Chapter 10
Hermione woke early the morning of Harry’s birthday, though she wished it had been out of excitement. Instead it was nightmares once more, Bellatrix taunting her as she often did in her dreams.
“Marlene!” Hermione wailed, waking with a start. She scrambled to free herself from her blankets, trying to get out of bed, when she suddenly felt a cold feeling between her legs. By the time Marlene had entered her room, her screams had reached another pitch.
“Oh, darling, it’s alright,” Marlene soothed, immediately scooping the girl into her arms and casting a cleaning spell. The sheets were like brand new, and Hermione suddenly felt warm and dry, but it wasn’t enough to stop her wails.
“Not, baby,” Hermione choked out, coughing as she cried. Marlene bounced her gently, trying to do anything to get the girl to calm down.
“Darling, it’s okay, it was just an accident,” Marlene murmured, dropping her lips close to Hermione’s ear so she could be heard over sobs. “Breathe, little one, it’s okay, I’m here, we can talk it out, but you have to calm down first sweetheart.”
Hermione buried her face and sobbed, shame and humiliation clouding all of her other thoughts. She sobbed and cried until she couldn’t anymore, Marlene holding her and whispering reassurances until she was finally calmed, sobs dropping to sniffles.
“There we go,” Marlene said, as Hermione finally calmed herself, and she sat on the bed, holding the girl in her lap. “What’s going through your mind, little love?”
“Not a baby,” Hermione mumbled, firmly hiding her face away.
“I know you’re not,” Marlene said. “It was an accident. You’d had a nightmare and had an accident, it’s okay, it happens.”
“No nappy,” Hermione whined.
“I’m not going to make you wear a nappy after one accident,” Marlene said, and Hermione nearly melted in relief. “If it happens more often we can talk about options, but you’ve only had one, little love. It’s alright.”
Hermione rubbed at her eyes with her fist, accepting the dummy that Marlene seemingly pulled out of nowhere.
“Come on,” Marlene said, satisfied that Hermione had calmed and standing with the girl in her arms. “Let’s go have breakfast and get dressed, and then we’ll head to the Burrow and help Molly set up for the party, and then we’ll have such a fantastic afternoon that no nightmares can come tonight, hm?”
Hermione nodded, yawning and laying her head on Marlene’s shoulder. She let herself be changed into her outfit for the day and fed bites of pancake, but the shame of the morning hung over her, even as they arrived at the Burrow. It was enough to make her hide from the people she once lived with as soon as they stepped through the Floo.
“Oh, are we feeling shy?” Mrs Weasley asked, stepping in to greet them. She peered around Marlene and caught Hermione’s eye and gave a little wave.
“We’re having a rough morning,” Marlene explained, turning to put an arm around the girl. “And we’re a bit nervous about our friends seeing us in headspace, I think.”
Hermione turned and hid her face, fists curling up in the hem of Marlene’s shirt.
“Oh, Hermione, it’s okay,” Ginny said, coming down the stairs. “We’re excited to see you. I’m especially excited to spend time with you this morning while all those boys are out. We get to have a girl’s morning!”
At Ginny’s voice, Hermione peered out from behind Marlene. The redhead grinned at her.
“I like your dummy,” Ginny offered. “Very Gryffindor.”
Hermione suckled it, remembering it was in her mouth, fingers landing on it slightly. Ginny held out her hand, smiling kindly at her, so Hermione decided to leave her dummy where it was, stepping out beside Ginny and taking her hand instead.
“Mum helped me find some of our favorite storybooks from when we were younger,” Ginny said, gently leading Hermione over to a squishy sofa. “I thought we could look at some before the boys get here, if you like, while Marlene helps Mum set up the tables outside.”
Hermione nodded, allowing herself to be settled on the couch while Ginny summoned over a book for them. She was enthralled as Ginny opened it, discovering it was a pop-up book, where the characters moved around as the words were read. Her eyes went wide as they read through, Ginny making different voices for all of the characters, who continued to move around the page. She let out a yawn as they reached the end.
