Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the intellectual property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Between Regret and Recklessness
"I've got two Neptunes here," said Harry after a while, frowning down at his piece of parchment, "that can't be right, can it?"
"Aaaaah," said Ron, imitating Professor Trelawney's mystical whisper, "when two Neptunes appear in the sky, it is a sure sign that a midget in glasses is being born, Harry..."
Seamus and Dean, who were working nearby, sniggered loudly, though not loud enough to mask the excited squeals from Lavender Brown— "Oh Professor, look! I think I might've gotten an unaspected planet! Oooh, which one's that, Professor?"
"It is Uranus, my dear," said Professor Trelawney, peering down at the chart.
"Can I get a look at Uranus too, Lavender?" said Ron."
― J.K Rowling Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The aftermath of Rita Skeeter's sensational article cast a looming, dark cloud over Hermione's week at Hogwarts. It was as though a shadow followed her wherever she went, shrouding her in uncomfortable attention. Whispers and furtive glances followed her through the corridors, making the castle's hallowed halls feel like a battleground of scrutiny.
Within her own Ravenclaw house, reactions were mixed. Some of her peers offered sympathy, recognizing the unjust scrutiny she faced, while others couldn't resist the allure of gossiping about her predicament. It was a stark reminder that even in the house of wisdom, judgmental tendencies were far from absent.
Across the Hogwarts divide, Hermione observed a distinct difference in how Gryffindors and Slytherins reacted to the scandal. Despite their philosophical disparities, both houses had their share of less-than-friendly members. Yet, it was evident that the Slytherins approached the matter with more nuance compared to the Gryffindors.
Hermione suspected that the esteemed Black family name carried greater weight in the minds of Slytherins, granting her a modicum of respect, or at least restraint, that Gryffindors didn't seem willing to extend. This notion was essentially confirmed when she crossed paths with her cousin, Regulus, in the Library the morning after Halloween.
Even more surprising was the approach of another cousin, a third cousin to be precise, on the 3rd of November. It happened to be Sirius's birthday, and Hermione had planned to give him a gift. However, Sirius had been conspicuously avoiding her, or more precisely, avoiding being seen with her by his fellow Gryffindors. It was a painful reminder that the rift caused by the article ran deep, even within her own family.
In the labyrinthine tapestry of Hermione's family connections, the intricate web of relationships extended far and wide. It was a complex matrix, entwining her with various members of Hogwarts and beyond.
One prominent figure in this network was Frank Longbottom, currently holding the prestigious position of Headboy at Hogwarts. Yet, despite being related to Hermione, Barty, Sirius, and Regulus as their third cousin, Frank seemed to conveniently feign ignorance of their familial ties. Hermione couldn't help but attribute this to his Gryffindor allegiance, as the divisions between the houses often ran deep.
But Frank Longbottom was just one piece of the puzzle. Hermione's family tree had branches that reached into other houses at Hogwarts. Among her third cousins were Adelaide and Caspian Burke, Slytherins in their first and third years respectively. They discreetly acknowledged Hermione when their paths crossed in the echoing corridors of the castle.
Beyond Hogwarts, her cousins Fabian, Gideon, and Molly Prewett had already graduated, venturing into the wider wizarding world. Even though Cedrella had been disowned for her union with a Weasley, Arthur Weasley, he still carried Black blood in his veins through his mother's lineage. But by now, Arthur had long completed his education at Hogwarts, being nine years Hermione's senior.
As extensive as her connections were through blood relations, the intricacies of wizarding marriages expanded Hermione's family network even further. Names like Blishwick, Flint, Gamp, Macmillan, Rosier, Bulstrode, Yaxley, Lestrange, Crabbe, Selwyn, Shafiq, Max, Fawley, Parkinson, and soon, the Malfoys, all played a role in the elaborate tapestry of Hermione's family ties. The list seemed almost endless, illustrating the complexity and depth of her familial connections in the wizarding world.
The Great Hall was a serene setting on this early Wednesday morning, with only a few early risers scattered among its long wooden tables. Hermione, having always been an early bird, was already seated at the Ravenclaw table, her breakfast plate before her as she carefully spread butter on a slice of toast.
As she looked up from her plate, Hermione noticed Frank Longbottom approaching. It wasn't often that they had one-on-one conversations, and the awkward tension that had settled between them in recent days was palpable.
Frank cleared his throat nervously, fidgeting with his tie as he stood before Hermione. "Morning, Hermione."
Hermione glanced up, her expression polite but guarded. "Good morning, Frank."
He hesitated, acutely aware of the tension in the air. "I, uh, wanted to talk to you about something."
