Chapter 38

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January 1996

(Two weeks later)

The day was dark and gloomy. But that didn't stop the others from being excited about Hogsmead or as excited as they could be with everything that was going on.

The only thing that was odd on such a morning was the empty space next to McGonagall. The old man had only been to the school once since the confrontation. McGonagall had taken control of the school. She was keeping the school in order while the old man was in the Ministry. Hermione finished her breakfast and observed the Great Hall, remembering the aftermath of their little encounter.

They hadn't found out till later from Dimitry that Riddle had left all of his followers behind to be captured or killed. Dimitry was the only one that had been able to leave. A dozen of them were captured and two were killed. Dumbledore had taken them personally to the ministry. Moody had been injured and now lay in hospital.

Word had spread of the hooded woman in black. Who had no allegiance with Riddle or Dumbledore? Who had taken Severus Snape as her own from both of his Masters? No sighting of said man had been seen since then. His post at Hogwarts was being temporarily seen by an ex-student of his. Marcus Flint with the help of Horace Slughorn.

Both sides had suffered a loss. That's what the Daily Prophet had quoted to the world.

Not death.

Loss.

Dumbledore had lost his prized spy and his wolf. As well as a few Weasley's. Three to be exact. Charlie and the twins had also vanished. Molly Weasley had thrown a fit once it had been discovered that the twins had mysteriously disappeared from the school. She had wreaked havoc at the Ministry, demanding to know where her kids had gone. Dumbeldore had made it publicly known that the 'woman' was behind their disappearance. The twins had sent a note to their mother with Heidi, explaining why they had left. Molly hadn't spoken to Dumbledore or the Order since then.

The old man had tried to make it seem like foul play. A diversion on Hermione's part. Well, not Hermione but the woman who had made a fool of Riddle and Dumbledore. Molly had struck the old goat.

That picture was still circling the Daily Prophet.

Hermione lifted the newspaper in front of her and skipped the nonsense to read the names of all the Death Eaters that had been caught the night before. Soon enough, there wouldn't be any more names to write about. They had been taking chunks of Death Eaters bit by bit. Severus was leading that group with the twins, Remus, the other wolves, and Malfoy. He was also one that had vanished along with Narcissa Malfoy. Word had spread quickly on their behalf too. Malfoy had last been seen by Pansy Parkinson and Theo.

Theo had played his part well. Claiming that the boy had been carrying a bag and hadn't taken anything else. Pansy had been pale-faced throughout her own telling.

Charlie Weasley had sent word to his own father and brother. Bill Weasley had broken it to the rest of the Order of his brother's change of allegiance. That had forced many to question Dumbledore and Kingsley. Of course, neither man had said anything. They knew next to nothing.

Riddle had disappeared. He had taken the inner circle into seclusion. That included Dimitry. He was able to communicate with Hermione when he was sent out to buy supplies with just two other underlings. Or when he was sent to round up what was left of Riddle's followers. Nothing was being said. At least nothing that required Hermione's attention. Yet.

The Snake was their focus right now. Charlie was hunting it for her. He alone would be able to find where Riddle had stashed her. Hermione dropped the newspaper when Ron made an odd sound beside her. He had been vibrating with anger since the twins had left and Charlie's disappearance had only made it worse. Ginny sat next to him, her shoulders rigid. The other students had been giving them looks. Neville had been stuck to Ginny because of it, his grief and anger centered around caring for the girl.

Not even Harry could get to her. Ginny just didn't look at him anymore. Harry on his part, played a supportive friend and had started to act differently. Or at least different to the others. He was finally the young man that returned with her after a year away. He was now true to himself. It was just the right time to do so. Dumbledore was distracted. Riddle was in hiding. It was time for a rude awakening.

Hermione noticed Lee Jordan at the end of the table, staring at the note in his hands. It drew the attention of Alice and Angelina. Both girls had drawn a close circle around Lee. But he wasn't depressed. He had also received a letter from the twins. He wanted to join them. That was obvious. Her attention was taken aback by Seamus, who held the Quibbler in his shaking hands. He stood up, drawing the attention of those around him.

