Kingsley had arrived and ran quite a few tests on the marauders. It was uncertain how long they spent answering questions, delving into history, and reliving moments that could solidify their identity. Once it was positive that they were, in fact, them, he recounted the years they lost.

Hermione wasn't present. There was something more to it than her disinterest. Remus made note to ask the witch later about her absence. It was horrible. The war, the rise and fall of the dark lord, and the friendships that bloomed and severed along the way.

"Peter, he was a spy?" Sirius questioned with a wince.

Kingsley nodded. "He was, Sirius. It was an awful revelation when you broke out of Azkaban. He contributed to Lily and James's death, as well as the rise of Voldemort for the second time."

"And I went to Azkaban because he framed me?" Sirius growled.

Kingsley rocked his head. "Again, yes."

"And the year that I happened to teach, Sirius got out in search of Peter?" Remus asked as he tapped the chair arm with his fingers.

"Then, of course, you both were reunited. I can't say I'm apologetic that you both don't have these memories. You didn't live fairly easy lives," Kingsley huffed with a pout.

Sirius grimaced as he straightened his coat. "Well, I suppose that's beneficial."

Remus exhaled and relaxed back in his armchair. "Kingsley, tell me, what is the story of this crisis? Hermione was quite vague."

"The world woke up to most of the population being magicless. No discrimination, either. Muggleborns, half-bloods, and even prominent pureblood families were all struck. Lucius was rather displaced after his magic disappeared."

"Lucius Malfoy is without magic? Who else?" Remus asked.

Kingsley shook his head. "Nearly everyone. Aside from Charles, George, and Percy, the entire Weasley family. At least on the record. Hermione said Ginerva Potter refuses to announce she still has magic due to the victimization that witches and wizards with magic have gone through. When those that lost magic grew resentful, they turned on those with it." Kingsley breathed before continuing. "Even reports of previous werewolves or those influenced by magical damage have reported the loss. Many unneeded deaths occurred because of the loss."

"I guess the real question is, who still has it?" Sirius grunted.

Kingsley twitched his nose. "A few. Hermione is one of the only witches in the ministry that still retains her magic. Those that have gone into hiding to wait this out. The only way we have been able to keep a hold of them is a registry that tracks their movements. It's for their safety, but no one is too content with being watched."

"And the world? What is happening with those that lost it?" Remus questioned.

"We set up a system. They can reach out to ministry personnel and retrieve the items they need to remain comfortable. Quite a few have gone off to live in a rural setting so that they can see if it just mends on its own. Many have declared aide, which we have helped to rehouse and secured them in a safe location until it is solved."

Sirius leaned forward in his seat and scowled. "What's Miss Pressed-Suit's story? Why is she off?"

Kingsley shifted his robes and sat straighter. "Hermione is the only one left, still trying to solve the crisis. Many who have tried, disappeared when they were concerned about being around the affected. If those with magic come in constant contact with those affected, they lose the ability to use their magic to the fullest. She's gone to several countries in the last six months to assist them in programs to help the affected. Hermione is the only witch left who still believes she can fix this."

"Must be quite a lonesome adventure," Remus mused.

"Quite. I've done what I can while still retaining the Ministry of Magic's reputation. However, I cannot race off to different countries for answers. She still believes there's hope."

"You told us our previous bout of life we were involved in Harry's life?" Sirius asked.

Kingsley nodded with a polite smile. "You were, and you both gave your life for him."

"She was there too?" Remus questioned.

"Yes."

Remus exhaled while bobbing her head. "That's plenty for her to take on."

"I know. I won't be announcing your arrival. Everyone is too skittish to learn that two war heroes returned from the dead. I will need you to keep this under wraps."

"They can stay here with me, Minister Shacklebolt," Hermione's voice entered the conversation.

The marauders glanced over to see she was in far more relaxed attire. Hermione now wore a maroon t-shirt and some jeans. It was the polar opposite of her previous outfit.

"That's a decent idea, Hermione. They might be able to help you with your research if they're willing," Kingsley declared.

"Of course, Kingsley. It would be only appropriate to assist in any measure," Remus announced.

Kingsley reached over and touched Remus's shoulder. "She's an intelligent witch to be sure, but it will be nice for her to have help. Thank you."

"I have requested the ingredients for Wolfsbane Potion. Horace said his apothecary friend would do so discreetly and send it to my office tomorrow," Hermione said with a nod.

Sirius arched an eyebrow. "Thought of everything, love? Here I thought we were going to be helping you."

"When is the next full moon?" Remus huffed as he scrubbed his face.

"Ten days from now," Hermione responded.

Kingsley stood up and rolled his neck. "You all will have tons of time to catch up while I go finish my meetings for the day." He turned to the witch, who shifted on her feet. "Don't worry about the Argentinian Minister. I will speak to him myself, and we will hold off on your expedition until we have them sorted."

Hermione nodded as she fiddled with her fingers. "Minister," she started as he moved toward the fireplace. "I want to take them to see Harry Potter."

