First order of business :p
I made a tumblr in case you guys wanted to get into contact with me that way? It's indiebluecrown. tumblr. com
It was just an idea I had, plus I spam way too much HP related posts on my personal...so I'm basically telling you it's going to be a safe place, as well as a glorified fan account XD
This chapter may make you feel some type of way, I'm both really happy and a bit sad after re-reading it to edit through it. Just a general question for future reference, do you think I should show some redeeming qualities of Peter in some way. I've been thinking about it for a while, and I think he had to develop into the man he was. Trust me when we get to that point you guys may or may not hate him even more...I'm sorry, but not really about that bit.
Ohhhh go read Recovery by amerikanka. It's a LavenderxSeamus...but it's so bloooody good *heart eyes*
patty cake rocks: I'm glad babe :*
Noxy the Proxy: Ngl, I had too much fun singing your username. How will it end. You'll just have to wait and see ;)
Couragexoxo: I love you so much, I didn't even know I could someone so much without actually meeting them. Seriously, I'm so glad that just..everything. I already said what I had to say, however poorly, as I tried to express my gratitude. Honestly, I had my hands over my face, and almost cried out of happiness.
PenguinGirl94: I quite enjoy writing Gideon. He is a mischief, and prankster extraordinaire ;). YOu'RE Right. I almost forgot. Well I fixed it, whilst not having to change up the plot from before :")
MissesE: THANK YOU. I wanted to show a bit of a different side to her. I know it was a wee bit OCC, and as you said she's slowly changing, not that she was immature, but her circumstances are causing her to be a little bit more relaxed than before so to speak.
Rabbit Duncan: I'm enjoying writing the tension between a certain grey-eyed boy and Miss Vixen! ALSO THANK YOU!
Catty3120: Narcissa is going to be a big part this year come 'January'. Heads up for that. They are both incredibly stubborn, so that may be a while yet :T, but don't worry...all in due time ;)
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the storyline and any OC's belong to me.
December 15th, 1972
Drawing Room
Potter Manor
It was quiet. Too quiet. Grey eyes flicked back and forth in time to the ticking Grandfather clock. Aside from the small clatter as she set her teacup down onto its' matching china plate, a dainty floral design, running from the plate and around the silver teacup handle.
Dorea crossed her legs, her fingers intertwining and holding the area just below her top knee. "Out with it," She said in a motherly tone. The children scattered around the room looked up at her with startled eyes. They had been sitting in silence for over an hour; Peter was scratching at a scab on his elbow. Hermione and Draco were sitting on opposite sides of a couch; as far away as they could be from each other, whilst still being somewhat close. Remus, Sirius and James were huddled in a circle, staring at the floor in the middle of them.
Charlus was sitting beside his wife, lounging in the loveseat, his hand trailing patterns up and down on her back.
"You have all been silent and brooding for the past three days, and I'd like to know why."
"It's cause Mione and Dray are acting weird," James frowned, a sullen expression on his face as he picked at the corner of his shoe.
"What?" Hermione head snapped up, meeting her brother's hazel eyes which were swirling with uncertainty and worry.
"Alright, all of you. Out." Dorea commanded sternly, motioning for James, Sirius, Remus and Peter to leave. "You too, love. I'll handle this," Dorea leaned back and whispered softly to her husband. Who nodded, pulling her into his side and kissing her cheek gently.
"You always do, sweetheart," Charlus smiled lopsidedly, humming a cheery tune as he stood up, corralled the boys and led them outside. Offers of a Quidditch match hung in the air, the boys cheered loudly and heartily agreed.
"Now what is the problem?" Dorea questioned her two sheepish children. Getting up off of the loveseat and crossing the room and sitting in between the twins. It was about midday and the sun had decided to peek out for a bit; the boys would play Quidditch no matter what the weather was like. Rain, heat, hail, sleet, or otherwise.
"It's really not a big deal," Hermione insisted, a meek smile touching her lips.
"Draco...would you mind if I talked to Hermione alone for a moment?" Dorea requested, her grey eyes meeting those of her son.
