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Chapter Seven – Marauder Operation Meeting Princess

August 28, 1976 – Lupin Cottage

"Prongs! Prongs have you seen this?" Sirius shouted swinging a newspaper while running towards his friends. James Charlus Potter, Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black are at the house of Remus John Lupin to spend their summer. The quartets are having their morning brunch under a mahogany tree just outside the cottage of the Lupins.

"Mate you had a cousin! And this letter arrived with the newspaper." Sirius said while handing to him the newspaper and the letter. The other boys hovered above James trying to read the headline.

"Long Lost Fleamont Heiress Surfaces! Fleamont? She's related to you?" Peter asked.

Sirius beat James in answering. "Yes. Its written here Wormtail. She some kind of second cousin or something of Prongs."

"Do you know these Prongs?" Remus asked.

James did not bother to listen to the bickering of his friends instead focuses to the contents of the news. "I… I didn't know. They didn't tell me." James whispered and opened the letter.

Dear Jamie,

Son, you might have read the newspaper today. Yes everything you read there are true. Sorry if we decided to keep you in the dark these past few days. We just want to shield you and Sirius from any pres. You know how those vultures like to paint fiction. Besides, we need to make sure she is really a family. I still don't know how that witch Rita Skeeter got hold of the information regarding Hermione. Oh, don't worry. She's a lovely girl and I know you'll like her. Her name is Hermione Helen and she's about your age. Your grandfather Henry is so taken with her. I'm writing this to forewarn you that your Father decided to transfer her here permanently. We cannot abandon a Family you know that Jamie. So, sorry but you and Sirius need you come home right away. We want her to be introduced to you. Send my love to Remus and Peter. Also, please thank Mr. and Mrs Lupin for accommodating you.

I hope you've been a good boy.

Love,

Mom

Dorea Potter nee Black (seal)

The boys stared to each other and place a comforting hand over James shoulder. "Oh no need to sulk mate!" Sirius said.

"Yes. Beside we can't blame your grandfather and uncle Charlus to hush-hush the situation. It is an adult business anyway." Remus supplied.

"Look at the bright side Prongs. We spend this summer not being bothered by parental concern." Peter said while smiling.

"Yeah. If you exclude my mom morning alarm you're basically right." Remus replied while giving Peter a playful glare.

The Marauders laugh. During noon, Sirius and James decided to take their lunch in Potter Manor. They said goodbye to the Lupin Family and Peter. By that, they went home via floo travel.

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Same Day around noon

Hermione can't help but keep fidgeting every time the clock draws near to noon. She is very nervous meeting Sirius and James. She saw some wizard photo about James and she got goosebumps realizing how Harry looks like James. She almost believes she is staring at his bestfriend except the significant absence of emerald color in the boys' eyes. She has been living at Potter Manor since August 20 after meeting Henry and Charlus at Hogwarts. She didn't how Professor Dumbledore able to convince the Potter Patriarchs to meet her. Besides, it never occurred to her that she will be able to convince the headmaster and employ the help of Potter's Family.

When she arrived at Hogsmead, she was fetched by Hagrid and led her inside Hogwarts. When she met the headmaster and the Potters patriarchs, she just sat there and the three discuss her predicament. She was so shock by the enthusiasm of the he eldest Potter, Henry Potter. He steered and weaved the whole story without reservation of Hermione's ancestry. They only know that she is a time traveler from 90's, a member of the Order of Phoenix, a muggleborn, and was finding her way back to her own time. Hermione was suspicious but she didn't voice it out loud.

Mr. Potter told her that she will be a long lost relative of them. She will be the granddaughter of Mr. Henry's uncle, Albert Victor Fleamont. It turns out that just last year, a son of Mr. Fleamont , Hector Albert, approached the Mr. Henry asking assistance for the medical attention of his only son who contracted a dragon pox. However, because the disease has no cure yet, they were only able to prolong child's life but later on succumb to death. Mr. Hector contracted the same disease thereafter and met the same fate. They decided to let the information slip to the media so her cover will be strong. A blood ritual shall also be done to make her a member of the family just in case some people questioned her ancestry. Hermione was slightly appalled and almost reason out that she is proud being a muggleborn but she decided to bit her tongue. It would be best to not laid all her cards. She asked if it is a form of a dark arts but the eldest potter assured her that it was nothing but an assurance to keep her cover. She would have said no but obviously she said yes in the end because she can't really do anything about it.

She felt so awkward looking at the three older men planning and discussing her cover up story, saying it as if she wasn't there. Of course, she didn't just sit there letting them decide her life. Thus, when they asked her to share what happened in the future, she happily retorted that it is none of their bloody business and she almost told them to sod off. Yes. It is not very mature and looking back it is out rightly disrespectful. But, surprisingly, the eldest Potter just chuckle and told her that it is very wise of her to not share anything because they still don't know if her arrival is an accident or orchestrated. Of course, she questioned what the eldest Potter mean but he didn't elaborate. She expected that answer though.

