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Chapter Text

Chapter 3 – Brumaire ¹

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“October extinguished itself in a rush of howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen iron, with hard frosts every morning and icy drafts that bit at exposed hands and faces.” ― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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Hermes let out a frustrated sigh, placing the book down on the desk, next to her notebook.

As if it knew that she had no more use for it (not anytime soon in any case), the book automatically shut. The worn golden lettering shimmed as the room’s light passed over the title: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Head Boys, Head Girls and Prefects - 1938 Edition.

It had been the last option she could think of. Its futility was expected. This was especially true given that there had been no mention of him in the three other editions she had checked before this one.

Alastor Moody was thorough in his caution-paranoia.

To be fair, there was still a chance that Moody had just never been a Prefect or Head Boy.

On the other hand, Hermes now had the memory of Mad-Eye congratulating Ron Weasley in his own special way, “Authority figures always attract trouble, but I suppose Dumbledore thinks you can withstand most major jinxes or he wouldn’t have appointed you...*” With it came the question of whether the ex-Auror’s words had come from personal experience on the matter; whether being Prefect had been one of Alastor Moody’s first true tastes of the motto ‘Constant Vigilance’. She did find it hard to picture him as Head Boy though.

Placing the book on the shelf with the other three more recent editions, Hermes turned back to her desk and picked up the quill and brought forward   her ever-expanding, leather bond notebook (a gift courtesy of Uncle Hydrus for when she had left for Beauxbatons). For the next five minutes the only sound heard was that of a quill intermittently scratching against parchment.

The relevant information (or non-information in this case) added, she looked over the page;

While the many question marks and general lack of information about Moody was frustrating, especially given that he was possibly the most well-known Auror of the Twentieth Century. Seeing as he had a rather large number of enemies, some actually competent and well-connected (including Riddle and a fair number of his inner circle), it really wasn’t all that hard to speculate that he had magically altered (removed) all records of himself.

For not the first time as well she wondered if she should send a letter to Uncle Hydrus asking if a ‘Moody’ had been in school with him. But that raised the problem of why Hermes, his eleven year old niece attending Beauxbatons, wanted to know about a Dark-wizard catcher back in Wizarding Britain. He would most likely think it had something to do with Sirius Black, but even then there wasn’t any real reason for her to have gained such an interest in the Auror. - Moody hadn’t even been one of the ones that had arrested or brought Sirius to Azkaban (Hermes had checked).

It was probably best to move on and focus on the next Auror (and possible member of Dumbledore’s most likely existing secret group). If one of the Aurors and-or members of the possible Flight of Phoenix¹ was attacked, Hermes doubted it would be Moody. They would more likely go for someone just as informed but less skilled and less paranoid.

She reached for the shelves, about to pick up the 1980 edition of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Head Boys, Head Girls and Prefects, certain it had mentioned at least two members of the Bones family through the different years, when—

{“H-Hermes?”}

At the call said-witch shifted in her seat to find Fifi at the edge of her dormitory space. Fifi’s own apprehensive gaze was going between Hermes and the rest of her room.

Her unease was fairly understandable. While not a mess (like Fifi’s usually was), the space wasn’t the pristine order that was expected of Hermes, instilled by the Bienbon matriarch and Monsieur Rigere.

Yes, all school books not relevant to tomorrow’s classes were neatly arranged in the bookshelf. Her coursework, all complete, was either in her bag, for those due tomorrow, or organised into the different separators of her extendable folder (a gift from Grand-mère) for those to be handed in later that week. Similarly, all her robes were clean and ironed and in her closet, having been put away by the chateau’s house elves.

On the other hand, however carefully they had been arranged, the bed was covered by newspapers. Hermes had already put away most of the major Newspapers from the rest of the wizarding world (as well as the few British and French muggle newspapers) after having skimmed through their major headlines. Four remained though. They were each arranged into their own row, ordered by date with the latest copy on top.

Even from her desk, Hermes could read the headline of each. The Daily Prophet’s ‘‘ More Death Eaters sent to Azkaban as Hunt continues’ was accompanied by the mug-shots of a creepy looking twenty-something man, and the caption: ‘Sethlans Mulciber^CN1 – son of one of You-Know-Who’s highest lieutenants; specialist of the Imperius Curse’. While she didn’t doubt that Mulciber was in fact a Death Eater in this world as well (from mentions of him in Reg’s letters and the Harriet memories of him in the Department of Mysteries) Hermes had noted that the article hadn’t mentioned any sort of trial for the Death Eater. Nor had it for the two other Death Eaters also cited being sent to the wizarding prison.

While not mentioning anyone else being sent to Azkaban, the two headlines for the Evening Prophet weren’t much better: '‘ Karkaroff brought to the Ministry – Crouch making deals!’' and '‘Controversial Hire at Hogwarts – Has Dumbledore finally lost it?’'

Karkaroff’s mug-shots from earlier that year were featured as well as a wizard photo of a just as stern but younger looking Bartemius Crouch Senior to the memories Hermes had of him from her previous life. The article talked of the Death Eater’s trial later that evening, with promise of names of other Riddle’s followers, as well as great speculation as to who these would be.

