The Biggest Sacrifice

Running away from your problems, is a race you'll never win. - Unknown (for me)

Friday the 19^th of December 1975

Hermione frowned down at her notes in her hands as she made her way through the halls of Hogwarts and towards the Hospital Wing, people singing Christmas Carols, some talking about what they were going to do for the holidays and others sat finishing homework.

A huff left her mouth as her shoulder clipped into someone, sending everything to the floor. “Watch where you’re going, Potter.” Of course it was him, black eyed and sneering, glaring down at her as she moved to pick up her papers. A second pair of hands joined her, thinner and slightly smaller. “Come on, Regulus – she doesn’t need your help.”

“I’ll decide that.” Snape didn’t respond, turning on his heel and leaving the pair behind as Hermione looked up at the younger boy, her mouth turning down.

“He’s right.”

Regulus shrugged his shoulders and offered her a small smile. “I know but it doesn’t hurt to offer a hand.” His bright blue eyes stayed on her and Hermione let her frown melt away with a nod of her head as he handed her back her notes and held out his own hand to help her up.

“Thank you.” Hermione mumbled, placing them into the pocket of her robes and preparing to turn on her heel and carry on her way.

“Where were you heading?”

“What do you want?”

“Can’t we have a polite conversation?” Regulus asked, a small smile on his face even as Hermione glowered at him and waited for whatever he actually wanted to say to her. “I need you to do me a favour.” And there it was.

“I’m not doing anything for -”

“Don’t let Sirius come home.” Hermione closed her mouth as Regulus took a step closer, fifteen and starting to get taller than her, looking more and more like his brother with everyday – though he lacked the arrogance and his eyes were too bright.

“Tell him you don’t want him there himself, I won’t be an owl.” Hermione snapped out, turning to leave only to be pulled back. So maybe he was thinner but he definitely had the same strength his brother did.

“Hermione, it’s not that I don’t want him there – it’s who might be popping round for Christmas dinner that will want him there.” He eyebrows raised and his voice lowered as he leaned slightly closer, hinting at something that she clearly wasn’t getting – in all honesty she couldn’t imagine any guests at the Black household being that pleasant anyway.

“What are you talking about?” She had to ask, frowning at the boy.

“Sirius won’t be able to simply come this year, offer a quick fuck you and leave, he has an eye on him – the moment he comes home, the moment my parents make that known, Sirius is going to be forced into something that he won’t be able to get away from.” It clicked suddenly, everything connecting together and her eyes widening.

“Then tell him all of this!” Her hands reached out to grab the expensive black robes, a small rip being heard as Regulus stared down at her shocked, his hands pulling her own away.

“He won’t listen to me – not now – but you...well the pair of you having something that I won’t even pretend to understand and he’ll listen to you more than anyone.” Hermione grimaced and stepped away, while it might have been true when they spoke at Halloween, now it felt distant and a lie.

“Regulus -”

“I know you will keep him safe and that’s all I’ll ask for.” Of course, she would always make sure Sirius was safe, but she didn’t get to tell him that as he walked away, leaving her staring after him.

…

Her mind was still on the conversation when she left Remus with her notes and a bar of chocolate to ease next day moon symptoms, and a promise to make sure James and not Sirius packed his things for the holidays, and to let him know when he was better whatever was on her mind.

How would she even begin to explain it to him when she was struggling to find the words to explain to Sirius? It wasn’t like she could tell him now or he would go in search of Regulus and no doubt accuse him of something – which meant it would have to be told the moment the letter or whatever came and she would have to stop his impulsive side from rushing home and getting himself into shit.

Why had Regulus even asked her to do this? He could have spoken to James or Remus or even Marlene, but no he had to come to her while she was in the middle of some awkward friendship with his brother – like he assumed they spent time alone together. Something she had been actively avoiding.

“Hey! Hermione!” Zach appeared in front of her, stopping her in her tracks as he placed his hands on her shoulders and bent down to look into her eyes. “Didn’t you hear me shouting you? Is everything ok?”

“Oh sorry...no, a lot on my mind.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“That’s alright, thank you though.”She offered easily, placing her hands in her robe pockets and letting out a sigh as she spoke. “What’s up?”

He stared at her for a second before that easy smile came back on his face and he pulled something from his shoulder bag and held it out to her. “Merry Christmas.” Her eyebrow raised as she looked up at his face.

“You’re six days early.” She remarked, though amused as he grinned down at her.

“Well I won’t see you in six days, and well an opportunity presented itself.” He spoke so innocently, pushing the gift forward again but Hermione refused to look at it and instead focused on the faint dimple in his cheek and the way her stomach twisted slightly.

“I think that’s rather unfair since your gift is in my trunk and I was planning on giving it to you on Sunday.” She spoke teasingly as he rolled his eyes at her and took a step closer.

“Just take the gift, Hermione.”

Smiling softly she looked down and reached for the square package she had no doubt was a book, everyone seemed to get her books – not that she minded, the added to her collection, but they often related to something she only had a slight interest in or looked old.

There had only ever been a few instances where someone had given her a book because it meant something, and not because they simply thought any book would do. Her mind drifted back to nearly two years ago.

...watching him from the corner of her eye as he chomped down on his apple, seeming uncomfortable with the silence as he shifted from from foot to foot. “You got me a gift?”

“Did you forget the other one I got you or were just so overwhelmed that it got lost in the pile?”

“Of course I didn’t, I was just surprised.”

“Oh well...it’s not much.” He handed her a small square, watching as she turned it around in her hands and pulled at the wrapping paper timidly. “I heard you and your dad talking the other night...well part of it…”

“You were listening?” Hermione snapped, glaring at him, gripping the half unwrapped book in her hands and refusing to look down at it. Her heart was pounding in her chest far too fast and her throat was dry, what exactly had he heard her speak about – why was he even listening?

“Only to part of it and I understand...I want to fight too, we all do, so I saw this in Flourish and Blotts and I thought you might find it useful and maybe it can help to keep us safer.” His voice was softer, more apprehensive as Hermione let her own annoyance wash away to offer him a more timid smile.

Hermione turned the book over in her hand and smiled softly. It was a book on defensive spells, with full explanations that more in depth than what they learnt at school and in their Newt years, with a few offensive ones. Most she had never really heard of, though there were some in there and it was probably far too advanced for most fourteen year olds.

Her arms wrapped around Sirius in an instant as he patted her back awkwardly and she was reminded of just how tall he was getting. He pulled away and offered her a rare soft smile instead of his smirk.

“Thank you.”

“...so I thought you it would something for you to take a look at as it goes through all of the laws and...well now I’m thinking that I might have made a mistake.” Hermione tuned back in, her eyes feeling strangely wet as she stared at the book before her; Magical Beings and Their (unjust) Laws. Her head shook and she tried to push the tears away.

