A/N: Long time no update! Okay, not that long...But, I still appreciate your patience and all the reviews, favourites and follows! You really make my day :)
Chapter 36: Unexpected occurrences
September 19th 1978 (Tuesday)
Hermione woke up to a tapping sound. She groaned at her pillow.
"Go away…" She muttered. Was it time to wake up already? She turned around and peeked between her heavy eyelids at the window and saw that it was still dark. And there were two owls carrying a large parcel, both rapping on her window.
It was her twentieth birthday. She grabbed her wand from the nightstand and cast the tempus charm.
It was four in the morning.
Grumbling, Hermione stood up and walked to the window to let the owls in. She recognised the other one; it was James's black owl. The owls flew in and dropped the parcel on her bed, both eyeing her with accusing looks. Or so she reckoned.
"I'm sorry, okay? Here," Hermione muttered and dug a handful of owl treats from the drawer. The owls flew off after snatching some treats, but before she could close the window, another owl flew in with a small package tied to its leg. The small brown owl hooted happily as it sat on her desk, eyeing the owl treats with interest.
"Go ahead." Hermione said and took the package from its leg. Why were people sending her gifts in the middle of the night? Didn't they realise that she was getting old and was in fact in a desperate need of her beauty sleep? She chuckled at her thoughts. After the last owl flew away, she closed the window, took the packages with her and went downstairs to make breakfast and get ready for the day. Since she wasn't tired anymore, Hermione reckoned she could head to work a bit early.
During the past two weeks, all of her friends had been quite busy. Sirius, James and Alice had finally started the Auror training at the DMLE after taking their Auror exams, while Lily and Mary had started their Healer training in St. Mungo's. When Hermione had briefly met Lily and James during the weekend, both of them had been exhausted, yawning every five minutes as they'd recounted their previous weeks to her.
Apparently Moody, who was training James and Sirius, was a pain in the arse. James explained that the Auror was constantly hexing the boys in order to forge the concept of constant vigilance into their heads. On some days they had been training around the clock, and after staying up the twenty-four or more hours that included several straining physical tests, he had attacked their minds in order to teach them Occlumency.
Lily and Mary had worked long days as well. There hadn't been any easing into the job, as they both had been assigned to different Healers on their first day, and were expected to follow said Healers throughout their first year of training. Lily explained how she had participated the rounds and treated the patients with her mentor. She'd bitterly told Hermione that the Healer she was following was a strict old lady, who expected nothing less than perfection from her Healer Trainees. Although Mary had it even worse – her mentor was a young man who had recently finished his Healer training, and was always either belittling her or coming on to her.
Hermione wondered how Peter was doing, since she hadn't seen or spoken to him in a long time. She was afraid to think about the possibility that he might soon be on his way to the dark side. What if he was slowly betraying his friends? Could she prevent it from happening?
Hermione sighed, pushing the burdensome thoughts away as she reached the kitchen downstairs and started to make breakfast. She made a mental note to contact Peter after work and see if he too was coming to her place next Friday, when they were supposed to celebrate her birthday.
After she finished eating, Hermione opened the larger one of the parcels.
"What the…" She muttered, eyeing the inside of the box in astonishment.
It was a VHS player. And there was a movie as well – Jaws.
"Wow…" She breathed, grinning as she eyed her birthday present.
She took the device out from the box and set it on the table, and noticed there was a note attached. She read it and rolled her eyes.
Aaand you're halfway to 40! Happiest birthday to our lovely Hermione!
-Your favourite foursome-
Oh – Lils promised to set it up for you later today.
Shaking her head in amusement Hermione took the smaller parcel in her hands and began to open it.
It was a book – The Wizarding Statutory Law regarding Magical Creatures. She eyed the book with a mixed curiosity and bewilderment, something prickling in her spine. She saw a note peeking between the pages. Hermione opened the book and her eyes landed on the page where the note was attached. It was the Elf Legislation, and her breath left her lungs as she read the note.
Giving a voice to the voiceless.
Hermione let out a nervous laugh and stared at the book in awe as her thoughts drifted to last April, when she and Regulus had spent a night in the Room of Requirement.
"What was it like? …Your life?" Regulus asked as they lay on his bed, facing each other.
Hermione hummed. "Intense." She said and squirmed as he pinched her waist.
"I gathered. Did you do anything normal? Between smuggling dragons into the castle and facing trolls in the bathrooms?" He asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Hermione smiled fondly at the memories. She hadn't told him all the details about herself, and how she, Harry and Ron were fighting against Voldemort, as there was the risk of Voldemort finding out about Hermione's affairs through Regulus. It was for the best that Regulus knew as little as possible about her actions against Voldemort, even if he had already seen many memories in her mind. Instead she shared with him some of the other occurrences during her schoolyears. "Well…I once rode a Hippogriff," she said, looking at him innocently.
Regulus rolled his eyes and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
She sighed longingly as his fingers traced the curves of her body, drawing small patterns on her waist and hip.
"I, um…Once I started an organisation to promote the Elfish welfare…" Hermione stammered as his fingers brushed her skin, finding the hem of her nightgown and trailing up towards the junction of her thighs.
"Oh?" He muttered with a low voice, his eyes dropping to her lips while his fingers followed the line of her knickers.
Hermione swallowed. "Yes, and I can't focus if you're touching me like that," she breathed.
Regulus smiled. "Okay," he said, moving his eyes to meet hers again as he brought his hand back to her hip. "You wanted better treatment for them?" He asked with interest.
