Chapter 03

Long Lessons, and Even Longer Talks.

Their return to the Granger's home was much easier than Jasmine would have thought. Molly had been too distracted by the day's events to insist they stay longer and explain everything. And when they got home, Jasmine's kids were indeed wondering where Jasmine had gotten to. Samual, having stayed home that day, had been able to keep them distracted with a movie, but it was not going to last forever.

When Jasmine finally got back, the kids changed into their human form and were soon happily hugging Jasmine. Their reactions might be a little odd, but Jasmine knew the reason better than most. Their instincts were much stronger than her own, mixed with their own feelings it was potent combo to say the least. Jasmine had dealt with similar when she had first had them, emotions and instincts blended in equal measure. And knew that if it should come up again, that logical reason would not be able to hold her reaction back. Thankfully, most of the time it was just stuff like this, where the kids were just extremely happy to see her.

Jasmine listened to them describe their day of playing and watching a movie. As she went about getting dinner ready for the family. Cooking was something she insisted she do, as it calmed her. But also let her feel like she was helping pay back what she owed to the Granger parents, who had taken good care of her and her children rather than sending them to the city pound. The Granger's understood the gesture and did not fight her too much on it. They could see just how much Jasmine really had wanted to pay them back for their continued kindness, and not just by giving them money either.

Dinner was soon ready, and Anna returned just as it was being served up on the table. Meal times was the only time that Jasmine did not enforce her rule about animal or human forms. As dogs they would eat almost anything given to them. And the kids had access to the dog food bowl anytime they needed it. Yet they, like her, choose to eat the human food served. Both because it was their mother who made it, but also because the taste was so much better. Something Jasmine agreed with, who could still almost remember each bite of the first meal she ate after returning to being a human.

Sirius and Lupin often spent the night with them, at least for supper. They also chipped in a little bit of money as well to cover the costs of the Granger's now having to feed so many extra people. The only thing they asked for in return for this money, was a small bottle of something to drink after the meal. Which in this case was a bit of red wine tonight. As Sirius explained when asked why.

"Living like we have; you forget the nicer things in life. And though a cheap bottle of wine might not seem like much, it reminds me of times when I would share a bottle with me friends back in the day. Back before all this happened, and we went from four to two."

Anna was the first to ask them how everyone's day had been, "So how was your visit to Sirius's home?"

"Much crazier than planned," Sirius said, shaking his head as he sipped his drink.

Jasmine let out a slightly humorless laugh at Sirius's comment, "That is one way to put it."

"That bad?" Samual asked, misinterpreting the laugh.

"Nah, it actually went really well," Jasmine said, shaking her head, "It is what we found that has left us in a mood. Plus, the talk we are soon going to be having, that I am sure going to leave you with a bunch of questions as well."

"Pulling you out of school questions?" Anna asked shrewdly.

"That depends on how much Hermione has told you," Jasmine said before sighing, "Do not get me wrong. My life is far from normal, and so was my time at Hogwarts. Outside the events of the second year, it would be hard to say anyone else was in danger. Or at least more danger than normal. Though seeing as what I went through in the last few months, you can take that for what it is worth."

"We noticed," Anna asked, glancing at the kids then at Hermione and Jasmine, "But we will keep that in mind."

"Besides, not precisely going back to school outside taking our tests. So, I think being pulled out is not really a question anymore," Jasmine continued a small smirk playing across her lips.

"I knew I liked you for some reason," Samual said, "Smart enough to know when to step away from the problem."

Jasmine and Hermione both visible winced at that, getting a laugh from Samual. Anna's eyes sparkled with mirth as well, at the guilty looks in both girl's faces. Though their attention was soon diverted by the children who wanted to play outside in the snow before heading to bed. Jasmine let them, for as huskies they had a lot of energy and had yet to find a way to use it all. Besides, as the three turned into their dog forms, they would be safe enough from the outside chill.

Once the three were outside, and Jasmine was standing beside the window so she could watch them. Just in case. She began telling her story to the rest of the group. She did not go into a lot of details about her early life, though the little she did say suggested at something much darker. Jasmine noticed the look in Hermione's eyes that Hermione had guessed at some of what Jasmine was telling them. Jasmine moved quickly on her retelling to meeting up and finding out she was a wizard to her introduction to the magical world. As well as her seeing the school for the first time, and the wonder of it all.

After that, she told them what they wished to know about her first year. Her successes, and failures and problems. Quirrell, Snape, quidditch, the troll, and the third-floor corridor were each in turn revealed to the group. Jasmine then expected to continue onto the next year, but they halted to bring the kids in and send them to bed. Once they were ready again, rather than continue the group picked over Jasmine's story with a fine-tooth comb. Several things stood out as odd to the Grangers. Sirius, Lupin, and even Hermione had a few questions as well on the events.

