Haaaii there. How is everybody doing? Ready for their second year? Which the way this year will be structured is every chapter is one month. No large time skips. Or at least I'm thinking I may do that right now? I might not. It all depends on how the story flows, you know what I mean? Either way I reaaally hope you enjoy this chapter...which is super long.
Two things...Promise has 118 followers...pardon? Omigosh it's still mind boggling, sometimes I just sit and stare at the number in awe. Second thing, It Was Her Ginger hair has fifteen followers! That makes me so damn well happy, you have no idea. I kind of like that in a weird way, sometimes it feels like I'm writing the story purely for chic. geek. fangirl. freak and I's enjoyment. (Which I have no problem with whatsoever). Yea just thought I'd get that out there.
patty cake rocks: 3 C:
daniiibabiii: I answered your question already, but I thought I'd answer it publicly in case anyone else had the same question.(Good question btw). Time does work differently. An example would be that almost a year had passed in the past, and only four days in the present.
MissesE: Definitely warm and fuzzy Dramione, all the feels...uhhh I mean yea technically, but personally I want to wait until they're...older. You feel me? Well... just wait and see! :)
VallerySkie: Thank you sooooooo much xx Isn't it though? I really hope they renew it, I don't think I could handle it if they don't :C
I seriously want to thank anyone and everyone that reads my stories, it makes me so happy! I really hope you enjoy this chapter, and please leave a review :)
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the storyline is mine.
September 1st, 1972
Platform Nine and Three Quarters, London
Once again the Potter brood made its' way onto Platform nine and three quarters. This time however there were no interactions with any muggles or Muggleborns. Charlus had a hand on either of his son's shoulders, whilst Dorea had an arm wrapped around Hermione's. They had gotten to the station quite early. Charlus had an early morning at work and he didn't want to miss seeing his children off. Other than a few other witches and wizards that were milling about.
Midnight was proudly propped up on Hermione's trunk, eyeing the small boy that had turned up his nose across the platform with distaste.
Regulus. Draco noted, following the cat's line of sight when it hissed loudly. The youngest Black had his hair tied back with a dark green ribbon, he already had his robes on; which were pristine, neat and looked freshly pressed. His shoes were bright and shiny with polish. Draco snorted when he found Sirius. Sirius' robes were on, but his shirt was untucked, his shoes were scuffed, his tie was loose and askew. His long locks were loose and messily brushing his shoulders.
Sirius said something to his Mother which caused her to whirl around, a sneer on her face as her eyes landed on the Potters.
"Walburga looks like she's going to a funeral," Dorea turned to whisper in Charlus' direction.
Walburga was wearing exuberant black dress robes, with a large hat, there was a burgundy ribbon around it, a large bow tied on it.
"Play nice, dear," Charlus replied. His eyes locked on Orion's. The two men had never liked each other, often they butted heads when they met inside the ministry as they went about their daily business.
"You too, love," Dorea smiled knowingly.
"I have to leave, but I love all of you," Charlus said, hugging each one of his children. Kissing their heads, which James and Draco pretended not to like.
"I will see you for the Christmas Holidays. I expect you all to try and do your best at school, understand?" Charlus said sternly, looking at James out of the corner of his eye.
"Yes, Dad," they chimed together.
"Good. I love you. I'll see you later," Charlus added on the last bit as he kissed Dorea goodbye, he flashed a dangerous look at Orion before leaving. Whoa. I've never seen Dad pissed before.
As Charlus made his way off of the platform, Dorea ignored the sharp glares that Walburga was shooting her way. Choosing instead to fuss at her children.
"Do you all have everything?" Dorea asked for the umpteenth time.
"Yes, Mum," they said together, Hermione grinned when she hugged her Mother one final time until she saw her again in three and a half months. She swiped away the tears that were threatening to fall, she squared her shoulders and headed towards the train. Sirius noticing this, took his opportunity to make a break for it. Not flinching when his Mother screamed after him.
"Look after James for me will you?" Dorea smiled, stroking Draco's cheek.
"What about Mione?"
"Look after her too, but to be honest, we both know who needs more looking after between your siblings. At least make sure he isn't caught in any of the mischief I know you are all involved in," Dorea winked, smoothing down his hair, and kissing his head. "Remember to write!" She called out after her last child. "I love you!"
