Disclaimer:- I'm sad to say it hasn't changed, I own nothing and earn no money from this story.

oOo

A/N:- Thank you to all for your reviews and favourites. This is a long chapter with a lot of information in it. I'm sorry about that, but it's important to the story. The chapter after this is the start of the Potions Master goodness, so please stick with me and happy reading.

sSs

Knowing who your friends are

Looking around the great hall and seeing it still in disarray, Hermione decided that breakfast al fresco was an excellent idea. The elves are still working, so the kitchens must be intact, Hermione thought, grabbing a mug of coffee and two Danish pastries in a serviette, now to find somewhere out of everybody's way, as she passed through the great front doors of the castle, her eyes landed on the perfect spot. Sipping her coffee she meandered down towards her favourite tree by the lake.

To tell the truth Hermione was surprised that the devastation wasn't more wide spread. It had looked a lot worse yesterday, then she pondered many things had looked worse then.

As she strolled along, Hermione was unaware that the eyes of Minerva McGonagall were observing her from the tallest tower. The Headmistress was all too aware of Hermione's history and the reason she now appeared so totally abandoned.

The elderly witch had worried last night when the young woman had simply wandered off, but the elves had reported when sent to find traces of her that her magical signature had erected wards on the Prefects bathroom, and Minerva had relaxed somewhat.

The task the young woman had undertaken instead of Seventh year must have been odious to her. However Minerva was also certain that had she not done so, there would have been no victory now, merely another stale mate.

Watching Hermione enjoying a peaceful coffee under the tree she'd often seen her under, the older woman's heart filled. The Headmistress was then reminded of another abandoned soul who favoured the shade of the very same tree when he was a student here.

This left the same mind circling back to the fate of one Severus Snape, who had not been arrested with the remaining Death Eaters, she'd checked on that. But neither had he turned up in the though search of the castle and grounds she'd commissioned for him with the house elves since the battle.

The faithful little creatures had told her hesitantly that there were faint traces of his magic in the Shrieking Shack, and their eyes had filled with fear when relating the extent of the blood they'd found there. Minerva tsked quietly, all the tasks she had given the little creatures after the cries of battle had stilled, the poor things must have been exhausted. Yet they'd happily prepared breakfast this morning, she'd have to think of a way to thank them whether they liked it or not.

Coming back to ponder the Potions Master, her heart skipped a beat when she tried not to think of her most treasured possibility, wondering if Albus had been able to somehow spirit him to safety. She scolded herself, but thought it anyway, dear Merlin I miss him.

Minerva's eyes travelled back to Hermione, who was now reading a letter. Turning, the austere witch finished the journey to her office before her thoughts became maudlin. She hoped Hermione would come and see her at some point today.

xox

Under the renewing oak tree, the young woman in the blue dress was calmly reading her part of the letter. As it turned out the envelope had contained two slightly smaller ones. The bulkier one was to be delivered to the Headmistress.

However, the instructions contained in her letter had her sighing almost before she'd finished reading them. "I do not wish, the Ministry to troll through the personal belongings of our former Potions Master. The Headmistress will grant you access to his chambers so you can work. His familiar Rastus will know where to go if you direct him home. I have also included a charm to stabilise an unfamiliar wand, and the linking portius spell you will need when you are finish."

Hermione momentarily allowed herself to be mesmerised by the sparkling sun on the ripples as the giant squid performed a lazy backstroke in the middle of the lake. Blinking to banish the sun from her eyes she went back to the page before her.

The instructions read as follows, "It is of extreme importance that this is all completed today. Please adhere to the following list carefully.

Deliver Professor McGonagall's letter to her, she is privy to my plans. Feel free to tell her anything you wish.

Visit The Burrow and collect your familiar, inform Molly and anyone who asks that you are getting away for a while, and will write when settled.

Enter Professor Snape's chambers. Shrink and crate up everything in his quarters, personal lab, store room and office. Make certain you have all your belongings as well and then perform the portius spell."

