A/N: For the next 2-3 chapters I have creative free reign on what happens in the Marauders and Hermione's last year of Hogwarts. I have no plan for their time in with Hermione in Hogwarts except that she dates Sirius. Thus, these next few chapters will just be fillers to build her relationship and friendships before she too graduates and joins the Order and begins her plan to defeat Voldemort.
I hope you enjoy this one.
Chapter 13
Hermione wanted to be angry at herself for telling them about her past, for admitting that her parents never loved her and gave her up. She wanted to be upset that she showed her vulnerability, that she showed them her abilities with magic. But she didn't. She felt nothing but relief.
Relief.
Friends.
Trust.
It was slowly coming back to her, the happiness that she felt surrounded by her brothers, Reggie and Barty, Harry, and Ron. She could find that happiness again with the Marauders and Lily, she could give Harry the life he never had. She could give him what she promised when Granger died, she would take his place.
She would end Voldemort.
Settling into Sirius' side, Hermione felt herself smiling, a genuine, happy smile. She looked around the compartment, James had his arm over Lily's shoulders and was regaling them with a story about Sirius and him getting caught by McGonagall. His free arm was moving wildly, Peter leaning back constantly to avoid being smacked in the face. Remus sat against the wall, his feet up and bent at the knee, and a book in his lap forgotten as he laughed at James' retelling. Lily stared up at her boyfriend with bright emerald eyes, exuding the love she felt for the boy, and Sirius sat behind her, her head resting on his chest and his arm around her shoulders.
Hermione had never felt so content and she knew that the only way to make this even better was to have Reggie and Barty with her. But she knew that wouldn't be possible for a long time. Even if Sirius knew the truth about his brother, the others didn't know, and Hermione wanted to keep it that way until the war was over. She would not allow their true allegiance to be found out. Sirius had promised her he would tell no one.
It was less than an hour later that they arrived at King's Cross station and Hermione's anxiety increased, she was meeting the Potter parents for the first time ever. Granger had never met them, had never heard about them except Sirius mentioning once in passing that they took him in. All she knew was that the mother used to be a Black and Moody worked with the father. Her experience with parents in this time was not good, she had only ever come across her own parents, Reggie's mother, and Barty's father, all of who left much to be desired. Granger knew better, she had met the Weasley parents who took her in like a 2nd daughter, Granger's parents had some of the best memories for her, and Potter's parents had literally sacrificed themselves for him. Even Malfoy's parents had been at the battle and avoided fighting just to find their son.
Potter's parents took in Sirius, but they never asked after Reggie. They raised a boy that sacrificed his life for his son, but he had been a bully to so many Slytherins. What should she expect from them?
Sirius noticed that she was quiet and fidgeting with her sleeve, the sleeve that covered her scar. He gently placed his hand over hers and looked down at her. When she raised her eyes to look at him, the look he gave her made her breath hitch. His eyes shone with understanding, acceptance, and safety. He was there for her; he would never leave her to face anything alone.
She believed him. How could she not? The sincerity in his eyes was astounding. They were fierce, the grey swirling around like dark storm clouds, ready to flash if anything was said to disparage her. She nodded her head and smiled up at him slightly, trying to convey that she understood, she knew he was there for her. He returned her smile with his own and kissed her temple and reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers and guiding her from the compartment.
The group left the train together and stepped onto the platform. Hermione looked around and caught Regulus' eyes. He had been staring at her, longingly, watching her hold Sirius' hand and escape the castle for the first time for Yule. He understood how much this meant to her and it killed him that he was not there to share it with her. When their eyes connected he looked away quickly and ran to join his mother, not looking back once. It shattered Hermione's heart to know she could not share everything with him anymore.
Looking away from Regulus and Walburga Black, she found Barty's eyes. He too was looking at her with longing and sadness, but he didn't look away. He stared at her unblinkingly, the apologies and sadness resonating off him. Hermione looked back at him with understanding and love, so much love that Barty had to turn from her. He wanted to run to her and hug her, tell her how sorry he was, how disgusted with himself for ever uttering the word 'Mudblood', for being unable to stop her torture sooner. But he couldn't. He likely never would. And it killed him. He would die in this war, and he would welcome it, he hated living a life without his sister. Barty turned to his mother and both Apparated, leaving Hermione staring at the spot her brother used to be. Another crack appeared in her heart as she lost him again. One day she would get them both back. She would save them all.
