A/N: Thank you to my amazing Alpha/Beta HeartOfAspen for her work on this story throughout the last couple of years. She's been with me for the long haul and I can't thank her enough! Shout out to a few members in H&Co Writing Locker back in June who gave me ideas for a prank on Lavender and Romilda in this chapter. They were all such brilliant ideas, but I ended up using Neha Kotak's idea of love potions being keyed to each other.
Chapter 29
The next day, Harry and Hermione left Hogwarts and once they stepped off the Hogwarts Express onto Platform 9 ¾, Sirius whisked them off to Grimmauld Place where they would spend the duration of the holiday. They promised Ron and the rest of the Weasleys before they departed that they would make an appearance on Christmas Day to spend the day with them.
Hermione was glad to be getting away from Hogwarts for a bit, but she was sad that she wasn't going home to be with her parents. Instead of spending the holidays baking, and laughing, and participating in her mother's favorite bake-off, they were off in Australia not knowing they had a daughter.
It would be her first Christmas without them, and though she was grateful for Sirius's hospitality and being able to spend the holidays with Harry, she was feeling her parents' loss more than ever. It was something she hadn't voiced in person, especially not to Ron, who was dealing with his own set of challenges this holiday with his sister being gone. Her parents might be gone, but at least they were still alive. The Weasleys couldn't say the same for their youngest child and only daughter.
She was so caught up in her feelings, she hadn't noticed Harry walk into the library. She had curled up there hours before, almost as soon as she finished unpacking her trunk after arriving from Hogwarts.
"What's wrong?" he asked, sitting down on the sofa, placing his arm around her shoulders.
She leaned into his touch and let her head fall onto his shoulder. Only then did she let the weight of her feelings consume her and allow the tears to fall. He didn't say anything, but comforted her, pressing kisses against her head and holding her tight.
"My parents," she finally choked out, trying to wipe her tears with the arm of her sweater. She took several deep breaths, attempting to still her beating heart and calm herself down.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I wish you didn't have to do what you did. But you know what?"
"What?" she sniffled, looking up at him.
"You are so strong. And we are going to get through this war and when we do, we are going to go to Australia and get your parents back," Harry promised.
"But what if we can't reverse the memory charm that Professor Snape placed on them? What if they are forever stuck as Monica and Wendell Wilkins who don't remember that they have a daughter?"
Harry sighed. "We can't live life by the what-ifs, Hermione, and I'll be honest, it's always possible that it can't be reversed. But Professor Snape has taken the utmost precautions for your sake. Because of that, I think we'll be able to get it reversed. Everything will be okay."
Hermione wasn't totally convinced, but Harry having optimism gave her the tiniest bit of hope that things would work out. For now, she would have to get through the holiday season and focus on bigger things. Harry was right. When it was all over, only then could she think about the fate of her parents. For now, they were safe.
A couple of days passed and Hermione found a welcome distraction. Sirius hadn't yet decorated for Christmas so Hermione took it upon herself to string decorations on the main floor and through the halls to cheer up the place. She had placed Christmas trees in several rooms and had made sure to litter several places, mainly the library, with mistletoe so that she could have an excuse to snog Harry whenever she wanted.
He didn't mind either. On Christmas Eve, Hermione had caught Harry under the mistletoe in the library. He had pushed her up against the wall and her hands were roaming underneath his shirt.
"Ahem."
Harry jumped back away from Hermione quickly at the sound. It wasn't Sirius. Whenever he caught them snogging, he usually left the room and left them to it. Hermione peeked around Harry and grimaced.
"Professor Snape, how...how nice to see you," she said, plastering what she hoped wasn't a grimace across her face.
"Likewise," he drawled. "Though I could have done without the image I just stumbled upon."
Hermione felt her face heat up. Harry was running his fingers through his hair and adjusting his glasses, staring at a spot above the professor's head.
She looked back to Professor Snape. "What brings you here today, Professor?" Hermione asked, trying to break the awkwardness of the moment.
"I wanted to talk to you both."
Hermione nodded and walked quickly over to the sofa, Harry followed and sat down next to her. Professor Snape took up the chair across from them, reminiscent of their times in his office.
"What were you doing with Malfoy last night?" Harry blurted out before Professor Snape could get out a word.
Hermione sighed and readied herself to once more explain why she trusted him. "Harry—"
Professor Snape put up a hand. "Miss Granger, as much as I appreciate your trust and willingness to put Mister Potter in his place, I think it's best if I defend myself this time."
Hermione nodded and she snuck a glance in Harry's direction. He was looking directly at Professor Snape, his green eyes never wavering from the black. She knew he was hoping that Professor Snape would give him some answers, but knowing their Professor, he was going to be cryptic with his words if he gave any information at all.
