Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. The story is an original idea but the rights belong to JK and WB.


"Honestly Prewett, I have no idea how you read this thing. I just rely on what the teachers say!"

Hermione snorted before turning another page of her book, "Then you should have attended those classes, Sirius Black."

Sirius looked up at the ceiling as if praying to an invisible God. Hermione shook her head at the antics, instead deciding to look at her book. A squawk from Black made her look up and she could barely control her laughter at the sight in front of her.

Knight had perched himself on Sirius' nose, looking quite smug. Sirius was moving his hands in the air, careful not to hurt the bird yet trying to make him fly away. Hermione doubled up laughing on her seat as Sirius wheezed, "GET THAT BLOODY OWL OFF MY FACE!"

Thankfully, Knight flew off Sirius' face and landed on Hermione's arm. Gasping for air, Sirius looked down, glaring at the black owl. "Your owl hates me!"

"What nonsense!" Hermione said, stroking Knight's feathers. "He is a majestic bird. I am sure he was just tired from the long flight. Weren't you Knight?"

The owl hooted. Hermione took out a treat from her bag and gave it to Knight. He happily accepted it, before extending his leg to Hermione. As she was busy getting the letter, the owl turned to Sirius and Sirius was sure that the owl was giving him a smirk.

The bird flapped its wings and flew away, leaving Sirius muttering, "Bloody owl. I swear he has a vendetta against me. What's the letter about?"

Hermione sighed, "Mum and Dad. Just asking me to take care this Christmas."

"You aren't going back?" Sirius asked, picking up his quill.

Hermione turned her attention to her book, "No. I have work."

Sirius looked at her quizzically, ready to say something. But Hermione shut the book with a thud and picked up her bag. "I have ancient runes now. Please go to classes, Sirius."

"I have the whole Christmas break to catch up on stuff," Sirius said, leaning back on his chair, "I am sure Re- You will tutor me."

Hermione just glared at him, before huffing and walking out of the Room of Requirement. Winter Hols started the next day. As far as she knew, James, Peter and Remus were going back and so were Lily and Marlene. She wasn't sure if Sirius was invited to Potters or not. When asked, he had just given her a curt reply of "I am staying." Sirius and James had not been talking much, as far as Hermione was aware. He was not even talking to Hermione, for God's sake.

The whole play had changed now. Severus had started keeping a distance from Hermione. In fact, Hermione had a very stinking suspicion that Severus had already joined the ranks. He was ignoring Lily and was hardly seen anywhere out in the open anymore. The other Slytherins seldom talked to her, not even looking at her unless something grave happened. Regulus was the only one who was still, even slightly, still trying to stay in touch with her. He had told her of an informal party being held at Malfoy manor over Christmas and Hermione was sure that Voldemort was starting to gather followers from within Hogwarts. At least Regulus was not going there. She had spotted his name in the list of students who were staying back.

All the while. she was no closer to getting the other Horcruxes. With every passing day, her dread grew, but she could do nothing to settle it down. The books in the library were of no use and she had found out that she was under strict scrutiny by the teachers, so she would not be able to get into the Restricted section. Yes, she could technically talk to Dumbeldore, but she was really against that idea unless Voldemort was knocking on her doorstep.

Hermione entered the classroom, only to find all seats full. The only empty place was beside Kingsley. Great, that's exactly what she needed. Another reminder of a failed past.

With no other option, Hermione clutched her books and took a seat beside Kingsley. He looked up from his book, gave her a small smile which she returned and both turned to their own work.

The class was the same as usual, with a lecture and the last twenty minutes being spent on deciphering the runes. Hermione really wanted to just go back and lie on her bed for the rest of the day and revisit all her plans the next day. As she finished with her work, Hermione leaned back on her seat, waiting for the class to get over.

"That's pretty fast."

Hermione turned to see Kingsley looking at her work.

"Um, yeah," She said, trying to give a friendly smile, "I had gone through them before."

"That's smart," Kingsley muttered, "You are really very smart, aren't you, Granger?"

"Well, that's what people say," Hermione muttered, "I just personally like to take a book and read it to the end."

"Nice one."

Hermione flashed Kingsley a smile, a proper smile. The class ended and submitting their work, everyone left. As Hermione was picking up her books, she stopped in her tracks. Something settled in her stomach. She looked up, looking at all the students leave the class. Immediately grabbing everything, Hermione ran out of the classroom, pushing people aside. Some shouted, other groaned, but Hermione paid them no heed. As soon as she saw the familiar head, she grabbed it.

"What the hell, Prewett?" Someone shouted, but Hermione just stared at Kingsley.

"You called me Granger."

Kingsley's mouth parted in surprise like he had not realized what he had done. "Oh did I?"