"Is that all?" Hermione sighed incredulously. Her eyes slowly turned to the white marble tomb nearby, so who's in there if you're still alive? Try as she might she found it impossible not to feel a little cheated by the knowledge Dumbledore appeared to be still hail and hearty.

The more puzzling question though, was how? They'd all seen a very dead Dumbledore lying at the foot of the astronomy tower.

She sighed heavily. Will I acquiesce to his instructions? Of course I will. I'm Hermione Jean Granger studious put upon swot extraordinaire. Besides I owe Professor Snape something for all his 'anonymous' efforts while I was on the run, and really what else have I got to do.

She looked to the letter again. It was obvious Dumbledore expected her to go with the items, she shrugged, "Well at least I won't be here," she muttered.

xox

The walk to the Headmistress' office allowed her time to plan, she had enough money. Her parents had left her well catered for. The settlement of their estate after their accident had been a surprise. She was lucky that her Gringotts account only contained a small amount of her capital.

She had invested most of her money the Muggle way. A decision that proved very wise after the incident with the Dragon last year. She was fairly certain she may be banned permanently from that institution for the foreseeable future.

Approaching the gargoyles Hermione realised she didn't know the password. On impulse she tried, "Tabby cat," and to her shock it worked.

Alighting from the stairs she knocked on the door, "Enter," said the familiar voice.

Hermione put her head around the door, "Do you have time for a chat, Ma'am?"

Minerva smiled, "Anytime my dear," she said with genuine affection.

Coming around her desk, Hermione was shocked to feel her head of house pulling her into a hug, "This last year must have been a nightmare for you," the Headmistress asserted.

Hermione was speechless, "Those two ungrateful brats, who have now abandoned you, wouldn't have even made it through the first night if it hadn't been for you," Minerva continued, and after a few seconds Hermione found herself awkwardly returning the offered affection.

"I just wanted you to know that a few of us appreciated the sacrifice you made, and I wished to thank you," the Headmistress released her, and gestured to a chair. "Sit down, I'll organise tea for us."

"Thank you, Ma'am, I don't know what to say," Hermione stuttered. Minerva smiled, but Hermione thought she looked exhausted. The tea pot obligingly boiled when she tapped it with her wand.

Once they were settled with their tea, Hermione opened her bag, "During the battle yesterday, I had occasion to come across Fawkes," the young woman said quietly, uncertain how her news would be received.

She heard the sharp inhale, then the china cup chink heavily into its saucer. "Where?" Minerva's shocked voice gasped.

"In the Shrieking Shack," Hermione replied.

"I saw all the blood there, I've worked out who it belonged to," Minerva's eyes took on a pained expression, "Do you think the bird was able to save him?"

"I sincerely hope so," Hermione nodded, "He'd started healing him while offering me this letter." She pulled it from her bag, "Part of it is addressed to you," she handed over the appropriate portion before continuing, "But as soon as the Phoenix had delivered his missive, both he and Professor Snape disappeared."

Taking a deep breath, Hermione continued softly, "I was the only one present when all this happened." She then sat quietly sipping her tea while the Headmistress' eyes scanned the information contained in her letter.

"Well," she stated finally exhaling, "He certainly has set you a daunting task. Taking a deep breath, Minerva looked at Hermione, "If you will allow me to speculate, I suspect Severus is very much alive as no portrait has appeared on that wall."

Hermione was startled by her feeling of relief at this piece of information. However, her eyes instantly went to the large portrait of Dumbledore behind Minerva's desk, "If the writer of this letter is who I believe it to be, then why… how?" Hermione stopped herself finishing that sentence in case it wasn't wise to do so, however looking around the portrait frames it soon dawned on her that only one was occupied, "Where are they all?"

Minerva laughed, "No doubt having a merry time all over the castle sticking their noses in where they're not wanted while the repairs are happening."

This made Hermione titter as well, but she tilted her head, "Though Dumbledore's still sleeping, why?"

Minerva smiled warmly, "Have a closer look," she offered.

