Hello there, lovely humans! :D
So you see, I had planned on updating a bit sooner, but a huge wrench was thrown into the works when I thought I saved the FTT document and it disappeared...then yesterday morning there it was. So I had rewritten most of it overnight, and ended up manually merging them.
Then due to unfortunate circumstances I didn't have my laptop until earlier today, but I did write a super emotional scene during the first wizarding war on my phone, so not all is lost. Either way I had planned on uploading a Halloween one shot as well but seeing as I didn't have access to it on the actual day, I'll still post it, just not for a few days probably.
I know I said the wedding was going to be this chapter, but I had a couple things to write about first ;)
I'll try and respond to everyone's reviews in a little bit, but I have quite a bit or work to do, so either tonight or tomorrow.
Thank everyone for following and reviewing this story. Seriously, it means so, so much. 280+ followers...WHAT? Insane.
MissesE: I'm so, so happy you liked it! Your review was amazing and I couldn't stop smiling after I saw it. I thought my face would break from how happy you made me and how much I was grinning like a fool. Thanks again, lovie xxx
This chapter is dedicated to my wonderful Beta :3 :prattster666 love you darling xxx
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me.
Sunday, July 29th, 1973
Hermione woke up with James' hand splayed across her face, in order not to wake him, she gently shifted his arm, and instead curled into his side. Intently listening to his soft snores, watching his chest rising and falling. There were lines from where her cheek had been pressed into her sheets, one of her legs was tangled with Sirius' and Remus head was snuggled into her side, hands tucked under his chin. Draco was on James' other side, his hair sticking up in various directions; still fast asleep he wiped his hand across his mouth, scrunching up his nose. Hermione was content to lay there forever if she could, but then her mind began to drift as she became more alert.
I'm starting to forget what they look like. Well not as much Harry, James and him look similar enough for me to fill in the blanks...but Ron, Ginny, Luna, Neville. I can't bear the thought that Ron's slowly becoming a fuzzy face in my memories. The one thing that I can never forget is how bright his ginger hair is. Two years...it's almost been two years since I last saw my best friends. I wonder if it's been that long for them, or if when we get back mere moments would have passed.
Thinking about redheads brought to the forefront of her mind that today was Lily's last day with them, she was leaving late this afternoon. Remus, Sirius and Peter would be all leaving respectively over the next few days as well. I need to give Remus his gift before that happens. It'll definitely be more quiet without as many people bustling and running about the house. Too quiet.
A few hours later, Lily and Hermione had snuck away from the boys and were currently sitting in one of the trees. Lily was sitting behind Hermione against the tree trunk, one leg against Hermione's side, the other hanging down as she braided Hermione's hair. Hermione had one hand slung across Lily's knee, her legs on either side of the branch, fingers playing with the tree bark.
"You know, Potter isn't that bad," Lily admitted, fingers stilling in Hermione's hair, halfway through braiding it down Hermione's back. Hermione had protested at first, saying that it would only frustrate Lily, but the redhead seemed to have magical fingers, Hermione had barely felt her parting her curls.
"I take it you're referring to Jamie?" Hermione giggled.
"Oh, hush you," Lily bumped her knee against Hermione's ribs and pretended to be upset.
"It was really nice having you here though, Lilypad," Hermione leaned back against her friend, who took a hair tie and quickly wrapped it around the bottom of Hermione's braid, before wrapping her arms around Hermione's shoulders.
"I thought I wouldn't like it, but it's grown on me," Lily smirked, thinking back to how Draco had declared and laid down the 'law' so to speak, to him she was now Lilypad and there hadn't been the need for any further discussion on the subject.
"Do you think things will be different at school this year?" Hermione wondered aloud. Lucius and Narcissa had graduated, Gideon and James Thomas were in their last year. Not to mention that James and Draco were trying out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team and they were probably going to successfully secure places on it. They were going to hopefully become animagi or at least be well on their way. Draco would make headway in the Wolfsbane Potion, and Jamie and Snape would hopefully be able to bury the hatchet now that Lily thought James was tolerable, maybe even likeable.
"I'd like to think so, I'm just excited that we're going to learn new things. Plus we get to choose electives this year," Lily tightened her grip on Hermione, shaking her a little bit in her excitement.
