Disclaimer: Regrettably, I still do not own Harry Potter.

The sun fell weakly on her Hermione's face as she walked down the familiar street. Diagon Alley was alive again; but still not the bustling entity it had been when she'd first entered the Wizarding World. She cleared her throat nervously as she opened the tall white doors. A very large part of her wondered if she would be kicked out on sight.

But the Goblins let her walk down the marble aisle towards the high desk as she made her way through Gringotts. Griphook was smiling nastily at her from his spot behind it. She sighed. Some things never changed.

"Hello. I'm here to speak to the council." His mouth opened to reveal more disgusting teeth. She refused to flinch.

"Of course, Miss Granger." A lingering glance to the ceiling made her realize she was extremely unwelcome here. Indeed, the rest of the goblins had been glaring at her. She supposed that breaking out of the place they guarded would be perceived as a great insult against them. Never mind the fact that they'd been in a war and desperate, goblins didn't give a shit about the conflicts of wizards.

So, she just smiled and trailed after him, head high. To be honest, the thing bothering her the most was the memory of being here transformed as Bellatrix. She shook the thought away. Griphook opened the door and she nearly sagged with relief at the sight of Bill. She would have one ally, at least.

"We hear you would like to improve wizard-goblin relations." A goblin on the right said from his chair.

"Yes. Very much so. The way wizards have been treating you for centuries is, to speak plainly, unacceptable."

"So will you let us have wands, then?" Another goblin put in. She smiled pleasantly back at him.

"At this point, nothing's off the table." Bill grinned at her. She knew how to play. "But I think there is much we need to discuss on different topics."

"How about the fact that you broke in here and stole priceless treasures with the rest of your…" Griphook's lip curled, "Golden Trio?"

"I seem to recall you also being a part of the plan to break in here, Griphook. After all, how could three wizards have ever breached all of your security?" Bill choked on a laugh and Griphook snarled at her. She merely raised an eyebrow at the nasty little goblin.

"True. I admit that I wanted the sword more than I was willing to think about the consequences of my actions."

"And I wanted peace, a world where people such as myself would not be hunted and killed for their blood, a place where I could be secure in not looking over my shoulder." The goblins were quiet, and Bill was beaming at her. "But the wizarding world has been backwards for a very long time. And now that the war is over, it's time to revolutionize the way it works. Starting with those it has hurt the most." She inclined her head.

"And you think you can give it to us?"

"Absolutely," she said. "I've already given it to so many other beings. I've just passed into law, with support from the Wizengamot, a bill requiring wolfsbane be given to every werewolf who registers as one. I can absolutely get justice for you as well."

"We shall think on it."

She recognized the dismissal. "Thank you very much for your time." She was very glad to be walking out of Gringotts. She breathed a sigh of relief only as the menacing doors closed shut behind her. Luckily for her, that had been her last meeting of the day. She apparated home to silence.

"Ron?" He should be home by now.

"Up here," he called. She found him stuffing a suitcase full of clothes. Her stomach squirmed.

"What's going on?"

"Urgent last-minute meeting. Don't say anything, but they think they've found Rodolphus." She wrapped her arms around herself. He was leaving. Heading willingly into danger. Without her.

"Is Harry going too?" She asked softly. He nodded, focused on shoving another pair of pants into the bag. He closed the bag and met her expression. His eyes softened.

"I'll be alright."

"You can't guarantee that. And I won't be with you."

"I know." He hugged her gently. "But I will come back, I prom-"

"No. Don't make promises that are out of your power to keep."

"They're not. I will fight like hell in order to get back to you. To this life we're making. No one's going to take me down easy. And I'm a strategist, remember? I'll be fine. Not to mention Harry will have my back."

"That doesn't make me feel better."

"I know it doesn't." He kissed the corner of her mouth. "And I'm sorry, but I have to go."

She kissed him desperately. "I love you," she whispered urgently. "Come back to me."

"I love you too. And I will. Always."

She kissed his lips quickly one last time and then he was spinning into nothingness. She let loose a large breath as she sat down on their bed. How on earth was she supposed to sleep without him? She felt so ridiculous for even thinking it, and she didn't need anyone else, but she wanted him. She wanted him to be able to calm her, to understand. If he died…

She was out the door before she'd made the decision, apparating to that familiar street corner. She knocked on the door. Her father answered.

"Hi Dad."

"Hermione," he said softly.

"Can I…can I come in?"

He moved aside and gestured for her to step inside. "Richard? Who was it?"

"Hi Mum."

"Hello darling." She felt her parents exchange a troubled look over her head. Well, at least they weren't throwing her out onto the street. "Are you alright?"

"Ron's job…he's with the wizarding police, I guess you would say. He just went on a dangerous mission to apprehend some Death Eaters, and I couldn't go with him since I'm not an auror. I don't know. I wanted to see someone who loved me, and I thought…but of course if you don't want to see me, I understand."

