When Fate Comes Knocking by Sk8erWitch Rating: PG13 Ship: Harry & Hermione Canon: Books 1 - 5 Genre: Action/Adventure, Romance Status: In progress Length: 5,002 words in 4 chapters Published: 18 Aug 2004 Last updated: 29 Dec 2004 AU- Baby Harry was left on the Dursley's doorstep one fateful night. But instead of doing at Dumbledore instructed they dumped the cute innocent Harry on the doorstep of an orphanage. After being adopted by a loving family, the Wizarding World was not able to locate their idolized hero. Now twenty-four years later an odd bookshop catches the attention of the green eyed boy, and the bookshop is forgotten as he meets the girl inside. From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/2805/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. This time, it wasn’t a book When Fate Comes Knocking Chapter One This time, it wasn't a book She didn't think much of it at first, but it was the fourth time in the last two weeks that he had been in there. She wondered if he read the books he bought at all. There was something about him that she couldn't put her finger on. He had the most amazing green eyes, ones that shone and twinkled but were almost hidden behind wire-rimmed glassed. His jet black hair that had this unique never-been-brushed look. One might have thought he was just scoping the bookstore she owned, looking for possible security hazards, but she had charmed the place so that no one with the intent to harm or steel could enter. You see, if you haven't guessed already, the owner of this bookstore was none other then Hermione Granger, and she was a witch. She attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when she was eleven and graduated with high honors, top of her class. Going to Hogwarts had been a drastic change in her life. The bookshop lived up to its name; it was called `Musty Pages.' Of course she couldn't take the credit for that one, which went to her best friend Ron Weasley. When she announced to her housemates that she decided to open a bookshop the first thing that came out of his mouth was `And here I thought you would actually keep your nose out of those musty pages for a while.' Ron, you would never have know they would become best friends when they first met. He thought of Hermione as a bossy know-it-all and she thought he was a trouble maker. Things changed after their second year when Hermione and Ginny, Ron's little sister, became fast friends. After a while Hermione and Ron came around and became friends as well. Their third year was the most eventful as Sirius Black escaped prison and brought Peter Pettigrew to justice. And because Hermione's cat helped the situation, Hermione found friendship with Sirius Black and his best friend, and werewolf, Remus Lupin. The five of them lived at number 12 Grimmauld Place, since every one of them was currently single. It was also better then living alone, especially at this time. Since attending Hogwarts she knew there was a Dark Wizard still out there. Some still think he's dead, but others like her old headmaster think he will find away to return. So the bookshop was empty except for the green eyed man skimming the names of the book on one of the shelves. And Hermione, twenty-four and single, was trying to look as if she was reading her book, while she really couldn't take her eyes off the costumer. He'd often glance in her direction and she would quickly look back at her book. She didn't know his name, but boy did she want to. It was eerily quiet, nothing but the click from the clock on the wall could be heard. Hermione carefully put her book down and got up, and started to walk over to him. ~*~ She's actually walking up to me, he thought as he was skimming through a book. He didn't know why he kept coming back; heck he didn't know why he actually came into this shop in the first place. But he was glad he did. There was something about the bookshop owner that he couldn't put his finger on. His name was Harry Paxton. And he was on a journey to find his roots. Though his adoptive parents couldn't understand why he wanted to find out where he came from, they supported him. He knew his original name; the one he was born with was Potter. He hadn't been to England in a very long time, probably since he was five. He and his parents moved around a lot. But know he knew England was calling him home for some reason. He had been having weird dreams lately and they all pointed to this part of the world. Somehow he had to find out who he was and why he wound up in an orphanage. He defiantly did not expect to find an interest in a girl, but sometimes you just can't help it. And here she was walking up to him, with her bushy brown hair tied back and her deep