Hello everyone, so another chapter…YAY. So far I am keeping to my schedule, one chapter a month. The below was a surprisingly hard chapter for me to write so I hope you like it. Leave a review, favour or follow it really does keep the motivation going. Allons-y
In the weeks following the attack on Severus, by the lake the boys had tried and so far failed to earn Hermione and Lily's forgiveness. They had apologised to them, turned themselves in for detention and even attempted to apologise to Severus himself. The last offering had only ended poorly as they were unable to contain their collective anger at each other for the act to be considered genuine. Their efforts had not gone unnoticed by Hermione of course but she was still unwilling to fully forgive them. Not after she'd held Lily that night as she cried for the loss of Severus. Lily had defended him at every turn, she'd loved him as a brother, he was her childhood best friend and her first link to the magical world and he'd ruined it with one sentence. Past that first night neither girl wanted to talk about the incident. They'd both been there and now were living with the damage. They tried to get on with the last remaining weeks of the school year. Lily was increasingly keen to be rid of this place for the three months of summer. Though Hermione was less than eager to be back at Potter manor with her brother. It was on a relatively quiet night in the girl's dorm room, when a nervous looking Alice walked into the room. Hermione noticed trouble immediately. There was something that Ali didn't want to say to either one or both of them. It was written all over her face.
"Lily…Severus is outside." Lily stiffened at the mention of his name. He'd been following her for the better part of two weeks begging her for forgiveness. Lily hadn't wavered for a moment. It was honestly sort of frightening just how cold she'd become towards him. It also made Hermione anxious to never be on the receiving end of one of her deathly glances "He's threatening to sleep there unless…he speaks with you. We've tried to get him to leave but…" Lily took a deep calming breath and smiled at Alice. This was the scary calm Lily. It was probably the most terrifying form of Lily that there was, because you never knew how it would end.
"Thank you for telling me Alice. Hermione come with me please?" Her cold emotionless voice told Hermione this was more for his safety then Lily's. She would be less likely to hex or curse his bollocks off if she had someone else there. Severus's threats had drawn a crowd to the common room. It was pathetic really, they all hoped for a spectacle so they could say that they'd witnessed it all first hand. Hermione and Lily ignored them all as they made their way out of the common room and portrait. Lily's face contorted with pain as she saw Severus standing there. The wounds were still too fresh. She wasn't ready to forgive him or deal with whatever dramatics he had in store for her. Hermione couldn't help but feel pity for him. He looked at her like a man lost in a desert dying of dehydration and she was the oasis. His voice sounded so very desperate.
"Lily"
"You need to go." Her icy demeanour never shifted. It was dangerous and senseless for him to have mad a threat like that tonight. The light immediately left his eyes. He knew his effort here had been in vain. Lily wasn't ready to forgive him. Hermione wondered if he hadn't pushed her, if he hadn't desperately and embarrassingly sought her forgiveness like this would things have made a difference?
"Please I didn't mean it…it's all Potter's…everything changed when she came here"
"ENOUGH!" Lily shouted and his words stopped. No more excuses, no more defences. It was just the broken young and foolish man. "Don't you dare try and blame anyone but yourself for those vile words. You said the words Severus. Were you under Imperious, did they make you?" he couldn't look her in the eyes. The guilt radiated from him. "That's what I thought" Lily's façade was cracking her anger was giving way to hurt. "You need to leave me alone Sev. Please, I can't do this anymore." Without another word Lily, she left them, shouting a rather large number of creative and colourful curses at the busybodies eavesdropping on display. As the portrait door closed, Hermione turned to him. His held so much hurt and regret. But more than that they held understanding. He'd finally understood what Hermione had tried to warn him against in the Room of Requirement.
"You knew this would happen. That we…that I would ruin our friendship." He didn't look at her directly and Hermione's heart contacted in her chest.
"I told you what I knew. That you needed to control your emotions and your mouth. But you didn't and now we are here." They stood in silence for a moment, neither being able to admit to the other how they'd failed.
"I will still do as you asked, but my conditions have changed." Hermione finally met his gaze. This young man standing in front of her looked eerily like her older potions master in this moment. His features and his voice hardened.
"And what do you want?"
"Her happiness and safety." His words caught her off guard. He really loved Lily far more then he'd ever meant to. Just like with Lily, Hermione surveyed the loss that Snape had just sustained. Though it was of his own making she couldn't help but feel for him. Severus had lost the only person whom had treated him with kindness and like an equal. It was hard for Hermione to consider there to be any winner in any of this. All she could see was pain, anguish and regret.
