I can't believe the reaction I've had to this story! I want to thank everyone who has reviewed, favourited and followed it. I'm so happy!
Right so I thought I'd clear up a couple things publicly in case anyone else had the same concerns/ questions.
HallowRain8587 : About them being siblings. They are pretending to be siblings. I wasn't 100% sure if you meant how were they going to date/ go public in or if you meant that it would be wrong for them to date because the are 'siblings'. Just a reminder that they are not actually siblings. I hope that answered your question :)
Also not to spoil anything but ^ actually works itself into the plot big time.
Suzululu4moe : You'll just have to wait and see ;)
I made a slight mistake at the end of the previous chapter, but I did fix it so I'm sorry about that.
beaflower114 & patty cake rocks : Thank you so so much xx I'm so glad you both think so!
This is kind of shameless self promo but I updated It Was Her Ginger Hair today if anyone wanted to go check it out C:
Disclaimer : Harry Potter belongs to J.K Rowling and only the storyline is mine.
August 29th, 1971
"You're telling me I have cousins that I don't know about?" James asked sceptically.
"Yes, dear. I know you're only meeting them today but for their safety you need to pretend as if you've known them you whole life." Dorea said calmly.
"This isn't a joke, this is for real?" James asked.
"Definitely not a joke." Charlus chuckled as he walked into the drawing room. Dorea insisted that they meet the new additions to their family in the comfy, open spaced room that Dumbledore had found Dorea in a couple days ago.
"I'm going to have siblings?"
"Yes, sweetheart."
"Hell yea!" James said excitably, pure glee lighting up his face.
"Did you expect that?" Charlus murmured into his wife's ear as he wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Honestly? Yes," Dorea giggled as she watched James' eyes light up when the doorbell rang. "Dumbledore always has impeccable timing wouldn't you say?"
"The best, darling." Charlus kissed her cheek, before leaving his wife and son, to go and greet their guests. Dorea listened fondly as James prattled on about all the things he could do with the his newfound siblings.
Charlus returned with Dumbledore, and two black haired eleven year olds trailed behind him. The girl had hazel green eyes, and Dorea almost stepped back at the wisdom that filled them, a nervous look was on her face, and she took in her surroundings. The boy appeared to be taking this all in stride, a calm expression on his face as he watched Dorea frown momentarily at his light, grey eyes. He tapped his finger on his thigh, gently bumping his shoulder against the girls and then he strode over to Dorea and extended his hand.
The girl followed his lead, pinching the back of his hand subtlety, a small smile on her face as she looked up at Dorea. I like her. Dorea thought to herself in amusement.
"I'm Dorea Potter, your new Mother," Dorea tried to get the ball rolling, ignoring the boy's hand, and bending down to engulf him in a hug.
"What the-" the boy sputtered, stiffening for a moment. He cautiously wrapped his hands around her back, resigning himself to the fact that she wasn't going to let go until he did.
Dorea pulled back from him and then proceeded to draw the girl for a hug, unlike the boy, the girl wasn't as reluctant to hug her back; a soft sigh fell from the girl's lips as she melted into the hug.
"Now, what are both of your names?" Dorea asked, letting go of the girl, and resting her hand gently on her cheek.
"Hermione." The girl said immediately, blushing furiously at how loudly the name had burst out of her.
"Eager as always," The boy rolled his eyes, sitting down gingerly on one of the foot stools, "I'm Draco."
James couldn't contain himself anymore and had appeared at Dorea's side, looking at Hermione and Draco in fascination. "My name is James, I guess we're supposed to be cousins or something like that?"
"Something like that, well as far as anyone else is concerned, we're siblings," Hermione giggled, Dorea must have imagined it, but Hermione's eyes had been filled with grief when she had seen James.
"I'm not used to all this, like she is. So you'll have to be patient with me," Draco murmured quietly, a large frown on his face.
"What do you mean, dear?" Dorea asked, she found this boy fascinating; what it was yet she couldn't put her finger on, but there was something about him that was familiar.
"Being all warm and fuzzy, that's Mione's area. So don't expect me to be affectionate or happy-go-lucky all the time." Draco grunted.
"Draco." Hermione said gently, she reached out and brushed some of his hair back from his face, and Dorea felt her maternal instincts surge up within her. She was going to protect these children, love them, and become as close to their Mother as she could. They looked so sad and down trodden. Mipsy would know what to do.
"Mipsy," Dorea snapped her fingers and the little House-Elf materialised in front of her.
"Yes Missus Potter?" Mipsy's ear twitched and she spun around to see the two children that looked like the rest of the family she serve and bounded over to them curiously. "Who are you?"
"Hermione Potter and Draco Potter," Hermione said slowly, frowning at the House Elf, "are you happy here? Do you want to be-"
"Mione." Draco growled next to her, she snapped her head up and glared at him.
"They should have rights, too!"
"Not this again," Draco rolled his eyes.
"Mipsy likes working for us," James frowned, surprised at the girl's behaviour.
Dorea watched on as Mipsy's face began to turn purple, the three children carrying on their own conversation; seemingly having forgotten the very Elf in question. Five, four, three, tw-
"Mipsy is happy where Mispsy is! Mipsy is the Potter Elf and...pay. Mipsy would never ask for pay. Now the young Miss will stop with this talk now." The Elf yelled loudly. You go, Mips. Dorea internally cheering on the House Elf. Charlus had snuck into the kitchens when Mipsy had arrived, and currently attempting to sneak back into the room with a freshly boiled pot of water.