“Do you need a nap, little love?” Marlene asked, coming inside just in time to see the yawn. “You have time before the party begins if you do.”
Hermione felt her stomach turn over. She was tired, but she couldn’t sleep, not here. What if it happened again? In front of everyone? What if she was too much of a baby for them?
“No nap,” she said stubbornly, though her body betrayed her by letting out another yawn.
“It’s alright, Hermione, we can go hang out in my room,” Ginny offered. “Mum had me up early to degnome the garden, so I wouldn’t mind a bit of a lie-down.”
Hermione shook her head, crossing her arms. She felt tears prick the corner of her eyes and furiously tried to wipe them away. Marlene knelt down in front of the sofa to take her hands.
“Are you worried because of this morning?” Marlene asked quietly, giving her hands a squeeze. Hermione shook her head, looking between Marlene and Ginny in a panic. How could she say it in front of Ginny? Looking over, she realized that Ginny was piecing it together, and tears streamed down her face.
“Hermione,” Ginny said casually, even as Hermione had thrown herself in Marlene’s arms and hidden her face, “did you know I wet the bed a lot my first year?”
Her sobs stilled as she took in the words. She poked her head up, the question in her eyes.
“The whole diary business,” Ginny explained, as if describing the weather. “I had nightmares, a lot, and started wetting the bed almost every night. I got really good at cleaning charms, but it got so bad I started wearing training pants to bed in case Romilda ever woke up before me and saw my sheets.”
Hermione stared, cries quieted down, brows furrowed. She processed this information, trying to find the words for her question.
“You not a baby,” she stammered, muffled by her dummy. Ginny chuckled.
“No,” she said, “I’m not, and I wasn’t then really. Just because things are used by babies doesn’t mean only babies use them. They’re for anyone who needs the help, and for a little while I needed that help, that’s all.”
“No nappy,” Hermione whined, rubbing her eyes with her fist.
“I told you, little love, you don’t have to wear one because you had one accident,” Marlene explained gently.
“And even if you ended up needing the help,” Ginny added, carefully reaching to take one of Hermione’s hands, “it doesn’t make you a baby. I promise.”
Hermione nodded, letting out another huge yawn as she did so.
“Come on,” Ginny offered. “Let’s go up to my room, and we can both rest up before those boys get home, and then we’ll have lots of fun for Harry’s birthday.”
“I can come upstairs too, if you like,” Marlene offered. “Or you can just go with Ginny. But I think you should have a little rest, alright?”
Hermione nodded again, rubbing her eyes once more before looking at Ginny, raising her arms in a question, too tired to find words. Ginny just smiled and reached down, lifting her with surprise ease before taking her upstairs to her bedroom. Hermione allowed herself to be laid on Ginny’s bed, excited when another popup book was summoned, though she was asleep after the first page.
“I’m telling you, Molls,” Marlene said, “you may have a Caregiver on your hands.”
“She’d be the first Weasley in generations to not be classified as Neutral,” Mrs. Weasley replied, “though I’m inclined to agree with you. She took to Harry and Hermione so naturally, you’d never know she was my youngest.”
The two had finished setting up for the party and were now just waiting for the Weasley men to finish their various jobs, and for Sirius to bring Harry.
“She cast her own featherweight charm, too,” Marlene said. “Which, anyone can learn, of course, but the ease of it…I’m calling it now, she’s a Caregiver.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Molly said. “I’m just glad Hermione let Ginny read to her so you could help me with setup. Thanks again, by the way.”
“Of course,” Marlene said. “Besides, I may owe you. I hear you’re the reason I don’t have to hunt down a certain Death Eater and avenge my Little one.”
“Oh yes,” Molly said, setting down her cup of tea as concern fell on her face. “She still having the nightmares, is she?”
“At times,” Marlene admitted, “though less so than when I first took her in. Had one this morning, though.”