"I will do everything I can." Hermione agreed as she extended her hand. With a slight smile on his lips, Severus knew that she would do everything she could. He was not the only person whom loved Lily Evans. Holding his head high, they both knew what needed to be done next. This was where they would go their separate ways at least publically.
"You're a good man Severus"
"I know." His head hung low as he left Hermione standing there alone. He may not have ever wanted to admit it, by Severus Snape had the mind of a snake but the heart of a lion.
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They'd been at it for hours. Hermione was meticulous in her detail, it was endearing really. Regulus and Severus had told her all of the rumblings that had occurred within their house. It appeared the recruiting was being spearheaded by the more prominent Pureblood families, like the Malfoy's, Lestrange's, Crabbe's and even the Black's. Regulus had flinched as his own family was brought into the mix. He would need to get better at hiding his distain if he wished to survive what was coming. They had all agreed on the terms of their involvement. Regulus was unexpectedly soft-hearted in his conditions. All he'd asked for was his brother's safety and the opportunity to be free of his families clutches when it was over. Severus had been a little more opportunistic. This witch was meddling with time. He wanted to know in detail what her mission and all details of his future. Along with a guarantee that he would be protected when You-Know-Who found out about his betrayal. He never doubted for a moment that if he found out about the two young spies neither Severus nor Regulus would survive his rage.
"Severus, before you go I have just one more thing." He groaned at her words. What more could she possibly have to discuss. They had been speaking for the better part of two hours already.
"What is it Potter?" she didn't even flinch or care about the coldness in his voice. Severus was hungry, tired in every sense of the word. Hermione had unloaded a gargantuan amount of information and now she wanted to add something else. She truly was impossible.
"You care about Lily…yes?" What was she playing at? She was asking stupid questions that she already knew the answers too? Lily had been the only friend he'd ever truly had, more than that he dared to open his heart to the fact he was completely in love with her. He knew the feelings were unrequited, so he would love whatever part of her the Lily was willing to give.
"You know already, so get on with it." She was completely un-phased by his coldness, if anything she was being too level headed. Normally if he spoke to her in that manner, Hermione would become angered. This was unnerving.
"Then you need to keep a handle on your tongue and your emotions. I don't know specifics but there is an event that fractures your friendship with Lily. It will be the end of it if you aren't careful." He didn't know what to make of her words. Severus would never knowingly risk his relationship with Lily in any capacity.
"What do you know…Why are you telling me this?" his words sounded more desperate then he'd first intended. What could he possibly have done that is so bad that Lily would never forgive him? Severus couldn't imagine a possible time where Lily wasn't in his life, nor did he really want to. Lily had been there for him in some of his darkest moments.
"Because you're good person with a good heart. But even good men make mistakes. I don't know when it will happen exactly but don't let what's coming be your biggest regret." Hermione reached out to touch him hand. He hadn't notices until then just how cold he'd become.
"That was actually well said."
"I've been known to have my moments." She smiled warmly at him. Severus had been a pill to her and yet she still smiled at him.
As Severus made his way back to the dungeons he couldn't let go of the anger he felt. It wasn't directed towards anyone except himself... ok maybe there was some residual annoyance or loathing towards the idiots Black and Potter, but it was mainly towards himself. Hermione had warned him about this and he was a fool not to listen. Now he just hoped that one day he would earn Lily's forgiveness. After all even good men make mistakes.
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Word quickly spread around the school of the seemingly tragic and of several relationships had shattered. It made Sirius sick just how warped the truth had become. There wasn't even a single thread of truth left in the gossip and rumours. The six people involved, however knew the reality of the poor choices made by the Marauders. It was the latest story that had broken Sirius. As he sat in the courtyard reading a copy of Seeker Weekly, he overheard a group of particularly spiteful Ravenclaw girls spinning an obscene rendition. In this scathing tale Hermione had been involved with Severus, Sirius and Remus at the same time. Each of the boys had become so jealous that they couldn't handle it anymore. The epic scene by the lake was Sirius and Remus's way of eliminating the Slytherin competition. Had they been successful, Remus and Sirius would have duelled each other for her love. James's involvement in the fight was for his sister's honour. But what made him angrier than anything else was what made it so dramatic, was Hermione was pregnant and it was debateable whom the father was. Depending if the kid had green, grey or black eyes would tell them who her baby daddy was.