In contrast, there weren’t any pictures of Dumbledore, Slughorn or Snape. That hadn’t stopped a certain ‘Rita Skeeter’ from making numerous (mostly absurd) speculations on the old Potion Master’s abrupt retirement barely three months into the school year and his continued silence (‘a first for Horace Slughorn’), as well as Dumbledore’s decision to hire an previous, even if acquitted, Death Eater of twenty-one as his replacement. Replacement for not only for Potion Master but also Head of Slytherin (though failing to mention that there weren’t any other Slytherin teachers to give the later position to).²

At the top of the third row, French Newspaper’s, La Mante Quotidienne², focus was on Minister Bagnold arguing the large-scale of breaches of the Statute of Secrecy throughout Wizarding Britain to the ICW, with the accompanying title, {‘‘‘Partying’ is more important than Muggles finding about our way of life for British Minister’'}; something the Prophet had already treated (in a much more favourable light) the previous evening.

As for the La Man-(ta)-tion Du Soir ², its main concern was that, with the continued Death Eater Hunt, Dark British wizards would try emigrating to France (and other European countries) to escape capture; {‘‘A Dark Cloud coming our way?’'}. The article had even mentioned Uncle Hydrus in it (even though France had been his main residence for over three decades).

Within the four newspapers of the day, Hermes was actually been surprised that the first mention of the ‘Boy-Who-Lived’ (and speculations on where he was) had been on page three, in the Evening Prophet.

Of course that was not all.

Next to the bed was her trunk standing on its side, the third compartment open. The paper sleeves on the inside of the case were filled with educational journals, including Challenges in Charming, Duelling with Darkness, Martial Magic, The Practical Potioneer, and Transfiguration Today. Further down were other periodicals, more in line with current events, conspiracies, and gossip-news: The Weekly Witch, The Quibbler, etc.

As for Hermes’ bookcase, hardbacks having nothing to do with the first year classes had now invaded half the space. Titles like Important Modern Magical Discoveries, Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century, Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century, Modern Magical History, Notable Magical Names of Our Time, and A Study of Recent Developments in Wizardry could be read, among a great many other tomes in English, French and even a few in Latin (all which –understandably- had not yet been updated with the recent events of the 31^st of October). As for her desk, several pamphlets self-stood, arranged in several different cluster-groups at its edge. (Hermione would be proud... and possibly jealous.)

And then there were Fifi’s obvious concerns with Hermes person.

Still, while Hermes wanted to focus on preparing for when Nixie would visit in the early hours of tomorrow, she smiled back at the other witch. Fifi was one of the few people who didn’t treat Hermes any different, least of all stare at her as if she was about to blow up half the school.

{“Heya Fifi. Come in, come in,”} she called out as she flipped the notebook closed. The soft murmur confirmed the activation of the various protection charms, automatically sealing the leather-bound as well as making the ink disappear until the next time Hermes opened it. Only then did she stand up to properly greet her friend.

Fifi smiled back, while giving Hermes’ desk one last glance. {“I didn’t mean to interrupt. Were you finishing off Professor Prise de Fer’s ^CN2 coursework on curses and counters curses?”}

Hermes chuckled, {“Not everyone waits until the last moment to do the assignments, Fifi.”}

{“I should have known you’d have it done,”} Fifi huffed. Her eyes narrowing into a suspicious gaze, she then theorised, {“I suppose you have all of the week’s assignments done?”}

Hermes only smiled guiltily in response. She couldn’t very well point out that most of it had been rather easy, especially given that she had already done something very similar in a previous life...

Another huff, joined by a dramatic shake of the head, definitely not impressed, Fifi accused, {“Louis and you work too much. Though, I guess that means you’ll have time to help me with my English coursework?...”} her tone turning hopeful.

{“I’ll look through it and help you out only once you can show me a first draft that you have actually spent time on.”} - Merlin, she really was slowly turning into Hermione.

{“Fine.”}

Hermes lips quirked at the slight whine in the reply.

{“Now, why don’t you tell me why you came to visit my humble abode?”}

Brightened at the reminder, Fifi exclaimed, {“Oh right – yes! Louis and I wanted to know if you wanted to play Witches’ Tarot⁴ with us and Henry?”}

Hermes’ mood turned apprehensive, {“Where?”}

To which, Fifi’s previous enthusiastic expression dimmed. She mumbled, {“In the common room.”}

It made sense. The first year boys weren’t able to go into the girls’ dormitory, nor the girls able to go in the boys, which left the Common rooms. Not to mention, the First year Common Room was the largest on the simple fact that students were only welcome in their own year’s Common Room or those of the years below, to remove the risk of any first or second years disrupting Seventh years hard at work, while allowing the possibility of older students to watch over the younger students, and possibly even help them out with coursework.

Hermes looked down as her hand intertwining, {“I’d better not.”} Her own mood dwindled with every word.

{“It will be fine.”} Though from the tone, Fifi was clearly also doubtful.