“Poor dear,” Molly said. “I could tell she was having nightmares a lot while she was here, called out that wretched woman’s name a few times in her sleep, though she insisted she was fine and didn’t want to talk about it. Stubborn, she is.”
“Yes, she is,” Marlene agreed, reaching to take a biscuit.
“Can I ask you something?” Molly said, dropping her voice a bit and turning to watch the staircase.
“Of course.”
“Have you heard from her parents at all?” Molly asked. “I only ask because, well…she started spending holidays with us after their 4th year, and I didn’t question it at the time. After all, you hear about that happening with Muggleborns, where they want to stay in our world, and her parents always sent a letter saying it was okay.”
“That is true. Even Lily pulled away from her parents eventually, though her sister had a lot to do with that.”
“Yes, well,” Molly continued, craning her neck to check the staircase again before leaning down to whisper. “When He Who Must Not Be Named returned, she told me that before those three went off in search of Horcruxes, she encouraged her parents to leave the country. She wanted to be sure he couldn’t use them against her.”
“Smart girl.”
“Very, only…he’s defeated, and she went to visit her parents where they moved in Australia. Apparently they decided to stay, which is fine, but…she only visited for a few days. After your daughter going through all of that, wouldn’t you want to see her for more than a couple days?”
Marlene paused at that, setting down her mug as she pursed her lips in thought. Molly had a point, that did seem rather off to her. And Hermione seemed to bristle at any mention of her parents, though Marlene hadn’t sought to push the point.
“Maybe they don’t know what she went through,” she said carefully.
“Still, they hadn’t seen her for nearly a year at that point,” Molly pointed out. “Arthur and I met them a few times before, when the kids were younger, and they seemed like perfectly decent Muggles, so it strikes me as odd.”
“Yes, it does,” Marlene agreed. “I’ll have to keep an eye on her and ask about it. Though it can wait for when she’s feeling older.”
“Oh of course,” Molly said, “I didn’t mean to imply you needed to do anything at all. I just worry about that girl is all, and I wanted to know if you’d heard anything.”
“I’ll keep you posted,” Marlene promised, Molly shushing her as they heard footsteps on the stairs. A moment later Ginny descended, carrying a slightly tearful Hermione.
“We had another bad dream,” Ginny explained, subtly shaking her head at Marlene’s unspoken question. Small mercies there, Marlene thought, as she stood to take Hermione into her arms.
“It’s alright, little love, I’m here, and you’re safe at the Burrow,” Marlene soothed, moving to sit on the sofa with Hermione in her lap, the girl immediately melting into the embrace.
“Bad lady,” Hermione mumbled around her dummy, grabbing on to the hem of Marlene’s shirt. She looked up at Mrs. Weasley.
“You made her go away?”
“Yes, love,” Mrs Weasley said, “she hurt my babies so I made her go away.”
Hermione furrowed her brow. “Ginny not a baby.”
“She’ll always be my baby,” Mrs. Weasley winked, “and that goes for Ronald too, and she also hurt him. And I know she hurt you, and I love you like one of my own, so I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
“She not coming back?”
“Never,” Mrs. Weasley promised. “If she does, you owl me immediately and I’ll make her regret it.”
Hermione smiled and nodded at that, turning to cuddle in Marlene’s lap. She hoped the conversation with Mrs. Weasley would help give her some reassurance, allowing the nightmares to lessen a little bit.
Of course, after talking with Molly about her parents, Marlene was beginning to wonder what other nightmares awaited her little one. She was interrupted from her thoughts by a flash of green, however, followed by Sirius and Harry entering the room.
“Harry!” Hermione said, hopping off Marlene’s lap and throwing her arms around him. “Happy birthday!”
“Thanks, Mione,” Harry said, voice strained. “Too tight, too tight!”
Hermione released her hug, face blushing. “Sorry, Harry.”
“It’s okay,” he shrugged. “I like your dummy!”