"She sent a letter! Look, it's from HER." he flipped the page around, shoving it at Dean. The boy pulled the paper towards his face and read it out loud.

"My name isn't relevant. Nor who I am or where I come from. I don't wish to harm or control you. All I want is for the truth to be seen and heard. To protect those that have been lied to. For those that can't or won't fight. Those that are working alongside me are protected. They had been given a choice. Riddle will be defeated. Those that support him as well. Dumbledore lies kindly and negates the truth. But no more. Soon, the truth will be revealed," Dean looked up at Seamus, eyes wide with excitement. "She signed it with an S. Her name must start with an S!"

"Dean, that could mean anything." -Lavender

"Yeah, for all we know, she could be named May or something." -Parvati

Hermione hid a smirk and elbowed Harry as she stood up. He grunted and dropped the sausage pattie down on his plate. He had been eating like there was no tomorrow for weeks now. She grinned and tugged his hair. He lifted an eyebrow.

"When do we meet you?"

"Once everybody leaves. Like after they all calm down."

"I hope this works."

"It will." There was no other choice.

She left the Great Hall and made her way up to the Room of Requirements, watching the portraits that hung on the walls. Since the very beginning of her quest, she had noticed many different paintings that followed her. The Knight was often following her at night. Certain Ex-Headmasters had too. Always in the night. During the day it was usually a lady in a light blue dress. She resembled Dame Spore. But nobody else noticed this.

They couldn't do much. All they could do was watch her. And others for her. It was always handy to ask wisdom from those that had lived before her. But sometimes, she just wanted to take her dagger to Black. The old rooster was damn annoying.

Chuckling darkly, she opened the door to the room once it appeared, only to pause at the entrance. Luna and Theo were already waiting for her. But that wasn't what had stopped her. It was seeing Luna's choice of seat. She was sitting on Theo's lap eating a large chocolate frog.

All the while, Theo watched, face flushed.

Neither had noticed her. Which was bull because Luna was never one to be caught unaware. Never. Hermione cleared her throat, making sure to smirk as Theo drew back and looked at Hermione. He went beyond red and lifted his arms from around Luna, limbs flailing around helplessly.

"She...I don't know why I'm feeling guilty," he said, face now a decent blood red. Even his ears were tipped red.

"That's because you have a guilty conscious," Luna said softly, licking her fingers, gaining his attention once more.

"Alright, children, behave. We will be having company soon enough."

A few minutes later, Marcus and McGonagall appeared, followed closely by Susan Bones. All of them settled around the fireplace near the back of the room. Plush rugs and comfortable armchairs completed the look.

Murin came in for a second to leave them snacks and juice. Hermione kissed her cheek in gratitude. The elf coloured, causing Hermione to kiss her again for good measure. Murin left with a nice shade of pink on her cheeks. Hermione picked up a jug of butterbeer and walked towards the empty spot beside the fireplace.

She sat down and leaned back against the stone caging the fire in. She crossed her legs and sampled her butterbeer. The others did the same.

"The wolves are going to round up the rest of the none marked Death Eaters. Remus and Sirius will be overlooking the task. We don't want to give Riddle the pleasure of seeking more or hiding what's left of them. Dimitry has sent word that Riddle is giving each member of the inner circle a task. None which can be shared with each other."

Hermione stopped when McGonagall leaned forward. The woman cleared her throat and raised an eyebrow. "What of Albus? He is hunting you, Hermione. I'm sure that the others will handle such a task. But don't underestimate Albus. He is powerful and his attention is now on you."

Luna laughed.

The others looked at the girl. The blond girl shook her head at them. "She doesn't have to worry about him. She has Harry for that."

Susan spoke up, face alight with the wonder that was Luna. "What can he do?"

Luna paused and turned her head eerily. "Hermione knows."

That was true. Now the attention was back on her. She drew out the small piece of paper she had stuffed inside of her jeans and passed it to the one closest to her. Marcus, her beloved brother, drew it open and after a few seconds smirked.

The note was soon passed around. Susan was the last to read it and when she was done, looked at Hermione. "Will he actually believe this?"

