Wow... 30 chapters people! Woohoo!
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Lily insisted that she didn't want to know about the future; though she was subconsciously enamored. She found herself asking Hermione unintentional questions and retracting them before any answers could be formed. Hermione's expression fluctuated between a strained smile and sadness on the verge of tears; so Lily knew that she needed to stop her inquires but she realized the simple question she had yet to ask.
"Now, please don't take this the wrong way…" Lily was hesitant, she didn't want to cause any more stress on her blonde friend then she was already experiencing. "What are you doing here?"
At this question, Hermione's mouth formed a genuine, but small grin, "I'm trying to change the future for the better."
"And you're not afraid of the ramifications?"
"Of course I'm afraid." Hermione began to smirk, "I was sent back in time by accident, but I was prepared. I think I was meant to come back and alter a few things to set the future on… a lighter path."
Lily's mouth hung open in seer shock, "You're meant to change things?"
The two intelligent witches spend the remainder of the night discussing the possible outcomes and consequences of changes caused by time travel. Hermione kept the hypotheticals vague and more geared toward research issues and professional terminology. Lily was fascinated by all the general information that her friend had and the possibility of Hermione not merely being misplaced in time, but placed specifically where she was needed.
Before they parted for bed, Hermione did confide a bit of future knowledge, "Lily? I just... I wanted to tell you that you are very important for the future. You will make an amazing contribution to the war." Hermione smiled as the image of Harry walked through her mind, "But there are just a few surprises that I don't want to take away from you. I hope you can you understand that?"
Lily stepped forward and tightly embraced Hermione, "Of course I can understand that. I'm still insanely curious, but I like surprises. I don't need to know what's in store for me in the future."
Hermione spared her a relieved smile, "Just make sure you try to live more in the moment. The future is never what we plan it to be anyway."
…They danced in tight circles very slowly on the crowded dance floor. They occupied their own world where no one else existed. Sirius held a protective arm around Hermione's waist, his fingers gently drawing loops on the small of her back, as he held her left hand protectively to his chest. Her right hand was draped over his broad shoulder as she rested her head slightly against his cheek. The top of her head barely reached his eye level with her heals. She closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of him. A small, sad laugh escaped her lips.
"What is it?"
"Just thinking…"
"You've been doing an awful lot of that lately." Sirius spared a smile.
"I have to leave soon; the… episodes are getting worse." Hermione could not meet his eyes.
Sirius nodded his head slowly, "I know." His hold around Hermione's waist tightened. He put on a brave face and forced a tight smile, "Harry and I will be alright."
"I know you will be." Hermione raised her hand up to Sirius' face, "And I'll find you as soon as I get back."
He smiled sheepishly and leaned into her for a kiss, "You better, Blondie…"
Hermione's eyes flew open. The dream had changed…
"I guess Remus was right." Hermione murmured to herself as she climbed out of bed and began getting dressed, "I wonder how many more times that dream with alter itself?"
Today was New Year's Eve and Lily insisted on taking Hermione on a walk down to the farmers market before they had to get ready for the party. Lily had silently promised to not ask about the future anymore until Hermione brought the subject up herself, so the two girls meandered through the different fruit and vegetable stalls and just enjoyed a normal muggle morning.
When they returned to the Evans house, Lily's mother was excitedly looking over some photographs that someone had dropped off.
It was some of the professional photos from Petunia and Vernon's wedding. Hermione felt terrible for letting the event slip her mind, but Lily didn't want to relive it anyway. "It was fine Mia. My sister looked beautiful and she's happy. That's all that matters." But Hermione saw that dullness that Lily's usually sparkling eyes had taken while she spoke of Petunia. Hermione did see a particularly adorable picture of Lily and James dancing in the background of one of the pictures; she quietly tucked the random picture of the dance floor under her arm without anyone being the wiser.
"Well, let's focus on the fun we're going to have tonight then," Hermione whispered into the redhead's ear as they ventured upstairs to relax before they had to prepare for the party.
Lily and Hermione arrived a little before the party was set to begin; James had asked them to come early because his mother had wanted to meet them before her hostess duties pulled her focus.
Flora Potter was dressed in a fine deep purple silk gown that gently brushed the floor. You would never realize her old age if you witnessed her fluttering about with the stunning smile gracing her face. The older witch had married later in life than most; and this had been slightly due to her pureblood family traditions and prejudice. But Flora was thankful that she had found a kind, understanding man in Edmund Potter, who happily overlooked her family's darker tendencies.
The Potter matriarch was in the kitchen inspecting the hor d'oeuvers and cocktails that were being prepared for the festivities when she heard the front bell ring. She asked one of the house elves to fetch the boys from upstairs and inform them that their young ladies were there. She had suggested that James asked the girls to arrive early because his mother had wanted to meet them before she had to play hostess to the other guests. Flora glided out of the kitchen and motioned for her husband to follow her as she passed him; he was in the study glancing over a story in the Daily Prophet about more disappearances.