"I love you too, Mum!" Draco yelled over his shoulder.
Dorea watched her children get on the train, sighing when she saw Walburga stalking towards her in her peripherals. I hope they have a good year. I can't believe it has been a year since Dumbledore walked into our home with the twins; time flies. I am so blessed to have met them. Whatever atrocities haunt their past, they deserve to be happy. I hope this year they will begin to heal. For as long as I live, I am going to make sure they are safe and loved. Now to deal with this cow.
...
When they got off the train, Hermione was greeted by a familiar sight.
"First yer's follow me!" Hagrid bellowed, gathering the children. Their faces were a mixture of awe, fear, anxiety and glee. I remember what that was like. I need to remember to go and see Hagrid more this year.
They walked down a path to the left, where the carriages were waiting for them. Hermione's mouth twisted to the side when she saw the Thestrals. It had only been two years since she had ridden on what at the time, was an invisible creature to the Ministry of Magic in her Fifth year. Well to her it had been two years. She felt someone tug on her curls, and she turned her head to her right to see Draco. She remembered then that he could see them too. No one else their age should be able to see them, but then she heard the cry of anguish that erupted out of Peter's mouth and he pointed shakily at the Thestral that was going to pull the carriage that James, Sirius and Remus had already hopped in.
"Calm down, Peter." Hermione sighed, placing her hand on the small boy's shoulder begrudgingly.
"Ohhh the second year can see the Thestral!" Gideon Prewett said gleefully, coming up behind them.
"Can you, Prewett?" Draco drawled, pushing Pettigrew towards the carriage.
"Nope, my older brother could though, he thought he was going mental until Hagrid told 'im different." Gideon scratched his head. "Can you, Potter?" Gideon threw the question back at Draco.
"Yes," Draco answered honestly, he almost threw a snide remark at the older boy, but he decided not to.
"From the way, the pretty little Potter over here handled the tiny one, I'm assuming you can too," Gideon remarked, now focusing on Hermione.
"Yes, Prewett. Do you know why I can see them and you can't?" Hermione smiled sweetly. Peter's loud sputtering from inside the carriage was giving her a headache.
"No. Hagrid didn't really go into now that you mention it," Gideon scratched his head, his red hair was shorter than she remembered. Only a couple inches of it lay on his head.
"Death. The reason people fear them. You can only see them if you've seen someone die." Hermione said blankly, brushing past him, to the Thestral's side. She ran her hand against it, stopping when she reached its front. It nuzzled her hand, "I'm sorry, I don't have any meat for you," she whispered so only she could hear her. "Good girl," Hermione smiled. "Poor creatures, so misunderstood. What a lonely existence they live."
Gideon didn't have anything to say, he almost wanted to ask who she had seen die, but based on the distraught look on her face he decided against it.
"See you later, Prewett," Hermione smiled tightly, walking back around the side of the Thestral, and hopping into the carriage. Next to Draco and across from Remus. Peter crying had lessened, but he was still sobbing.
"Don't ask me who I watched die." Hermione said quietly. Clasping her hands together in her lap, she avoided meeting anyone's eyes for the whole ride to the castle. The ride was silent with the exception of Peter's sniffling.
...
Hermione tried to pay attention to the sorting ceremony, but James and Sirius were joking through the entire thing. Well until she walked up to the front. Sirius froze when he heard her name. Hermione thought she was imagining it, but if she was right then she was witnessing a soul bound in action. She had only read about it. She had researched all kinds of bonds when she was trying to figure out what was going on with Harry and his connection to Voldemort.
She was a petite girl, with a shock of white hair, that cut an inch below her ears; it was messy and ruffled looking. It rivalled the pale Malfoy hair. Her hazel-brown eyes looked around the great hall with awe as she turned around to sit down on the stool. Hermione could make out here features properly from so far away, but she had fair skin, and lush, pink lips.
"Hufflepuff!" The hat announced, Hermione glanced back at Sirius, whose eyes were locked on the retreating figure of the girl, she sat down backing them, but that didn't stop him.
"Sirius!" Hermione hissed, his head snapped in her direction, his grey eyes filled with confusion.
"What's up, Mione?" Sirius asked with a grin, back to his normal self.
"You alright about...Regulus?"
"Slytherin. As expected," Sirius snorted.
"He's still your brother, Sirius," Hermione frowned.