"Albus may be a powerful and wise wizard. But bait like this? Too damn easy. Harry is the only thing he wishes to protect. Or blind with his own truth. If he thinks that somebody else knows the real truth...Well, he will have to come forth sooner then he likes. Plus the Harry he thinks he knows will play him in return."

"Isn't that right, Harry."

The mirrors to the left of them melted away, revealing Harry, Ron, and Ginny. But there was somebody unexpected too. Neville was standing right behind Ginny, face pale and eyes wide. Harry was holding Ron's arm, seeming to be holding back their ginger friend. Ron was glaring at Hermione. Ginny was also staring. But the girls' gaze was blank.

Hermione didn't bother getting up. Ron had to let it loose before he could or would listen to her. She inclined her head and the others moved down the room. The only one who didn't move was Marcus. He actually stood up and came to stand over her. As if she needed him.

"Marcus, he isn't in his right mind right now. Leave or he might hit you."

"Let him. I've been wanting to relieve some stress."

"Go. I have this."

"No."

Well then. She drew her knees up and crossed her arms around them. Ron stepped forward, forcing Harry to let go of him. He glared down at her. She raised one arm up and grabbed the necklace that hid her and yanked it off. She didn't feel the change. But she could see it register in his eyes as they traced her face. She raised an eyebrow at him. Neville only stared at her, mouth open in utter surprise.

But it was Ginny that spoke.

"You're her, right? The woman in the hood. The one that…"

"The one that was all over the bat from the dungeon." Ron hissed. Harry put a hand on his arm but Ron snarled and strode forward. Marcus leaned forward, just itching to hit him. Hermione would have expected it of Adrian. Not Marcus. But she probably should have. Hermione rose and handed her jug to Marcus. Ron advanced and only paused when he was inches from her. She cocked her hip, never breaking eye contact.

"Yes, Ginny, it is me. The one that did all that. As for the bat comment, Ron...Yes, I'm with him. I'm actually planning on marrying him once all this shite is over with. Why? Why does that seem to bother you?"

She knew. She just wanted to hear it from him. Ron seemed to grapple with himself for a few seconds. But even Adrian had problems holding her gaze, especially when she was in the mood. Something must have shown through because he looked away, cheeks flushed and growled under his breath.

"I always thought we'd have ended up together. I was barely starting to notice the way I felt. But I never stood a chance, did I?"

"Once upon a time, we would have. But not with the time that has passed or who I am now. I love him, Ronald. He is somebody I want to spend the rest of my life with. Calm down and let me explain things to you. All I ask of you is to listen. If you're still angry afterward...Marcus will beat it out of you."

Thirty minutes later, the others left. Leaving just Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Neville. The room had shrunk in on itself, making the room a replica of their common room. Hermione sat in an overstuffed armchair and stared at Ron. He had been silent for the past ten minutes, staring at the fire. Ginny had been as well until now. She looked directly at Hermione now.

"Where are my brothers?"

"Doing what they should be doing, hopefully."

"I'm serious. My mother wants them back."

"They are grown adults, Ginny. They asked this of me in return for all I've ever asked of them. Well, at least the twins. Charlie is doing this because he must."

Neville spoke up, his voice soft but full of curiosity. "If Harry is a year older then us, how old are you? You look older than just one year."

"I'm already twenty-one. I think. I have to check my book to make sure I'm right."

Harry laughed. "I thought it was twenty?"

"At this point, I really could care less."

Ron finally looked at them. He ran a hand through his hair and released the breath he had been holding. "I want in. Don't get me wrong, I'm still mad that I've been left out for so long. But now that I know and kind of understand, well I have to do something too."

Hermione raised an eyebrow and crossed her legs. "Ron, I'm not sorry for leaving you out of it. It wouldn't have done you any good before. But now we do need you. I won't be around for long. I'm needed outside of these walls. I won't be here for Harry for much longer."

Harry flinched back. "Why haven't you said anything about this? What do you mean that you won't be here for much longer?"

"I'm leaving soon. For one thing, the workload from the teachers and such is a hindrance. Once I leave...I won't ever come back as a student. I have things to do that can't be done here. But Harry, I'm not leaving you forever."

