A/N: So, be prepared, there is a flashback to Ron's death. Trigger warning for major character death.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series (movies or books), WB Studios or any of its characters.


The next morning, I rushed down to the Hospital Wing where Madam Pomfrey smiled at me and held a finger to her lips. She directed me to a bed at the end, where Remus was sleeping soundly, Peter asleep on the bed beside him.

I smiled down at the scene, asking her quietly if he was going to wake soon. She shook her head, "He'll be in afternoon classes though. This is the fastest recovery he's ever had."

"I should get Peter up for breakfast though," I spoke softly.

"Her..mione?" Remus' gruff voice exhaled my name. I went to his side, gently placing my hand on his.

"Rest Remus. You deserve it," I gave his hand a small squeeze, brushing his hair off his forehead with my fingers. He smiled slightly, eyes still closed as I pulled away to place a chocolate frog on the side table.

I gave Peter a gentle shake, "Time to wake up."

"No," He mumbled, and I rolled my eyes, pinching his arm. He hissed, eyes opening before he relaxed, "Oh, Hermione. G'morning."

"You should go get ready for breakfast," I motioned with my head. He nodded, sighing and getting up. He gave Remus one last look before following me out. We parted ways so he could go change for classes, and I yawned slightly as I walked into the Great Hall.


At lunch, Remus was coming in as I finished, and he rushed up to give me the biggest bear hug. The rest of the Marauders decided to join in, everyone ending up in a heap on the floor.

"Get up, get up! You are crushing me!" I yelped, as they all laughed.

Remus helped me up after the boys had disentangled themselves from the pile, holding my shoulders and speaking with immense gratitude, "Thank you."

"Anytime. Though at one point, I will be teaching you how to make it."

"I'm really pants at Potions," He sighed, and I laughed, "This is one you will know inside and out soon enough. I have your notes in my bag."

"Notes?" He asked, "For what?"

"The classes you missed," I looked at him like it was obvious, digging through my school bag.

"You took notes for me?" He seemed floored.

"Of course. I only needed a quick Gemino charm," I smiled, handing him the pieces of parchment.

"We still having our study session after dinner?" Peter asked, before tearing into a sandwich.

"Of course," I smiled at him, before giving everyone a little wave goodbye as I headed off to Ancient Runes, Lily running to catch up as I left the hall.

"So, I'm still on a high from last night," She giggled, a slight spring to her step.

"Isn't it fantastic? I know it only works in defense against Dementors or Lethifolds, but it's just a wonderful spell to know," I smiled, feeling very accomplished myself. I was teaching Harry's parents and their best friends the things they would need in the upcoming war. I had a quick thought and wondered if it would be better to mention it to Dumbledore, or just ask for forgiveness later.

"I just about cast it this morning to show the girls, but I'm pretty sure they would scream," She laughed freely.

"As highly entertaining as that would be, I think we should scare the boys with them. They kind of resemble ghosts, don't you think?" I smirked.

"We should send them into their dorm," She giggled, "Prank them back for all the things they've done to us over the years."

"Is the Head Girl thinking of pranking someone?" Marlene snuck up behind us and spooked us.

"Yes," I smiled, "Lily and I want to send our Patronus' into the boys' dorm."

"Godric, you can cast a Patronus?" She asked Lily, grabbing her arm in shock.

"Hermione taught me last night! I was exhilarating," She beamed.

"Lucky hag! Could you teach me?" Marlene turned to me suddenly.

"I want to teach all of the girls. A fun bonding experience for our next sleepover," I teased, "I'm making the boys some brownies tomorrow night, so I can make some more and we'll have them as treats for a job well done."

"I'm so excited! I'll tell the others," Marlene bounced, pulling out her Galleon. I felt the warming of my own, but I knew the message, so I didn't need to look.

"It is seriously unfair how easily these charms come to you," Lily teased, "But at least we know why. You've had longer to master them."


