I knowwww, this chapter is super short! I am sorry. I've been rather busy lately with work, so I've been updating a little less frequently. I figured I'd offer this chapter up now, and then keep your eyes peeled! I should have another chapter up in a couple of days. x

Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect - Luna Lovegood

It was three days later that Hermione was stood by the gates, with Professor McGonagall at her side. The pair had arrived ten minutes ahead of the scheduled meeting time, to 'enjoy the fresh air' as the Gryffindor head had put it. Enjoying the fresh air had consisted of numerous questions checking that Hermione was okay, and thankfully many more questions that focused on her upcoming projects. Minerva may have been a more tactical member of the Order, but no one could deny that she knew a thing or two. She had suggested that Hermione and Severus work on Hermione's subterfuge in the Muggle world first, before the magical one. It was an idea that the pair had agreed held merit, and so they were planning an excursion into London after Ron's morning visit. Having the two events of the same day was Snape's idea; he held the belief that Hermione may find it difficult to ask Ron to leave, and may also find it difficult to have him there for an extended length of time.

She wasn't sure how she felt about that.

"So where are you going with Severus, dear?"

Hermione picked up a twig and snapped it between her fingers. "I don't know. I think Professor Snape means for me to be unprepared, so he can judge how I react."

Minerva frowned. "I'm not sure that would be my first attempt at teaching you."

"Well, we don't have much time. Since the Headmaster wants this to happen rather quickly, it's going to be a bit of a rush job."

"He is teaching you occlumency, isn't he, Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall looked concerned. "Although I don't know how you could possibly learn in such a short amount of time…"

Hermione sighed. "I've got some groundwork laid down, and we're planning to start properly tomorrow. We're trying to use the last few days of the holidays as well as we can, really."

Her head of house shook her head. "I'm sorry, my dear. If there is anyway of changing your mind about this, please, speak up."

The young brunette frowned, and shook her head. "Thank you, Professor, but no. I am going to be doing this, and there is no point in dithering about it now. It will only take time away from preparing."

Minerva opened her mouth to reply, but a loud crack announced the arrival of their guest.

"Alright, Professor?" Ron called cheerfully, lugging several bags and cases. "Alright 'Mione? Couldn't unlock the gates, could you?"

His former head of house ran forward and requested he cast his patronus before she unlocked the large gates. With a large huff, Ronald hauled the numerous pieces of baggage forwards, Hermione rushing to grab some off of him.

"Ron! I didn't realise that I had so much stuff at the Burrow!"

"Yeah, well, I never really got the hang of that shrinking thing you do. Couldn't make it weigh any less either."

McGonagall clucked loudly and pulled out her wand. She was just about to cast when Ron interrupted. "Wait a moment!"

He put down most of the remaining bags, and handed Hermione a carrier that she knew only too well.

"Crooks!" she gasped, taking the container hurriedly from her friend. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Crooks… Where have you been?" She released the cat, who appeared to have immediately forgiven his mistress for her oversight. He curled around her legs, purring loudly.

"He kept running off to hunt down gnomes, you see," Ron explained. "You probably didn't see him at all while you were at the Burrow - he's been hanging around down the hill quite a lot. They have a definite gnome problem, as well as a cat of their own. A female cat," he finished with a grin.

"Oh, Crooks!" Hermione gushed. "Did you get yourself a girlfriend?"

Minerva coughed, and lifted her wand once more. She shrunk the baggage down into one suitcase which Ron was able to lift as easily as a paperback book, while Hermione cuddled her furry companion tightly in her arms. The walk up to the castle was full of thanks and apologies from Hermione, while Ron Weasley and Minerva McGonagall listened to her happy explosion of words. She hadn't been anywhere near as vocal as of late, and this was a relief to those two who knew her well.

They went to Hermione's chambers to have tea - a safe place for her, as Severus pointed out, and one where she would feel confident to kick out guests when she needed some rest. Minerva had unpacked and enlarged the luggage, which sat by the door as the three took a seat, Crookshanks waddling around to rub up against all furniture and books that came into sight.

"How are you, Ron?" Hermione asked. "Are you okay? I hope I didn't cause too much trouble between you and the others. You know I wouldn't want that, don't you?"

Ron sighed. "Hermione, you know I love you, right?"

Hermione frowned, and nodded.

"Stop giving a shit about the others."

"Ron!"

"Mister Weasley!"

The two women gasped in unison, but Ron shrugged. "What Harry did to you is fucking awful 'Mione - sorry Professor - and if the others don't see that, then I'm not going to waste a knut trying to play nice with them."

"But they're your family…" Hermione said tentatively. "I can't expect you to choose me over them."

"You're my family, too," Ron smiled. "And you're a much better family than they are - since when did Ginny do my homework?"

Hermione shot a look to her Head of House, who did not look at all surprised by this revelation.

"Well done, Mister Weasley," she said, brimming with pride. "A true Gryffindor, through and through!"

"You raised me well, Professor!"

Minerva laughed, and ruffled his hair. "And here I thought you were all a lost cause after Charles."

"Professor!" Hermione and Ron shrieked in unison.

"Did you- did you just make a joke?" Ron asked.

"Believe it or not, Mister Weasley," a silky voice intercepted. "Professors are very capable of making jokes."

The terrified look that the redhead shot towards the Potions Master spoke volumes on his opinion of the matter, but Ron wisely kept his mouth shut.

"As I was coming to say," Severus continued. "I would like to thank you for bringing Hermione back to Hogwarts. You did very well, and I apologise for not saying so earlier."

"Yeah, well," Ron stammered. "It was nothing, Professor. You were distracted, anyway, I mean- not that you'd need to thank me, but-"

Snape held up a hand to stop him. "Your actions were excellent for the situation you were faced with."

Ron's jaw dropped.

"Although if you ever mention this to anyone, you can be certain that you. Will not… live… to tell the tale."

Ronald turned pale, but Hermione snickered.

"He's joking, Ronald!"

Her friend did not look convinced.

Severus took a seat perched on the arm of Hermione's sofa, while Ron began to look very uneasy.

"So," Hermione continued. "What is happening at the Burrow? Is Ginny alright?"

"Hermione, I'm not sure that-"

"That I'll want to hear it?" Hermione finished. "I might not like it, but I do need to hear it. Please, Ron."

He took a deep breath. "Well, Harry told Ginny that you'd made a pass at him while camping, and that he couldn't resist you. He then made a big show of begging her, and our parents, for forgiveness, which they readily gave."

Hermione stared dumbly at the floor. How could it be that easy? Was it really that easy for him to lie, and so easy for the Weasleys to dismiss her? They were her family - the only family she had. And yet, they'd shun her at a word from Harry. They hadn't even spoken to her to ask her side of the tale.

"Dad's staying out of it," Ron added. "If that helps. I don't think he completely believes it, but you know how mum can be."

"Yes, I do know." She remembered vividly the articles that Rita Skeeter had published in her fourth year, and the resulting cold shoulder.

"And Ginny… Ginny thinks she's in love with Harry. I think she'd rather believe that you are in the wrong, than believe that her Prince Charming is a toad."

Ron appeared very apologetic, and Severus had placed a hand of comfort on Hermione's shoulder.

Hermione, however, laughed.

"Ron! Is that a muggle reference?"

He flushed, and shrugged. "Well, yeah. When you left, you didn't take anything with you. I got bored on watch some nights, and would grab one of your books."

Hermione looked delighted.

"Not one of the clever ones, mind! Just, y'know, the stories."

She could have hugged him, and as it was, she beamed at him like a shower of christmas lights.

"Which ones did you read? Which was your favourite?"