“Thank you – this...this is amazing.” Her voice sounded strangely thick and she refused to look up at him.

“Then why do you sound like you’re crying?” He was so concerned and it only added to the tightness in her throat and tears in her eyes. His hands moved down to rub over her arms, leaving a trail of warmth behind.

“I didn’t expect it...and well it’s a very thought out gift.” Finally she looked up and offered him a watery, taking in the frown on his face and the concern pouring from his eyes. It all but twisted her up inside, warming her even more when his thumb came up to wipe a stray tear. “Thank you so much – I hope this doesn’t mean you are expecting something equally benevolent.”

“I don’t expect anything, Hermione – I just wanted to give you something that would make you happy.” He muttered lowly, he looked so unsure that it made her feel guilty.

“You make me happy.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, whispered for only them to hear and very much meant.

Their conversations had offered Hermione a break from her own friends and mind, from her mission, from everything that was happening on the outside world. It made her feel like a normal teenager, spending time with a guy that she thought was handsome, kind, smart and caring – that made her stomach clench and her hands tingle slightly.

She spent most of her time with him blushing and wondering if his lips were as soft as they looked and if he would smile as wide as he did if she dared to try and see.

Yet now he stood there, staring at her with eyes as wide as plates and her bile began to rise up her throat. She had fucked it up, she had ruined the friendship they had been building, someone who had seen her as just Hermione without all the baggage. “I’m sor- “

A small yelp left her mouth as his lips covered her own, his hands cradling her face softly and unlike with Sirius, it’s wasn’t passionate and full of anger but sweet and Zach in every single way. He didn’t try to push his way forward, didn’t try to move his hands anywhere else or even move in closer and yet when he pulled back she was breathless and bright eyed.

“Sorry – I should have asked but…”

“No, I liked it – we should have done that sooner.” Hermione breathed out, his worried eyes going to amused in two seconds as he let out a chuckle and pulled her into a hug, her face pressed against the crook of her neck and her hands gripping the sides of his robes.

“I can’t tell you how much I wanted to.”

...

The walk into the Common Room felt strangely bright, and her cheeks hurt from the grin that would not go even when she tried to frown. Clearly it was noticeable from the way Lily eyed her up and down from her place on the sofa, James sat up straight and Sirius glared at the fire, and the other students avoided her like she had a disease.

“Where’s Marlene?” Hermione all but sighed out, coughing to try and rid herself of the slight dreamy tone her voice had taken out as she sat herself beside Lily.

“With Remus – how was Zach?” Her best friend asked with a smirk on her face as she flicked through the Daily Prophet, ignoring the way James shifted to listen closer and Sirius threw something onto the flames with a dark glare.

“Erm...fine.”

“Just fine?” Lily asked, her eyes moving to Hermione’s lips as she smirked. “I think your smudged lipstick says otherwise.”

Hermione widened her eyes and brought the sleeve of her to her mouth, rubbing it and then staring down at the sleeve with a frown when nothing came away, turning to glare at Lily. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I would have believed that if you hadn’t had tried to clean up your mess – you don’t even wear lipstick Hermione!” Lily cried with a laugh that had Hermione sinking lower into her seat and her cheeks turning a deeper red than before. “Though I will say you two took your time getting there, was it good?”

This time she noticed Sirius perk up, head turned more towards them. She wouldn’t question why he was interested, though it probably had something to do with comparing her experiences and hoping he came out better.

“I’m not speaking about this hear, Lil’.” Hermione smiled amused as Lily’s eyes flew to the boys and she nodded her head in understanding. “So what were you doing here with these two?” Hermione asked raising her eyebrows and smiling as Lily blushed.

“Getting on our case about not being ready for O.W.Ls.” Sirius answered with a smirk, though his face seemed tight and he was staring past Hermione’s shoulder. “Or the truth which is that Miss Evans was confused as to why your brother hasn’t been putting on the moves.” He smirked and turned back to the fire.

Lily glared at the back of his head and let out a sigh. “It wasn’t like that at all – I was just – he was just -”

“Don’t be a dick, Sirius.” James hissed out and Hermione blinked at them, it seemed they spent a lot more time fighting these days than before. “Just ignore him Lily, he’s trying to wind you up because he’s annoyed about something else.” Sirius glowered at his friend, his eyes meeting Hermione’s briefly before turning away.

“Lily?”

“Sorry.”

“Well normally it’s Evans, or Lily-flower, or even Tiger-Lily – never just Lily.” James stared at her as though he was waiting for her to make sense. “Just a bit strange...after all the years of the annoying nicknames and pestering.” She finished lamely as Hermione bit back a knowing smile – there would be no fun in pushing Lily now.

James stared at her even longer, a frown forming between his eyes. “I thought all that annoyed you, and since we’ve kind of become friends, I didn’t want to take a risk and ruin that.” A common Potter thought it seemed – the pair of them both scared of ruining something great when they had it.

“It does annoy me and I’m never going to say yes, but I don’t want you to think you have to change just because we are in a better place – you are who you are, James.” Despite the rejection, James grinned slightly and was all but jumping in his seat.

“So you’re saying you want me to keep annoying you?”

“I want you to keep being you.”

“Fine, then I’ll pester you until the end of time and I won’t give up until you say yes.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Lily muttered, a small satisfied smile on her face and her cheeks slightly pink. Hermione couldn’t help but chuckle, covering it up with a cough when the redhead turned to face her.

There was something so sweet about watching a blossoming romance beginning to form.

…

Sunday the 21^st of December 1975

The train seemed alive with students readying to get off – their destination getting closer with every passing minute, and Hermione couldn’t help but smile in agreement – though it was more down to the sweet kiss being laid on her lips and the soft fingers poking into her sides.

A moment of pure teenage bliss, and haunting lust that had her pulling him back and laying one last tender kiss against his lips and relishing in the soft chuckle he let out and the way his finger moved to push the little curls out of her eyes.

“You’ll write to me?” He asked lowly and she grinned up at his face, gripping the front of his robes tightly in her hands.

“Of course, but you have to write back.”

“As beautifully mushy as this is, can it be finished now?” The pair didn’t turn to see who had stuck their head out of the compartment they were stood in front of but they both recognised the voice and took a step backwards from their close hug.

“Sorry, Marlene.” Zach spoke with a rasp, sending a quick look to the girl before he sighed and looked back at Hermione. “You go and get ready to get off and I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.” Despite knowing that he would, his eyes seemed so sad and she didn’t want to let him go.

“Fine, but we have to find a compartment for just ourselves.” Hermione whispered, she could hear the groans inside the compartment as her hand slid under the robes and wrapped around his waist.

“What about your brother and your friends?”