Later that night, once everyone had gone to supper, I stopped into the Library to grab a few books. I was surprised to find a few Muggle classics like Pride and Prejudice, but I also needed a few regarding Fiendfyre and how to master it. Dumbledore would tell me to caution myself against using it, but I wanted to be prepared for any eventuality. I wasn't so arrogant to believe I could master it easily, but I needed to know a little more about it. It was the thing that ended up killing Ron.68

I clenched my jaw and willed the tears back, thinking of that awful smoke. Madam Pomfrey had run a diagnostic charm on him and determined that the smoke had burnt his lungs. It wasn't a curse or an Unforgivable that had killed my best friend, but smoke that had damaged his ability to breathe.

"Hermione…" He wheezed, his eyes scared as I laid him down on a cot.

"Ron, don't speak. Madam Pomfrey!" I yelled, watching as the nurse ran over as fast as she could.

"Ronald!" Molly nearly screeched, a scared look passing over her.

"Mum," He drew a ragged breath.

"Oh dear," Pomfrey said after her wand stopped and I looked up at her, seeing her face.

"What is it? You can fix it? Right?" Molly's lip trembled.

"His lungs. I have nothing… The muggles call it smoke inhalation. The inside of his lungs are burnt beyond repair of a healing charm," She spoke softly and my heart bottomed out, looking back down to Ron, who looked resigned to his fate.

"It's okay," He wheezed through a smile, "Save Harry. Protect him, just like you've always done."

"Ron, no," Molly sobbed, as Ginny and Arthur came over quickly.

"His lungs," I whispered, seeing Ginny's eyes filling quickly with tears.

"I love you Mum," He coughed, "Dad…"

"We love you too Son," Arthur's voice trembled, as Ginny sobbed by her brother's head.

"Ginny, don't cry," He smiled at her, "Just have a good life."

"Ron, no," Molly cried in anguish.

"Save him Hermione," Ron's hand grasped my own.

"Ronald," I whispered, leaning forward to press my lips to his forehead softly. As I pulled back, he smiled, "Save Harry, and then live."

His eyes grew dark, his chest rising one more time, before falling flat. Molly's wails echoed throughout the Hall, Arthur's eyes releasing a few tears as he held his wife. A scuffle came through the doors, where George and Percy were carrying a body. Molly's cries doubled in strength as we all saw who it was.

More bodies were brought in, Remus, Tonks, Lavender, and Parvarti among them. It was only half an hour later, that I would disappear from that life.

"Black," A voice said, breaking me out of my memory. I wiped my eyes, hearing a conversation on the other side of the stack I was browsing.

"Snape," The voice answered.

"You know they expect an answer soon. You've been avoiding our mission or any chance to pledge yourself."

"Traumatizing students isn't my idea of fun," The voice spoke sternly. Snape had said Black... Ah, so that must be Regulus Black, Sirius's little brother. My mind was racing trying to remember any knowledge I had of the man. Well, boy here in 1977.

"He expects things of us."

"He expects things of us because of our families, and the friends he has spying on us. It's not like we have a choice." My curiosity was peaked. Did Regulus want a way out, like his brother had found?

"Even if there was, I wouldn't be so sure we'd be welcome with open arms," Snape's voice drawled.

"Thinking of switching sides, Severus?" The voice teased, "Someone you'd rather be around than me?"

"I don't know what you are talking about. It wouldn't be prudent to even acknowledge the option. Even in these walls, we are not beyond his grasp."

"He fears Dumbledore," Regulus spoke again, and I could practically hear the smirk.

"It's not wise to speak in such a manner. Unless you'd rather be on the receiving end of Mulciber's or Dolohov's wand for insulting him."

"He's not all that great and powerful if he needs an army to protect his reputation," Regulus pointed out.

"You'd best choose wisely Black. When the dust settles, you'd better be on the winning side, or you will be cut down," Snape hissed before I heard movement. I quickly cast a silent shield in case either of them noticed me. Snape stalked past the stacks, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

More movement and I heard a quickly drawn wand.

"How much of that did you hear?" The voice spoke, and I turned to him slowly, keeping my wand at my side.

