"Calm down," James says soothingly as he and Lily walk into the common room.
"Don't tell me to calm down," Lily shrieks as she storms upstairs.
"What's up with her?" Sirius asks as Marlene rushes after her. Cass and Hermione stay where they are, legs entwined with Remus and Sirius respectively, and Alice doesn't move from her spot on the floor playing chess with Peter.
"She's stressed about these exams," James says. "And she's just had a horrid note from her sister and I think she's on her period as well. Just a bad day."
"Do you think we should be stressed about these exams?" Cass asks, playing with her hair anxiously; Remus slaps her hand away and takes it between two of his.
"No," Hermione says. "You're all extremely accomplished wizards and these are practical exams. If they were written papers, I might understand, but you will all be absolutely fine."
"How are you so wise?" Sirius asks, leaning up and kissing her.
"Oh, don't start that again," Alice complains from her spot on the floor. "Pretty sure the whole school heard you two last night."
"You're just jealous because we're actually having sex," Sirius teases, dodging as Alice throws a bishop at his head.
"It's not long til you see Frank now though," Hermione says positively. "Are you staying with him over Christmas?"
"No, I can't," Alice pouts. "Our family is doing some ridiculous bonding trip – I barely got permission to come to James's New Year's party."
"But you two can spend the night at mine after the party," James says, wiggling his eyebrows. "Spend some time alone."
"Wait, what party?" Hermione asks.
"The annual Potter bash," Sirius says. "James has thrown a New Year's party every year since we were 14 and it's always amazing."
"My parents have a long-standing arrangement with the Prewetts to go for dinner on New Year's," James explains. "The first year I threw the party, it was top secret, I didn't tell them I was doing it and the house got majorly trashed. After that, the 'rents said that if I was gonna do it, I might as well do it properly and now we have a huge blowout every year. They still go out for dinner though, leave us to it."
"I hope you've invited everyone," Hermione says, rolling over to look James straight in the eye.
"Of course I have," James replies.
"The Slytherins?" Hermione asks and now he frowns.
"No, not them," James says. "Why would I? We're not friends."
"Well maybe you should be," Hermione says. "Come on, James, what better way to get to know people than to get absolutely shit-faced with them? It would be a huge step, and even if they decide not to come, extending the invitation is a good thing to do."
"Are you serious?" Peter complains. "They're so snooty. And Bellatrix scares me – no offence Sirius."
"First of all," Sirius says, "she's not Sirius, I am. Secondly, none taken – Bella scares everyone."
"Do you ever think maybe she's just scared?" Hermione says. "Scared about what people might think of her? Maybe she's lonely and she'd love to come to a party with all her friends? Doesn't hurt to ask, James."
"Fine," James says. "I'll ask them at dinner."
"Great," Hermione says. "What is everyone else doing for Christmas?"
"We're going to Wales for a couple of days to see family," Remus yawns. "In between the two parties, that is. Cass is coming with."
"Shut up!" Hermione says, sitting bolt upright; she accidentally pushes Sirius off the couch and he lands on the floor with a thud. "Shit, sorry," she hisses, but she doesn't take her eyes off a giggling Remus and Cass. "You're meeting his family, seriously?"
"Yep," Cass says. "Maybe that's what it'll take for him to finally ask me out, huh?"
"If you want me to ask you out, all you have to do is say so," Remus says lazily. "You know that, Dorcas."
"Ugh, don't call me that," Cass says. "I swear, as soon as I get out of this place, I'm changing it legally."
"Sorry," Remus says, brushing his fingers over her thigh gently. She grins at him and then turns back to Alice and Peter, who are still locked in a fierce chess match.
"You're both rubbish," James laughs as he moves to sit next to Peter, putting the bishop back down on the board. "Do you want help, Wormtail?"
"No, that's cheating," Alice complains.
"Don't worry, Alice, I'll help you," Lily says as she walks back into the room. She sits down beside the girl and smiles at James, murmuring, "I'm sorry I shouted."
"Don't be silly," James says, winking at her. "Come on, Pete, let's thrash these girls."
