Saving Private Pads. P1
- A WARNING for this chapter; It does contain references to abuse, that of child abuse but it is only references and not explained. But for some people who might find that a trigger, perhaps it would be best to read with caution or even miss this chapter. It is not too graphic but I know how some people can feel.
Friday the 2nd of July 1976
“You spoke to Regulus?”
“Yes.”
“And he’s helping you get Sirius out of his house?”
“Yes.”
“What is happening?” Lily asked as Hermione frowned at the four people in her room, the four people she had called here to tell the mildly good news to. That they might be getting Sirius back soon. But instead they all looked back at her like they had no clue what she was saying.
All except Marlene whose icy eyes seemed colder and her face turned sour – it was quick and gone the moment Hermione looked over at her, hid behind a mask of indifference that she was sure no one would believe if it was brought to their attention.
“Regulus wants to get Sirius out of his house and so do we, have you not been paying attention?” Hermione snapped, turning back to look at Lily who was staring at her and waiting for an explanation.
“Don’t be rude.” Lily snapped back as Hermione shifted and frowned.
She wasn’t trying to be rude, not intentionally, but they didn’t seem to grasp how important this situation was – how important getting Sirius back was for all of them – for her.
“I didn’t know you were in contact with him.” The mask slipped on Marlene’s face again, just for a split second, but enough for Hermione to question once again what was happening between her best friend and Regulus.
“None of us did.” James commented, leaning back on her back and sending a piercing glare at her.
“Well sometimes not all us are honest about speaking to him.” Hermione spoke softly but her eyes found Marlene’s once again, a glare meeting her own that had Lily letting out a sigh and her own curious glance at their golden haired friend.
“And you shouldn’t have gone alone.” James spoke once more, seemingly ignoring the tension that littered between the girls and sullied their moods. “We don’t even know if we can trust him.” His hands spread before him and his eyebrows raised.
Marlene turned to look at him sharply, her voice just short of coming off cold. “Why can’t we trust him?”
“Because he’s Sirius’ Slytherin brother who wants to join the Deatheaters.” Remus answered as though it was obvious – and maybe it was to the boys who spent their time listening to Sirius complain about his brother. “And who seems eager to get Hermione alone.” Light green eyes looked at her, flashing with gold and full of concern.
“Which is why I’ll be going with her when the time comes.” Fuck no.
“And me.”
“Me too.”
Hermione turned to look at James, Lily and Remus – their faces set. She wanted to bring up many points – that technically James and Sirius were still at slight odds and that she was pretty sure that Lily still hated Sirius for what he had done but the words failed her.
Instead Marlene was looking at them all with wide eyes and shaking her head. “What are you -”
“None of you are coming.” Hermione cut her off before she could get there, before she could question what they were thinking or make excuses about why she wouldn’t be able to get there. “Just me.”
“Why do you get to be the hero?” James whined like a baby.
“Hero?” Hermione asked, a small smile making it’s way onto her face as James nodded his head and pouted at her. “None of you can even get in the house!” She added with a wave of her hands, her voice raising slightly and her head turning to look at her door like her mother, father or Poppy would burst in.
“Then tell us how!”
“No!” Hermione cried, shaking her head at her brother and pointing a finger at him. “And even if I wanted to, which I don’t, I actually can’t.” Her hands balled into fists and her jaw tensed.
“Then tell Regulus to let us in!” Lily exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air and smirking smugly like she had figured something out.
“You are not coming!” Hermione shouted back, her eyes narrowing at the redhead who actually looked hurt that Hermione was trying to keep her out of this.
“Hermione that’s…”
“It’s a risk for me to go in, but I can get in – let alone adding a Bloodtraitor, a Muggleborn and a Werewolf to the mix – we might as well throw the Black’s a party and let them lock us up with Sirius.” Hermione cried dramatically pointing between the two sat on her floor, matching frowns on their faces but they understood.
This wasn’t the place where she would be risking her friends – not when things were so easy to go wrong, but if she could focus on herself and then Sirius it would be slightly easier.
“Doesn't matter, I'm going!”
