Platform 9 ¾
A/N: Hey guys, time to see the future, I hope you like it. ENJOY R&R PLZ!
It was a surprisingly warm September morning, the early morning rush was in full effect so much so that no one noticed the groups of people moving towards a wall and then disappearing from sight. It had been ten years since that fateful Halloween night and now Harry was ready to go to Hogwarts.
"Hurry, hurry," Lily ushered her family into the station; in a rush but mindful of the muggles around. "We don't want to miss…it."
"Relax mum," Harry said panting to keep with his mother's fast paced strides while pushing his trolley. "It's not even ten-thirty yet we've got plenty of time. Honestly I thought I was supposed to be the nervous one."
"That's how all mums are Har," James chuckled. "Your grandmother actually got us here a full hour early but almost made me miss the train with all her fussing."
Sirius and Remus were with them and Sirius laughed, "I remember that too, I saw her from the compartment window."
Remus announced, "Here it is." They stopped in front of the wall separating platforms nine and ten, Harry was nearly bouncing with excitement.
"Ready Har-bear?" James whispered to his son. He and Lily crouched down on either side of the boy in preparation for going through the barrier. Harry nodded eagerly with the brightest grin on his face and James had to smile back. "Alright let's go." When Remus and Sirius gave the nod that no one was looking they raced to wall and passed smoothly through, the other marauders followed shortly.
The platform had a moderate amount of people, most of them rechecking luggage and such for the journey to come. James subtly directed them to a spot that had the best view of the barrier and the whole platform so they could see everyone and anyone else was came in. All of them were very happy and excited to see Harry off for his first year but they were also anxious to see Mya after so many years apart. Sirius laughed and joked with his godson all the while surreptitiously keeping his eyes on the blank space of wall. It had been torture these last years, in fact there had been a low moment when he wanted to find her in the muggle world, just to see her again. But he didn't. He knew that it was the woman he needed not the little girl. If only there was a way for her older self to walk through with her younger one. In Lily's case, she had not forgotten her promise to Hermione all those year ago, she needed to make sure that Harry, Ron, and Hermione at least met and had a chance to become friends. It would be wrong to deny Harry such a wonderful friendship and hopefully she could convince Ron to do the same. It was easy getting Ron and Harry to be mates, her and Molly got on pretty well so the boys grew up knowing each other and now they were as thick as thieves. For James and Remus it was more about seeing an old friend and knowing they had done their job right. Remus also had the added bonus of teaching her for the next seven years in Defence. Standing there, they spotted Severus Snape, the Potions Master, boarding the train. He nodded at them once before going inside. Cordial would be the best word to describe their relationship with the man but it was also probably the best they could have, there was too much bad blood between James and Sev even after Halloween…
Snape burst in through the door of Dumbledore's office, a frantic expression on his face, unnoticing of anything but his fear. "I've heard the rumours, is it true?"
"Is what true Severus?" Dumbledore asked calmly.
"The stories, they say the Dark Lord is dead but how he died and who else died varies. I know he went to the Potter house, you promised me her safety!"
"I did," Dumbledore kept his face neutral. "First of all, yes the Dark Lord is dead." Despite hearing that the man he once called master was no more, Snape's face twitched as if to say 'get on to the important part'. "Secondly," Dumbledore continued, "They are safe." He gestured to behind Snape and there was the James and Lily who was holding Harry, alive and well. Snape became stock still, aware of how much he had just revealed in his desperation for answers. "I think I will leave you to talk." Dumbledore said from behind and left the office.
James and Lily shared before James took Harry from his wife and made to leave, he paused for just a second. "I know you didn't do it for me, but thank you."
"We're even," Snape muttered and James nodded. He left and Snape and Lily faced each other awkwardly. "Lily."
"Sev."
Severus smirked faintly at the both of them speaking at same time. "I haven't heard that name in a while. Thought I'd never hear it again."
Lily swallowed, "I think you more than earned it. Thank you for doing what you did, I believed in you." Snape just stared at her and she realised she had to make it clear. "Severus I'm married."
His gaze widened, "You knew?"
