Bad Karma

Chapter 3: Hogsmeade

Through the short trip to Hogsmeade, Hermione told them everything Dumbledore had told them. “So, Charlie, we don’t know each other. Dumbledore said you were from Ireland and that Harry and I are from France.”

“So that’s why you told Hagrid I was your colleague?”

“Yeah, I don’t know how many people Dumbledore told that we were from the future. Luckily since all three of us are new, it won’t look weird for us to get along so quickly,” Hermione explained.

“But Dumbledore made it seem like there was more you were supposed to say to us,” Harry said”

Hermione thought for a second. “There probably is, but at the top of my head I can’t think of anything. One thing he could want us to do is think of cover stories because people will be curious to know our life stories.”

“Sounds right. Well, since I’m from Ireland, why would I move here when the year already started?”

“Well, Dumbledore only recently found out that he was in need of a temporary replacement for Madam Hooch because of her family issues. So as an old friend, Dumbledore owled you and you accepted. So here you are. Does that work well enough?”

“Yes, but what was I doing before?”

“Since you’ve already told Hagrid that you worked with dragons it’s best to stick to that story. So you don’t turn heads when more than one story pop up. You were working at a dragon retreat, but it’s not difficult to return later.”

“Okay.”

Now it was Harry’s turn to ask questions. “What about us? Why are we here at the exact moment as Charlie?”

“I’ve been in correspondence with Dumbledore for years starting when I was at Beaubaxtons. It was brought to his attention that Professor Slughorn needed a break from the strenuous work of creating potions and the stress of the war was getting to him. So he asked in a favor and he also asked me if I knew anyone qualified to take on the Defense Against the Dark Arts job. I thought of Harry because we went to a magical university together and he was the only one to get a better score than me. Since we’re friends, it was no problem to get you agree.”

Harry nodded, “But what were we doing before?”

“We were job hunting, so this was heaven sent.”

They laughed. “What do you do in your spare time Hermione? Come up with background stories?”

“No, I just feel it’s best to be prepared for any situation.” The carriage stopped. “Come on, it’s time to shop.”

The boys groaned, but they followed Hermione out of the carriage. When they looked around, they experienced the warm feeling of nostalgia. “It’s nice to be somewhere familiar!” Harry exclaimed as he closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of butterbeer.

“I know exactly what you mean. Why don’t we stop at Madam Rosmerta’s for a butterbeer before we go shopping?” Charlie turned to Hermione with a pleading look and Harry followed suit.

“It would be nice. I know for a fact you haven’t had one since Hogwarts,” Harry pleaded. Hermione didn’t know what to say.

They were right about everything they had said and it wouldn’t be a problem to stop for just a second. They had the whole afternoon, but she wanted something in return.

“Only if we get to stop at the bookstore and both of you come with me.” They looked defeated but they agreed none the less. “Than let’s go.”

They walked into Madam Rosmerta’s pub and was hit with the smell of peppermint and noticed there were sprigs of peppermint littering the pub. “There’s a table there,” Charlie said and guided Hermione forward by the small of her back.

Hermione found herself shivering slightly when Charlie touched her and the place where his hand touched was on fire. Harry walked behind the pair and noticed how possessive Charlie had become of Hermione since the incident at the hospital wing. ‘Charlie likes Hermione!’ He wanted to laugh, but didn’t want to draw attention to himself.

Harry decided to test the waters so as soon as Charlie and Hermione took their seats, Harry sat on Hermione’s other side. He motioned for her to get closer and she moved over to hear what he had to say.

“What is it Harry?”

“It’s nothing. I just like you close to me.”

Hermione blushed, but not because she liked Harry that way. But because that was one of the sweetest things Harry had ever said to her. “That’s so sweet Harry. I like being close to you too.”

Harry glanced inconspicuously at Charlie and could see Charlie’s face was as red as his hair. Much like what Ron used to look like. That thought sobered Harry, he still couldn’t handle thinking about the Weasley’s without it hurting.

“Charlie would you mind ordering up some butterbeers? I want to speak a little to Hermione.”

Charlie gritted his teeth, but walked off muttering about annoying little brats.

“So what did you want to talk about Harry?”

“It’s about Charlie.”

“What about him?”

“He likes you.” Harry decided to just come right out and say it.

“Don’t be ridiculous Harry.”

“How is that ridiculous?”

