A/N - Hello everyone! Finally getting to Hermione telling Lucius in this chapter. I think we might only have a couple of chapters left, actually, along with an epilogue. We will see how the trials go. Thanks so much for continuing to read and review!

Chapter 47

Visits

Hermione exited the Floo at the Ministry and made her way to the security desk. The horrific fountain that Voldemort had installed was gone and not yet replaced. After her wand was checked, she took the lift to Kingsley's office.

She was purposely early for her appointment with the DMLE, wanting a moment to speak to Kingsley if he was available. She'd thought of sending him an owl but figured with as busy as he was it would likely get lost in the rest of the paperwork he was no doubt dealing with. Besides, this likely wasn't a request he would want his staff reading about as they were probably screening his mail.

Stepping into the Minister's offices, Hermione approached the woman sitting at the desk. She was concentrating on whatever it was she was writing and didn't look up at Hermione's approach.

"Hello," Hermione said. "I was wondering if the Minister might have a few moments for me."

"The Minister is busy," the woman said, still not looking up from her parchment.

"It will only take a minute, I promise," Hermione said. The secretary sighed.

"I'm sorry, Miss, but the Minister is a very busy ma-" she trailed off and her eyes widened as she finally looked up at Hermione. "You, you're Hermione Granger."

"Yes," Hermione said trying not to grimace. She had been concerned about the attention she would likely get when she came to the Ministry, but so far, if anyone had recognized her, they hadn't attempted to approach her.

"I'll just, let me just, just a moment," the woman said, clearly flustered. She hurried to Kingsley's door and knocked. Hermione bit back a sigh. She certainly hoped it wasn't going to be like this from now on. She had no desire to be fawned over all the time. Not that she was complaining that it might be getting her in to see Kingsley, but still.

"Hermione," Kingsley's voice said and Hermione looked over to see the man in question standing in the door of his office. He smiled widely at her. "Here for your questioning?"

"Yes," Hermione said as she walked towards him. "But I wanted to speak with you first."

"Of course," he said, ushering her into his office.

"Can I get you anything?" the secretary said earnestly. "Tea or maybe a bite to eat?"

"I'm fine, thank you," Hermione said.

"That will be all, Miss Deverill," Kingsley said. The woman nodded and returned to her desk, glancing back over her shoulder for one last look at Hermione. Hermione rolled her eyes once inside Kingsley's office. Kingsley chuckled.

"You're going to have to get used to it, I'm afraid," he said.

"The article in the Prophet only mentioned me in passing," Hermione groused. There hadn't been any details as to what her role in Voldemort's destruction had been.

"Yes, but you've been part of the Resistance for a year," Kingsley said. "One step ahead of the Death Eaters and all that rot."

"That was Draco's doing more than anyone's," Hermione said.

"And it will be made known once we've finished questioning everyone," Kingsley assured her.

"Good," Hermione said. "I'm sure you know why I'm here."

"I think I have a relatively good idea," Kingsley said. "It will be arranged." Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. She had expected to have to argue with him or at least cajole him a little. Kingsley expression turned solemn. "After what he did yesterday, he deserves this concession. More really, but I'll take what I can get for now."

"What did he do yesterday?" Hermione asked, brow furrowed.

"He destroyed what was left of Voldemort."

"What?" Hermione said, mouth dropping open in shock. "Fiendfyre?" Kingsley nodded grimly.

"Voldemort needed to be destroyed and we had no one on staff who had experience with the curse. Lucius offered."

"And you let him?" Hermione's voice bordered on shrill. "Do you know what could have happened?"

"Of course, I do," Kingsley said. "Lucius and Severus did as well. They volunteered, Hermione, and it needed to be done."

"They could have been killed!"

"But they weren't. And we took all precautions. There was a warded area in the room should the fire get out of control. Severus was there to aid in ending the spell should Lucius be unable to do it."

Hermione's heart was pounding at what might have happened. She was transported back to that horrible day in the Room of Requirement. They had all almost died. If they hadn't found those brooms, Hermione shuddered. Unconsciously, she brought a hand to her belly. She could have lost Lucius before he even knew.

"Hermione," Kingsley said quietly. "They're all right."

Hermione pulled in a breath, forcing herself to calm. Kingsley was looking at her apologetically and she immediately put her hand back in her lap. Hopefully, he would assume the gesture had been because the thought of what might have happened made her feel sick. Which it did.

"We were concerned that the longer we kept his soul in that box, the more danger there might be of something happening. We needed it destroyed as soon as possible and it might have taken weeks to train someone in the DMLE to cast the curse."

"I know," Hermione said with a sigh.

"And this can only help his case," Kingsley continued. Hermione looked up at him. "Lucius knew that as well. I think it is the main reason he volunteered to do it." Hermione was sure that the main reason was to avenge Narcissa's death but she didn't argue with Kingsley. She simply nodded.

