The next week passed in a blur of happiness. Hermione took the week off from the Order, and fully immersed herself in the joys of being young for the first time… ever. There was no homework, no Voldemort, no pending doom. She didn't let herself think about Horcruxes or Order missions or what in the hell Voldemort's summer plans were. Instead, she focused on the incredible group of people around her, and on the genuine happiness that was waiting there for her, underneath all the other crap.

There was also a certain amount of excitement.

What Mel, Tracey, Lily, and Remus had not revealed to their already-reluctant parents, was the secret weekend trip to Newquay for Sirius' birthday. Three whole days of sunshine, ocean, alcohol, and zero adult supervision.

Thursday morning's sun crept over the horizon of the hot summer day that awaited them. It was also Sirius' birthday. He was finally of age. Hermione batted away the "Old enough to join the Order" thought that pounded through her brain. "Not today," she muttered. She slipped downstairs where Remus was already making breakfast.

The smell of bacon filled the kitchen. "Morning Hermione," he said with a warm smile. He handed her a cup of tea.

"Good morning, Remus!" Hermione said, a hint of a flirt in her voice that surprised even her. "Is there anything you can't do?"

Remus laughed as he turned to hide the slight flush that spread across his cheeks. "Do you want a list?"

Hermione grinned. "Yes, yes I do."

"Alright then, take my ego down a peg. Let's see… Potions, Arithmancy, Beater position—"

"Are we making a list of things dear Moony is rubbish at?!" Sirius bounded into the room. "Best birthday present ever!"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're next."

Sirius offered her his steamiest side-glance. "I'm excellent at everything, Mya." He winked at her, then turned to Remus. "Have you said anything about catching birds yet mate? Can't forget that! Or how about holding your liquor! Remember that time—"

"Alright, Sirius," Lily interrupted, sliding into the chair next to Hermione. "Play nice."

Sirius grinned devilishly, but obeyed in exchange for the massive plate of food Remus offered.

Mel came down next, and as they all sat together and ate, Hermione felt a resounding sense of gratitude. For being there. In that moment. With these amazing people who accepted her for exactly who she was - for all of her. Tears pricked at her eyes.

Sirius caught her gaze with a question in his eyes, and she smiled back a reassurance.

"So, any bets on who wakes up last?" she said. "James or Tracey?"

They all placed bets that ended up completely null hours later when the girls finally went in to wake Tracey, and the boys to wake James. It was time to get the day going. It was also 1 p.m.

"Now, I know we promised today would be tame, so that we'll all be feeling it tomorrow when we head to the ocean," Sirius said, once they were all gathered in the living room for the surprise festivities he'd joyfully planned himself. "And, I mean, obviously we need to get these sleepy heads an early night because clearly they languish without their beauty sleep. BUT - that doesn't mean we aren't having any fun!"

Hermione felt, deep in her gut, that what came next would be the actual worst. She and Lily exchanged skeptical looks.

Sirius bounced on the balls of his feet with an eagerness so reminiscent of Ludo Bagman that Hermione snorted. "Have any of you ever heard of a piñata before?"

The day passed swiftly in a series of G-rated fun as Sirius replicated a startlingly well-organized Muggle children's birthday for himself. That evening, after cake, he brought out cards and set up a surprise dart board and there was a little drinking and a little gambling and a lot of easy-going fun.

Hermione and Sirius were the last to retire as Hermione intentionally waited up for a little alone time with him. They snuggled up on the couch as James finally gave up and left for bed.

"Hey, Mya?"

"Hmm?"

"Today was perfect, you know that?"

Hermione laughed softly. "Well, you did plan it all yourself."

He smirked. "I told you. I'm good at everything." He let his features fall more serious. "I mean it. This? This is the sort of thing I've always dreamed about. Family and laughter and… It all just felt exactly how I always thought it would."

"Me too," Hermione whispered.

"You feeling weird?" Sirius asked. "About feeling happy here? About having a new family, a new place to belong."

"I— Yeah, I guess. It feels almost like I'm betraying them, you know? I thought, when I gave them up, when I gave up the original timeline… I thought I was giving all of this up too. It never even occurred to me that I might ever feel like this. So… complete." She offered a sheepish smile. "But I do. Here, with all of you, I don't feel like anything is missing anymore. And that feels…"

"Awful?"

Hermione laughed. "Yeah, a little. But mostly good, Sirius. I'm so glad I'm here. So glad that I'm with you guys." She hesitated. "If I had a chance to choose… If, after all of this, I could go back to them…" She felt Sirius stiffen beside her. "I don't think I could." And it was true. If her parents were still alive, well, she would go back to them in a second. But with them gone... Well... She loved Harry and Ron. She loved the Weasleys. She really did. But this... she had never felt like this in the future. Had never felt this deep sense of acceptance, had never felt so seen, and so held.

