A/N: And we're back. Enjoy everyone!

o.o.O.o.o

Present

May 5th, 1998

Hermione woke, stretching languidly, only to realize that she was alone. She was instantly more alert, and then she saw the piece of paper on the pillow beside her. Her heart nearly stopped as she reached out for it, tears rising in her eyes. He couldn't be gone. He'd promised. She almost didn't want to read it, but she forced herself to unfold the paper. In place of fear and loss, there was only confusion. Severus had been exonerated, fully and completely. She dropped the letter back down onto the bed and got up, grabbing a robe and wrapping herself in it.

She headed into the main living area and stopped in the doorway, trying to process the sight she encountered. Severus was sitting in his usual armchair, dressed impeccably as always, but his robes were a deep forest green, edged in black. It was the first time she'd ever seen him wear anything other than black and white. It was possible the stress of everything was causing her to have a dissociative incident. Maybe she needed to see Poppy.

"Severus?" she said.

"I didn't want to wake you," he said and stood, coming over and taking her hand. "You read it?"

"I thought you were gone…" she said, feeling tears welling up in her eyes again.

"I'm right here." He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. "I would never leave you like that."

Hermione held on tightly, hating that she'd been so instantly afraid of losing him. She felt him press a kiss against her tangled curls and his one hand rubbed circles on her lower back. They'd been through so much and now that it was over, Hermione was starting to realize just how much it had affected her.

"Winky brought coffee, and some breakfast. Are you hungry?" he asked, pulling back a bit.

"I am." She gave him a small smile, then. "You're free now."

"Thanks to you," he said and guided her over to her chair. He made up her coffee the way she liked it best, and pressed it into her hands. "I need to face Minerva and the others today, I've let it go long enough."

"Are you well enough?"

"After last night, I think we both know I am." He chuckled. "I'm a free man and I can't keep hiding like a criminal. I need to face what I've done." His tone was instantly more somber.

"Can I be there?" Hermione asked, not wanting to infer that he'd need protecting. Merlin, Severus was the most capable duelist she knew, but she wanted to be there to support him.

"We can't enter together, but if you happen to be in the staff room before I get there…I'd hardly ask you to leave." It was a Slytherin manoeuver, but one she was comfortable with.

"Ok." She took a sip of her coffee and nearly moaned in pleasure. It had been so long since she'd had real coffee with cream. Winky was a goddess, as she was concerned.

"Hedonist." He snorted and sipped his tea. His plate of scones and jam were untouched, a sign that his mind was fully occupied with the coming confrontation. "After things are settled here, you should go and see Mr. Potter," Severus said.

"He doesn't want to see me." Hermione looked away from Severus' all too perceptive gaze.

"Want…no, but the longer you leave this to fester, the worse it will be. He's too much like his mother, and I know how much his friendship means to you." He softened his tone, not lecturing, but trying to advise.

It was clear that saying that had taken a lot, so Hermione didn't cheapen his words with a verbal response. She reached over and touched his hand, nodding in agreement. As much as she didn't want to admit it, Severus was right. Things between her and Harry needed to be addressed, before they degraded any more. She loved him like a brother and losing him would kill something inside her.

o.o.O.o.o

Present

May 5th, 1998

Severus took a deep breath before walking into the staff room. He was fully prepared for a hex to be thrown his way, but only silence followed his abrupt entrance. There was an array of expressions painting their faces, guilt, blame, and apprehension in spades. He read it clearly in every pursed lip and averted gaze. This would not be an easy hill to climb, that much was certain. He spotted Hermione sitting by the window, and she offered him a small careful smile. At least he had one ally in the room.

"Severus…" Minerva was the first to speak, everyone seeming to wait for her reaction.

"As you may have heard, I have been cleared of all charges by special tribunal. I do, however, owe all of you my sincerest apologies for everything that happened this past year, and for the necessity of concealing many truths from you," Severus said, back held very straight. The tension in the room was nearly suffocating.

"I have a feeling we all know who is really to blame for that, and it certainly isn't you, Severus," Poppy said, breaking the silence. "Come and sit down. I can't imagine you're in much better shape than the rest of us and I will expect you in the infirmary after this meeting for a full diagnostic." The medi-witch's easy acceptance seemed to thaw the room a little.

"And we should also apologize, for thinking the worst and not questioning things," Filius said, looking quite uncomfortable. "I've known you since you were a student. I should have thought to ask more questions."

"It was imperative that no one suspect the truth, any hint of it and I would have been killed. I nearly was anyway." He sighed and shook his head to banish that particular thought. If not for the quick thinking of his witch, he'd be rotting away in the Shrieking Shack. "Where are we on the essential repairs, and how are the students coping?"