"I knew," Lily confirmed. "But you started getting involved with the Death Eaters and I couldn't stand by that Sev." She wanted to say that she was in love with James but it felt almost cruel to do it so she settled for, "We can't go back."
As it was, Snape's face clearly told her he understood the double layered message, "I know."
"Thank you Sev," she repeated.
"You're welcome."
Lily was pulled out her musing by James nudging her, the Weasleys except for Arthur had arrived and it was nearly time to board the train. "Molly good to see you. How's Charlie?"
"You too Lily," the two double-kissed. "Charlie is all settled in Romania and Bill wrote me earlier this week to say he got a small promotion. He's the lead curse-breaker of his team now."
"That's wonderful and it's not the only promotion I've heard someone got," Lily turned to the children. "Congratulations on making Prefect Percy."
"Thank you Mrs. Potter," Percy nodded self-importantly. "I'm afraid I must go, there is a meeting in the carriage with Head Boy and Girl." With that he walked off.
"Fred, George," Lily moved on to the twins. "Still making mischief?"
"Us? No!" Fred waved a hand airily. "Whatever do you mean?"
"They spent the summer with Fabian and Gideon," Molly told her with pursed lips. "Hogwarts had better brace itself."
"Oh mum, don't make us blush," George held his cheeks like a girl.
"Go put your luggage away," Mrs. Weasley instructed them and they left.
"I think I'll go see to Harry's stuff too dear," James said abruptly.
"I'll go with you," Sirius joined.
"Me too, I have my own things as well," Remus added and three of them walked away without another word.
Lily had a sneaking suspicion about what they were up to but chose to let it go and looked at young Ron, "Excited to go?"
"More nervous really Mrs. Potter," Ron smiled weakly.
"Oh come on, we've been waiting to go to Hogwarts for forever," Harry lightly punched his best mate's arm.
"Aren't you worried about the Sorting?"
"You know we'll get into Gryffindor," Harry said confidently.
"Yeah you're right," Ron admitted grinning.
I know you will boys, Lily thought fondly. "And Ginny, how are you?"
"I'm alright Mrs. Potter," Ginny attempted to smile. "I just wish I was getting on the train too."
"Don't worry next year you will be."
Back at the luggage compartment, the Marauders managed to catch up with the twins just as they were trying to load their trunks. "Need some help boys?" asked Remus.
"We've got it Professor," George called back. The twins got their trunks up and the Marauders followed.
Dusting off their hands, Sirius looked at the twins, "We need to have a word with you."
"What about?" Fred inquired.
James smirked, "We know you've got the map." The twins looked shocked.
"Professor Lupin?" George stared at his teacher with wonderment.
Remus shrugged, "I'm not on duty yet, you can call Moony." If the twins were shocked before, they were staggered now.
"Y-you-you mean you're the marauders?!" Fred went high-pitched and squeaky.
"Oh yes," Sirius said matter-of-factly. "Messrs Moony, Padfoot and Prongs at your service."
George's brow furrowed, "What about Wormtail?"
Azkaban, Sirius mentally answered smugly. "He's no longer a marauder. But back to the point, Harry starts Hogwarts this year, he's Prongs' son."
"Wow," Fred looked amazed.
George scuffed the ground with his shoe, "I guess this means we have to give up the map."
"Not right now," James assured them. "We trust you boys, hang on to it for a couple years then pass it on whenever you think Harry is ready for it. He doesn't know about it, we want it to be a surprise. Just make sure Harry lives up to his legacy, he knows what the marauders did in their school days. It'd be a crying shame if he didn't honour it properly."
"You can count on us," Fred saluted.
"Consider it done," George mimicked him.
"Good now let's get back to the others," they trouped back and found the Longbottoms had joined their group.
"Alice, Frank, how are you doing?" James greeted.
"Alright there James?" Frank returned. "Sirius, Remus, everything good?"
"Absolutely corking," Sirius joked. "Ready for Hogwarts Neville?"
"Yes sir," Neville looked up from his book. "I can't wait for Herbology, I think it might be my favourite subject! All these plants are interesting."
"I hope you enjoy Defense as much," Remus smiled down at him and Neville flushed a bit.
