A/N - there will only be two chapters left in this series (after this one) but I've introduced something in this instalment that may be a story on its own. I'll see whether it can be developed or not in my head (I have an idea but it means action and suspense, which I find really hard to write…). Anyway, hope you enjoy this. Thank you for my reviews and sorry the chapters are taking so long to come out (I actually have to work at work now instead of write - what's with that?). Merry Christmas everyone!
First Train Ride to Hogwarts
Red hair clashing with black - the combination brought a soft smile of remembrance to Hermione as she watched her daughter talk conspiratorially with Artie Weasley, the eleven year old son of Ron and Luna. The two were as thick as thieves and seeing them together usually meant trouble - they were both too much like their fathers.
Hermione's eyes drifted over to her other child, quietly sitting off to the side of the garden with eight year old Snow, the blond, blue eyed replica of Luna, and Henry, who was only four, the perfect combination of both his parents, and who doted on his older sister with fanatic adoration, following Snow everywhere.
Right now Kimberly and Snow were reading with Henry watching on curiously (something that happened extremely regularly) and were therefore caught up in their own world of fantasy and imagined adventure, totally unaware of what their siblings were planning just a few feet away.
Hermione, however, had some idea.
Smiling, she put her feet up onto the old bucket that was doubling as her footstool, and took another sip of wine.
"Should we stop this now?" Luna asked from the other deck chair.
"Not too sure," Hermione replied lazily, "do you think there'll be tears?"
"Artie has been to Fred and George's…"
Enough said.
"Erin!" Hermione called, chuckling to herself when both Erin and Kimberly looked up, "can you come here for a minute darling!"
Noting the scowl on her young daughter's face, Hermione put herself into mother mode and tried to look stern. Erin Potter was eleven going on eighteen, with a mass of black, unruly, messy curls that hallowed her head with reckless abandon. Dressed in her ever present jeans and a t-shirt, her womanly curves still hidden in youth, she walked over with a confidence well above her years.
"What is it mum?" the young girl asked impatiently.
"Leave your sister and Snow alone," Hermione told her.
"We weren't going to do anyth…"
"Erin…"
Hermione watched Erin blush as she realised she had been caught; then her fight returned.
"But they're just reading!" she exclaimed, "school starts tomorrow and all we'll be doing is reading! We just wanted to…"
"No."
"Fine," Erin conceded, her scowl returning, "we'll leave them alone to read their stupid books."
As Erin stomped off to her waiting mischief maker, his disappointment that what ever they had been planning wouldn't eventuate already showing on his face, Hermione sighed a contented sigh while Luna chuckled at her side.
It was August thirty-first and tomorrow Erin and Kimberly will be catching the train to Hogwarts, along side Artie and his older cousins Jean-Luc and Marie, Bill and Fleur's two children. Since the Potter girls had grown up at Hogwarts and called the castle home, it was decided that they all stay overnight at Ron and Luna's, enabling them to catch the Hogwart's Express just like any other first year.
But Erin and Kimberly weren't like any other first years, they were the daughters of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.
The smile left Hermione's face.
Vengeance for the death of Lord Voldemort had begun almost immediately, with the Dark Side understandably blaming Harry for their demise. The spurts of violence had been haphazard and seldom over the years, the seemingly random attacks were quashed almost immediately without causing much concern in the restored Ministry.
Then it all became more personal. Then threats were made against Erin, Kimberly and the three Weasley children. That changed everything.
"When do you think the boys will be here?" Hermione suddenly asked.
"I thought they'd be back by now," Luna answered with only the tiniest bit of worry tinting her voice.
"I hate this," Hermione grumbled, recognising her own worry.
"What?"
"Worry. Fear," Hermione listed, her eyes never leaving the group of children playing in the back yard, "it was supposed to be over, our children weren't supposed to go through what we did…"
"It is different this time," Luna stated strongly, "our little ones are prepared and capable. No harm will come to them."
"How can you be so sure, Luna?"
"Because they are our babies," Luna said, looking at Hermione with a fire in the depth of her large, blue eyes, before going back to watching the playing children, sipping on the strange fruit cocktail she had in her hands.
Hermione didn't say anything else, she didn't need to, and instead took a long sip of her wine, her own gaze looking and the five friends chasing each other around the garden.
