The disclaimer is in the first chapter.
A big THANK YOU to the Higher Power. My Mom and Son for keeping up with my crazy writing schedule.
Again, if you know Strugglemuggle and RobSt and you recognize their ideas and influence in this chapter, I think you are amazing too.
A hug the amazing trio Marc the Unruly, SlytherinSal, and Noppoh.
This fic is still rated M+18. Language and mature themes.
I really don't fancy Trolls in any shape or form. So please rude comments on the side.
Reviews are welcome.
Enjoy!
Chapter 5. The Hogwarts Express and the Prodigal Children.
1 September 1991.
9 ¾ gate
Kings Cross Station.
London UK
Hogwarts Express
10 am
Hermione could not wait for her friends to join her. It had been three years ever since she met the Blacks. On that day, she met the most wicked female, besides her mother and Nana; she met the brilliant witch Mary Lily Black. Her amazing son and his siblings had come out into the park that day and, after Harry kicked the stuffing out of the three bullies trying to hurt her, Harry's mom had joined them and organized the men around as a perfect general and even gave a bow to a mean-looking Grim dog.
Once the Grangers and the Black's had introduced themselves over tea, and Mrs. Black told the funny circumstances of their children and dog meeting at the park. The dog had changed into a very distinguished-looking dad, and they'd explained that Magic was real and that Hermione was a gifted child, in fact, a witch.
The Grangers couldn't object to the evidence, and soon after serving tea, the Blacks had informed the mundane family they were traveling incognito. The Blacks' needed to continue with their traveling schedule, but because Hermione had left such a powerful impression on the Family, the family was going to do something unorthodox; they were going to give Hermione the knowledge that Harry had attained so she could start developing her gifts.
Only after time, and practice of magic would Hermione mature further and the Grangers would bear witness behind the message the Black family shared on that occasion, that Hermione was quite special.
It was then that the Grangers realized Mary was a magical Empath, and Harry was a telepath and Empath, and he could share his knowledge by looking into Hermione's eyes.
To the bushy, introverted bookworm girl, it was an experience on its own. Not that there was anything wrong focusing on the eldest boy's beautiful emerald eyes, or his lopsided smile. Still, Hermione felt awkward when Harry asked her while reading her thoughts. "Why didn't you defend against those morons Hermione? You are a lot smarter and more powerful; why did you let them hurt you?"
Of course, Hermione started shedding tears, which surprised her mother and father. It was an oddity to gaze at their daughter crying in front of strangers, but they realized the boy, Harry, meant no harm as soon as he started softly drying her tears and then shedding tears of his own. Only Hermione and Harry knew the details of the conversation. Harry gave his knowledge on everything in his magical education and hobbies, and Hermione learned that she too could be smart and dangerous. It was then that Hermione did something that she never thought she could do. While in a mental conversation with Harry, she asked him, "Harry, do you want to be my boyfriend?"
Harry blinked owlishly, then blushed and then smiled like he just uncovered sugar, and nodded yes. He replied telepathically, "Okay, if you'll be my girlfriend." Hermione smiled and nodded her acceptance,
Hermione's parents also had common sense and realized her daughter just came to an agreement with the strange eldest boy of the Black family, which kind of scared them. Hermione broke her mental connection and said, "Harry said I'm an Apex predator or an Alpha female, and as such, I should prepare to kick the shite out of those morons in the park, so they know not to mess with me."
Dr. Daniel Malcom Granger laughed and then said, "Yes dear, Harry is correct, but I would not use potty language around your mom, or new friends, it's not good manners."
Hermione wilted and said to her mother and the newcomers, "Sorry about my language, I'll rinse my mouth with soap, be back in a minute."
Mary raised an eyebrow and added, "Hermione, please save some of that soap for Harry, because he's rinsing his mouth too."
Harry was about to protest but then Hermione took his hand and pulled him to her bathroom. That was the first time a girl took his hand and he realized he hadn't even known anyone as pretty as her to pull him anywhere. After the two had rinsed their mouths, Hermione said, "Harry, would it be okay if I kissed you?"
To which Harry eloquently replied, "What, well, okay." They did, and he said, "You taste just like soap, but I guess so do I. Next time do you think we could do it after honey or raw sugar?"
Harry knew he had said something right because Hermione's smile grew and outshined the sun on that summer's day. Hermione replied, "Okay, next time we will try it with an assortment of sweets. Shall we call it the kissing experience?"
