Disclaimer: All of the characters and world recognised below belong to J.K Rowling. I do not own any of it, this is pure entertainment.

A Shining in the Shadows

Chapter 19: Like Everything Glows

Oh, all my nights taste like gold

Yeah, when I'm with you it's like everything glows

And all my days we can lay low

Yeah, when we're waking up

We're waking up slow

Waking Up Slow - Gabrielle Aplin

'Fred, have you seen Hermione?' Harry asked. The boy looked pale with bags under his eyes and was fidgeting. Fred did not have to look too closely to see that Harry was extremely nervous and probably did not sleep well the night before. Fred shook his head.

'No - Professor McGonagall said she wouldn't return to the common room last night but I haven't seen her all morning.' Fred was starting to get worried. He did not wait for Hermione as per Professor McGonagall's advice but not seeing her this morning made him feel nervous. He knew Harry must have been feeling the same; they had gotten much closer since the summer, almost becoming shadows of each other in a sense. Fred could tell that Harry felt a little lost without Hermione and it was not what he needed in the morning of the second task.

'She's probably in the library somewhere or organising something with McGonagall, don't stress too much mate.' Ron said by his side, trying to be nonchalant but Fred knew that inside he was also worried. This was not normal Hermione Granger behaviour.

'Professor McGonagall would not let Hermione be in danger.' George - ever the voice of reason - cut through. Fred nodded, noticing that Harry was still looking very pale. What would Hermione do? he thought. He knew he needed to look after Harry and prepare him for the second task, that's what Hermione would be doing if she was here. He needed to take charge and make sure that Harry ate a proper meal and was down at the lake at the right time. A look at George told him that his twin felt the same and understood. It seemed as though they always looked out for Harry, even as a gawky, unsure first year. They introduced him to Ron and gave him the Marauder's Map. Harry was as much his little brother as Ron, and Fred and George always looked out for their family. It was both a Prewett and Weasley trait.

'Come on Harry, let's go to the Great Hall for breakfast, you need to eat.' he finally said. They headed down to the Great Hall where they sat with Ginny and Neville. The boy blushed when Fred and George entered and he wondered if the younger boy had something with his little sister. He stared him down, making Neville squirm uncomfortably in his seat. The action almost made Fred feel bad, after all, if Ginny were to date anyone, Neville was not a bad candidate, he was polite and respectful and would treat Ginny as she deserved to be, however, Fred simply did not want anyone dating Ginny. She was his little sister and would remain that even past the age of thirty.

'Where's Hermione?' Angelina asked. Fred wished she asked anything else as it made Harry go pale again and he was afraid that he might fall. Ron was piling his plate with eggs and sausages before attending his own plate. A first for Ron, who Fred knew was making a huge effort to become a better friend.

'C'mon Harry, you gotta eat up, you have a big swim in front of you.' Harry looked a bit green.

'The Black Lake is huge. And I don't actually know what I'm searching for - it could be anything, it could be anyone, it could be -' Harry paused, eyes widening. 'We've taken what you'll sorely miss - Merlin, it's Hermione! That's why she isn't here, she's at the bottom of the lake. I need to find and rescue her.' Fred felt his world begin to spin slightly and he felt his stomach sink slightly. Hermione was in the Black Lake, his Hermione was waiting for Harry.

'Fuck!' he cursed. He immediately turned his head to look at the staff table, eyes searching frantically for the Head of Gryffindor. It was almost like she knew he was searching for her but something in her grim expression made him pause; he wanted to demand she be taken out, demand that Hermione be saved, but he knew that it was not going to be possible. He felt George beside him.

'Professor McGonagall would never let anything bad happen to her own, Hermione is safe. Harry will find her and she'll be in your arms before you know it.' He said, Angelina, looking guilty at his side. He reached out to squeeze her hand to assure her that he was alright.

'What if I can't find her?' Harry whispered. Ginny leant across the table and took his hand comfortingly.