The decision to catch the train wasn't made lightly with the Hogwart's Express being extremely vulnerable during the long trip from London to Scotland. In the end, after major debate, it was decided to let the trip happen - with precautions. The final argument had come from Harry himself, that Erin and Kimberly would probably have it tough enough, what with their parents being teachers at the school, and it was that first train ride where you got to meet the others in your year. And, Harry reminded them all, it was that first train ride where he met Ron. And Hermione.
So now Harry and Ron plus various members of the Order were working on security.
And they were late. Hermione finished her wine.
"Maybe we should start dinner," she suggested.
"Yes, lets," Luna agreed, "I'm sure Ronald is one with all that is mighty when it comes to food. As soon as it hits the table, he walks through the door."
"Ron has always had a thing with his stomach," Hermione chuckled as she stood.
"Sometimes it can be quite unnerving," Luna smiled, also standing and making her way to the house. Hermione went to follow, calling out to the children as she did so.
"Come on you lot," she yelled, "time to wash up and help with dinner!"
Laughing as the hoard rushed past her to get to the house, Hermione tried to let her earlier discontent disappear. Preparing the dinner went a long way to doing that. With all five young hands doing something, the chatter and laughter put all thought of fear out of her mind. Hermione loved this time, seeing her girls not think twice about helping out making the family meal all the while laughing and joking.
It was established quite early on that Harry was the cook in the family and while they took turns at attending the official meals in the Great Hall of Hogwarts, every weekend and out of term, they had family meals where they all helped out in some way but Harry was the one that usually put it all together. Ron and Luna did the same with their brood so when the two families got together, the many hands made light work of the evening meal. And, by mutual group consent, Hermione never got the job of the actual cooking. She didn't mind, not in the least.
It wasn't until the last plate of steaming hot food was put on the table that the worry returned - Harry and Ron were still missing. She sat at her usual place, aware of the empty spot beside her, but smiled reassuringly to her daughters at the other side of the table, knowing they were picking up on her concern.
They were just about to say their prayer of thanks when the kitchen door swung open and the two men they were waiting for walking into the room. Immediately the table erupted into cries of welcome as the various children went to hug their fathers. Hermione just watched and smiled, waiting for her turn as her husband gave their girls a hug and a kiss.
When order was re-established and the kids made their way back to their seats, Hermione returned Harry's kiss and touched his cheek briefly with a soft caress of worry.
"Is everything alright?" she asked quietly.
"As alright as we can get it," he replied, taking her hand from his face and kissing it gently.
"Ugh!" Erin exclaimed from across the table, "would you two just stop doing stuff like that?"
"I agree totally," Ron added from the head of the table, "it's nearly enough to put someone off their food…"
"But not you, right daddy?" Snow asked sweetly.
"No, not me," Ron replied, looking at his daughter fondly as he reached for the bowl of potatoes, "I'm famished!"
"Ronald!" his wife admonished, "not until with give thanks!"
"Right," Ron mumbled, putting his hand back in his lap while Luna reached out and took the hand of the still chuckling Hermione, who in turn held Harry's hand to her right and waited for the circle to be complete before bowing her head slightly.
"Artie," Luna said softly, "it is your turn, little warrior."
"Yes mum," the small boy said, "to all that is light, thank you for the food, and for mum and dad, and Snow and Henry, and Uncle Harry and Auntie Hermione, and Erin and Kimberly, and Grandpa and Grandma, and Uncle Charlie and Auntie…"
"Son, if you go through the whole family, we'll be here until next week," Ron interrupted with a smile.
"Oh," Artie said thoughtfully, "yeah, you're right. Okay, thank you to all the Weasley's and Grandpa Lennie and um, thank you for letting us go to Hogwarts tomorrow. Blessings."
Hermione was adding her own thanks that her family were safe and hope that they remained that way when she felt Harry squeeze her hand gently. She looked at him and saw her own fears reflected in his eyes. She knew they wouldn't discuss what ever had conspired that day until the children were safe in bed and out of earshot, but something in his face told her there had been developments.
All that, however, had to wait as the Potter's and Weasley's enjoyed their meal. Conversation was dominated by the kids, telling their father's how they had spent their day. It was near the end of dinner, when bowls of ice cream were being finished off, that Ron brought up the subject of Hogwarts.