After the meeting though, she was instructed by Henry to go with them at the Potter's manor to be introduced to Dorea. Also, he asks her a favor to call him uncle. (As he doesn't want to feel so old at 94) The old man is just so sweet. Henry is full of humor and she suspect James inherited it. Charlus Fleamont Potter on the other hand is quite stern but she can feel that he is very approachable. She felt like she can depend on him. He reminds her of her father.

When they arrive at the Potter house, she was introduced to Dorea. Hermione was shock meeting the matriarch. She really looks like Bellatrix! Except that Dorea's hair is straight and she has this motherly aura which is almost the same with Mrs. Weasley. The first few two days, Hermione can feel that she was being studied by Mrs. Potter. It is not only on the third day that she was able to charm her way to Mrs. Potter good graces. She found the elder woman brewing some potion in the potion lab and extends her help. Then, while brewing, they just talk of anything under the sun and voila! Before she realize, she agreed to 'play doll up' with the elder woman. The next day, she found herself spending a lot of time at Madam Walkins Witches and Wizards robe. Mrs. Potter became very fond of her treating her like her daughter. She once told her that if her hair is black, she can pass as a Black daughter. The following days, she mostly spends her time being taught of the pureblood custom and genealogy.

And the rest is history.

Her thoughts was interrupted when the sound of floo network.

"We're home!" the man with eye glasses whose looks is like Harry said while coming out of the fireplace. He was accompanied by the much younger version of Sirius who is dusting the remaining floo powder in his robes.

Hermione stood made herself visible. She wears a midnight blue Victorian gown which Mrs. Potter bought for her. The latter insisted that as a proper lady, she needs to wear dresses like this.

"Hello, you must be James Charlus Potter and Sirius Orion Black." She said in a very practice ladylike manner. The two men was clearly shock with her presence and look at her for quite look period of time. She cleared her throat.

"Bloody Hell!" Sirius shouted who was immediately smacked by James.

"eheemm. Hello. Yes I'm James, this is my friend Sirius… Who might you be?" He asked.

" Oh! Sorry! I'm Hermione Gr.. hmmm. Fleamont. You can call me Hermione." She extended her hand to James who awkwardly shakes it, then to Sirius.

"That's bloody awkward mate." Sirius snorted and made her way to her. He grab her hand and kiss her knuckles. "Pleasant noon my lady. I am Sirius Black and the awkward fella there is your cousin James Potter. I'm very delighted to finally meet you my lady."

Hermione cringed. She didn't expect that Sirius is bloody flirt. She gently pulled away her hand and smile. "You must be famished. I'm sorry if I startled you. Let's go to the dining room. Cousin Dorea instructed me to wait for you guys here. "She smiled again then proceeded to the dining room. The two boys followed her.

"Oh darling you're here! Sit Jamie, Sirius." Mrs. Potter beckons them to sit at the table. She sat with Mrs. Potter. Across to her is James who sat between his father and Sirius. Uncle Henry sat on the head of the table. The foods were served and they eat.

"I see you already meet Hermione. James, Sirius" Charlus address the two boys who both nodded. "I believe both of you are already forewarn of your mother that Hermione will be staying here."

"Yes Dad." Replied by James and turned to her. "Are you going to Hogwarts then?

"I believe so. My transfer has already been finalized and I am going with you guys on September first." she said.

"Really? I wonder what house you'll be in." James said,

"Well, I hope it's Gryffindor. So that we will be on the same house with you." Said Sirius.

"Oh don't get your hopes up boys." Uncle Henry interrupted. "After all, Fleamont are Slytherin Family." The two boys gape. "Oh no need to worry lad, I was almost sorted to the Slytherin myself, but I ask the sorting hat to put me on the Gryffindor instead."

"Grandpa!" both boys shouted.

"Sorting is supposed to be a secret!" James grunted.

"Yeah! It is a rite of passage gramps." Sirius supplied.

The Henry chuckled. "Oh, please forgive this old man. Beside, Hermione is already sorted."

"What!" both boys said.

"Lower down your voice! Don't shout in front of the food." Dorea said.

"Sorry mom." Again, both boys replied.

"Do you really need to always reply in chorus?"

The two boys both flash their teeth.

"What house were you sorted then?" Sirius asked Hermione.

"Ravenclaw."

"Well that's better than the bloody Slytherin." Sirius said.

"Sirius. There is still a bloody Slytherin in the house." Dorea said.

Sirius smiled and playfully said. "Yes. You must be a boa contractor aunt. Despite being a snake, you're pretty and not poisonous."

"Yes Mom. Except Boa contractor is huge" and with that, Sirius and James earned a light stinging hex from Dorea.

And the table erupted with laughter.

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August 29, 1976,

BREAKING NEWS!

WIZENGMOT WELCOMES THE REVIVAL OF FLEAMONT HOUSE!

By: Rita Skeeter

Yesterday, we from daily prophet first reported the resurgence of Hermione Helen Prince Fleamont. The young heiress was publicly claimed by Sir Henry Potter through a petition of revival of Most Ancient and Noble House of Fleamont through the addition of the late Hector Albert Fleamont, second son and heir of late Albert Victor Fleamont to the genealogy of the Fleamont Family. This addition will solidify the standing of Miss Hermione Fleamont to Lady Hermione Fleamont the First, Heiress of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Fleamont, a seat to the Wizengmot and the recovery of the vast tract of land located in Wales and Ireland which are temporarily in the regency of Sir Henry Potter.