“I swear to Merlin, Jamie…”
“What?” James asked, not put out as she took a menacing step towards him. “I am not letting you go there alone, not when you are a bigger Bloodtraitor than I am, not to mention an actual member of their family who they would be happy to get their hands on." She refused to give his points reason, that it was just as dangerous for her as it was for them.
“How many times do I have to say that you can’t get into the house?” Hermione tried again, all but pleading with her brother to stay behind and let her handle this.
“Then I’ll wait outside with Poppy.” His tone was suddenly gentle as he stood up from the bed and before her, hands on her shoulders and a smile all to similar to the one his son and their father wore. “You’re not fighting me on this, your my sister and he’s my best friend – it’s happening.”
…
Tuesday the 20th of July. Be here at 11am. R.A.B
Hermione sighed as she clutched the returned letter, Regulus’ words on the side, small and neat but there for her to read. It was happening, within the next hour, and she couldn’t stop the grin that took over her face at the thought of their dangerous and yet exciting rescue mission.
It couldn’t have fallen at a better time, in Hermione’s opinion, she was sure the others wouldn’t think the same. But Remus was still at home recovering after the moon two days ago and wouldn’t be back until the end of the week, Marlene’s ability to sneak over was becoming more and more challenging the closer her brother’s wedding got and Lily – well Lily was stood in front of her with a glare.
Fuck.
“Good morning – when did you get here? How did you get here?” Hermione asked as she tucked the letter into the pocket of her jeans and tried her best to casually smile at her friend.
“Your mum picked me up like we agreed. Was that a letter from Regulus?”
“Nope.” Hermione spoke through her teeth, a frown on her face as Lily raised her eyebrows and opened her mouth to speak. She swatted away James’ hand as he tried to reach for the letter, appearing behind her quietly, but clearly not quiet enough. “Fine – but no – neither of you are coming.”
“I thought we agreed I was, and she wasn’t?” James asked, raising an eyebrow as Lily looked between them both with a glare, her tongue on the back of her teeth.
“If he’s going then I am to-”
“No.” Hermione and James spoke at the same time as Lily actually stomped her foot against the floor, her hands clenching at her sides and her eyes bright with anger.
Hermione let out a sigh, moving forward – thinking of all the times when Hermione Granger had thought being a Muggleborn had hindered her progression, made people think less of her. Her hand reached to hold Lily’s shoulder. “We aren’t doubting your ability to take care of yourself, but walking into or around the Black house isn’t safe and they aren’t known to be stable, nor look too kindly on people they consider lower than themselves.”
“But -”
“Lily, they won’t hesitate to torture or even kill you if they want, and I am not putting you in that position so no – you aren’t coming.” Hermione explained, softer than before as she thought of Bellatrix and what the woman would do to someone like Lily...like Hermione Granger. It was something Hermione was never going to let happen.
“Then what do I do?” Lily asked with a whisper, her eyes looking back to the open door she had come through and not closed in her rush to see Hermione.
“Wait here, try not to let my mum into what’s happening and cross your fingers that I...we come back.” Hermione said with a smile, crossing her fingers in front of her face as Lily just shook her head and closed her emerald eyes. “We’ll be fine Lily.”
“We’ll see.”
Hermione didn’t answer back as the redhead moved to sit on the stairs, twirling her wand in her fingers and pouting down at the floor. It eased Hermione to know she wasn’t coming, that she can keep one friend safe, but it was also what had her turning to glare at her brother.
“Are you ready to go?” James asked with a grin, practically bouncing on his toes as Hermione opened up her mouth to speak. “Poppy!” The elf appeared, running from the kitchen and frowning up at the children. “We need you to take us to Grimmauld Place, Islington.”
Hermione opened her mouth to stop the elf, to push her brother away but she knew James had always been Poppy’s favourite – that she didn’t question where her young master was going like she did with Hermione.
Instead, she frowned, closing her eyes as the elf reached for her hand, a loud crack echoing around them and the familiar tug of being apparated and pulled through a long tube sickened her stomach and made her worry about how she might fair when she was eventually allowed to do this herself.
The landing made her want to vomit, but that sickness was nothing compared to the one she got as she looked at Number 12 Grimmauld Place that stood before her like an overwhelming troll. Her stomach turned as she let go of Poppy’s hand and turned to face her before, preparing herself to send the pair of them home but James was looking around, half sticking out a bush and taking in the Muggles that seem unaware of the two teenagers that came out of nowhere.
