Title: Little Spark of Madness
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter in anyway, that belongs to JK Rowlings. I don't make any money from this either. I just do it for fun :) All original characters are my own, those would be the ones that you don't recognize from the books.
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"The tough times we human beings go through, are meant to change us into better
People." ― Ellen J. Barrier
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Girl's Dormitory
June 17th, 1977
Hermione folded another of her skirts and placed it in her trunk as she tried not to think about what the next few days were going to hold for her. Letting her thoughts go back over the past few months as she lost herself in thought.
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Harry and Hermine sat at theirs Aunts desk with their hands in their laps. The only exception was that Hermione was rubbing her tender jaw.
"Well I hope you two learned your lesson in this. It took almost a month to return Hermione to her normal self. I told you that you were to only attempt animagus training in my presence. Now I find out Harry completed his training last year and Hermione was stuck mid transformation that required a strong glamor for a month!"
She looked down at the two with a strong glare even though she was relieved that no one discovered the two. "You could have landed in Azkaban! Do you not realize the severity of your actions."
Both Harry and Hermione nodded properly ashamed with themselves for the moment. Neither knowing what to say as they heard there Aunt get up and pace the room. "I know you both have a lot more experience than most. However, you do need to understand that you are indeed still children under my care. I am glad that you are getting a normal Hogwarts experience, however you will need to follow the rules. This was for your protection while nothing happened to Harry, Hermione unfortunately was not so lucky. You will both be grounded to the tower after dinner each day for the next week."
Harry gasped, "But Remus! The full moon is coming and I haven't missed a single full moon."
She shook her head, "Your streak will be broken. Sirius, Peter and James have missed full moons before due to their own detentions. While it may be disappointing Me. Lupin has gone through many transformations without your presence."
Both of them sighed before she continued, "I also fully expect a six foot essay from each of you on animagus transformations and the dangers of doing them unsupervised." She placed a large tome on the desk, "This hold various cases were it has gone wrong, many of them are permanent to the witch or wizard."
While Hermione perked up at the tome Harry ran a desperate hand over his face. "Six feet?" he groaned under his breath.
With a short nod, "Yes, maybe you will realize the severity of your actions once this is completed."
Hermione looked up at her Aunt, "Can I come here for regular lessons with you instead of being in my room? It has already been a month and I really want to try to transform fully."
Her Aunt looked at her for a moment, "Bring me the paper completed and you can begin lessons. You are both dismissed."
She nodded and got up reaching for the tome in front of her, "Okay!"
Hermione had dove straight into the book that her Aunt had provided her with haste as soon as she had gotten back to her dormitory, She was stopped quickly at the first page. Flipping through the pages she quickly realized that this wasn't a normal book. It looked more like healer charts than a book. The first page held a picture of a deceased man his neck elongated to an extreme length as the picture scanned down the length of his body it showed his bare feet, one of which was partially transformed into a flipper of sorts. Below the picture were stats for the man in the picture.
Name: Horus MacLiny
Age: 33
Date of Birth: March 3rd, 1939
Date of Death: September 14th, 1972
Cause of Death: Partial Animagus transformation. Animagus form to be sea creature in nature. Subject suffocated when became stuck mid transformation, unable to breath air or water fully. Death by suffocation lasted twenty-seven hours. Fully conscious until succumbing to death.
The rest of the page was filled with multiple spells and charms that the healers had attempted while trying to help this man breath. A tear running down her cheek as she imagined what it had been like for him.
Flipping to the next page there was a man with a beak on his face. This one was alive however it went on to say that he never fully completed his transformation and was unable to revert back to his former face. He died at the age of 93 from old age after living 22 years with a beak instead of a mouth.
She flipped through the rest just glancing at the pictures, some subjects in obvious pain as they thrashed around in the pictures.
Shutting the book she didn't know if she could look at the pictures anymore. She picked up her quill only to realize why her Aunt had given her the book. She knew Hermione would hold it dear and always used her book smarts and not always seeing the repercussions of her actions until later. Sitting on her desk was evidence of others that did exactly as she'd done. Her guilt sat uneasily in her stomach as she glared at the book.