A few hours later, after several embarrassing games of chess, the group walk into the hall. "Come on, James," Hermione says. He throws an arm around her shoulder and lets her lead him over to the Slytherin table, where she slips into a seat in between Regulus and Avery.
"Hey," she says warmly.
"Alright?" Regulus says, his eyes on Nott, Bella and Narcissa on the other side of the table.
"Fine thanks," she says, beaming round at them all. "James has got something he wants to ask you."
"Oh, does he?" Bella says icily. "That'll be a first."
"You know what, this was stupid," James says, but Hermione grabs his sleeve and looks at him compellingly. "Fine," he says, folding his arms. "Basically, I'm having a New Year's party at mine and wanted to invite you all. Severus and Mulciber too. Narcissa, you can bring Lucius if you like."
"Seriously?" Nott says, his face alive with surprise – whatever he was expecting, it wasn't that.
"Sure," James says. "Everyone's coming, it'll be a laugh. You're all more than welcome."
"Yeah, okay," Bella says, nodding. "We'll think about it."
"Cool," James says, looking back to Hermione. "We should be going, right?"
"Yes," Hermione says, turning to Avery. "Will I see you tonight?"
"Not tonight," he says smoothly. "I have other plans."
"Fine," she says, waving goodbye to the others, kissing Regulus on the cheek and then following James back down the aisle and over to the Gryffindor table.
"How did that go?" Sirius asks as Hermione slips in beside him.
"Yeah fine," James says, sitting down between Cass and Lily and putting his arms around them both. "It's gonna be a good night."
"I'm sure it will," Hermione laughs. "Exams first though."
"Uhhhh," Marlene groans, slamming her head on the table.
"How did everyone do then?" James asks as they settle down into their carriage on the train. "Pleased?"
"Yeah," Peter says. "I passed everything and I've even got a couple of Outstandings in there."
"Well done, mate," Sirius says, ruffling his friend's hair. "Girls, pleased?"
"Yep," Lily says, examining her marks. "My Herbology and Charms grades are a little bit down, but nothing I can't fix."
"And I bet your Potions mark is the highest in the class," James teases.
"Actually, Slughorn said someone beat me this time," Lily says, deflating a little. "I bet it was Severus – he's really excellent at Potions."
"Moony, how did you get on?" Sirius asks, pulling Hermione's legs onto his lap.
"Fine," Remus says idly; Cass grabs his paper and shrieks.
"Remus, you got Outstanding in everything!" Cass says. "That's amazing."
"Eh, I don't know," Remus says. "McGonagall says I barely scraped it in Transfiguration – I bet James did way better than me."
"Well of course I did," James teases. "I'm her favourite student."
"Sure sure," Marlene laughs. "Well I passed everything too – I need to boost my Potions grade but I'm pleased."
"Same here," Cass and Alice chorus and then everyone's eyes move to Hermione who is playing with Sirius's hair and only half listening.
"Mi?" Lily says curiously. "How did you do?"
"Fine," Hermione says, wincing as Sirius grabs her piece of paper.
"What. The. Fuck?!" Sirius says incredulously, letting James snatch it out of his hand.
"Hermione, is this a joke?" James says. "You got 100 in everything?!"
"Except Charms," Remus says, grabbing it off James. "Where you got 137%. How is that even possible?!"
"Extra-credit," Hermione shrugs, stretching as she yawns. "No big deal."
"No big deal?!" Lily shrieks. "Mi, why aren't you happier about this?"
"I am happy," Hermione says. "But it's not the end of the world either way and there are more important things to worry about."
"Fairs," Cass says. "Still, Mi…congratulations."
"Thank you," Hermione says, smiling genuinely for the first time.
"Shall we play a game then?" James suggests and now they all relax, ready to enjoy the holidays.