Her curiosity piqued, Hermione nodded. "Of course, Frank. What's on your mind?"
Taking a deep breath, Frank's blue eyes met Hermione's earnestly. "I heard about the rumors, Hermione. About the betrothal between you and James Potter."
Hermione's gaze briefly dropped to her plate, her features composed. "Yes, it's been quite the topic of discussion since Sunday."
Frank nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "I also wanted to apologize for my house, for any grief they might have caused you."
Hermione sighed softly, a touch of resignation in her voice. "It's been a mix of reactions, as you can imagine. Gryffindor has its share of... passionate individuals."
Frank chuckled, a hint of irony in his tone. "Yes, I know what you mean. But I think it's important to remember that not everyone from our house is the same."
Hermione agreed with a small, appreciative smile. "You're right, Frank. It's unfair to generalize. Thank you for your understanding."
Frank nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You know, when I first heard about my own betrothal, it wasn't easy to accept. I can imagine it's even more complicated for you, given the... public nature of it."
Hermione's smile grew slightly wistful. "Yes, it's been quite the whirlwind. But I suppose we have to navigate these waters, don't we?"
Frank extended a hand, and Hermione shook it warmly. "Indeed, Hermione. And if you ever need someone to talk to, well, I'm not too far away."
Hermione appreciated the gesture. "Thank you, Frank. It means a lot."
As the morning light filtered through the high windows of the Great Hall, Hermione and Frank found common ground in their shared experiences and the complexities of navigating betrothals in the wizarding world.
The Great Hall was gradually filling with more students as breakfast time rolled on, and Barty Crouch Jr. joined Hermione at the Ravenclaw table, his blond hair still slightly tousled from his morning routine. He gave her a lazy smile as he settled into his seat, his plate quickly filling up with a variety of breakfast foods.
Once Barty had ensured his plate was adequately loaded with food, he turned his attention to Hermione. "So, what's the grand plan for Sirius's birthday present?"
Hermione, who had been sipping her tea, set the cup down and leaned in with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I got him a vintage record player with a collection of rebellious and non-conformist artists on vinyl records. It should be right up his alley."
Barty's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Ah, that's cool. But you know, I've got something special in mind too." He leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "I'm giving him a stylish black leather jacket with a unique design on the back."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What's the design?"
Barty reached for a nearby napkin and a butter knife, improvising as he began to sketch the design. It was a stylized red Phoenix within a golden circle, its wings spread wide in a fiery display.
Hermione studied the design for a moment, her lips curving into a grin. "That's impressive, Barty. But does it have any specific meaning?"
Barty chuckled, his blue eyes dancing with mischief. "Well, not really. I thought it symbolized rebellion or freedom, but honestly, it kind of looks like... something else, doesn't it?"
Hermione burst into laughter, unable to hold it back. "Barty, that does look rather... suggestive."
Barty joined in her laughter, shaking his head. "Exactly! I figure Sirius, with his sense of humor, will get a kick out of it. And if nothing else, it'll certainly be unique."
They shared a moment of laughter, their breakfast forgotten for a moment as they enjoyed the humor of the situation. It was moments like these that made the trials and tribulations of Hogwarts a bit more bearable.
As they continued to laugh about the design of the jacket, Hermione couldn't help but appreciate Barty's creativity, even if it did resemble a different interpretation. She kept her knowledge about the Star Wars rebellion logo to herself, knowing that discussing a film from the future would raise more than a few eyebrows.
"Well, I'm sure Sirius will appreciate the uniqueness of the jacket, even if its interpretation varies," Hermione finally remarked, her laughter subsiding. "It's the thought that counts, right?"
Barty nodded, a genuine smile on his face. "Absolutely. Plus, it'll give us all something to laugh about."
Their conversation shifted to other topics as they finished their breakfast, the anticipation of Sirius's birthday celebration bringing a sense of excitement to the day.
Hermione glanced over at the Gryffindor table where Sirius, accompanied by Remus, James, and Peter, had just entered the Great Hall. There was a palpable tension in the air, a subtle but noticeable shift in the dynamics of the Marauders' group. It was as if an invisible barrier had formed between them, something Hermione had never witnessed before. The once-tight-knit group of friends appeared to be drifting apart, and the atmosphere felt unfamiliar, like a rift had grown among them.
Barty's question brought her back to the moment. "Is he still keeping his distance, though?" he asked, his tone curious.
Hermione took a moment to study Sirius. He seemed distant, his usual exuberance tempered by a somberness she hadn't seen in him before. It was as if he was wrestling with something, and the weight of it hung in the air around him.
