Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter world and its characters, and I certainly am not profiting from this aside from personal satisfaction. Many thanks to J.K. Rowling for sharing her magical world which fueled my imagination.

Note: While I do try to keep the story as Canon as possible, due to the plotting I have in mind, naturally there are many areas that diverge from Canon. Please don't Crucio me for that. I will try my best to update on a weekly basis, aiming for the weekends. This is my first time writing a fanfiction, and I hope you enjoy this story.

Chapter One

Hermione Granger was exhausted. Exhausted, but relieved. The days after the Battle of Hogwarts were a blur to her. Many parents requested their children to be buried in their respective homes instead of at Hogwarts, to be closer to their families. There were a few, like Tonks and Remus, who were buried at Hogwarts. Hermione thought it was rather sweet, for she knew Hogwarts was one of the few places where Remus felt truly happy.

Voldemort and his followers, however, were not given permission to be buried at Hogwarts. Those claimed by their families were buried at their family homes, and those who were unclaimed were buried at a small graveyard in the high-security British wizarding prison, Azkaban. Harry had voiced his concerns that future Death Eater-wannabes would try to resurrect Voldemort by using his bones. Kingsley decided that the Azkaban grave would serve to prevent that. Furthermore, those buried in Azkaban, including Voldemort, would be placed in one single unmarked mass grave, to confuse a would-be grave robber in the event that someone managed to break into Azkaban. The public was not provided information on Voldemort's burial details, and the only people who had full details were Kingley, the Trio, and two Unspeakables. Hermione witnessed this burial and was intrigued by the ritual the Unspeakables conducted to obscure and hide the grave.

Hermione, alongside with Harry and Ron, attended each and every funeral of the Defenders of Hogwarts. She wept when they lowered Tonks' and Remus' cold bodies, devastated that Teddy would grow up not knowing his wonderful parents; she cried when Colin's casket was closed, feeling survivor's guilt and blaming herself for not ensuring no underage student joined the battle; she sobbed when Harry laid a bouquet of lilies on Snape's fresh grave, admiring the former Headmaster's courage and strength. She shed tears for all those funerals and was thankful both Harry and Ron were there for her to lean on. She thanked the sacrifice of the Defenders, and silently vowed to tear down the divisive and ignorant blood supremacy beliefs which allowed all these to happen.

The last funeral she attended was Fred's. With the rest of the Weasley clan, Harry, and many Order as well as DA members, they buried Fred on a hill under a tree at The Burrows. George requested that, knowing Fred would not want tears to be shed on his funeral, they celebrated his life instead. True to Weasley fashion, Molly whipped up a delicious feast full of Fred's favourite foods. George brought out some of the prototype jokes he and Fred were working on, and showed them around. They also had a mini Quidditch match, and before guests left, they toasted Firewhiskey (fortified by the twins' potion) to Fred around his grave. The strengthened Firewhiskey immediately hit Hermione in the head and she had to be helped by Ginny to the bed.

Hermione was rather glad the whole funeral marathon ended in a bittersweet celebration. She did not think she had anymore tears left to be shed. Upon reaching the bed in the room she shared with the youngest Weasley, Hermione entered the Dream Land.

The few weeks following Fred's funeral saw Hermione resting and recovering. It was strange for her - after months of constantly on the move filled with adrenaline and anxiety, having nothing much to do on her hands left her rather…confused. Not that she was complaining. Being able to sleep without the ever-present threat of Death Eater attacks was a welcomed change. She was also glad to have options for her meals, instead of only eating mushroom soup. Whenever Molly made mushroom soup, the Trio refused to touch the offending dish. Molly stopped making mushroom soup after the third time the Trio refused it. While feeling rather guilty, Hermione could not bear to eat the dish even for politeness' sake.

During the two weeks between Fred's funeral and Kingsley's appearance, Hermione lazed around with Harry, Ron, and Ginny. They would stroll around The Burrows area, take a picnic at the creek not far from The Burrows, and practice Quidditch - Hermione sat with her books, of course, while the other three zoomed around on their brooms. They would talk about anything and everything except the War and those who died. Hermione knew what they were doing were not healthy for them. They needed to talk about recent events and grieve properly. After Fred's funeral, none of them cried or showed a sad face. Hermione had no idea how any of them actually felt, and whether they were coping or not. She herself was unwilling to discuss the matter and face her nightmares. She was glad to finally be safe, and she would not do anything to jeopardize that cocoon of bliss she found. However, she did notice that none of them were willing to spend time alone with the opposite gender. As in, Ginny and Harry avoided being in a situation all by themselves, as with Hermione and Ron. Hermione had no idea what that meant.

