Disclaimer: I am not J.K. Rowling. All characters, places, descriptions, etc (unless original and created by me) belong to her.
Summary: It was a small pack, of course, just the five of them, but together they were something wild. Hermione finds herself in the Marauders' Era with four new best friends.
A/N: thank you to the guest who pointed out the continuity mistake! even with the number of times I've reread this, I still make mistakes! Thanks for lookin' out for me, too!
Chapter 39: Fortius Quo Fidelius*
20 February 1978
Seventh Year Girls Dormitory
Hermione woke to rustling just outside the curtains to her bed. Without lifting her face from the pillows, Hermione shoved an arm out and caught the culprit by the sleeve.
"Lily, what are you doing at this ungodly hour?"
I'm Lily slipped through Hermione's curtains to sit at the foot of her bed. Hermione shifted to look at her friend though squinted eyes. Lily was holding quite a large box drawn up with a big red bow. Hermione just raised an eyebrow. Lily's grin grew to reach both ears.
"Firstly, good morning to you too, Hermione." Hermione winced at Lily's cheerful tone. "Secondly, it's actually pretty late. You've just about missed breakfast."
As panic set into Hermione's eyes and she tried to lurch forward, Lily gently pushed her back to her pillows.
"Not to worry, I've taken the liberty of bringing you breakfast."
"Lily, you sweet angel. You really are perfect." Hermione finally smiled and sat up against the headboard.
"I know." Lily chuckled. "And I also wanted to give you this."
Taking the box from Lily's outstretched hands, Hermione opened her mouth to protest.
"It's just a little something. Not a big deal at all." Lily went ahead and tore the top off before Hermione could get to it. "Back home my grandmother used to put together little boxes for my sister and me whenever we were sick. So, this one's for you. I'm calling it your Moon Box."
Hermione's heart swelled as she watched Lily take out and explain each item in the box.
"I got you chocolate, because Remus always eats so much around the full moon. I don't know if it's a Remus-thing or a werewolf-thing, but thought what the hell, chocolate can't hurt."
"Oh, and this is an eye mask with some herbs inside. If you hit it with a little warming spell, it's really soothing. You can use it on sore muscles too.
"I don't know how to knit, but my mum's pretty great at it. I asked her to make these for you. If you don't like the color, you can charm them however you want."
Hermione placed a hand on Lily to still the excited girl.
"Thank you."
Lily calmed immediately and saw the tears brimming in Hermione's eyes. "Of course, Hermione."
The Great Hall
At dinner, Hermione and Remus both picked at the food on their plates. Although it was the first day, Remus looked as if he was ready to call it quits and hide away in a cave. Hermione, on the other hand, remained fairly put together. Her lack of appetite had disappeared with the rising anxiety over the topic she was about to bring up.
"So," she said, speaking for the first time that meal. "I'm going to be gone for a little bit tonight. Need to work out some tension."
Although she hadn't lifted her head from her plate, Sirius looked absolutely ecstatic. "Do you want me to go with you? We could spar like last time."
"No!" Hermione immediately looked up. "I mean, I appreciate it, but no. I've been remiss about this whole thing. I shouldn't have been so dependent; I shouldn't have relied on… other people for so long." Hermione didn't dare speak Regulus' name.
"There's nothing wrong with needing help, Hermione." Sirius said, looking dejected.
"I know," she smiled sadly. "It would make me feel better, I think, if I could do this alone. I really do appreciate the offer, Sirius. And, you know what, if tonight doesn't work out how I want, you can help me tomorrow."
Sirius brightened up a bit and his objection was dropped. He even waved her off when she left to retreat to the Room of Requirement.
Hermione counted her lucky stars that the boys didn't know about the room and that they didn't have the Map. Despite all the rotten luck she'd had, the universe was allowing her this time with Regulus.
The Slytherin in question was already in the room when Hermione arrived.
Regulus conjured a chair just in time to collapse into it. Hermione fell to the ground at her feet, grinning despite the ache already setting into her limbs. She leaned on Regulus' leg and let her eyes close. The pair silent as their breathing slowed and quieted.
"Well, that was especially…"
"Badass?"
"I was going to say insane."
"Eh, same thing." Hermione looked up at Regulus and smirked. "Are you okay?"
