All characters are property of JK Rowling and I do not make a profit from this story.
Beta: Roman's Sundial
Chapter Forty-Nine: In Memoriam
Hermione Granger – Present Day
December 22, 2000
"Ron, I can't go, I don't want to be locked up in Azkaban for Christmas!"
"Would you prefer the New Year?" he asked, sarcastically.
"No," she responded, annoyed. "I'm not going to go."
"You need to go, Hermione."
"My parents don't know I exist!" she yelled, storming around their shared cottage. "I'm basically walking right into Umbridge's hand."
"Draco said he worked out a plan. Now, I don't like the bloody git, but he's been right so far, hasn't he? It'll be fine."
"No, it won't! I'm not going!"
"Then where are you going to go? On the run? You know I'll follow you wherever you go, but I really don't fancy living out of that musty old tent again."
"You wouldn't be, it would only be me."
"Like hell, I'm not leaving you."
"Ron, you aren't about to leave Jessica and-"
"I'm NOT leaving you, Hermione. Go to the meeting. If Draco really doesn't have a plan, then we'll run."
"How? Umbridge will arrest me first!"
"She'll be alone; stun her and get out. I'll pack just in case, okay?"
"Ron…"
"Go, Hermione!"
She waited a few moments before saying anything, then finally picked up her purse and headed to the front door. "Don't forget my books on the top shelf," she said as she made to leave. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere without them." She closed the door behind her for what she assumed would be the last time, and made her way through apparition points towards Malfoy Manor. She arrived on time and let herself in, prepared to explain her plan of escape to Draco, when she came face to face with Dolores Umbridge standing next to Narcissa. "You're here," she said out loud.
"Why yes, Dear, we have a scheduled meeting."
Hermione looked down at her watch. "It's only six o'clock now," she replied.
"I prefer to be early. Now, where is Mr. Malfoy? I would hope that he is punctual?"
"He is on his way; shouldn't be a moment longer," replied Narcissa.
"Yes, well, it better not be," Umbridge replied with her ugly annoying grin. "Ms. Granger, have a seat."
"I prefer to stand," Hermione answered.
"I'm afraid I must insist."
"Fine." Scolding her, Hermione sat down on the opposite couch, and insured that her wand was perfectly accessible for her escape.
"Well?" Umbridge asked, both annoyed and pleased at the same time. "Where is everyone else?"
Before anyone could answer her, the front door opened and in walked Draco and… Hermione gasped. "Sorry we're late," Draco said, taking a seat next to Hermione. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, you, of course, remember my mother," he said, pointing towards Narcissa.
"Of course," came the voice of (Hermione couldn't believe it), her mother! "Hello again, Narcissa," she said, shaking her hand and then stepping aside for her husband to do the same.
"Mum?" Hermione asked, tears pouring down her face. "Dad?" she couldn't believe her eyes. She ran into her mother's arms and began sobbing.
"What is wrong with you?" Umbridge asked, disgusted with Hermione's behavior.
"We've been on vacation for quite some time," responded Hermione's dad. "She simply missed us."
Hermione tried to compose herself, but did not let go of her mother. "Yes, that's exactly it." Her mother continued to hug her back but something was off. Did Draco use a Polyjuice Potion? Were these not really her parents?
"So, Ms. Umbridge," said Narcissa. "The Grangers are here as per your request. Shall you conduct your questioning?"
"You, uh, you were there?" Umbridge asked, shock and anger coming along with her words.
"Where?" asked Hermione's mother.
"She must mean the Ritual Knot," filled in Draco.
"Well, of course we were there!" said Hermione's Dad. "Do you really think we would miss our own daughter's betrothal? It wouldn't even have taken place had we not been there!"
"Well, I believe that concludes that then, doesn't it?" asked Narcissa, looking at Umbridge.
"No, NO!" Umbridge yelled angrily. "This cannot be! Your memories were wiped! I investigated myself; I know everything!"
"You did what?" Hermione asked angrily. "You investigated my parents? That's illegal, Dolores!"
