Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Bon Jovi
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Chapter 51: Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars
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Hermione stared blankly ahead of her as she sat on the sofa in their chambers, her hands idly stroking Crookshanks who was presently curled contently in her lap. Sirius sat down beside her and handed her a cup of freshly brewed tea.
"Here you go love," he murmured. "This will help."
"We left him Sirius," her voice was barely a whisper but in the empty room Sirius was able to pick it up.
"We didn't know," he replied pulling her into his arms.
Hermione relaxed slightly into the embrace. "We shouldn't have just left him."
"I know," Sirius gently stroked her curly hair as she had been doing to Crookshanks moments before. "But we had no choice."
"There's always a choice."
Sirius didn't argue this; he knew Hermione was right, he also knew Hermione was struggling with the guilt of leaving Snape behind. He'd seen it in her eyes when he entered the hospital wing and took in the emaciated figure clinging onto his last thread of life lying in the ghostly white sheets. They'd left him there, in that damp cold cell, himself, Hermione and Remus, they'd left him there….alive.
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Hermione stood in the warm spring sun but she felt cold to the bone as she stared at Ron's headstone. She never felt warm here. Here where one of her best friends lay. She felt it was wrong, she should feel warmth. All she felt today was a sullen numbness.
"Hey."
Hermione turned slightly to see Harry climbing the small hill to where she stood, he gave her a small smile as he joined her, behind him Hermione could see Ginny standing behind, giving her and Harry a moment.
"I thought I'd find you here," Harry commented. "You always come here to think."
Hermione laughed softly. "Ironic huh? When Ron was alive I could do anything but concentrate in his presence, now its one of the only places I can."
"It's not your fault Hermione."
Hermione knew Harry wasn't talking about Ron and she couldn't help the small shudder that passed through her. A week had passed since she had found out Snape was still alive but she still couldn't shake the guilt. She knew she wasn't alone either. She saw it whenever she looked into Sirius' grey eyes or Remus' amber pair.
She glanced back at her green eyed friend and smiled sadly. Looking down at her empty hands she realized she hadn't brought anything for Ron. She always brought him something. Her eyes scanned the area and noticed some daisies growing off to the left. She stepped quietly over and bent down to pick some when a gasp from Ginny, who'd now joined the pair, brought her gaze back up.
Hermione's eyes widened at the sight. For weeks they'd been working unsuccessfully on the Zhou prophecy and now the answer was here staring at them. There was a thin line of gold light along the ground connecting her to Harry, another from Harry to where Ron lay. Hermione met Harry's eyes and was greeted by awe.
"Ginny," Hermione managed to choke out, her earlier mood evaporating as excitement of a breakthrough burst through. "Move to the right; opposite me, about the same distance from Harry," she instructed.
The redhead witch did what she was told and after a few minutes of moving around a small area a new line of gold light appeared on the ground.
"Ok, this is just weird," Harry mumbled staring at the half star on the ground.
"Harry, you've known you're a wizard for seven years and you're still surprised?" Hermione asked with a small smile and a quirked eyebrow.
"Well. Yeah."
Ginny giggled at the expression on her boyfriends face before changing it to a winning smile as he turned his gaze on her.
"Come on," Hermione said moving to Harry and Ginny and pulling them along breaking the strange strands of light. "Let's go get the others."
Harry grinned at the mood change in his friend. "Excited much?"
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It was past sunset by the time the group returned to the small cemetery; the six in the prophecy, Tonks, Dumbledore and Hu. Hermione wrapped her long black cloak around her to ward off the cold as she watched Remus help Tonks sit comfortably on a nearby bench. The Auror was still plagued by the incessant cast on her leg but refused to sit back at the castle while the excitement was happening outside.
"Right," Hermione said when everyone was ready; she nodded to Harry and Ginny who found their previous spots along with Hermione.
She watched everyone else's eyes widen as the gold beams of light, more prominent now in the dark, appeared along the ground.
"It's not a spell," Hu murmured to himself. "Its natural magic."
Hermione nodded her eyes alight with anticipation. "Sirius and Remus you need to find your places."
Sirius and Remus looked at each other before doing what they were told.
"Err Hermione?" Harry started his face a little worried. "What exactly is going to happen?"
"I don't know," she replied honestly.