“I’ll see them enough throughout the holidays – I think I’m entitled to spending a few hours away from them on our way back.” She smiled up at him winningly and he grinned back, pulling her into a hug and placing a kiss on top of her head.

“Then it’s no problem with me.” He muttered into her hair before moving down to place on last kiss on her lips and pulling away. “I’ll see you soon.” Hermione nodded her head and watched him go, a sigh escaping her mouth as she moved to step inside the compartment.

The dreamy state of her romance was cut short when something was flung at her head and a pair of light green eyes from the floor looked at her apologetically.

“That wasn’t me, I promise.” He held up his hands in defence and nodded his head towards James who was watching Hermione with scared wide eyes, a nervous smile itching it’s way onto his mouth and his own hands coming up as he curled into a ball.

“I’m sorry!”

“Mate, you’re an idiot.” Sirius muttered from where he was stretched out on one of the benches, leaving no room for anyone else so Hermione had to squeeze in between Lily and Marlene, her foot reaching out to kick her brother into Remus.

“You’re one to talk – and I had to get that look off of her face, I mean seriously Mi’, how many times can you two kiss?” James asked her as he rubbed his side and leant against Sirius’ bench, glasses slipping down his nose.

“Oh shut up, it was sweet.” Defended Lily.

“Yeah, at least he didn’t have his tongue down her throat.” Marlene scoffed as she dealt out a pack of cards between her and Remus, stopping for a second to give a cheeky grin. “Not she would have minded if I’m to go by what I saw yesterday.”

“Marly!”

“Wait – what did you see the other day?” Sirius asked, sitting up and looking at Hermione with crinkled eyes, though there was a small smile on his face so at least he wasn’t glaring this time.

“I won’t lie and say it wasn’t hot, though Zach was innocent enough with his hands – it seems more like Miss Potter was -”

“Shut up!” Hermione cut her off, throwing her hand over Marlene’s mouth, her cheeks blazing red. It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out where Marlene was going but that didn’t mean that Hermione wanted it out in the open for everyone to see.

It had been a private moment between her and Zach in the quiet library, a moment of red cheeked comments and small kisses that had turned into something more that had her stomach bubbling and her hands itching to touch every possible piece of skin she could. He, of course, had been a gentleman and had been blushing harder than her afterwards.

But it had been both of them that had decided that they should keep things more Pg for the time being, since it had only been a few hours – the problem was that since they had started kissing, all Hermione could think about is when they could kiss next or try something else – she blamed hormones of course, but still it was like she had developed an addiction in 48 hours.

A break would be good, give them chance to calm down and see how they felt.

...

“Watch out.” A voice whispered in her ear as they passed, followed by a pair of bright blue eyes. Hermione let out a breath, turning her head to find Sirius and James speaking behind her, not having noticed her exchange.

But she could see them coming towards them, arms reaching for Regulus and eyes on Sirius. A couple with matching black hair and far too traditional clothing. The woman was tall and slender, the same bright blue eyes as her son and her hair slightly greying in some areas. The man seemed sharp in every instance, his eyes grey and his black waves pushed back.

She knew who they were, could trudge up an old memory of them if she really wanted to – though it was faded and probably the only one she actually had.

“Is there even an ounce of Black blood in her, or is she all Potter?” It had been said harshly, a hand pulling on Hermione’s curl and pointing to her softer features and brown eyes – clearly not the marks of a Black girl.

Walburga curled her lip, a hand around Regulus’ shoulder and her feet moving closer as Hermione spun around and grabbed Sirius’ arm, pulling him through the crowd and away from any possible encounter with his parents.

“Ow...fuck Hermione, what’s going on?” He exclaimed, frowning at someone who nudged into him as James squeezed through and raised his eyebrows at Hermione.

“You were both taking far too long.”

“I didn’t realise we were rushing!”

“Can’t keep mum waiting, now can we.” Hermione cheerfully exclaimed, grabbing Sirius again and pulling him along – avoiding eye contact and keeping an eye out for her parents or someone’s parents they could stand with until her own came along.

“Mimi!” Relief flooded through her, eye scanning for the baby that could clearly see her – a wild set of black and pink curls from her mothers arm and clapping hands marked Hermione’s way like an X on a map, a sigh leaving her mouth as she took the baby with a grin.

“Hey guys...what’s up?” Andy whispered in Hermione’s ear while pulling her in for a hug, Dora giggling between them and pulling on Hermione’s hair.

“The Blacks are here.” Hermione explained, she could feel Andy tense up, but the woman remained smiling as she pulled away, moving to hug both of the boys, scanning the area for the threat that she seemed to understand without any extra information.

“Where’s mum?”

“That’s all you have to say to me after months of not seeing each other?” Andy asked, placing her hands on her hips and giving James an amused look as she began to lead them away from the crowds.

“Hello ‘Dromeda, you look beautiful as always – where is my mother?” James grinned back cheekily, sighing dramatically when Andy flicked her long hair over her shoulder and sent him a wink. Dora clapped her hands excitedly and tried to flick Hermione’s hair.

“She’s preparing for the ball so I was asked to come and get you.” Andy smirked as James swore under his breath and even Hermione grimaced. Euphemia Potter was a nightmare when it came to planning and having everything ready for the evening, she would be spending every second making sure everything was perfect and prepared.

"Can we stay at yours?"

“You three and Nymphadora under one roof, sure why not – doesn’t sound like a nightmare at all.” Andy remarked dryly as James began to drag his feet. “Plus I’ll be spending the majority of the holidays at your house anyway – so if worst comes to worst then just grab Dora and pretend you’re playing.” She threw out with a waving hand as James turned to pinch Dora’s side with a grin.

He reached for the pouting toddler and pulled her close to his chest. “My escape plan.”

...

Monday the 22^nd of December 1975

Hermione was about ready to throttle everyone by the time the next days evening appeared. Her mother was crazy – that’s all there was too it.

Her only relief came when the floo turned green and Andy and Remus stepped out, a small smile making it’s way to her face as she stopped what she had been commanded to do and threw herself at the pair of them in a tight hug, fake crying into their shoulders.

“Oh no.” Andy muttered, the two girls jumping as a loud crash was heard somewhere through the house followed by the sound of Euphemia’s slippers hitting the floor and someone swearing.

“JAMES!” Her mother bellowed, now stood at the bottom of the stairs where the three of them could watched, her dressing gown tied tightly around her waist and her hair under a cap, dressed for bed and still giving out orders.

“It was nothing, mum!”

“It better be nothing!” Euphemia shouted back, seemingly forgetting her rule of no shouting in the house. A sigh left her mouth, a tense smile appearing in it’s place as she noticed them. “Hermione, what are you doing?”