Hermione nodded. "Yes. I thought – and still think – that they are enslaved and mistreated. I wanted to defend their rights and improve their working conditions. I wanted to question their status in the wizarding law and develop the Elf Legislation further. So…I formed an organisation and, well…basically badgered anyone I could to join it…And, er, I tried to free the elves without their consent…" She said with a sheepish smile.
Even though she still held the same views, she now knew that she hadn't approached her goals and the subject in the right manner. A couple of years after S.P.E.W. she had learned that political movements took time, and figured that perhaps she ought to have listened to the elves more, instead of deciding for them what was best for them. Hermione wondered if she should've perhaps tried to acquire a spokesperson amongst them, one that the elves would have listened to.
Regulus smirked. "How did you even manage that? And how did the elves react?"
Hermione shrugged. "I knitted a bunch of hats, socks and scarves and hid them around our common room for them to find…They, um…refused to clean it after that," She said with a slight cringe.
He laughed. "Hermione…" He said with a mix of reproach and amusement as he shook his head.
"They are brainwashed! They are willing to obey every single request their master makes, even if it's dangerous to the elf. They are willing to hurt themselves for no reason," she said heatedly, the ends of her hair crackling with electricity as she spoke.
Regulus was contemplative before he nodded. "I agree. I know this might sound a bit high-handed coming from someone who actually has a House-Elf, but…I don't approve how some witches and wizards treat them," he said sternly and Hermione could see regret cross his eyes. She reckoned he meant his parents, and, well…Sirius.
"I don't approve of them not having any rights – I mean, even though there is the legislation, I doubt many wizards and witches follow it," he muttered grimly.
Hermione smiled in agreement. "I know…" They were silent for a while before he spoke.
"Perhaps you'll change their lives someday and give your voice for the voiceless..." He said quietly and stared deep into her eyes.
Hermione shivered under his gaze. "Perhaps," She whispered as his fingers continued their earlier exploration.
She had gone to work, her mind in a haze because of the unexpected birthday gift from Regulus. It had been quite…thoughtful, as he had remembered something that was important to her, something she held close to her heart. Unfortunately, she knew she just couldn't focus on the house-elves right now…She had far bigger problems on her hands. But…perhaps there would be a time sometime in the future?
After lunch, she found a letter on her desk.
"The front desk receives the owls and delivers the post to recipients," Viridian muttered to Hermione as he added Armadillo bile into his cauldron and took notes of the changes in the potion.
"Oh…" Hermione said absentmindedly as she sat down. She opened the letter and looked at the neat handwriting. It was from Snape. She had sent him her notes regarding her project the other week, of course leaving out the detail that she was actually trying to make an antidote for a poison Voldemort had used. He had reviewed her notes, and suggested a couple of alterations to the antidote, making it more extensive. Hermione hummed approvingly as she read his instructions and decided to try them as soon as possible.
Even though Hermione was working with an experienced potioneer - the one, who had originally provided McGonagall the list of the torturous poisons Hermione had been brewing during the past year - she hadn't wanted to ask for Viridian's help. Hermione, Dumbledore and McGonagall had agreed to not include him in on her project. Viridian wasn't part of the Order, and they reckoned, the less people knew what she was up to, the better.
Viridian's employees had a permission to work with their personal projects alone in one of the potions labs after work hours, if they so wished. Hermione had visited the lab with her antidote a couple of times but hadn't made any progress with it. The antidote she was working on, was supposed to be functional against several rare torturous poisons she had brewed, but for some reason, it was losing its abilities if not stirred periodically. After that, the potion was useless. Luckily, she still had several doses of the original poisons stored at home, as they were crucial ingredients in the antidote.
She reckoned that with Snape's advices, she might have a chance to brew the antidote successfully. Or so she hoped.
As she returned home from work, Hermione noticed a small pile of birthday gifts on the sitting room table.
"Wow…" She whispered and smiled at the view as she sat down on the couch and eyed the pile that had appeared there during her workday.
"I know, right…" An amused voice said behind her. "I feel like you're rather spoiled, you know…"
Hermione leaped to her feet, whirling around.
Remus.
"You're home!" Hermione squealed and jumped towards him, enveloping him into a crushing hug.
Remus laughed. "I suppose I don't have to ask if I've been missed?" He asked as Hermione hugged him tightly against her.
She started crying. She tried to press her face against his chest, to hide her misery from him.
"Hey…Hey?" Remus asked softly, grabbing her shoulders and pushing her away slightly. "What's going on?" He asked with a worried look.
Hermione swallowed. "I just…I've missed you." She said, blinking away the tears and trying to get a grip while shaking thoroughly.
"No, that's not it. What's going on, Hermione?" Remus asked again and pulled her towards the couch, where they sat down next to each other.
She cringed after a short silence. "I, um…I've been quite lonely throughout the summer." She muttered, staring at the table where the pile of gifts stayed untouched. "Then there was the raid, and…" Her voice trailed off. She wanted to tell him about her parents so much, but she couldn't.
"And?" He asked, staring at her intently.
Hermione gave him a helpless look and shrugged.
"You can't tell me?" Remus asked curiously.
Hermione shook her head miserably and he frowned at her, a contemplative look in his eyes.
"How's Allie doing?" He asked after a short silence.
Hermione let out a weary sigh. "Better, I think. She has the Auror training now to take her mind away from what happened. But…it just feels unfair…I mean, her life was perfect. She just got married, had a lovely honeymoon and then…" She said with a strangled voice.
