Warning(s): Panic Attack; Discussions of past trauma
~o0o~
When Fleur and Bill returned from their honeymoon, Hermione made sure they knew Rosehill's location and to just send word if they wanted to stop by for dinner.
A month had passed since she returned to England. The garden was planted as were the three trees. Even with magical help, the trees would take time to grow and bear fruit. Cedric and Fred had finally worked out a way for Hermione to be notified of messages across all her IMNs in the form of a ring that would bear the name of whoever was contacting her.
Things weren't moving very fast, which surprised Hermione. And Kingsley and Mad-Eye as well for that matter. Not that any of them were itching for a fight, but they had to be careful about acting. They didn't know how outnumbered they were, so it was best now to keep their ears to the ground.
"That should do it," said Cedric, closing the hood of the van. "Why don't we take it for a spin?"
"Alright," said Hermione, taking the keys from him. She headed towards one side and blinked in confusion when she opened the door for the passenger. "Oh, right. England. Other side."
She switched places. Cedric climbed into the passenger's side. He had reupholstered the seats and the interior was now nice and clean, though mismatched. Hermione fastened her seatbelt, turned the ignition, and the engine roared to life. While it idled, she adjusted her seat and fixed her mirrors then checked where everything was.
"It's an automatic, right?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Good." She used magic to open the barn doors and threw the shift into drive.
The roads were bumpy and nearly invisible, but she took it slow. They drove down to Ottery St. Catchpole, maneuvered around the streets a bit, and then headed back home.
"Drives like a dream," said Hermione, glancing over at him. "You've gotten really good at this."
"Thanks," he said. "I guess I'm a fix-it person through and through."
They parked the van next to Bug in order to free up room in the barn. As Hermione got out, Bug flung open the door to smack her and try to put a dent in the van.
"Hey!" she protested, rubbing her thigh. "You're still my car, Bug. This one is Cedric's. I just have to drive it until I can give him some driving lessons, okay?"
Bug gave her the silent treatment, but as she and Cedric returned to the barn, she heard another smack from the door.
"Cars," she huffed.
"I've been studying those notes you gave me," said Cedric. "Maybe we can start practicing laps or parking or something?"
"Alright," she said, helping him clean up his workspace. "I'll need to redo the schedule at the end of the month anyway, so I'll pencil in a time for us to do that."
"Cool."
Hermione looked at his table to see something that looked a lot like her soundboard. It was made up of an electric keyboard (some of the missing keys replaced with other parts) along with dials and slides. He also had some new buttons and attached what appeared to be handheld gaming consoles.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Oh, just, er, a project," he said. "I thought I could install it into the radio booth and give you a wider variety than what you've got. It makes music too, listen to this. I used to cut through clubs sometimes and I would see these on deejay booths." He switched it on and pressed a button that played a simple, pre-recorded beat.
He pressed random buttons on the consoles to make funny little sounds. Hermione grinned.
"I like it," she said and stepped forward to play with it.
She trilled the piano keys and pushed a few buttons to see what they did. Once she knew what each sound on the consoles made, she got another preset beat playing and played a song.
"I think this style of music is called 8-bit," she said. "Or maybe chiptune because you use the chip that makes the music."
"That makes sense," he said, then furrowed his brow and tipped his head. "Is that 'Never Gonna Give You Up'?"
"That's exactly it! It's been stuck in my head—ouch!" The console zapped her; she jerked her hands back and shook them out.
"Sorry!" He lunged forward to switch it off. "Guess I should have saved the demonstration for when it was ready."
"It's alright," she said. "I love it. I can't wait to play with it when it's ready."
He smiled softly. "I'm glad."
Hermione looked at the other things and saw that they were all things she had mentioned wanting or even just thought would be nice to have.
"You don't have to just make things that will make me happy," she said. "You can adapt and invent things you want."
"All I want is for you to be happy," he said earnestly. "I can't think of anything else."
Feeling her ears warm, she looked down at her hands and saw her ring light up. Shaylyn was writing her.
"Oh! I have to take this," she said.
He nodded. "I'm going to stay out here until dinner."
"Alright." She hurried out, closing the doors behind her, and went up to her room. She sat down at her desk and brought down Shaylyn's notebook.