"As you know, I am a spy. I have duties that I must perform for both sides or my cover could be blown. Now let me make this very clear, what I do with Mister Malfoy is none of your business."
Harry opened his mouth to argue, and Professor Snape cut him off.
"I will, however, be willing to take a vow on my magic...not an Unbreakable Vow, but a vow on my magic to give some reassurance. I have made my allegiances clear to those who matter and that includes the both of you. I will not do so again. Is that clear?"
"Fine," Harry said through gritted teeth.
Professor Snape pulled his wand from the pocket of his robe and waved it above his head in a circular motion. "I, Severus Tobias Snape, swear on my magic that when I reveal information, I am telling the truth to Harry James Potter and Hermione Jean Granger. Let magic witness this vow and its intention."
A swirl of purple light shot from the Professor's wand and encompassed the three of them. Hermione felt a peace fall over her, as if magic was letting her know that Professor Snape was telling the truth.
"Good?" Hermione asked, grasping Harry's arm.
He nodded. "Good."
Hermione moved her eyes to Professor Snape. "Thank you for doing that. I didn't think it was necessary, but I appreciate it all the same if it gives Harry peace of mind."
"Good." He paused. "Now, my purpose for stopping by today was to check in. Are you wanting to visit the colony? If you are, I can assist."
Hermione shook her head. "The colony was okay when they were attacked at the end of October. I don't think it's necessary for me to visit. Besides," she said, tapping the side of her head, "if I want to speak with Marsious, we have a connection through our minds that allows communication."
"Very well. If you change your mind, send me an owl. It is in your best interests that I accompany you. Going alone is not advised."
At that, he stood from his chair and walked to the door.
"Happy Christmas, Professor," Hermione called.
He turned before he opened the door. She swore that Professor Snape's mouth twitched for a moment into a closed mouth smile, giving away that he appreciated the sentiment. "Happy Christmas to you as well, Miss Granger, Mister Potter."
He then disappeared through the door, leaving Harry and Hermione alone once more.
"Are you appeased for the time being then?" she asked.
"Yes, but can you blame me for asking?"
She shook her head. "No, but I do think that Professor Snape has proved his loyalty to us time and time again. We have to remember that he is playing both sides. He has a part to play even if we don't understand it."
Harry sighed. "You're right of course. But I feel better now with the vow on his magic to tell us the truth." He leaned down and pressed a kiss on her neck. "But now, I'd like to continue what we were doing before we were rudely interrupted."
Hermione giggled as he covered his body with hers. "Please."
Christmas Day dawned bright and early. Despite Hermione's insistence to help make Christmas breakfast, Kreacher refused to let her. In fact, he banished her from the kitchen with a cup of tea in hand, charming the door to keep her out.
Sirius laughed when she reentered the main sitting room, looking put out. "Don't take it personally, Hermione. Let him do it and let's just enjoy Christmas together."
Hermione reluctantly agreed, but only because she wouldn't be able to force herself back into the kitchen. When they were about to exchange gifts, the doorbell rang.
"Who's here?" she asked, looking around at Sirius and Harry.
Harry grinned. "You'll see."
Sirius got up from his chair by the fireplace to answer the door. Moments later, several members of the Order of the Phoenix including Professor Lupin, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Minerva McGonagall traipsed into the sitting room. They were brushing snow off of their persons, their cheeks red from the cold outside.
"What's this?" Hermione asked, her gaze running wildly across the room before landing on her boyfriend. "Harry?"
"Well, the pup here wanted to make sure you weren't alone this Christmas," Sirius said, slinging an arm over Harry's shoulder. "So we invited those we knew that also might be alone to spend Christmas morning with us."
"Thank you," Hermione whispered, engulfing Sirius and Harry in a hug. "Thank you." Harry then pulled her to the sofa, as everyone took seats around the room. She then realized one error in the plan and sat up straight, anxiety hitting her like a train. "But, I don't have presents for you all. I wasn't expecting—"
"We're just here to enjoy the morning, Miss Granger," Kingsley said. "A few of us brought gifts to share over breakfast, but please don't worry about us."
Hermione nodded and looked around the room. "Thank you all so much for coming. I'm happy to be spending it with you all."
She wasn't lying when she said she was happy to be spending it with those surrounding her, but she couldn't help think about Professor Snape being all alone in the dungeons of Hogwarts. He could pretend to be a recluse all he wanted, but she knew better. Everyone needed companionship and in the future, she would make sure he was included.
