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Time's Up	By : Gotbooks00 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Hermione/Blaise Views: 23286 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 6
Disclaimer: I own many things, but not any recognizable characters, things, or places in the Harry Potter series. Somehow, I doubt that JKR would agree to joint custody…shame, that. Also, no profit is being made from the writing or posti

Chapter List
- 1-Time's Up
- 2-TWO
- 3-THREE
- 4-FOUR
- 5-FIVE
- 6-SIX
- 7-SEVEN
- 8-EIGHT
- 9-NINE
- 10-TEN
- 11-ELEVEN
- 12-TWELVE
- 13-THIRTEEN
- 14-FOURTEEN
- 15-FIFTEEN
- 16-SIXTEEN
- 17-SEVENTEEN
- 18-EIGHTEEN
- 19-NINETEEN
- 20-TWENTY
- 21-TWENTY ONE
- 22-TWENTY TWO
- 23-TWENTY THREE
- 24-TWENTY FOUR
- 25-TWENTY FIVE
- 17
- 18
- 19
Time’s Up, by Gotbooks93

Summary: After successfully hiding the existence of her son for eight years, Hermione is out of luck and out of time. When the father of her child discovers her secret, their quiet worlds are changed forever. Will things become better, or worse? Join Hermione and Xander as they find out.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Even though her legs felt like they were made of pudding, Hermione forced herself to continue walking. Noemi seemed to struggle with the same affliction, as it took almost a full minute to catch up with her on the sidewalk. At that point, the two witches were nearing the neighborhood park, situated in a little grove of trees; Hermione headed for the spot immediately, craving the nostalgic comfort that came with the area. She and her parents had spent numerous afternoons in the area.

Settling down on a faded green bench, Hermione softly patted the spot next to her. Noemi took the seat, and the park’s few electric lanterns switched on a moment later, trying to combat the growing darkness. The only sounds in the air were far away; a car alarm had gone off a few streets over, and a dog barked in the distance.

“I don’t think I would have changed anything, even if I had the chance.” Hermione said suddenly, startling both Noemi and herself with her voice. However, she soldiered on, trying to sort her chaotic emotions. “Xander turned out more wonderful than I could have hoped. And while those first few years were hard- so hard- when I look back on them now, I can’t help but think that they made me stronger.

“But, maybe that’s selfish.” she continued, “I know, better than anyone, how much Xander wanted to know his dad. I always thought that I was doing fine on my own, that he had everything he needed. Maybe I was wrong.” She sighed. “The thing is, when Blaise and I broke up, it was so terribly dramatic. When we were dating, we rarely got into more than a spat. Neither of us wanted to deal with the drama of an on- again, off-again relationship, so we always tried to be logical about our problems. Maybe we would have turned out differently if we had one really good screaming match. Because when you get down to it, humans need to be emotional. I’ve noticed that sometimes when you really fight with someone, you tend to say things. Things you didn’t even realize were bothering you, until you say them.”

She paused, glancing at Noemi for the first time. The other girl wasn’t looking at her, but instead stared straight forward, her eyes looking sightlessly at the metal equipment in front of them. Her chiseled, pale features were cast in shadow by the orange light of the lanterns, her mouth sloping downwards. Sensing Hermione’s eyes on her, she turned her head a little. “What could he have said, though, that made you hide from him?” she asked, her voice a little icy. It occurred to Hermione that Noemi had been a victim of a torn family, herself, and was acting defensively as a result.

She sighed, looking around aimlessly. Her eyes caught on the swing set to their right, and she smiled faintly. “I fell off that set when I was seven.” Hermione said, pointing. “I remember what it felt like, even though it was more than twenty years ago. I had managed to swing higher than I ever had before. Then, on impulse, I jumped when I was at the highest point. I couldn’t have been more than seven feet from the ground, but I remember that moment of weightlessness. My stomach was practically in my throat, and it was almost like I was flying.

“I hit the ground hard,” she admitted. “Dad thought I broke my leg, by the way I was screaming. But in reality, it was just because after that moment of chaotic joy, the hard jolt to the ground was such a sudden contrast…and that’s kind of how I felt when Blaise and I split up.”

“I remember our last day together was a Tuesday, because Molly Weasley always tried to get the Order to eat dinner together on Tuesdays.” She said, her voice a little detached. “Back in those days, at the very peak of the war, you could never be too careful. Blaise wasn’t a Death Eater, somehow having found a way to slip out of Voldemort’s claws, but he was constantly watched. The other Death Eaters were bitter that he had escaped their own imprisonment, and tended to harass him whenever he left the manor. As a result, he ended up being trapped in Zabini manor. It was a gilded cage. I know he would have already left for Italy if it wasn’t for me, but I wasn’t very sympathetic. In my eyes, he was being a coward, and his refusal to join the Order was a source of countless arguments between us.”