This didn't ease the tension in Harry's expression, if anything it grew when he noticed Remus had found his place on Ginny's side of the star, a new point joining the other three. Now it was just Sirius. His grey eyes darted around the ground at the other beams of light, calculating the distance from himself and Harry in relation to the others. He nodded to himself and took half a step backwards a new beam of light connecting to Remus' and Hermione's points at the center of the star.
Harry looked around "Now wh-"
He didn't have time to finish his sentence before a blinding light filled the night sky, the wind picked up and Hermione could feel her cloak whip around her. She focused her gaze on Sirius for a moment catching his grey eyes before turning to face Harry, bathed in bright light at the center of the star.
Then Hermione felt the connection. Not just to Harry but to all the others; Sirius, Remus Ginny…and Ron. She gasped out loud at this connection but tried to concentrate on what was happening. A beam of pale blue light now connected her to Harry; looking to her left she saw another beam of light, this one gold coming up from the ground where Ron lay.
This was the protection. Each of the five were subconsciously offering their protection to Harry, no words were needed as they all pledged their lives to the young Potter.
Hermione couldn't see her friend anymore. The light had grown too bright but she could feel him, his energy. His magic flowing through him out through the others and back again.
Then as suddenly as it began it finished. The light disappeared and the area was bathed again in darkness.
"Lumos."
Hermione glanced around, Dumbledore stood to the side, his glowing wand in hand. Hermione looked to the others; they were all still standing, breathing heavily but still standing.
Tonks and Hu looked on wide eyed, not believing what they'd just witnessed, Tonks was so shocked she'd resorted back to her natural state, her long black hair draped unnoticed by its owner over her shoulders.
"Harry?"
It was Ginny's timid voice that broke his apparent trance like state.
"I'm ok," he murmured as Ginny ran to his arms. He wrapped her in a tight embrace and buried his face in her fiery locks.
"Hey," Hermione looked at the sound of Sirius soft voice beside her. "You ok?"
Hermione nodded "That was…."
"Different?" Sirius supplied.
Hermione nodded again as Sirius placed a hand on her waist pulling her in beside him.
"I have a confession," he whispered into her ear.
Hermione glanced up at his grey eyes. "And what would that be?"
"I have no idea what the hell just happened."
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Harry stared at Hermione the following day in silent contemplation. They were seated in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione with a book in her lap Harry just thinking.
Hermione noticed Harry open his mouth to say something then frown before closing it again. This happened a number of times before Hermione tore her gaze from the book to look at her friend.
"Is something bothering you Harry?" she asked quietly.
Harry started at the noise, obviously not expecting this question. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat before answering her.
"Well, yeah. It's about last night. I understand it was a protection thing but I felt it took away everyone's choice in the matter."
"In what matter?" Hermione asked confused.
"In the protection, you were clearly all prophesized to pledge your lives to me and I'm just not happy with that…that…" he said frowning as he searched for the word he was looking for
Hermione smiled slightly understanding what Harry was getting at. "Burden?" she asked. Harry nodded. "It's not a burden Harry, just because it was prophesized doesn't mean it is a burden. We would all die to protect to Harry, just as you would us. It's human nature to protect the ones you love, that's something that Voldemort doesn't have," Hermione let this sink in before continuing. She held up her hand, her fingers splayed out to illustrate her point, she indicated to her pinky. "Sacrifice; Voldemort would not sacrifice himself for anyone, nor they him," Harry nodded following where Hermione was going with this, she folded down her little finger and moved onto the next one. "Friendship, Voldemort has followers, not friends," Hermione moved on across her hand. "Mentorship, Voldemort may follow the beliefs of the pure bloods but he has no guidance. Guardianship, we know Voldemort's parents are dead, he was an orphan, no guardianship, not like what you have," Hermione moved onto her thumb. "This is the most important; Love, you received love from every point in that star Harry but the love from Ginny was different, stronger in a way, something that Voldemort will never have or know."
Harry was silent for a moment, letting the information sink in.
"Do you understand now?" Hermione asked. "We did have a choice; the natural magic would not have worked if we didn't want it too."
Harry nodded. "It seems so simple now," he started. "After you explain it like that I'm surprised I didn't understand it before."
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The Daily Prophet 11th May 1998
Hermione was sitting at breakfast a few weeks later staring down at the article in front of her. She didn't think that the Prophet could surprise her anymore but here she was, sitting at the head table, surprised as she stared at the title of the latest trash the wizarding newspaper had to offer.