“Happy birthday,” Mrs. Weasley said, pulling Harry into a large hug. Hermione shyly climbed back into Marlene’s lap as the rest greeted the boy.
“Did you have a good morning, Harry?” Marlene asked.
“The best!” Harry beamed. “Neville came over for breakfast so we could have our birthdays together, since he can’t come this afternoon because his nan is taking him to see his parents, and Sirius made pancakes with so much whipped cream, and chocolate sauce!”
“Oh my,” Mrs. Weasley said. “Are you sure you’re going to have room for cake?”
“Oh yes,” Harry said, face very serious. “Siri says on your birthday you get an extra dessert stomach for all the treats!”
“Of course he did,” Marlene said, rolling her eyes as she chuckled.
The fireplace turned green once more, and Arthur emerged, followed shortly by Ron, wearing his new Auror training robes.
“Hello Harry,” they both greeted, Ron bracing himself as both Harry and Hermione swarmed him with hugs. He managed to pry the Littles off after a moment.
“Oh wow, Ginny wasn’t kidding about the dummy,” Ron said, taking in Hermione’s appearance. Marlene watched as she shied away, but before she could react Ginny was next to her and slapped Ron hard on the arm.
“Ow! I didn’t mean anything by it!”
“Don’t listen to Ronald,” Ginny said, soothing Hermione before she would feel self conscious.
“I didn’t mean anything bad! I was just surprised, that’s all.”
“Sometimes your surprised thoughts need to remain inside thoughts.”
“Enough, you two,” Mrs. Weasley called out, interrupting the bickering. “We’re celebrating Harry today, not fighting.”
Harry, meanwhile, was enjoying the banter, giggling as Ginny glared at Ron and he rubbed where she hit him. A loud pair of cracks interrupted everyone once more.
“Hello Harry,” greeted the twins in unison.
“Percy has to work late,” Arthur informed his wife, “and Charlie owled earlier to say there was some…technical difficulties with a few creatures, so he’ll be along later as well.”
“Well, then that’s everyone accounted for,” Mrs. Weasley said. “Alright you lot, outside, let’s sit down to eat!”
Marlene followed Hermione and the Weasleys out to the large table they’d set that morning, hanging back as others chose their seats. Harry had chosen the head of the table, of course, with Sirius next to him. Sirius patted the chair on his other side for Marlene, who sat, Hermione next to her, Ginny on her other side. Hermione removed her dummy to eat, passing it discreetly to Marlene as she eyed the twins, who were in an animated conversation with Harry and Ron.
“Right,” Mrs. Weasley said, levitating goblets of pumpkin juice to nearly each spot, except Hermione’s. She paused behind the girl’s chair and leaned down.
“I wasn’t sure what type of cup to grab you, dear,” she murmured, conjuring up three options. Marlene looked to see a regular goblet, a sippy cup, and a bottle.
Hermione looked at the options, face burning red as she considered them. Marlene looked around and no one was paying any attention, Harry being enthralled by a story from the twins, Ron laughing along.
“It’s alright, no one’s watching right now,” she reassured her Little, but Hermione still just stared, unsure. Marlene understood. They’d talked about trying different cup options, but so far Hermione had kept enough of her motor skills in headspace that they hadn’t needed any other option. She should have mentioned that to Molly, but it had slipped her mind.
“Hermione,” Ginny said softly, “just because babies use something doesn’t mean it’s only for babies. If you want the regular cup that’s fine, but if you want to try one of the others that’s okay too.”
“Promise?” Hermione asked, lip trembling.
“If anyone says anything I’ll handle them,” Ginny promised. “Pick which one feels right to you.”
Marlene was ready for the girl to choose the sippy cup, knowing that this much hesitation meant she didn’t want the regular goblet, but to her absolute shock Hermione grabbed the bottle, holding it softly. Marlene recovered quickly as the girl looked up at her, seeking reassurance.