Remus nodded quickly. "Yeah…I feel bad for not being there for her," he muttered, staring at the fireplace with a frown.
"You couldn't have interrupted the Belby study…And the rest of us were here," Hermione said and gave him a reassuring smile.
She knew that Remus wasn't convinced, as saw the regret in his eyes as he looked at her.
September 22nd 1978 (Friday)
Everyone gathered at Hermione's and Remus's place to celebrate Hermione's birthday, as well as Remus's return from Germany. Hermione had opened the rest of her presents on Tuesday night before she'd went to bed, since Lily had popped by almost immediately Hermione had come home, with the intention of fixing up her new VHS player. Lily had been equally surprised and happy to see Remus, and of course Hermione, Lily and Remus had stayed up late and chatted the whole evening about Remus's trip and what each of them had been up to for the past months.
Alice and Frank had given Hermione a Secrecy Sensor, a dark detector that looked something like a coiled, golden television antenna. It was supposed to vibrate when it detected jinxes, curses, and concealment charms. Even though the object wasn't that useful as it was easily fooled, Hermione was delighted, since she had always found the items of the wizarding world somewhat fascinating. Remus had given her a very intriguing and advanced book about offensive and defensive magic. From a large parcel she had found a vast collection of potion ingredients to refill her potion's kit as well as a selection of brand-new crystal phials, from Lily and Mary. There had been also a small notebook, which turned out to be James's father's notes from the time when he had been experimenting and developing new potions in his youth. Hermione had been a bit taken aback by it, and reckoned there was probably quite valuable information in the notebook. Lily had later assured her that Mr. Potter had given it for her to keep, and was not expecting it back.
Hermione had received another book from Aberforth, which was about household spells. The gift included a note where he had written that he was expecting an invitation to her new place. Smiling, Hermione had put the book away and unwrapped the last present.
It was a Pensieve.
Needless to say, Hermione had been stunned. Dumbledore had given her a Pensieve, for Merlin's sake, and written her a note as well;
To remember all the good things in your life.
Hermione had been glad to open her presents alone. She had dissolved into tears.
"Why are you brooding in your bedroom when we are supposed to celebrate your birthday?" Sirius asked, leaning against her doorframe as he eyed her casually.
Hermione cleared her mind. "I'm just taking a break. You guys can be a handful, you know…" she said with a teasing smile and stood up from her bed.
She had snuck upstairs for a bit after dinner, while James, Lily, Remus and Arthur had started to work on the VHS player, which Lily hadn't managed to set up as all her time on Tuesday had gone in catching up with Remus. Molly had come to celebrate Hermione's birthday as well, without kids, as Fabian and his fiancée had promised to watch them for the night. Molly had knitted a jumper with Hermione's initials for her birthday. She had been somewhat overwhelmed by the gift, as it reminded her of all the Christmases and birthdays in her old life, and she reckoned she needed to be alone for a moment.
"Come on," Sirius said and threw an arm around her shoulders as she walked towards him. "We still haven't had the cake yet," he said, smirking at her wary expression.
"I'm not really sure if I even want to have the cake, seeing as you were involved in the making and baking of it," She grumbled as they walked down the stairs.
Sirius barked a laugh. "The only thing that was involved was my home, kitten. I promise. Lils did it all by herself," He said as they reached the sitting room.
"For a moment there I thought these dimwits are starting the party without the woman of the hour…" An amused voice stated behind her.
Hermione turned around. "Gideon? How are you here?" She asked with a bewildered smile.
Gideon grinned at Hermione and took the Butterbeer Sirius offered him. "Magic," He said and winked at her. Sirius chuckled, while Molly rolled her eyes at her brother from the kitchen where she sat with Lily and Alice.
Hermione arched a brow at Gideon. "Shouldn't you be at Hogwarts?"
He shrugged. "Well, not exactly…" He muttered.
Hermione lifted both her brows in surprise. "Oh?"
"I handed in my notice. I'm going back to the force. Easier to do Order business. And, well, more time with family and stuff…" He said evasively and handed her a small package.
"Oh! Thanks. You shouldn't have…" She said, surprised as she took the gift from him. "And…You're okay with it? Quitting?"
He gave her a smile. "Yeah, sure. Don't worry about it," He said and glanced at the kitchen. "Is there any food left? I'm starving…"
"Sure, go ahead." Hermione said and nodded her head towards the food that was on display.
The evening went on in high spirits, and they eventually watched Jaws from the television set. It had been a bit awkward when Mary had arrived right before they started the movie – she hadn't really spent time with Remus after their breakup, and then he had been abroad.
The awkwardness continued when Peter arrived later with his boyfriend Jason. It wasn't that anyone disapproved their relationship, but merely that most of them were a bit surprised since Peter hadn't really spoken about him. Even so, James and Sirius had had their suspicions about their friend and his workmate. The man in question was tall and slim, quite handsome looking young man with a freckled face, warm eyes and a curly golden-blond hair.
"So, um…Everyone…This is Jason," Peter squeaked and eyed his friends nervously. Molly, Arthur and Gideon had already left, as well as Alice and Frank.
James, Sirius and Remus all grinned and went to shake hands with the newcomer. Lily, Mary and Hermione followed. After the introductions, they sat around the dinner table and got to know one another. Jason told everyone that he was a rune translator apprentice as well, and was a bit further in his training than Peter, as he was a year older, and had started a half a year before.