"Don't worry, Hermione," her father said to her. "She clearly didn't do a good job. Is there anything else you need, madam?"
Before she could reply, Draco spoke up instead. "That's all she's legally allowed to do. On behalf of my mother, please leave our Manor. Now."
"I'll get you for this," she said through gritted teeth, staring at Hermione.
"Not if I get you first," Hermione replied back, smiling sweetly. Face beet red, Umbridge stormed out of the Manor. "Is she gone?" Hermione asked.
Draco went to look out the window. "Yup; she's off of the property."
"How?" Hermione finally asked, looking at her parents and tearing up again. "How is this possible? Is it really you?"
Her mother sighed. "It is really us, Dear, but not in the way that you think. We have the memories of Wendell and Monica."
"But then how-?"
"Draco came to Australia and filled us in," her father said. "He had photos as proof, but I must say that he was pretty convincing."
So, you… you… you don't remember me?"
Hermione watched her mother's eyes start to fill with water. "No sweetie; we have no memory of you. I really wish we did though; to know that I have a daughter that I know nothing about…"
"Nothing?" Hermione asked, in barely more than a whisper.
"You are an extraordinary witch," her father said smiling. "The spell you casted is flawless."
"So you came just on Draco's word?"
"I'll admit that it is quite a difficult situation," her mother told her. "But yes, of course we came! He showed us proof that we have a daughter; how could we not be here for her?" Hermione couldn't control her tears as she stood there staring at the parents who did not recognize her. "Come here, sweetheart," said her mother, grabbing her and consoling her. "Draco said you're working on a counter-curse; this won't be forever."
"Y-yes b-but what if it d-doesn't work? There's n-no guarantee…" Hermione said through sobbing breaths.
"Then you will just have to fill us in on everything that we can't remember. We can start with the story of your birth! I would love to know how you came to be! I'm sure we had told you at one point?" asked her father.
"Yes," answered Hermione. "You guys told me everything."
"Wonderful!" smiled her father. "Then you'll just have to fill us in until you find a counter-curse; and you will find one, Hermione." Hermione nodded through her tears.
"So, how about we meet tomorrow for lunch? If you're free, I would love to spend the day with you."
"Yes, of course, Mum! Where are you staying now?"
"Draco found us a nice hotel not too far from here. Would you like to meet there?" she asked her.
Hermione smiled. "I can't wait." Draco and Hermione led her parents to the hotel and then apparated back to Hermione's shared cottage. "Draco," she started, as they stood in her living room. "How can I ever thank you?"
"You don't need to," he replied.
"Yes I do!"
Draco smirked. "Well, you could take me upstairs and…"
Hermione laughed. "You're not getting what you think you're getting, but you could spend the night if you'd like."
"Really?"
"Really," Hermione nodded. "I didn't think I could ever forgive you Draco, but you've reminded me of what kind of person you really are."
Draco turned away. "My family won't change, Hermione," he told her.
"I know," she answered truthfully. "But you have, and right now, that's all I want to focus on." She didn't know what she meant when she led him to her room, but for right now, she was happy just spending the night with the man who reunited her with her parents.
Harry Potter – Present Day
December 25, 2000
"Take it easy, Ginny. I really wish you would let me carry you."
"Harry, I'm fine! They wouldn't have released me if I wasn't ready to come home."
"That doesn't mean you're perfectly healed. If you were, they would have let you apparate back here, not take the muggle way."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "So, when Mum gets released tomorrow, can you take care of her and get off my back?"
Harry laughed. "Nope; you're my problem forever."
Ginny kissed him lightly. "It's nice to be out of that hospital."
"I wish you had agreed to go back to our flat though, not the Burrow."
"Harry, Mum is coming back here tomorrow and it's going to be really hard for her to come back here without Dad; she needs all of us right now."
"I quite agree, little sister," said Percy, as he entered the kitchen. "That's why Audrey and I will be staying here for a little while. Hello, Harry," he added.
"Hello, Percy. Looks like it'll be a full house for a while. Molly will really like that."