"Get a fucking life!" Sirius screamed at the three young Ravenclaws, who hadn't noticed him sitting there. Their faces paled as he swore one of them began to cry as they ran from the irate looking Gryffindor.
"I see you are making friends wherever you go these days" Her voice was a welcome and pleasing sound to his ears. It made all the anger and adrenaline leave his body instantly. Turning around Sirius had never been so glad to see Hermione, even with her hands on her hips and a disapproving look on her face. He was especially grateful that she wasn't trying to hex him again. To be fair he had definitely deserved that bat bogie hex after the singing card he sent her at breakfast last week.
"What can I say Kitten, I have a way with people and words." His cocky words had garnered an unexpected smirk. Even when she was still exceedingly mad at him, he had a way of making her smile. And he had sorely missed the gorgeous sight.
"I heard what they were saying. And while I appreciate your defence, you need to control your anger. It will get you into trouble if you aren't careful." While she scolded him, Sirius took in all of her. He didn't realise how much he'd missed her until then. He'd been too caught up in his anger to feel the full loss of her. The empty feeling in his chest threatened to consume him.
"Why are you talking to me Hermione? You haven't even spoken to Moony yet and he is apparently your boyfriend still." Too quickly he resorted to anger to hide the real pain. He thought of how badly Remus and James had reacted to the words she'd said by the lake…his future self's words. If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals. He'd committed them to his memory, in hopes that one day he would be a good man that she anticipated him could be. Prongs and Moony had become unreasonable sods since the day by the lake. James had followed Lily and Hermione around for weeks begging for forgiveness, only to earn himself several hexes and an irate lashing from Lily. But Remus, you could tell the regret was swallowing him whole. He loved Hermione, more then he could possibly say and she hadn't wanted anything to do with him.
"Well, things have been a little complicated lately. Wouldn't you agree?" Hermione looked away from him. Her words sounded strained and pain filled. Had she been missing him and the others as much as he had her? Was it wrong for him to hope for something so painful? Probably… but Moony had been an especially sad fucking sod, as of late. They'd just gotten back together when all this went down and now he was unsure of their future. "You need to learn Sirius, that every action has a consequence. What you did has had a significant impact. I have been punishing you not just because of your actions but because I failed. That however is another topic for another time. I realised that something bigger than this argument coming and when it does I need you to trust me. Can you do that?" Her deep brown eyes looked into his soul. She knew what was coming for him the moment he stepped off of the train. There was no need for a second thought. Sirius would follow Hermione into hell if he asked.
"I trust you with my life Hermione."
"Good." She went to leave him. There were no sweet words, no promises or goodbyes. If she knew what was coming for him, was this all he would have with her? It didn't sit well with him; he didn't want this small exchange to be all he had of her. Sirius needed more of her; he didn't want the last time to be the last time. If he was to become the good man she believed he could be, he first needed to be selfish. He needed her to know the truth.
"I miss you Hermione more than I should. I will become a good man that you would be proud of. Who would be worthy of you." The words slipped from his mouth with more desperation then he'd hoped to imply. She stopped. He didn't need to see her face to know she was hesitating. His words had caught her off guard. Suddenly and without warning Hermione was running towards him. Despite the fact they'd been fighting Hermione launched herself into his open and waiting arms. Hugging him tightly she whispered in his ear with a pain he'd not heard in her voice before.
"I miss you too."
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The moment Sirius stepped foot in the room, Remus smelt his girl on him. A low warning growl that rumbled in his chest. His eyes flashed amber it should have been a warning to him but Sirius ignored any sort of symbol or sign of danger. He was still trying to wrap his head around what had happened in the courtyard. The scent of her still accosted his senses and he never wanted it to leave.
"Why do you smell like Hermione?" Remus snapped. He really needed to get a grip. Moony looked positively murderous with jealous and rage. To have another bloke (particularly a sleazy best mate) smelling of his bird threatened to break him. Faster than Sirius could blink, Remus had him pegged against the wall. He knew not to take it personally with the moon being so close now. Remus wasn't fully in control of himself, it also didn't help that this entire situation held so much grief and guilt that all of them. Moony didn't know how to react anymore, especially when it came to her.