"Trust me, I still think of him as a brother. Though he made it very clear last week that he doesn't want anything to do with me," Sirius sighed sadly. What could have happened between when we saw him in Diagon Alley and then?
"I'm sorry, Sirius," Hermione reached across the table to grasp his hand in comfort.
"So am I,"
Then Dumbledore took the stage to give his annual welcome speech. Hermione didn't hear a lick of it though, she was too focused on the small white haired first year.
...
September 6th, 1972
Great Hall
"Riley Paddington." Hermione frowned as she looked down at her breakfast. Besides her, Draco and Remus, the Great Hall was majorly empty, so Hermione felt confident in speaking aloud about certain things.
"Better not say that in front of Sirius, he's still embarrassed that he literally tripped over his feet at the sight of her," Draco smirked, biting into his warm, buttery scone.
"Be nice. I think they have a soul bond."
"You're serious?" Draco gawked at her, scone crumbs on the side of his face.
"Dead serious,"
"About what?" Remus asked as he slid in next to Hermione. She rested her head against his shoulder.
"Making sure James does well this year," Hermione was surprised how easily the fib came out of her mouth. She did plan on making sure James did well, but still. Draco raised an eyebrow, look at Mione having a little Slytherin in her after all.
"He's determined to make the Quidditch team, and then after that, he wants to carry out pranks. That's going to be a bit difficult." Remus chuckled lightly.
"I'm always up for a challenge," Hermione said stubbornly.
"Like saving the entire wizarding world?" Draco whispered, she elbowed him, and shot him a droll look.
"How are you feeling?" Hermione asked, reaching out to butter some toast for Remus.
"Full moon is in a week and a half, Mione. I'm good for 'nother few days," Remus smiled gratefully when she handed him the toast.
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, placing her cool hand against his warm neck.
"Positive. You'll both come visit me after right?" Remus mumbled, his ears a bit red.
"Of course," Hermione smiled, happy that she was being relied on.
"Of course, mate," Draco nodded, "It's the seventeenth...so early morning on the eighteen, we have classes that day."
"If it's inconvenient th-"
"Don't finish that sentence, Remus Lupin. We're coming." Hermione huffed, nodding her head firmly in his direction as she bit into her bacon.
Remus didn't want to admit it to either of them, but the symptoms during the Full Moon week were getting worse. Madame Pomfrey said it was because he was going through puberty. Growth spurts. Which was hard enough without having a...furry problem.
"You sure you good, mate?" Draco cocked an eyebrow when Remus closed his eyes suddenly, wincing slightly.
"Yes. Yea, I'm good," Remus smiled weakly, Draco and Hermione both knew better; but Remus was stubborn when it came to his condition, he wasn't going to admit he was having headaches. So Draco did the only thing he could, he poured Remus a large glass of orange juice, and pushed the platter of bacon in front of him.
"Good morning, lads and lady," Sirius grinned, moving to sit across from them. Peter was not far behind him, his eyes were drooping, and if Sirius' arm hadn't shot out at the last minute, he wouldn't face planted in the scrambled eggs.
"Where is James?" Draco asked suspiciously.
"He wasn't in the Common Room. We assumed he was done here," Sirius shrugged, reaching over to grab some bacon off of the platter. Remus almost growled at him, but Hermione put a comforting hand on his knee and he went back to quietly eating.
"Well look, he just walked in behind a very unimpressed Lily Evans," Draco barked out a laugh. James' glasses were askew. He was running after Lily who was blatantly ignoring him.
What they didn't know was that someone had been listening to their conversation about the meeting in the Hospital Wing on the eighteenth.
...
September 11th, 1972
Dinner had just finished and the Gryffindor second year boys were walking back to the Common Room together. Looking back Draco understood why it happened. They were making a ruckus. The boys sent the girls ahead, telling them they would meet them in the Common Room. That's when he appeared. Peeves.
"Ooo ickle lickle firsties?" Peeves cackled, appearing suddenly in front of them.
"Piss off, Peeves. We're second years. Go find some actual first years to terrorize." Draco rolled his eyes.
"I like you. Feisty lickle second year. Peeves hates first years...have we met before?" Peeves grinned, floating extremely close to Draco. The other boys were standing gawking at Draco and the ghost interact. They had met Nearly Headless Nick and a few other ghosts, but they hadn't seen one behave like this before.