Hermione, the Law Enforcement Department is taking down names of known Muggle-Borns. Tabatha also told me to tell you that the Minister is insisting France return the Book of Admittance in order to make their job easier. Right now, they're having us go through Hogwarts records and taking note of who sounds Muggle-Born and who doesn't. It sounds like they're rounding them all up for a trial. I overheard Runcorn order someone to check the dungeons on Level 10. 'Reinforce them,' he said.
Hermione picked up her pen and wrote a response, Any idea when the trials will start?
Shaylyn responded right away.
They want us to finish pulling names by February 20th. I think that's when they'll start trials, but until then they want everyone in their sights. Probably so they can't run away. I'm scared, Nia. I can't even give you a list. They're wiping our memories of names so we don't warn them. They can't wipe away our job, but I have to mark the book with a tab and return it to my new manager.
Damn. There goes any chance of rescuing them. Though, Shaylyn would probably be arrested under suspect of being an agent.
Are you in danger?
No. I was in Slytherin before you shook things up, so they assume I'm half or more. Though, they've banned my hijab. It's horrible. I feel like I might as well be walking around with my shirt off.
I'm sorry. Thank you for warning me of their plot. If at any time you want to back out and go into hiding, I'll understand.
I want to help. Nobody looks twice at me here. I haven't even been set an inquiry. Of course, when I was moved to this Department, I was asked about my friendship with you. I just said your connections made you a valuable acquaintance.
Yes, that is one of my qualities. You're doing great, Shay. Hang in there, let me know if there's a set date.
One more thing you oughta know. The new Head of this department is Umbridge.
"What the shit?!" Hermione gasped aloud and scrawled out her response. What?! How? She's been imprisoned in Nuremgard!
Thicknese petitioned for her release saying she's been pardoned. They want her to run the trials.
Dolores Umbridge on the loose was bad news. Still, Hermione wouldn't give up an opportunity to punch the hag for what she did to Cedric.
I'll pass that on. Why isn't it in the news?
I think they're waiting to see if she's successful or not. If she's too soft for them, they might throw her in Azkaban. I don't know if that's where the people being rounded up are going to go or… you know.
Rounded up… that must've been what Snape was talking about.
I understand. Who all knows Umbridge is back?
Technically, I don't even know. I happened to see her with the Minister. She talks quite loudly and doesn't seem to pay attention to those around her. I didn't pass them by, I stayed hidden until they were gone.
Okay, then I'll announce it on the show tonight. Thanks again.
Of course. I'll let you know if I find out anymore.
Hermione bid her goodbye and put the IMN back on the shelf. She answered a few notes from her parents, knowing if she didn't check in every day they'd worry more than they already did, but other than that she needed to come up with a plan.
When Lee called her down to record that night's show, he had the same reaction she did about Umbridge.
"I know!" Hermione huffed, "First any petitions for the I.C.W. to take the Death Eaters as a serious threat go ignored and now they release someone with known proof of harming children, simply because she was pardoned? Pardons should be for when evidence arises that a person was innocent the whole time. This is like saying Bailey Todd's suicide was a 'whoopsie' and should be struck from the record. That's right everyone, you may have read it in the papers, but just as a reminder, Dolores Umbridge's tyranny from her time at Hogwarts led to a student committing suicide after she agreed to let his abusive parents pull him from school and led him to believe that she would take his magic away, leaving him helpless."
"To note: it is impossible to take away someone's magic," said Lee. "Magic comes from a gland subset to the heart, which pumps magic through the blood. You cannot remove the gland without causing severe damage to the heart."
"And trust me, removing the magic producing gland was researched thoroughly," said Hermione. "Mainly as a way to prevent Dark Wizards from escaping and returning to power. Wixen are also very prejudiced against those who cannot perform magic and are unlikely to martyr someone who is still alive and has been deemed mediocre. Unfortunately, this route is yet impossible."
"The transfer of magical power is impossible," said Lee. "There used to be urban legends of Non-Magical people stealing a wixen's wand and thus stealing their power for themselves, but wands don't react to non-magical people except a kickback in the right conditions."
"We want to make that clear," said Hermione. "Anti-Muggle and Anti-Muggle-Born propaganda has started making circulation. And if you're thinking of turning over your Muggle-Born neighbor to the authorities because you think it'll grant you favor, do everyone else one and keep your mouth shut. Snitches get stitches."
