27 August 1994
Sirius became a regular fixture around the Burrow after Harry's birthday. Sirius was still not well enough to leave the hospital permanently but he wanted to spend as much time with Harry as possible. Fred and George giggled like school girls when they met one of their idols, laughing manically at everything that came out of the man's mouth. Percy put on his most pompous attitude when they were introduced, Sirius was not impressed. Towards the end of the summer, Sirius presented Ron with a tiny tawny owl that zoomed excitedly around the burrow to replace Scabbers, making Sirius Ron's new hero. Hermione was shy around Harry's godfather, who always tried to see how much she could possibly blush by complimenting her, asking how he could repay her for his freedom. It made Hermione feel bitter that Eloise declined her invitation to come to the burrow that summer.
When Bill and Charlie came to the burrow at the beginning of August, Ron was pulled into Bill's old room to talk to all of his brothers about his behavior. They were concerned about his anger and outbursts. After a few hours of trying to get to the bottom of their youngest brothers problems, Percy was the first to realize that Ron had a major inferiority complex. The brothers worked together to make their brother see his own worth but they knew it would take more than just a few hours locked in a room. Together, they sat in the warded room throughout the month leading up to the cup talking about anything Ron could think of. Ron slowly started to come into his own, he was after all an excellent strategist when he stopped to think about all angles before opening his mouth. Bill taught him a few breathing exercises to control his temper.
Sirius asked Harry to move in with him once he was finally released from the hospital. He would still need to stay with his Aunt and Uncle two weeks in the summer but he would have a home with his godfather. Harry eagerly agreed, while he loved the Weasleys, it would be nice to have his own space in his own home with Sirius. The marauder planned to have the house ready by Christmas, he recently bought some land in Ottery St. Catch pole, wanting to stay close to Harry's friends. Sirius spoke with the goblins and was working with them on the house designs as well as ward schemes. Harry was overwhelmed when Sirius took him shopping in Diagon Alley for the first time. His godfather made sure he had a whole new wardrobe, even going into muggle London to shop some more. Harry had a large smile on his face as he sat down to dinner with only his godfather, conversation flowed easily between the two and Sirius was eager to offer any kind of advice Harry needed.
Luna would be joining the Weasleys in the Top Box, while her father would be watching with the rest of the press. Hermione intended to invite Eloise so they could all spend some of their holiday together. Eloise's letters were short and almost rude, making Hermione feel awful. She told Sirius that it was Eloise that first thought something was wrong with Scabbers, he wrote Eloise a nice letter to thank her. Eloise wrote back that that she was grateful but the real hero was obviously Hermione, didn't he read the papers?
"Stop thinking about it." Luna smiled serenely as they wandered around the camp grounds. They arrived early that morning to find the Weasley tent already set up with Sirius and Harry's right next to them. Xeno had a tent on Publishers Peak with all the other people there for media coverage. Luna hooked her arm with Hermione and dragged her towards a brightly colored stall with muggle clothes.
"I can't help it, I don't understand what more Eloise expects of me. I've told the minister, Sirius, Dumbledore, and the press that Eloise figured it out. I've even went so far as to say it was all her but she won't talk to me!" Hermione pouted as she ran her fingers over a bright blue shiny, rubber cat suite.
"Well, I'm glad they stopped writing about it in the Prophet. It was kind of sudden though." Luna said thoughtfully as she looked at some colorful flowered dresses.
"Yeah, it is odd. One day it's all anyone can talk about then I guess they moved on to the World Cup." Hermione shrugged, moving on to the jewelry case. She cringed at the large, gaudy necklaces that glittered unnaturally under the light. "You know, I didn't see anything like this in the stores in London."
"I think it just fits into their idea of muggle better." Luna grinned happily and pulled her to the next stall which held quidditch souvenirs.
"Oh, we should get something for Nev and Eli...even if she isn't talking to me." Hermione picked up a green scarf and a Lynch figurine.
"Neither of them like quidditch." Luna laughed as she picked up a Krum poster.
"You don't have to like quidditch to appreciate the players." Hermioned smirked as she brought her purchases to the attendant. Luna giggled as they continued walking through the the venders court, they saw quite a few of their fellow students from Hogwarts and would wave happily. They were wandering towards the pitch when they heard a loud BANG.
"Hey look! It's Looney and She-Weasel!" A familiar voice called out from behind them. Luna and Hermione turned to find Marietta standing arm in arm with Cho Chang, both smiling smugly with their wands already in hand.
"Awww, you know, Mary, you really should have left that pimple hex alone. I think you looked better with it." Hermione smiled sweetly as her wand was released from the holster on her wrist.
"It's Marietta!" The curly haired blonde snapped, her face flushing. "Of course, any competent witch could undo any spell work done by a muggleborn." Marietta sneered, flipping her curly hair over her shoulder.
"Is that why you couldn't?" Luna asked with a bright smile, looking totally at ease, her wand remained behind her ear.
"Shut it, Looney! 'Snot like you did anything, did you?" Cho spat angrily, not taking her eyes if Hermione. "So, Weasley, how did your family afford all those tickets? They sell one of your brothers off?"
