Disclaimer: I in no way shape or form own any characters, real people or
places you may recognize in this story. However if I did I would be a very
rich woman.
Chapter 8
Revelations
Dear Mrs. Keller,
Usually we do not extend invitations of visit to parents whose child is of muggle descent; however we feel that it is most imperative that you visit us at your earliest convenience. I have included money for travel. A representative from Hogwarts will be sent to meet with you. Please send your reply and itinerary as soon a possible.
Minerva McGonagall Acting Headmistress
Headmistress McGonagall,
Due to the seriousness of you letter, my husband and I will be leaving for London within two days. We will be accompanied by our children. As we have not had time to secure a hotel, please have your representative meet us at the airport. If I may impose on you further, please secure lodgings for my family and me. Enclosed is our itinerary.
Shelli Keller
"Minerva. You called for me?"
"Yes Severus. I have just heard from the Keller's and they are on their way. Seems from the date on letter they will be here in a few hours. I would like for you to meet them at the airport."
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather send Remus or Molly herself?"
"No we are not sure how they survived the Death Eaters attack or why they are living in the muggle world. I do not want to accidentally scare them away."
"Alright Minerva we will do this your way."
Professor Snape walked to the edge of the Forbidden Forest and apparated to a bathroom in the airport. He checked the flight information and found that their plane had just landed. As passengers disembarked from the terminal he scanned the crowd. "Oh my lord," he thought. "There she is, Julianne. She's as beautiful as ever. There is her husband as well." They both had been as popular as James and Lily. No one talked about them anymore, Arthur had forbid it. Molly would break down every time someone had mentioned their names. Allen and Julianne Franklin, he remembered them well. He had mourned along with most of the wizarding community.
Flashback
"Albus, we have just received information that there will be another attack this evening."
"Yes, yes Arthur we know. The Potters have been placed under fidelus." Replied Dumbledore.
"That is good news sir; but they are not the only targets tonight. Molly's sister and husband as well. Julianne and Allen Franklin."
"Have they been informed?"
"Not yet, Remus is on his way now."
Several hours later.
"Remus did you make it?"
"No Molly, I'm sorry. When I got there the house was burnt down. No one could have survived that."
Molly collapsed. Arthur caught her and started rambling. "Julianne and Allen, Frank and Alice, the Potters. Who's next?"
"The Pot.., Pot, Potters?" Remus stuttered.
"Yes Remus," said Arthur. "Sirius has betrayed them."
"All of them? Gone? How can this be happening?"
"Not all of them, Remus. Harry, he survived."
"Where is he?"
"Dumbledore took him to Lily's sister. He will be safe."
End Flashback
"Mr. and Mrs. Fra. Keller, my name is Severus Snape. Headmistress McGonagall asked me to meet with you."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Snape. I am Shelli," she gestured to her husband, "Mike, and our children. I would introduce them all to you; but we are extremely tired and would like to just go."
"Very well. We will be traveling to a friends house and from there flooing to Hogwarts."
"Mom?"
"Yes Josh?"
"We just got off of a plane I don't want to fly anymore."
Snape chuckled, something he rarely does. "Don't worry boy. No more planes, I promise. You will see when we get there."
Everyone piled into a Taxi bus. "Grimmauld place," he said to the driver. "Any particular address," the cabbie asked? "No just Grimmauld place."
The driver stopped at the corner and waited while Professor Snape paid him.
He led them to a spot on the street. He handed them each a piece of paper and told them to read and commit to memory. As they did this, a house appeared out of nowhere. Everyone stood in awe. When they entered," he said "Welcome to Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Please make yourselves comfortable. I will be back shortly."
"
He Went in search of another fireplace. When found the one in the kitchen, he grabbed some floo powder, said Headmistress office, Hogwarts and threw the powder.
"Good evening Severus."
"They are here Minerva. There is no mistaken it they are Julianne and Allen Franklin. What would you have us do now? They will not be up to any questioning this evening."
"We have made up rooms here at Hogwarts for them. Arthur hooked them up to floo network. Just have them say, 'Keller's room, Hogwarts."
"We will be there shortly."
Back in the living room, the Keller's were about to fall asleep. "Sorry to interrupt; but we must be going. Please grab your luggage and follow me."