Sirius squeezed her hand, bringing her back to her own surroundings. He had directed them towards an older couple, both had dark raven hair that was streaked with grey, the woman was hugging James tightly, kissing his cheeks and face without pause. James was laughing and trying to slap her away, but it was half-hearted, he obviously loved her completely. The man was watching them with a smile on his face, his eyes crinkled with lines surrounding them, and square, gold-rimmed glasses around his eyes. Hermione saw Harry's eyes in the man, and Harry's smile in the woman, his grandparents.
Charlus' eyes drifted over the group, smiling, and greeting each, until his eyes landed on Hermione. She saw his eyes widen slightly as he looked her over, but the surprise was quickly hidden. Charlus cleared his throat slightly, catching the attention of the mother, Dorea, as she recalled. Dorea's head shot up and looked up at her husband before quickly looking around the group. When her eyes landed on Hermione, she maintained the same expression on her face and stood up. She kissed James once more on the cheek and walked towards her and Sirius.
"Sirius, my dear, between you and James, my heart cannot take much more. Both of you are so grown up, bringing young women home to meet your parents," she smirked. Sirius' eyes widened slightly at Dorea's words, "and both bringing home bright, Muggleborn girls. The Black ancestors must be beside themselves!" she laughed.
Hermione stared up at the woman silently, her eyes were wide and nervous.
"Hello, dear, I am Dorea Potter. I have heard so much about you," Dorea smiled at Hermione warmly. It reminded Hermione of Granger's first meeting with Molly Weasley. The elder witch was so warm and welcoming, her eyes open and sincere.
"Um, hello, I am Hermione McCallister," she replied, holding her hand out for the elder witch. Dorea simply laughed and pushed her hand aside, pulling her in for a hug.
"You will find, we are a family of hugs and affection. One must adapt to this to fit in in our family, none of these silly formalities," Dorea said. Hermione's heart pulsed with warmth, 'fit in in our family.'
Family.
Our family.
They accepted her, just like that.
"Now, Sirius, James, I know that your friends all stay in the East Wing with you, however, the girls will be staying in the West Wing," Dorea explained as she walked back towards her husband, "Remus, Peter, your rooms are ready as usual."
"Thank you, Mrs. Pot- Remus stopped at Dorea's look, the glare that could stop produce fear in many wizards, "I mean, Dorea, I am truly grateful to be able to stay with you this Yule."
"Remus, you are one of our boys," Charlus stated, leaving no room for question.
"Precisely, we have four sons and have now adopted two daughters," smiled Dorea, "Now, Lily, I hear you will not be joining us until Christmas day?"
"Unfortunately not, Mr. and Mrs. Potter," replied Lily politely, a warm smile gracing her face from Dorea and Charlus' words, "My sister is introducing her fiancé to the family this holiday."
Hermione had to hold back a snort; Lily was meeting Vernon Dursley this holiday then.
"Dorea and Charlus, dear, none of this Mr. and Mrs. nonsense," Dorea waved her hand dismissively, "Well, I must insist you introduce us to your parents. Cannot have you spending Christmas with people they have never met. Come along, James, Lily." Dorea took Charlus' hand and directed him to follow the red-headed witch toward her muggle parents. Lily seemed nervous, glancing at James for help. He replied with a shrug of his shoulders, he knew once his mother had decided something, nothing could prevent her.
Together the couple and James' parents walked off to a couple standing with a thin, blonde-haired girl, whose face was set in a mask of disgust.
"That must be Petunia," whispered Sirius.
"I truly hope if they ever have children, they do not inherit that look. She looks like there's hippogriff dung under her nose," replied Remus. Hermione couldn't stop herself this time, the laugh broke free, and she laughed hysterically. The three boys were surprised at her honest laughter, but quickly joined in, happy to see Hermione so open.