"I'm sure I will sir."
"Aw sweetheart," Alice knelt down in front of her son. "You'll love everything there. Just be careful you don't get lost, the castle can be quite confusing."
"Good thing you inherited your mother's bad memory," Frank quipped. "All that running around the castle looking for things you've forgot, you'll learn your way twice as fast."
Alice glared Frank, "I've the perfect solution for that." She held out a small glass ball, "This is a Remembrall, when the smoke turns red it means you've forgotten something."
"Thanks mum," Neville hugged his mother. "Now I just hope I don't get lost."
"Don't worry Nev, we'll make sure you don't get lost," Harry comforted his friend.
"And if you do, at least we'll be lost with you," Ron added, the adults laughed.
"Excuse me?" Everyone turned to see a man standing there somewhat nervously. He stepped forward, "Sorry to interrupt but my daughter is starting at Hogwarts and we have no idea where to put her luggage."
"We'll show you where to go," Frank gestured between himself and Alice. "Our son Neville is about to start too, we still have to go to the baggage car."
The man's shoulders sagged in relief, "Thank goodness, we're – oh what was that word? - muggles! That's it. First time ever experiencing anything like this."
"You'll get used to it," Lily assured him. "My parents did."
"Really you're a muggleborn?"
"For god's sake Michael you were supposed asking for help not socializing," a woman appeared pushing a trolley and with her was…Hermione!
"Sorry Jean dear but these folks said they would show where the baggage car is," Michael explained. "They've got a son just starting too."
"Actually," Lily jumped in, valiantly masking her giddiness. "There's two more. My son Harry, and Molly's son Ron, all first years. I'm Lily Potter by the way, and this is my husband James and our friends Sirius and Remus. Remus is the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."
"Are you really?" Hermione's eyes lit up. "I read through the course books and I thought that subject was awfully fascinating. I was really curious about the protection spell -"
"Save it for the classroom dear," Jean patted the young girl's head, the adults chuckled at her eagerness. "I'm Jean Granger, this is my husband Michael and our daughter Hermione." As the families introduced themselves, the Marauders and Lily couldn't help themselves from glancing at Hermione, it wasn't quite the same as having their Hermione back but it was so good to see her after all these years, they'd take anything they could get. Sirius's eyes drunk in this first image but he also found that he had been right. It was the older Hermione he needed, this young girl did nothing to his heart.
"Lily if I might have a word," Jean took her aside while her husband left with the Longbottoms minus Neville to take care of the luggage. "I overheard my husband say you were a muggleborn as well. I'm a bit worried about Hermione. She's clearly not a shy girl but she is a little awkward getting to know people. She tends to fall back on her books and knowledge but it's gotten her teased in the past. I'd hate to think about that happening now, when she can't come home to us for help."
"I understand," said Lily. "Well she'll know the boys here and they're good kids. Besides I was the same way, I'll talk to her."
"Thank you," the other mother said gratefully. They turned back to the group, "Hermione, aren't you going to say hello to your new schoolmates."
"Hi," Hermione waved to the three boys.
"Hello."
"Hi."
"Hey."
"Have you really read all the course books?" Neville asked.
"Yeah," Hermione nodded. "I've even tried a few spells. I really like Charms and Defense."
"I like Defense too," Harry added. "I just can't wait to be on the Quidditch Team."
"I thought they don't allow first years, I read about that in Hogwarts: A History," Hermione looked him quizzically.
"Blimey how many books have you read this summer?" Ron stared at her.
"Twelve, maybe thirteen, not counting the ones I browsed through at Flourish and Blott's," Hermione shrugged.
"Wow, right well, I don't about you gents but I've found my exam study partner," Harry made show sidling up to Hermione although his grin gave it away as a joke.
"OI I thought I was going to be your partner," Ron demanded.
"You've been outclassed," Harry said unrepentantly.
"A git like you doesn't deserve such a great study partner, Hermione is better off with me," Ron challenged.
"Boys," Sirius cut them off. "Hermione is a girl not a Chocolate Frog Card."
"Sorry Hermione," Ron and Harry chanted dully.
