So I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping that someday you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping for someday
-End of the Earth, Blessid Union of Souls-
Chapter One
The twenty-seven year old witch pushed herself away from the computer screen. Her story was getting to intense, too close to her heart. Bringing a cinnamon bun to her mouth, Hermione Potter chewed on the sticky dough thoughtfully. The self-therapy she prescribed brought her to retelling her story night after night to her equally insomniac computer. After living ten wonderful years as a muggle, she had been brought into a world that would eventually force her to flee back into the nonmagical world of humanity as a new being. The sun was rising over the London landscape and the faint patter of a child's footsteps could be heard outside Hermione's bedroom. Her daughter was up. Their daughter was awake.
At 10 years old, Trista Potter was a homogenous mixture of her parents. Fair blonde hair hung in her mother's frizzy curls. Her hazel eyes held the same contemptuous look of her father. Her diminutive frame kept her from looking any older than eight. And yet, like both her parents, Trista's mind was as sharp as any 14 or 15 year old, an age far beyond her own. A sponge for knowledge, Trista was almost frighteningly similar to her father in the ways she could obtain knowledge of any kind. Quiet, it would be easy to think only one adult live in the house. Hermione knew that soon, the precarious life she built for herself and her daughter was going to end. If Trista had no magic in her then Hermione would give all the money she left in her Gringotts account to Voldemort's heir. Trista was the daughter of two of the best witches to come out of Hogwarts since Dumbledore himself.
It was thought provoking though, it was almost the end of July and still no owl announcing Trista's acceptance. Hermione wished that maybe McGonagall realized that she didn't want anything to do with Hogwarts or the magical world again. The possibilities of why Trista wasn't owled floated around Hermione's mind despite her resistance. Maybe they were looking for Trista Granger or Trista Mal...No. No one knew who Trista's father was. Except for Hermione and Hagrid. But...Hagrid had been killed in the raid that killed Voldemort just before Hermione left Hogwarts. "Mom! Mom? Mom!" Trista's urgent cries were tinged with excitement. A chill of dread coursed its way from Hermione's womb to all parts of her body. Foreknowledge that Hermione was partial too snaked its way to the forefront of her mind. Hermione had jinxed herself and now the letter had arrived.
Opening the door, Trista's eyes were wide, any idea of sleep from them. Around the room, a small owl fluttered around, a parchment tied to its leg. A rueful smile crossed Hermione's face as she thought of Pig, Ron's first owl. This owl was like Pig, angrily fluttering around Hermione's head as if in remembrance of her. Grabbing the owl, Hermione quickly untied the letters. It was strange that the papers were so thick..but then, so had her first letter from Hogwarts all those years ago."Don't worry sweetie...the owl won't harm you." A smile of reassurance was handed to Trista with the letter.
Trista thought her mother had gone crazy when she had bought bird seed in the beginning of the summer but now she was happy her mother had. The miniscule bird munched on the seeds before flittering around the room again. Nervousness coursed through Hermione's body, uncertainty to her daughter's reaction.
"Mum..who's Malfoy?"Trista's curious hazel eyes fixed her eyes on her mother. Her face was solemn, the petite body serious yet piqued.
"Malfoy?" The name startled Hermione. It had never been spoken in this apartment and Hermione had not heard it verbalized in almost eleven years. Perhaps McGonagall didn't realize whose name Hermione had taken when she returned to the muggle world.
"What..do you mean Malfoy?" Hermione's voice sounded far calmer than she actually felt. She scanned the paper mechanically, her eyes rolling over the familiar crest of Hogwarts. Oh shit....This wasn't an acceptance letter for Trista. It was from Harry. The familiarity of his words forced Hermione back into the magical world. Far from her daughter and the fragile life Hermione made for Trista. Suddenly she was fifteen and sitting at her desk reading the latest letter of Harry's adventures with Sirius and Ron in Romania with Charlie Weasly. Yes. She did miss Hogwarts and Harry and Ron after all.
Hermione-
This is highly unusual, I realize it. The parent gets a letter along with the accepted child. But... this letter was put off for too long.