Sirius released the breath he'd been holding and wrapped his arm around Hermione, pulling her close. "See? Best birthday ever."

"And it's not over yet," Hermione pointed out with a grin. "Don't you need some of that beauty sleep yourself?"

"Fair point. Sweet dreams, Hermione."

"You too, Sirius."

The next day was a flurry of activity. Lily, Remus, and Hermione were already packed and ready to go. But the rest of their crew were scrambling to make their Portkey time - which they did, just barely.

The cottage Sirius had rented was beautiful, overlooking the ocean as the waves crashed against the cliffs. It was hot, almost unbearably hot, even at 11 a.m.

Sirius surveyed the scene with mischief in his eyes. "Jamesie?"

"Prongs?"

"Bet you won't jump."

"Of course I— what?"

Sirius threw him a smirk and then ran straight for the edge of the cliff.

"Oi, wait up!" James shouted, racing after him.

Hermione and the others chased behind, her heart stopping for one moment as Sirius, and then James, jumped over the edge. Closely followed by Tracey. The three most insane of the Gryffindors plummeted into the ocean, the waves washing over their heads, then bobbed back to the surface, shouting gleefully.

"Idiots," Hermione muttered. Her heart still pounding.

"Mya, get down here!" Sirius shouted up.

She reflexively backed away. "In your dreams, Sirius!"

"Hufflepuff!" Tracey shouted, tauntingly.

"I happen to like Hufflepuffs!"

"The water looks so nice, so cool," Lily said, eyes sparkling. "Let's get our suits on and go down to the beach.

Ten minutes later, Hermione was standing in front of the bathroom mirror, eyeing the bikini the girls had insisted she buy. Hermione had never worn a bikini before. And as her gaze followed the scar that crossed from her collarbone to her hip, she wasn't sure this was the time to start. She could just glamour it. She could hide it away. But was she going to do that the rest of her life? For every scar? This was a war. There would be more to come. I am not ashamed, she told herself firmly. But was that true?

"Hermione, hurry up!" Mel called.

Hermione took a deep breath, held it for a moment, and then let it all out. "You are a Gryffindor," she reminded herself beneath her breath. "This scar is not bigger than your courage, woman!"

She opened the door and stepped out, expecting to see just Mel, but instead was greeted by the entire damn group - Sirius and the others apparently having come back to see if they were coming out (and to make the jump again).

Hermione forced herself not to pull her towel across her body.

"Oh, Hermione," Lily breathed. Mel pulled her in for a hug.

James opened his mouth. "What in the hell—"

"Shut up, James," Remus muttered.

"But—"

"Shut up, James," Lily said more firmly.

"No, no it's okay," Hermione said. "It's from a curse. In my fifth year. My friends and I… we were lured into a trap at the Ministry. We were outnumbered. Death Eaters were everywhere. It was a disaster." She forced her gaze not to drift to Sirius. "Madam Pomfrey did her best."

"That must be so hard," Remus said quietly. "To have the constant reminder of something so awful."

Hermione thought of Sirius. Of his surprise as he fell through the veil. Then she thought of Remus' own scars, of the horrible things they must remind him of. She offered him a compassionate smile, rallying herself. "Sometimes. But today I'm not looking to remember. Let's go."

They spent the rest of the day at the water until the tide rose to the promenade in the evening and they retreated back to the cottage.

They were gathered around the firepit when Sirius paused in way that reminded Hermione very distinctly of a dog pricking up his ears. "Do you lot hear that?" He stood up and started wandering off toward the sound. "I think it's music." He took a few more steps forward. "Definitely music," he said with a smile before bounding off in its direction.

Hermione shared an amused look with Remus and Lily before they all hauled themselves up from the grass and followed the enthusiastic Marauder to a nearby cottage. A group of Muggles about their age were gathered around a fire. One boy was playing guitar and several of the group were singing along to an Eagles song Hermione couldn't remember the name of. Sirius joined right in as he swaggered over to the fire, lager in hand.

Rolling with it, the group finished out the song, then the boy set down his guitar and looked to Sirius, a welcoming, if slightly drunk, smile on his face. "Hey, mate. I'm Rob. Welcome to the party!"

Sirius grinned and promptly dove into introductions. The night passed in the ebb and flow of good-natured fun. Hermione watched as Lily and James began finally flirting. Her friend blushing occasionally, and clearly enjoying herself. Hermione watched (with some reservation) as Sirius and Tracey snuggled up by the fire, kissing casually.