“It just is. Who would like a annoying know-it-all?” She too was reminded of Ron, but this time it didn’t hurt Harry. Instead he got angry because his words still hurt Hermione.

“Don’t listen to that bull, Hermione. You are a wonderful person and anyone would be lucky to have you in their life. I count myself lucky to have you as my best friend and if I didn’t think you returned Charlie’s feelings I would sweep you off your feet.” Harry joked.

“Oh Harry.” Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry. “It’s hard to forget what he said. You know I faced him at the Department of Mysteries.”

Harry shook his head. “No, I hadn’t known that. I had to face Ginny.”

“Oh, that’s terrible. I’m so sorry you had to deal with that.”

“I’m sorry you had to face Ron, but luckily for you that you didn’t have to kill her.”

“No, but I had to kill Ron.”

“Oh,” Harry was speechless. When he had seen Ron lying dead on the floor of the Department of Mysteries he hadn’t imagined that Hermione was the one that did it. “You know I never imagined that I would ever have to kill an old friend and I had hoped you wouldn’t either.”

“It was something we had to do in order to survive. Now you’ve been avoiding part of this conversation. Do you return Charlie’s feelings?” Harry gave her the eye.

“There is nothing to return Harry because he doesn’t like me.”

Harry wasn’t getting anywhere with her. “Ok. Let’s think hypothetically for a moment. Would you return Charlie’s feelings if he had any for you?”

Hermione blushed crimson and nodded her head jerkily.

“So tell him how you feel.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of where his loyalties lie?” Harry asked harshly. “He’s not like the rest of his family.”

“No its not that at all. It’s just hard to accept rejection.”

“Don’t think about it that way.”

“Ok. Thank you Harry.” Hermione bent to give Harry a kiss on the cheek, but Harry accidentally looked at her to respond. So her lips brushed Harry’s for the briefest of moments. Hermione pulled away slowly. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. It was an accident.” From the corner of Harry’s eye he saw Charlie and he looked more upset than before. He must have seen the accidental kiss and since neither Harry or Hermione thought anything of it they didn’t pull away quickly like they were doing anything wrong. Charlie must have thought they were together. “Hermione I think Charlie saw the kiss and got the wrong idea.”

“What makes you think that?”

Harry pointed at Charlie. “That would be my evidence.”

She looked to see Charlie now off flirting with another girl. Missing by a second what Harry had been trying to show her. All she saw now was evidence of what she already knew, that Charlie didn’t have feelings for her.

“That just shows what I was trying to tell you Harry. That Charlie doesn’t care for me in the way you described.”

Harry was confused so he turned back at Charlie and saw him shamelessly flirting with one of the barmaids. So much for that. Charlie was obviously intending to make this difficult. Before Harry could stop her Hermione had gotten up and left. He barely heard her softly spoken words saying she would go shopping by herself.

He knew he couldn’t do anything yet so he sat back and relaxed. Waiting for Charlie to stop with his nonsense and get back to their table.

Hermione couldn’t stand watching Charlie flirt with another girl after Harry had just made her examine how she felt for him. She knew that he didn’t like her, but when Harry was talking she couldn’t stop herself from hoping he was right.

When she looked over at him, hoping to see him looking jealous, she saw him messing with another girl. Not even paying her a smidgeon of mind so she left. She might as well shop.

Hermione stopped first at Madam Malcolm’s for some robes and clothing. The bell above the door rang to announce her entry. She was swamped by two girls the moment she walked in.

“Dumbledore told us of your arrival. You must be Ms. Granger?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Ok. So just tell us exactly what you want and we’ll have most of it ready in a jiffy,” replied the young girl.

Hermione remembered something. “Merlin’s beard. I’m sorry to have wasted your time, but I seem to have forgotten to get the money from Dumbledore before I came here.” She turned to leave.

“It’s not a problem. He told us to charge everything to Hogwart’s,” the other girl explained to her.

“So what would you like?”

“A couple pairs of jeans would be nice, some nice button up blouses, and couple of skirt ensembles. Of course I would also need some robes, just the standard black would be nice,” said Hermione.

As Hermione had been talking, the girls had set to work. They had measured Hermione’s body and tailored the clothes to fit her preferences. “Are these okay?”

Hermione looked at the small collection they had come up with and she was pretty happy with it. “Yes, those are perfect.”

“Ok, we’ll be finished with most of these by tonight and we’ll send them to you by owl if that’s okay?”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.”