He walked over to the fireplace. "You," he pointed at Josh. "Come here for a moment please." Josh walked over a stood next to Snape. "Ok I want you all to listen carefully. Please grab a handful of this powder. Step into the fireplace and say clearly, 'Keller's room, Hogwarts', then throw the powder down. You first," he pointed at Josh.
Josh walked into the fireplace hesitantly; but did as he was told and disappeared with a puff. "Cool," said Stephen. "I'm next."
One by one they all followed until it was only Shelli and Professor Snape left. She turned to him and asked, "I know you don't me?"
"I wish," he said. "I wish". He then ushered he into the fireplace. When she had gone Snape picked up some powder and said Hogwarts, Potions classroom."
"I see we are all here now," a voice said behind them. Everyone turned around to see a rather feline looking woman standing behind them. "My name is Minerva McGonagall. Welcome to Hogwarts. I assume you are tired, so I will leave you. Food will be sent up shortly."
"Professor McGonagall," Shelli asked. "Why did you send for us? You're letter sounded rather urgent. Is something wrong with Aaron?"
"No Dear. Aaron is fine. Everything will be explained in the morning. Please make yourselves at home."
"Herms?"
"Yes Aaron?"
"I need to go see Professor McGonagall. Would you go with me?"
"Of course is everything alright?"
"No. I put it out of my mind and almost forgot about it. Something the sorting hat said. I have a weird feeling that whatever is going on, I have to resolve it now."
"Then let's go."
Hermione led Aaron to the stone gargoyle, said the password and took him up the stairs. At the top she knocked and walked in to Professor McGonagall's office. She was sitting at her desk with a worried expression on her face. "Good evening Ms. Granger. What may I do for you?"
"Actually Professor," Hermione said. "I came with a friend." She pushed Aaron in front of her.
"Oh my," said McGonagall shocked.
"Professor," Aaron began, "I have been meaning to talk to you. DO you have a few minutes?"
"Mr. Keller I know why you are here," she said. "I can not help you at this time. Please report to my office at 9:30 am sharp. All will be explained then. Ms. Granger, you and Misters Potter and Weasley will join us at 10:00 am. Please inform them. I will see you all tomorrow. Good Evening."
"Well that was a waste of time," said Aaron.
"No," Hermione said, "We just have to wait until tomorrow is all. Would you mind letting Harry and Ron what McGonagall said? I am this close to solving this riddle."
"All right Herms. Thank you for going with me."
"Any time."
Hermione went back to her room. She hadn't been kidding when she said that she was close. She had it down to one fairytale. Now only if she could figure out what it meant. She opened the book, once again, to read the tale.
*********The Lady of Light and her Black Knight**********
Long ago lived a woman whom many ignored. She was a plain girl and not very social. Many years she suffered knowing that she would never be loved as a woman should be. As she grew she hadn't noticed that she became beautiful with each passing year. The townspeople continued to ignore her; because they didn't know how to approach her after all these years.
One day the Lady was walking thru the market. She saw a small boy being tormented by a group of soldiers. She ran towards them and demanded that they stop. A solitary soldier strode up to her. He was dressed all in black. She asked him to stop the soldiers from abusing the boy. He just laughed and walked away. She chased after him and started pounding on his chest with her small fists. He grabbed both of her wrists and pulled her towards him. "For that wench, you will pay," he said. He crushed his lips to hers. She had been shocked at first but felt the stirrings of desire and started to respond. (Sound Familiar?) He realized this and pushed her away. As she fell to the ground the young boy came to her aid. "Do not worry my lady," he said. "One day the Fair Haired Knight," he gestured towards the one she had dubbed the Black Knight, "will be torn between the Dark and the Light. It will be up to you to persuade him to choose the light. In this lifetime it will happen naught, but many centuries away. Heed my words and do not fail. The balance of the Light rests in yours and your Heroes hands.
Hermione must have read this a hundred times. The only thing she could figure out was she knew just as much as what she had learned the first time she read the story. Absolutely nothing. She threw he quill against the wall. She turned as she heard a chuckle behind her.
"Granger I have watched you suffer day after day trying to figure this out. However much enjoyment I received from this, it is now just getting on my nerves. Here take this." Malfoy handed her a letter sealed with the Malfoy crest. "When I realized that you had found the story you were looking for, I owled my mother and asked her if she had any idea what it meant. She sent a reply addressed to you."