"There's something else I wanted to discuss with you," she said. Kingsley looked at her questioningly. "Poppy released me to use some magic today."

"That's wonderful news," Kingsley said with a smile.

"Yes, it is," Hermione replied, smiling as well. "I wanted to volunteer to help however you need. I know things are still a bit chaotic here and whatever I can do, I'm willing."

"I think I will likely take you up on that," he said. "I have a meeting later with the department heads and I'll have a better idea then where I'll need the most assistance." Kingsley glanced the clock on his desk.

"You had better head to the DMLE," he said. "It's just about time for your appointment." Hermione nodded and stood. Kingsley came round his desk to escort her to the door. He stopped before opening it.

"I'm doing everything I can, Hermione."

"I know," she replied. "Thank you." Impulsively, she hugged him. Kingsley returned her hug, smiling down at her when he released her.

"I'll be sure Lucius is brought to you after your questioning," he said.

"Thanks, Kingsley." She gave a little wave and left his office, heading to the lifts to the DMLE.

"Lucius Malfoy, come with me please," the Auror outside their cell said. Draco glanced at his father in question but Lucius just shook his head slightly. He had no idea what this was about. Perhaps they wanted to discuss what had happened yesterday with the Dark Lord. Or maybe they had more questions about the information he had provided on the Death Eaters.

Lucius stepped out of the cell and held out his hands to be shackled. He walked with Proudfoot through the corridors to one of the interrogation rooms. They stopped outside the door and instead of opening the door and taking him inside, Proudfoot removed the shackles.

"What is going on?" Lucius asked in confusion. The only other time they had ever removed his shackles before taking him into a room was when he had destroyed the Dark Lord's soul. Proudfoot did not answer him, simply opened the door and ushered him inside.

Lucius stepped inside warily, unsure what was happening. He was still wearing the magic dampening cuffs, so he assumed they were not concerned that he would escape. The shackles were always used so that the prisoners did not attack anyone physically.

"Lucius!" a familiar voice said and Lucius' head whipped around to see Hermione rushing towards him. She flew into his arms and he pulled her tightly to him. The door clicked shut quietly behind him.

"What are you doing here?" he managed to ask but before she could answer, his lips were on hers, kissing her hungrily. She responded in kind and he vaguely wondered if anyone were watching them through a monitoring spell. He decided that he really did not care.

When they finally pulled away from one another in order to breathe, he repeated his question.

"The DMLE have been questioning everyone that was there that night," Hermione said. "I just finished."

"How am I here?" he asked. He was shocked that they would allow him to see her.

"Kingsley," she replied with a smile. He gathered her back into his arms and buried his nose in her hair, breathing in her familiar scent. Hermione clung to him and they stood there for some time, simply taking comfort in one another.

"How are they treating you?" she asked when they parted again. Lucius led her to a chair and sat down beside her.

"As well as can be in a holding cell," he said. "It is a bit cramped with the four of us but we are managing."

"Four of you?" Hermione said. "Why are you all in the same cell?"

"There are a limited number of holding cells," Lucius said. "There has never been a large number of people being held here at any one time. All of the cells currently hold more than they were made for. We are separated from the rest, thankfully."

"It's unfair that you have to be here at all," she said. "Any of you."

"You know why we are," Lucius replied. She stared at him for a few moments then nodded reluctantly.

"What else has been happening?" Lucius asked. "We do not get much news."

Hermione proceeded to tell him all that had gone on with the Resistance and the liberation of Azkaban. He shuddered involuntarily when she spoke of those that had been in Azkaban. His year there still haunted him.

"The Dementors have been banished?" he asked.

"For now," Hermione said. "The Unspeakables are trying to find a way to destroy them all together."

"Then who will guard the prison?"

"Specially trained witches and wizards, eventually," Hermione said. "For now, Hitwizards and Aurors, although there aren't any prisoners currently. There won't be until the trials begin." Lucius could see her swallow thickly and he reached over and took her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing her fingertips. She smiled wanly at him for a moment before her expression turned stony. Lucius frowned at the change in her demeanor.

"Just what do you think you were doing casting Fiendfyre?" she hissed. Shacklebolt had told her then.

"What needed to be done," he said.

"Lucius," she began but he interrupted her.

"Had the Ministry had anyone that could have wielded the spell, I would have left them to it," he said. "However, they did not, and this was something that I needed to do. I vowed I would do it."

"For Narcissa," she said quietly.

"For both of you," he said. "To avenge my late wife and to ensure you did not have to suffer through yet another blood war." He squeezed her hand and she sighed.

"You could have been killed," she said.

"Severus was with me to ensure that I was not," he replied. "And there were protections in place."

"Still," she said. "According to the prophecy, we should have done it together."

