Schemes and Plans
Saturday the 24th of July 1976
The McKinnon House was not really a house, more like a small Manor with a lot of land.
Land that had supposedly come there way through years and years of hard work – though Marlene always said it was more to do with having a shit ton of children and marrying them off for dowries. Though the past few generations had struggled past one or two children before Marlene’s parents.
Whatever it came through, it was impressive. Sure it missed the lake that Potter Manor had, or the small forest that ran at the back of their entrance but it was still something to see. Even with all the guests that littered, dressed in fancy robes and turning their noses up at everything.
Hermione rolled her eyes, shifting in her own flowy robes and doing her best not to pull her hair out of its many plaits and twists that her mother had carefully done. A glare overtook her face as she reached for her drink, sighing against the sweet elf wine and turning to grin at James.
“If they don’t get on with this then I’m leaving.”
“Nope – don’t leave.” The siblings turned to see Marlene, dressed much like Hermione though resembling more of some golden elf than a Pagan.
“Where have you been?” James asked with a sigh, his glass of wine in his hands and his outer robes thrown over the table. Their parents would kill him if they saw how casual he looked at such an important event for the Pureblood community.
“Avoiding one of the older Nott’s – apparently he’s lonely and in dire need of a friend.” Marlene quoted, pointing to an older gentlemen who smirked as he looked around at all the women walking past. “I swear this place is just crawling with pedo Slytherin’s.”
“But it would be fine if they were young Slytherin’s?” Hermione asked as she sipped her wine, an impish grin on her face as Marlene turned her icy eyes onto her.
“How’s Sirius?”
Hermione sent her a quick look, but allowed the conversation to change before taking another sip of wine that suddenly tasted bitter. “He’s...erm...he’s Sirius.” She mumbled as James tensed his jaw, going back to staring at the guests.
“I know he’s struggling but -”
“It’s more than that – he’s just not...it’s like he doesn’t know where he is.” James explained with a shake of his head, tongue running over pearly teeth before he leaned forward onto the table and lowered his voice. “Every night he’s screaming in terror...I mean like haunting terror...and everyday he’s tired and can barely hold a conversation before he’s staring off into nothing.”
Hermione gulped and looked away. She didn’t have to imagine what was keeping him up, the faint scars, cuts and bruises told her enough – the choice Regulus had made added to that – and the way Sirius’ arm had wrapped around her as they both cried painted vivid picture.
The panic on his face every morning after just made her feel sick.
“Give him time, I’m sure once he readjusts and deal with whatever happened then he might start feeling like himself again.” Marlene whispered, but there was doubt on her face, even more so when Hermione and James turned to look at each other. “And at least…”
“Marlene!” The three froze as a tall woman, one they hadn’t seen for seemingly years marched over. Her cold stern eyes focusing on her daughter and her long golden hair done beautifully.
“Yes, mother?” Marlene turned as the woman stopped behind her chair, smiling up at the woman who simply glared back.
“I believe I told you to mingle, not sit down and chat.” Her voice was like icy, causing Hermione and James to flinch away from the strong tone as Marlene faced her mother back.
“I was talking with my friends – but of course, mother, I will go entertain your guests now.” Her words were hissed back, a clear intention as Mrs McKinnon tilted her head dangerously to the side, casting one look over to them before straightening her back.
“No time – you can do it after the ceremony.” Mrs McKinnon was cold again, any annoyance disappearing from her face to be replaced by indifference as she turned to Hermione and James. “The Potters, yes?” The two nodded as the woman scoffed and sent Marlene a look that had the girls cheeks turning. “I suspect your parents are waiting for you in their seats – I suggest you find them...Marlene you will come with me.”
The woman turned and began leaving as James and Hermione stood up, eyes wide as Marlene clicked her tongue, a devilish sort of grin taking over her face as she reached for the rest of Hermione’s wine and downed it in one go, sending them a wink and following after her mother.
Hermione and James watched, the same idea settling over them as they turned to face each other. “She’s going to do something stupid, isn’t she?”
“It would seem that way, Jamie – guess tonight might not be a bad night after all.”
…
Hermione had only been to a handful of Pureblood weddings before – though most excluded the Potter’s for being sympathisers to Muggles. And each one was more different than the last.
It seemed the McKinnons had some traditional aspects, though no one was sat in a circle, instead they sat in pew like chairs, and the officiant looked like he wanted to be elsewhere. But there was something magic about watching Matthew and his bride handfasting, the glow of magic resting above their hands like a ribbon, twining itself around them as they spoke.
“How do Muggles do this without magic?” James leaned over to whisper in her ear, a frown on his face as the vows continued.
“I believe it was ribbons, also I’m pretty sure they don’t do this kind of ceremony any more – too Pagan.” Hermione whispered back as his hazel eyes flashed, she had no doubt who he was thinking of.
“So how do Muggles know their bond is sealed forever?” He asked as the magic began to knot itself, tying the couple together for forever, their magic sealing itself to the other person.