"Nope," Draco shrugged.
"Yoooou lie!" Peeves screamed, diving straight through Draco. He grimaced at the uncomfortable feeling, his stomach feeling a little queasy.
"Where can Peeves find some firsties, boy? Peeves wishes to prank them," Peeves laughed maniacally.
"I'll tell the Bloody Baron on you if you don't go and find 'em yourself," Draco grunted.
"The boy plays dirty. How Slytherin of you. Would never been in my House. We'll meet again, boy!" Peeves laughed before slowly sinking into the wall, keeping his eyes locked on Draco the entire time.
"Who...was that?" James said in awe. I should've known.
"Peeves, a Poltergeist," Draco explained.
"Who's the Bloody Baron?" Peter asked.
"Slytherin ghost," Sirius grumbled. "Dad would talk about him all the time."
"C'mon let's head back to the Common Room," Remus said suddenly.
"If only we had a way to know where everyone in the castle was, this place is huge," James said pensively. So this is when it happens. The map that Mione told me about.
"You mean like a map? It would help if we knew about those secret passages that Prewett and Thomas brag about as well." Draco added, walking at the front of the group, so none of the other boys saw him smirk.
"That's a brilliant idea!" James yelled excitedly. That was almost too easy, Draco thought smugly. For once it seems like Peeves was useful after all...well that's not true. He did give Umbridge hell after the Weasley twins left in Fifth year. I have to admit that was amusing. If anything I'm surprised he actually listened to them. Hmm probably that Pranksters stick together. Well this is going to be fun, Draco grinned to himself.
...
September 18th, 1972
Hospital Wing
Morning After The Full Moon
One hour ago
"Shhhh, Dray just left...we need to be quiet." James whispered harshly.
"What are we doing anyway?" Sirius grumbled, grabbing a hair tie he had borrowed from Hermione to put his hair in a bun. The shorter strands escaped and were messily framing his face.
"They were being all sneaky, talking about meeting up in the Hospital Wing today." James explained exasperatedly.
"So we're going to...?" Peter frowned, scratching his head.
"Go to the Hospital Wing and find out what they aren't telling us," James sighed. He had explained this last night in the common room, but he was beginning to wonder if they had listened at all.
"If it's important then they'll tell us when they tell us," Sirius shrugged.
"I know...but I feel like if they can, they'll avoid telling us."
"You mean like..." Sirius trailed off, shooting James a meaningful look. Peter looked back and forth between the boys, looking entirely lost. James' mouth was set in a grim line.
"Exactly," James exclaimed.
"What if we get there and they're talking to Pomfrey about becoming Healers or something similar?" Sirius yawned.
"Well let's go and find out," James grinned, raising his invisibility cloak for the other two boys to see.
...
Remus was sleeping on his stomach when Hermione and Draco strolled into the Hospital Wing.
"I'll be back in a few hours, though I expect when I return both of you will be in class," Madame Pomfrey quirked her eyebrow at them.
"Yes M'am," Draco grinned, Hermione elbowed him when she turned her back on them.
"What was that for?" Draco cut eyes at her.
"You're planning on skipping so you can stay here,"
"I mean it's not like we need the extra classes," Draco grinned cheekily.
"You're incorrigible," Hermione rolled her eyes, moving to Remus' bed. After every Full Moon that was the bed they found him in. Far corner on the left of the room.
"It's the growth spurts isn't it?" Hermione hissed when she saw his back. He was shirtless as per usual, and the starch white sheets were covering his lower half. The skin over Remus' spine was raw and torn, there were more scratches, bruises and bite marks than usual.
"He didn't want to tell us, he knew we would be worried," Draco sighed, pulling up a chair and sitting on it backwards.
"He's getting older, more mature. Of course he doesn't want us to worry. He doesn't want us to pity him," Hermione said sadly, sitting on the edge of the bed.
They sat there for a while. Hermione stroked Remus' hair whilst he snored softly, and Draco started to nod off. Hermione glanced up at the wall clock and groaned. Well we aren't going to classes today, or at least morning classes. Slughorn will be most upset that we missed potions.
Hermione heard a noise to her left, she snapped her head, but all she saw was the empty Hospital Wing, curtains fluttering in the breeze closer to the door; which was locked as far as she knew.