"So," the red head started, leaning back in his chair, "you lot ready for the Hogwart's Express?"
"Yep," said Erin.
"Oh, yes. Definitely," said Kimberly.
"It's gonna be wicked!" said Artie with a grin.
"I wanna go!" wailed Snow, her eyes pooling with tears.
"Not yet snowflake," Luna soothed from her place at the opposite end to Ron, "you have to stay and keep Henry and I company."
This seemed to placate the eight year old somewhat who went back to eating her ice cream in resigned silence.
"Your dad was telling me about this rule book you two made up to keep your mum and dad in check," Ron continued, gently running his hand down his daughter's head in comfort before looking at the twins.
"That's right," Kimberly told him, her eyes shinning with enthusiasm, "it's to make sure we're not treated any differently. I mean, this is hardly precedent - students going to Hogwarts when their parents are their teachers…"
"Not to mention our dad is the head of Gryffindor…" added Erin.
"And deputy head!" concluded Kimberly with pride - everyone turned to Harry.
"Of course, we can't forget that now, can we," Ron smirked as Harry blushed slightly, "the youngest deputy head in hundreds of years, after being the youngest teacher in hundreds of years…"
"Don't forget daddy was the youngest Quidditch house player in over a century as well," Kimberly chirped in eagerly - Hermione had to hide her smile behind her hand.
"I'm going to play Quidditch this year," Erin stated defiantly, "just like dad did!"
The table went silent.
"You can't play Erin," Kimberly told her sister, "first years can't have their own broom…"
"Dad did," Erin countered, "Aunt Minerva bent the rules for him. You'll let me try out for the team using my own broom, won't you dad?"
Hermione turned to her husband and waited for his reply. They had discussed the issues of Quidditch many times. Though still not able to fly like he used to, Harry could now fly as well as the next wizard and his love for the air had been passed down to his daughter. Hermione often watched Erin and saw Harry's recklessness in her that often terrified the land-bound mother on more than one occasion. It reminded her of all the times she watched Harry play Quidditch and how her heart had always been in her mouth until he landed safely on the ground.
Now she was going through the same thing with her daughter.
Trouble was, Erin was talented and it was something she loved to do. Those two things seemed to counter-act the danger flying created and Hermione had found herself consenting to letting Erin fly when every protective bone in her body told her she shouldn't. At least Kimberly hated to fly as much as her mother.
"You know he won't!" Kimberly argued before either Harry or Hermione could say anything, "it's in the rules! Mum and dad aren't allowed to treat us any different than any other student!"
"I know the rules!" Erin fired back, "but this is special! It's Quidditch!"
"So? It's too dangerous, isn't it mum?"
Both turned to Hermione, identical expressions of anger masking their faces as they waited for an answer. Hermione gave it.
"Erin is allowed to try out for the Quidditch team…" she started, pausing as Erin punched the air with glee while Kimberly started to pout, "…on a school broom, just like any other first year."
"A school broom?" Erin moaned, "but they're rubbish! Dad!"
Erin's appeal to her father made Hermione turn to Harry once more and wait for his response, hoping that he won't give in to the look of longing on his little girl's face and the added knowledge that Erin on her own broom would be a real asset to the Gryffindor team (there was no doubt in either parent's mind that the feisty child would be a Gryffindor - her sister, however, they weren't so sure).
"We all agreed on the rules, pumpkin," Harry finally replied, "and that means you can try out on a school broom. No special treatment."
"But…"
"Erin," Harry warned and Erin held her tongue; Ron's chuckle made the whole Potter family remember they weren't alone at the table - Hermione sent an apologetic look to Luna, who just smiled back.
"What other rules are there?" Snow asked, interested.
"Oh, things like we can't call mum and dad mum and dad but Professor," Kimberly answered, returning back to informant mode, "and they can't hug us or anything parent like while we're at school. And they can't single us out, or pick on us or tell cute stories about when we were kids or anything like that."
"And they can only help us out with other students if we ask for it," Erin added, before scowling and looking at Hermione, "I still reckon we should be allowed the invisibility cloak though."
