Remus startled when Sirius stopped dead in front of him, "She's here!" he hissed.
"Who's here?"
"The girl! Frank's cousin!"
"Oh?" Remus tried to keep his face blank, despite the fact he felt antsy all of a sudden.
"There!" Sirius pointed with all the subtlety of a toddler, making him sigh, his face reddening when the girl turned, her eyebrows jumping up in surprise. He attempted an apologetic grimace but wasn't quite sure he pulled it off.
She rolled her eyes before turning away to resume her conversation with a man he didn't recognise.
"Dont," a voice warned from behind them,
"Frank!"
Franks's eyes narrowed on Sirius, "Whatever the fuck it is you think your planning with my cousin. Don't. She doesn't need your nonsense."
"Aww come on! We just want to meet the witch properly." Sirius whined.
"You will sit down, behave like the adult you are meant to be and leave her alone unless she comes to you." he growled.
"I wanted to apologise." Remus offered softly, "I imagine it was…well. It was a surprise for all of us but we weren't the ones transported somewhere else."
"Indeed you were not" Frank muttered, seeming conflicted, "And I want to be angry about that, but if you hadn't, she wouldn't be here and I'd never have known she existed. That being said, her life has been upended and therefore she doesn't need Black's ridiculousness." He sighed, "I don't think apologising will do you any good, she won't let you. Alice told her whose idea it was."
"What if I apologise?" Sirius checked.
"Are you capable?" Frank muttered slightly derisively.
"Frank." Alice warned, hooking her arm through his, "She won't like it. That little witch is vicious and can take care of herself."
"I'm well aware," he muttered, rubbing his face with the memory of their last duel. "But you can't think letting Black near her is a good idea?"
"It might be entertaining?" Alice offered with a smirk. "Who knows what Croaker's teaching her."
"Croaker?" Remus blurted, "Director of the Department of Mysteries Croaker?"
"Oh yes." Alice grinned, "Little witch is his new protege. He's overseeing her education personally. And that's before we consider that Auror Moody has had a hand in her education up until now. I wasn't joking when I said she was vicious. I think he's getting the twins to continue her training to give her some variety."
"Mother of Merlin, " Remus muttered.
"All that being said, she does actually want a word with you."
"She does?" he squeaked.
"Yes," Alice badly stifled her smile."Something to do with the DOM not being under Ministry purview and therefore not subject to their laws."
"Pardon?"
"So you're Remus Lupin then?" The man he hadn't recognised appeared beside Alice, peering at him curiously. "Hermione mentioned you might be looking for a job."
"Who's Hermione?" Sirius asked with a confused frown.
"The witch whose life you upended." Saul replied shortly.
"Ah," Remus murmured, "Why did she think I wanted a job?"
"Because she's not an idiot." Saul replied bluntly, "If you want answers, kid, take the job. And the binding vows and we'll fill you in."
"I ah..right." he stammered "But ah…."
"If this is about the laws …curtailing you, I already know. Outside Ministry purview."
He paled, "How did you…."
"Like I said. Hermione isn't an idiot. Now. Job?"
"Yes?" he replied, sounding more questioning than sure.
Saul snorted. "Monday then. I expect you at the Department main entrance, I'll have someone meet you at the door. Nine. Do not be late."
"Yes, Sir," he agreed quickly.
"Splendid, shall we sit down?" he nodded his head towards Dumbledore, "I think we're starting." He froze suddenly, a groan escaping him as a man slid in quickly looking uncomfortable, "Tell me she didn't? Bloody stubborn, pig headed witch!"
Remus turned sharply to see Severus Snape sit down next to Hermione; she greeted him like she knew him well.
"Snape!" Sirius hissed realising he was there, "What is he…..?"
"He's here because I invited him," Hermione's voice cut over him as she stood, her expression more than a little foreboding. "So sit down so we can begin."
"And just who are you to…."
"My niece," Alastor hissed. "Sit down."
"He's a Death Eater!" Sirius howled.
"I was aware of Severus' inclusion tonight," Albus voiced placidly, his voice only just rising over the swelling of noise that followed Sirius' exclamation.
"Why is he here?" a wizard Hermione didn't recognise demanded.
"I will explain, Edgar," Albus replied, "However. First I was…reminded that perhaps i have been remiss in several of my responsibilities. So. Please take a seat so I can correct them."