One night, after a particularly filling dinner, Hermione went to bed immediately. Her mother would always tell her off for sleeping right after a meal, claiming that it would invite nightmares. Hermione usually would do as what was told, but that particular night, she felt she should take a break from it. So she bid goodnight to everyone after helping Molly with the dishes, and descended on her bed. Ginny was playing chess with Ron, and Harry watched their game. They mumbled her a 'good night', not really paying attention to her. Hermione smiled at the sight, knowing that they deserved to play chess without any cares in the world.

Upon entering Dream Land, Hermione naturally had a nightmare. She, after all, disobeyed her mother. She found herself on the ground on Malfoy Manor, screaming her heart out as while relieving Bellatrix torturing her, and, to her horror, saw her unconscious parents dragged in by Greyback.

"Well, well, little Muddy, you've never seen a flea-ridden mutt having a meal, have you?" Bellatrix cackled, enjoying the look of terror on Hermione's eyes.

Fenrir Greyback snarled at Bellatrix, to which the mad witch casually casted a spell in retaliation. While it did not much damage to the werewolf, Greyback turned away from Bellatrix and focused on the unconscious muggles. Hermione found herself unable to move or say anything. Her eyes were transfixed at the motionless figures of her parents. She was sure that the Death Eaters could not find her parents. How did they do it? Were there many Voldemort sympathisers in Australia?

Bellatrix traced the carved "mudblood" lovingly with the tip of her fingers, smearing the droplets of blood across Hermione's injured arm.

"Watch the mutt, Muddy. I put a show for you. Do be polite," the insane Death Eater whispered in Hermione's ear so softly it was bordering on tenderness. Almost.

Hermione shivered involuntarily, willing herself to wake up. She did not want to watch her parents being eaten by Greyback. But her body betrayed her. She did not wake up, and she was still in Malfoy Manor. Her eyes went wide when the werewolf started to eat her father's left hand hungrily. Hermione started to forget that it was just a dream. A nightmare.

"Muddykins, you like learning, don't you? Watch and learn then. The mutt here loves to eat his meals starting from their hands, then their legs, and then moving upwards. Do you know why?" Bellatrix did not give her time to answer. "Because he wants his meals to wake up moments before their eventual deaths and see that they can't run away or do anything anymore. By then, their hearts would be pumping madly, and terror envelopes their whole being. According to this fleabag, natural terror adds delightfulness to the taste."

While Bellatrix "imparted" her knowledge on Hermione, tears started to fall from the latter's eyes. A part of her was mildly surprised that she had tears left after all those funerals. Hermione then remembered it was not real, that it was just a nightmare. A construction by her unconscious, and she internally swore at her unconscious to even dare dreaming such things. She doubled her efforts to wake up and escape from this nightmare. Well, who would want to stay in a dream and watch one's own parents slowly eaten to death by a werewolf?

This time, Hermione managed to wake up, just as her father stirred in her nightmare. She was thankful to leave that part of her mind and returned to the safe world where Voldemort had died. Even though she knew she was waking up from a dream, her body moved automatically and she found herself pointing her wand at Ginny, who was snoring softly across the room. Hermione took several deep breaths and forced herself to calm down. She scanned the room and, finding no malicious beings lurking in the corner, she set her wand aside and exhaled.

She had been sleeping without nightmares since the Battle. Why did it come now? Hermione refused to think that her mental health was severely affected by the whole war. She felt that she knew herself best and that she just needs time to rest and recover. After all, she alongside with Harry and Ron had been dealing with Voldemort-related horrors since they were eleven and they grew up just fine.

