Chapter 18: Unlocking the Second Piece
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the below characters. They all belong to the world of Harry Potter so cleverly created by JK Rowling. Actually, I do technically own Corvus Black and Hermione's Prophecy.
A/N: ok, so this chapter is super short and it ends kind of with a cliffhanger, though most of you will probably figure it out immediately. Sorry the update took so long, I made my first solo trip across the country and it was awesome. I am very proud to say that I did manage to work on this story a little on the plane though.
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"Hermione, could you please stop pacing? I know your nervous but you are starting to make me sick," Ron complained as he and Harry watched Hermione pace back and forth.
"I have to agree with Ron," Harry started, careful to keep his voice light, "You are starting to wear a hole through the floor." Hermione shot a glare at the boys, but realized they were right.
"It's just, I'm so nervous," she started. "I mean, I have no idea what to expect. I mean, I don't know if I will be able to just ask her, or if I'll have to solve some riddle, or if there is some sort of
magical spell protecting it like there was with Sirius's..." she said trailing off.
"Well there is no sense upsetting yourself with worry. We will find out in a few minutes when she gets here, and we'll go from there." Harry said as he stood up and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah, and you've got us this time." Ron added, putting his hand on her older shoulder. "Whatever it is, we'll help you figure it out together," he said smiling at her. Hermione relaxed for the first
time all morning and smiled genuinely at her boys, grateful for their friendship. Her anxiety returned however as there was a loud pop, and Remus appeared in their entryway escorting Tonks's
mother, Andromeda. Hermione took a deep breath as she felt the boys squeeze her shoulders reassuringly before gently guiding her forward.
"Good morning," Hermione said as she approached the older woman. "I don't believe we have been formally introduced. I'm Hermione Gra... I'm Hermione," she said, correcting herself.
"Yes, Nymphadora has told me all about you. How are you dear?" she asked.
"A little nervous to be quite honest," she replied truthfully. "Have Remus or Tonks explained why I asked you here?"
"Not entirely, they just insisted that it was important."
"I see, well, why don't we sit down then." As Hermione led Andromeda to the sitting area, Ron, Harry, and Remus stood back, allowing the pair some privacy.
"My goodness, I haven't been in this house in years," Andromeda commented quietly as they walked down the hall. "It feels strange to be back here." Hermione just nodded quietly trying to figure
out what she was going to say. As they sat down, Hermione took a deep breath before turning to the older woman and beginning.
"The reason I asked you to come today is because I believe you may have some information for me." Hermione paused for a minute before pushing on. "Information that was left for me by my
father...Corvus Black." Andromeda gasped and stared in shock at the young woman before her.
"Cor...Corvus? You are his daughter? Hermione?" Andromeda stared at the young woman for another moment before a warm smile spread across her face and she embraced the young woman.
Hermione meanwhile, was slightly surprised by the woman's actions. "Oh my dear," she exclaimed pulling back and looking at Hermione's face. "You are gorgeous, and you have your fathers eyes,"
she said kindly, making Hermione smile and blush slightly. "Yes I do," Andromeda said before embracing Hermione once more. This time as she held Hermione she whispered softly "She alone
possesses the ability to bring forth the power he knows not." As Andromeda pulled away, she looked into Hermione's eyes to make sure she understood what she had just said.
Hermione pulled back, her eyes wide. She knew that Andromeda had just given her a piece of the prophecy, but she didn't know what to make of it. Seeing Andromeda's questioning gaze, she
nodded, acknowledging that she understood what had just been said.
"Excellent," Andromeda said taking out her wand. She gave a slight twirl and a folded up piece of paper appeared in her hand. As she handed it to Hermione she added, "You truly are a brilliant girl,
your father would have been so proud of you." And then she turned around and walked back down the hall. "Remus dear, would you mind taking me back home, I do believe I have pot of tea
waiting for me," turning to the boys she added, "it was lovely to see you again."
Hermione meanwhile stayed in the sitting area still trying to process everything that had just transpired. It wasn't until she looked down at the piece of paper in her hand that she realized she was
shaking slightly. She heard Remus and Andromeda bid their farewells and moments later Harry and Ron appeared in the doorway. "Did you get the next piece?" Ron asked sitting in the chair across
from her.
"Yes." She answered simply.
"Is that it in you hand?" Harry asked sitting on the arm of her chair
"No, at least I don't think so. She whispered it in my ear, I'm not sure what this is." Hermione responded.
"Well, why don't we find out together?" He encouraged.
Taking a steadying breath, Hermione gently unfolded the piece of paper in her hands. Inside where two sentences neatly scrolled .
Although she bears the mark of the witch she never knew such a world existed until that day. Even though she found prejudice and betrayal, her heart of gold never changed.
"Its the clue to your next piece," Ron commented quietly before adding, "Here we go again." Hermione nodded in agreement, however Harry remained quiet.
"Something bothering you," Hermione asked.
"I know who it is."
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