Review offering insight to the story:
"Wow. What so many authors would have made boring and uninteresting, you made exciting, gripping, tantalizing, and more importantly, heart-felt. So many authors do not portray Albus correctly, and the fact that you didn't truly delve into his character like so many authors have done, makes this story all the more interesting and fabulous to read. You give an air of mystery to Dumbledore, and let me tell you, that is not very easy to do. Oh, and I love Hermione's part. I felt her courage and determination to do what is right, even though she was so broken inside. She didn't let that show, not until the very end, and even then, it still didn't truly show. Hermione's feelings, though not in the visual or emotional spectrum Dumbledore would be able to truly feel, came through so clear, and I could feel her pain. This story is so unlike any other story I have ever read. I've read a story about a werewolf tamer before, but this is much more tantalizingly gripping. Everything about it, from the very beginning to this chapter, has been vivid, and gripping. There is a dark edge to this story, but I see a ray of hope in there. You truly know how to balance happiness and angst in the same chapter-well done. As to what is going to come next, I can only guess. There are so many aspects to this story, I don't know which one you'll start with. All I can say, is that I can't wait for the next chapter and how Hermione will react to seeing her husband for the first time for a long time..." - PiperPaigePhoebe01 of FanFiction net.
Thank you to the following reviewers: MoonNightLover, Hermione Lover, Hotkat144, IrishPixie82, Black-Rose23, Legessa, bethygirl94, Caligirl-HPLVR, mskiti (Tabi) and especially MasqueradeNumberOne, DeltaGamm Liv, Suzy 87, PiperPaigePhoebe01 and galloping-goose (Zeus)
The Werewolf Tamer
Four
Hermione sat in the lumpy bed she was given as the new DADA professor, staring out at the room around her. It all felt quite uncomfortable and out of place. She had spent an hour arranging her rooms, trying to get everything in order. She couldn't leave too many things out in the open, not sure who would come visiting. Her small common room was furnished well enough, though she longed for the comfort her den provided. The hearth was flickering with a fire, warming her rooms up to her taste. She left only one photo in the common room and that was the one she had taken shortly before leaving. Her, Darnell, Brighton, and Jacques stood nicely on the shelf just above the small table; which was surrounded by a couple of chairs and covered in her favorite tea set. A small quilt lay over the back of the couch sitting adjacent to the hearth, one she remembered often wrapping herself and Remus in as they spent a day lazing about in the den, reading a book or simply enjoying each other's company. A bookcase was filled with the few books she brought with her and she quickly amended that she would venture to Hogsmeade soon to rectify the emptiness staring out from the dusty shelves.
Her bedroom was quite the opposite. It was where she kept most of her items, as it would be hidden from view. Her bed had been dressed in her duvet and Remus' pillow, while their wedding picture sat on the left bedside end table. The right hand table was covered in the other photos she brought along, each staring out at her with a happiness that she couldn't quite embrace. Her and Remus' robes hung beside each other in the wardrobe and she filled the left side drawers of the dresser with her clothes, unconsciously leaving the right side open for Remus'. She hung her wedding dress up in the closet, catching herself staring at it, she closed the door and told herself not to wallow. Odds and ends covered shelves and dresser tops, small memories of the world she had lived in.
She kept Remus' pocket watch sitting on the top of her dresser, remembering how he would draw it out of his right pocket, furrow his brow and check the time, before slipping it away until a later time. It was a habit he'd always had, though she never knew what time he was waiting for. She brought it with her whenever she left the house now, needing to feel the smooth, cold gold in her hands, the weight a comfort in her hands. Often, at odd intervals, she would reach over and check the time for him, pulling it from his pocket and angling it up for him to see. He'd always give her that hidden smile of his, one that told her he cherished her.
Sighing, Hermione pulled Remus' housecoat around her tighter, feeling her chest constrict. Shaking her head, she climbed into bed and pulled the duvet up tight around her. Her legs lifted and she curled into a tight ball, feeling the sad agony grip her once more. She was going to have to face so much in the time to come. Everything was on her shoulders and there was so very much to change. While things would get better, they had to get worse first. Tears pricked at her eyes and she was in no mood to push them away. She was tired, too tired to stave off sorrow. Moonlight shimmered in through her bedroom window and she buried her face in the pillow to keep from looking upon it. Tomorrow she would face a seventeen year old version of her husband. A Remus that hadn't seen what her husband had, a Remus that hadn't embarked upon a dark and twisted journey yet. And she would save him from all of that, she would save everyone from that.
Inhaling a deep and heavy breath, she let it out in a shuddering sob. The robe, the duvet, and the warm fire did nothing to clear the cold from her bones. She was so desperately sad and empty that it felt as though nothing could fill her again. She missed her friends, her packs, her life. And most of all, she missed her husband. Murmuring his name in her cries, she let the sorrow swallow her whole, until she was nothing but a shivering mass, beckoned to sleep by her weariness. Perhaps the future wouldn't be as bleak as her past, though the thought seemed to mock her situation entirely. For she was in the past and about to change the future. The logistics would have made her laugh, if she wasn't' in a nightmare ridden sleep, writhing and crying out against the injustice that Bellatrix Lestrange had so heartlessly handed to her.
The next morning was a dragging event for Hermione. She rose early, though not in the middle of the night like usual, since that was when she had gone to bed. She showered, feeling unusual in the school showers as opposed to her usual home bathroom. And after eating a meager meal that a house elf had left on her table, one of a muffin and some tea, she wasn't interested in much more anyway, she dressed in black pants and a navy blue shirt. It seemed the only time she wore colour was when she was dressed in Remus' clothes. Mourning even lent itself to her clothing choices, and had she been in a better mood, she might have thought it rather funny. She had never been one for fashion, though it seemed her mood made the decision and not her disinterest. Brushing her hair, she threw the mass of thick curls up into a pony tail, needing it out of her face. It felt heavy as it fell down her back, reaching to nearly her waist as the ponytail didn't bring it all that high.
