Disclaimer: Not mine, don't own it — I wish! Unfortunately, Harry Potter belongs to JKR and not to me; I'm just playing in her sandbox.

Author's Notes:

» Hermione changes her name during the story. However, to make it easier to understand, I'll continue to refer to Hermione by the name we all know. The only times her new name will be used is when she introduces herself to new people, or when someone is speaking to her and addresses her by name.

» This story is has been written in full and will be posted at the rate of approximately one chapter a week.

» Thank you to atokkota for her support and feedback.

.o.O.o.

CHAPTER 5

Penelope looked at Hermione. "Your turn, now. What happened with you? I get the Daily Prophet regularly and they publish an article about you every month or so, saying that you're still missing. I presume you don't want to be found?"

Hermione shook her head. "Absolutely not. Please don't tell anyone you've found me! After the war, I was in a relationship with Percy's youngest brother. I'm not going to talk about him by name because when Dumbledore died, he left my Ex a device that would enable him to find Harry and myself if we got separated during the war. I don't know if the tracking charms, or whatever it was that Dumbledore put on the device, are still active and part of the magic involved us saying my Ex's name. I don't want my Ex to find me so I'm not taking any chances, since he's petty enough that he'd keep the device with him at all times just in case it could lead him to me.

"I went back to Hogwarts to finish my final year and moved in with my boyfriend after my NEWTs. He's a selfish, lazy slob. He used to go out drinking with his mates every night and apart from the first night in our flat, I don't think he spent one single evening with me. I used to ask him to stay in with me, or to go out somewhere together, but he never would. We were arguing a lot and Harry didn't want to get caught in the middle. I suppose I should have expected that since Percy's brother and I fought all the time when we were at Hogwarts and I don't think Harry took my side even once. I don't know why I was expecting Harry to support me this time but it annoyed me that he blamed me for all the problems in my relationship with his friend without even listening to my side of the story.

"During the war, Dumbledore's Order of the Phoenix made a point of protecting Harry's dreadful relatives who treated him like dirt all his life but they wouldn't help me protect my parents. I was a Muggleborn and I was Harry Potter's best friend and that put me in the number two most wanted slot. It also meant my parents were in danger. I Obliviated them of all memory of me, gave them false memories to fill in the gaps, and sent them off to live in Australia with new names. The Obliviation was irreversible, so when Percy's brother and I started having problems, I didn't have anywhere else to go. You know, I told my Ex and Harry what I'd done to my parents — without telling them it was irreversible, so that Harry wouldn't feel guilty — but after the war, they never asked about them. I think Percy's brother thought they were no great loss because they were Muggles. I should have seen that as a sign! Anyway, I started training as a Healer but I didn't really enjoy it — it was just a way to try and stay close to my parents, because they're dentists — but despite the lessons of the war, half the patients, Healers and Mediwitches still wouldn't give me the time of day because I'm Muggleborn.

"I was determined to stick it out, though. I kept telling myself that things would get better. Then I began to think I might be pregnant. I cast the charm on myself to check and when it was confirmed, I decided to plan a special meal for my Ex's birthday, which was the following day. I thought — hoped — that between his birthday and my news, he might actually want to spend a romantic evening with me. I came home early to prepare and walked in on him in bed with someone else. We had a row and he told me she was pregnant and moving in. He said some vile things to me and beat me up before telling me to get out."

Penelope gasped in horror. Hermione smiled at her sadly and continued her story. "I knocked them both unconscious with a Healer's spell and packed my things. Not that there was much to pack since he wouldn't let me unpack most of it because he didn't want my things around, which is another sign I should have seen, I suppose. Then I left. I went to Harry's because I really didn't have anywhere else to go but he wouldn't even let me in the door. He claimed was too busy to deal with me then. He even said I should go and apologise to my boyfriend, who had just beaten me up! Despite everything we'd been through together, he didn't even do me the courtesy of saying so to my face himself. He sent his house elf to do his dirty work for him. His elf healed me and I left. I decided there was nothing to keep me in Britain so, on that same day, I closed my Gringotts bank account, changed my name magically so I couldn't be found and disappeared.

"I came here because my Mum was actually from Québec. I don't have any family left, on either parent's side, but I had the connection to Canada and as no one in the wizarding world knew about that, or that I speak French, they wouldn't think to look for me here. I made absolutely certain I couldn't be found because, quite frankly, my Ex is vindictive enough to claim Aimée from me and Pureblood law would allow it. I wouldn't even be given a chance to contest the claim and I wouldn't be able to see her again until she was of age, assuming that she even wanted to see me by the time he'd finished indoctrinating her against me. I don't want Aimée anywhere near him. I don't trust him not to turn on her and hurt her as well. My daughter is not going to be physically or emotionally abused by her father. Not if I have any say in the matter," Hermione swore.