She rose from the bed gently, trying not to wake up her roommate, and walked to the kitchen. She descended the stairs with an agility honed from years of sneaking around Hogwarts with Harry and Ron as well as staying in The Burrow long enough to know which part of the stairs creaked, and which part provided safe havens. Hermione briefly considered of making robbery her professional career. With experience in sneaking, hiding, breaking and entering, as well as escaping from various life-threatening situations, she would be guaranteed a spot amongst elite robbers. Unfortunately, she dismissed the idea, and Hermione Granger did not go down in history as the Most Wanted Robber of all time.

She was surprised to find Harry making tea in the kitchen.

"Are you alright, Harry?" she asked softly.

Harry, a little startled, turned and his hand flew to his pocket. Realizing it was only Hermione, he relaxed and did not pull out his wand.

"I just can't sleep, 'Mione," he smiled at her. "Want some tea?"

Hermione nodded.

"I thought you went to bed early," Harry stated. He turned to grab another mug and made tea for Hermione.

"Nightmare," Hermione answered simply.

Harry took both mugs and indicated to Hermione to follow him. He led her to the couch and they sat next to each other. Hermione thanked Harry and sipped at her tea. The warmth trickled to her stomach and she felt better. For a moment, both of them were silent and decided to just enjoy their tea.

"What's the dream about?" Harry asked, breaking the silence.

Hermione set her mug on the coffee table and rested her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes. They were all safe, and not on the run anymore.

"Bellatrix," she whispered.

Harry was quiet and took her hand. He gently massaged her fingers, knowing it would help her relax.

"She is gone, 'Mione," he said softly. "She can't harm you anymore. She can't harm anyone else anymore."

Hermione just nodded.

They sat like that in silence until they fell asleep.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Hermione woke up with a start. Ron was yelling at her, standing in front of her with a face as red as his hair.

"Huh?" she did not understand why Ron was upset.

"I said, what in Merlin's name do you think you're doing? What's going on?" Ron yelled again.

Next to her, Harry was stirring.

"What's wrong, Ron?" Harry mumbled sleepily.

"What's wrong? WHAT'S WRONG? I am the one who should be asking you that. I can't believe this!"

With that, Ron stomped out of the house and slammed the door. Molly, who was coming to see the commotion, yelled her disapproval at the disappearing Ron. She then turned to the two confused youths.

"Harry, Hermione, are you alright? Why was Ron yelling?"

"I'm not sure, Mrs. Weasley, we were woken up by his yelling," Harry answered truthfully.

"I bet he's just being his usual moronic self," commented Ginny, who had appeared.

"Ginny! Don't call your brother moronic," admonished Molly.

Ginny just shrugged and walked off to the kitchen.

"I'm pretty sure we'll find out sooner or later what upsets him. But for the time being, you both need to have breakfast and get ready. Kingsley is coming soon," Molly told a surprised Harry and Hermione.

"Why? Did something wrong happened with the trial?" Hermione was worried, remembering her dreams the previous night.

Kingsley, as the interim Minister of Magic, decided to have a swift and closed trial for the captured Death Eaters. He did not want to give them a chance to break out of Azkaban or find loopholes that would enable their escape from justice. He wanted to avoid the mistakes of the past, where claiming to be imperiused was all it took to get them off the hook. The trial was underway and no details were allowed to be leaked to the press until all was wrapped up. Hermione would prefer the trial to be opened for all to see, but she realized the wisdom in his decision. The Trio gave their statements immediately after the Battle, and an Auror took copies of their relevant memories. Harry made Kingsley promised him to clear Snape's name and not condemn the Malfoys courtesy of Narcissa's actions that led to Voldemort's demise.

Molly shook her head.

"No, dear. It has nothing to do with the trial. He has good news. Do get ready."

Molly went off to the kitchen to prevent her daughter from finishing all the food. She felt that the Trio needed to be fed a truckload of food daily to make up for the constant hunger they went through when they were on the run. Having Ginny reduce available food would not serve the purpose. Fortunately, when both Harry and Hermione were back, food was still plentiful. However, a sullen Ron was eating in a corner, ignoring everybody.

Hermione was sure Ron was mad at her and Harry, but she had no idea what would upset him so. Was Ron mad at her for sleeping early instead of watching them play chess? She was sure she did not wake him up when she went downstairs after her nightmare. Times like this reminded Hermione why she sometimes wished she was placed in Ravenclaw. That would guarantee her not knowing Ron and having to deal with his unbelievable temper, although that would also mean she would not have friendship with Harry and the rest of the Weasleys.