"That they do," said Lee. "You have experience with that don't you, Aurora?"
"Oh yes. I once tattled on this girl to a teacher and the next day she stabbed me with a fork. I was… oh, seven or eight. I couldn't say exactly, but it was a January."
"Frightening," said Lee.
After they recorded their set, Hermione left to get dinner going.
"Nia."
She turned around. "Fred."
"Where are you going?" he asked.
His injuries from the attack were mostly healed over, though there was a scar running over his scalp, which was unlikely to grow hair again and the skin on his arms was still discolored in places from the burns he received. He and George hadn't done much lately, but today was their first day back in the lab. At the very least to try and process the orders.
"Cooking dinner," she said.
"Can I help?"
"If you're up to it."
He followed her to the kitchen. "What are we making?"
"Chili," she said. "We can make a little self-serve bar with all the accoutrements. I'll be making yaniqueques to go with it and some brownies for dessert."
"Just tell me what to do," said Fred.
It was kinda nice cooking with someone else. Fred seemed to be in better spirits at least. She was glad about that. It was hard seeing the twins be so depressed. They were usually the life of the party. Of course, they lost their friend and the shop they spent their whole lives creating, anyone would be depressed. She was taking it easy on them and they appeared to be doing better, but she knew as much as anyone that grief could overwhelm you at any time. Healing was not a steady slope.
"I'll have to let you taste it," she said once the chili was all combined. "My tolerance for spicy things is much higher than the average person."
"I'm anything but average," said Fred with a wink.
She fed him some and he nodded, then coughed and his face flushed red. He tried not to say anything, but then he fanned his mouth.
"Hot! Hot!"
Hermione looked at her recipe. "Oh no… that says teaspoon, not tablespoon."
She went to the fridge and got out the milk, pouring Fred a glass and instructing him to drink it.
"I can fix it," she said, bringing out the tub of sour cream.
She scooped some into the chili and stirred it in. It was a bit thicker and creamier now, but it should be fine. She took a bite and was happy that it was still flavorful.
"Oh no!" she gasped. "I forgot to ask Lee if he kept Kosher or not."
"He'll mix meat and milk," Fred coughed. "Pork and shellfish are off-limits."
"Oh, okay. Good to know." She looked at him and snorted. "Your face is so red."
It was as red as his hair and beads of sweat were pricking on his forehead. Hermione went into the freezer and put a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream in a paper cup before bringing it to him.
"Here, try this," she said.
He scarfed down the ice cream and she cleared the space so she could make the brownies. Fred stopped helping, but he did sit on a stool and keep her company, which she also appreciated.
Cedric came in from the barn a short while later, but hurried upstairs to shower rather than stay and chat. Fleur and Bill showed up shortly after since Hermione messaged them saying she had important news. When Kingsley came home, she got the yaniqueques going.
Once everyone had their dinner served and were seated around the dining room table, Hermione raised her hand.
"I have some news," she said and when she had their attention, she told them what Shaylyn told her.
"Why didn't you tell us the second you found out?" Mad-Eye demanded.
"Because nothing can be done about it today and I wanted us all together," she explained patiently. "It's going to take time to plan a rescue mission and since I can't get their names now, we have to wait for the right moment. They'll be going to trial, there's time."
"So that's why they brought Umbridge back?" asked Lee. "To manage the trials?"
"Umbridge?" Cedric whispered, growing pale.
"Yes," she said. "She was pardoned. They're keeping it secret, but Lee and I just announced it. Maybe if there's enough uproar…?"
He shook his head and flinched like he was retching, though there was no sound. He got up and ran out of the room to the toilet in the hall.
Hermione wanted to go after him, but she wasn't done giving directions.
"The… the first trials will be starting February twentieth," she said. "At least… that's when they're supposed to finish pulling names. I thought we could act on the evening of the nineteenth to make sure everyone is there. It'll probably have to be a head-on approach, but perhaps if we plant a few ahead of time? Or cause a diversion."
"A diversion would be better," said Mad-Eye. "Considerin' how few of us there are for the moment. Sanchez, Tonks, you might be able to draw them away by disguisin' as Harry."
"Yeah, if you disguise as me, they'll probably kill you on sight," said Hermione.