“I was only ten at that point,” Said Noemi. “But I remember Uncle Berlios calling the whole family together for a meeting. He forbid us all from taking any part in England’s civil war, although I didn’t care much at the time. Father had little interest in it at the time, and I wasn’t close enough with Blaise to give him a second thought. It’s strange, to think back and realize the two of you were struggling with it, hundreds of miles away.”

Hermione nodded. “It was a daily struggle, seeing friends injured and dying. Our lives were centered around the war. Very few of the older members were working openly at that point- the Death Eaters had taken over the Ministry, you see, which forced them into hiding- and the younger kids were always training. Without the Black fortune, which Harry had inherited, I don’t know how any of us would have survived.

“I spent my days exercising, learning all the spells I could manage, and training the newer members, who were just out of Hogwarts. Most nights, I managed to steal away to see Blaise, although we had to be very careful about it. Elena, who was living with her latest husband in Spain, tended to pop in at the most unexpected times, to check and see if Blaise was still alive. To this day, I can’t understand how she could live separated from her child when he was living in a war zone.”

“Elena has always been like that.” Noemi murmured. “As long as I can remember, she’s always treated Blaise like an accessory, something she plays with when she’s bored. As long as Blaise does what she says, she tends to leave him alone.”

“Blaise used to have to hide me when she came around. I used to think he was ashamed to be seen with me. She knew we were friends in school, but it would have been abhorrent to her if she found out we were dating. And Blaise has always been a mother’s boy. I didn’t feel right, forcing him to choose between us, so I usually kept quiet about it. Although, once, I heard her talking about her own prejudices. She hides it well, now, but she’s dead set against muggle born witches and wizards joining the magical society. Looking back, I think Blaise hid me to protect me from her. She’s a powerful witch, and I think he was afraid of what she would have done to me. At the time, though, I only thought he was afraid for his own reputation. As far as I knew, Pansy Parkinson was the only one of his friends who knew about us, and she barely tolerated me.

“That night, Elena showed up unexpectedly. We had been…otherwise occupied…in Blaise’s room,” at this, Hermione colored a little, and hoped the darkness around them hid her blush. “But we could hear her heels clicking down the hall. Blaise panicked, and shoved me under the bed. I fought him, because I was tired of hiding from his mother. I was young, and impulsive. He put a body- bind charm on me, and hid me just in time. Elena barged in without so much as a knock, and asked who he had over. She had found my overalls in the hall, which was strictly muggle fashion at the time.”

At this, Noemi sniggered a little. “Hey, it was 1999, and they were very ‘in’ at the time!” she defended, laughing a little. She exhaled strongly before continuing, her tone sobering. “Blaise lied and said one of his friends had brought them over as a gag gift. She believed it, not that she knew who his friend were in the first place, and left soon after.

“When he un-did the jinx, I was furious. Before long, we were both lashing out. I screamed at him for all the times he would manipulate me, both physically and mentally. About how he would allow his mother’s decisions rule his life. That night, I said all of the things he did that drove me mad, the things I had kept quiet about in the name of peace.

“He didn’t hold back either, of course. He shouted about how I would ignore him for my ‘projects’ and how I always chose Harry and Ron over him. I found out that Draco Malfoy, who I greatly despised at the time, had known about the two of us for quite a while. After that, we were just shouting whatever would wound each other the most. That’s the problem with dating someone for a long time- they know exactly what will cut you the deepest, because they’ve been there for all of the worst stuff in life.”

“Eventually, I accused him of being ashamed of me, and said I was disgusted at myself for being with such a coward. He had been trying to take me with him to Italy, where it was ‘safe’. I told him I wasn’t going to hide anymore, and gave him an ultimatum. That was my biggest mistake that night. I told him he either had to come out and fight with me in the war, a cause I believed with all my heart, or he could find someone else to be with. And…he chose that option. It was like…like a bucket of cold water had been dumped on me. I was angry, and so was he, but I never thought he would actually end it. We had been through so much together, but eventually it was too much.”