'Ministry in an uproar as students taught by unqualified 'professor''
The Daily Prophet has discovered recently that the potions classes taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are being undertaken by an unqualified so called 'professor' who the ministry has no records of graduating.
'Professor' Hermione Granger, who by ministry records should only just be finishing her studies next month, has been teaching students from first year to NEWT level in one of the schools most refined subjects. This comes after it was uncovered that the previous Potions Master, Severus Snape, who is still a wanted man, went out on killing sprees attacking innocent Muggles and Muggleborns.
The Prophet could not get in touch with the Headmaster to comment, but it can easily be assumed that this sham, which is all it can be referred to, is just another reason why the ancient Headmaster should step down from his position.
There is nothing that can be done about the lack of quality in this years potions results but we here at the Prophet, along with the scores of concerned parents, hope that this issue is rectified before classes begin again next summer.
Hermione tore her gaze from the page in front of her to meet Sirius angry grey eyes, he'd been reading over Hermione's shoulder and she could see he was seething.
"This is absolute….crap," he started throwing the paper down on the table loudly drawing the students gazes up to their transfiguration professor.
"Sirius," Hermione said, laying a calming hand on his arm. "It's ok, they can't do anything. I've sat my NEWTs. I received my grade. Dumbledore will sort it out."
"Hermione is right Sirius," Hermione and Sirius turned to look at Dumbledore who was standing behind them. "She may not have officially graduated but as Hermione Thomas she did receive her NEWTs," his blue eyes sparkling he turned his attention to Hermione. "May I have a word?"
Hermione nodded and followed the Headmaster out of the room.
"I wonder what that's about?" mused Sirius.
Beside him Remus grinned. "I thought it was James that had to know everything."
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In a slightly better mood than she had been in the morning Hermione wandered into the hospital wing to pay the Potions Master a visit, unsurprised when she saw Draco sitting next to Snapes bed.
"Granger," Draco greeted with a nod.
Hermione rolled her eyes slightly. "Hello Draco," she returned before glancing at the sunken face of Snape. "Any change?"
Draco shook his head. "Pomfrey said he's gaining strength, but she doesn't know when he'll wake up."
Hermione sat down on the opposite side of the bed. "How have you been doing?"
Draco regarded Hermione with a slightly guarded look before answering hesitantly.
"Fine…"
Hermione picked up on the uncertainty in the blondes voice and frowned. "Just fine?" she asked.
Draco sat in silence for a moment. "Quid Pro Quo?"
Hermione nodded, it seemed fair. If he were to talk she'd share something back.
Draco sat in silence again for a while as if processing the thoughts in his head. "I told you once that I was used to being beaten?"
Hermione nodded.
"That's how I was 'conditioned'," he started. "If I did or said something wrong, something that went against the 'pure blood' way my father would beat it out of me."
Hermione stared in shock, this she hadn't expected but was not a nearly surprised as she'd thought she'd be. Then again she knew what Lucius Malfoy was like.
Draco glanced at Hermione. "You don't seem too surprised," Malfoy commented. "Quid Pro Quo."
Hermione paused, just like Draco had, thinking about how to structure her answer. "You're father attacked me in my seventh year," Dracos eyebrows shot up. "Four times."
"Four times?" Draco muttered.
Hermione nodded, "Quid Pro Quo."
Draco waited for a question this time.
"Dark or light?"
He knew immediately what Hermione was asking and answered just as quickly. "Light. What did my father do to you?"
"Three times it was attempted rape, the last was when he kidnapped me."
Draco sat there digesting the word Rape.
"Quid Pro Quo," Hermione stated again. "Who attacked you?"
Draco's eyes narrowed. "I think you know that already."
"Enlighten me."
"Nott, Crabbe, Goyle and the four sixth year boys," Draco sighed, actually relieved to get that piece of information off his chest. "How did you get away; the first three times, from my Father?"
Hermione smiled slightly. "The first time he underestimated me, he couldn't walk properly for a week after that," Hermione paused as Draco smirked. "The second time he gravely underestimated Remus, the third I'd learnt my lesson from the previous two times and was able to defend myself."
Draco sat there quietly processing the information. He didn't know why he was sharing this with Hermione of all people, but it sure felt good to share something with someone.
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Hermione was curled up on the couch in their chambers a week later with a good muggle book when Sirius sneaked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
"Good evening," he murmured.
"Hey," she replied not taking her eyes off her book.
Sirius was momentarily sent back in time as he took in this scenario that seemed like it had happened yesterday.
