Hello all!

Thank yous to the Followers and Favorite-ers for last chapter. loopygirl1, DeadDelta, Lovinglife1995, lastdashite, Calimocho, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, Kaleigh Windelynn, CauldronWalnut and Raven that flies at night; thanks for the extra time and encouragement!


Hermione stood in front of the apartment and sighed deeply. She slowly raised her closed fist and rapped on the door three times.

When the door opened and Hermione was met with those familiar green eyes, all the anxiety and worry that she had felt seemed to melt away, "Hi Lily."

"Mia!" the redheaded witch smiled broadly and quickly wrapped Hermione in a welcoming hug. They were careful to avoid crushing the miniature rose plant that Hermione had brought with her, "Oh, I feel like we haven't seen each other in ages."

"I know; I am sorry about that," Hermione stated in a soft voice, not completely sure if the other witch could hear the unexplained apology.

Lily pulled out of their embrace and waved her hand as if brushing the subject from the air, "Don't even think on it. I feel like I only see the others because of the Order meeting sometimes, and I understand why you don't like going to those; it must be frustrating not being assigned missions. And adult life seems to get in the way as well; things happen."

Hermione nodded her head and just appreciated the understanding that Lily had for her absence the past few months. She glanced around the apartment, "I really like your new place."

"Thanks," Lily grinned from ear to ear, "James and I just moved in a couple weeks ago. It took us forever to find a place that we both liked. You are actually our first guest. Just try to ignore the last few boxes that are still laying around."

The apartment was modest but still fairly spacious. To the left, there was a hallway that appeared to lead to two bedrooms and a large bathroom. And as they followed the entryway, it opened up into a large sitting room and joint kitchen and dining area. All the walls were a neutral beige color but there were plenty of red and gold accents in every direction you turned.

Hermione smiled to herself as she imagined Harry growing up with a room plastered in Gryffindor red and gold.

Lily went to the stove and set the kettle on for tea, "Is there any certain brew you would like? Mrs. Potter sent us a rather large basket of different flavored teas as a housewarming gift, so I have almost anything you could think of."

Hermione chuckled lightly, "Whatever you recommend is fine. Oh, and happy housewarming." She held out the plant with a smile. The little rose bush had a few bright pink flowers already beginning to bloom and a dozen still closed buds.

"It's beautiful. Thank you," Lily took the plant and rested it on the windowsill next to the kitchen sink.

"I've charmed the flowers so they change color when they're fully bloomed," Hermione took a seat at the dark mahogany table and pressed her fingers to her temple, "You'll have to let me know how the spell works."

Lily furrowed her brow and looked on with concern, "Are you alright?"

Hermione glanced at her hand and quickly linked her fingers and laid them on her lap. She hadn't wanted to bring up the subject of her headaches with Lily, Hermione had wanted this to be a happy meeting to simply catch up and hear about any wedding plans that the engaged couple had made thus far, "Oh, I'm fine. I just didn't get a very good nights sleep last night; my head is a little foggy."

In actuality, Hermione had almost canceled her visit with Lily that afternoon because she had woken up with a splitting headache very early that morning. She had fought off horrible balance issues and had been trying to decipher the irritatingly random images that had flashed through her mind when she had tried to go back to sleep. The spinning of her head had calmed down significantly after she had fallen asleep again, but there was still a lingering pain on the right side of her head, just above her eye.

"Have the headaches and dizziness gotten worse?" Lily ignored the obvious lie as the kettle whistled and she retrieved two mugs from an upper cabinet.

Hermione smiled shyly, "Can't quite hide anything from you, can I?"

Lily simply shook her head and passed over a cup of hot peppermint tea before settling herself next to her friend.

There was a pause as Hermione collected her thoughts, "They have gotten worse... Not excessively, but I have noticed that the intensity of the headaches are a bit more each time and they seem to last a little longer with each occurrence." Hermione wrapped her chilled hands around the warm mug and took a deep breathe of the soothing menthol, "I purposefully haven't seen Sirius the last few days; I've been trying to keep it to myself."