Several eyebrows rose at that pronouncement as Sirius was physically forced into a seat.
Saul sidled back around to Hermione's other side, "You're asking for trouble."
She shrugged, "Nothing new there. He has as much right to be here as anyone else."
Severus gave an incredulous snort. "I'm beginning to wonder if you have any sense of self preservation," he muttered.
"Not a trait often associated with me, no." she replied with a slight smirk. "However, you chose to come so perhaps you have less than me."
Several seats down Remus watched them with badly concealed jealousy. He had no idea what they were saying but it was clear that this wasn't their first conversation and that stung.
"Now," Albus clapped his hands, looking around the table. "First," he produced a sheet of parchment. "I have enchanted this. Your names will not be visible to anyone but me, but I have been remiss in ensuring all of our safety. Sign it, and it will ensure that secrets are kept, that information cannot be passed maliciously."
There were murmurings around the table. "What happens if someone does?" a man who looked startlingly like an older Harry asked.
"They will be immediately transported to me, with a clear mark indicating their treason."
"What if it's unwilling treason?" Hermione mused, Ludo Bagman suddenly filtering into her mind.
Albus' eyebrows rose sharply and he nodded. "Perhaps an alternative mark?" he mused.
She hummed, "It would give leads to those not suspected."
With a nod, he contemplated the parchment, drawing several new runes around the top with the tip of his wand. With a satisfied nod, he looked back up. "And I assume you have accounted for those ordered to pass on the information?" Hermione checked.
He gave an amused huff of laughter, "Yes, Miss Longbottom, I have."
"Just checking," she shrugged.
"And who are you to question Albus Dumbledore?" Elphias Doge demanded.
Hermione arched a brow, "Is he infallible, Mr Doge? Does he not make mistakes? Do we not all need someone to check us occasionally lest we run away with our own importance?"
"Perhaps it's time someone checked you!" he blustered.
She let out a loud snort, "Mr Doge, if you believe that my family does not keep me in check then you cannot know them well."
Alastor choked down a bark of laughter, "You, lassie? I'm not sure any of us are brave enough. Didn't you send a wee flock of birds at your cousin the last time he questioned your judgement?"
"He tried to convince me that dreamless sleep could be improved with the addition of monstera leaf!" she retorted hotly. "It was…nonsensical and I only sent them when everything else I tried to shut him up failed!"
There were several hidden smiles from the Longbottoms, even Severus looked faintly amused. "I just mentioned…"
"Frank," Augusta sighed exasperatedly, "I know you missed out on teasing your cousin as a child, but must you invoke the witches temper now?"
Frank sighed exaggeratedly, "It's so easy!"
Hermione's eyes narrowed as Alice turned to her pleading "Not his face?"
"I make no promises," Hermione muttered, swivelling to look at Frank with a smile that made him tense. "I do hope you've been practising your shield charm, Cousin."
He braced himself, looking increasingly worried when nothing happened. Hermione turned back to Dumbledore with exaggerated attention. "Ah,...Hermione. Cousin?"
"You're holding up the Headmaster, Frank," Hermione chided, "Hush."
Alastor let out a loud snort of laughter as several people tittered around the table, trying to hide their amusement.
"Well…" Albus began with a poorly concealed smile of his own, gesturing to the parchment. "I think the easiest way to ensure no one gets missed is to form a line."
Hermione's eyes slid to Peter. He looked terrified and was clearly trying to hide it, fidgeting continuously to the point that Remus was looking at him with concern.
"Oi, Wormy, stop squirming," Sirius hissed, "It's making me nervous."
"Come along," Albus encouraged, signing his own name with a flourish. "Don't be shy!"
Watching with amused satisfaction, Hermione followed Saul as three of the marauders corralled each other into the queue behind her, Peter getting caught between James and Sirius. Her attention was so focused on him that she didn't notice Remus standing beside her until she felt Severus tense.
"I ah…I just wanted to check how you were?" he asked hesitantly when she turned to look at him.
"I am…adjusting" she allowed. "It's been rather a lot. Frank is…"
"Right here," Frank smiled insincerely, his eyes on Remus. At his side, Alice scoffed.
"She is going to murder you,"
"She'd miss me!" he protested.
"Would I?" Hermione checked.
"Yes," Frank grinned, "Admit it Cousin, you love me!"