chocolate brown eyes full of curiosity. “Is there something I can help you with?” she asked politely. What to say? What to say? Think Harry, don't mess up. “Just looking actually,” he managed to say. “So you finished with the book you bought a couple days ago?” Harry could feel himself turn red. So I'm not just another face buying a book. “Actually no, I haven't” Harry said rubbing the back of his neck. “You didn't come here for a book, did you?” ~*~ Stupid! Why did I have to say that? He probably thinks I'm an idiot. “Guess you caught me red handed.” He said this time making her blush. “I was just going to close up for lunch,” Hermione started. “Oh, I guess you want me to leave,” Stupidity strikes again. “No, I didn't mean it that way,” Hermione said trying to fix things, she bit her bottom lip, “There's this place down the street that I usually have lunch at…” “I'd love to,” Wow, that worked better then I thought. “So do you have a name?” Hermione asked as they started for the door. “Harry,” he replied, “And yours?” “Hermione,” she said in return. “Ah, `A Winter's Tale',” “So you do read.” Hermione said acting surprised. “Actually, it was a school assignment once.” Harry replied. ~*~ A huge smile was plastered on her face as Hermione arrived home later that day. She entered the kitchen to find Ginny, Sirius and Remus in there. Ginny however saw the expression on her face before she could hide it. “Ok, so you finally got his name and you had lunch with him. Am I right or not?” Ginny asked her. Hermione stood there speechless. “First off, you hardly ever close up shop for lunch, and when I went to look for you, I saw you sitting outside and you weren't alone.” Hermione once again felt her face redden. “About time, is all I got to say.” Remus said while flipping the pages of his newspaper. “Ron's going to flip,” Sirius said nursing a butterbeer, “You know he thinks of you as a sister.” “Yeah, to him, no man's good enough,” Ginny said, “So what's his name and when can we meet him?” “His name is Harry Paxton and not for a while.” Sirius and Remus glanced at each other at the mention of the name `Harry'. The rest of their housemates knew of their connection with the infamous Harry Potter. But no one believed he was even alive anymore. Sirius and Remus felt extremely guilty of how and why he was lost to the Wizarding World. “Did you get his number? Or do we have to listen out for the phone to ring.” Sirius said. “Actually we just agreed to have lunch again tomorrow. We'll see what happens then now won't we.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. Blood of the Enemy A/N: Wow, I have been absolutely floored with the reviews I have received. Never has any of my stories been liked this much. Certainly makes me want to continue!! Chapter Two Blood of the Enemy “So where does your family live now?” Hermione asked. It was their first official dinner date and Harry and Hermione were playing twenty questions. “My parents are living in Canada right now, a city called Kitchener in Ontario, we moved there a couple of years ago,” Harry answered while they were waiting for their food. “It's not bad there; better then some of the other places we have lived. So do you do anything else then keep your Bookshop?” “I am studying medicine my spare time, mostly out of books and such. I thought of maybe becoming a teacher and teach at my old school. Now I have an interesting question, if you have moved around a lot how is it that you have an English accent after all this time.” Hermione asked. “To be honest I don't rightly know, were I was little my parents said I might adapt my speech with time but it never happened, sort of like magic I suppose.” Hermione had been sipping on her drink when his said the `M' word and started to chock, “Are you alright?” Hermione finished coughing, “Yeah, I'm fine I guess it just went down the wrong way.” Hermione quickly recovered as their dinner arrived. “So do you believe in the supernatural?” Hermione continued their questioning to get to know each other better. “I guess it could be possible, I haven't seen anything as of yet, but I'm not totally closed off to the idea. Do you have any brothers or sister?” “No, I don't, I am only child. What about you?” Hermione asked. “Not that I know of, I mean my parent can't have children, and I am adopted. I don't know if I have sibling still out there.” “How is your search going?” “No where, so far I have found nothing.” “Maybe I'll help you one of these days,” Hermione offered. Harry smiled. After dinner the couple went to an ice cream shop, where they each got a cone before Harry walked Hermione to the bookshelf. The street they were walking on was a rather dark one and not many people