Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Moody arrives at Dumbledore's office after the order meeting.
‘Black and Lupin will not accept you at your word you know that right?’
‘I know. I didn't realize Sirius and Ms. Granger were so close.’
‘Well he is her blood relative and one she actually already knows.’
‘Clearly. I think it is time to begin monitoring her post. Do you think you could help? I can redirect all of her mail to you. Incoming and outgoing, if you are concerned about the contents, just don't let it go through.’
‘I suppose I can do that. I hope I don't have to read through too much teenage drivel.’
‘Who else did you observe?’
‘Molly was acting suspicious and Arthur looked ill. How much does he know?’
‘I'm not sure but I will ask Molly.’
‘Those twins of hers looked horrified. You may need to keep an eye on them.’
‘Alright. Don't tip your hand. We need to know what's happening, especially if they turn against us.’
‘I can try. Many of them already keep a distance from me.’
‘Floo me if any of Ms Granger's mail needs to be looked at.’
*.*
Mr. and Mrs Lestrange,
You don't know me but I have some news for you regarding your missing child. I recently completed a heritage potion to determine who my parents were. I previously thought I was a muggleborn. I now know that I am your missing child. Please respond if you are interested in getting to know me.
I have enclosed a copy of the results from the potion.
Hermione Granger
*.*
Mother,
I am sending this through Draco because I was cautioned by the headmaster not to contact you. If you do not receive that note as well please let me know. I may need assistance in sending other letters. I believe I have some allies in the order but I cannot check if my post is being monitored. How do you recommend I proceed?
My classmates have been writing to their parents about me. Are there any I need to be sure to befriend? Or who should I be wary of? I look forward to winter holidays. I miss being home. I will try to write again soon.
Lyra
*.*
Hermione completes her letters and tucks them into her bag in different places to avoid suspicion. The twins have not written back yet. Perhaps her post is already being monitored?
Today is sept 16th, even though it is not her birthday anymore she still plans to enjoy the day. Luckily it is a Hogsmeade day and she still has some money from before school.
Hermione gets ready for the day and heads down to breakfast. Ron is still not speaking to her, not that she is bothered by it. Harry, however, is still distant. Perhaps she can get him to talk with her today. After breakfast alone, Hermione heads outside, and catches a carriage to Hogsmeade.
Hermione spends her morning wandering alone picking up whatever interests her and purchasing it. She begins to head toward the Three Broomsticks for lunch when she catches sight of someone not normally seen alone.
‘George? What are you doing here?’
‘Well I came to see you. Happy birthday.’ George hands her a box the size of her head.
‘Thank you but I still haven't used what you both gave me the morning I left for school.’
‘That's alright. I'm sure you will use them when the time is right. Where are Harry and Ron?’
‘No idea they haven't spoken to me since they learned my last name was Lestrange.’
‘Are you serious? I'll kill them both.’ George begins glaring at someone over her shoulder. Turning to look, she sees Harry leaving the pub.
‘You are not going to kill anyone. I'm fine. I was starting to think you and Fred were not going to speak to me any longer, you never replied to my last owl.’
‘We tried to tell you we support you and any of your decisions but I'm guessing it never arrived.’
‘I knew my mail was being monitored. I can't believe this.’
‘I wanted to make sure you know you are not alone. Sirius, Remus and Fred all agree as well. We are with you. Do you understand?’ After she nods he asks, 'Have you contacted your parents yet?’ They finish their meal and begin walking down the lane in the direction of the shrieking shack.
‘I tried but with my mail being monitored I'm guessing they never received it. Can you send something for me?’
‘You know I will help in any way I can.’
‘Thank you George, you are a lifesaver.’ Hermione quickly rewrites her note to her parents and hands it to him. She throws her arms around George and he hugs her back. Looking up she realizes that she is very close to George. Closer than she had ever been before. His hands rest on her hips pulling her closer.
Hermione drags her palms across his shoulders and down his chest. Being a beater had helped form his body in ways she had never contemplated before. Now she could not seem to remove her hands. Looking up again she can see a small smile. Not paying attention to her surroundings, Hermione leans in.
