A/N: Thank you guys for your eternal support and patience. My muse has returned! Things should move pretty quickly from here so we can get some relief from this slow burn.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE - SEVEN POTTERS

"You have done well hiding."

"Thank you, my lord."

The Dark Lord's pleased expression trailed over to the doorway on the other side of the living room of Malfoy manor, then back. He was expecting something, and Severus was certain he would hate whatever came through those doors.

"I hate to interrupt your summer, but I thought you'd want to see this."

"Of course, master."

Beneath his occlumency, Severus scoffed. Two weeks locked in Wilmet Gardens did not exactly count as summer, although it happened to be more enjoyable than Spinner's End. If only… No. Severus narrowed his eyes as the door rattled open and felt his blood run cold as two Death Eaters entered, closely followed by their prisoner, then two more Death Eaters. Charity Burbage was, at best, unconscious as they floated her along with no regard to her person. Severus should have expected it after the article she wrote for the Prophet, but it was not his place to save her, and now it was too late.

"We couldn't have her continuing to spread her… filth everywhere. Such lies."

"Indeed. I am pleased you have put a stop to her nonsense, my lord."

Satisfied, the Dark Lord stood. "Join us for a meal, Severus."

It was perhaps the last thing in the world Severus wanted to do, but to deny such a request when he held such favour was only guaranteed death. Severus nodded and followed his master to the dining room. He kept his gaze level on the table, not daring to meet the eyes of anyone else in the room though he took note of the continued decay of the Malfoy family and the names of everyone in the room. They were inner circle, and the table was burdened with food. Surely this attempt at a celebration was not in regards to the capture of Charity Burbage. Severus glanced around the room as he took his seat. The Dark Lord wouldn't have pulled him out of safety unless this meeting involved him, he was too valuable a chess piece at this point. At least he had that going for him he supposed.

"I'm so glad everyone could make it."

There was murmured assent, though Severus had the feeling others were less than glad to be here.

"We have gathered this evening for a small celebration. I expect you all to congratulate Severus on his new promotion to headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy."

No. Anything but that.

The Order seemed determined to piece together some sort of normalcy. At least, that's what Hermione thought was happening when they insisted she and Harry return to their normal summer homes. Harry was livid, tossing his things into his trunk before being taken back to the Dursleys. Hermione was horrified, trying to buy herself time, and had so far managed to linger two weeks at the Burrow. Her parent's disappearance had gone by the wayside, the two Order members who had guarded their safe house were still dead-set on the fact that the Grangers had escaped with the partial clear-out that had happened before the Death Eater raid last year. Severus' charms had been powerful. But now no one seemed quite sure where exactly the Grangers had gone. The Order was doing a good job of keeping it hush-hush, but there was definitely some minor panic that they had just lost two whole people. It was almost amusing.

"She might as well stay with us, Molly."

"It might be the best course of action, Arthur, you're right."

"Your hospitality is appreciated, but I would still like fewer people in one place." Kingsley's voice rumbled.

Hermione glanced up the stairs to make sure Ginny wasn't coming down yet before continuing to listen through the extendable ear.

"What if she stayed with us?"

There was a following silence after Remus' suggestion.

"We don't mind and we've got the space." Tonks confirmed.

"Tell her when she comes down for breakfast," Kingsley said, "I must get back to the ministry."

There was a shuffle as people stood and moved around. Hermione jerked back the extendable ear and returned to her shared bedroom with Ginny, the younger witch only just waking. Hermione settled into her bed with her notebook and scribbled a few things. She had never been one for a diary, but Hermione felt like there was a lot of information she needed to keep straight. Ginny yawned and sat up.

"Do you ever sleep?"

"I do my best. Kingsley was here."

"Anything interesting?"

"Guess we'll find out if there was."

The two weeks without Harry and with silencing spells around Hermione's bed had seemed to bring Ginny around from whatever aggressively protective place she had been in. They were back to being friends, and Ginny was slowly catching on to the strange circumstances that were surrounding Hermione's parents. Thankfully, Ginny seemed to be taking cues from Hermione on how panicked to be, and so she wasn't being horribly nosy. The pair got dressed and descended the stairs to the main floor. The aroma of breakfast was already wafting through the house. Tonks and Remus greeted them from the table, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley wished them a good morning from the kitchen. The group talked quietly, Fred and George joining them, until, right on time for food to be plated, Ron thudded down the stairs. They were almost done before anyone said anything.