Peter, Remus, Sirius, and Hermione continued to giggle and laugh as they watched the interactions of the Muggle family with the Potter family. The parents seemed genuinely happy to meet the wizards, smiling at their daughter holding hands with James. Petunia, however, continued to look at them with distaste. She sneered at James, scoffed when she noticed them holding hands, and rolled her eyes at Dorea and Charlus. Lily's parents appeared to be embarrassed at their eldest daughter's manners, however, Dorea was an expert with socialite ladies and backhanded compliments. Whatever she said had Petunia looking pleased before the expression turned to horrified embarrassment, and then hatred when she saw Lily's smirk. The conversation ended when Petunia stomped her feet, pointed between Lily and her parents, and stormed off. Lily kissed James goodbye, bid farewell to the Potter parents, and followed her parents after her sister.
"I think it is for the best that young girl never discovered magic. She would have gotten along wonderfully with Posy Parkinson and Merlin if I had to endure two women like that," Dorea said quietly with a shudder.
"Makes you wonder what kind of man she is introducing to Lily this week," replied James, looking back to where he left his girlfriend with a frown.
"Let us head home now children, Pipsy is very excited to share his newest baking creation with you," Dorea announced, taking hold of James and Remus' arms and Apparated away.
"I can only take two at most," Charlus informed them, "So I will take Peter first and be back for you both in a moment." Taking hold of Peter, Charlus disappeared leaving Hermione and Sirius alone on the platform.
"Excited, princess?" he asked her, wrapping a finger around a curl.
"Yes and no, mostly nervous," Hermione replied honestly.
"This will be the best Yule ever, I promise you," vowed Sirius, leaning down and pressing his lips to hers. The feeling returned, the feeling of home, of rightness. Hermione let out a small moan as he pressed his lips against her harder. She pressed her hands against his chest and stood on her tiptoes so she could be closer to him. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him. He never wanted to let her go.
Neither deepened the kiss, both wanting to just bask in the feel of their lips against each other. Sirius had never felt this way about a witch, he always wanted to push to see how far it would go, but with Hermione he just wanted her. Whether that was holding her hand, feeling her head on his shoulder, hearing her laugh, or seeing her smile. He would take any of it, all of it, anything he could have.
He released her lips and stared down at her. He loved her eyes, the caramel colour, so like firewhiskey. Her auburn curls were so like her, untameable and chaotic but incredibly beautiful. He could sit and count her freckles that danced across her nose all day, he was sure he could find constellations in them if he tried.
Neither heard the crack of apparition as Charlus reappeared, too lost in each other's eyes. The older wizard watched them for a moment, observing the love both exuded. He knew what happened to Hermione McCallister, he knew what she went through, he saw it. Moody had shown him, and he had told him that Sirius also saw. Charlus knew he had to talk to Sirius and discuss what he watched, both as a father and as an auror. He would need to talk to all of the boys, maybe even Lily. He was sure Hermione would not appreciate it, however, it was his duty as a father to look out for his family, and from watching Sirius, he knew Hermione was part of their family now. Sirius had claimed her, just as James had claimed Lily. They had taken on the role to protect them, whether those girls became their wives or not, his boys had already vowed to look after their witches.
"Sirius, Hermione, time to go," Charlus called out. Both of them jumped back in surprise, Sirius shot him a smirk and Hermione gave him a shy smile. Reaching out he took hold of their arms and with a crack, the three disappeared from Kings Cross.
Hermione opened her eyes and looked at her surroundings, they were in a beautifully decorated sitting room. The walls were a dark crimson damask with mahogany wainscotting and brass sconces, and the room was filled with beautiful furniture. There was a red velvet chaise, a black leather loveseat, and a mahogany table with intricate carvings down the legs and edges. If anyone were to describe this room to Hermione she would say it sounded dark and dreary, but the reality was far better. The room was open and bright, and welcoming. The two large floor-to-ceiling windows had dark red, almost black, curtains were drawn back with gold tassels, and overlooked a gorgeous garden complete with wildflowers and a large marble fountain. Hermione could sit looking out the window all day in this room.
