Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
~ When Insanity stops ~
Summary: At the end of Hermione's fifth year, she feels depressed about all the stuff that has happened. One morning upon waking up, Hermione finds someone else in bed with her. And that's the only the start of this interesting tale.


Hallway Outside the Bedroom

Wrenching open the door, Hermione realizes that the room she's vacating is at the end of the hallway. This looks familiar, feels familiar too. Moving slowly down the hallway, she notes that there are more photographs famed and hanging on the wall. Several were muggle photos while the rest were wizarding.

Look, there is Harry, Ron and myself from first year. Waving slightly at the photo, Hermione continues. Next photo held a Weasley family portrait. When was this taken? Merlin is that Percy? Percy was in the photo, even if he did look rather pompous.

Peering into the photo, Hermione couldn't determine exactly when it was taken. But Ron, Harry and Ginny were all grown ups in the photo, giving the impression that it was new. The next photo was a shot of her teachers at Hogwarts. This is new. But the frame and the photo looked rather old, and in the picture there were several teachers that Hermione couldn't identify.

Coming to a set of doors, Hermione quietly opens one. Gazing inside, it's just a linen closet. Glancing further down the hallway, Hermione sees a series of photos with Harry, Sirius sometimes joined by Remus, Tonka, herself and Ron. Standing next to what looks like the Shrieking shack, they were waving madly at her. How the hell could anyone take photos of a dead person? This is insane!

There was one photo with Harry snogging some unknown girl, while Remus was busy snogging Tonka. Remus and Tonka? Wow! Didn't see that one coming. The last picture on the wall was that of Hermione's parent holding hands. Where are you guys?

Finding another closed door, Hermione lets her curiosity get the better of her. Wonder what's in here? Creaking open the door, she surveys the room. Deep even breathing reaches her ear. Merlin, someone is sleeping. Don't want to deal with them. Closing the door with a quite thump, she grimaces. Hopefully I didn't waken them up!

In the Darken Room

Hearing slow steady footsteps coming down the hallway, Remus almost swears at the sudden light bursting into his room. Merlin, close the door! Bloody hell, she's up? Mione should be sleep! Not wandering about the house! The quite thump of the door closing answers his wish. That's new usually she walks right in.

Breathing deeply, Remus contemplates getting up. Listening for a few second, Remus hears Hermione's footsteps continuing down the hallway towards the kitchen. The person beside him starts to stir, placing a gentle hand on their side.

Remus hoarsely whispers, "I've got her this time." Sitting up, Remus places a feathery kiss on the exposed shoulder. "You got her the last time." Getting out of the bed, Remus reaches for his robes. This has got to stop.

Kitchen

Upon entering a spacious void, Hermione uses the depths of the shadows to realize that she's in a room at the end of the hallway. Now if only I can find the light-switch. Feeling along the wall, Hermione's hand bumps onto something. Bingo!

Flicking the switch. Whoa bright light. Blinking so that her eyes could adjust to the light, the feeling of familiarity becomes overwhelming. Why does this feel so familiar? Standing still, Hermione looks over the room.

I am home. This is my parent's house! Merlin this is my parent's kitchen! Moving into the familiar kitchen, she runs her hands over the countertop. But where are my parents? And who's that sleeping in the other room?

Sudden cravings for hot chocolate swarm her. Well this is my parent's home, even if things are a little wacky. So if I want some hot chocolate I'm going to have hot chocolate. Pulling down the ingredients, and setting the kettle on the burner, Hermione hums out an old tune.

Outside The House

Pop.

Apparating with a sudden pop, Harry runs a tired hand through his messy jet-black hair. What a long night, thank heavens it's finally over. Staggering towards the front door, Harry was taken back slightly when the kitchen light unexpectedly explodes into the dark of night.

Gazing in from outside, Harry spies Hermione standing immobile in the kitchen for a few seconds. What the? Where is everyone? He observes her for a minute. Better go in and see if everything's all right. Taking a deep cleansing breath, Harry almost soundlessly enters the house.

Kitchen

Soft creaking of the backdoor being open perks Hermione's ears. Glancing swiftly at the clock noting the time. Desperately looking around for her wand or a last time weapon. Just what I need someone burglarizing my home. And I'm without a weapon.

Frantic, Hermione's mind couldn't spot any possible weapons to use for defense. Tension sharply wreaks havoc with her system. Swallowing hard while ducking down, she waits for the intruders to make themselves known. Be calm, just breath.

"Mione," whispers a voice.

It takes Hermione a few seconds to realize that it's Harry Potter, her best friend from school calling her name. What the hell is he doing here this late? Confusion mixed with annoyance at being scared because of him makes her come out from her hiding place.

"Harold James Potter," hisses Hermione with her hands on her hips. Glaring at him for all the she was worth, "Do you know just how badly you scared me?"