"Nope, not at all. I think I'm going to join in on that Quidditch action that they've got going," Draco smirked, turning to kiss Dorea on the cheek, as she ruffled his hair. She watched her son hop off the couch and cross the room in quick strides; either eager to get out of there or to play Quidditch. Maybe it was a bit of both.
"Does this have something to do with your crush on Draco?" Dorea raised an eyebrow knowingly. Hermione's jaw fell, her mouth working as she tried to say something.
"Y-you...you don't think it's wrong or...weird?" Hermione sniffed. She looks surprised that she actually admitted it. Oh I do have the cutest children.
"I know you aren't siblings," Dorea stated calmly.
Hermione was dumbstruck. Speechless. Gobsmacked. Flabbergasted. Her hazel eyes widened, and her hand immediately moved to start pulling and twirling one of her curls as she tried to process the information she had just received.
No one can ever say I'm not straightforward. Oh how cute young love is. Even if she doesn't see it as that yet. I have this feeling that it will be awhile before they take the plunge. Which is fine. They are young. They have time.
"How did...?"
"Dumbledore," Dorea broke out into proud grin when Hermione's features twisted as she scowled.
"That man..." Hermione growled. She's becoming more and more like me every day. Dorea mused. "He never tells anyone the whole truth and he just expects...he just...takes liberties and-" Hermione cut herself off, biting down on her lip, her forehead covered in a light sheen of sweat, and she looked slightly pained.
"Hermione?" Dorea reached for her daughter, concerned. She looks like...it's not possible. He wouldn't make a child...would he?
"I'm fine, Mum. Really," Hermione smiled weakly, her face still contorted slightly from the wave of pain that was now subsiding.
"You don't need to worry about your Father or I not approving of your relationship with Draco when or if you actually get together, just-"
"No one else can know. We're twins to the rest of the wizarding world. It would be seen as immoral, wrong and unjust," Hermione murmured, a desolate expression replacing her pained one.
"I should be the last one to judge. The black family has been interbreeding for generations. Besides," Dorea gave her a cheeky grin. "Who gives a shit about the rest of the wizarding world?" Dorea laughed.
"Mum!" Hermione gasped at the profanity that had slipped past her Mother's lips.
"As long as everyone who is important to you knows the truth, and supports you, then everyone else doesn't matter." Dorea waved her hand nonchalantly, the corners of her lips turned down as she brushed off Hermione's fears. "Life is too short. We may have more time to live than muggles, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still too short. It can be taken away from us in an instant, and what's important is not how much time you have, but how you spend the time that you are given. To live everyday as if you are not going to see another."
"I-" Hermione faltered, pondering on Dorea's words. My little Mione is so adorable. Dorea pulled her daughter into her side, resting her chin lightly on top of Hermione's head.
"When I wake up every morning and I look at Char's slumbering face, hair sticking up in every direction and it reminds me that despite the struggle I had with my parents over marrying a Potter instead of a Black...it was completely worth it. I look at you three, and now your three friends and I feel so incredibly blessed to have you in my lives. We can't live our lives in fear of the inevitable. Life. Death. It is given and taken every day. Life and Death have been lovers since the beginning of time and that won't end. Whenever you are ready to realise your real feelings, whomever you end up with. It will happen when it is meant to. So don't worry about when it will happen, focus on just enjoying your life, doing well in school and spending time with your friends."
"How do you always know exactly what to say?" Hermione smiled wryly, hugging her Mother sideways.
Dorea didn't answer, just closed her eyes and revelled in the moment. She always wanted another child after James, but when the healer said that she was unable to have anymore, it broke something inside her. If she didn't have James and Charlus she feared to know where she would be. One month. She allowed herself one month to wallow in sorrow and self pity, afterwards she gritted her teeth and picked herself back up. It felt like an impossible task, insurmountable at the time. Yet with their help, their love and smiling faces had saved her. She came to terms with the fact that she wouldn't be able to bear more children. She and Charlus had contemplated adoption, but she decided that she was content with her family as is. So when Dumbledore asked her to adopt Hermione and Draco it seemed as if fate had decided to intervene. Now she didn't have just one child, but three official, legal children and two others that she had taken under her wing. Peter Pettigrew she was still unsure of; what it was she didn't know, but something in her sensed he wasn't quite as brave, or loyal a Gryffindor as he should have been. Bravery doesn't mean the absence of fear, but rather the ability to not let your fear control you. To overcome your fears even if everything in you is screaming otherwise.