Hermione enjoyed exchanging gifts with Harry and Sirius and receiving the gifts from the others. Kingsley brought some expensive champagne for mimosas, Professor McGonagall brought some homemade syrup from her native Scotland, and Professor Lupin gifted them with some hot chocolate.
"For later this evening," he said, handing a tin to them.
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said, while Harry nodded his head in thanks.
Breakfast was a jovial affair, Hermione enjoying the breakfast with her makeshift family. Once breakfast was over, the members of The Order bid their goodbyes once more leaving the trio and Kreacher the only inhabitants of Grimmauld Place. Only a few hours later, Harry, Hermione, and Sirius made their way over to the Burrow for the Weasley family Christmas.
It was boisterous and loud, and the food was delicious as always, though there were several moments where Mrs Weasley gazed at her children lovingly and looked like she wanted to burst into tears. Hermione missed Ginny too. It was weird to be at the Burrow, but not be sharing a room with her, or laughing at her jokes.
"Arthur, come quick!" Molly called from the kitchen. "It's Percy, he's coming down the drive!"
"What?" Mister Weasley asked before jumping up from his seat rushing out of the room.
Moments later, Percy stood in front of them, along with a man Hermione recognized as the Minister of Magic right behind him.
"Perce," George said in greeting.
"Brother," Percy said, stiffly.
It was an awkward encounter. No one else said anything, just staring at the redhead who had betrayed and insulted their family.
The Minister cleared his throat. "I'm here to speak to Mister Potter. Percy came along to see you all. So, uh, Mister Potter if you'll please come with me outside."
Sirius stood up. "Harry's underage and as I'm his magical guardian, you'll speak to him with me present or not at all."
"Fine," the Minister said, nodding. "Harry?"
Hermione looked toward Harry. "I'll be fine," he whispered, standing up. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and left the room, trailing the Minister, Sirius at his side. The group sat in silence for several moments before conversation broke out again and Mrs Weasley began fussing over Percy. He seemed indifferent, but kept brushing her off. It was obvious that he didn't want to be there, but had only come because of the business the Minister had with Harry.
While she was sure the conversation outside between Harry, Sirius, and the Minister was going less than stellar, chaos was starting to break out right in front of Hermione's eyes.
Fred and George, being the jokesters they were, gave Percy several treats that made him turn into a canary, feathers bursting out of his clothes. It was only a couple of minutes before the feathers disappeared, but then something was thrown at his head and he stomped out, Missus Weasley crying after him. He never looked back, leaving his mother sobbing at the door.
"Don't worry, mum," Fred said, giving her a hug. "He's a prat. I mean, eventually he might come around, but he's so far up the Ministry's arse, I wouldn't count on it. We can just pretend there's five of us instead."
But that only made Mrs Weasley cry harder, the reminder that her daughter was dead fresh on her mind. Fred sighed and let Mister Weasley take over, taking Molly over the table and fixing her a hot cup of tea.
It was only moments later that Harry stomped back into the Burrow, shaking snow out of his hair, Sirius close behind. The Minister was nowhere to be found, but Hermione assumed he opted not to return back to the house and met Percy out front to disapparate.
They didn't stay at the Burrow much longer after that before bidding their goodbyes and taking their presents through the fireplace and back to Grimmauld Place. They decided to sit in the library and Sirius joined them.
"Kreacher," he called.
With a crack, the elf appeared.
"Yes, master?" the elf asked, bowing.
"Hot chocolate for the three of us. Take from what Remus brought this morning."
"Yes, sir," replied and was gone with a snap of his fingers.
Sirius got up from his chair and started a fire in the fireplace, the room heating up considerably. Hermione snuggled into Harry's side and closed her eyes for a moment.
Hermione was content to sit in silence, but there was one thing nagging at the back of her mind that couldn't be ignored. "What did Scrimegeor want?" she finally asked, opening her eyes.
"Prat," Sirius murmured.
"The usual," Harry replied. "Wants me to be the face of the Ministry to basically trick the Wizarding World into thinking everything is okay."
"When it's not," Hermione said.
"Exactly."
"He probably wasn't happy that you tagged along, Sirius. Probably thought he could convince Harry without you there."
Sirius snorted. "He's delusional. Harry wouldn't have been on board after the way they treated him all of last year regardless if I was there or not. Probably smart that I was a wanted criminal up until recently, on top of everything."
It was then that Kreacher popped back in with a tray of three mugs with steaming hot chocolate and marshmallows on the side. Sitting down the tray, he bowed and disappeared again with a pop.
"Oooh, I love marshmallows," Hermione said, popping one in her mouth and putting a couple more in her mug. Harry and Sirius did the same.