'You've been practising all week Harry, you will be fine with this task.' Ron said soothingly. Harry nodded dumbly and Fred could not help but feel sorry for the bloke. The amount of pressure he was always under was incredible, he faced at least one life and death situation a year. And now he was in the Triwizard Tournament where he faced a dragon and now needed to search for his pseudo sister held captive underwater. And even though they had no idea what the third task was going to be, it was not a stretch to imagine that it would be the most taxing and difficult of the three.

They ate breakfast in a strained silence, all too preoccupied with their thoughts. Fred wasn't really hungry but he ate in solidarity. Luckily, although it was a Friday, there were no classes so that the task was completed whilst it was still light, so after breakfast, Harry was escorted down to the Black Lake by Professor McGonagall whilst the prefects attempted to get the houses sorted to walk down to the stands.

Bundled up in his Gryffindor scarf in support of Harry, Fred had made Ginny grab an extra scarf and robe from Hermione's room, she would need them when she got out of the water. They walked quietly towards the Black Lake, joined by Luna coming from the Ravenclaw common room. Fred had not had the opportunity to converse much with the girl after her mother died and she stopped hanging around the Burrow. She was a bit eccentric but always got along with the twins. Upon arriving at the stands, he looked around for Sirius and Remus, wondering if anyone had told them their ward was at the bottom of the Black Lake; he did not want to be the one who dropped that particular bombshell in case the ex-convict and the former Professor decided to hex the messenger. It was not long before he saw them standing close to Professor McGonagall. From the distance, Fred could see that neither man was particularly happy - whether it was because they knew about Hermione or because they could not see Harry before the challenge he did not know. Harry was at the edge of the platform next to Viktor Krum, wand out at the ready but also incredibly pale. He hoped that the boy would cast a warming charm, it was a particularly cold day and the lake only stopped icing over a couple of weeks previously. Himself, George, Angelina, Ginny, Ron and Neville made their way towards the couple nervously. Professor Lupin smiled at them as they approached, nudging Sirius Black sharply with his elbow until the other man turned and smiled at them also.

'Hey, you lot.'

'Hello Professor,' Angelina said politely, Professor Lupin blushed slightly.

'Please, I am no longer your Professor, please call me Remus, all of you.' He said gently. Next to him, Sirius Black waved. They stood in some awkwardness for a minute and Fred knew it was because the buffers of both Harry and Hermione were missing. However, Sirius and Remus were Hermione's guardians and if he wanted to be in a relationship with her he needed to try a bit harder. Luckily they were interrupted by Ludo Bagman.

'All our champions are ready for the second task, where they have exactly one hour to recover what has been taken from them. On my whistle, one...two...three!' Even from his vantage point, Fred could see Harry waddle into the Black Lake carefully as the shrill whistle echoed in the air; it was not until he was deep enough to swim that he cast the bubblehead charm. Soon, all four champions were not visible on the surface of the lake.

It was then that the audience realised that they were going to have to stare at the Black Lake for the hour. Many students around them began to talk to their friends and others brought out an exploding snap.

'Do we have any clue what is in the Black Lake? Before last week I thought the only thing in it was the Giant Squid.' Ron asked. Fred and George both shrugged - the lake was not somewhere they went except on those exceptionally hot days that were rare in the school term.

'Grindylows - they're a bit nasty and there is a large group just beyond the lake bed.' Remus Lupin said. Fred remembered Grindylows to be a small, horned water demon; Remus Lupin had had them in the corner of his classroom when he was teaching at Hogwarts the previous year.

'Yeah, they'll put up a fight if disturbed.' Sirius interjected and Fred realised it was the first time the man had spoken. He understood of course, both his children were in a dark, dangerous Lake on a time limit; it appeared that the Head of House Black was a worrier despite the calm and stoic appearance he presented.

It was not long, about ten or so minutes later that someone emerged from the clear, calm surface of the Lake. A roar came across the crowd; no one was meant to have found their missing object that quickly. Neville, the only one smart enough to have bothered with bringing binoculars, gasped.

'It's Fleur Delacour from Beauxbatons.' He focused with his binoculars, 'She's hurt.' Soon enough she emerged from the bank of the lake, covered in scratches and bruises, crying. Fred watched as she was embraced by Madam Maxime holding a towel, the difference in size making her look like a small child who needed her mother rather than a deadly champion. It was a stark contrast from the Fleur Delacour they had seen facing the dragon on the first task. She was wailing something in French.