Percy nodded. "Of course, Audrey and I have loads to do at the Ministry so we will be at work a lot, but we will be around here and there."
"Well, Mum will need all the help she can get, and since the new charms have been put up, it's really going to limit who is going to be able to come by."
"Well, I agree with Ron. It really should only be the Weasley family, and spouses," Harry added, seeing the look on Percy's face.
"So, Ron is only allowing the family in, then?" Percy asked.
"And Jessica and Amelia, and Andromeda; Mum requested her specifically," said Ginny.
"I think Teddy is going to be allowed as well, but that's it. If anyone else wants to see her, they can do so at headquarters."
"Tough Secret-Keeper," Percy replied.
"I agree with Ron, though; it's safest this way."
"Oh, you misunderstood, Harry; I quite agree with my brother. In fact, I think he's been too lenient with allowing Jessica and her daughter."
"Don't say anything about that to Ron, Percy, or he will lose his mind on you," Ginny warned.
"If Mum is agreeable to it, then I will be too. Anyway, little sister, are you ready to go?"
"Go where?" Harry asked, looking at Ginny with a confused look.
Ginny sighed. "Give us a sec, Perce." She waited for him to leave the room before speaking again. "Harry, look…"
"I don't care about whatever it is that you're going to try and convince me of right now," he told her in an authoritative tone. "You are not leaving the safety of this Fidelius charm, and you are not apparating anywhere as per Healer Martus!"
"You will not stop me, Harry Potter!"
"What could be so important that you would jeopardize your health like this?"
"MY SON!" Ginny yelled. Harry didn't reply. He had buried Archie at Godric's Hollow while Ginny was unconscious, and since she just got out of the hospital, she hadn't had a chance to visit him yet. "It's Christmas, Harry," she said to him, but more calmly this time. "I need to go see him."
"Okay," Harry said finally. "But we do this my way."
"Yes, we can do side-along apparition with you leading."
"It's a lot of apparition points to Godric's Hollow…"
"You aren't talking me out of this!"
"I know, Ginny. But I want you to take the Floo to Headquarters first."
"What? Why?"
"Because. If you can handle the Floo, then you can handle apparating."
"Harry, this is stupid!"
"But it will make me feel better."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Fine." She walked over to the mantel and grabbed some floo powder.
"I'll be right behind you," Harry told her. He followed her through the fireplace and was happy to see her standing upright and alright in the kitchen at number twelve Grimmauld Place.
"Do I pass?" she asked him teasingly, giving him a kiss.
"For today," he joked, kissing her back.
"Ginny! You've been released!" came the cheerful voice of Remus Lupin.
"I have," said Ginny, accepting a hug from him. "Happy Christmas!"
"Happy Christmas! And to you too, Harry," he said, embracing Harry as well.
"Where are Tonks and Teddy?" Ginny asked him.
"At home," he replied. "We exchanged gifts this morning, then she went to lay down with Teddy for a nap. I snuck out only temporarily to see if I can catch up with you, actually," he said, turning to Harry.
Harry was about to ask Ginny to give them some privacy, but decided not to. "What's up? I haven't filled Ginny in about anything yet, but I'm sure she can catch up." Harry saw Ginny smile at him.
"Indeed she will," she Remus, also smiling at him.
"Is it something else from the treasure chest?" Harry asked.
"It is. I can't believe I didn't think of this, nor you for that matter; it would have been taught to you in your History of Magic class." Remus produced a piece of parchment, and both Harry and Ginny leaned forward to read it, but Harry had no idea what it was.
"I know what this is," said Ginny after a moment. "It's what wizards used to use before the Unbreakable Vow was created." Harry looked at her surprised, and she laughed. "I had to study really hard to catch up to your level so that we could have classes together, remember?"
"Clever witch," said Remus.
"How does it work?" asked Harry.
"If I remember correctly, the Unbreakable Vow wasn't created until the year 1892, so before that, this was used to make binding agreements between witches and wizards," answered Ginny.
