Hello, my darlings. I have plans for tomorrow, so you get your chapter early. If this interrupts reading plans, feel free to wait, I don't mind. Hopefully, this chapter posts correctly.
Chapter 10 The Year Begins
The Black lord invited the Weasleys to accompany Harry and the Grangers back to school shopping. The group reviewed the supply lists at Grimmauld Place before heading to Diagon Alley. The inclusion of dress robes on the list started Sirius and Remus reminiscing about their school days. They waxed on and on about their formal robes and how dashing the birds found them. Fred and George perked up when Sirius produced said robes. "What do you say, Gred? Trim the lace off the cuffs and these would be smashing."
"Maybe in a navy or green to look better with our hair, Forge. We'll have to look for some."
Sirius gave them a sly look, "You boys wouldn't be interested in these, would you?" He changed the robes to a deep blue and Remus sliced off the lace. "I could let these go for five galleons apiece."
Knowing formal robes easily cost a hundred galleons, Molly frowned. Neither George nor Fred noticed their mother's expression. They stared at each other. Their idols, the Marauders, were offering them their old clothes, things they had worn, for a song. They turned as one and nodded. "Deal," they answered in unison. "Thank you."
"You don't have to," started Molly, "we can manage."
"Do what, Molly, love?" asked Sirius.
"All we did was talk about the good old days," added Remus his eyes dancing.
"And clean out a closet." Sirius patted her hand, "I would have just given them to you, but I know you'd object to what you thought was charity. They liked the idea and aren't likely to find second-hand robes this well preserved for any price."
Sirius offered to assist with Ron's robe shopping along with Harry's so Molly could focus on Ginny in case she needed them. Her supply list said optional. But since she was saving on the cost of three robes, Molly decided to err on the side of caution. Bethan encouraged Hermione to look around, but she shook her head, "I'll wear the gown the Hunt gave me."
"Perhaps some jewelry or shoes then?" suggested Bethan.
Their conversation drew Sirius's attention, "Have you considered that wearing the gown could potentially reveal your identity?"
She nodded slowly, "I have. But I am more concerned about insulting the Wild Hunt than I am about political maneuvering. I have you to protect me."
A proud grin spread across his face, "Indeed you do. And as such we need to stop by Gringotts. Jewelry from House Black will send the subtle message you want."
Hermione looked uncertainly at her mother. The last thing she wanted was to hurt her parents. Bethan tucked a curl behind her daughter's ear, "Darling, you have to walk this road. Where you lead your father and I will follow. We discussed it between ourselves. Do you trust Sirius?"
"With my life. Everything tells me he's trustworthy."
"Then let's follow his advice."
"Such high praise, wise one," he said quietly. "We'll go later." He moved back over to advise Harry. Bethan declared she was going to select a pair of shoes for Hermione and crossed the store to look at them.
Remus gave her an odd look before approaching. "Hermione," he started, then paused.
"Yes?"
"Did I hear correctly? You're a member of the Wild Hunt?" Silently she turned her arm over showing him the mark of her inner left wrist. He sucked in a breath. "That explains your boggart."
"Doesn't it?" she smiled. Her boggart took the form of Lyall telling her she was unworthy, a failure. That he never should have approached such a disappointment.
"You were the wolf in the forest that night."
It wasn't a question but she answered anyway, "I was."
"Thank you," he whispered. She simply nodded. "No really, thank you for keeping me from badly hurting Sirius or attacking one of you."
"I sent Professor Snape a note thanking him for protecting us, too. I don't know if he appreciated it or not."
"Possibly not, but that was kind of you," he patted her shoulder.
"What he did was brave. Someone needed to acknowledge it. Even if it could be considered his duty as a teacher. He was terrified of you in that form."
"You are remarkably observant," praised Remus.
"Intelligent people often are," she shrugged.
After Madame Malkin's shop the group split. The Weasleys and Mrs. Granger went to the apothecary while Sirius and Remus took Hermione and Harry to Gringotts. Hermione admired the carvings and mosaics on the walls of the lobby. They depicted images of goblins interacting with fae and other magical beings. She thought a horned figure might have been a Druid, but she couldn't tell from the angle they stood at. Rows of wooden podiums elevated the goblins above the wizarding customers. While she sympathized with their perceived plight, their lack of wands did not seem to hinder them, and their need to feel superiority bordered on obsession. In the privacy of her mind, she acknowledged she didn't know quite enough about them to make that judgment. Maybe a lack of wands did handicap them in some way. Perhaps they needed every advantage they could create. Sadly, they closed their nation off from outsiders, so learning about them was nearly impossible. Mentally she shrugged and focused on Sirius.
They crossed the beige marble floor to a teller. "Good afternoon, I need to visit my vault and make some arrangements for accounts," announced Sirius.
"Very good, sir. Name?"
"Sirius Black. Here are my keys." He passed a small ring up to the goblin.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." The goblin started from the courtesy expressed.
"I will notify Ragnar of your arrival and request."