“Cool.” He whispered, turning to look at the houses and frowning. “Poppy, I order you to go home and wait for my call to pick us up – oh and don’t say anything to mum.”
“Of course, Master James.” Despite Poppy being a free elf, one that was paid and wore clothes, it still hurt to watch her curtsy to James - the Granger and her S.P.E.W brain running wild at the thought of Poppy not living her own life and still living to serve them. Yet she said nothing as the elf spun on the spot and with a loud crack disappeared from view, leaving the siblings alone and without their one way of getting back home.
Hermione tried not to think about it as her and James ducked out from behind the bushes, surprising a couple as they ran by, their eyes turning wide and their heads moving to shake in disagreement - something she wasn't going to think about unless she actually wanted to be sick.
"What are they doing?” His hazel eyes followed them, a frown on his face.
Hermione rolled her eyes and moved to the shade, half hiding behind a car in case anyone from the house came out and they were seen. “Jogging – what are – get over here.” Hermione hissed, pulling her brother with her and staring at the house.
“But why are they wearing...well that?” He pointed to the tight vested and hot panted people, his eyes more curious but more so lingering over the woman’s behind in a way that had Hermione half tempted to slap his head.
“Fashion...which is not the point – James we are here for something else...something that you are going to find very hard to complete if you keep staring at women instead of trying to come up with a way for you to see the house.” Hermione snapped as she gestured towards the houses, where James frowned, and his eyes moved between 11 and 13 with a frown.
“This sucks.”
“I wasn’t aware I told you to bring boy Potter.” The siblings turned to see Regulus stood before them, having missed his exiting of the house but apparently, they were visible enough for him to locate them.
“Well I’m here so get over it, Black.” James said with a grin, standing up straight and staring down at Regulus, who had grown a bit over the summer, but still had nothing on her long limbed brother – who was actually the shortest of his friends.
Regulus actually looked amused, raising an arched brow and nodding his head before turning to Hermione. “Next time listen.”
“Hopefully there won’t be a next time.” Hermione answered back with a sweet smile before turning to face the house with a glare. “Now are we doing this or not?” She asked, sending a sharp glare to Regulus who nodded his head.
“We’ve got maybe an hour before mother and the family get back – they um...he needs to be gone before tonight.” Hermione stiffened as she heard the words Regulus didn’t say, his face twisting in guilt and something else. They were going to try and mark him tonight.
“Then let’s go.”
“Wait...how am I getting in?”
“You’re not.” Hermione bit back at her brother as he followed them up the path slightly, a frown on his face. “Put on your cloak out and wait here.” She ordered but he continued following them up the path, a frown on his face.
“No – I told you I’m coming, don’t try and sideline me!” He snapped as Hermione stopped to glare at him, keeping her mouth shut as some Muggles walked by.
“I’m not but we don’t have time for this and you can’t even get in the house so just -”
“Oh for fucks sake…” Regulus whispered out, reaching forward to grab James’ hand and pull him forward. Her brother didn’t blink but allowed himself to be dragged forward as Hermione followed behind them with wide eyes. “Welcome to Number 12 Grimmauld Place.”
“I know what’s there but…” James stopped now stood before the house with a confused stare, turning to look at Hermione. “I don’t understand...is this the fidelus charm...are you a secret keeper?”
“No.” Regulus answered with another amused look, shaking his head and releasing James’ hand. “My mother lives a very sociable life – if she died it would mean an entire social group becomes secret keeper to her house – which she couldn’t stand.” Hermione frowned, in the future the house had had the charm, though that must have been more protection for the order.
“So how -”
“How do you protect Potter Manor?” Regulus asked as he led them up the stairs, seeming more nervous than before. “Wards, a Muggle repelling charm – perhaps a notice-me-not, no doubt, the same here – only it’s tied to our blood, therefore it gives us access to allow who we want in and who we don’t.” Regulus explained with a quick smile as Hermione frowned.
“Then I could have -” She cut herself off pointing to James as Regulus frowned.
“Possibly but maybe not – anyway...we don’t have time to be stood out here talking.” Regulus added, moving up the stairs and letting the siblings follow him up.