"Why does it matter?" One of the other boys asked, looking ready to fight, "Leave Kings-"

"Hey, it's okay!" Kingsley looked at Hermione with a smile, "Let's go somewhere and talk, shall we?"

Hermione nodded numbly. Kingsley assured his friends before walking down the stairs with Hermione. With each step, Hermione's mind continued to be in a whirlwind. Thousands of scenarios passed through her mind, each worse than before. She didn't notice when they had reached the stands of quidditch field until Kingsley was sitting down. Looking up, she could spot the Hufflepuff team practising their moves. They wouldn't particularly mind two Gryffindors.

Sitting down, Hermione kept down her books and looked at the team. "You called me Granger."

"I did," Kingsley said, looking at the team himself.

"Nobody really calls me Granger," Hermione continued, her heart beating fast. "It's either been Granger-Prewett or just Prewett. Why, why would you call me Granger?"

Kingsley shuffled, inching a bit closer to Hermione. She could feel his breath on her neck when he said, "Let's just say Seamus is horrid with calculations as well."

It felt like the weight of a thousand quaffles being released from her shoulders. Ever since she had learned she was witch, Hermione had been busy proving to the wizarding world that she belonged. The pressure of being a muggle-born witch was enough and befriending Harry and Ron had never really relieved her of any pre-existing pressure. She loved the boys with all her heart, but year after year something or the other always followed Harry, and thus it followed her. With time, everything became worse. When Harry said it was going to be her going back, she knew that it was going to be hard. The few years she decided to be a child, the guilt continued to prod here. When she thought that she could take care of both ends of her life, she was brought down. Now, sitting on the quidditch stands with a man who had some knowledge of the whirlpool she had lived through, Hermione realized she had never really taken a breath in all those years.

People always had something to say, so Hermione did not think twice before throwing her arms around Kingsley and crying. Kingsley wrapped his arms around her, soothing her and maybe crying himself. It was a relief to both of them, to know that someone, someone knew. Someone understood.


Hermione sat in the Great Hall as students hugged each other goodbye for Christmas. She had not seen Remus, James or Peter since the morning, and could only assume they had already left. It felt nice to be surrounded by Christmas cheer, even though she had no one to share it with.

Feeling a sudden weight, Hermione turned to find herself face to face with one Marlene McKinnon.

"Marls!" Hermione sighed, before returning the hug. Marlene pulled back and sat down beside her, looking at Hermione seriously. "You will take care of yourself, right?"

"Of course!" Hermione smiled slightly, "I will get a lot of chance to study so I will be fine."

"Remember to eat, you foolish girl!" Marlene said, hitting Hermione's head. Hermione smiled and nodded. "And when I come back, I want to hear everything about you and the new Shacklebolt boy."

Hermione was caught by surprise. "Me and-? We are just friends!"

"Oh yeah sure," Marlene did not look convinced at all, "Whatever you say."

"Marls! I am serious!"

"Well, if that's the case I am sure you would like to know that rumours say that Remus almost stared down the poor boy."

"Remus did whAT?"

But Marlene was already on her feet, pressing a kiss on Hermione's cheek and jumping out of the Great Hall, singing Jingle Bells. Hermione blinked in realization, before breaking out in laughter.

She was busy grinning to herself when she looked at the grand doors. There they were. The three Marauders.

James was teasing Peter as the shorter boy continued to defend himself. Remus was just behind them, looking done with the two of them. At one point, he rolled his eyes and looked inside the Great Hall.

And for just a moment, their eyes met.

Hermione gave him a small smile. Remus looked at her a second longer, before turning away. In the next moment, they were gone.


Soooooooooooooooo, is anyone still reading this?

If yes, then hello! Yes, I had abandoned this story and most of my other works. No, I am not back on schedule. But I am trying to get some work done, so hopefully, there will be updates. I don't know about frequent or infrequent.

Aiyanna Clearwater: Yes she is. Hermione is, after all, a human, and she too has chosen a side. She doesn't understand what happened and as you could see, she didn't ask what happened. I am open to any ideas if you want to share!

geekymom: Thank you!

Guest: Thank you! Hopefully, you are here to read this chapter.

ElianaxIsabella: I am sorry you had to wait so long! I will try and be back more often. thank you so much.

xxxLeanniexxx: True, but you can't control everything. Stuff like that just happens sometimes. Thank you!

Lady Salazar Slytherine: Thank you for pointing that out. However, this is a complete AU and I changed some stuff to meet my fun. Hopefully, You still want to read this.

So I might go back and re-write a few chapters and if I change something I will put it up in later chapters. I have abandoned the initial storyline and just letting my heart take the course. Maybe that will help. Hope you enjoyed!