"I almost forgot about that," Hermione answered honestly, with all the things that had been going on recently it had completely slipped her mind. All of her attention was focused on studying the cruciatus curse and spending time with her friends, parents and sibling.
"Well you have a month to choose what you want to do, I think I'm going to do Ancient Runes and either Arithmancy or Muggle Studies, I'm kind of interested to know what they teach about muggles at school."
Hermione already knew that Lily was going to do Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, so she didn't say anything, but she ended up thinking how weird it was knowing things before they happened. That is if we haven't changed everything.
"I think I'll do Care of Magical Creatures and Ancient Runes," Hermione twisted her head to look at Lily, who nodded slowly, processing that Hermione would be in at least one of her classes.
"Your boys are all going to do Care of Magical Creatures...aren't they?" Lily pursed her lips, a speculative look on her face.
Hermione paused before answering, knowing them they'll do it and tease Remus, insisting that they are learning how to take good care of him. "Most likely, it's probably going to be spent outside for the majority of it, and it's a completely practical course. That's right up James, Sirius and Peter's alley."
"It sure is," Lily agreed, she paused before adding in a wishful tone, "hopefully though Potter will tone down his various, over the top, zealous ways of asking me out."
"I wouldn't bet on it," Hermione reached up and grabbed onto Lily's forearm, smirking as she looked at the redhead. "If anything, it may get worse."
"Ugghh," Lily groaned, her displeasure evident in the way her eyes coolly regarded one of her best friends.
"Don't worry, Lils, you only have about a month of quiet and freedom, before the whirlwind of elaborate favours and affection that is James Potter knocks on your door again."
Lily had merely flicked Hermione's shoulder; the two girls sat in comfortable silence until they realized that they should head back, it was getting late, and Lily needed to leave soon. Both girls landed on their feet on the soft grass, hesitating a moment before glancing at each other knowingly. Without a word they both bolted towards the house, racing to see who would get there first.
It wasn't long before the Potters and the Marauders were saying goodbye to Lily Evans, Charlus and Dorea had both offered to go through the floo with her, but she had adamantly refused. She could manage on her own. She hugged Draco, Remus and Hermione; poking Sirius on the nose and telling him to behave, ruffling Peter's hair fondly, and then it came time for her to tell James goodbye.
"Next time I see you Potter, remember, I can hex you as freely as I want in school," Lily winked impishly, turning on her heel and calling out her address before James could say anything.
"I'm going to marry her someday," James sighed wistfully, a dreamy expression on his face.
James did however, end up sulking for the rest of the day and well into the next after Lily left. Remus had rolled his eyes and then followed Draco after he asked if the young werewolf wanted to go the library and hang out away from his wailing brother. Sirius sat by James side, patting his head whilst James sat sullenly on the floor. Peter was trying to make James laugh with horribly corny jokes, so none of them noticed when Hermione slipped away.
She ended up in the Sun Room; one of Dorea's favourites in the house. However it was not her Mum that she found in there but her Dad.
Charlus was relaxing on one of the lounge chairs, the setting sun shining on him. The lens on his glasses were reflecting the vibrant reds, oranges, pinks and purples. "Hey there, sweetie."
"Dad," the corner of Hermione's lips twitching upwards when Charlus scooted over so there was enough room for her, patting the now free spot beside him.
"How is my little girl doing?" Charlus smiled kindly when she tucked neatly into his side.
"I'm grand, Daddy, grand," Hermione grinned up at him cheekily.
"I'm glad to hear that, sweetheart," Charlus responded sincerely.
"Daddy?" Hermione frowned slightly.
"Yes, Darling?"
"How did you know Mum was the right one for you?" Hermione bit her lip, or how do choose between your growing feelings for someone, and the other feelings that some days seem like they'll smother you with how intense they can be. Hermione couldn't ask what she wanted to, so she opted for the next best option.
"I didn't," Charlus answered. "All I knew was that she was filled with such passion, strong-willed and that she almost knocked me over when we met." Charlus said reminiscently.
"It just felt right, she challenged me, and trust me, boy did we fight like snakes and lions in the beginning...well sometimes we still fight like that, but the way I felt when I was with her was like coming home. As if by her side was where I was meant to be as long as she would have me."