"I can help you," I chose to say, wishing I could have stopped my tongue. Did I take on Harry's martyr complex or 'cast first, ask questions later' attitude when I was sent back? Because I remember I used to be a bit more cautious than I had been recently.

He sensed that would be my only answer, lowering his wand, "It's not that simple."

"It is if you want it," I spoke seriously, monitoring the way his face showed grief, hope, and apprehension.

"Even if I could, he'd find a way to kill me," Regulus spoke softly, "Inside the school. He'd threaten my family."

"Your parents offered you up on a silver platter and you'd still give your life up for them?" I countered. He shrugged, "The only family I've got."

"You have your brother," I offered, watching his eyebrows furrow.

"You are the bird that my brother is currently panting after," He smirked, "Ross, correct?"

"Hermione," I confirmed, almost amused by his 'panting' comment, as if he knew his brother was an animagus.

"Regulus Black," He inclined his head slightly, a very aristocratic expression on his face.

"I have an offer for you," I began, realizing I would need him on my side. He was the only way I could ever possibly get into the Malfoy Library.

"An offer," He raised a brow.

"Defect," I put simply, "And you will be protected."

"If I don't take your offer? Will you still be running off to Dumbledore?" He sniffed, an air of confidence to his voice.

"No. However, I would advise you to take my offer into consideration. There may not be a point of 'no return', but there may be a point where you had wished to have taken it earlier," I spoke softly, gathering my books, "Your brother misses you, I can tell he does."

Regulus didn't comment, giving me a scrutinizing look as I passed him.

"Tell Sirius…" He spoke softly, making me turn around.

"Tell him, Uncle Alphard isn't doing well. He'll want to know. Dragon Pox," He whispered. I nodded, before thinking of something.

"I will tell him this time, I promise. But when I get you two in the same room, and I will," I spoke sternly, making him smirk, "You'll be completely honest with him, no matter how dark or uncomfortable. I promise to keep him on a very short leash while you tell your side."

"One would suspect you've already got him collared," He smiled, nodding his acceptance. I gave him a little eye roll, "I highly doubt I can tame Sirius. He's a little too wild in certain regards."

I didn't think there was anything else to say, so I kept moving towards Madam Pince's desk, checking out my books and heading towards the Kitchens. Mipsy greeted me, snapping her fingers and putting a little place setting for me on the table. I thanked her, digging into some food while searching through the books for anything about Fiendfyre. There was a whip of fire, Fiedfyre and one more that might also be used in the direst of circumstances.

"Protego... Oh Godric," I breathed, biting my lip and writing it down as the uneasy feeling settled in my stomach.

Over the summer, I had purchased a journal, in which I was writing all the important information I knew. I recorded deaths, betrayals, Horcruxes and their locations, and anything pertinent to my mission. I wasn't going to miss anything if I had a checklist… hopefully.

The only caveat was if someone were to open it and discover strange predictions of deaths. So, much like the Marauder's Map, I invented a password and lock for the information. And to dissuade anyone from trying to read it, in case I had forgotten to lock it, I charmed it to zap anyone who wasn't me. I heard a ruckus behind me as I finished my meal, quickly warding the journal with a whispered, "Ashes."

"What's that you've got there Mia?" Sirius called over to me, reaching over my shoulder.

"Don't-" I started, trying to stop him.

Sirius yelped when his fingers came into contact with the book, pulling his hand back as I stood up to put my books away.

"That's the reason I warded it," I sighed, taking a look at his hand, examining it for burns.

"Doesn't appear to have burned you, just a shock," I concluded, taking the journal and putting it in my purse, "And that should teach you not to touch a ladies' personal journal."

"Ooooh, a diary?" James teased, snagging an apple off the table and biting into it.

"No, it's where I keep track of assignments and such. The occasional thought, such as, "Remember to order supplies for a certain monthly potion," I sassed.

"They are just sore because they want to read it," Remus smiled, setting his own books down.

"Well, they should keep their own diaries and switch with each other then," Peter ribbed the dark-haired boys.

