started laughing not out of humor, but discomfort.
'Of course he did, you know he gossips like a little old lady' she smiled as she looked towards Sirius for the first time since he'd joined her.
'I know but that is off topic. Was it guilt about Harry?'
'Pretty much. Harry would have loved all of this all he ever wanted was a family who loved him. He was raised by some terrible muggles after James' death. I feel greedy for spending so much time with each of you when it should have been him sitting there not me. He was so selfless even until the end. I try to remember I am here for from and the other but it just gets to be too much at times' it was pointless in trying to stop the tears running down Hermione's face, she just hoped that they would stop on their own soon enough. Sirius pulled hermione into his arms and hugged her tightly before speaking to her again.
'Like you said Hermione you're here for him. When you first told us about where and when you were from you told us that the future could have changed in unspeakable ways, for all you know you have already done enough to ensure that Harry will have the family you say he deserves. You are an incredible woman Hermione and you too deserve to be happy. So promise me something try to find some happiness here with us. Let go of the guilt you say he was the most selfless person you knew, well Vix you are the most selfless person I know' she leaned into Sirius finally allowing herself to let go of some of her guilt. It would take some time but allow herself to be truly happy but that was ok' hermione hugged him back as tightly as she could and her tear flowed freely. He dared not move as they stood that way for a while until Sirius felt Hermione's small frame shiver in his embrace. Picking hermione up he cradled her in his arms as a groom would carry his bride and Sirius took her to bed. Putting her down to help her out of her dress, Sirius tucked Hermione under the covers before closing the balcony door. Just before he left Sirius heard hermione all but whisper to him.
'Don't leave yet…please just wait until I fall asleep' giving into her Sirius took off his dinner shoes and laid on top of the covers before he spooned Hermione. Just before, she fell asleep Sirius whispered in her ear.
'I really like your lacy boy shorts Kitten, the others like them too so you know' the last thought hermione had before she fell asleep that night was how Sirius couldn't help himself he just had to ruin the sincere moments.
Hope you enjoyed it I will try to update again soon.
For now though Allons-y
