Life Sucks, Then You Die: The Next Generation – Rating T
Part 02 – The Grangers and The Sorting Hat
Warnings – If you haven't read Radaslab's story, Life Sucks, Then You Die, you may not recognise some of the places, characters and themes.
- LSTYD: The Next Generation -
A/N – A quick reply to one review left on here by Guest in which they said it's a pity that it is not a Harry/Ginny/Multi story. When I read Radaslab's story, Life Sucks, Then You Die, I actually thought Neville/Ginny made a good pairing, same with Harry/Hermione...not that I have anything against Harry/Ginny. Honest.
Anyway...here's the second (and final) part of Life Sucks, Then You Die: The Next Generation...
- LSTYD: The Next Generation -
The Grange, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, England
31st August 2006
Hermione, Robert, Lily and Remus port-keyed from Potter Manor, Lily carrying her copy of Hogwarts: A History, to visit The Grange, home of Hermione's parents, Robert and Rose Granger, and her younger brother and sister, twins Jason and Jennifer.
Robert and Rose Granger were dentists, serving the town of Kidlington, Oxfordshire. Married in 1979 in front of a Justice of the Peace, mainly as Rose was pregnant with Hermione at the time as they were in Dental School, living in a small flat together.
In April 1995, Robert and Rose visited Hermione, her husband (as she was married at the age of 15), Harry Potter, and his eight other wives in the South Wing of Hogwarts. It was then that they had discovered that their daughter was pregnant with Harry's child, which turned out to be twins. Hermione wasn't the only one pregnant as Harry's eight other wives were too, in order to satisfy Plural Marriage laws
It was during this time that Hermione, along with Daphne (Greengrass), Susan (Bones), Ginny (Weasley), Hannah (Abbott) and Tracey (Davis) had created an experiment which was part of Time Compression, as part of a plan to train Harry and his friend, and Ginny's husband, Neville Longbottom, to get from under the control of Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts.
It was during this time that Robert and Rose decided to try for a second child, Rose having had several miscarriages previously, due to the stress of her job. This attempt, during the 450 days Time Compression, was successful, with Rose getting pregnant with twins, which, upon giving birth, she named Jason and Jennifer Granger. Robert had tried many times during the pregnancy to suggest names from the works of the Bard, William Shakespeare, as he was a fan of his plays, but Rose put her foot down on it. Robert argued with her over it, ending up being sentenced to sleep on the couch for over a week, becoming best friends with it.
During the summer of 1995, Rose took a three-month sabbatical from the dental surgery where she worked, enabling her to look after Robert and Lily, along with her own twins. One of the highlights of the time off she had took was visiting a certain residence in Little Winging to visit a certain family, taking Hermione along with her, whilst Harry was visiting his godfather, Sirius Black.
It was during that visit that Dementors tried to attack Hermione and her mother. Fortunately Harry had taught Hermione how to cast the Patronus Charm. It turned out, thanks to information given to Harry by the new Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, that the attack was a last ditch attempt by the former Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, Delores Umbridge, who was trying to silence Harry as he had witnessed the return of Lord Voldemort. Umbridge complained that Harry was "inciting panic and had to be silenced."
Umbridge was put on trial, subsequently being sentenced to death, with the Veil of Death being the method of execution. Albus Dumbledore tried to get the sentence reduced to life imprisonment in Azkaban, claiming that she "could be redeemed for the Greater Good". With half of the Wizengamot, along with Minister Bones, and the Founders Heirs, censoring Dumbledore, Umbridge had a meeting with the Veil, which happened in front of Rita Skeeter, for the Daily Prophet, Harry, Hermione, Hannah, Susan, Neville and Minister Bones.
During the summer of 1996, Robert and Rose sold their practice to a friend, retiring in order to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Because of this they spent a lot of time in the South Wing at Hogwarts and at Potter Manor, occasionally babysitting their grandchildren. One of the times they babysat Robert and Lily, Harry and Hermione went on a mission to Little Hangleton, along with Sirius and Albus Dumbledore, in order to collect a ring that was a Horcrux, containing part of the soul of Lord Voldemort. It turned out that the ring contained a stone known as the Resurrection Stone, which along with the wand Dumbledore was in possession of, known as the Elder Wand, and the Potter family Invisibility Cloak, formed the Deathly Hallows, of which Hermione and Rose read the story of in the Tales of Beedle the Bard.