"And so we did," he said. She looked at him questioningly. "The Dark Magic it…sings to you, beckons you to follow. You want to follow it, yearn for it, in fact. It was the thought of you that kept me from following." Hermione stared at him for a few moments before she surged forward to kiss him again.

"When Kingsley told me," she said once they had parted, although she was still clinging to him, "all I could see was, was, that day. In the Room of Requirement when Crabbe," she trailed off, shivering.

"I am fine," he said kissing the top of her head. "And he is gone. For good this time." She nodded against his chest and then blew out a breath, pulling back from him.

"I don't know how much time they're going to give us and there really is something I need to tell you," she said. She immediately looked down at her lap and Lucius' brow furrowed.

"What is it?" he asked in concern. "Are you well?"

"Yes," she said. "Well, as well as I can be in this circumstance, I expect." She shook her head as if to clear it and looked up at him. She bit her lip and Lucius frowned. Something was wrong.

"Is it your magic?" he asked. "Something in the scans?" Shacklebolt had assured him yesterday that she was fine, but he thought that Poppy had intended to run a final scan on her today to determine if she could begin to use magic again.

"Yes, I mean, no, I mean," she huffed a breath and shook her head again. Lucius' hand tightened on hers.

"Hermione, please," he said. She was beginning to frighten him. She pulled in a breath and blew it out.

"My magic is fine," she said. "Poppy cleared me to begin using it today. But she did find something in my scan a few days ago." His heart leapt to his throat. She looked fine, what could possibly be wrong with her if it were not her magic? Hermione looked up at him, biting her lip again.

"I'm…pregnant."

Lucius stared at her. Pregnant? How could she possibly be pregnant? The potion…his thoughts trailed off as he realized that she likely should have taken another while they were at the lodge. With everything that had happened, none of them had remembered. But the scans that Poppy had done on her initially had not shown any sign of pregnancy. He did not understand. How could this have been missed?

"Lucius?" she said and he looked at her again, realizing he had been silent for quite some time. She was worrying her lip between her teeth, looking anxious.

"How was this missed?" he finally said, an edge to his voice.

"It wasn't," Hermione replied. "It only showed up on the scan the other day. Poppy said that it wouldn't until a few days after conception." She paused. "I think it must have happened that last night before we left the lodge."

Lucius was silent, his mind racing. This could not be happening. He was going to trial soon and likely going to be sent to prison. For how long, he had no idea. She was having his child and he might not be there to raise it, let alone be there for the birth.

He could not let her do this. Not alone. It was not that he did not want another child. He and Narcissa had always wanted more than one. But Narcissa had lost four pregnancies before Draco was born and had nearly died giving birth to him. Lucius had not been about to take any more chances after that.

But Hermione could very well have to go through this without him. She would bear the stigma of raising a Death Eater's child alone. He could imagine what she would be called, how she would be vilified. He could not even be sure the child would be safe. There were those who would very much visit the sins of the father upon the child. Draco was an adult and could take care of himself. An innocent child could not. And Lucius might not be there to protect them. And after all the evidence he had given against his fellow Death Eaters and others, she could have threats from both sides.

"I know this wasn't anything we ever talked about," Hermione said. Lucius snorted in derision. Of course, they had not talked about it. They had been in the middle of a war for Salazar's sake. Brought together because of a bloody prophecy. He had never thought she could love him, want him for more than that. That she did was still a revelation to him.

"You will not be going through with it," he said not posing it as a question. Of course, she would not be keeping the pregnancy. He could not fathom that she would want to. He did not notice her flinch.

"Yes, actually, I am," she said. Lucius looked sharply at her. There was a challenging look in her eye. "I don't expect anything from you if this isn't what you want. We'll be just fine on our own."

"You will not," he said. Her eyes narrowed. He meant that she would not be fine on her own, not that she could not keep the child. She obviously took it differently if the stiffening of her posture and the look on her face was anything to go by.

"You can't force me to do anything," she said. "If I want to have this baby, it's my right. You have no claim on either of us." She stood from her chair and began to move to the door but he grabbed her arm to stop her.

"I have every claim," he said. "It is my child."

"Well, you don't seem to want it," Hermione said, wrenching her arm away from him.

"I beg your pardon?" he said. "Of course, I want it!" Hermione stopped and stared at him, uncomprehending.

"But you said-"

"You will be shunned, Hermione!" he snapped. "I will be in prison and you will be alone, raising a Death Eater's child. Do you know what they will say, what they will call you? Death Eater's whore will be the kindest of the appellations. Not to mention that there will likely be those who might feel justified in physically attacking you for daring to have a Death Eater's baby. You will both be in danger!"

"You, you want this baby?" she asked in a small voice, completely ignoring everything else he was saying. He stared at her for a few moments, all her bravado and anger from a few moments ago gone. She looked very unsure and a little bit hopeful. He pulled her into his arms.