Inhaling deeply, she left her room, taking the entrance to her office and making her way through her new classroom to get to the first floor. From there, she made her way to the Hospital Wing, hoping to find the other three Marauders fast asleep. It was quite early though, so it was likely that they were just bringing him in. She briefly wondered if perhaps she should get them something to eat. She knew that Remus wouldn't be hungry at all, he usually felt quite sick after a transformation. The other three boys, if James had an appetite like Harry and Sirius was still as bountiful in his meals as she remembered, would be quite hungry. She made a detour then, going down to the Kitchens and speaking to a house-elf there, asking them politely if they would be inclined to bring a meal fit for six up to the Hospital Wing for three boys. She purposely made sure there was a lot of food, wanting to occupy them while she tried to speak to Remus, though she knew he would be quite weary. He would stay awake awhile anyway, too sick to close his eyes.
Her boots clicked and clacked against the stone hallway, echoing in the empty hallway around her. Her robe was left open and she remembered to place Remus' wedding band beneath her shirt, so not to arouse questions. She felt chilly even though it was late August and crossed her arms to ward off the chill. As she approached the double doors of the Hospital Wing she felt a wave of worry pass through her. What if they didn't want to see her, or if Remus felt angry with her for knowing about his affliction? When he was younger, she knew, he was very self conscious and uncomfortable with anybody knowing about it. He was careful in who he know and what he did, so as not to arouse suspicion. How would he take it when she walked in, acting as though she could be his savior?
Steeling herself, she squared her shoulders and pushed open the doors, her head held high and her Gryffindor courage in place. She was met by Madam Pomfrey, who was talking under her breath, obviously in a rather annoyed state. She held in her arms various healing potions and calming draughts, from what Hermione could tell. She had seen them used enough on her fellow fighters in the war and outside of it. She could clearly see three boys hovering around one bed, all yawning at different intervals but talking animatedly. She was walking toward them when Madam Pomfrey exclaimed, "Professor Granger, what brings you down here this early morn?"
Hermione turned abruptly to her, surprised to hear her sound so cordial, like they'd known each other longer than all of three seconds. "I was encouraged by Headmaster Dumbledore to come and check on your patient, as I have something quite interesting to discuss with him. D'you think he'd be up to it, Madam Pomfrey?" she wondered, hoping that her query over Remus' health would assure Madam Pomfrey she was interested in him feeling better, not grilling him unnecessarily.
She nodded slowly, her eyes bouncing over to the four boys who'd suddenly gone quite silent. "Yes, Mr. Lupin will no doubt be up for some time anyway. Especially when he's being hounded by his best friends there, always getting into trouble those four," she said, rather fondly, as she nodded over at them.
"Well, knowing they have such a capable woman to nurse them back to health it's no wonder that they act with disregard," she replied, remembering how often the woman had tended to her and her friends. Why just the other night she was bustling around Hermione's bedroom, fixing her up after her duel with Bellatrix, she would forever be in debt to the medi-witch, that was a fact.
Blushing with modesty, Madam Pomfrey stuttered out a thank you before making her way over to the boys and waving one out of the way. Hermione followed, though slow and at length, hoping that the house elves would appear and distract the other three boys. No luck as of yet, and she reminded herself that courage was a trait of Gryffindors not slowly instilled in a person. Standing at the foot of the bed, she gazed around at the three boys, noting Sirius' cut above his eye and James' bruising chin. She didn't bother assessing Peter, though she knew that she shouldn't take offense to a boy who hadn't yet done anything. There's still time to save him, she reminded herself. She glanced at him briefly and recognizing the hate that grew, reigned it in and told herself she'd need a little time before being able to conquer that problem.
"And how are you since last we met?" she queried, a faint smile on her mouth.
Sirius frowned, looking away from her. But James simply smiled at his friend, turning his attention to Hermione and reaching out with a hand. "James Potter, madame, at your service," he greeted jovially. Hermione felt inexplicably surprised, though she regained her senses enough to reach out and clasp his hand. He shook it with vigor before nodding his head at Sirius, "This here's Sirius Black, that boy there is Peter Pettigrew," he told her, motioning to the rat beside her, "You didn't meet him. And this here is the nice boy you tamed, Remus Lupin," he informed her with great gusto.
Hermione chuckled lightly at his enthusiasm, though she did notice the way Sirius kept jabbing him in the ribs to shut up. She looked at Peter again, schooling her features and hoping she was smiling instead of scowling. He looked nervous, and his pasty complexion became even more pale as he gazed upon her. He was rather chubby and had stale blonde hair that appeared lifeless and stringy. It was prone to curl in some spots and though he wasn't in his animagus form, his face still took on a likeness. His nose was pointed, and when he tried to smile at her it came out small and watery. Compared to the others, he was quite obviously the black sheep.
Dragging her eyes from him, she inspected James, which was like gazing at a photo of Harry, save for a few things. He was a little taller than his son, and broader in the shoulders. There was no obvious look to him that he had starved at any time, though he wore his form well. He stood with an air of arrogance, swelling with pride and confidence. His smile was bred of friendship, and his features spoke that of a boy who was certainly liked by many girls. His hair was just as unruly as his son's, if not more, with raven strands flying all over, as though he had just stepped off his broom. Hazel eyes stared out from behind familiar glasses and sparked with a gentle comradery she had sorely missed. She pushed down the need to hug him, reminding herself that he was not Harry but James, and that his life was to end if she didn't stop it.
Her eyes then fell on Sirius, taking in his rather hostile expression, it was obvious he didn't want her knowing anything about their monthly excursions with a certain werewolf. He was handsome, she had to admit, though neither him or James could match her Remus. His black hair was cut fairly short, hanging over his ears and falling in his eyes with a casual elegance. There was a reason that he had a small fan base during his Hogwarts years and she understood the infatuation. She could see clearly the same aristocratic good looks that he had in his later years and felt a familiar tug to embrace him, telling him he looked much better than he did when she knew him. He was more filled out, strong and well formed. There was no gauntness to him at all, which she was very happy to see, and hoped to continue if she had her way. She would not let the world change him.