"Me? Yeah, all good. Nothing a few glamours can't cover up." Regulus took a deep breath and let it out, dropping his head back and closing his eyes.
"You know I appreciate you, right?" Hermione reached up and squeezed his calf.
"I know," said Regulus without moving. "Did they give you any trouble?"
"Nothing I couldn't handle." Hermione smirked to herself but the arrogance on her lips quickly slipped away. Regulus seemed to sense her change in demeanor as he leaned forward and shifted in his chair, reaching out to massage Hermione's shoulders. "This is going to catch up to us, won't it."
"Maybe. Maybe not."
Hermione tried not to think of Sirius' reaction if he ever found out she was still seeing Regulus. She knew that she had no real reason to stay away from Regulus, but she knew the animosity between the brothers was real. She knew Regulus would never ask her to choose between himself and Sirius, no matter how difficult things became. He would never want to put her in a position in which she felt she had no choice. He would be tempted sure, but he would never ask.
Sirius, though. Hermione thought of the man she knew—the man whose chosen brother had been taken from him, the man failed by the greatest wizard alive, the man who spent twelve years drowning in his own personal hell only emerging to fall headfirst back into war. And when she thought of the man she was getting to know, she saw a brave man, alone but determined to follow the light. If this man found out, he would ask her to choose. And as much as she hated that, she couldn't fault him for it.
"You'll be back tomorrow?" Regulus' voice brought her back.
"Yes. You?"
"Of course." Regulus rose to his feet and helped Hermione up before grabbing his belongings and heading to the door. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, Granger."
"See you around, Black."
Hermione watched Regulus leave, the door dissolving back into the walls. The fire in her veins was down to an ember, and she felt her grasp on control strengthened. In these moments she saw the world with a strange clarity. At times it almost felt as if she could almost accept the events and magic that had brought her back in time.
As Hermione made her way back to Gryffindor tower, she barely registered the slight tapping of shoes following her. Before she turned to face her follower, a voice spoke.
"Miss Granger, a word." Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as she gazed upon the twinkling eyes of Albus Dumbledore.
"Yes, Headmaster?"
"Tomorrow evening, Professor McGonagall will hold meetings with your fellow Gryffindor seventh years to discuss the path that begins after Hogwarts."
"Oh."
"Yes, quite." Something flickered in the headmaster's eyes that raised the hairs on the back of Hermione's neck.
"If you wouldn't mind, Miss Granger, I think it would be best if you joined me in my office during this time."
"Okay," Hermione blinked. "Yes, Headmaster, I will be there."
"Splendid." Dumbledore smiled and walked away without another word. Hermione shook her head to clear her mind and continued on her way.
As she walked she pondered what she would say to Dumbledore. In truth, she hadn't given much thought as to what she wanted to do after Hogwarts, even back in her own time. There always seemed to be something more important to think about, and of course, since she and the boys had gone on the run, the last thing Hermione had thought about was a career. But she was in 1978 now, she was actually attending her seventh year and would be taking her NEWT exams soon. Depending on her scores, she had a wide possibility of choices. Of course, she would stay close to London, close to wherever the Order would be headquartered, but beyond those specifics she was open to anything. And maybe, perhaps, Dumbledore already had a plan for her.
Hermione's thoughts shifted to the upcoming exams, and she found herself repeating potion ingredients under her breath when she finally returned to the Gryffindor common room. She sat down next to Peter, who was shuffling through his collection of chocolate frog cards.
"Peter?" The boy beside her grunted in response so she continued. "Do you know what you want to do after graduation?"
"You mean like a party? Or going to a pub?"
"No, I meant career-wise."
"Oh." Peter shifted in his seat. "Er, I used to think I'd just work for my dad, but I dunno if that's going to happen."
"What does he do?"
"He owns an antique shop in Diagon Alley," Peter explained. "He'll sometimes help with estate sales after people die. Basically buying and selling old stuff."
"Oh."
"Yeah, I dunno if I'd be interested in all that."
"Boring work?" Hermione tried to remember if she had ever heard about Peter having a job.
"No, it's not that. I mean it's not exactly exciting either." Peter shrugged. "No, it's more his customers. Don't think I'd like to put up with them."
