Chapter 1: The Dream

The ground was cold, black tile and she was being pressed down into as far as she could go. She was in Malfoy Manor and Bellatrix Lestrange was torturing her for information. Hermione's screams of denial did nothing to stop the pain and questions. She could just tell them the truth and the pain will stop, the crazy witch said. When Hermione continued to say the same thing over and over, the witch screamed with frustration.

"This will teach a stupid Mudblood like you to never forget what you are!" The pain in Hermione's arm was blinding at Bellatrix brought the enchanted knife down and started carving letters into her skin. She didn't know where Harry and Ron were, but she hoped they were okay.

"Where did you get THE SWORD?!" Bellatrix screamed, her shrill voice reaching all across the manor.

"We found it, it's not real I promise!" she cried, knowing that no matter what she did the pain would never stop.

"LIAR! CRUCIO!" The final letter carved into her arm, the curse making her writhe in pain.

Hermione woke with a start, her breath heavy and her bed drenched in sweat. This was the third nightmare this week. It had been a year and a half since the war ended and the nightmares still hadn't subsided. While they were less frequent than they were at the start, not much had changed. Each night, a different scenario plagued her sleep, but many repeated, never to be forgotten.

Looking at the clock and reading as 6 a.m., Hermione got out of bed shakily and made her way to the kitchen for a glass of water. Well, she thought to herself, at least I made it through most of the night this time. As she drained the glass, a tapping sound at the window of her flat's common area grabbed her attention. Glancing over, she noticed Pig hovering at the window, a letter tied to his leg. Letting the owl in, she led him to treats and water, then opened the envelop to find a familiar scribble.

Hermione,

Mum is having everyone over for dinner at the Burrow tonight and she asked me to make sure you'd come. Also, I was wondering if you would meet me at the Leaky Cauldron for lunch, say noon? Don't worry, nothing bad. Just want your opinion on something. Send Pig back as soon as you can.

Always, Ron.

Hastily writing out her reply, Hermione pondered what Ron would want to talk to her about that was so important. After their kiss during the battle, they had dated for almost a year before Ron decided that taking care of both of their issues was proving too difficult for their relationship. After some fighting and a few months not speaking, the two decided that their friendship was more important. Now, she reflected, the love she feels and felt for Ron was never romantic, but brotherly like her love for Harry.

After sending off Pig to tell Ron that she'd meet him and be there for dinner at the Burrow, Hermione pulled out a new piece of parchment and started writing to Ginny. She told Ginny about her dream and asked her to tell Harry.

Ginny,

I had another nightmare tonight, one of the repeats. Malfoy Manor. I know I don't need to describe it to you again, as you probably know it as well as I do now. I've been up for a while, but I'm still shaking and my arm tingles. I need to work harder at trying to find something that will let me control the dreams. Think you could help me?

Ron owled this morning to tell me that your mum is having everyone over for dinner tonight. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Harry. Ron asked me to meet him for lunch today at the Leaky Cauldron, said he wanted to talk to me about something. Any idea?

See you tonight.

Love,

Hermione

Sending the letter off with her owl, Hermione went out and got ready for the day.

Hermione lived in a small, one-bedroom flat overlooking muggle London. It was close to the Leaky Cauldron, within walking distance, so the wizarding world was never that far away. She felt too many negative things happen in the wizarding world and a certain distance was required in order to properly heal.

It took a little while, but soon the wizarding world went back to normal. Shops were repaired in no time, the Ministry was completely rebuilt and Hogwarts was accepting students again. Hermione was working with the Department of Magical Creatures, still trying to fight for the rights of "lesser beings." While she understood the House Elves might not want to have been freed, they at least deserved to be treated better. Her current project, a law entitled "The R. J. Lupin Werewolf Acceptance Act" proposed the acceptance of werewolves into normal society and provided provisions against discrimination at school and in the workplace.

Harry and Ron had gone on to become Aurors and finish catching the remaining Death Eaters. Not many were left but Harry, Ron and Neville were the top of their class and remained vigilant. Ginny had just become a reserve Chaser for the Holyhead Harpies and Hermione was of the opinion that she'd be on the regular roster in no time. No one could best Ginny during practice runs and the twins always complained that she could avoid their bludgers during the pick-up games at the Burrow.