"You were in Hogwarts?" Hermione asked as she filled Jason's glass with red wine.
He shook his head. "I went to Ilvermorny. Moved here from the States a couple of months after graduation," Jason said with a hint of edginess in his voice.
"Ooh! I've always wanted to hear more about the school!" Lily said excitedly as she sat down next to him. "You know, our Hermione here is from abroad as well! She's studied in Australia…" Lily babbled eagerly, the wine clearly taking effect.
Jason smiled at Hermione, but she didn't get the chance to say anything, as Lily started shooting questions about the houses at Ilvermorny. Mary too joined the conversation and soon they were learning the inside information about the American wizarding school.
After a while, Hermione glanced at the Marauders, who had retreated into the sitting room during the boring school talk. Their words, not hers, Hermione thought and eyed them as they lounged on the couch and armchairs, watching the telly with mesmerised looks. Merlin, you'd think they would've gotten used to it by now…She thought with amusement and saw Peter glance at Jason anxiously, as the man in question explained about his previous school's curriculum to Mary and Lily. Peter's gaze met with Hermione's, and he looked away quickly. Hermione frowned. What was that about? Her thoughts quickly vanished as Sirius and James announced that they were going to drop by at Sirius's place to grab a couple of bottles of Firewhiskey so that they could finally start celebrating properly.
October 15th 1978 (Sunday)
"So…You reckon anyone will notice if I trip jinx Snivellus?" Sirius murmured to her from the next seat.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'm not even going to answer that," she said quietly as she listened Snape explaining about Voldemort's liaison with the Giants and his plans to attack a lively residential area in London.
They were in the Hog's Head, attending to an Order meeting, and the atmosphere was quite dark. The news of Voldemort gaining supporters from the Giants so soon had caught them off guard, and in addition to that, McGonagall's brother Robert had gone missing the other week.
After the meeting, the Marauders, Lily and Hermione stayed for a drink. No one really talked about anything, as everyone was still going through the news they had received during the meeting. They were expected to join the fight, at last. Dumbledore had tried to ask for Hermione to stay behind but she wanted to fight beside her friends. She knew there were risks, but she couldn't just go home and wait out the raid. She could only hope that she would be fast enough not to get killed or kidnapped.
In order to clear her mind, Hermione went upstairs to her old sitting room to return a couple of books back to Ab. She eyed the bookshelf for a moment, thinking absently about the Grimmauld Place library. She wondered if Regulus too would be in the raid, even though he was in school. And if so, would she recognise him, under the cloak and the mask?
Sighing, Hermione walked downstairs and decided to head out for a bit. She needed the fresh air. As she opened the back door of the pub and stepped into the crisp October air, she blanched at the sight in front of her. Peter was there, a fag between his lips.
"You smoke?" Hermione asked with a dumbfounded look.
Peter shrugged sheepishly. "Only when I'm nervous…" He said and grimaced as he inhaled the cigarette smoke.
Hermione pursed her lips at the disgusting habit. "You're nervous because of the raid?" She asked kindly.
Peter contemplated his answer for a bit. "Yes and no." He said quietly.
"Oh?"
He sighed. "It's….Someone…" He winced, eyeing around him.
"Hey? What is it? Has something happened?" Hermione asked, suddenly feeling slightly alarmed. "You can talk to me, Peter. You can trust me. You know that, right?" She asked and stared at him searchingly.
Peter worried the inside of his cheek and stumped the fag before he cleared his throat and spoke. "S-Someone has been approaching me with a certain issue…" He said obscurely.
Hermione's eyes widened a bit. This had to be it. The Death Eaters. Voldemort. Whoever it was, someone had started to pursue Peter to change sides. To betray his friends.
"Who? What did they say?" Hermione asked urgently.
Peter cringed. "I…I haven't seen their faces and…It's about Jason…They're threatening him because he is a Muggleborn. They're threatening to do something to him if I don't…" He squeaked, looking away.
"If you don't do what?" Hermione pressed on, dreading his answer. She vaguely registered that her hands were clenched into fists, her nails digging uncomfortably into her skin.
"Nothing, forget about it. I'll handle it, Hermione…" Peter muttered quickly, staring at the edge of the back garden of Hog's Head.
Hermione felt something cold trickle down her spine. Peter definitely could not handle it by himself. Was this how it previously went? Did he try to handle it by himself and failed? "No, Peter. Tell me," Hermione demanded with a low voice, her eyes boring into his.
Peter shifted uncomfortably and averted his eyes. "Um…I should go inside…The guys –"
"Damn it, Pete!" Hermione hissed and took a hold of his arm. Peter winced with surprise but she ignored him. "Trust me on this. You need your friends!" Hermione said trough gritted teeth, pinning him down with a hard stare.
"I…" Peter stuttered, fear flashing in his eyes.
Hermione sighed and dropped her hand. "Please. You can trust me. Tell me, and I'll help you figure it out, okay?" She asked softly. If this was the reason why he had sold his friends to Voldemort, because of a loved one being threatened, and him being too scared to ask help, would it be possible to change his fate? Could it be possible to change his friends' fates as well?
Peter swallowed hard. "Um…well, if…if I don't spy the Order for him." He whispered, staring at her helplessly.
Hermione held her breath. She knew this was a crucial point. A point where she could help Peter to do the right thing. "And have you? Spied on us?" She asked carefully.