She had been musing for only a few seconds, because James was still grinning at her, Sirius still frowning, and Peter still acting as though he'd never seen a girl before. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Hermione, or as you will be calling me, Professor... Granger," she said, hoping they hadn't noticed her pause. She quite disliked reverting back to it. It had been a wonderful day when she had married Remus and taken on his name as her own and she wished never to sully it by taking it back, though in this time it wasn't legal any longer.
"Professor of what?" Sirius grumbled, looking haughty.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts," she informed him, watching for a reaction.
He turned abruptly, "Aren't you a little young to be teaching us such an important subject?" he wondered, sounding nearly incredulous.
"I assure you, Mr. Black, I'm quite capable of teaching you anything," she told him, pointedly. "My qualifications can be seen at any time, and if you'd like to take it up with Headmaster Dumbledore, I completely encourage you." She stared at him a moment, before adding, "And I'm twenty three, it's not as though I graduated yesterday."
"Still, with times as they are, you're a little young to be making sure that our lives are properly protected," he replied, edgily.
She sighed, shaking her head at him. "We'll see about that come September 1st won't we?" she replied, before turning her attention away from the boy and onto Madam Pomfrey. "Poppy, d'you have a problem with the boys eating in here? Tilly and Cobble are bringing platters of food for them to eat." She heard Remus give a moan and amended with, "Don't worry Mr. Lupin, none of it's for you. And if you'd like, I'm sure Madam Pomfrey could give you a potion to stop your sense of smell from acting up when the food is brought in. It'll put a stop to your stomach ache and likely lessen the headache you have," she informed him, knowingly.
His eyes opened and hers fell to meet them, though she hadn't looked upon him since arriving. The familiar amber gaze met hers and she felt her heart clench painfully. He stared at her questioningly, before suddenly sitting forward, his eyes thinned and his nose carefully sniffing the air around her as though something were niggling at the back of his mind but not quite making it forward. His eyes never left hers, and he stared at her with a small sense of trust that she was sure was bred from her meeting with his wolf side. He was really quite handsome, even twenty years younger than the version she fell in love with. His face was quite the same, save for the lack of a few wrinkles and scars. He was built much the same, though less skinny than when she had met him in her younger years. He was well fed and reminded her greatly of her husband, who had been much more happy looking than he had been when she first met him. His hair was a healthy light brown with a blonde shine to it, and not a grey hair in sight.
She knelt down so she was eye level with him and no longer looking down upon him. Holding her hand out to him, she waited for his to lift and take hers. He was weary, his arm shook as it lifted, though he acted as if it didn't, refusing to acknowledge it with even a glance. His grip was warm and strong on her hand though, not crushing but firm. He stared at her curiously, his eyes betraying his need to know why he felt as though he knew her. Hermione smiled at him and she wondered about the way his eyes widened at the sight.
"Hello Remus," she greeted softly, knowing his hearing would be overwhelmingly high. "My name is Hermione and I've come to offer you a wonderful possibility," she told him, reminded of how her and her husband used to start their offers to various other werewolf clans the same way. He made to remove his hand but she reached out with her free one and clasped his against hers a moment longer, not only to create more a sense of understanding, but because she wasn't ready to let go yet.
"I met you late last night, while you explored the hills around Hogwarts, d'you remember that at all?" she asked quietly. His eyes thinned before looking her over for any sign of injury and then he tried to jerk his hand away. She held it tightly, hardly moving as he tried to get away. Had he not been tired, he could have thrown her away with a flick of his wrist, she well knew. But he was, and that was why she so boldly held onto his hand. "You spoke to me, even stood in front of me as a form of protection when your good friend Mr. Black tried to obliviate me for your well being," she said, making sure to tell him she understood that Sirius was only looking out for his friend. His eyes flashed then and though his head turned a fraction of an inch towards his friend, he never lifted his eyes from hers.
"My career, outside of now teaching DADA, is one you've never heard of," she told him and she felt him still, likely worried that she was out to destroy him, rather than save him. "I'm a Werewolf Tamer, Remus, which means that I have the ability, well schooled over six years, to understand and control werewolves." She heard his breath catch and felt her heart go out to him. It must've been so shocking to hear that there was even the most remote possibility he could be controlled. "My hope is to one day live in a world where werewolves such as yourself are accepted just as much as any other witch or wizard. The Wizarding world sees you now as a creature to be dealt with, all because of one night a month, but I can give you the ability to tell them all that you can be controlled. It doesn't take a potion and it certainly won't take away what the moon turns you into. But I can stop you from hurting yourself, I can keep you from feeling scared of hurting others, and I can give you back your dignity."
She paused, watching his reaction slowly dawn, one of both caution and hope. "I'm not going to make you answer now. This is a decision you need time to think over." She squeezed his hand. "I will be here waiting for you whenever you'd like to talk. And if you're not interested in my project, then you can instead take a potion I know of. It's called Wolfsbane and I can create it for you myself, well before the next full moon. It will give you back your senses and while you'll still be the wolf, you will be able to think as your human side. Years from now though, this potion will no longer work, that is its only real folly." Smiling at him once more, she rose from her place, looking down at him fondly. Madam Pomfrey appeared, holding the potion that would put a damper on his sense of smell to help him. "Rest well, I don't believe you'll be feeling up to talking for at least another ten hours."