"That girl," Mel muttered. "I hope she knows what she's doing."

Hermione sighed. "Me too, Mel. Me, too."

But mostly, Hermione had fun. She relaxed. She sang along. She chatted and laughed and even drank a lager or two.

"Having fun?" Remus asked, slipping up beside her.

Hermione smiled. "Yeah, I really am. You know… I've never felt this way, Remus. So… relaxed. So free."

"No?"

Hermione shook her head. "If Harry or anyone could see me now, they'd die of surprise. But it feels nice. It feels nice to be able to sink into a new version of me without anyone batting an eye. To just be completely accepted as I am, right now. To give myself permission to find out who the hell that is."

Remus gently bumped into her with his shoulder. "Well, I'm glad, Hermione. I'm glad you're here. And I'm glad you're happy."

His nearness made her insides warm like that shot of whiskey she'd done with Sirius over Christmas. She glanced up into the sincerity in his eyes. "So am I," she said softly. His expression shifted then, and she felt intent in it. He was going to kiss her, if she let him. Panic flooded her and she stood abruptly. Where the hell had that come from? "I'm gonna grab another drink. You want anything?"

Remus covered a look of disappointment. "No, nothing for me. Thanks though."

And she ran off with her tail between her legs like an all-out Slytherin - but without the grace.

The next morning dawned too early for anyone, as Sirius serenaded them awake with a Muggle guitar he'd transfigured from a tree branch the night before - out of sight of the Muggles, of course.

"Sirius, you're terrible," Hermione muttered sleepily as she dropped onto the couch beside him. She'd lost a lot of sleep overanalyzing that look in Remus' eyes… and the feelings it triggered in her chest.

"Practice makes perfect, Mya, my love!" he sang.

Hermione rolled her eyes and chucked a throw pillow at him. They had a moment to themselves. "So… you and Tracey, huh?"

Sirius just smirked.

Hermione threw another pillow.

"Hey!" he protested. "She and I talked, we've got a mutual understanding. Just this weekend. Purely fun. We're on the same page, Mya."

Hermione eyed him up and lowered her voice. "Sirius, I know she plays it cool… but I think she really likes you."

"Yeah? I like her too, you know." Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Sirius cut her off, his brow set in a slight frown. "Hey. Tracey is a big girl. I know you care about her, Mya. So do I, okay? It's not your job to decide you know better than her - and it's not my job either. I was upfront and honest. That's my part. That's it. Trust her, okay? Trust that she can make her own choices."

Hermione sighed. She knew he was right. "Are you going to get a book or something to learn how to actually play that thing?" she hedged.

Sirius looked at her, aghast, and only half-faking it, "You mean guitar is just another thing to study? Bollocks on that!" He tossed the guitar onto a nearby armchair and stood, offering his hand to her as she covered a laugh with her hand. "Your morning brew awaits, m'lady."

The day passed much as the evening had. They hooked back up with the Muggles at the beach, and lots of flirting was had. After lunch, Hermione brought a book and a conjured beach umbrella down to the beach, hoping for a little quiet. But she wasn't doing much actual reading.

"Have you even read an entire page yet?" Remus teased, settling into the sand next to her.

Hermione pulled her gaze away from a shrieking Lily who was about to be dunked into the water by a gleeful James. "Ah, no. Guilty as charged," she laughed. Her eyes flicked back in time to see the enormous resulting splash.

"You're happy to see them together," Remus said.

Hermione nodded. "Very much so."

"You knew? From your time? Does that mean—"

Hermione grinned. "I knew. Or, hoped, at least. It's hard to say what will be the same, what will be different. But I really hoped I hadn't changed this."

Remus nodded thoughtfully. "So Lily and James live happily ever after?"

Hermione's heart twisted. "No. They didn't," she said quietly. "But this time around they will."

"You mean Voldemort-?"

"Yeah," Hermione whispered. "He gets them."

"When?"

"1981."

Remus inhaled sharply. "But that's so soon."

"Not soon enough to matter," Hermione said firmly.

"You have a plan," Remus realized.

Hermione laughed sheepishly. "More of a work in progress than an actual plan."

"Maybe I could help?"

Hermione met Remus' intense gaze. A tingle rushed through her. "Yeah," she said, "Maybe you can."

No one could know about the Horcruxes, of course. That was a very risky piece of knowledge to have floating around in anyone's head. But there was a lot to plan outside of that. A lot. And Remus was going to be an amazing asset to the Order. To her.