Hermione held her breath as she entered. She remember the house from both lives, though she had been rather young the last time she came here and the other time it had been left for years.
Somehow it was like both version had come together, the dark and dingy long rooms minus the cobwebs and general sense of abandonment – the elf heads still littered the walls as did the portraits, most of which seemed to be asleep and not to be woken if Regulus’ finger against his lips was an indication.
The house looked overall nicer than would, or had, in the future, but not so nice that Hermione wanted to live here ever in her life, not even as she walked up the stairs and towards the fourth floor, passing the rooms Octans and the other relatives had stayed in, the rooms her and Ginny had slept until she stopped between Regulus’ bedroom, the door open and showing the green inside and Sirius’.
“Beautiful place, mate.” James commented as he followed behind Hermione, Regulus scoffed and mumbled something, taking up the back and keeping a look out over the stairs.
Hermione stared, her hand reaching for the doorknob and her heart aching at the thought of seeing Sirius again, regardless of whatever state he might be in. There was an eagerness inside her to get through the door as fast as possible, that it practically radiated through her whole body.
James shoved past her first, pushing away her hand and trying to open it himself only to frown as all it did was rattle. He moved the handle again, his frown deepening as nothing happened. ”What the fuck do we do now?” Hazel eyes turned onto Regulus who let out a sigh, an excuse or answer prepared on his lips.
Hermione didn’t give him time, didn’t care if Aurors turned up – it wasn’t like they would be able to get in nor would they be interested in bothering the Prestigious House of Black about someone who was underage using magic out of school, not unless they wanted to end up on the wrong side of Voldemort's biggest supporters. She didn’t care if her the boys scolded her, she didn’t care because Sirius needed her.
The doorknob fell to the ground with a thud, the actual door opening slightly as Hermione took a step forward, pushing it open further and stepping into the room.
Hermione Potter had never been in Sirius' room, it would have been improper regardless of her age - but Hermione Granger had, when she lived there she had walked past a couple of times, had seen an older Sirius looking over his photos or records with an air of sadness she never commented on - and she had seen the room when Snape and Dung had both searched through, taking momentos and leaving messes behind.
It was the same as then, an ornate bed with velvet curtains that looked to have been charmed red, Gryffindor scarves and memorabilia stuck to the walls, as well as scantily clad women, motorcycles and a photo of the boys that must have been taken a couple of years ago. It was so Sirius, that Hermione almost smiled, despite the state and smell of the room.
Any hint of a smile left her though as she caught sight of the bloody handprints on the window, as though someone had tried and failed to push it open - and the skinny pale figure that was laid half curled up on the bed. He looked as though he hadn't washed for days and eaten for a couple of weeks and it made her feel sick - even more so when she spotted the bloody clothes and bruises on the visible areas of his body.
“Sirius?” Her words were whispered as she moved forward and took his face in her hands. His lip was split but seemed as though it was healing, and there was a cut over his eye, but nothing could compare to the rest as he gave out a shuddering breath.
His ribs moved slowly under the fabric of his shirt and his eyes narrowly opened to take to take her in, his mouth turning into a pained smirk as he tried to raise his hand to pull on a curl. “You come to save me, Kitten?”
His eyes closed again and then James was there, reaching for his best friend and shaking his shoulder gently. “Pads?”
“He’ll be fine, but we need to get him home now – I can’t heal him here.” Hermione spoke, the cold mask falling onto her face and the tears pushed back for another time where they were safe, and Regulus wasn’t looking like he was going to faint or panic at any moment.
James’ eyes met hers, his own face hardening as he reached down for his best mate and pulled him up without a complaint, wrapping his arm around the boys waist and using Sirius’ arm around his shoulders to hold him up, not even blinking as Sirius let out a pained moan.
Hermione swept to the other side, using what she could of her much smaller weight to support the still heavy boy, her legs buckling slightly and her teeth gritting as she did her best to match her brothers pace under the weight of Sirius Black.
The made it to the third floor without throwing Sirius down the stairs, his head lolling to the side and laying on top of her own. A small smile broke it’s way past her mask as she watched his feet move to try and keep in time with her own and James’, small and uneven painful looking steps but steps nonetheless.