Harry's eyes lit up and then he said, "You're going to have to train hard and learn how to be strong so no one gets you cornered ever again. Because we shared our education, you will have an advantage over others. Keep this information about me and my family a secret. The Potters and the Blacks have enemies; no one must know we are acquainted. You'll be Andy's girl and I will be your boyfriend, Harry Potter, and the Blacks don't exist until our time is right. Can you do that?"
"I can, and I will. I'll be strong and, who knows, maybe next time, I'll save you?" asked Hermione.
"Okay, um, Hermione?" asked Harry,
"Yes, Harry?" replied Hermione.
"I don't know how to be a boyfriend. Do you think you can teach me about that?" asked a blushing Harry.
"Well, I don't know how to be a girlfriend either, but I somehow gather that you learn as you go along. My parents are still learning how to agree, for example, did you notice my dad was laughing at my rude language while my mom seemed closed to strangling my dad? Despite that, they kept their feelings to themselves and then your mom just got an eye tick while your dad was fighting hard not to laugh as my dad did. Still, both men are accepted by their counterparts. I think they too are still learning how to agree even when they disagree," said Hermione.
Harry nodded, and said, "I guess you have a point. We should get moving because my mom will break down the door soon if we are not out, thinking that we got flushed away after rinsing our mouths."
Hermione started giggling, "That's silly."
As it turns, Harry was right; Mrs. Black was outside the door and Dr. Emma Helen Granger was trying hard not to laugh at Mary's blushing face. She had just said the same words after the kids did not step out of the restroom.
Three years passed, and many things happened. For one, Emma Granger discovered she was pregnant with twins. Magic was funny like that. Now, Hermione was the elder sister to two girls, Sorcha Evelyn and Charlotte Maya Granger. Her parents were crazy with joy when the twins arrived. Dr. Emma gave birth in a magical clinic in France and, because of the likeness of having a magical daughter, the healer/doctor diagnosed the magical siblings. Potions and knowledge of magical births with the twins paved the way for the Granger family to welcome the babies in a much more professional environment than the last delivery.
Hermione loved her baby sisters from the moment their raw magic and hers connected. Funny enough, it was in the first trimester. Hermione began singing her favorite lullaby, and the babies responded by changing the colors in the room. The Grangers knew the family was going to be magical no matter what. After they contacted the Black's, Mary came for a visit the following weekend and, after a long conversation, the family had a journey to France and contacted The Swedish Gnomes bank to make a bid for the adoption of a set of house-elves.
The Grangers moved to the countryside and into a warded property once the newborns were back in the UK. The Grangers got information on how to disguise as Squibs and the girls became acquainted with the Wales magical shopping district. The small magical community was not as bigoted as was Diagon Alley, and Hermione could investigate further and perfect the information she had received by Legilimency from Harry.
Never again was she considered a punching bag or an annoying-know-it-all. She kept to herself and was always cautious of her relations. To her parents and tutors, she was just an exceptional child.
When Professor McGonagall arrived at the Granger's home to deliver the news that Hermione was a witch, it surprised her to be received by a well-kept house-elf in a perfectly cut uniform.
"Welcome to the Granger's abode, Professor McGonagall, my name is Tibbles. Mistress Emma and her daughter Ms. Hermione are waiting for you in the garden, please come with me."
"Goodness me, well I've never thought I would meet such a well-spoken house-elf. Your masters must be brilliant."
"Tibbles and Lula agree with Professor." The house-elf stopped, and as though he was announcing royalty, he said to the beautiful set of women of different ages, "Mistress Emma, Mistress Hermione, little Maya, and Evie. Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts has arrived, and she's looking for Mistress Hermione."
To Minerva McGonagall, the introduction, though proper, blew her mind away. In front of her, three beautiful and most powerful siblings turned to see her, as though compelled by the elder woman's magic, and their mother stood still watching the girls respond to the newcomer. They all had beautiful summer frocks. Hermione was playing ball with her sisters, however, the ball was floating like a bubble. The girls giggled, and the ball changed color; it was now turning red to purple, to pink, to blue. She stopped and popped the bubble which released butterflies and again had the girls babbling. Emma said, "Lula, time for the twins to have their nap."
"Pardon me, Mrs. Granger, but I thought I was visiting a muggle home; did the Hogwarts classification book make a mistake? This house is clearly magical," said a confused Professor McGonagall.