"So I came to Montréal. I decided it was time to think about myself and do what I want, instead of what others expect of me. I didn't want to continue with my Healer training but got a job in a non-magical rare and antiquarian bookstore, which I love. After all, anyone who knows me, knows I love books! The Bellamys — that's shop owner and his wife — have pretty much adopted me. Xavier and Constance are my honorary parents and Aimée's grandparents. Xavier is even training me in the business. I took my GED just before Aimée was born and next month I'm starting university, to read for a degree in Classics; I'll be studying part-tine and continuing to work part-time. Xavier has also talked about sending me on industry-specific courses run by the Rare Book School in the States but I wouldn't be able to take Aimée with me to the classes and I'm not ready to leave her behind yet. Perhaps I'll do those courses when she's a bit older, after I finish my degree.

"I've been taking Aimée to work with me. Xavier insisted. She did her first accidental magic yesterday. When your cousin and his partner came to Obliviate any Muggles in the vicinity and found only me, Justin gave me your card. I realise that the Bellamys may well see Aimée doing accidental magic any time they're with her, so there's no point in trying to hide it from them if it does happen, but there's a lot of very valuable and expensive tomes in that shop and I don't want to risk anything happening to the books due to uncontrolled magic. I'd never be able to replace or pay for them. Besides, watching her with Phoebe, I can see it'll do her good to interact with other children. I don't know what my university schedule will be yet but I'd like to register Aimée with your day-care anyway, if that's all right."

Penny was aghast at Hermione's story. "I'm so sorry about everything that happened to you, Her… I mean, Nonie. Of course, you can register Aimée with us. I'm curious about your new name, though?"

Hermione laughed. "Mémé used to live with us when I was little and she always called me Nonie. I would never let anyone else abbreviate my name and, certainly, no one in the wizarding world would associate it with me. The Weasleys and Harry all knew how much I detested it when they tried to shorten Hermione. I wanted a name that meant something to me and that would be familiar enough that I'd answer to it easily, hence Nonie. As for Gale, that comes from Dorothy Gale."

Hermione looked at Penelope expectantly. The blue-eyed witch looked puzzled for a moment and then it clicked. "Dorothy Gale — The Wizard of Oz!"

"It seemed appropriate somehow," Hermione laughed. "Aimée was because I love her very much, no matter who her father is or what he did to me. I never want her to doubt that, so Aimée. She'll have that reminder with her always."

"Aimée is the spitting image of you, Nonie. I don't see anything of her father in her at all."

"No, Aimée is completely me, and not only in looks. I know it's a bit too early to tell yet, but if her doing accidental magic at such a young age is any indication, I think she probably has my power and intelligence, too. Thank Merlin, she doesn't seem to have her father's lack of intellect! Actually, talking of Merlin… I kind of hoped — quite strongly — during the pregnancy that she would be a mini-me. Do you think magic might have responded to that and somehow made it happen?"

Penelope looked pensive. "I don't know. I have no idea if that's possible or not. You're the Healer," she added with a smirk.

"I only had about six months' Healer training before I left, and it didn't include paediatrics or obstetrics. Oh, and that reminds me. Now that I'm re-entering the wizarding world, at least in part, I really should register with a family Healer. Is there someone you can recommend?"

"Indeed I can. Justin's wife, Melissa, is a Healer and she's very good. I'll give you her details."

"Thanks, Penelope. All right, time to talk business. I assume you have registration forms for me to fill out and there are fees to pay?"

"I'm afraid so," Penelope laughed. She discussed the fees with Hermione, who was actually quite well-off financially, despite only working part-time. She had come into a comfortable inheritance from her grandparents, which had been held in trust for her until she turned eighteen. She had also received a cash award with her Order of Merlin. Since arriving in Canada, she had increased her nest egg by investing cautiously in the Muggle stock market, using Arithmancy to guide her. So despite her upcoming tuition fees at university, she had no problems paying the fees to Clearwater Day-care.

As Hermione sat filling in the various forms, she came to a halt over a couple of details. "I've been seeing a Muggle doctor, rather than a magical Healer, so I don't have magical medical records for Aimée, nor has she received magical inoculations yet. I'll take care of that as soon as I can get an appointment with your cousin's wife, although I suppose the inoculations might need to be spread out a bit? I'll let you know what the Healer says, so we can work out when Aimée can start."