The young woman rose and cautiously walked up to the painting, turning back in shock she stuttered, "And no one ever noticed?"

Chuckling, Minerva shook her head, "Most people are very unobservant, besides Severus perfected the art of changing his expression to suit the visitors last year. So no one questioned it."

The Headmistress cackled, "That man's got a wicked sense of humour, some of the expressions ranged from scandalous to downright inflammatory," her lips twitched once more, "I think making up expressions for Albus to wear for the day was one of the distractions that kept him sane." Minerva suddenly looked sad, and Hermione took on board another piece of unexpectedly pleasant information.

Once they had finished their tea, Hermione sighed, "Well I better get to The Burrow and collect Crooks." Minerva could see the apprehension in her whole demeanour.

"I'll accompany you," and she saw relief spread over Hermione's face, she continued, "I should really pay my respects to the family. They were important to the war effort."

xox

Cloaked in light weight travelling attire, the two women headed for the gates, again Hermione's eyes wandered to the marble tomb, "It's a transfigured Death Eater," Minerva whispered anticipating the young woman's question, "We finally found a good use for one of them," seeing Hermione's look of horror, she chuckled.

Drawing a deep and pained breath of remembrance, the Headmistress spoke, "Mr Malfoy initially allowed five Death Eaters in through the vanishing cabinet that awful night. Severus caught that one," Minerva pointed to the tomb, "off on his own, intent of coursing a different kind of trouble," Minerva shivered a little, and Hermione's hand of comfort on her arm allowed her to continue, "He was about to molest a terrified first year, Severus disposed of him and obliviated the girl. That intervention proved not only a happy circumstance for little Emmie Wardale, but very fortuitous to our plan," she continued as they came to the gates.

Hermione kept nodding, but was fighting with herself to concentrate on what her mentor was telling her. She'd suddenly been overcome with a fierce feeling of pride at Severus' protection for a random first year she didn't even know. Then Hermione was busy chiding herself for calling her Potions Professor by his first name, and wondering what in hell was happening to her.

After another heavy sigh, the Headmistress had continued with her story, "I had been planning to transfigure an Albus size log into a dead body, having a real body made it much easier."

Finally dragging her thoughts together, Hermione asked her next question, "So it was all staged?"

"Oh yes, to the enth degree, if Severus' aim had been off by a millimetre and he hadn't missed," Minerva shivered. "Albus is a very powerful wizard, but it must have taken great presence of mind to jump like he did, as soon as he was out of sight of the Death Eaters he simply apparated away."

"From mid air?" Hermione exclaimed.

Minerva nodded, "From mid air."

They walked a little further, "How many people know about this?"

"You are the fourth. Albus has seen fit to grant you this information, so he must have a plan for you. I suspect I know what it is, but I'll let him fill you in when you see him."

"Where is he?"

"I don't know, he made the arrangements himself. He felt it best that neither Severus nor I knew where he was, I haven't seen or heard from him since that night," Hermione thought she heard a crack in the elderly woman's voice, "It was imperative that everybody thought him dead, especially Voldemort and Harry."

"Why Harry?"

"Harry needed a push," at Hermione's puzzled look the Headmistress explained further, "Oh Harry had you to urge him along. But he needed to focus his efforts for revenge on someone."

"But it was Professor Snape that Harry hated, far more than Voldemort."

"And with good reason, Severus had seen to that almost by accident at first, because Harry is the image of his father, and James Potter treated Severus very badly from the moment they met. But Harry also wanted revenge on Voldemort then by extension."

Hermione suddenly huffed, "That's just not fair. Why did the Professor have to be so vilified? He put himself out there, he endured unspeakable things I imagine," she was subconsciously rubbing her arm when she said this, "Yet he was wonderful," it was Minerva's turn to give the puzzled look, "It had to be him who sent me the Potions kit, books that helped me, refills for my most used potions," Hermione sighed.

The young woman had stopped walking now, and turned to Minerva, "For God's sake he even supplied me with a potion that suppressed my menstrual cycle while we were on the run. They are not the actions of a cold hearted bastard. They are the efforts of a thoughtful and well organised man, who cared about my well being."