He shook his head. "They're expecting an answer from me," He muttered. "I don't know what to do, Hermione!" He choked out. "I can't let them hurt my friends…But I can't let them take Jason away from me…What can I do?" He cried out.
Hermione felt bad for him. When she had arrived to this time, she hadn't even wanted to look at Peter's direction. She'd loathed him. Because of what he'd done to his friends. But this Peter hadn't done anything yet. This Peter seemed…different. Sure, he probably had already considered the option, but she could now see the decision wasn't something he would do easily.
Hermione tried to form a plan as she placed a soothing hand against his shoulder. "We are going to solve this together," She said reassuringly and bit the inside of her cheek for a bit before she continued. "We are going back into the pub and let our friends know. Then we go to Dumbledore. He will know what to do, okay?" She said firmly, eyeing him expectantly and hoping to Merlin he would agree with her.
Peter looked hesitant before he gave a small nod. "Okay."
"I'm so fucking tired right now…" Sirius moaned from the couch.
Remus rolled his eyes. "You know, Pads, if you're afraid to go home, you're welcome to stay the night. But only if you stop whinging," He said wearily as he slumped into the armchair next to the couch and started to flick through the tv channels.
"Bugger off…I'm not afraid to go to my own house…I'm merely giving them a moment of peace, for you know…to settle in." Sirius muttered as he closed his eyes and rested his head on the back of the couch.
It had taken Hermione and Peter many hours after the Order meeting to explain everything to their friends and Dumbledore, and then to form a plan to protect Peter and Jason from the Death Eater's threats. The two boys were now staying at Sirius's and the place had been warded with several protective enchantments. Everyone thought that laying low for a while would help to direct the Death Eaters' attention elsewhere.
Hermione smirked at the raven-haired Marauder. "How generous of you," She said with an amused voice as she sat down next to him. "I'm sure they're very grateful," She said, mocking him.
Sirius arched a brow and squinted at Hermione. "The only thing I'm expecting is for them to keep their…you know…Buggery –" He said, smirking at her withering glare before he continued, "In the confines of their bedroom."
Remus glanced at him. "Isn't that what people usually do?" He asked incredulously.
Sirius chuckled. "Um…Hello? Have you met me?" Sirius asked with glee, while Remus and Hermione both rolled their eyes in exasperation.
"Well, I'm off to bed," Remus said between yawning, "Got to be sharp for tomorrow's Epic Poetry," He muttered as he stood up and walked towards the stairs.
"You're not going to school tomorrow? Shouldn't you be resting?" Hermione asked quizzically and turned to look at her friend with concern. Tomorrow was the full moon, and even though his transformations were now easier because of the Wolfsbane potion, he still looked very ill.
Sirius winced as he saw his werewolf friend narrowing his eyes at Hermione.
"I'm perfectly capable of living my life, Hermione. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll head to bed," He said bitingly and continued his way up the stairs.
Hermione was quite taken aback, as Remus wasn't usually this snappy. She turned to Sirius; puzzlement clear on her face. "What was that?"
Sirius sighed and rubbed his neck awkwardly. "We, um…The guys and I…might've had questioned his ability to study during the full moon as well…" He said slowly.
"Oh," She muttered, worrying the inside of her cheek.
"Don't take it personally," Sirius said and squeezed her shoulder. "Moony's just been waiting like, forever for the school to start and I reckon it's a bit hard to let his illness get in the way…" He said prudently.
Hermione nodded. "I know…It's just that…I'm worried he'll overwork himself into exhaustion…" She said quietly. They were silent for a moment before she spoke again. "Will you be with him tomorrow?"
"Of course."
She gave him a smile. "Where will you go?" She asked, intrigued to know where a bear-sized dog, a majestic stag, a small rat and a rather notable werewolf would go, now that they didn't have the Shrieking Shack near them.
"Prongs's folks have a deserted cottage in Yorkshire Wolds. Figured we'd head there tomorrow morning to set the place ready," He explained and yawned.
"I should head upstairs too," Hermione said, stretching her arms. It was getting late and she had to be at work early the next morning. "You sure you're not going home? To your own comfortable bed instead of this small and pointy couch?" She asked with a wry smile as she stood up.
He smirked. "You could offer your bed," He said and lifted his brows knowingly.
Hermione huffed. "I'm really not in the mood for this," She said and turned towards the stairs. They had been spending more time together now that Remus was back, and while they had been nothing more than friendly towards each other, something remained underneath all that. That something always resurfaced when he said those things, or looked at her like that. Before she managed to take a step forward, he stood up and pulled her against him.
He was so close that she could feel his breath against her skin. So close, that she could feel the muscles of his chest flexing as he breathed slightly faster. She didn't know what to think. She knew she should have pushed him away, taken a step back. But she couldn't move, as a part of her was intrigued to see what was on his mind. Where this was going. Her heart skipped a beat as he slowly lowered his lips against hers, brushing them lightly.
"Sweet dreams, Hermione," He whispered against her lips before turning away and leaving the place through the fireplace.
October 31st 1978 (Tuesday, Halloween)
The air outside had become crisp and chilly, as grey clouds blanketed the sky and the daylight hours remained dim; the winter was coming. The past weeks had gone quickly for Hermione, as she had worked long hours and barely seen her friends. She hadn't really had the chance to talk with Sirius after the incident – the night when he had kissed her and left her feeling perplexed about everything between them – but recently she had started to think that perhaps their time was indeed in the past. That something between them just didn't seem to go anywhere anymore, and she wasn't sure if either of them really wanted it to.