“It was our pleasure. Hope you stop by soon.”

Hermione left the shop and noticed that more time had past then she realized. So she walked swiftly to the bookstore. She needed certain books to teach and research.

Charlie wasted very little time in coming over after Hermione had left the table. When he came over he brought the three butterbeers and set them around the table, but he wouldn’t say anything.

“You know she left right?” Harry asked after a few minutes had past and still he said nothing.

Charlie was confused, then his expression disappeared. “I don’t care what you and your girlfriend are fighting about that causes her to leave.” Charlie practically spat out the word girlfriend.

“Funny since I don’t have one, a girlfriend that is.”

“You two obviously looked cozy.”

“As cozy as you and the barmaid.” Harry retorted.

“Why are you even here when Hermione is out there?” Charlie indicated outside the pub.

“She decided she wanted to go shopping alone because she didn’t want to watch you make a fool of yourself.” Harry spat.

Charlie turned red. “You were the one all over her!”

No one heard since everyone was deep in their own conversations. “No, I was talking to my best friend! The only family I have left! I hope you at least got her number.

“That is not how best friends or family act!”

“How am I supposed to know when I’ve never had a family and before I met Hermione, I never had a friend either? Hermione is the person that showed me that affection between people doesn’t necessarily mean I have to want them. She’s always been this way with me because I never had a family to show me any affection. So forgive me for thinking I was doing nothing wrong.”

Charlie had nothing to say. He had completely forgotten about the tough childhood Harry had to face.

“And to think I told her that you wanted to be with her too. You don’t deserve her if you can’t accept the relationship we share. Hermione has an open heart and she needs someone that can handle how she is with other people,” Harry explained while watching Charlie for his reaction.

It didn’t seem like Charlie noticed the first part of what he said, but he definently heard the parts after that. He looked confused as to why Harry was telling him this and than it clicked.

“You can tell, huh?” At Harry’s confused look, he continued, “I mean you can tell about my feelings for her. I didn’t think it was that obvious,” said Charlie in a voice barely above a whisper.

“As her best friend, I look out for anything that will let me know who wants Hermione for herself and who only wants to get in her bed,” Harry explained. “It’s not obvious to Hermione if that’s what you’re afraid of.”

Charlie shook his head. “No. I can’t help but feel lost when I’m around her. I mean this hadn’t been something I decided, it’s been steadily growing since I first came to 12 Grimmauld Place to stay.”

“I understand, Hermione is a wonderful person and you’re not the only Weasley to fall for her charm.”

“Ron, I know.”

“No, he’s not the only one either. The reason George didn’t cross over was because of his feelings for Hermione.” Charlie was shocked. “You’re not the only one. I found a letter when I searched the library for clues on the Weasley’s. It was stuffed in between two books Hermione usually reads.”

“Wasn’t he afraid that Hermione would find it before he died?”

“No, it wasn’t there the last time she read the books. I believe he put it there the day before he died. In a way, I believe he knew his death was coming.”

“What did it say?”

“That he had his suspicions about his family, but he never had any verifiable evidence because they never approached him directly. He apologized because if we found the letter than he would be dead and his family would have succeeded.”

Charlie looked up at Harry. “Wow, I never thought George would be the one to fall in love with Hermione. If I thought it was anyone I would have assumed anyone it would be Bill.”

“Why Bill?”

“Because they’re the same. He tried so hard to get good grades in school and he is one of the smartest people I know. Even smarter than Percy with all his bluster. They had the same ideas when it came to school and such.” Charlie explained, “but I guess it doesn’t always work out that way.”

“I guess not.” Harry looked at his watch. “We should go and start shopping. Hermione would be very upset if we sat in here the entire time.”

“Yeah, we should get some clothes first. Than I need to stop my the Quidditch shop.” Harry gave him a look. “It’s not that. I need one now that I’m the teacher.”

“Sure, like I believe that’s the only reason.”

Charlie chuckled. “Okay, it’s definently not the only reason I want a broom. I just haven’t flown for awhile.”

“I know what you mean. Come on, we’ll get clothes and stop by the Quidditch shop for a few minutes. Than it’ll be a good idea to see how Hermione’s doing at the bookstore.” Harry realized that he was spending too much time with Hermione - he had actually made a plan.

“How do you know she’ll be there?”

“Do you know Hermione? If I know her she has been there for over an hour now.” Harry laughed. “Let’s go.”