“They don’t.” Hermione whispered back as she clapped along with the rest of the guests. “Their weddings are more the tying of families and names, not far off here, but nothing to tie their souls or magic together – it’s why they have divorce, though that’s only become more popular in recent years, while wizards would find it more difficult.” Hermione added as she frowned while James nodded his head.
He opened his mouth to speak but the crowd stood as the bride and groom made their way down, holding hands and sharing grins as they passed the group and away from the wedding for the moment.
“Is she pissed?” Hermione’s head spun around as Marlene smiled at her mother, stumbling slightly as Mrs McKinnon hissed something, pointing a finger at the guests that were still looking at where the couple had gone.
“It seems so, come on.”
“And where are you two going?” The siblings stopped to face their mother and father as the exited the pew, the other guests moving along, back to where the evening reception would take place. There was amusement and worry in their gazes, something that had been there since they brought Sirius back and were promptly grounded and hugged at the same time.
Hermione let out a laugh as James smiled innocently, their heads turning to look for their friend only to find her gone to the vanishing crowd.
“We were -”
“We were hoping to jump over the broom, I mean after these past couple of days we could do with sweeping the bad stuff away.” James jumped in with a frown as their parents watched them.
“I think we’ll be leaving that to the couple, though I do require your help with gifting the couple and then you can go find Marlene after.” Their mother left no room for argument as Fleamont moved to wrap an arm around each of his children, dragging them along to where the couple where no sat inside a giant tent.
…
“Where could she have gone?” Hermione hissed as her parents moved to sit at their table with a bunch of friendly acquaintances.
The tent was full of people, almost reminiscent of Bill and Fleur’s wedding, though if not a bit more traditional and loud...and with less redheads running around. The couple sat on a long table, thanking everyone who gave them a gift, while other people danced or ate, or chattered in the corner with a whiskey or wine.
“She might have not even been drunk.” James tried but his eyes were wide, stopping at every blond as Hermione glared. “Or she might not even be planning to do something stupid – we could be overestimating her…”
“Hello.” The pair jumped, turning to see Marlene stood behind them, not totally sober but not drunk, a small smirk on her face and a raised eyebrow. “Talking about me?”
“Yes!” Hermione hissed, pulling her friend to the side and out of the tent were a few people lingered, mostly it seemed to get away from the intense and overwhelming atmosphere inside or to sneak a cigarette without anyone seeing. “We thought you were going to do something stupid.”
“I was.”
“Oh thank – you were?”
“I’m tired of my parents deciding and pushing me to these old men – no offence Mr Abbott -” Marlene spoke, slightly slurred as she waved to the smoking man, he shrugged his shoulders – not seeming too put out. “- so I was going to pull a Sirius – obviously without all the shitty stuff.”
“So just Mi’ and I hauling your arse out of here?” James asked with a confused smile as Marlene shrugged her shoulders, stopping to pick up a flute of champagne off of the waiter walking past, and taking a sip with a smile.
“Well that was one step but the pair of you are shite and also situation is different.” Marlene moved her hands. “So I changed plan – my parents aren’t going to let me go unless I give them a reason, or the future possibility of marriage.”
Hermione felt her mouth drop open as she gaped at her best friend. It wasn’t the first time it had happened, the girl had said some stupid things over the years – but this just topped the fucking cake.
Months worth of anger and frustration, of arguments and even a few weeks where they didn’t speak because of this exact thing her parents wanted and how upset it had made Marlene was about to be thrown down the drain over some stupid half-cooked tipsy plan.
Hermione couldn’t stop herself from slapping her hand against her head and letting out a groan. “Oh Marlene – for fucks sake.”
“At first I was going to go with James or Sirius -”
“What!”
“Sirius?”
“Who ran away from his house with the help of Potter’s – which means both of you have swiped yourself out of the running.” Marlene spoke with a laugh, downing the rest of her drink and clicking her fingers expectantly, a man with a tray appearing to the Potter’s surprise.
“Thank fuck for that.” James whispered out as he reached to grab a drink, passing one to Hermione and narrowing his eyes as Marlene downed that one and reached for one more before shooing the man away.
“And I wasn’t going to marry you anyway, I just needed someone my parents approved off to keep them off my back – someone Pureblood, with a title and money.” Marlene explained as though it was obvious.”But obviously I’m not that stupid so I thought, what if they thought I was seeing someone worthy of marriage.” Her cheeks flushed and Hermione rolled her eyes.
“Please tell me you didn’t.”
“I don’t understand.” James mumbled, looking between them both as Marlene sighed.
“I’m not asking him to marry me, but I was...well if we were ‘seeing’ each other then maybe my parents would get off my back and this whole marriage nonsense can fuck off.” Hermione would have laughed if Marlene didn’t look so uncertain and pleading – honestly she was just glad her friend was trying the fake dating scenario instead of something worse.