The other day I had the most interesting experience. I came into my office here at Hogwarts and you wouldn't believe who was standing there. I'll give you three adjectives. The man was tall, silver and still as gothic as ever. It seemed Malfoy had found you after all these years. I was truly honored that you chose my name as your new name in the muggle world. Truly, you were the best friend to have at Hogwarts and the brightest witch since Rowena Ravenclaw.
I know what you're thinking..Why Malfoy would come to me...But Hermione you have to believe that everyone has changed since you left. Just like you must have changed in that time. He isn't like Lucius at all. No, Narcissa did have a positive affect on him after all. You too, you helped metamorphose him into the gentlemen he is today. He came to me and he told me everything. After eleven years, he decided to tell me the truth. And, he even gave me directions on how to find you. I feel sorry any Hermione Malfoy's in the world. They must have had hundreds of howlers flown to them and hundreds of apology letters. But yes Malfoy has changed. He's an honest man now and I would say he still misses you. That night you left, you told me how "his eyes aren't hollow anymore...they are the mirrors they were supposed to be..." (Yes you can thank Madam Pomfrey for not giving me a memory charm so I would forget you all those years ago). And last week, his eyes reflected a sadness that has been there for eleven years.
Like I said Mione, everyone has changed..and how is amazing. First, could you ever imagine me teaching at Hogwarts? I hope this job as the Defense Against Dark Arts professor last longer than it did for the professors who taught us. Lavender and I have been married for five years now... She is a very happy homemaker to our son James and daughter Lillian. Since you left the magical world I suppose you don't know that Pansy and I broke up. It was in our 7th year, a couple weeks before graduation. It was for the best.
Ron is actually quite successful...even if he never did his homework. He was an apprentice for Ollivanders after we graduated and now...well He and Hannah are happy. Yes they're still together. Twelve years this Yule. We all miss you.
Hermione I'm asking you to please forgive me...the wizarding world.. If you want to contact me, send Percy (the owl..not the newest Minister of Magic!)...maybe we can meet at Diagon's Alley? I miss you Hermione. You can surprise me though; Lavender and I will be taking James to get his things for Hogwarts so maybe you could just...show up at Diagon's Alley on July 20th? Please respond Mione. Please Mione, at least consider it.
And yes Mione, Trista is accepted to the Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She may catch the train to Hogwarts at the Kings station, Platform 9 ¾ at 10 o'clock.
Your (hopeful) acquaintance,
Harry
"Oh... oh Trista I'm sorry..this..isn't for you... at least directly. Trista...can I trust you tell you something no one else knows?" Hermione looked upon her daughter as an equal now, something that did occur periodically in their lives. Secretly, she was amazed at how her daughter focused on the one name instead of the other oddities in the letter. DADA? Muggle? Minister of Magic? Even the name Hermione? No, she concentrated on the name of the man who fathered her. She never knew him or his name before yet she focused on it.
Trista nodded, her frizzy curls jingling all over the place. Moving her daughter to the unmade bed, Hermione strained her racing heart into submission.
"Unfortunately, all the eloquent grace I had with words at Hogwarts has left me so, I'm afraid you're just going to have to laugh at my bluntness. I am, as you probably are, a witch." Hermione paused and looked at Trista. The ten year old seemed unaffected by the announcement, like it was nothing more than her mother telling her that she would be going school shopping soon. Hermione almost overlooked the sparkle of curiosity that was sparked in her daughter's eyes. Hermione quickly continued before Trista could say anything, "That letter was from one of my best friends at the school, Harry Potter." Hermione heard the gasp but ignored it, explaining.
"No Tris, I'm sorry. He's not your father. The night I left Hogwarts, that's the school I went to for witchcraft with Harry and many other young wizards and witches, I was asked by a muggle who I was. Harry was, actually Harry is, a very famous in the wizarding world. As a baby he did something very amazing that no other witch or wizard had been able to do. For me, Harry had always been strength and endurance, something I desperately needed at that time. So I became Rowena Potter."
Trista's face noticeably dropped upon the explanation, the hope of finally finding out who her father was dwindled once again. Subconsciously, Hermione put the maroon comforter around her daughters' slim shoulders.