He stood up, fist clenched and began to pace back and forth.

Ginny bent forward in her chair. "Where are you going?"

"It's better not to say. That's also why I'm going to have somebody take my place and I'm going to need all of you to make her fit in."

Neville frowned. "Who?"

o0o

(1 week later, Sunday)

Heidi laughed. Gabriel gawked at Hermione, eyes wide and incredulous. The others also stared. Narcissa cupped her stomach as she peered at Heidi with concern. Severus ignored all of them and made for their room. Hermione had given them her pretty speech in a hurry and now got up.

She shrugged past them all and followed him. Once in their room, Severus kissed her. He pushed her against' the door and ravished her mouth. He was dirty from previous activities but she didn't care. She jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. She fisted his hair with one hand and the other one pushed up his shirt. Frustrations and desires were a sharp edge that forced both of them to use magic to disrobe.

They landed on the bed behind them. Hermione gazed down at him, not caring about the lack of light. The night was approaching but it didn't make a difference to her. She leaned down and licked his throat. He growled and clutched her hips. She pushed his hands off her with one hand as the other one curled around him. "Don't touch me. Not until I tell you to."

He hardened further in her grasp. "What do you plan to do to me, witch?"

"Let me show you."

A roguish gleam appeared in his eyes as she slowly kissed her way down his body.

o0o

After taking care of their needs, they showered together. That was also another round of lovemaking that left them half-standing half-leaning on the shower wall. Changing once more, they stood in the centre of the room, staring at each other. She raised a hand and flicked his damp hair away from his face. He did the same to her as he stared down at her. The tension between them still there. The awareness present. It almost felt physical. He tugged the end of one curl.

"Do you think she's ready to go back to school? She will have to be a perfect replica of you or others will notice."

"It's not like I'm going to let her stay full on. I'll be going back in occasionally. Maybe."

They drew closer as they spoke. Her breast touched his chest, skimming her nipples and making them harden. She hadn't pulled on a bra. She knew it drove him crazy to see her breast bounce with each step. Hermione wasn't sure why she tempted him like this but it flared the flame she had for him even brighter.

"You should not look at me so."

"Why?"

"We don't have time for what you have in mind."

Oh. They didn't? She smirked. He frowned. She drew her shirt up and flung it aside without a care. Not losing sight of what she wanted, she drew her hands up and cupped her breasts. They filled her hands and with her fingertips, flicked at the rosy peaks. His eyes darkened as they observed her hands. Tingles ran down her body as she thrummed the peaks to her own beat.

He suddenly lunged forward and hauled her body up. Lowering his lips to her right breast, he nipped her fingers before settling his lips around her nipple. She hissed as he tugged it with his teeth. Within minutes, they were back on their bed. But this time, he was on top of her. His magic took care of their clothing.

Naked, she lay in front of him, legs spread open for him. He drew them further apart and stared down at her. She shuddered out a breath when he spoke.

"Spread yourself for me."

She knew she was wet beyond belief. It didn't help that he had left two loads of his cum inside of her already. Using her right hand, she did as she was told. But took her time. She played with her slit, making sure to obscure his sight with her wrist. He growled.

She drew back and lifted her fingers to her mouth.

o0o

The others were sitting around the living room, ready for them. Nobody commented on their delay. Well, except for Marcus who wrinkled his nose. Hermione would have spoken but a pair of blue eyes caught her eye. She grinned and rushed forward. Adrian smirked and picked her up. She ruffled his hair. He smacked her arm away when he sat her down.

"I missed you," she said. Adrian bent down and whispered it back but before he moved away she leaned up and whispered into his ear too. "He also missed you."

Catching the startled jerk of his head, she smirked. His face flushed as he cleared his throat. "Right." he joked back. But she knew him. He was happy about it. She was pulled back into a darker embrace and she looked past Adrian to the others.

"Gabriel, leave your wife alone. If you're not careful, she will leave you for somebody much younger. Especially since she will be around young men soon."

For the first time ever, Gabriel actually looked stunned. Heidi chuckled and smack his arm lightly. "I told you to stop. Anyways, I'm ready to go."