Hermes scoffed, still looking down at her hand, {“tell that to Matilde and Alice. They literally ran in the opposite direction when they saw me earlier.”}

{“Matilde and Alice are idiots. Besides, look at the positive: the common room will be less busy and we’ll have our choice of the best seats.”}

Hermes couldn’t help but smile. This was why she liked Fifi. The red-haired witch saw the positive in everything; even when being shunned and whispered about by most of the school.

{“What are you doing anyway?”}

Hermes nearly jumped. Though her head did snap upward.

So engrossed in her own-self-pitying, she hadn’t realised how much closer Fifi had moved. Fifi, who was currently craning her neck to look past Hermes at her desk. Thankfully, the notebook was closed and the books had been put away. There was nothing to read.

At Hermes’ silence she looked back at her, her face saddened, {“This is about your dad’s family isn’t it? You were researching into... him.”} Her pointed gaze went between Hermes and the newspapers still on the bed.

Hermes sighed. While she obviously wouldn’t share most of what she was actually researching with the other eleven year old, there was no point in denying it. {“Yes. – Not... him specifically, but I... I don’t want to be caught so off guard again.”}

And how true the words were.

The war in Britain was somewhat of distant concept in France, especially for children. Yet, with the news of the events of the 31^st of October and more specifically the news about Sirius Black, ‘You-Know-Who’s second in command’, having blown up a whole neighbourhood had reached continental Europe and thus the population of Beauxbatons, Hermes had become something of a social-pariah. Even before she had left the hospital wing, it hadn’t taken long for Hermes to notice the shift and figure out the source. There had been the barely disguised excuses from both Grand-mère and Hydrus for staying longer than necessary, as well as the mention of possibly taking Hermes back to Paris or Le Mas-Noir, even though she was perfectly healthy. (Though, to be fair, the matron was still frustrated in not having actually found out what had caused Hermes’ collapse in the first place.) Hermes had also noticed Grand-mère’s paler complexion, the few angry whispers to Hydrus about his ‘Dark family’ when Hermes pretended to be sleeping, as well as Hydrus’ own tense stance and clenched jaw.

And then there had been the stares, varying between sheer terror to cold to hate and anger when she had left the infirmary. Thankfully it was not as bad as what Harriet Potter had faced several times in her previously life; the closest being when she was believed the Heir of Slytherin. (It was rather ironic in a dark twisted way that this time round Hermes, Master of Death, was technically the Heir of Slytherin, along with Tom Riddle, ‘Immortal-slash-Defeater of Death wannabe’.) Mercifully, there was also no tolerance for smearing and just plain bullying at Beauxbatons and was dealt with severely (especially when the student targeted happened to be the granddaughter of one of the wealthiest and more formidable witches in France, not to mention whatever influence Hydrus Black and Dark Moon Winery⁵ had). There was also the fact that most of the younger students (those who saw ‘the Black witch’ the most) were for the most part too afraid of Hermes blowing them up if they looked at her the wrong way to actually do anything. And thus, most people stayed away from her, creating a wide berth around Hermes. Only a few were brave enough to continue to sit next to her in class, and even braver those (mainly the Toubeau family and Fifi) who continued to talk her.

Nevertheless, it had actually taken Hermes a rather long time to convince both Grand-mère and Uncle Hydrus that she did not need or want to be taken out of Beauxbatons. And Grand-mère was still trying to convince Hermes to change her surname to ‘Bienbon’ or ‘at the very least’ to ‘Bienbon-Black’ or ‘Black-Bienbon’. (Hermes wouldn’t do that to either Sirius or Regulus.)

Of course with the news and accompanying tension-slash-panic, Hermes, with Louis, had been forced to explain to a muggleborn Fifi about the British Wizarding War, as well as the blood-purist ideals that quite a lot of families (not only in Britain) still held (all while reassuring the witch that she didn’t believe them herself), and Hermes’ father’s family back in Britain, with a special focus on her distant cousin, Sirius Black.

Needless to say, for all Hermes’ explanations and talk of the war and her family across the channel she failed to mention, to either of her guardians or her two closest friends, her conversation with a Primordial Entity, or the fact she had a previous life, or the still blurry memories that had accompanied the conversation and revelation.

Nor had Hermes told either Louis or Fifi (and definitely not Grand-mère and Hydrus) on all she had been working on these last three weeks:

Any information about this reality’s ‘Harry Potter’, as well the Potter and Evans families in general (as well as all possible news on the ‘Boy-Who-Lived’)...

The gathering of information and general history of Azkaban...

Research on the British trials (for those who actually received them), and on Wizarding laws in general, both laws British and those from the International Confederation of Wizards...

Listing (through from either memories of her previous life, mentions in Reg’s letters, or both) of possible Death Eaters, as well as all current Aurors and those possibly a part of Dumbledore’s potential Flight of Phoenix (Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century confirming that Albus Dumbledore’ familiar and patronus in this reality were also phoenix). The cataloguing proved, if nothing else, that ultimately Hermes was probably more informed than most on the actual members of both groups...