"If by muggles, you mean mundane, yes, we are mundane. However, according to the Gringotts records, my husband comes from a very distinguished family. He is a direct descendant of Hector Dagworth-Granger, a family that refused to be there for him because of his lack of magic. But once Hermione had a flash of wild magic, Gringotts contacted us, and my husband and I became acquainted with his family history and magic, and his inheritance, which included this chateau and money. Slowly, we've been filling in the gaps in education and, as you witnessed, my daughters are very gifted, so much that Gringotts suggested we adopted house-elves into our family in order to protect and guide our own through the growing pains of being a squib parent to a magical child. Henceforth, here we are."
"I commend you. Your house is beautiful, your daughters are more than amazing, and I cannot wait for Hermione to ask me questions.," The elder witch smiled, which made Hermione smile. "Professor, what is your area of expertise?"
Minerva smiled and answered, "Transfiguration, exactly what you just did with the bubble. But transfiguration is not limited to things; it also helps you shift." Minerva transformed into a cat with a very rigid posture and with lines that resembled eyeglass frames around her eyes. Hermione smiled and said, "Do they teach that in Hogwarts?"
Minerva turned back and said, "The basics if you are interested, you can become a Transfiguration Mistress yourself."
Minerva left the Granger home with a feeling of warmth and hope. It was such a beautiful family and home. No doubt that Granger girl was going to create waves around Hogwarts; there was something unique and appealing about her that left her wanting her as her cub. Time would tell, and Minerva was hoping she chose Hogwarts. She knew that as a Magical family, Gringotts had given them all the information available about other magical schools. After some tea and a very interesting conversation, Minerva left saying that if Hermione was intent on Hogwarts, she should send a reply via owl. To which the Granger women had nodded and thanked her for her time.
Looking back, Hermione understood that her mother had not lied about her family history. She changed the bank name, but again, her mother rarely did things without thinking and it was typical, for English Magical folk, to be xenophobic, so she kept her story short and simple.
Standing on the 9 and ¾ platform, Hermione looked at how other magical families had looked at her very pristine appearance. Her mother had a magical bracelet that allowed her magical vision and passage through the gate at Kings Cross Station. Her house-elf Tibbles shadow traveled with them and protected her mistress from malicious magic. He also acted as her cover magical aide. While Hermione touched her trunk and made it feather-light, and carried her kitten in her purse, she turned around and hugged her mom. Then her dad appeared shortly, next to her mother.
If anyone was wondering if the family was magical or not, that was the moment everyone realized they were indeed a Magical, well-kept English family, and the demeanors of the surrounding people changed to an agreeable welcome.
"Now dear, you promise to write and don't forget, if you need anything just ask. We love you," said the beautiful Emma., Daniel hugged her and added, "You heard your mom, now give us a kiss and go get them, Princess."
Hermione nodded and stepped away. Soon after, a soft-spoken boy said, "Hi, do you need help with your trunk?"
Hermione turned and noticed her good friend Neville. She nodded and said, "Um, yes?"
"Okay." Neville pulled the trunk and fell, which made a blond boy goof off. The newcomer added to her, "Good help is so hard to get these days. Not even two-left-feet Longbottom here can handle a lady's luggage. Hello miss, can I help you get on the train?"
Hermione could hardly blink, much less answer. However, she realized Neville was about two seconds away from exploding so she replied with another question, "Um, not to be rude, but have we met before?"
Draco really liked this girl; she was pretty, educated, wealthy, and had an alluring set of topaz eyes that glittered beautifully in the morning sun. Before he could answer, a commotion happened as a dog was whining and barking at a boy and his siblings. Draco, Neville, and Hermione stood still as the mutt pulled on the boy's coat and jumped, which annoyed him to no end. Then a crack happened and the siblings and dog whined. There, standing as regal as Emma before her, Mary Black, aka Mrs. Simmons, to the rest of the wizarding world, stood rigidly and tapped her foot at all of them. A gesture to which all reacted by shivering.
"Mom, please get him off me, I have to get to the train, Hermione is waiting," pleaded a boy, who did not look a thing like the Harry Potter bestseller books at Diagon Alley's proclaimed. The twins were now seven, close to eighth, and were carbon copies of Sirius Black, except for the eyes, which were honey and olive green. The twins, Matt and Eli, were pulling on Andy's robes, while the Grim licked his face and, as hard as she tried not to, Mary was close to laughing at the complete scene.