'What is she saying?' he asked aloud, pointlessly as he was unsure that anyone actually spoke French. Remus looked at Sirius with an expectant expression. The dark-haired man looked sad.

'She's devastated that she was attacked and is scared about her sister. Her little sister Gabrielle is in the lake and she's terrified she'll die.' Sirius paused as he listened. 'Dumbledore is assuring her that Gabrielle is asleep and safe and will be returned when all champions return.' Fred let out a relieved breath. Hermione will be okay. It seemed as though everyone had the same thought. Remus and Sirius looked more relaxed, as Fleur calmed down but they were still very tense; after all, Harry and Hermione could be attacked by Grindylows or something worse. The crowd seemed to calm down and soon went back to waiting.

The large ringing of a bell began which soon signified that the hour was up. No one was back yet. Fred gripped George's hands tightly and his twin began to protest.

'It's Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang!' Neville shouted suddenly and soon enough the pair could be seen swimming towards the shore. A loud cheer came from the mostly Hogwarts crowd cheered loudly as they too were enveloped in large towels and ushered towards Madam Pomfrey.

'Just a minute out of the hour, not bad.' Angelina said by George's side. Fred would feel the same, he generally liked Cedric Diggory outside of the terrible Quidditch match last year and felt he was a good Hogwarts champion, but Hermione and Harry were still out there. Where are they?

It was not long before someone else shouted and all eyes were trained on the lake where Viktor Krum and a dark-haired girl were swimming towards shore.

'Viktor Krum.' Neville confirmed. 'That's three out of the four champions.'

'Except Harry and Hermione.' Ginny deadpanned, turning slightly pale. As much as Fred was worried, he could not forget that Ginny considered Hermione her best friend and would be equally as worried. Everyone in the small group cared a great deal for the two and he could not be selfish and make it all about himself, no matter how hard his heart was beating in his chest or how sweaty his palms were. Luna turned to her friend comfortingly and hugged her.

'Don't worry, the nargles say they're not in danger.' Not used to some of the eccentric things Luna Lovegood could say, Angelina giggled slightly whilst Sirius and Remus exchanged amused looks. George elbowed his girlfriend, giving her a look and she attempted to contain it.

It was a long time before the lake surface disturbed once more.

'It's Hermione!' Neville shouted and Fred leaned over. Sure enough, Hermione could be seen with a small silvered-haired girl who looked to be no older than eleven. Fleur's sister. Harry could not be seen.

'Where's Harry?' Sirius muttered. From the corner of his eye, he could see Remus Lupin take the man's hand comfortingly. His question was answered a minute later when Harry's dark hair could be seen from the surface.

'He's okay,' Remus said. Still holding hands, they quickly exited the stands and made their way to the shore. From the distance, he could see Hermione and Gabrielle almost reach the surface. He needed to see if she was okay. Giving George a quick look to which his twin only nodded, he followed Sirius and Remus towards the lake bed to see Hermione being pulled out of the water by Fleur Delacour.

'Hermione!' he called, racing towards her. She was already wrapped in a warm towel, currently being hugged by Fleur; Harry was being embraced by the two Marauders.

'You saved 'her, my Gabrielle, thank you.' She was saying to both of them. The little girl in question was being looked after by Madam Pomfrey.

'It was nothing Fleur, she's safe, go be with her.' Hermione replied whilst Harry blushed at Fleur's kiss on his cheek. She turned towards Fred, a smile lighting up her face as she saw him and she ran towards him. He embraced her tightly, not caring that she was still soaking wet. She was in his arms, safe.

'I was so worried when I did not see you this morning - Harry figured it out though, you would have been proud.' He whispered in her hair. Hermione sighed.

'I'm okay, I did not know anything until I broke the surface.' she assured him, looking up at him with her big, brown eyes.

'I missed you.' He said, wishing he could kiss her. She smiled in response and in the corner of her eye he could see a bug, he picked it out before flicking it away, kissing her forehead. A cough was heard from behind them and they turned to see Sirius, Remus and Harry looking at them. Hermione went red and Fred could feel himself blush as well. Hermione let him go and embraced her brother.