"But for now," she said seriously, "We are on a strictly Voldemort-free weekend vacation and I'll have absolutely no more of this talk."

Remus laughed and a very Sirius sort of look whispered over his face. "Alright then," he said, grabbing her book and dropping it into the sand.

"Remus Lupin," Hermione said forebodingly, "Just what do you think you're doing?"

He smirked (had she known Remus could smirk?), and it made something inside her melt pleasantly. "Changing the topic of conversation," he said slyly. And then he threw her onto his shoulder and started toward the water.

Hermione shrieked just as uselessly as Lily had as Remus plunged them into the ocean, laughing in the most joyful and carefree way. Hermione almost couldn't even be mad at him. Almost.

Lily and Tracey immediately came to her defence, having spent much of the day dealing with the same sort of nonsense themselves, and war broke loose—girls versus guys—their Muggle friends joining in, until they were all exhausted and ready for food.

That night, as they sat around the fire, Hermione could feel that something was different—better, deeper—in the group. The Marauders had always had a special bond that came from troublemaking, heartbreak, and summer fun. Now it felt as if a little of that depth had spread to all of them. They weren't all suddenly Marauders. But somehow, together, they were something new, something just as good. And the Marauders just happened to be a part of it.

There were other differences too. By her third lager, Hermione couldn't help but fixate on how Remus' t-shirt hugged his surprisingly defined shoulders. Or the warm, woodsy smell of his cologne. Or the way his gaze on her shifted further and further from shy and tentative, and closer and closer to intent and determined with every drink he finished.

She distracted herself with her other friends, but soon Mel was headed off to bed. Then Sirius and Tracey groped their way to Sirius' room. And then, finally, Lily and James "went to the kitchen" and never came back. And it was just Hermione and Remus sitting by the fire.

She couldn't tell whether she'd waited up on purpose. Wondered whether he had. She felt curious, excited even. Despite knowing nothing could happen. Despite knowing she might hurt him. She had never felt like this before. This excitement. Not with Viktor or Ron or even Derrick. She wondered if it was just the lager.

"Well, I think it's safe to say they're not coming back," Remus grinned, coming to sit beside her.

Hermione returned the grin. "I eagerly await the chance to tease Lily mercilessly about it," she said. But it felt awkward. The space between them felt enormous at the same time as she wanted to add to it.

"Remus-"

"Hermione-"

They turned to look at each other, their faces almost touching, and then, for a startling moment, they both froze. Just for a moment. And then Remus was leaning in, and Hermione's traitorous, pounding heart was letting him, and the kiss was perfection. It was gentle and fierce in equal measures, just as Remus was. Barely tamed even as his hand lifted to caress her cheek. And Hermione leaned into it, and she kissed Remus almost shyly back.

And then he pulled away, and his eyes bored into hers. "Is this okay?"

Hermione laughed a shaky laugh to hide how much she wanted to cry. "I wish it were," she whispered.

His eyes reflexively shuttered, but then, miraculously opened back up. "Why can't it be?"

Hermione sighed. "You know why. There are so many lives on the line, Remus."

"So let's do it together. Let me help you."

The sincerity in his voice twisted her heart. "I can't be distracted, Remus. I can't risk being consumed."

He smiled gently. "So no one should date during a war? Tell that to Lily and James. I dare you."

But Hermione was having none of that levity. "Lily and James aren't me."

Remus frowned. "You dated Derrick."

"Yeah. And look how well that turned out."

"Well Derrick was a twat."

That startled a laugh out of her. "He was not, you cretin. He just knew what he wanted. And it was more than I could give him."

"Hermione, I really like you," Remus said, and there was nothing shy about it. "I want to be with you. You are smart and funny and beautiful and fierce and so damned strong that I can't see how you would ever lose sight of yourself and your mission-"

"Hormones," Hermione interjected.

"I think you like me too," he went on. "I see it sometimes in your eyes, when we're planning for the DA, or when we're debating some point or another from our coursework. I saw it today on the beach. I felt it just now."

"Hormones," Hermione reiterated firmly.

Remus just laughed. "Let's make a deal. You agree to be my girlfriend. We head inside and carry on kissing. And we leave each other an escape clause."

"A what?"

"An escape clause," he said seriously. "If you're feeling like it's all too much, you can leave. No hard feelings, no debate. If I'm feeling like it's not enough, like I want something deeper than you feel like you can give, then I can leave. No hard feelings, no debate."

Hermione thought it over. Her heart was still pounding.

"Until then, we kiss and touch and whatever else feels good and comfortable. We go on Hogsmeade dates. We snuggle on the common room couch. We run the DA together. We plot to end the war. We run interference between Lily and James - cuz you know that's going to have a rocky start."