"I love you, Hermione. You're my little girl," Dorea said warmly, her thumb moving up and down on her daughter's upper arm, a small comfort that made all the difference.
"I love you too, Mum," Hermione sighed happily, "and I always will."
"Should be go makes sure they haven't injured themselves?" Dorea asked, remembering that the boys had gone to go play Quidditch.
"You mean that they haven't injured themselves too badly," Hermione said in a matter-of-fact tone.
I'm definitely glad that I met this brilliant girl. That I was able to adopt such wonderful children, and that they have such phenomenal friends...for the most part that is. Hermione hopped up, grabbing Dorea's hand pulling her Mother up with her. Excitedly tugging her Mother behind her as she skipped towards the door. Besides marrying Charlus and having Jamie, they are the best decisions I have ever made.
...
December 17th, 1972
"You're cheery today," Draco mused, watching as Hermione shook Sirius, James and Remus awake. The other boys had said they should invite Peter, but Hermione and Draco adamantly refused. Either Peter was not informed about the sleeping arrangements or they could go sleep in their own rooms.
"Mione, goway" Sirius' words slurred together as he waved his hand in the air, snuggling down deeper into the sheets.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Hermione asked, batting her eyelashes innocently, a content look on her face. We both know since that train ride things have been different, Hermione. Whatever Mum said to you must have been quite profound to cheer you up as much as did.
"Dray said that you're going to helping us with pranks from now on, specially since you tricked Sirius," James murmured, eyes still closed as he sat up.
"Is that so?" Hermione raised an eyebrow in amusement as she glanced at Draco.
"You lost the bet, remember?" Draco grinned.
"We tied, if I recall correctly."
"I let you off easy on our last one, but from now on you're ours," Draco stated, his words indicating that she really didn't have a choice. Hermione didn't like being told what to do.
"I was already yours," Hermione whispered, Draco didn't hear her, but a certain sandy haired werewolf did.
"Mione. Why are we waking up so early?" Remus asked, a small smile on his face as he sat up, running a hand through his hair.
"We're going to enjoy our vacation as much as-"
"It's snowing!" James had pulled himself out of bed and meandered over to the window, eyes alight with wonder as he looked out onto the snowy blanket that covered the grounds.
"Really?" Draco vaulted off of the bed, darting over to the window. Pressing his face and hands up against the smooth, frosty glass. Hermione sighed when Remus sat on the bed, his back to the headboard and shook his head at her. Sirius rolled off the bed by accident, and was now spitting a string of curses that Dorea would punish him for. If Hermione wasn't distracted by the last of her boys smiling smugly as he refused to move, then she would have done just that.
"C'mon, Moony. Out of bed. Upsie Daisy," Hermione pleaded, tugging at his crossed arms, her head lowered in defeat. Only momentarily, before she squared her feet, bent her knees-and Remus grabbed her wrists and pulled her into bed. The result was Hermione half laying on him, half on the bed, her hair impeding her vision as her mouth was open in amused disbelief. "Rude."
"Moony! She's ticklish!" Draco called out over his shoulder.
"Traitor!" Hermione gasped, trying to wriggle away, but she was too slow. In moments Remus' fingers were tickling her sides, her head was thrown back as she uncontrollably laughed, kicking her feet out as she tried to escape.
"James Charlus Potter here to save the day!" James announced quite loudly before launching himself onto Remus and Hermione. Which took the wind out of all of them.
Draco tore his gaze away from the magical, cold wonderland outside to look at his friends. Hermione, James and Remus were wrestling on the bed, laughing. Sirius had only now managed to pull himself off of the ground. He looked torn between joining in on the fun and going to sit down. He shrugged cavalierly, rolled up his long-sleeved shirt sleeves and then followed James' example and threw himself into the fray.