"That's fine," said Penelope easily. "It will probably only take a couple of weeks to complete the inoculations, providing she has no adverse reactions. Why don't we say Aimée will begin day-care on the first of September? The fees should be paid on the first of the month in any case, so that should work out nicely."

"That's perfect. There's just one other thing though. I don't have a next of kin or other emergency contact for Aimée, except for Constance Bellamy, who, as far as I'm aware, isn't magical. Is that a problem?"

"I shouldn't think so," said Penelope. "The only problem might be if we have to take her to the Healer or to the hospital. We take great care of the children but with a room full of youngsters who can't yet control their magic, accidents can happen."

"I understand," Hermione laughed. "I don't know any other magicals here though, apart from you…" Hermione's voice trailed out as something occurred to her. Penny looked at her quizzically and she explained. "I've just realised that in a way, you're the closest thing I have here to magical next of kin. Our daughters are cousins, after all!"

Penelope's mouth fell open in shock. "Oh my word! You're right! They are cousins, aren't they? Welcome to the family, Nonie."

"Thank you, Penelope," Hermione whispered.

"Penny," she interrupted. "My family call me Penny."

Hermione nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "I'm sorry for being so teary," she sniffled. "It's just that I felt so alone."

"Well, you're not alone any more," Penny said firmly, handing the younger witch a box of tissues. "Put the Bellamys on the contact form, so that they'll be able to collect Aimée if ever you're running late, and put my name as well, for magical emergencies. It's not the usual procedure, as it's better to have someone not on staff as your emergency contact, but it'll do for now."

Pausing for a moment to smile at her daughter who was gazing at them curiously, Penny turned back to Hermione. "I'll tell you what: Phoebe and I are going round to my parents for Sunday lunch tomorrow. The whole family will be there. Why don't you join us? Mum and Dad will love to meet you and I'm willing to bet Mum will have declared herself a second honorary grandmother to Aimée before the afternoon is over."

Hermione gratefully accepted the invitation and the two witches sat chatting for a while longer and getting to know each other better. By the time Hermione and Aimée went home that day, she felt that she had made a good friend, one who might even one day become like the sister she had always wished for.

The next day, Hermione nervously knocked on the door of Léon and Sophie Clearwater's home, giving a breath of relief when Penny answered the door.

"I was watching for you," Penny explained with a grin. "Come on in and meet everyone."

Hermione followed Penny to a large and comfortable looking room, which was filled with people.

"All right, everyone. Listen up!" Penny called. "This is Nonie, my almost sister-in-law, and the little cutie in her arms is her daughter, Aimée. Aimée and Phoebe's fathers are brothers, making them cousins."

"Hence the reason why you're calling Nonie your almost sister-in-law," said Justin with a grin, as he came over to shake Hermione's hand. "Nice to see you again, Nonie. This is my wife, Melissa, and our son, Felix."

Hermione greeted Justin's family and looked at Penny inquiringly. Penny nodded and carried on the introductions. "Over here are my parents, Léon and Sophie," she said, smiling brightly at her parents. Her voice softened with love as she made the next introduction. "Next to Mum are my grandparents, Lowell and Oriane. Then Dad's brother and sister-in-law — Justin's parents — Orson and Rosine. Mum's family all live in Britain, so you won't be meeting them today. Finally, beside Melissa is Justin's sister, Sage, and her fiancé, Mathieu."

Hermione politely greeted everyone and was warmly welcomed by them all. Sophie and Oriane drew her into conversation and she was soon chatting away happily in the friendly atmosphere. For all that Molly Weasley was undoubtedly a loving parent, she was also very judgemental and Hermione had never felt fully accepted by the Weasley matriarch. Penny was the only member of this family to have known Hermione prior to this day — and even that only barely — and yet, Hermione felt that she was not being judged and that the welcome was genuine. She briefly wondered why but put it away at the back of her mind to ponder later. However, this was quickly explained.

The family was leisurely chatting and Aimée was firmly ensconced on Sophie's lap. Sophie was trying to teach the little girl to say, "Granny," but she was being stubborn and was not cooperating.

"Nanny," she gurgled — or an approximation thereof! She was only nine months old, after all.

Hermione laughed. "My employer and his wife have unofficially adopted me. They're Nanny and Pappy," she explained.

"Nanny is also good," said Sophie with a wink.