"It's okay," Hermione giggled. "Are they always like that?"
"You'll get used to it," Lily promised. "Just remember not to take them too seriously when they get like that. They don't mean any harm."
"That's right dear," Molly chimed in.
"And here comes another," Sirius cried. "TONKS! DRACO!" The animagus moved to hug his cousins, first Tonks then Draco. The youngest Malfoy's life had radically changed thanks to the alterations done to the timeline. Both the Lestranges and the Malfoys had been arrested; yet when Lucius and Narcissa were caught this time, they were unable to buy their way out. Lucius got the heavier sentence but unfortunately Narcissa was also found guilty of several crimes so custody of Draco was then moved to his closest living relative – Andromeda. Draco grew up in much different environment resulting in a completely different person plus he and Harry were as close as Harry and Ron.
"Hey Harry," Draco said.
"Hey Draco, ready to go?"
"Yeah Slytherin here I come," Draco muttered bitterly.
"Don't worry about it Drake," Tonks mussed his hair. "So your parents gave you a bad rap, you'll establish yourself soon enough. My mum was a Slytherin too you know and look at her."
"Besides you'll have us there," Harry patted Draco's back.
"Thanks mate."
"What about you Ms. Auror? When are you starting classes?" Sirius asked Tonks.
"My training begins tomorrow, I'm really excited."
"I'm sure you'll be brilliant," Remus commented. "You were a wonderful student."
Tonks beamed, "I had a wonderful teacher."
James checked his watch, "I think it's time you all get on the train." It was true, everyone else had started boarding.
"Where are mum and dad?" Neville craned his head around.
"Here we are," the Longbottoms and Michael returned. "Let's go."
"Hermione," Lily and Jean shared a look as Lily pulled Hermione to the side. "I know it must be kind of scary going to a strange school. Just a little advice – be yourself. It's easy to hide behind the books and never come out but you won't get to really enjoy Hogwarts that way. Let your guard down, you'll find you love it there."
"Thanks Mrs. Potter." Hermione fidgeted a little, "Um Mrs. Potter can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"Are you the same Lily Potter whose family brought down Voldemort ten years ago? I read your name in the Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts."
"Yes that's me," Lily confirmed. "Myself, James, Remus, and Sirius did it together but we had some help from others too."
"I don't know, for some reason I feel like saying good job," Hermione and Lily both laughed. "But anyway I was just impressed. What you did was really brave, especially with the way people were regarding muggleborns."
"I know a girl who did something even braver," Lily said bitter-sweetly. "She was a muggleborn too. Don't let your blood status, your age, anything really, stop you from doing what you want. If I learned anything from that experience it was that your future is yours to make." Hermione nodded.
"Come on you lot, the train is leaving soon," Michael called.
"Coming," Hermione replied racing towards the locomotive. Everyone else was already on board as she got in and appeared at the compartment window. The air was now filled with steam and pleas for letters and safe journeys. In no time at all, the train whistle blew and the engine began to move, pulling away from the station. The remaining people stood there waving as scarlet train disappeared from sight before dispersing. Frank, Alice, Tonks, and Molly (with Ginny) apparated out of there. The Grangers left next, leaving Sirius, Lily, and James alone on the platform.
"You alright there Pads?" James eyed his best friend.
"Yeah, why?"
"You hardly spoke to her."
Sirius shook his head, "Not the same. It'll be a few more years before our time comes."
"She knows what we did," Lily sighed. "The official story anyway, but she has no idea that all of this is actually thanks to her. The biggest silent hero the wizarding world will ever not see." She decided not to tell them about the good job comment, it was a too tiny to be really any spark of hope, especially with Sirius there.
"At least we know," Sirius shrugged. "We remember - it hasn't been totally forgotten."
"Come on," James put his arm around his wife. "Let's go home."
A/N: Phew! You cannot imagine how nervous I am about this chapter, I sincerely hope you like it. I tried not to be deathly-hallows-epilogue-ish at this point with pairings and such but really it was more about laying the groundwork for everything to follow. It isn't over yet, few more chapters. ENJOY R&R PLZ!