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Chapter Nine – Troubles Brooding

August 31, 1896

James wanted to disappear at the moment. He fully knows how he ended up in this situation and why his father called him in his study. He had made many troubles in the past but this is beyond his control. Who would ever foresee that Regulus and Sirius would end up breaking the rules of no magic outside Hogwarts! He kind'a hope that his father would not know what happened yesterday. But seeing that he's been called in the study, and being called in the study means trouble, he knows the only thing he can do is damage control. Besides, it wasn't his fault (well he might have contributed a little for being impassive) and it was an ACCIDENT! He fidgeted in his seat. His father entered the study and placed the two newly bought cleansweep brooms in front of him. He gulped, he ducked his head and resolute to appear remorseful as possible.

"I warned you James Charlus Potter! I have warned you!" Charlus Potter said while pacing around James. "I've trusted you to get yourself out of trouble. I ordered you to chaperone your cousin but you didn't abide my instructions and left Hermione in a Bookstore ALL BY HERSELF just for you to buy this twigs!"

"I… I… I'm sorry father. I didn't know that it would turn out this way. I'm really really really sorry." Plead by James.

"I am disappointed in you son! Not because you disobeyed by orders but by not telling me what happened! If not for this bloody newspaper I would not have known!" His father then throw the newspaper in front of James. He silently read the news.

"Brothers Continues Feud previously with Inheritance and now on New Heiress Hand?

By: Rita Skeeter

"It seems that someone can't help but be at the front page."

In a surprise move last August 28, 1896 the Wizengmot passed the petition granting the Revival of House Fleamont which is publicly backed by the Head of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black. Many wondered with the sudden move of the Lord Black and many speculated that it is but a mere political strategy.

However, the prophet believes there are other worthwhile reasons. And just yesterday, the daily prophet got wind of this rumor that around 4 o'clock in the afternoon just outside of "Winnaman Apothecary Express" an exchange of hexes was thrown by the two Black Brothers, Regulus Artucrus Black and Sirius Orion Black. We have reported before that the two Blacks are still at school and not of age so they should still be prohibited to use their wands outside Hogwarts. Thus, this correspondent immediately conducted few inquiries to determine the veracity of the rumor and what lead the two brothers violate the law. We were lucky to interview credible witnesses along the way.

"I really didn't witness everything but only to the part where young Sirius throws a stunning spell towards young Lord Black. In return, the young Lord cast a disarming spell. Everything was so quick and I never seen wizards quick to draw their wand before." Said by Mrs. Mary Vance.

"Well I witness the whole thing!" said Mr. Jasper Brown. "The Lady and young Lord Black seems having a serious conversation with each other. Well, they look so intimate really. I assure you I am speaking the truth. The young Lord even held the Lady just before the entire duel happen."

Yes, you read it right folks! It's not really surprising that Lady Fleamont were able to entrance the two Blacks since according to the witnesses, the Lady is beautiful young witch. Two handsome man vying for the attention of our Lady, isn't it every girls dream? The whole scenario seems really epic and pick out from a book. Albeit, it's not sure whether there is indeed attraction building between the heir and heiress of an ancient and noble house, imagine, we might have just seen star-crossed lovers from feuding family! Their union would create a powerful alliance between the two opposing parties in Wizengmot! Thus, the wizarding community most curious to know is whether or not this 'attraction' is blessed by the families of both Lord Black and Lady Fleamont? Because, although Lady Fleamont comes from a respected family, her ancestry is not entirely pure as her grandmother is a muggle. So why is it a big deal? Well, the Ancient and Noble House of Black is a pureblood family and Lady Fleamont not being a pureblood might give the pair hurdles and would in end up forbidden love in the air *sigh*. But of course we should not get on with it ourselves for all of this is mere speculations drawn out to the relayed details to us by the credible witnesses.

We hope to be able to get the side of Lady Fleamont and young Lord Black. We at the daily prophet will do our best to give our readers the news.

'bloody skeeter!' he thought. "Wow. Skeeter is really good at weaving story. If I don't know Hermione, I might have believed this." He said.

"Indeed! So you know what this entails right? The whole wizarding community might already buy this news! And if you only said this to me yesterday, I might have done some damage control!" said by Charlus.

"Relax Charlus." He turned to the door where the voice came. His grandfather Henry approached him and his father gave up his seat to his grandfather. "Everything is done. We can longer blame the young ones." Charlus grunted in reply and James nodded several times in agreement. "James, please call Hermione and Sirius in here. I have things to say." James nodded again and exited the study room.

He then proceeded to the living room where Sirius and Hermione are talking.

"Hermione, Mate. We're busted." He said. "Apparently, the Daily Prophet got the wind of what happened yesterday." He sighed.

"What!" Hermione exclaimed. "Ohh don't tell me it's Skeeter?"

"Nailed it." He replied.

Hermione grunted and murmured something he didn't quite get. "what did you say?"

"Nothing" she immediately said.

"So no Quidditch for us I guess?" Sirius asked.

"NO! I mean, it's not official yet. Errrr, no decision yet from father coz we've been interrupted by gramps. And oh! He called you by the way. Both of you." He pointed to his two friends or cousins.

