A New Beginning

Chapter 4: They Met Again

Memories are links in a golden chain that bind us until we meet again.

Jacqueline Winspear

xXx

October 25th, 1970

Of course, they should have been expecting it. The birth announcement went to the Ministry without a hitch. They should be all set to receive the Hogwarts' letters today. Still, the wait during breakfast filled Hermione and Elisabeth with anxiety. What if they did not appear on the Book of Admittance as they had hoped? What if they couldn't go back to Hogwarts? How would they proceed to win the war then? Even when Adelia assured Hermione that it would be fine, she couldn't stop worrying. Elisabeth, ever the calm-headed, was also nervous. Hermione couldn't believe how relieved she was the moment the owl flew in with two Hogwarts letters. She and Elisabeth shared a look of relief.

They spent the night baking a tray full of treacle tart as a celebration for Elisabeth's birthday. It upset Zinky and Dot as they said it was supposed to be their job to bake for the family. However, after Elisabeth sweetly stated that it was her way to celebrate her birthday, they reluctantly agreed to let their little Mistresses did their things. As the family shared treacle tarts and cuppas in front of the fire afterward, Hermione felt content. She knew that this normalcy would not last long. As soon as they came to Hogwarts, it began.

xXx

February 1st, Diagon Alley

Even after Apparating everywhere in the country, she still couldn't relish this traveling method. Since Hermione opened her eyes, she couldn't stop herself from gasping. The last time she saw Diagon Alley, instead of the bustling atmosphere she currently witnessed, it was gloomy and empty. Hermione allowed herself the time to immerse herself in the merry surroundings. Looking to the side, she could tell that Elisabeth thought the same with her joyous face.

"Let's visit Madam Malkin first, shall we?" Adelia said excitedly from behind.

"Oh, no..." Hermione nervously said when she saw whose family has occupied the shop first.

"What is wrong, dear?" Adelia asked worriedly.

Elisabeth's eyes widen in understanding as she looked in the shop. She looked to Hermione, concern evident in her eyes.

"I am fine, just a little shock." Took a few calming breaths, Hermione gave a reassuring smile to both of them.

Hermione knew how terrible Walburga Black's portrait was, given her more than two years of experience in Grimmauld Place. It has nothing compared to the real person, however. When they all got in the shop, they could hear a scream that oh so familiar with Hermione echoed out.

"SIRIUS BLACK! PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER THIS INSTANT. NO SON OF MINE BEHAVE LIKE SUCH, DO YOU HEAR ME? DON'T PUT THIS HOUSE TO SHAME! Get yourself together before coming out, you hear me? Come Regulus." Walburga then pulled Regulus outside with her nose up in the air, even though the boy looked longingly back to his older brother. Said boy of the rant has his head down, perhaps in shame, or might be because of his younger brother. A younger Madam Malkin clicked her tongue in disappointment but kept quiet and gave a gentle smile to Sirius.

"Sorry about that." She apologetically said when she noticed them. "Now, what do we have here?"

As Adelia went on to order their robe, the two stood on the stool next to Sirius. Immediately, the charm measure tape went to work.