Kingsley turned to her with a tight expression. "You know the regulations, Hermione."

"But, Kingsley," she attempted while stepping toward him.

He glanced down at her before looking to the marauders. "Oh, alright," he groaned. "Be safe about it and don't terry. If you start feeling nauseous or light-headed-"

She cut him off with a laugh. "I know, I know. Leave and get some rest. Remember, I know this routine better than anyone in the world."

"And don't touch him," Kingsley warned them. "That only increases the symptoms."

"I know," Hermione huffed.

"If they show signs of," he stopped when she glared. "Alright, I won't pester."

Hermione smiled and touched his arm. "I promise. I have this handled. When have I ever let you down?"

He touched her shoulder with a nod. "Never. I just don't want you to end up ill. You're the only one that can help us, Hermione. The future of the world is in our hands."

"Now, finish your meetings so you can go home and see your wife. She writes me more than you do," Hermione said with a toothy smile. "Any more and I'd have to ask who was worse, her or Molly."

Kingsley laughed and waved at the marauders. "You're in great hands. Try to behave yourselves. The world is much different than you remember."

"You're tellin' me," Sirius grumbled. "I never thought you'd get married."

Kingsley smirked and turned to the fireplace before departing in a green flash. Hermione turned to the marauders with a nod. "Why don't you both clean up and we'll see if Harry is home from work."

Remus scowled and scratched his chin. "Hermione, I have to wonder. What's the urgency? Kingsley seemed quite unamused by your plan."

"Because," she paused and wriggled her nose. "If we do so now, I might be able to give him a reason to fix this."

"But, he's affected?" Sirius questioned.

"Yes," Hermione agreed.

"And how does that give him the motivation to fix something he's incapable of doing so?" Remus inquired.

Hermione moved to the seat Kingsley abandoned and inhaled. "Because Harry needs a reason to believe in magic again." She shifted and glanced away from them. "I need a reason too."

Remus saw it. This witch was half a meter away from the edge of despair. He had been there on several occasions in his life. If it weren't for his marauders, he would have been there before graduation. This witch needed someone to be there for her in the isolation of this mess. It was a heinous wrong for her to be alone.

"Okay, let's get ready, Sirius," Remus said with a nod.

Sirius arched an eyebrow as he stared over at Remus before glancing at the emotional witch. Hermione was holding onto tears as she remained fixated with the crackling fire.

Sirius moved over to the end of the loveseat and took her hand. "Dove, don't you cry. You're far too pretty and witty to be so broken," he sighed.

Hermione laughed and swiped her face with her free hand. "You have no idea how barmy that sounds coming from you."

Sirius smirked and squeezed her fingers. "You may be surprised. Remus has heard worse from me."

"I don't find that surprising in the least," she retorted with a smile.

Remus moved over to the pair and scowled down at the sniveling witch. "Hermione, you have quite a few memories of us, but we're oblivious to the past. I hope you understand it might take us a minute to catch up."

"Of course, Remus. I understand completely," Hermione said with a nod. "I would love to help you both in any way possible to feel comfortable in this odd circumstance."

He smiled and shifted in his jumper. "Of course. Why don't you go on and collect the things we will need for the adventure to Harry's? We're going to make ourselves suitable."

Hermione stood up and stared up at him with a genuine grin. "It really is lovely to have you back, Remus. I have a whole selection of books we can go over in regards to this crisis."

"You know just how to warm me up," Remus chuckled while shaking his head.

The witch beamed before skirting out of the room. Remus turned to Sirius with a surly expression. "There's more to this than a simple visit."

Sirius shrugged, and his lips bunched to one side of his face. "Honestly, Moony, I think the witch is a bit lonesome. I can't imagine what I would have done if you weren't allowed to be around me. A whole year in this awful place, alone with books as her only companion. I'd be begging for a change of pace."

Remus tilted his head from side to side in mental measurement. "Accurate, but don't you find her acceptance odd. She just immediately retrieved potion ingredients for me. The decision to take on two figures from her past so easily. It seems off."

"Well," Sirius scratch his face. "It could be because she trusts us," he offered while pointing at the werewolf.

Remus relaxed his posture and rocked his head. "True. There is much more to our past that I'll retrieve from her later."

Sirius scooped Remus under his arm and smirked. "Just relax. We're alive, and you've got someone who reads more than yourself to contend with. I have a feeling this wee witch is quite the bookish warrior. She's the last person on the planet who would judge you for your pass time."

The werewolf inhaled with a nod. "Alright, Pads. I'll let it go. Let's go shuffle off and get ready. I have an inkling that little witch would come down and pester us to get moving if we don't."

"Me too," Sirius laughed, and the marauders headed up the staircase.

Hermione poked her head out from the drawing-room and stared after their forms. Her minor scowl read of keen interest on the pair. It was going to be an interesting day, and those that followed might get strained if she wasn't careful.