Her gaze washed over the other boys there and she noted their shocked expressions. Though they knew she was in a line of work involving werewolves, they likely hadn't thought she would offer Remus any assistance. A couple pops sounded behind her and Hermione smiled at James and Sirius, doing her best to turn the expression on Peter as well. "I know you're all hungry, so I'll leave you here to eat. Perhaps I'll see you later on, if not, then I look forward to the first day of school." She nodded, before looking back down at Remus and squeezing his hand once more before disengaging them, though he didn't seem to want to let go, and placing his hand in his lap. "Nice to meet you," she added, before turning to leave.
"If you're not busy later, Poppy, perhaps you'd like to join me for a butterbeer in Hogsmeade, I have some shopping I'd like to do," she called out on her way to the door.
"Th-That sounds lovely, Professor Granger," she replied, surprised by the kind offer.
"Please, call me Hermione," she replied, sending a warm smile to the nurse before leaving the Hospital Wing.
As soon as she exited, she let out the heavy breath stuck in her chest. Hurrying away from the hall, she did her best not break out in a run, knowing at least two of the people in the room would be able to hear her. Remus with his werewolf senses and Sirius with his dog hearing. When she was sure she was a sufficient length away, she broke down. Her knees gave out and she fell to the ground, where she pressed the back of her hand up against her mouth and beneath her nose, trying to muffle the sounds of distress trying to break out. It had been harder than she thought, to gaze upon his young face. He looked so much like how she knew him to be, save for aging around a few edges. He hadn't said a word, but somehow she knew that he would sound the same way, deep and nearly hoarse. It had been so undeniably difficult not to reach out and embrace him tightly, sob against him and tell him she missed him so. All of her strength had gone into trying to act as though she barely knew him, when in truth she knew him better than any other, and vice versa.
After having herself a good cry, she pulled herself from the floor and left for her quarters to clean up. She needed to wash her face before she went to see Albus, knowing that he would likely worry over her state. He was already acting like a comforting grandfather and she couldn't get the kind way he spoke to her out of her head. It was as though no time at all had passed and he spoke with the same wisdom and understanding he always did. She had been surprised at how comfortable he had been when she arrived, not looking the least bit surprised. She felt him try his Leglimency on her however, and was glad to know her Occlumency skills were a great match for him. While he had at first sounded like he wasn't sure he could let her continue her journey, she was greatly happy to hear him give in and accept her mission. He even appeared as though he were proud of her at some points, and she couldn't help but feel quite proud that she had managed to make him think even the least bit highly in her. She had been shocked when he offered her the position as DADA professor and it took her a moment to get over it before she could accept with increasing excitement. So far, her journey to the past seemed to be turning out well.
She wasn't sure what to think about Remus, she knew he was a cautious man and he would take some time to think over her offer. He wanted to put his hope in her, but he wouldn't want to give himself false hope. Perhaps when the other Marauders told him of how she had handled him that night, he would be swayed. Though Sirius didn't look like he was interested in speaking in her favor ever. He would be a problem, only because he was so very protective of his friends. She hoped to prove to him that she was just as fiercely protective of him, James, and Remus as he was. She needed James to live, if only for Harry's sake. And she couldn't imagine going through Sirius' death again. While they hadn't been close, he meant a great deal to Harry and Remus. His death had caused a great deal of anguish on her part too, for she had risked life and limb for him when she was just thirteen. She would do it again too, because he was a good man who didn't deserve what he got.
Peter was another story, while she wanted to keep him from becoming what she knew he would, she also wasn't sure how she would be able to put up with him. Seeing him made her stomach turn and her anger rise in her throat, though she tried to reign it in. Perhaps seeing him in classes would change her mind. She had a year to turn him over, to make him a better person, a good person who wouldn't turn on his friends. Somehow she felt it was a fool's errand, because he had the friendship and trust of five people and he traded all that in for a little recognition and power. What could she offer him that would stop him from becoming a heartless monster with no morals?
After stopping at her room to wash up, she told herself to make the best of the day. She had to meet with Albus and speak to him a little more about the future and then, if it wasn't leaning toward lunch time, she could go out to Hagrid's hut and meet him for a cup of tea. She wasn't sure if she could tell the half giant that she had known him, as he had the issue of being unable to keep a secret. Surely she could get to know him in this time and make the best of it as is. He would be a welcome sight, that was for sure. Then, she'd go with Madam Pomfrey to Hogsmeade, where she would learn more about the medi-witch who had helped her through more days than one should have to.
It was a busy day indeed, because she still had to start work on a schedule for her classes and a time line for what was coming. All of her information on the past had to be organized better and she decided that she would need to make some sort of a calender so she would know when it was happening. The idea was quite brilliant, she thought. A daily calender that would change itself would sit somewhere in her chambers and one the day of the event, a summary of what would happen and what time it would occur would show up. That way, she would always know of the day's events and never have to search her mind or her parchment for the papers. She made up her mind on it as she made her way to Dumbledore's office, feeling much more jovial after her intelligent decision.
Clasping her robes around her, still feeling the uncommon chill, Hermione made her way up to Albus' office, still finding it rather odd to event think of him on a first name basis. The password hadn't been hard to figure out at all, though she tried a various sweets before landing on, "Lemon Drop," which she found entirely too easy, and didn't think to use because of that reason. She knocked on his office door, giving him time to prepare for her arrival, if only a short moment. She heard his loud reply for her to enter and walked inside to find him standing near Fawkes, cooing quietly over the beautiful phoenix. "Ah, Hermione, how good of you to come. I must admit, I've been quite excited for our next meeting."
Hermione smiled warmly, before making her way over to take seat in a chair in front of his desk. "I've come up with a wonderful idea to remember all the information I have on this time," she told him, rather excitedly. He nodded for her to continue, clearly interested in her idea. She explained to him about the calender, adding on that it would have a concealing charm so only she would know the information inside of it, that way it could never get in the wrong hands. By the time she finished, she felt thoroughly satisfied that she had made a great plan in knowing what would happen.