The information she had gathered so far left her anxious more than anything though.

Like Death had insinuated, this reality was same as her previous all while being different.

For ‘Harry Potter’ (very much a boy and not a girl), there was the information that had been spread though all the news papers about the events of the 31^st of October, including the victims: James and Lily Potter both twenty-one years of age, as well as ‘You-Know-Who’ (though no body had been found for the latter); the location: Godric’s Hollow, complete with a jarring description of the state of the house after the attack; and numerous speculations as to where the ‘Boy-Who-Lived’ was now (Hermes certain that if he was actually aware of the stuff they had written about him, this Harry Potter would have hated it as much as her). There was also the mention of a scar in the shape of a lightning-bolt, although on his forehead rather than over his heart. (Hermes actually felt even sorrier for this Harry, as at least she had been able to hide her scar easily under her clothes. She could only assume that people in the future would be continually looking at his forehead when meeting him.)

With the help of Nixie and Kreacher, Hermes had also found out that both Fleamont and Euphemia Potter, Harry’s grandparents, had died in 1979 from dragonpox. Charlus and Dorea Potter and their son, Wilhalm^CN3, the only other Potters in recent years, had also died, in 1974, 1977 and 1944 respectively.

Then, mostly through muggle means, she had newly crossed referenced that out of the seven ‘Dursleys’ living in the United Kingdom was a certain Vernon Dursley, with his wife, Petunia, and one year old son, Dudley. All three currently lived in Little Whining, Surrey, a near identical to a hundred other neighbourhoods, including a certain Grouse Grove³ in north-east Kent, where a Harriet Potter had lived in another reality. (Distressingly enough, one of the other Dursleys was a certain Marjorie Eileen Dursley, sister to Vernon Dursley, presently living in the countryside as a dog breeder.)

Sadly, as Death had pointed out in their one meeting, Hermes had yet to figure out what exactly to do with this knowledge, or how to make sure this Harry Potter had a better childhood than Harriet Potter. Not to mention while neither Nixie nor Kreacher had found an Argus Filch living in the neighbourhood, Hermes doubted that Dumbledore had left Harry with the Dursleys without any kind of surveillance.

All the material Hermes had found so far about Azkaban was: it was somewhere in the North Sea, hidden from Muggles, unplottable. This as well as a number of other jinxes and enchantments, meant that it currently had had no breaks out. The only other thing confirmed was being one of the worst (if not the worst) places that existed, mainly due to its residents-slash-guards: Dementors (though the harsh winds, rough waters and cold weather probably wouldn’t help either).

As for the rest; the trials continued, as did the ‘Hunt for You-Know-Who’s followers’.

There were negatives and positives on both sides as to the news Hermes found for those associated with the Flight of Phoenix and the Death Eaters.

Similar to her memories of her previous life: Benjamin Fenwick, Pierce and Gillian Bones^CN4, the Prewett brothers, and the McKinnon family had all unfortunately been killed during the war. More unexpected (as different from the other reality) though just as undesirable, was reading about Dorcas Meadowes’s (earlier) death at Riddle’s wand. As for the younger Bones generation, only Amelia (unmarried in this reality) and Edmund, with his wife Lucia and their two children Peter and Susan, remained. Thinking on what had happened to Edgar, Brígh, and their children Edith, Jolyon and Ector ^CN4 in Harriet’s reality, death was arguably preferred. In contrast (like the fore mentioned Amelia Bones), Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, and Francis Longbottom were all (welcomingly) still alive (as were Alice and Neville Longbottom). All would remain so if Hermes had any say in it.

As for Riddle’s followers, likewise to Harriet’s reality, Syntribus Avery^CN5 and Wolfram Lestrange^CN6 were dead. As was Maragus Nott^CN7 (instead of in prison), having died in an explosion some years ago, before any killings or torturing had been linked back to him. Also varying slightly, both Rosiers ^CN8 (Damion and Evan) and Wilkes had been killed in this reality (-Evan Rosier by Moody, something that had surprised Hermes, seeing that in her previous life the Auror preferred turning them in rather than killing). Asbetus Mulciber ^CN1 as well as Selwyn, Pyrites, Dolohov, Karkaroff and, as the day’s newspaper had stated, the younger Mulciber as well as Travers and Rowle were all in Azkaban.⁷

On the other hand, Achlos Nott^CN7 was very much still alive (having not been killed in a duel against Meadowes) and free, having successfully escaped jail (leaving Hermes wondering how Theodore Nott would grow up, with both parents alive, one a hardcore Death Eater). In a similar way (and just as distressing), the younger Avery and the Lestrange brothers, as well as Bellatrix, Barty Crouch, the Carrow twins, Crabbe, Goyle, Rookwood, Malfoy, Yaxley and Macnair were all currently still free, out and about.