“Good afternoon, what do we have here?” It took everything she had not to drop Sirius, even as she pulled out her wand to face the man.
“Uncle.” Regulus spoke behind them, Sirius cracking open the eye to grin painfully at the man before them.
Hermione recognised him before he even spoke, the same sharp features as both of his nephews but with an air of defiance that Sirius must have picked up on. His shaggy black hair hanging over his face and hiding his scruff. His robes were pressed and put together like the rest of the blacks but hung open to show a dirty shirt underneath.
“Afternoon, Uncle.” His words were slurred and he leaned further onto Hermione who tried her best not to fall and instead to push him back onto James.
“Sirius, my boy, what have they done to you?” Alphard spoke, moving forward, eyes flickering between James and Hermione, stopping at Hermione’s wand.
“You think we did this?!” James shouted, his anger like a flame that seemed to set all of the teenagers off as Sirius tried to mumble something, waving his hand against his friends shoulder and shaking his head.
“Take a look again, Alphard, I’m pretty sure your sister is responsible for this.” Hermione hissed, red tainting her vision as the man turned to look at her, taking her in from head to toe with a frown and narrowing his eyes.
“Hermione?” He asked before a wide grin that both his nephews had inherited took over his face and he took another step forward, ignoring the warning growl from James and the groan from Sirius. “I should have known – you look just like -”
“Don’t finish that sentence – I’m not above blasting you out of the way.” She moved her wand further up, pointing it at his face.
“I don’t doubt it.” Alphard raised his hands, the grin still on his face before it fell quickly and concern took over as he looked to his youngest nephew with a frown. “Regulus...what will happen when your mother finds out?” Hermione’s stomach clenched as she lowered her wand but didn’t put it away.
“She’s not going to find out – Regulus has nothing to do with this – in fact he was stunned the moment Hermione Potter entered the house for Sirius.” Hermione claimed, Sirius nudged his head against her own and she turned to face those silver eyes that were dancing with pain and joy.
“All for me?”
“And your cousin -”
“My brother was never here – the less people involved in this the better – so you can either agree or I can make your forget.” Her words seemed to burn him as he moved his gaze away from James, the denial of their real labels thrown to the wind and discarded with her biological family.
“Are you threat-”
“Something tells me you’ll agree and that you want Sirius as safe as possible, and you know that isn’t here.” She didn’t let him finish, not backing down a second even as his eyes narrowed and the stormy blue darkened.
“And Regulus?” He spoke through clenched teeth, gesturing towards the youngest around them. The one who had done what he could to get his brother out.
“Regulus has made his choice...he knows we don’t hold it against him and he knows where to come if he ever needs out.” Even as Hermione spoke the words she turned to face the boy, a soft smile on his face that changed to surprise as James nodded his head in agreement.
“Well then, I suggest we better get on with this – you lead the way Hermione, I’ll take the boy from here.” Alphard spoke, ushering away as Hermione peeled herself from Sirius who groaned and weakly tried to reach out for her before leaning heavily on his uncle who let out a grunt.
James gave her a look, one she knew well – one that asked her if she trusted this. Honestly she wasn’t sure herself but Hermione Granger remembered hearing of the uncle, not that he had helped Sirius escape but instead he had left everything to him in his will. Treated him like a son to be proud of instead a stain on their house.
A small nod gave James the confirmation they needed and Hermione turned to face Regulus. “Stay up here.”
“What – I need to -”
The group stopped a floor away from the entrance, their eyebrows raised as the sound of someone entering was heard, heels clicking against the floor and Kreacher grumbling about something. Hermione sucked in a deep breath and turned to face Alphard.
“Regulus stay here.” Hermione hissed, her eyes wide as she turned to face James. It was one thing for her to be caught but not him. Never him. She turned to Alphard who seemed to understand, his head nodding in silent agreement. “Put the cloak on.”
“I’m not leaving -”
“I know – now put the cloak on and go outside and call Poppy – make sure she is ready to go the moment we are out of the wards.” Hermione hissed, James stared at her for a second before nodding. Alphard watched in amazement as James pulled out the silvery cloak and with one last look threw it over his head, vanishing from view.