Hermione inwardly sighed. Erin had been badgering about being allowed the cloak ever since she was told that it would be staying in the Potter Tower.
"You are not getting the cloak," Hermione informed her daughter.
"Dad had it at our age," Erin argued for the hundredth time, "even you used it now and then with dad and Uncle Ron! It's not fair that we don't get to use it!"
"Yeah, but mum and dad and Uncle Ron got into loads of trouble using the cloak," Kimberly piped up, "they could've easily been killed hundreds of times, or even worse - expelled!"
"Your sister is right, Erin," Hermione started but paused when she heard a loud snigger from Harry, "what?" she asked as she turned to him.
"Kimberly is so much like you sometimes, it's scary," Harry smirked. Hermione gave him a frown as she looked between her husband and her daughter.
"Don't you recognise what Kim just said, Hermione?" Ron chuckled, "come on! You remember everything!"
"No…" Hermione said as she thought hard, trying to recall something that obviously Ron and Harry remembered.
"You said pretty much the same thing to us," Harry told her fondly, draping his arm over her shoulders in a half hug, "the night we met Fluffy back in our first year."
Hermione cast her mind back to the time before she was friends with Harry and Ron, remembering their little foray into the forbidden corridor and their first encounter with Hagrid's pet. They were right, she had said nearly the exact words to the boys.
Her eyes began to tear as she looked back over at the twins, both watching her with concerned interest. Tomorrow her babies were going to Hogwarts to learn, to start the journey she had started twenty years before. Would her children have the adventures she did? Hermione hoped not. In her head, she knew it wouldn't be the same for Erin, Kimberly and Artie as it was for Harry, Ron and herself but in her heart there were too many similarities - a trio of kids with a threat hanging over them.
This time, however, they weren't alone. This time it wasn't an orphan, a poor boy and a muggleborn struggling to work things out on their own. This time the trio had help.
She would not let any harm come to her babies.
By the time all the children were in bed, it was late. The news that Hermione, Tonks and Ginny were joining them on the train was met with groans but accepted. It wasn't until the adults were alone that Hermione learnt what was going on and the security planned for the following day's trip.
Members of the Order would relay in groups of three, flying above the train to keep watch for any disturbances while the three women patrolled the inner carriages. The head boy and girl, both very capable young people, would tell the prefects to note any strange behaviour and to tell any one of the adults on the train.
Hermione had followed Harry to their room both satisfied that every measure had been taken to ensure the safety of the girls and every other student on the train and saddened that these measures had to be taken at all.
With an unspoken understanding, the couple made their way to their daughters' room that sat next to theirs. Ron and Luna kept the two rooms especially for the Potters, who stayed on a pretty regular basis. Harry cracked open the door and together they looked at the figures of the girls, sleeping in their twin beds.
Retreating, Hermione smiled as she once more thought of the blessings that were their children. They had nearly closed the door when one of the girls spoke.
"Dad?" she said quietly.
"Yes sweetie?" Harry answered, not sure who he was speaking to.
"Can we ask you a question?"
Harry and Hermione re-entered the room to see both girls were now sitting - Erin, with her curls dancing uncontrollably around her head while Kimberly's were held back by a plain band. They had turned on the bedside lights and were looking back at their parents, a maturity within them that sometimes scared Hermione.
"What is it?" Hermione asked as she and Harry sat down, one on each bed, "it's way past your bedtimes…"
"We know," Kimberly started.
"But we've been thinking," Erin continued.
"And talking. And we think we have the right to know…"
"…are we in danger?" they asked in unison.
Harry and Hermione shared a look that let Hermione know her husband was also amazed at just how smart the twins were and a concern at just how much they should tell them.
"We're doing everything we can to make sure you and everyone else on that train are safe," Harry said after a moment.
"But the Dark Side aren't after everyone else, are they?" Erin questioned, "they're after us."
"They are after all those that fought in the Last War," Harry explained, "not just you two…"
"But you and mummy, you were the ones that killed Lord Voldemort," Kimberly interrupted, "so that puts you in greater danger!"
"We're not stupid, you know," Erin added with a frown, "we know why you're spending so much time away from home and why mum is worried so much. It's because we're in the greater danger. Because of who we are."
"Erin…" Harry began.
