The Witch the Snake and the Werewolf
This chapter is a semi cross over in the fact that Rupert Giles is a character from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Remus woke with a start from the pain in his ring finger and the calling of his name.
He looked around and found that he was completely alone in the waiting room. Then he heard what sounded like a guitar coming from a distance. Intrigued he followed the sound to a room that appeared to have been in Hermione’s old house. It was some sort of toy room with a little girl that looked a lot like Hermione when she was little with the exception of having blonde, straight hair. In the seat next to her was a tall man with dark brown hair and very blue eyes playing a guitar for her. All of a sudden he felt an arm pulling him away and into another room. Remus pulled away from black hair and green eyes.
“Harry, what in Merlin’s name are you doing?” he asked, slightly annoyed at his best friend’s son.
“You are wasting time, Remus. She is in trouble and she needs you,” he stated, pointing out of what appeared to be a cottage to the beach below. On the beach below them was Hermione covered in a thin veil with a red haired man with light blue eyes about twenty five, a man with blue-black hair with dark blue eyes about the same age as the previous man, a man with black hair and green eyes with the look of a Black, a young man with brown hair and hazel eyes, a man in his forties with brown hair and greenish brown eyes and wearing glasses, a man with dark blond hair with bluish gray eyes in his forties, and the tall man with light blue eyes he saw previously with the little girl surrounding her, standing guard. Somehow the names Bo, Shawn, Reginald, Ryan, Rupert and Basil pop into his mind out of nowhere.
“All they can do is protect her, but they can’t save her because they are not her true love and soul mate.” When Harry caught his confused look he said, “The curse, Remus, the curse!” impatiently.“It can only be broken by the kiss of true love! That is you! Now stop wasting time talking to me and go save her!”
Remus, still confused but concerned for Hermione, went down to the beach. The others walked away to give them privacy. Remus pulled the thin veil from her face and caressed it. Then he leaned down to her beautiful, full lips and softly kissed her. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. He took her in his arms and to the cottage where he laid her down on the bed and laid down next to her. His favorite witch snuggled closer to him as they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
The next morning
Hermione woke to find herself in Saint Mungo’s hospital for some reason.
She was also surprised to find the doll of Princess Briar Rose in her bed.
She rose, went to the loo, and almost screamed at the sight. The last thing she recalled was getting her things for her fourth year. Instead of seeing the big toothed, skinny girl with bushy hair she saw a woman with bushy hair, perfect teeth and a full and curvaceous body. It also appeared she had fuller lips and had grown five inches. When she returned to her bed she saw a discarded newspaper that had February 27th 2000. She lost six years. How on earth could she have lost six years?
She looked out the window and hallway to see if it was all clear. She then dressed herself in the suit that was in the closet, presumably what she was wearing when she got there, and her long jacket and gloves. The witch went through her pockets where she found a wallet, cell phone and a pair of keys.
She was not going to stay in the room when it could very well be some sort of trick or trap from Voldemort. He would have to try harder than that to get her. She picked up her Rose doll and looked at it curiously. It probably was enchanted somehow, but Morgan made it for her and she did not have the heart to leave it behind. She took the doll in her arms and Dissapparated to King’s Cross where she went through the barrier between worlds and took a cab home.
Remus woke to the sound of Tonks’ angry voice and Kinglsey’s peace-keeping tone talking with the head healer of the hospital. He saw that Harry, Ginny and Draco had gone.
“What kind of establishment do you run here? How could you allow a patient to wonder off like that?” he heard an angry Tonks say.
Then Kingsley said, “Tonks, I know you are upset, but yelling gets us no where. I fully expect them to do a thorough investigation into the matter. They know what it means to let a valued employee and friend of the Ministry disappear without explanation or knowledge of their whereabouts.”
Remus could hear the note of warning in his normally calm, deep voice. He was confused when he realized the powerful link that he shared with Hermione was now very weak, and it was difficult to figure out where she was. Worried, he went to her room to find her bed empty, her gown on the bed and the wardrobe closet open.
He peered in the wardrobe to find the clothing she had the day she was admitted gone. It was as if she simply woke up, got dressed and walked out on her own. Then his mind flashed back to his dream when he kissed her and she woke up. He believed it was only a dream, but now he was not so sure. His confusion had to wait; he needed to find his mate and be certain that she was all right.
***
Barty was once again bored and decided to peer through his mirror again. He stopped on the image of Azkaban when he saw something interesting.
***
Draco was in the waiting room waiting to be cleared to see his uncle, Rabastan. Barty could see that Rabastan had not changed one bit; he looked as defiant and haughty as he remembered. He just sat there, waiting for Draco to speak.
“I will not insult you with false tidings. I need to know what you and Hermione spoke about.”
“It is not important, Draco. Leave it be.”
“Yes, it is important, Uncle. It is the only lead we have to know why she is ill.”
He appeared surprised at that. “What happened?”
“No one knows. She collapsed without explanation right after she saw you. That visit is all we have to go on. Some might think you did something to her when she was in here.”
“Is that what you think, Draco?”
“I don’t know what to believe. I am willing to keep an open mind for her sake,” he replied.
“I can’t help you, Draco, but perhaps Rhiannon Blackburn can.”