Hermione arched a brow at him, before sighing, reading something in his expression that she hadn't seen before. "Unfortunately," she muttered, not missing the slight flash of relief on his face before his grin widened.
"See! Now. If you're considering a boy, baby cousin, I get to interrogate him."
"Oh my dear God," she groaned. "I'm considering nothing but helping end this war."
"Well that's boring!" Alice protested. "I was considering asking you to go dancing and sending you home with a one night stand."
Hermione laughed as Frank protested. "Interesting idea," she mused, "I could use some stress relief." She was silenced when Severus actually laughed loudly enough to drown out Frank's protesting and Remus' faint growl. "My God, I didn't think you were capable," she whispered.
"You know him well?" Remus asked, shoving down the jealousy that was threatening again.
Startled Hermione turned to him, "I ah…reasonably?"
"Perhaps make it sound less like a question," Severus drawled, eyeing Remus with a hint of a sneer. "Does it matter?"
Remus bristled, fighting to keep his tone even, "I was just curious."
"Sure you were," Severus snorted, turning pointedly back to Hermione. "Do you still want to meet this weekend?"
Alice bit her lip to stop the laugh that threatened as she watched, beside her, Frank tensed until she gripped his arm, shaking her head. Noticing the amusement, he relaxed fractionally, watching the scene more closely.
Hermione's eyes narrowed before she gave a huff of laughter, "Sure Severus. Shall I meet you at the club Alice was suggesting or shall we meet in the Ministry and at least pretend we're working?"
"I can't remember the last time I went dancing," he mused.
Hermione's jaw dropped before she grinned, turning to Alice, "Saturday then? I'd pay good money to see Severus dance."
"Saturday it is," Alice agreed, breathing deeply to fight her amusement.
"So Severus shall I pick you up or are you coming to me?" Hermione smiled angelically up at him.
He looked slightly stunned, although not as stunned as Remus. "I ah…"
"Oh or we always meet you there." she peered at him, "Do you own anything other than robes?"
"I could ask you the same thing, Miss Longbottom." he snarked.
"Sure I do," she dismissed, "Alice insisted on a leather mini. It definitely needs an outing."
At her other side, Remus all but choked on his own tongue. Smiling sweetly, Hermione sauntered up to the parchment and signed her name, Saul followed her back to her seat, "Are you trying to kill the poor boy off?" he sighed.
"Which one?" she checked.
"You know which one. Snape finds it amusing but Lupin is about to explode."
Hermione hummed, watching until Peter signed with a shaking hand, a vicious, satisfied smile appearing on her face.
"Do I want to know what's put that smile on your face?" Severus checked sinking gracefully into his seat.
"Probably not." she admitted.
He hummed before continuing hesitantly, "You're not really going to make me go dancing are you?"
Several people turned when Hermione laughed loudly, leaning into Severus, sending Remus' jealousy skyrocketing as Moony growled inside his head, "Of course I am." she murmured.
He turned so he was hovering near her ear, "Are you trying to upset Lupin?"
"Not especially," she admitted, "I'm mainly winding up my ridiculous cousin."
"Ah." he nodded, with a faint smirk, leaning closer. "So it's just a bonus that Lupin looks ready to erupt. Do continue."
She gave a huff of laughter, "You are shaping up to be far more fun than I expected." she mused. "However, I hate to break it to you, I don't personally have an issue with Remus."
He sighed heavily. "Well, everyone has flaws."
Alastor interrupted when she gave another bark of laughter. "Do I need to separate you two?" he demanded.
"Of course not Uncle Alastor," Hermione smiled sweetly, "We were just planning where we're going dancing."
"Dancing." he deadpanned, "You and Snape are going dancing."
"With Alice and I assume Frank." she shrugged.
"Mother of Merlin," he muttered, pinning her with a look. "Behave."
At the top of the table, Albus watched with amused interest, still not entirely sure what to make of the new Miss Longbottom, nor the visible changes in Mr Snape.
"I think we might be done," he announced, rolling the parchment. "Now. As I'm sure some of you have realised, we have a few new members, Saul Croaker, Hermione Longbottom and Severus Snape. All of them have valuable information and I will be asking some of you to remain behind to discuss some unexpected issues."
"Why not all of us?" someone demanded.