"Yes," he said into her hair, realizing it was the truth. Had been since the second she told him. He wanted this, with her. "Gods, yes. But if I am not there-"

"You'll be there," she said pulling back from him, tears in her eyes, but a smile on her face.

"Hermione," he said with a sigh. She had far too much faith in people.

"You will be," she said with conviction.

"How can you be so sure?" he asked, trying not to let himself hope that she might be right.

"I just know," was all she said. A tear escaped and he brushed it away with his thumb. "You really want this?"

"More than you know," he said quietly. And then he kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself as tightly to him as she could. Lucius tightened his arms around her, deepening the kiss and almost decided to forget the fact that they were in an interrogation room in the DMLE. Almost.

Gaining control of himself, he gently ended the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. What he would give to be out of this room, celebrating with her. A child. He still could not wrap his mind around it.

"Everything is all right?" he asked. "With both of you?" He brought a hand to her abdomen and she covered it with her own.

"Perfectly fine," Hermione said with a smile. "It's extremely early though, there isn't much to tell just yet."

"The potions," he said.

"I'm already taking them," she replied.

"Who brewed them?" he demanded and Hermione laughed.

"Poppy got them from St. Mungo's." Well, he supposed if Severus or Draco could not brew them, St. Mungo's would do. Lucius sobered.

"Hermione, I meant what I said before. It will not be easy for you, especially if I am not there."

"You will be," she said again but gave no evidence as to why she felt that way. "But even if you aren't, I can take care of myself, you know."

"I realize that but it is different when there is also a child involved."

"My friends will be there for me," she said. "If you can't be for some reason, which I refuse to believe by the way."

"Even once they know it is my child you carry?"

"Some of them already do," she said. That surprised him, although he did not know which friends knew. "And the rest, well, if they can't deal with it then they're not really my friends, are they?" He stared down at her, she looked so sure of herself.

"Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes," she said simply. She wrapped her arms around his neck again. "I love you, Lucius. This is what I want."

Instead of replying he kissed her again, just as thoroughly as before. There was a knock on the door and he knew that his time was up.

"I love you too," he said. "Please be careful. Take care of yourself and do whatever Poppy tells you." He pulled back from her just as the door opened.

"Mr. Malfoy," Proudfoot said. Lucius squeezed her hand and stepped away from her. The tears had started again and he longed to wipe them from her cheeks but Proudfoot was already motioning for Lucius to put his hands out. The shackles were snapped on and he was led from the room. He kept his eyes on Hermione until he could no longer see her.

Hermione was sitting in the window seat in the library again. While she was thrilled with Lucius' reaction to her pregnancy, well after they had gotten past the misunderstanding anyway, she was feeling a bit melancholy. She just wanted him here with her.

Sighing, Hermione leaned back into the pillows and glanced at the table covered with books. After returning from seeing Lucius, she had immediately continued her research. While she had a better idea of just how trials in front of the Wizengamot worked now, she still hadn't found anything specific that might help Lucius' case. She wasn't sure what, exactly, she was even looking for, so she knew that was part of the problem. Not to mention many of the books were extremely dry and she'd had to force herself to keep reading. Not something that happened to her very often.

"There you are," a voice said and Hermione looked up to see Katie walking towards her. "Luna told me you were probably in here." Katie glanced at the table covered with books and picked up one, reading the title.

"Research for Mr. Malfoy?" she asked. Hermione nodded.

"I haven't found much though."

"How was your questioning?" Katie asked.

"Fine," Hermione replied.

"And?" Katie questioned.

"And what?" Hermione replied but a small smile curved her lips.

"You got to see him, didn't you?"

"Yes," Hermione said smile widening.

"I take it from that reaction that things went well."

"Yes," Hermione said again. "He's worried about me being alone. He thinks he's going to get sent to Azkaban for a long time."

"But you don't," Katie said.

"I'm hopeful that he won't," Hermione said. "That the good he's done since the Battle of Hogwarts will count for more than he thinks." She paused. "He destroyed the last of Voldemort's soul yesterday." Katie's eyes widened.

"How?"

"Fiendfyre," Hermione said, unable to help her shudder.

"Wow," Katie said. "That's, extremely hard to control." Hermione nodded.

"I was rather angry with Kingsley that he allowed it, actually. Apparently, Lucius volunteered. Professor Snape went in with him to help if need be but Lucius was able to control it on his own."

"That can only help his case then," Katie said.

"That's what Kingsley said," Hermione replied.

"I think Kingsley likely knows what he's talking about," Katie said with a smile.

"I know, it's just," Hermione shook her head. She sighed and looked at her friend. "Enough about that, what's going on with you?"

"Oliver and I are going back to his flat," Katie said. She looked almost apologetic.