"Mipsy sees Master Potter!" The Elf pointed in his direction, Charlus froze and Dorea laughed silently.
"It seems I'm not needed any longer," Dumbledore announced, Dorea had forgotten he was in the room, she had been completely enthralled with the two children the moment they had walked through the door.
"I'll walk you out, Albus." Dorea got up when the Headmaster opened his mouth to protest. "I will walk you out, Albus Dumbledore."
"Of course, Dorea."
Dorea led Albus through the house to the front door, her heels making sharp clicking noises as she walked on the wooden floors. "How you walk so well in those I will never understand, Dorea."
"I try to do everything to the best of my ability, Albus." Dorea grinned as she opened the front door. The Older Wizard watched through the doorway, hesitating on the porch.
"Take care of them, Dorea. They have been through quite a lot in their short lives." Albus stated, Dorea leaned against the doorway and met his wise gaze.
"You chose us for a reason, why? The Longbottoms, Prewetts, Weasleys, they would have all been happy to take them in." Dorea asked astutely.
"I hope to see you soon, Dorea. Do enjoy your evening." Dumbledore said merrily, tapping the side of his half moon spectacles. Dorea sighed, Dumbledore was as elusive as usual. She sometimes wondered what it would be like to be him, but was glad that she wasn't. It must all get so tiring, knowing all that he did. Deciding that some things were better left unknown Dorea closed the front door and went to rejoin the rest of her family.
...
August 30th, 1971
"If we're supposed to be siblings shouldn't we know things about each other?" James asked at Breakfast.
Hermione was mildly surprised, she was however extremely pleased that James had come to the same conclusion that Draco and her had reached a few days prior. Draco was still asleep and Charlus had rushed off to work; he never mentioned what he did and Hermione failed to ask.
Dorea had been warm and welcoming since the previous evening and Hermione was already growing attached to the older witch. They had chatted with James until it was almost midnight, but Hermione and Draco had steered the conversation away from anything too personal. Even Hermione knew that in order for this to work, they needed to get to know each other. They would just have to exclude seven years of their lives.
"What do you want to know, Jamie?" Hermione asked, biting into a warm, freshly buttered slice of toast. James had insisted last night that they both call him Jamie, and ignored Hermione when she tried to tell him she didn't like nicknames.
"When's your birthday is a good start," Hermione frowned at the question, she hadn't discussed with Draco whose birthday they would choose to tell people, panicking slightly she decided to make one up.
"Our birthday is December fifth," Hermione blurted, Dorea looked over her shoulder, a concerned look on her face as she handed her dishes to Mipsy. She walked back over to the Kitchen table, sitting back down at the head of it. Draco had just come downstairs and was hovering in the doorway.
"I'll need to write that down," Dorea said happily, tucking a curl behind Hermione's ear. "You look a bit like one of great nieces did at this age, Bellatrix, I've only seen pictures though." Hermione froze, halting her chewing, panic building up in her body, she tightly closed her eyes and tried to forget about Bellatrix Lestrange. Hermione breathed in and out harshly through her nostrils, Dorea noticed and reached out for her, when Draco burst into the room and began to whisper things in her ears. Hermione wasn't even sure what he was saying, but it was his tone; his smooth, soothing tone is what calmed her down.
"Are you alright dear?" Dorea asked worriedly, her hand still hovering in midair. Draco stood upright and saw that James was looking curiously at the two of them.
"Fine, I'm grand." Hermione smiled forcibly, Dorea chose not to press the matter any further and to change the topic entirely.
"Hermione was just telling me that your birthday is December Fifth." Dorea told Draco, who arched a brow, but said nothing as he pulled the seat next to Hermione out and sat down. Mipsy apparated next to him with a piping hot plate of food. She placed the utensils down first and then lowered the floating plate of food onto the table in front of him.
"Thank you."
"Mipsy is so happy. The young Master said thank you. See Miss Potter, no need for pay. Mipsy is happy." Mipsy nodded defiantly in Hermione's direction before apparating back over by the kitchen counter.
"Don't look at me," Draco smirked when Hermione glowered in his direction.
"Yea having a December birthday sucks,"
"Why?" James tilted his head, a piece of neatly cut sausage going into his mouth.
"Where we were staying, only gave us one present each. To cover Christmas and our birthday...not that we weren't grateful!" Hermione added on hurriedly.
"Well we'll have to see about changing that, won't we?" Dorea winked.
"I don't, I mean...you taking us in is enough," Hermione insisted, Draco's head shot up and his wide eyes indicated he did not agree; his mouth was full of food so he couldn't disagree properly at the moment.
"Nonsense, dear," Dorea waved the notion away, "you're my children, I'll give you as many presents as I choose."
Draco relaxed visibly, returning back to his breakfast, satisfied that Hermione had not messed anything up for him.
"When is your birthday, James?" Hermione asked.
"March Twenty-Seventh," James replied, cutting up his omelette.
"Sweet," Draco nodded, Hermione gaped at him, quickly hiding her reaction before she did anything else strange in Dorea's presence for the day.