"Really, Chang? Have you not read the papers?" Hermione scoffed, noticing that Sirius Black was standing off to the side, watching them with a bright smile on his face, Harry stood beside him, a deep frown on his face as he watched Cho. The redhead moved closer to Luna, keeping her wand hidden between them.
"Oh, we've read them! I just didn't believe them. I still don't understand how your dad could even afford a spot for your tent." Cho smiled maliciously as Marietta snickered behind her hand.
"Really, I suppose your family obviously had a spot reserved with the rest of us on Sacred Row?" Hermione laughed sarcastically, rolling her eyes. She saw Harry was frozen as he listened to them argue, Sirius was shaking with laughter as he watched his first cat fight in years.
"Oh, of course, you get a spot because of your blood. Looney's probably here with her barmy father, right?" Cho bristled, advancing on the girls, Marietta by her side. "I thought it was supposed to be like mother like daughter, or is your mum locked away in a looney bin. That how they picked your name?" Luna froze at Hermione's side, her blue eyes wide with tears.
"You're a right bitch, Chang. You know, Eloise showed me this excellent muggle product, it's like butter in a tin. Makes everything nice and slippery and hell to clean off, it kind of settles in your skin. You will leave Luna alone this year." Hermione took a step forward, in front of Luna, smiling wickedly. "Unless you want me to grease your head to the point that not even a permanent sticking charm will work on that wig."
"You don't scare me, Weasley. You only got me cause my back was turned. I could easily take you anytime. Maybe I should get you like hit me, get rid of that mop on your head." Cho hissed, raising her wand. Hermione smiled in amusement, a brow raised in challenge as she stared down the fifth year 'Claw.
"Hermione! Luna!" Sirius called out a bright smile on his face as he jogged towards them, barely sparing the other girls a glance.
"Sirius!" Hermione smiled brightly and turned her back on Cho, hitting the girl in the face with her hair. Luna grinned as she moved towards Sirius and Harry, Harry was too busy staring at Cho as if he'd never seen her before.
"We need to get going! Where have you girls been?" Sirius chuckled as wrapped a protective arm around each of the girls, leading them away. "Harry?"
"What?" Harry shook his head quickly, still looking confused as he fell in step with his godfather talking to Hermione and Luna.
-0-
The quidditch cup was amazing, Ireland won but Bulgaria caught the snitch! Luna was taking pictures for her father's paper so she had to go back to their tent instead of celebrating with her friends. George and Fred were singing loudly, counting their winnings from Ludo Bagman. Even Arthur couldn't fault them for gambling since they won so much gold, he just made them promise not to tell their mother. Ron was happily recounting every move Krum made that night, replaying them on the omnioculars Harry bought him before the match. Sirius and Arthur were enjoying some aged fire whiskey Sirius brought, the marauder even let Harry have a small glass. Bill and Charlie left to celebrate with some girls they went to school with and Percy went home right after the match to finish some report. Hermione twirled around the tent dancing with her brothers until Arthur shooed them off to go to bed.
"Wake up!" Hermione was shaken roughly as Ron screamed, hovering inches above her. His face was ashen and his blue eyes were wide with fear.
"Ron, what's going on?" Hermione sat up groggily, there was screaming coming from outside of the tent. Ron rushed around the room, scrambling to find something. Her brother grabbed her jumper and threw it at her. Hermione jumped as a loud Boom made the very tent shake.
"There's people muggle baiting and burning down the camps!" Ron yelled as he pulled Hermione from the bed. "Get up! We have to go!"
Hermione stumbled to put on her trainers and grab her wand before she joined her brothers and father in the main room. Bill and Charlie weren't there, Fred and George had their wands in their hands looking determined and Ron kept a firm grip on Hermione. Sirius stumbled into the tent, dragging Harry along behind him, he pulled a couple phials from his bag and tossed them to Arthur.
"Sober-Up potion. I'm going to join up with the aurors, I figure you need to meet with the other ministry officials?" Sirius said quickly, Arthur nodded, tipping the potion back.
"I'm coming with you!" Harry said fiercely as he looked to his godfather. Sirius looked back at him fondly, just a little wistful, before frowning and shaking his head as if to clear it.
"No, you are going with them to the forest. Stick together!" Sirius said sternly before they were all rushed from the tent. All around them, families were screaming and scrambling to escape the flames and the large group of hooded figures walking around firing off spells, lighting the tents on fire.
"Oh, my God!" Hermione cried looking into the sky above them. They had the muggle they met when they first arrived and what could only be his family. The muggles were suspended in air, his wife and children still in their bed clothes and seemed to be asleep. The robed figures laughed as they flipped the wife up side down, waking her. The muggle woman screamed silently as she scrambled to keep her night dress on as they jerked her around in the air.
"Come on!" Fred roared as he grabbed her arm and started pulling her towards the trees. George grabbed Harry and they all rushed to the safety of the heavily wooded area. They held onto each other tight as they fell in with the frantic crowds.
"My wand!" Harry cried out, searching his pockets frantically. George lost his grip and was pushed along in the crowd of people while Harry turned to rush back to the tent.