"Honestly? Because the information is sensitive. When we are able we will share with everyone but for now we need to limit the people who know so as not to endanger people's lives. Now, how is intelligence gathering going?"
Hermione's eyes travelled around the group as various people spoke, wondering why the Order in her time had been so disorganised.
"Anything else of importance?" he looked around.
"Whoever you intended to keep behind, include both Benjy Fenwick and Dorcas Meadowes please." Hermione requested.
He hummed. "Anything else?"
Hermione hesitated, her eyes darting to Sirius and then Saul, who nodded minutely. "We need to discuss Regulus Black."
She felt Severus stiffen in surprise but it was nothing to Sirius' reaction. He stilled comically, an angry flush crawling up his neck, infusing his cheeks.
"Excuse me?" he demanded.
"You heard me. I have no idea what he does or doesn't believe, but I do know that he doesn't agree with Tom's methods."
"Tom?" Sirius frowned, nonplussed.
"Oh. Tom Riddle. Aka voldemort."
"How…How do you know…"
"I can't answer that," she replied.
Shaking himself, Sirius stared her down, "My brother is a Death Eater. As is your boyfriend there. I'm sure he'll confirm it."
"Of course he is," Hermione agreed evenly, "But that doesn't mean he can't regret it."
An ugly sneer appeared on Sirius' face, "Is that what old Snivellus told you love? Whispered promises of regret and a misspent youth as he removed your knickers. We both know it's bullshit. He's as dark as they come, probably gets off on the muggleborns he tortures before he comes to your bed."
He yelped when his chair was flung backwards from the table, sending him sprawling as Hermione stood before any of her relatives had a chance. At his side, the three other marauders looked stunned. "You can be angry," she kept her voice emotionless and controlled, "You can be crass if you want. But I have a bit of an issue with bullies. So you can be civil, and you can behave like an adult instead of an overgrown toddler or you can fuck off. This is a war. Lives are on the line daily, and none of us have time for your tantrums. The choice is yours Sirius Black. You can behave like that ugly little boy who lashed out at others because his childhood was beyond shit and he didn't know how to cope with his emotions or you can be better. You can prove everyone who says you are exactly like your family wrong."
Sirius blinked at her, taking in the several wands raised in his direction, and the utter lack of one in Hermione's hand. "I am nothing like my family," he hissed.
"I imagine Severus would disagree," she shrugged idly, noting the way his cheeks darkened in anger, missing the shame on Remus' and stunned contemplation on James' faces. "So I suggest you prove him wrong."
"What do you want with my brother?" Sirius demanded as the Order members filed out. He had stewed as they had asked and answered several questions, his face thunderous in his anger until he appeared to make a decision. Throughout it, his friends eyed him warily.
Hermione turned slowly, "I told you. He doesn't agree with Tom's decisions."
"And how would you know that?"
She eyed him shrewdly, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me."
"Saul?"
The man looked up from his conversation with Alastor, reading the question on her face, "Your call kid. However I'd like to point out that it'll be your life that's forfeit if you make the wrong choice."
She hummed, "Alright Sirius Black. I'll make you a deal. Help me prevent your brother from making a ridiculous mistake…well. Another one. He does have one of those ill advised tattoos. And I will tell you everything."
"Everything," he checked.
"I'll answer whatever questions you have. It'll need a vow. Professor Croaker will word it, if you're concerned about my loyalties."
He frowned as he stared at her, "Who are you?"
"I believe you were told, Hermione Longbottom. My mother was…well, not hugely fond of my father. Your little stunt with the ritual meant I got to meet Frank."
"But you recognised Alice."
"No," she sighed. "I'm a legilimens. Alice's mind was completely unprotected. I don't…I can't always control it especially when I'm stressed."
He blinked, assessing the truthfulness of his words. "Is that how you knew it was me who instigated the ritual?"
"Yes. You don't give much away, your shields are strong but you were projecting that. I imagine you were as surprised as I was by my appearance."
"You could say that," he agreed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Do I get to ask how you know Snape?"
"You can ask," she agreed, "I won't be answering until you're under a vow."
He scowled slightly, "Been sleeping together long?"
Her mouth quirked in amusement, "Why, Mr Black? Jealous? I can put a good word in for you, although you will definitely need to apologise for your behaviour at school."
His jaw dropped in horror. "That's…no! Absolutely not!"
