Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Sirius and the twins begin explaining everything to Remus, his expression is stunned, surprised and then angry.
‘She had to deal with this all on her own?’
‘No, I reviewed everything and made sure the ingredients were the proper quality for optimal brewing. The twins obtained an ingredient that was going bad. She brewed it at school because she was not here long enough. Clearly she is owling us about the situation.’
‘I think we should talk about the reactions I saw after you showed everyone who Hermione's parents were.’
‘Who all did you notice?’ Sirius asked.
‘Mum and dad got really quiet. Dumbledore was angry? It was only there for a second but I saw it.’
‘Me too. We may need to research other missing children. You never know who else was rehomed for the greater good.’ Sirius spat out the last part of that sentence.
‘Do you think she will reach out to her parents?’
‘She asked me about it. I told her I would support her decisions. I'm not sure I can support a side of the war that kidnaps babies. There were rumors but no one in the order paid them any mind because we were the good guys. There was no way anyone on our side would steal anyone's child. Right? They were killing and we were defending ourselves and those who couldn't defend themselves.’
Sirius is pacing at this point. Remus is nodding along as he had had those same thoughts all those years ago. Fred looks pensive and George looks angry.
Fred speaks up next. ‘I plan to ask mum the next time I see her. How can she not be furious that a child was kidnapped.’
‘Unless she already knew about it. I can't understand how anyone would agree to do something so disgusting.’ George adds, ‘I will talk to dad at the same time.’
‘Let's agree now we are with Hermione. Whatever her choices, I refuse to ally with Albus any longer.’
‘Agreed.’ Remus says.
‘Agreed,’ the twins echo simultaneously.
*.*
The next day the twins visit the Burrow for dinner. Mrs Weasley is so happy to have them.
‘You boys don't visit enough. Are you getting enough to eat? You both look too thin.’
‘We are fine mum, but we do love your cooking best.’
‘I will send some home with you. You can never have enough to eat.’
‘Thanks mum.’
After dinner Fred approaches his mum while George follows his father out to the shed.
‘Mum, I have a question about the other night in the Order meeting.’
‘I will try to answer your question as best I can.’
‘What did Dumbledore mean about certain missions being needed for the greater good?’
‘I'm not sure how to answer that for you. I have no knowledge of this mission. If this is some kind of fabrication it is very well planned. You and your siblings may need to distance yourselves from her. You never know what she will do with this information. It's possible she is as dark as her parents.’
‘But mum, she is practically family.’
‘You know we don't associate with anyone that follows you-know-who. We are done talking about this.’
Before Fred can say anything else his mother leaves the room and begins to climb the stairs away from him.
*.*
‘Dad? Can we talk for a moment?’
‘Of course. What is on your mind, son?’
‘I’m curious about the meeting the other night. What did Dumbledore mean?’
‘About certain missions?’
George nods but says nothing and waits quietly. He knows his father will speak his mind eventually, all that is needed is time to gather his thoughts.
‘You have to understand that we were at war. Nothing seems wrong when the logic is “if we don’t do this someone else can die.” Can you imagine that kind of mentality? We only did what we thought was best. Please understand.’
‘What are you trying to say dad?’
‘Your mother went on several missions without me. We had agreed that one of us was always home with you children. That way if something happened you all still had at least one parent. It was late one night when she left, I stayed home and all of you were asleep. When she returned, your mother said the mission was a success. It took years for me to get her to tell me about that night. If i had known i would have talked her out of it.’
‘Are you saying that it was mum?’
‘Yes, following Dumbledore's orders your mother went to Lestrange manor and took that child away from her parents. I think they left her with a house elf that night. I wouldn’t blame Hermione if she hated those responsible.’
‘Was this an isolated incident?’
‘I can’t answer that. I can only confirm that she told me about Hermione.’
‘Dad, I understand that you were not part of this but I need time to think about everything you just said, excuse me.’
Arthur looks heartbroken as he watches his son walk away from him.
*.*
‘Sirius, do you have time to talk?’
‘Of course, Albus. I find that I have an abundance of time to talk as I’m not allowed to leave the house.’ His comment is ignored.
‘You should not have shared that information with the entire order, it was far too sensitive for that many people to know.’
‘Oh? You would have preferred it to stay a secret? I had no idea, tell me more about this mission?’
‘There is nothing else you need to know.’
‘Who else was kidnapped? Why was Hermione raised as a muggle?’
‘No one was kidnapped.’ Sirius saw Albus’ eyes twinkle and knew he needed to begin doing more research.
‘I couldn’t have Hermione raised in the Wizarding World. Someone would have noticed her and alerted the Malfoys. They were always asking questions.’
‘Really? Interesting. So you were concerned with being caught? Why is that?’
‘Nonsense. I think we are done discussing this. I trust you wont bring it up again?’
Sirius glares unblinking at Albus. Dumbledore leaves the room heading for the Floo.
*.*
Hermione is having dinner at the end of Gryffindor table with Neville when she receives an owl requesting her presence in Dumbledore's office. She can guess what this is about, she completes her dinner before leaving the great hall.
‘Good evening, Hermione, would you like a lemon drop?’
‘No thank you Headmaster.’ Hermione sits down in an available chair.
‘It has been brought to my attention that you have brewed a potion to ascertain your heritage.’
‘Yes sir, I learned I was adopted this summer. My parents have never been fond of me and I wondered if I could find out more about myself. I presumed my parents were muggles until I saw the results.’
‘Do you have those results with you? I would like to test for validity.’
Hermione opens her bag and begins searching, a moment later she pulls out the parchment in question. She places it on the Headmaster’s desk. He pulls out his wand and a soft green glow washes over the parchment.
‘It seems as if the potion was brewed perfectly. Have you told your peers about these results?’
‘A few of them. Why do you ask?’
‘No reason. How are you doing? Learning this information must have been a shock for you.’
‘I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.’
‘I would like to encourage caution. Your parents recently broke out of Azkaban. They are dangerous and possibly mentally unstable. You never know what they are capable of.’
‘I understand. Thank you for your advice. If there is nothing else, I need to get started on my potions essay.’
‘Of course, enjoy the rest of your evening.’
Hermione leaves but does not head to the library nor does she head in the direction of her common room. Instead she begins to wander. Before long she notices that she is no longer alone.
‘Dearest cousin, how are you this evening?’
‘Alright, I have a few new things to contemplate thanks to our esteemed Headmaster.’
‘Oh? Do tell.’
‘He knows about the potion. He cautioned me not to contact my parents. I think I shall send a test letter out. Perhaps it will be intercepted? Can you send the real letter for me?’
‘Of course, cousin. Several people have received word back from their parents about you. It seems things are getting interesting.’
‘Wonderful, sleep well cousin.’
*.*