"Hermione, we would like you to come stay with us for the rest of the summer."

Hermione met Remus' gaze, smiled and nodded. "I think that's a good idea. When do we leave?"

"Today, if you'd like."

"I'll get packed."

It wouldn't take Hermione long to get ready, she had been living on the edge, most of her things stuffed in her trunk, ready to be shrunk and carried at a moment's notice. When the table was cleared and the kitchen cleaned, she and Ginny returned upstairs.

"You are going to have to tell me what that's like."

"What? Staying with Remus and Tonks?"

"Of course! It still amuses me that they got married."

Hermione grinned, "Remus definitely still seems like he's not sure it happened."

"Details, please."

"But of course."

"See you before school starts?"

"Of course."

Next time they saw each other, Hermione would have to tell Ginny whether or not she would be coming on their hunt for horcruxes. Frankly, she hadn't decided yet. But she had time. Hermione hugged the Weasleys before leaving, trailing after Remus and Tonks to the apparition point, where Remus gripped her shoulder for side-along. The Lupin household was somehow exactly what Hermione expected, a small cosy house nestled into a quiet town. There were books and games scattered about, a well-stocked kitchen, a delightful backyard, and two bedrooms. Remus showed her to the smaller one, told her to transfigure and decorate as she wished, then left Hermione to her devices. Hermione wasn't sure what she was planning on when she lifted her wand, but when she was finished, the room was a reasonably similar replica of the one Severus had generated for her at Spinner's End. Hermione laughed out loud and shook her head, shoving her trunk to the foot of the bed.

When she emerged, the couple looked prepared for a heavy conversation, and Hermione sat across from them with raised eyebrows.

"We are worried about your parents, Hermione."

Hermione took a deep breath. "There's no need."

"What?"

"I ask that you not tell anyone else this for my parent's safety, but as the two of you have so generously welcomed me to your home, you have a right to know."

Remus watched her with a concerned expression but Tonks looked like she was about to learn something she had known all along.

"Last year before the Death Eater raids I… I erased my parents' memories and sent them to a different country." Hermione smiled ruefully, "They don't know I exist."

"I thought you had something to do with it, but how did you even know….anything?" Tonks asked. "Weren't you captured?"

Hermione held eye contact with Remus, who she could watch putting it all together.

"I see." He said finally.

Tonks glanced between the two of them but Remus shook his head. Hermione was relieved that he seemed willing to keep his knowledge of Severus to himself. It was smart, and the less people who had doubts about Severus' loyalties, the safer he would be. At least for now. Hermione had a sinking feeling that his safety in this world would be short lived. She thought of him, tucked away at Wilmet Gardens and felt some of her unease melt away. Her first day with Remus and Tonks was comfortable and less chaotic than being with the Weasleys. The second day went well until they were setting up for dinner. The dark, worrisome feeling that had been brewing in her gut was starting to grow, and by the time they were halfway through cooking, Hermione realised it was the bond, twisting and churning inside her. Something was wrong with Severus or at least something was upsetting him. Hermione took a deep breath. She couldn't do anything except worry.

The feeling plagued her for a whole day, whatever had happened to Severus, whatever he had witnessed, had been bad. Worry weighed heavily on her, if she was able to feel something like that through the bond, Hermione's guess was that Severus had left Wilmet Gardens, which meant he wasn't safe, which meant anything could have happened to him. She was tempted to go and check on him, but how many times could she reasonably get away without suspicion? So Hermione decided to live with the worry. She figured if something as horrible as his death happened, she would be able to feel it, she would know.