"You are Undesirable No. 2," said Kingsley.
"Only number two?" Hermione scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Why am I mad about that? Who's number one?"
"Harry."
"Of course." She looked over her shoulder for Cedric. He was still in the loo. "Anyway, where was I?"
"Disguises," Draco prompted.
"Yes, thank you. So we have our decoys and then we'll need hitters and pickers," she said. "They won't send everyone after the decoys, I'm sure they learned their lesson after the Heist. We can use the next three weeks to refine our plan. Maybe do some recon."
"Ooh! I could be 'the Mustache' again," said George eagerly. "The poor janitor trying to do right by his family."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Cecilia asked.
"You're such a doofus," said Lee fondly.
"Hey!" George protested.
"The shoe fits, babe."
"If I still had my old face, I could probably get some information," Fleur sighed, coasting her fingers over her scars. "A bat of the eyelashes goes a long way. Even so, you can count me in, Nia."
"And me," said Bill.
"Thank you." Hermione looked over her shoulder again. "Um… I think that's everything for now. We can discuss the plans tomorrow, I just wanted them out there. Get everyone thinking."
Mad-Eye and Kingsley nodded approvingly.
"Please, enjoy your dinner," said Hermione, getting up. "I'll be right back."
She hurried out to the hall and tapped her nail on the bathroom door.
"Cedric?" she called softly, knowing he would be able to hear her. "Are you okay? Can I get you anything?"
She heard a small hiss. He was curled up on the floor. She tried the handle, finding it give.
"I'm coming in," she said and opened the door.
Cedric was pressed into the corner, pale, shaking, a sheen of sweat on his skin. He had pulled off several of his layers as well as his prosthetic and was clutching his arm.
Hermione knelt down and touched his knee. He flinched, but his eyes focused. He got up and ran, only grabbing his prosthetic. She watched him go upstairs to the attic. He wasn't leaving, was he?
Well… if he didn't want to stick around and face Umbridge again, she didn't blame him. If he left, she had prepared herself for it.
She gathered his clothes and brought them to the laundry room in the basement before returning to the dinner table.
"Is he alright?" Fleur asked.
"I don't think so. Why don't you talk to him, Fleur? I think my presence made it worse."
"I can do that," she said. "Where is he?"
"Attic. You go to the second floor, make a right, the door at the end of the hallway."
Fleur took a few more quick bites of chili and got up.
"How's married life suiting you, Bill?" Fred asked in an effort to change the subject. "Everything you ever dreamed it would be?"
Bill got a sappy grin on his face. "Even better. By the way, thanks for fixing up the house for us, Nia. I had visited it a couple years ago when Aunt Tessie died and Mum needed help moving out her things. Aunt Tessie was always worried about burglars."
"Remember when Fred looked into one of her chests and it swallowed him whole?" said George.
Fred shuddered. "Never been the same about tight spaces."
"It hasn't looked as clean as you made it in years," said Bill. "We really appreciate you doing that."
"Cedric helped," she said. "I did want to ask, would you be willing to open it up as a safe house in the event one is needed?"
"Sure. Shell Cottage is already under the Fidelius Charm," he said. "We're happy to help in any way we can. Until then, I'm still working at Gringotts and Fleur is returning to her Dueling League. However, if they're approached for recruitment by Death Eaters, she intends to quit and remain home."
"Wise move," said Mad-Eye. "Though, I wonder if her close relationship to Granger will make her a target regardless."
"Being part-veela is reason enough," said Hermione. "I trust her to do what she feels is best."
"So do I," said Bill. "I'm pureblood, so blood traitor or no, I'll be fine. I still can't help but be worried."
"That's what happens when you love someone." Hermione glanced up. Fleur was with Cedric.
"Fred and I got clean up," said George.
"You sure?"
"Yeah," said Fred. "We've got it covered."
"Great!" said Tonks. "Then I'm going to help myself to some of those brownies you made."
Hermione nodded. "How about I put on a movie after the kitchen is cleaned?"
Fleur came down as she was setting up the projector. They had put one up in the parlor since it was easier to rearrange the furniture to theater seating. She went through what she had and decided on "Dead Poets Society". It was a tear-jerker, but she just felt like she'd be annoyed with something that was too chipper.