Hermione’s breathing hitched, and she swallowed hard, determined not to cry. She had to finish this story. “We were engaged, you know. Waiting for the war to end so we could get married and announce our relationship to the world. Looking back, it was an impossible dream, yearned for by two people, too young to really know what love was about. So I got up, took off his family ring he had given me, and gathered my things. I could feel his eyes on my back, and tried to keep my face blank. Right as I was about to floo away, he stopped me, and I thought maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe we could still fix it… us. Instead, he told me he never wanted to talk to me again. That I had ‘wasted enough of his life on me’. Even though it felt like he was kicking me while I was down. In a weak attempt to save face, I assured him I never wanted to see him again. It would be nine years before we saw each other again.”

Silence reigned.

“And Alexander?” Noemi’s voice was quiet. “What about him?”

Hermione gave a humorless laugh. “I have no excuse for separating them. My actions were a mix of hurt pride and fear. To this day, his words cut me deeply. For the first time, I had opened myself up to someone completely, and I got hurt. I couldn’t face him. I deluded myself, thinking he wouldn’t accept Xander because he wasn’t a pureblood, even though I knew deep down he would have. I used his words as a justification for keeping his child from him. It was a mistake, but no one is perfect, especially me. Not even close.”

~(o)~

“To your left you’ll see Slug and Jiggers Apothecary, where you can collect your potions ingredients. If you sign up for a student membership, they’ll give you a ten percent discount throughout your time at Hogwarts. Trust me, it will make a difference. We can stop in and grab your potions kits in a moment, but first we have one very important stop: Ollivander’s Wand Shop.” Hermione swept her arm dramatically to the side, smiling widely.

In front of her stood this year’s ten muggle students she was charged with, their eyes wide and darting around Diagon Alley. Hermione remembered her own first time in the wizarding market, the feeling of exhilaration, excitement, and nervousness. They stood in a single- file line, thanks to Hermione’s roping charm. She had learned several years ago that students were prone to separate and wander if she didn’t magically keep them together. Without delay, she led the small group into Ollivander’s cramped shop, standing by the doorway. It was only fair, to let old Mr. Ollivander make his creepy, traditional entrance.

As usual, his performance was spectacular. One of her students even gave a little shriek as he spoke from behind her. As he passed her on the way to the counter, Garrick Ollivander reached out and gave her hand a little squeeze. Although the two weren’t terribly close, she could see the old wizard hadn’t forgotten her role in freeing him from Malfoy Manor all those years ago. The dramatics of the war had done little for the old man, and he now lived quietly in his shop, selling and making wands. Hermione had heard his granddaughter- whose name was Marie, or Maggie, or something similar- now assisted him. Hearing the whirr of a sander, she suspected the young girl was busy making wands in the back room.

After a half hour, all ten of her students had received their wands. The shop itself was a little worse for wear, though. The ancient vase in the corner had been smashed not once, but twice, and one of her more enthusiastic girls had blasted apart an entire section of shelved wands. Ollivander wasn’t upset though, thrilled to have a “challenging” customer. It was worth the drama, seeing all of her student beam at their wands, and she remembered the first heady rush that came with finding one’s magical pair.

After reminding them that the wand picked the wizard, and to treat theirs well, Ollivander turned to Hermione to settle the bill. She collected muggle money from several of her students, and slipped him her Hogwarts bank card a quiet boy in the back of the group, who came from a very poor family, and subsequently received a partial scholarship for his supplies that year.

Just as she was about to turn and leave the shop, Hermione heard her name called from further inside the shop. A young woman stood at the end of one of the rows of wands, waving a little. Hermione pointed out Floean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor across the street, and send her little group scurrying over for “the best ice cream this side of the channel”. Making sure they all arrived in the shop without delay, Hermione turned back to the young woman, who waited patiently.

“You’re Hermione Granger, right?” asked the girl, her flyaway blonde hair and piercing blue eyes marking her as an Ollivander.

“I am,” she confirmed, smiling. “But I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage.”

“Oh, terribly sorry,” the young woman replied. “My name is Millie Ollivander. I’m here to help out my grandfather with the shop, and apprenticing to become a Wand Maker. Taking a few classes over at Charleston, too.”

“Did you go to Hogwarts?” asked Hermione, although she already knew the answer. She had taught at the school for too long, and hadn’t been absent long enough to have missed the young Ollivander as a student.

“Oh, no, I was home-schooled by my mother.” She explained. “I unofficially graduated last year, actually. Anyway, I have a message to give you.”

“A message? From who?”

“Well, it was given to me by Verity, who works over at Weasley’s Wizard Weezes. And it was given to her by George Weasley, himself!”

Hermione smiled at the excitement in her voice. The idea that Fred and George were minor celebrities still amused her a little, and she reminded herself to tease them about it when she next saw them. Reaching out and collecting the intricately folded parchment, Hermione thanked Millie before saying goodbye.