"Nanny is good," agreed Oriane with a smile, "but I insist on Mémé. Now let me hold my new great-granddaughter, Sophie."

With a laugh, Sophie handed over the little girl and stood up. "Nonie, would you mind giving me a hand in the kitchen for a minute?" she asked, drawing the younger woman away from the merrily chatting group.

Hermione followed her into the kitchen, which seemed very calm and organised, unlike the usually chaotic Weasley kitchen.

"Oh, don't worry. There's nothing to do, it's all under control," laughed Sophie. "I just wanted a quick word away from the hordes."

Eyebrows raised, Hermione sat down at the kitchen table opposite Sophie and looked at her inquiringly.

"Nonie, Léon and I both know who you are, or were, since we understand from Penny that you changed your name magically. I want you to know that you can trust us. We won't say a word to anyone about your previous identity. Not only because you're family, and family looks out for each other, but because we owe you. The year that the Chamber of Secrets was opened in Hogwarts, if you hadn't warned Penny to look round corners with a mirror, she wouldn't only have been petrified, she would have been killed. I can't tell you how grateful we are to you for Penny's life and that would make you family, even without that beautiful little girl who is my granddaughter's cousin."

"Mrs Clearwater… Sophie… I don't know what to say, except thank you. Thank you for welcoming into your home and into your family."

"There's no need to thank us, dear. And Nonie? I know you have your employer's family, too — and you must introduce us some time — but know this, you're not alone now. Why don't you take a minute to compose yourself?" Sophie suggested, seeing tears brimming in Hermione's eyes and giving her a hug. "Come and join us again when you're ready."

Hermione nodded mutely and sat at the table, struggling to get her emotions under control. When she felt calmer, she rejoined the Clearwaters and spent a very pleasant afternoon with this family who had welcomed her so wholly and without reservation into their midst.

Within a couple of weeks, Hermione had registered with Melissa Clearwater's Healing Practice and Aimée had received all her magical inoculations. Sophie had insisted on adding her name to Aimée's forms as emergency magical contact instead of Penny. She and Léon had met Xavier and Constance Bellamy and the two older couples had formed an immediate friendship. Apart from the fact that one couple was magical while the other was not, they had much in common and a similar outlook on life. Add in their mutual concern for Hermione and Aimée, and they had quickly bonded.

Hermione herself was feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the speed and enthusiasm with which she had become a part of the Clearwater family. She kept expecting to wake up and find herself alone again but the motherly love she was receiving from both Constance and Sophie was doing much to reassure her. As she had hoped, Penelope was fast becoming like a sister to her, and Oriane, firmly instructing Hermione to call her Mémé, was delighting in spoiling her new granddaughter, as she kept calling Hermione. Fortunately, by the time Aimée's first day at Clearwater Day-care came around, the little girl already knew Penelope and Phoebe well enough that she was quite happy to be left with them while Hermione went off for her own first day at university.

Over the next few months, Hermione was extremely busy between caring for her daughter, her university studies and her job but she was happier than she had been for a very long time. A sparkle was back in her eyes and a bloom in her cheeks. She was flourishing and no longer looked depressed and beaten down by life.

This all came crashing down around her when the lease on her apartment was up for renewal and the landlady declined to renew it, instead giving Hermione only the minimum notice permissible. Hermione knew that between the Bellamys and the Clearwaters, she would not be on the streets if she did not manage to find another apartment in time but she did not want to keep moving Aimée from pillar to post. She also had exams coming up and wanted to be settled in her new apartment as quickly as possible.

"Hi, Penny," the harried witch gasped as she dropped off her daughter at the day-care centre. "I have to go flat hunting today and I'm not sure how promptly I'll be able to be here to collect Aimée. If I'm running late, would you mind keeping her afterwards, or else call Constance or your Mum to get her?"

"That won't be a problem but what's wrong with your apartment?" asked Penny.

"The landlady decided not to renew the lease. She's barely given me any notice and I have exams coming up, so I want to try and find something quickly. Today, if at all possible. The sooner I can make the move and get Aimée settled in our new apartment, the better," Hermione explained.

Penny looked at Hermione thoughtfully. "Did you know I recently renovated my apartment?"

Hermione shook her head, wondering why that was relevant.