At least one of us has not changed even though we went through hell, she thought to herself darkly.

"What do you guys reckon of Kingsley's coming?" Ginny asked.

Harry, his mouth full of bacon, shrugged. He swallowed and said, "Since it is supposed to be good news, and nothing to do with the trial, it could be anything."

"Maybe the Death Eaters did us all a favour and dropped dead," Ron speculated.

"That is still connected to the trial, Ron," Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I wasn't talking to you," Ron replied aggressively.

"Ron!"

Molly, Harry, Hermione and Ginny stared at Ron, who looked away and grumbled something that sounded like "traitor".

"What did you say?" Ginny could not believe what she heard.

Ron refused to answer and instead concentrated on his breakfast.

Before anyone else could press the matter further, there was a knock on the door.

"That must be Kingsley. Stay here, children. You need your breakfast."

Molly went to get the door in a hurry, leaving the teenagers to eat in an uncomfortable silence. Moments later, Molly returned with two guests.

"Kingsley! Professor! What are you doing here?" Hermione was delighted to see the Minister of Magic and the Headmistress of Hogwarts.

Kingsley laughed.

"We have some news for all of you. But first, how have you all been?" McGonagall smiled at them.

"We've been fine, Professor. We're recovering," Harry answered for all of them.

"I'm glad to hear that. Now, we are both here on business. I as the interim Minister of Magic and Headmistress McGonagall here representing Hogwarts," Kingsley said.

Hearing that, the four teens straightened and looked at Kingsley and McGonagall with rapt attention.

"Harry, Hermione, and Ron, I am officially offering the three of you a place for Auror training. The Ministry recognises and appreciates your services and help in bringing down Voldemort and his Death Eater regime." Kingsley gave the Trio an official letter each.

"Ginny, for your role in the fight against Voldemort, the Ministry also offers you a place for Auror training. However, you must finish your final year in Hogwarts first." He gave Ginny a similar letter.

Hermione frowned. "But Kingsley - I mean, Minister, we did not take our NEWTS."

"Please, just call me Kingsley, Hermione. Well, the Ministry decided to offer Auror spots for those taking part in the Battle of Hogwarts. Unfortunately, as Ginny was too young at that time and did not participate, she must finish her final year first. However, regardless of her NEWTS results, she is guaranteed a spot should she accept when she graduates."

Ron, in his excitement, forgot about his mood for the time being. "Harry, mate, this is our chance! Count me in, Kingsley!"

Kingsley laughed.

"Before you make any decision, Mr. Weasley, I myself have an offer to make," McGonagall stepped in and produced letters for the Trio.

"Hogwarts is officially inviting all students who left last year due to the war, including the three of you. I am here to represent the school and try my best to convince my students to return for their education. I am hoping all of you would return, especially you, Miss Granger."

Hermione was excited. She had no interest in being an Auror.

"But won't we be too old for that, Professor?" Harry asked.

"Exceptions are made due to the circumstances, Mr. Potter. The same offer is given to all of your classmates. You will be returning as Seventh Years, of course."

"Professor, while I appreciate you coming here to give us this invitation, I'm curious you didn't just use owls," Hermione asked.

McGonagall sighed.

"Unfortunately, Miss Granger, many muggleborns from other years were pulled out from Hogwarts, as it was too dangerous for them to return at that time. When they were pulled out, where else could they continue their education? There was no other magical schools in the muggle world. So this week, both Minister Kingsley and I visit each and every child whose education was disrupted due to the war to assure parents that the war indeed, is over, and that their children will be safe. I am also hoping that my presence here will convince both Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley to return before starting their Auror careers," McGonagall explained with a twinkle in her eyes.

Ron had the grace to blush.

"Um Professor, no offense, but I'm not really good at studying as 'Mione here, so I think I'll pass and go for training immediately." Ron avoided his mother's eyes, knowing that his mother would want him to finish his studies first.

"As much as I love Hogwarts, I think it's time for me to start a new chapter of my life, Professor," Harry said honestly. "I am taking this offer, Kingsley. Thanks a lot, mate."