Molly's comments that Harry had heard, was one such thing that was explained away quickly by Sirius as something quite common. As many of the friendlier magical families would often space their arrivals five or so minutes apart. As to make sure they could help muggle born families get their children on the train. True, it was a risk, but only muggle-born witches and wizard, and their families would realize what those like what Molly had really said. Everyone else would consider it to be someone's slip of the tongue which was common enough. The Weasley's late arrival as such was explained, as they were the last on the list to show up.

Sirius also explained, that areas of the castle being forbidden was also not unheard of either. Hogwarts was old and filled with children, so it went without saying that odd pieces of magic were found in it from time to time. Either having been left there from ages pass by a student or teacher experimenting on some unknown magic. Or more recently as a student wanting to hide something that had gone wrong. So, areas in which these odd things would be sectioned off from the rest of the school with a warning given out. Those warnings could easily last up to a year before the object in question was removed or destroyed.

It was also likely, Sirius pointed out, that Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore had had a plan in the case a student found out about the stone. Either to move it, or talk to them directly at a later time, and only Dumbledore's untimely absent had allowed the opening that had come into being. Sirius also doubted that Dumbledore had known Voldemort was in the castle, but had likely thought that Quirrell was acting alone, and thus not as big a danger. Though Sirius admitted all these last points were more speculation on his part, rather than facts. And would be something he would be questioning Dumbledore and McGonagall about the next chance he got.

By the time they had finished discussing the first year, it was getting very late indeed. And they decided, that the next three years could wait till tomorrow. Sirius and Lupin as such returned to Grimmauld place, while the Grangers and Jasmine got ready for bed. Jasmine checked on the kids, to make sure they were curled up asleep in their own beds. They each had both a normal bed, but also a soft dog bed lined with a blanket that they could use. So far, the kids had not shown a preference of one over the other. At least not one that Jasmine could detect.

Jasmine on the other hand, had so far found it hard sleeping as a human. Her body as a human was so odd, that it became uncomfortable if she tried to lay down and sleep. Her tail, was just always in the way if she lay down, and would often curl or move in odd way, the fur pushing against the blankets or catching. She could never quite get the hang of sleeping on her side, and sleeping on her front with her eight new additions was just not going to happen. However, for whatever reason none of those things bugged her as a dog. And so far, she had only fallen asleep once as a human, but that had been while she had been curled up in the oversize chair by the fire after an extra-long day.

As such, her dog bed, had not been replaced or moved at all. She still slept curled up in the blanket turned bed she had made or at the end of Hermione's own bed now that she did not have the puppies with her each night. Hermione's return had not really changed this either, though it had been a little awkward for the first few days till they had gotten used to it. Hermione knew Jasmine would not do anything, or try anything odd with her. Mostly because Jasmine was quite often still too awkward with her own body to want to try anything. Plus, with Jasmine's first time being with a male dog when she had first found out she was well, a she. Jasmine was not precisely ready to rush into anything sexual for a long while yet, even if she did tease Hermione.

Hermione also knew that her scent was a comfort to Jasmine, something both embarrassing and reassuring to Hermione. Jasmine had mentioned it only once, that it was Hermione's scent that drawn Jasmine into the house. That finding her friend's house had allowed her a bit of hope that she had not had up till then, either for her or for her children. Jasmine knew with relative certainty, that she had not found a safe place soon she and her puppies would have ended up in the city pound. From there it was only a guess where things would have gone. Even now Hermione scent had a calming effect that Jasmine could not quite explain. The best she could describe was that the scent meant home, shelter, family, and peace.

"Jasmine," Hermione asked as Jasmine sat at the end of her bed, still in human form, her tail poking out between her night shirt and panties.

"Yes?" Jasmine said questioningly, glancing at Hermione.

"Do you think you would be this at ease had you found the Weasley's home," Hermione asked before explaining, "I know you ended up there during the summer of your second year, but you never made your way towards it. Why my house?"

Jasmine blinked before shrugging some, "I don't really know. Part of it was my own instincts, and part of it was my own mind that led me here. Mostly I traveled to London as I knew that was where most everyone seemed to be, and the path I followed was dictated more by my need to feed than any desire to be at the Weasley house or here. I just got lucky to come across your home before I gave birth."

"IF you had made it to the Weasley's, do you think you would have been happy there?" Hermione asked, feeling a little bit like a heel for asking it yet she wanted to know after her fight with Molly that afternoon.

"Maybe. Probably," Jasmine said after a few moments, giving Hermione a curious look, "Why?"

"No real reason," Hermione tried to deflect, realizing she might have said to much.

"What did Mrs. Weasley say while I was gone?" Jasmine asked, now giving Hermione her full attention.

Hermione tried to look away, but Jasmine's eyes held her own. Jasmine had a guess as to what was going on, but still wanted the answer from Hermione. IT was one of the odd things that had happened since her change. Hermione could no longer read Jasmine quite like she used to, while Hermione, at least to Jasmine, was much more an open book than she had been. Hermione could not easily lie to Jasmine without her being suspicious to something odd. It also did not help Hermione's scent sometimes betrayed her feelings to Jasmine.