"Come on, princess, let me show you something truly special," Sirius whispered. Hermione let him lead her through the house, where she saw that the rest of it was just as stunning as the room they arrived in. Every space had wide open windows, dark wood wainscotting, beautiful sconces, warm, decorative walls, and photos. Photos were everywhere. She saw pictures of James as a baby, James building a fort with his parents, James riding his first broom, James holding up a Gryffindor scarf excitedly, and James hugging his mother. Dorea and Charlus' wedding day, Dorea and Charlus holding a small bundle, a newborn James. There were pictures of James and Sirius, the Marauders, James, and Sirius with Dorea and Charlus. Every photo showed the love James was surrounded by the love his parents gave him and his friends.
Love that Harry never experienced.
Hermione felt the tears build behind her eyes the more photos she saw.
This was the life Harry was meant to have. This was the life Sirius had taken from him, the life he lost when Voldemort killed James.
Each photo reaffirmed her need to kill Voldemort.
Sirius' fingers were interlaced with hers as he led her through the house, he held on tight until they were standing in front of dark double doors. He looked back at her with a smirk and let go of her hand, using both to push open the door for her.
Hermione felt her breath leave her as she stepped into the room.
A library.
A stunning, two-floor library, complete with moving ladders. There was a massive fireplace straight ahead of her, a large gold-framed mirror above it, and two large arched windows on either side. Around the rest of the room were bookshelves that covered the walls, floor to ceiling. Hermione walked inside the room in a daze, spinning in circles as she looked around.
"What do you think?" Sirius asked, she could hear the smile in her voice.
"With a library like this, how on earth are you both failing any of your classes?" Hermione asked incredulously.
"We have made great use of these books, just not for classes," he replied, "Where do you think we found the hair removal charm for Snivellus?"
"Ah I forgot, you use your brilliant minds for evil," she smirked.
"I'm sorry, did McCallister just call our minds brilliant?" laughed Sirius.
"If anyone asks, I will deny it. Can't have people thinking I like you."
"Merlin, forbid," Sirius replied, his voice lowering an octave as he stepped up to her again. He lifted his hand and ran his fingertips down the side of her face, a light caress that caused her to shiver. Sirius loved how responsive she was, he was barely touching her, and she was just affected as he was. He leaned down and paused, his lips hovering over hers, he was about to close the distance when he heard the library doors open again.
"Sirius, my dear, Charlus would like to speak with you," Dorea called out, "Ahh Hermione, I see you love books as much as a Ravenclaw should. Sirius, go find your father."
Sirius released a sigh, frustrated to be leaving his witch, but he did feel the warmth that surrounded him every time Dorea or Charlus referred to themselves as his parents. He looked down at Hermione apologetically and she shooed him away, promising him she would be fine.
"Hermione, come sit by me. Tell me about yourself," Dorea gestured for Hermione to sit with her on the loveseat in front of the fire. Sitting with the woman, Hermione tried to not appear nervous, but nothing got past Dorea Potter. The older witch called for her house elf and ordered a tea service with some biscuits and started talking to Hermione about the manor and the boys. She continued talking, each sentence lessening Hermione's anxiety and showing her that James' mother was similar to Mrs. Weasley, Mrs. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Hubert, Professor McGonagall, and Moody. She could trust Dorea Potter.
After some time talking about Dorea, she turned the conversation to Hermione and managed to convince the girl to tell her about her childhood, her time in Hogwarts, and her new friendship with her sons. Hermione noticed that the older witch never asked her to talk about Reggie, Barty, or her torture, she even seemed uninterested in her parents, simply glazing over their existence.
"Mrs. Potter?" Hermione finally found the courage to ask her question.
"Dorea, darling," the witch replied without looking up from stirring her tea.
"Sorry, Dorea," Hermione tried again, "Um, do you know about what happen- um, about me?"