"Thank you." The goblin continued to look perplexed at Sirius's manners. When the goblin went to summon Ragnar, Sirius winked at Hermione. "You are most correct, little wise one, common courtesy goes a long way with everyone. Kreacher and I will never be as close as he and my brother were, but we get along better now." He chuckled, "Doesn't hurt that I have redeemed myself by bringing honor and glory to House Black by adding a true druid to it."
"Thank you for trying," she whispered.
"It hurts nothing and it makes you happy," he murmured back.
A stout goblin approached and gave a half bow, "Greeting, Lord Black. How can I be of service?"
Sirius returned the bow, "Good afternoon, Ragnar. I need to retrieve some items from my vault, perhaps vaults. I also need to set up allowances for my wards. Harry Potter has a trust vault, but I will need to set one up for Hermione Granger." Hermione started to protest but Remus stopped her with a hand to her shoulder and a slight shake of his head.
Ragnar nodded, "Shall we begin with the new account and then both allowances before descending to the vault?"
"Solid plan," praised Sirius.
Harry protested as the small group followed the goblin, "We don't need your money, Sirius."
"No, you don't but this is how things are done. With Dumbledore's demand that you spend time every year with your aunt, and Hermione's precarious position, we need to observe formalities like family gifts and allowances. Do what I did with the Potters' money and shower your friends with gifts."
Ragnar led them through a maze of mustard colored walls and beige floors. It reminded Hermione of the old bank her taid and nain took her to once. They wanted to show her some of the responsibilities she would someday oversee. Iola's title was matriarchal and would pass to Bethan then Hermione someday. The goblin stopped at a dark-stained door. He ushered them inside. They sat. He shuffled some papers, touching several places. Names appeared. "How much did you wish to deposit today?"
"Five hundred galleons, and twenty galleons a month allowance to both accounts." He looked at the teenagers, "Stop glowering at me. This is the minimum amount seen as acceptable. Some of your classmates get vastly more." A thought occurred to him, "Are any of the old allowances being paid?"
The goblin consulted his records, "All allowances have been paused awaiting your approval. Payments after your erroneous incarceration have been returned."
"Start allowances for Andromeda Tonks and Nymphadora Tonks, one hundred apiece monthly, please."
"Very good," Ragnar made a note. "If you would sign here?" He handed Sirius a quill and indicated a line. The signature flashed green before fading to dull black. "And Miss Granger." Hermione signed her name. The ink turned silver for a moment. Once it faded to black Ragnar rolled up the parchment. "Ricbert will conduct you down to your vaults."
"Thank you, Ragnar, I appreciate your efficiency," Sirius bowed.
"You are welcome, may your gold multiply," Ragnar returned his bow.
"And yours."
Ricbert took them to the carts. The small vehicles sat on mine tracks. It reminded Hermione of a roller coaster. "Mum's going to regret missing this."
Harry nodded remembering his first ride, "One of the best coasters ever."
Remus barked a laugh, "Agreed." He clapped Harry on the back. To the amusement of the adults, both teens put their hands up and cheered through the twists and drops.
Hermione leapt from the cart, "That was awesome! I might come every week to visit my vault. That beats muggle banks by a long shot."
"If you do you have to bring me," Harry grinned.
"Deal."
Ricbert regarded them curiously, "Muggle raised wizards seem to enjoy the carts in a manner wizard raised ones do not." He turned to assist Sirius in opening the vault. "May I ask why?"
"Muggles have a form of entertainment similar to the motion and speed of the carts. Most wizards don't develop the same fondness, I suppose," answered Sirius. The metal door clanged open revealing piles of coins, paintings, jewelry, and books. Hermione hurried over to examine the tomes. Harry followed her curious and enjoying her excited behavior. "Hermione." Sirius looked at her fondly.
"Hmm?" she didn't even turn her head.
"Kitten, I can't select jewelry without you," Sirius said patiently.
"I trust your judgment. My dress goes from white down to a dark purple nearly black," she called back, again without looking. "Just pick something."
"She means it," Harry said joining Sirius. "She'll be happy with anything."
"If she hates it or gets annoyed, you two are my witnesses, I offered to let her pick."
"Noted," replied Remus dutifully.
Sirius handed her a slender square leather box when he was done, "No peeking until the event. Several of your classmates will have seen images of Corrine Black's anniversary set. Her daughter, Calliope, wore it frequently. Aunt Corrine was a Malfoy, and Calliope married a Nott." Hermione nodded. "They moved in elite circles. Her portrait and Calliope's are wearing it."
"Do you know what the event is?" asked Harry.
"A ball at Yule. Hogwarts will be hosting other schools for a contest. That's all I'm going to say. Dumbledore wants it to be a surprise."
"That's fine. I'm sure that's enough for Hermione to figure it out given access to a proper library." She swatted Harry playfully for his joke.
"Most likely," laughed Sirius at her from a safe distance.