"Nothing too bad," Hermione said after a few moments, "But several times she seemed to implied it would be better for all involved if you were living with her, rather than me or my parents. As if we would not be able to properly equipped to take care of you, the kids, or help raise them. Or even that it was not safe."

"Are you sure you were not reading too much into it, and Mrs. Weasley was just very concerned? She is very protective and a little overbearing when she feels we might be in danger." Jasmine pointed out.

"I am not sure," Hermione admitted, "still…"

Jasmine nodded in understanding at Hermione's worries, "I am not leaving your house for another. At least not anytime soon. I am quite happy here, and am willing to raise the kids here as long as your parents are willing to let me. I like the Weasley's, I really do. But this place is my home right now. It is my children's home, and I do not want to change that yet not when everyone is so happy."

Hermione just nodded, still not looking too happy about it. Jasmine moved over along the bed, and soon pulled Hermione into a hug. She could tell there was something more to this than just what Mrs. Weasley had said. Something far deeper in Hermione's feelings that she did not seem to want to confront or admit to yet. Jasmine again had a guess what it might be, but did not want to breach that topic till Hermione did. Jasmine knew her what her feelings towards Hermione and indeed Ron were now, as her time spent with her children and Hermione's family had given her a lot of time to think on how she felt.

Likewise, Jasmine knew her answer towards about living with the Weasley's was not entirely honest. Jasmine knew she would have been happy had she made it to the Weasley's house before having her kids. But having lived at the Weasleys for a few months, and now having lived with the Grangers for a similar period of time. She knew which she preferred, at least had she really made a conscious choice rather than because of a twist of fate. Jasmine would pick the Granger's any time, every time. She really did love the Weasley's, but she wanted a more open and balanced family for her children to grow up in, where they learn not only disciple and order, but still also be respected for the person they would become.

Hermione leaned into the hug, and seemed quite happy to just draw comfort from her friend. Jasmine smiled as she felt Hermione slowly relax and fall asleep in her own arms, her long day finally catching up with her. Jasmine carefully tucked Hermione into bed, before changing back to her dog form and curling up besides Hermione for once, rather than by her feet. Hermione's hand seemed to find her, and lightly take a hold of Jasmine's paw. Jasmine would have smiled had she been able to, but all that showed of her joy was a few twitches of her tail before sleep finally claimed her as well.

The next morning, as it was still so close to Christmas neither Samual or Anna had any real work to do. As such they were able to spend their time with the family. Though they wanted to jump right back into the discussion from last night, it was clear that was not going to be happening. The kids demanded attention and Jasmine, Hermione, Samual and Anna gave it. Either by playing with them, or in the forms of lessons. Which took them to a little past lunch at which time the kids would either find a movie to watch, play by themselves, or something else while Jasmine and Hermione would try and get some studying done.

Hermione's first lessons, were not so much a lessons, but a general review of her last four years of study. And Jasmine was doing surprisingly well at answering the questions Hermione pushed at her. Questions about spell, potions and their description, Jasmine could answer with ease that not only surprised Hermione, but gave her hope Jasmine could pass her OWLs this year without too much difficulty. Where Jasmine seemed to lack was the theoretical when it came to spells. Likewise, she was similar struggling in the understanding of some potion ingredients and how they could be correctly used to strength or change potions. Hermione knew this was where she would have to focus most of her attention. As for practical casting and brewing, until they had finished setting up the Floo. Hermione could not test that, though Hermione was not too worried about that personally. Harry and as such Jasmine, had always shown a remarkable understanding of casting and using spells even if she lacked the finer details.

This kept them going easily till supper time. Jasmine never stopped answering questions the entire time she was preparing the dinner for that night. And to Hermione's confusion and amusement Jasmine's answered seemed to get better the more she focused on cooking. By the time they had sat down, though they were far from done, Hermione was quite sure that Jasmine could at least pass her exams, even if she would not get the grade needed to continue. With a rough baseline now set up, Hermione knew she could better help Jasmine study. She was also secretly glad that Jasmine's changes had not changed where she had been good when she had studied before. Showing yes, Jasmine was still Harry to certain degrees underneath all her changes.

Supper preceded much like the night before. General talk about each other's day, as well as Sirius and Lupin showing up. Though this time, talk turned much quicker to the Jasmine's and Hermione's second school year, and the summer that led up to it. The kids listened at first, but were soon bored of the talk. Not because the story was boring, rather their attention spans could not keep up with it. They had very little frame of refence or understand what was going on at times. As such they were soon taking a nap curled up in dog form on one of the couches in the living room.