Her father crossed the room to where she was standing nervously against the sink and pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry Hermione. For how I've acted. I love you."

"I love you too Dad." And she was crying. But at least her mother was too.

"So tell us about how you and Ron finally ended up together, as if we didn't know you would." Her mother said, eyes sparkling. And so Hermione told them. She told them everything. Well, except the things that a child should not discuss with their parents. She also didn't feel the need to inform them about Ron walking out on her and Harry. There was no reason for them to know. Sure he'd done some things that he was ashamed of, but hadn't they all? He certainly didn't deserve the unjust anger it would cause from her parents.

"He seems to be a wonderful man." Her father said gruffly. "I like how he stands up for you, even against us." Hermione grinned. Hadn't Ron said those exact words before Christmas?

"I don't need anyone to fight my battles, but sometimes it's nice to have someone who will," she agreed.

"You've grown so much," her mother whispered. Hermione nodded.

"I know. But deep down I'm still the same." She thought of the little girl who loved books and was secretly thrilled to find out that she powers. She'd thought herself Matilda, one of her favourite book characters growing up.

"And how are the Weasleys? Ron's brothers and sister?" Her mother asked and Hermione felt her smile slide off of her face.

"Fred didn't…didn't make it. He died valiantly." Her mother put a hand on her arm.

"I'm sorry. I made some biscuits the other day, would you give them to the Weasleys? Do you think they would accept them?"

"I think they'd love them," Hermione said softly. Her mother nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

"If you want to stay over here, your room will always be open to you." Her father said quietly.

"Thanks Dad. I might take you up on that at some point." He nodded, smiling proudly at her.

"I would also like to know everything about you being a war heroine. If you'd be willing to tell me."

"I'd like that." And then her mother was back and thrusting biscuits in her hand.

"I gave you a couple extra for yourself. Come back any time." Hermione hugged both of them, feeling better than she had in a long time. "And when that man of yours comes back, bring him over for a proper dinner, won't you?"

"Of course. Bye Mum, Dad. Love you."

"Love you too." They chorused.

Hermione walked a long way before apparating, needing some time to herself. When she showed up at the Burrow they accepted her and the biscuits heartily, and she knew they shared in her anxiety about Ron and Harry. But they kept affairs lighthearted, and when she went home she felt good enough to fall into sleep.

She was violently torn from her peaceful sleep by a particularly horrid nightmare. She had been standing over Snape as he lay dying, and she had killed him. Her old potions professor had then turned into Bellatrix and Hermione had been the one on the floor. She was gasping for air and she threw on some clothes as she strode outside. She walked briskly, trying to erase the nightmare and her thoughts from her mind.

She felt rather than saw a presence near her, and she spun around to face the person, wand drawn. Draco Malfoy raised his hands in surrender.

"Malfoy. Draco. Good Godric you gave me a fright."

"Sorry. What are you doing out here so late?" He asked as he fell into step beside her. She regarded him for a moment, wondering if divulging her struggles was a good idea. She decided to trust him.

"Ron's on an auror mission and I had a nightmare. So here I am."

"That's why I'm here too." She raised an eyebrow and he gave her a reluctant grin. "Not because Weasley's on an auror mission but because of nightmares." Their eyes met and she knew he understood. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not particularly. You?"

"No."

They walked in silence. "How's it been living with your aunt?"

"Different. Weird. I know it's not her fault, but sometimes she looks so much like…my other aunt, that I can't stand it. And of course, there's the guilt of never knowing her until know, despite that being my mother's fault. And it's sad because I never got to know my uncle or my cousin. But I get to know Teddy, and he's rather delightful. For him, I'm even willing to put up with Potter."

Hermione grinned. "He is quite adorable. It's crazy how so many people we know are going to have kids or are getting married. It makes me melancholy, to tell you the truth."

"I know what you mean. I'm happy, but it's sad that an era is coming to an end. That we're growing up and away from each other."

She hummed in agreement. "So, I saw you and the younger Greengrass being pretty chummy at Percy and Audrey's wedding" she said, taking a page out of Molly's book.

"Astoria," he murmured, cheeks going pink. "We're dating."

Hermione smiled. "Congratulations."

"I never thought I could be happy. That I could deserve it. She lectures me all the time on how I do. It's nice." He smiled, and Hermione thought he looked much more agreeable when he did.

Hermione smiled again. "I'm glad you found each other."

"Well. This is me." He gestured at the Tonks' house. "I'd like to think we're friends now. So if you ever need anything…"

To Hermione's surprise, she hugged him. He stiffened, but slowly returned the gesture. "You too." She mumbled into his shoulder. She pulled away. "Goodnight, Draco."

"Goodnight, Hermione." He watched her curiously as she walked back down the street towards their condo. And when Hermione went back to bed, she slept for the rest of the night, short though the time was.