"What the heck?" Sirius exclaimed loudly, concern on his features as he appeared out of thin air.
"Shhhhhh you'll wake him up," Hermione hissed. Panic was filling her swiftly, and Draco was slowly being roused from his nap, his grey eyes sleepily turning to face Sirius.
"Calm down. He's fine now. Tomorrow it'll be like nothing ever happened," Draco drawled, his sleep ridden brain not fully comprehending Sirius' presence.
"Right, they want to be healers," James grumbled as he pulled the cloak off of him and a frightened looking Peter.
"Before I explain what is going on...you all need to make an Unbreakable Vow," Hermione said calmly, finally looking up at them.
"Pardon? What was that, love? Coulda sworn you just said Unbreakable Vow...which is funny," Sirius grinned as he talked, but his smile dropped from his face when Hermione turned her head to look at him.
"Wizard Oath at least...or you forget this ever happened. He would be in real danger if by accident, you accidentally let something slip,"
"Alright, I'll do it," James sighed, resigning himself to the fact that if he wanted to know what was going on, this was the only option.
"Sirius?" Draco raised an eyebrow, his eyes flashing protectively.
"Yea, yea. I will."
"Peter?" Hermione growled when she noticed the boy backing away. She wouldn't have suggested it at all, but she suspected Peter would have a less than pleasant reaction to finding out about Remus' condition. Probably would've complained that I was singling him out on top of it.
"Twenty minutes later they were all sitting on the floor staring up expectantly at the Potter twins.
"What is it sis? How did Remus get like that?" James queried, ruffling his hair.
"I'm a Werewolf," Remus yawned, shifting so that he was sitting up, his arms high above his head.
"Had a nice sleep, mate? You're usually out longer than that," Draco said concerned, Hermione was watching Peter carefully, his eyes bulged out of his head and he was looking at Remus with something akin to disgust and fear.
"Piss off, Dray, it's..." He glanced at the wall clock. "It's ten thirty...shouldn't you be in classes by the way?"
"I tried to convince Hermione but she didn't want to leave," Draco stuck his tongue out at her, and then dodged nimbly when her hand swung out to hit him.
"So Mione wanted to go to class, and you decided to skip?" Remus grinned toothily. His grin faded when he noticed how the three boys on the ground were looking at him. James and Sirius were gawking at him, whereas Peter looked like he had stepped in dog shit.
"Peter...do you need to make an Unbreakable Vow, or are you good?" Hermione smiled sweetly, the thinly veiled threat evident in how hard her eyes were as she looked at him.
"N-N-No."
"I get it you think I'm a monster. If you don't want to be my friend anymore I get it," Remus said, a dismal expression on his face as he looked down at him hands which were clasped in his lap.
"You are not a monster!" Hermione growled, shooting a venomous look in Peter's direction. What she wanted was clear, and thankfully Peter caught on quickly.
"That's n-n-n-not i-it," Peter stammered, wringing his hands together as he lowered his gaze, avoiding the glare Hermione was burning into the side of his head.
"You guys are serious?" James asked, scratching his head.
"Yes," Remus said in a meek voice.
"THAT'S SOOOO COOL!" James jumped up, excitedly walking over to the bed with a bounce in his step, leaning forward, hands pressed into the mattress. "Monster? What are you talking about? My best friend is a Werewolf!" James said in an excited breath.
"Hey. Thought I was your best mate, you sod!" Sirius snapped out of his daze, and walked over to the bed. Clapping James on the back, and using Draco as an armrest. "Well now I've got to think of a nickname for you," Sirius said seriously.
"You're both being terribly cavalier about this," Remus smiled weakly.
"Besides your...furry problem, you're still Remus right? Guy who likes way too much chocolate, for some reason likes reading as much as these two," Sirius gestured to the Potter twins.
"Oi! I do not like reading as much as Mione," Draco complained.
"Denial, mate. It's the first step," Sirius squeezed his shoulder a heartfelt look on his face as he turned to Draco.
"Let's not start talking about denial, then we'd have to talk about you and that fi-" Draco's words were halted by Sirius clamping his hand over his mouth. Draco shot him a dirty glare, and Hermione could see he was seriously contemplating biting him.