"Geez Moony…calm the hell down. Don't look at me like that. Get a handle on the wolf mate." Sirius shoved him off and Remus began to pace like a caged animal. "Hermione came and spoke to me after I lost my shit at a bunch of Ravenclaw. That's all." Remus looked him over evaluating his words for any kind of lie. Had it been anyone else he may have gone off his tree. But not Remus, he may have an emotionally unstable wolf inside of him but he was nothing if not honourable.
"Wait…Vix spoke to you. Not yelled, screamed or cursed but actually spoke?"
"Yeah, though she made it clear she's still not technically speaking to me. But she…" the words were on the tip of his tongue. He wanted to tell them of what was coming, what he was heading towards, but he couldn't bring himself to say the words. He couldn't tell him the truth. Remus already held too much darkness in his life; Sirius would not add anything more to him.
"She what?" he snapped again. He was going out of his fricking mind with angst and loss. What he felt for Hermione was real love and it was killing him that she'd spoken to Sirius first. "Why did my girlfriend talk to you before me?" His green eyes swam with self-damnation.
"Vix warned me to get my shit together that's all. It meant nothing Moony."
"It still doesn't explain why you smell like her." that was true and it was the only lie that Sirius was going to tell his friend. Clapping him on the shoulder Sirius looked Remus in the eyes and lied.
"We hugged after I told her you miss her." A faint smile played across his lips and Sirius felt a twinge of remorse. What they had was real love and he would help them come back together. That was his promise even if it was breaking his heart.
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Astronomy tower sun down- R
The four words that mirrored her own. Those four words made her heart stop beating in her chest. That morning at breakfast he gave her back the book of poetry she'd given him not too long ago. The parchment marked a page that made her heart ache. Our consciences take no notice of pain inflicted on others until it reaches a point where it gives pain to us. She hoped that it was just an accident and that he wasn't trying to tell her something using the words of a poet. Her nerves were wrecked. Just a few weeks ago in this very spot had made her so incredibly happy and now it felt broken. She hoped this was not the end of their relationship. Hermione just kept reminding herself that it was just Remus…Her Remus.
"Hi…" his voice was filled with apprehension. This was understandable given they weren't exactly on speaking terms.
"Hi to you too." Hermione smiled at him as he looked away from her. That hurt her to think of how hard things had become for them. They'd just gotten back together when everything had happened. It felt like it had shattered inside of them both. She wished it wasn't like that, she wanted more than anything for it to go back to the lazy days of joking with the boys and kissing Remus in all the hidden alcoves of the castle. She wanted things to feel as easy as breathing again.
"I wasn't sure if you'd show to be honest. But I am glad you did." He stood beside her looking over the grounds. Hermione listened in silence for a moment for the thundering sound of his heart. As he bathed in the dying suns light she couldn't help but admire the young man before her. He really was a beautiful both on the inside and out. She could only help that at the end of this conversation she could still call him hers.
"I wasn't sure if I was going to come either."
"Can we talk?" he asked hesitantly. It pained her to see him so uncertain of himself and her. It was never her purpose, and yet it seemed that she was perpetually tormenting him so. She didn't know what to do or say to break the tension.
"Aren't we already?" she joked smiling to herself, though his expression remained cold. Hermione finally felt the full weight of the situation. This wasn't going to be a light conversation in any way shape or form. She put her guards up immediately, Hermione could tell this was going to hurt. It took everything in her being not to reach for him, to make the pain etched on his disappear but this was important. "I'm sorry. Of course we can."
"Do you still want to be with me?" his voice was cold. She didn't dare look at him as the pain swelled in her chest. This was a fair question. She knew it was but it didn't make the way he'd asked it any easier. Hermione had come to love Remus more then she should have.
"Remus…"
"It should be a yes or no." his harshness cut through her deeper then she'd expected. Hermione wanted to scream herself hoarse. These words were so full of melancholy. She never wanted things to come to this to hurt him so badly that he doubted her love for him, that he would doubt her want to be with him.