"I know you want to put me into a nut house probably but..Well..This is a world easy to show than tell...Trista, would you like to meet Mr. Harry Potter and the wizarding world?.. The second letter, the acceptance letter lay half-forgotten between them. Trista picked the parchment up and fingered it delicately..You can read the letter.."
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
~
Headmistress: Minerva McGonagall
Dear Ms. Granger,
We are pleased to inform you tat you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.
Sincerely,
Remus Lupin
Deputy Headmaster
The longer Trista remained quiet, the more Hermione feared that Trista was suddenly autistic. After a minute of utter silence in the apartment, Trista spoke, her voice trembling with excitement. "Mum, I'll die of embarrassment if this is just a joke."
A strange, twisted relief passed through Hermione. Trista...did want to go to Hogwarts? Worry followed the relief through her body. Hermione was now Hermione. Rowena would have to die now that she was returning to the magical world. In a tight smile, a replicated joy Hermione didn't feel, she hugged her daughter...Today's the 20th"lets go get your school supplies?"
*~*
"Three up, two across...three up and two across...remember that Trista, that's how you get to Diagon's Alley from the Leaky Cauldron. Now, careful, I'm going to stay with you to get your wand and scales and cauldron. You can get the robes and books on your own....and I'll give you spending money." Memories drifted to Hermione's mind; of her first trip to Diagon Alley as an excited, energetic eleven year old. It was the first time she met him too. His fair hair shimmered, the gelled back style wasn't an asset to him but at that time, Malfoy didn't need the looks quite yet. His grey eyes were as harsh as the words he spit at Hermione that day...Mudblood...not worthy of being at Hogwarts....the painful memories materialized in Hermione's mind. If the sudden silence of her unusually giddy mother startled Trista, she didn't show it as she followed her mother into Ollivanders.
"May I- Mione? Hermione?!" A redhead looked up from the rows and rows of wands afront of him. A young girl with glowing blonde curls entered the wand shop following a familiar looking chestnut woman. It took Ron Weasley a few moments to recognize that it was his Hermione, the third appendage to the golden trio of Hogwarts. Just as he had grown to tower most people at 6' 4", Hermione stood comfortably at 5' 8", a few inches taller than he last saw her .The glossy curls of her sixth and seventh years were still there, held back from her creamy complexion in a usual ponytail. Ron guessed it was usual ponytail as he realized he didn't know anything about his best friend anymore. The muggle clothes she also were surprising, nothing the way he thought a mother-Hermione would dress. She couldn't possibly 27....age had treated Hermione well despite everything and she could pass as a freshman university student.
"Ron...hello?" Hermione was hesitant. She placed a delicate hand on her daughters shoulder, leading her further into the shop. Trista admired the walls that were filled with long thin cases as Hermione admired her old friend. Much taller than she last saw him, his height wasn't one of the few things that changed about him since they parted ways as confused teenagers. His fair red hair had darken, a ginger color that was matched with a short goatee. Gauges in his ears and a tattoo on his neck, Hermione wondered how Hannah and Ollivander reacted to this more alternative Ron... not to mention his mother. She could faintly remember when Molly Weasley found out that Bill had a ponytail and an earring. Hermione smiled, Bill wasn't the only rebel in that family.
"It's been awhile Mione...is that-" Hermione's nod cut off Ron's sentence, the man turning to the petite girl. "You're a very special girl... you're my best friends daughter after all. What type of wand do you think you want? We'll try them all until we find the right one for you!"
*~*
To Hermione, it felt like ages before Trista found the right wand for her. But when it did, Hermione was sure that Trista was a witch. Swishing the eleven inches of wood in the air delicately, red and green sparks flew out of the tip and whipped around Trista's frame, circling her. Open-mouthed, the three inhabitants of the store stared dumbfounded at the racing sparks as they realized what they really were.
"Oh..My...Merlin..." Hermione whispered the words, widening her eyes in shock. When she had gone to get her own wand, she simply had a bouquet of apple blossoms come out of the ten inches of apple and dragon heart string. Never ever did she ever hear of anyone producing faeries.