Hermes could only hope that at least a few of these would be betrayed and revealed by Karkaroff, like he had for Dolohov and Yaxley in Harriet’s reality. With any luck, he would also reveal Pettigrew’s true allegiance. Just like in Harriet’s reality, Pettigrew had supposedly been blown up by Sirius, though by the news of the one finger found within the wreckage, not to mention Death’s words on the matter of Black during their conversation, Hermes very much doubted his validity of the death.⁸

All this had lead to Hermes current action. She was not only continuing to gather information of those in the Auror office (several which could potentially be part of Dumbledore’s group, including Moody, Bones and Longbottom) but also on the still currently free and most likely Death Eaters.

In particular: Bellatrix.

From Reg’s letters, the further few snip bits she received about the Black and Lestrange families as well as her own memories of her past life, Hermes refused to believe there was any reality of where Bellatrix Lestrange wasn’t loved-up-obsessed with Tom Riddle to the point of not going to the ends of the earth (torturing everyone in her path) in her frantic search to find her ‘Lord’.

Of course all this had been rather tricky. Hermes being an eleven years old (with mostly the magic-power of a pre-teen witch) couldn’t very well do the scouting herself.

Research had proven that while the Ministry didn’t bat an eye to seeing a House elf wondering through the Ministry (though very rarely as it was the mark of a good elf not to be seen), there was an Office for House-Elf Relocation, which held a registry of all British elves. If any House Elf linked to a family where one or several members were currently incarcerated, both the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and the Auror Office would be notified immediately; which meant that Kreacher was not to step one foot inside the Ministry.

Nixie on the other hand (linked to the Bienbon family) had no such problem. In fact, on two separate occasions Hermes had already sent Nixie to the Ministry court rooms (as she was going this evening for Karkaroff’s hearing), in addition to visiting several of the other offices of the Ministry, mainly collecting pamphlets or general information. (Though, as per Hermes’ instruction, she was to be extra cautious when in the same room as Moody or Dumbledore.)

Of course both Nixie and Kreacher’s time was also shared with keeping an eye on the Aurors as well as several of the free Death Eaters (mainly Bellatrix).

Though for Bellatrix, like for the trips to the Ministry, Hermes had relayed the task to Nixie, being sceptical in asking Kreacher to spy on another Black member. On the other hand, while clearly perplexed by the order, Kreacher did help Nixie in spying on the two Lestrange brothers, Nott and a few others several of the other free Death Eaters, as well as the Aurors, when outside the Ministry. (Hermione’s voice in her head, Hermes had also ordered them to make sure to eat enough as well as rest regularly.)

It was rather lucky with Kreacher that Hermes was a Black in this reality, and that she had met the old elf several times before. Not to mention, Reg had apparently told Kreacher to follow whatever instructions Hermes gave him, as well as look after her before he had died. Their relationship was definitely a lot better than it had been as Harriet ‘half-blood, friend of mudbloods and blood-traitors’ Potter. T hat with the fact that the old elf wasn’t yet as mad, having sent years alone in Grimmauld Place talking to his dead mistress’s portrait. (Although, it was maddening that Kreacher still held on to Master Regulus’ order of not revealing how exactly he had died.)

{“Hermes...”}

Fifi’s hand covered Hermes, her face now sad - concerned.

{“It’s... it can’t be good to hide yourself... to focus on them. They might be elitist prigs that shouldn’t have the right to hold a wand, but I know that you’re not like them... Louis knows, and Herny and Philippe... and the rest of the school, even if they are just too stupid to realise it. I mean you’re eleven. As if an eleven year old would want to murder anyone, let alone become the next Grindelwald or You-Know-Who!”}

Fifi was right of course. – Well, not the eleven part; while her magic was still that of an eleven year old but she had (most) of the knowledge and experience of an eighteen year old witch, not to mention Riddle, at least in her previously reality, had already killed a puppy and had both physically and mentally tortured quite a few of the other orphans by his eleventh birthday.

But for the rest Fifi was (mostly) correct. It wouldn’t do for Hermes to seclude herself from her (few) friends, to read on Dark Lords, on monsters would relished in torturing and killing, on families lost, on betrayals on soul-sucking Dementors...

Still...

In was actually somewhat better than the alternative.

It was either submerging herself in this research or reliving her own past life of a very similar war.

She had still the mind and body of Hermes Black, the eleven year old witch who had never actually seen a person die, but she now also had Harriet Potter locked inside her as well.

While she no longer had the physical scars, Hermes still had the memories, however fuzzy they still were.

As she had the dreams...

As she had the nightmares...

Depending on the night, she would see herself be sorted into Hufflepuff, Hiero swooping into her bedroom a parcel in his claws, one of the Weasley twins’ sending a bludger her way, Hermione dancing with Krum, Ernie looking like he was eating half of Susan’s face as they sat in one of the larger fauteuils in a secluded corner of the Common room...

She also saw Malfoy lying unconscious beneath the sixteen old memory of Tom Riddle, Professor Warren screaming in agony as Voldermort tore her body apart, she saw the Quintaped charging towards her, she saw the green light of the Avada Kevada cure hitting Angelina straight in the chest, she saw all the small glowing sphere blasting to smithereens, she saw Tonks’ hair change from her preferred bubbly pink to the original soft brown before she even hit the floor, she saw –

She saw too much.