Fleamont and Euphemia Potter hear their sons before they see them. Waiting for them to get off the train, the platform is crowded and noisy but they recognise their sons' laughter through all of it. Sirius jumps off first, carrying a pretty redhead on his back; they are both cheering as he carries her over to them and puts her down so he can hug them. James is off next, his hair even messier than usual, and he is carrying a beautiful brunette; they are both in tears of laughter and he makes his way over to them, still unable to stop giggling. When he puts the brunette down, he throws himself at his mother almost straight away, but Fleamont watches as the girl moves to Sirius's side; he throws his arm around her easily and kisses her like he's done it a thousand times before. As he pulls away, Euphemia notices how he stares at her, like she's the centre of the world which will keep turning only if she's in it, and she frowns.
Before she can say anything to the girl, however, Remus, Peter, Cass, Marlene and Alice all pile off the train and introductions, greetings and goodbyes are happening all over. Euphemia greets Cass and Peter happily, listens as James introduces her to Lily and watches out of the corner of her eye as Hermione wraps her arms and legs around Remus, who has his hands on her ass, and kisses his cheek in farewell. Meanwhile, Fleamont says a fond hello to Remus and Marlene, greets Alice politely and watches as Hermione dances with and kisses Lily, the two girls laughing as they say their goodbyes. Finally, everybody has bid each other goodbye and Fleamont and Euphemia take James, Sirius and Hermione over to the apparition point.
"Welcome home," Fleamont says as they walk into the hallway of Potter Manor.
"Wow," Hermione says, looking around with interest as James and Sirius leg it upstairs. "You have such a beautiful house, sir."
"Thank you, Hermione," Fleamont says. "Need some help with your bags?"
"No, I'm fine, honest," Hermione says. "I'll take them upstairs as soon as the boys calm down a little."
As if on cue, Sirius's head appears at the top of the stairs. "Come on," he says, bouncing up and down. "I want to show you my room!"
"Can I see my room first?" she teases and he rolls his eyes.
"Fine," he says. "Let me get your bag." In his rush to get downstairs and help, he slips, bouncing down the stairs; before he can hit his head, Hermione is by his side and she has caught him.
"You okay, babe?" she says, suddenly white as a sheet.
"I'm fine," he says, leaning up and kissing her sweetly. "Thanks for catching me."
"Yeah, well be more careful," she says, standing up and summoning her bag. "Come on, show me your bedroom."
"Yay!" Sirius says, jumping to his feet. "Mum, what time's dinner?"
"7pm," Euphemia says, beaming up at her son. "Tell James, will you dear?"
"Course," he says, running over and hugging her tightly. "I missed you."
"I missed you too, sweetheart," she says, kissing his forehead. Fleamont's eyes flick to Hermione, who is halfway up the stairs, watching them with shining eyes. Soon enough, Sirius runs up and together they disappear.
"What do you think of her?" Euphemia asks in a hushed voice.
"She loves him," Fleamont says. "I actually think she loves them both. And that's all that matters right now."
"So, Hermione, where are you from?" Euphemia asks and Hermione looks round, suddenly nervous.
"North West London, originally," Hermione replies politely. "But I haven't lived there for a long time."
"You haven't been at Hogwarts for long, correct?" Fleamont says.
"No, I only joined in September," Hermione replies.
"Where were you before?" Euphemia asks.
"You won't have heard of it," Hermione says. "It's a private school for gifted Seers in the South East."
"Oh, you're a Seer?" Fleamont says, surprise colouring his face.
"Yes, sir," Hermione says.
"So, what led you to leave that school?" Euphemia asks.
"It was attacked by Death Eaters," Hermione says quietly. "All my friends and my teacher were killed and I was sent to Hogwarts."
"I'm very sorry," Fleamont says. "We didn't hear anything about a Death Eater attack."
"No, you wouldn't have," Hermione says. "We didn't think anyone even knew about our school, it was all kept very quiet."
"I see," Euphemia says. "And your parents?"
"They're dead as well," Hermione says, eyes flicking down to her plate.
"I'm sorry," Euphemia says. "How are you finding Hogwarts?"
"I love it," Hermione says, brightening a little now. "Everybody's been so welcoming and I've made some great friends. Including your sons, of course." She glances round, running her thumb over Sirius's cheek fondly and sticking her tongue out at a grinning James.
"She's fitting in great, Mum," Sirius says, grabbing another Yorkshire pudding. "She's got the best grades in the school, everybody loves her – she's even got us being civil with the Slytherins."