Hermione had been in the bookstore for over an hour scouting for any books that could help her figure out about time travel. There wasn’t very much in the future and there was even less in 1977.

So far she had found only one that could help her. She remembered it from the future, but she had only glimpsed at it than. Not really thinking it was important at the time and now she regretted passing over all those books.

She wiped her brow and decided to take a break from time travel books. “I see you’re fascinated with time.”

Hermione jumped and grabbed at her heart, she turned and saw the old woman she had seen earlier. “Oh, you scared me. As a matter of face I am fascinated with the thought of traveling through time. What about you?” She realized that this was the owner of the shop and figured if she could grab her interest the woman would be more inclined to show Hermione anything in the back.

“I find it interesting as well. To think that we already have the ability to travel through time when muggles are only dreaming of this.” The woman looked smug and she had every right. “Muggles don’t even know that time travel is possible, but it is big in science fiction movies.”

“Unfortunately there isn’t much that can help me here.” Hermione gestured to her sad pile of one book.

The old woman nodded. “I see what you mean.” She looked like she was thinking hard, than decided just to go for it. She looked around suspiciously and than got real close. “You know I have some wonderful books in the back that I could show you. Dumbledore had owled me saying that you’d be working for him and anyone working for Dumbledore has to be nice. You can borrow some if you’d like.”

“That would be wonderful,” said Hermione, truly thankful.

“Why don’t I show you some of the books? Follow me. Henry, man the store, I’ll be busy in the backroom.” The boy in question nodded.

It was mid-day and dinner would be served in only an hour. The house elves were working efficiently as Dumbledore had told them they had some special guest. The house elf who had been there the longest knew exactly who the three guests were. You see what most people don’t realize about house elves is that they remember who they meet; past, present and future.

He had met all three at different times in the next twenty years of his life. He had no reason to tell any one about that, but he knew of a few other house elves that knew the three guests as well.

Soffy was honored to see the three people years earlier, especially the bushy haired one. She had always fought with people about their rights. Sometimes she went overboard, but her heart was in the right place.

“I want everything perfect for our guests!” Soffy yelled and the other house elves increased their workings ten fold.

One of the house elves that knew of Hermione approached Soffy with their heads bowed and their hands clasped. “Is it true Soffy? Is the bushy haired one really here?”

“Yeah, but what does that have to do with why you’re not working?”

“I was just thinking that she wouldn’t agree with this.”

Soffy go really close to the other elf. “There were a lot of her ideals that didn’t work for us. She may have fought for our rights, but she was fighting a battle we didn’t really agree with.”

The house elf nodded and got back to work. Soffy looked around to make sure everyone was working properly and efficiently. There was a knock on the entrance to the kitchens. Soffy looked at the door waiting for the person to come in. Anyone who wanted entrance to the kitchen should already know how to enter.

Dumbledore walked in, surprising all the house elves. Usually only Soffy was the one to deal with him about the menus. Soffy walked up to Dumbledore and bowed low, “Is there anything that I can do for you Dumbledore?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. Our sensors have picked up the acknowledgment to a woman. Would you mind explaining to me how you know her?”

Soffy’s eyes widened, for centuries the house elves had kept one thing secret. They had made sure that no wizard knew of the way their memories worked. Including their most treasured masters. He gulped, “I am sorry master Dumbledore, but I can not tell you what you wish to know.”

He looked down, “I see and can you tell me why you can’t tell me?”

Soffy went torn in two so he jumped down from his small podium. “Come with me, if you please?”

Dumbledore followed Soffy to his small office in the back. “What is it we couldn’t discuss in front of the other elves?”

“The reason you have heard something of the bushy haired one is because we do know her. I couldn’t tell you in front of the other house elves because it is a law amongst us to not speak of our memories. That is the one thing house elves promised they wouldn’t give wizards.” Soffy explained.

Dumbledore nodded for Soffy to continue. “I am sorry that I have to have you break your code of honor, but it is important I know everything there is to know about Ms. Granger and her friends.”

“I would like a promise from you.” Soffy watched her toes as she anticipated his next words.

“Of course. You have my word.”

Soffy shook her head, “No, I want it in the form of a magical oath.”

Dumbledore nodded and removed his wand from it’s hidden holster. “Your right hand please.” Soffy gave Dumbledore her arm. “Thank you. Now what would you like me to pledge?”

“Pledge that you will not speak or write to no one or thing about what I shall tell you. Pledge that you will not speak or write to no one or thing about the secret of our memories.”