Hoping that someday you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping for someday
-End of the Earth, Blessid Union of Souls-
The twenty-seven year old witch pushed herself away from the computer screen. Her story was getting to intense, too close to her heart. Bringing a cinnamon bun to her mouth, Hermione Potter chewed on the sticky dough thoughtfully. The self-therapy she prescribed brought her to retelling her story night after night to her equally insomniac computer. After living ten wonderful years as a muggle, she had been brought into a world that would eventually force her to flee back into the nonmagical world of humanity as a new being. The sun was rising over the London landscape and the faint patter of a child's footsteps could be heard outside Hermione's bedroom. Her daughter was up. Their daughter was awake.
At 10 years old, Trista Potter was a homogenous mixture of her parents. Fair blonde hair hung in her mother's frizzy curls. Her hazel eyes held the same contemptuous look of her father. Her diminutive frame kept her from looking any older than eight. And yet, like both her parents, Trista's mind was as sharp as any 14 or 15 year old, an age far beyond her own. A sponge for knowledge, Trista was almost frighteningly similar to her father in the ways she could obtain knowledge of any kind. Quiet, it would be easy to think only one adult live in the house. Hermione knew that soon, the precarious life she built for herself and her daughter was going to end. If Trista had no magic in her then Hermione would give all the money she left in her Gringotts account to Voldemort's heir. Trista was the daughter of two of the best witches to come out of Hogwarts since Dumbledore himself.
It was thought provoking though, it was almost the end of July and still no owl announcing Trista's acceptance. Hermione wished that maybe McGonagall realized that she didn't want anything to do with Hogwarts or the magical world again. The possibilities of why Trista wasn't owled floated around Hermione's mind despite her resistance. Maybe they were looking for Trista Granger or Trista Mal...No. No one knew who Trista's father was. Except for Hermione and Hagrid. But...Hagrid had been killed in the raid that killed Voldemort just before Hermione left Hogwarts. "Mom! Mom? Mom!" Trista's urgent cries were tinged with excitement. A chill of dread coursed its way from Hermione's womb to all parts of her body. Foreknowledge that Hermione was partial too snaked its way to the forefront of her mind. Hermione had jinxed herself and now the letter had arrived.
Opening the door, Trista's eyes were wide, any idea of sleep from them. Around the room, a small owl fluttered around, a parchment tied to its leg. A rueful smile crossed Hermione's face as she thought of Pig, Ron's first owl. This owl was like Pig, angrily fluttering around Hermione's head as if in remembrance of her. Grabbing the owl, Hermione quickly untied the letters. It was strange that the papers were so thick..but then, so had her first letter from Hogwarts all those years ago."Don't worry sweetie...the owl won't harm you." A smile of reassurance was handed to Trista with the letter.
Trista thought her mother had gone crazy when she had bought bird seed in the beginning of the summer but now she was happy her mother had. The miniscule bird munched on the seeds before flittering around the room again. Nervousness coursed through Hermione's body, uncertainty to her daughter's reaction.
"Mum..who's Malfoy?"Trista's curious hazel eyes fixed her eyes on her mother. Her face was solemn, the petite body serious yet piqued.
"Malfoy?" The name startled Hermione. It had never been spoken in this apartment and Hermione had not heard it verbalized in almost eleven years. Perhaps McGonagall didn't realize whose name Hermione had taken when she returned to the muggle world.
"What..do you mean Malfoy?" Hermione's voice sounded far calmer than she actually felt. She scanned the paper mechanically, her eyes rolling over the familiar crest of Hogwarts. Oh shit....This wasn't an acceptance letter for Trista. It was from Harry. The familiarity of his words forced Hermione back into the magical world. Far from her daughter and the fragile life Hermione made for Trista. Suddenly she was fifteen and sitting at her desk reading the latest letter of Harry's adventures with Sirius and Ron in Romania with Charlie Weasly. Yes. She did miss Hogwarts and Harry and Ron after all.
Hermione-
This is highly unusual, I realize it. The parent gets a letter along with the accepted child. But... this letter was put off for too long.