"Mum can we go exploring later today?" James asked eagerly.
"Of course, dear. You can spend all the time you want with you new siblings." Dorea said tenderly.
...
James led them around the grounds, animatedly showing them all the plants and trees, Hermione was surprised to find a large, crystal clear pool in the middle of the yard.
"There used to be a pond there a few generations back, but the Head of the Household at the time hated toads, so he magically removed it." James shrugged. "Dad wanted to do something with the massive space, so he put a pool there."
"Hey, do you guys like Quidditch?"James asked thrilled at the concept. Draco nodded, a slow grin growing on his face. The sun had started beating down on them, and they had moved from the pool lip to under one of the larger fruit trees, enjoying the cool shade.
"Mione hates it, won't touch a broom with a ten foot stick." Draco cackled.
"Just because you love flying doesn't mean I have to." Hermione grumbled, drawing her feet to her chest.
"How can you not like flying?" James gasped, dumbfounded.
"I just don't," Hermione muttered, turning away from both of them.
James stood up, and walked over to Hermione, crouching down in front of her. "I didn't mean to upset you, Mione. I just love Quidditch a lot, so I don't get how you can't." James said sheepishly, pushing his wire rimmed glasses further back on the bridge of his nose.
"It's ok, Jamie. Why don't you and Draco go flying?" Hermione suggested, glad she had when she noticed how both of their faces brighten at the thought. Draco was a lot quieter than she remembered him being; his arrogance practically having disappeared overnight.
"I think that's a grand idea, what do you think, Draco?" James twisted to look at Draco, a giddy expression on his face.
"Show me to the brooms," Draco smirked, a touch of the arrogance she was familiar with showing itself.
"Follow me!" James exclaimed, jumping up and sprinting across the grass, Draco glanced at her briefly before chasing after him.
Hermione checked for ants, and satisfied that she didn't see any, she leaned back against the tree trunk and contently watched the Potter boys race each other into the air. Pure euphoria on both of their faces as the flew through the air. This isn't so bad.
"MIONE! WATCH ME DO LOOP D' LOOPS," James belted out, Hermione shook her head as she watched him fly in loops. Draco joined in, doing a spiral upwards in the air.
Hermione felt the warm sensation in her chest grow for the two boys, when she had woken up next to Draco in the middle of the corridor she thought her world had ended, but somehow it now felt like it was just beginning.
...
August 31st, 1971
"We already have our wands," Draco rolled his eyes, digging into his pocket to show it to Dorea; when his fingers didn't brush against it he began to search more frantically, coming up empty. "Hermione," Draco panicked.
"In all the commotion since we got here we must have overlooked the fact that they were gone," Hermione whispered sadly so only Draco could hear her.
"Then I suppose we'll need to go get new ones, don't worry Ollivander is an old friend, he won't mind that it's late." Dorea said soothingly, tugging affectionately on one of Hermione's curls and then ruffling Draco's trusses. She knows something is off, but she is letting us have our space. I think I'm going to like this woman very, very much.
"Thank you so much," Hermione said gratefully, elbowing Draco in his side.
"Right, Thanks." Draco grunted, it still shocked Hermione every time he spoke because she had grown used to his deeper voice, but the potion had reversed practically everything because his voice was once again as squeaky as it had been before it broke.
An hour later Dorea, Charlus, James, Draco and Hermione were hurrying through the streets of Diagon Alley until they reached Ollivander's shop. Dorea could see a faint glow from the back of the shop through the windows and she knew he was in even though the closed sign was up.
Dorea rapped her knuckles twice on the dark wooden door, and she saw the light move towards them. Soon Ollivander appeared with a candle floating behind him.
"Dorea?" Ollivander adjusted his spectacles to get a better look outside the foggy windows.
"I need wands for these two." Dorea pleaded urgently, one hand on Draco's shoulder and the other on Hermione's.
"Peculiar," Ollivander murmured before reaching in his robes and withdrawing a ring of keys, peering at them he grabbed a copper coloured one and stuck it into the key hole. He turned it right and it opened with a small click; he removed the key and then opened the door towards himself. The Potters filed in and were soon assembled by the cashier. "I think ladies first should do if that is alright with you, Mister Potter."
"Fine by me," Draco shrugged, tucking his hands under his armpits.
"One moment then," Ollivander peered at Hermione for a moment and then hurried into the shop. A sense of nostalgia rushed over Hermione as she remembered her first time visiting the shop. A few things were in different places, a few knickknacks that she didn't remember being there the first time were strewn about the shop. Was it really over seven years ago that I first stood in this shop. Oh it was magnificent, everything was so bright and shiny and...just plain magical.
"Right let's try this. Ebony, eleven and a quarter inches, unicorn hair as the core." Ollivander gently opened the box and held out the wand to Hermione. The instant her fingers touched the smooth wood something to the far right caught on fire. "Definitely not." Ollivander tutted, quickly returning the wand to its' box.
"I'll get it," Charlus smirked, non verbally extinguishing the flames.
"Thank you, Charlus." Ollivander nodded gratefully. "Perhaps something a little more..." his fingers tapped the side of the box before he placed it on the counter and ran down the set of shelves to the left.