were traveling upon it. Hermione had an uneasy feeling about it. “So, I was wondering if you would like to have dinner at my house this weekend, I know my roommates are dying to meet you. “How many roommates do you have?” Harry asked. “Four, and only one of them is a girl I might add.” “So this is the equivalent of introducing me to your older brothers that are going to give me the `If you hurt her in any way' speech?” “They're not that bad,” Hermione said, “Ok, they are but you should be honored, I would only introduce the guys that I was really interested in.” “Well in that case, I will come,” Harry said, “Better sooner then later.” There was sudden load noise the startled them, Hermione quickly made sure her wand was in reach. “Stupefy,” was heard as the curse was cast and Harry was hit with it. It wasn't enough to knock him out but he was certainly dazed. Hermione whipped her wand out as five men in dark robes advanced on them, each with a white mask. Death Eaters. Three of them moved to take on Hermione as she was separated from Harry. Hermione managed to protect herself with shields and counter curses. She could help but to think that Harry could die, and all because of this stupid war with a barely alive Dark Lord and Hermione managed to be on a hit list because she was in the resistance group, The Order of the Phoenix. “Leave her,” one of the Death Eater who was overseeing Harry, “We've got the blood of the enemy, we are not suppose to kill anyone.” And with that they apperated away. Hermione immediately raced over to where Harry was slumped against a wall. He had a huge gash on his right forearm and another one above is right eyebrow, He was still conscious but still dazed. “What the bloody hell was that all about, why'd they want my blood? Are you hurt?” Harry managed to say. “I'm fine,” Hermione brushed away some hairs away from the cut on his forehead, she suddenly noticed something else, “How long have you had this scar?” she asked tracing it with her thumb. “Oh that, I've had it all my life.” Harry managed to see the look on Hermione's face, “What is it?” “You're Harry Potter.” She said in a barely audible whisper. “Yeah, that was my name before I was adopted. I think I'm going to pass out now.” And with that Harry slipped into oblivion. `Oh that's great' Hermione thought, He'd probably got a concussion. I fall in love with the most amazing person, and I am about to screw up his life because he is Harry Freaking Potter.' Hermione quickly apperated him to one of the spare bedrooms at Grimmauld Place and quickly healed Harry's injuries before rushing down to the kitchen where they kept the potions. She needed to make sure Harry didn't suffer from a concussion. The rest of Hermione's roommates were in the kitchen eating their dinner. “Back so soon?' Ginny asked, but then they noticed Hermione had been crying, “What's wrong?” “I'll be back in a minute and I'll tell you,” Hermione said grabbing the potion she needed and a phial of sleeping draft. Hermione raced back upstairs and thankfully no one followed her. ~*~ Hermione made her way back into the kitchen where everyone was waiting. “So what happened?” Ron asked. “We were attacked.” Hermione said, “There were five Death Eaters.” “Was it a random attack or were they after you?” Remus asked. “Neither, they were after Harry, they said something about `Blood of the Enemy'” Hermione explained. “We have to tell Dumbledore about this.” Sirius said moving for the fire place. “No,” Hermione shouted, “Not yet at least. He need time to find out who he is, we can't have Dumbledore shoving him into this war.” “Shove who into this war?” “Harry,” Hermione explained, “I don't know why I didn't see it before. I mean I have seen pictures of James. Merlin it all makes sense now.” “Well I glad it does to one of us Mione,” Ron said, “care to elaborate.” “There was a gash on his forehead and that's when I saw the scar,” Hermione looked directly at Remus and Sirius, “It's Harry, Harry Potter.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. Revealed Chapter Three Revealed Harry groaned as he woke from his sleep the next morning. He half expected to wake up in a hospital, but his thoughts drifted to the event that happened the night before. Then there was Hermione who knew who he was even though he could have sworn he never told her his real last name was `Potter'. When he opened his eyes the first thing he saw was Hermione, who had fallen asleep in a chair beside the bed. She looked so peaceful sleeping like that. Harry shifted in the bed and started to look for his glasses. Hermione woke when she heard him move. “I didn't mean to wake you.” Harry said quietly. “It's alright,” Hermione replied reaching for