"Yeah," Hermione replied, her voice tinged with concern. "It looks like something's changed between them. It's strange, isn't it?"
Barty nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed as he continued to observe the Marauders. The situation had certainly piqued their curiosity, and they couldn't help but wonder what had caused this sudden shift in the group's dynamics.
The divide between James and Sirius had deepened unknowingly due to the fallout from Skeeter's article. While they were still technically friends, an awkward distance had crept in, making their interactions strained. It was as though the two best friends had lost their ease in each other's company.
James couldn't help but wonder about Hermione's knowledge of the potential betrothal before their date. He found himself second-guessing her intentions and motivations, unable to decipher her true feelings. He had questioned Sirius multiple times about what he knew, but Sirius had maintained his stance. His uncle, Hermione's father, had indeed mentioned the possibility of a betrothal, but no specific choice had been put forward. Sirius had no idea that James could potentially be Hermione's betrothed, and he had dismissed Skeeter's article as sensationalism.
Sirius had even mocked James for taking the article seriously, emphasizing Skeeter's penchant for embellishing or inventing stories. However, despite his reassurances, the uncertainty still lingered between James and Sirius, casting a shadow over their friendship.
In the three days following Halloween, James had indeed found himself at odds with his best friend, Sirius. The once inseparable pair had now become distant. Sirius had taken to switching seats in class or during meals, often sitting with Remus and Peter instead of next to James. It was a noticeable change, one that left James feeling isolated and confused as he grappled with the aftermath of Skeeter's article and its implications for his relationship with Hermione.
The Blacks had launched a formidable counterattack against the article, dismissing it as nothing more than libelous slander. James vividly recalled the missive Hermione's father had sent her, assuring her that they were dealing with the situation and advising her to maintain a low profile.
Their response was fierce. The Blacks had threatened the Daily Prophet with a substantial lawsuit for divulging what they considered confidential and personal information. While they publicly denied the veracity of the claims, they also questioned how Rita Skeeter had managed to acquire such private information, hinting at potential illegal methods.
As James sat in the Great Hall, thoughts of Hermione and her investigative prowess filled his mind. He couldn't help but recall how she had logically deduced the possibility of Rita Skeeter being an illegal Animagus, capable of obtaining confidential information for her own gain. It was a reasonable explanation for how Skeeter had come by the details in her damaging article.
He glanced over at Peter, who was sitting across from him, and couldn't help but think back to the Marauders' own use of Peter's Animagus form for pranks. While their intentions had been innocent, Skeeter's actions, if she truly was an Animagus, were driven by self-interest and a hunger for sensational stories.
James had a hunch that Hermione had shared her findings with her family, particularly her father and other influential Black family members. Crossing any member of the Black family was a dangerous game, and when they retaliated, they did so without mercy.
Sirius, his best friend, was living proof of just how dangerous a wronged Black could be. And although James didn't know Hermione well, he was acutely aware of her formidable intelligence, which made her a force to be reckoned with. The thought of Hermione being on the opposing side of the Black family was enough to send shivers down anyone's spine.
The prime exemplar of the perilous potential within the Black family tree was none other than Bellatrix.
Anyway, just the previous day, the Prophet had arrived with a retraction article and official apologies issued to both the Black and Potter families, including personal apologies to Hermione and himself. However, the apologies, although welcomed, were belated. The damage had already been inflicted, and the effects of Skeeter's article still lingered, casting a shadow over and in James and Hermione's lives.
James was acutely aware of the betrothal proposal that had been set in motion by the Black family. The chain of communication that had transmitted this information was clear: the Blacks had initiated the idea, which reached his great-uncle Charlus and great aunt Dorea. They had then discussed it with James' grandfather, Henry, who subsequently conveyed the matter to his parents, Fleamont and Euphemia. The owl had delivered his parents' response the morning after Halloween, yet James remained in a state of disbelief.
It felt like a vital portion of his life had been stealthily snatched away, tying him to Hermione in a way that he was not ready for. Even though his parents had stressed that the final decision was his to make, the weight of this responsibility pressed heavily upon his shoulders. It was a decision that could alter the course of his life, and he grappled with the magnitude of it all.
James sat at the Gryffindor table, picking at his breakfast with little enthusiasm. The atmosphere in the Great Hall was subdued, the fallout from Rita Skeeter's article still casting a shadow over Hogwarts. Lost in thought, he didn't notice the approaching footsteps until he heard a throat clear. Startled, he looked up to see Hermione standing beside Sirius, both of them holding intricately wrapped presents. Barty stood next to Sirius, a gift in his hands as well.