"They're here Edmund, make yourself presentable," Flora straightened the collar on her husband's robes.
Edmund Potter grasped his wife's old but nimble fingers, "It will be fine, Dear. Just open the door; they'll freeze if you leave then out in the snow for too much longer." Edmund's kind smile always brought out the sparkle in his bright brown eyes. Edmund did not wear his years as well as his wife, but he was still spry for his age.
Flora opened the door and had to keep the look of shock from overtaking her smile; she was slightly confused how her two troublesome boys had convinced these two lovely witches to date them, let alone be their girlfriends.
"Welcome, welcome. Please come in from the cold," Flora motioned for the girls to enter the foyer and signaled a servant to take each of their coats.
Flora knew immediately which of the young women was Lily; her deep auburn hair was striking, especially curled and gathered back into a low bun. Lily wore a stunning, floor-length, black chiffon dress with cap sleeves that showcased her elegant shoulders. Flora noticed that the girl wore little jewelry, only a pair of modest round diamond earrings. Hermione was dressed in a similar fashion; dark maroon chiffon, floor length gown, but this young woman wore a high neckline with flutter sleeves that covered the entirety of her shoulders. Her blonde hair was side swept in a loose braid with only a small moonstone ring on her right hand. Flora appreciated their simple taste and elegance.
"I am Mrs. Potter and this is Mr. Potter; we're so happy that you both were able to join us tonight," Flora greeted the girls with a bright smile; Edmund gave a small wave and nodded to each of them.
Lily appeared a bit anxious; she was clutching her fingers tightly in front of her. Hermione gently nudged Lily's elbow and answered for them both, "Thank you so much for the invitation. It's wonderful to meet you both."
"How is your N.E.W.T. year going; I've heard you both take studying quite seriously," Flora's gaze was approving and kind. She secretly hoped that the two girls were helping to focus James and Sirius enough to at least receive 'A's in all their classes.
Hermione continued to answer for herself and Lily, "It's difficult, but I think we're both managing alright."
"Sleep does get in the way of studying occasionally," Lily interjected lightly.
Flora and Edmund laughed heartily at the red head. "Oh, I can imagine. The boys speak very highly of your work ethics; just make sure to leave some time for fun," Mr. Potter addressed the girls though compassionate eyes.
"What are your plans…" but Mrs. Potter was unable to finish her question; she was interrupted by thundering footsteps descending the stairs.
James' jet black hair was just as ruffled and messy as usual, sticking out at every angle imaginable. It looked like he had rushed to get dressed; his shirt wasn't completely tucked in, his bow tie was askew and his dress robe was falling off of his left shoulder. Unfortunately, Sirius didn't appear to be in any better condition.
James and Sirius stopped dead as they entered the large foyer and locked eyes with their pretty witches. Hermione and Lily both stifled giggles at their disheveled appearance, but Flora was distraught.
"By Merlin… what on earth… I know you were both raised better than this!" Edmund took his wife's hand and tried not to smirk at James and Sirius.
The boys quickly righted themselves and tried to act nonchalant. James righted his robes; but his face contorted painfully as he maneuvered his shoulder. Sirius straightened his shirt and began descending the stairs; but he also winced a little as he got to the landing.
Mrs. Potter halted her ranting and eyed them suspiciously, "Are you two alright; what have you done to yourselves?"
James quickly plastered a Cheshire grin on his face, "We're fine mum; just a little tumble on our brooms earlier."
"You were out flying while it's so cold?" Lily asked absentmindedly.
Hermione poked her delicately in the side, "Were you trying to practice that dive again?"
"Yes… unfortunately, not the best landing I've ever had," James chuckled and gave Hermione a grateful smile.
A little house elf appeared in the middle of the foyer with a loud crack, "Excuse me masters… Lady Flora, the chef calls for you from the kitchen ma'am."
"Oh dear… Thank you, Milly." Mrs. Potter politely dismissed the house elf and turned to her early guests, "Please make ourselves at home. Make sure the boys give you a tour; and I'll see you both a little while later." Mr. and Mrs. Potter excused themselves to see to the food.
Hermione's courteous grin dropped as she rounded on the two Marauders, "What on earth did you two do?" Her harsh whispers seemed to snap Lily out of her intimidated state.
James nervously scratched the back of his neck, "Nothing…"
Lily glared daggers at her boyfriend.
"…Well nothing serious, anyway…"
Sirius held Hermione's severe gaze and shifted uncomfortably to his other foot, "We may have taken the motorbike out for a test drive. I just finished some new alterations and improved the flying charms…"
"Did you crash?" Lily's glare turned to concern.
"Not because of my modifications," Sirius answered somewhat defensively, but then realized he'd given away too much information.
"You crashed?" Lil and Hermione spoke in uncanny unison.
