Well a quick update as promised! Thanks you for the reviews and all the favorites and follows! I promise this is the last chapter with Hermione's parents. In fact originally these two chapters did not exist but I find it unfair that Hermione's parents didn't get enough time devoted to them in the books so I had to. After this we start getting into the meat of the story.
Once again I do not own any anything related to Harry Potter or I would be a rich woman who has an excellent Twitter account.
"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings. -A wise, anonymous woman.
A week had passed since the Grangers had brought Hermione home. Since then the Grangers had noticed their daughter's shift in behavior. Both the positive and the negative. Hermione ate less and always had dark circles under her eyes. Their daughter assured them she was fine and was merely worried about Harry. The Grangers knew Harry Potter had an unfortunate living situation that could not be rectified. On a positive note Hermione started to talk and laugh more. The youthful glimmer in her eyes started to return and the anxious air that surrounded their daughter when she came home all but disappeared.
"Mum! Dad! Are we traveling to London today for dinner or are we ordering in," Hermione called out from the kitchen.
"Poppet, your mother is responding to a few messages from our clients in the study," her father said walking into the kitchen.
"Should we order in then," she asked. Her parents always took the first two weeks off and last two weeks off to spend with her before she returned to Hogwarts. Of course, having their own practice, they still received numerous messages and would possibly step in for emergencies.
"No, last I checked she was speaking with Mrs. Goodwench. As you know she tends to badger us with multiple questions about a nonexistent issue. Puts your mother in right a foul mood. I promised her we would go to London to cheer her up," Dan said, a grimace forming on his face at the thought of London.
"Dad, when are you going to conquer your fear of crowds," Hermione teased. Her father was a bit of a recluse and constantly complained about the crowds in the cities. If it weren't for her mum Hermione suspected her father would move out into a house in the country away from civilization.
"If I wanted to do that I would've become a doctor like your grandparents wished," Dan answered shuddering at the thought.
She laughed at her father's peculiar behavior but stopped hearing the doorbell ring.
"Are we expecting company," she asked walking towards the foyer.
"No, we aren't," Dan said his eyebrows furrowing inquisitively as he followed his daughter.
Opening the door, she was met with warm, amber eyes and sandy colored hair. "Remus," Hermione gasped surprised. She quickly ushered him in. "Is everything all right? Harry? Ron?" Please let nothing be wrong.
"Yes, yes and yes Hermione. Everything is perfectly alright. I've come to discuss an important issue with you and your parents," Remus responded, patting her shoulder reassuringly.
"Oh, pardon my manners," Hermione said embarrassed, "Remus this is my father, Daniel Granger. Dad this is Remus Lupin. He was my Defense against the Dark Arts Professor my third year and he's one of Harry's closest family friends."
"Pleasure," Dan said shaking the man's hand. He noted the poorly worn clothing and the circles under his eyes that could give Hermione a run for her money. "Hermione's told us you were one of the best teachers she has ever had the privilege of being taught by."
Remus blushed. "Well it's easy to be an excellent teacher when you have a bright student like Hermione," he said nodding his head towards his former student.
Hermione beamed. "Don't be modest. Everyone loved you. I suspect even some of the Slytherins did and they just pretended to be happy with your departure for Malfoy's sake," she praised watching Remus' cheeks continue to pink.
"Pardon me for asking but I don't get the impression this sudden house call is for academic purposes," Dan asked wanting to get to the point.
Remus grimaced. "Unfortunately, you are correct. Is your wife home? I would prefer to speak with both of you," he asked.
"She's currently in the middle of a business call. I'll go and see if she's close to being done. Hermione would you offer our guest a tour of the house and some tea," Dan ordered and then walked away to the study.
"Oh, of course. Here Remus let me take your coat," Hermione fussed taking his tawny raincoat and hanging it in the coat closet nearby. She motioned for him to follow giving him a quick tour of the first floor before bringing him into the kitchen and serving him some tea from the pot she had put on earlier.
"Are you sure everything is all right Remus," Hermione questioned anxious.