"If you say so," she replied with clear disbelief.
He spun in horror, his eyes landing on Remus hovering by the floo that James had just rushed through, intent on checking on his wife. "Moony! Tell her! Tell her I don't want to shag Snape!"
Remus froze as silence fell around the room. "Um. Pads. While I'm sure Snape is really pleased to hear that, it's probably time to go."
"No! Tell her Moony!"
Remus sighed, walking back towards Hermione, "He doesn't want to shag Snape," he informed her with no inflection.
Hermione snorted, "At this point it sounds like he's protesting too much, don't you think?"
"Maybe," Remus agreed with a wicked glint in his eye, "It's very sad."
"Oh I don't know, I offered to put a good word in."
Remus choked, taking in the look on Sirius' face. "Please. I am begging you, let me watch that."
With a hint of mischief, Hermione grinned. "Do not dare!" Sirius hissed. "Do not dare! I swear to Godric. Moony stop her!"
Ignoring him, Hermione marched over to Severus who groaned. "No."
"Oh Severus, come on now! Maybe a shag would loosen you up!"
"Maybe…sweet Salazar witch you can't just say that!"
"I think you'll find I just did." she argued, gauging his reaction closely in case she pushed too far.
"I'm not shagging Black."
"Shame. I imagine you would get a kick out of making him beg." she mused, hearing Sirius howl and Remus' laugh. "Or punishing him."
Realising she wasn't trying to embarrass him, and that for once he was not the punchline in the joke, Severus relaxed minutely. Despite his harsh tone, he was unable to help the slight quirk of a smile at the thought of Black begging him for anything. "No! For fucks sake, I was beginning to like you."
"You do like me." she dismissed. "Everyone else lets you be a grumpy sod." He sighed exaggeratedly, "So is that a no on any kind of shagging Black?" she checked. "I imagine he'd need a firm hand, you know. Or a paddle."
"Hermione," he growled, despite struggling not to laugh at the impotent outrage on Sirius' face, knowing he was not used to being the butt of the joke. "I will hex you."
"You can try," she agreed. "I needed a new duelling partner, so feel free."
"You are impossible."
"And yet you like me all the same. Shall I let Sirius down gently for you?"
"I wouldn't necessarily suggest you do it gently," he agreed resignedly.
"Ok, " she turned, "You're out of luck, Black. Apparently it's going to take more than an apology, although I'd suggest one might be in order regardless of your spurned affections."
Sirius opened and closed his mouth soundlessly as Remus clutched his stomach, tears streaming down his face. "Oh god," he gasped. "I've never seen someone flummox Sirius like that."
"You're meant to be on my side," Sirius whined.
Shaking his head, Remus tried and failed to get himself under control. Spotting them, Albus arched a brow, "I wasn't aware you were remaining for this?"
"They're not," Hermione grinned, "Black just had some…issues to raise. Hopefully now there's no ambiguity on where he stands he can move on and start working on a genuine apology for being an absolute arsehole to Severus."
Severus ducked his head to hide a smile when Sirius spluttered denials behind her. "Well that's…reassuring," Albus frowned, "I ah…Mr Lupin, Mr Black perhaps…"
"Of course," Remus agreed, forcing himself under control, "Ah Miss Longbottom would you perhaps consider meeting for lunch? I have a meeting with Professor Croaker on Monday. And I have already apologised to Severus in case that's an issue."
Her eyebrows rose in surprise, "I ah…I could."
"I'll meet you at the department entrance?"
"Sure." she nodded, not sure what to make of this young version of her professor.
"Well that was delightfully awkward," Severus murmured. "I assume you know…"
"Yes," she cut him off, "I know."
"Right," he sighed. "Just…be careful. They were…"
"Bullying arseholes?"
He snorted but remained pensive, "Yes."
"You know I know that too. Did Remus participate?"
"No," he replied slowly, "But he watched and did not intervene."
She sighed heavily. "Which is often just as bad, even if he did have reasons."
"Reasons?" Severus scoffed,
"He's a werewolf," she reminded him bluntly, "He never thought he'd get to go to Hogwarts and he didn't think he'd ever have friends. His father was a horrific excuse for a parent and he made his thoughts on Remus' condition well known. I imagine it was at least partially guilt but he was outspoken about werewolves and his views on them, even after Remus was bitten."