Hermione was in the middle of scribbling her notes about a couple of additions to the potion she and Viridian were researching when she felt her thigh warm up.
"What?" She mumbled, placing her quill on the table and reaching to her pocket.
The galleon. The galleon!
She quickly took the coin into her palm and inspected it.
I need you. –RB
Hermione swallowed and tapped her wand to the coin.
Everything okay? –HD
She waited anxiously for his reply. Why did he need her? What for? Didn't he end their relationship because it was dangerous for them to be anything else than a spy and his contact? The coin was heating up again, as his reply came through.
No. Please come to Hogwarts. –RB
Hermione didn't have a chance to think about a reply before he sent another message.
It's Kreacher. Help me. –RB
A cold shiver went through her spine. Godric…Voldemort…the locket. Her mind was whirling as she tried to focus. She quickly tapped her wand to the coin and sent Regulus a reply that she would meet him in the Room of Requirement as soon as possible.
She pushed the coin back into her pocket, flicked her wand over her desk to gather her notes and clean the space.
She cleared her throat. "Um. Sir?" She asked, eyeing him hesitantly.
Viridian glanced at her. "Yes?" He asked and turned to stir his cauldron and added something to his notes.
"Would it be possible for me to leave early today? A friend of mine is in trouble, and normally I wouldn't leave my work unfinished, but it is actually quite important," She explained, worrying the inside of her cheek.
It was already afternoon, and her workday would end soon, but she still didn't want him to think of her as indifferent towards her work and the apprenticeship.
"Sure, go on," He muttered, his eyes trained on the cauldron. "In fact, take tomorrow off if you please. I think you have worked more than enough overtime to cover the hours," He said wryly and turned to look at her with mirth in his eyes.
Hermione's mouth quirked up a bit. "Thank you, sir. I'm not certain if it is necessary to take the day off tomorrow, but if will inform you as soon as possible, if that is acceptable?" She asked as she pulled her coat on.
Viridian nodded. "My regards to your friend," He said and turned back to his work.
"Thank you," She said and left the building.
As she walked towards the apparition point in the old industrial area near London where Viridian's company was nestled between several Muggle companies, she tried to think what she would do next. She needed to contact Ab and Dumbledore. She decided to apparate home, and then floo over to the Hog's Head.
Before leaving her home, Hermione packed her beaded bag with her potion making kit, her research regarding the mind-altering potions, as well as the antidotes she had brewed and finished with the help of Snape. Now it was time to see if her efforts would bear fruit. Her hands shook with fear as she stepped into the fireplace after shouting the name of her previous home.
It was at least an hour later when she walked into the Room of Requirement to see a stricken looking Regulus standing next to the couch in the Grimmauld Place library. Kreacher was lying on the couch, unmoving.
"Hermione," He muttered, his eyes darting over her face. "Can you help?" He asked urgently, his voice wavering.
She felt a twinge of guilt as she saw how desperate he was. How vulnerable he was. And she could now see how much the Elf meant to him. "I…I think so, yes." She said softly and walked towards him.
Regulus didn't say anything until she was kneeling next to the couch and digging through her beaded bag. "He did something to Kreacher. He…He requested an Elf. And I…" He said and gritted his teeth.
He shoved his hands through his hair, messing it up. "I fucking did what he told me to do," He said exasperatedly.
"It's okay. I'll help. You did what you had to do, Reg." She said and eyed him with compassion.
Regulus sighed. "I had to stun it when it came to me. Kreacher was…was screaming in agony, and I didn't know what to do. Nothing I tried helped, so I brought it here." He said absently, staring at his house-elf before he turned to look at her, his eyes flashing with helplessness. "Just…Do what you can, okay?"
Hermione swallowed hard and nodded. "Okay."
She waved her wand over Kreacher's unconscious body, making mental notes about its condition. She needed to know every single detail, because soon she would go to the cave to retrieve the locket, and whoever was with her, would have to help her to get through the effects.
"It seems that Kreacher is poisoned," Hermione muttered.
"I know. I already tried to give it antidotes but they did nothing," He said blankly.
Hermione chewed her lip. Nervously, she pulled four vials from her bag. She uncorked the first one, a simple pain-relieving potion and tipped a small amount of it into Kreacher's mouth as Regulus held the elf's head up.
"Pain relieving potion," She explained as Regulus eyed her curiously. He nodded but said nothing.
Hermione waved her wand again to perform another set of diagnostic spells, and saw that there was a small change for the better in the Elf's condition, but saw that the poison was still attacking the Elf's brain. She forced small amounts from the two other vials down its throat and waved her wand again. She had to at least try the common and uncommon antidotes, even though they had probably already been tested by Regulus.
Hermione sighed. "No change…" She muttered before she gave Kreacher the contents of the last vial.
She took a deep breath and raised her wand. Fingers crossed…Hermione thought as she cast the diagnostic spells.
"…Merlin…" She whispered, staring at Kreacher in shock.
"Did it work? What was it?" Regulus asked sharply, eyeing her searchingly.
Hermione cleared her throat. "It worked," she said quietly, shaking her head in astonishment.
She could hardly believe it. She had done it…She really had managed to brew the correct antidote. Hermione let out a nervous laugh. Had she really succeeded? In her mind she was doing somersaults, and cartwheels, and celebrations, but as she turned to look at Regulus with a wide grin spread on her face, she then blanched, her smile vanishing away.