"You still have a while yet before you have to worry about boys...or girls," Charlus added the last bit after a moment of contemplation.
"Dad," Hermione rolled her eyes, poking his side.
"You're my little girl, Hermione Potter, there's no rush. You're only going to be thirteen once, enjoy it. Once you get older things start to get more complicated. Enjoy being young, don't trouble yourself with relationships and affairs of the heart just yet."
"I don't think I'll be dating anyone anytime soon," Hermione murmured, a hint of bitterness to her tone; Charlus however, if he heard her didn't acknowledge her last statement.
"Have you decided what electives you want to take this year?" Charlus queried, his hand squeezing her shoulder gently.
"Care of Magical Creatures and Ancient Runes," Hermione informed her Father.
"Your brothers are both going to try out for the Quidditch team...will I have three children trying out?" Charlus asked with a knowing twinkle in his eye.
"I suppose you'll have to wait for my letter to find out," Hermione said in a light, nonchalant tone.
"You, Hermione Potter, bring such joy into my life," Charlus chuckled softly, pulling her into his side tighter. Then father and daughter sat side by side, observing the sun set. Both lost in their own thoughts as the stars came out and the sky faded to black.
...
Tuesday, July 31st, 1973
Potter Manor
Remus Lupin's Room
Hermione Potter was beautiful. It wasn't just how her eyes sparkled with mischief, or how pretty she was; which she very much was. It was how she furrowed her brow together when she didn't understand something, how bold and fearless she was, and how feisty she was when it came to her friends. She most certainly was not afraid to put them in their place when they needed it either.
Today was his last day at Potter Manor, and he found himself reminiscing on all of his happy memories here. Remus stood by his window, the cool summer breeze rustling his hair slightly; Sirius, James and Draco were throwing a Quaffle around and joking about. Peter was reading the book that they had found on animagi, but Remus didn't know that. All he knew was the smallest Marauder had taken to carrying around the thin, old book. Once he had asked about it out of pure curiosity, but Peter's lip began to tremble and he wouldn't stop stuttering that it was nothing, shoving the book behind his back, eyes wide. He looked like Remus had caught him with his hand in the cookie jar. After that he had ruffled the smaller boy's hair and reassured him that he didn't have to tell him if he didn't want to. Everyone was allowed their privacy, and who was he to protest? After all if his friends hadn't found out about him being a Werewolf on their own, he doubted that he would have freely offered up that information anytime soon.
Hermione came to the forefront of his mind then. She had been his first friend. The overwhelming amount of noise that drilled into his skull had made him want to curl into a ball. The noise and bustle of the Hogwarts Express only served to make him wonder if this was all a big mistake. They were all so loud. Boisterous laughter and elated words reverberating their way into his mind.
Then she had appeared. The other noises faded into the background, and Remus found himself both terrified and intrigued by the girl in front of him, whose voice and kind demeanour alleviated him of the raucous cacophony that had surrounded him since they had arrived on the platform. Which only made him even more afraid to accidently touch her, she didn't deserve his curse, she didn't deserve to become a wretched monster like him.
Next came the perplexing question of what to do when the trolley came around, since she had been lulled to sleep by the train's rocking. The pleasant trolley lady arrived, and with fearful eyes Remus asked her in a tiny voice if she would please wait a moment. Remus had reached out with a shaking hand and poked her, thankfully that was all it took to rouse her from her slumber.
Then she offered him chocolate frogs for imposing on him; he wanted to open his mouth and tell her that she had done anything but. She had been the reprieve in the storm, he wanted to stay with her even if it was only for a little bit longer. Before he knew what he was doing, he proposed that he help her take her sweets and snacks back to her compartment.
Hermione's smile was so warm, he couldn't remember a time in his life that someone had smiled at him like that, it wasn't forced like his Mother had taken to doing in the years before he attended Hogwarts, or the severe, permanent thin line that was etched onto his Father's face. The disappointment and fear, rolling off of him in waves; Remus could smell it most days, around the full moon it became so potent that he had taking to avoiding interacting with his parents as little as possible.
That had changed after he met her, his Mother's smile whilst weary was more genuine now; his Father just ignored him, feigning that Remus didn't exist at all. It was easier that way he supposed, and he found that as long as he had his friends, his Father's blatant rejection stung a little less as time went by. Though there were times when it smacked him full force out of nowhere.