“Wait a couple of minutes, I will distract Walburga – hopefully that will give you enough time to get him out.” He spoke between Hermione and nothing, looking for James and coming up blank and then he was moving down the stairs and towards the drawing room.
Hermione breathed out a sigh, catching sight of James’ foot as he slipped past Alphard and down the rest of the stairs, towards the first floor and hopefully towards Poppy.
“I know you’re weak -” Hermione spoke softly into Sirius’ ear, his hand moving to her shoulder as she tried to help him up. “- but I’m going to need your help getting down these stairs and then it’s over.” His silver eyes turned to face her.
“Alphard – what are you doing here? I didn’t expect anyone until this evening.” Walburga’s voice called up the stairs as the drawing room door shut. Sirius flinched and Hermione frowned, his finger stroking her face and a weak grin taking over the tiredness.
“Home.”
“Yeah home.” She mumbled back, turning to give Regulus one last look before she was moving, Sirius doing his best to keep up with her, there feet stumbling down the stairs and past the drawing room.
“...what is meant to be done.” They heard Walburga snap and Alphard mumble something back as they stepped on the stairs. Sirius groaned and rested more of his weight on Hermione. A small whimper left her mouth as she tried to heave him forward, her legs wobbling dangerously.
The open door shined in view, James stood on the path before, head spinning around. A small smile made it’s way to her face as she heaved Sirius again, trying to pull his further only to end up in a tangle of limbs and rolling down the stairs.
“What was that?” Walburga’s voice carried, her heeled footsteps clicking on the ground as Alphard softer tone whispered through the house, his heavier shoes following and no doubt trying to stop his sister.
“Come on Sirius.” Hermione whispered, pulling herself from under his body and wincing as her leg ached. He mumbled something at her, trying to pull himself up and onto Hermione, the pair of them groaning as the limped towards the door.
“Move Alphard!” Walburga screeched, the door to the drawing room flying open with a bang and a groan, Hermione limped faster, feeling the breeze and seeing her brother as Poppy cracked into view, a worried frown on her face.
The heeled shoes followed them as Hermione gripped the door frame, her head spinning around just in time to duck from the red light of Walburga Black’s wand, her crazed eyes set on Hermione and Sirius.
“Hello mother – it seems I am being rescued, don’t expect me back.” Sirius mumbled with a grin, his split lip ripping slightly and fresh blood coming to the surface as he dipped his head.
“Why you ungrateful little -” Her words were cut off by another hex, once that sent splinters of wood from the door towards the teenagers. Sirius chuckled and pulled on Hermione who Walburga seemed to have settled on. “You will pay for this, bloodtraitor.”
Hermione grinned and nodded her head. “I look forward to it.” She mumbled, pushing Sirius through the door and down the stairs, sending the teen stumbling into the waiting arms of James.
“The pair of you bring shame upon this house!” Walburga carried on as Hermione moved down the stairs, ducking past another hex and reaching out to grab Poppy just as a crack echoed through the air.
The spinning didn’t help the adrenaline that was racing through her veins, nor did the landing help her leg, her whole body collapsing to the floor the moment they appeared in the entrance room of Potter Manor, Sirius half laying on top of her.
His breath was shallow but his laughter seemed to ring around the house as the three teenagers laid them in a pile, the house elf watching with wide eyes and shaking hands.
“What is – Sirius?” Euphemia appeared in the room, Lily behind her and Fleamont taking up the rear. Hermione let out another laugh as Sirius gave a cough and then a cheer, followed by a groan and his face turning pale. “Oh my – oh – Fleamont...let’s get him to his room.”
Lily blinked wide eyes, kneeling down beside the Potter’s as Fleamont levitated the boy, half on his way to passing out with Euphemia and Poppy following him. She let out her own laugh and reached forward to pull a splinter from Hermione’s hair.
“You did it.”
Hermione breathed out a sigh as James let out a small laugh, a grin over taking her face as she nodded her head and moved to stand up, her leg wobbling and James moving to catch her.
“Yeah – I think you need to lay down too.” He muttered, gesturing for Lily to take her other side as they helped her hop up the stairs, the three stopping down the hall as Fleamont shut Sirius’ door where Euphemia and Poppy seemed to be working to face his children with a glare.