Hermione had gone searching after the war for her parents, but the memory charms she had placed on them proved too powerful. By the time she finally caught up to them, the reversal spell wouldn't work and much more prodding could have made them insane. So she left them as Wanda and ? Wilkes, a childless couple traveling the Australian Outback with no knowledge of the wizarding world.

Noon rolled around and with a soft pop, Hermione apparated right outside of the Leaky Cauldron, ready to meet Ron. Walking inside, she waved at Hannah Abbott at the bar and grabbed a corner booth. Early as usual, she picked up her menu to study.

"Well, well, well," said a voice next to her ear, making her jump. "If it isn't the brightest witch of her age, studying, as usual."

Glancing up at her recognition of the voice, Hermione cocked an eyebrow at Fred Weasley.

"I do have appearances to keep up, you understand," she replied with a grin. "What're you doing here?"

"Well," he said, taking the seat across from her, "George and me usually do take-away from here a few times a week for lunch. Today's my day to pay and pick-up. I should ask you the same thing. What's a gorgeous bird like yourself doing here all by herself for lunch?"

Hermione felt her cheeks heat up with blush at the compliment. "Actually, Ron asked me to meet him. He said he wanted my opinion on something."

Something flashed in Fred's eye and Hermione almost didn't catch it. She recognized the Weasley anger immediately, but it was gone as quickly as it came. She knew Fred had never fully forgiven Ron for his treatment of her towards the end of their relationship, but she knew it was getting better.

"In that case, would you mind if I kept you company until he get here?"

"Not at all!"

At that point, Hannah walked over to grab Hermione's order. Requesting a butterbeer and a house sandwich, Hermione glanced back over at Fred, who was silently watching her. She started to take in his features that she had already seen so many times over the years. His goofy smile, his freckles that danced across his face, the ginger hair that fell past both of his ears. She knew George's hair matched, helping to cover the hole where his ear used to be.

As her gaze wandered over his face, she noticed his sea-blue eyes watching her intently, his eyebrows cocked, making them look quizzical.

"Hermione?"

Her name brought her out of her reverie. "Huh?"

He chuckled, his laugh reminding her of their younger days at Hogwarts. "You were staring. I've heard that it's considered rude in some areas of the world."

She felt the blush creeping up her cheeks again. "Sorry. I didn't get much sleep last night, so I'm a little out of it."

His smile fell then, a small frown taking its place. "Nightmare?" he asked, and she nodded slowly. "Wanna talk about it? I know you have the boys and Ginny, but sometimes it helps letting someone from the outside know. See if they can help."

Before Hermione could think of a response, let alone a decision on what she'd tell him, Ron finally arrived.

"Hey Hermione. Fred."

"Hey Ron."

"Hi Ron." Hermione got up out of her seat and gave him a welcoming hug.

"Stopped by the store to say hi Fred, but I didn't see you. George wouldn't tell me where you were, but I'm glad I caught you."

Fred glanced at Hermione, but she didn't notice the determination in his eye. He'd have to ask her about her dreams another time.

"I was just picking up lunch for George and me, decided to keep 'Mione here company seeing as you're late as usual. What's up?"

"Mum wants everyone at the Burrow for dinner tonight. I've been tasked with sending word."

Hannah stopped by just then with Hermione's order, a take-away bag for Fred and told Ron she'd bring him his usual.

"Tell mum we'll be there," Fred said, getting up and giving Ron his seat. "I'd better get this to George. You know I'd never 'ear the end of it if I'm late with the food." With a wink at Hermione and his trademark smile, he left the two to their devices.

Chuckling, Ron turned back to Hermione who was still watching Fred leave.

"Hermione, you okay?" he asked.

"What? Yeah. I was just telling Fred I didn't get much sleep last night so I'm a little out of it. Another nightmare."

Ron's face softened and he reached his hand across the table to grip hers. "Was it new or a usual one?"

"A usual one. The Manor one." Ron's expression turned from compassion to understanding. "It left me shaken again this morning and my arm was tingling. It's stopped now."

Ron glanced at her arm, remembering how hard he tried to get back to her and stop it. It was one of the things he was still fighting to forgive himself for. "How about we get some food in us and distract each other?"