'I'm so proud of you' He could hear her whisper. She then was embraced by Sirius and Remus and Fred could hear her assure them that she was okay. Fred looked upon the family and could not feel jealous, after all, if he wanted to be with Hermione he needed to accept that Harry, Sirius and Remus would be a big part of her life as much as she'd have to accept that George was his other half. The family was important to both of them, that was one of the reasons he liked her so much. One of the reasons why he… loved her.

I love her. The thought hit Fred Weasley as hard as a stunning curse. The events of the day had confirmed it; his anxiety and fretting, his relief at seeing her safe and more importantly happy. He loved everything about her; her wild curls, her dark eyes that sparkled mischievously, her intellect and passion for learning, her bravery and loyalty to her family and friends, the way she stood up for those more misfortunate or misfits, the way she supported his dreams and his pranks even though she also respected the rules, the way she was so strong… he felt that the list would only grow the more he got to know her.

I love Hermione Granger.

Remus Lupin was on edge, anger, the wolf, brimming the surface during the entire second task. It was years of meditation that kept him at bay. Of course, his anger was justified, his adopted daughter had been held hostage underwater and the son of his best friends was forced into a deadly competition where he was convinced that the aim was to kill him, Voldemort was back, he was sure and it seemed that Hermione… had a boyfriend.

Not that she had revealed that to Sirius and himself, although seeing the Weasley twin today had confirmed it for him. He felt the pack bond, obviously not as strong as to Harry and Hermione, but the notion that the twins were now important to his cub and therefore important to him. However, more importantly, it was seeing Fred Weasley fuss over a still drenched Hermione that made it so completely obvious that he was not only infatuated with her but that there was something more. From the way she looked at him in return, Remus knew that Hermione felt the same.

He was not on edge because the girl he considered his daughter was in a relationship - even though he thought her too young he would be hypocritical to say anything considering at the same age he was head over heels for one Sirius Black - but rather because she had not told him. Even though himself and Sirius moved closer to Hogwarts and were in contact with both Harry and Hermione, he was feeling a sense of disconnect from his children. Because that's what they were in his heart - his children, his pack, his. He was sad that Hermione did not trust him and Sirius enough to tell them about her budding relationship with Fred, it left him wondering if he had done something wrong. He knew she was still grieving the loss of her parents. Did we push her too much?

'Did you know Pads?' he asked. His dark-haired mate shook his head, hurt colouring his expression.

'No - but they're young and it's obviously new. She was probably waiting for the right time to tell us - we've all been stressing about the Tournament.' He rationalised. Remus sighed in agreeance as he watched Fred Weasley embrace his daughter. Sirius let out a cough and before he knew it, Hermione was in his arms. He tried not to worry about it, hugging Hermione tightly to him. He breathed in her scent, the wolf inside him calming down because both of his children were safe. At least for the current moment.

'They're both okay Moony.' Sirius whispered to him, arms wrapped around Harry. Remus was not sure if he was trying to placate him or himself. 'Thank Merlin they're both safe!' Remus let go of Hermione and grabbed Harry, breathing him in deeply as well. He needed to keep Harry safe, for James and Lily. I've already failed, he thought, I can't fail again. The guilt at not being able to raise Harry whilst Sirius was in Azkaban would haunt him more than his condition.

'Remus, I can't breathe.' Harry huffed and he realised he was squeezing too tight.

'I'm sorry, I just -' Hermione smiled.

'We get it, it's okay.' She said, laying a hand on his cheek. 'I was not happy either, nor was Professor McGonagall - honestly using human hostages, what was the Ministry thinking?' From the corner of his eye, Remus could see Sirius' expression turn dark.