But in the next couple of weeks, her sleep and mental state grew more and more fragile the longer Ron was gone. There was absolutely no word, and her and Ginny had commiserated over their worry through letters and a Hogsmeade weekend. The butterbeer and good company had helped, but they were both sick with anxiety. It was now three weeks after he had left and as she laid in bed alone that night, she realized she was shaking. She hadn't slept properly since her talk with Draco, and even then she'd only slept for half the night.

There was a massive crack and Hermione all but ran down the stairs, wand pointed, though she was pretty sure she knew who it was. She didn't lower her wand as Ron came into view. He held up his hands.

"What was the first thing Ron ever gave me for Christmas that wasn't generic?"

"The perfume you still wear even though you think I don't notice."

And then she was sobbing and flinging herself at him. He stumbled backwards as he caught her. "Hermione. I'm alright." She knew he could feel her shaking.

"Well I'm not. Do you have any idea what it was like? Three weeks Ronald! With no word! I was out of my mind with worry, which of course made my nightmares worse and made it so I couldn't sleep and then I worried more."

"I'm sorry love. Next time I'll force them to let me send word." And then he was kissing her, and it was achingly tender. She was still crying as she pulled away.

"Harry?"

"Fine. We captured Rodolphus, he was hiding out with a baby, his stepdaughter."

Hermione eyes him warily. "His stepdaughter?" Her mind raced as she digested the fact that Bellatrix had a child. Who on earth was its father? Merlin help them if it was who she thought it was.

Ron nodded, pale. "Bellatrix and Voldemort's daughter." The world tilted and Hermione was on the floor.

"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed. She heard him call her name again as she descended yet again into blackness.

She woke up in St. Mungo's. She groaned and rolled her neck as she sat up. Ron was slumped in the chair next to her bed, still in his dirty auror clothes, eyes closed. She frowned as she watched his eyes moving restlessly underneath his lids. Clearly it wasn't a restful sleep. Or a deep one, as he woke suddenly.

"Miss Granger?" A healer asked, and Ron started, eyes meeting hers. He seemed to sag in relief as she answered the healer.

"Yes."

"I'm afraid you had some slight brain damage from the," she lowered her voice, "cruciatus curse. It was causing you to black out when you got suitably shocked or upset. It's good Mr. Weasley brought you in when he did. We were able to rid your brain of it, but no work for two weeks and no unnecessary strain or stress. Other than that, you've got to stay the night, but you can go home tomorrow."

Her mouth parted. "Brain damage?" She squeaked out.

Ron's eyes met hers as he realized what she was thinking, and he began to chuckle. The healer backed away in alarm as he began to laugh in earnest. "I cannot believe you." He swiped at his eyes, and she grinned sheepishly. His voice roughened as he took her hand. "You really scared me."

"Sorry." She said softly. He laced his hand through hers. He opened his mouth to say something, but the healer came back around the corner, looking significantly harassed.

"There's a whole bunch of people here saying they're your family?" Her mouth set in disproval and Hermione grinned.

"They are. Let them in."

And then she was swarmed by Harry and the Weasleys, sans Ginny. Molly fussed endlessly over her and everyone else hugged her tightly. She cried as she hugged Harry, relieved he was safe.

"Maybe I should've become an auror too, then I wouldn't be in such agony when you go on a mission, with no word." She said the last bit pointedly at him and he winced.

"We couldn't give away our location in any way, and who knew what wards were up. Come on Hermione, I wouldn't knowingly keep you in the dark."

"Hmph." Was all she said. He grinned and she rolled her eyes. "You better have written to Ginny already. She's been feeling the same." His eyes widened. "Go," she told him, and he bustled away, presumably to illegally sneak into Hogwarts. Her and Ron shared an amused look.

The healer came back and ushered them all away, and Hermione made Ron go too. "Shower and get some sleep. I'll see you in a few hours."

"Alright," he agreed softly. "I love you."

"I love you too."

And then he was gone, and she began to cry, alone in the dark. She hated Bellatrix so much it made her want to rip the world to pieces. And Merlin. The insane witch had had a daughter with Lord fucking Voldemort. Someone needed to take care of the infant, so that she didn't become the same as her parents and stepdad. Someone that wasn't Hermione, that is. She never wanted to see the girl. It hurt enough to see Andromeda.

She sat up suddenly. Her parents. She supposed someone should have told them that she was in the hospital. But she didn't have any way to get in touch with them. She didn't want to use magic when they were so wary of it now, and there were no telephones in St. Mungo's. She'd tell them when her and Ron went over for dinner at some point.

She smiled at the thought. She wanted her parents to love him as much as she did. Although maybe not in the same way.

She blew out a breath. Safe. He was safe. She wondered if he was thinking about her as he lay in their bed. Somehow, she knew he was.