“Greeting Remus.” Hermione mumbled into her friends shoulder before pulling away and dropping the tinsel she had been holding to the floor with a sigh.

“Right – ‘Dromeda, thank you for getting Remus – I would have come myself but as you can see none of my children seem to be able to listen to instructions.” Euphemia huffed out, hands on her hips and hazel eyes agitated as she gestured to the unfinished sitting room that hadn’t even been on the decorating list but clearly she was annoyed about.

“I’ve all but finished.” Hermione pouted, nodding her head the large entrance hall.

“The key words being 'all but'.” Euphemia sighed out, clapping her hands together. “Now ‘Dromeda, why don’t you go check on Sirius and Dora, they’ve been decorating the tree in the ballroom but I’m afraid it’s been rather quiet, as of late.” Andy nodded her head in agreement. “And Remus, why don’t you sit and watch Hermione, just to make sure she is on task – I know you haven't been all that well.” What a load of bollocks.

“He's had a few days to recover – I’m sure he can help.” Hermione commented dryly, reaching down to pick up the shiny piece of plastic.

“He needs to rest and you need to get a move on – we only have a couple of days to get this done and I don’t want to spend Christmas Eve redoing everything.” With that she walked away, muttering to herself and heading up the stairs to check on James it seemed.

“I thought Christmas and decorating was supposed to be fun.” Remus remarked, grimacing as he watched the older woman leave and Hermione smirked to herself.

“Oh it is – they’ll get to that part later when Aunt Effie is a couple of bottles into her elf wine and the sitting room tree needs doing.” Andy grinned as she gestured to the room around them – the one room they would do together in some silly traditional way.

“Until then it’s being worked to the bone – for some of us.”

“It’s a bit Gryffindor in here.” Andy commented with a grimace as Hermione led them back into the entrance, the railings and decorations covered in red and gold, with a hint of green in other places – though it only seemed to come from the decoration holly and mistletoe.

“James’ idea – he said if he had to help then he got to choose the colour scheme, I think he’s done a goof job.” Hermione smirked as Andy rolled her eyes and left the pair of them alone.

...

Wednesday the 24th of December 1975

The best thing about Christmas was the food – breakfast included. And Poppy took great pride in making sure all the children staying under her roof would have everything they wanted or needed to prepare for such joyous celebrations.

Hermione was in her heaven, a plate full of different foods and a cup full of hearty tea, that she didn’t even notice her father was in the room until a familiar kiss on the head and pull of his chair caught her eye. His grin turned crooked as he watched her, reaching for the coffee that already sat waiting for him, and his eyes sparkled.

“I remember being fed at Hogwarts – have they stopped doing that?”

“No but this is just better.” Hermione spoke around her food, shoving half a waffle into her mouth and give her father a grin as he shook his head at her.

“Hermione, please eat with your mouth closed.” And Euphemia was back, looking slightly less frazzled but still like she was ready to dish out chores or give Hermione another lecture on what it meant to be a lady, especially on an evening like this one.

“Sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry – I’ve been rather stressed lately and – BOYS OUT OF THE KITCHEN, THERE IS FOOD ON THE TABLE!” Hermione swore under her breath as her tea tipped to the side, her wide eyes moving to see her mother shaking her head. “What was I saying?” Euphemia offered a gentle and tired smile.

“Nothing dear.” Fleamont mumbled, patting his wife’s hand and sending Hermione a look that had her chuckling.

Euphemia and Fleamont continued speaking, whispering to each other, their eyes crinkling and their smiles widening. For her, she honestly couldn’t see how people could be in love so long but there had never been a day in her nearly ten years of being a part of this family that she had ever seen anything less.

Her parents had given James and Hermione a good idea of what a solid and loving relationship looked like – it was no wonder then, that they sought it in people who captured their attention, only to have their hopes destroyed and ripped down without the slight inch of respect for how they felt.

“Hermione, dear, when will the girls be arriving?” Hermione pulled her head up from where she had been stabbing her food, placing down her fork and knife to look up at her mother instead.

“Ted said he was going to get them at five.”

“Well I imagine they wanted to spend as much time with their families as they can – it is rather gracious of them to let us steal them for the evening and morning – which reminds me Flea, would you be able to -”

“Of course, I’ll have them all home before twelve tomorrow.” Fleamont spoke softly before Euphemia would get carried away.

“Such a good man.” She crooned softly, patting her husbands cheeks before her eyes snapped to the three boys trying to sneak into the dining room. “Ah now you three, there will be no sneaking into the kitchens – not when Poppy has made us such a delicious spread.” She gestured to the table, where there was a rather large amount food.

“Yes Mam.”

“Good now, eat up – there is still so much to do before this evening and I want you all looking your best.” Hermione could have groaned, in fact she did, dropping her head onto the table and hoping the night would come quickly so this whole thing could be over and the rest of her holidays could be spent with her in her pyjamas.

...

“For Merlin’s fucking sake!” Hermione screamed as she exited the bathroom, the towel nearly dropping as she caught sight of a grinning Lily and Marlene sitting on her bed.

“Wow, Zach is a lucky guy.” Marlene commented as Hermione shifted her towel, making sure her boob wasn’t exposed and her legs were covered as she made her way towards her desk/vanity table. “Are you sure you don’t want to experiment?” She added, a finger running around the back of Hermione’s neck.

Brown eyes met icy blue through the mirror – narrowing at the wicked grin and slender fingers, a flash on auburn hair and emerald eyes joining on Hermione’s other side. “Why are you trying to seduce Hermione?”

Marlene chuckled out a deep laugh, a slight pink coming to her cheeks as she turned her head to look at Lily. “It was bound to happen sometime, just know, you’re next.” She whispered as Lily smacked her hand away and rolled her eyes.

“I can assure you, your powers of persuasion need some work because I’m not interested.” Hermione sang back with a small girl as Marlene turned her head to glare down at her, pulling on the drying curls before giving a grin and falling back onto Hermione’s bed.

It wasn’t a lie either. Marlene was a very pretty girl, always had been since they first met when her eyes seemed too big for her face and her golden hair hanging down her back – and now she was stunning, growing into a woman with legs longer than most people’s, her skin more golden and her hair cut into a neat short bob.

It was more just that Hermione had never been interested in women, she could appreciate them, even flirt a little but she didn’t want them that way. She wanted strong jaws, muscly arms and sil- kind eyes.

“Dora...wait!” Andy shouted from somewhere down the hall as the door opened, almost three year old Dora swinging on the door handle and grinning at the girls. There was the stomping of feet following, banging through the halls.

Hermione clutched her towel tighter, standing up to usher the child into her room and close the door behind her, stopping slightly when he appeared.