Severus remained silent for several beats, "I don't think I've ever considered that,"
"Understandably."
He sighed, "I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like you," he admitted. "You're like…a bulldozer. Every deflection technique I've ever tried you've barreled your way through and ignored and then you say things like that… my supposed best friend wasn't that understanding and she witnessed it. Why?"
"I think everyone deserves a friend," she murmured before taking a breath. "And I think Lily was wrong. I'm not saying you were blameless, I would have been devastated if one of the boys had called me a mudblood regardless of the situation but… two years is a long time not to forgive someone who you claimed was a friend. And I am aware of how vicious they were to you, it's inexcusable, I can't imagine she didn't see any of it. It's hard because I can see both sides with Remus, but that doesn't mean you should be forced to. It wasn't me they bullied and our experiences with the man are entirely different. I have fond memories of an adult who didn't patronise me and who didn't shut down my questions when almost everyone else did. You…you see the boy who stood back and let his friends harass and belittle you for seven years. It's a facet of him I've never liked, despite understanding why he kept his mouth shut. To be honest, if it's something he's carried with him into adulthood, I won't be entertaining anything at all with him. It was understandable in a scared child, it is not in a grown man who should know better." Severus was staring at her with his jaw hanging open and she flushed muttering, "Anyway, more than that in my time, you were a genius. I have spent my entire life having to dumb myself down to be even remotely understood, I was really just hoping that I could have one person who I didn't have to do it with."
Severus paused, struggling to get himself back under control, not at all sure what to do with the unfamiliar emotions the witch was stirring in him as it hit him that no one had ever offered him the understanding she just had. "I used to have that with Lily. Five minutes of a conversation would tell you that, so why me and not her?" he replied finally.
"Other than the fact I've just said I have issues with her?" Hermione returned dryly. "She is…difficult. You were at least familiar for all you're very different from the man you'll become, but Lily…Lily is a reminder of someone I miss so much it's like a physical pain. All we had for months of that last year were each other, and we hadn't learned to let go of that interdependence when I was summoned here. I wake up looking for him in the middle of the night. I check at random intervals during the day before I realise he's not here and I still have to fight the anxiety of not knowing exactly where he is despite the fact that he's not born yet. He looked like James Potter and that's painful all on its own. But his eyes were the same as Lily's and that makes looking at her hard. I suddenly find myself having at least a modicum of sympathy for your older self. You hated looking at him and I want to cry or hex things when I even think about being in a room with them."
He sighed heavily, looking supremely uncomfortable as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, startling her so badly she jumped before she all but slumped into his side, the familiar smell of sandalwood and potion ingredients that had clung to him already evident on this version.
"You will see him again."
"But he won't be mine." she murmured, "And that's a good thing, of course it is. But it means that I have to live with part of me missing for the rest of my life." He hummed his acknowledgement, almost missing her quiet, "Remus said he apologised to you, is that true?"
"Yes," he admitted reluctantly, "After the incident in fifth year. I assume you are aware…"
"Yes," Hermione agreed.
"Well. He apologised and then avoided me for the following two years as much as possible. Despite that he still sat there and pretended they were not trying to remove my pants in public."
Hermione winced, before she sighed. "Which is inexcusable."
He shifted uncomfortably. "It certainly invalidated his apology as far as I was concerned. However, in light of your explanation about his…"
"Dont! She hissed. "He might have had reasons but that still doesn't make what they did justifiable, so don't!"
Severus sighed, adjusting her slightly, utterly accustomed to this, "Part of me understands," he murmured softly, "I don't want to. Merlin knows I despise this position you've put me of somewhat defending him, but…I stood back and allowed my Housemates to deride people like Lily. I used the word that was meant to cause hurt, that was used as justification for hurting them. And I eventually joined an organisation with those who believed Lily and others like her should be culled. It pains me to admit but I do not have the moral high ground here, Hermione."
She shuddered slightly, remaining pensive, still burrowed under his arm. He only let go when Dumbledore called the small group to order.
"Are you alright?" Frank queried sitting down beside her.
With a slightly sad smile, Hermione shrugged, "As alright as i'm going to be right now."
His frown deepened, "You know you can talk to me."
"I know," she agreed softly, "Now, we'd probably better listen."
"I've asked you to remain here because we have some pressing issues to discuss." Albus sighed looking around the small group.