Remus shifted from leaning up against the windowsill to glance at his neatly made bed, he had slept on it less than a handful of times this summer. What saddened him was the open trunk that was laying on top of it, the bed sinking slightly around it.
Just then a light knock on his bedroom door jarred him from his thoughts. The door began to open towards him, and then Hermione poked her head around the door.
"Remus?" Hermione asked she opened the door, peeking her head through. "I found you!"
"Does this mean I'm supposed to give you a prize?" Remus smiled crookedly, brushing his hair out of his eyes. Mum is going to insist that she cuts it first thing when I get home...home. Remus didn't want to say it out loud, it made him guilty to even let the thought cross his mind; Potter Manor felt more at home than Lupin Den ever had.
She reached up, and he saw the slight tremble in her left hand as she tucked her curls behind her ears, firmly keeping her right hand behind her back. She had cowed her head, and when they were inches apart, her eyes shifted to look up at him, nibbling on the corner of her lip. A sheepish expression on her face.
"What is it, Mione?" Remus whispered softly, admiring her dark eyelashes as she angled her head upwards, hazel eyes swirling with uncertainty.
"Well. You're leaving, and that sucks. I wanted to give this to you before you left. I feel kind of bad because it's not a unique gift, since Sirius has one as well-" Remus' heart deflated at that, a small smile frozen on his face. Hermione seemed to sense this with how her she stumbled over the next words that tumbled out of her mouth in an attempt to rectify this situation.
"Shit. I mean. That doesn't mean I don't think highly of you. I do. I really do. My words are failing me, nothing is coming out like I wanted. I just wanted you to know that you're always welcome here, and that you're important to me. I want you to think of this as your second home, well I mean, Hogwarts is your second home, so your third home. You're important to me Remus, and I want to make sure you know that-" Remus chuckled softly, his heart soared at how clumsily she was trying to ensure that he knew how important he was to her. Merlin, she's beautiful.
Hermione revealed a simple white box, holding it out anxiously. Remus gratefully accepted it. Carefully shimmying the cover off, his eyes widened at the silver locket that lay in the transparent white wrapping paper, flecks of navy blue dotted across the paper. Remus was filled with such a rush of emotion that he found he could not speak. ," Hermione smiled shakily, he was just staring at it, dumbstruck. "I may make one for Jamie and Dray, but I'm not sure. Don't worry though, I'll make sure to give you something uniquely yours for Christmas-" Remus cut her off for the second time today, when he tugged her into him, face buried in her curls, she smelled like chamomile tea and peppermints. An odd combination, but as it filled his senses, it soothed and relaxed him. She was flabbergasted, she wasn't sure he would like it, and the sudden rush of affection, floored her.
Remus knew exactly what it was. Sirius wore his at all times, he never took it off; it was always tucked underneath his shirt or hidden by his robes. Lily had asked him what it was when they were frolicking about the pool a few days before she left. She was astounded how genuine he was when he replied to her. "One of my favourite people in the world gave it to me, to remind me that I always have a home, and that I'm family. I never take it off." The first time Remus saw it was when the boys were getting ready for school one morning, and the locket glinting in the morning sun had caught his eye.
It wasn't just a locket though. It meant that I'm welcome here whenever, that this is home. His voice cracked on his first attempt, but on his second he croaked out, "This is home, Mione. Thank you. I love it," the box facing up as his hands were still wrapped around her. Hermione's smalled hands were tangled in his jumper, and Remus tried not to betray how embarrassed he felt when it occurred to him that the soft girl pressed against his chest was blossoming into a young lady. Stop thinking about how nice it feels to have her boobs pressed up against you, stop it you prat. Remus slowly released her, not wanting her to think that he didn't want to hug her. He loved his parents, he did. It scared him what he would do for his Mother; but it wasn't home. Not like Potter Manor, where he was surrounded by smiles, laughter, mirth, and love. Potter Manor was home. Where he looked forward to coming when he wasn't at Hogwarts. Where he didn't feel unwanted or feared. I do love my parents, but...
"I'm going to miss you, Moony," Hermione whispered in a feather light tone, her fingers pinching the bottom of his jumper.