"Darling, I know what you have told me about you. I know that you are a Ravenclaw, that you have proven year after year that you are capable and smart. I know that you have endured many coming to their own conclusions about you, and I know that you can stand toe-to-toe with my boys, something many witches cannot do, bar you and Ms. Lily Evans," Dorea explained vehemently, "I also know that you were targeted for something that cannot be changed. I know that you suffered, however, I do not believe that is what makes you, you. Something terrible happened to you, but that does not define you. It simply proved everything else about you, that you are strong, resilient, and brave." Hermione stared at the older witch in wonder and awe. She felt the tears build up again and this time she could not hold them back. She broke down in front of the Potter matriarch and sobbed over what she went through.
Dorea moved across the loveseat and pulled Hermione into her arms.
"Shh, my dear, I am so sorry for what you went through. Such a strong girl, you're okay now," Dorea soothed her. She ran her hands down her hair and back, cooing in her ear as the young witch cried. Dorea knew what happened to her, Charlus had explained everything, and she knew Dumbledore could not be trusted with her safety.
Along with McGonagall and Moody, she and Charlus would look out for this witch. Not just for Sirius and the care he obviously felt for her, but because Dorea knew in her heart, that Hermione was now her daughter.
-oOo-
"Hey, mate, dad call for you too?" James asked Sirius as they stood in front of Charlus' office.
"Yeah, Ma told me he wanted to talk to me," Sirius replied, looking up at his brother, "What do you think it's about?"
"No idea," shrugged James. Together both boys stepped into their dad's office to find both Remus and Peter sitting in front of Charlus' desk. Confused, both frowned at their friends and glanced between them and Charlus.
"Sit down, boys," Charlus greeted them. Once they were all sitting, Remus and Peter on a loveseat, and James and Sirius on armchairs, Charlus passed them each a glass of firewhiskey. Each of the boys accepted their glass, eyebrows raised so high they were hiding in their hairlines, "You'll need this, believe me."
They each nodded and took a sip of their glass, none of them coughing at the taste having indulged in school. Charlus smirked as he noticed they were all well-versed with the burn of firewhiskey. However, his expression quickly changed as he remembered the discussion they were about to have.
"As you know, boys, there is a war going on outside this manor and Hogwarts," he began, all of them nodding in understanding, "and now that you will be graduating in a few months, you must decide what you will do when you leave the safety of the castle and this house."
"What do you mean, Mr. Potter," Peter squeaked.
"I mean, that sides must be chosen. There is no neutrality in this world, silence is just as deadly as helping the enemy," replied Charlus. "Watching and doing nothing as fellow witches and wizards are tortured makes you as guilty as being the one to cast. Many would say they want to stay out of it, that they want no part in this war, but by refusing to help, they are enabling the enemy. And that enemy is not just Death Eaters, it is Ministry officials that push laws that hurt us. Remus, you are targeted for something you had no choice over, laws that I have fought to override for years, yet my fellow Wizengamot members will not speak up. Thus, they are helping the despicable witches and wizards that enforce these archaic laws.
"James, Sirius, you are both dating Muggleborn witches, both of those girls will be targeted because of their parentage. Some laws could be enacted if the enemy gains any more support. For years I and many of my colleagues have managed to push back on Muggleborn registrations and muggle hunting laws, but each year as the message of Voldemort spreads, the harder we have to fight. While I have been able to prevent these laws from being passed, it does not prevent the mindset of many that Muggleborns are less than us, that they deserve the horrifying treatment of Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
"We are each labelled as Blood Traitors, Sirius more so as you abandoned your family ideals. Each of you will have to decide what you want to do after you graduate. How do you want to help?"
"Hermione has already been targeted, I will not allow that to happen to her again," Sirius spoke loudly and with conviction.
"What can we do, dad? I wanted to join the Aurors so I could help catch dark wizards," replied James.
"I can't work, as a werewolf, but I will do anything I can!" vowed Remus.
"I -I want to help too," answered Peter quietly.
"I am proud that you want to be an Auror, son. I will make sure we do a lot of training together, and each of you may join us. I want each of you ready to fight if need be," answered Charlus, "Another way to help will be offered near the end of your school year. Dumbledore likely would not be happy I am informing you now, but I want you to be informed of everything before you make a decision.