"Draco," she whispered, "how can I ever thank you?"
"Don't mention it Granger it is enough that I don't have to listen to your sighing every ten minutes."
"I appreciate it Malfoy."
"Back to Malfoy are we?" At her curious expression he explained, "You called me Draco earlier. Sounds better if you ask me." He then walked into his room.
Hermione was shocked but too anxious to read Narcissa Malfoys reply. She broke the seal and read the flowing script.
Dear Ms. Granger,
My son has contacted me to ask for help on your behalf. It is for this reason that I am sending you this letter.
Have you not realized yet that you are the Lady the story speaks of? Are you not searching for the 'Hero'? I realize that you may not have figured out who he is yet. Let me give you some clues. Who do you know who is fair haired and is struggling between the dark and light side?
Please dear pick your jaw up off the floor.
Hermione closed her mouth.
I ask you to help him choose the light. He does not have long to decide. The final hours are approaching. Also please pass a message on to Professor Snape for me. Tell him Blondie says that the blacks are mobilizing. Will be at his home within three months. He will know what this means.
Good Luck My Lady.
Warmest Wishes,
Narcissa Malfoy
Hermione folded the letter. Tomorrow, I will deal with it tomorrow. She stood up and walked to her room.
Headmistresses Office 8:30 am
"Mr. and Mrs. Keller, good morning. I trust that the children are settled with Madam Pomfrey?"
"Yes Headmistress they are. Now if I may be blunt. Why are we here? I am tired of waiting to find out."
"One moment Mrs. Keller, there are two other people who need to be part of this conversation." McGonagall opened the door, "Shelli and Mike Keller I would like you to meet..."
"Molly? Molly right? You're my sister. Oh my god. All these years I had forgotten. We had forgotten," she said waving at her husband. "Mike, I mean Allen, do you know what's going on?"
He wrapped his arms around his wife. All I know is that something definitely happened to make us forget. What was it? Oh my Lord I remember now." Allen looked into Julianne's eyes and saw that she did too.
"Would you like to tell us," asked Molly?
"In a moment," said Julianne and pulled her sister into a hug.
"The children Allen we have to tell the children."
"All of your children will be joining us at 9:30," McGonagall said.
"No I want them all here now. Get Harry and Ron as well. Oh Lord Molly, I had your child in my home and didn't even know."
"I could say the same," Molly smiled.
McGonagall touched a silver orb that had been sitting on her desk and spoke clearly. "Poppy please bring the Keller children to my office immediately. Professor Snape, I need to see Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and I dare say Hermione Granger as well, in my office. Professor Sprout send Ginny Weasley to see me."
"Anyone else?" she asked as she looked around. "Oh yes. Professor Lupin please escort Aaron Keller to my office personally."
"Professor Lupin? Remus Lupin?" asked Allen. Molly nodded. "And Sirius is he here? What about James and Lily?"
At the mention of the Potters everyone's face fell. The Franklins didn't notice however as four of their five children came in to the room. The children looked around and wondered what was going on. Julianne directed them to take a seat.
Next to walk in were Harry Ron and Hermione. "Mum, Dad, what's going on and why are the Keller's here?"
"In a moment Ron," said Arthur. "Take a seat."
Looking around Hermione was sure she was just here as moral support.
Ginny came in next and was told to take a seat as well.
Last to arrive was Professor Lupin and Aaron. "Mom, Dad," Aaron cried, "What are you doing here?" He ran to hug them.
"Minerva if that will be all, I will return to my class."
"You are not going anywhere Remus Lupin," said a voice.
"That voice, Allen? No it can't be I was there, your house it was gone. You couldn't have survived."
"Maybe I should explain," Julianne said standing next to her husband.
"You too? Oh Lord," Remus said as he fell into a chair.
Professor McGonagall waved to Julianne to begin.
She took a deep breath and began.