"Do not be sorry," Hermione said. "I'll be fine."

"I know you will, it just seems so odd to be leaving everyone."

"We've been together a long time," Hermione said sudden lump in her throat. Even with the time she had spent at Malfoy Manor, Hermione and Katie had been together for nearly a year. It was going to be strange not seeing them all every day. Both women took a moment to compose themselves.

"We're taking Dennis and Graham with us," Katie said. "Dennis doesn't know what happened to his parents and we don't want him to face that alone. And if they are there and they're all right, he'll have to tell them about Colin." Hermione nodded, the lump in her throat growing. She hadn't thought about those that they'd lost in the Battle for a while. The pain, while not as sharp as it had been, was still there, thinking of all the lives cut down far too soon. She forced herself not to think of Harry just then. She knew she wouldn't be able to keep herself from breaking down if she did.

"What about Graham? His father was one of the ones arrested after the fight here."

"Yes," Katie said. "Graham doesn't know what he plans to do. His mother spouted just as much Pureblood nonsense as his father did but Graham doesn't know if it was because she was frightened of his father or she truly believed it. We've told him he can stay with us as long as he likes."

"I'm glad they'll be with you," Hermione said.

"Have you made any decisions yet?" Katie asked.

"I think I'm just going to stay here for now. Luna could use the company. Ginny offered the Burrow but I don't think that's a good idea, especially now."

"Do any of them know?" Katie asked. "About the baby I mean?"

"No," Hermione said. "With everything they're dealing with, it isn't the right time to tell them." Katie nodded.

"When are you leaving?" Hermione asked.

"In about an hour," Katie said.

"I'll come down to say goodbye to everyone." Hermione stood from her seat and Katie rose with her.

"I meant what I said yesterday," Katie said. "If you need anything, you know you can come to us."

"Thank you, Katie," Hermione said. The two women embraced. "I'm going to miss you."

"Me too," Katie said. When they pulled apart from each other they were both teary. Katie laughed and wiped at her eyes, then tucked her arm through Hermione's.

"Come on," Katie said. "Before we both become blubbering messes." Hermione smiled and they both left the library.

"You have been rather quiet since your return," Severus said to Lucius later that evening. Draco was asleep on the cot and Theo nearly so as he leaned against the wall, head resting against the edge of the thin mattress. Lucius looked at the two younger men and walked to far corner of the cell, gesturing to Severus.

"I was not brought back for more questioning but to see Hermione," Lucius said in a low voice. Severus' brow rose in surprise.

"Is she well?" he asked just as quietly.

"Yes, she was released to use magic today. Shacklebolt arranged the visit."

"Considering the feat you performed yesterday, I am not surprised," Severus said. Lucius nodded, hesitating to say more.

"Was there something else?" Severus asked. Of course, he would suspect something. Lucius had been acting oddly since his return to the cell, for all he had tried to hide it.

"Hermione is pregnant," Lucius finally said. It was only his many years as a spy which kept Severus from reacting more than he did. As it was, his body stiffened and he stared at Lucius in shock for a moment before composing himself. Lucius knew he was thinking of the potion and the timing.

"She should have taken another dose at the lodge," Severus finally said with a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose with thumb and forefinger.

"Yes, well, we had quite a bit on our minds. It is not a surprise that no one remembered."

"What does she plan to do?" Severus asked.

"Continue with the pregnancy," Lucius said. Severus studied him for a moment.

"And your thoughts?"

"You know how much Narcissa and I longed for another child," Lucius said.

"This is a very different circumstance, Lucius," Severus said.

"I will admit that my first instinct was to tell her to end it," Lucius said, still pained at the thought of that actually happening. "Given what she will probably suffer on her own."

"She will likely suffer the same, even if you are with her," Severus pointed out.

"Yes," Lucius agreed. Even if he were released and was able to be with Hermione, there were those who would treat her with disdain and ridicule because of him. But at least he would be there. "She was insistent, however. Even went so far as to tell me I had no claim on either of them and that she did not require anything from me." Severus snorted in amusement.

"Yes, I am sure you attempting to dictate what she should do went over well," he said.

"Quite," Lucius replied with a wry smile. Severus sobered.

"And what will you do," he said, "if things do not go your way at your trial?"

"My solicitor will be given instructions to pass on to Gringotts. They will want for nothing, monetarily at least. Draco will also be informed." While the Ministry could fine them, they could not seize their vaults even if both he and Draco were imprisoned. Unless they were either sentenced to life or both died and there were no other heirs to the Malfoy fortune. Since Lucius and Hermione were not currently married, Lucius could only file a claim of paternity with Gringotts. This would put a hold on the vaults until the baby was born and paternity established. The child would then be considered the next heir and the Ministry could not touch the vaults for anything save whatever fines were imposed. Of course, Draco was not going to be sentenced to life in prison if Lucius had anything to say about it, despite his use of the Imperius curse. So, the point was moot in any case, given Draco was already the heir. Severus nodded.