Picking it up she walked down the stairs and up into the boys room. Opening the door she walked in and threw the book onto Harry's bed. "She is just worried and scared for us."
Harry looked up at her with the other boys looking at her curiously. Peter perked up and was finally the one to answer, "Worried about what?"
She reached down and flipped the book to the first page, "It took that man twenty-seven hours to die from suffocation before. That could have been anyone of us.
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Sighing as she rubbed her head walking to her bed that had her books neatly stacked so that they were ready to pack next. Sliding them into her trunk next to her clothing before looking around her dorm room. All her personal items packed away in her trunk.
Al that was left was her traveling cloak and wand.
Sitting on the edge of her bed she looked over at Lily's bare bed and smiled remembering only a month ago.
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"Lily?" She had walked into the room seeing the redhead lying on her bed staring at the top of her canopy with an odd look on her face.
"Lily?" she repeated and nudging her friend slightly on the shoulder. "You okay?"
A deep look crossed her face, "I said yes."
Raising her eyebrows Hermione sat on the edge of her bed, "Yes?" Shaking Lily's shoulder again, "Yes to what?"
Green eyes looked into her own with a nervous expression, "James asked me out on my way upstairs. I just said yes and came up here." She looked up at Hermione in shock, "Wait did I say yes?"
Hermione patted her hand and left the room peeking down into the common room where James was standing perfectly still. Peter and Sirius were trying to get his attention. "Sirius?"
Sirius just looked at her, "I am pretty sure James shut down. She finally said yes!" He chuckled before James broke out into a huge grin thrusting his arms in the air, "YES, SHE SAID YES!"
Hermione chuckled before turning and walking back up to her dorm. Closing the door with a soft click, "Oh yes you did."
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James and Lily had been inseparable since then. There had been countless nights where everyone had sat in the common room together. She had been by Sirius' side, while James and Lily had been glued together as well.
Sure James and Lily still fought from time to time, but it usually ended up with them snogging as of late.
Closing her trunk for the final time she slipped her cloak on and tucked her wand into her sleeve. She grabbed a single letter and put it in her pocket before putting her trunk on the caddy she made her way down the stairs to the common room.
Looking around the common room was mostly empty, there was only one person remaining by the window which was not common right now. Frowning she left her trunk by the bottom of the stairs and walked over when she saw who it was.
"Peter? What are you doing here? You are packed right?" Placing a hand on his shoulder she felt a slight tremor in his shoulder. "Are you alright?"
He looked up at her with his slightly rounded cheeks, "Remember how you said that you weren't going to judge me based on…the past?" Peter stopped talking and looked around.
Knowing he was talking about the future she sat down beside him so they could be closer. "Talk to me Peter. What is going on?"
He squirmed in his chair and kept his eyes focused down at the floor, "My dad… He wrote to me. He said that my mom is sick, and she is getting help from this wizard. Some potions I guess."
Hermione just nodded and took hold of his hand silently trying to give him the strength to keep talking. "He told me I should be thankful and it would be a good idea to start hanging out with Thomas Nott. He is younger, but I know who's side the Nott's are on. Is this how it happened last time?" He shook her hand off nervously and rubbed his shaking hands along his trousers.
Biting her lip she shook her head, "Honestly, I have no idea why that man did what he did."
Peter ground out, "Me you mean. You don't know why I did that."
Clenching her jaw with an intensity that would make her Aunt squirm in her chair like a first year before putting her hand on him chin and turning his face to meet hers, "No, I did not mean you Peter. You are not him. I already told you, I won't let it happen. You wouldn't hurt me or the others. Maybe it started small with him as well. A forced friendship. However, isn't that where they all start? A single decision can change everything Peter. You have us."
He nodded and she could tell he was scared, "Do you want to walk down to the carriages together?"
He looked up with a grateful smile, "Yes thanks."
She nodded and stood seeing his packed truck to the side of the couch they had been sitting on, "Come on." Holding her hand out for him to take which he took with a grateful smile.
She looked at him once they had their trunks, "I can see if you can stay with us for a time this summer? We are all going to the Potter's next week, but maybe you can stay with Harry and I after too? Less time at home I mean. If you want?"
He smiled at her before nodding, "I would like that. Thank you." He glanced at her, "I will check with my mum and see if that is okay."