The three of them settled back down with mugs in hand and closed out the night with Sirius telling Christmas stories of the Marauders, James and Lily, and of course, the Christmas he had spent with Harry as a baby.
When she collapsed into bed that night, Harry was already sound asleep beside her and she couldn't help but feel content. Sure, the day had been difficult without her parents, but she had felt so much love from Harry and the rest of their friends and family that her sadness was just a dull ache.
Reaching out, she laid a hand on Harry's arm and her eyes slid shut, and she drifted off, dreaming of future Christmases where war wasn't raging around them.
The next few weeks of break passed quickly and soon, Hermione found herself back on the Hogwarts Express chugging away back to Hogwarts for the spring term. She fell into a historical romance novel, deciding that she didn't need to review her textbook or her notes. She just wanted to escape for a little while and reading about a beautiful woman being romanced by a pirate did just that.
When the lights outside flickered on, Hermione was drawn out of her book as the others in the compartment started to pull on their school robes. They were approaching Hogwarts and would be arriving shortly. She was eager to arrive back at the castle, missing the routine of going to classes.
After the feast, they entered the Gryffindor common room to see several of their classmates huddled around the notice board.
"Apparition lessons," Hermione said eagerly to Harry at her side. When they walked away, she whispered, "That will make things easier, especially getting back and forth to Greece."
Harry nodded his agreement. "Though Apparition lessons once a week on top of Quidditch practice and lessons? I am about to be crazy busy."
"But not too busy for me, right?"
Harry grinned and stopped at the bottom of the staircases leading to the dormitories, pressing a kiss against her lips. "Never too busy for my girl."
They had only been back at school one day when Harry had received a handwritten message from Dumbledore via a younger Hufflepuff student to meet in his office that night at 8 o'clock. Hermione bid him goodbye at the appointed time, leaving Harry standing in front of the gargoyle guarding the headmaster's office.
The next day after dinner, Harry rushed Hermione and Ron up to the common room, Hermione eager to hear of the meeting.
As soon as they were in front of the fire, Hermione cast a muffliato and Harry launched into an explanation about Voldemort's past as Tom Riddle, as told through memories. Specifically about one of Slughorn's memories, which had been tampered with somehow. It was if he didn't take a breath, and once he finished, he added, "I think the curse in Dumbledore's hand might be affecting his brain."
Ron barked out a laugh. "Nah, he's always been a bit mad."
Hermione just shook her head in agreement. The headmaster had always been a bit delusional and it always frustrated her how much he relied on Harry. But not one to back down from a task, and a difficult one at that, Hermione gave her thoughts.
"Well, I think that you should go about this very carefully, Harry. If Dumbledore couldn't get the memory, it must be something Slughorn isn't willing to let go of."
Harry looked toward Ron. "What do you think?"
Ron shrugged. "I think you should just go for it, mate. The man wanted you to be a part of his little 'Slug Club' and he thinks he has you in his corner. It can't hurt to ask."
"I think I will," Harry said after a moment. "If he says no, it won't be the end of the world. I don't want to waste time coming up with a plan when it could be just as easy as asking. Plus, I have classes, Quidditch, and all of the homework the professors are piling on us."
Hermione crossed her arms. "Harry, I really must protest. If you straight up ask Slughorn for the memory and he says no, it is going to be much more difficult to try and scheme the memory out of him. If it was that easy, Dumbledore would have just done it himself."
"I agree with Ron," he said. "Dumbledore might have asked and Slughorn said no, but I'm not Dumbledore. I'm Harry Potter. And if I have to pull that card to get it...I will."
Hermione smiled sadly and stood up from the chair. "Whatever you think is best. I'm going to bed. Goodnight to you both."
Harry watched as Hermione walked slowly up the staircase to the girls' dormitory, leaving Harry and Ron behind. When she shut the door to her dormitory, she heard Ron say, "I think you might be in the doghouse."
She didn't hear anything more and sighed as she walked over to her bed. Hermione knew Harry was set on his plan and not even she could stop him.
The next evening when Harry traipsed into the common room looking defeated, Hermione had to keep herself from saying I told you so. According to Harry, Slughorn had become defensive and short with Harry when he asked for the memory. Now, he was looking at a difficult road ahead because he decided to take the seemingly easy route rather than the one that could guarantee him the memory.
But, she would let him figure it out on his own unless he explicitly asked for her assistance. She had already tried to help him before he went and messed it all up, but now, she had other things to worry about.
She, along with Padma, were finally going to enact their revenge on Romilda and Lavender for trying to love potion Harry and Ron. Their plan would be going into place mid-January. They had gotten some help from the original pranksters themselves and decided to give the two girls a taste of their own medicine.