The talks continued, as Jasmine and Hermione talked about their second year. Dobby's first appearance and attempts to get Jasmine out of school. The attack on other students, the odd voice, Draco's own behavior, as well as the trail of clues that slowly led up to meeting Tom Riddle. Before finally the last trail that had finally brought Jasmine and Ron down into the Chamber of Secrets. The fight with the memory of Tom Riddle, who revealed himself to be Voldemort. The death of the basilisk by Jasmine's own hands with a sword, the death of Tom, and finally the escape from the Chamber back up into the school. And last of all the discussions with Dumbledore, freeing Dobby from Lucius Malfoy's control, a the revival of the students who had been petrified as well as Hagrid's return from Azkaban.

The discussion was even longer than the last night had been. Several things had been question, including how no one had found the chamber in over a thousand years. It was Jasmine who gave the suggestion that most agreed with. The chamber entrance had been hidden for many years, with both charms and other spells so only someone who spoke Parseltongue could remember or find the location. Meaning even though everyone knew the tap in the bathroom did not work, they quickly forgot about it. Something Hermione agreed to at once, as she could remember something on the tap in question having noticed it before, but the precise details were faded in her mind. Yet Jasmine could describe the details with perfect clarity.

Another discussion was how Hagrid had been able to be carted off to Azkaban, which was explained by Lupin. Quite simply, it was likely Hagrid would have gone to Azkaban at the time of the previous attacks, had it not been for Dumbledore's actions. As Dumbledore had only defeated Grindelwald a few years earlier, it was likely that most believed he could keep a good eye on and control Hagrid. Meaning as long as Hagrid behaved, he would be allowed to do what he wanted. A sort of unofficial community service. Should he mess up then his original time spent in Azkaban would have to be completed. So the moments new attacks began again, it was only a matter of time before Hagrid was thrown into prison. No one liked it, but it was a system they were familiar with, as it was used in the muggle own justice system. Even if Hagrid, like Sirius, had never gotten a trail to prove himself one way or the other.

They talked for a long time as well about Tom or Voldemort's dairy and what it really could have been. Though they all agreed with how Jasmine had reacted to finding another one. She had made rather sound decisions, with clear solution in mind that dealt with the problem at hand in minutes. Rather than risk it getting out of hand by drawing in to many people. The fact there might be others items like this, or at least Dumbledore seemed to think there were, also worried them greatly. Sirius said he would begin searching his family's library for any information he could find, as once they knew what they were up against they could better fight against it.

With the second year finished, they decided to get the kids to bed, then continue with the third year. Which went a lot faster as not only was there a lot less confusion in how things happened. This was because both Lupin and Sirius were involved in many of the events as well, meaning only Anna and Samual were starting with a blank slate. As such, by the end the only rea topic that got discussed was Hermione's own allowance to use a time turner.

This Lupin once again answered, as it was a well-kept secret among the staff. Quite simply it was only given to top students, and those who showed model behavior and could handle the strain. It was quite common though, for those students to give up the Time Turner after only one year, as just like Hermione the strain of twelve course was just too much. The only student who had completed their last five years with one in recent memory was Percy Weasley. And it was nearly forty years before that that they reached the next person who had completed all five years, that being Barty Crouch Senior.

As it was getting late again, they decided once more it was best to call it a night. Jasmine fourth year could be discussed tomorrow, along with what had taken place so far during their fifth year. Hermione held Jasmine's furry body close to her that night, as their discussions had brought up several dark memories that Hermione had worked to forget about up till then. Jasmine mind, but rather snuggled that little bit closer to her longtime friend.

The next day was a repeat of the previous one, though Lupin showed up just after lunch to finishing setting up the Floo connection. And then spent rest of the afternoon testing it to make sure it worked well. As there were only two fireplaces connected, Jasmine found the trip between was quite pleasant. And she only had just vanished in a flash of green flames before she could step out of the other fireplace. As it was the additions of more Floo accesses to a network made the trip that much rougher. With this done, Hermione and Jasmine were able to practice a few simple spells before it was time to make dinner once again.

That night's discussion moved along very quickly. They had plenty of information that shorten the talks afterwards to a minimal. There were still questions of course, but most were simple once that clarified points about something Jasmine or Hermione had said. Though by the end of the tales of their fourth year, including the bit about Jasmine's first change to her dog form, Samual made a rather good point.

"If you ever return to a school, I would suggest you pick Beauxbatons Academy. With everything I have heard and the amount of blood prejudice, it would be safer there. They already take Veela, and with their headmistress being half Giant I don't think they would just turn you down even as you are. Plus, they might like sticking it to the English by taking the so-called 'boy-who-lived.' It would be something they would enjoy, I think."

Jasmine laughed as she thought about that idea, "One problem, I don't speak any French."

"We do and can teach you," Anna said with a small smirk.

This got a groan of mock pain from Jasmine, "Great more lessons."

"Learning a second or even a third language is always a good thing," Hermione countered, "Plus, with the kids as young as they are, they would be able to pick up on it much easier than when they get older."

Jasmine sighed but nodded, "Fine, if I go to school. I will at least consider going there."

"Where Jasmine goes, I follow," Hermione added, when her parents' eyes moved to her.