Hermione snorted. "No doubt."

"Hermione. Say yes."

Her heart was screaming yes, and as her logical brain decried the stupidity of the plan, she found herself leaning forward. Yes. Yes. Yes. She paused just before their lips touched. "I wouldn't be much of a Gryffindor if I said no, would I?"

Remus replied by capturing her lips with slightly more ferocity than before. All his relief and happiness pouring into it. As promised, he swept her up and carried her into the house where they kissed, mostly innocently, for quite a while longer before reluctantly heading up to bed.

Hermione lay there, Lily and Mel sleeping in the darkness nearby, and she did not start over-analyzing or panicking or flooding herself with regret. Instead she focused on the immense bubble of joy inside her. On the feel of Remus' lips on hers.

When Hermione awoke the next morning, Mel's bed was empty, but Lily was still snoring away. Hermione checked the time and slid onto her friend's bed.

"Hey, Lily," she said softly, "wake up."

Lily rolled over. "Five more minutes."

Hermione laughed. "Suit yourself. It's nearly 10 though, so you've got an hour before we have to be out of here."

Lily jerked up in bed. "Bloody hell!"

Hermione smirked. "I see Jamesie-poo is already rubbing off on you."

Lily looked simultaneously embarrassed and happy. And also like she might chuck her pillow at Hermione (who ducked, just in case).

"It's so stupid, right?" Lily moaned, rising from bed and collecting her things from around the room.

"It's not stupid, Lily," Hermione said with a smile. "You guys are adorable together."

Lily flushed. "But I spent so long assuming the worst of him. We're going to get back to school and everyone is going to think—"

"You stop right there, Lily Evans," Hermione interrupted. "You are going to get back to Hogwarts and keep being happy. End of story. Whatever anyone else might say or think is none of your business. Are we clear?"

Lily smiled as she strode across the room and pulled Hermione into a tight hug. "I'm so glad we're friends, Hermione," she said. She pulled away, looking a little sly. "Sorry we bailed on you and Remus."

It was Hermione's turn to blush.

"No. Way!" Lily shrieked.

"Shut up, Lily."

"Ohh no," Lily said, taking a seat on the bed and looking intently at Hermione. "Tell me everything."

"Well," Hermione said, standing up and starting to get her own things together. "We, you know, we kissed." She flushed darker. "A lot."

"Is he amazing?" Lily breathed. "I always imagined he'd be amazing."

Hermione raised an eyebrow at her friend.

"Um. Forget I said that! So… are you guys dating now?"

Hermione nodded. "Yeah, Lils. But I don't know if it's the right thing to do."

"Oh, Hermione. Is this about Derrick? Because he was an arse!"

Hermione laughed. "A little. I just… I feel like I'm on a mission, you know. Hogwarts sent me here to end Voldemort. To end the war. It doesn't feel right to—"

"Live?"

"I know it sounds dumb," Hermione admitted. "I never felt like Harry shouldn't date or have fun. I'm just…" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I'm scared." She dropped onto the bed next to Lily. "I'm afraid I'll mess up and people will die. I'm afraid I'll make things worse. I'm afraid everything will happen exactly as it did before. I'm afraid, Lily. I'm afraid all the time. What if Remus was supposed to meet someone else? Someone perfect? What if him being with me gets him killed? What if I get so wrapped up in him that I screw up?"

Lily sighed sympathetically and wrapped Hermione's hand in hers. "I know it won't help to say that we're here for you. That it's not all on you. But Hermione, sometimes you have to tune out that voice of reason. Sometimes it's actually just a voice of fear. Sometimes what you really need to do is listen to what your heart is telling you."

Hermione closed her eyes and tried to release the fear that was winding its way around her heart. "I'm not used to listening to my heart," she admitted.

"Well, what is it saying?"

"It's saying… It's saying that I get a chance to be me. That the castle picked me for a reason, and that it wasn't to be somebody else."

Lily nudged her lightly. "Is it also saying 'Remus! Remus! Remus!'?"

Hermione laughed. "Maybe."

Lily squeezed her hand. "Then try to focus on that. Hermione, you are way too "you" to mess up because of a boy. And if you start slipping, I promise not to let you fall. Deal?"

Hermione sucked in a long, deep breath, and slowly released it. "Deal."

"Good. Now let's get the hell down to breakfast. I'm going to miss your boyfriend's cooking."

Hermione chucked a pillow at her, and they were laughing as Lily linked her arm through Hermione's and led her out into the hall.