Hello, darlings. The tiny runner has earned her second medal and is off to her third meet. Wish her luck, she has to run with kids a year older than her. First order of business, it has been a minute since I declared that I own nothing, so there you go. Second, someone mentioned their audio app has trouble with paragraphs needing more space between, but others mentioned that causes their format to be hard to read. So to note transitions where I would use larger paragraph breaks there will be an oOo. That is the compromise I have come up with. Third, please do not come for my French. It has been a few years since I've had more than a handful of conversations. I used some translation software and we all know how off they can be to native speakers.
Chapter 9 Summertime
Lucius Malfoy growled as he tore his outer robes off. Narcissa raised a pale eyebrow in question. "They exonerated Black. Granted him a pardon for escaping in way of apology for twelve years in prison."
"You said they would easily agree to appease the new Druid if he was innocent. Why are you so vexed?" she asked in a soothing voice.
"They restored all Black vaults to the state they were at the time of his incarceration." He paused dramatically, "Which was before Walgurga's death. The goblins are returning all properties, withdrawals, allowances, and heirlooms. We must petition Black to retain, or rather recover, any items we acquired since then."
Narcissa shrugged unconcerned, "Draco remains his heir presumptive. I am sure Azkaban has affected his health. He is unlikely to live long and then we will have everything back and more."
"And then there is this Druid business. Nott knows nothing of his identity. Claims a proxy approached him with the request."
"Not appearing in person suggests a minor," she mused," one lacking a powerful guardian or parent."
"Indeed. That is a mystery for another day. Black demanded the Potter will be upheld and he be granted custody of Potter. I did make a show of supporting Black which annoyed the old fool."
"As he should be. Muggles have no business raising the boy," Narcissa said.
"I agree completely. I believe I shall instruct Draco to get chummy with Nott Jr. Perhaps that will net us more clues to the Druid's identity."
"It is a shame Thoros never remarried, but I will see what I can learn. Harder to pump for information third or fourth hand." Lucius nodded, feeling better about the day's events than he had when he first arrived home.
oOo
Lila adored having a family to care for, though she made sure the Grangers understood Hermione was her priority. She intended to follow her to Hogwarts. "Yous be a lady. Lila cares for Lila's lady."
"Whatever makes you happy." The tiny creature took her duties seriously. She considered looking after Crookshanks to be part of her duties to her lady and would smack Hermione's hand when she tried to feed or water him.
"Mistress, an owl delivered a letter," she handed it to Hermione.
"Thank you, Lila." She opened the envelope and read it.
'Miss Granger,
Harry confessed I have you to thank for my life and freedom. While I cannot hope to ever repay you completely, I would like to make a beginning. Please join us for tea next Wednesday at three o'clock at 12 Grimmauld Place, London.
Sincerely,
Sirius Black.'
She swiftly penned her acceptance. Lila delivered it for her. Hermione made a mental note that she needed an owl for her summer post. She went upstairs to search for something appropriate to wear to a formal tea. She froze on the third step. Was it a formal tea? She shook her head, no matter. She would treat it like it was. Her gran always told her better to be over prepared than caught out. Lila offered to bake her a dessert as a host gift.
Wednesday afternoon she stood on the front stoop of Number 12. She knocked. A wizened house elf opened the door. "Master's mudblood has arrived." He turned to walk away and paused. "You are not being a mudblood. You be a wise one."
"You are correct."
"Please to follow Kreacher, wise one," he said in a more respectful tone.
"Thank you, Kreacher. Here," she handed him two small packages, "one is a host gift for tea. The other is to thank you for all your hard work."
The old elf stared, "Wise one wishes to thank Kreacher?"
"I do. My house elf assured me you would like it."
Harry rounded a corner, "You didn't have to bring anything." He nodded at Kreacher still holding the packages.
"Of course, I did, manner matters. Hello, Harry," she hugged him.
He returned her embrace, "Come officially meet Sirius."
She followed him down the short dingy hallway. Dust and cobwebs still covered many surfaces. They arrived at the parlor. He led her over to where Sirius stood waiting. "Hermione, this is Sirius Black, my godfather. Sirius, this is my friend, Hermione Granger."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Granger. Or would you prefer wise one?"