"Yes, as well as one can be with a looming war. Unfortunately, as I am sure you have gathered from the papers the Ministry believes Lord Voldemort's return is the biggest load of hogwash they have ever heard," Remus said before taking a sip of his tea.
"Not surprised," Hermione replied, "considering they were the ones mad enough to believe holding the Triwizard Tournament an excellent idea."
"Their fear has won over their minds and cowardice has taken over their hearts," Remus said gravely.
Hermione scoffed. "It is no excuse to disgrace Cedric's memory like this." Remus reached out and grabbed her hand giving it a squeeze.
"It will take time," Remus comforted.
"Remus, you can't tell them," Hermione begged lowering her voice to a whisper.
Remus cringed. "Hermione, it's their right to know," he reasoned.
"And they will. I'm not asking you to lie. I'm asking you to not tell them everything," she implored desperately, "they won't let me go back and that won't help our situation. In fact, it potentially could make it worse because I won't be able to protect them without the spells we learn in our last years. You know no matter what I will be a target on You Know Who's list."
Remus stopped to consider her logic. He felt ill at the thought of lying to her parents but what mattered most was ensuring the safety of Hermione and if they took her away they couldn't. A voice coming from behind him startled his thoughts.
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation," Dan said walking in to the kitchen with Emma walking closely behind him. "But we had an important matter to discuss?"
Remus quickly stood up and shook Emma's hand. "Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Granger. You have a lovely daughter."
"Thank you. We are quite proud of her," Emma gushed, "and please call me Emma."
Remus nodded. "Has Hermione informed you two about a wizard named Lord Voldemort," he asked.
"Yes," Emma said," the dark wizard who murdered Harry's parents and who is against those like Hermione who come from no magical upbringing."
Remus looked to Hermione observing her anxious expression. "Correct. Unfortunately, he has returned," said Remus allowing his words to hang in the air for a moment. Emma and Dan gasped horrified. "Dark times are coming I'm afraid. However, we are preparing for his imminent rise to power but for now we need to keep Hermione safe. Seeing as she is a muggleborn she is potentially in danger." Hermione sighed in relief. It was the truth but it didn't speak to the level of danger she was truly in being Harry's best friend.
Hermione's parents looked towards each other, both seeking comfort from each other for a moment, before turning to face their daughter. "Why didn't you tell us Hermione," Dan chided.
She had to improvise quick. "I'm sorry. It's the reason I've been having trouble sleeping. I felt terrible not telling you two about it but I didn't want to push my worries onto you. Not so soon after you got me back," Hermione apologized.
"Oh darling," Emma sighed. "You're our daughter. We want to know everything about you." She embraced her daughter tightly and her husband put his arms over the both of them. After a few minutes Hermione pulled away, rubbing at her eyes before looking to Remus.
"What about my parents," Hermione asked worried.
"Currently, we have no reasons to believe them in danger. However, to be safe we plan on placing wards around your house to keep unwanted intruders out. Also, we will have someone check in with you every Saturday and ensure you haven't noticed anything suspicious," Remus said pacifying her fears.
"And we couldn't go with Hermione," Emma interjected not noticing her daughter tense at her words.
"Well, it's an option," Remus faltered, "but it would require you two to go into hiding in a secure location with very little to do."
Emma and Dan started to speak but Hermione quickly interrupted. "No, you two must continue your lives as normal. I want what's best for you and while I love you for wanting to be with me I can't allow this to infringe on your lives. We don't know how long this war will last. It could be years from now."
Her parents stayed quiet and looked at each other before nodding. "Okay," they said tightly.
"But you must come home for Christmas," Emma said sternly feeling tears well up in her eyes.
"Of course, mum," Hermione responded quickly hugging her mother in gratitude.
"And you must stay the night," Dan said with a tone of finality.
"Dad," Hermione whined embarrassed.
"No excuses poppet. This was unexpected and we would like to spend one more night with our daughter," Dan said staring down Remus daring him to question his move.
"I think that should be fine," Remus said placating their worries. "I'll just be on my way."
"No, you as well," Emma chimed in.
"Oh no need Mrs. Granger," Remus replied brushing aside their worries.
"I insist, it's only right to ask the man who our daughter speaks so highly of to join us for a night out in London," Emma responded.
