Wow... Thank you everyone who has followed this story. It has now reached 250 and I just... I can't... WOW. I love you ALL.
Special thank yous to : StormWitch19851, Jeb59, GhostWriter1864, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, Jily1102, and Raven that flies at night for thanking that extra minute to write out a few kind words.
Ghosty: I completely agree! I will let everyone's imagination take a few liberties with what kind of shenanigans could happen. ;)
Here is Chapter 32!
ps. Thrown Back will now be undated every Monday. Just fyi. =)
Lily's birthday was the day after classes commenced, and she was able to convince James to not attempt an extravagant party for her. Instead Hermione suggested a picnic overlooking the grounds and proposed her idea of a joint birthday celebration for the remaining members of their little group on the next Hogsmeade trip.
James glanced at her hesitantly, "You're sure Lily doesn't want a big party?"
"Yes James. With N.E.W.T.s coming up, the studying is driving her mad. I know she would love to just spend some time with you, away from everything. Then the next time Hogsmeade is scheduled, we'll all get together and celebrate everyone's birthday together. Lots of food, drink and of course whatever mischief you and Sirius can come up with." Hermione smiled at James from behind her Charms textbook.
The New Year appeared to bring a new tranquility with it; though for Hermione, the peacefulness made her nervous. She was constantly reminded of the idiom, 'the calm before the storm.' Hermione had to frequently remind herself to enjoy living in the moment and not concern herself with issues that had not come to pass yet. Sirius noticed her anxiety and attempted to distract her in many ways; books, sneaking through the castle, occasional snogging sessions, and though they initially worked wonders on Hermione's mood, the painful shadow of concern usually returned to her eyes the very next day.
It felt like Valentine's Day had crept up on Hermione before she was even able to blink.
When Sirius asked her what she would like to do to celebrate, Hermione grinned and simply stated, "Dance."
Sirius rolled his eyes, but smiled as he kissed Hermione's forehead, "Nothing else? You're sure?"
They were in the common room, settled in the window seat that Hermione favored. She was carefully reviewing the transfiguration essay that was due the next day. Hermione paused and met Sirius' eyes as he wedged his way into the small space overlooking the grounds; his skeptical smirk in place. "Actually I'd like to plan something; you just make sure you're prepared for at least one dance and I'll plan the rest. Just something simple," Hermione smiled brightly as she spoke to her boyfriend.
Valentine's Day fell on a Tuesday that year. Hermione confirmed with Lily about patrol routes and times to make sure she and Sirius could have a quite night alone. She had asked the house elves for some assistance and hoped that they had not had any trouble with her request.
Hermione held Sirius' hand as she led him up to the tallest tower in the castle. Hermione had somewhat claimed the astronomy tower as their 'spot' after their Christmas rendezvous. A plush blanket was already laid out in the middle of the landing and a few warm blankets were folded off to the side if it was necessary to keep them warm. Hermione had requested some small snacks of finger food and fruit, and they were placed in a covered tray right next to the blankets.
"Well, this looks welcoming," Sirius captured Hermione in an embrace and kissed her lips briefly before arranging their hands, grasping her waist and twirling her over to the picnic.
They sat there for a few hours admiring the cool air and the bright starry night. Hermione kicked off her shoes and curled up next to Sirius as they look up at the sky. He absentmindedly played with a strand of her long blonde hair as they enjoyed the peace and quiet of their date.
Sirius broke the comfortable silence first, "What are you thinking about?"
Hermione tried not to frown, "I was thinking about how complicated and crazy things are going to get after we graduate. I'm a time traveler but I don't know what's going to happen next; it's a bit infuriating at times."
Sirius turned and kissed her forehead, "Maybe not knowing everything is a good thing. Everyone needs some surprises in their life."
Hermione snorted, "You sound like Remus."
Sirius chuckled, "Well don't tell Remus that; he'll think he has had some kind of positive influence on me." He pulled Hermione into a standing position and hummed a little melody and led her around the landing of the tower and dipped her. Hermione couldn't help but smile at Sirius' playful antics.