However blurry the memories were, she knew what they were, what they showed...

Hermes remembered them more often than not now.

The dizziness from before had now changed to nausea, trembling, her throat dry, her skin prickling, her clothes clinging to her damp chest...

She thought she could have coped if she could just have her friends back. Hermione’s head in a large Arithmancy tome, Hannah and Susan insisting they had to do something about her hair, Neville telling her about the latest plant he had been gifted, Ron finally being beat in chess by Luna, Ernie and Justin, rather pompously, going on about each other’s ancestors...

But even they were lost to her.

Yes, Harriet Potter had gone into the forest on the knowledge that she would not survive – and yet, against all odds, against the fact that Riddle was far more knowledgeable and powerful, had the Elder wand in his hand, -actually sent an Avada Kedavra right at her, with no resistance from Harriet, she had survived.

And yet, here she was in another life, in another body, lost to her previous life, to those she loved that had also survived...

It was painful and lonely (even without the rest of the school’s behaviour) with grief pouring in on her from all sides.

The memories and pain only muted when her mind was occupied by other things...

... by classes that for the most part were too similar to what she had had already done as Harriet

... by playing rounds of Witches’ Tarot or gobblestones with Fifi and Louis

... by flights on Henry’s broom, both Henry and Phillipe watching on

... by research on how to make this reality better than the last.

Besides, it was as Hermione had said a hundred times: whether she was Harriet Potter or Hermes Black – she had ‘a people saving thing’.

Hermes gave a small sigh, {“No it isn’t...”}

Turning hopeful, Fifi edged forward, {“So you’ll join us?”}

{“I guess...”} unable to stop from smiling at the delight appearing on Fifi’s face.

Following behind Fifi, Hermes taped her wand on the edge of her dormitory walls and placing the lightest protection charms (those her magic allowed her to chats on the space), before heading down the long corridor to La Tour Jointe, where the Common Room resided.

*

A couple days later found Hermes once more in the First Year common room with Fifi, Louis, as well as Emilie Martin, Alain Moreau, and Sandra Garcia, all having come round to the fact that all families had messed up relatives ({‘especially if they were English’}). In fact most of the student population was now focusing on the more welcoming events of Yule and Christmas fast approaching.

Like most evenings, they were supposed be revising for the half-term exams coming up in two weeks (currently the History dates for the three Gaulish druids, Panoramix, Getafix and Vitamix, who helped successfully fight off Roman invasion in Northern Armorica⁶). Yet, like most of the others First year groups laid out through the large communal space, the current talk was mostly focussing on the gift-shopping each was planning on the approved First and Second Year Trip to Beauhameau that coming Saturday; the school thinking it better for them to go in the first days on the Winter Market, when hopefully less busy, with the sixth and seventh years supposedly also helping out in look over them. (The third and fourth years were the following week, and fifth, sixth and seventh years having the last weekend before the Holidays – most of their exams over – to do their own shopping and enjoying the village).

All of a sudden, the light chatter was broken by a small pop!

All seven turned to find the small form Nixie standing facing them. Her own wide eyes quickly went between all the different first years to land on Hermes.

Ignoring the start of protests from the other students of a House Elf actually showing itself and ‘disturbing the peace’, Hermes, having quickly taken note of the agitated state of her friend, swiftly stood and went to her. Once they were both in one of the more secluded corners of the room where they would not be heard, Hermes asked, with a small amount of dread,

“What is it Nixie?”

“T’is the Stranges Black witch, Misses... the Stranges is all disappeared, Nixie is not finding any of them.”

Bellatrix. The dread mounted. It was too soon. She barely had any time. Why couldn’t the blasted witch just stop being so Riddle-Obsessed!

Hermes thought quickly, all while trying not to let the panic get to her (too much). - “Nixie I need you to be very careful, now; even more so than before. Use any means necessary to conceal yourself from all... I would like you to go back to Britain and continue and try to find the Lestranges. They are probably using enchantments and wards to conceal themselves. Use what you have already know and can identify of their magic as well as Bellatrix’ Black lineage to help you, and then I want you to come bac-” she stopped, assessing the situation further.

Shaking her head, she corrected herself, “Actually... if you do find them, apparate outside whatever place or building they are in and send out a great big bunch of fireworks in the sky – ones that only would only be visible to witches and wizards... if you can cast a repel to muggles from the area if that at all possible, and then come here as quickly as possible before anyone can find you. You understand?”

Clearly knowing the importance of all, the elf only gave a quick “Yes Misses” and bow, to then disaparate with a soft pop.

Hermes had only just barely reached her room when she heard the distinctive crack! Yet, she looked to face Nixie it was to find Kreacher standing in front of her.

Her heart missed a beat.

She could feel the blood leaving her face, the dread only increasing. Her throat dry and tight Hermes found herself only able to hoarsely whisper one word – “Who?”

- { * } -

“Ludo Bagman, you have been brought here in front of the Council of Magical Law to answer charges relating to the activities of the Death Eaters. We have heard the evidence against you, and are about to reach our verdict. Do you have anything to add to your testimony before we pronounce judgment?”