his glasses and handing them to Harry, “there is a lot we have to talk about anyway.” “I guess you were trying to hint something when you mentioned the supernatural.” Harry said with a smile, and then examined his forearm which was now completely healed. “More like magic,” Hermione said. “Well I wasn't exactly letting on that weird `supernatural' things have happened to me before.” “I guess we should come clean than, no more secrets, because I have to say, I hold many that concern you.” Hermione said cautiously. Harry could see then fear on her face as she refused to look at him. “Why are you afraid?” Harry asked. “I'm afraid that after I tell you all I know, you might blame me for ruining your life.” “Come on, it can't be that bad,” Hermione still didn't look at him, “what ever it is good or bad, I know it's not your fault. I won't blame you for anything.” Hermione looked into his eyes and saw the truth in them, “Just start at the beginning.” And Hermione started the tale. ~*~ “Wow, that's a lot to take in,” Harry said as he was looking through the photo albums that Remus and Sirius dug out for Hermione to show Harry. “If you want to be alone…” “No, I'd rather have someone I care about to be here with me.” Harry said. “You mean that?” “Of course I do,” Harry said, “I don't know what made me go into that bookshop of yours, but I'm sure glad I did.” “Well I have to say, I'm glad you came in as well.” At that moment they both leaned in for a kiss, both sweet and pure. When they pulled away they were both smiling. “Well, I can safely say you don't want me for my fame,” Harry said. “No, I don't, but you have to acquire said fame first, as of yet, only five people including myself know you are alive. Well except for the enemy.” “You mean you haven't screamed to the whole world that you're in love with the Harry Potter?” Harry asked. “No, I told everyone to keep their mouth shut until you were comfortable with everything.” “Ah ha!” “What?” “You didn't deny it.” “I didn't deny what?” “That you're in love with me.” “Oh,” Hermione blushed, “Are you hungry? Because I'm starving.” And Hermione started for the door with a smile on her face and Harry following behind her. ~*~ And hungry they were. It was nearly noon when they ventured to the kitchen. And even though it was Thursday, everyone was still home. “What are you guys doing here?” Hermione asked when she entered the kitchen; Harry said he would be there in a minute. “We all took the day off.” Ginny said. “Actually, I stayed up all night researching. Something caught my attention about your attack last night. If I'm not mistaken one of them said they had `the blood of the enemy'. I think they are going to resurrect Voldemort.” Remus said. “Is that even possible?” Harry asked as he entered the kitchen. The other five remained silent. “Well if the Death Eaters are even trying it, then I guess it is; Voldemort is probably the one giving them instructions.” Hermione said. “Guys this is Harry, as I'm sure you already know.” Ron and Ginny gave a quiet hello while Sirius stood up, walked over to Harry and put his hands on Harry's shoulders. “You don't know how much I regret doing the things I did to get myself in Azkaban causing you to stray away from this world, but I'm glad you're back.” He said. “I did come here to find out who I was and who my family was, and now I've found it.” Harry said. “We did contact Dumbledore,” Remus said, Hermione was about to say something in objection but was stopped, “I know you didn't want to tell the Order that Harry was here yet, but it would be irresponsible for us to keep the fact the Voldemort may have been given a new form. There is going to be a meeting here later this afternoon.” “He right Hermione,” Harry said, “As weird as all this is for me, it somehow seems right.” “As long as you are ok with it, I guess I can't stand in your way.” Hermione said. “Where are you staying?” Remus asked Harry. “At a Hotel actually,” “Well not anymore, you'll stay here with us,” Sirius said, “No Godson of mine will be sleeping at a hotel while there is a perfectly good bed upstairs that's free.” He paused, “I'd give you the `If you hurt Hermione' speech, but if you are anything like James, I have hardly anything to worry about.” ~*~ Order Members started showing up while Harry and Hermione were gone to retrieve Harry's belongings from the Hotel. The Order of the Phoenix had come together once again after the Death Eaters had reformed themselves nine years before. So far they proved to be a slippery fiend. “This meeting is now called to order. It appears that Remus has found some valuable information.” Dumbledore said giving Remus the floor. “Last night Hermione and a very special friend of