"16 years ago we were known as Julianne and Allen Franklin. We lived in Godrics Hollow and were very happy despite everything that had been going on. Allen had started to receive owls at least five times a day. He was never happy after reading them and would burn them before I could read them. I asked him what was going on; but he just told me it was Ministry business. Allen was a well respected Auror. One day while he was sleeping an owl arrived addressed to me. I opened it. It was a message from Lucius Malfoy. He said that if I didn't convince my husband to join the dark side we would be next. I was smart enough to realize what that had meant. We had just heard about the Longbottoms. I woke Allen up immediately and showed him the letter. He told me not to worry he would handle it. Two nights later there was a knock on the door and opened it up. There was Lily and her baby. It seems that The Dark Lord had been harassing them as well and they needed to go into hiding. She had wanted to say goodbye. I didn't want to burden her with anything else so I never told her what was going on. She was the last friend I saw before today. Later on that night there was another knock on the door. I assumed it was James coming over to say goodbye to Allen. I opened the door and in walked Lucius. He was sneering at me and moved aside to let the Dark Lord himself into my house. I screamed Allen's name and he came running. 'Join me' he said. When Allen refused he told to Malfoy to take care of us. He had others to recruit. Before Allen could draw his wand I felt a hand on my shoulder. We had been portkeyed somewhere. I went to thank whoever it was and heard a woman's voice say Obliviate. Next thing we knew we woke in a hospital in America with no memory. The Nurses had told us that a woman brought us in told them our names were Shelli and Mike Keller and had been in a car accident. There was no other information to go on and all searches turned up nothing. The hospital referred us to an agency that helped us get jobs and find a home. An older lady befriended us and became a mother to us. The children even call her Grandma. Oh Allen what are we going to tel her. I am not going back to America. This is our home. What are we going to do?"
"Hush Luv," he said. "We will figure it out."
"Mum, Dad, how come I never heard of Aunt Julianne?" asked Ron.
"I forbid everyone to speak of her or Allen. It upset your mother too much. I assume you brothers all forgot after time." Arthur said.
"Mom?"
"Yes Aaron?"
"That means Ron and Ginny are my cousins?" Julianne nodded her head.
"Yes, as well as Charlie, Bill, Percy, Fred and George. Oh Molly you finally got your girl." She stood up and hugged Ginny. "I wish I had known you as a little girl. Now you're a woman."
"Molly let me introduce to you, your nephews and niece. This is Stephen who's nine. His twin Joshua, Tyler who is seven and his twin Tarra."
"Oh Julianne, I don't know how you do it. Fred and George were enough for me."
Julianne laughed, "It isn't easy.
"Remus?" said Allen. "It is so good to see you again."
"I just don't understand it," Professor Lupin said. "I went to warn you that evening. We had just found out what they had been planning. When I got there your house was gone. I thought I had lost my two of my best friends that night."
"Two of your best friends," asked Allen. "Surely not Sirius?"
Remus shook his head. "No he died two years ago."
"Peter then, right?"
"No Mr. Franklin not Pettigrew." Said Harry in a whisper. "It was my parents."
"Lily and James? What happened to the fidelus? They should have been safe."
"Pettigrew was their secret keeper. He betrayed them to Voldemort."
Allen blanched at the name but was in shock that one of the marauders could turn on another.
"May I suggest that you all retire to the Franklins room? Students you are all excused from classes today. Good luck," said McGonagall. "Julianne I just wanted to let you know that you have been missed. You and Lily were my most promising students. Aside from Ms. Granger that is. Allen Franklin I suggest you have a word with your son. It seems his looks are not the only thing he acquired from you. If I recall you had quite and entrepnuership going as well? Please stop in later so we can discuss your plans."
"Ms. Granger, are you not going with everyone else?"
"No Professor McGonagall, I really don't think I'm needed right now. However if I may go to Hogsmeade to inform George and Fred? I will also send owls to Charlie, Bill and Percy. "
"Of course Ms. Granger, do be careful though. In fact wait one minute." McGonagall touched the orb on her desk once more. "Professor Snape please send up Mr. Malfoy. Please inform his teachers as well as Ms. Grangers that they are running an errand and will not return this afternoon."
"Yes Professor right away," said Snape.
Draco entered the office sneering at Hermione as he sat down.
"Mr. Malfoy," McGonagall said. "I asked you here because I want you to escort Ms. Granger to Hogsmeade. There is also no need for you to return before dinner. Enjoy your day out. Ms. Granger please let Mr. Malfoy know what his mother wrote to you about."
"How did you know professor," Hermione asked?
