Chapter 14 – Hugo, the forgotten boy

Hermione smiled when she saw Scorpius and Albus entering the library together. The last looked rather unhappy as they sat down after gathering some books. Hermione couldn't see what they were working on, but by the shelves she had seen them at, she would guess it was History of Magic. It was the first time she saw them since the accident a little less than a week earlier. It was hard for her to believe it wasn't even two week since she ended up in this timeline. It felt like a lifetime while it went by in the blink of an eye.

She had gotten an Howler from Molly during the weekend and a short letter from Ginny too. While hearing Molly's voice had made her cry more than the accusations, Ginny's letter was one she held dear. They hadn't seen each other when she visited Harry last week, and they hadn't talked much at the Headmistress' office. So it felt even more special that her best friend came to her defence before they got to know each other. Some things never changed and Hermione was glad to know that her friendship with Ginny Weasley was one of them. She had written back right away and was hoping to get an answer soon.

Molly's sermon on putting family first had hurt her more than anything else, because for Hermione it was the reason of the divorce. It would be hard to explain to the older woman, for she surmised that whoever explained the situation to the matriarch had left out everything about the time travel.

Nonetheless, she believed that she could explain everything to Molly after she had cooled down. Remembering what Harry had told her about Fred's death, she was sure the other mother would understand her.

After leaving her daughter Rose in her room alone a few days ago, she hadn't seen her again. Hermione knew she had been harsh on the child, but hearing her talk about Scorpius had triggered the mother in her. Afterwards, when she remembered that she was Rose's mother too she had felt bad for snapping at the girl. Still she meant what she told her and Hermione had always voiced her opinion loud and clear. Her whole life she had always rubbed someone else the wrong way, but she had never regretted living that way. Rose would either come around or not, it was her own decision.

Her son, Hugo she believed was his name, was also in the library from time to time, if the brown haired small boy was who she believed him to be. He never approached her and it was only after his friend had called out for him a little too loud that she'd known it was her boy, remembering Ron telling her the same name. He was a sweet and hardworking small first year, reminding her of herself a lot. He sat alone in a corner of the library most of the time, poring over books, but she had seen his friends fetching him from time to time so she knew he was fine.

She had promised herself she would be there for them and would get to know them if they wanted to, but she wouldn't burden them with the mess her life was if they stayed away.

XxX

Scorpius looked at Mrs. Granger-Weasley while she was lost in her thoughts. He was uncertain of how to react towards her. He knew she remembered him growing up, teaching him and taking care of him, but it wasn't him. Still he had felt safe with her, trusted her instantly and simply knew she would do anything for him. But talking to her would let others see that something was off, and he was a Slytherin.

He hadn't had the courage to visit her quarters yet, but had known where they were located for a few days already. He had also received a letter from his father to arrange a meeting between him and Mrs. Granger. Scorpius had nearly laughed when he had seen his father call her by her maiden name. Maybe there was some chemistry after all. His grandfather would be pissed off if they hooked up, but Scorpius kept his fingers crossed for Hermione. If he could wish for a second mother, it would be a woman as sweet and loving as her, just maybe not with as much emotional burden.

He knew he would need to talk to her soon, but not here and now while Hugo, hidden between bookshelves, watched his mother's every move. He had seen the hurt on the boy's face when Mrs Granger-Weasley had greeted him with a smile, but ignored her own son.

He felt sorry for the small first year and hadn't he been in Slytherin he might have taken him under his wing to explain everything. But given the bad reputation Scorpius had, even in his own house, he stayed away from the others, especially those of the other houses.

XxX

"I want you to find out why the boy isn't answering Crow. I had to write another letter today and was ignored again!" Delphi announced when the dark man entered the room. His clothes and the bad light hid him well but he was dripping wet, indicating he came from outside, where a downpour made the world look dark and gloomy. It wasn't cold enough here to make it snow even thought November had just begun.

"Sure." the answer was barley audible, but she heard it anyway, giving a curd nod when she picked up her cutlery and continued eating. She already knew he wouldn't stay now that she had given an order. A soft klick announced his departure and Delphi was pleased to know she would have her answer soon.

Since she had met Crow all these years ago, he was the only person she'd grown to trust enough to send him out to do her dirty work. As a Death Eater's child, his childhood had been spent in the very same hellhole they had thrown her in. He'd never learned more than the basic magic because they were afraid of him. An outcast between the outcast, he was beaten up and locked in when she found him. He was a little older than her and with her help was a skilled wizard now. She would dispose of him once this mission was done, since he knew too much, but it won't matter once her parents get back.

We are back on track, and my poor beta Eva finally has more than a few hours time to look over what I send her. I'm really lucky to have a hard working woman like her beside me. She sometimes works until deep into the night to make all this possible.

Since I started this story I noticed how important every single one of you out there is. You read what we autors give you and offer us new ideas, sometimes without knowing, and your critic to make us better. This is my first series, and I wrote around 15 000 words before I even started publishing it, and now I there are nearly 30 000 word in that document. The characters really come alive in my head.

Thank you for reading my story!