"Hermione, please, Mr. Black. Or is it Lord Black?"
"Neither, Sirius, Padfoot, or Hey, You," he offered Hermione his hand.
"Thank you for inviting me, Sirius."
He chuckled, "This doesn't have to be a formal thing." He gave her a pleading look.
She laughed, "If anyone asks we were the height of propriety."
"I like her," he told Remus later. They sat. Kreacher appeared with tea and the platters of food. Taking his cue from Hermione, Sirius thanked him. "Hermione, what you've done for me..."
She raised her hand to stop him, "I did it because it was an injustice. You were never given a trial or allowed a true chance to defend yourself. A shell shocked crime scene confession is not solid evidence. That it also ends Harry's abusive home life is an added benefit."
"Dumbledore still wants me to go stay with the Dursleys each summer," reported Harry.
"Why on earth would he want that?"
"He said he would explain later," said Harry.
"Something to discuss when he does," said Sirius. "You insist you don't need repayment, but I will anyway. Having seen you transform into an eagle, and Harry mention you became a wolf, I deduced that you are not an animagnus. That leaves a short list of possibilities. Based on the fact that I have you to thank, means you are the Druid that inquired about the lack of trial." He held her gaze until she nodded slightly. "I don't know if you are aware that until your majority on your seventeenth birthday, you need a magical guardian as your parents have no standing in our world. With your permission, I would register as your guardian when I complete Harry's paperwork to do the same for him."
She stared at him, "That is an incredible offer. Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. I am prepared to defend you until you are able to stand independently with everything that entails."
"Sirius, I don't know what to say," she put her teacup down.
"Talk it over with your parents, then you can answer."
"We have talked about it. If it became a need I considered asking the Weasleys."
"Arthur and Molly would help as much as they could," started Sirius.
"But the head of House Black would be able to help more," finished Hermione.
Sirius frowned, "That isn't my only concern. Dumbledore confessed he never thought I betrayed James and Lily. That he never believed I killed Wormtail or those muggles."
"But he let you go to prison anyway," said Hermione.
"And he apologized. But after talking with Moony, I don't think either of us trusts him as blindly as we once did. I want you both to know that your health and well-being will be foremost in my consideration. If he tries to guilt either of you into doing something you are comfortable with tell me immediately."
Hermione looked at him, "I accept. Thank you."
"You are most welcome. I will endeavor to keep this as quiet as possible. No sense in drawing needless attention to you. "
"I appreciate it, though once completed it won't matter."
Sirius chuckled, "Fair enough, but declaring yourself should be your choice, not something they forced you into." They resumed eating and discussing what Sirius intended his guardianship to look like. He promised to do as much for Hermione as he did for Harry, despite her insistence she didn't need it.
Sirius obtained Quidditch World Cup tickets for himself, Harry, and Hermione. Remus declined to attend as it was too close to the full moon. Ron excitedly wrote to tell Harry Arthur managed to get tickets for his children, too. Sirius suggested they camp together as none of them, besides Harry and Hermione, had ever been camping. They also decided to travel together from the Burrow. In the predawn gloom, Hermione followed the group up the hill to the waiting portkey. Sirius grinned like a schoolboy on his first Hogesmeade trip. As she crested the hill she saw Cedric Diggory, and she presumed his father, approaching from the other side. Arthur greeted them, "Diggory, and this must be Cedric."
"Yes, indeed," Diggory Sr. beamed with pride, clapping his son on the shoulder. "Goodness, Arthur, adding to the family?" he asked eyeing Harry and Hermione.
Arthur merely chuckled good naturally, "No, Harry and Hermione belong to Sirius. They're friends with my youngest four, so it makes sense to attend together."
Amos looked surprised to see Sirius standing next to Fred and George. "Hello, Black," he said stiffly.
"Diggory," Sirius acknowledged with a similar level of warmth.
Hermione introduced Cedric when it became apparent his father would not. Amos then began bragging about his son catching the snitch instead of Harry. "There were dementors, Dad. Hardly a fair contest," Cedric, ever the Hufflepuff, protested.
"I'm sure Harry would agree the better man won." Amos smiled at Harry. "You can tell your children about how you beat Harry Potter."