"Mrs. Malfoy owled me as well. Good Day you two."
"Well Granger after you....
Chapter 8
Revelations
Dear Mrs. Keller,
Usually we do not extend invitations of visit to parents whose child is of muggle descent; however we feel that it is most imperative that you visit us at your earliest convenience. I have included money for travel. A representative from Hogwarts will be sent to meet with you. Please send your reply and itinerary as soon a possible.
Minerva McGonagall Acting Headmistress
Headmistress McGonagall,
Due to the seriousness of you letter, my husband and I will be leaving for London within two days. We will be accompanied by our children. As we have not had time to secure a hotel, please have your representative meet us at the airport. If I may impose on you further, please secure lodgings for my family and me. Enclosed is our itinerary.
Shelli Keller
"Minerva. You called for me?"
"Yes Severus. I have just heard from the Keller's and they are on their way. Seems from the date on letter they will be here in a few hours. I would like for you to meet them at the airport."
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather send Remus or Molly herself?"
"No we are not sure how they survived the Death Eaters attack or why they are living in the muggle world. I do not want to accidentally scare them away."
"Alright Minerva we will do this your way."
Professor Snape walked to the edge of the Forbidden Forest and apparated to a bathroom in the airport. He checked the flight information and found that their plane had just landed. As passengers disembarked from the terminal he scanned the crowd. "Oh my lord," he thought. "There she is, Julianne. She's as beautiful as ever. There is her husband as well." They both had been as popular as James and Lily. No one talked about them anymore, Arthur had forbid it. Molly would break down every time someone had mentioned their names. Allen and Julianne Franklin, he remembered them well. He had mourned along with most of the wizarding community.
Flashback
"Albus, we have just received information that there will be another attack this evening."
"Yes, yes Arthur we know. The Potters have been placed under fidelus." Replied Dumbledore.
"That is good news sir; but they are not the only targets tonight. Molly's sister and husband as well. Julianne and Allen Franklin."
"Have they been informed?"
"Not yet, Remus is on his way now."
Several hours later.
"Remus did you make it?"
"No Molly, I'm sorry. When I got there the house was burnt down. No one could have survived that."
Molly collapsed. Arthur caught her and started rambling. "Julianne and Allen, Frank and Alice, the Potters. Who's next?"
"The Pot.., Pot, Potters?" Remus stuttered.
"Yes Remus," said Arthur. "Sirius has betrayed them."
"All of them? Gone? How can this be happening?"
"Not all of them, Remus. Harry, he survived."
"Where is he?"
"Dumbledore took him to Lily's sister. He will be safe."
End Flashback
"Mr. and Mrs. Fra. Keller, my name is Severus Snape. Headmistress McGonagall asked me to meet with you."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Snape. I am Shelli," she gestured to her husband, "Mike, and our children. I would introduce them all to you; but we are extremely tired and would like to just go."
"Very well. We will be traveling to a friends house and from there flooing to Hogwarts."
"Mom?"
"Yes Josh?"
"We just got off of a plane I don't want to fly anymore."
Snape chuckled, something he rarely does. "Don't worry boy. No more planes, I promise. You will see when we get there."
Everyone piled into a Taxi bus. "Grimmauld place," he said to the driver. "Any particular address," the cabbie asked? "No just Grimmauld place."
The driver stopped at the corner and waited while Professor Snape paid him.
He led them to a spot on the street. He handed them each a piece of paper and told them to read and commit to memory. As they did this, a house appeared out of nowhere. Everyone stood in awe. When they entered," he said "Welcome to Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Please make yourselves comfortable. I will be back shortly."
"
He Went in search of another fireplace. When found the one in the kitchen, he grabbed some floo powder, said Headmistress office, Hogwarts and threw the powder.
"Good evening Severus."
"They are here Minerva. There is no mistaken it they are Julianne and Allen Franklin. What would you have us do now? They will not be up to any questioning this evening."
"We have made up rooms here at Hogwarts for them. Arthur hooked them up to floo network. Just have them say, 'Keller's room, Hogwarts."
"We will be there shortly."
Back in the living room, the Keller's were about to fall asleep. "Sorry to interrupt; but we must be going. Please grab your luggage and follow me."