Half dressed for the ball, a smart shirt buttoned up to his ribs and untucked, his black pants adding to the look – she couldn’t help but stop and stare, his silver eyes on her and burning her from top to toe. She wanted to tell him that he looked nice, even if he was half dressed, she wanted to say anything but not even the fact that she was in a towel could make her move.

There was a reason she shouldn’t be staring at him like this though...one that warmed her and offered her a sense of comfort – she just couldn’t find the reason.

Someone coughed loudly, breaking the slight spell, Andromeda pushing herself through them and raising a single eyebrow at Hermione. “You two done doing whatever it is you are doing?” She asked, Hermione blinked back at her as guilt began to flood her like tsunami.

Zach. Zach was the reason and he was a reason she wanted to stick to and she wasn’t going to waste it on whatever small moments she could have with Sirius, only to be reminded he never really wanted her in the first place.

“Yeah.” Hermione muttered, refusing to look over Andy’s shoulder and instead letting herself be ushered into the room.

No one asked what had happened, no one brought up the odd staring nor Hermione’s blushing cheeks, but Hermione couldn’t help but wonder if they were all thinking about it, wondering about the lack of even speaking that was happening between Sirius and Hermione these days. How tense the whole atmosphere felt around them.

Their conversations had been limited to in groups, eyes were avoided and any moment they seemed to have alone was an excuse to go somewhere else. Hermione kind of missed Sirius, missed how easy it used to be for them to talk before possible feelings went and got involved.

Not that it mattered now. Tonight was about enjoying her time with her friends, enjoying the ball her mother had worked so hard to throw and maybe being able to sneak a few drinks.

She didn’t complain when Andy did her hair or Marlene carefully did her make up nor when Dora sat on her lap, babbling about everything and anything, her hair changing to match everyone’s in the room and clapping her hands over their giggles.

“Knock, knock – how are we getting on in here girls?” Euphemia asked as she poked her head inside the room, a large smile on her face as she took them all in before she dabbed away a few tears and moved her carefully waves out of her face. “Oh – you look so beautiful – all of you.” Her eyes mainly stayed on Hermione, moving forward to tuck away a stray hair. “How did I get so lucky?”

Her own throat felt choked up. How had she ended up being so lucky as to have two parents who loved and adored her with all their hearts?

“You look beautiful, mum.” Euphemia sniffed again, even more so when Hermione wrapped her arms around the curvy waist and rested her head against the woman’s shoulder.

“So sweet...you’re going to be the diamond of the ball...literally.” Euphemia added softly as she pulled away, holding Hermione by the tops of her arms before reaching around to grab something that Hermione hadn’t even realised the woman had brought in. “My mother gave me this when I turned seventeen, I know it’s a bit early but I had always wanted to pass this onto my own daughter or granddaughter one day.”

Hermione took the velvet box, opening it up and staring inside at the set of glittering diamonds in goblin silver, her eyes watering. “Mum, I can’t take this – save it for when Jamie has a kid – then it can stay in your bloodline.” Although it pained her to say it, she forced the words out and kept her eyes on the jewels.

Euphemia, it seemed, didn’t agree, a slender finger reached under Hermione’s chin and tilted up her face to stare into her eyes, set and firm. “Blood or not, you are my daughter and I can think of no one better to give this to.” Hermione’s chin wobbled as she nodded her head. “Now get your dress on and show me that beautiful smile, we have guests to entertain.”

…

“Why are we stood here?” Lily asked, leaning forward to ask Hermione from where she stood with her a few steps forward. “I thought you said we weren’t going to do some grand entrance.”

Hermione turned back around to frown at her friend, taking in the way she leaned forward in her emerald, off the shoulder, green silk dress, a small dip in the bust, a lighter green ribbon around her waist, and a stiffer floor length skirt, her auburn hair fell over her shoulder and her hands reached up to adjust the jewelled comb that held it back and away from her natural face.

She looked beautiful, even slouched over and asking questions. “We aren’t, but we have to greet the guests, so straighten your back before mum comes over.” Hermione hissed as Marlene chuckled beside the girl.

Marlene looked stunning also, standing out in the deep red with a tighter dress than Lily’s, lighter and less skirt, but still enough to offer some movement. Her make up was deep and smoky, her lips red and her chin length hair pushed back by a ribbon headband.

“It won’t last long Lil’, and normally we wouldn’t be here but inside the ballroom but as honoured guests who are staying here, we have to be presented too.” Marlene explained as Lily nodded her head, her back straightening to match Marlene’s and her hands clasping at the front – Hermione turned back around to see Andy, Ted and Dora making their way over.

The three of them dressed in deep blue, Andy’s dress elegant, made of silk and with a square neckline, and her hair twisted at the nape of her neck – Dora dressed much the same though her skirts had more volume and her hair matched the colour of her dress.

“Don’t they look beautiful, Ted.” Andy commented, trying her best to keep Dora in her arms and instead of letting her room around the girls dresses. Ted nodded his head and gave them a smile before adjusting his matching dressrobes.

“Stunning.” He added.

“There’s my Princess.” The girls and Ted looked towards the stairs as Fleamont Potter made his way down the stairs, his dress robes and suit underneath black with a deep red lining. He all but jumped down the stairs, pressed a kiss to Andy’s cheek, slapped Ted on the back and stopped before Hermione. “So beautiful.”

In truth she did feel beautiful, if not a bit expensive and excessive in her silvery blueish grey dress. Made of chiffon it offered some form of lightness, the top was a corset style and slightly see through, her off the shoulder cape neck offering some security in diamond covered fabric. If that wasn’t enough, there were diamonds sown in around her waist and fading down the top skirt of her dress. She wouldn’t be surprised if there were some on her shoes too but she wasn’t about to lift up her many thin skirts to find that out.

“Thank you dad.” Hermione whispered, reaching up to touch her mother’s necklace and then to tug on curls that were pinned in a low bun, none of her baby curls long enough to yank on.

A flash went off, startling both Potter’s out of their conversation and turning to see Euphemia and a random man with a camera at the side. “Oh how beautiful – I’ll be wanting that picture for sure.” Euphemia spoke to the man, gesturing for him to go ahead into the ballroom before turning to the girls. “So beautiful – now let’s get in line, people will be arrive soon.” She turned to look at Hermione.

Andy gave her an amused look, moving herself and the Tonks’ to stand beside Lily and Marlene as Euphemia fussed over Hermione’s dress, making sure the skirts fell in a circle and that nothing was on show.

“Where is your brother?”

“We’re here.” James called, though he didn’t come from upstairs but instead from the direction of the back garden. He looked like a mini Fleamont, and even more so as he moved to stand by Hermione’s side, elbowing her and giving her a thumbs up. “Looking pretty Mi’ – all the ladies look marvellous.” He all but shouted.