Annoyed on behalf of Harry and Cedric, Hermione

broke the awkward silence, "Imagine, Harry, you'll be able to tell your children you beat Terrence Higgs, twice."
"Who on earth is Terrence Higgs?" demanded Amos.
"Exactly," responded Sirius, realizing Hermione's point. "Everyone grab on, or at least touch it." The old boot glowed. The intensity increased. Hermione reached between Harry and Ron to touch the boot with her finger. The portkey activated. She felt the magic hook her navel and spin them away. The less experienced travelers landed in a heap. Sirius, Arthur, and the Diggorys jogged down through the air. The smug look on Amos's face made her want to blast them off course with a strong breeze.
The heap began sorting themselves out. Cedric nobly offered Hermione a hand up. He, at least, looked concerned about the others and embarrassed by his father's behavior. She accepted his hand grumbling, "That is the most inelegant way to travel." On her feet, she thanked him, "Good to see chivalry isn't dead. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Granger," he clapped her on the back and the world faded out. Cedric and Harry stood in front of a trophy. Hedges loomed behind them. The trophy glowed ominously She could feel the ill intent oozing off of it. Her sense of foreboding told her they mustn't touch it. No one should, but especially not Harry or Cedric.
"Hermione! Oi, Mione," Ron's snapped her back to reality.
"Sorry, dazed for a second," she joined the group making their way towards the campgrounds. Sirius gave her a concerned look but she shook her head. He left it until they were alone pitching the tent. "I had a flash of the future. Nothing I can do about today. Pass me that mallet, please." She hammered the stakes into the ground. "Okay, now go show Arthur what to do while I finish this one." Under Hermione's direction, the group erected the tents quickly.
Percy, Charlie, and Bill wandered up as Hermione finished cooking on the campfire, something that delighted Arthur to no end. "Splendid," Percy rubbed his hands together, "arrived just in time for breakfast." He reached for food.
Hermione smacked his hand with the wooden spoon, "If you didn't contribute to the creation of camp you eat last. You lot should have eaten at home. I know your mother would have willingly fed you." Percy rubbed his hand sheepishly.
"Our hero," chimed the twins in unison. She mock glared at them. "She's firm," said one.
"But fair," finished the other. Wisely, after breakfast, Bill volunteered himself, Charlie, and Percy, to wash the dishes and clean up the camp. The rest were allowed to explore until the match began. They gathered at the site to trek into the stadium together.
Getting to the Minister's Box required a long climb up several flights of stairs. Hermione remained unimpressed by Fudge. He fawned over Sirius, Harry, and the Malfoys while disregarding the presence of the Weasleys and Hermione. Not that she wanted his attention. Foolish politician always chasing the flash of popularity, overlooking diligent loyal service. The Malfoys sneered at the sight of the Weasleys and Hermione once Draco identified her as a muggleborn. She pointedly ignored them, focusing on the field. She did enjoy the sight of Draco trying to climb over seats when the Veela danced. Not that most of the Weasleys or Harry reacted much better. She rolled her eyes, grateful when the effect broke. She forgot about the Malfoys entirely when the match began.
The Weasleys excitedly replayed the match that night in the tent. The antics of Fred and George made her and Ginny collapse against one another in laughter. Then they heard the screams. Figures in black robes wearing silver masks created chaos. They held the muggle site keepers aloft. People screamed and ran in the darkness. Fires spread as those fleeing knocked objects into campfires. The approaching menaces shot fireballs into the rows of tents. Arthur ordered the younger ones to run into the woods and hide. He and his older sons charged towards the others mounting a defense and counter-offensive. Hermione hesitated. Her people considered her of age. She could help, she wanted to help, maybe even needed to. She shifted her weight to follow. A hand on her shoulder stopped her. "Are you ready to announce yourself? With everything that will entail?" She hesitated again. "Use your abilities to help those fleeing. Let the world know Druids are back without telling them who you are." Sirius gave her a little push towards the trees before joining the Weasleys.
She ran to catch up with Harry and Ron. They had become separated from Ginny and the twins in the jostling crowd. Just inside the tree line, they encountered Malfoy. "Daddy keeping you from the fun, Malfoy?" jeered Ron.