He walked over to the fireplace. "You," he pointed at Josh. "Come here for a moment please." Josh walked over a stood next to Snape. "Ok I want you all to listen carefully. Please grab a handful of this powder. Step into the fireplace and say clearly, 'Keller's room, Hogwarts', then throw the powder down. You first," he pointed at Josh.
Josh walked into the fireplace hesitantly; but did as he was told and disappeared with a puff. "Cool," said Stephen. "I'm next."
One by one they all followed until it was only Shelli and Professor Snape left. She turned to him and asked, "I know you don't me?"
"I wish," he said. "I wish". He then ushered he into the fireplace. When she had gone Snape picked up some powder and said Hogwarts, Potions classroom."
"I see we are all here now," a voice said behind them. Everyone turned around to see a rather feline looking woman standing behind them. "My name is Minerva McGonagall. Welcome to Hogwarts. I assume you are tired, so I will leave you. Food will be sent up shortly."
"Professor McGonagall," Shelli asked. "Why did you send for us? You're letter sounded rather urgent. Is something wrong with Aaron?"
"No Dear. Aaron is fine. Everything will be explained in the morning. Please make yourselves at home."
"Herms?"
"Yes Aaron?"
"I need to go see Professor McGonagall. Would you go with me?"
"Of course is everything alright?"
"No. I put it out of my mind and almost forgot about it. Something the sorting hat said. I have a weird feeling that whatever is going on, I have to resolve it now."
"Then let's go."
Hermione led Aaron to the stone gargoyle, said the password and took him up the stairs. At the top she knocked and walked in to Professor McGonagall's office. She was sitting at her desk with a worried expression on her face. "Good evening Ms. Granger. What may I do for you?"
"Actually Professor," Hermione said. "I came with a friend." She pushed Aaron in front of her.
"Oh my," said McGonagall shocked.
"Professor," Aaron began, "I have been meaning to talk to you. DO you have a few minutes?"
"Mr. Keller I know why you are here," she said. "I can not help you at this time. Please report to my office at 9:30 am sharp. All will be explained then. Ms. Granger, you and Misters Potter and Weasley will join us at 10:00 am. Please inform them. I will see you all tomorrow. Good Evening."
"Well that was a waste of time," said Aaron.
"No," Hermione said, "We just have to wait until tomorrow is all. Would you mind letting Harry and Ron what McGonagall said? I am this close to solving this riddle."
"All right Herms. Thank you for going with me."
"Any time."
Hermione went back to her room. She hadn't been kidding when she said that she was close. She had it down to one fairytale. Now only if she could figure out what it meant. She opened the book, once again, to read the tale.
*********The Lady of Light and her Black Knight**********
Long ago lived a woman whom many ignored. She was a plain girl and not very social. Many years she suffered knowing that she would never be loved as a woman should be. As she grew she hadn't noticed that she became beautiful with each passing year. The townspeople continued to ignore her; because they didn't know how to approach her after all these years.
One day the Lady was walking thru the market. She saw a small boy being tormented by a group of soldiers. She ran towards them and demanded that they stop. A solitary soldier strode up to her. He was dressed all in black. She asked him to stop the soldiers from abusing the boy. He just laughed and walked away. She chased after him and started pounding on his chest with her small fists. He grabbed both of her wrists and pulled her towards him. "For that wench, you will pay," he said. He crushed his lips to hers. She had been shocked at first but felt the stirrings of desire and started to respond. (Sound Familiar?) He realized this and pushed her away. As she fell to the ground the young boy came to her aid. "Do not worry my lady," he said. "One day the Fair Haired Knight," he gestured towards the one she had dubbed the Black Knight, "will be torn between the Dark and the Light. It will be up to you to persuade him to choose the light. In this lifetime it will happen naught, but many centuries away. Heed my words and do not fail. The balance of the Light rests in yours and your Heroes hands.
Hermione must have read this a hundred times. The only thing she could figure out was she knew just as much as what she had learned the first time she read the story. Absolutely nothing. She threw he quill against the wall. She turned as she heard a chuckle behind her.
"Granger I have watched you suffer day after day trying to figure this out. However much enjoyment I received from this, it is now just getting on my nerves. Here take this." Malfoy handed her a letter sealed with the Malfoy crest. "When I realized that you had found the story you were looking for, I owled my mother and asked her if she had any idea what it meant. She sent a reply addressed to you."