"Yes…of course I want to be with you but you have to understand something." It took everything in her not to look in his eyes. She didn't want to see the pain she'd caused. He carried too much as it was. With her hands on the railings, she looked over the grounds being covered in to warm orange glow of the setting sun. "What you did was so wrong on so many levels. You broke every form of trust I had in us. It won't just come back right away you'll have to earn it. What you did to Lily and Severus was horrific." Out of the corner of her eye she saw him flinch at her words. It wasn't intentional for her to hurt him like this. If they were going to move forward from here however he needed to hear her words. "Did you ever stop to think what it is like for him? A half blood in a purist house? The only true friend he'd ever known was in Gryffindor, the rival house to his own. Severus loves Lily. He will love her until the day he dies. You want to know why I am so furious with all three of you, because this event was what drove him further into the darkness and it didn't need to be this way. But I failed and I can't fix this. So tell me now, knowing the truth what did you think that was like for him? Lily? Or me?" it was now she turned to look at Remus. His face swam with all the information she'd just offered him. His green eyes were filled with confusion and sorrow. He knew what it was like to be the outsider, to feel like you didn't belong anywhere. Had he really never considered that Snape didn't feel the same?
"We didn't think, I didn't think. When James and Sirius told me what they'd said about you, I was so angry. To know what Travers wants to do with you makes me sick and Snive…Snape was becoming your friend. He didn't say anything." Hermione bowed her head in defeat as her heart sank in her chest. He was a good person, fiercely loyal to the fault and her words hadn't penetrated his mind in the least as the anger flared in her. She couldn't speak to him like this. No matter the words she used it wouldn't matter.
"I. Don't. Care." She snapped.
"BUT I DO!" his green eyes shone amber as he looked down to her. There it was the truth. Remus had partaken in this cruel because of her. The wave of guilt washed over her. "Your mine Hermione. To protect, to trust, to respect and to love. I can't and won't accept anyone intentionally or not harming you in any way. Those words threatened your safety and did I fuck up, in the way I handled this…Yes absolutely I did. But I need I don't regret the intention behind the act. Because I love you and I will protect what's mine." Hermione pulled him into a bone crushing embrace, and the familiar and homely scent of him filled her senses. His strong embrace enveloped her fully. By god she'd missed this so very much.
"Don't be like them." She whispered into his shoulder. She knew he heard her words as his grip on her tightened.
"I'm sorry."
"I know. I love you Remus." Hermione hesitated as pulled away from him, while she was still on the tip toes she brushed her lips against his cheek. She knew if she'd kissed his lips she wouldn't have the strength to leave him. So in this simple kind gesture she hoped she conveyed just as much love and pain.
Breaking from his grip, she didn't look back as she hurried from the tower. Hermione truthfully never wanted to leave him again but knew she had to. There was too much hurt there for now too much guilt for her to deal with in a single sitting. There was something hopeful however, they would come together again. Hermione was sure of it after his declaration how could they not. This next space of time was about her healing. And she wasn't ready for to forgive herself just yet.
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Before Hermione knew it, the end of year feast was upon them. Though Hufflepuff won the house cup Gryffindor had won the Quidditch cup in spectacular fashion (the party in the common room had to be shut down by multiple professors), not to mention she also walked away with the rather lovely sum of money from the Prongs Potions betting pool much to the displeasure of several others. After her night with Remus in the astronomy the boys had made no more attempts to speak with her. A part of her was grateful; she needed the time to forgive them and herself. But as the days ticked by she found herself missing them more. However the only thing that would heal the wounds was time…and they were sorely running short of it. Part of wanted more for selfish reasons, but the other larger part of her wanted it for Sirius. She'd been delaying this final conversation, for far too long already. She wasn't used to leaving things to the last minute, if anything it made everything worse. The train was just moments away from Kings Cross and if she didn't do it now her window for opportunity would close before…before he left for the summer. She didn't even want to think about what was coming for him.
She knew the boys would be in "their" compartment at the end of the train's last carriage. She didn't know how she was going to approach this conversation. Her heart was playing a symphony on her ribs. She was being ridiculous. All she hoped to achieve here was to help and encourage Sirius, whilst also asking for his forgiveness. That's all it not like that should be too hard…right? Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep steadying breathe. She could do this, she would do this for him…always.
"Hi everyone out I need to speak with Sirius alone. No questions just trust." James and Remus looked at her with blank stares. She'd barely spoken to them in weeks. As a group they were on the way to recovering what trust had been lost in the weeks prior, but it was slow going. In this she could understand the hesitation. Remus was the first to rise hinting for James follow suit. Though her brother did so reluctantly and only after more encouragement from Sirius did he finally leave. Maybe James was smarter then she'd given him credit for. Both James and Remus stood just outside the room as Hermione slammed the compartment door and closed the blinds in a swift fluid motion. Their faces were rooted in shock as they were going to be unable to watch the exchange. It was for the best. Silently she cast all the protective enchantments and silencing spells she could think of. This was probably an overreaction, but Hermione was going to test those boundaries today.