“Where were you?” Euphemia asked, sending a quick look to Remus and Sirius, both dressed in black though Sirius’ robes held a hint of silver and Remus’ were plain – they stood on the other side of Ted and straightened their postures.

“Setting up our Quidditch game for later – I know – it won’t be until everyone is drunk and hasn’t noticed the kiddies, plus Ted and Andy, have gone missing.” James spoke lowly, grinning at his mother when she straightened his clothes and jumped at the sound of music starting, the sign of guests arriving.

“All of you behave – I expect you all to take place in the dancing, at least the first and last – and if any of you drink -” She sent more a look towards Sirius. “- then make sure it is done carefully and with no one getting drunk or there will be hell to pay tomorrow.” With that she turned back around and grinned largely.

The guests made their way in pair by pair or family by family, all formal and introducing them one by one, with a lot of curtsying and smiling politely, as well as promising to dance with some of the younger men who took her hand and pressed kisses to the back of it with slimy smiles and winks, like they thought that worked on her.

“Bet you wish Zach was here, huh?” James whispered to her and Hermione nodded her head eagerly, pulling her hand back from another self-righteous twat. “Alright man, that’s enough.” He added for her when the boy before them squeezed her hand.

The boy’s lip wobbled but he bowed and moved on to her parents, Euphemia shooting the pair of them a look as Hermione fought to keep the laugh off of her face. “Oh shit, Melissa.” Hermione coughed to James, his hazel eyes going wide.

Melissa was a girl whose father was friends with their own, a lot younger – in just having started her second year at Hogwarts and being a Hufflepuff in every single way – even down to her dress now which made her look like a bumblebee. She all but bounced off walls and had the sweetest, if not most intense, crush on James.

“Oh fuck, can I -”

“James!” The girl cried running up to the siblings and stumbling over her feet as Hermione chuckled behind her hand, ignoring the glare James sent her. Melissa moved fast, running before her parents who watched amused and wrapped her arms around James’ waist.

“Who is that?” Hermione heard Lily whisper, a smile on her face as she looked down at the small girl and to her parents who were watching with barely hid amusement.

“Hey – hey Melissa, how are you?”

“I’m good now, it’s not fair that we have to be separated for the holidays – or houses really – maybe I should talk to the Headmaster so he can make sure we can be together and then you can look our for me or I can look out for you -” The girl didn’t stop to breath, even as Hermione moved to pull her away so James could breath normally again. “Oh – hello Hermione...wow, you look so pretty!” She touched the dress and Hermione couldn’t help but smile.

“Thank you, you too.” Hermione exclaimed with a big smile as she patted the girls head. “Though, Melissa, while me and James would love to talk, right now we have to do this – so why don’t you head inside and then we can talk in a while -” She grinned as she leaned down to whisper to the girl. “Maybe I’ll even get James to have a dance with you.”

The girl grinned with impossibly wide eyes, turning to stare at James who was trying his hardest to smile and glare at Hermione at the same time, he didn’t have to try too long as Melissa’s parents pulled the girl away and into the ballroom, leaving him free to show his displeasure.

“Looks like you’ve got a girlfriend, Prongs.” Sirius whispered from his place, a wicked grin on his face. Hermione grinned at her brother, avoiding his soft punch and straightening her back once again.

The stayed like that for a while until the last guests went into the room, leaving the Potter’s and their friends stood outside the doors and breathing as thought they had just been sprinting. Hermione scrunched up her nose as she let her posture drop slightly and a deep breath leave her mouth. How many of these people didn’t brush their teeth?

And how many of them would she be forced to dance with? Hopefully she could get out of there before people started getting drunk grabby hands and she was forced to knock them on their arses.

The music started, leading them into the ballroom as Hermione frowned, her hands clasped tightly in James’, letting him spin her around in front of their guests and only offering them brief moments to talk about things before they were spinning around widely again. And normally she wouldn’t mind, but she knew what or...who was coming next.

Her brother gave her an apologetic smile before spinning her out, her arms landing on the person she would much rather not think about, nor dance the slower part of the song with.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

“You look nice.” His voice rasped as he led them around. Hermione’s eyes searched his face, remembering the last ball and how it had ended and how she had wanted it to go.

It would have started like this in her eyes, with the dance she never got, losing themselves like characters did in a romance novel, as their feelings began to surface – maybe a chance to have some time alone where they could talk or even kiss – ending the night with soft words and possible feelings.

It could have easily happened tonight too, but it wasn’t right. She couldn’t keep doing this to herself when he would never give anything return. When he didn’t want her in return. She had made a choice for herself and decided to move on to a boy who could give her everything that she had asked for while making her feel special.

Hermione moved her eyes away from his own, focusing on the spinning guests, feeling Sirius let out a breath against her. “Why are you mad at me?”

She wanted to remain silent, to let this slide and pretend that everything was going to go back to whatever normal was between them but her mouth had other plans. “Do you not remember what you said on Halloween?” She asked, meeting his eyes again. “How you’ve been acting since then?” She added with raised eyebrows.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“However you meant it isn’t important any more – it happened, things have been awkward and we both just need to move on.” Hermione spoke calmly, she could see James watching them carefully from the corner of her eye as he danced with Marlene but this wasn’t the time for him to storm over.

“Move on from being friends or move on from – from us?” He asked her and Hermione frowned, he seemed so timid, so afraid of what she might say to him.

“I meant move on from the argument, get back to being friends again and leave all the weirdness behind.” She whispered and offered him a tight smile as the song began to change again, indicating the change of partner.

He nodded his head, but there was a sadness to his eyes that she was refusing to comfort on or even offer any sort of knowledge. This is what they needed to do, so with one last smile, she spun herself under his arm and moved towards Remus, doing her best to not look back and see those sad eyes staring into her back.

…

Heels had to be the devil’s shoe, why she had decided they would be a good idea was just stupid on her. Especially since James seemed to have gotten in the mood and decided to do vigorous dancing around the room while everyone clapped them on – well her feet were ready to give up and fall off, but her mother would kill her if she took them off before the night was through.

A lady smiled through the pain when they had guests and succumbed to the pain afterwards.

Still, she used it as an excuse to sit herself down at one of the tables, pulling James and Lily with her and letting out a sigh when the her arse hit the soft cushion.

“Nice dancing out there, Potter – never knew you were so graceful.” The three looked up to see Frank and Alice as Remus joined them, fanning his face and shaking his head at where some older woman was waving at him, her cheeks red and her chest moving up and down rapidly. “Mind if we sit?”

“Why thank you Franky, keep the comments coming and you can sit with us as long as you like.” James spoke with a grin, frowning at Remus as he shrunk further, all but leaning on Hermione’s side. “Alright there, Moony?”