Minerva smiled, "It doesn't surprise me that you've worked all that out. He wouldn't want you to know, but he thought a great deal of you. He hated the way he had to treat you because of his position." The Headmistress rubbed Hermione's arm, "You have an intellect equal to his and he could see that. He went to a great deal of trouble amongst everything else he endured to keep tabs on where you were and how he could best help you, and all the while hiding this knowledge from Voldemort. Of course he would never admit that, but I know it's true, I watched him do it."

Minerva looked at the gobsmacked young woman staring back at her and sighed, "However, if you do ever see him again, I counsel you never to confront him with your knowledge. I would love to see the two of you become friends if that's possible, may be that would make up for a few things."

Minerva watched her silently for another few moments, then said, "Well let's get this over with we both still have a lot to do today." Hermione nodded and they apparated away.

xox

The scene that greeted them at The Burrow turned both their stomaches. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were holding court on the front varandah with Daily Prophet legend in her own mind Rita Skeeter, who was almost slobbering as her infamous quick notes quill wrote furiously. The fact that they weren't inside led Hermione to wonder if Molly actually knew about this cosy little meeting.

The young woman had made herself very unpopular with the horrid woman during the Triwizard tournament. So Skeeter was more than happy to exclude the female third of the golden trio's contribution from her exclusive story. But it was what Harry moved to hide when he saw them approach that made Hermione see red. Eyes narrowed she asked, "Are those Professor Snape's memories?"

When neither of them answered she moved straight from annoyed to infuriated, "Accio memories," the jar she had conjured the day before flew to her hands. "How dare you, were you going to give these to this perfumed boa constrictor?"

"Oh no, we weren't giving them away," Ron stated innocently, but his sly eyes gave him away.

"He was such a bastard to us, and he's dead. What harm can it do?" Harry added obviously feeling guilty and attempting to justify his actions.

"What harm," Minerva muttered, then found her voice, "Severus Snape is a hero, he was the reason we won the war, you stupid boy," she roared, very reminiscent of the Potion Master himself.

"I killed Voldemort, I won the war," Harry sneered belligerently poking himself in the chest. Skeeter still remained silent, a salacious grin on her face.

"Yes Harry you killed Voldemort, that fact is undisputable. But it took many people working hard to win the war. Try to think of all the people who prepared the way for you to get to that point." Hermione was so furious. Words were just spilling out of her, "All the true suffering of all those people for the cause is still hidden. Think of what Professor Snape suffered for the cause, think of Professor Dumbledore sacrificing himself, think…"

Harry's chair clattered to the floor he stood so fast to cut her off, "Don't you dare put those two in the same sentence. Dumbledore was a hero, Snape killed him. He's a black hearted bastard." Even in her rage Hermione was acutely aware of the reporter lapping up every word being cast back and forth.

Suddenly turning sad, Hermione shook her head, "You know very little Harry Potter and right now you disgust me. Severus Snape was the bravest man I've ever known." Hermione found herself fighting tears as she spoke. "You have no right to desecrate his memory, I'm keeping these. After all it was the knowledge you gained from these memories that gave you the edge," she stated holding the jar close to her chest.

Of course Ron always knew how to make matters worse, "But she won't give us the money if we…" his voice wound down to a stuttered whisper as he saw Hermione's expression change, then his eyes nearly bugged out of his head when she reached for her wand.

Minerva took the memories as Hermione conjured a swarm of wasps. They hovered ominously above the threesome on the porch while they watched them ominously buzzing above them with equal looks of horror on their faces. Turning on a stunned Skeeter she said, "Obliviate," and the blonde's eyes clouded over, her next target was the quill. "Confringo," and tiny flaming pieces of note pad and acid green feather rained down and settled all over the table. It was a spectacular display.