"Draco," she whispered, "how can I ever thank you?"
"Don't mention it Granger it is enough that I don't have to listen to your sighing every ten minutes."
"I appreciate it Malfoy."
"Back to Malfoy are we?" At her curious expression he explained, "You called me Draco earlier. Sounds better if you ask me." He then walked into his room.
Hermione was shocked but too anxious to read Narcissa Malfoys reply. She broke the seal and read the flowing script.
Dear Ms. Granger,
My son has contacted me to ask for help on your behalf. It is for this reason that I am sending you this letter.
Have you not realized yet that you are the Lady the story speaks of? Are you not searching for the 'Hero'? I realize that you may not have figured out who he is yet. Let me give you some clues. Who do you know who is fair haired and is struggling between the dark and light side?
Please dear pick your jaw up off the floor.
Hermione closed her mouth.
I ask you to help him choose the light. He does not have long to decide. The final hours are approaching. Also please pass a message on to Professor Snape for me. Tell him Blondie says that the blacks are mobilizing. Will be at his home within three months. He will know what this means.
Good Luck My Lady.
Warmest Wishes,
Narcissa Malfoy
Hermione folded the letter. Tomorrow, I will deal with it tomorrow. She stood up and walked to her room.
Headmistresses Office 8:30 am
"Mr. and Mrs. Keller, good morning. I trust that the children are settled with Madam Pomfrey?"
"Yes Headmistress they are. Now if I may be blunt. Why are we here? I am tired of waiting to find out."
"One moment Mrs. Keller, there are two other people who need to be part of this conversation." McGonagall opened the door, "Shelli and Mike Keller I would like you to meet..."
"Molly? Molly right? You're my sister. Oh my god. All these years I had forgotten. We had forgotten," she said waving at her husband. "Mike, I mean Allen, do you know what's going on?"
He wrapped his arms around his wife. All I know is that something definitely happened to make us forget. What was it? Oh my Lord I remember now." Allen looked into Julianne's eyes and saw that she did too.
"Would you like to tell us," asked Molly?
"In a moment," said Julianne and pulled her sister into a hug.
"The children Allen we have to tell the children."
"All of your children will be joining us at 9:30," McGonagall said.
"No I want them all here now. Get Harry and Ron as well. Oh Lord Molly, I had your child in my home and didn't even know."
"I could say the same," Molly smiled.
McGonagall touched a silver orb that had been sitting on her desk and spoke clearly. "Poppy please bring the Keller children to my office immediately. Professor Snape, I need to see Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and I dare say Hermione Granger as well, in my office. Professor Sprout send Ginny Weasley to see me."
"Anyone else?" she asked as she looked around. "Oh yes. Professor Lupin please escort Aaron Keller to my office personally."
"Professor Lupin? Remus Lupin?" asked Allen. Molly nodded. "And Sirius is he here? What about James and Lily?"
At the mention of the Potters everyone's face fell. The Franklins didn't notice however as four of their five children came in to the room. The children looked around and wondered what was going on. Julianne directed them to take a seat.
Next to walk in were Harry Ron and Hermione. "Mum, Dad, what's going on and why are the Keller's here?"
"In a moment Ron," said Arthur. "Take a seat."
Looking around Hermione was sure she was just here as moral support.
Ginny came in next and was told to take a seat as well.
Last to arrive was Professor Lupin and Aaron. "Mom, Dad," Aaron cried, "What are you doing here?" He ran to hug them.
"Minerva if that will be all, I will return to my class."
"You are not going anywhere Remus Lupin," said a voice.
"That voice, Allen? No it can't be I was there, your house it was gone. You couldn't have survived."
"Maybe I should explain," Julianne said standing next to her husband.
"You too? Oh Lord," Remus said as he fell into a chair.
Professor McGonagall waved to Julianne to begin.
She took a deep breath and began.