“And has he agreed to this?” Hermione asked with raised eyebrows as Marlene blushed again. “And what about his parents?” The words fell out of her mouth like venom as Marlene flinched.
“I doubt he needs to ask their permission for ‘seeing’ someone.”
“Did you forget whose parents we are talking about?” Hermione snapped, running a hand over her face and levelling Marlene with a look that had the girl flinching backwards slightly. “Do you think they are just going to let their heir date a girl, who according to rumours, has opened her legs for half of the school?” It was slightly cruel and Marlene glared back.
“What is your problem?” Marlene hissed back, but her eyes seemed slightly watery and Hermione couldn’t help the sigh that left her mouth.
“I’m sorry...it’s just that – these aren’t the people you want to be messing around with – look at what they did to Sirius.” Her voice was softer as Marlene’s anger faded slightly and instead understanding took it’s place. “I just don’t want to see you hurt if this doesn’t go the way you want it to.” Marlene’s cheeks flushed again as she shook her head.
“It’s not like that.”
“You like Regulus?” The two girls turned to see James, his eyes wide as he looked between them, a gasp falling from his mouth as Marlene turned redder.
“No – he’s just...we’re friends?” Marlene spoke but it was unsure – like she couldn’t quite tell what they were.
“I can’t believe it.” James spoke with a slight grin. “Can I be there when you tell Sirius that you like his baby brother who also happens to be on his way to joining a murder cult?” The humour died down slightly as Marlene clicked her tongue and Hermione sent her brother a quick warning look.
“It was just an idea and I do not like him.” Marlene snapped, rolling her eyes. “I need more champagne.” Marlene mumbled, reaching for Hermione’s glass only for it to be pulled away.
“It’s a horrible idea, one that will end very badly for the both of you.” James pointed out, shrugging his shoulders and giving her a look. “But if you like him you should go for it, for real though, not because you want to avoid some arranged marriage.” He added, raising an eyebrow as she glared at him.
“I don’t like-”
James giggled like a child as they moved further away from the tent, the night descending and the guests turning from tipsy to drunk. “Is it the dark hair? Does it remind you of me? Or does he remind you of Sirius?” He gasped again like he had just found out the biggest secret.
“That’s disgusting and he reminds me nothing more than a friend.” Marlene countered, even as her eyes twinkled.
“Is it the eyes? I can't blame you there, I mean I couldn't stop staring when I saw him last.” James spoke, the girls turning to look at him in slight shock.
“Are you trying to make Marlene confess her love or are you confessing your own?” Hermione asked with a small laugh that even had Marlene smirking and James shrugging his shoulders like he couldn’t decide. Hermione sobered up quickly, letting out a sigh and reaching for Marlene’s hand. “Listen, Mar, I don’t think -”
“It was just an idea.”
“An idea that might not be the best – I understand that you want out but - you barely know Regulus, and you can’t ask that of him.” Hermione snapped as those icy eyes turned on her once again and Hermione took a step forward.
James let out a sigh and pulled her back. “Hermione.”
“Regulus has made a choice about his life, one that I hope he comes back from – and if he wants to help you then you better be prepared for what your life could become -”
“It wasn’t actually asking him out.” Marlene cut her off, throwing her hands in the air and rolling her eyes, like it was Hermione who couldn’t see the bigger issue.
“All I’m saying is actually talk about this with him – and fucking hell Marlene if you want to give it a shot then give it a shot without all the scheming and shit.”
James nodded his head in agreement as Marlene blushed, the Potter’s looking up quickly as they caught Euphemia and Fleamont heading out of the tent with the same ‘thank-Merlin-we-can-go’ smile.
Marlene’s mouth opened but she nodded her head, eyes slightly cloudy and clearly a lot to think about, but she stayed silent, nodding her head at Euphemia and smiling at Fleamont before hugging her friends and bidding them goodnight.
…
“How was he?” Hermione asked as she stood beside Lily in the doorway Sirius’ room, Remus had pulled his mattress onto the floor, curled up and passed out facing Sirius with a bunch of potions beside him. The pair sleeping like the dead and unaware of the two girls watching them or the sounds of James trying to take off his robes from his own bedroom.
“He was alright, mainly bored I think but he...uh...he apologised for everything that happened.” Lily whispered, seemingly touched, a small smile on her face as she looked at Sirius one last time before stepping away. “How was Marlene?”
Hermione sighed, stepping away herself and closing the door, though leaving a gap so they could hear if he needed anyone. “She’s got a plan...one I’m not sure I want to get into or is even going to happen, but I’d rather speak about that tomorrow.”
They moved down the hall as Lily nodded her head, understanding, her head tilting to the side and her eyes moving to look at James’ half open door.
“Fair enough...so what is a Pureblood wedding like?”
Hermione smirked and raised her eyebrows, taking a small step back. “I’m sure James will tell you all about them one day.” A small scream left her mouth and had James popping his head out of his room just in time to see Hermione run past with an annoyed and blushing Lily on her heels.