"You guys are ok with this?" Remus looked at his friends, floored that they hadn't told him to get away from them, or to die. Quite the opposite, Sirius had removed his hand from Draco's mouth, and Draco reached over and punched him playfully on the arm, both of them engaged in friendly banter. Peter had gotten up, and was hovering on the outskirts of the circle, glancing between Sirius and James. James and Hermione were talking about James' behaviour around Lily last night. He caught the words 'making flowers pop up on the ground after her, like a trail is not exactly romantic James...that could be an interesting prank though.'
Remus clutched his sheets, in that moment he didn't feel the pain in his spine or all over his body. His headache had dulled to a minor ache. Before he came to Hogwarts his Father told him no one would accept him for who he really was, yet he had found several people who didn't care what he was. All they cared about was who he was.
"Of course, mate. We're your friends," James grinned jovially, sitting next to Hermione, grinning when she ruffled his hair affectionately.
"Y-Yea," Peter gave him a watery smile.
"We'll always be friends, Remus!" Sirius declared goofily, tucking a loose strand of hair behind his ear.
"Full Moon was pretty bad last night?" Hermione asked, tracing a light pattern of his shoulder, avoiding any injuries. Remus shivered, it felt like a trail of fire wherever her nail came in contact with.
"Not as bad as it looks, Remus shrugged. Sirius was stroking his chin pensively, when his eyes lit up and he grinned as he had a revelation.
"Full moon...Moony!" Sirius exclaimed proudly.
"Pardon?" Remus' brow puckered.
"Your nickname, it's going to be Moony," Sirius announced. Draco and Hermione shared a secret smile.
"It suits you," Hermione giggled when Remus shot her a disparaging look.
"You aren't serious?"
"Mate, I'm always Si-"
"Sirius," Hermione, Draco, Remus and James chimed together.
"Yes?" Sirius winked.
"You're ridiculous," Hermione laughed.
"Alright, you lot. I'm going to take a nap in that bed over there...don't disturb me," Draco yawned, getting up from his chair, giving Peter a disdainful look as he was in his way, but he softened the blow by ruffling the smaller boy's brown mop. Maybe if I treat him somewhat decent he'll turn out alright...nah. At least until he starts looking like a traitor then I'll play nice. As soon as that happens though, the gloves are off. Not even Hermione will be able to stop me from putting him in his damn place.
Hermione somehow convinced James, Sirius and Peter to go to afternoon classes, whilst she, Remus and Draco stayed in the Hospital Wing.
"You need to get more sleep, Remus," Hermione said softly, kissing his forehead as he tried to fight the sleep that was already claiming him. Soon she was left with two slumbering boys. Hermione found herself drifting towards Draco. There are a ton of other beds...we're in the Hospital Wing. What's he going to think if he wakes up and finds me in his bed. Y'know what? I don't even care anymore. Hermione closes the curtains around Remus' bed. Throwing wards up on the room, ensuring only Madame Pomfrey, Dumbledore or herself take them down.
Hermione bit her lip as she walked to the bed opposite to Remus', tucking her wand back in her robes. She paused when she reached the side, then swallowing down any doubt, she removed her shoes, placing them neatly next to Draco's. Then as to not wake him, she carefully crawled into the bed. What took her by surprise, and caused a small yelp to leave her mouth; was when his arms wrapped around her, his face burying into her hair. He is asleep right? Hermione heard his soft snores and blushed at the thought that he had unconsciously reached for her in his sleep. Sweet dreams, Draco. Hermione thought before she closed her eyes, a small smile on her face.
...
September 23rd, 1972
Second Year Girls Dormitories, Gryffindor Tower
Hermione plopped down on her bed, pulling the hair band off of her wrist to put her curls into a ponytail. This year the teachers were piling on the homework; for her it was easy, but it was just how much of it there was. Draco and her had been taking turns trying to ensure that the Marauders at least passed all of their classes. Tonight it had been her turn to teach James and Sirius. Let's just say that destroying Helga Hufflepuff's goblet had been easier. So she was looking forward to a nice, long sleep. Her roommates however had a different plan.
"Mione!" Kira squealed, jumping onto the bottom of Hermione's bed.
"Kira!" Hermione said exuberantly, slightly irritated that a wrench had been thrown into her plans.
"We're going to have some girl time," Kira giggled, grabbing onto Hermione's hand and dragging the reluctant girl from her bed.