"What is the news from outside?" he asked. Lucius filled him in on everything Hermione had told him.

"Minerva?" Severus asked.

"All have been rescued, according to Hermione. She did not give me any details on anyone; however, I would assume she would have told me if any of them had not survived." Severus was silent for a few moments. Lucius knew that Severus and McGonagall had been as close as Severus ever let anyone get to him, their House rivalry notwithstanding. It had pained him to deceive the woman as he had about Dumbledore's death and the year he was Headmaster. Severus nodded.

The two men lapsed into silence, both consumed with their own thoughts. Lucius could only hope that his actions in this last year would be enough to counter all the rest. The thought of missing not only the birth of his child, but possibly all of his or her childhood was almost too much to bear.

Hermione followed Ginny out of the Floo at St. Mungo's. She had accepted the redhead's invitation to visit George. Hermione intended to look in on Professor McGonagall and Neville as well. Luna had been spending most of her days in her father's room so Hermione thought she might stop by there and check on her friend later. With the majority of the Resistance now gone from Nott Manor, Hermione did not relish spending another day on her own to brood. Her research wasn't going all that well, mostly because she had no idea what to even look for and Poppy was busy tending to Bill and Fleur and Alicia. Hermione's mind had continually been wandering to her visit with Lucius and what might happen at his trial.

The two women stepped into the lift. Ron had come earlier with his mother and Charlie was spending the morning with Bill and Fleur today. Fleur seemed to tolerate his presence the easiest out of any of the Weasleys as she was still very wary of anyone getting too close to her, even Poppy. It was only Bill's presence that kept her relatively calm.

They exited the lift onto the ward where all of the Azkaban prisoners and hostages rescued from the Death Eaters were housed. Ginny walked purposefully towards George's room.

"I'll just wait out here," Hermione said. She knew that George was now allowed more than one visitor at a time, but she didn't want to overwhelm him. She assumed that both Ron and his mother were with George right now as she didn't see them sitting anywhere.

"All right," Ginny said, then disappeared into the room.

Hermione settled into one of the chairs in the waiting room. She would wait for Ginny before she inquired as to the whereabouts of Professor McGonagall and Neville.

"Hermione?" Hermione looked up to see Hannah Abbott walking into the waiting room.

"Hannah, hi," Hermione said. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well, thank you," Hannah said. "It was good to get home but strange too."

"Are you here visiting?" Hermione asked. Hannah nodded.

"I'm hoping I can see Susan today but I'm not sure if they'll let me. She wasn't doing very well when they brought her in."

"Who?" Hermione asked knowing Hannah would understand what she was asking.

"Yaxley," Hannah said quietly. Hermione grimaced.

"I feel a bit guilty sometimes," Hannah said after a few moments. "Knowing what so many others went through."

"I know what you mean," Hermione said. "Being on the run wasn't fun by any means but it was nothing compared to what all of you suffered."

"I didn't suffer, not really. I mean, yes, I was locked away and forced to deal with Thorfinn's horrible mother but compared to others," she trailed off shaking her head and looking a bit sick. Hermione didn't blame her.

"Who are you here to see?" Hannah asked, changing the subject.

"George Weasley," Hermione replied. "And I thought I'd look in on Professor McGonagall and maybe Neville as well."

"I was going to see Neville too," Hannah said, her cheeks turning a bit pink. Hermione didn't comment but filed that reaction away. "I spoke to him a bit yesterday and he seems to be doing fairly well."

"I'm glad to hear it," Hermione said. "I know that some of the Azkaban prisoners weren't in very good shape."

"Professor Sprout is in a bad way," Hannah said sadly. "They're not sure if she'll recover."

"I heard, I'm so sorry, Hannah." Hannah nodded. Hermione had always liked the friendly professor, although Herbology had never been her favorite subject. Still, Hermione couldn't imagine a better Head of House for Hufflepuff. She held out hope that the Healers could do something.

"Where is Neville's room?" Hermione asked. "Once I hear how George is doing, I'll stop by."

"It's 437," Hannah said. "I think Professor McGonagall is next to him in 439."

"Thanks, Hannah."

"See you later, Hermione." Hannah walked away down the corridor towards what Hermione assumed was Susan Bones' room. Hermione looked towards George's room and saw Ron walk out. He stilled when he saw her. They hadn't really spoken since that day in her room with everything that had been happening.

"Ginny said you were here," Ron said.

"How's George doing?" Hermione asked. Ron sighed.

"It's hard to tell," Ron said. "Sometimes he seems better, but then he goes all quiet again and I, I don't know." Hermione's instinct was to go and hug him but she didn't know if he would welcome that. Ron shoved his hands in his pockets and Hermione remained where she was.