"One moment Headmaster," Hermione interrupted, whispering something to Saul. He arched a surprised eyebrow turning to Alastor at his side.
Alastor nodded sharply standing at the same time Saul and Hermione did, a wave of magic engulfing the table.
With a satisfied smirk, Hermione peered underneath it, stupefying Peter quickly, gesturing grandly. "He's all yours."
Dumbledore's eyebrows rose as he bent, to see what she was indicating to. "Good Godric," he cursed, summoning Peter to him. "He's just signed the parchment…and he was hiding under the table."
"I imagine he was going to attempt to work around it. Would legilimency count as unwilling?"
"I don't know," Albus murmured slowly. "I think we might need to work that out."
"Probably," Hermione grimaced apologetically.
"How did we not notice him?" Fabian Prewet demanded into the resulting silence.
"He's a rat animagus. The spell we did turned him back. In his rat form he's small enough to hide and quick enough to escape." she sighed, "He's your rat. Literally."
"But he's…" Fleamont Potter trailed off looking nauseous. "He's Jamie's friend."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"You knew," Gideon voiced, looking at her shrewdly in a way that made her want to squirm.
"Yes," she admitted.
"Hermione." he growled.
"Gideon," she countered.
"Start talking you infuriating little witch, don't think we dont know youre missing things out."
She groaned, "Gid…it's complicated."
"We've learned that everything about you is complicated," he countered wryly.
Saul's eyes met hers and she slumped. "It's going to need a vow."
"What vow?" Charlus checked.
"An unbreakable one," Saul replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Albus, Alastor, all the Longbottoms and Severus have already taken it. There's more of you than i'd like."
"They're necessary," Albus countered.
"All of them?"
"All of them," he agreed.
"Very well." Saul sighed, "It's up to you."
"We'll take it." Gideon and Fabian announced together. "We know we owe the little witch our lives so she can't be too bad."
At that Fleamont and Euphemia Potter lost some of their hostility, "So you do," Fleamont agreed softly. "Very well."
"It needs to be unbreakable?" Minerva checked.
"It does."
"Fine."
"Dorcas and Benjy don't need to be included." Hermione voiced, "I just needed to warn them"
"Warn us about what?" Dorcas demanded.
"I want to be included!" Benjy pouted, drawing a smile from Hermione reluctantly. He reminded her of Fred and George Weasley.
"Me too," Dorcas protested, "But what are you waning us against!"
"If you're being included in the vow surely it can wait five months," Alastor sighed. Now. Edgar, Janet?"
"We're in," Edgar Bones agreed.
"Splendid, shall we?" Albus gestured at Saul to begin.
"Hermione," he nodded, "You're up kid."
With a sigh she stood, binding them into the now familiar vow.
"Right then Princess," Fabian prompted.
"I was born on the 19th of this year." she sighed and the room stilled.
"Pardon?"
"The baby Molly's carrying, the one she probably doesn't even realise she's pregnant with, she'll name him Ronald. Ronald Bilius Weasley," she paused, feeling her throat closing as the pain she kept buried resurfaced so forcefully it threatened to choke her. "He was one of my best friends."
They all looked horrified as she began to cry, giant sobs wracking her body as she curled in on herself, until Alice stood abruptly and wrapped herself around her, trying to hold her together.
"We're going to fix it," she whispered, "We're going to fix it all."
With Hermione subdued, and curled in on herself, Alice's arm linked through one of hers, Frank boxing her in on the other side, Saul took up the narrative.
"That's…insane," Fabian breathed, before standing abruptly, and pulling Hermione to her feet, wrapping her in a hug. "Thank you."
"For?" she rasped.
"Not giving up when most would. Freddie's going to live this time and that's thanks to you. Do you…do you want to see them?"
She stilled, "I dont know."
"Let us know Princess. Whenever you're ready."
"Do we get to ask what our warnings are now?" Dorcas voiced shakily.
Hermione turned, letting go of Fabian, dimly aware of him shaking Severus' hand to thank him for getting the information on their ambush to the correct people.
"Tom murdered you personally," Hermione mumbled, "You…you deliberately goaded him, taking out some of his strongest followers. Hopefully by the time it's meant to happen we'll have dealt with all this but maybe be cautious?"
"When?"
"September of 1981."
"I see, And Ben?"