"I would think you would be more worried about keeping Granger hidden. That hair is quite distinctive."
Before she could stop herself, Hermione touched her hair self-consciously. As her control over her powers grew her hair calmed considerably. Lila's attentions had helped define the wildness. She knew it to be better, but still, she fretted. "Ignore him," instructed Harry. "We need to find Gin and the twins."
The left Malfoy leaning against a tree watching with an air of boredom. Ron tripped over a series of roots as they tried to run. "Right, that's it. Stop here," Hermione said. She put her hand on a nearby oak and concentrated. The forest responded, she could feel it listening, "Shelter us, hide us, protect us in our hour of need." The world shuddered and the trees groaned. "Blessings." She pulled her hand away. "Let's go."
"What did you do?" asked Harry.
"Asked for help. The roots, branches, and underbrush won't hinder people fleeing the danger anymore. The same can't be said for those with ill intent."
"Oúest Madame Maxine?" cried a plaintive voice.
"Désolé, je ne sais pas," answered Hermione.
"J'ai peur. Oú devions- nous aller? Aucun endroit n'est sûr."
Hermione considered the matter, "Restez en place. Cacher, l'aide arrive."
The blonde girl nodded, hugging the other, "D'accord." They crouched down by the trunk of a nearby tree. A roost rose for them to sit on. A bush moved to obsure them from view. "Mon Dieu, magie druidique." The trio continued on their search.
(Where is Madame Maxine? Sorry, I don't know. I'm scared. Nowhere is safe. Where should we go? Stay here. Hide. Help is coming. Okay. My god, druidic magic.)
The sounds of someone crashing through the woods from another direction caught their attention. They followed. Then the sounds of crying could be heard. Winky, Crouch's tiny house elf, stumbled along the path crying. Her erratic movements made it appear as if she was being dragged.
"Morsmordre," a male tenor boomed. Thick glowing green smoke spread out and soared up. It twisted around forming a skull with a serpent coming out of its mouth.
"The dark mark," breathed Ron.
Hermione pulled her wand. "Shite, my wand is missing," hissed Harry. Ron groaned at the idea of having to search for it.
"A problem for tomorrow, someone could be out here," replied Hermione. "Come on." They silently moved towards the cries of others hiding in the woods, still looking for the twins and Ginny.
Hermione felt the warning from the trees in time to pull both boys down with her. Spells shot from numerous directions. They collided above the three of them with a small explosion. "Seriously? This forest is full of hiding panicked innocents. Idiots."
Men ran up surrounding them, "Which one of you cast the mark?" demanded an older man, dust coating his short beard.
"Have you completely lost the plot?" exclaimed another. "How would they know how to cast that? They're teenagers."
In the end, Barty Couch dismissed his house elf claiming she embarrassed him by having the stolen wand used in the foul magic that created Voldemort's sign. He started to accuse Harry of the act, but seeing the dark look on Sirius's face he rethought his words. "The ministry might want to consider throwing around baseless accusations," Sirius simply said. Crouch only nodded.
Hermione fumed when Percy defended his boss for dismissing Winky. She glared at him darkly before stomping out of the bigger tent. Concerned, Harry and Ron followed her. "Not all wizards deserve the loyalty of house fae." She crouched down and wrote Bartimus Crouch in the dirt. She drew a few runes. The name and runes glowed briefly. After a moment of thought she did the same with the name Percival Weasley. She wrote Winky and slashed the name in the dirt. Satisfied she stood and scuffed it all out.
Harry looked at Ron who shrugged, "Uh, Hermione?" Harry left the question unsaid.
"Barty Crouch and Percy Weasley will no longer be able to create or maintain a bond with house elves. Winky will no longer feel loyalty to the family. She will suffer the broken bond and lack of a family, but she is free of them. We should ask Sirius to help her find a new family." She looked inquiringly at Ron.
"Mum would love the help. But we'd struggle to meet the ministry requirements."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Regulations to keep them tied to the rich and elite." Ultimately Sirius bonded with Winky and set the little creature to look after Remus, much to the werewolf's annoyance. Winky took to her new role with gusto.