Hermione then turned to Minerva, saying politely, "After you Ma'am," and gestured for her to proceed into the house. As the two women walked through the kitchen door, Hermione turned looking at two equally terrified boys, "If you think my canaries were bad, wait til you feel what my wasps can do," and with a wide grin she hissed, "Opugno," and shut the door.

They entered Molly Weasley's kitchen as vague screaming noises were heard from outside. Molly was busy over her stove, "What in Merlins name is going on out there?" She was heard muttered to herself, before turning and seeing Minerva and Hermione.

Hermione had already cast an unbreakable charm on the jar and pushed it into her bag, "Hello Minerva, Hermione dear," Molly said, moving to the window, "I'll put the kettle on," craning her head to see out, "What is going on out there?"

"We have no idea," the Headmistress assured her straight faced and discretely patted Hermione's arm. As they sat, she whispered, "That's a brilliant charm, you'll have to teach me." The young woman managed a smile, "There that's better dear."

Although as soon as Hermione's attention was caught with her reunion with her familiar. Minerva shook her head, and she pondered ways to help Harry, she could see Ron was a lost cause, let his family straighten him out. But Harry would be best away from here, he's obviously in for a huge fall fairly soon, because he's going to be faced with a situation where he'll need to retract his words, she thought looking at Hermione smoothing her dress around a huge orange fur ball who'd made himself perfectly at home on her knee while they sat waiting for Molly to fix tea. May be he'll listen to Albus, Merlin I can't wait to see him, it's been too long.

After tea and Molly's delicious fruit cake, Hermione went and retrieved her trunk from Ginny's room while the two older women talked. Hermione was hoping to catch up with Ginny before she left, but the youngest Weasley was nowhere to be seen.

Crookshanks followed her close on her heels, there was no way he was letting her out of his sight this time. "I can't thank you enough for taking care of him," Hermione said quietly on returning.

"It was very kind of you to transfer Galleons to our account for his board and lodgings as your note said. But it was totally unnecessary Hermione." Molly insisted.

"Never the less it made me feel better about leaving him here. I couldn't have taken him with me," she reached down and absently tussled the kneazle's fur, "I've missed him terribly." Taking a deep breath, "Molly I'm going away for a while, I need some time on my own," she said sedately.

Molly's gasp of horror echoed around the room, "Do you think that's wise, dear?" The kind Weasley matriarch asked, "I mean Ron said, that if it hadn't been for him, you would have been,"

She was cut off by Minerva's disbelieving gasp, "Molly Weasley. Your son deserted Hermione. I bet you never knew that. Hermione Granger saved their ungrateful necks on a number of occasions. I know this because unlike the rest of the order who dismissed them when they disappeared, just moaning about how they were in danger. Severus and I kept tabs on them, trying to help as much as we could. How dare you belittle Hermione's contribution, you would never have gotten your Ron back if it hadn't been for her."

Hermione had been sitting quietly through Minerva's words of support, and Molly's stutters of shock. She now stood and picked up Crookshanks, her trunk and familiars carry basket were already shrunk and in her bag, "Like I said Mrs Weasley thank you for looking after him. May be I'll see you around sometime," the young woman buried her head in orange fur in an attempt to stop the tears at Ron's disappointing but somehow not unexpected treachery.

He'd sold her out completely, and Harry was obviously following his lead. There was nothing left for her here now.

"I'm so sorry Hermione, I had no idea," Molly managed to get her tongue around her apology. Hermione risked a quick look at the red head's shocked countenance, and Molly in turn gasped at the hurt in Hermione's eyes. She instantly knew she'd made a terrible mistake.

Minerva had also stood, placing an arm around Hermione, "Thank you for the tea Molly, we are both extremely sorry you lost a son in the battle. But I fear neither of us will be able to be at his funeral. Good day to you." Ushering Hermione forward she picked up some floo powder, "My office," she said, "After you dear," Hermione held Crookshanks very tightly as she span out of sight.

By the time Minerva had stepped out onto her hearth. Hermione had pulled herself up straight and wiped her eyes. "Thank you for supporting me Ma'am, I better get on," she placed the kneazle on the floor, thinking she'd taken up enough of the Headmistress' time.