"We don't want you and mum to die like your mum and dad did!" Kimberly spurted out, her tears beginning to fall, "we don't want you to die for us!"
"Oh, sweetie," Hermione cried, going to Kimberly and hugging her tightly, seeing Erin crawl out of her bed and snuggle into Harry, "we are doing everything we can to make sure it won't come to that."
"You both need to understand something," Harry started, his voice both soft but strong, making everyone look at him, including Hermione, "we love you both very much and we will do anything to ensure you are safe. But you're right, you are in danger - we all are - because of what has happened in the past. The trouble is, we can't change what's happened. We can't stop these people wanting to hurt us. What we can do is make sure they don't win by being diligent, smart and doing the best we can."
"Which means no sneaking around the castle at night," Hermione added, "no going out in the grounds without permission, no showing off about how high you can fly…"
"And no invisibility cloak," Erin conceded glumly.
"Right," Harry confirmed, "no invisibility cloak. Until these bad guys are caught, we all need to be careful. But your mum and I, we are a big part of this which does put us in danger…"
"…but you shouldn't worry," Hermione added, stroking Kimberly's hair, "it's not a good idea to go through life worrying about things that haven't yet happened…"
"You do," Erin stated calmly - Harry let out a small chuckle.
"Well, I'll make you two a deal," Hermione said quickly, knowing Erin was right, "I'll stop worrying about the future if you guys do…"
"…until there is something to worry about," Harry put in, "and then we'll work through it all together. Okay?"
The twins looked at each other and seemed to have a conversation without actually speaking. A few moments later they came to an agreement.
"Okay," Kimberly said, breaking away from Hermione and getting back into bed, Erin copying her.
"Now, you two get some sleep," Hermione instructed, tucking Kimberly in, "you both have a big day ahead of you tomorrow."
The twins did as they were told and said their goodnights for the second time that evening. Harry and Hermione made their way to their room and got ready for bed in silence, the late night conversation hanging in the air around them. It wasn't until they were in bed and she was snuggled safely in Harry's arms that they talked about what had gone on, both falling asleep with the knowledge that they would get through whatever was coming their way together, side by side. Like always.
The following morning saw the Potter family packed and waiting patiently while the Weasley's ran around, getting themselves ready for the trip to Kings Cross. Artie was still looking for stuff when the Ministry cars provided for them arrived, but it wasn't long before they were all sitting in the magically large cars and heading for London.
Platform nine and three-quarters was as busy as ever, with students and families saying their goodbyes while various animals watched on from cages. Hermione held onto Kimberly's hand tightly, her eyes scanning the platform warily while she continued to fire back the many greetings said to her by those she had taught the years prior.
They met up with Bill and Fleur and to anyone looking on, it seemed like a family catching up. Except this family were talking about the first shift of flyers consisting of Fred, George and Neville who would follow the train for the first leg before swapping with Harry, Ron and Remus. Arthur, Charlie and Kingsley were the third shift with Neville, Dean and Ron seeing the train into Hogsmead.
Hermione stood by as Harry said his goodbyes to the girls, telling them once more to take care and that he'd see them at Hogwarts before kissing Hermione gently as she ushered the twins, Artie and the other Weasley children onto the train.
It was the first time back on the train since her last trip home in their seventh year; it hadn't changed a bit. They found an empty compartment, settled in the various familiars (a Burmese cat named Bungey for Kimberly, a barn owl called Hobbes for Erin and a strange ginger moggy that looked scarily like Crookshanks but was named Shelley for Artie) then waited for Ginny and Tonks .
Marie and Jean-Luc, Bill and Fleur's two, were both prefects and left pretty quickly to attend their meeting at the front of the train. It wasn't long before Tonks stopped by, letting Hermione know Ginny was at the prefects meeting and that they should start their patrols. Hermione left the children and started to walk casually up and down the train, poking her head into some compartments and always ending up outside the one that housed the twins.