Alastor Moody watched on as Crouch hard gaze focused on nothing but the accused down in the chair in front of them.

Bagman for himself, shifted clumsily, before smiling awkwardly, “Only well — I know I’ve been a bit of an idiot —”

Alastor held back a snort. Dryly he muttered, “You never spoke a truer word, boy.” Leaning slightly closer to Albus, he added, “If I didn’t know he’d always been dim, I’d have said some of those Bludgers had permanently affected his brain...”

Crouch’s cold voice rung once more through the chamber, “Ludovic Bagman, you were caught passing information to Lord Voldemort’s supporters. For this, I suggest a term of imprisonment in Azkaban lasting no less than —”

Angry outcry from the surrounding benches interrupted the rest of the sentence. Several of the witches and wizards around the walls stood up, shaking their heads, and even their fists, at Crouch, while he looked furiously back.

What did the blasted wizard expect? It was as if Crouch had never been out of his office upstairs; never heard the term ‘Quidditch’ before.

On the other hand, the boy was near pissing himself, his round blue eyes wide and frightened.

“But I’ve told you, I had no idea! None at all! Old Rookwood was a friend of my dad’s... never crossed my mind he was in with You-Know-Who! I thought I was collecting information for our side! And Rookwood kept talking about getting me a job in the Ministry later on... once my Quidditch days are over, you know...”

Idiots are the easiest marks, Alastor thought grimly. Just as long as you know something they want.

“I mean, I can’t keep getting hit by Bludgers for the rest of—“**

Whatever the blasted beater said next Alastor didn’t hear — an owl swooped in to drop a letter – a black letter – in front of Alastor. Even if not in the usual scarlet red, Alastor received enough Howlers to recognise one.

He barely noticed Crouch fuming glare directed his way (as if it was Alastor’s own fault he received over a dozen Howlers a day), or the second owl reaching for Albus, instead Alastor focused on sending a Deletrius at the envelope with the flick of his wand.

However, instead of disintegrating, the letter burst open and—

“ Longbottoms under attack! Longbottoms being tortured! Longbottoms under attack! ”

The bellow was so loud that Alastor felt its echo ringing in his ears even once the letter burst into flames.

The next moment though, when turning to his side, he quickly realised the reverberation was actually from Albus’ own Howler, his friend’s Expulso having clearly not worked on these black Howlers either.

No time to think on the sender or on the complexity of the charms placed on these specific Howlers yet, both wizards rose to their feet ignoring the sudden agitation going on around them and left the room.

It was only once they reached the Ministry’s Atrium that Alastor paused momentarily, when he noticed another black letter frizzling into nothing – having just finished yelling presumably – in front of a rather pale faced Amelia Bones.⁷

- } * * * { -

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Character Names:

^CN1 – Mulciber family: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Mulciber_family

Asbetus (father): From Asbetos the third of the Daemones Ceramici in Greek mythology are five malevolent spirits who plagued the craftsman potter. Asbetos (Ασβετος; a.k.a. Asbetus) — the charrer (char, scorch; asbetos).

- Name in link with being one of Riddle’s first DE and thus against Harry Potter.

Sethlans (son) – In Etruscan mythology, was the god of fire, the forge, metalworking, and by extension craftsmanship in general, the equivalent, though their names share no etymology, to Greek Hephaestus, Egyptian Ptah and the Roman Vulcan

Both names are based/linked to ‘Mulciber’ also being an alternate name for the Roman god Vulcan.

^CN2 - Professeur Prise de Fer – ‘Prise de fer’ is a movement used in fencing in which a fencer takes the opponent's blade into a line and holds it there in preparation to attack. Translated from French, the phrase prise de fer means "taking-the-blade" or "taking-the-steel".

^CN5 – Wilhalm Potter, (Charlus and Dorea’s son: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Potter_family). Derived from William, From the Germanic name Willahelm, which was composed of the elements wil "will, desire" and helm "helmet, protection". The name was common among the Normans, and it became extremely popular in England after William the Conqueror was recognized as the first Norman king of. It was later borne by three other English kings, as well as rulers of Scotland, Sicily (of Norman origin), the Netherlands and Prussia.

^CN4 – The Bones Family: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Bones_family#Etymology

Pierce (1^st Gen) (killed by Riddle): - derived from the given name Piers, medieval form of Peter. [Known namesakes: Pierce Brosnan (born 1953), Irish actor // Pierce Butler (1744–1822), a Founding Father of the United States.]

Gillian (1^st Gen) (killed by Riddle): - Medieval English feminine form of Julian, itself derived from the Roman name Iulianus, which was derived from Julius. This was borne by several early saints, including the legendary Saint Julian the Hospitaller. This name has been used in England since the Middle Ages, at which time it was also a feminine name (from Juliana, eventually becoming Gillian).

Edgar (2^nd Gen) (killed by DE): [Already in Canon] derived from the Old English elements ead "rich, blessed" and gar "spear". This was the name of a 10th-century English king who is regarded as a saint.