Minerva walked towards her and placed her hands on Hermione's arms, "It is best that you are far away from here for a while, I'll see you very soon though, I'm planning to organise a N.E.W.T.S. revision and testing fortnight just before the next academic year commences for current seventh year students. You fit under that banner Hermione. Write to me when you're settled and I'll send you the details and arrangements."

Again Hermione just nodded, she was too weary to say anything, although her mind was already racing to the study she would do on her break, "Yes Ma'am, I would like that," she finally acknowledged.

"You best be getting on with you task, we'll walk down together and I'll let you in." They made for the door, with Crookshanks at Hermione's ankle.

The door opened without issue once Minerva had dropped the wards and she allowed Hermione and Crookshanks to enter. "Once I door this shut door, the wards will be back in place," Minerva explained, "Good luck Hermione, I'll see you soon," This time there was no awkwardness. Hermione happily hugged the Headmistress before she left.

Hermione glanced around the office, wondering what the Potions Master's last thoughts had been as he started the day he believed would be his last. No matter how she tried not to let it, that thought affected her, they all knew that they were in danger that day. But what if she was certain she was about to die?

Yet looking around the room nothing gave anything away. Conjuring the first crate, Hermione quietly set to work. The spell for an unfamiliar wand had stabilised the wand that worked the best out of the two she dared try of the four she had collected in her travels. She had momentarily wondered if using the Potions Masters wand would suit her better, however even Gryffindors only have limited courage.

After about an hour, she finally had a system. The large pieces of furniture were easy. It was all the specimen jars and pieces of glass ware in the office that took the time. Eventually she had both office and private lab crated and ready to go. She turned to his stores and the stockpiled potions. Knowing that the Ministry would most likely destroy anything she left as untrustworthy, she packed it all. It was her hope that none of the stored ingredients would spoil because of her use of magic to pack them.

The last sections required special treatment. These were the ingredients he had applied specific charms to. She guessed the ones requiring the refrigeration charm they were no trickier that the ingredients stored under humidity restricting charms and light excluding charms. Hermione had managed to deal with them, and now took great care to create an ice box type crate for the safety of these ingredients as well.

The young woman had no idea how much time had passed since she had started, and it took her by surprise when an elf popped in, "Headmistress McGonagall says since Miss didn't come for dinner, she must stop to eat now," it squeaked.

Casting a tempus spell, Hermione was shocked to see it was almost eight in the evening. She thanked the elf and sank to the floor of the office which now only contained several crates. Placing the tray of food in front of her she ate a hasty but very welcome dinner, before banishing the tray and its contents and getting back to work.

Hermione's stomach was rolling mutinously, knowing the next room would be the Professor's private sitting room, and there would be things she would possibly feel embarrassed about seeing. Steeling her resolve she opened the door that had obligingly appeared in front of her.

The only things that made it personal were a pair of reading glasses folded neatly on top of his current reading material and a black fleecy throw neatly folded over the back of what was obviously his favourite chair. Gazing around the room, her eyes met literally hundreds possibly thousands of books. Her bibliophile's heart rejoiced, but her logical brain told her she needed to pack them quickly as she was running out of energy, and possibly time. There must have been a reason Dumbledore had told her he wished this all done today.

Attracted by a raucous screech, she spied what must be Rastus on his perch objecting loudly at her intrusion. Hermione assured him she was a friend and the sleek black crow settled marginally.

Walking over to him she filled his bowl from the box on the shelf next to him, ignoring his sharp beck snapping at her. "When you've had a good feed, you can deliver your perch home," she told him. Watching, Hermione saw him eye her balefully then scoff the contents off his dish.

He obligingly hopped off his perch for her to apply shrinking and lightening charms to it. This done she attached it to the crow's leg and he flew off out the window, which opened as he approached it.

Turning to the books, she employed the same technique she had used in the office and lab, shrinking the items on their way to the crate. However, this was exhaustive work and she was soon covered in a sheen of perspiration, but the sitting room was clear and packed.