"Alright, settle down," I raised my voice slightly, "I have something I need to tell you all. I told the girls last night and I thought you all deserved to know the same, considering you were some of the first real friends I made here."

"We're listening, Kitten," Sirius said softly.

And so I told them, every detail I could that wouldn't end up harming the future. With the exception of my Third Year, explaining how the teacher I knew was a werewolf, and he was helping an escaped convict. How I used a Time-Turner and we saved a Hippogriff and the escaped convict from their death sentences. I kept it as detailed as possible while omitting names and keeping to the version I had told the girls.

I showed Remus and Peter my scars, the word that had been carved into my arm, and tried not to blush as Sirius' gaze darkened when I lifted my uniform to show part of the scar, where it descended to my ribs.

And once I had finished I continued with, "So now, I would like to reintroduce myself to you all. I am Hermione Granger."

"We know," They all smiled and I feigned a confused look.

"How?" I asked, even though I knew the answer. James pulled out a familiar piece of parchment, though not as used, and placed it on the table as he drew his wand.

"I solemnly swear I am up to no good," He spoke with his wand over it. I gave a curious look as I peered at it.

The familiar map began to bleed into existence and I leaned over to take a closer look.

"This is a map we made, in Third Year," Sirius smiled, "It shows everyone in the castle, and where they are. The teachers' offices, the grounds, everything."

"Do you use this to spy on people?" I questioned softly, observing the original parchement.

"No," Remus spoke up, "It was mainly for sneaking around after hours, so we didn't run into anyone."

"I assume this is a Marauder's secret?" I teased, watching them all smile.

"Yes, and when you appeared on it, it showed a different last name than the one you've been using," Peter smiled, pointing to the Kitchen on the map. I looked over to see my name, sitting beside Sirius; Hermione Granger.

"Well, you could have said something!" I exclaimed.

"We figured you'd tell us in time," Remus answered, "And when you trusted us enough with your secret, you might tell us where you went to hide the other night."

I closed my eyes, cursing them internally.

"I found the Come and Go Room," I muttered.

"The what?" They exclaimed.

"The Room of Requirement? It turns into whatever the user needs. I have my own little space in there. A bed, a fireplace, bookshelves, a potions lab, a piano… it's just a little haven for me. Somewhere… somewhere safe when I feel like I'm falling apart."

"What the bloody hell? How have we never heard of it?" Sirius questioned.

"I've heard of it. It's in Hogwarts: A History," Remus piped up, "If you actually read-"

"Why haven't you told us then?" James asked.

"Because I didn't know where to find it or how to access it!" Remus defended himself.

I gave a short whistle, halting the fight, "Boys, honestly. I can show you how to get in, but you can't go blabbing about it."

"Mia, are we really that awful that you need to get away from us?" Peter asked, looking a little hurt as he questioned the comment I made before the boys started fighting.

"No, Peter," I promised him gently, "After I've had a nightmare, or even relived a harsh memory, I need a little time to collect myself. That's all. I love tutoring you because it reminds me of helping my friends with their own homework. And you are so bright Peter, you could do anything you put your mind to."

He smiled a bit at that, with Sirius taking my hand, "I'm sorry, Kitten."

"Now, before I get started on Peter's tutoring, you all need to listen to what I just overheard in the Library and the conversation that followed. Regulus Black and Severus Snape were meeting behind a stack in the library when everyone was at dinner. They were talking about what was expected of them, and how they wished they had an option out of it."

"So it's confirmed," James drew one side of his mouth up in a sneer of disgust, "They are Death Eaters."

"No, they are being forced to. Either because of their House, or their families. They are being threatened to do it, and they feel they have no choice, because they won't be welcomed on our side."

"What if they were just saying that because they knew you were listening?" Sirius spoke darkly.

"They weren't. They didn't even know I was there…. Until Snape left."

"What happened?" Sirius went on guard, "What did my brother do?"

"Nothing, we just talked. I gave him a choice to defect and he'd be protected. Dumbledore will do everything he can to keep him safe, but he may need a safe spot outside of school."