Remus nodded. "The Promised Parchment was what people would call it. Anything written on here and signed and witnessed by a rightful next of kin would be binding, and just like the Unbreakable Vow, death would follow if it were broken."
"So if this already existed, then why did someone create the Unbreakable Vow?" asked a confused Harry.
"For two main reasons," Remus informed him. "One was because this parchment requires a next of kin as a witness, whereas the Unbreakable Vow does not."
"I can see how that could be a problem," Harry said, realizing that he would not be able to complete one as, sadly, his next of kin was no longer alive. "And the second reason?"
"Unlike the Unbreakable Vow, this can be destroyed."
"What was the point then? If it could be broken then there was no value to it."
"It can be broken, but not easily. See, the Promised Parchment is signed in blood, which is a part of you, like your soul. So, in order to kill, so to speak, a part of yourself…"
"You would need something powerful, the same way you would need to destroy a Horcrux," completed Harry, catching on.
"Precisely," replied Remus. "So, it was pretty practical, just not perfect."
"So if I get Grindelwald to sign this…"
"You can see if he is loyal to his word, then you can destroy it."
"Brilliant!" said Harry.
"I am very confused," Ginny said.
Remus chuckled. "Harry can fill you in shortly." He walked over to him and placed his hand on his shoulder. "I do caution you though; tricking Grindelwald could have devastating results."
Harry handed the paper back to Remus. "It wouldn't matter; I would have done it regardless, but I can't."
"Why not?" asked Ginny.
"Because I don't have a next of kin."
"I'm your fiancée," said Ginny. "I'm your next of kin."
"Because you did not complete the Ritual Knot, you would not count as a next of kin until you were married," stated Remus.
"And I won't let you that close to Grindelwald ever again," Harry added.
"Not that I am not happy to see you both," said Remus, somewhat changing the subject. "But I thought we were going to do Christmas celebrations tomorrow once Molly was released?"
"We are," answered Ginny. "Today we are going to go visit Archie."
"Ah," said Remus, understanding. "Just the two of you?"
"My brothers are coming, too."
"Wouldn't your mother want to visit as well?" Remus asked.
"I'll take her eventually," said Ginny. "But she's dealing with the loss of Dad; I really don't know how much grief she can take at one time."
"You're welcomed to come too, Remus," offered Harry.
Remus smiled. "I would like that. I'll apparate home and get Dora and meet you there."
Remus Lupin – Present Day
December 25, 2000
Remus and Tonks apparated hand in hand to Godric's Hollow. They saw Harry and some of the Weasley's not too far ahead of them walking up to the graveyard just outside of the church. Taking a deep breath, Remus held on to his wife's hand and followed them at a distance.
"Are you alright, love?" Tonks asked him.
"It has been a long time since I've been back to Godric's Hollow," he told her.
"When was the last time?"
"Once after Daisy's birth, when Sirius came back but was on the run."
"You've never come back on your own?"
Remus shook his head. "This place took too many lives of the people I loved. I don't need to go to their graves to visit with them; I remember them in other ways."
"Do you think Jessica will mind watching Teddy again? We give him to her quite a lot."
Remus smiled. He loved how his wife knew when to stop talking about something and instead focus on something else. "I think she enjoys it, actually. She has nowhere to go as she can't leave the Burrow, and now with Ron being Secret-Keeper and not allowing anyone to come, I would say she enjoys the extra company."
"Teddy has taken quite a liking to Amelia," added Tonks.
"Well, at least we know he will have a friend at Hogwarts."
"He'll have more than a friend at Hogwarts."
"Not now, Dora," said Remus, but sweetly rubbing her hand. "Today is about Archie."
"Of course." Remus sighed again. "Are you sure you're okay?" Tonks asked him.
"I keep thinking about Daisy, especially lately. Harry needs to know, Dora."
"I agree."
"But it's up to Sirius to tell him."
"Remus, I miss my cousin too, but he's gone and he isn't coming back."
"Harry is confident that he's in that archway and I think it's safe to say that Harry's hunches are usually right."
"But after all of these years?"