'I don't know but when I am through with them they will think twice before ever messing with me or mine again.' He said, voice matching the severity of his expression. Hermione smirked humorlessly whilst Harry went white. Harry was that innocent kind of love and bravery, whereas if he had not known Sirius as he did, he would be sure that Hermione could be his daughter - she had the mean streak to match her curls. Both Sirius and Remus were furious when Minerva informed them of what happened the previous evening. How Dumbledore could do what he did without informing the parents of the minors he enchanted? Crouch and Bagman from the Ministry of Magic should have known better. Crouch. Remus still had not forgiven the old fool for what he did to Sirius, for barring Remus from visiting, for allowing the circumstances that allowed Harry to stay at the Dursleys for far too long. Then there was Dumbledore. A part of Remus knew that the old headmaster did have good intentions, however, he was too blind-sighted by the greater good to realise that his actions had consequences for the people he considered pawns. No, Dumbledore had proven time and time again that he could not be completely trusted.

Remus watched as Madam Pomfrey bustled around the four champions and their hostages, muttering to herself. Due to his advanced hearing, he could hear her curse the competition, 'Utterly mental, sending children out into the Black Lake without proper heating charms. Botched up transfiguration and Grindylows. Nightmare.' She handed each student pepper up potions to ward off colds whilst they waited for the announcement.

Minerva approached them, or Hermione specifically. She was holding something and as she got closer he recognised the gold glint of the Potter bracelet and the necklace he and Sirius had commissioned for Hermione. He growled at the thought that she had to remove her protection charms, obviously to be enchanted and he was angry at the aforethought the old meddling fool Dumbledore had, and yet he did not advise all these young girls' parents of what was happening to their children.

'Here you are Miss Granger; I would advise you to make sure they remain on in the future.' She winked at Hermione and made her way towards Sirius and Remus. He watched as Fred helped Hermione put on her necklace with reverence and instantly felt relief knowing that they were on her once more; she was protected. 'I fortified the charms with spells from the Frasier tome, as obviously there is no McGonagall.'

'Thank you, Minnie,' Sirius said, taking her hand gratefully. 'For looking out for her, for them both.' A rare smile flitted across Minerva's face.

'I see the best of James and Lily in Harry, and somehow, even though she's not biologically yours -' she motioned to himself and Sirius, '-Hermione is the best of you. I… failed you all when you needed me. I will not do that again.' The sentiment was strong between the trio as they remembered the ghosts of the past; the impending weight of their responsibility to protect the children in front of them in the way they were not protected for the majority of their lives, the sense that they could not fail again, fell heavily on their shoulders.

Ludo Bagman's voice broke through the air of reminiscence as he made the announcements of the winners and Harry came in second. Despite being last and well outside the time limit, Harry was given extra points for his perfectly casted bubblehead charm and for finding the hostages first, not to mention the fact that he stayed behind and rescued little Gabrielle even though he had no reason to. Harry was a bleeding hearted, true Gryffindor that was too daring and too loyal to his friends. The Diggory kid came first, whilst Viktor Krum was behind Harry since he had tried to transfigure himself into a shark but was unable to complete the transformation properly. The French champion was last, but she seemed not to mind, holding onto her sister as though her life depended on it.

Looking around, Fred and Hermione - who thankfully had a new robe and scarf to keep her warm - were holding hands whilst talking to Viktor Krum and the dark-haired woman at his side, Remus surmised that it was his girlfriend. He knew from letters that Hermione had struck up a friendship with the Bulgarian Champion, even attending the Yule Ball with him. As he watched, he grabbed Sirius' hand and raised a kiss to it.

'Who wants to be the strict, scary parent today?' he asked, gesturing to Fred Weasley. Sirius smirked again, a little less evilly than before.

'Hmm, let's see - the werewolf or the ex-convict, which one do you think is more scary Prongslet?' Harry raised his hands in surrender with an innocent expression.

'Don't get me involved - you do not want to piss off the Weasley twins or worse… piss off Hermione!'

'He has a point.' Remus laughed.

'Fine - I'll be the scary parent.' Sirius conceded, flinging his hands dramatically.

'Your funeral.' Harry muttered, spotting Ginny Weasley and a dirty-blonde haired girl and joined them in celebration. Sirius pouted at being abandoned.