"It's really very large. I was thinking of getting a flatmate because, quite frankly, Phoebe and I are rattling around in there on our own, so I did it up to allow my hypothetical flatmate and myself a certain amount of privacy, while still sharing the apartment. There are two main suites — both large bed-sitting rooms with ensuites. There are also two smaller rooms, one of which is Phoebe's. The other was going to be a guest room but it would be perfect for Aimée. There's also a family bathroom, which the two girls would share, plus the shared living area and kitchen that you're already familiar with. Why don't you come and look? I can be spared here for a few minutes."

"Are you sure?" Hermione breathed.

"Definitely," Penelope confirmed assuredly. "I could do with the rental income and the help with utility costs but I've been putting it off because I was nervous about inviting someone I don't know into my home. You're like my little sister and, after all those years sharing dorms in Hogwarts, I'm sure you know how to live with others. Come on, I'll show you the rooms."

Penelope took Hermione up to the apartment and showed her around. Hermione had been there several times before but had not seen the bedrooms. The room that Penny was offering to her was very generously sized and housed a queen size bed, a couple of lounging chairs with a small table, and a desk and chair quite comfortably. There was a good sized walk-in closet and the ensuite bathroom was quite luxurious. Hermione would be able to study in peace and quiet but would still have companionship in the communal, shared areas of the apartment. The smaller room for Aimée was large enough for a cot and or a single bed, a play area, and also for a desk when she got older. If they were still living there as Aimée entered her teens, Hermione could easily see her daughter choosing to sacrifice part of the play area — which would probably become a lounging area, with the addition of some bean bags — in favour of a larger bed. The room had fitted wardrobes and drawers and in the play area, there was a window seat with storage space under it. Penny, the quintessential Ravenclaw, had made sure there were plenty of book shelves in this and every other room in the apartment.

Hermione turned to Penny with an enormous grin on her face. "I love it! How soon can I move in?"

"How about at the weekend?" Penny suggested. "We can help you pack and move your things over."

"That's not necessary. I just need to shrink everything and it'll probably all fit into one carton," Hermione demurred.

"Nonie," said Penny sternly. "When are you going to realise that you don't have to do everything on your own anymore? Let us help you."

"All right," Hermione conceded graciously.

"Good," said Penny firmly. "That'll give me time to sort out a lease for you, get a set of keys made and add you to the building's wards before you move in."

Hermione twirled round and threw her arms round Penny in a hug. "Thank you!" she exclaimed.

"You're very welcome," laughed Penny, hugging her back.

By the weekend, the terms of the lease had been agreed and all the formalities had been completed. Melissa volunteered to babysit for Phoebe and Aimée, while Justin and his partner, Olivier, helped the two girls pack up Hermione's apartment and move her things to Penny's. Thanks to magic, it was all complete in just a few short hours. Hermione handed over the keys of the magically scrubbed and cleaned apartment to her landlady and headed over to her new home to unpack.

Penny had furnished the room she was renting to Hermione beautifully and all Hermione had needed to do was to buy furniture for Aimée's room, to go with the cot that she already had. Fortunately, everything had been delivered quickly and Hermione had even had time to decorate Aimée's room before they moved in. Hermione had left the walls plain white but had made one feature wall, using dozens of brightly coloured butterfly wall stickers, which she then charmed to fly about that wall. Hermione even managed to find matching curtains and bedding, for when Aimée would move out of her cot into a proper bed.

Phoebe had squealed with excitement when she saw the butterflies and so her room was given a similar transformation, with pretty flowers charmed to sway gently as though in a breeze and dragonflies hovering over the flowers. Phoebe was mesmerised by the dandelions releasing their spores, which floated up to the ceiling before disappearing.

The family bathroom which the two girls would be using was also given a makeover, with dolphins, fish and other sea creatures swimming about the walls. Hermione even managed to link the charms into the wards, so that when anyone without a magical signature, such as Xavier and Constance, would enter the apartment, the movement would cease and the stickers would be frozen in the original positions in which they had been affixed to the walls. It was a very tricky piece of charmwork but worthwhile.

Over the next few years, Hermione eventually completed her degree. She also undertook a number of different courses at the Rare Book School, including one that was an overview in book binding, restoration and repair. This sparked off a new interest in her. With the way that Hermione loved books, it actually pained her to see them damaged and in poor condition. She took some more detailed and specialised courses in the subject and, with her passion and love for books, she soon began to make a name for herself as one of the best book restorers in the business. She continued working with Xavier, although he focused on the buying and selling while she focused primarily on the restoration and repair. Xavier's job involved much travelling to search out and purchase the rare and antiquarian books he sold in his shop and Hermione was happy to have a role which allowed her to stay close to home and raise her daughter.