A look of surprise contorted Lily's face, "You can't just lock yourself away! And I need to know about how this is progressing; you have to tell me everything."

Lily suddenly stood from the table and disappeared down the hallway. She returned a few minutes later with several books and a disorganized pile of parchments with careful notations filling every inch of the writable space.

"What in Merlin's name… What is all this Lily?" Hermione pulled out a random bit of parchment and scanned some of the writing, "This... is this all research for the time traveling sickness… but Lily, you don't have to go to such lengths."

"I told you I was going to help," Lily looked a bit irritated, "I've taken this on as an assignment at the ministry. I'm working as an intern for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and they've allowed me to investigate a personal project. I chose to look into improper use of time-turners and any lasting effects it might have."

Hermione couldn't put into words quite how she felt about this generous gesture. She had never known what Lily had done before she and James had gone into hiding, but it didn't surprise Hermione in the least that Lily would try to do something that would make the magical world a little safer but also help a friend, "Thank you… I can't… Thanks, Lily."

"Well, would you like to see some of what I've found?" Lily asked excitedly with a wide grin.

"Yes, of course."

The redheaded witch began to extract many different pages of parchment as she spoke very animatedly about her research over how the time-turners themselves actually work, "I've requested to be given a time-turner of my own so that I can see it first hand and analyse it, but the Department of Mysteries are apparently very adapt at dragging their feet." Lily spoke at length about how fascinating time travel was, because it wasn't simply traveling through time, it was also traveling through space itself. And the fact that the time turner was able to transport the user through time but keep the same location, was apparently astonishing magic.

All of this was even a little difficult for Hermione to follow, but she blamed it on the dull throbbing that she was still having to endure in her brain.

"I haven't found a solution yet, but I do have an idea for a potion that should assist in temporarily stabilizing you in this time period," Lily finally quietened and took a long breathe, "If my theory is correct, the potion should help you tolerate the pain and discomfort of the sickness. But I will need to get my hands on a real time turner so that I can look into actual solutions for the problem instead of just treatment for the symptoms."

Hermione smiled, "Treating the symptoms does not seem like a bad thing from my perspective though.

Lily chuckled lightly, "No, it probably doesn't… but…"

"What?" Hermione was unsettled by the expression that taken over Lily's face. The witch looked anxious and shifted in her seat nervously, "What is it, Lily?"

The redhead stared at the table for a few moments before speaking again, "If my research is correct, there are other symptoms that will affect you. I have no definite timetable since this has happened to so few people, but I'm fairly certain that over the next few years you will experience much worse than a few headaches and dizzy fits."

Hermione swallowed thickly and nodded her head, "I expected as much from what you told me before… and the whole having to go back to the future or I'll die did give me some apprehension. A person doesn't usually fall over dead without other precursors."

Lily didn't respond.

"What are some of the symptoms that you came across?"

"I believe…" Lily cleared her throat, "I've found some documentation that suggests that other symptoms of the time sickness could be prolonged moments of deja vu, memory loss, brain aneurysm, stroke and seizures… all of which will gradually get worse as you continue to stay in this time."

Hermione heard herself let out a single laugh. She quickly covered her mouth to prevent any other noise from escaping.

"But I'm almost positive I can find a solution to keep you in one piece until we find a way to get you home. I promise, it will be fine," Lily reached over the table and took Hermione's other hand.

This only made it more difficult for Hermione to control her emotions. Here she was being comforted by Lily Evans as she declared that she would find a way to save Hermione… when Hermione was the one who was supposed to save her.

She felt a heavy weight settle at the bottom of her stomach, "Yes… I know. It will be fine. We'll figure everything out together."


"Confringo!"

"Protego!"

A ball of flame ricocheted off of the shield charm that James had cast and sent the fiery ball directly back at Sirius.

"Aguamenti!" Sirius quickly aimed the jet of clear water so that the fire was put out, but he still had to dive to the floor to avoid the condensed ball of black ash that was still hurdling towards him.