hers were attacked by a group of five Death Eaters.” Remus heard some people, namely Molly Weasley gasp, “They are fine, but Hermione overheard one of them say they had `the blood of the enemy', with this I believe that they are trying to give Voldemort a new form, to finally resurrect him.” “Who's blood so they have?” Someone asked. “At first you would think that any one of us would be in that category of `enemy' but it is the one who cause Voldemort to fall in the first place.” Remus continued. “You don't mean…” there was a crash coming from the front hall followed by laughing. Dumbledore could be seen with that twinkle in his eyes. “Good news and bad news all at the same time.” Dumbledore said. “A cause for celebration wouldn't you say.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. Welcome Back Potter Chapter Four Welcome Back Potter “What are you doing up here?” Hermione had noticed that Harry had slipped away from the `party' later that evening. “Hiding. I guess things down there just got a little overwhelming.” Harry said while looking through some more photo albums. “That's understandable.” Hermione said, “I'm really sorry you have to go through all that.” “Don't be sorry, it's not your fault.” “I know, but I can't help think that I've thrown you into this mess.” “Hermione look at me, you are not at fault for anything except falling for a guy like me.” Harry said. “He's right you know,” The two looked up and in the doorway was Dumbledore, “Forgive my intrusion, but I thought it best if I spoke to the two of you away from the party downstairs.” “Please come in Professor.” Harry said as Dumbledore continued into the room. “I know this is all very new to you, but I would like to talk to you about your education.” “My education?” Harry asked. “You would like to learn to use magic wouldn't you?” “Yeah, I'd love to,” Harry said eagerly, “But It'll take years to get where I'm supposed to be.” “Normally yes, but I think we can work something out. We do have a very talented and knowledgeable witch at our disposal.” Dumbledore said looking to Hermione. “Me? Teach Harry?” Hermione asked shocked. “Some of the Professors will also be able to help over the summer.” “You mean at Hogwarts? Hermione asked. “Of course, where else would you learn magic?” Dumbledore replied. “Forgive me Albus. But I do have my bookshop, I can't just leave it.” Hermione said. “I understand completely, it's your pride and joy. You can floo in whenever you want. I'm sure you can find someone to help out at the shop.” “You don't have to come if you see it's a problem Hermione.” Harry said to her. “No, I want to do it, really I do. I can ask Ginny. She's helped me out before.” Hermione said. “Well then, that settled. I'll tell the others that you've both retired for the night.” Dumbledore said, “Perhaps we can arrange for the both of you to come to Hogwarts on Monday.” Harry and Hermione both agreed and bid the Professor good night. ~*~ “You're late!” Lucius Malfoy shouted at his five fellow brothers when he first caught sight of them, “Did you get what was required?” One of them held out a large vial filled with blood. “We had trouble, but we got it none the less.” “Trouble? What trouble?” Lucius asked. “He wasn't at the right location.” “Where was he located?” “London.” Lucius was shocked at the news. “There was a witch with him.” “You took care of the witch didn't you?” “Your orders were no to kill anyone.” “The order was under the assumption that the boy was were we put him!” The others flinched, “The Master will not be pleased if the Wizarding World finds out that Harry Potter is alive. We shall have to make a visit to the Paxton's, reward them for their lack of control over the boy!” ~*~ “So what's on the agenda today?” Harry asked Hermione over breakfast. “I thought we could go to Diagon Alley, you need to get yourself a wand.” Hermione replied. “Sounds good. You wouldn't happen to have a phone around do you?” Harry asked. “Yes we do, we hardly use it though. Ron can't figure the thing out no matter how hard he tries. Why do you need it?” “I haven't called my parents in a while. In fact I haven't called them at all since I've been here.” At this point the other four housemates started coming in the kitchen. “I never thought to ask any questions about my real parents. I never had a reason to. But then while I was at University I started to have these dreams. It was always the same, there would be this flash of green light and someone screaming and someone else laughing. Somehow I knew it had something to do with my real parents. But whenever I went home, I meant to ask if then knew anything about my real parents, but for some reason I found a reason not to ask. Then one