Wrapping the boy into a hug before she released him and the pair began to walk. "Okay, just let us know and I will talk with my Aunt on it as well. I unfortunately have another date and I would just rather be alone for a bit before. The dates are becoming tiresome."
"Not with Sirius though? Right?" He gave her a small smile.
Smiling back, "No, not with Sirius. We are actually pretty good right now." She stopped briefly, "Besides, We will be at the Potter's before the full moon next week. I promise. I have a surprise for Remus." A smirk gracing her lips that would rival any Marauder and Peter couldn't help but grin back.
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McGonagall Cottage
June 20th, 1977
It was quiet with just Hermione and her Aunt at home. Her Aunt decided this year she needed to leave on time due to the latest date request that her Uncle had accepted on her behalf. She'd received the letter from her uncle that she had a date scheduled at his place on the 20th.
Her stomach churned as she glanced over at the now worn letter on her desk once more. Tom Gaunt had finally requested a lunch date with her through her Uncle. They were planning on doing lunch on her Uncles back patio while her Aunt and Uncle ate inside.
She turned and looked at her bed, "Chipy?"
The small elf materialize on her bed, "Chipy be there, don't you worry Miss. Chipy won't let anything happen to you."
Taking a breath Hermione gave her a small smile, "I know you won't. I am just nervous."
Chipy nodded thoughtfully, "Well the last time you saw him he killed you. So that seems normal."
Hermione's jaw dropped and Chipy gave her a mischievous grin, "What Miss doesn't think that Chipy knows Miss time traveled with Messer Harry? Chipy knows."
Hermione blinked before realizing that it made sense, house elves always seemed to know more. They were technically much more powerful as well. Nodding her head, "Well, how do I look Chipy?"
Chipy put her little hand on her chin as she examined Hermione, "Miss looks like she is going to a funeral. So good."
Hermione glanced at herself in the mirror. Knee length black skirt with a dark grey blouse and black flats. Her hair was left down in her long sleek curls. Shrugging her shoulders, and her McGonagall family crest necklace adorning her neck. "I am not looking to be bright and shiny. Like you said he did already kill me once. This is the very reason I didn't want the boys to know about today. I am nervous enough as it is, I didn't need their anger and nerves as well."
She tucked her wand into her sleeve before leaving her room. Chipy popped out of site and silently followed her charge.
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She was sitting out on the swing at her Uncle's house waiting for her lunch date to arrive.
It was a lovely day, and were she meeting anyone else she would have added color to her outfit. However as she looked out at the small grove of trees near the back of the house she reminded herself that she was literally waiting for Voldemort to show up for a lunch date.
Closing her eyes she tried calming her nerves, "Come on Hermione, it isn't like he is coming here to kill you again. He doesn't even know who you are, let alone that he killed you once before."
Suddenly the back door of the house opened and she opened her eyes seeing her Uncle and Aunt escorting a man out of the house. Frowning, she looked at the tall man with short wavy brown hair as he faced away from her discussing something with her Uncle.
She must have had a gobsmacked look on her face when her Uncle laughed at something that he said because her Aunt raised a brow at her. Closing her mouth she got up cautiously and smoothed her skirt out of nervous habit. She reached over and felt her want safely tucked away in her sleeve before walking over to the trio.
Her Uncles grinned at her, "Ah Hermione dear. I would like to introduce you to Lord Thomas Marvolo Gaunt, he has been out of the country on business, but wanted to come back and formally meet you."
Hermione's heart leapt into her throat seeing the man from the Summer Moon Gala last summer step forward. His blue eyes looked into her green ones, "Hello Miss McGonagall, it is lovely to see you again. I have thought about our dance many times over the past year. It is a great shame that the Summer Moon Gala was not planned for this year again."
Hermione nodded stiffly, "Yes, well with the unfortunate death of Lord Avery so soon after the Gala last year I am sure the family had other things on their mind."
He just smiled and nodded, "Of course. Let's talk of better things though. I wanted to thank you and your Uncle of course for allowing this lunch date today."
It took every ounce of her control to not whip her wand out. She forced a nod out. "I hope you'll forgive me Mr. Gaunt, I've been studying summer lessons already and I may have been up a bit later than usual last night."