Hermione realized that they had been having many moments like these the past few months; meaningful conversation, contented quiet, just enjoying the company of each other. On occasion, she had the horrifying feeling that all this wasn't real; that she would wake the next morning to find herself back in 1997 with an awful concussion or some kind of brain trauma. She feared that all the talk about bettering the future and waiting for love was all just a taunting dream. But Hermione couldn't allow herself to indulge in the depressing train of thought; she had to pull herself together and begin to make plans for righting what she could and protecting this fragile balance between herself now and herself at 'home.'
They lay down on their backs to get a better view of the sparkling sky; Sirius tucked one arm behind his head and then offered his other arm to Hermione for support. She interlocked their fingers and began gesturing toward the constellations, telling Sirius about the muggle stories behind each one that she recognized. He seemed interested enough to inquire about the stories when they didn't make sense, but Sirius really just enjoyed hearing Hermione's voice explain things.
When their eyes began to grow heavy and the air started to have a frosty bite; Hermione and Sirius sneaked down to the seventh floor and retired into the modest sitting room. They fell asleep listening to the crackling fire, entwined in each others' arms.
February faded into March and brought on the final Hogsmeade visit that the group of friends could attend before they were to sit for their N.E.W.T.s.
James and Sirius had been given permission by the rest of the group to plan a birthday party for everyone collectively. They were both a little doubtful, thinking that each person should have their own day of celebration, but everyone else involved heartily agreed that one big party would serve them better; especially with their testing coming up.
The two had thankfully not gone to extravagant lengths for the celebration, but they had rented out a large corner of the Three Broomsticks and ordered more food than anyone could consume in one sitting. There was an overflowing of Butterbeer and mountains of candy, as well as a massive cake with everyone's names scribbled across the top.
The group had invited several close friends who drifted in and out of the pup as they pleased. Small gifts and cards were exchanged and a few joke presents were thrown about and hexed appropriately.
Hermione smiled sleepily as the party wound down and she took note that the only people left at the table where the four Marauders and three respective girlfriends. Remus didn't seem interested in dating, and Hermione had defended his choice against the other boys. She was currently leaning on Remus's shoulder and observing James and Sirius making fools of themselves while drinking their seventh or eighth glass of Butterbeer and attempting to remember the words to an old drinking song. Lily was standing with her arms wrapped around James' torso; she was laughing but had turned beet red and was trying desperately to get the two wobbly boys to sit down.
Remus tilted his head so that he could see Hermione out of the corner of his eye, "You're certain you want that one?" A smile played at his lips.
Hermione glanced over at Sirius; he looked like a complete idiot trying to balance on top of one of the chairs. His hair was mussed up, sleeves were rolled up and somehow his shirt of askew; but as soon as Sirius noticed she was looking at him, he flashed his brilliant smile and lost his place in the song.
"Aw, can I please keep him Remus?" Hermione ran with the joke as she gave the werewolf a pleading look.
Remus released a hearty laugh, but was cut short when a very young Madam Rosmerta approached the table and motioned for Sirius to get down from the chair. She looked to Remus, who she knew was the logical one of the group, and told him politely to get his friends back to the castle and into bed.
"Of course, Rosmerta. Sorry things got a little out of hand," Remus chuckled as he walked over and forced Sirius to sit down. "Lily, are you alright steering James up to the castle?"
Lily hadn't had much to drink at all, "I'm fine, Remus. I'm sure James won't give me too much trouble." She looked to her messy hair boyfriend for a response.
"Who, me? No… never… no trouble here," James saluted Lily with what he thought was a stern expression.
Remus shook his head and turned to Peter and Philippa, "Are you two conscious enough to make it back."
Peter grinned wildly at James and Sirius, "I'm better off then these two." He laughed as Philippa slapped his arm lightly.
"I'll make sure he gets back in one piece. We might walk around the grounds a bit to get some fresh air in his lungs," Philippa took Peters hand and entwined their fingers.
"Alright, just be careful about the patrols. I think Regulus and Avery are on the schedule for today and they love getting Peter into detention." Hermione chuckled at how much Remus sounded like a general handing out assignments. "Why don't you both head out now so you have more time to… clear your heads."
As Peter and Philippa gathered their things to leave, Hermione came up behind Sirius and hugged his shoulders. "You doing alright, Love?" Sirius questioned as he leaned his head back to see Hermione's face.