"Protection and silencing either we are having some fun in here or we're in danger. So tell Kitten fun or danger?" his cocky smile made this even harder than she expected. This Sirius, her Sirius was about to go through something horrific and she was going to let it happen for one reason only. After all was said and done he'd be free. No more Lord Black. No more Grimmauld Place and he'd get as far away from his hideous "family" as possible.
"Don't flirt, we don't have much time." His face dropped. She didn't mean to steal his smile. It felt wrong for her to do so.
"Hermione…" Sirius sounded so worried, but it wasn't for the right person. He thought she was the one in trouble when he should be focused on himself.
"You have to be strong. Stronger then you have ever had to be before." Her heart was breaking in her chest. She hoped that after all was said and done he could forgive her for this. "Promise me that you'll come back to me. I can't…you can't"
"You know what's coming don't you?" she could see the lightbulb go off in his mind. "And you don't want to stop it?" his voice held an understandable amount of anger, but it was the uncertainty etched on his face that made her cry. If only he knew, if he knew how much guilt she carried for letting this happen. Hermione hoped that she had done enough.
"I want to stop it more than anything in this world. But I can't. That's why I'm asking you to trust that I have set something up for you. Do you trust me?"
"With my life." Three small words and Hermione couldn't fathom how he could still trust her after everything they'd been through together. Without thinking Hermione pulled him into her. Hugging him with all the strength she had. She hoped that without words that he knew that through it all, she was here for him. He returned her embrace and Hermione wished that they didn't have to let go. Because when they did she didn't know what state he would be in when they saw each other again.
"Forgive me." Hermione whispered into his ear as the train finally came to its stop. He didn't have a smug comeback for her nor had she expected one as they held each other tightly. They both knew what was coming. It had been the unspoken darkness looming over him since Christmas. Neither wanted to let the other go but they couldn't delay it any further. As they broke away his grey eyes looked into her soul with a smile. This boy was going to go through hell, and something told Hermione that he would make things intentionally difficult. If it meant he could get a rise from his family, he'd run his mouth. He didn't deserve what was coming for him and she felt an exorbitant amount of guilt for allowing it to happen. Did she have a choice? Did she choose correctly? Would he be able to forgive her actions? All questions she didn't have the answer for. She wouldn't know until they occurred and by then it would be too late. Hind sight is a bitch of a thing. Hermione reluctantly broke her defences, and as the opened the door Remus and James fell into the compartment. Sirius laughed and made a crude joke, they all laughed except for her. He was smiling and playful with the others as they all walked to exit of the Express. James and Remus unknowingly ran to the Potter parents as Hermione's heart sank. Standing by Sirius's side she took his hand. It didn't take long to find them. Just as promised, his mother and Kreacher were waiting for him. She wanted to pull him back onto the train, protect him and keep that heinous bitch away from him. But she knew no matter what Walbura Black would not be leaving without her eldest son. From the corner of her eyes Hermione could see Regulus walking to his way to his mother's side. Her heart began to race as she looked over the younger Black brother. She knew he was going to help her, she had his oath. But if she didn't have that information she would almost be afraid of the icy exterior that was staring her down. Unbeknownst to the others Regulus gave Hermione subtle and curt nod. It was his way of telling her he stood with her, thought that did very little to calm the ache in her heart.
"Kiss for good luck Kitten" Sirius joked his jovial smile did little to clear Hermione's growing concern, as she invoulaterally chuckled at his remark. If anything it made her worry even more. Sirius had a talent for running his mouth at the wrong moment. That was going to be a problem in the coming weeks. She only hoped it didn't get him killed. Hermione pulled him into another tight and unwavering hug. This would be the last piece of affection he would feel for weeks and she wanted it to be from her. Looking over his shoulder, Hermione surveyed the horrified look on the Lady Black's face. As soon as their embrace was broken a familiar cracking sound echoed in the air and the Black brothers were gone. Hermione filled with a white hot rage, as James and Remus had not had the chance to say goodbye. The robust Black matriarch made her way over to her. Walburga's arctic cold glare never waned. Had this look been directed at anyone else they may have felt, belittled and intimidated and she wasn't just anyone she was Hermione fucking Potter. Squaring her shoulders and holding her head high she stood toe to toe with the real life Walburga Black.