The months passed, when in September 1998, Hermione announced that she was pregnant again with her second son, who she named after Defence Against the Dark Arts professor and Potter family friend, Remus Lupin. It was at this time that Hermione's sister-wife, Hannah Abbott, was pregnant as well, naming the child after the new Hogwarts Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall.
Robert and Rose were proud of their daughter and son-in-law, holding a joint baby shower with Sirius and Marilyn Black, the stepfather and mother of Hannah Abbott.
In April 2005, Robert and Rose celebrated the tenth birthday of the twins, Jason and Jennifer Granger, along with grandchildren Robert and Lily Potter, along with the rest of the 'family' with Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Lupin and Sprout making, and in Sprout's case bringing, various items for the children which they would need for Hogwarts when they start the next year.
Hermione knocked on the door to her parent's house when she noticed the state of the jacket Remus was wearing. "Remus, rub that dust off your jacket as it looks a mess!" she scolded, putting the newspaper that was the Portkey back home in her handbag. The door opened to reveal Hermione's cousin, Jake Carter.
"Hello Jake," Hermione said, smiling at her cousin. "What brings you over to The Grange? I thought you and Connie was still in Romania?"
"I would be in Romania, but there is two things stopping me. I've got a new job starting tomorrow," Jake said, rubbing his left arm, "Not to mention that things would be awkward as Connie and I have split up. I caught her in bed with a trainee. Needless to say I was annoyed with her."
"That sucks. What are you doing now with your new job?" Hermione asked, helping Lily with her bag. She noticed her parents were sitting in the kitchen, Robert with a bottle of IPA and Rose sipping a cup of tea. She didn't, however, notice where the twins were. She hugged her mom and dad, with Lily, Robert and Remus running up to them with screams of "Granny Rosie" and "Grandpa Robert". Jake chuckled at this, seeing his aunt and uncle get tackled by their grandchildren.
"Oh, I'm moving to Hogwarts as Hagrid is retiring from his teaching post, so I'm the new Care of Magical Creatures Professor there. Minerva asked me, when I visited Hogwarts to do a guest lecture on Dragons, if I wanted the job as Hagrid wanted to cut back on his duties." Jake said, bringing over a copy of the contract he signed for the new post to Hermione. "At least I'll be able to see the twins and my favourite cousin every day, especially as I know her husband is going to join the staff too."
"Yes Jake, Harry is taking over the Defence Against the Dark Arts post from Remus as he and Tonks have got Teddy to look after, as well as a sibling for him on the way." Hermione said, smiling at him, "It helps Tonks that Sirius and the Twins have got him running the new Godric's Hollow branch of Wheezes, to go with the Hogsmeade and Diagon branches." Hermione turned to her parents, noticing that her brother and sister wasn't around. "Anyway, where are Jason and Jennifer?"
"They went on a day trip with their grandparents to Legoland. They should be back later." Rose said, hugging her daughter. "Where is that husband of yours anyway? We were hoping to give him a present for his new job."
"Harry has had to visit Sirius." Hermione said, finding a seat in the dining area of the kitchen. "He wanted to tell Sirius some news."
"Let me guess? You're expecting?" Robert asked his daughter. When she nodded, he hugged her. "You have a randy sod for a husband!"
"I know! I'm not the only one. Both Katie and Hannah are expecting again. Katie is due in December and Hannah is due in February." Hermione said, smiling. "I don't know how Harry can keep up.
"Granny Rosie, can I have a drink of juice please?" Remus asked, tugging at his grandmother's arm.
"Sure thing Remus. Orange, Pumpkin or Apple?" Rose asked him. "Or do you want something else?"
"Can I have Pumpkin juice please?" Remus replied. Both Lily and Robert nodded as well, signifying they wanted a drink. Rose got their drinks, providing Hermione with a cup of tea.
They sat and talked for a while when eventually Harry apparated into the back garden. Just as Rose was letting Harry into the house, the bell for the front door rang. Robert went to answer it to see it was is father, Michael Granger, and the twins, arriving back home. When Jason saw Harry in the hallway, he started to laugh. Harry ran to a mirror to see what was funny, to find he had pink hair.
"Fifty quid says it was Sirius." Rose said, laughing at the sight of her son-in-law. Jake ran into the hallway to see what the commotion was all about.
"Nah, it was Remus. It looks good though!" Jake said, holding back snickers. "Suits you to a T!"
"It does indeed, I might keep it this way" Harry said, smiling at the prank worthy of his father. He turned to his son and frowned. "Robert James Potter, I will know about any pranks, especially ones taught by the Weasley twins. The pranks are that old, even Sirius and my dad pulled them in their Hogwarts years!"