Kira had dark mocha brown skin, her luscious tight curls were long, and Hermione loved how Kira pulled on them sometimes and they bounced back into place. Kira had laughed when she first met Sirius; he had gawked when he saw her pale blue eyes. Apparently she didn't look it, but her Mother was as pale as the snow that was building on their windowsills. She was much taller than the other girls, almost five foot seven. Hermione loved how bright and bubbly Kira was, but like her and Lily she didn't tolerate anyone messing with her friends.
Kira was a lot closer to Nancy than they were; Nancy was a soft spoken girl with a knack for Charms. She had dead straight strawberry blonde hair that was chopped just below her ears, her eyes reminded Hermione of melted caramel. She had a mole on her right cheek just below her eye, and dainty hands, that danced across piano keys with a skilled grace that floored Hermione the first time she heard her play.
"Did you see Sirius all flustered in front of that first year Hufflepuff?" Kira started, a bright grin on her face.
"Who wants to make a bet that by fiffth year they're together?" Lily threw out there, hugging her pillow to her body as she sat cross-legged on her bed.
"I bet sixth year," Kira tucked a curl behind her ear.
"I'm with Lily," Hermione and Alice chimed together, which sent the two girls into a fit of laughter.
"I bet Fourth year," Nancy smiled shyly, looking up from the book she was scribbling sheet music into.
"So now that that's out of the way," Lily wriggled her eyebrows, turning to her left to look at Hermione who was propped up against the headboard, her eyes widened with understanding. "So, Mione. How's Remus?"
"Lily is just trying to take the attention off of her crush on Draco," Kira laughed, from her bed, where her and Nancy were seated.
Everything slowed down. Hermione slowly turned to look at Lily. Her pale face was bright red, she buried her face in her pillow, the tips of her ears tinged pink. Lily likes...Draco? Hermione's chest felt like it constricting all of sudden, almost as if something was squeezing her heart. The words cut through her like a knife. The next few minutes were a blur, until she heard her name being called.
"So Hermione, Remus?" Kira winked.
"We're just friends," Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Puhleaase, I see the way he looks at you," Lily stuck out her tongue, regaining her equilibrium, though her cheeks were still red.
"What about you, Alice? Franks seems to like you a lot," Hermione said, redirecting the conversation.
"He is really cute," Alice blushed, covering her face with her hands.
"Awwwww," The girls sighed in unison.
For the rest of the night Hermione's smile didn't quite reach the corner of her eyes, she didn't understand it. In a way she was slightly envious of idea that Lily could date Draco and no one would bat an eye; but here everyone thought they were twins. They would see it as wrong, disgusting. Hermione tossed and turned the entire night, her nightmares worse than they had been in months.
...
September 27th, 1972
The sun was just beginning to rise, and for once Sirius was up before it. He wasn't entirely sure why his body had woken him up so early, or why he had this insistent urge to take a walk down to the Black Lake. Yet he was heading in that direction. A faded red muggle t-shirt, jeans and boots were what he pulled on before leaving the rest of his roommates slumbering away in the Gryffindor Tower; he had grabbed James' invisibility cloak and he had never been more grateful to have the insight to doing so. She was down the bank, taking off her shoes and wading in knee deep. She threw her head back and raised her hands above her head. I have an...interest in a very strange girl. Sirius began to feel a bit creepy watching her when she was unaware of his presence. He removed the cloak, quickly folding it and slinging it over his shoulder.
I want to talk to her. Sirius thought as he made his way down to the water.
"Good Morning!" She yelled happily, swinging around suddenly, splashing water everywhere.
"...Morning," Sirius smirked in amusement. Her I like.
"It's such a nice day," Riley grinned, tucking her hair behind her ears, her fingers still in her hair as she looked at him with her hazel-brown eyes. There are really similar to James and Mione's yet so...different.
"The day hasn't really started yet," Sirius pointed out, gesturing to the rising sun, which was throwing soft light on the water's surface.
"With such a pretty sunrise, it has to be a nice day, don'tcha think?" Her musical voice filling his ears, tilting her head, a warm smile on her face.
"Fair enough, I like how you think," Sirius grinned.
"Oh how rude of me. I'm Riley. Riley Paddington." Riley's eyes widened when she thought how rude it was to carry out a conversation without first introducing yourself.
"You think the strangest things are rude," Sirius pursed his lips. "I'm Sirius Black."