"This ought to do the trick." Ollivander smiled, bringing two boxes with him this time. "Vine wood, supple, eleven and a half inches, phoenix feather as the core." Ollivander regarded Hermione carefully as she picked the wand out of the box. This time she felt a warmth spread through her, she closed her eyes as she listened to content hum she swore was coming from the wand. "Most interesting indeed. It appears we only have the young man left." Ollivander placed the empty box on the counter and then retrieved the other one he had stashed under his arm. "Try this one, my boy."
Draco didn't even touch the wand before several boxes burst out of their places towards the back of the shop. "I think this one can stay in the box," Ollivander's eybrows rose.
"My wand is-" James tried to tell Hermione before Ollivander interrupted him.
"Eleven inches, Mahogany, Dragon Heartstring core," Ollivander saw James' deflated expression and immediately apologised. "I'm sorry m'boy, it's a habit."
"It's alright," James shrugged, though his disposition brightened significantly when Hermione asked if she could see it.
"Now I need to go and see if I can't find a wand for the final, Potter." Ollivander said determinedly before once again disappearing into the depths of the shop. Several wands later and they had still not succeeded in finding Draco's wand.
I didn't get my original wand, so then it would be safe to assume that Draco will get a different wand as well. Maybe it's because in this time we will be different from who we were. Will be? We have both been through a war after all.
"I didn't think it could be this simple...but I am almost positive I found just the one." Ollivander said confidently, moving the wrappings to the side to reveal a dark coloured wand. Draco looked sceptically at the wand, cautiously he reached forward and firmly clasped the wand in his hand. The look of serenity and pure joy that filled his face was enough for Hermione to know that he had found the one; a pale silvery glow shone around his frame for a few moments but was gone as quickly as it had come.
"The wand chooses the Wizard." Ollivander smiled wryly, "Hawthorn, ten and three quarter inches, Dragon Heartstring core."
After their wands had been paid for, the Potters thanked Ollivander several times before they left.
"Again, thank you so much, Garrick." Dorea hugged the man briefly, then linked her arm with her Husband's.
"It was really no trouble, Dorea." Ollivander leaned forward and whispered lightly in her ear. "Those two are special, keep a close eye on them, they could change everything."
"I know," Dorea winked slyly, waving as she left the shop with her children and Husband. "Don't I know it."
...
September 1st, 1971
Just outside Platform Nine and Three Quarters
"I see things haven't changed that much," Dorea murmured into her husband's ear.
"No, dear I don't think much has." Charlus laughed in response. This morning all three of the children were bundles of excitement, for different reasons, but they were especially happy at their gifts that Charlus and Dorea bequeathed upon them after breakfast.
Hermione had received a sleek black cat, who brought to mind Crookshanks. She was torn on about the cat, it was beautiful and the first gift she had officially received from her new parents, but on the other hand she missed her cat from twenty plus years into the future. Midnight had refused to get into a cage and was lying on Hermione's trunk, eyes darting about the train station.
Draco was gifted with a Grey Owl; the intelligent bird had taken an immediate liking to him and the other Potter children, and was now half asleep in the cage secured to Draco's cart. Dorea smirked and told Draco to remember to let Hermione and James use her to send letters if they asked nicely.
James had looked smugly at the 'twins' and proudly shown off the Invisibility Cloak Charlus had given him. "Generations of Potters have been using that to their great advantage. Take extreme care of it, and please don't lose it." Charlus said, ruffling his son's hair as the boy thanked him numerous times.
"Seems she's having some problems, Dad." James jerked his head in the direction of the Plaform. A young redheaded girl was standing there with her wide eyed muggle parents. Her parents were speaking in hushed tones and gesturing around the station.
"There is no bloody Platform Nine and Three Quarters," The man hissed, stomping his foot.
Is that? The girl turned around, biting her lip nervously, she appeared to be searching for someone. Lily! Hermione smiled when she saw the bright green eyes she had grown to know and love looking at her.
"Muggles, poor dears." Dorea shook her head in sympathy.
"This is a mistake," Hermione heard the man say before a vein in his head began to twitch. Dorea chose that moment to step in, Charlus following his wife with great amusement.
"Excuse me, Platform Nine and Three Quarters?" Dorea smiled politely.
"Yes, please." Lily said eagerly, no longer as worried as she had been moments before that. Hermione looked to her right to see James' had a dreamy expression on his face. Oh no.
"Charlus, love. You can help Mister-"
"Evans." The man replied gruffly.
"Onto the platform and I will help his lovely wife," Dorea looked back at the Potter children with a large smile. "You three know what to do, remember what I told you. Just watch your Father and I. Don't forget this young lady."
"Don't stop, no matter what I do, alright?" Dorea said kindly to the stunned red haired woman, she nodded and accepted Dorea's hand. Dorea wrapped an arm around the woman's shoulders and ran at the column. The woman looked around worriedly but didn't stop. They both disappeared into the column.
"W-W-Wha-"
"It is perfectly fine, Mister Evans. You're in good hands," Charlus chuckled as he led the man to stand in front of the column, soon they disappeared as well when he followed his wife onto the Platform.
"Evans right?" Hermione smiled warmly at the petite redhead, who was openly gaping in wonder where her parents had just disappeared.