Hermione and Sirius exchange a worried glance and make their way to the study.

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Meanwhile

"Father, you cannot overlook this. Although I ultimately blame myself for letting this happen. I should have made them return home. I underestimated the magnet of trouble that James and Sirius attract." Charlus said.

"I assure you I would not. However, what we need to do now is to assure the kids and gain their trust. We are in this situation right now because the kids didn't trust us enough to relay to us what happen. They might have believe that by not telling us what happen, it would just all go away." Said by Henry.

Charlus signed. "It might be my fault again. I have warned the boys to get away from trouble or no Quidditch at all. That must be the reason they decided to keep it to themselves." A pregnant silence comes between the two man before Charlus spoke again. "I am afraid that with this, the timeline would change?"

Henry chuckles. "Oh timeline have long been change. For time is really fragile and vacillating element. I believe all of this is fated to happen."

The arrival of the three young wizards and witch interrupt the conversation of two older Potters.

"I am sorry Gramps, Uncle, it's really is my fault." Sirius regretfully said.

"Do not worry Sirius, child. Charlus and I are not angry at you." The Potters patriarch glances at the other teenage relatives. "As to either of you…" Henry trailed. "I commend you Sirius for protecting Hermione. From what James had relayed, it is only proper to get Hermione away in that situation." Henry turned to Hermione. "As to you Hermione, I also commend you for handling the situation rather well. You have appeased the Black Patriarch. And Lastly you Jamie… I commend you for taking responsibility when you know that you committed a mistake. However, what we are angry about is for not trusting us to fix the situation. It really upset our feelings for not telling us what happen. Children, we are family and a family stick together. Do not be afraid to let us know right away anything that you know would lead to a bigger problem. Do you understand?

The three affirmed in chorus.

"I do hope we are in a mutual understanding in this matter. Please promise me that you would inform us in anything that troubles you okay?" Henry asked again and the three nodded.

"Gramps, I, we, promise it will not happen again." James said. "But, I don't quite understand why what happen seems to be a very very very big deal? I know that were still forbidden to use a wand outside the school, and were really made trouble, but not everything in the news are true and we didn't even care what is said in it before. So why?"

"Son. This is troubled times. Indeed we do not care what the newspaper says but that is not the case with other people. Public opinion is a fickle thing but being at the wrong side of public is disastrous. As Slytherin as it may sound, but it's better to steered a boat in a calm waters than in a violent storms." Charlus explained.

" So what are you saying dad is that Hermione being linked to Regulus or Sirius is like steering in a violent storm?" James asked again.

Charlus let out a frustrating sigh." That is not what I entirely mean. There is really no problem whoever Hermione choose in the future—"

"Oh please! Let's not talk about my future lovelife!" Hermione complained.

The two older Potters chuckles. "Okay, forgive me young Lady. Regardless, what I mean is that Public opinion is significant than you thought. Public opinion is a dangerous but powerful to wield. Many things can be achieved right away with public opinion. A truth will be a lie and a lie will be a truth in public. I know is barmy and it sound bollocks but that how the society works. Son, you have seen how the news painted Sirius as some kind of disturb child when it's not the real truth. I assure you Sirius that we will not believe whatever rubbish that article wrote about you but that cannot be said with other people. Others will believe it and will tell you horrible things. That's how dangerous public opinion is. Do you now understand? James, Sirius and Hermione?" Charlus asked and the trio again affirmed in chorus. "Very well, I hope you'll mind your actions in the future. Think before getting yourself in trouble."

"Certainly Father." James replied. Sirius approached Charlus and hugged him then Henry.

"Thank you gramps, Uncle"

"No problem boy." Said by Henry and Charlus just smiled in acknowledgment. "You may go now, except Hermione. I have things to say to her first."

"Uhmm. Before that, are we banned in playing Quidditch?" Sirius asked.

"We will let this slide for now. But there will be no more next time." Henry said.

The two boys jumped and gave high five to each other then they gave Hermione a reassuring glance before exiting the study room.

"I believe I will also see myself out and make sure those two rag rats are not eavesdropping just outside the door." Charlus said then left the room.

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Hermione watched Charlus leave the room.

"Please tell me I didn't change the timeline?" she asked. She been so worried after the event yesterday. She already encountered Regulus Black twice and based in his reaction yesterday, his obliviation must not be that powerful.

"Hermione, you know the basic concept of time travel. The fundamental rule is that you shouldn't be seen. But in your case it's inevitable. So don't fret too much, for the timeline as long change. And no, it's not your fault. I have refrained myself in asking your about your time but I have a fair idea of what happened. You'll be returning tomorrow in Hogwarts. Are you excited?" Henry said while smiling at her.

"Don't change the subject Uncle! This is a big deal! Change the timeline? Does that mean that I created a time paradox? Oh my God! I'm not going to be reborn this time right? I'm.. I'm going to cease to exist!?" many things are running in her mind. What if in this time Harry would not be born or Ron? Or anyone she knows in her time? Even if it was Draco Bloody Malfoy she would be concern! She loath the guy but she can't bear knowing that she is the reason he or anyone she knows will not exist! It's like killing someone!