Hermione was silent. Were these customers Death Eaters? Was this the beginning of the end? Hermione cursed herself for not finding out why Pettigrew had turned to Voldemort.
"What about you?" Peter was speaking again.
"What?"
"Do you know what you want to do?"
"Oh, no. Not really."
They didn't speak anymore, just sat together until Hermione excused herself for bed. It was strange, talking about the future as if it hadn't happened yet. And yet here she was, thinking about what she was going to do in the coming years as if she didn't already know that darkness lurked just around the corner, as if she had the capability to change fate.
Fate.
Hermione hated that word. Granted she hadn't always. When she was a little girl, she used to read stories about princesses and hope fate had such adventure in store for her. But no, Hermione had grown to hate the word almost as soon as she entered the wizarding world. She had cursed fate almost every day of her first term at Hogwarts. She cursed fate for leading her to Hogwarts but not giving her friends. She cursed fate for not giving her magical parents. She cursed fate for targeting Harry. No, as far as Hermione was concerned, there was no fate. Only chance.
And dammit, Hermione needed to start taking control of life again.
21 February 1978
Dumbledore's Office
"WHAT?!" Hermione's voice echoed around the room.
"I truly am sorry, my dear. Lemon drop?"
Hermione could only stare at the old man before her, fire ablaze in her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words would just not come.
"Miss Granger, I'm afraid you have no other option."
"So, what? I'm just supposed to go look for work in the muggle world? Is that it?"
"I'm sure there are still plenty of jobs to be had in our world."
"I'm not going to be a waitress!" Hermione was shouting again. Her inner wolf was starting to feed off the anger she felt. She needed to leave soon, needed to see Regulus.
"Miss Granger, do calm yourself." Twinkling-Eyed Dumbledore was gone. "You must realize the position you are in. A muggle-born witch–" Hermione scoffed. "–with no family, no history, no registration with the Ministry. You might recall that you aren't supposed to be here? How could Hogwarts register NEWT scores to a witch who doesn't exist? In addition, you find yourself with an affliction very much looked down upon in society. Your options are going to be limited."
"What, so, beggars can't be choosers, is that what you're telling me?"
"Couldn't have said it better myself?" He had the audacity to smile. "Of course, you will have to remain close. It wouldn't be safe for you to go off gallivanting around the world." Those hairs on the back of Hermione's neck prickled again.
"Of course."
"Are you sure I can't tempt you to a lemon drop?" Hermione looked down upon the offered bowl with a sneer that rivaled Draco Malfoy at his worst.
"No, sir. Thank you, sir. I think I'll be off now." It was all she could do not to run screaming from the room.
Three hours later found Hermione and Regulus once again catching their breaths.
"Are you going to tell me what's bothering you?" Hermione shook her head, but Regulus pressed on. "Is it my brother?"
"No, for once it's not Sirius. Though I almost wish it was." Hermione held up her fists again, ready for another round. Regulus didn't move, just looked at her pointedly.
"You know you can tell me, right? I mean who am I going to tell?" Hermione deflated somewhat but maintained her defensive position.
"No, I know. It's just—it has to do with my past."
"Oh."
"Yeah." Hermione dropped her hands.
"And you don't want to talk about it?"
"No, I-I can't. Please don't think I'm keeping something from you, Regulus. I just really can't talk about it."
"I understand." Regulus picked his hands up. Hermione did, too.
"I hope you do." She bounced on her toes before launching toward Regulus.
They fought in silence.
"Will you be okay?"
"I hope so."
22 February 1978
The Great Hall
The Gryffindor table was all abuzz at breakfast as the seventh years shared the results of their career talks with McGonagall. The younger Gryffindors listened excitedly as their peers passionately announced their plans for the future. It seemed everyone was in high spirits except for Hogwarts' two resident werewolves.
Remus and Hermione sat off to the side, trying to avoid anyone who would ask what they planned to do after leaving Hogwarts. They kept their heads down and focused on their breakfast, every now and then glancing at each other. When the laughter got to be too much, Remus nudged Hermione's plate with his fork. After nodding toward the exit, Hermione and Remus slipped away from the crowds.
As they walked away, Hermione slipped her hand into Remus' and squeezed lightly. The two continued in silence until they stepped out into the courtyard. Hermione pulled Remus to lead him to sit along a wall.