"Do you give up yet, Pads?" James chuckled as Sirius stood up again and flexed his wrist, which felt bruised at the very least.

"Never. I can't let you win that easily, Prongs," Sirius smirked as he took a few quick steps to the left and lunged forward, "Glacius!"

Ice formed around James's feet and began to creep up his legs, "What?!" He quickly aimed at his friend again, "Mimblewimble!"

"DON'T…" but Sirius wasn't able to get the rest of his threat out. He felt his tongue curl backwards and twist around uncomfortably in the back of his mouth. It almost felt like he was choking on his own tongue.

James broke down in a fit of laughter. "Liquescimus," the ice instantly melted, "You completely deserved that Padfoot. We agreeded only useable fighting spells; no funny buisness. We're supposed to be training you know."

Sirius glared daggers at his friend until James relented and performed the counter-curse, "Uhg… you're lucky I'm in a good mood and don't feel like getting back at you presently."

"This is you in a good mood?" James stammered and tried not to snort, "It was your idea to train on our day off. You're the one who insisted we should practice and that you needed to get some pent up frustration out… how in Merlin's name is that a 'good mood'?"

"Yea, well I wasn't in one before obviously… My idea apparently worked; I'm in a much better mood than before. Thanks," Sirius forced a tight smile and went to retrieve a water bottle that they had stowed by the wall earlier.

James followed his friend and slumped down onto the floor to rest, "Are you going to tell me what's going on, or are you simply going to continue your dark brooding?"

"I don't brood."

"I'm afraid to be the one to break this to you… but you do. You're actually quite good at it, I just haven't seen you like this in some time. I think I had forgotten how severe you get on occasion," James took a huge gulp of water right before Sirius tossed his own empty bottle at his friend's head, "That was uncalled for, but I'll overlook it since you're in a such a state."

Sirius chuckled as he plopped onto the ground in front of James and laid down with a huge sigh.

"Come on now, Padfoot. It couldn't possibly be that bad. What the bloody hell is going on with you?"

The problem was that Sirius couldn't exactly explain fully what was going on. Since James had not been privileged to Hermione's secret yet, there were certain important details that just could not be shared with his best friend.

… But generally… if he was able to generally discuss the issues, maybe Sirius could feel a bit more cheery.

"Blondie's been avoiding me this past week."

"Any certain reason?"

Sirius shrugged, which was a bit of an awkward motion when one was laying on their back, "Have my theories, but nothing concrete."

"Do you think it's something that could complicate things or ultimately end the relationship if not addressed?"

"Complicate; very probable. End; highly unlikely," Sirius knew there was very little that would cause him to end his relationship with Hermione. He was still adamant about waiting for her, no matter how long it took.

James sighed, "Then just let it go, mate."

Sirius covered his face with both hands, "When did you become so bright, Prongs?"

"The same time you became so love struck that things a girl did bothered you."


"I really don't think these disguises are enough, Mooney," Peter muttered under his breathe as he adjusted his stiff collar for the ninth time that night.

"Just calm down and stop fidgeting. We look fine," Remus's voice was low but he made sure that it was clear and steady to help his friend relax.

They had decided to return to the pub in London where James and Sirius had begun a fight a few months ago. They had gotten word that the same brothers that the two Marauders had previously been following were supposed to attend another gathering there. And to make sure that they would not be recognized by anyone, Remus and Peter had both performed a few simple glamour charms to subtly change their appearance.

Remus had made his hair darker and had also cast a growing charm to make the hair long enough to cover his face. Peter had also darkened his hair, and had charmed his eyes a deep brown as well as making his jaw more squared off. They both wore shabby muggle clothes under their raggy black cloaks. Anyone who walked into the bar, barely gave them a second glance.

But Peter was still anxious, "What if my spell doesn't last as long as yours does. My nose reverted back without me noticing last time and I had to cover up my face with my cloak. I looked like a poor vampire impersonator."

Remus snorted, "While that was quite funny, you're being ridiculous. Have more faith in your ability at the spells, Wormtail." Peter did not look relieved at all, "And I' will tell you if any of your spells falter… which they won't."