“Never let that woman near me again.”

James let out a laugh and nodded his head. “Yeah, Miss Marchbanks is a nightmare – you should meet her grandmother, smashing lady, she’ll probably be conducting the O.W.Ls, though I doubt she’ll be wanting you to dance then.” He added, smacking his hand against the table.

“Dear Griselda – she did my N.E.W.Ts, stern woman.” Frank added with a grin at Remus who shuddered and rested his face in his hands. “Though get a couple of drinks in her and she’s right charming – you should see her and my mum on their monthly Saturday night.” He chuckled at the thought and the group turned to see Augusta Longbottom speaking to a short witch.

“Sounds interesting. How’s Auror training going, Frank?” James asked in a change of the subject, eagerly focusing on the boy.

“Your dad and Moody have been working us to the bone – I expected it from Moody, but I thought your dad was a softy, he should go back to making potions.” Frank spat out bitterly but there was a small smile on his face that let them know he didn’t mean it harshly.

“Your dad made potions?”

“Yeah – well one really, sleekeazys.” James told Lily, running a hand over his hair as Lily’s eyes turned wide and she looked between the Potter siblings.

“Wait – your dad made that?” Lily asked touching her hair, bringing it up to her nose to inspect as though it would tell her who made the product she had used for the evening.

“Did you think we just had a large stock just because?” Hermione asked amused, thinking back to her bathroom and the few bottles that had been placed in there and in the bathroom that Marlene and Lily shared when they were here. Really they were everywhere.

“How did I not know this?”

“I told you before – not like it’s a big deal, he sold it off and gets profit – decided he wanted to be full fledged in the Auror business – hence why Frank is complaining.” Hermione spoke softly, gesturing to Frank who nodded his head in agreement while Alice laughed.

They spoke a bit more, sipping on the limited alcohol that appeared in their glasses, stopping only when Sirius and Marlene made their way over, matching grins on their faces.

“Alright, Black?” Frank asked with a frown.

“Not too bad, Longbottom.” He spoke, patting the boys back and then pulling out a pack of cigarettes and placing one between his lips before noticing the shocked look of Frank and Alice and holding out the packet. “Want one?” He asked.

“No, thanks – you’re not going to smoke that in here, are you?” Alice asked, eyes as wide as her future sons as she gulped and turned to look back at the group like she expected them all to light up and piss of Euphemia and Fleamont Potter.

“Not unless I want Aunt Effie to kill me – no, I’m going outside – you all coming?” He asked as James stretched his arms and stood up, the rest of the group following as Sirius began to lead them out of the ballroom, stopping to frown at them. “Alrighty then.” He shrugged his shoulders and continued on their journey.

Hermione smiled as Alice and Frank followed after them, sighing at the cool air the outside brought after the stuffy ballroom.

Lily leant against the wall, holding out a hand to Sirius and smiling when he placed a cig on it before bringing it up to her mouth and letting him light it. She gave a big pull, sighing as she let out of the smoke and crouched onto the ground.

“You smoke, Evans?” James asked, stumbling out of the doors last and turning to frown at Sirius who was crouched down, holding a rolling paper with one hand and shifting something inside while he smoked what looked like a rather small cigarette.

“Sometimes.” Lily muttered with blushing cheeks as she passed the rest of her cig to Marlene, moving to sit down on the circle that was forming on the grass, half hidden by the trees.

“And done – when did you get here, mate?” Sirius asked, holding up what could have easily been mistaken for a home-rolled cig if it wasn’t for the twisted end, the thickness and the stronger smell that was coming from it. His eyes turned to James, bemused as his best friend stared across at him with wide eyes.

“Did – were you planning to smoke without me?” His hazel eyes watered, hand on his chest as he all but laid across Hermione dramatically.

“Of course not – though I didn’t know that was a rule, if I did then me and Moony wouldn’t have smoked with you.” Sirius spoke with wide eyes, the joint dangling between his lips and his lighter held tightly in his hands as James shook his head and moved press his face into Hermione’s neck.

“I can’t believe it.”

“Don’t act like we’ve done it without Padfoot.” Remus chuckled as Sirius turned an annoyed glance to him, the joint still unlit with Frank and Alice staring at the group unsure. James sat himself up straight and nodded his head, eyes amused.

“And see, I was going to share this but now I’m not sure.” Sirius spoke, shaking his head and slapping James’ hands away from his mouth.

“What is ‘this?” The group turned to see Alice, even in her evident uncertainty, frowning and pointing at the ‘not’ cig in Sirius’ mouth, a frown becoming more prominent as Sirius lit it up with a simple lighter and took a deep inhale, blowing it out of the side of his mouth and sending Alice a grin.

“Yeah, smells a bit different from a cigarette, Black.” Frank added, waving the smoke away from his face, but he too looked curious.

Hermione couldn’t help the small chuckle that left her mouth. Purebloods and their lack of knowledge was always surprising, but she would have thought that even the most innocent or even idiotic of them, would have known something about Muggle drugs – it wasn’t exactly like the Wizarding World had many to offer.

Not unless you wanted to do some leaping toadstools or smoke a mandrake leaf – and even then she doubted that it would have that much effect. Potions however -

“It is different – it’s call cannabis -”

“Or maryjane.” James interrupted Sirius with a large smile.

“Wacky backy.” Remus added.

“Marijuana.” Marlene smirked.

“Or dope – point is – Muggles had this awesome idea to smoke it, gives you the calmest feeling ever – give it a try and see.” It was an offer that wasn’t followed by offering the joint to them, but instead of him taking another tug and passing it on to Marlene who happily took it.

“Is he one of those hippies?” Alice moved to ask Hermione and Lily as Sirius leant back on his hands and smiled at the sky.

“More like a wannabe bad boy.” Lily whispered back as she turned to watch Remus take a rather large inhale, a slow roll of smoke coming out of his mouth and disappearing up his nose before he coughed and grinned at James – continuing the pass around of the slowly dwindling joint.

“Don’t tell mum.” James turned to her, eyes wide as he stared, letting out his own smoke and holding it out to her carefully.

Hermione stared down at it. Never once had she tried it, smelt it – seen other people smoke it, sure – it wasn’t like it was a secret drug, like cocaine or heroin, most people had tried it once. And this is why she was here, well not really, but she had been told to enjoy her teenager years again, and what better way to do that than partake in the most teenage activity, other than drinking, there was.

“You don’t have t-” James began, cut off by Hermione gently bringing the tip to her mouth and sucking in a breath like the others had done. The smoke rolled around in her mouth and the instinct was to let it out immediately but she thought against it, sucking in another breath.

It burnt her throat and tasted like a strange grass, making her cough the smoke back up so that it rolled around her head. Sirius was chuckling at her, Marlene had fallen backwards, leaning half against Remus as she laughed – he too was watching her amused, though he seemed more helpful than James beside her.