"Dumbledore will call you to meet with him before your graduation and he will invite you to join his group. He is rallying a group of competent and strong fighters to fight against Voldemort, sharing information and strategies outside the Ministry's control. I want you all to think intelligently about joining because if you join you cannot tell anyone. Anyone outside of the group cannot be told about it, and that includes students that have not graduated. Therefore, Sirius, it would be a secret from Hermione until she graduates and decides to join, if Dumbledore invites her."
"Why wouldn't he invite her? She's brilliant at everything," spoke James. Sirius thought about it though, and he recalled Dumbledore's apparent dislike of Hermione.
"This conversation does not leave this room, understand me?" Charlus said sternly, he looked at them not at their father Charlus Potter, but as Auror Potter. Each of them promised and raised their wand to place the vow. Not as serious as an unbreakable vow, but enough to result in consequences if it was ever shared.
"I have been working with Auror Moody on Hermione McCallister's kidnapping and subsequent torture. For reasons unknown to us, Hermione was found in Muggle London, her parents were killed, and Dumbledore did nothing. He was upset he was not informed before Minerva McGonagall who has been in charge of her care for five years, he did not want her removed from her parent's home, and he wanted to send her to St Mungo's without security detail following her torture. Alastor has been trying to learn what he can, however, we have been unable to determine why. Your mother and I can only guess that he believes that her friendship with Regulus Black and Barty Crouch Jr. has led him to the belief that she deserves what happened to her. That she fraternized with dark wizards and in turn suffered the consequences."
"No," gasped Remus. He didn't understand, the headmaster who had come to his parents and promised he would be able to attend Hogwarts and live like a normal wizard boy, had been this cruel to Hermione.
"It has been confirmed through our intel that Regulus Black and Barty Crouch Jr. are now Marked Death Eaters," Charlus spoke solemnly, staring at Sirius in apology.
"I know," answered Sirius.
"What?!" yelled James, jumping up and turning wide-eyed to Sirius, "How can you know they're Death Eaters Sirius?!"
"I spoke to Reggie, he told me," whispered Sirius.
"Tell me what happened, son."
"After I found her, I watched Reggie and Barty. They looked devastated and I could see how broken my brother was, I saw how mental Barty was turning so one day I cornered Reg. He told me that after I left after I abandoned him to our parents, they set their sights on him. He was forced to take it and with nowhere to run, he had to. He distanced himself from Hermione and Barty hoping to spare them. It didn't last long, Barty was targeted because of his dad and when he refused, they found another way to entice him," Sirius explained, his voice so quiet his friends and Charlus had to lean forward to catch every word.
"Hermione," Charlus said, it wasn't a question, Hermione was the enticement for Barty.
"Yes. She was taken and used, Barty took it to protect her," replied Sirius. "They came to visit her once, I pretended to be asleep. Barty, he and Reg, I've never, it was hard to listen to. They don't want this, whatever they were forced into, they don't want it!"
"I understand son, I do, unfortunately without them coming to me for help I cannot do anything," answered Charlus.
"Dumbledore knows, Reggie at least believes he does," answered Sirius.
"Yes, I believe he does. I am not saying to distrust Dumbledore, I believe he will be integral in the defeat of Voldemort, however, I do not want you to blindly trust anyone. Question every decision and always protect your family and friends. We cannot win this without each other," explained Charlus.
"Dad, you mentioned you didn't know how they found Hermione?" James said quietly.
"We were in the dark regarding the reason for her capture and how it came to be Sirius, you have not filled in the missing piece of why. Now all that is left is how, and how we can catch the ones responsible."
"Her parents," James said, his eyes steely as he looked at his father, "Her parents told them."
"I assumed as much, considering how we found them," replied Charlus, his fingers pressing the bridge of his nose.
"No, before that."
"What?" Charlus' eyes snapped to James suddenly, jumping between the four boys, all wearing grim expressions.