"You are to have nothing to do with my son now you filthy blood traitor harlot. He is taking his place as the rightful heir of the Noble house Black." Her voice perfectly matched the heinous portrait that would come to hang at Grimmauld Place. With that sinister stare, she thought she'd won and began to walk away. Did she really think that some mediocre words would turn Hermione into a shrinking violet? That was the issue with people who thought they were better than others, they would underestimate their opponents. Walbura was one of those women and Hermione was not going her have last words. Not with what she was about to do to her son. That monstrous woman didn't get that privilege.
"Walburga" Hermione shouted her words full of venom. If anyone should be afraid it was her. "I have been called worse things by better people you ignorant minging bint" had Sirius seen his mother's face Hermione was sure he would be elated and quite possibly impressed.
"You dare talk to me like that you petulant little…" Walburga raised her wand and pointed it at Hermione. Though the later refused to flinch. She would be charged for attacking a minor in front of a platform full of people. It would be too quick a punishment for her to have her wand snapped. Hermione was honestly disappointed. From what she'd heard of this snake of a woman, she thought it would be harder to get under her skin. Before any spells could leave her lips Dorea, stepped between the deranged woman and her daughter.
"I suggest you lower your wand and walk away cousin, or I will not be held responsible for my actions" Hermione admired Dorea in that moment. It was clear to see the Black crazed blood running through her veins.
"I should have known a disgusting child like this belonged to you Dorea. You were always a stain upon the family" as the two women stood off against they had begun to draw a crowd. Though Hermione didn't care who noticed at this point she refused to show an ounce of care to anyone else. "I would propose you teach this one how to treat her superiors."
"I'll let you know when I see one" Hermione could see the Black madness etching its way towards the surface. She needed to let Walburga know she would never be afraid of her. She was fighting a losing battle, and she knew it. Hermione and Dorea would never back down to an overstuffed bigoted monstrosity.
"KREACHER!" Walburga hysterically and angrily cried to her faithful house elf. All three woman knew exactly what the bitch was doing. The Black matriarch was out done by two proud blood traitors. Like a coward she was retreating. As she left Hermione knew she shouldn't have acted so brashly. But knowing what was coming for Sirius at her hand, she couldn't let that repugnant woman just walk away. Her only hope was that her words didn't add any additional pain to Sirius. That would be her only regret from their entire exchange. Dorea turned to face her. She didn't see anger or outrage in her face.
"Hermione do you understand whom you threatened dear?"
"Yes" She said with a residue of anger, as a beaming smile crossed her mother's face.
"I've never been so proud."
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Hermione had asked for dinner to be served in her room that evening much to Pinky's dismay. She'd been grateful for Dorea's approval. However she was not in the mood to eat, how could she when her stomach was knots? Ever since they left the platform Hermione had been asking herself "What if" questions. What if her words and actions had made things worse for Sirius? What if Regulus couldn't get him out? What if he ran his mouth too much and his words went too far? She'd been foolish in her carelessness. Hermione could only think of the piece of her heart that belonged to Sirius. She needed him to come back to her, if he didn't that part of her would be lost forever. Hermione hoped that Regulus would be true to his oath, if not heavens knows what would happen. Why hadn't she thought of a contingency? She cursed her oversight, it could be the difference in him living and dying. As the sun was setting she wondered where he was, if he was safe…or at least as safe as he could be with deranged madmen.
"Vix…Hermione" James stood just in the entry of her room. His voice was so broken and fragile it made her heart ache, he didn't or couldn't look her in the eye. James had been a pillar of strength for her, so to see him so distressed made whatever anger she'd held towards him instantly leave her body. Hermione leapt from her bed immediately, ignoring the sounds of cutlery and plates clanging and likely falling onto her clean linen. Let the food ruin her bed she didn't care. She needed to hold James, to keep him from completely falling apart. If he didn't have the strength to keep himself together then Hermione would give him what little of hers she had. "I'm scared." His knees gave out beneath, as she engulfed him in a tight embrace. James was ice cold as body shuddered and the tears began to fall down his cheeks. "Why didn't I…I could have… helped…and I…" he could barely form a tangible sentence. Not that he needed to, she knew what he was saying without full words. It was the same thing she'd been asking herself for months.
Why didn't she help him more? Had she done enough? Could she have done more? The worst thing was that all these questions would be answered, but by that point in time it could be too late. She just had to have faith and hope, that she had done enough for him. Because she couldn't live with the alternative.
There is trouble coming. Until next month bye