"16 years ago we were known as Julianne and Allen Franklin. We lived in Godrics Hollow and were very happy despite everything that had been going on. Allen had started to receive owls at least five times a day. He was never happy after reading them and would burn them before I could read them. I asked him what was going on; but he just told me it was Ministry business. Allen was a well respected Auror. One day while he was sleeping an owl arrived addressed to me. I opened it. It was a message from Lucius Malfoy. He said that if I didn't convince my husband to join the dark side we would be next. I was smart enough to realize what that had meant. We had just heard about the Longbottoms. I woke Allen up immediately and showed him the letter. He told me not to worry he would handle it. Two nights later there was a knock on the door and opened it up. There was Lily and her baby. It seems that The Dark Lord had been harassing them as well and they needed to go into hiding. She had wanted to say goodbye. I didn't want to burden her with anything else so I never told her what was going on. She was the last friend I saw before today. Later on that night there was another knock on the door. I assumed it was James coming over to say goodbye to Allen. I opened the door and in walked Lucius. He was sneering at me and moved aside to let the Dark Lord himself into my house. I screamed Allen's name and he came running. 'Join me' he said. When Allen refused he told to Malfoy to take care of us. He had others to recruit. Before Allen could draw his wand I felt a hand on my shoulder. We had been portkeyed somewhere. I went to thank whoever it was and heard a woman's voice say Obliviate. Next thing we knew we woke in a hospital in America with no memory. The Nurses had told us that a woman brought us in told them our names were Shelli and Mike Keller and had been in a car accident. There was no other information to go on and all searches turned up nothing. The hospital referred us to an agency that helped us get jobs and find a home. An older lady befriended us and became a mother to us. The children even call her Grandma. Oh Allen what are we going to tel her. I am not going back to America. This is our home. What are we going to do?"
"Hush Luv," he said. "We will figure it out."
"Mum, Dad, how come I never heard of Aunt Julianne?" asked Ron.
"I forbid everyone to speak of her or Allen. It upset your mother too much. I assume you brothers all forgot after time." Arthur said.
"Mom?"
"Yes Aaron?"
"That means Ron and Ginny are my cousins?" Julianne nodded her head.
"Yes, as well as Charlie, Bill, Percy, Fred and George. Oh Molly you finally got your girl." She stood up and hugged Ginny. "I wish I had known you as a little girl. Now you're a woman."
"Molly let me introduce to you, your nephews and niece. This is Stephen who's nine. His twin Joshua, Tyler who is seven and his twin Tarra."
"Oh Julianne, I don't know how you do it. Fred and George were enough for me."
Julianne laughed, "It isn't easy.
"Remus?" said Allen. "It is so good to see you again."
"I just don't understand it," Professor Lupin said. "I went to warn you that evening. We had just found out what they had been planning. When I got there your house was gone. I thought I had lost my two of my best friends that night."
"Two of your best friends," asked Allen. "Surely not Sirius?"
Remus shook his head. "No he died two years ago."
"Peter then, right?"
"No Mr. Franklin not Pettigrew." Said Harry in a whisper. "It was my parents."
"Lily and James? What happened to the fidelus? They should have been safe."
"Pettigrew was their secret keeper. He betrayed them to Voldemort."
Allen blanched at the name but was in shock that one of the marauders could turn on another.
"May I suggest that you all retire to the Franklins room? Students you are all excused from classes today. Good luck," said McGonagall. "Julianne I just wanted to let you know that you have been missed. You and Lily were my most promising students. Aside from Ms. Granger that is. Allen Franklin I suggest you have a word with your son. It seems his looks are not the only thing he acquired from you. If I recall you had quite and entrepnuership going as well? Please stop in later so we can discuss your plans."
"Ms. Granger, are you not going with everyone else?"
"No Professor McGonagall, I really don't think I'm needed right now. However if I may go to Hogsmeade to inform George and Fred? I will also send owls to Charlie, Bill and Percy. "
"Of course Ms. Granger, do be careful though. In fact wait one minute." McGonagall touched the orb on her desk once more. "Professor Snape please send up Mr. Malfoy. Please inform his teachers as well as Ms. Grangers that they are running an errand and will not return this afternoon."
"Yes Professor right away," said Snape.
Draco entered the office sneering at Hermione as he sat down.
"Mr. Malfoy," McGonagall said. "I asked you here because I want you to escort Ms. Granger to Hogsmeade. There is also no need for you to return before dinner. Enjoy your day out. Ms. Granger please let Mr. Malfoy know what his mother wrote to you about."
"How did you know professor," Hermione asked?
"Mrs. Malfoy owled me as well. Good Day you two."
"Well Granger after you....