"Lily," She answered, returning Hermione's smile. "Is he always like that?" She frowned momentarily in James direction. He's looking dopily at her and oh dear Lord. If he proposes right now I wouldn't be surprised.
"Ignore him, I can go first if you still aren't sure," Hermione suggested.
"No, I want to go first. That is if you don't mind," Lily said shyly, peering at Draco, who shrugged and gestured towards the column indicating she could go first.
"Trick is to get a running start." Hermione advised, Lily nodded in understanding and was soon lined in front of it.
"Here I go," Lily smiled waned and she frowned lightly before sprinting into the column, pushing her trolley.
"Who wants to go next?" Hermione asked the two boys.
"I'll go if you don't mind," James requested.
"Fine by me."
"I'll go after you then, Jamie." Hermione declared.
"Guess that means I'll be last one through," Draco drawled.
James swiftly went onto the Platform, and then Hermione and Draco were the only two left.
"Was it like that for you the first time?" Draco asked curiously.
"We circled the entire station twice before I saw another child running right into the wall and disappear. It took a lot of convincing but I finally managed to get my parents to run into it with me," Hermione smiled fondly at the memory.
"This is really happening again."
"Technically,"
"Just go through the damn wall, Hermione." Draco rolled his eyes.
Well here goes nothing. Hermione gently stroked Midnight's fur, and then she squared her shoulders. Slowly jogging she began to pick up speed and before she knew it she was on the other side, immersed in the crowd of students and parents that were milling about the platform. Saying their farewells and boarding the train. Hermione noted that Draco had just appeared next to her and she jerked her head to the left and he saw what she was looking at. Lily's parents were thanking hers, and Hermione caught the end of the conversation when she reached their side.
"Our eldest Petunia is staying with a family friend for the morning. She hasn't quite...adjusted to all of this." Lily's Mother eyes moved back and forth.
"I'm sure it can all be overwhelming...ah I see I have all of my children," Dorea grinned when she saw Hermione and Draco.
"The train will be leaving soon, so you lot best be off. I love all of you." Charlus said, ruffling Draco's hair and kissing Hermione's head.
"I'm going to miss you both," Hermione sniffed, hugging Charlus tightly, and then flinging herself into Dorea's warm embrace. How is it possible to have grown so attached to them in a less than a week?
"I'll miss you too..." Draco said, scratching the back of his head.
"James already rushed onto the train, he wanted to wait for you both, but saw that the train was filling up and wanted to grab a compartment.
"That sounds like him," Hermione giggled, pulling away from Dorea and steering her trolley towards the train entrance. She glanced over her shoulder once to see Dorea and Charlus grinning, they waved and Hermione smiled. Maybe 1971 isn't so bad.
After searching with Draco for the compartment James had saved for them, Hermione finally found it. James was not alone though, a meek brown haired boy with scared eyes, and a grey eyed boy with raven black shoulder length hair had joined him.
"Are these your siblings?" The grey eyed boy asked merrily. Sirius.
"I'm Hermione, this is Draco." Hermione pointed at her 'brother'.
"Hermione. Interesting name. I'm Sirius Black...get it, Sirius?" Sirius chuckled, Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Who are you?" She turned her attention to the small boy in the corner, looking like he was going to pee himself in fear. Poor thing.
"P-P-Peter, Pe-pe-tttti-grew," He stammered. Hermione felt hatred rise to the surface when she said his name, but she reeled it in. I can't hate the boy for the sins of the man. How I really wish I could make him go away. It was all his fault. All of it.
"Nice to meet you, Peter." Hermione etched a smile onto her face, James peered at her curiously; they may have only known each other for a handful of days but he knew that something was clearly bothering her.
"Move over, Jamie." Draco instructed his brother, lounging back in the seat next to him.
"I'm going to go...see if the cart is going around yet," Hermione said quickly. I don't think I can be this close to Pettigrew just yet. I need some space.
"Get me some Pumpkin Pasties if it is please," James asked, he began to dig in his robes for some change but Hermione scoffed and turned away, leaving the compartment, twisting to shut the door behind her.
Hermione came to the conclusion that the cart had not started going around et when she passed a compartment with Lily and...Severus Snape. Even as a child he looks constantly annoyed, Hermione noted. Scrutinising the scrawny plae boy in front of her, his dark eyes locked on Lily who was excitably explaining something to him. His dark hair was surprisingly short, brushing just below his ears.
I'll just find an empty compartment to relax in until the cart actually does start going around.
Hermione attempted to do just that when she recognised another face. Remus. Hermione smiled happily. The boy was curled up as close as you could get to the corner of the seat in the compartment, his blue eyes staring out of the window, his sandy brown hair cropped close to his head, no more than a couple inches.
He looks terrified.
"Hello there!" Hermione greeted the boy cheerily as she opened the compartment. If it was even possible, he seemed to shrink into himself even more. "I promised by brothers and the other boys in our compartment that I would visit the cart, but it seems to not have started going around yet. Your compartment is the only relatively empty one I can find, and it's a lot close to where the cart comes from." Hermione lied about the compartment, but she couldn't see him agreeing to let her in if she didn't.
"You want to sit...wait...in here?" He asked her slowly, flinching when she walked in shutting the door behind her and taking a seat across from him.
"If you don't mind."
"I guess not..."