They had all slept in Hermione's room, and Draco noticed for the first time that Dorea had done some redecorating whilst they had been gone. He had vaguely noticed his own, he had been either outside, in the library, the sun room, (Dorea's favourite room in the house) or he had slept in here. There hadn't been much time to observe.
The walls were painted teal, but the dark colour didn't dampen the overall homeyness of the room. It did the exact opposite. With Hermione's large windows, that constantly let in a vast amount of light, and the lightly coloured colour scheme of the rest of the room, it contrasted perfectly. The cream pillows on Hermione's armchair in the far corner of the room from him; to the right of the entrance when you go into the room. With a light grey throw cushion on it. Hermione's bed sheets were an ivory colour with teal pillow cases to match the walls. Dorea had also installed several bookshelves along the wall next to the armchair. To Draco's left was a white, four drawer dresser, which had a mirror propped up on it. Hermione's personal bathroom was to the right; Draco had never been in there, the door was always shut and it had a sign hanging from a nail that had been banged into the upper part of it. 'No male Marauders allowed. I will hex your bullocks off if you do.' None of the boys had risked it. Sirius cheekily asked if that meant she considered herself one of them. She had smiled innocently, and the next morning he had woken up with his hands stuck to his cheek with a temporary sticking charm.
I wouldn't trade them for anyone in the world. Mentally he threw the idea of joining them around in his head, teetering on the edge of just watching it all unfold; but then he gave in. What the hell, why not? Draco shook his head, removing himself from the window and sprinting across the room. Jumping and gracefully sailing through the air until he landed with an 'oomph' on his friends.
Groaning at the impact they all lay there for a good fifteen minutes in comfortable silence. "Breakfast anyone?" Sirius asked light-heartedly.
"I'm up for it. Plus, Peter is probably wondering where all of us are," James commented, shoving Sirius' foot out of his face.
"When's Frank joining us?" Hermione asked, panting heavily, it was kind of hard to breathe with all of her boys piled on top of her.
"Tomorrow!" James exclaimed, "I got his owl yesterday."
"Ok, all of you off me now," Hermione gasped, elbowing someone by accident.
"You heard the little lady, up we go," Draco said firmly, wriggling backwards until he was on the floor, hair tousled and his pyjama top slightly askew.
"Thanks," Hermione said in appreciation when the rest of her boys rolled off of her. Filled with boundless energy as they all bolted for the door. The allure of food highly appealing.
"They really are something, aren't they?" Draco chuckled, accepting Hermione's hand when she offered to help him up.
"They most certainly are," Hermione agreed, patting his cheek affectionately before calmly following the others out of the room. Leaving Draco by himself to think about why Hermione looked happier than he'd ever seen her before.
...
December 20th, 1972
Potter Manor
Full Moon
"We have a few more hours yet before the sun sets and the moon comes out, don't worry m'boy," Charlus affectionately ruffled Remus' sandy blonde hair. Remus and Hermione had a bit of a row a couple hours ago. Remus' smiled weakly at the older wizard as his mind lingered on the events that had just unfolded.
...
Hermione and Remus were quietly sharing one of the larger armchairs in the library. Dorea had stopped by a few hours ago, arms laden with books she thought they would enjoy; she had kept them next to her bedside table for the past few months, reading here and there when she got a chance.
"Are you sure you're ok?" Hermione frowned in concern, placing the back of her hand against his cheek. Which pinked lightly at her touch but for a different reason than what she was thinking entirely.
The headaches are getting worse, painkillers feel like they aren't working as well as they should, yet being here with you seems to make it all better. Hermione's cool hand sent waves of relief through Remus' body, his headaches suddenly didn't feel as horrid as before. In an honest tone he replied, "I'm feeling a lot better, Mione."
"As long as you're sure," Hermione narrowed her eyes, still not fully believing him. Remus liked to downplay just how much pain he was in during the Full Moon week.
"You don't have to worry so much on my behalf," Remus said reticently, closing his book and putting on the small table next to his side of the chair. Why did you say that? She's only concerned. Yea...she is, but not in the way you want her to be. You want her to- Remus shook his head, scowling at himself as he stared at their locked ankles.