“Let me know if you like it, and we’ll get you more for home,” Marlene promised softly. “And if you don’t like it, we’ll switch to another cup, no big deal.”
“Looks like my dummy,” Hermione said, pointing to the rubber nipple of the bottle.
“Yes it does,” Marlene agreed. Hermione put the bottle in her mouth, taking a sip, and Marlene was pleased to see her practically melt in her chair.
“We can get some for home,” she promised once more, Hermione nodding enthusiastically as she drank.
Sirius looked up as Mrs. Weasley beamed, spotting the rejected sippy cup in her hand. He reached for it casually.
“Harry uses these, actually,” he said, taking the cup and setting it in front of the birthday boy. “No amount of cleaning spells takes away his anxiety about spills, and he likes that he can’t spill these.”
As if on cue, Harry looked over and saw the sippy cup, his eyes widening as he grinned.
“Thank you,” he called to Mrs. Weasley, picking up the cup and drinking out of it heartily. Marlene glanced to see her girl notice, and she seemed to relax more at Harry using a different cup too, and everyone carrying on as if everything was normal.
The party raged on, everyone cheery as they ate lunch and cake, Hermione giggling as the twins battled each other over who could serenade Harry the loudest, much to the birthday boy’s delight. Finally the time came for gifts.
They’d moved to picnic blankets, sprawled out over the garden, everyone relaxed and enjoying the sunshine outside. Marlene had taken a spot next to Sirius, with Hermione laying down in front of her, head in her lap. She was drinking her bottle and blinking sleepily, trying to stay awake until Harry finished his presents.
“Harry won’t be upset if you need a nap, little cub,” Sirius said, trying again to convince Hermione to give in.
“Present,” she mumbled stubbornly, pointing as Harry had opened a seemingly-live model figurine of a dragon, courtesy of Charlie. The boy had stopped completely, watching the dragon soar around his head and breathe harmless fire over the party.
“Pup, let’s open Hermione’s present next, I hear it’s a good one,” Sirius said with a wink. Marlene nudged a thanks with her elbow as Hermione sat up slightly, letting her bottle fall as she watched.
“Okay!” Harry said excitedly, turning to find the one from her. He ripped the Snitch-covered paper open to reveal the Quidditch box, and immediately opened it to reveal the mini players, who as if on cue started flying and running practice around Harry’s head.
“Mione, it’s…it’s amazing!” Harry said, jaw dropping as he watched the players.
“Whoa, those sets are awesome,” Ginny breathed. “I thought about getting one to come up with new ideas for the team this year.”
“Oh I heard about these,” Ron said. “Watch this. Team, can you reenact the Cannons versus the Arrows from last summer?”
Marlene watched the kids’ faces as they realized the figurines had split into two teams, robes changing into the colors of the teams Ron requested, as they lined up to start the match.
“Thank you Mione!” Harry said, rushing over to hug her. Between his excitement her position on the blanket he ended up bowling her over, landing the two of them in Marlene and Sirius’ laps.
“Easy, pup,” Sirius said, laughing as he pulled the boy up and moved to sit up. Marlene chuckled as she also sat up, taking a moment to check on Hermione, who was giggling at the antics.
“Help with Quidditch,” Hermione said, beaming at him.
“Siri, can I take these to school?” Harry said, looking up in surprise.
“Sure, you just can’t get in trouble,” Sirius shrugged. “Maybe we can keep them in my quarters, just to be safe.”
“Okay Siri!” Harry said, rushing back over to where the players continued their game. Marlene chuckle again and reached for Hermione, helping to position her back in her lap and summoning the bottle from where it had rolled away.
“He’s opened it now, little one,” Marlene said quietly, passing the bottle back, “so if you need to close your eyes and take a little break, it’s okay. I’ll wake you if anything exciting is happening.”
Hermione sank down into the blanket, contentedly suckling on her bottle once more. Marlene had turned to watch the simulated match, and by the time she glanced down at Hermione again, the little one was fast asleep.