"Hermione…" She woke up in her reverie. Henry kneeled in front of her, wiping the tears in her eyes. She didn't know that she was already crying. These past few days, she's been strong and determined to face what will become of her in this time. But she's been lying to herself! All she plans is to research about time travel in Hogwarts and avoid creating so much impact in this time! She already failed big time without even knowing what lead her here in 1970's in the first place!

"Hermione. Do not worry. Please trust me. Nothing good will happen in worrying. I do think you're arrival already change the timeline. But I do not think it would be something big that would result to your inexistence or with the inexistence of anyone you know. Or perhaps, the events that supposed to 'happen' will still happen. You've experience time travelling before right?" Hermione nodded. The old man heaved a sigh and sit in the seat across her. "Then, you should know that Time has this odd way of fixing any abnormalities. Dear, don't you think that you're arrival here in this time has a reason?"

Hermione contemplated. That thought already crossed her mind but she's too afraid to cause anything that would change the timeline. For all she knows, bad things happen to those that meddle with time. "I do but it might also be just an accident that not meant to happen. Because, if my arrival here is predestined, then, Sirius would have known me in my time or anyone that I would meet tomorrow in Hogwarts and I would really hate the possibility that my arrival here is the reason why all those things happened in the future. Then, if I meant to change the past, then that would mean I will not be able to return in the future for the future I came from no longer exist. That would ultimately create a paradox. Besides, even in the future, time travelling supposed to be possible for only couple of hours or days not decade! I… I want to return in the future Uncle. My life is there! Even how much tumultuous future has been, it's where I belong. My parents are there and my friends."

"I understand your dilemma Dear. I also experience time travelling when I was a student in Hogwarts before. It is a great adventure that I will never forget. Time is very tricky just so you know." Henry again smiled at her. "But, before I forgot, I have not yet told you the reason I called you here." Hermione waited for Henry to finish. "You are Hermione Fleamont in this timeline. I know Dorea already informed you of customs and tradition here in this time but I would just like to remind you that you need to be extra careful in your action especially towards any purebloods. I know many already change in the muggle world but the wizarding world is still conservative up to this day. I'm not telling you to always act prude or so ladylike but there's no harm in being cautious. You already received many marriage proposals but that is not the end. Many in your year or perhaps year above you in Hogwarts will took extra interest in you as possible wife. Many of them will you find repulsive but be civil in your approached as long as possible. Though any indecent act toward you be free showing how good your wandwork." Henry winked at her and she slightly chuckled. "And lastly, I do wished you would enjoy your time here especially in Hogwarts because based on what you said just earlier, the future is in tumultuous time."

" Yes. I planned to spend my time here wisely." Hermione said. "Thank you Uncle for the advice and I am really thankful that you're helping me." Then she frowned. "It's still puzzles me though, why you're helping me. You don't know me at all."

"Well, you're a member of the order I the future. I am just following Albus orders." Henry said.

Hermione throw the old man a suspicious look. As if she's going to buy that. " Did you really?"

Henry chuckles. "I know." Then stand while tapping her shoulders. "That is all dear. You may ready yourself for tomorrow's journey."

Hermione abruptly stands and block the door. "No! You can't get away just like that. I know there is more into it. I do not believe you would just follow Professor Dumbledore's order."

Henry frowned. She watched him contemplated then returned to his formerly occupied seat. "Will you believe me If I told you I just feel like it?" Hermione shakes her head. "Would you believe me if I told you I just pity your circumstance and also very curious how you end up in this year?" Again Hermione shakes her head. "Then, would you believe me If I told you that you remind me of an old friend of mine?"

"That is be cliché and how will I remind you of your old friend when in fact you don't know me. I mean, really know me." She retorted.

"So you see. Nothing that I will say will appease you regarding how I just accepted you in this family." Henry pointed.

"Nothing except the truth." She responded.

The old man massages his tempo. "You are really stubborn."

"I've been called that many times." She said.

Henry studied her in a long time. "Very well, I will tell you the reason." She lightened up and waited for him to tell her. "Although not today."

"What?" she can't believe it. "Why not?"

"Hmmm. I just felt that it is not the right time." Henry said. Quite amused on how she looked at that moment.

"You're infuriating!" she exclaimed.

The old man burst into laughter. "Oh that is new. I have been called many names but never infuriating."

"You really won't tell me do you?" she relented.

"I would. Not just today." Henry smiled. "Now you better ready yourself and your things. The beginning of the new school year is tomorrow. Now go!"

She sigh. "Okay."

The old man walked to the door. "Oh I almost forgot. You better right an apology to Orion and Regulus. I know you can handle that." Henry said.

She hesitated. "Are you sure? It might further affect the timeline?"

"The future will one day be the present and will seem as unimportant as the present does now. So for the Nth time, do not worry." By that, Henry left her in the study.

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Author's Note

Thank you guys for still reading. The line "The future will one day be the present and will seem as unimportant as the present does now." is from an English author. I'm not sure who it was but nevertheless I just love that quote. ^_^

I also apologize for publishing this late. Next Chapter is about First day in Hogwarts. ^-^

Please do review.