George begins to lean in as well, just before their lips touch she hears someone clear their throat. Rather than stop, Hermione presses her lips to his. George follows her lead to continue the kiss. Hermione feels someone grab her shoulder and yank her out of George's arms. Looking up she sees a furious Ron and an uncertain Harry.
‘What are you doing?’ George asks as he pulls Hermione out of Ron's grip and stands in front of his brother.
‘Why are you here? I thought I saw you but didnt believe it, then I saw you with her. She is a liar. Did you know? Her parents are the Lestranges.’
‘Of course I know. I came to check on her. This is a lot to handle and it sounded like she needed a friend.’
‘A friend? Really? Friends don't kiss friends. What is really going on? Have you been shagging my brother?’ Hermione glares back at him, not saying a word. ‘All you ever do is lie. I'm out of here.’ Ron storms away.
The entire time Harry is standing there silently. When Ron leaves, Harry does not follow him.
Tentatively Harry asks, ‘Can we talk?’
‘I would love to but I think I need to finish my talk with George first?’ Hermione looks at George and he nods. ‘Can we walk back to the castle together?’
‘Yeah meet me at the Three Broomsticks when you are ready?’
‘I will be there soon.’ Harry walks away without looking back.
Hermione turns back to George and giggles when he pulls her back into his arms.
‘So we are finishing our talk? I seem to have forgotten the conversation. Care to remind me?’
‘Well I think we were about to discuss what was interrupted.’
‘Or we can discuss it through letters and just kiss some more now? Do you think romantic ramblings would be stopped as well?’ George places a small kiss on her lips.
‘Actually that might work. I doubt I will be able to get an actual message to Padfoot at this point.’ Hugging him close, Hermione murmurs, ‘always remember Mischief Managed.’
Softly she hears, ‘I solemnly swear.’
Continuing to whisper, ‘I like you George, but things are a bit too crazy for a relationship right now.’
Even more quietly she hears, ‘I know, however, this is a very believable reason to owl regularly. Especially now that Harry and Ron have seen us. Plus when I see you we can kiss now.’
‘Thank you. I need to go see what Harry wanted to talk about. Write to me soon?’
‘Of course love. Happy birthday, I hope it was memorable.’ George leans in and captures her lips again. Moments later she is walking back toward The Three Broomsticks looking thoroughly snogged. Content with how her birthday is progressing, Hermione finds Harry. They begin the long walk to return to school.
*.*
‘You and George? I didn't see that coming.’ Hermione has a smile on her lips as she looks around, noticing the colors of the leaves.
‘I think I was surprised as well, but you never know, it could develop into something special.’ Hermione fails to see the sad look on Harry’s face at the word special. ‘What did you want to talk about? ‘
‘I'm sorry I haven't been around much this week. I don't think you are a liar. Everytime I start to look for you, Ron drags me away for chess or Quidditch practice. I know it is no excuse. Forgive me?’
‘I understand you feel like you have to choose between us. Will it continue though? Tomorrow are you going to return to spending all your time with him? Ron has made it pretty clear that he has no desire to be my friend anymore. Will you only speak to me after he yells and storms off?’ All this was said in a calm voice. She is not mad just trying to understand.
‘I don't want to have to choose but I realize that I have been a bad friend. I want to spend more time with you, and I am done listening to him and his opinions of you just because of who your parents are. You deserve better from your friends.’
Hermione and Harry approach Hogwarts but dont go inside yet as they are still talking.
‘Alright Harry, I trust that you mean what you are telling me. I forgive you, but I will not be forgiving him anytime soon. Do you believe that he accused me of shagging George? After he interrupted our first kiss. Argh. Why can't I just enjoy my birthday?’
‘I can't believe I forgot it was your birthday.’ Harry mumbles sadly.
‘Dont worry about it. I have had a busy day. I think I'm going to head to the prefect bath before going to bed early. I found some new books that I can't wait to start.’
Harry pulls Hermione into a hug. ‘Enjoy your new book. I will see you at breakfast. Happy birthday.’
Hermione hugs him back, ‘thank you, night.
*.*