It appeared that he wanted to say more but something was stopping him. “Sometimes the truth can hurt more than help, Draco. I just hope it is not one of these cases.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” Draco replied and left without another word, leaving a troubled uncle behind him.
***
Odd that he would mention her Muggle name and not the one that she was born with. She had died a year after his escape from the dreaded Kiss. Rabastan was informed of this fact, so why would he mention her? Did she know something that he was not aware of? Barty could not take the chance that his plans and secrets would be discovered. He would have to keep a closer eye on the young Malfoy.
Barty deduced that Draco would return to where he was living after the visit, and that was Grimmauld Place for the time being.
***
Draco entered the house with a puzzled look on his face. He walked up the entrance hall that was now decorated with paintings and photographs of the Granger family and friends to the stairs that led to the second floor. He ran into Remus who had come home to shower and change. Barty could see the shock when he was informed that Hermione had disappeared.
He turned to Remus and asked, “Does the name Rhiannon Blackburn mean anything to you, Remus?”
The older man stopped and turned. “Not at all, Draco, why do you ask?”
“Last night I heard Kingsley and Tonks talking. They said Hermione visited my uncle Rabastan before her mysterious collapse. I went to see him this morning. He did not say much except that he believed this Rhiannon could help.” Then he paused and said “ I never saw my uncle concerned for a Muggle-born before. That in itself it disconcerting. The other is that I never once heard Hermione utter that name to me before. Something really strange is going on here,” added Draco.
“Thank you, Draco. If you will excuse me I must go looking for my wife.” He left without another word.
He entered a room that had been converted to a study were he went to a modern looking desk. He opened the drawers, looking for something, possibly something that would have her numbers and names of those she knew. By the look on his face he was unsuccessful.
Barty watched the young man go up the stairs farther to the topmost landing and enter the master bedroom. He had a look on his face that said, ‘I know this might be wrong, but I have to do it anyway.’ He walked into the room that was all shades of blue; for what, Barty could only guess. There was a beautiful, long wardrobe against the left wall. In the center was a large, four poster bed with posts of the same wood of what the wardrobe and vanity were made out of. On the right side of the bed was a dressing table also of the same wood. There was a fireplace there as well with a round table and two chairs on either side. Draco went to this table and opened it. Inside, he found what he was looking for with a triumphant look on his face: a small, leather bound book. His expression turned to curiosity when he removed what appears to be an envelope that was used for Muggle mail. He turned it over and a locket with a plain wedding band, a charm bracelet, a set of keys, a form of identification that looked like a Muggle driver’s license, and a small leather book that appeared to have to do with Muggle banking fell out. He looked at them curiously before putting them back in the envelope and taking it and the book with him.
***
Hermione walked up to her home, holding Rose by the hand, getting odd looks from passersby. She was not concerned with what they might think of a girl in her twenties holding a doll. The dark haired witch was more concerned with getting home where things were familiar to regroup and figure out what to do. It was night by the time she arrived at the home that she grew up in. There was a small light on the garage door, but that was it. Hermione was confused when she saw the name on the post box had Po on it rather than Granger. Po? Mike? As if the universe had heard her question she saw a shadow in the house, and a figure opening the door.
Hermione was faced with the figure of Michaela-Angelika, a woman she had known since the age of five when her mother had worked for hers. She was still 5’6, and in braids, Asian eyes twinkling with knowledge.
“Hermione? What are you doing here in the dark? ”
“Mike? Can I come in? ”
“Of course,” she says as she moves aside to let her in.
Hermione could not understand it. It was her house, but everything was moved and changed reflecting Mike’s English, Chinese, Irish and Afro-Cuban heritage. What was Mike doing there? Where were her parents?
“Are you alright, Remi? You look so pale.”
Hermione knew enough to know that she was not all right, but what could she say?
Hermione took off her gloves and coat, sat down on the couch and sighed. “I am not feeling that well, Mike. A car hit me yesterday, and now I am having trouble remembering things. I am sorry to intrude, but I thought this house was still mine.”
Mike looked at her with concern. “Remi, why are you here and not in a hospital?”
“I was in a hospital, but I checked myself out,” replied Hermione, hugging her doll to her body.
“Remi, if you can’t remember some things maybe you should go back or at least allow me to call Max,” she said sitting next to her.
“Fine, call her, but I am not going back,” she replied as she lay on the couch. “And if you could call my mum and dad,” she added as she closed her eyes, arms around her doll. When she closed her eyes she missed Mike pale at the request for her parents.
***
Unknown hours later she heard the door open again and voices. She had not heard that voice in what felt like ages. She could smell the tea rose perfume that she was always fond of as she leaned over her and put her hand on her shoulder. Hermione opened her eyes to the very blue eyes and black hair of her friend and adopted cousin (though she never would openly acknowledge it) Maximillianna Blackburn-McKay. Max was in her customary blue, this time she was wearing a navy blue suit.
“Hello, Remi, love. Could I have a look at you?” she asked in a voice that still held a hint of Irish brogue.
Hermione nodded her head at her, and she smiled. Then she opened the medical bag that she had with her, removed her instruments and checked her over.
“Fit as a fiddle, as always. Why don’t you continue resting, eh? Your body has been through a lot and needs to regenerate.” Hermione smiled and pretended to close her eyes again with her doll to her chest.