say, when they weren't at home, I snuck into the house and found my adoption papers. That is when I found out my name was Potter and that the adoption took place in London. When I saved enough money, I came here. All I left was a letter to them, telling them that I was gone to find out who I was. The rest you know.” “Well, you can't call them now.” Hermione said bluntly, Harry looked at her, “Time difference, they're probably asleep.” ~*~ It was about noon before Harry and Hermione set out for the Leaky Cauldron. “Now you have to remember that everyone believes that Voldemort is gone for good, so it's best if you don't say anything about it.” Hermione said. “Fine by me.” Harry replied. “And try not to freak out if people recognize you.” “Yes dear,” Harry said with a smirk. “Oh hush,” They finally arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. “Business must be great for the place.” Harry said. “I guess, most people do stop by here before going to Diagon Alley.” Hermione said, “Let's go to Ollivander's first.” Luckily no one paid them any mind at the Leaky Cauldron. Getting through the wand process was interesting enough. If Harry wasn't nervous enough already, the fact that Mr. Ollivander knew who he was right off the bat, Harry restrained himself from being down right freaked out. Something about Mr. Ollivander spooked Harry a bit. Harry received a very interesting wand, or curious as Mr. Ollivander put it. Apparently Harry received the brother wand of Voldemort himself, which gave Harry a sick feeling in his stomach. After that they went to Florish and Blott's to pick up some books. Hermione had offered her old school books for Harry to use sot they didn't have much to get. “Watch it Mudblood!” said a voice as Hermione accidentally knocked into someone on the way out. “So terribly sorry Malfoy,” Hermione started sarcastically, “I should have been able to smell your pureblood nobility a lot sooner then I did, with its foul stench and all.” “You'd better tread carefully Mudblood, you wouldn't want any accidents.” And with that the blonde haired man walked to the back if the shop, while Harry and Hermione continued on outside. “What was that about?” Harry asked. “Oh that was Malfoy, he was in the same year, Slytherin though. Bullied Ron and me all through school.” Hermione explained. “And what does it mean, what he called you?” “Mudblood? It's just a foul name for those of Muggle parentage. Some `purebloods' think we're not worth to learn or use magic because our blood is dirty, tainted. I've learned to not let it bother me.” The rest of the afternoon passed quickly as they browsed through the shops. Hermione was telling Harry odd things here and there about the Wizarding World. ~*~ Harry decided to call his parents after dinner. The phone rang three times before someone answered. “Hey Mathews, how do these things work again, it just started ringing.” Said a voice at the other end. Harry was confused, “Hello? Who's this?” “Give me that Mitch. Hello?” said the female voice. “Have I got the wrong number, I was trying to reach my parents.” Harry asked. “You're parents were Peter and Rachel Paxton?” “Were? Yes they ARE!” “I'm sorry to this over the phone. There's been an incident.” “An incident? What's happened?” Harry asked, Hermione was already at his side after it was obvious that something was wrong. “The Ministry detected high levels of magic in the strict muggle part of the city. What a witch and a wizard were doing, living amongst the muggles is beyond me, but it's not my business. A couple of people were sent to investigate. I'm sorry Mr. Paxton but there was an attack at your parent's house last night…” Harry couldn't hear anything else, the phone slipped from his grasp. “Harry, what happened?” Hermione asked. “Harry?” She received no reply. Hermione picked up the receiver. Hermione spoke to Auror Mathews, how long Harry did not know. He barely noticed Sirius come into the room where Hermione told him that his parents were killed. He hardly noticed the weekend slip by as he headed home to deal with everything. But he did notice that Hermione was there, every step of the way. It was hard to learn the truth. That his parents weren't who he thought they were. That they were Wizard's who were supposed to keep Harry away from the Magic World. Harry was torn with being sad that he lost his parents and hurt and angry from betrayal. And he wouldn't forget the words cursed into the wall of his parents house “Welcome Back Potter!” ~*~ A/N: Well, I finally updated. Sorry it's taken so long, I will try to do better with my updates. I really do appreciate all you reviews, I love the amount that I have received. Anyway keep on reviewing, ok!! Sk8erWitch