“Will that be all?” At Soffy emphatic nod, he began. “I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, do pledge that I will not speak nor write to no one or thing about what Soffy will share with me. I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, do pledge that I will not speak nor write to no one or thing about the secret of House Elves’ memory. With this I do pledge.” Dumbledore sealed with the deal with a last strand of red light coming out of his wand to twine around Dumbledore’s and Soffy’s wrist.

Soffy breathed a sigh of relief, she had been worried Dumbledore would refuse. “What would you like to know?”

“How do you know Ms. Granger?”

“A house elves’ memory differs from wizards. We remember every person we encounter throughout our lives, even the parts we haven’t encountered.”

That got Dumbledore‘s attention. He would never have imagined that a house elves’ memory could be that advanced. “I see. What do you know of Ms. Granger and her friends?”

“There isn’t much I know of the Weasley, other than he was a good student that followed the rules. He did come down here a few times asking for butterbeer whenever they won a Quidditch match, but that is all.”

“And the other two?”

“Potter is a whole other story. There is much I know of him because in the future he becomes famous, he will be more commonly known as The-Boy-Who-Lived. When he was a young boy, Lord Voldemort attacked him and his family, which marked Potter as his equal and also, left the boy parentless.”

“Can you tell me who is parents are?”

Soffy smiled. “You already know.”

“No, I realize that he is James Potter’s son, but I don’t know the mother.”

“Than I can not tell you. Potter will be much like his father, mischievous, but bad things always seemed to revolve around him. Thankfully he has Ms. Granger by his side, she was heaven sent. He too will become a Quidditch player and he and his friends will come down here for butterbeers as well. Two other Weasley’s usually came down more, but they aren’t my favorite people.” Soffy explained.

“Back to Hermione. What else can you tell me about her?”

“I’ve been with you for awhile and I will be with you until the day you die. So I’ve seen a lot. Ms. Granger is the smartest witch since Rowena Ravenclaw.”

“Even Ms. Evans?”

“Yes, some even said she surpasses Rowena Ravenclaw. As I said earlier, without her Mr. Potter may not be alive today. She follows the rules to a T until she feels they aren’t the best plan of action. She fought for our rights and the rights of all of the little people, like the goblins and such. Ms. Granger is guided by her heart and her head equally.” Soffy’s eyes actually sparkled a little as he spoke of her.

“She has made quite an impression on you, but are you absolutely positive that there is nothing bad about her.”

“Positive, but you must promise not to speak of House Elves’ memory to anyone. I told you because I trust you not to break a confidence.” Soffy watched Dumbledore.

“You have my word and you already have a magical oath.”

Dumbledore turned to leave.

“Mr. Dumbledore?” He turned around. “Dinner will be ready soon.”

“Thank you.”

Harry and Charlie had just finished buying their brooms when they realized how late it actually was. “Bloody hell, Hermione is going to kill us.”

“Why?’

“We promised her that we would go to the bookstore with her and it’s already too late. We have to get back to Hogwarts in a few minutes. Let’s go get her.” Harry walked in the direction of the bookstore.

When they entered the room, the bell above the door rang, but the occupants weren’t paying them any mind. They saw Hermione smiling and chatting up the owner with about fifteen books stacked next to her.

Harry smiled warmly. “That’s my Hermione.”

“Does she usually do that?”

“You’ve seen her around books.”

“Yeah, but only in a library. I didn’t know she did this when she purchasing books as well.” Charlie indicated to the large pile of books.

“From what I know of Hermione she is only purchasing maybe three of those and borrowing the rest.” Charlie looked confused. “You see how friendly Hermione is with the bookstore owner?”

“Yeah.”

“My guess is she let Hermione borrow it from her personal stash in the back room. Hermione has a way with people that makes them want to share their most prized possessions.” Harry looked proud of Hermione’s ability.

“Interesting. Should we interrupt?”

“Not you. She’s probably still upset with you.”

“Why would she be upset at me?”

Harry ignored Charlie’s question and went to go get Hermione. He tapped her shoulder and she turned with a smile for him. She gave him a hug than turned back to the old woman and shook her hand. Harry and Hermione made their way back to Charlie, each carrying a stack of books.

When they got to Charlie he grabbed a stack of Hermione’s books and some of Harry’s. “Come on, we don’t want to be late for our own introduction.” They went back to where they left the carriages.