Dumbledore also looked quite pleased, nodding his head and stroking his beard thoughtfully. "My dear, I do believe that is quite an intriguing plan. I have no doubt it will help us," he agreed, smiling lightly. "Now, how has your morning been, are you settling in well?" he wondered.
Hermione gave a soft sigh, leaning back in her seat and crossing her legs. "It was rather odd. Sleeping in the school again, and in a private suite, too." She shook her head, nibbling her lip in thought. "Waking up in a bed that wasn't my own, in a room I couldn't recognize, had me a little on edge at first. I have to admit, I completely forgot where I was and what I'd done." She frowned, shaking her head. "It came back quickly however, and I was a little frazzled while getting ready to go visit with Mr. Lupin and his friends."
"You can refer to them less professionally with me, Hermione. If we're going to be taking on such a large responsibility together, then we should surely discard with formalities," he told her, gently.
Hermione smiled slowly, "I was very worried," she admitted. "Just seeing him in his werewolf form got me unawares and off guard. But... seeing him so young, it was quite shocking really. He looks quite the same, aside from a few differences here or there. And..." She sighed, shaking her head. "I wanted so much to just reach out and tell him I'd missed him." She grit her teeth, her eyes filling. "It was so frustrating, Albus. And James!" she exclaimed, her head shaking and throwing her curls all over. "He looks so much like Harry, I was ready to shout and hug him," she said quietly, blinking furiously as a hiccup caught her. "Sirius looks much better than I remember, less sorrowful and more energetic. He hasn't taken quite a liking to me yet, very suspicious that one. With good reason, of course."
"Ah, so you know James and Sirius in the future too?" he queried, his brows lifting slowly. "Makes sense of course, you being married to Remus."
Hermione's mouth pursed for a moment and she wondered just how much she could tell him. "I knew of James," she said evasively, realizing she had never told him that Harry was James' son, though she had hinted. "I knew Sirius briefly, for a few years anyway. We weren't very close, he was rather... childish in my opinion and we didn't get along very well. He was a good man though," she said softly.
Dumbledore's expression changed to one of understanding. "I see," he said quietly. "Then I am to understand that James and Sirius... they aren't..."
She shook her head slowly, her eyes falling. Taking a deep breath, she expelled it shakily, "James is Harry's father," she admitted, her eyes closing.
Albus gasped quietly, and Hermione was surprised by how his defenses seemed non existent with her. He used to be very careful not to let his thoughts out, but he wasn't cautioning himself in front of her. He had said that he didn't think formality should be taken, and she realized now that he truly meant for them to be quite honest and open with one another. She had the feeling that he might just turn into her only life line in this time, perhaps her only true confidant. "That would explain why James looked so much like Harry then, wouldn't it?" he said, sounding almost merry, as though trying to cover his sadness at the future.
She nodded, "Yes, they look nearly the same. James is a littler taller and thicker though, Harry was a rather scrawny boy. Not very well fed, you see."
"Why's that?" he queried, his brow furrowed.
"His aunt and uncle, they weren't the most caring of guardians. Treated him like a servant for the first eleven years of his life, telling him he was worthless and a brat. He was very thin and wore clothes far too large for him when I first met him. It wasn't until he was out of Hogwarts that he was really able to buy himself anything suited to him, and began eating more to gain a healthy amount of weight. He ate well here at Hogwarts, but his time spent at the Dursely's was quite taxing," she explained, frowning the whole way through.
"Dursley, you say," he said, his eyes twinkling. "I do believe that is the married name of Lily Evans sister," he noted, smiling wisely.
Hermione sighed, realizing she wasn't really able to guard herself with Albus. She hoped she had a better ability when around others. It was just too hard to explain anything without it becoming tangled and confusing. Everything was linked together in a very intricate manner. "Yes, Lily and James were quite the couple actually."
"I have no doubt about that. Mr. Potter has been after Miss Evans for quite some time, I know. I've been wondering myself when the chase would end and the relationship would start. They are quite remarkable students, Head boy and girl," he added, nodding.
"From what I've heard about them, they were an interesting pair. James being a Marauder and quite the mischief maker, while Lily was very studious and rule abiding. He'd liked her for many years, but they didn't get together until their seventh year. Lily didn't like him for most of the years they'd gone to school, or she at least acted that way. James was known for catching many lady's attention and hearts, but he only had eyes for his Lily. They marry quietly in the next year or so, and have a baby in mid-1980, Harry James Potter. They'll then move into a secret house, the prophecy being the reason. And a little over a year later, James will be killed trying to keep Voldemort from getting to his family, and Lily will die protecting Harry." She sighed, already feeling weary with the future. "Sirius Black will then be charged for causing the death of the Potter's and the murder of twelve Muggles and Peter Pettigrew, the Ministry assuming he was the Secret Keeper and Pettigrew's shout that Sirius had done it was proof enough. He'll then spend the next twelve years in Azkaban, until he breaks out in my third year when he realizes that the real traitor is alive."
"Pettigrew," Dumbledore figured, nodding with disappointment. "I couldn't believe Sirius would do it, he's far too protective of his friends."
"Well, you see, the Marauders knew there was a traitor in their midst, but Sirius thought it was Remus. And when Sirius was sent to Azkaban, Remus decided it was Sirius. Nobody suspected Pettigrew, he was weak and timid compared to the others. And with his supposed death, which was really a vanishing act after severing his pinkie finger off, they blamed it all on Sirius. In Pettigrew's death, they even gave him the Order of Merlin for his heroism," she spat, angrily.
Dumbledore heaved a great sigh. "As horrible as this all sounds Hermione, we must first remember that Peter has not yet done anything."
She nodded slowly, "I know, Albus, it's just so hard to remember that. He's a very horrible man in my time, nothing like the timid boy here."
"And that, my dear, is the difference we must remember," he replied, stroking his beard. "I take it then that things went well with Remus?" he queried, changing the subject.