Surprisingly, the Revival of the house wen t smoothly with the recommendation and backing of the Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black, Lord Orion Black. During a quick interview, Lord Black said that, "The Fleamont had been a long standing Ancient and Noble House. It is only appropriate and in accordance to our customs and laws that we recognize its revival aside from the fact that the Regent of the House gives this court a very strong and compelling evidence. It is our duty as the highest court to protect and maintain the order of our society, to protect one another and to follow the doctrine laid down by our forefathers."

We in the daily prophet did our best to know the evidences. According to our research, the evidences are the bone sample, death and birth registration of Hector Albert Fleamont and Miss Hermione Fleamont. With this strong evidence, the Wizengmot approves the revival of the house and the lands were granted to the new Lady Fleamont. However, with the sounding "nay". the Wizengmot seat was not approved.

Nevertheless, we in the daily prophet welcome and congratulate the new Lady of Fleamont House. We hope that we will be granted an exclusive interview in the future. Because, everybody is dying to know who is Lady Hermione Helen Prince Fleamont.

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August 30, 1976

The next day the Potters were bombarded by mails from press and some pureblood family. The Medias are dying to have an exclusive interview with Hermione and some pureblood families hinted the proposal of marriage.

"There is no way I'm going to marry anyone in this letters!" Hermione said. James and Sirius snickers. The three are spending their time at the living room getting to know each other. The boys keep steering their conversation about her life before meeting the Potters. As if their subtle inquiry would not go unnoticed. Hermione inwardly laugh at James and Sirius. It so funny when they give each other looks when successfully evades every question. Their verbal battle was interrupted when flimsy appeared and handed to her dozens letters. She was so furious with those bloody pureblood families asking her hand for marriage as if it would be the best thing that will happen to her.

"ehemm" James cleared his throat and read one of the letters. " Greetings! My Lady, as the head of the the Noble house of Rosier, I congratulate the revival of your house. Fleamont and Rosier had a long standing alliance during the time of your Great Grandfather, Augustus Fleamont. Your grandfather Albert Victor Fleamont was formerly engage to my late aunt Precilla Rosier. It would be our greatest pleasure to reenter an alliance with you my Lady. My only son, Evan Rosier is on his sixth year in Hogwarts- Rosier! That gangly Slytherin who hex Sirius last year with boils! Wow. I commend his confidence to even hint a possible marriage with you with his dreadful son." James sneered.

"yeah. Don't ever mingle with a Rosier if you don't want to spawn similar to Bellatrix." Sirius supplied.

"Worry not guys. I will marry neither of these blokes. But please explain why it would be dreadful to spawn Bellatrix?" she asked Sirius.

"Ah. I always forgot you're not from here. You know, Bellatrix mother is Druella Rosier, sister of Edward Rosier, the one who just wrote to you. And, I promise you having a daughter like Bellatrix will dreadful than dreadful."

"Okay. Assuming that you convince me already…" Hermione find it so hard to pretend that she knew nothing. She really wanted to be close to James and Sirius. "I know you guys just met me, but I was just curious and I really wanted to know you better." She glanced at James and Sirius. She fidgeted her fingers. " I know you're a Black Sirius. And, during my stay here, I happened to read about your family. Upon knowing you in a short period of time, it is hard to believe the things that newspaper said. I felt like, you're…. Your disownment from your family has more stories in it. I… I would… If it is not too much to ask, will you tell me?" she said to Sirius.

James and Sirius looked at each other. The former patted the latter's back and left them alone. " I am not really good at emotional conversation. I figured out that you know something's about me by way your eyes lingers to me. And yes, I know I'm very attractive and I appreciate you're admiration. The only thing though that I can tell you right now is that I am very happy-Now. It's okay, don't feel bad asking me some personal question. This is part of getting to know each other." Sirius winks at her.

"Hmm. Okay. I guess thanks?" she smiled too although a little disappointed that the Sirius did nor share more. But it's a good start. "You better call James. I know he is just behind the door."

"Hey! How did you know!" James appeared by the door.

"A silent Homenum Revelio will suffice."

"You can cast non-verbal magic?" Sirius said and slightly leaning forward to her.

"not all, I'm still working on it." She said forcing herself to sound calm and unconcerned. Her mind made a quick work to cover up the slip. "But of course I was kidding! Well, by just spending time with you guys, I know that both of you are the most curious blokes I ever met." She teased.

"Padfoot. Why do I feel like I've just been played at?" James mused.

"Prongs cause you, I mean we are! You been dodging our questions aren't you?" Sirius playfully accused her.

She burst out laughing. Oh this is just so hilarious. "You're not very subtle doing it you know. If you have some questions about me just tell me right away."

Sirius gave her his alluring smile. "Do you find me attractive?" He told her basking with confidence but a straight away "no" from her made his back slump and a rich laughter from James.

The banters of the three never stop until dinner and with just that, they become very close.

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Chapter Eight – Meeting again.