After seating herself at a table with her chattering muggle-borns, Hermione pulled out her wand. The chattering at the rest of the table quieted quickly- they had learned that her wand meant she was about to do some magic, and the novelty was still fresh for them. Giving the parchment a tap, Hermione watched as it turned into a paper origami dragon, which soared quickly through the air above their heads. Appreciative ‘ooh’s and ‘ahh’s were given, and the dragon settled down again in front of her. As a finale, it opened its mouth and emitted a shower of sparks, before unfolding and becoming a normal scroll of parchment. The children in the room, some of them not even from her party, gave a little round of applause. Although the show seemed exactly that- a show- it was actually much cleverer than that. If the parchment had done anything different, Hermione would have known it came from someone other than Fred and George, and was consequently a ruse.

As the eleven year olds bent their heads back toward their frozen desserts, Hermione read the message, written by Fred by the look of it. The handwriting was a chore to read, irregularly spikey and loopy by line.

My Darling Hermione, the missive began.

My most excellent brother and I have been called away for business this afternoon, and have subsequently entrusted this VERY important epistle to our lovely employee Verity. If you’re running on your usual schedule- as you usually are- you will be showing the ikkle firsties around the Alley today. We’re sure her capable hands will make sure this letter gets to you.

In regards to your owl, which we received several days ago and have been too busy to reply to until now- Hermione snorted unbelievingly- we would be delighted to attend your man candy’s birthday. However, it has proved to be quite the chore in tracking down an appropriate give for said boyfriend, as we do not believe he would appreciate most of our products. But have no fear, we have procured a very clever gift we’re sure he’ll enjoy. See you soon.

~ Gred and Forge~

PS: We’re having a bit of trouble with one of our latest inventions. Luckily, we know someone with their Mastery in Charms. Mind if we drop by your classroom? You can expect us in the coming weeks. Thanks!

Sighing, Hermione put down the letter. Knowing those two, they would be ‘dropping by’ during the middle of a class of fourth year Griffindors, who were excitable enough as it was. Shaking off the thought and standing, Hermione continued her tour of the Alley. By the end of the day, the entire party was exhausted, and Hermione began the long and tedious process of returning the students back home. It was rewarding, though, when they raced into their houses, eager to show parents and siblings their newest magical acquisitions. After reminding them magic wasn’t permitted outside school, and the appropriate information for the Hogwarts Express, she departed.

Before long, she was left with only one student, a quiet boy named Benjamin Berry. As they walked down a run- down street, Hermione made sure to keep her face neutral. He was her scholarship student, and lived in one of the less attractive parts of London. His dark hair was straight, slicked back from his face. His clothes were worn but neat, and he was a little tall for his age, but thin. In some ways, he reminded her of a young Severus Snape, and something obviously weighed on his mind. “How much do I owe the school, from today?” The boy’s voice said beside her.

Hermione looked at him, brows raised. “Your fees from today are covered by your scholarship, Mr. Berry.”

He shook his head impatiently. “I know it was covered by the scholarship, but I didn’t do anything to deserve it. It hardly seems fair, taking money for nothing like that.”

Hermione nodded a little, seeing his point. “That’s true, although you will have to work to keep the scholarship. Good grades and no behavioral problems will ensure that it is continued. However, if you’d like to do a little work for your own peace of mind, you’re welcome to help out the teachers. We can always use an extra pair of hands.”

This seemed to ease the young man’s mind, and Hermione suspected he would work hard at Hogwarts, given the right encouragement. However, as they approached the front door to his brownstone, Hermione turned to Benjamin. “Mr. Berry, may I give you a piece of advice? You will be sorted into one of four houses when you arrive at Hogwarts. One such house, Slytherin, is notorious for taking in the school’s most ambitious, resourceful students, and has turned out many successful, powerful witches and wizards. It’s not a bad house, despite its reputation. But when you are sorted, don’t count our Hufflepuff. Personally, I don’t think people give them enough credit, and some of the best people I know were sorted there. You might fit in better than you think.” With that, Hermione straightened up and gave three hard raps against the wooden door in front of her. It was soon opened by the elder Mr. Berry, a giant of a man who worked in construction. Despite his size, Hermione suspected the single father had a good heart, even if he seemed a bit strict. Benjamin’s little sister currently peeked around her father’s leg.

“Benny?” she asked, “What didja get from the magic shops?” she asked, lisping a little.

Benjamin’s face grinned widely, and she stepped into the house, calling a “Thank you, Professor Granger!” behind him. Hermione reminded his father of the appropriate details.