Hermione could hear Max’s worried tone as she spoke to Mike.
“I don’t understand it; there is no physical explanation for her symptoms, and they do not coincide with someone that has been hit by a car. There were no marks on her to suggest she was hit, none at all. There obviously has been some sort of trauma for the spaces in her memory, and there is a scar that I have never seen before on her neck also; it almost looks like a bite mark. You say that she did not remember that you rent from her?”
“No, she didn’t. She looked surprised to see me, so lost; it was disturbing seeing her with that doll, holding it they way she did when she was little and she was upset. It must be that he is back; she would not have gotten Rose otherwise. ” The other woman said, a bewildered and concerned look on her face.
“This certainly is some cause for concern. The only way for someone to lose their memory like that is some sort of trauma.” Hermione heard her pause and say, “Wasn’t she living with someone? Could it be that something happened?”
“Yes, RJ Wolfe. I don’t know; I never met him or saw them together for that matter. I just know she was happy with him, and what his name is; rather that is the name he uses professionally,” replied Mike before she paused and said, “I don’t think that we should jump to conclusions; we don’t know what happened yet. I am sure that he is as worried about this as we are.”
“Is there a way to contact him? To at least inform him that she is here?”
“No, not that I am aware of. Some sort of eccentric from what I heard, does not even own a phone.”
“Too bad. Who has power of attorney over her when she is ill?”
“I do; that is if she has not changed anything,” replied Mike.
“We need to call her great uncle, aunt and cousins. They would want to know,” reminded Mike.
Hermione could hear the doctor sigh. To which Mike replied, “I know some of them don’t get along but they have a right to know.”
“Fine, but we should monitor things to be sure that she is not upset by them.
We need to take it easy on her, not put her in situations that would stress her. Too much upsetting information too soon would probably do more harm then good right now. Keep an eye on her; don’t let her out of your sight. I will be back tomorrow.” The doctor kissed Mike on the cheek and left.
Mike returned the kiss and locked the door behind her.
Hermione was confused at the fact that they would mention her Aunt Andi, Great Uncle Bowen and cousins and not her mother and father. Hermione sighed, held Rose to her and tried to get some sleep. She would talk to Uncle Rupert in the morning; he would probably know what was going on.
***
Regulus was sitting on the outside porch of his modest home, sipping coffee, a habit he fell into over the years in any weather that was upon him. He was in his long coat and leather gloves; he wore no hat. It was a time to reflect on things and, most often, how his life had gone so wrong. He could no longer remember if it was his own will or the will of the family that made him a Death Eater. It was such an honor, and he was proud until that night when he realized what a mistake he’d made in trusting the Dark Lord with his house -elf, Kreacher. He could still remember telling Kreacher to run and take the locket with him before taking the potion and being dragged under the water. The rescue and the months after were still hard to remember, and to state Merlin’s truth he did not want to. With the little he remembered he knew it was Dru, Ethan, Rabastan, and Barty JR. that had rescued him. Dru, Ethan and Rabastan helped him out of loyalty, honor or friendship; Barty however had another plan or plans in mind. He expected three favors in return to be named later.
He worked so hard to build his life separate from the wizarding world, to start fresh from the many mistakes he made in his youth, mistakes that he hoped to have left behind when he “died.” Barty Crouch, Jr. however didn’t let go and made certain that the deal he had made with him went through as he planned.
It was possible that Crouch was correct, and Hermione’s collapse was a byproduct of everything that had happened from her fourth year to her sixth year or possibly to the end of the war. According to the intelligence network he still had in the wizarding world, Hermione visited Rabastan Lestrange, the only other person in the world that knew that he was still alive besides Barty and his brother Sirius; Dru had passed on years ago. It was with Rabastan’s help that he was able to cover the tracks of his existence and of the name that he used then and the name he used now. It was after visiting him that she had her collapse that had no name or explanation.
He sighed and ran his fingers through his dark hair. He did not know what to do; if he helped her then Crouch would know, threatening the lives he was bound by honor to protect, and it would reveal that he was alive. Enemies would know where to look for him. He wished that Dru was still around; she always knew what to do in a tight situation. He walked into the kitchen where he found Rae making breakfast for Sirius. Rae was a lovely young woman with brown hair and green eyes, the exact green as her dear mother, Dru. She was a good friend and devoted nurse to Sirius. Regulus would be devastated if anything happened to her because of him.
Stupid human emotion. He was getting soft now, living among Muggles all this time. However, he could not bear anything happening to her or the rest of her brothers and sisters.
He then moved to the basement room where he kept Sirius like a dirty secret. The ceremony used to return him from the veil was lengthy and strenuous on all concerned, including Sirius. He did not remember very much in the beginning; he barely remembered how to stand up and function like a human being. It took many years for him to regain his memory, his sense of who he was and their relationship to each other.