“Don’t suck it in so hard, and don’t hold it.” He offered, pink cheeked and mellowed grinned. Hermione nodded her head seriously, giving the joint a second pull, and while she still coughed it was easier and now thankfully being taken by Lily, who much like herself, almost hacked up a lung.

“Someone take this off me.” She wheezed out as Hermione chuckled lowly, almost feeling tingly.

“You having a go, Prewett?” Sirius asked Alice – the girl in question turning to look at Frank who shrugged his shoulder at her.

“Are we going to grow a second head?” Frank asked for the pair of them as Alice daintily took the joint and held it oddly in front of her face, waving another hand to fan the faint smoke from her face.

“Nah, it ain’t that strong, mate – just relaxes you – makes you feel all giddy and calm, add that to our drinks and you’re golden for the night.” James seemed to speak slower by Hermione’s side, another chuckle leaving her mouth as he gave her a grin with crinkled eyes.

That seemed to be enough to appease the couple, both of them taking small tokes with coughs afterwards before passing it back to Sirius, letting the circle continue around them.

…

The joint dead and a mellow feeling in the group had them lifting off the floor and walking back into the loud house, the party still going on strongly.

Hermione couldn’t help but laugh, leaning on James, as a couple spun by, brightly coloured and arguing – the whole ball seemed more lit up and louder than usual, and she was certain – like 100% certain – that someone had put a voice changing jinx on everyone, otherwise why would people be talking so slow or fast, it just didn’t make sense.

“Do you think mum did – did – those – you know – when she puts it inside the shell thing.” James looked at her, glasses tilting further down his nose and the front of his robes and shirt unbuttoned.

Hermione frowned and then nodded her head. “I could go for one of those.”

“One of what?” Her brother asked her with a frown, Hermione chuckled and grabbed his hand – pulling him along and marvelling at the fact that her feet no longer hurt. Perhaps her shoes had turned to jelly? Could they do that? She would have to ask someone else.

It didn’t matter any more because her parents had put on a splendid buffet and it seemed all the teenagers had congregated towards the food and were shoving as much as they could in their mouths, or in the case of Frank, on his cheek.

Hermione stumbled into Sirius who automatically raised his hand to rest against her arm, a small smile on his face and his eyes heavier than usual as he held out whatever he was eating for her to take a bite, which she did. It was very tasty, something sweet like cake and she liked it.

“Mi’, Dora has fallen asleep in your bed and...where have you guys been?” The group turned slowly, half of them still raising food to their lips as they turned to face Andromeda, a bemused expression on her face as she took in their rumpled clothing.

“Hey Andy.” Hermione spoke, her tongue feeling oddly strange in her mouth as she raised a hand to wave before realising it wasn’t her hand but Sirius’. “We were – erm – outside.” Her tongue rolled around her mouth, a frown on her face as she tried to gain control of it.

“Peaceful evening, cousin, very enjoyable.” Sirius added, sounding much more normal than Hermione, waving his hand around. So she hadn’t been controlling it.

James took that moment to chuckle at Marlene as she swayed to a song, her eyes closed, shoving food into his mouth and muttering something under his breath as Andromeda narrowed her eyes and her mouth fell open. “Are you all hi-”

“Oh there you all are.” Euphemia appeared beside Andy, who seemed to have thought it better to keep her mouth shut. Her mother looked at all of them, a frown on her face that she seemed to shake off as she wiped James’ cheek and then straightened Hermione’s dress. “Been outside, have we? Well no bother – anyway, it’s time for the final dances.”

Whatever that meant, it took Hermione a second to figure it out, her brain feeling much slower than usual and her tongue feeling like cotton in her mouth. “I need a drink.” She muttered, turning around to take a gulp of water before smiling at her mother. “You look like this.” She gave two thumbs up to her mum who frowned, her eyes going from Hermione to James to Sirius.

“Are you all drunk?”

“Nonsense, Aunt Effie – I just think the evening has got to them – perhaps one last dance and then sending them off to bed would be wise.” Andy spoke before any of the teenagers could comment, a grin on her face that told Hermione she owed her, not that Hermione cared to figure out why. Her mellow feeling was ebbing at the edges – what weird words.

“Yes, yes I think it would – very well, James and Hermione, let’s go before I change my mind.” Euphemia beckoned for her two children to follow, the pair of them walking behind her like cartoon characters.

James was chuckling and Hermione was trying her best to keep her back straight in an attempt to keep them from being figured out as they stopped on the dance floor, her hands reaching out to grip James’.

The music began, a weird beat that didn’t match their dizzying circle but it was funny, feet slipping out underneath them and people watching with wide eyes, but her brother was an amazing dancer and that made everything better.

…

“...into bed we go.” Andy whispered as she led Hermione into her room, Dora asleep there, looking adorable in her pyjamas that Hermione just wanted to pick her up and hold her close to her chest. “Merlin knows how I’ll get Ted up to bed, I haven’t seen him that drunk in a long time.” She chuckled at the end as Hermione joined in.

Moving her way around the toddler, she climbed onto the edge of the bed, kicking off her shoes and not even bothering to take out her hair. Andy sat on the edge and smiled down at her.

“It’s like having two children.”

“Well then be a good mother and tuck me in.”

“Getting high – that’s not like you, Hermione.” But she complied nonetheless, moving the covers to make sure both girls were covered and comfy, Hermione’s eyes felt heavy and the effects of the weed were beginning to wear off, leaving behind tiredness.

“Sometimes I need a break, can’t be uptight all the time.” Hermione tried for humour but it felt fake and like her throat was tight. “It was nice to not have to think about everything for once – to not have to worry about what might happen when they make a decision or the war.” Andy stared at her with sad eyes, patting her leg gently.

“One day you’re going to have to deal with everything before it breaks you, sweetheart.” The truth if Hermione had ever heard it, but she didn’t want to hear it right now.

“One day maybe but not today.”

“No not today, now get some sleep – I’m sure we can speak about this another time when you’re ready.” Andy moved to get up from the bed, stopping when Hermione reached for her hand and looked at her through heavy eyes, a small smile on her face.

“Can you stay a bit more?” Hermione asked, feeling suddenly so small – like she had done when she was a child and Andy would come and visit, someone to stay and offer comfort. “Just in case Dora wakes up and needs you.” A lie that they both knew but it had Andy nodding her head and moving to lay down on the other side of her daughter, one hand reaching out to stroke Hermione’s curls.

It was comforting in a way that she was reminded she was far too old for but couldn’t seem to care. Sixteen and begging her cousin to stay with her because what she had forgotten was threatening to come back with a bang and ruin her evening.