With that, they set into the events of Jasmine's and Hermione's fifth year. Nearly everything that had happened in Jasmine's life was already well known to them. So they only had an odd question or two for her. The biggest being what to do about the father to the puppies that was still out there. Jasmine's answer was simple and to the point.

"Leave him be, I could find him if I wanted to. But he is likely already owned by someone. Besides I don't really want to be around him… not anymore," Jasmine said, sounding as if she was forcing herself to speak.

Anna then asked a question that had been bugging her, "What kind of bred was he? I noticed your puppies seem to be the same breed as you, with no hints of other colors or traits."

"I… don't really remember. Just black fur," Jasmine said, who had been to confused and scared at the time to even bother with breed, she only really remembered a big black dog then a scene she much rather forget about.

"I would assume something in your magic and desire changed your puppies. It can happen, and has been documented before. A mother's will, can often imprint somewhat on her children and their appearance. As such, your children only show traits from your family, rather than anything from their father's family," Sirius explained, "Even your own human form, shows hints of that process."

Jasmine and the others looked at Sirius in surprise, as Hermione asked, "But how is that possible, DNA determines what we look like."

"This is old magic. And it is barely even known about among the pureblood families anymore. But it is something that does happen. Magic can change the children before they are born. And Jasmine desires to forget their father, has made sure none of his traits appear in the children," Sirius answered with a small smile at Jasmine, "I would not worry too much about it, and just be happy that it does happen. It might even be why your kids can become human."

Jasmine nodded, before she glanced at Hermione. A small idea what their puppies, if such a process was even possible, would look like. She quickly tried to banish the idea from her head. As she nearly burst out giggling as the picture of three brown bushy hair puff balls running around had filled her mind. There was time for that later, when they were not discussing such serious matters. Though she could not quite make the idea disappear fully now that she had thought about it.

The matter soon turned to Hermione's own time at Hogwarts and what had been happening since she had left back at the beginning of September. The answer was mostly, not a lot. O.W.L.s year had been rather quiet, and they had spent a good part of the year so far reviewing. There were a few new things they had learned, but over all, it was just hours upon hours of studying their old lessons to make sure they were ready.

The odd thing out was, of course, Professor Umbridge. Jasmine had already heard most of it, but Hermione's full story filled in a few of the blanks. Appointed to the position by the Ministry, it was quite clear she was not there so much to teach but to control the school. She had taken a particular interest in trying to figure out where Harry Potter had vanished to. Though she had no more success than anyone else had been having. In the meantime, she had taken to watching other teachers' lessons. Both to see if they met the Ministry standards, and just how loyal they might be to Dumbledore. This later item had not had the best results mostly because the teachers were already fully aware of what she was trying. And Umbridge could hardly scare the teachers like she could the students.

Hermione was also happy to be able to show Jasmine her Prefect Badge. She had been very proud of getting it, and had taken to the position with her normal gusto. Even learning Pansy Parkison and Draco Malfoy had somehow gotten badges as well had not dampen her spirits. Ron Weasley had been made the other Gryffindor Prefect. Ernie MacMillians and Hannah Abbott had become the prefects for Hufflepuff, while Padma Patil and Anthony Goldstien had the Ravenclaw ones. Jasmine was a little sorry that Hermione was giving up the position for her. But also, happy that she was willing to do it at the same time as well.

"You should be careful around Umbridge should you ever meet her," Lupin commented in a very dry tone, more for the Anna and Samual's benefit than anyone else's, "She is responsible for a lot of the anti-werewolf laws that got passed recently. And if I were to guess, she would not take to kindly to your form. She hates what she terms, half-breeds, like myself."

"But my form is a magical and potions accident," Jasmine pointed out a little confused by this.

"Even if it could not have been passed down to your children. It would still make very little difference to her," Lupin spat in disgust.

Hermione nodded, "She was horrible to Hagrid. Acted like he could not understand her, and made several notes on her clipboard about how he frightens students. She even asked the students about their so-called accidents. A flubberworm bite. Honestly."

"It might be a good idea to disguise at least my traits, while I take the exams." Jasmine said thoughtfully.

"Doubt it would matter much," Sirius said with a shrug, "The witch that runs the exam is about as impartial as they get. Unless Umbridge somehow can bar you from entering the school, you will get fair results. Though Umbridge might still try and cause you trouble outside the exams."

Jasmine nodded. There was still nearly six months till the exams, so they had a lot of time to come up with a plan. Even then a lot could change in those months, so anything they decided now might be useless by the time exams came around. Worse case, they could postpone taking the exams till next year when Umbridge would likely be gone.

Talk soon turned back to the many different things they had discussed already. Having had time to think about what had already been discussed, everyone had new questions to ask. Somewhere simple ones, like why Dumbledore had not placed an order for already grown Mandrakes. Simple answer, they were hard to grow at the best of the times, and ordering them in was not easy even when they were available. Professor Sprout had been very lucky to get them in that year.

