Chapter 5
Going to Hogsmead with the Marauders was similar to going with Harry and Ron, Hermione found herself going into all the same shops, and being dragged away from all her favourites.
Towards lunch time she felt herself being dragged back by Remus and Sirius. Turning her head either side to look at them she saw they both wore proud smirks. Following where they were pointing she saw James and Lily carry on walking, oblivious to the fact that everyone else had stopped, seemingly engrossed in their conversation.
Then Hermione spied a small shadow in-between two houses. The outline unmistakably forming that of Peter. The trio watched the scene unfold with interest as Peter jumped out at James and Lily. They saw James push Lily behind him and force a laughing Peter against the wall of the Three Broomsticks, wand drawn. Then the realisation dawn on his face as he recognised the attacker as one of his best friends.
Laughing Hermione was pulled by Sirius up to the group as they entered the pub. Sitting at empty table, Madame Rosmerta came over to vanish the dirty glasses, and other rubbish on the table. Catching sight of a copy of the Daily Prophet, Hermione asked if she might leave it.
Scanning over the front page she caught sight of an article, listed for page 33. Flicking through she scanned the article she flicked through and scanned it quickly.
"Something interesting Mione?" Lily asked.
"New werewolf legislation. The bill has just been passed." Hermione explained.
"Oh, and why would you be interested in that?" Sirius's strained voice asked.
"Lily, do you remember what I said the other day about dark times are coming?" Hermione asked. Lily nodded slowly.
"This is only the precursor. It is designed to induce hysteria in the wizarding world. Why are werewolves suddenly an issue?" Hermione looked round to see what effect her words were having, Remus was as white as it is possible for a person to go, Lily was looking vaguely interested, whilst James and Sirius both looked on edge.
"The answer is they aren't. One of my friends at home is a werewolf. However bigotry runs deep in the Wizarding world, you only need to look at the pureblood-shit to see that. By playing on those fears the Ministry can manipulate the public."
"You're friends with a werewolf?" Lily squeaked.
"Yes." Hermione answered, noticing the four Marauders had relaxed some what now. "And I'm proud to be his friend. Answer me, what exactly is the problem with a werewolf?"
Lily looked up, "I guess I don't know, just what I have read."
"Exactly, which is biased. Sure for three nights a month they transform, but that is not their choice, and the rest of the time they are just people." Hermione finished.
"I see your point." Lily finally said, "What about you four what do you think?" Lily said to the uncharacteristically quiet Marauders.
"I think we should have Herms for Minister of Magic, rather than that spineless wonder we have at the moment." Sirius said raising his butterbeer, which the three other boys matched.
So I had put my plan to get acceptance from the Marauders into action. If I was to change the future I needed the trust of these people. It had been proved in my future that this small group of people were pivotal to the war, any changes I wanted to make, had to be made here.