"As well as could be expected," she announced. "He was quite shocked and he was gripping my hand after awhile, but I told him he had all the time he needed to consider it. If he instead opts for the potion, I'll make it for him. In fact, I'll get started on it as soon as I can, just to be sure. He might want to give it a try first," she explained. "The other three boys looked quite astounded by my offer," she added, smiling lightly.
"I don't believe any of them thought any kind of comfort would come to Remus. They spend every full moon with him and then spend the next day at his side, worrying over him. They're a remarkable group of friends, it quite saddens me to know it all falls apart," he told her, shaking his head.
"Not if I have anything to do with it," she responded vehemently. "Three of those boys went through a needless future and I won't allow it to happen again. Now I can't say I trust Peter, or even that I'll be able to help him. I will take certain precautions with him, but I won't ostracize him." She sighed, shaking her head. "I will not allow James and Lily to be taken though, and Sirius won't spend one day in Azkaban!" she exclaimed.
Albus stared at her a moment, and she was almost sure she saw admiration in his gaze.
Coming down from her spirited vow, Hermione turned the subject back to the werewolf project. "Albus, I was wondering if you would able to help me find someone. Two people actually. One I believe went here recently, his name was Brighton Louis, he's around eighteen now. A werewolf whose been around Scotland with his friends lately," she explained. "And I'm also looking for a man by the name of Darnell Lazarovici, he's older, around his forties, and he should be somewhere in Romania, I believe."
Albus nodded slowly, "Yes, I know of Brighton. He's been getting himself into some trouble lately. The world isn't ready to accept werewolves, and he hasn't been able to put himself to use, you see. Quite an intelligent boy, very thoughtful, just fell into the wrong crowd." He nodded, tapping his cheek for a moment. "Last I heard, he was somewhere in Dundee. I think he was apprehended by the Scottish Ministry, though, for indecent acts against a wizard's shop one late night, after leaving a bar."
Hermione smiled lightly at his extensive knowledge on him. "I'd like to see him if that's possible. Maybe speak to him about rearranging his life some and joining me in my project. Is there anyway that I could, perhaps, speak to the Scottish Ministry about letting him go?" she wondered.
"If you can give them a good reason to believe he'll reform his ways, then I'm sure they'll consider it. He's a good boy and this is his first real mark on his record," he assured, looking rather happy by her remarks.
"Wonderful, then perhaps tomorrow I'll set out to do that." She nodded. "And Darnell, d'you know of him?" she queried.
Leaning back in his chair, Albus tipped his head to one side, his eyes moving up while he sat deep in thought. "I don't," he admitted, with a shake of his head. "However, you said he was in Romania, can you give me any other details?"
"He's heading a werewolf clan there, near Tulcea. He has a safe word for trespassers, it's copil, which means cub, child, baby, that sort of thing. I'd rather not send in somebody who's unable to keep themselves safe though, so if you could give me the information, I'd much rather go myself," she told him quickly. He looked as though he wanted to argue, so she added, "Darnell is very suspicious of people. He's a fighter, and a strong one. He's quick with a wand, but he doesn't need it. His physical strength far outweighs most werewolves. He won't harm me, I know it."
"Hermione, you must remember that this Darnell is twenty-six years younger than the one you know," he reminded, shaking his head with worry.
"I know Darnell, and he promised me that he wouldn't harm me, no matter what the year. He would never make that vow if he wasn't sure that I would be safe venturing near him." She sighed, knowing he couldn't possibly understand. "Trust me, Albus, I know what I'm doing. If you find the information, do not pass it on to anyone else," she told him seriously.
With a heavy sigh, he agreed, looking disgruntled to do so.
Hermione checked the time and then rose from her seat. "I believe I have to meet Hagrid for tea now if I want to have lunch with Madam Pomfrey," she explained, smoothing out her robes.
He nodded, smiling lightly. "You've a busy day ahead of you," he noticed.
"Yes, I wasn't sure how I would do here. I thought I'd sort of fade into the background," she admitted nervously, twisting her hands against her sides.
"I don't believe that's possible," he told her honestly.
Hermione nodded her appreciation, before turning and walking to the door. "Since I won't be here tomorrow, I hope to have a school schedule for you by Saturday," she added, looking back at him as she reached for the handle.
"That quickly?" he wondered, his brows lifting.
She smiled, "I have a good grasp of DADA, I believe I won't have any trouble putting together the curriculum for my classes. I must ask, however, if the students have any understanding of the Unforgiveables?"
He shook his head, leaning forward and clasping his hands tightly above the desk. "No, the curriculum never allowed it. The Ministry doesn't believe we should teach them to the students."
"Not teaching them leaves them open and unguarded. War preys upon the weak and those who are unequipped to handle it will perish. I can't, in good conscience, not teach it to the students. The younger ones shouldn't have to learn of it, but I learned it in my fourth year, and it was good to have the knowledge." She stared at him, needing him to understand her point of view.
"You will receive a lot of angry post and likely some Howlers from disappointed parents and worried Ministry officials. It could bring unwanted attention," he warned, carefully.
"My goal here is to keep people alive and safe, I won't leave them open to attack and unable to defend themselves," she replied, her expression hard. "I would like your support Albus, but I will accept the consequences of my actions as they come."
He nodded slowly, "I will support you, during your teachings and while you're being attacked for them. You have me behind you, Hermione."
She smiled thankfully, "Wonderful. I'm off now, I'd really like to see Hagrid. Perhaps tonight, if I'm not too tired, we could talk more at dinner."
"Agreed," he replied, nodding.
Hermione left his office, feeling as though her shoulders weren't weighed down quite as much. It was good to have Albus to talk to, she felt as though he understood her position in things. Making her way across the grounds, Hermione felt a warmth fill her as she gazed upon Hagrid's hut. She had missed the great half-giant so very much and she worried for a moment that she may very well cry. Composing herself, she stepped closer and knocked loudly on the huge door. There were thick, heavy footsteps sounding inside before the door swung open, nearly coming off its hinges. The huge man stared out and then turned his head down to see her. Save for fewer grey hairs, he looked quite the same. He greeted her with a huge, warm grin, his dark eyes staring down at her with friendship and trust. "'Ello there, wha' can I do for yeh?" he asked, nicely.