Hermione shuddered violently, her uncle's words ringing in her ears. "Shouldn't be alone."
"For how long?" he demanded, his cheerful playfulness gone, replaced with fear."
"They got you eventually sometime next year. I think it was May, but might be mixing you up with Caradoc Dearborn."
"I see." he hummed, joking weakly "Glorious death?"
"They only ever found pieces of you," she responded flatly, making him pale.
"Well, fuck." he muttered. "Let's avoid that.
"If you could," Hermione agreed.
"What are we doing about the horcruxes?" Minerva asked shakily.
"Ones in Hogwarts," she replied slowly, finally giving in to Franks tugging at her to sit back down.
"What?"
"In the Room of Requirement. We'll need to deal with the basilisk while we're there. The ring is in the Gaunt shack. The protections are immense. We'll need a team. Regulus will attempt to go to the cave shortly so we need to intervene there. I'm really hoping Sirius took me seriously otherwise we might need to start watching him. I cant remember the exact date he died. It was December though. The diary is likely in Malfoy Manor I don't know how we're managing that one unless Regulus agrees to help, and the cup is likely still in Bellatrix's vault. I do not want to break into Gringotts again so if anyone has suggestions for that one I'm all ears."
"I'm sorry dear, could you repeat that?" Effie voiced hesitantly.
"Gringotts. We broke in, stole their dragon and broke back out. It's not an experience I want to repeat."
"Mother of Merlin." Severus breathed staring at her with something close to awe. "You stole a dragon.
"Right. Well…shall we arrange to deal with the basilisk and the diadem in the next few weeks?" Albus voiced. "Once we have that arranged we'll consider the younger Mr Black."
Fleamont sighed, his face still drawn and ashen hearing Saul describe his son's death compounded with the raw feelings of Peter's betrayal. "I'll speak to Sirius, and ensure he understands the importance of reaching out to Regulus.
Dumbledore nodded, "We'll need a team to assess the wards at the Gaunt house. Hermione, do you know where it is?"
"Not entirely. It's in Little Hangleton but I've never been and truthfully…I'm not sure where exactly Little Hangleton is."
He hummed, "Take Saul, your Uncle Alastor and the twins. I would suggest you wait until after we've seen to the Basilisk and the diadem. Edgar, Janet, Monty will you work with Severus to make a neutralising potion. Severus, do you know what the potion mentioned in the cave was?"
He shook his head, "There are a few possibilities. I'd need to check them to be sure."
"Very well," Albus nodded "my library is at your disposal."
"As is ours" Hector sighed, "Along with our gardens, we grow a significant number of ingredients."
"Thank you," Severus murmured, looking slightly surprised.
"Along those lines, I want all of you to arrange duelling time, firstly for you to ensure your own skills and then spreading out across the Order, I imagine it's going to be important. Alastor, your thoughts?"
"Aye, I'd agree. I'll assess everyone before they begin duelling anyone else. Hermione, Frank, the twins and Alice are all cleared."
Saul made a disbelieving noise at the back of his throat. "I've never seen you duel." Alastor taunted.
"Well I will be fixing that shortly." Saul informed him primly.
Alastor huffed out a laugh, "If you say so," he agreed. "I'll arrange a parchment listing those I've cleared."
Albus nodded his acceptance. "What are we doing with him?" Gideon queried, tilting his head towards Peter."
"I'll take him. Get him processed." Alastor turned to Fleamont, "I'll let you tell the boys?"
With a pained grimace, he nodded. "I do not foresee that going well."
"No, but better now than later."
"Yes," Euphemia agreed with a soft sign and a pained look before she visibly collected herself, turning to Hermione, "Now dear, I do hope you'll visit. I can't imagine how difficult this is, but, and you'll have to forgive my selfishness, I cannot imagine a better witch to watch over my grandson as he grows."
Hermione took a sharp breath in. "I don't…I don't know if i can…"
"It's always going to hurt," the witch murmured, "But perhaps beeing how different his life is this time will help take the sting out of it." Hermione gave a sharp nod, not trusting her voice. "Good. Sometime next week then, I'll owl."
Hermione seemed to slump as they filed out of the room. "Let's get you home, dearest," Algie commanded, physically helping her to her feet.
"I'll come and see you on Tuesday," Severus informed her awkwardly, accepting her nod before turning and stalking from the room.