"Here is about two weeks worth of polyjuice potion. Take them with you and give half of them to Ginny. She will carry some around for you in case something happens. I'll be sending you some through everybody else. Now, when you arrive, just make sure to follow the list I gave you. But keep an eye on Harry. He will draw the eye of others so make sure he is never alone. Ron will be with him in case anybody tries something. Bring Neville into things slowly. He has his own thing to worry about now."

Heidi drew back as she finally voiced her true thoughts. "It's going to be hard to see Adalene and not smother her with hugs and kisses."

"Be close to her. The attachment between her and I is there. She'll understand later."

Gabriel hugged his wife and kissed the top of her head. "Deep down, she'll know."

Hermione dropped the next bomb. "Gabe, you need to suit up too."

"What?" Two voices said loudly.

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "What? You didn't think that I would be sending her in alone, did you? But Neville can't be seen making out with me so please don't do anything that would garner that kind of attention."

Draco wandered in, face lined with exhaustion. "Longbottom?"

"Yes, I need him for something altogether different."

Heidi took the clothes she handed out. "McGonagall is in Dumbledore's office, she'll give you a basic map of the school. Be careful. I'll be sending Gabe in a day or so."

"School...I never thought I would be going back." Heidi said as she shook out the uniform.

Adrian chuckled. "As Hermione, you will have to take it very seriously."

o0o

Hermione watched Harry and the others lead Heidi out of the office. McGonagall closed the door and turned to Hermione. "Are you sure she'll be convincing enough? Looks aren't everything."

"She'll have to learn. Nobody really pays attention to me either way. Neville spoke up, his voice full of humour. "I did."

"What?" Hermione crossed her arms and cocked her hip. Neville blushed but held her gaze.

"I noticed you. I had a crush on you for about two years now. Not anymore since I started liking somebody else. But I did notice you. So did others."

Adrian laughed. Marcus leaned forward on his knees. They had followed them in so they could split from here. Severus had gone to fetch Zeph and the others. Hermione lifted an eyebrow.

"Who else has been looking at me without my knowledge?"

"Several Slytherins, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and a few Gryffindors. Most have been noticing you in the past year or so. But nobody wanted to come forth with their interest due to your close friendship with Harry. Others thought you were actually dating either Ron or Harry. There was also another rumour," at this, he looked uncomfortable. Hermione smirked slyly.

"What rumour, Neville?"

"That you were actually sleeping with an older student. Somebody saw you with an older person. Nobody knows who but word is circulating that it's one of the seventh years."

She couldn't help it. She burst into laughter. Adrian wiggled his eyebrows and made an obscene hand gesture that made McGonagall scowl and Neville blush. She stood up and shook her head. "I don't know where that rumour gained its wind but I'm not particularly concerned."

Neville nodded, finally turning his gaze away from her. She smirked. He would need to grow a thicker skin if the plan had any chance in hell in working. She clapped her hands and addressed all of them next. "We'll head to the villa, the others should have already arrived. I'll keep in touch, Minerva."

"Be careful, Hermione"

"Of course."

It didn't take them long to arrive. Severus was waiting for them in the living room. She smiled and stepped forward. The warmth of the house welcomed them. Adrian pushed her out of the way, forcing her to stumble. She glared at his back and pulled her wand out. He grunted a second later and fell forward, jabbing Marcus in the back.

Hermione opened her mouth to tell him off but a figure appeared under the kitchen archway. "Zeph!"

Those warm pearl-colored eyes crinkled at the corners. "I'm gone for just a second and you both decide to regress to this childish play. What am I going to do with you kids?"

Not waiting for a second, Hermione rushed forward, making Adrian grunt once more as she elbowed him away. She would have hugged Zeph if another voice hadn't broken in next.

"What am I? Chopped liver? You'd think she'd be excited to see us after all this time."

The voice could only belong to one person. Hermione froze and swirled around to see…

"Mom!"

…...o0o0o0o0o0o……..

Thanks for the comments and the silent readers! Here's another chapter. A bit short but the next one will be longer! Happy early Halloween!

Vanee