"Yes dad." Robert Potter replied, annoyed that he would have to change his plans for the pranks he was intending to pull. "I promise that I will behave myself in class. Marauders honour!"
Platform 9 ¾ at London Kings Cross Station, London, England
1st September 2006
It was a busy day at Platform 9 ¾ as the various family's, from the Granger family to the Patil family, stood on the platform, having escorted their children to the train. The sight of great-grandparents (in Robert and Lily Potters case) to first time parents (in many of children's cases) all standing together before the train was to depart.
With a bit of help from Dobby, Winky and the other house elves, three of the compartments were magically merged together, so the combined families could sit together.
"At least we will see them at Christmas." Michael Granger, grandfather of Hermione, Jason and Jennifer Granger and great-grandfather of Robert and Lily Potter. "I know my grandson-in-law has got a box hired for the Boxing Day football game of Oxford United F.C. against Woking for the family."
"Great," Harry said, sulking, "Thanks a lot. To think I was going to surprise the kids with it, but now the surprise for the kids I had planned has been spoilt. Ah well, only Robert and Lily know about my other surprise!"
Eventually 11am came, and with everyone who was going to Hogwarts on the Express on board, the train pulled out of Platform 9 3/4 almost snakelike, huffing and puffing, slowly but surely, leaving the army of waving families on the platform.
Great Hall, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland
1st September 2006
The First years came through the Grand Entrance, having braved the winds battering the lake, to find themselves standing in front of Professor Flitwick, who was waiting there with a sheet of parchment.
"In a minute, I am going to take you though the doors into the Great Hall where you will be sorted into your houses, but first I need to remind you that from this point forth, you represent the school in everything you do. Now let's enter to see the Sorting Hat.
After what felt an age, the Longbottoms, Potters and various other family members, along with the remaining First Years walked into the Great Hall in pairs following Professor Flitwick, looking at the ceiling in awe at how even though they arrived in rain, the ceiling was reflecting that.
"Why does the ceiling look like it is going to rain on us?" Thomas asked Lily, pointing up.
"It's because it is bewitched to look like that," Lily replied, "I think the founders did it, but I'm not sure why."
"I think mom has already told us the reason," Julie, who was behind them, said, "I'm sure you'd find it in one of your books Lily."
They walked through a sea of students at the various House tables, signifying the mob of family of various relatives, until they reached a stool with an old wizard's hat on it. The hat came alive upon the sight of the first year students and decided to sing out.
"I've been here years,
Or so I have learnt,
My flaps covered many ears,
But nobody I've burnt.
"The founders, they made me,
To help them to sort,
Every year they let be,
Whilst a poem, I thought.
"Gryffindor took the courageous,
And with bravery and might,
Whilst Slytherin took outrageous,
With the cunning and fight.
"Ravenclaw took the clever ones,
And made them more smart,
Hufflepuff took everyone else's sons,
And took them all to heart.
"But listen to me, a silly old hat,
The ickle First Years are starting to squirm,
Oh, watch out for Filch's cat,
As we start this whole new term!"
Professor Flitwick took the hat and turned to the First Years, pulling out a scroll of parchment from the pocket inside his robe. "I'm going to call your names out, one by one, and the hat will sort you into your houses. The first one up is Abbot, Charles"
The sorting hat shuffled on Charles's head, making him feel uncomfortable. "Don't worry young Mr Abbot, I won't hurt you. Now let me see, you're loyal, friendly with everyone and enjoying working as part of a team. There's only one place that's suitable for you, Hufflepuff"
"Bell, Annette." Professor Flitwick announced. He placed the hat on the head of Annette, who giggled when it spoke to her in her mind. After a few minutes, it decided "Gryffindor"
Once Annette Bell was sorted into Gryffindor, Professor Flitwick called for her brother, Edward, who also, albeit without any hesitation from the Sorting Hat, sorted into Gryffindor alongside her.
Professor McGonagall sighed when she heard Professor Flitwick say "Black, James". 'Why oh why oh why do I get lumbered with the son of one Marauder, who gave him the first name of another one! I should have retired when I had the chance. And in two years time I have both his son and the son of another Marauder. I think I need a Scotch!' she thought with a smile.
It didn't take the Hat much time to decide "Slytherin" for James before Professor Flitwick called for "Bones, Edgar".