He nodded and smiled stepping forward as her Uncle and Aunt stepped back into the house with a brief mention that lunch would be served shortly. "Studying already? School just ended a few days ago correct?"
Hermione just nodded as she walked away. He fell instep beside her linking her arm with his without her involvement or permission. "As much as I love intelligence too much of anything is a bad thing. Oh and I know you probably didn't mean any harm, however I am a Lord my dear, not a Mr."
Hermione felt her stomach turn once more, "Pardon?" It was the only word she could get out.
He grinned, "You called me Mr. Gaunt. My name is Lord Gaunt." He kept his gaze on her and she could feel his gaze on her so she just kept looking forward. Anger rising her as they walked.
"My mistake." she said briefly as she freed her arm from his. There was no way she would be calling him 'Lord' anything, and she certainly didn't want to be touching him. "Why didn't you tell me who you were last year? Why submit a marriage request for me?"
He just nodded, "As I mentioned before I wasn't ready to reveal myself quite yet. As for the request, you intrigue me Miss McGonagall. It seems that there is something more to you than meets the eye. I plan to find out what that is exactly."
Hermione had gradually walked them back to the small table and went to sit when he pulled her chair out for her. Nodding her head in thanks as she watched him sit across from her. "I am not sure what you think there is. I am going into my 7th year at Hogwarts, I do my work, hang out with my friends, I hate flying and sleep when I can." Taking a small sip of her water, "Oh and I have a cat named Damara."
Grinning internally she could see that she was irritating him. His jaw clenched for a moment before relaxing, "I hardly think you are that boring. A young lady does not have multiple suitors if she is boring."
She crossed her ankles and sat up tall, "Well, for the most part the men only want me for one thing. Bearing children. Tell me, is that all you want as well? I mean I thought the Gaunt line died out to be honest." Sipping her water as her green eyes kept contact with his, "I mean with the exception of Lords Black and Malfoy, that seems to be all I am worth. A baby maker."
He actually looked offended at her line of speech, "I hardly think this is an appropriate lunch conversation Miss McGonagall. Besides whether you want to admit it or not, I am sure those two most likely think about you baring their children as well. You mentioned they are Lords as well for their houses, they were probably just raised better than the others."
He snapped a napkin before setting it across his lap as lunch appeared before them, "As for myself, sure. If you were to marry me you would be expected to supply me with a child. Only one though, a male. I do not want more than one."
She couldn't help the glare as she placed her own napkin on her lap, "Only one and it needs to be a male? You had better consider adoption then. Having a male baby is not a guarantee you know."
He just looked at her, "Actually there is a spell that can be cast to decide which will grow. I would be doing that."
Raising a brow she looked down at her plate momentarily feeling guilty about not wanting to eat the meal that was prepared. However a single bite would probably cause her to throw up on the monster across from her.
Tilting her head to the side, "I am afraid I would not be okay with that."
The rest of lunch was pretty much the same back and forth banter, however she could tell his irritation was growing with each moment. Finally they stood once more together by the front door so he could leave to apparaite to where he needed to go.
"Miss McGonagall, I daresay this was an interesting date. You are far more fierce than I was led to believe."
She stared at him for a moment, "I guess your interest has waned then?"
He grinned throwing her off for a moment, "Oh, on the contrary. I might decide I like taming wild beasts."
Hermione just stood a bit taller, "I am hardly a wild beast, however I will not be tamed. I will fight you at every turn. Good Day then Mr. Gaunt." She didn't stop as he tried to correct her on his title once more as she stepped inside and firmly shut the door in his face.
She turned and looked to see her Aunt and Uncle standing in the front room waiting on her. She sighed and leaned up against the door before noticing their pale faces. "What?"
Her Uncle looked to her Aunt before returning his gaze to hers, "There was an attack. Your Aunt will be taking you to Saint Mungo's."
Her Aunt looked at her with pain in her eyes, "Young Mr. Pettigrew's family was attacked this afternoon while you ate. His father was murdered and his mother is missing. Peter has been admitted to the Spell Damage ward."
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And the end of another chapter, don't hate me. Please review :) and again please go check out the poll on my page :)