Others, such as what had gone wrong with Jasmine's own Animagus change, took several minutes, and nothing was figure out. Even with Jasmine's notes they had not yet to found a mistake that Jasmine had made in the process. As she had used the Marauder's method, rather than the standard method, which was an edited version so Peter could gain his own form. There was a small chance that it held some sort of inherent flaw that they had not seen. Hermione then put forth the idea that she could try and find the mistake, by completing it herself. No one was in favor of this idea, yet no one was actively against it either.

Hermione though did have one idea of note about Jasmine's form. Or at least why Jasmine had remained Jasmine rather than Harry. Magic followed the intent of the user. Jasmine when she had changed back the first time, was already fully committed to raising her children. Her change in desire and intent might have reflected that into her own body's changes. Meaning unless Jasmine wanted to stop being a mother, and just be Harry again, she would likely never see her male human body. And though everyone agreed this was a good theory, none of them wanted to put it to the test. As it would mean that Jasmine would have to reject being a mother. Yes she could still in theory be a father, but Jasmine knew deep down her desire to raise her children, and being a mother was very instinctually linked.

As Jasmine and Anna both put it, "Just not worth the risk."

The talks soon stopped after this, and everyone went to their beds. Jasmine did not feel like sleeping in Hermione's bed that night, even if her scent was comforting. The discussion had left Jasmine longing for the comfort and scent of her own children. Her dog bed, while not as comfy as Hermione's own bed, still held her children scents deep in its cushioning and fabrics. Even washing had not gotten rid of those scents yet. Hermione noticed Jasmine choice of sleeping location, and soon joined Jasmine in the large dog bed much to Jasmine's surprise, though Hermione brought her own pillow and blanket.

"We all need some comfort. And after tonight… I rather not leave you alone without someone," Hermione said, to Jasmine surprised look.

Jasmine felt her heart swell and she curled up against her friend. The scent of both her kids, and Hermione's own scent did indeed comfort her. Though her hidden guilt still surfaced as the pair curled up in Jasmine's own dog bed. During the talking earlier Jasmine had considered just how far she was willing to go to be normal, to be human. And for just a few moments, she did consider giving up her children just for a chance to be normal again. The thought, however, had quickly horrified and scared her. The very idea that she even had considered such a thing as giving up her own children to be normal just felt wrong. And what did that make her? These thoughts as they came to her mind once more, caused Jasmine to begin trembling in Hermione arms. She could not speak them, yet though Hermione could not read Jasmine like she used to. Hermione still could guess some of her thoughts.

"We all have doubts," Hermione said, speaking softly as she lightly stroked Jasmine's side, "we can be tempted to do terrible things, but as long as we choose to not act on those temptations. We prove we are better than them."

Jasmine let out a sigh that came out more as a gasp, as something came to her out of the past, Dumbledore's own words when Harry had questioned about being placed in Gryffindor over Slytherin, "It is our choices, far more than our abilities that define who we are. IF you need any more proof than that, I suggest you look at the name written on this sword."

Jasmine could remember seeing the name of Godric Gryffindor carefully carved into the sword's blade. It had been enough to convince her at the time of this fact. Yet this time, she had nearly made that choice. Her body mirrored her desires and soon she was her human form. And it was at times like this she reminded how much smaller and shorter than Hermione she was. It made her feel weaker more vulnerable to the world, rather than being a pillar that stood strong against it all.

"Jasmine?" Hermione question, a little surprised by Jasmine's sudden change.

"I… I am just scared. Scared what I might do," Jasmine breathed, as tears began to silent fall from her eyes, unseen by Hermione, "I don't want to lose them. But I want to be normal… so much. It hurts…"

Hermione did not know what to say to ease Jasmine's pain. For that matter, what could Hermione say that would not make it worse for her friend? Give up your humanity? Give up being normal? That was not something anyone really wanted. Jasmine knew Hermione had faced that same prospect in her second year. And knew that even to this day, the time Hermione had spent partly changed still gave her nightmares. It was not her biggest fear, yet it still scared her, the idea that she might be stuck as a part cat. Unable to change back, to be forever different for even her friends. Jasmine had seen proof of this same thing the first night Hermione had been back. Hermione had awoken, and begun checking her own body over unaware that her movements had jolted Jasmine awake. Yet to Hermione what was only a nightmare, for Jasmine it was her reality for the rest of her life. And the only way to correct her own nightmare was to give up what she loved the most in this world.

Jasmine could feel Hermione's arms grow tight about her as Jasmines tears fell. Her body trembling in Hermione's arms as she fought to not lose it completely. As Harry, she had never been this one to cry, to show this kind of weakness to her friends. Yes, as Harry everyone could see when he had begun to struggle, but it was under a load no normal person could have been expected to carry and not struggle. Even then, he had never given up, never cried, never truly asked for the comfort of another. Yet now, the realization of her two paths and how painfully each pulled at her finally broke the emotions she had been keeping bottled up behind the wall of raising her children.