"Yeah," James says, bouncing up and down in his seat. "I even invited them to our party, Mum."
"Wow," Euphemia says, her eyes flicking to Hermione who is more focused on her food. "Your idea, Hermione?"
"I just think a bit of inter-house unity is what we all need right now," Hermione says. "We had rivalries at my own school, of course, but not in the same way."
"Well I think that's a healthy attitude," Euphemia says, standing up and starting to clear the plates away. "What are you guys going to do this evening?"
"Exploding Snap?" James suggests as Sirius stuffs two last potatoes in his mouth.
"Yesh," he says, spraying food everywhere.
"Oh Sirius," Hermione protests, leaning back out of his reach. "Yes, Exploding Snap sounds good."
"Lovely," Fleamont says. "I wonder if I might have a quick word, Hermione?"
"Of course," Hermione says, getting up and following him out into the hall.
"Professor Dumbledore has asked me to bring you along to the Order meeting tonight," Fleamont says. "I'll be leaving in just a few minutes; my wife will stay here to look after the boys."
"Sir, you should take your wife," Hermione says politely. "Please tell Professor Dumbledore I appreciate the invite but I believe I should remain undercover for now."
Fleamont blinks at her for a moment and then shrugs his shoulders. "Very well, Hermione," he says. "Go on, back to the boys and ask my wife if I can borrow her."
"Thank you," Hermione says, running back to the living room and joining the boys in their game. Fleamont and Euphemia have barely been gone for five minutes, however, before the door opens and Professor Dumbledore strides into the living room.
"Miss Granger," he says coolly. "A word?"
"Sure," Hermione says, following him into the drawing room. "What's up?"
"I asked you to attend tonight's meeting because I thought it was for the best," Dumbledore says. "I wanted you to meet the people who have come together to find Voldemort. This is for the best. Please will you come with me?"
"With all due respect, Professor Dumbledore, I don't know or trust any of these people," Hermione says. "I want to remain undercover for now – the more people who know who I am and what I know, the more at risk I am and the more likely I fail."
"Miss Granger, I know and trust these people with my life," Dumbledore says. "The two of us need to work together for the greater good. We're on the same side."
"The greater good?!" Hermione says, raising her voice angrily. "We are not on the same side, Professor, and I do not want to work with you. I know exactly what you are willing to do, willing to risk and willing to sacrifice for the greater good, and I want no part of it. I am not fighting for the greater good, I am fighting for my friends, my family, for James Potter and Sirius Black and I would rather die than risk them for you."
"Miss Granger," Dumbledore says, taken aback. "What are you saying?"
"I do not trust you," Hermione snarls. "So please, leave me alone."
"Miss Granger," Dumbledore starts again, but before he can go any further, she snaps.
"Get out!" she shouts tearfully. "Please!" He bows his head and heads over to the fireplace, disappearing without another word.
"Hermione?" Sirius says, tapping on the door hesitantly. "Hermione, can I come in?"
"Leave me alone," she says, running upstairs. James and Sirius follow her instantly, watching as she pulls her clothes off and then sitting down at the foot of the bed she throws herself onto.
"What happened?" James asks. "What did he say?"
"It doesn't matter," Hermione says, sitting up and pulling them both towards her. "Can we just lie down and not talk about anything?"
"Of course," Sirius says, wrapping his arms around her. "We love you."
"I love you too," she says, kissing them both sweetly.
A couple of hours later, Fleamont and Euphemia march upstairs, looking for Hermione. When they get to her bedroom, however, they soften. The three of them are curled up together, fast asleep. Hermione is in the middle, lying on her side in just her underwear. Behind her, Sirius has his arms wrapped around her waist and his face covered by hair. On her other side, James is lying flat on his back with Hermione's top leg thrown across his hips and his hand tangled in Sirius's hair. They are all breathing heavily and so Euphemia takes a picture and then walks downstairs.
"What do you think she knows that we don't?" Fleamont asks as they head to the kitchen.
"I don't know," Euphemia says quietly. "But I think we have to let her tell us in her own time. She needs to trust us on her own."