"I'm Hermione," She extended her hand as an invitation for him to shake it, but he didn't budge. "Oh. You don't like physical contact?" She frowned. Professor Lupin never did say what rubbish his Father fed him as a child. Only that he had been misinformed. He was...four when he was bitten. He's eleven now, that means for seven years it's possible he hasn't been touched intentionally by another human being. Hermione found a sudden distaste for a man she had never met, but was almost certain had been emotionally neglecting his child for years.
"Remus...Lupin," Remus introduced himself, hesitantly putting his feet on the ground. "I'm not used to being...touched."
"That's alright, I won't touch you unless you're comfortable with it." Hermione assured the young boy.
Hermione closed her eyes and felt the train move off, she let the gentle rocking lull her to sleep.
Half an hour later, Hermione felt something poking her shoulder. What is it?
"The cart lady is here," Remus said softly, Hermione cracked open her eyes and saw that Remus was sitting next to her, as much distance as possible between them, but it was progress.
"Right, thank you!" Hermione said gratefully, reaching into her robes to grab her money pouch.
"How may I help you, dear?" The kind looking lady asked.
"Can I have four Chocolate Frogs, two Pumpkin Pasties, a Cauldron Cake, and three packs of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, please." Hermione listed off her order, she intended on sharing the chocolate with Remus, and the rest with everyone else.
"Here you go, sweetheart," The lady handed the pile of sweets to Hermione, she carefully placed them on the seat and headed back to the door. Hermione gave her the necessary amount of money, thanking the lady and then went back to her sweets.
"Here you go," Hermione grinned broadly as she held out two chocolate frog packets to Remus.
"Are you sure?" His eyes widened.
"It's the least I can do after you let me into your compartment," Hermione insisted, placing them in his hand that was lying on the seat. "I would ask you to help me carry all of these but I think I've imposed on you long enough." Hermione ignored the scared look on his face when she had touched him, he stared at her as if he was waiting for something terrible to happen. It's alright. Remus. I'll teach you that you can't pass on your condition that easily.
"I...I can help you," He said warily.
"Brilliant, the boys are probably wondering where I've been."
When they reached the compartment, Hermione could tell that something was off. Sirius looked annoyed, James was furious, Draco impassive and Peter was curled in a ball of the floor sobbing.
"What the-"
"Stupid, pompous git." Sirius growled, his anger dissipating slightly when he Hermione had brought sweets and another person back with her.
"It was a Malfoy," Draco deadpanned.
"Talking down to us because we're first years," James fumed.
It just occurred to me that none of them noticed that I knew about the cart...and dammit...Draco. He's refusing to look at me, of course.
"If all Slytherins are like him, I don't think I'm going to like them very much." James scowled.
"I know what will make you feel better," Hermione said as she thrust the Pumpkin Pasties in James' direction, he gratefully accepted them, thanking her with a grin.
"You're the best, Mione." A pang went through her; James looked exactly like Harry did in that moment and she was sad for a moment. I'll see you again someday Harry Potter, and I'll tell you all about your Father, how kind he was, despite his arrogance. I'll tell you about this day, and I promise I'll even show it to you in a Pensieve if I have to.
"Everyone, I want you to meet, Remus Lupin." Hermione smiled broadly. Hermione watched James and Sirius jovially greet the shy boy, and Peter stop his crying long enough to utter a meek hello, and finally for Draco to offer the boy a small smile. This is the moment, this is the moment it all changes.
...
Draco hadn't told Hermione, but his insides were tying themselves in knots the moment they had gotten off of the train. He was a Slytherin, it was part of who he was, but he knew that the moment he became a Slytherin he wouldn't be able to stay with Hermione. Draco would cut off his own tongue before he ever admitted this to her, but he needed her. They were alone in this time; sure Dumbledore and Minerva knew, but no one could relate to what he'd been through like she could. Dumbledore knew about the events that were going to transpire and he shared the burden of the knowledge that they carried, but it wasn't the same as having lived through it.
Draco drew in a haggard breath as he made his way to the front of the Great Hall, he could feel Hermione's eyes boring into the back of his head. He knew she was probably chewing on her nails in anticipation. He was the first 'Potter' to get sorted and Draco hoped that to everyone else it looked like he knew he was going to get sorted into the house that was expected of him. McGonagall's lips twitched upwards when he approached the stool, turning around, and hopping onto the stool, feeling the hat fabric being lowered onto his head. Here we go.
Well isn't this interesting. An anomaly as it were.
Stupid hat, you and I both know you can sense your future self has already sorted me.
You've done your research, Malfoy.
How di-
You said it yourself, I can sense these things. Past, present, future, they are negligible here. I sense your hesitation to be sorted into your old house.
Draco could vaguely see Hermione anxiously staring at him, the rest of the school was growing interested, whispering to each other. Normally Potters were sorted immediately; the Gryffindors began to grow restless. McGonagall hushed all the whispers with a pointed glare.
Gryffindor is where you want to be? How peculiar a thing for a Malfoy to say. You would be well suited for Ravenclaw you know.
I don't care. Gryffindor, you bloody-
No need for that crude language, Mister Malfoy, I shall be interested to how you react to your children being sorted. I will heed your request, Gryffindor it is.