"After the constellation?" Riley asked jovially, starting to shift from foot to foot. Causing ripples in the dark water.
Sirius was astounded she knew. Most people thought he was joking or made fun if him for his name. Besides the Marauders and a couple other people, she was only people to do so. "Yea...how did-"
"My Mother is really into Astrology. She loves night time, she says that it's so much quieter, easier to think."
"She sounds nice," Sirius said dully, mentally berating himself. She sounds nice. Wow Sirius. Brilliant thing to say. Mione would be so proud of your extensive communication skills.
"Are you ok. I mean you fell the other day..." Riley bit her lip worriedly.
"Yea I'm fine. Thanks for asking. It was a great first impression wasn't it?" Sirius laughed.
"It was quite impressive, I don't think I'll ever forget it," Riley stuck her tongue out at him. Greaaaat. You just had to trip over your own feet didn't you Sirius m'boy. Yepp. Just perfect.
"I should probably get back, my friends are going to wake up soon," Sirius said, making an excuse. He had a strange urge to hug her and he didn't think that was appropriate for someone he had just met. Especially a girl younger than him.
Riley waved and said she would see him around, and he returned the sentiment. On his return to the castle he was stopped by a loud gruff but friendly voice.
"Is that Sirius Black?" Hagrid called out. Sirius had gotten sidetracked in his thoughts and ended up passing by the Gamekeeper hut.
"Oh, 'ullo there Hagrid," Sirius greeted warmly, adjusting the cloak on his shoulder as he walked over to the half-giant.
"Why 're ya up so early?" Hagrid asked, stroking his ever wild beard.
"Just felt like talking a walk," Sirius left out the part where somehow he had known where Riley was.
"Ahhh, 'ermione is your friend, right?" Hagrid asked, sitting down on one of the steps leading up to his hut.
"One of my best friends," Sirius said. Hagrid patted the space next to him and Sirius immediately sat down, brushing off the wood before he did. "Why?"
"She's a nice girl she is. Brilliant too from what I can see. I can tell that somethin' is haunting 'er. You look after her, and that twin of hers too."
"Will do," Sirius nodded. I like this man, he's alright.
Sirius spent the morning talking with Hagrid, who at one point left to go get some tea. He found himself enjoying the older man's presence. I'll have to remember to bring the boys to see him, since it seems Hermione already visits him. Which he gathered from how fondly Hagrid spoke of one of his best friends. It also seemed like Hagrid was a bit lonely. Sirius found himself resonating with Hagrid. They were both outcasts in vastly different ways. Hagrid wasn't accepted by the majority of wizarding kind since he was a half-giant, (which Sirius discovered he wasn't ashamed of at all). Sirius wasn't accepted in his family, always rebelling and questioning the beliefs his family blindly believed in. After meeting Lily last year, any doubt in his mind that Muggleborns were inferior were blown out of the water. When he was little his Mother tried to teach him that Muggleborns stole their magic. He thought that sounded ridiculous. Especially when she couldn't provide a valid reason that she believed that; none that provided any evidence that they did anything of the sort. That was his main problem with the Slytherins he interacted with. They were blindly following a way of thinking when there was no proof, or logical reasoning behind the whole thing. Once his Mother tried to say that's why Squibs were born; which was a ludicrous suggestion, and that could be for any number of reasons, as opposed to Muggleborns stealing it.
That morning Sirius realised something, and he was going to make sure he never ended up being what his Mother expected him to be. He had broken away from the mold that was set for him when he was born, and he was going to fight like hell to ensure it stayed that way.
After I read The Debt of Time by Shayalonnie, I went and looked up Life Debts, which in the series, both were owed to Harry. There are mentions of other bonds, but I really liked the idea of a soul bond, which is a huuuge part of The Debt of Time. At first I was going to make it that Sirius kind of fell in love at first sight, but then I thought of Sense8, and their connection...and I really wanted to add that in. I won't go into as much detail about the whole soul bond thing, but I just wanted to say that I'm giving Shayalonnie and J.K. all credit on those fronts. Everything else is mine. Ok? Good? Cool.
I hope you enjoyed that chapter! You'll see more of Regulus and the other Slytherins soon; don't you worry your little cotton socks. I think I've rambled enough.
Love you,
-Indieblue xx
P.S. No seriously, L.O.V.E. you.