"Hello Hagrid, my name is Hermione," she replied, holding her hand out. "I'm the new Professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts, and I wanted to come out and meet you personally."
He looked humbled by her coming to see him and took her hand, shaking it vigorously. She did her best not to wince at the way her joints felt as though they were coming out. He invited her inside enthusiastically, asking if she'd like a cup of tea. Agreeing, she sat down in one of the large chairs near the hearth and felt memories wash over her. She could practically see her many visits with Harry and Ron playing out before her. She was pulled from her musings by Hagrid's thick voice. "Haven' had many visitors out here, yeh see. So my hut ain't up ter what the school might. Hope yeh don' mind though. I'm such a ways away, professors don' come out ter see me much. Sure glad yeh did though, haven't had me any good talks in awhile. Dumbledore was here the other day, but he had 'portant business to tend ter, yeh see."
"Of course," she replied, taking the cup of tea from his large hands. "How long have you been the Games Keeper here?" she wondered, though she already knew the answer. She looked up at him curiously, her eyes showing her honest interest in learning more about him.
He sat down in a large chair, his body taking up a good portion of the room. "Well, I was expelled yeh see, back in me third year. An' me dad, he well... he... Anyway, Dumbledore, he stuck up for me after tha', got me the Games Keeper job, real trustin' man, he is," he told her, nodding with admiration shining in his eyes.
"Yes, Albus is a wonderful man," she agreed, sipping her tea. "Have you ever thought of becoming a professor then, Hagrid?" she queried.
"Oh, I could never... No, don't got me the magical skills, an'... well, after me expulsion, I don't think I'd be allowed to teach the young'ins," he told her, shaking his head briskly.
"I heard you had a way with animals, though," she told him, smiling warmly. "Perhaps one day, when the world has their eyes open, you'll teach Care of Magical Creatures or something similar," she offered, finding humor in her words.
"Perhaps," he allowed, looking both hopeful and crestfallen.
Hearing a tiny yawn behind her, Hermione turned to see a surprising sight. "Why Hagrid, I do believe you have a three headed puppy in your hut," she said, shaking her head at the sight of tiny Fluffy. Why, he didn't look scary or vicious at all. He was half asleep, of course, all three heads in different stages of wakefulness.
Hagrid hopped to his feet, looking terribly worried. "He's harmless, I swear it, Professor. Please don't be tellin' no one of this, I... His name is Fluffy and he's a real good pup!" he exclaimed.
Hermione rose from her seat, walking closer to the half asleep dog and reaching down carefully to scratch the middle head. The dog was black and brown, looking much like a Pitbull. It was panting at her as she scratched the middle head's ear and she lifted her other hand to reach for another. They stared up at her adoringly, through reddish eyes still heavy with sleep. When she ignored one it would bark, and she had reason to wish she had three arms for once. She chuckled over their enthusiasm and then turned to see Hagrid, seeing tears in his eyes. "I assume you have a harp to put them to sleep then?" she asked, smiling.
"Yeah," he said, hoarsely.
She nodded, rising to her feet. "He's a wonderful dog, Hagrid, and my only concern is that you take every precaution with him. He'll grow to be very big, you know, and you can't be too careful with a giant sized, three headed dog, now can you?" she asked, softly. Moving back to the table, she lifted her tea cup again. "D'you have any other pets?" she wondered.
Hagrid blinked, sniffling quietly before he made his way back over to his seat. "I get along with most'a the creatures in the Forrest," he informed her, bobbing his head.
"Mm," Hermione said, wondering if he had seen Aragog lately.
"D'you have any pets then, Professor?" he asked, holding his small tea cup in his huge hand.
She nodded slowly, "I have an owl with me, her name is Hedwig. I had a kneazle, but he died a couple years ago," she told him, a wave of sadness hitting her. He reached out patting her arm heavily, trying to be consoling.
"Sad thing when a pet dies, it is. Don' know what I'd do if I lost me pets," he replied, shaking his head forlornly.
"Yes, well, let's focus on something more cheerful," she declared, taking a quick sip from her tea cup. "Since you're Grounds Keeper, you'd have a great grasp of the land, wouldn't you?" she asked. He gave a big nod, looking quite proud of himself. "D'you think you could show me around then? I'd quite like to explore the Forest, if you're interested." She suppressed a chill at the idea. She needed to keep up appearances by seeming as though she didn't know much about the property, plus it would give her good reason to get to know Hagrid better. The Forest was another manner though, she felt as though it needed to be explored extensively. Voldemort had been found in her first year, feeding on the blood of a unicorn. She wanted to get over her fear of the dark depths of the Forest and perhaps learn more about the animals living there. Fear cannot be shown towards something she understands and knows. Why, she had been rather scared of Remus the first time he changed into a werewolf in front of her, but she had pushed through it. And during their project, the fear wasn't nearly as much, until one day, it wasn't there at all.
"Yeh be wantin' ter see the Forest?" Hagrid asked, both shocked and excited. "It's not the nicest place, it isn't. Lotsa dark creatures in there, there is. Got to be careful, yeh see. Dumbledore doesn' let students in, yeh see, too dangerous. But if yeh want to be goin' in, I'd be glad to take yer! It'd be a privilege, it would!" he told her, with a happy grin.
"Great," she said, before pulling the gold pocket watch from her robes and checking the time. "Well, I'm sorry Hagrid, but I'm supposed to be meeting Madam Pomfrey in Hogsmeade for a butterbeer and a little shopping," she said, rising from her seat. "You can join us if you'd like, the more the merrier," she offered.