He was staring at her with a cold look in his eyes.
"What is it?" She asked in confusion. "Regulus, Kreacher is going to be fine. The potion worked," She said reassuringly, placing her hand to rest against his chest. He stood up and took a step back, gritting his teeth together as he breathed heavily through his nose.
"Reg?" Hermione asked in puzzlement, trying to understand his sudden cold exterior. And…Anger? She stood up slowly and eyed him expectantly.
"You knew." He said eventually with a hint of bitterness in his voice. "You knew this would happen, all along. You even made the antidote. That's what you've been up to in the potion's lab," He said harshly, his eyes flashing with betrayal.
Hermione's stomach dropped. She gaped at him, rendered speechless.
"Fuck." He cursed, his eyes filling with hurt and anger before he schooled his expression. "I should've known." He huffed. "I fucking should've known that you knew," He growled, walking away from her and stopping in front of the fireplace, leaning his hands on the mantle.
Hermione trembled with regret. With guilt. She wanted to apologise, to calm him, but she didn't know what to say. Sorry just didn't seem to be enough. She still had to try though.
"I'm sorry Regulus." She said quietly, her voice shaking.
"Why?" He muttered with his voice thick with emotion. He was still turned away from her.
Hermione tensed. What could she say? She needed Kreacher to go to the cave so that she would know the way there. Voldemort needed to test the defences of the cave first so that he wouldn't immediately find out that someone had been there and stolen his Horcrux. But had it really been the only option? She had let the Elf suffer for her gain. Sure, Kreacher was going to be fine, but still. Regulus turned to stare at her, his expression calm and expectant.
"I…I don't know what to say…" She whispered, frowning at the floor.
Regulus stared at her with a blank look. "Yes, you do. You're just afraid to say it," He said quietly.
Hermione swallowed and nodded. "I knew this would happen. And…I needed it to happen." She said and gave him a pleading look. "I'm sorry Kreacher was hurt, I really am."
He stared at her with a penetrating look, full of resentment. She knew what was coming. She felt him intrude her mind a moment after. She felt him nudge her mental barriers away with ease and search through her mind. Soon he stumbled back a bit and kicked a chair.
"FUCK!" He yelled and took a couple of deep breaths before he turned to her again. Hermione stared back weakly. "Another one?" He asked coarsely and after she nodded, he continued, "How many? Tell me. Now."
Hermione swallowed nervously. This was not the way she had wanted to tell him about Voldemort's Horcruxes. She still wasn't sure if it was even safe to talk about them with him. But she knew she had to tell him.
"Six. He had six where I came from." She said feebly.
"And now? How many?" He gritted through his teeth.
"Five…Three left."
He threaded a hand through his black locks and seemed to gather his thoughts. "You're not going to get this one. The one in the cave." He said with finality.
Hermione pursed her lips. "I don't have a choice." She snapped.
Regulus let out a dry laugh. "Yes, you have. Let your make-believe uncle handle it. Or some other member from your group of friends," He said indifferently.
She shook her head slowly. "No. The fewer people know the better. I'm going. And you can't stop me. I only need Kreacher to apparate me there, and then I leave it be."
"I swear to fucking Salazar that you're not getting anywhere near my Elf." He said defiantly, his eyes dark. If the situation had been less severe, Hermione would have pointed out the similarity of Regulus and his brother.
Hermione sighed and rubbed her face. How was she going to persuade him?
"That was the place where I died, right?" Regulus asked bluntly. "The army of Inferi…" He said darkly, his voice trailing off.
She nodded slowly, watching him with a worried look.
"I'm coming with you."
Hermione blanched. "No."
Regulus arched a brow at her. "You think I would be fine knowing you've gone into a place that's swarming with corpses that try to harm you?" He said grimly. "To a place where I was killed? And where Kreacher almost died?"
Hermione gave him a strained look.
"I'm sorry Hermione, but if you want my Elf, you're taking me with you." He said simply.
She tried to think things through, but everything was suddenly much more complicated than it had been. Was Regulus even fit to come with her? What if Voldemort read his mind and saw that he had been in the cave?
"Take me with you, love." He said softly as he approached her. "Okay?"
Hermione was silent for a long moment before she gave him a slight nod. "Okay."
"But that would be highly risky, you do realise it, Hermione?" Gideon argued for the fifth time after she had explained her plans regarding the locket to him, Dumbledore and McGonagall. Fabian wasn't able to come, as he was in an evening shift at work.
It was already late, and Hermione was getting tired of arguing and explaining everything first to Regulus, and now to the small group in front of her. She made a mental note to send an owl to Viridian as soon as the meeting was finished, informing him that she would indeed take the next day off.
She had stayed in the Room of Requirement until after the feast, which Regulus had skipped, and instead they had made plans how to acquire the locket from the cave. When Kreacher had awoken, a bit shaky but otherwise in perfect health, Hermione had suggested to Regulus that she could discuss about the Elf's fate with Dumbledore and perhaps arrange it to work in the Hogwarts kitchen from now on. Since Voldemort most likely thought Kreacher had died in the cave, it would be crucial to hide the elf from now on.
Hermione sighed and eyed the others wearily. She knew McGonagall and Dumbledore agreed with Gideon, as she could see it written all over their faces.
"I'm sorry, but I need him. I need his Elf to show me how to get there," Hermione said persistently. They had gone it through already.