Remus shrugged. "Look at us. We came out of the archway and we are both fine."
"But we didn't fall through it."
"So?" questioned Remus. "Regardless of how we got in there, we all were still in there, and we all got out fine."
"True, but Harry brought our vessels to the archway to restore us; where will he find Sirius' vessel?"
"That I do not know," Remus responded. "But I'm not giving up."
"Where is Archie buried exactly?" Tonks asked him.
"In between James and Lily; I went with Harry to do it and dug the hole myself. I told him that since I was the one who buried his parents, I knew where there was an empty space."
"That wasn't the only reason, was it?"
"No," answered Remus sadly. "I didn't want him to have to see his parents' coffins of course, but I couldn't allow him to see the other one, either." The pair arrived at the place where the Potters were buried. He watched as Ginny magically conjured up flowers and laid them first at Lily's grave, then at James', then finally Archie's. Quietly, Remus conjured up a fourth and placed it at the empty spot above Archie, and in between Lily and James. When a confused Harry looked at him, he said, "for all of them." Lying to Harry was something that Remus did not like to do, but sometimes it was necessary.
Remus Lupin – The Past
November 1, 1981
Remus was struggling to cope with everything that had just happened. He had not only lost James and Lily, but he had lost all of his friends. James and Lily were, of course, gone, Peter was sadly murdered, and Sirius was off to Azkaban. Where he deserved to be, he added to himself. Even Alice and Frank Longbottom were also tragically gone, tortured to end up a fate worse than death. Since he didn't have his own parents, he thought to go and visit the only other two people he had: James' parents, Fleamont and Euphemia Potter. He apparated to their house, wondering if they had heard the news. Surely Dumbledore would have told them. Thinking about Dumbledore, he literally stopped dead in his tracks when he realized what had happened with Harry. He had thought nothing of it at the time when Hagrid took Harry to his muggle relatives on Dumbledore's orders, but thinking about it now, wouldn't it have made more sense to leave Harry with his magical grandparents? There was no way that they wouldn't have been considered unless… "Oh no," Remus said out loud, running to the house. He pushed open the door and ran into the house, calling out their names.
"I had expected you, Remus," came the voice of Albus Dumbledore.
"Albus? But-"
"I know where your thoughts are, Remus, and I am sorry to say that you are correct."
"No!" Remus made to look himself but he stopped; Dumbledore would not lie. "When?" he asked, barely audible. "How?"
"Walburga Black had a few Death Eaters come here to teach Sirius a lesson."
"A lesson?"
"He was promised to wed, did you know that?"
"No; it seems as though I didn't know anything about Sirius at all," he said through gritted teeth.
"Well, Sirius did not show up for his wedding and so Walburga orchestrated an attack on the Potters."
"So, Sirius is the reason all the Potters are dead?" Remus asked angrily.
"It would seem so."
Remus shook his head. "It makes no sense. Clearly Sirius didn't care about the Potters since he had James and Lily ki… You know… So, how does going after Fleamont and Euphemia punish Sirius?"
"As to that, I cannot say as I do not know."
"When did this happen?" he asked quietly.
Dumbledore was quiet before replying. "Upon receiving the news of James and Lily, I came here to inform them, when I walked into about three Death Eaters. I was able to take them down, but sadly, I was too late to save the Potters."
"So, they don't even know about their son." Remus said it more to himself then to Dumbledore.
"In this life, no, they do not, but perhaps they know now," he said, looking up.
"So, all of the Potters died on Halloween of 1981."
"Not all of the Potters, Remus; and we must focus our strength on that."
Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay! I went back to work this week after being off since June of 2016 so it's been quite the transition, especially since I still have an 11 month old at home who doesn't sleep through the night! I've said it before and I'll say it again though, I will never leave you all hanging! In fact, I am working on a schedule that will let me post twice a week, then three, until eventually I will be posting a chapter each day (except weekends) so that will be five chapters a week! In the meantime however, until I can organize everything, I will stick to once a week.
Not much to say this time around, but we will learn more about James' family as we go.
Thanks as always!