"I'm going to miss you too, Mione," Remus felt the warm feeling that always resided in his chest when he was near Hermione, burn its way through his veins. More than you know.
Remus of course didn't know what today meant to Hermione, and recently to Draco. That's why he didn't quite understand why there was such sorrow in her eyes, so much raw, undiluted pain. It quickly fled his mind as he resumed packing; mind occupied by other things. Mainly what a stark contrast there was between his life at Potter Manor and the Lupin residence.
Remus tried to keep his goodbyes short, even though all he wanted was to prolong them as much as possible; but the tiny voice in his mind reminded him that his Father did not tolerate tardiness.
The last thing Remus Lupin saw before backing them to go through the floo, was Hermione's hazel eyes, she was worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, hand resting on her chest. Subsequently he stepped into the green flames, and emerged on the other side.
Remus saw his Father sitting with a grim expression on his face, listless eyes, arm hanging off the side of his armchair, a half full glass of Firewhisky grasped in his hand. Lyall Lupin did not move even a fraction of an inch before he said in a cold, indifferent tone, "your Mother is waiting for you in the living room." Movements slow as he raised his glass to his lips, the only sounds in his Father's Study were the sounds of the Firewhisky traveling down his throat and the fire crackling behind him. All he wanted to do was turn on his heel and go back from whence he came. Remus' ears caught the sound of pages turning accompanied by light, whimsical humming, and he gulped audibly. His Mother was here; she wasn't as sad as she used to be, she hugged him, ran her fingers lovingly through his hair. Suddenly everything wasn't as bleak or dire as it seemed. Welcome home, Remus.
...
Thursday, August 2nd, 1973
Potter Manor
Family Room, Ground Floor
"Make sure to write, okay?" James affectionately ruffled Peter's hair and the smaller boy smiled brightly with pink cheeks. How did he become that spineless, grovelling rat that worshipped Voldemort? Draco was leaning against the wall just to the right of the door. Dorea had just pulled her left arm through her coat arm; she was taking Peter to his parents and then she was going to run some Errands in Diagon Alley. Charlus was going to go later in the week to get their things for school, reasoning out that the only thing they really needed to go for was their robes. Which Dorea said they would do sometime before the Wedding on the Twentieth.
"Bye, Pete," Draco strode confidently across the room, slinging his arm across the boys shoulders and playfully rubbing his knuckles across Peter's scalp.
"See you on the Platform, September first," Sirius snapped his fingers, "remember, nine more days." Draco turned his head in shock towards Sirius, who was the only one that had recalled that Peter still had nine days before he could take the Mandrake Leaf out from under his tongue.
"I won't let you down, or Remus," Peter said in a stubborn tone, his brow drawn together as he held his clenched fists up in front of his chest, a determined air about the usually meek boy.
"You better not," Draco's eyes flashed dangerously, but his tone was light and airy. Peter stopped by Dorea and whispered something to her, she looked like she wanted to protest, but she patted Peter's head as he walked over to the fireplace.
"Bye!" Peter waved enthusiastically, "Pettigrew Corner!" The boy threw a handful of floo powder into the fireplace, and he ended up tripping into the green flames, disappearing onto the other side.
"Do you think he's alright?" Hermione asked from the door, a bit miffed that she'd missed saying goodbye.
"It's Pete, he'll be fine...right?" James turned to Sirius for clarification, who merely shrugged his shoulders, reaching up to scratch his head.
"I hope so," Sirius grimaced.
"I suppose I can go to Diagon Alley tomorrow then," Dorea sighed, shrugging her coat off of her shoulders.
"Quidditch anyone?" Draco suggested, the other three teenagers swivelled their heads in his direction, frowning. Draco raised his eyebrows as if to say, "what?"
"Quidditch sounds good, actually," Charlus murmured, Dorea ducked under his arm and tucked herself into his side.
"I'm up for it," Dorea smirked playfully.
"Really, Mum?" James laughed knowingly. "Mum is a phenomenal flyer, but she generally prefers to watch us play Quidditch," James explained.
"We could do that?" Hermione jutted in, hugging James from behind, James shifted so that his arm was around her shoulders.
"What? Go flying?" Charlus queried, arching a brow.