The other day I had the most interesting experience. I came into my office here at Hogwarts and you wouldn't believe who was standing there. I'll give you three adjectives. The man was tall, silver and still as gothic as ever. It seemed Malfoy had found you after all these years. I was truly honored that you chose my name as your new name in the muggle world. Truly, you were the best friend to have at Hogwarts and the brightest witch since Rowena Ravenclaw.
I know what you're thinking..Why Malfoy would come to me...But Hermione you have to believe that everyone has changed since you left. Just like you must have changed in that time. He isn't like Lucius at all. No, Narcissa did have a positive affect on him after all. You too, you helped metamorphose him into the gentlemen he is today. He came to me and he told me everything. After eleven years, he decided to tell me the truth. And, he even gave me directions on how to find you. I feel sorry any Hermione Malfoy's in the world. They must have had hundreds of howlers flown to them and hundreds of apology letters. But yes Malfoy has changed. He's an honest man now and I would say he still misses you. That night you left, you told me how "his eyes aren't hollow anymore...they are the mirrors they were supposed to be..." (Yes you can thank Madam Pomfrey for not giving me a memory charm so I would forget you all those years ago). And last week, his eyes reflected a sadness that has been there for eleven years.
Like I said Mione, everyone has changed..and how is amazing. First, could you ever imagine me teaching at Hogwarts? I hope this job as the Defense Against Dark Arts professor last longer than it did for the professors who taught us. Lavender and I have been married for five years now... She is a very happy homemaker to our son James and daughter Lillian. Since you left the magical world I suppose you don't know that Pansy and I broke up. It was in our 7th year, a couple weeks before graduation. It was for the best.
Ron is actually quite successful...even if he never did his homework. He was an apprentice for Ollivanders after we graduated and now...well He and Hannah are happy. Yes they're still together. Twelve years this Yule. We all miss you.
Hermione I'm asking you to please forgive me...the wizarding world.. If you want to contact me, send Percy (the owl..not the newest Minister of Magic!)...maybe we can meet at Diagon's Alley? I miss you Hermione. You can surprise me though; Lavender and I will be taking James to get his things for Hogwarts so maybe you could just...show up at Diagon's Alley on July 20th? Please respond Mione. Please Mione, at least consider it.
And yes Mione, Trista is accepted to the Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She may catch the train to Hogwarts at the Kings station, Platform 9 ¾ at 10 o'clock.
Your (hopeful) acquaintance,
Harry
"Oh... oh Trista I'm sorry..this..isn't for you... at least directly. Trista...can I trust you tell you something no one else knows?" Hermione looked upon her daughter as an equal now, something that did occur periodically in their lives. Secretly, she was amazed at how her daughter focused on the one name instead of the other oddities in the letter. DADA? Muggle? Minister of Magic? Even the name Hermione? No, she concentrated on the name of the man who fathered her. She never knew him or his name before yet she focused on it.
Trista nodded, her frizzy curls jingling all over the place. Moving her daughter to the unmade bed, Hermione strained her racing heart into submission.
"Unfortunately, all the eloquent grace I had with words at Hogwarts has left me so, I'm afraid you're just going to have to laugh at my bluntness. I am, as you probably are, a witch." Hermione paused and looked at Trista. The ten year old seemed unaffected by the announcement, like it was nothing more than her mother telling her that she would be going school shopping soon. Hermione almost overlooked the sparkle of curiosity that was sparked in her daughter's eyes. Hermione quickly continued before Trista could say anything, "That letter was from one of my best friends at the school, Harry Potter." Hermione heard the gasp but ignored it, explaining.
"No Tris, I'm sorry. He's not your father. The night I left Hogwarts, that's the school I went to for witchcraft with Harry and many other young wizards and witches, I was asked by a muggle who I was. Harry was, actually Harry is, a very famous in the wizarding world. As a baby he did something very amazing that no other witch or wizard had been able to do. For me, Harry had always been strength and endurance, something I desperately needed at that time. So I became Rowena Potter."
Trista's face noticeably dropped upon the explanation, the hope of finally finding out who her father was dwindled once again. Subconsciously, Hermione put the maroon comforter around her daughters' slim shoulders.