Hermione and Barty exchanged glances before they both greeted Sirius with a cheerful, "Happy birthday!" They recognized that, due to their different houses, they wouldn't be able to attend Sirius's birthday party planned for later that evening in the Gryffindor Common Room.
Sirius accepted their presents with a genuine smile, but James couldn't help but notice a quick glance that passed between his best friend and Hermione. His curiosity piqued, he watched as Sirius jumped out of his seat to catch up with the Ravenclaw cousins who were ready to leave for their morning classes.
With a boisterous tone that carried across the Great Hall, Sirius declared, "Hey, Hermione, Barty! You two should come to my birthday party tonight! It's going to be epic!" He leaned closer to Hermione and whispered something in her ear. Hermione nodded in response, and then the two Ravenclaws resumed their departure from the Great Hall, Barty following Hermione.
James couldn't help but wonder what Sirius had said to Hermione and why she had agreed to attend the Gryffindor party.
The chime of the bell resonated through the Great Hall, marking the commencement of yet another day filled with classes. In a matter of moments, the bustling hall emptied, releasing a torrent of students into the labyrinthine corridors of Hogwarts. For James, the morning heralded a double period of Ancient Runes, followed by a descent to the dungeon for Potions.
The hours trudged by, each lesson a weighty step in the marathon of the school day. It wasn't until the final rays of sunlight slanted through the castle windows that the day came to an end, culminating in a Herbology lesson.
With a few assignments that could wait until the weekend, James, Remus, and Peter embarked on a mission to the kitchens to procure snacks and drinks for Sirius' impending birthday bash. As they returned to the Gryffindor Common Room, the revelry was already in full swing.
The punch bowl seemed to have been enchanted to pack an extra punch, as evidenced by the tipsy expressions worn by many of his housemates. James observed Mary McDonald, swaying gently in a slow dance with a fourth-year, who appeared both flustered and mortified. Marlene McKinnon, meanwhile, seemed thoroughly dismayed by the unfolding spectacle.
"Seems like even the holier-than-thou Evans had one too many sips of that punch," Peter commented, his tone laced with a hint of mockery.
James followed Peter's gaze to the corner of the common room, where the evidence of Lily's indulgence was unmistakable. She was swaying in her seat, struggling to keep her eyes open as her head drooped left and right. The cacophonous music seemed to be the only thing preventing her from succumbing to a full-blown slumber.
Sirius, the guest of honor on his 17th birthday, was in his element. The Gryffindor Common Room was transformed into a dance floor, and Sirius was at the center of it all, twirling Alice Fortescue in an exaggerated manner. Alice's soon-to-be-husband, Frank Longbottom, who also happened to be the headboy, watched this spectacle with an expression that hovered between amusement and concern. He clearly felt torn between maintaining the decorum expected of a headboy and simply enjoying the festive atmosphere.
As the night wore on, the party took on a wilder tone. James found himself swept up in the infectious energy, momentarily forgetting all his worries. The Daily Prophet's article, Skeeter's antics, Hermione, the looming possibility of a betrothal, his mounting homework, the impending N.E.W.T.s, the shadow of Voldemort and the war, graduation, and the responsibilities of adulthood all faded into the background. It was a brief respite from the tumultuous world outside Hogwarts, a night to celebrate friendship and youth, and James was determined to make the most of it.
Amid the raucous revelry of the Gryffindor Common Room party, James's brief escape from his worries came to an end as he spotted Crouch and Hermione entering the Common Room. Frank, being a good host, had opened the portrait for the two Ravenclaws, who were greeted by the wild scene with wide eyes.
Sirius wasted no time, snatching the small present from Hermione's hands and adding it to a growing pile on one of the tables. Then, with an exuberant grin, he dragged his cousins into the midst of the dance floor. Hermione's laughter rang through the air as she watched Sirius unleash his outrageous dance moves on the crowd.
Crouch, on the other hand, had found himself a dance partner in Mary McDonald. Mary had finally released her fourth-year, who had been a reluctant dance partner, and he'd made a hasty escape to his dorm. They twirled and swayed to the music, momentarily lost in the festivities.
As the night wore on, the revellers swayed and moved around the improvised dance floor. With an elegant flourish, Crouch, who had been twirling Hermione gracefully, released her into James's waiting arms before smoothly transitioning back to dance with his first partner, Mary. James couldn't help but notice the Cheshire Cat-like grin on Crouch's face as their gazes locked. It was a reminder that Crouch, too, was an extended member of the cunning and dangerous Black family.