"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat bellowed, and Draco quickly pulled the hat off of his head, and held it out to McGonagall, faintly aware of the large cheers that burst out of the lions. Draco felt strange as he walked towards their table, the mirth and merriment that greeted him stunned him. A warm feeling spread through his body and he found himself smiling back at his Housemates. Draco turned his attention back to the front where James had proudly strode up to the stool, grinning as the hat barely brushed his head before screaming a resounding, "GRYFFINDOR."
James quickly headed down to them, his eyes meeting Draco's. Draco moved over and beckoned for James to come sit next to him; what stunned him was that James actually accepted the invitation.
"Well it seems like you didn't end up in Slytherin after all." Draco thought he was addressing him momentarily before he followed his gaze and saw Sirius Black and Remus Lupin seated across from them on the other side of the table. Much to Draco's disgust, Pettigrew was seated next to Remus. He was hunched over, his wide eyes nervously glancing around at the table's occupants.
"I'm glad, would have hated to be in that house," Sirius said angrily; Draco could tell he was remembering the confrontation with his Father- Lucius on the train. It was hard to disassociate the two when Lucius was a carbon copy of what Draco would look like in the future. Draco had yet to see his Mother, and was about to look for her when Hermione at the front of the Great Hall caught his eye instead.
She had just sat down, and she was chewing on her lip, a determined look on her face. Draco unknowingly starting chanting 'Gryffindor,' under his breath. James heard him and his head snapped to the front.
"I almost forgot Mione is about to get sorted, why didn't you remind me, Draco?" James playfully elbowed his brother before returning his attention to Hermione.
"Why is it you have a nickname for your sister, but not your brother?" Sirius frowned.
"Mione can explain when she gets here," Draco grinned, Sirius seemed satisfied with that answer and they all turned around just in time for the Sorting Hat to shout-
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"We got all the Potters, we got all the Potters!" A red haired boy sang in harmony with a dark brown haired boy around his age. They both looked about sixteen and even a scathing look from McGonagall didn't halt their chants. It was then and there that Draco decided he liked them.
"Prewett and Thomas are up to again," A third year boy chuckled next to Draco.
"Prewett?" Draco repeated, the boy turned to look at him, his warm brown eyes dancing with mirth.
"Yea, that over there is Gideon. His older brother Fabian graduated last year, their older sister Molly got married a few years back, and has started a family from what I've heard. Sacred Twenty-Eight."
"Right I remember," Draco nodded, a frown marring his features. The two boys had only died down the chants when Hermione sat in between Draco and James.
"I don't know why we aren't one of the sacred Twenty-Eight." James whispered to Draco, simultaneously hugging Hermione to him.
Draco shrugged, it was weird for the first time in his life he didn't care that he wasn't one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. He found himself proud to be a Potter, in this time at least.
"Sirius over here wants to know why you have a nickname and Draco doesn't," James laughed lightly. The rest of the students getting sorted was forgotten in all of their minds as they began to joke around.
"Draco, is short enough as it is, and Jamie knows I don't fussy nicknames, so he finds imy irritation amusing," Hermione rolled her eyes.
For the first time since they had all sat down together, Remus spoke up, "you just used a nickname yourself," he said quietly.
Hermione's eyes widened and her face broke out into a huge grin, Draco followed suit, both of them for different reasons. Hermione was excited that Remus was opening up, and Draco was thoroughly amused that Remus had taken Hermione by surprise. "I like you," Hermione and Draco said at the same time, they looked at each other and then burst into laughter.
"Do they do that a lot?" Sirius asked, a smile growing on his face, the twins laughter infectious.
"You get used to it," James chuckled, they had even managed to bring a wisp of a smile to Remus' face. Draco noticed that he kept all of his limbs to himself though, trying not to touch Sirius or Peter if he could.
"M-M-McGonagall is staring at us," Peter stammered, fidgeting in his seat. Draco wondered how the rat had even noticed that, when he looked up and saw McGonagall towered over the small boy.
"So glad you are all having fun. Now that the sorting is over, it is time for the Headmaster to say a few words. I hope you will be able to keep your laughter in for the duration of his address." McGonagall said sternly before turning around and heading to the Teacher's table.
Dumbledore walked to the podium and his eyes twinkled as he looked out at all of them. He had been watching the Potters carefully since they entered the hall and he was glad they had all managed to stick together.
"Good Night to all of you. Such lovely weather we're having wouldn't you say? I hope all of your Summer vacations were marvellous, I would like to extend an especially warm welcome to all of the first years." He paused when the Hall broke into quick applause. "A few quick notes before I let you get to this evening's fest. A Whomping Willow has been planted on the grounds so please beware of that. The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students and severe consequences will befall anyone who enters, and finally I would like to welcome Professor Merrybones to our staff to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts this year. Without further ado, let the first feast of the year, commence!" Dumbledore exclaimed and food appeared, piled high in front of them. Well this is bound to be interesting.
...
Hermione snuck out of the girls dormitories just before midnight and met James and Draco in the Common Room, they had agreed briefly before curfew to meet up and talk for a bit.
Hermione grinned when she noticed Draco and James were already downstairs, but a few strays had joined them. Sirius and Remus were seated in a circle with her brothers and Hermione was filled with joy.