"I mean, we live in the countryside, and I've only recently starting flying so I've never gone with you guys," Hermione answered, jutting out her bottom lip pleadingly.
"You boys up for it?" Dorea turned to her sons.
"Yupp, Mum," Sirius put his hands on hips, and puffed out his chest.
"James? Draco?" Charlus asked, squeezing Dorea's hip, which resulted in her poking him, hard, in the side. They aren't the parents I grew up with, but I love them so much it's scary. I would do anything for them. Not just them, Mione, Jamie, Moony, Sirius...maybe even Pete. Fuck.
"I'm up for it, it's been a while since we've just gone for a good fly," Draco answered amiably.
"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go flying!" James said exuberantly.
It took the Potters; who Sirius officially considered himself apart of, less than fifteen minutes to change, get ready and meet up around the back of the house where the broom shed was.
"Not the cherry wood broom, Mum. It doesn't go as fast as I like," Draco said, handing his Mother back the broom. She narrowed her eyes before switching it for another.
"Happy now?" Dorea said sardonically as she handed Draco the new broom.
"Thanks, Mum," Draco pecked her on the cheek, winked cheekily at her and then went to wait with Charlus, Sirius and James.
"He's lucky I love him," Dorea pursed her lips, a sour expression on her face, but she had a playful twinkle in her eye. She turned to hand Hermione a broom, twisting back around to shut the shed doors behind her.
"We all set?" Charlus inquired when his wife and daughter joined him and his sons.
"Affirmative," Hermione nodded, swinging her leg over her broom.
Charlus was the first to kick of the ground, hovering five feet off of the ground, awaiting for the rest of his family to join him. Dorea sailed through the air, barefoot and lightly shoving him as she ascended through the air.
"Mum?" Hermione gasped, dumbstruck.
"Now I see where you get your wild streak, Foxy," Sirius winked audaciously before zipping away.
Hermione fumed silently for a moment before chasing after him, "Sirius Black!"
"Hey! Don't go having all the fun without us!" James belted out, tapping Draco who nodded in understanding. The two brothers swiftly flew through the air after their friends and parents.
Dorea and Charlus were flying side by side in front of them, grinning and glancing back at their children frequently to make sure they following them. Hermione had caught up to Sirius and was reaching for him with one hand, whilst Sirius successfully managed to dodge all of her assaults against him. Until she landed a solid hit on his left upper arm.
"Bloody hell, woman!" Draco heard Sirius complain.
"You chosen your electives for this year?" James asked his brother randomly.
"Care of Magical Creatures and Ancient Runes," Draco answered, neglecting to mention that Hermione was doing the same exact subjects.
"I'm going to do Care of Magical Creatures as well!" James exclaimed merrily, letting go of his broom and sailing through the air, the wind blowing his hair back. "Then I'm thinking Divination, I had thought about Muggle Studies to understand Evans better...but I think I'll just ask her directly," James smirked.
"Divination is a load of rubbish but it's wicked easy to do well in," Draco grinned wryly. I wonder what it would be like to do every subject there was available for OWLs and NEWTs level? Draco wondered flippantly, I bet I could do it. Be the first person to get all O's at both testing levels.
"Sounds like my kind of subject," James laughed jovially, not asking Draco how he knew that.
Flying gave Draco clarity of mind, up here things made sense. It was simple, the complicated things that occurred on the ground didn't travel up here. Draco felt free when he was flying, and his chest felt warm when James flew to catch up to Hermione and Sirius. James leaned over and hugged Hermione despite the fact that they were over a hundred feet up in the air, Hermione bright protests brought a smile to his face. The old me would cringe at these thoughts, but I would definitely die for them. Before I would have just said I would kill for them maybe, but never die. It's strange how knowing that doesn't bother me.
Draco shook his head at how flippant his friends were, smirking as he leaned forward to catch up. They were his. His family and his friends. Mine. Draco's eyes were locked on the long, raven black curls that were flowing backwards in the wind, she is...no Draco. That is one thing that you can't have.
Siriusly...the next chapter will be the wedding at Malfoy Manor. Make sure to bring your congratulations for the newlyweds :p
Depending on how I feel I may post it within the next couple days, not 100% sure.
LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH.
Indieblue xx
For you Kitty Cat xxx :*