"Her parents told them willingly where she was before they tortured her. They didn't care that men had come to hurt their daughter; they didn't care what they would do to their daughter. They gave her up and revealed her location because they believed their daughter was a freak and unworthy of their love. They are why I almost lost her!" Sirius' voice continuously raised as he spoke until he was yelling the last sentence. His breathing was ragged and laboured as the anger coursed through him, "They almost took her from me." He whispered.
"Son, I am, I can't, I am so sorry. We will keep her safe," Charlus pulled Sirius into a tight hug. A fatherly hug that had Sirius sobbing into his chest. He knew his past was bad but he had Dorea, Charlus, James, Remus, and Peter. Hermione had had Reggie and Barty and they were taken from her, she had almost been taken from him and he couldn't stand it.
He was in love with her.
He didn't know when, or how it happened. But over the years he had watched her, he had observed her and he had been intrigued. Then she had stood up to him, had defended Reg even though he had pushed her away to protect her, he had been screamed at by her, he had screamed back at her, they had been at each other wand points, and he had teased and flirted with her all last year. And then he had found her broken, vulnerable, and small, but never, ever fragile. She had been so strong through everything.
"I'm sorry son, so sorry," Charlus continued to soothe Sirius, his three friends watching as Sirius fell apart. Sirius finally felt the tears come to an end, he felt stupid falling apart when it was Hermione who was tortured, but he had almost lost her to his own family.
"You know who did it?" Sirius asked, his voice and eyes hard as he looked up at his dad.
"Yes, I, Moody showed me," Charlus winced, sitting back at his desk, gulping down his whiskey before pouring himself more. He gestured to the boys to reach their glasses out, refilling their glasses, "Unfortunately, we cannot use the memory of a tortured victim for evidence and we have been unable to retrieve anything else. However, I will be working diligently to find any way to arrest Bellatrix and Greyback."
"G-Greyback?" stuttered Remus.
"Shit, Moony," Sirius sighed, looking at his friend sadly, "They were about to give her to him when Barty relented."
"When she was found by Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper, it was Greyback that was on her. Fortunately, Hagrid started screaming and making noise, which scared the werewolf off. Had Hagrid been any later, I am afraid to say what would have happened to her." Sirius felt his blood run ice cold, Barty had taken the Mark to save her, and they were planning on killing her anyway. He had come close to losing her too many times.
"He doesn't stop," whispered Remus.
"What was that, son? Asked Charlus.
"He won't stop if he finds out she is alive. He won't stop, he is obsessed!" cried out Remus.
"What are you talking about Moony?" asked James.
"You know that he is the one who turned me," Remus was hysterical, "But you don't know how obsessed he was to do it! When he got me when I was four, it was not his first attempt. He sent my father letters, threatening him, scaring him, informing him how excited he was to turn me. We moved three times, and he toyed with us at each place. He stalked my father, always staying far enough away to scare him. When I was four he cornered me, frightened me to the point of crying, and he laughed when my mother grabbed me. When he did bite me, he taunted me about it, about how easy it was to track me. He enjoys the hunt, if he learns Hermione survived, it will become a game to him!"
Sirius felt fear grasp his heart.
"We will not let Greyback touch her, we will not allow him near you again, Remus. I promise," Charlus placed a hand on Remus' shoulder and squeezed. He wanted to pass his strength to the young wizard, he knew Remus hated the monster that he was, but he and Dorea knew the heart Remus had. He could never be like Greyback or his pack, his heart was too kind, and his fear for Hermione was further evidence of that.
"Us Marauders will protect her, her and Lily," vowed James, "That bastard will regret the day he messed with James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Dumbledore won't know what hit him when we join his little group."
Sirius was determined, he and his brothers would fight in Dumbledore's group after graduation, and through that, they would defeat Voldemort, his Death Eaters, and protect the women that they loved.
He wanted a future with Hermione and he would have it if it was the last thing he did.
-oOo-
A/N: I know this one was short, I'm sorry! Next chapter will be Yule, bonding between Hermione, Lily, and Marauders, and return to Hogwarts! I think it will be only 2 more chapters and Hermione will graduate and join the Marauders outside Hogwarts.
Reviews, follows, and favourites are always appreciated! 3