Hermione took the opportunity to levitate all the crates into the newly created space, now there was room. Then she shut the connecting door, and felt the need to ward it. She wasn't sure why her senses were tingling, maybe it's just because it's all so quiet down here and a little unnerving.

Catching herself before she descended into panic, the young woman looked to the next door. This was his most private sanctuary, his bedroom. Looking at Crookshanks the young woman decided that she would put him in his basket before she continued. Retrieving the item from her pocket she enlarged it and wrestled the disgruntled feline in it, telling him it was for expediency. She laughed at his disgusted yowls and menacing expression as she sat the basket on one of the crates.

Taking a deep breath she headed for the bedroom door, "One pair of dirty undies and I'm out of here," she muttered to no one in particular and started shrinking his belongings. It didn't take her very long and there was another crate in the sitting room. Hermione had chosen to simply shrink his wardrobe and chest of drawers contents intact. The bookcase full of books she found quickly went into a crate. Suspecting she knew what they were, she didn't look, she just packed them.

Finally there was only the bathroom, now exhausted but euphoric that she was almost finished, she conjured her last container a toiletry case and opened the door. However it was this action that was her undoing. Since she'd left, she'd forgotten how much she'd loved the smell of him. Swallowing hard as the concentrated aroma filled her nasal passages, she found tears prickling her eyes.

The fragrance had only been minimal in the other rooms. But this room where he... Hermione paused. Get a grip, she scolded herself brutally. Wiping her tired eyes she emptied the vanity and shower recess of their contents.

It had always astounded her why people thought he was dirty and greasy. To her he had always appeared clean, his clothes neat even stylish for the Wizard he was, always clean shaven and when he got close enough to look at your work in class he had always smelt divine, seductive even. His hair she supposed was their main reason for picking on him, but Hermione had noticed that at breakfast it had always appeared clean and shiny, but by dinner time it would be oily. She guessed this was partly his hair type but mostly the fact that he worked in the heat of steaming cauldrons all day.

Hermione shook her head at people's stupidity while pondering these thoughts. Rubbing her head as she walked back into the sitting room, she started badly when she heard a hiss, "All your efforts will be in vain if you're not out of here in the next ten minutes," a familiar voice cautioned her.

"Headmaster Black," she managed irritatedly, trying to control her heart beat, "Why, what the problem?" Her tact had left with her energy.

"The flat footed idiots from the Ministry are in the Headmistress' office, with two equally moronic Gryffindors of your acquaintance. I heard the chief Auror tell the Headmistress that they were raiding known Death Eater residences, and they'd brought their trainees on this raid for experience," he smoothed with a sneer. "I didn't wait to hear further details, just get out of here. I have a very bad feeling about this."

Hermione took in the unusually concerned countenance of the former Slytherin Headmaster, and nodded in resignation. She didn't know how long it would take to link all the items to the port key, and she was exhausted, did she have enough energy to finish this job?

Squaring her shoulders the young woman took dug in her pocket for the medallion Dumbledore had told her was the port key, and tapped it with her wand. She recited the incantation and watched in wonder as tendrils of magic sprang forth and slipped from crate to crate seeming to link them together.

It was then that she heard the first assault on the external wards. Her concentration remained on the spell but her shocked eyes went to the portrait watching her.

To her surprise encouragement was forth coming, "The wards are strong, but will not stand many more direct hits from explosive hexes," just as his words sank in. She felt rather than heard them crumble.

At the same moment the spell linked up, all she had to do was say Portius and she would be gone. The tricky bit came knowing in order to hold the linking incantation and the Portius spell she would need to drop the wards she'd placed on the sitting room door.

It may have been her imagination, but she was certain the moment before she felt the pull behind her navel. She had heard Headmaster Black say, "Good luck," just before there was an explosion and Hermione felt a searing pain on her left side. Fighting the exhaustion and now pain as well, the young woman also had to fight to keep the spell balanced as she travelled, so she didn't get pummelled to death by packing crates.

15