"The Entrance Hall and Great Hall have been repaired, though the ceiling hasn't responded to our charm work. The students are getting stir crazy, but we felt it was safest to keep them in the dorms. We are attempting to contact everyone's parents and make arrangements to get them home." Minerva seemed to shake herself from inaction and took her usual seat at the table.

"Good, before they go home, I will need to address the students," Severus said. "I believe that given everything that occurred this year that all students should repeat this year. It will mean a double class of first year students, but I can see no other option that does not make things worse." He moved to stand at the head of the table, but did not sit down.

"You will be remaining as Headmaster then," Minerva said, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"Hogwarts has not seen fit to reject me, so yes, I will be remaining," Severus said, looking at the older witch. "At least until the board sees fit to dismiss me."

"And technically they can't," Hermione said from her spot by the window.

"What do you mean they can't?" Aurora Sinestra said, looking over.

"What Miss Granger is referring to is the rule that only the board that appointed a Headmaster, can summarily fire him. If there have been any more than two new members added, the Headmaster has a period of two years reprieve before he can be dismissed," Minerva huffed. "And since the board that appointed Severus was composed almost entirely of Death eaters, his appointment must stand."

"Then for the next two years, I suppose you are stuck with me," Severus said, trying not to look darkly pleased by that fact. "After I visit with Poppy and convince her I am not immediately about to expire, I will be in my office. The password is Tansy." He inclined his head, having to use concerted effort to not look at Hermione. He could feel her presence like a warmth, and he longed to go to her. "Filius, I do have some things I would like to discuss with you later, when you have the time. I would also appreciate if all the Heads of House could please meet me tomorrow morning after breakfast. We need to make firm plans for the students' safe return to their parents, and decide what is to be done for those who have lost their parents."

"Of course, I'll come by this afternoon," Filius said respectfully. "And I will make sure I inform Horace of the meeting. He's been assisting with the injured at St. Mungo's."

"Thank you. I will see you all later." Severus swept out of the room, his trademark billow in full force. The more annoyed he was, the more dramatic his movements. It was a petty thing, but he had to take his pleasures where he could.

He had to walk for a while, before he was ready to face Poppy. Of all of them, she was the one he felt the worst for deceiving. He entered the Hospital wing to find her waiting for him. He sat down on the nearest cot, without needing to be told.

"You could have trusted me," she said quietly as she began her diagnostic. "I know why you didn't, but you could have."

"It was bad enough Miss Granger had to carry that knowledge. I didn't want to burden anyone else." He sighed and scrubbed a hand over his face.

"That woman saved your life, from what I can see." Poppy clucked over the results. "You're still magically depleted, but that should continue to recover over the next few weeks. I would tell you to take it easy, but we both know that you won't." There was a touch of fondness in her voice.

"There's too much to be done." He made his usual excuse. There was always too much too be done to look after himself. Self-care had never been terribly high on his priority list.

"I know. Let her look after you a little," Poppy said, laughing a little when Severus paled. "Yes I know." She gave him a hard look.

"Shall I start checking my food for poisons?" He wasn't even joking. There were many witches he considered formidable, but Poppy was just about the only one he considered truly dangerous. Anyone that well-versed in putting people back together was to be respected. They could take a person apart just as easily.

"No…but if you don't treat her properly, that could change." She met his eyes seriously.

"I would expect no less," he said quietly. "If there is anything you require, please just let me know and I will attempt to make sure that it is taken care of."

"All I require is for you to give yourself time to recover." She gave him a small smile. "I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow."

"Thank you, Poppy." Severus was grateful that at least one member of the staff was pleased to learn the truth, the rest might take time to come around. If they ever did.

o.o.O.o.o

Present

May 5th, 1998

Hermione was standing just beyond the gate that led up to the Burrow. The fact that it was still standing was something of a minor miracle in her eyes. She'd have thought for sure that the Death Eaters would have destroyed it, but amazingly, it seemed none the worse for wear.

"You going to stand there all day Granger, or come inside?" George said, coming around the side of the building. His trademark smile a little dimmed.

"I wasn't sure if I was welcome," Hermione admitted sheepishly. Saying it out loud, it sounded pretty stupid.

"Then let me make it clear for you; you're family." George opened the gate and offered her a hand.

Hermione reached out and took his hand, squeezing it a little. She let him draw her in, pulling her towards the door. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and the weight she'd felt sitting there started to ease away.

"I'm so sorry, about Ginny," she said just before they reached the door.

"She fought hard, never saw Dolohov hit her from behind," George said, jaw tightening. "Bastard certainly saw me and Fred, before we took him out."