Jasmine was not sure how long she cried her tears of shame, pain, and sadness. Only that when she did finally fall asleep, that her dreams quickly became an almost endless nightmare. She was trapped as a dog, and chasing down her very human children. Each time she reached them, they would simply vanish and a mirror would be left in their place. The mirror showed not the dog, but her male form. It beckoned her closer, to take the step needed to regain what she had lost. She hesitated, but then the cries of her children would make her abandon the mirror and give chase once again.

Had Jasmine been alone, she would not have slept at all that night. Her nightmares would have awakened her several times. Yet because Hermione held Jasmine, with the scent of her children about them, and Hermione own scent adding to the mix. It was enough to sooth Jasmine so that even when she was at her weakest, her nightmare was able to run its course, and begin to change. Jasmine soon found not just her kids as she knew them, but Sirius, Lupin, Samual, Anna, and Hermione holding her kids, waiting just for her. When Jasmine got close, they did not vanish, but changed like her and held her close like only a family could. It was this acceptance that they would accept her, human or no, that Jasmine's dreaming mind finally realized.

Jasmine awoke from her nightmares and dreams, though what had happened in them was still hazy in her mind. She was tired, yet there was a sense of peace she had found in her dreams that lingered on as she woke up. And though Jasmine's mind had not actively chosen which path she would follow, but in her heart, she already knew the answer. She would choose her new family any day over being a true human. It was their love she needed, much more than the fake love and caring everyone else gave her.

Jasmine could tell as she adjusted herself enough to look at her friend that Hermione had not slept well either. Either from laying on the dog bed all night, or maybe Hermione's own nightmare having returned. Yet the smile that Hermione gave Jasmine when she realized her canine friend was checking on her, made Jasmine wonder if Hermione had come to some sort of realization of her own. Jasmine also realized with a small start, that this had been the first night she had slept as a human in several months. True, it was not in a normal bed, but she had still slept through the night.

Jasmine curled up against Hermione, taking in her scent and enjoying the closeness of friend. It felt right in some way to be there, to be curled up against Hermione. Someone who had given up so much, just so she could try and help Jasmine out. Hermione did it without expectations of thank you or even word of praise. Jasmine knew those were things she would have to fix about how she acted with her friend. But still they were a sign of just how much Hermione did truly care about Jasmine.

They stayed like that, curled up with each other till the children finally came in to find them. Though neither Jasmine or Hermione said it out loud, or even acknowledge the night spent in Jasmine's bed. They both knew that they had come to a silent agreement and peace with what was going on. Sure, there would still be hardships, but they at least could face them together. One other thing had also changed between the pair, a certain closeness that had not been there before. Hermione had been there when Jasmine had faced her first real challenge that there was no easy answer for. And she had spent her night with Jasmine holding her as only a true friend or lover could have held her when nothing else could have done the job.

Neither was sure where this left them. They had been close friends before, as close as Harry had ever let anyone get to him. Now though, Jasmine had opened herself up in a way she had never done before, and left herself vulnerable to someone in a way that Harry would have never dared. Not even after everything that had happen after the third task, had Harry left himself this open. They both knew Hermione had seen Jasmine at her weakest last night and heard a secret that could ruin Jasmine's life. A secret that Jasmine knew Hermine would never willing tell anyone. Not her parents, Sirius, or Lupin, and certainly not Ron. All the pair knew was they were in uncharted waters relationship wise. They only prayed that they did not hurt the other as they grew closer.

Over the course of the next few weeks as things settled down, the pair got into a routine. Or at least as much of a routine as one could have with three very intergenic kids around could have. Most morning were spent working with the kids, either in their own forms of lessons, or just spending time with them. It was probably the most fun Hermione or Jasmine had ever had, even if it was filled with its own challenges. The three were still extremely young children after all, even if they did appear to be over two years of age, so accidents did happen.

Then when the afternoon came around, Hermione and Jasmine would work on their own magic and lessons. Each day they focused entirely on one subject, be it potions, transfiguration, or history of magic. Then they would move onto a different subject the next day. This was mostly to keep from getting to bogged down by the same thing day after day. Lupin or Sirius would often oversee these lessons, which would stop only for dinner.

After dinner was often a mix up of what could happen. More studying for either Hermione and Jasmine or the kids. IF none of them wanted to study, they would then look at movies, boardgames or just some fun time as their animal forms. They were holding off on outings as humans till they could come up with a good plan and cover. It would be hard enough, to explain Jasmine who was not even sixteen yet having triplets. Never mind adding to that problem the kids looked to be two or three years old, rather than their actual ages of four to five months. Which would just raise to many questions no one wanted to answer.

Thankfully though, once the kids had learned a little bit more, they could get them all collars and tags. It was not a perfect solution, but it at least would let the kids go out and about when they were ready. Which was hopefully not for a few more months, by which time, they hopefully would have figured out a good cover story. One that they could all agree to and hopefully the kids would follow.