"He is resting," said Fleur. "I helped him calm down."
"Good. Good. You and Bill want to stay for a movie?"
"Yes. I think that would be nice."
Kingsley usually went right to his room after dinner and Mad-Eye read in the library. Hermione sat in her favored spot and said nothing when Fred sat beside her. She was doing absolutely nothing to feed his crush. If he was setting himself up for heartbreak, that was his problem and she was not going to make it hers.
Or maybe he was just sitting next to her for no reason and she was being silly for thinking it was about her. Not everything was about her, it just sometimes felt that way.
She hardly paid attention to the movie, too wrapped up in her own thoughts. The mission. What they were going to do. How to minimize personal damage. She'd gave to give this quite a bit of thought wouldn't she? At least she had a team that was more than willing to give input and help her make decisions. Even so, they seemed to treat her final word as law. Scary considering she was one of the youngest of the bunch. If Draco wasn't around, then she would be.
How did she get herself into this position?
"Can we put on another?" Draco asked softly.
"Sure. I have a stack of tapes over there, but I'm going upstairs." She looked to Bill and Fleur. "Staying or going?"
"I think we'll be heading home," said Bill. "Thank you for having us over."
"Sure. Anytime." Hermione bid the others goodnight and stood.
Cedric hadn't come down yet. He hadn't eaten. She diverged and put together a bowl of oatmeal, speeding up the process with a bit of magic. She fixed it how he liked it and brought it upstairs. He was still in his room.
She tapped her nails against the door.
"Come in."
The attic was very similar to what it used to be but slightly bigger. She could see a door leading to a bathroom and heard the shower run sometimes. The walls were yellow and his bed was still under the slanted window to allow him to look up at the stars, though this time it was situated sideways to give a bit more floor space. The room was big enough now with built in furniture that could be accessed. A small desk was pushed against one wall and photos decorated the space above it.
Cedric was curled up on his bed, wrapped up in a thick blanket with Belle in his lap. He didn't look like he had been resting. Perhaps he pretended to so he wouldn't worry Fleur. The look in his eyes was the thousand yard stare of a caged animal. It broke her heart.
"I brought you some food," she said. "Oatmeal. I thought it'd be a bit easier on the stomach."
"Thank you." He made no effort to move, so she set it down on the side table.
She thought about leaving, then turned towards him. "Cedric, talk to me. Please?"
He looked away, his face twisting up. She refused to leave him when he was like this. She sat next to him and entwined her arms around him. Hugs always seemed to make something happen, positive or negative. That part of Hogwarts remained with her even here. That desire to embrace those who were hurting and promise them safety and love. She could do that.
Cedric unclenched and fell into her. She stroked his hair and pushed calm energy towards him.
Belle refused to move, just continuing to purr.
"If this mission will cause you distress, I won't make you be a part of it," Hermione said. "You know this is voluntary."
"Just… the thought of seeing her again," he whispered. "How is what she did justifiable for a pardon? Why not dispute it?"
"I don't know."
"She ruined my life, Mimi. And now she's going to do the same to others." He inhaled deeply. "I'll go on the mission. For them."
"Alright." She thought about getting up, but he held her tighter.
"Just a little longer," he begged. "Let me pretend just a little longer."
She knew what he meant and stayed as she was until his breathing eased and he relaxed. She thought of very little, petting his hair, which had gone from soft and fluffy to thick and a bit coarse.
Perhaps it was the new strain of lycanthropy in him. The change was noticeable, it still wrapped around him like a parasitic plant, but he also seemed to have accepted it rather than continually fight it.
Even in human form, his canines seemed a bit longer and sharper. His eyes had a silver glint in them. And the way he constantly sniffed the air was new and he seemed to rely on it more than sound or sight.
His personality hadn't changed. That was the important thing. Fundamentally it hadn't. He was a bit more jaded. A bit more wary. More on edge. He still had a warmth about him and he cared. That was important.
Cedric sank down, nuzzling her. He breathed in deeply and sighed, relaxing further.
Hermione sent a spell to the bowl of oatmeal to keep it warm and remained as she was until she was sure Cedric was sound asleep. She gently guided him into lying down before getting up and pulling the covers over him. She went down to her room to contemplate her plan a little more so she'd look like she knew what she was doing the following day.