"I want to, Moony," Hermione closed her own book, placing it down on her side, shifting in the armchair so she was facing him; their ankles untangled. Then Remus lost it. Moony was in a bad mood, the wolf put out that he was no longer in contact with Hermione.
"Well what if I don't want you Mothering me all the time?" Remus spat, jumping up and out of the chair and storming out of the library; leaving a miffed and irate raven haired girl in his wake.
...
Remus sighed at how petulant he had been. He shouldn't have been so nasty to Hermione, she was only trying to help. Charlus sensing that something was amiss with the young werewolf had kissed Dorea's forehead and followed the youth onto the front porch. Now they both sat side by side on the white wooden steps, Charlus leaning against the scarlet handrail.
"I'm getting the impression that the Full Moon isn't what's bothering you," Charlus said perceptively, his hazel eyes twinkling behind his wire framed rectangular glasses.
"I had a bit of a fight with Mione," Remus hung his head in shame, hands moving to hold it, his elbow propped on his knees.
"I suppose it's because she's worried about you, and you don't want her to baby you?" Charlus chortled, Remus tilted his head to look at the man, astonished at how astute the man really was. I guess Aunt Dorea isn't the only one who has a keen eye around here.
"Mione will surely forgive you, son," Charlus said in comfort, hand on Remus' thin shoulder.
"I hope so," Remus sighed, "are you sure I won't be able to get in the house?"
"I'm sure, the wards will keep you inside of the property boundaries and there are spells on the house that will keep you away."
"It's going to be a rough night," Remus sighed, his head pounding. He was frustrated and the wolf could sense that, which mean that he would assuredly be covered in a plethora of scrapes, bruises, and bites come morning.
...
Hermione heard the lonely howl and she gritted her teeth together. Sitting on a chair that she had brought into her room, she stared at the flourishing, cruel moon. How cold it looked tonight. Since coming back in time, she couldn't recall a time when she wasn't inherently angry with it.
I need to funnel this anger in a positive direction. I haven't been making any time to practice my animagus training. I think it's time I start. Hermione pushed up off of her chair, sensing another presence in the room, she swiftly pulled her wand from behind her ear and pointed it at the door. The floor creaked lightly as the figure moved into the light. Grey eyes. Eyes illuminated by the moon, filled with pain. He had come to the same conclusion she had, at least that was the only logical thing that came to mind.
"Remus."
"Marcus Belby's Uncle was the one who invented the Wolfsbane potion right?" Draco pursed his lips.
"Yes. I can't wait that long," Hermione lowered her wand, her thumb moving over the smooth wood as she worried her bottom lip between her teeth.
"I saw most of Uncle Severus' notes. I think we can fill in the blanks from there, don't you?" Draco arched a brow.
"It's going to be time consuming, not to mention dangerous."
"When did a little danger ever stop you lot," Draco smiled wryly, his head bowed slightly as he sat on the edge of her bed, face now cast in shadows.
"To be fair I did tell them it was a horrible idea most of the time...I had to go with them to make sure they didn't die," Hermione huffed.
"Do you think the boys will figure out that in order to help Remus we all need to become ani-"
"MIONE!" James voice boomed as he flung open the door, a small, tattered brown leather book in his hand. "Oh, you're here too, Dray. Good."
"What's going on, Jamie?" Hermione asked in trepidation, the glowing look on his face was enough to make anyone pause if they knew anything about him.
"So I was thinking, I hate letting Remus run off or get caged up in the shack by himself, I've been doing resea-" stopping when Draco snorted loudly. "Something funny, Dray?" James quipped.
"You said research...I thought it was amusing," Draco stuck his tongue out at his brother, motioning however for him to continue.
"You're a git. You know that right?" James smiled lopsidedly.
"Doesn't everybody?" Hermione hisses under her breath, blinking innocently when Draco shot her a glare.
"Back to my original point. I was thinking about Minnie, you know how she's an animagus. I found a book that talks about how to become one!" James said, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he thrust the thin book at Draco. James finger had the book opened to a yellowed page, with a few stains from old age, darkly penned illustrations and elegantly slanted script were scrawled across the pages.