There was a queen-sized bed in the center of the room to the left what was known as a walk in closet. To the left of the bed was a long, tall bookcase that had books of all kinds and DVDs that Rae would use to entertain Sirius. To the front of the bed was what was commonly known as an entertainment system with a television, VCR, and some sort of radio system. To the right was a round table and chairs that was used for meals. His brother was in pajama bottoms, sitting up in bed, hair pulled back reading ‘Dune’ as he walked in. His face that had been skeletal was returning to a healthier look; the haunted look in his eyes, however, was still there. Regulus did not blame him for thinking that way. He’d gone through a lot. Sirius fell back into letting his hair grow when he was in a dark mood. His hair and his beard had now reached his waist. The older probably wondered why the younger would even care if he lived or died, both having fought strongly on the opposite sides of the war. The young Death Eater really was not certain why he’d fought so hard to get Sirius back from the dead. Perhaps it was he was the last of his family, or he knew that he would fight to the death to protect Harry, Ginny and Hermione, or it was because he was lonely.
Sirius sensed him staring and looked up at him. “What do you want, Regulus?”
Regulus hesitated, a little worried at what he might do or how he would react when he told him. However he would want to know about this.
“I thought you might want to know that Hermione is ill and was admitted to Saint Mungo’s yesterday.”
Sirius looked at him with concern and anger at him. “What happened, and what did you have to do with it?”
Typical Sirius, blaming things on the Death Eaters in his first thought. “I don’t know what happened, and no I did not have anything to do with it.”
“You’re lying, brother. I can see it in your eyes.”
The conversation was interrupted when Rae brought in Sirius’ food. “Here you are, Mr. Samuel.”
“You’d better eat, brother; you need your strength,” Regulus said as he left an annoyed and concerned Sirius behind him.
***
Rupert Giles, or Giles to most people, was eating his breakfast when he heard the phone ring. Odd. Who would call at this hour? When he answered he heard the worried voice of Mike Po.
“Giles, I am sorry to disturb you so early.”
“Not at all, Mike, what can I do for you?” replied Giles.
“It’s Hermione; she is ill,” replied the young woman.
“Ill? What happened?” asked Giles, clearly concerned for his goddaughter.
“I don’t know, Giles. She would not tell me what was wrong; she is here at my house, resting. I knew if anyone could get through to her it would be you. And of course, to be peace keeper when the rest of the family is informed,” replied Mike, clearly apprehensive.
“Of course, Mike. I will be right there,” replied Giles and hung up.
It still hurt Giles to think of Dom and Brad Granger, his friends for many years. They were both so strong and full of life and had done nothing but serve the community, killed by pure-blood zealots for the “sin” of having a gifted daughter. Only for her would he return to the house that held such horrible memories. He found her and Mike in the kitchen, eating breakfast. Hermione had her hair pulled back in a ponytail and was in a cotton robe that she borrowed from Mike. Giles was rather startled to see Rose sitting in the chair next to her as if waiting patiently for her to return her attention to her. Mike gave him a concerned look and returned to her food. Of course, Mike was also concerned about him; the only way that Hermione could have gotten Rose back was if he gave it to her. Hermione could sense the eyes on her, and she looked up and smiled. She ran to him and gave him a hug that he returned with equal affection. “It is so good to see you, Uncle Rupert.”
“It is good to see you too, darling.” Mike rose and said that she needed to call her sister, Charlotte, and left the room.
Hermione watched her leave the room and sighed. Rupert smiled a sad smile, understanding the guilt of not being able to completely confide things to the people they cared about.
“So what really happened, love?” asked the older man with what he hoped was a calm voice.
“I really don’t know, Uncle Rupert. I woke up at Saint Mungo’s with no recollection of what happened to get me there. I was also shocked that I can’t recall the past six years. I quite frankly panicked and ran.”
Rupert put his hand over hers. “There is no reason to be afraid; the worst is over now.”
***
Remus was grateful that the bond was strong enough to follow and try to figure out where his mate had gone. He followed her to the Muggle town where she grew up, to the house she was raised in. He was happy to find her alive and well. However he could not help but feel irrational jealousy by the way this man was touching her.
He was suddenly reminded of the dream he had the privious night. It was strange to him that he knew this was Rupert Giles when he never met the man.
***
“What do you mean it is over now, Uncle Rupert?” asked Hermione.
Uncle Rupert? That is right her godfather, as indicated by the dream, if it was a dream at all.
“Voldemort is dead, love; there is no threat to you anymore,” replied her godfather.
“It’s over? Truly over?” she asked in a tone that revealed that she wanted to believe but was afraid to.
“Yes, love, it’s over,” Giles replied with a smile.
The most beautiful smile came over his mate’s face at the realization then fell again.
“Why did I lose six years if it was not some sort of curse?” asked Hermione, clearly confused.
“I don’t know love, but we will sort it out,” he replied, stroking her hair.
She lost six years? Bloody hell.
Rupert stiffened and turned.
“What is the matter, Uncle Rupert?” asked Hermione, confused at his reaction.
“There is someone out there. Stay here. I will be right back,” replied Giles as he went out to investigate.
Remus, realizing he was caught, put his hands up when the other man came out with a wand. Giles forced him inside at wand point to Hermione.
“Uncle Rupert, it is alright. This is Professor Lupin; a friend of mine,”
said Hermione, putting a hand on his wand arm.
“What are you doing creeping about, Professor?” asked Hermione.
Unbeknownst to them there was another figure, a man, watching the trio, pleased with himself.