He shouldn't be here for this. That was all Severus could think as he found himself sitting at the Malfoy's dining table once again. Except this time, Severus had nothing to do with the "meeting". He knew the Dark Lord wanted him as witness. His occlusion was heavy, there was only so much he could watch his colleague rotate limply above the table before some kind of feeling would take over. So he elected to have no feelings, a sort of numbness he reserved for special occasions. He told the Dark Lord about the date and time the Order planned to fetch Potter from the Dursley's. His master was ecstatic, the first real opportunity to attack Potter in a long time. With a joyous jab of his wand, Charity Burbage was awakened. At first she was confused, perhaps expecting more torture, but then she met Severus' gaze.

"Please! Severus, please! Help me!"

He didn't move, he didn't blink. The Dark Lord was watching him carefully. Not daring to breathe, Severus tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, a silent why should I? He couldn't make himself say the words, not today. A foul expression broke out across the Dark Lord's face as Charity Burbage's pleas turned to tears, he declared the killing curse like the death sentence it was, and her body crashed to the table. Severus almost flinched. Almost. He did, however, lean back slightly as Nagini worked her way up onto the table and began to feast.

Severus returned to Wilmet Gardens as soon as he could manage, just barely in time to vomit on some of the hedges. Standing with his hands on his knees, Severus wished for death. He had always expected things to get worse, but for some reason he had hoped that after Albus, he wouldn't have had to be such a close witness to another colleague's death. He was alone in the world, a spy among the enemy, an enemy among allies. It was easy to think Hermione had given up on him too, it was what she should have done the moment she knew he killed Albus. Instead she had come looking for him, foolish girl that she was. Severus trudged up the long drive and through the doors to the west wing, collapsing into one of the chairs in the library. At least he has this space for now, somewhere he can run away to and never be found.

…

The teacup shattered on the floor, pieces scattering everywhere. Remus and Tonks both turned to look at her but Hermione couldn't assure them she was fine. The bond was screaming at her, begging her to seek out Severus. It was exactly two weeks since the last time she had felt anything, and this was worse. So much worse. Hermione took a deep breath and stood, seeking Remus' gaze. She couldn't tell him, if she said anything it would give it away. But at the same time, she needed to see Severus, to find him and make sure he was okay. Surely she could get away with it this one time. Another deep breath. Hermione cleaned up the cup with her wand and made herself a new cup, making a vague excuse.

For the next five days, Remus and Tonks watched her like hawks, alternating shifts between the two order meetings in that time. Hermione wasn't sure what they were supposed to find, but finally on the sixth day, change came.

"You're telling me Mandungus came up with this plan?" Hermione asked a second time.

"As unlikely as it seems."

"Huh. Well of course I'm in, it's Harry."

"You could be gravely injured, or die." It was the third time Remus said it.

"I am well aware."

"We leave tonight then. We've got polyjuice brewed that we'll take when we get there."

It was the first time Hermione had seen the home Harry grew up in. She didn't get to explore, but the home was painfully muggle with ugly floral prints and a kind of odour that suggested constant, vigorous cleaning. There were fourteen people crowded into the tiny living space, most of them arguing with Harry about the plan.

"I don't want anyone putting their lives at risk for me!"

"Too bad Potter." Moody grunted.

"Everyone here is a legal adult who has agreed to this plan." Remus said.

Harry's form of consent came as disgruntled silence which turned vaguely horrified as he watched half of the people in the room turn into him and change clothes.

"This isn't weird at all." He grumbled.

Hermione grinned at him, "You're telling us."

It could have gone better. That's what Hermione would think later. But during the battle, she was too focused on staying on the thestral behind Kingsley and not being utterly terrified. She flung basic hexes behind her at random, disappointed that she wouldn't be able to use the things Severus taught her without giving herself away. He's here. The bond thrummed between them, a warning, urging them not to hurt each other, but there was no pull and Hermione couldn't figure out which masked flyer was him. How could she fend off Death Eaters if she was worried each one might be Severus? In the end, havoc kept her from having to make a choice as Kingsley dove down below the clouds. Behind them, Hermione heard a shout of pain and saw the blurred figure of Voldemort chasing down the real Harry.