Hermione shifted and hugged him tightly around the middle. She hated seeing that look on his face, knowing that he'd been forced to kill. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and just held on.

"I'm glad you're ok, and that you managed to keep Ron and Harry in one piece through all of this," George said and moved back, meeting her eyes. "You did good, Granger. Come on in, Mum and Dad will be happy to see you." At her nod, he guided her inside through the kitchen. "Oi Gred! Look who I found skulking about by the garden gate."

"Granger, good to see you're still in one piece." Fred came over and pulled her into a hug. "We'd been wondering where you'd disappeared to."

"I was at Hogwarts, helping out with things there," she said. "There's a lot to do, and…"

"And she was worried Harry's still got his nose out of joint," George said.

"Well, we'd better get them in a room together then," Fred said and both twins took up position on either side of her and marched her through to the living room where Harry and Ron were sitting by the fireplace.

Harry looked up as the door opened and he looked…conflicted.

"Hermione," Harry said.

"You three need to have a talk. No storming off until you hear each other out, or we'll put you all in place with sticking charms," George said and brought Hermione over to the nearest chair and sat her down.

Ron scowled a little, but nodded. "We're not two years old George…"

"Then don't act like it." Fred cuffed him in the back of the head, before the twins left the room and retreated back to the kitchen.

The silence that followed was extremely uncomfortable. As the three of them flicked their eyes back and forth, they waited for someone to take the plunge and say something.

"I shouldn't have stormed out like that," Harry finally said. "It wasn't fair of me to blow up at you; it wasn't your fault."

"It's ok, I know how you hate people keeping things from you. I wanted to tell you, I really did," Hermione said, needing him to believe that. "I wasn't thinking straight when I took that oath, which is exactly why Dumbledore made me swear it when he did."

"He really was a bastard, wasn't he?" Harry said and slumped back into the couch.

"So you were working with Snape the whole time? Even when we were living out in that mouldy old tent?" Ron asked, shifting the conversation away from the landmine that was Albus Dumbledore.

"No, after he killed Dumbledore, I didn't have any contact with him, until we found him in the Shrieking Shack. It would have been too dangerous for us to risk contact. I knew it was his patronus that led you to the sword, but I didn't know he was there. I had Headmaster Black's portrait in my bag, he must have heard me mention the Forest of Dean and passed the information to Snape." She caught herself from calling him Severus. She really needed to be more careful, particularly now.

"So when Bellatrix was torturing you…" Harry trailed off.

"If I'd broken and told her Snape gave us the sword, the Unbreakable Oath would have killed me." Hermione rubbed her arms. She'd been terrified that night, certain that no matter what happened she would be dead by morning. Either Bellatrix would kill her, or the oath would. "I didn't know everything that was going on, but I knew enough. I knew he was on our side, and I knew that things were going to get really bad before they got better."

"I still can't believe I didn't notice what was going on with you…" Harry frowned.

"You were busy watching Draco, and with your lessons with Dumbledore." Hermione shrugged. "It's probably good you didn't notice. And Ron was too busy sticking his tongue down Lavender's throat." She smiled sweetly at their other friend.

Ron's cheeks flushed a dark red. "I thought we all promised to not talk about that."

"You asked us not to mention it, I never promised anything." Hermione smirked, and as they all dissolved into laughter everything seemed to shift back into the safe realm of normal. There was still something considering in Harry's gaze as he watched her, and she knew that he had other questions for her. It was inevitable that he would, she just hoped none of them were too insightful.

Ron told them Ginny's funeral was going to be held in two days. The sheer number of dead was staggering when you considered the size of the British Wizarding population. They were going to feel the very real effects of these losses for decades to come. Only time would tell if they could recover from this without extreme measures. Knowing how overreaching and prone to interference the Ministry could be, Hermione worried about what they might do to try and force things along. That, however, was a worry for another day.

"I'm going to go and see if Mum has any biscuits set out, I'll be right back." Ron stood and slipped away.

"One thing I don't understand," Harry said, coming over to sit down on the sofa beside Hermione. "All through sixth year, I was obsessively watching the Marauder's Map and I never once saw you with Snape."

Hermione smirked. "Professor Lupin taught me how to trick the map."

"No, he said the map was never wrong." Harry frowned.

"I remembered Sirius telling us that he, James, and Peter did most of the mapping, but that Lupin had handled the enchantments. I just know that if I had designed a map that would show everyone's location all the time, that I'd have built in a way to trick it. Just in case." Hermione winked at Harry. "So, I asked him about it…"

o.o.O.o.o

Flashback

July 15th, 1996

"Ah, Hermione. How are you feeling?" Remus asked as Hermione came into the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. He tried to muster a smile, but Hermione could see that it was just an attempt, and a piss poor one at that.