The doll worked. Hermione is awake. Now the games will begin, he thought to himself with a dark smile.
Remus woke with a start from the pain in his ring finger and the calling of his name.
He looked around and found that he was completely alone in the waiting room. Then he heard what sounded like a guitar coming from a distance. Intrigued he followed the sound to a room that appeared to have been in Hermione’s old house. It was some sort of toy room with a little girl that looked a lot like Hermione when she was little with the exception of having blonde, straight hair. In the seat next to her was a tall man with dark brown hair and very blue eyes playing a guitar for her. All of a sudden he felt an arm pulling him away and into another room. Remus pulled away from black hair and green eyes.
“Harry, what in Merlin’s name are you doing?” he asked, slightly annoyed at his best friend’s son.
“You are wasting time, Remus. She is in trouble and she needs you,” he stated, pointing out of what appeared to be a cottage to the beach below. On the beach below them was Hermione covered in a thin veil with a red haired man with light blue eyes about twenty five, a man with blue-black hair with dark blue eyes about the same age as the previous man, a man with black hair and green eyes with the look of a Black, a young man with brown hair and hazel eyes, a man in his forties with brown hair and greenish brown eyes and wearing glasses, a man with dark blond hair with bluish gray eyes in his forties, and the tall man with light blue eyes he saw previously with the little girl surrounding her, standing guard. Somehow the names Bo, Shawn, Reginald, Ryan, Rupert and Basil pop into his mind out of nowhere.
“All they can do is protect her, but they can’t save her because they are not her true love and soul mate.” When Harry caught his confused look he said, “The curse, Remus, the curse!” impatiently.“It can only be broken by the kiss of true love! That is you! Now stop wasting time talking to me and go save her!”
Remus, still confused but concerned for Hermione, went down to the beach. The others walked away to give them privacy. Remus pulled the thin veil from her face and caressed it. Then he leaned down to her beautiful, full lips and softly kissed her. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. He took her in his arms and to the cottage where he laid her down on the bed and laid down next to her. His favorite witch snuggled closer to him as they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
The next morning
Hermione woke to find herself in Saint Mungo’s hospital for some reason.
She was also surprised to find the doll of Princess Briar Rose in her bed.
She rose, went to the loo, and almost screamed at the sight. The last thing she recalled was getting her things for her fourth year. Instead of seeing the big toothed, skinny girl with bushy hair she saw a woman with bushy hair, perfect teeth and a full and curvaceous body. It also appeared she had fuller lips and had grown five inches. When she returned to her bed she saw a discarded newspaper that had February 27th 2000. She lost six years. How on earth could she have lost six years?
She looked out the window and hallway to see if it was all clear. She then dressed herself in the suit that was in the closet, presumably what she was wearing when she got there, and her long jacket and gloves. The witch went through her pockets where she found a wallet, cell phone and a pair of keys.
She was not going to stay in the room when it could very well be some sort of trick or trap from Voldemort. He would have to try harder than that to get her. She picked up her Rose doll and looked at it curiously. It probably was enchanted somehow, but Morgan made it for her and she did not have the heart to leave it behind. She took the doll in her arms and Dissapparated to King’s Cross where she went through the barrier between worlds and took a cab home.
Remus woke to the sound of Tonks’ angry voice and Kinglsey’s peace-keeping tone talking with the head healer of the hospital. He saw that Harry, Ginny and Draco had gone.
“What kind of establishment do you run here? How could you allow a patient to wonder off like that?” he heard an angry Tonks say.
Then Kingsley said, “Tonks, I know you are upset, but yelling gets us no where. I fully expect them to do a thorough investigation into the matter. They know what it means to let a valued employee and friend of the Ministry disappear without explanation or knowledge of their whereabouts.”
Remus could hear the note of warning in his normally calm, deep voice. He was confused when he realized the powerful link that he shared with Hermione was now very weak, and it was difficult to figure out where she was. Worried, he went to her room to find her bed empty, her gown on the bed and the wardrobe closet open.
He peered in the wardrobe to find the clothing she had the day she was admitted gone. It was as if she simply woke up, got dressed and walked out on her own. Then his mind flashed back to his dream when he kissed her and she woke up. He believed it was only a dream, but now he was not so sure. His confusion had to wait; he needed to find his mate and be certain that she was all right.
***
Barty was once again bored and decided to peer through his mirror again. He stopped on the image of Azkaban when he saw something interesting.
***
Draco was in the waiting room waiting to be cleared to see his uncle, Rabastan. Barty could see that Rabastan had not changed one bit; he looked as defiant and haughty as he remembered. He just sat there, waiting for Draco to speak.
“I will not insult you with false tidings. I need to know what you and Hermione spoke about.”
“It is not important, Draco. Leave it be.”
“Yes, it is important, Uncle. It is the only lead we have to know why she is ill.”
He appeared surprised at that. “What happened?”
“No one knows. She collapsed without explanation right after she saw you. That visit is all we have to go on. Some might think you did something to her when she was in here.”
“Is that what you think, Draco?”
“I don’t know what to believe. I am willing to keep an open mind for her sake,” he replied.
“I can’t help you, Draco, but perhaps Rhiannon Blackburn can.”