"You can go in," Ron said indicating the door with a nod of his head. "If you like."

"I just didn't want to overwhelm him with too many people," Hermione said.

"I'm going to get Mum some tea," Ron said. "So go ahead."

"All right," Hermione said. "Thanks, Ron." He nodded again and turned towards the lifts. Hermione watched him go for a few moments and then walked to George's room. She knocked lightly on the door before she opened it and peeked her head inside.

"Hello, Hermione," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile. "George, Hermione's come to visit." George turned his head to look at her.

"Hi, George," Hermione said with a bright smile. George didn't say anything, just stared at her. Hermione walked closer to his bed and stood next to Ginny. "It's good to see you."

"Granger," George said but his eyes were dull and lifeless. There was nothing of the mischievous prankster Hermione was used to seeing. Always lean and lanky, he was now horribly thin, his cheeks hollow. Still, both Ginny and Mrs. Weasley brightened when George spoke. Apparently, him recognizing her enough to use her last name when Mrs. Weasley had used her first was cause for happiness.

Hermione stood awkwardly next to Ginny, not knowing what to say. Everything that came to mind seemed ridiculous. Thankfully, Ginny filled the silence.

"Charlie and Ron went to the Burrow," Ginny said. "Everything seems all right. They said we can go back whenever we like." George didn't respond. In fact, he had turned his head away from them and stared across the room.

"It will be lovely to be home," Mrs. Weasley said, but her eyes were bright with tears. Ginny smiled tremulously at her mother and Hermione suddenly felt like she was intruding.

"I think I'll look in on Professor McGonagall," Hermione said. George's head turned back towards Hermione and he seemed to perk up a bit. "I'll tell her you said hello, if you like?" George nodded.

"It was good to see you, George," Hermione said. "I'll be back again." George just nodded once more.

"Thank you for coming, Hermione," Mrs. Weasley said.

"I'll stop by before I go," Hermione said. She left the room and leaned against the wall outside it for a few moments, blowing out a breath.

Making her way down the corridor, Hermione stopped at the professor's room. But when she peeked inside, Professor McGonagall was sleeping. Hermione decided to try Neville's room.

She stepped next door and looked through the small window on the door. Neville was awake, so Hermione knocked lightly and was told to enter. She stepped inside, smiling at Neville.

"Hermione," he said with a smile and she nearly cried with relief that he had recognized her.

"Hello, Neville," Hermione replied. "It's so good to see you." She stood next to his bed and took his hand, giving it a squeeze. He was thin as well, everyone that had been in Azkaban was. And while his eyes held that same haunted look that George's did, Neville's was tempered by recognition and happiness at seeing her. Hermione sat down in the chair next to his bed.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Strange," he replied with a wry smile. "I think I'm having a hard time believing this is real." Hermione gripped his hand a bit tighter. "Seeing other people that weren't there with me helps though."

"I don't know how you managed," Hermione said quietly. She felt like crying but was keeping it tamped down so as not to upset Neville. He didn't need to have to comfort her right now.

"Professor McGonagall," he said. "If it hadn't been for her, I don't know if I would have." His face was solemn now.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"She would change into her Animagus form and come into our cells," Neville said. "I'm not sure how many times I woke up from a nightmare to find a cat curled up next to me. She did the same for George. She tried to for Professor Sprout but she would always insist Professor McGonagall go to us instead. When the Dementors weren't around, she would sometimes still come in our cells and talk to us."

"I told her, more than once, that she should escape, find the Resistance, but she refused to." Hermione wasn't surprised. Knowing she could escape at any time in her cat form wouldn't have even been a choice, even if the professor had known where the Resistance was. She would have never left her students unless she was certain of immediate rescue for everyone.

"I'm glad she was there to help," Hermione said. Changing into her Animagus form would have helped the Professor deal with the Dementors as well, as it had Sirius when he was imprisoned. It made sense now that she was in much better shape than Professor Sprout.

"Have you seen her?" Neville asked. "I've asked but they haven't let me see her yet."

"She's right next door," Hermione said. "I was going to visit but she was asleep." Neville nodded. He leaned back into his pillows and yawned.

"Sorry," he said sheepishly.

"Don't apologize," Hermione said. "You should rest. I'll come back again tomorrow, yeah?"

"I want to hear all that's happened to you," Neville said trying to fight another yawn.

"Later, okay?" Hermione said.

"Hannah said it was you," Neville mumbled, eyes drooping. "That got rid of You-Know-Who. Why we were finally released."

"It was partly me," Hermione said. "I had a lot of help." But Neville did not respond as he was already asleep. Hermione squeezed his hand one last time and then smoothed out the blankets. She was glad that he seemed mostly all right. She wondered where his grandmother was and realized she had no idea what had happened to the woman after seeing her briefly at Hogwarts the day of the battle.