Kingsley was grinning.

"I am winning, Minerva," he joked. The Headmistress rolled her eyes.

All of them now looked at Hermione, waiting for her answer.

"I… I am honoured to be invited for the Auror programme. However, I would like to finish my education first."

Ginny yelled happily and gave Hermione a hug over the table, spilling a glass.

"Ginevra, watch what you're doing!" Molly admonished her youngest, who did not seem to hear.

"At least I have you, 'Mione! You boys suck!" She stuck her tongue at both Ron and Harry. That got her another scolding from Molly.

"Well Kingsley, it seems that all is not lost," McGonagall told the Minister.

Kingsley sighed.

"Now that the first two items are done, let's move on to the last one," Kingsley now used a serious tone and that got everybody's attention.

"This will be on the Daily Prophet tomorrow," he began. "A couple of days ago, the Ministry was contacted by both Gringgotts and Narcissa Malfoy. It seems that the Black line did not end with Sirius. Both the Headmistress and I are unable to provide much information to you but, a girl claiming to be heiress to the Black family appeared. Narcissa's father, Cygnus Black, confirmed this in his will kept by the Gringgotts. Narcissa herself just found out about this when this heiress appeared out of the blue, so nobody knows what games the old Black was playing at."

"This girl will attend Hogwarts this year with the both of you, Miss Granger and Miss Weasley," McGonagall took over from Kingsley. "She will be in the Seventh Year as well. We don't know whether she is a threat or not - initial investigation showed her to be not part of the Death Eaters. However, we can never be too careful. We are letting you know before the Daily Prophet prints tomorrow, so that you can prepare yourselves."

The four teens were shocked.

"Why can't that bloody line just die already?" grumbled Ron.

"Ron, we don't know how evil she is," Hermione chided him. Ron then remembered he was supposed to not talk to her and Harry, and he returned to being upset.

"Professor, what's this girl's name?" Ginny asked.

McGonagall pursed her lips and exchanged a look with Kingsley.

"You will find out in Hogwarts, Miss Weasley."

Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"Don't you know her name, Professor?" she asked.

McGonagall sighed.

"We do know. However, as she appears to be the legitimate heiress to the Black fortune and has not been presented to society yet, rules and traditions dictate us to not reveal her name until she has been officially presented," Kingsley answered for the Headmistress.

All four of them chorused "What?!"

"Unfortunately, that is how it is," Kingsley said. "As the Headmistress said, you will know more about her in Hogwarts. At any rate, we have to take our leave now. There are ten more children scheduled for today."

"I'll see you both to the door," Molly offered.

The teenagers, save for Ron, looked at each other.

"I thought we can live happily now," Hermione groaned.

Ron snorted.

Ginny squinted her eyes at her brother. "What's gotten into you?"

"Well, if you must know, ask the both of them!" Ron pointed at Harry and Hermione.

"Are you mad at me for sleeping early last night, Ron?" Hermione asked.

"Or is it because I refused to play chess with you?" Harry added.

Ron laughed darkly.

"Still pretending to be innocents, huh," he chuckled. "What were you doing this morning? I caught you both sleeping together!"

Ginny's eyes went wide.

"What? No, Ron!" Harry spluttered.

Hermione snapped. She could not believe what she was hearing.

"Listen here, Ron," Hermione spoke in low, threatening tones. "I had a nightmare last night and went to the kitchen for a drink. Harry was already there, making tea. We were sitting at the couch talking about my nightmare and drinking tea. We fell asleep. Yes, we slept together, but not in the manner you suggested!"

Hermione folded her hands and stared at Ron with daggers. Ron suddenly felt very foolish.

"Oh," he managed.

"Yes. Oh." Hermione repeated.

"So erm… nothing happened between you two?"

Harry shook his head.

"Mate, Hermione here is just like my sister. Nothing will happen between us, alright?"

Ron felt very awkward.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled. "So uh… what do you guys think of this heiress?"

"That's very classic, Ron," Ginny sniggered. "Act like a moron and when you realise it, just change subject."

Ron scowled.

"I dunno, mate. I just hope nothing bad will happen," Harry said.

Hermione remembered her nightmare and had a sinking feeling. She half-dreaded the coming school year.