“Thanks again, Ms. Granger.” Said Mr. Berry. “Do you think my boy’ll do alright at that school of yours?”

“I do, Mr. Berry, with the right encouragement.” She said, smiling a little. “Indeed, I do.”

~(0)~

“Alexander, I will not tell you again. Get away from the door!” Hermione demanded, raising her voice. Xander slunk away from the miniature door that was carved into the corner of the room.

As he sat back down in front of the fireplace, the windows began to shake violently again. The clock on the mantle was already spinning backwards, and her wine glass on the side table was deftly revolving on its base. Brutus and Duke were currently trying to hide their bulk under the coffee table, to no avail.

There was some serious magic going on at Zabini Manor, tonight.

The magical shenanigans had been going on for several hours, and Hermione wondered when they would end. The cause of the magic was not unknown, however. It seemed a Zabini elf, Quin, was having a baby. Apparently when giving birth, elves lost their normally tight control of their powerful magic. Interesting.

Xander, ever eager to learn about the magical creatures around them was in a state of high agitation. Already, he had made several notes in his journal, detailing some of the side-effects of elvish childbirth. Hermione contemplated sending her son to bed, a little unnerved at his intensity, but dismissed the idea. After all, this was a rare event.

After another hour of the unruly events, they all ceased at once, much to the dog’s relief. Ten minutes later, three pops were heard. Jeb, Carlou, and Quin stood before Blaise, who lounged on the couch beside her. The later elf held a bundle of clean rags, and one tiny, pointed ear stuck out.

“Quin, should you be up and about right now?” asked Hermione, shocked. She relieved a bewildered look in return.

“Qin is having too many things to be doing to lay about, Lady.” The elf replied.

“Indeed, Quin is having her young one and getting back to her work like a good, strong elf.” Jeb intoned, looking at her proudly before turning to Blaise. “Master Blaise, Jeb is very happy to present to you the most honorable House of Zabini’s newest servant, the offspring of Quin and Carlou. Is you being ready to give the new elf her name?” he asked.

“Yes, I suppose I am.” Said Blaise, folding his newspaper and tossing it aside. “Alexander, come here.”

Xander scrambled to his feet, coming to stand at Blaise’s side. He leaned forward a little on his toes to get a better look into the bundle of cloth. Blaise took the baby elf from Quin’s hands, who gave a little squeal of excitement. It must be quite the honor to have the Master of the house hold your child.

“What do you think we should name her, Alexander?” asked Blaise. “You’re the next master of the house, so she’ll be around long after you pass on. Pick well.”

Xander peeked into the bundle again, looking serious. It seemed Hermione’s son knew the importance of elvish loyalty. “Hmm well I thought it was going to be a boy.”

Hermione suppressed a grin. “What about a name that could be a boy name or a girl name?” she prodded.

“Like, um, Lee?”

Hermione nodded. “Or Skylar, or Aaron, or Taylor, or Noel-”

Xander interrupted her. “Hey, that’s a good one! That’s what her name should be- Noel!”

“The young master gives a very fine name.” said Jeb.

“Then her name is Noel.” Said Blaise officially, handing the baby back to Quin.

“Thank you, young master, for giving Noelley such a fine name!” she squeaked, before all the elves pop’ed out of the room.

“Hey!” called Xander, too late. “I didn’t name her Noelley!”

Hermione and Blaise burst into laughter, watching the outraged look on their son’s face. It seemed he still had a lot to learn about the world around him. “Too late now, darling.” Said Hermione. “Anyway, elves tend to turn any name into a nick name, no matter how hard you try.”

Xander just huffed, looking cross. And that was how Noelley got her name.

Chapter Eighteen Author’s Note:

Hey guys!

It’s a bit choppy, but I’m satisfied. Now, you all know why Hermione and Blaise split- and before you all ask, yes, they will be talking about it in the future. Up to this point they’ve been skating around the issue, but not for much longer.The promised drama will be occurring next chapter. Sorry about that, but it just sounded very stilted when I tried to shove it into this one. But isn’t the idea of a baby house elf kind of cute? I thought so!

Thanks to everyone who left a review last chapter; I love hearing feedback from my readers! In case you guys didn't notice, I'm also posting this story over at fanfiction(dot) net. However, this chapter puts the two sites at the same part. As a consequence, you'll get updates on Mondays like they do.

Next chapter will be posted on Monday, January 02, 2012. Also: Happy New Year to you all! I’ll see you in a week.

Laters,

Gotbooks93
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