It appeared that he wanted to say more but something was stopping him. “Sometimes the truth can hurt more than help, Draco. I just hope it is not one of these cases.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” Draco replied and left without another word, leaving a troubled uncle behind him.
***
Odd that he would mention her Muggle name and not the one that she was born with. She had died a year after his escape from the dreaded Kiss. Rabastan was informed of this fact, so why would he mention her? Did she know something that he was not aware of? Barty could not take the chance that his plans and secrets would be discovered. He would have to keep a closer eye on the young Malfoy.
Barty deduced that Draco would return to where he was living after the visit, and that was Grimmauld Place for the time being.
***
Draco entered the house with a puzzled look on his face. He walked up the entrance hall that was now decorated with paintings and photographs of the Granger family and friends to the stairs that led to the second floor. He ran into Remus who had come home to shower and change. Barty could see the shock when he was informed that Hermione had disappeared.
He turned to Remus and asked, “Does the name Rhiannon Blackburn mean anything to you, Remus?”
The older man stopped and turned. “Not at all, Draco, why do you ask?”
“Last night I heard Kingsley and Tonks talking. They said Hermione visited my uncle Rabastan before her mysterious collapse. I went to see him this morning. He did not say much except that he believed this Rhiannon could help.” Then he paused and said “ I never saw my uncle concerned for a Muggle-born before. That in itself it disconcerting. The other is that I never once heard Hermione utter that name to me before. Something really strange is going on here,” added Draco.
“Thank you, Draco. If you will excuse me I must go looking for my wife.” He left without another word.
He entered a room that had been converted to a study were he went to a modern looking desk. He opened the drawers, looking for something, possibly something that would have her numbers and names of those she knew. By the look on his face he was unsuccessful.
Barty watched the young man go up the stairs farther to the topmost landing and enter the master bedroom. He had a look on his face that said, ‘I know this might be wrong, but I have to do it anyway.’ He walked into the room that was all shades of blue; for what, Barty could only guess. There was a beautiful, long wardrobe against the left wall. In the center was a large, four poster bed with posts of the same wood of what the wardrobe and vanity were made out of. On the right side of the bed was a dressing table also of the same wood. There was a fireplace there as well with a round table and two chairs on either side. Draco went to this table and opened it. Inside, he found what he was looking for with a triumphant look on his face: a small, leather bound book. His expression turned to curiosity when he removed what appears to be an envelope that was used for Muggle mail. He turned it over and a locket with a plain wedding band, a charm bracelet, a set of keys, a form of identification that looked like a Muggle driver’s license, and a small leather book that appeared to have to do with Muggle banking fell out. He looked at them curiously before putting them back in the envelope and taking it and the book with him.
***
Hermione walked up to her home, holding Rose by the hand, getting odd looks from passersby. She was not concerned with what they might think of a girl in her twenties holding a doll. The dark haired witch was more concerned with getting home where things were familiar to regroup and figure out what to do. It was night by the time she arrived at the home that she grew up in. There was a small light on the garage door, but that was it. Hermione was confused when she saw the name on the post box had Po on it rather than Granger. Po? Mike? As if the universe had heard her question she saw a shadow in the house, and a figure opening the door.
Hermione was faced with the figure of Michaela-Angelika, a woman she had known since the age of five when her mother had worked for hers. She was still 5’6, and in braids, Asian eyes twinkling with knowledge.
“Hermione? What are you doing here in the dark? ”
“Mike? Can I come in? ”
“Of course,” she says as she moves aside to let her in.
Hermione could not understand it. It was her house, but everything was moved and changed reflecting Mike’s English, Chinese, Irish and Afro-Cuban heritage. What was Mike doing there? Where were her parents?
“Are you alright, Remi? You look so pale.”
Hermione knew enough to know that she was not all right, but what could she say?
Hermione took off her gloves and coat, sat down on the couch and sighed. “I am not feeling that well, Mike. A car hit me yesterday, and now I am having trouble remembering things. I am sorry to intrude, but I thought this house was still mine.”
Mike looked at her with concern. “Remi, why are you here and not in a hospital?”
“I was in a hospital, but I checked myself out,” replied Hermione, hugging her doll to her body.
“Remi, if you can’t remember some things maybe you should go back or at least allow me to call Max,” she said sitting next to her.
“Fine, call her, but I am not going back,” she replied as she lay on the couch. “And if you could call my mum and dad,” she added as she closed her eyes, arms around her doll. When she closed her eyes she missed Mike pale at the request for her parents.
***
Unknown hours later she heard the door open again and voices. She had not heard that voice in what felt like ages. She could smell the tea rose perfume that she was always fond of as she leaned over her and put her hand on her shoulder. Hermione opened her eyes to the very blue eyes and black hair of her friend and adopted cousin (though she never would openly acknowledge it) Maximillianna Blackburn-McKay. Max was in her customary blue, this time she was wearing a navy blue suit.
“Hello, Remi, love. Could I have a look at you?” she asked in a voice that still held a hint of Irish brogue.
Hermione nodded her head at her, and she smiled. Then she opened the medical bag that she had with her, removed her instruments and checked her over.
“Fit as a fiddle, as always. Why don’t you continue resting, eh? Your body has been through a lot and needs to regenerate.” Hermione smiled and pretended to close her eyes again with her doll to her chest.