"Harry!" Hermione shrieked, throwing off her brothers to chase down her friend. Fred was left scrambling as he was pushed along with the crowds, away from his sister towards George. Ron kept hold, trying to keep them together. Hermione pulled hard on her brother but he wouldn't come so she stomped on his foot, hard.
"Bollocks!" Ron cried, releasing the girl as he was shoved towards the woods. Hermione scrambled against the crowds, screaming Harry's name until she was alone. Surrounded by nothing but burning tents, making it difficult to figure out where she was. She saw a huddled figure on the ground and immediately sprinted towards it, fearing they may be hurt.
"Hermione!" Fred shouted as they finally broke away from the crowds to pursue their sister and Harry. The three brothers just spotted her running away from them when one of the robed figures came out of nowhere and grabbed her by the waist. Before they could even call out to her again, they vanished. Panicked, they rushed forward, finding Harry unconscious on the ground.
-0-
"I've got her." A low voice grunted as they appeared in the woods, two other figures seemed to be waiting for them. Hermione squirmed, kicking her arms and legs to try and free herself. She felt the rumble in the man's chest as he laughed at her, his grip only growing more painful as he tightened his hold
"Real firecracker." One of them chuckled as he back handed her, she could taste blood in her mouth and froze, staring at the figures with wide terrified eyes. The one holding her threw her to the ground, laughing.
"What do you want?" Hermione demanded as she tried to pull herself to her feet. The third figure kicked her back down into the dirt.
"Where's the diary?" One of them grunted as they circled her.
"Diary?" Hermione hissed through teeth softly, holding her side where she'd been kicked.
"Someone gave you a black diary two years ago where is it?" The tallest one snapped as he advanced on her, grabbing her by the hair and pulling her head back sharply. "What did you do with it?"
"I... I don't have a diary." Hermione hissed in pain as he pulled her hair even harder, he put his masked face right in front of her. It was a strange white mask covering half his face, it looked almost like bone, the only thing she could make out was grey eyes filled with anger and loathing.
"Wrong answer." He hissed as he shoved her face in the dirt. The other figures chuckled as they surrounded her, pulling out their wands. Hermione shook in fear, as she looked around wildly for an escape.
"Crucio!" One of them whispered, a deadly whisper that brought so much pain Hermione couldn't even think for a moment as it hit her. She curled into a ball, trying to hold the pain in. Somewhere in her mind it screamed that she needed to hold the pain in, that it would give her a reprieve. Her body shook violently as she bit her cheek so hard she could taste the blood flowing freely through her lips. However, it just kept coming for what felt like forever.
"Did you like that? Where is the diary?" Those cold grey eyes were above her as the pain suddenly stopped. Hermione stared back, her limbs twitching as she tried to process that pain was gone. She could feel his breath ghosting on her cheek and she sobbed, spraying blood and spittle on the masked man. It only made him smile down at her as blood trickled down her chin.
"No...diary." Hermione croaked, feeling like she had no voice left in her raw throat. Is this why her parents wouldn't tell her anything about the diary? So, she couldn't tell? Her mind was hazy but her brain seemed to be stuck on that thought. If only her parents told her about the diary, they would let her go.
"Crucio!" The pain was back, Hermione vaguely realized that she was screaming, begging them to stop, calling for her mother, her brothers, Harry, Luna anyone to make the pain stop. The girl trembled as the pain coursed through her body, her legs twitched, brushing against one of the men surrounding her.
"Sorry sweetheart, no one is coming for you." The pain stopped again, Hermione's breaths were ragged sobs as she forced her eyes open. She saw grey eyes again, staring at her wide with freight, they looked so familiar. In the bushes was a figure crouched, watching them torture her. She wanted to scream out to them to help her but her voice died in her throat as someone grabbed her face and she was forced to look back at the man with angry grey eyes, his mouth twisted into a cruel smile. "The diary. The pain will stop if you give us the diary."
"Vol-Voldemort...half-blood...no diary..." Hermione whimpered, every breath hurt as she tried to swallow down the blood. What did they want from her, that was all Uncle Albus told her. She sobbed as the other two men started to whisper above them. The man on top of her stilled and his grip on her face tightened.
"You dare say his name?" He spat in her face angrily. She felt him run something sharp along her cheek, warm blood flowed down her face. "Where is the Dark Lord's diary? What have you done with it?" The man's hands slid from her face to her shoulders, shaking her violently.
"No..diary.." Hermione whimpered through gritted teeth, forcing herself to stay awake. She just wanted to sleep, it would make the pain stop. Her limbs twitched and spasmed wildly as the man got off her.
"Crucio!" The man shouted, the worst pain yet seared through Hermione's body. She felt her spine curve as her back arched off the ground, every nerve ending on fire. Hermione gagged on the blood in her mouth as her screams became gurgles when the pain stopped again abruptly.
"It's him!" One of the men shouted in fear, the sounds of their disaperation had Hermione almost cry in relief. She could feel her vision growing dark as she whimpered and weakly called out for help. Hermione had no idea how long she managed to stay conscious but it felt like hours as she lay twitching on the forest floor. There was was bright flash of light before her world turned black.