Taken back by her behavior, Harry doesn't answer but continues to gawk at her. "What are you doing here anyway? And at six-thirty in the morning to boot?"

"Mione," croaks out Harry flabbergasted.

"Well, I'm waiting," snaps Hermione as the kettle whistle goes off.

Hallway Just Outside the Kitchen

Overhearing Hermione basically interrogate Harry, Remus gapes. What should I do? Do I go into the room or just hang back? Two arms slip around his waste, looking over his shoulder, Remus smiles at her.

"I think you need to go get him," says Remus.

Surprise etches across her face, "That bad?"

"No," whispers Remus nudging his head towards the kitchen. "That good." Tail fragments of the conversation float towards them.

"And at six-thirty in the morning to boot?" demands Hermione her anger was evident in her voice.

"Mione," croaks Harry.

"Well, I'm waiting," snaps Hermione as the kettle whistle goes off.

Tapping his stomach, she smiles up to him, "Sounds interesting, but you're right. He shouldn't be missing this." Standing on the tips of her toes, she kisses Remus once on the mouth before heading down the hall.

Kitchen

Tapping her foot impatiently, Hermione takes the kettle off the burner. Still waiting for Harry to answer her question. Bloody hell it isn't that hard of a question. Maybe his muggle relatives kicked him out? Huffing, Hermione pulls another cup from the cabinet. "You want some hot chocolate?"

"Ah…sure," answers Harry looking unsure.

"Look Harry, if you don't want any hot chocolate just say so," snaps Hermione her eyes flashing. "Just don't give me that look!"

"Sorry Mione," whispers Harry coming further into the room. "But if you're still offering I would love a cup of hot chocolate."

"Fine, fine, fine," laughs Hermione already forgiving him. "Marshmallows?" Putting down the extra mug next to hers, Hermione glances up at Harry. Narrowing her eyes, she looks him over. There is something off? But what… messy-hair… check… scare… check... glasses…no. NO?

Back Bedroom

A feather light hand gently shakes the sleeping figure. Until it becomes obvious that he wasn't going to wake. Shaking him, none to gently, he gradually starts to stir. Watching him reach out, she moves away just before he springs awake.

"What? Where is she," he demands his voice gruff from being half asleep.

"In the kitchen," she answers him while attempting to pull him from the bed. Noting that he was awake but not comprehending what she just told him, she tries another time. "Hermione is in the kitchen, wide awake and talking up a storm."

"HARRY POTTER WHERE ARE YOUR GLASSES!" vibrates throughout the house.

Shaking her off, he jumps out of bed. Runs into the bathroom. Splashes cold water over his face several times, before jaunting out of the room, heading directly towards the kitchen. Well that certainly got him up.

Hallway Just Outside the Kitchen

Merlin's beard! Better get in there. Moving swiftly into the kitchen, Remus hopes to hold off any oncoming commotions from Hermione. "I'll have one if you're pouring," says Remus.

Shrieking, Hermione jumps towards the sound of his voice. Spilling some of the open can of hot chocolate onto the floor. Harry just gasps, at him stunned.

"Bloody hell! Don't do that," huffs Hermione as she clutches her chest. Both men observe Hermione take several deep breaths. Still clutching her chest, she reaches into the cupboard, pulling down another mug.

Harry moves closer to Hermione until she waves him off. Unsure as to what to do, Harry looks to Remus for guidance. Harry mouths, "What now?" Remus shrugs his shoulders.

"Which one of you is going to tell me just what is going on," calmly demands Hermione, as she looks each man directly in the eyes.

"What makes you think that," asks Remus as he watches her intently.

"One, no offense Remus but you look well rested," looking him up and down. "Better clothed then I remember unless you spontaneously came into some money? And Harry over here."

"What about me," asks Harry.

Pointing to Harry, Hermione continues her questions, "where are his glasses? Why do the both of you look older? And what in heavens name are the two of you doing at my parent's house at six thirty in the morning?"

Seeing that she has shocked both of them, Hermione crosses her arms over her chest waiting with ill-concealed irritation. Like I'm some stupid child who couldn't reason.

Two sets of thundering footsteps rumble along the hallway towards the kitchen. Bursting in from the hallway was the man Hermione woke up next too. The second individual was a short raven-haired woman.

"Did we miss anything," asks the woman looking towards Remus for an answer.

"Who the hell are you," demands Hermione glaring at the new comers.

The man sighs heavily; all hope flees from his handsome face. "I'm Sirius Black and this is my cousin Nymphodora Tonks."

"First off, Nymphodora Tonks has pink hair. She doesn't dress like a witch nor does she act like one. Second off, you can't be Sirius Black, because Sirius Black is dead!" snaps Hermione her glare intensifying. "So I'll repeat my question: Who the hell are you?"

Until Later