After their fun, it was time for bed at least for the kids. The adults, Jasmine and Hermione would stay up for a little bit longer. Sometimes they would just talk or play a game of cards, while at other times they would discuss something important they had found out recently from Sirius and Lupin. Then after another hour or so they would all head off to their own beds, or home in the case of Sirius and Lupin.

Since their night spent together, Hermione and Jasmine's sleeping routine had a changed a little it as well. Jasmine did begin to sleep on and off as a human, but always cuddled into Hermione's arms. Or as before asleep as her dog form, either besides Hermione or at the end of her bed. If she slept in her dog bed, Hermione would sleep beside her.

Hermione's parents had noticed this small changed, but decided unless it became a problem, they were not going to say anything. It was quite clear to them at least, that Hermione and Jasmine were becoming more than just friends. Yet their sleeping together seemed to be more about comfort than anything sexual. As Jasmine still seemed unwilling to do more than make a teasing gesture. Both Anna and Samual knew it would be only a matter of time before something did happen, but neither was going to press the matter till that something happened. Even then, as both Jasmine and Hermione were female, nothing would come of it. Probably. Magic always seemed to cause some sort of unexpected problem.

Jasmine would have never admitted it as Harry, as the weeks moved by. But she was enjoying learning as she had never done so before. Part of this stemmed from an old habit that Harry had had as a child as if Harry had ever done well in school or at least better than Dudley. He would have his food taken away and locked in the closet under the stairs as punishment for 'showing off.' As Harry had gotten older, however, and found out he was a wizard, a new distraction came alongside Harry's own desire to fit in. That being Ron Weasley. So, Harry had never pushed himself as hard as he really could have to learn everything like Hermione often did.

As Jasmine, with a goal in mind, and nothing to distract her from her goal. Jasmine's study habit had taken a sharp turn towards what Ron would have joking said was "Unhealthy." Not that Jasmine would have cared anymore, with Hermione, Sirius and Lupin as her teachers or fellow student in Hermione's case, teaching her. She found herself rather thrilled to open textbooks again, and just read them. She loved to see what she could find, as her interest in magic was slowly renewed. Spell after spell she read about, memorizing them in a way she had never done so before. She would never reach Hermione's level of memorization when it came to the books, but it was clear she did have a tendency to now read almost any book left in front of her.

By the second month, in their tests, Jasmine was beginning to reach the second highest grade on any tests they gave her. That being an "E" for Exceeds Expectations. Which was the minimal required grade for taking any NEWT classes in her sixth or seventh year. Spell casting wise; however, Jasmine was showing herself to be the better of Hermione. Jasmine just had a flare for casting spells that Hermione could not quite match. Though Lupin guessed it might have to do with her animal instincts lending her a hand or paw, as most dogs learned to follow simple commands, which was what most spells were.

It was about this time; they began a small side project that Hermione was finally ready for. Becoming an Animagus. And rather than follow the traditional method, Hermione followed the same steps Harry had taken before he had become Jasmine. By follow the notes Harry had taken, Hermione knew there would be a risk that this could go wrong. And she could even end up part human and part whatever it was she would be changing into, though they all figured that was more because Jasmine had been given birth, than the process itself. Still, if she could find what, if any, mistakes had been made she could fix it. Then they could safely share the method with their friends without risk of making another Jasmine like incident.

Jasmine was the only one who did not give her whole hearted support for Hermione on this path. Jasmine did show her support for Hermione, but Hermione could see her close friend read more into Jasmine's halfhearted attempts than the others did. Jasmine was also sure, that Hermione had easily guessed why Jasmine could not really support her like the others did. Simply put, Jasmine did want Hermione both to fail and succeed. To fail to walk the path correctly, but succeed in ending up like Jasmine. Jasmine knew it was selfish of her to want this, yet she could not stop her desires either. She was just glad that Hermine who had clearly guessed Jasmine's thoughts, did not seem to concerned which way the project went.

It was not till March did things really change. As several things happened none of them expected. Sirius had finally come across what he was looking for in the Black family Library, though he had requested for Dumbledore to be present when he told what he had found. Till then he did not want to say anything about what he had found, only that it was dark beyond anything they had ever realized.

The second thing that came about, that left them all feeling shocked was the Daily Prophet headline.

"Mass Breakout from Azkaban"

( Espo Here

Not much to put in this chapter for ending notes this time. As most of what i could comment on is in the chapter itself. Such as Why Molly would make her comments first year, or other such things.

However, i will make a fun note instead. As most of you are not likely aware. The events in the later Chapters 8 and 9 were originally planned on taking place in chapter 2/3. Yes this was supposed to be only a 40k word story with 4 or 5 chapters. Which then ballooned into the 110k word story i now have.

So to put it simply, chapters 2-7 were almost entirely unknown to me till I began working on them. But that is just how it is at times. Writing is just as much discovery for the writer, as it can be for the reader.

Either way, Enjoy and please leave a review below. Till next Sunday. Bye )