"This is when you take my book away," Hermione stated drawing Sirius out of his memory causing him to chuckle and reach out and take the book out of her hands.
"We're supposed to be visiting Remus and Tonks tonight," Sirius murmured into Hermione's ear. "Not getting lost in a book."
Hermione spun around in Sirius arms so she was sitting backwards on the couch. "Maybe we should stay in for the night," she suggested before pressing her lips against his.
Sirius lost himself in the kiss before something in his brain kicked him and he pulled away slightly. "Uh-uh, you just want Remus and Tonks alone together," he said knowingly.
"But they should celebrate her cast coming off," Hermione argued.
That day Madame Pomfrey had taken the cast off Tonk's injured leg, there was still some tenderness however and Tonks still had to use crutches to get around. Nonetheless in Tonks' opinion it was a cause for celebration and had invited Hermione and Sirius over for some drinks.
"Yes, that's why we were invited."
"You just don't want them to be alone."
"And you just want them TO be alone," Sirius argued back. "Come on, it's rude not to go."
Hermione sighed knowing Sirius was right, and got up from her position on the couch as Sirius placed his hand on her lower back as they exited their chambers
"I can't believe you just gave up a night alone with me to go and see Remus and Tonks," Hermione said smiling as they made their way down the corridor.
In response to this little bit of teasing Sirius pressed Hermione up against the wall and kissed her passionately, his tongue tracing her lower lip before entering her mouth. A few moments later Sirius pulled away from a breathless Hermione and gave are a kiss on the tip of her nose. "We're not sleeping over at Remus'," he whispered huskily. "And it's the weekend tomorrow."
With that said he pulled back and grabbed Hermione's hand grinning as he led them down the corridor.
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Hermione snuggled into Sirius side as they laughed and chatted with Remus and Tonks, who tonight was sporting short spiky bright blue hair.
Sirius observed his friend and cousin, it was slowly becoming clear that perhaps Hermione was right, perhaps there was something underlying the surface.
"So Tonks," Hermione's voice interrupted Sirius' thoughts. "Do you know when you can go back to work?"
Tonks shrugged. "I can go back now, but I'll be stuck at a desk all day. Kingsley said I'm better off here for the time being. Besides," she said grinning. "I have Remus waiting on me hand and foot here."
Sirius grinned but noted the slight frown on his friends face.
"That might actually become a problem," Remus started glancing at the blue haired witch next to him.
"Why's that?" Tonks asked, confused.
"Madame Pomfrey said you need to start doing things for yourself; to build the strength back up in your leg," Remus explained.
"I don't see why I can't do that here," Tonks replied before a look of realization dawned on her face. "You don't want me here," she stated quietly.
"Now Tonks I didn't…"
"You know you could have just said so!" Tonks snapped. "I didn't realise I was such a burden!"
Hermione and Sirius exchanged a worried glance, the other two clearly forgetting their presence.
"I didn't say that Tonks," Remus said quietly rubbing his temples. "You just need to start doing things for yourself."
"Away from you right!" Tonks snapped, loosing her temper. "So oh so perfect Lupin can go back to his normal life without some injured Auror to look after!"
Remus winced at the use of his last name but felt his temper rising at the witch beside him. "Would you just listen to me!" he snapped back, earning shocked looks from both Hermione and Sirius. "I didn't say I didn't want you here…but maybe it would be for the best if you did ask Dumbledore for a new room."
Tonks sat stunned for a moment she hadn't expected this, a flicker of hurt passed her violet eyes before she stood. "FINE, if that's what you want Lupin," she said limping over to her door. "I'll be out of here in the morning, I wouldn't want to burden you any longer."
"You do that!" Remus snapped before storming off to his own, room leaving a wide eyed pair sitting on the couch.
"That was…." Sirius started.
"Surprising."
"Yeah, Remus has never snapped like that," he murmured. "I'm going to go and see if he's ok."
Hermione nodded and walked up to Tonks' room and knocked softly. "Tonks, its Hermione, are you ok?" Through the door Hermione could hear muffled sobs but got no reply. Sighing Hermione turned her gaze to Sirius who was standing talking to Remus, who had opened his door.
Shaking his head Remus stepped back into the room and closed the door leaving Sirius standing outside for a moment.
"Come on," Sirius said moving over to Hermione flicking his hand so the candles in the room died down. "They just need to sleep it off."