"I know you want to put me into a nut house probably but..Well..This is a world easy to show than tell...Trista, would you like to meet Mr. Harry Potter and the wizarding world?.. The second letter, the acceptance letter lay half-forgotten between them. Trista picked the parchment up and fingered it delicately..You can read the letter.."
~
Headmistress: Minerva McGonagall
Dear Ms. Granger,
We are pleased to inform you tat you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.
Sincerely,
Remus Lupin
Deputy Headmaster
The longer Trista remained quiet, the more Hermione feared that Trista was suddenly autistic. After a minute of utter silence in the apartment, Trista spoke, her voice trembling with excitement. "Mum, I'll die of embarrassment if this is just a joke."
A strange, twisted relief passed through Hermione. Trista...did want to go to Hogwarts? Worry followed the relief through her body. Hermione was now Hermione. Rowena would have to die now that she was returning to the magical world. In a tight smile, a replicated joy Hermione didn't feel, she hugged her daughter...Today's the 20th"lets go get your school supplies?"
*~*
"Three up, two across...three up and two across...remember that Trista, that's how you get to Diagon's Alley from the Leaky Cauldron. Now, careful, I'm going to stay with you to get your wand and scales and cauldron. You can get the robes and books on your own....and I'll give you spending money." Memories drifted to Hermione's mind; of her first trip to Diagon Alley as an excited, energetic eleven year old. It was the first time she met him too. His fair hair shimmered, the gelled back style wasn't an asset to him but at that time, Malfoy didn't need the looks quite yet. His grey eyes were as harsh as the words he spit at Hermione that day...Mudblood...not worthy of being at Hogwarts....the painful memories materialized in Hermione's mind. If the sudden silence of her unusually giddy mother startled Trista, she didn't show it as she followed her mother into Ollivanders.
"May I- Mione? Hermione?!" A redhead looked up from the rows and rows of wands afront of him. A young girl with glowing blonde curls entered the wand shop following a familiar looking chestnut woman. It took Ron Weasley a few moments to recognize that it was his Hermione, the third appendage to the golden trio of Hogwarts. Just as he had grown to tower most people at 6' 4", Hermione stood comfortably at 5' 8", a few inches taller than he last saw her .The glossy curls of her sixth and seventh years were still there, held back from her creamy complexion in a usual ponytail. Ron guessed it was usual ponytail as he realized he didn't know anything about his best friend anymore. The muggle clothes she also were surprising, nothing the way he thought a mother-Hermione would dress. She couldn't possibly 27....age had treated Hermione well despite everything and she could pass as a freshman university student.
"Ron...hello?" Hermione was hesitant. She placed a delicate hand on her daughters shoulder, leading her further into the shop. Trista admired the walls that were filled with long thin cases as Hermione admired her old friend. Much taller than she last saw him, his height wasn't one of the few things that changed about him since they parted ways as confused teenagers. His fair red hair had darken, a ginger color that was matched with a short goatee. Gauges in his ears and a tattoo on his neck, Hermione wondered how Hannah and Ollivander reacted to this more alternative Ron... not to mention his mother. She could faintly remember when Molly Weasley found out that Bill had a ponytail and an earring. Hermione smiled, Bill wasn't the only rebel in that family.
"It's been awhile Mione...is that-" Hermione's nod cut off Ron's sentence, the man turning to the petite girl. "You're a very special girl... you're my best friends daughter after all. What type of wand do you think you want? We'll try them all until we find the right one for you!"
*~*
To Hermione, it felt like ages before Trista found the right wand for her. But when it did, Hermione was sure that Trista was a witch. Swishing the eleven inches of wood in the air delicately, red and green sparks flew out of the tip and whipped around Trista's frame, circling her. Open-mouthed, the three inhabitants of the store stared dumbfounded at the racing sparks as they realized what they really were.
"Oh..My...Merlin..." Hermione whispered the words, widening her eyes in shock. When she had gone to get her own wand, she simply had a bouquet of apple blossoms come out of the ten inches of apple and dragon heart string. Never ever did she ever hear of anyone producing faeries.