"Remind me never to underestimate you again," Draco whispered.
"I don't really believe in coincidences, especially after you had the same thought we did," Hermione folded her arms over her chest, striding over to the bed, and then crawling across it until she was seated to the side behind Draco. Peering over his shoulder she read the meticulously written words.
"Jamie. You are brilliant," Hermione muttered, eyes darting upwarda at her brother to see him preening under her praise. Ahhh, you gotta love him.
"Well I guess all there is now is to become animagi," Draco grinned in a devilishly excited manner.
...
All of nature's sounds were a loud cacophony of pain hammering its way into his head. Normally it would be fine, but when all of the birds were chirping their musical notes, tree branches creaking, small animals bounding around; and so many other noises simultaneously were going off around him, and it was crystal clear in his ears? It tended to hurt a little. They didn't help either.
"If I poke him with a stick do you think he'll be upset about it later?" A familiar voice cut through his head. Poke me with a stick and I will hurt you.
"He'll definitely get pissed later," Another voice chipped in. How are they all so bloody cheery?
"Leave him alone, at least you lot were decent enough to bring him clothes," a smaller, more feminine voice scolded them softly. Her voice didn't hurt that much, at least she was trying to be quiet.
"I-is it always so bad?" A fourth voice asked with a whimper. No it's-
"Worse," yet another voice answered for him. This one a bit more calm, a bit more indifferent. Ahhh but I know better.
Swallowing his throat sore and dry, he wriggled his fingers to test whether he should yet or not. The pain that followed would be another to cripple another, but he clenched his jaw. I've felt worse.
"Can I trust you four to cover him up and bring him into the drawing room without incident?" The feminine voice spoke up once more sternly.
"Aye, aye, Mione. It'll be a piece of cake," the second voice chirped. James.
"Like when you dropped his birthday cake you mean?"
"Almost."
"You did, and you're lucky I was paying attention or it would have dropped, Mister."
"Whatever. Irrelevant. May you please go and ready the room to treat our dear friend, Moony here? Sister if you wouldn't mind?"
"It's a good thing I like you," he heard soft footsteps moving away from him. Don't go.
"Right. Wingardium Leviosa should work, eh?"
There was no answer but Remus felt himself being lifted up off the ground, the air chilly, biting at his skin. He hadn't even felt the snow. He felt a blanket carefully being wrapped around him. Draco. He never really knew what it was, but sometimes he could sense his other friends magic. Each one had a different sensation, and uniquely akin to the person it belonged to. Right now Draco's was humming around him, cool. Draco may joke around with them, but often he would withdraw into himself, reserved, lost in thought. Especially when things troubled him. Hermione buried herself in books. Sirius joked it off, James would ruffle his hair, rub at his brow and then smile weakly. Peter, generally sniffled, and sought either James or Sirius' attention when he was upset.
He pried open his eyes and was met by the sight of blood stained snow. This is my life. This is all it is ever going to be. Breathing out hard through his nostrils, his eyesight began to have black splotches. Moments later he had passed out again. The last sounds ringing in his ears were boots crunching on the soft snow.
It breaks my heart sometimes. More than I'm willing to admit.
What I want is to knock that kind of thinking out of him, I want to have this transition where he learns that he isn't worthless, and that he does deserve the other Marauders friendship and love. Just how I'm going to make Hermione a bit more laidback, so she won't be as rule abiding as before. Which should be one heck of a ride. Hope you're willing to stick around to see it all play out.
LOVE YOU.
-Indieblue xx
P.S. Whilst I write things for where we currently are, I'm constantly inspired to write future events, so their 6th year and up...things get fun. :D
This is a mini snippet of an idea I had for another story...that won't go up for awhile, but I just wanted a wee bit of feedback if anything, a PM would be lovely. It's about the Marauders time travelling. Again this is for a completely new story, just to clarify, not for fall through time. Enjoy xx
November 1st, 1977
"S-s-sirius I don't think this is a good idea," Peter stuttered.