McGonagall cleared her throat. "When would this mission take place?" She asked resignedly.
"Well, as Regulus can't really miss school, we thought that perhaps the mission could take place on a weekend. But, since someone is bound to notice his absence, we thought that perhaps he could head to the Hospital wing on Saturday morning, feigning illness, and then return there on Sunday night the latest. Would it be possible to organise it so that no one could visit him in the infirmary during his absence?" Hermione asked, biting the inside of her cheek in anticipation.
Gideon sighed and shook his head in disagreement, while Dumbledore eyed her attentively for a moment before he spoke, "As reluctant as I am to let you two enter that cave by yourselves, a small part of me tries to remind me that you are in fact an adult who has finished her schooling, and who is probably more capable of handling the difficulties that lie inside than the rest of us," He said slowly, eyeing her over his half-moon spectacles.
Hermione smiled tentatively. "Is that a yes?" She said, cringing slightly.
Dumbledore's mouth quirked up a bit. "I suppose it is. If we agree that you will not try to destroy the Horcrux inside the cave, as this mission is only about acquiring it?" He asked and gave her a scrutinising look.
She nodded hastily. "Of course."
"Can we all wake up a bit?" Gideon asked with a hint of frustration in his voice. "Don't get me wrong, Hermione…I know how capable you are, but…You said there was an army of Inferi lying in the lake? Not to mention the potion you have to drink that will torture you and devastate your mind," He said incredulously. Dumbledore and McGonagall shared a cryptic look while Hermione frowned at Gideon.
"I mean, what if something goes wrong? Are you capable of fighting them? Is Regulus? If you drink the potion, how in the Merlin's saggy pants will you be able to fight against an army of dead corpses?" Gideon asked fiercely and stared at the others with a discontented look. "I think at least one of us should come as well, and as we know it is not wise for Albus to communicate with Regulus since Voldemort can apparently somehow sniff him from everyone's mind, it is between me, my brother and Minerva…" He concluded with a stern voice.
"Gideon has a point, Albus," McGonagall said and gave the Headmaster a perceptive look.
Dumbledore sighed after a short silence. "As usual, you are right, Minerva," He said to her kindly, and turned to speak at Gideon, "If you are willing to participate the mission, that would be appreciated."
Gideon nodded.
Hermione scoffed. "While I understand the importance of strength in numbers, a small detail must have had slipped from your mind," She said and looked at her former Defence Professor. "The boat will carry only one adult. And even if we manage to trick it with an aging potion to accept a minor, and enlarge it so that it could fit more than one person, we don't know if the boat can carry all of us to the island," She said sharply. "And I know Regulus will not stay behind," she muttered, blushing slightly, before clearing her throat, "And neither will I."
"Then I'll wait on the shore." Gideon said stubbornly.
Hermione grumbled inwardly. Even though she couldn't deny that she felt a bit safer after knowing that Gideon would participate the mission, she still felt a bit…inadequate. A small part of her had wanted to prove the others that she was capable of handling such a mission.
"May I suggest that your mission would take place at the end of next week?" Dumbledore asked with a calculating look.
Hermione arched a brow. "You know the raid is rumoured to take place then."
Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled.
"Even I have to admit that it is a remarkable opportunity. I doubt there would be anyone to guard the cave when Voldemort's followers are all fighting in a raid…" Gideon muttered, looking a bit torn.
Hermione reckoned he didn't want to sit out the fight, where all his friends would be putting themselves in danger. She knew how he felt. Hermione let out a sigh. "Fine, I'll make sure the weekend is good for Regulus."
Dumbledore gave a satisfied nod. "Splendid. Let us know as soon as possible. Now, I will finally release you to your beds, as it is quite late." He said, eyeing the others over his half-moon spectacles.
"Oh, Sir? I mean, uncle?" She asked as she stood up. Gideon and McGonagall were already heading towards the door.
"Yes?"
"Would it be possible for Kreacher to work in the kitchens from now on? The elf's in Regulus's care at the moment, but it can't really return to its home since Voldemort thinks it was left behind in the cave," She explained, looking at the Headmaster hesitantly.
"Well, of course. You are very kind to think of Kreacher, Hermione." He said softly, and Hermione felt a pang of nausea in her stomach.
"I'll make sure the elf has a new home, here in Hogwarts." Dumbledore concluded and Hermione nodded and quickly left his office after wishing everyone good night.
She had many things to go through with Regulus. After a quick stop into the owlery, from where she sent a letter to Viridian, informing him that she was taking the next day off, she decided to head towards the Room of Requirement to speak with Regulus.
Yawning, she pushed the door to the Room of Requirement open after checking the Map that the halls were empty.
"Reg?" She called into the library. He was nowhere to be seen.
"In here." He voiced from the other room. His bedroom.
Hermione took a deep breath and walked towards the room. She opened the door slowly, only to find Regulus sitting at his desk. Kreacher was sleeping soundly in a small cot in the corner of the room.
"Kreacher didn't want to sleep in my bed." He muttered with an amused voice, his head bend over a parchment.
"Oh." She said and yawned.
"You can sleep in it if you'd like. I can stay in the library," He said cordially and turned to look at her.
She swallowed. "I shouldn't." She said quietly. Even though she wanted to, she had already informed Ab that she would be staying at the Hog's Head.
Regulus nodded and stood up, walking slowly towards her. "So? What did you decide?" He asked with an expressionless voice, stopping right in front of her.
"What are you doing next week?"