"Tha's all right, I think I'll stay here. I gotta check the grounds, school be startin' soon, yeh know," he replied, standing up with her and walking to the door to let her out.
Hermione stopped to pat each dog's head and then made her way to the door. "It's been a pleasure visiting with you Hagrid. I'll come by soon, and maybe we can look around the ground then, all right?" she asked, smiling.
He nodded, grinning at her, "Yeah, thanks fer visitin'. I'll be seein' yeh 'ermione," he replied, lifting a hand to wave as she walked down from his hut, waving back to him.
Hermione crossed back to the school and made her way up to the Hospital Wing, seeking out Madam Pomfrey. Walking through the double doors, she found four beds occupied, the Marauders all fast asleep. Sirius was snoring loudly, so much so she was surprised anyone was able to sleep. James was snoring lightly too, not nearly as loud as his best mate though. Peter was curled up in a ball, his hands curled up and pressed together up near his nose. She frowned lightly, before shaking off the angered feelings she had toward the boy. She turned to see Remus staring up at the ceiling, obviously the loud noise was bothering his sensitive hearing, and she realized why it was he spent so much time awake after his transformation. She considered leaving him be, knowing that he likely wouldn't want to see her for awhile, while he considered her offer. But one look at the tired expression on his face made up her mind. After making her way to the cabinet that she knew Madam Pomfrey kept certain potion, she searched out the one she needed, making sure that the medi-witch was nowhere in sight. Then she walked toward him, doing her best to press her boots down in a manner that wouldn't cause the loud 'click clack'. He heard her anyway and turned his chin down to look at her.
Kneeling down beside his bed, she avoided his gaze though she could feel it burning holes against her face. He was very curious and she couldn't ignore the way he still sniffed the air around her questioningly. Hermione tipped her head to one side, trying to hear if Madam Pomfrey was near by, but found she couldn't hear anything but Sirius' grating snoring. She finally turned her eyes on Remus, only to find his eyes ringed with dark marks, half closed in his tiredness. His bangs were stuck to his forehead, obviously he was overheated from the after effects of the transformation. She knew though, that she couldn't remove his blankets, otherwise he'd get a chill. He was susceptible to illness after the full moon, though it was the only day it really happened. Other than that, he was virtually impermeable to disease, flu's, etc. Without thinking, Hermione reached out and pushed the fringe off his forehead, her cool palm obviously felt nice against his skin, as he sighed contentedly. He was so much like his older self that Hermione's breath caught for a second. Shaking it off inwardly, she lifted the potion to his mouth and explained in a soft voice, "To weaken your hearing, so you can sleep. I can't imagine anyone accomplishing the feat with Mr. Black's snoring, even without superior hearing."
He sipped the potion before she even finished her explanation, smiling lightly at her small barb at Sirius. His head fell back on the pillow, looking thoroughly exhausted. Hermione lifted the blanket, bringing up to below his chin and tucking it in around him, feeling worried about his health. She had to stop herself before she squeezed his hand, kissed his forehead, and told him, "When you're feeling better, I'll kiss your every injury better," like she used to with her husband on the day after his transformation. She felt tears come to her eyes and closed them tightly. "Goodnight, Mr. Lupin," she whispered to him, before turning to take her leave.
His hand clasped hers before she could take a step and she turned back to look at him. He said nothing, but his eyes were fluttering so much that she was sure he was so tired he didn't know what he was doing. His thumb brushed against her hand and then fell limp to the bed beside him. "Thanks," he managed, his voice soft and hoarse.
She nodded, though he couldn't see her as he'd already fallen into a peaceful sleep. Hermione didn't think on it long, and pulled her gaze away from Remus as she heard the sharp footsteps of Madam Pomfrey approaching. Leaving his bedside, she went out to see the medi-witch, asking her if she'd like to go to Hogsmeade then and have a butterbeer and maybe a little lunch. The nurse looked quite happy by the idea and after checking on all four patients, she changed her clothes to that of casual robes, before joining Hermione in a carriage ride out to the small town. Hermione hid her worries and her familiarity with Hogsmeade well, asking Poppy to tell her of its history, and show her the stores. They had a short lunch, where they chatted about the school and Madam Pomfrey told her various amusing stories about the students she'd had to cure. Hermione returned to the school fifteen books heavier, though she had shrunk them. She had explored the various stores like she'd never seen them before, and it was quite an experience since she hadn't been there for six years. After picking a few things up at Scrivenshaft's Quill shop, she visited Zonko's purely out of curiosity of what she might be seeing in the school in the near future and then made a short stop at Honeydukes Sweetshop.
Walking Poppy back to the Hospital Wing, chatting amiably over this and that, she stopped by Remus' bed as the medi-witch hurried into her office for a moment to grab something. Hermione pulled the long bar of chocolate from her bags and placed it down on the small bedside table, hoping it would cheer him up when he woke. Her Remus couldn't eat anything but chocolate during the day after his transformation, and she only hoped that it was the same when he was young. Poppy returned, a picture in her hand and Hermione met her half way to see the interesting photo. They spoke a little longer about the medi-witches career and when she noticed James waking up, she took her leave to let Poppy get back to her work. It was later afternoon and she decided it would be best to get to work on the calender, and then perhaps her class curriculum.
With one last glance at the boys occupying the Hospital Wing, she felt the familiar swell of protectiveness rise up in her. She would save them all.
A/N I hope you enjoyed this. Not much more to say on this front. I'm trying to update my other stories, but I'm currently going to be away from the computer for a little while. I'm having some semi-serious problems with my back and it hurts to sit up for too long. Since this chapter was already written and ready to be put up, along with one for Secret Life, I thought I'd post it to keep everybody happy. Sorry, but sitting at a computer for long periods of time takes its toll and the pain in nearing excruciating at times. I'll update as soon as I can, thanks for understanding.
Much Love,
-Amanda