Hermione didn't see Theo or Marcus on the train. The only Slytherin she encountered was Malfoy attempting to lord his insider information over them and failing. She sat facing their table during the feast just to see them. Theo gave her a discreet smile of greeting. Jasper also flashed her a small grin, enjoying knowing a secret no one else did. But Marcus seemed oblivious to her. Probably because a blonde girl sat so close she was practically in his lap. She kept feeding him bites of food. Hermione couldn't tell if he genuinely liked it or not. She also wasn't sure why her heart plummeted into her stomach at the sight. Or why it ached. She wanted to cry but wasn't sure about what exactly, or rather she didn't want to think about it too closely. He looked content enough. She should be happy for him. At least she wanted to be. She had no idea why he hadn't told her over the summer. She forced herself to focus on the conversations going on around her as a distraction. The discussions surrounded the World Cup, why they needed formal robes and the identity of the Druid. Some of the theories for all three were absurd.
"If Draco Malfoy was the Druid we would all know," said Seamus.
"He wouldn't shut up about it," agreed Dean.
"Still, it's so romantic," sighed Lavender. "A dashing figure communing with nature restoring balance."
"Um, women can be Druids, too," pointed out Ginny.
"No, the Druid is male. I can feel it." Lavender smiled, "I foresaw it. He's tall, slender, and handsome with soft curly blond hair."
Hermione rolled her eyes but remained silent. The only parts Lavender got right were slender and curly. But these speculations helped hide her identity. Hermione snorted at the notion. Her status was clearly stamped on the inside of her wrist. No one bothered to look. "You disagree, Hermione?" asked Lee jarring her from her thoughts.
Before she could respond, Dumbledore stood, "Good evening, students. Welcome to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This year will have several changes. Quidditch will not be played this year as the pitch will be needed for another event." Angry mutters ran through the Great Hall. Dumbledore held up his hands for silence. "Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament." He explained the tournament, rules, and the arrival of the other schools. They were then dismissed.
"Fame," said George excitedly.
"Glory," chimed in Fred.
They finished in unison, "Riches."
"We could fund the shop," said Fred. George grinned, his eyes shining excitedly.
For the second time in less than two hours, Hermione snorted, "You're already infamous. Everyone knows the Weasley twins. Glory is overrated. And to fund your shop send Sirius a business proposal. Remus's been nagging him to invest in something."
Both halted and turned to look at her, "Do you really think he would be interested in investing in a joke shop?"
She looked at them with exasperation, "Do I think one of the Marauders would consider investing in a joke shop? The man who put a whoopee cushion in Percy's chair three weeks ago. I am not going to dignify that question with a response. Also, I think Harry would be interested. I know I am. Send him the business plan." They rushed away to begin planning.
"Sucks about quidditch," complained Ron. "I was going to try out now that the keeper position is open."
"Huh, well, yeah, it stinks. Long stretches with nothing to do. And nothing to work towards," agreed Harry. "And it sucks for 7th years hoping to get noticed by scouts." Hermione looked into the distance thoughtfully. "What?"
"Nothing. Just thinking. I have some letters to write. See you two in the morning."
'Sirius,
Just wanted to let you know I will be writing Mr. Nott for help again. Just protecting my identity a little longer. I wanted to keep you in the loop. Also, the twins will be writing about Harry, you, and me investing in their joke shop. Act surprised.
Love,
Hermione.'
'Remus,
Keep Sirius from spiraling over my letter and the joke shop.
Hermione.'
'Mr. Nott,
Thank you for your previous assistance. I am writing to you again as I am unsure of who I should contact. While students are excited by the prospect of hosting the Triwizard Tournament, they are disheartened by the loss of quidditch. The sport provides competitive relationships, House pride, and entertainment. Numerous students hoping to pursue careers after school benefit from the matches. The same amount of space can be found on the school grounds or nearby. May I humbly suggest inviting Drumstang and Beaubatons to bring their quidditch teams? This would involve more students in competition and provide more entertainment events over the year.
My thanks,
the Druid.'
"Lila," called Hermione, "would you post these for me, please?"'
"At once, mistress," the house elf took the letters.
"Thank you."
Theo slid into the library chair across from her the following afternoon. "Father wishes to inform you that the matter has been presented to the Board of Governors and the appropriate ministry departments. Some like the idea for its merits, others just want to curry your favor."
"I know. That's why I wrote him," she replied. She began making notes for her first Charms essay.
"He says you can expect an announcement no later than Friday."
"Excellent. Please thank him for me."
"Certainly. Um, why are you starting your homework? Classes just started."
She gave him an annoyed look, "Theo, I've been doing two simultaneous educational programs since 1st year. How do you think I keep up my grades?"
"Oh. I guess I never thought of that."
"Yes, oh." She hesitated then powered through with her curiosity. "When did Marcus get a girlfriend? He never said anything over the summer."
"Uh, like a week ago, I think. He never said anything to me either. I'm not sure how much he fancies her and how much was pressure from Pucey."
"I was just curious. He's my friend," she told herself as much as Theo.
"I'm sure he'll make time for you, too," he assured her.
"I should hope so. I just got quidditch reinstated for him," she sniffed primly.
Theo chuckled, "I'll remind him."