Wife: Brígh (nee Fawley) (killed by DE): - Derived from Irish brígh meaning "power, high".

Daughter: Edith (killed by DE): from the Old English name Eadgyð, derived from the elements ead "wealth, fortune" and gyð "war". It was popular among Anglo-Saxon royalty, being borne for example by Saint Eadgyeth;, the daughter of King Edgar the Peaceful.

Sons (twins):

Jolyon (killed by DE): Medieval form of Julian. / Named after (parental) grandmother Gillian.

Ector (killed by DE): variant of Hector, derived from Greek ‘εκτωρ (hektor) "holding fast", ultimately from εχω (echo) meaning "to hold, to possess". Hector was one of the Trojan champions who was brutally slain by Achilles, who proceeded to tie his dead body to a chariot and drag it about. Hector has occasionally been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, probably because of the noble character of the classical hero. Sir Ector is the foster father of King Arthur in the Arthurian legend. / Named after (maternal) great-grandfather Hector Fawley, MoM from 1925 to 1939: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Hector_Fawley

Amelia Susan (2^nd Gen): [Already in Canon] variant of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work" and means "industrious" and "fertile".

Edmund (2^nd Gen): From the Old English elements ead "wealth, fortune" and mund "protection". This was the name of two Anglo-Saxon kings of England, and two saints. Remained in use after the Norman conquest (even being used by king Henry III for one of his sons).

Wife: Lucia ‘Lucy’ (nee Keele): Feminine form of Lucius, Roman praenomen, or given name, which was derived from Latin lux "light". Saint Lucia was a 4th-century martyr from Syracuse, and the patron saint of the blind. She was widely revered in the Middle Ages, and her name has been used throughout Christian Europe (in various spellings). It has been used in the England since the 12th century, usually in the spellings Lucy or Luce.

Son: Peter named after (paternal) grandfather.

Daughter: Susan: [Already in Canon], the Anglicised form of Susanna, meaning Lily or Rose. Named after aunt.

Edmund, Lucy, Peter and Susan are all linked with the Pevensie children in the Narnia Chronicles.

^CN5 – Avery Family: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Avery_family

Syntribus (Father): From Syntribos the first of the Daemones Ceramici in Greek mythology are five malevolent spirits who plagued the craftsman potter. Syntribos (Σύντριβος; a.k.a. Suntribus) — the shatterer (shatter, crush; syntribô)

- Name in link with being one of Riddle’s first DE and thus against Harry Potter.

Pravus (Son): Latin for: 1. crooked, deformed // 2. depraved, perverse, wicked

^CN6 – Lestrange Family: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Lestrange_family

Wolfram (Father) - Derived from the Germanic element wulf meaning "wolf" combined with hramn "raven". – Raven in link with the Corvus Lestrange Branch.

Rodolphus (son) - already in Canon; the Latin form of the name 'Rudolf', which is derived from the Germanic name Hrodwulf, meaning "famous wolf". (May allude to prominent Nazi Rudolf Hess)

Rabastan (son) – already in Canon; may be a play on Rastaban, the traditional name of one of the stars of the constellation Draco. It is derived from an Arabic phrase "Rās al-Thu` " meaning "head of the serpent". The star is also known as Alwaid, meaning "who is to be destroyed" in Arabic.

^CN7 – Nott Family: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Nott_family

Maragus (1^st gen): From Smaragos the second of the Daemones Ceramici in Greek mythology are five malevolent spirits who plagued the craftsman potter. Smaragos (Σμάραγος; a.k.a. Smaragus) — the smasher (smash, crash; smarageô)

- Name in link with being one of Riddle’s first DE and thus against Harry Potter.

Achlos (2^nd gen): In Greek mythology, according to some ancient cosmogonies, Achlys was eternal Night before Chaos, also mist of death (Greek language: Ἀχλύς "mist"). According to Hesiod, Achlys was the personification of misery and sadness. May also have been the deity of deadly poisons.

- Name also in link with Nótt, the personification of night in Norse mythology

Theodore (3^rd gen): already in Canon; from Greek meaning "gift of God". The Welsh version of the name, Tewdwr, was anglicised to Tudor, the name of a royal dynasty of England that ended with Elizabeth I. It could imply that Theodore was "God's gift" to his parents, if the version of his mother being an older woman are true and she was already out of age to get pregnant.

^CN8 – Rosier Family: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Rosier_family

Damion (Father) – derived from Damian/Damien - From the Greek name Δαμιανος (Damianos) which was derived from Greek δαμαζω (damazo) "to tame". A Slight play/link to the character Damien Thorn, who is the Antichrist, in the film The Omen, with the added link between thorn and ‘rosier’ meaning ‘rosebush’ in French.

Evan (Son) – already in Canon; a Greek name meaning "of noble birth", possibly a reference to the belief that pure-bloods are the wizarding world's aristocracy. It can also be a Welsh name meaning "young warrior", which Evan Rosier was.

=

Text:

*- taken from HP&OoP, Chapter 9.

** - Parts taken directly from HP&tGoF, Chapter 30.

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