Almost an hour past before their targets arrived at the pub.

Remus and Peter had both ordered a few pints, but they had made sure to only really drink a few sips of each. Vanishing spells could be useful at times…

Remus maneuvered his wand under the table and set up an eavesdropping spell as their two men joined a table of three, "Do you recognize any of the other men, Wormy?"

Peter took a real swig of his beer and sadly shook his head, "Not a one."

"... I do apologize for our late arrival…"

"It was your fault after all, brother."

Remus glanced back at the table of men and noticed that the two brothers were glaring at each other with such intensity that it was even making him uncomfortable.

"Yes, well it isn't my fault that you can't keep a woman around. Don't put out all your anger on me for your inadequacies."

The brothers acted as if their other companions weren't even there.

"Oh, please. Bellatrix only married you because of our families and because he approved the match."

Peter coughed suddenly and sputtered as he tried to correctly swallow the liquid that was in his mouth.

"Alright there, Jon?" Remus thumped Peter a bit forcefully on his back.

"Yea, yea," Peter returned with an airy voice, "Keep your hands to yourself, Wilson."

The rest of the night was uneventful. The five men didn't speak about anything related to Voldemort or the Death Eaters. Remus had originally thought that maybe they were speaking in code, but none of the methods of deciphering that he knew reveal any hidden meanings.

The only somewhat interesting thing that they had overheard was that Sirius's cousin was married to one of their marks.

… and Voldemort had been consulted before the marriage.


"I have to what?!" Marlene was pacing around her tiny sitting room as Regulus explained what they needed to do to convincingly continue their relationship ruse.

Regulus had sneaked up to Hermione's room that night and asked to use her floo to visit with Marlene before Christmas Holiday began.

"You're absolutely mental. I will not do that! My mother purposely kept me away from the old wizarding society so that I wouldn't have to subject myself to their outdated traditions and ridiculous standards," Marlene froze and turned to face the wizard currently seated on her sofa, "Please tell me you didn't agree to this…"

"Of course I didn't agree to this," Regulus cleared his throat, "but my opinion doesn't appear to be of much consequence when I disagree with my mother." He wasn't very phased by Marlene's reluctance for his mother's request. Regulus had already prepared a few logical reasons that it would be a good idea, "It will solidify our cover though. My mother is one of the most difficult people to convince… And if we don't go through with this, who knows what my dear mother will do. She will probably line up every eligible pureblood girl at my door and force me to date which ever one she deems worthy. Would you really subject me to such torture?"

Marlene rolled her eyes, "Really? That's the reasoning that you're trying to sell me?"

Regulus chuckled, "I was trying to play off of our friendship. I hoped that you would take pity on me."

"But I'm the one being subjected to this whole sexist escapade!"

"I know; I know. And I am sorry about that," Regulus stood and closed the gap between them, "We could also use this as an opportunity; a first step into investigating your brother's death and maybe compiling a list of possible suspects."

"And now you're using my brother against me?" Marlene huffed and sounded very irritated, "Uhg… this is such a Slytherin thing to do. Use the other person's emotions and logic against them to bend them to your own will."

Regulus didn't take offense from her words. He knew she was frustrated beyond belief. He gently touched Marlene's elbow in an attempt to be comforting, "And it's very much like a Ravenclaw to see the logic in my argument."

Marlene sighed heavily, "If I'm going to have to do this… swear you won't leave my side; the entire night you'll be right next to me."

"I swear."


Sorry this is a few days late. Life... gets really messy sometimes. Hope the little snippets gave you a little insight into where everyone is right now.

DeadDelta - no worries! loves puns btw. But Marlene's brother was killed the previous year, so Reg is not at fault... but we will see who is eventually.

Thoughts?

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***Reviews are very helpful...

Always,

Misha

Ps. Check out the other stories by me: 'Begin Again' (which is now complete!), 'The Bookworm and The Prankster' and 'Penelope Jackson: The Lightning Thief.'