Andy(Harry) had his hair short as though he was entering the royal armed forces. He was wearing a coat of onyx leather, dragon skin boots in the same shade, and bracelets. He looked close to a very young punk rocker, except for the piercings and tattoos, which were absent. He looked closer to a teen than the rest of his class; he had no eyeglasses and was bulked as though he worked out daily. Andy was scarily good-looking for being a newbie in Hogwarts.
It was then that Snuffles reached Emma since he too sensed Lucius Malfoy looking at Emma with a hint of malice. Once there, he turned his ugliest grin and growled menacingly, then started barking, which distracted Malfoy from his attempt to 'Imperious' Emma.
Emma turned to the dog and then to Lucius Malfoy. After their eyes met, Emma realized Paddy just saved her from whatever that slimy man had in mind. Emma Granger said, "Paddy, stop it." The Grim turned and sneezed, then lifted his paw to relieve himself on the elder Malfoy. Mary cleared her throat and added, "That is enough Paddy. I see you have found darling Emma and Daniel, and Mr. Malfoy."
"You have me at a disadvantage madam. Lucius Malfoy at your service." He bowed, and that gained the interest of the three boys and the dog, just as Mary replied, now sporting a set of perfect emerald eyes. "I'm Mary Simmons, this is my son Andy and his brothers Mathew and Elias Simmons. A pleasure." She tilted her head. Then she added in a glacier tone of voice, "These are our friends, Daniel and Emma Granger."
Lucius was taken aback; the woman was a powerhouse of magic. Emma and her husband were just barely powerful. However, that woman and her sons could light his mansion on fire with all the raw power they exuded. He queried, "Muggleborn?"
To which Mary smiled without teeth. "Prodigal children, all of us. Now, if you excuse us, we have a son to put on that train. Good day, Mr. Malfoy."
If anyone could have struck Lucius Malfoy, it was Mary Simmons. She did not even need a physical blow. Malfoy had to agree the woman had Gravitas. The Grangers, the dog, and her children followed her as though she was the matriarch of all. He would have to dig into which family the woman belonged to. The same as for the Grangers. Even Draco jumped at the young girl and, until then, Lucius did not know if Draco even realized girls existed.
Harry(Andy) too noticed how the elder Malfoy was sizing Emma and his mother, and then he realized he smelled like a wet dog. He exclaimed, "Ew, what the hell Paddy, now I smell like you!" To which Mary swished her wand and he got refreshed. He then raised his head and said, "Thanks mom, you're a lifesaver." She pulled him into a hug, to which he gave in without a struggle. "Promise you'll call, and remember to write to your brothers, okay dear?" said Mary. To which Harry just said, "I promise. Now Paddy, I already said goodbye to you back in the house. I love you too, you mutt, and I will call you, and yes, I promise to send you a bone if I ever come near to one."
"What is that supposed to mean, Andy?" asked Mary.
Andy just answered as he got close to Hermione, "Um, nothing?" To which he turned away knowing that his mother was about to extract the truth of Spaniards' way out of his father. When he reached Hermione, he noticed Neville, dusting himself off, and a blond ferret looking at him as though he was dog shite on his shoe. Hermione was close to laughter at the entire display from his entry and so he made a split-second decision.
He shrunk his trunk by snapping his fingers and then raised his arm. A beautiful snowy owl landed on his shoulder. He said to her, "Go to Hogwarts gorgeous and I'll meet you there. I have to help Lady Hermione here; she seems to have a knack to attract attention even though she denies it."
He said this in a low growl that made a couple of girls sigh. "I have a knack, you say? Oh, that sounds interesting coming from you Mr. Simmons. Heir Longbottom, Heir Malfoy, this is Andy Simmons, and I am Hermione Granger, heir to the Dagworth-Granger, very nice to meet you."
"Oh good, you brought your servant. Well played, Heiress Granger," said Draco. Neville just goofed off and added, "Come, Mr. Simmons and Lady Granger, the air is getting a distinct smell of manure. I didn't realize you had feather charmed the trunk Miss Granger, but I think Mr. Simmons had the right idea," Neville too snapped his fingers, and the trunk shrunk. He was about to offer Hermione his arm when he realized Andy was next to him and added, "I'm sorry, I'm not taking your arm, but you can take Malfoy's hand since he's now available."
That suggestion was as welcomed as a kiss from a six-foot slug, and both of the male heirs shuddered. After, the two raised their heads and realized the hooligan Simmons had taken their princess. The arsehole.
-oo0oo-