Hermione could hear Max’s worried tone as she spoke to Mike.
“I don’t understand it; there is no physical explanation for her symptoms, and they do not coincide with someone that has been hit by a car. There were no marks on her to suggest she was hit, none at all. There obviously has been some sort of trauma for the spaces in her memory, and there is a scar that I have never seen before on her neck also; it almost looks like a bite mark. You say that she did not remember that you rent from her?”
“No, she didn’t. She looked surprised to see me, so lost; it was disturbing seeing her with that doll, holding it they way she did when she was little and she was upset. It must be that he is back; she would not have gotten Rose otherwise. ” The other woman said, a bewildered and concerned look on her face.
“This certainly is some cause for concern. The only way for someone to lose their memory like that is some sort of trauma.” Hermione heard her pause and say, “Wasn’t she living with someone? Could it be that something happened?”
“Yes, RJ Wolfe. I don’t know; I never met him or saw them together for that matter. I just know she was happy with him, and what his name is; rather that is the name he uses professionally,” replied Mike before she paused and said, “I don’t think that we should jump to conclusions; we don’t know what happened yet. I am sure that he is as worried about this as we are.”
“Is there a way to contact him? To at least inform him that she is here?”
“No, not that I am aware of. Some sort of eccentric from what I heard, does not even own a phone.”
“Too bad. Who has power of attorney over her when she is ill?”
“I do; that is if she has not changed anything,” replied Mike.
“We need to call her great uncle, aunt and cousins. They would want to know,” reminded Mike.
Hermione could hear the doctor sigh. To which Mike replied, “I know some of them don’t get along but they have a right to know.”
“Fine, but we should monitor things to be sure that she is not upset by them.
We need to take it easy on her, not put her in situations that would stress her. Too much upsetting information too soon would probably do more harm then good right now. Keep an eye on her; don’t let her out of your sight. I will be back tomorrow.” The doctor kissed Mike on the cheek and left.
Mike returned the kiss and locked the door behind her.
Hermione was confused at the fact that they would mention her Aunt Andi, Great Uncle Bowen and cousins and not her mother and father. Hermione sighed, held Rose to her and tried to get some sleep. She would talk to Uncle Rupert in the morning; he would probably know what was going on.
***
Regulus was sitting on the outside porch of his modest home, sipping coffee, a habit he fell into over the years in any weather that was upon him. He was in his long coat and leather gloves; he wore no hat. It was a time to reflect on things and, most often, how his life had gone so wrong. He could no longer remember if it was his own will or the will of the family that made him a Death Eater. It was such an honor, and he was proud until that night when he realized what a mistake he’d made in trusting the Dark Lord with his house -elf, Kreacher. He could still remember telling Kreacher to run and take the locket with him before taking the potion and being dragged under the water. The rescue and the months after were still hard to remember, and to state Merlin’s truth he did not want to. With the little he remembered he knew it was Dru, Ethan, Rabastan, and Barty JR. that had rescued him. Dru, Ethan and Rabastan helped him out of loyalty, honor or friendship; Barty however had another plan or plans in mind. He expected three favors in return to be named later.
He worked so hard to build his life separate from the wizarding world, to start fresh from the many mistakes he made in his youth, mistakes that he hoped to have left behind when he “died.” Barty Crouch, Jr. however didn’t let go and made certain that the deal he had made with him went through as he planned.
It was possible that Crouch was correct, and Hermione’s collapse was a byproduct of everything that had happened from her fourth year to her sixth year or possibly to the end of the war. According to the intelligence network he still had in the wizarding world, Hermione visited Rabastan Lestrange, the only other person in the world that knew that he was still alive besides Barty and his brother Sirius; Dru had passed on years ago. It was with Rabastan’s help that he was able to cover the tracks of his existence and of the name that he used then and the name he used now. It was after visiting him that she had her collapse that had no name or explanation.
He sighed and ran his fingers through his dark hair. He did not know what to do; if he helped her then Crouch would know, threatening the lives he was bound by honor to protect, and it would reveal that he was alive. Enemies would know where to look for him. He wished that Dru was still around; she always knew what to do in a tight situation. He walked into the kitchen where he found Rae making breakfast for Sirius. Rae was a lovely young woman with brown hair and green eyes, the exact green as her dear mother, Dru. She was a good friend and devoted nurse to Sirius. Regulus would be devastated if anything happened to her because of him.
Stupid human emotion. He was getting soft now, living among Muggles all this time. However, he could not bear anything happening to her or the rest of her brothers and sisters.
He then moved to the basement room where he kept Sirius like a dirty secret. The ceremony used to return him from the veil was lengthy and strenuous on all concerned, including Sirius. He did not remember very much in the beginning; he barely remembered how to stand up and function like a human being. It took many years for him to regain his memory, his sense of who he was and their relationship to each other.