'C'mon Pads, let's go talk to Hermione and her new boyfriend.' Remus said, pulling his mate towards Fred and Hermione. The couple waved off Viktor and his partner as they saw them approach, both sharing a look of apprehension. Sirius crossed his arms over his chest in a dramatic, menacing way and Remus attempted to look menacing. He could not help but notice Hermione rolling her eyes at the pair.

'Yes?' she asked, an eyebrow raised.

'So when did this… thing happen?' Sirius asked, wagging his finger between the pair. Hermione huffed.

'Officially, Boxing day.' Remus' eyes widened slightly, that was when he felt the shift. It made sense but it also meant that they had kept it quiet for two months.

'Why didn't you tell us?' he said. Hermione's expression softened as she looked at him and Remus knew he could not leave the hurt expression off his face.

'I - I…' She fumbled on her words, 'I guess I was scared. I did not know if it was allowed or what you would say.'

'It was my fault too,' Fred interjected, 'I guess we were both wrapped up in the relationship and at being at Hogwarts, I should have encouraged her to tell you. I haven't told my parents yet either.' He hung his head but Remus noted how he still held Hermione's hand in comfort.

'I'm so sorry.' Hermione finished. Her heartbroken expression made him feel guilt inside, his insecurities meant that something that was meant to be a happy time for Hermione was now turned sad.

'No, I should be sorry. I guess I was missing you and Harry and we feel a little left out. But 'Mione,' he said, moving closer and cupping her face so she would look at him, 'you should never be afraid to tell Sirius or me anything. We love you and will always love you.'

'Yeah kitten,' Sirius said, coming forward, 'We'll never be mad at you for wanting to be happy. If Fred makes you happy, that's fine with us.' Turning to Fred, he clapped him on the shoulder amicable, but his expression darkened, 'However if you cause her to be unhappy, you will find out why they thought I was capable of killing.' Fred Weasley gulped at the threat, wincing slightly as Sirius' fingers dug into his shoulder.

'Of course, Sir - I would never-'

'Good!' Sirius interrupted, releasing him, 'because I like you kid, don't make me change my mind.' He clapped Fred on the back and the boy flushed red. 'Also - we're too young to be grandparents so keep - your - hands - to - yourself.' He ended on a flourish and Remus had to hold his breath to stop himself from laughing. Fred and Hermione both turned a deep shade of vermillion and Hermione splattered.

'Padfoot!' Sirius laughed at her horrified expression, hugging her tightly. Remus smiled, content that the red-head was thoroughly warned.

'Okay Pads, let's let them get back to school and say goodbye to Harry.'

'Are you sure you don't want to stay for the celebrations?' Hermione asked. Remus shook his head, he wanted to but knew that he had to give both Harry and Hermione the space to be their own people. Besides, Easter holidays were not that far away.

'No - we should be heading back home, go enjoy!' He said. With a final hug from Hermione and a firm handshake from Fred, the couple watched them go off towards the castle. Sirius sighed and flung his arm around Remus' shoulders, he put his arm around Sirius' waist, turning to his lover and kissing his cheek.

'I think we have different definitions of being the 'strict parent'.' Sirius laughed, shrugging.

'Eh - I like Fred, he's a good kid. Harmless. Besides - Hermione can look after herself.' Remus nodded, knowing that his daughter definitely held grudges, if Fred Weasley hurt her, she would retaliate in a much more calculating and effective way than Remus or Sirius ever could. It was a wonder she was not a Slytherin. 'It would be a much better use of our time dealing with Dumbledore and Crouch rather than a sixteen-year-old boy.' Sirius' eyes turned dark once more and Remus could not help but shiver with excitement. He strove to be a good man, however, the wolf in him provided a dark streak, a lust for vengeance. Dumbledore thought he could get away with harming his children, had repeatedly put them unnecessarily in danger. His eyes glowed gold as he allowed his wolf to come to the surface and the two men headed towards the castle, wands in hand. Crouch and Dumbledore were finally going to know who they were dealing with.

A/N: Thank you so much for the love left on the last chapter! I had this chapter in my head for so long it felt so good to get it out, hope it lives up to the hype! Please continue to review, I love reading all your thoughts and opinions on this story! What will happen next?

Dani xx