"Great going Padfoot…" James grumbled.
James led the group up to his bedroom so that he and Sirius could explain what had happened without the Potter's overhearing.
Lily took a seat in James' desk chair and Hermione stood, arms crossed, beside her, "All right; let's hear it."
Sirius took a deep breath before he began, "Like I said, I had just finished some of the new additions to my motorbike and strengthened the flying charm when James suggested we take it for a test ride."
"We were being responsible about it, I swear. Sirius drove down the road to an out of the way airstrip that's been abandoned for years. We made sure there wasn't any muggles around before we took off." James tenderly held his left shoulder as he spoke. "After we took a few passes around the airfield, Sirius wanted to try out his invisibility charm."
"Well it worked fine, didn't it?" Sirius was becoming horribly defensive about being scowled at by the two witches in front of them. He mirrored Hermione, and crossed his arms over his chest. Unfortunately, he bumped the bruise that lingered from the broken ribs that he had received from the crash.
"Dam it Sirius; no one's accusing you of crashing us intentionally." James was getting tired of Sirius' aggression toward the girls. He knew that Sirius' quick thinking had saved them, and he wanted to explain that to Hermione and Lily, "We were attacked; three Deatheaters appeared as we were flying over Godric's Hollow and began throwing hexes at us. One of them hit the motorbike and it must have countered one of the flying charms; we began falling."
Hermione and Lily both turned to Sirius. "How did you survive?" Hermione's anger had faded to hesitant anxiety as James had been retelling the story.
Sirius grumbled a bit, "There's a house up on one of the surrounding hills off Godric's Hallow, a bit further down from here; it has extensive protection spells and charms all around it. Only way you would even know that house was there would be for the secret keeper to tell you."
"The Fidelius Charm?" Hermione knew the spell well; but she was unaware that the Marauders had any experience with it until Lily and James had a need for it after the prophecy.
"Yea…" James looked a bit tentative as he continued, "Sirius knew the man who lived there and he had been told of the location of the house before the owner passed away a few weeks ago."
"Oh, so you kind of became the new secret keeper," Lily seemed to accept the explanation; but she knew that there was something more behind the words her boyfriend spoke.
"Why aren't you telling us everything?" Hermione found herself growing a bit angry at the fact that James and Sirius were only telling them partial truths.
"I'm the secret keeper." Sirius sighed as he began to explain the strange story, "When we were hit and it looked like we were going to crash, I quickly told James the address of the house and we aimed for the front yard. The motorbike landed badly, but remained mostly intact; James and I were a bit banged up though. We stayed in the protection spell around the house and mended our wounds as best we could on our own until the Deatheters realized that they couldn't find us again."
"Who made you secret keeper?" Lily looked slightly concerned. She sadly couldn't recall anyone outside of their circle of friends and family that Sirius was close with; and none of them had protection spells around there houses like Sirius was describing.
"The house is my uncle Alphard's. When he became very sick, he transferred the Fidelius Charm from himself to me so I would be the only one who knew where his home was," Sirius felt strange explaining about his family. He avoided the subject at all cost normally; it was strange to be embracing it now. "Uncle Alphard always hated now my mum treated me. He supported me when I ran away from home and they disowned me. Uncle Al never had any children of his own; he took a special interest in Regulus and me and was sometimes more family then my real father. He passed away a few weeks ago."
A moment of silence passed between the friends before Sirius continued again, "He left me everything. There was a little note from the ministry explaining that everything had been transferred into my name. I think he did it to spite my mother." Sirius chuckled a bit to himself, "Foiled her plan of leaving me without an inheritance; even though I still have a bit left from the bribe money from my father."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Hermione's voice was small and reflected a bit of her disappointment that Sirius hadn't confided in her.
Sirius smiled, "I was in denial. If I didn't talk about the only family member that ever liked me being dead, maybe it wasn't true."
Hermione closed the gap between her boyfriend and herself and embraced him; Sirius let out a helpless whimper.
"Um… yea, well Sirius and I learned something very valuable through this incident. We are rubbish healers." James gestured to his shoulder and arm, "Lil, would you or Mia mind patching us up a bit more?"
A smile spread across Lily's face, "I suppose I could try." She spared a humorous look with Hermione before she began to tend to James' arm.
Hermione turned her attention back to Sirius, "And what did you end up doing to yourself?"
Sirius grimaced and didn't answer. He carefully pulled the hem of his shirt up until the entire lower half of his torso; it was covered in dark blue and green bruises. "I may have landed on some of the rocks in Uncle Al's garden…"
Hermione shook her head and frown marks marred her face, "Good lord, Sirius…"
She quickly pulled a book of medical magic from her bag and muttered some healing spells.
Hope that was fun for you all! Thank you all for being so patient with me. Still writing away, trying to catch up. But I promise, it will be worth the wait!
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Misha