Hermione quietly left the room and stopped at Professor McGonagall's room. She was awake as there was a mediwitch inside with her. Hermione waited until the mediwitch had finished and then nodded to the woman as she left the professor's room.

Stepping inside, Hermione looked over her former Head of House. Thin, of course, cheeks sunken and deep circles under her eyes. Her hair was down and Hermione realized she had never seen it not pinned up. She looked…old and Hermione's heart clenched.

"Hello, Professor," she said softly. Professor McGonagall looked up and a smile curled her lips.

"Miss Granger," the professor said. "I am very pleased to see you, Hermione." Hermione smiled and this time she wasn't able to keep the tears from shining in her eyes.

"None of that now," Professor McGonagall chastised and Hermione laughed lightly, wiping her eyes, and moving to stand next to the bed. The professor grasped her hands and smiled up at her.

"I'm so happy you're all right," Hermione said.

"I have heard from Kingsley that you were instrumental in getting us out of that hellhole," the professor said. "Thank you."

"It wasn't just me," Hermione said shaking her head. "I had quite a bit of help."

"So Kingsley says," the professor replied. "Some of it from rather surprising sources."

"Yes," Hermione agreed.

"I have not heard the story in its entirety," the professor said. "However, it does not surprise me that you were involved."

"I always did have a knack for finding trouble, didn't I?" Hermione laughed.

"Yes, you did," Professor McGonagall said. "You and those boys." They both fell silent at mention of Harry. The pain of losing him, while not ever present as it had been at first, was still sharp and piercing.

"How is Mr. Weasley?" the professor asked after clearing her throat a few moments later.

"Which one?" Hermione asked with a smile and the professor chuckled.

"I was referring to Ron but they have not told me how George is faring either." Hermione proceeded to give updates on all the Weasley men. Professor McGonagall had known about Fred's death, as well as Mr. Weasley's, but was saddened to learn about Percy as well.

"At least he was able to make things up with his family before," Hermione said trailing off, throat tight. The professor patted her hand.

"This war took far too many people far too young over far too many decades," Professor McGonagall said with a sigh.

"War usually does," Hermione replied. The two women sat in silence for a few minutes, both lost in their thoughts. When she looked up again, Hermione could tell that the professor was growing tired.

"I'll let you rest," Hermione said. "Can I bring you anything?"

"A bit to read would be welcome," Professor McGonagall said. "Perhaps some newspapers as well?" Hermione snorted.

"I wouldn't bother with the Prophet before the last few days," Hermione said. "Nothing but Voldemort's propaganda." The professor laughed lightly.

"It might prove entertaining," she said.

"I'll see what I can do," Hermione promised. "It was good to see you, Professor."

"And you, Miss Granger." Impulsively, Hermione leaned down and hugged the older woman. When she pulled away, there was a brightness in the professor's eyes.

"Off with you," Professor McGonagall said. Hermione smiled and promised to return soon, then left the room. As she stepped outside, she nearly ran into Hannah.

"Sorry," Hermione said with a smile.

"It's all right," Hannah replied. She attempted to smile but it didn't reach her eyes.

"How's Susan?" Hermione asked.

"She's recovering physically but," Hannah shook her head. Hermione understood.

"Has she spoken to a mind Healer?"

"One was coming in later today," Hannah said. "There are so many people that need them and not enough to go around." She sighed. Hermione knew that was true. George hadn't spoken to anyone yet, neither had Bill and Fleur, of course, not being at hospital.

"I thought I might see Neville," Hannah said, light blush staining her cheeks again.

"He was asleep when I left but I'm sure you could sit with him," Hermione said. Hannah nodded and moved towards Neville's room after saying good-bye to Hermione.

Walking back to the small lounge area, Hermione saw Ginny coming out of George's room. Her eyes were red and Hermione knew she'd been crying.

"What's happened?" Hermione asked fearfully. Ginny shook her head as the tears began again.

"George remembered what happened to Dad," Ginny managed to choke out.

"Oh, Gin," Hermione said, pulling the younger woman into her arms. Ginny began to sob and Hermione couldn't help her own tears. It was like reliving it all over again, she was sure. Hermione couldn't imagine watching one of her parents killed in front of her, even if they didn't remember who she was anymore.

"I don't know, Hermione," Ginny said after a few minutes.

"Know what?" Hermione asked.

"If we're all going to get through this."

"You will," Hermione said pulling back from her and looking Ginny in the eye. "You will because you're all strong and you have each other." Ginny managed a weak nod. "I'll help you however I can."

"You have us too, you know," Ginny said.

"I know," Hermione said hoping her smile looked genuine. Because once everyone found out her news, she wasn't sure that would still be the case.