The safe house was a rickety flat with rickety furniture. Kingsley was trying to tell her about it as he fetched the portkey off of the kitchen counter but Hermione was too worried to hear him. Voldemort has sussed out the real Harry and was tracking him down. Severus was still in the sky with at least twelve people who hated him. She grabbed the portkey blindly as Kinglsey counted down. The horrible squeezing sensation was the only thing that pulled her from her thoughts and when they landed on the grounds outside the Burrow, Remus and Ginny were already striding outside.

"Who's here?" Boomed Kinglsey almost immediately.

"Harry, Hagrid, and George." Remus shouted back.

Within moments they were all striding back towards the house together, stopping a few meters away. Ginny reached for Hermione's hand, and she took it, appreciating the reassuring squeeze.

"George is injured but he'll be alright. Did you see anything else?"

"No. I'm glad Harry escaped." Kingsley said solemnly.

Remus agreed and led the other man into the burrow. Ginny stayed with Hermione who was staring up at the sky. Ginny looked with her, both waiting.

"I was worried about Harry." Hermione confessed.

"He said Voldemort was right on his tail. Hed- Hedwig saved his life, flew in front of a killing curse."

Hermione swallowed hard. "Poor Harry."

"I'm going to go back in, George and all. Please look out for my dad?"

"Of course."

Ginny squeezed her hand again and left. Hermione stared at the sky, willing the others to return, yearning for some sign that no one had hurt Severus and that he hadn't plummeted to his death like many of the other Death Eaters. A sharp sound alerted Hermione to another arrival and she was greeted with the sight of Mr Weasley rushing toward her, closely followed by Fred whose polyjuice was still wearing off. Hermione took off towards them and closed the distance quickly.

"Hermione!" Mr Weasley shouted.

"You both should go inside, everyone's worried and George-"

At the mention of his twin's name, Fred took off towards the house. Mr Weasley gave her a panicked look.

"He's fine!" Hermione shouted after them, but she doubted they heard her.

Hermione resumed her watching of the sky, and it felt like a long time later when the door to the Burrow opened. The figures of Remus and Kingsley come closer, talking rapidly. They stopped just shy of Hermione, where Remus thanked Kingsley and shook his hand. Kingsley sought out Hermione's gaze and nodded once before stepping past the wards and vanishing. The night was still and quiet a moment before Remus closed the short distance between them.

"You're alright?"

"I suppose."

"Do you think he was there?"

Hermione looked sharply at Remus. "I would assume so."

She couldn't reveal that she knew Severus was there. Remus knew too much already and the number of people who were aware of the soul mate bond was already a number too large for her liking. But maybe Remus could help her, he was wise and in tune. But he could also be angry, and Hermione didn't want to face that just yet.

"Were you worried about him?"

"I am."

"Severus must have left some impression on you."

Hermione shrugged. "It was a lot of time together and he wasn't all scowls and snide remarks."

Remus observed her too long for her liking, making Hermione doubly grateful when two more people appeared out of the darkness. Before Hermione had even worked out who the pair was, Remus was lurching towards the smaller figure.

"Hermione!"

"Ron!"

Hermione welcomed the hug Ron gave her, ignoring for now that it was slightly too enthusiastic, either of them could have died. Hermione told Ron what she knew and with furrowed brows, he started towards the house to check on George just as everyone else was so eager to do. Remus and Tonks had already vanished back into the house. Just one more pair needed to show and so Hermione waited. She wasn't sure why. It wasn't like she needed to be out here, greeting everyone who came to the Burrow, and it wasn't like Severus was going to come down from the sky. Yet she couldn't make her feet move. It felt like hours had passed before the next pair arrived, Bill and Fleur marched towards Hermione, their faces grim.

"Hermione, you don't need to be out here."

"I know, I was just waiting."

"Let's go inside."

Hermione counted off the pairs in her head. "What about Moody and Dung?"

"Come on, we'll tell you inside."

Hermione thought about protesting, demanding an answer now. And maybe once upon a time she would have, but the world was different. She was different. So Hermione followed the couple in silence, stood to the side while Mrs Weasley fussed over them, and then finally the noise in the room died down enough for Bill to tell them.

"When the Death Eaters came after us, Dung fled and Moody got hit. Mad-eye is dead."

A collective intake of breath filled the Burrow.