James noticed her first and hit Sirius and Draco , who were seated next to him and they all shifted to make room for her. Hermione knocked her shoulder with James, and she met Draco's gaze. He gave her a small nod. He must have non verbally cast a Muffliato. Draco is... Hermione couldn't identify how she felt about Draco, it wasn't the brotherly feeling she had towards James, but it was strong.
"The stupid hat wanted to put me in Ravenclaw," Hermione broke the silence. Draco raised his eyebrows leaned back onto his elbows.
"Same here. Though I wouldn't expect anything less on your part, Mione," Draco teased. Sirius chuckled, and Remus looked like he had missed the joke as he looked around the circle in confusion.
"Draco thinks he's funny. He thinks it's a right laugh how I'd prefer to read than watch him and James play Quidditch." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"WHAT?" Sirius exclaimed. Hermione smacked him lightly on his shoulder.
"Sirius. Don't be so loud or we'll get caught." Hermione hissed.
"Don't worry, Mione. It'll be fine." James said confidently. Hermione rolled her eyes, it was still only the first day and she could already see the mischief that these boys were going to cause in the not too distant future.
"What about you, Remus? Did the hat want to put you anywhere else?" Hermione addressed the Sandy haired boy. His blue eyes widened, he hadn't expected anyone to include him in the conversation and timidly smiled at Hermione when he answered.
"Same as you guys,"
"Why didn't you ask me, love?" Sirius sulked, casually tossing an arm over her shoulders.
"Cause no one cares, Black." Draco drawled.
"You wound me, Drake. Can I call you Drake?" Sirius batted his eyelashes at Draco. The blonde narrowed his eyes, drawn back to the future when no matter how many times he threatened Pansy she never ceased calling him 'Drakie Poo'. That had only changed in their Sixth Year when a Seventh Year began to pay attention to her and thankfully Draco had been given a reprieve.
"Fuck no," Draco growled lowly.
"Ok, ok fine. We'll work on that." Sirius winked audaciously at Draco. "Hat wanted to put me in Slytherin, droned on about how Blacks were always put in Slytherin. I told it that it could shove it up its' hat arse."
"Sirius!" Hermione gasped, elbowing the boy in his ribs.
"Completely..." He joked weakly.
"Well I of course was sorted into Gryffindor with no hold ups," James preened, Hermione rolled her eyes and tugged on his ear. "Ow, Mione what was that for?"
"A lack of modesty," Hermione arched a brow when he raised a finger in protest.
"You know I think I like you guys," Sirius grinned broadly. "From here on out, we're best friends." He declared, "Oh and Peter can join in too,"
"Pettigrew?" Draco asked, his voice laced with disgust.
"Don't you feel a tad sorry for him?" Sirius queried.
"What about Frank then, by that logic?" Remus piped up.
"I almost forgot Frank was in our house," Sirius snapped his fingers. "It's not the same, Peter was the first person I met on the train, granted I met little Potter over here next," Sirius paused to wink at James, "but I think we should give him a chance."
"Agreed," James affirmed, and the very thing Hermione hoped wouldn't happen, just did. No matter what they did, Peter was always bound to become a Marauder. Hermione shared a grim glance with Draco, unaware that Remus had seen the exchange and the young boy ended up going to bed very confused that night.
"Well I'm going to bed before you all get yourselves in trouble," Hermione gave the boys a curt nod and had to ply Sirius off of her when he tightened his hold on her.
"Don't go to bed yet, Mione, please!" He pleaded, grabbing onto her ankle.
"Drama queen," Hermione muttered under her breath, "Night, Jamie, Draco, Remus." Hermione gave the other boys warm smiles, before shaking Sirius off and headed up the stairs to the girl's dormitories.
"I'm going to head in as well," Remus smiled lightly before getting up to leave as well.
"Wait for me, mate," Draco stopped him, getting up, clapping James on the shoulder before walking with Remus back to the boys' dormitories.
"It's just us now, mate." James stated, lying back on the carpet next to Sirius.
"If it's alright with you, James...can we say here just a little longer," Sirius requested quietly.
"Course," James brushed his hair back off of his forehead, adjusting his glasses on his face. "For as long as you want."
I did a lot of research on wands personally I wanted to stick to the same types of wood that Hermione and Draco's wands were made of, but I wanted to mess about with the lengths and the cores. It said the length can refer to the height of a person (sometimes) but also their personality...this isn't really that important but yea.
They're first years again! Also we've met all of the Marauders in this chapter, yaaayy!
I didn't want Hermione to outright hate Pettigrew, I was tempted, seriously tempted. I know this sort of contradicts what I said at the beginning of the chapter, but they are going to grow closer together as siblings and as a group in the upcoming chapters.
I think the number of chapters for each year will get bigger and bigger with each consecutive year, but not sure yet. Plus I might break this into a Part one and Part two. You'll see why eventually ;).
Seriously thank you so so much, and don't forget to review and tell me what you think.
-Indieblue xx
P.S. I love you all.
P.S.S. I don't know how regular my updates are going to be after the upcoming week for the next month, so just a heads up. Partially the reason why this chapter is so long :p and why I'm updating on the same day as It Was Her Ginger Hair (please, please check it out, I just posted a new chapter!). If you read all of this then I love you looooaaads x