"Dreadful day, isn't it?" Hermione muttered. She looked up at the shining sun and cloudless sky.
"Terrible." Remus muttered and leaned into Hermione's shoulder.
"So let's see," Hermione began, pointing to herself. "Muggleborn werewolf with no family and no money." Remus nodded and pointed at himself.
"Half-blood werewolf with no connections." He smirked sadly. "We could always just live with my parents."
"Remus, I don't think your parents would appreciate having to take care of two grown werewolves." She looked up to see a stunned expression on Remus' face. "What?"
"Nothing," he said as he shook his head. "I just—You took offence to living with my parents."
"Oh." Hermione looked worried. "I didn't mean—I mean, I adore your parents. You must know that."
"No, no, no," Remus started. "I said that wrong. What I meant was that you didn't take offence to us living together."
Hermione blushed and knocked Remus with her shoulder. "Of course, we'll live together. Can't separate pack, can we?"
The pair smiled at each other before falling into a comfortable silence. After a while Remus grabbed one of Hermione's hands and started to rub his thumb over her skin. Despite the slight frown that marred her face, Hermione's soul lifted from Remus' touch. She felt as if her bones were drawing strength from the closeness. She shut her eyes, savoring the feeling.
"Oi!" A voice emerged from the other side of the courtyard. "What are you two sulking about now?"
Hermione couldn't help but smile as Sirius bounded up to them. Remus scowled at his friend and shook his head.
"Shove off, Padfoot. Let us sulk in peace."
"Bloody hell, you really are depressing." Sirius nudged Remus and Hermione apart to sit down between them. "I can't tell if you're serious or just taking the piss."
"What are you on about?"
"Well, you two are obviously coming to live with me after school, so I don't know why you're still being all moody." Sirius gasped suddenly and put his hand over his heart. "Unless... Oh, Remus! Say it isn't so! Do you not want to live with me anymore? You break my heart, you really do."
"Are you serious?" Hermione whispered.
"Don't." Remus interrupted before Sirius could make a joke. Sirius rolled his eyes and patted Hermione on the leg.
"Of course, I'm serious. I've got the money my uncle Alphard left me to get us started. And I figured between the three of us, we could figure out how to get some of my inheritance out from under Walburga's grubby paws. Find a place in London or something. Then, I figured we'd all just bum around being the degenerates we are."
Remus raised an eyebrow and Sirius held up his hands.
"Alright fine, doesn't have to be London. We can go live in the woods somewhere so you can fully embrace your wild side, Moony." Remus growled lowly. "Ah, there we go!"
The ringing of the bells from the clock tower shattered the moment as students began strolling through the courtyard on their way to classes. Hermione jumped off the wall and grabbed her bag before looking at the boys.
"Thank you, Sirius." Sirius shook his head, but smiled nonetheless.
"Think nothing of it, Pup. I told you, anything you need."
Hermione smiled, nodded, and left the boys to walk to her first class. Remus turned to look at Sirius as he watched Hermione leave. He chuckled under his breath.
"I should've known."
"Piss off, Moony." Sirius turned back to Remus when Hermione completely disappeared from sight. "I was going to offer anyway. Not my fault it happens to fit my new plan."
"Oh you have a plan, do you?" Remus hopped off the wall and started to herd Sirius back into the castle.
"Yes, it's a simple three steps." He raised a hand and counted off on his fingers. "Make her live with me. Make her fall in love with me. Make her live happily ever after with me."
"Seems like she doesn't have a choice in this."
"Nope. It's inevitable, Moony. She just can't see it yet." Sirius' wide grin fell and his face shifted as they stepped into the shadows of the castle. "You ready for tomorrow?"
"Honestly? No. Hermione doesn't seem worried at all, but after last month… I didn't like seeing her like that. No, not at all." Remus' eyes clouded over as he got lost in his memories. Hermione's bruised form on the hospital bed swam in front of his eyes before he blinked, trying to shoo away the image.
"I know. I keep wondering if she's really okay or if she's just trying to hide it from us."
"She does know though, right? I mean she must know we care for her."
"I hope she does, Moony. I hope she does."
A/N: *Strength Through Loyalty