"You're always such a worry wart, Wormtail. It'll be fine." Sirius laughed. "The war has pretty much already started. We need to live it up a little bit."
"Still. Blood magic, Padfoot?" Remus sighed, scratching behind his ear.
"It is kind of insane but, why the hell not?" James shrugged.
"Prongs I'm surprised Sirius was able to convince you to stop serenading Lily," Remus teased, wincing at the headache that was starting to come on.
"You good, Moony?" Sirius stopped in his tracks, putting his hand on Remus' shoulder.
"Yea, the moon," Remus grimaced, waving his hand absently.
"That's right, it's on Friday,"
The Marauders were sneaking out of the castle, the map was tucked in the back of Remus' back pocket, and James had his cloak laid across his shoulder. Peter was hanging back slightly, an anxious expression on his face.
It didn't take long for them to sneak out the Shrieking shack.
"Remus you remember what that big dusty book said?" Sirius asked as he plopped down in the middle of the room.
"That big dusty book had a lot of interesting information actually-"
"The spell, Remus. The spell." Sirius whined.
"No patience at all," Remus grumbled.
"So we all say the words whilst joining our hand together and then we are joined together for life? So it's like being bonded?" James asked, clarifying about what they were about to do.
"For life?" Peter squeaked, faltering before sitting next to the boys in the circle.
"Yea, it was an old book, Wormtail. It might not even work," Remus rubbed his temple, unaware of how Peter's nails were scraping against the floorboards. His head ache drowing everything else out.
"So what do we have to say?" Sirius piped up, eager to try this out.
"We each need to let a drop of blood fall into the middle of the circle and then after that is done we repeat the words together whilst holding hands,"
"Sounds good to me," James nodded, taking his place in the circle on the wooden floorboards. Closing it. Taking out his wand he flicked it at his index finger and a small cut formed, he leaned forward and let the crimson liquid drip onto the floor. Remus and Sirius swiftlt followed and then Peter was the only one left.
Peter hesitated whilst the other three boys looked at him expectantly. His teeth clicking together he did the same and let his blood join the other drops in the middle.
"We have to say..."
"Ok got it," James said, grasping Sirius and Peter's hands firmly within his. The circle seemed to glow briefly before fading back to normal.
"...-"
"I can't do this!" Peter screamed, it was too late though, the circle was now definitely glowing, and Sirius could hear a light humming in his ears.
Peter yanked his hands out of James and Sirius' hands, scooting back out of the circle. James was unsure what was happening but Sirius and Remus looked like they were fading in and out.
"Grab my hand, Pads. NOW!" James commanded, Sirius threw himself sideways and grabbed onto James. The circle came alive with a bright white light, fading completely, and Sirius thought it was over but then a blinding white burst hit him him full on, causing spots to dance in front of his eyes. The light vanished as quickly as it had come and Peter was left alone in the Shrieking Shack. Tears streaming down his face as he crawled over to where his friends had been.
"Sirius? James? Remus? This isn't funny. Where are you?" Peter cried, but it was all in vain. His friends were gone and they weren't coming back.
...
Hermione was doing something she never thought she would be doing. She was sitting across from Draco Malfoy; and having a civil conversation.
"Granger...mind tell why you aren't running your goody two shoes arse up to Dumbledore's office to tell him that I'm planning on killing him?" Draco drawled, leaning back in his chair, scrutinizing her.
Because he already knows. How could he not know. That's probably why dismissed Harry so quickly the other day. I wonder why he won't tell Harry what really happened to his hand?
"Only if you tell me why your Mother dragged you to the Order after Snape made an Unbreakable Vow with her,"
"She wanted a backup plan. She didn't know if your lot was going to turn us away or not. Which by the way almost happened," Draco reminded her. "Why are you only now asking that, during this...weird arrangement,"
"We're friends, Draco," Hermione sighed.
"Uhhhh, ok Granger, next time you want to tell me about your delusions, give me some warning first."
A/N I posted the prologue to this story^ on my profile...updates won't be frequent and I'm really sorry about that, but it's there! Also need help with a proper name, though I feel like the one I pulled off the top of my head may suffice for now.