"Well I suppose that'll be all right," Remus said recognizing the no nonsense tone. "If you'll excuse me I need to make a quick floo call. I saw a fireplace in the living room, I'll be back shortly." Remus walked away taking out a pouch of floo powder from his pockets.
"Quick Hermione, go freshen up upstairs," Emma ordered. Hermione nodded grinning at them before running up the stairs to her bedroom. She turned to look at her husband noticing the pained expression on his face. Quickly, she held out her arms to her husband offering him the comfort he so desperately needed.
"We just got her back," Dan lamented pushing away the tears threatening to leave his eyes.
"I know darling," Emma consoled. "I know."
Half an hour later Hermione and her parents were ready to leave and waited for Remus in the kitchen.
"Darling, is Mr. Lupin, is he, oh how do I say this," Emma hesitated, "is he all right. He looks terrible."
"No worries Emma. Unlike most of my friends I haven't retained my youthful good looks," Remus said good naturedly.
Emma blushed a deep tomato red. "Oh Remus, please forgive my words. I didn't mean it like that. You just look very tired and worn out," she said embarrassed. Remus shook his head letting her know he wasn't offended.
"Well, that does raise an issue. The restaurant we plan on eating at is a bit formal and your robes are a bit peculiar for muggle wear," Dan said eyeing Remus' odd clothing.
"I know," Emma exclaimed, "you two are roughly the same size and build. Dan, why don't we let Remus borrow some clothing for the night?" Remus started to protest but the Grangers would hear none of it.
"Splendid idea love," Dan said motioning for Remus to follow him turning away before Remus could protest more.
Remus sighed but followed. He really needed to learn to speak up more.
It was a splendid night. The Grangers treated their daughter and Remus to a wonderful night out in town spending lavishly on both despite their protests both stating that with Hermione leaving very early in the summer they weren't spending nearly as much money as they had planned.
First, they headed to the bank to take out money for the night and for Hermione to purchase her supplies in Diagon Alley. Next, they ventured into a beloved bookstore they had been frequenting for decades. By the end of the first hour there between Dan and Hermione they had already formed a pile of 20 nonfiction books. Remus had added two books to the pile after Emma threatened to kick him in his shins if he didn't.
After that the Grangers insisted on buying gifts for Sirius and Ron's parents after Remus informed them Hermione would primarily be under their care over the summer. With Remus' and Hermione's help they purchased some fabric for Molly, a book on how electricity worked for Arthur and after numerous pleadings, a talking Scooby Doo stuffed animal and dog biscuits.
"Is this an inside joke," Emma questioned. "Are we insinuating he's a dog of some sorts?"
Remus and Hermione cracked up. "In more ways than one," Remus said much to Emma's confusion but she didn't press the issue figuring some things were better left unsaid.
Then they went to a lovely upscale restaurant Dan had made reservations earlier in the day for 8 pm. Remus entertained the Grangers with lovely tales of his youth with his friends while Emma and Dan embarrassed Hermione by telling tales of her exploits as a child.
"I find it difficult to believe Hermione ever served detention as a child," Remus said raising an eyebrow in disbelief at the normally prim and proper witch.
"All the time," Dan rebutted. "Don't let her innocent act fool you. She would correct her teachers all the time. Why, there was one instance where her teacher accused her of changing the lesson plan for the day."
"Did you," Remus asked.
"Well of course I did," Hermione exclaimed. "For years, our professors would subject us to the same boring paper towel experiment to explain the scientific method and I refused to perform another one. There were more useful ways of learning and I'm sorry but paper towels are horrible for the environment."
Remus chuckled loudly. "What did you change it to," he asked amused.
"I changed it to a lesson plan about how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop," Hermione said in such a serious tone it caused Remus to choke on his drink from laughing so hard. Dan patted the man on his back and after a few minutes Remus regained his composure inquiring for Hermione to continue. "Well I had seen the commercial a few days earlier and I was determined to figure it out but I realized that my results would not give me an answer because I needed to test more than one person to gain accurate insight. I noticed her lesson plans on her desk and changed it during lunch. The day of I brought in two large bags of Tootsie Pops and placed them by her desk before she could notice me."