There was a queen-sized bed in the center of the room to the left what was known as a walk in closet. To the left of the bed was a long, tall bookcase that had books of all kinds and DVDs that Rae would use to entertain Sirius. To the front of the bed was what was commonly known as an entertainment system with a television, VCR, and some sort of radio system. To the right was a round table and chairs that was used for meals. His brother was in pajama bottoms, sitting up in bed, hair pulled back reading ‘Dune’ as he walked in. His face that had been skeletal was returning to a healthier look; the haunted look in his eyes, however, was still there. Regulus did not blame him for thinking that way. He’d gone through a lot. Sirius fell back into letting his hair grow when he was in a dark mood. His hair and his beard had now reached his waist. The older probably wondered why the younger would even care if he lived or died, both having fought strongly on the opposite sides of the war. The young Death Eater really was not certain why he’d fought so hard to get Sirius back from the dead. Perhaps it was he was the last of his family, or he knew that he would fight to the death to protect Harry, Ginny and Hermione, or it was because he was lonely.
Sirius sensed him staring and looked up at him. “What do you want, Regulus?”
Regulus hesitated, a little worried at what he might do or how he would react when he told him. However he would want to know about this.
“I thought you might want to know that Hermione is ill and was admitted to Saint Mungo’s yesterday.”
Sirius looked at him with concern and anger at him. “What happened, and what did you have to do with it?”
Typical Sirius, blaming things on the Death Eaters in his first thought. “I don’t know what happened, and no I did not have anything to do with it.”
“You’re lying, brother. I can see it in your eyes.”
The conversation was interrupted when Rae brought in Sirius’ food. “Here you are, Mr. Samuel.”
“You’d better eat, brother; you need your strength,” Regulus said as he left an annoyed and concerned Sirius behind him.
***
Rupert Giles, or Giles to most people, was eating his breakfast when he heard the phone ring. Odd. Who would call at this hour? When he answered he heard the worried voice of Mike Po.
“Giles, I am sorry to disturb you so early.”
“Not at all, Mike, what can I do for you?” replied Giles.
“It’s Hermione; she is ill,” replied the young woman.
“Ill? What happened?” asked Giles, clearly concerned for his goddaughter.
“I don’t know, Giles. She would not tell me what was wrong; she is here at my house, resting. I knew if anyone could get through to her it would be you. And of course, to be peace keeper when the rest of the family is informed,” replied Mike, clearly apprehensive.
“Of course, Mike. I will be right there,” replied Giles and hung up.
It still hurt Giles to think of Dom and Brad Granger, his friends for many years. They were both so strong and full of life and had done nothing but serve the community, killed by pure-blood zealots for the “sin” of having a gifted daughter. Only for her would he return to the house that held such horrible memories. He found her and Mike in the kitchen, eating breakfast. Hermione had her hair pulled back in a ponytail and was in a cotton robe that she borrowed from Mike. Giles was rather startled to see Rose sitting in the chair next to her as if waiting patiently for her to return her attention to her. Mike gave him a concerned look and returned to her food. Of course, Mike was also concerned about him; the only way that Hermione could have gotten Rose back was if he gave it to her. Hermione could sense the eyes on her, and she looked up and smiled. She ran to him and gave him a hug that he returned with equal affection. “It is so good to see you, Uncle Rupert.”
“It is good to see you too, darling.” Mike rose and said that she needed to call her sister, Charlotte, and left the room.
Hermione watched her leave the room and sighed. Rupert smiled a sad smile, understanding the guilt of not being able to completely confide things to the people they cared about.
“So what really happened, love?” asked the older man with what he hoped was a calm voice.
“I really don’t know, Uncle Rupert. I woke up at Saint Mungo’s with no recollection of what happened to get me there. I was also shocked that I can’t recall the past six years. I quite frankly panicked and ran.”
Rupert put his hand over hers. “There is no reason to be afraid; the worst is over now.”
***
Remus was grateful that the bond was strong enough to follow and try to figure out where his mate had gone. He followed her to the Muggle town where she grew up, to the house she was raised in. He was happy to find her alive and well. However he could not help but feel irrational jealousy by the way this man was touching her.
He was suddenly reminded of the dream he had the privious night. It was strange to him that he knew this was Rupert Giles when he never met the man.
***
“What do you mean it is over now, Uncle Rupert?” asked Hermione.
Uncle Rupert? That is right her godfather, as indicated by the dream, if it was a dream at all.
“Voldemort is dead, love; there is no threat to you anymore,” replied her godfather.
“It’s over? Truly over?” she asked in a tone that revealed that she wanted to believe but was afraid to.
“Yes, love, it’s over,” Giles replied with a smile.
The most beautiful smile came over his mate’s face at the realization then fell again.
“Why did I lose six years if it was not some sort of curse?” asked Hermione, clearly confused.
“I don’t know love, but we will sort it out,” he replied, stroking her hair.
She lost six years? Bloody hell.
Rupert stiffened and turned.
“What is the matter, Uncle Rupert?” asked Hermione, confused at his reaction.
“There is someone out there. Stay here. I will be right back,” replied Giles as he went out to investigate.
Remus, realizing he was caught, put his hands up when the other man came out with a wand. Giles forced him inside at wand point to Hermione.
“Uncle Rupert, it is alright. This is Professor Lupin; a friend of mine,”
said Hermione, putting a hand on his wand arm.
“What are you doing creeping about, Professor?” asked Hermione.
Unbeknownst to them there was another figure, a man, watching the trio, pleased with himself.
The doll worked. Hermione is awake. Now the games will begin, he thought to himself with a dark smile.