When the owls arrived at breakfast on a cold and blustery mid-January morning, Hermione smirked as she watched Lavender, who was only a few seats down, gush about receiving a present from a secret admirer. Romilda was further down the table, but Padma had a clear view of her. When Hermione looked over at Padma, she had a large grin on her face and sent her a discreet thumbs up.
Hermione turned her attention back to Lavender and watched as the girl didn't even check the box further to see if the gift she was receiving was actually what it seemed. She popped the chocolate into her mouth and continued chatting to Parvati.
A moment later, she heard Lavender look around wildly and ask, "Where's Romilda?"
Parvati frowned. "Why are you looking for Romilda?"
Lavender gasped. "Why wouldn't I be looking for Romilda? We're in love!" she cried.
"Lav!" Parvati whispered loudly. "What in the bloody hell are you going on about?"
"I'm in love with Romilda Vane!" Lavender shouted. She jumped up from her seat and twirled around, chattering about Romilda's long dark hair and big eyes.
Hermione giggled behind her hand and Ron looked around with a weird sort of look on his face. "What in Merlin's saggy ball sack is going on around here?"
Harry snorted. "Well, it looks like Lavender is into girls now, mate. Maybe she won't bother you anymore."
Hermione just smiled again. "Yeah, that's what it looks like."
Harry looked at her curiously. "Why don't you sound more surprised? She was love-potioning Ron like a month ago."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, and it finally clicked to Harry. "Oh." He paused. "What have you—"
He trailed off and Hermione followed his gaze across the hall. Lavender and Romilda had locked lips in the middle of the Great Hall.
"A love potion?" he leaned in and asked in a whisper.
Hermione nodded. "They're keyed to each other. I think it's time that they learned their lesson about how love potions are never the way to go. It will wear off by the end of the day, but by then the damage will be done. Hopefully they will learn that losing your agency is a horrible experience and that they shouldn't try to do it to others just to get someone to love them for a short period of time."
Harry nodded. "Is it a bit much?"
"Are you feeling bad for them Harry Potter?" Hermione asked, raising any eyebrow.
"Errr, no," he said quickly.
Hermione went back to eating breakfast, happy that their plan was finally coming to fruition. Though her and Padma's method might be a bit much, it would likely guarantee that the two girls would never try to give out love potions again, not only Ron and Harry, but to anyone else. They were doing a favor to the Wizarding World.
When the first bell rang for class, Hermione got up from the bench and met Padma in the Entrance Hall.
"Well, that went well," Padma said, a big smile gracing her face.
"I couldn't agree more. Thank you for your help."
"Anytime." And the witch walked off to her classes, Hermione going in the opposite direction.
She didn't think that exacting revenge on a classmate would bring her and Padma closer, but it had. Add the experience on top of both being studious and top of their class, they were sure to spend more time together, leaving Harry and Ron to their own devices. No more dragging their unwilling boyfriends to the library when they would much rather be on the Quidditch pitch.
By the end of the day, Lavender and Romilda slowly came down from the love potion and were absolutely mortified at what had occurred throughout the day. When it had worn off, both girls had rushed off to their respective rooms. If Hermione knew Lavender at all, she was hiding in her four-poster with the curtains drawn and wouldn't come out for some time. Not even Parvati would be able to convince the girl to come out from her hiding place, at least not until tomorrow.
A few weeks later, February arrived and Hermione was once more sitting at the Gryffindor Table with Harry and Ron when the post arrived. This time, it was no laughing matter.
"What is it?" Harry asked, seeing the concerned look on her face.
"It's from Viktor. It's very cryptic, but it sounds like the colony is being threatened. More so than before." She hopped up from her chair. "I'll be back. Don't worry about me."
Hermione ran from the Great Hall and despite the chill of January, ran outside and down to the Black Lake, throwing herself into the icy water. She didn't shed her clothes as usual and instead, they ripped off her body as her mermaid form appeared. It wasn't something she was concerned with right now, instead worried about the state of the colony.
She was in such a hurry, she didn't even stop to think. She didn't even stop to use the mind communication Marsious had told her about. She didn't even stop to think to tell Harry or even Professor Snape where or what she was doing.
All that mattered was reaching the colony and protecting them before something terrible happened. When she reached the bottom of the lake, she went through the portal and ended up in the colony in Greece.
Looking around, she saw no one and frowned. It was the middle of the day...where was everyone? Only then did she realize she had made a terrible mistake.
Before she could swim back to the portal to safety, something grabbed her neck and then everything went dark.