After what seemed an exceptionally long time, the train pulled into Hogsmead. Hermione saw Ron, Neville and Dean standing on the platform along side the huge figure of Hagrid. They were checking out the station as the hoards of kids began streaming off the train, eyes still peeled for the first sign of danger. Hermione held the trio back until the train was nearly empty and when Tonks and (the heavily pregnant) Ginny arrived to escort them all to the awaiting boats, they finally stepped off the train. Reluctantly Hermione handed the twins over to Hagrid who herded the first years away with gigantic sweeps of his massive hands. Ron, Neville and Dean took to the air once more to watch over the journey across the Black Lake while Hermione made her way to the castle, not totally relaxed until she would see the girls walk through the doors and into the Great Hall.
She arrived along with many of the senior students and quickly made her way to the teacher's table at the head of the Hall. Harry was already there but ready to fulfil his role as Deputy Head and begin the sorting ceremony. The fact he was talking to Ron and the others let Hermione know everyone was safe on Hogwarts grounds.
With a relieved sigh, she took her seat and waited with everyone else as Harry left the Hall to get the petrified first years (probably even more so, knowing that it would be the famous Harry Potter collecting them). A hush fell over the Hall as the great doors swung open and Harry led the group of eleven and twelve year olds through the massive House tables and to the front.
Her eyes fell onto Erin and Kimberly, Artie walking at their side, and a wave of pride flowed through her. Her daughters had grown up in the castle, eaten in the Great Hall when school wasn't in session, played with those they would now have to call teachers, but they walked along their peers looking slightly nervous and awe struck and without the arrogance Hermione had feared they might have, considering their position within wizarding society.
Harry made the introductions and the hat made its speech then one by one, Harry called the names of the new students up so they could be sorted into their new families. As they got closer to the letter 'P' Hermione found herself getting more and more nervous. Finally
"Potter, Erin," rang through the halls.
Erin walked up to the stool, her head held high with her mass of curls bouncing carelessly around her head. Only those who knew her could see just how scared the little girl was and how she relaxed just that little bit when Harry gave her a small reassuring smile. The hat touched her head for only a second before yelling -
"Gryffindor!"
With a grin, she ran off to join the table of clapping Gryffindors.
"Potter, Kimberly," was called next.
Hermione held her breath for her second daughter and recognised the nervous twitching of her hands. Kimberly's eyes sought out Hermione and this time it was Hermione's turn to give an encouraging smile. Kimberly sat down and Harry placed the old, wizened hat on her head.
The decision took a while as the hat had a little debate with itself, but in the end -
"Gryffindor!" was shouted out.
Hermione clapped loudly and Harry placed a congratulatory hand on his daughter's shoulder before she ran off to be with Erin. The twins would be together. Artie, of course, was also sorted into Gryffindor.
The feast began and ended with Hermione casting her eye every now and then at the Gryffindor table. The girls seemed to be fitting in well with the more boisterous Erin looking out for her shyer sister. As she made her way to the Potter Tower with Harry at her side, it felt strange that this time it would only be the two of them, for the first time in nearly twelve years.
She wondered around the Tower silently, ending up at the door of the girl's bedroom and looked at the twin beds sadly. They were growing up. Soon they would be leaving the Tower for ever to start their own lives, raise their own children…
"We knew it would happen one day, sweetie," Harry whispered in her ear as he cuddled her from behind.
"I know," Hermione admitted, "it's just that…"
"You'll see them tomorrow in class."
"I know," she sighed, "and I know I have it luckier than most parents - I get to see my children throughout the term. It's just, well, it feels empty here now."
"Yeah, it does," Harry echoed before squeezing her a bit more tightly, "but just think of it Hermione, a house to ourselves. We can finally spend some time together, just you and me," he swivelled her around so they were face to face, "you can finish writing your book about what we got up to when we were at school and I can, er, do nothing."
"I think we could find some things to occupy some of your time, Mr Potter," Hermione said, somewhat seductively.
"What would that be, Mrs Potter?"
"You'll see," she replied, kissing him gently on the lips, "thank you for getting them here safely."
"We have to still keep an eye out," Harry replied, a hardness returning to his eyes, "until these bastards are caught…"
"You'll catch them," Hermione told him confidently.
"I know," he agreed, before smiling slyly "so Mrs Potter, are you ready for bed?"
"It's a bit early, isn't it? It's only…oh!"
Hermione finally recognised the twinkle in her husband's eye and after a moment's thought she decided why not? With a very girlish giggle, she followed a very playful Harry to their bedroom where they celebrated their freedom with enthused passion.