Glancing at Hermione, he saw her looking back at Crouch with a fond expression. When she eventually looked back up at him, he realized he was a head taller than her. Her eyes widened slightly, but she continued to dance, the rhythm of the music carrying them away into the lively celebration.
As James danced with Hermione, a sudden stiffness overcame him. It was as though a chasm of time had opened up between their date, which had happened just three days ago, and this moment. So much had transpired in those few days, so many twists and turns, that their date seemed like a distant memory. Even the recollection of the soft touch of Hermione's lips on his cheek felt like a fading dream, slipping further and further away with each passing moment.
James couldn't help but be aware of what Crouch was trying to achieve by twirling Hermione into his arms. However, as he held the beautiful young woman in his arms, her glossy, coiled tresses tumbling around them and swaying to the rhythm of the music, he hesitated.
Her eyes, a fusion of dark grey with tinges of honeyed brown, seemed to shimmer with depth as she observed the late-night partygoers. James couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards her, but he also knew that there were many complexities and uncertainties in their situation.
Lily Evans, who had been battling sleep, was now slumped against the arm of a couch, with Alice Fortescue's head drooling on her shoulder. Frank was sitting on a chair, giggling as he listened to Sirius attempting his most embarrassing pickup lines on the tall blond Marlene McKinnon.
"Christmas must have come early because you are the present that I want to unwrap," Sirius leered, earning a laugh from Marlene and a roll of the eyes from others nearby.
James found himself torn between the allure of the moment and the weight of the unresolved issues that lingered between them.
As the song and dance came to an end with the fading music, Hermione slowly stopped swaying in James's arms. She looked up at him with a warm smile before gracefully moving toward the refreshment table. The snacks had long been devoured by the partygoers, and the attendees were gradually dispersing towards their respective dorms.
The only thing that remained untouched was the bowl of spiked punch. Crouch and McDonald seemed to have turned it into a contest, doing shots to see who would give in first. It was a rather chaotic and spirited way to wrap up Sirius's birthday bash.
Remus observed the drinking game with a quiet smile, while Peter was enthusiastically cheering them on. The atmosphere in the Gryffindor Common Room was lively, to say the least.
Hermione joined Barty, her eyes scanning the collection of multicolored glasses the two had been downing. She decided it was probably time for them to call it quits. Hermione gently moved the last glass away from Barty, expressing her concern, "I think that's enough for now, Barty."
Barty, however, seemed determined to continue. "Come on, I'm winning against this one," he insisted, pointing unsteadily at Mary McDonald before wresting the glass back from Hermione and downing it.
"In your dreams, Crouch," Mary retorted, taking another shot of punch before she slumped out of her chair, teetering on the edge of falling. Fortunately, Remus's quick reflexes saved her, as he caught her and gently moved her to a nearby couch.
Crouch triumphantly raised his hands in a victory sign before turning to Hermione and then glancing towards James, his raised eyebrow questioning something.
James couldn't ignore the inquisitive look in Crouch's eyes, a glance that carried a question he was likely mulling over. It didn't take James long to deduce what was brewing in Hermione's cousin's mind. Crouch, with his innate cunning and perception, was probably wondering if James and Hermione had managed to have a meaningful conversation and possibly resolved some of the issues that had arisen during their dance.
As he observed Hermione engrossed in conversation with Barty and the others, James grappled with a whirlwind of emotions. Uncertainty and nervousness swirled within him. He understood that he needed to speak with Hermione, to clarify their situation and ensure that there were no lingering misunderstandings between them.
However, amidst the post-party chatter and activities, he wrestled with the when and how of approaching her. The Common Room buzzed with energy, and the timing had to be just right for such a conversation.
The moment was swift to arrive, with Hermione and Barty eventually bidding their farewells. James acknowledged their departure with a nod, although he couldn't help but notice Crouch's subtle eyeroll. It seemed like a missed opportunity, and the regret hung heavy in the air.
As the two Ravenclaws approached the portrait entrance, James made a snap decision. Determination surged within him, propelling him forward. With quick strides, he closed the gap between himself and Hermione, his hand gently finding its place on her shoulder, bringing her to a halt.
Hermione turned to him, her eyes filled with curiosity, and for a moment, James was entranced by the depths of her dark grey gaze. He momentarily lost his train of thought, but then, as if a sudden burst of clarity illuminated his mind, he thought, "Screw it." Without further hesitation, he leaned in and captured Hermione's lips with his own.
The Common Room, filled with the remaining onlookers, exploded in a chorus of loud catcalls and cheers.