He placed the Sorting Hat on Edgar's head, making him feel completely warm. "It is a bit cold in here Mr Bones. I think a good warming charm might work! Now let me see, you're loyal, friendly with everyone and enjoying working as part of a team. There's only one place that's suitable for you, Hufflepuff"
A few of the waiting First Years were sorted, ending up with "Greengrass, Marcus" following in the footsteps of his older sisters and heading into Slytherin.
"Granger, Jason." Professor Flitwick announced as the next student to be sorted. He placed the hat on the head of Jason, who gave a thumbs-up to his fellow First Year students when it spoke to him in his mind. After a few minutes, the Hat decided "Gryffindor"
After Jason Granger was sorted into Gryffindor, Professor Flitwick called for his sister, Jennifer, who, albeit without any hesitation from the Sorting Hat, sorted Jennifer into Ravenclaw.
"Filthy mudblood spawn." Patricia Potter overheard someone mutter from the Ravenclaw table. "The Dark Lord should have had them killed." Patricia turned but wasn't able to hit the Seventh Year who said it because he was already sporting an injury from her cousin, Padma Longbottom.
"That will teach you to mess with one of our family." Padma said, hoping that the burly Seventh Year would learn his lesson. Her father, Herbology Professor, Neville Longbottom, left his place at the Staff Table to where Padma, Patricia and the rest of the students were standing and dragged the seventh year out of the Great Hall. After a short while, Neville returned to the Staff Table.
After another batch of First Years were called, Neville was visibly nervous, as it was his children that was being sorted next, being in the spotlight. Professor Flitwick looked at his parchment and called "Longbottom, Alan" to the Sorting Hat. After a few minutes of deliberations, the Hat sorted him into Slytherin.
'Really ironic that a son of the Heir of Slytherin ends up in Slytherin!' Hermione thought from her position at the Staff Table, handing over a few Galleons to Harry. During the handing over of the Galleons, and some slight banter, "Longbottom, Edward" was sorted into Ravenclaw, along with "Longbottom, Elizabeth".
Professor Flitwick, having got excited with the addition of two additional Ravens, dropped his parchment with the list of First Years on. He picked it up, calling for "Longbottom, Henry". The hat only needed to touch Henry Longbottoms head before declaring "Hufflepuff".
Ginny sat at the Staff Table, watching the newest intake when she heard Professor Flitwick call "Longbottom, Hermione". She smiled at her daughter, who was nervously putting on the Sorting Hat.
'Don't worry Miss Longbottom. I'm the thinking cap. I can see you have both your father's courage and your mother's stubbornness. That means that there is only one place for you, Hermione Longbottom' "…Gryffindor!" Ginny got up from her seat at the table and headed over to her husband, Neville Longbottom, and kissed him. Some of the students, noticing this, wolf whistled at the display of affection.
As they were kissing, they missed the sorting of "Longbottom, Jennifer", who was sorted into Gryffindor, followed by "Longbottom, Lawrence", who went into Slytherin, and "Longbottom, Maria", who joined Lawrence there. Professor Flitwick next called up "Longbottom, Padma", who like her mother, Parvati (Patil) Longbottom, ended up in Gryffindor, along with her sister Penelope.
Neville relaxed after this, seeing his sons and daughters getting sorted. He raised his glass at Harry, who nodded back to him, silently communicating that Harry had won the bet that the two of them made.
A few more names of brand new First Years were called, with "Patil, Pasha", getting sorted into Ravenclaw, following in the footsteps of his older sister, "Padma (Patil) Potter.
Harry looked happy as it was the turn now of his children to be sorted, starting with "Potter, David." David placed the Sorting Hat onto his head. It didn't even have a few minutes to think before declaring "Slytherin".
Harry smiled at his son, who was walking to join in at the Snake Pit. Professor Flitwick called for "Potter, Delilah" to go to the stool, placing the hat on her head.
'Hello Mr Hat,' Delilah said to it, smiling. 'I've noticed you're Nargle free this evening!'
'Hello Miss Potter,' the Hat replied to her, smiling to itself. 'Blimey! I see you have quite a mind, just like your mother. I have noticed you have seen a Crumple Horned Snorklack in the wilds of Sweden!'
'Yes I have. How do you know?' Delilah asked it.
'I can see into your mind!' the Hat replied, chuckling, 'Anyway, I have noticed that you have quite an intelligent mind, even when it comes to understanding the unusual. Anyway the place you are going to is-'
"Ravenclaw!" Delilah said to the Hat, smiling.
"Ravenclaw!" the Hat confirmed. As Professor Flitwick took the Hat off her head, the hat whispered to him "She is just like her mother, so you take care of her Filius."