"It can't be that simple. I've told him he can leave. I've told him he doesn't have to stay there."

"But did you have somewhere for him to go?" Remus pointed out.

"He can come to my place," James offered, "Sirius is already there, and my parents have the room. They would be happy to take him in."

Sirius looked at his best mate, stunned.

"I know if I had a sibling, I would do whatever it took to protect them," James admitted, eyes flickering up to me for a moment, "And that means taking an offer from someone to protect them. You know Mum and Dad have the place warded more than Gringotts."

"Sirius," I spoke gently, putting my hand on his shoulder, "He mentioned your Uncle Alphard isn't well. Dragon Pox."

He deflated slightly, "What?"

"That's all I got from him, but I know he misses you. I could see it in his eyes," I gave him a sympathetic smile, slyly adding, "I'm sure if you spoke to him, he'd tell you everything."

There were days I was a Gryffindor, and days I was as cunning as a Slytherin. I was going to get them in the same room together.

"Hermione…" Sirius looked up at me.

"Yes?"

"How do you know Dumbledore would protect him?"

Damn.

I sighed, "Because… because I'm part of the Order."

You could hear a pin drop it was so silent. None of the elves were near, but I wasn't so stupid as to not have put up a silencing spell around us when I started talking about my life.

"You're taking the piss out of us, right?" James looked skeptical, "The Order of the Pheonix? How in Godric's name did you convince him to let you join the cause?"

"No, I'm not. On the first day of class, I met Dumbledore that night and he took me to my first meeting. Over the summer he confided in me, asking for me to act as his eyes and ears when he couldn't be there. Who should be brought in for the Order, who to watch out for, etcetera. I couldn't tell the girls this, but I can tell you."

"And he's fine with you telling us?"

"He doesn't know. Particularly, because I think I want to start up that dueling club, with an emphasis on making sure everyone is prepared in how to defend themselves."

"That's… I really want to be responsible here and say insane, but I'm gonna go with wicked," James smirked, "Now you are thinking like a Marauder."

"Well, if the weather is any indication," I looked out the window, "I should be one step closer to my Marauder name soon."

"A dueling club?" Remus shook his head in confusion.

"Yes. I know James and Sirius are going to be training as Aurors, but if anyone isn't, they might not be able to defend themselves in a fast-paced fight. It won't be any Unforgiveables, but actual defensive spells. I've already got a lesson plan in mind, practical hands-on stuff."

"Where would you find people willing? They aren't exactly lining up when their families are being threatened. People are scared," Peter pointed out.

"I can teach how to cast wards, the Patronus charm, non-verbal spell casting, and even a bit of wandless. The more tools they have in their arsenals, the better prepared they are. And make no mistake, if no one stands up, it will become our children's war. Don't you want to leave them a better world, where they aren't exposed to this madness?" I implored them.

James clenched his jaw tightly, glancing down at the map, where Lily's name was moving around the Gryffindor Common Room. Sirius was quiet, his normally flawless face had a worried scowl on it as he reached for my hand.

"I'm with you," He promised, and I felt my heart skip a beat. Peter smiled at me, "I'm in. Anything I can do to protect my Mum."

Peter's words felt like they lifted a weight off my shoulder. Was this the whole reason? Did Voldemort threaten his family? The boys would have done anything for Peter, including protecting his Mum.

"I'm in as well," Remus nodded, "I've seen you duel in class Hermione, and we'd all be lucky to be half as quick as you are."

I blushed lightly, as James sat up straight.

"I won't let my kids come into this world while it's a mess. I'm willing to learn whatever you've got to teach," James spoke, his voice confident. I felt my eyes well up a little, knowing this was the man that gave his life for his son's safety.

Harry, you'd be so proud of your Dad.

"Don't cry, Kitten," Sirius smiled, before teasing me, "We don't need the waterworks, as we've said we'll do it."

"I'm a girl; I can get emotional," I said dramatically sighing, making them all laugh.

"Well, first let's put this evening's studying on the front of our minds. We can talk about everything later."