"And," Remus questioned.
"And seeing as she had two bags of candy that she needed to dispose of we did it. The answer is 252 licks," Hermione said smiling brightly before taking a long sip of her iced tea.
"And her professor, while impressed by Hermione's determination, forced Hermione to perform the paper towel experiment in front of the class the next day much to her chagrin," Dan added.
"Dreadful day," Hermione lamented.
All the grownups laughed at her.
After they returned home and Hermione bid them all a good night. The Grangers insisted Remus spend the night in the guest room finding it wholly unnecessary for him to leave when he was taking Hermione early in the morning. Before they let him get settled in the guest room they asked Remus to join them for some refreshments and a small chat in the kitchen.
Setting a plate of biscuits and tea on the kitchen table the adults enjoyed the refreshments.
"I know she's in more danger than both of you are letting on," Dan said breaking the silence. Remus flushed hanging his head in shame. "It's all right, I'm sure our daughter pressured you into not telling the whole truth."
"Clearly, she underestimates our cleverness," Emma whispered softly.
"She forgets we purchased numerous books as well at Flourish and Botts so we could learn more about your world. We know all about how Harry stopped Lord Voldemort years ago," Dan paused observing Remus' guilty expression, "It's not much of a big leap to guess Harry will be at the center of all this."
"Yes," Remus admitted.
"And knowing our bull-headed daughter she won't let her brother in all but blood solve this on his own," Emma stated confidently.
"And we won't stop her," Dan said answering the question Remus was frightened of asking.
"Why," Remus asked surprised at this new-found revelation.
"Because magic makes her happy," Emma answered simply. "And by forbidding her from returning to Hogwarts we would lose her in a way worse than death." She took a sip of her tea to help her gain the little confidence she had. "Make no mistake. I am beyond terrified for my daughter. As a mother, our child's safety is of the upmost importance but I know a losing battle when I see one. And with Hermione on Harry's side it isn't."
Remus reached over to grab Emma's hands and squeezed. "Thank you. I cannot imagine the strength it took to let her go," he said. "Also, thank you from Harry. He loves Hermione dearly and I know he needs her wisdom and strength to continue on." Emma nodded silent sobs wracking her body.
"Please, do your best to protect her," Dan asked sadly. "It pains me as her father, supposedly the man responsible for protecting her, to ask this of another man but I recognize I am not enough anymore."
"We will. The Weasley's, Sirius and I would die before we allowed her to meet a terrible fate," Remus promised.
"I hold you all to that," Dan replied with a gloomy sigh.
The next morning everyone woke to a somber morning. Hardly anyone spoke during breakfast. Remus volunteered to clean the dishes while Hermione packed with help from her parents. Very few words passed through the Granger family while they packed. It took no longer than thirty minutes seeing as Hermione's organizational skills made it simple and fast.
They all walked down to the kitchen to meet Remus. Dan gave Remus a shopping bag containing the clothes and shoes he let Remus borrow last night and a few extra pairs of hardly worn shirts and jumpers. Remus refused but Dan insisted joking if he ever wore the clothes Remus had worn the previous night he would only be reminded of how much more handsome Remus looked in them than he did. Also, he hardly wore the other shirts and planned on donating them soon. Remus nodded before shaking his hand profusely and hugging Emma whispering a thank you in her ears. He then excused himself to the loo for a moment giving the Grangers a moment.
Hermione threw herself at her parents and they embraced her tightly finally allowing themselves to weep openly in their daughter's presence. After a few minutes, they all regained their composure and they bid Hermione and Remus goodbye. Hermione promised to write soon and Remus promised to check in on them soon to place the wards.
Remus turned to Hermione and nodded at her. "Ready," he asked.
"Ready," Hermione answered grabbing onto his arm and holding onto her trunk. With a loud pop, they apparated away and the Grangers slumped to the floor praying their daughter came to no harm.
Please review! I love all suggestions and criticisms. Next Hermione is at Grimmauld and we get to see her interact more with Fred. Oh and the chapters will start to be about this length or longer now.
To my guest reviewer: Thank you so much!