Professor Flitwick nodded at the comment. He looked at the parchment and groaned. "Potter, James" he said.
Professor McGonagall reached for her drink. 'Bloody hell! Another person named after a Marauder in Hogwarts,' she thought, sighing. 'I should have retired before this year. Why oh why did I not do that?' Harry went over to McGonagall and whispered in her ear. "Don't worry Minnie, I have had words with the kids, telling them not to mess with the staff or students. McGonagall chuckled at that, whilst "Potter, Julie was sorted into Hufflepuff.
"Potter, Lily" was called next, heading to the stool, and the Sorting Hat, to be Sorted. Hermione was pleased that Lily had inherited her brains, added to her father's habit of charging into things. It took a long time, but eventually Lily was sorted into Ravenclaw.
"Potter, Michael" followed up the charge of the First Years, getting himself sorted into the house of the Lions, following in the footsteps of his parents. Harry was adamant that Michael would become a Chaser in a Quidditch team, following in the footsteps of his mother Katie (Bell) Potter. Next up was "Potter, Michelle", the daughter of Gabrielle (Delacour) Potter heading to the house of the loyal badgers, Hufflepuff.
Once "Potter, Parvati" was called, the sorting hat sorted her into Ravenclaw, without any hesitation whatsoever, just like her sister, Patricia, who followed her into the Ravens nest. Next up, and the final person for the Potter family, Professor Flitwick called "Potter, Robert" to the stool. The next second he was looking at the black inside of the hat. He waited. And he waited. Then eventually.
'Hmm,' said a small voice in his ear. 'Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. There's talent, oh my goodness, yes — and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting. … So where shall I put you?'
Robert gripped the edges of the stool and thought, 'Not Slytherin, not Slytherin.'
'Not Slytherin, eh?' said the small voice. 'Are you sure? Just like your father you know. You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head.'
'But what use is being great in Slytherin, when it's known for greatness. Surely a true Slytherin would be put in another house?'
'Thinking like a true Slytherin. Well, if you're sure — better be' "Gryffindor!" The hat roared.
Eventually the remaining few first years were sorted, and with that, Professor McGonagall declared the feast open. When the food arrived, Patricia looked at Lily and then at the table, noticing the amount of food on there. Lily turned to Patricia and said, "Mom tried to get the house elves to unionise when she was here, saying that it was slave labour, but then, after a long talk with Dobby and Winky, and a read of a book, she understood the lives of House Elves a bit more. Personally I don't care because I'm hungry!" She grabbed a chicken drumstick and a few roast potatoes and placed them on her plate to eat.
Patricia turned to her and said, "You are so like Mr Weasley's son, Ronald, eating everything you see! I am surprised that he hasn't put loads of weight. There again he must not do so as he is the Cannons keeper."
Desert came and was eaten, some of the students ravenous for extra, but Professor Flitwick climbed the pile of books to the lectern and the food disappeared. She took out her wand and then suddenly light flew to the lamps in the Great Hall, ready for the address.
"To our First Years, I want to welcome you to Hogwarts. To our returning students, I want to welcome you back. First things first, the Forbidden Forest is, as by the name, forbidden, even First Years are banned. Mr Filch, the Caretaker, has put a list up of the 498 items that have been banned from this school, which I have been forced to remind you. This, as some of you keep forgetting, includes everything from both Zonko's and Weasley Wizard Wheezes. That, according to Mr Filch, even includes the brand new WWW Toilet Paper. Although, knowing the student population, and some of the faculty, I shall be keeping an eye out for it!
"Now, I am sad to say that both Professor Lupin and Professor Hagrid have retired from teaching, however I am glad to say that we have a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Harry Potter." Professor McGonagall continued, "Also, we have a new Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Professor Jake Carter. Now I think it is time to get to bed, chip chop!"
The assembled students went all mad at the news that Harry Potter was teaching this year, all except most of the First Years. And with that, the first year for the Next Generation as students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry began
- LSTYD: The Next Generation -
A/N –Story based on characters and themes introduced in JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Radaslab's Life Sucks, Then you Die with some Original Characters by myself. All rights to their various owners/creators. Some of the text was from The New Batch,written by myself, and Harry Potter and thePhilosophersStone written by JK Rowling.
Remember, the "Confessions" poll is still available for voting. Results will be announced on the Facebook page on 12th April 2016. Just like "GryffindorTom" on Facebook to get all of the latest news, bits I'm working on, story updates and much more.