"Better, Professor Snape left another potion and it's been helping with the residual pain." Even weeks after the incident at the Ministry, there was phantom pain in her scar. The Professor's magic dampened it, but it would take time for it to quiet completely. There was also a small chance that it might never be any better than it was. In hindsight, she was lucky enough to just be alive.

"That's good, I am glad that you're alright. Seeing you at Ministry, before they took you back to Hogwarts, I wasn't sure you were going to make it," he said honestly.

"I'm so sorry about Sirius," Hermione said quietly. She wasn't blind and living here at Grimmauld Place meant that she'd seen enough to know that the two remaining Marauders had been quite a bit more than 'just friends'. She sat down at the table across from him.

"It's not your fault," Remus said and laid a hand over hers. "He was going mad stuck in this place, and we all take that risk whenever we go against the Death Eaters. They are powerful, skilled, and ruthless. He knew what he was doing."

Hermione nodded and met his eyes.

"Now, since you're up, can I rustle you up a little breakfast?" he offered, trying very hard to dispel the gloom that seemed to perpetually hang in the air here.

"Maybe just some tea and toast?" Hermione asked, not really wanting much, but it would give Remus something to occupy himself with. "I actually had a question for you."

"Of course, what did you want to ask?" Remus got up and headed to the side, putting the kettle on the hob and sliced some bread.

"Is there any way to manipulate the Marauder's Map?" she asked, trying to keep her tone purposefully innocent.

"Perhaps, it would depend on why you were asking." Remus looked over his shoulder, a slightly suspicious expression on his face.

"Some of the things I'll be doing for the Order might mean that I need to move around Hogwarts, without Harry following me," she said honestly. Severus had told her that he wanted to work on her dueling this summer and next year. Getting time to do that would be tricky. After the fiasco at the Ministry, she knew that right now they were all hopelessly outclassed. If they were going to go toe-to-toe with them again, she needed to get better and fast. DADA had never been her best subject, but she couldn't just fumble along now. This was life and death.

Remus' suspicion melted away instantly and he nodded, coming back over. "There is a charm I can teach you." A bit of mischief played across his face. "But you'll need to promise not to share it with anyone. Not even Harry."

"I solemnly swear." Hermione smirked, and the two of them laughed a little.

o.o.O.o.o

Present

May 5th, 1998

"Once a Marauder…" Harry smiled at that. "I can't believe he's gone too." His smile melted away.

Hermione reached over and slipped her hand into his. Lupin and Tonks were a loss that would be hard to come to terms with, for all of them. They'd left behind their son, Teddy, and it would be all their responsibilities to make sure that he learned about both his courageous parents.

"He was a great man, and a good friend," she said. "He'd be so proud of you, Harry."

"I hope so, Hermione." He squeezed her hand back. "Are we ok?" he asked.

"I think we are." She gave him a small smile, letting go of his hand only when Ron came in with a plate of chocolate biscuits, and the twins were right behind him with some tea for everyone. For the moment, everything was right with the world.

Much later, Molly came in, her eyes rimmed in red, but she gave Hermione a very warm smile despite her obvious pain.

"Will you be staying here too, dear?" she asked.

"No, I'll be staying at Hogwarts for the next little while. Professor McGonagall and the other teachers could use the extra set of hands, and it's good to stay busy," Hermione said, relieved when the older witch nodded in understanding.

"You'll stay for dinner then, and I won't hear of anything else," Molly said. "Ronald, come and help me get the table set. Hermione, can you and Harry go and pick some strawberries from the garden for dessert? There's a basket by the back door."

"Of course." Hermione stood and headed for the back door, Harry right behind her. They headed out to the strawberry patch, and started harvesting the ripe red berries.

"So, Snape really taught you all that stuff?" Harry asked.

"Yes, he did." She bit down the automatic 'Professor Snape', correction. "He taught me as much as he could, before he had to go. He knew how much danger we were going to be in; it was the best he could do." Harry and Severus were honestly like oil and water, it would take a lot of work to get them to be on the same page about things.

"I guess there's a lot I still don't know about him." Harry frowned.

"He's a very private man, Harry. Do yourself a favour, and try not to pry. He only shared those memories with you because he thought he was actually dying. I imagine he's pretty mortified knowing how much you know now." Her lips quirked, wondering if that had actually occurred to Severus yet.

"He's going to kill me…isn't he?" Harry paled a little, the full ramifications hitting him in that moment.

"If he hasn't so far, you're probably safe." Hermione popped a strawberry into her mouth, grinning evilly as Harry turned a funny shade of green. "Probably."