Hermione attempted to hold in her laughter, "I think I'm a bit better off then you at the moment. You need some water and a good night's rest, like Rosmerta said." She kissed Sirius' cheek and offered him a sleepy grin.
"Merlin… how did I become the caretaker of three different couples?" Remus muttered under his breathe.
Hermione smiled sweetly at Remus, "You'll find someone to give you that warm fuzzy feeling too; I promise." She winked at her friend as Sirius pulled a disgruntled face at her. "You behave yourself, Snuffles."
The group of five that were left in the pub gathered their belongings and made for the exit to the village.
James appeared to be a bit worse off than they first imagined and he leaned heavily on Lily; Remus had to take his other side to help balance the messy black haired Maurauder.
Sirius wasn't as affected by the butterbeer apparently and giggled "lightweight" in Hermione ear as he draped his arms around her waist and brushed his lips over her earlobe.
"Be nice, Sirius," Hermione whispered at him with a pointed stare.
"Do you know how attractive you are when you glare?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and tried not to crack a smile.
"No. I really mean it. Your eyes have this glint of fire in them, your cheeks get a little flushed, and your lips…"
BOOM.
Sirius' rambling was drowned out by the explosion.
It sounded like one of the buildings had been hit with a giant sledge hammer. They could hear glass shattering and wood ripping apart as two more smaller explosions followed consecutively.
Sirius grabbed Hermione and forced her to squat down closer to the ground. He covered her as much as he could with his own body, "What the bloody hell…"
There was screaming from the neighboring buildings and everyone who was still on the street began rushing for places indoors or sprinting toward the Hogwarts gates. James, Lily and Remus were a few paces ahead of them. The trio turned around to make sure Sirius and Hermione were still behind them.
Lily began to say something, but she was interrupted by a huge whirlwind of air that swept past. It felt like the wind was being sucked into one specific point in the village; like a lightning rob for the air. When they all turned to follow the trail of the leaves and debris that was flowing within the wind to that certain area, another explosion occurred; this time throwing thirty foot flames into the air.
No one could tell exactly where the center of the disaster was, they were about three blocks away and there were several taller building in their line of sight.
"Sirius, I don't remember anything like this happening in Hogsmede…" Hermione felt her jaw fall open as her mind shuffled through every memory she could think of involving the village outside of Hogwarts. She was definitely awake now.
"You're sure?" Sirius looked completely sober now, "You don't think it could have been covered up; written out of whatever books you studied?"
Hermione caught Sirius eyes; he silently pleaded with her to agree to the slim possibility.
"Do you think something like this could have been covered up?"
Sirius strung together a group of nasty expletives.
He ran to Remus' side and harshly whispered, "Take Lily and James somewhere safe. Blondie thinks this is another skew from the timeline. We can't risk their lives."
James might have been tipsy and couldn't comprehend exactly what Sirius had meant by his words, but he did understood that Sirius was sidelining him. "Pads, are you mad? I can fight!"
"We don't even know if there's anyone to fight James. Stay here with Lily and Remus, we'll come get you if there is anything to be done." Sirius looked at Lily expecting her to offer up an argument as well; she was one of the quickest when it came to duels.
"James, please stay here with me. I… I'm not sure where my wand is," Lily hated lying, but she gave a sharp nod to Sirius to signal that she understood the gravity of the situation.
"Lily, knows about Mia, remember. She's probably figured out why we all look so terrified." Remus hurriedly said into Sirius' ear, "Go; make sure you and Mia protect each other. I'll protect James and Lily."
Hermione still stood like a statue; she was not able to find a single thing in her mind related to an attack like this on Hogsmeade Village.
Sirius ran up and stood in front of the bewildered witch, "Hermione? Are you coming with me?"
His voice pulled Hermione's eyes back into focus, "Of course I'm going with you."
"There's the glare I love so much," Sirius smirked and kissed Hermione hard before pulling on her arm to lead them toward the explosion.
Hehe, so yea... Sorry, but not sorry about the cliffy. It's going to be fun, I promise. =D
Love you all SO terribly much. Please Follow, Favorite and Review.
And if you like my writing, please check out my other stories; 'Begin Again', 'Life as Demigods', and 'Penelope Jackson: The Lightning Thief'
Always,
Misha