Hello everyone I know I have been really bad at updating lately and I am very very sorry. I have had writers block something shocking. I am working in the next chapter and I am hoping to have it to you soon, I am just working out some kinks. But enough of my babbling and onto the story.

Allons-y

'I will tell you everything, tonight meet me at in seventh floor corridor by thetapestry depicting the attemptofBarnabas the Barmyto teachtrollsballet and I solemnly swear you will get all the answers you need' without another word Hermione broke free of Remus' grip and left the pub.

Stage 2 was complete.

It was not long after Sirius flipped the table that the entire party of boys had been roughly escorted from the building. It annoyed Sirius that he had let his emotions get the better of him. He really did love that pub and now they had been banned for the remainder of the school year. The boys were pissed at him too. They each hated the Hogs Head and now it was their only choice. That and he was sure that they were mad about the whole Hermione thing too, but mainly about the pub. Except for Remus, maybe he was just pissed at him for threatening Hermione…again but he was not all to blame for this. After all she didn't give them one fucking answer when she said she would and now they have yet another hoop to jump through, why in merlin's name did Sirius find this infuriating girl so sexy. Sirius Black was not the type of man to let one girl work him up in such a manner that he would flip a damn table.

'I hope you are proud of yourself mate you have officially fucked it all up how do you feel' Peter mocked Sirius; seriously the runt of the group was getting his jabs in.

'he should feel like a right dick but I doubt that, I am guessing that you feel wait pissed off and frustrated because Hermione had the upper hand again so no remorse right Pads' Remus' voice held a certain amount of venom that Sirius was not accustomed to hearing. They had fought before of course but not like this.

'well maybe if she would have I don't know answered just one question then we would still be allowed in the pub and could have some faith that she is not going to turn us all in and have you expelled. She was a bitch in the…' a searing pain radiated from Sirius' jaw. He had not seen Remus coming with a closed fist. His head spun as he fell to the ground. Looking up at his angered friend the familiar metallic taste filled his mouth. Lifting his hand to his mouth Sirius was unsurprised to find that Remus had split his lip. 'What the fuck Remus'

'did you ever for one moment think that she did not feel safe enough you ignorant hippogriff shit, you cannot call her a bitch because this was your fault too. And I am choosing right now to ignore the fact that you have called her a mudblood. I don't care if none of you come to this meeting tonight because I will be there to listen. So go fuck yourself Sirius because she is my girlfriend for now and you will not disrespect her like that am I clear'

'Moony cool off for just a minute, we all played a part in this and I agree I think that we should meet her tonight. Don't look at me like that mate I know that you will be there too. Your curiosity will peak to a point that you will not be able to say no, after all you never say no to Hermione.' Holding his hand out to his best mate James helped Sirius to his feet. James spoke with such sincerity that it caught his best mate off guard. It was evident that Hermione had not just had an impact on at least three of the Marauders. Sirius knew he would have to apologize not just to his friends but Hermione too.

'I wish I never said it Remus, the look on her face was something that I will never forget. The fact is I fucked up and hurt someone I care about like my kin. I deserve all that you can throw at me and then some. The truth is she got me back too said that I lived up to the Black family name, you three know better than most that I don't believe in that shit and yet I called her that out of spite' Sirius was truly sorry he ever did ever call Hermione a mudblood. She was singlehandedly the most interesting, complicated, intelligent and beaut…prett…maddening witch he had ever had the pleasure of knowing other than Lily of course but she didn't count because she was well Lily.

'How do we even know that she will give us this information didn't she say she would give it to us here' each of them looked shocked at their often dim friend when he made this statement. It was something that Sirius had been trying to get across to them but somehow he had failed but Wormtail succeeded. Remus the know it all of the Marauders remained in a quite deliberation for what seemed like a long time before he finally answered the dunce.

'We don't know Peter, but we need the answers and she has them' standing outside of the pub each of the boys reflected on what they needed to do. None more than Sirius. If he was not a mature young man, then this would be the moment he stamped his foot and perhaps he would even go as far as to throw himself on the ground kicking that screaming like a disobedient child. She just had a way of frustrating him endlessly and it always touched his last nerve how she was a riddle wrapped in a conundrum. And that was in Sirius blacks humble opinion the understatement of the year.

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As the boys slowly and glumly made their way back to the castle, James broke the awkward and heavy silence that had fallen over them since they left the village.

'Do you need to hug it out the Pads maybe we could sing some kumbaya' James jabbed at his best mates sudden and unexpected confession but the entire thing became worse when Peter joined in the jovial grilling.

'Maybe we should join hands while we sing' the laughter that had been sorely missing from the marauders returned. It felt good to laugh right now after the dramatics of their meeting. It was something that they needed. That was the foundation of their entire friendship after all. They had the ability to find the humor even as the time turned darker. Even though the jokes were at his expense Sirius laughed until there was a dull ache in his ribs. Once they gained enough composure, Remus asked a question that Sirius had hoped would never cross his lips.

'Just one more thing Sirius how long have you fancied Hermione' Sirius felt his blood run cold. He thought he had done better at hiding his affections. He had never been so grateful for James at that moment whom was still coming down from the laughter. Planting a firm hand on Sirius' shoulder, James swiftly changed the conversations direction.

'Come on Moony why would he fancy Hermione she is not his type' acting offended Sirius had often considered himself a connoisseur of the fairer sex, never really having a type. He considered himself to be the modern Casanova choosing to be a lover of love especially in the physical sense. He did not even discriminate between houses hell he had even snogged a Slytherin once and she did this thing with her tongue that drove him wild. The girls in Hufflepuff were eager to please; Gryffindor's just so happened were extremely adventurous, but his favorite by far was the women in Ravenclaw. He once had a girl do this one thing where she…well he would never kiss and tell about that girl.

'And what is my type Prongsy?' the three boys answered in unison before breaking out into a fit of laughter.

'Easy'

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'And then he flipped the damn table, the same table which had five pints of butter beer on it. He went crazy, honestly Lily you should have seen his face. He looked so scared, I hate that I made him look like that. That was when I decided to leave before being thrown out.' As Hermione recounted the events of the afternoon to a flabbergasted Lily, she realized just how much of a crazy ride it had been. As she entered the dorm just an hour ago, she was shaking and barley able to string a sentence together. The adrenaline was pounding in her ears as her heart rate had increased to the point Hermione dramatically thought she would have a heart attack. Lily waited for her friend to calm down before pressing her for the details and to say she was unimpressed would have been the understatement of the decade.

'By him do you mean Remus or Sirius? You know they both have feelings for you Hermione and if I know anything that is that boys are irrational and impulsive especially when it comes to girls that they like. I mean just look at the Neanderthal toe rag James Potter. He is an idiot that will do anything to get me to go out with him even though I have never showed him an ounce of interest' Lily had a way of making points very clear and concise. Hermione had known since her birthday that Sirius had been developing feelings for her, but she could never act on them because she was still with Remus for now anyway. Rather than question, her feelings for Remus Hermione struck any and all other feelings and thoughts from her mind.

'you're being absurd Lily, Sirius can barely stand to be around me these and as for my relationship with Remus well that I doubt will go any further then it has given that I have broken whatever trust that we had. It was some of the best times of my life having Remus as my boyfriend and I will remember him fondly for that. I mean how often does a student get to date the professor they had a crush on' Hermione sighed as she realized just how dire she had made things. She would not blame the boys is they never spoke to her again. That probably hurt more than anything. Mentally kicking herself Hermione tried to remember her purpose. 'However I have a more important purpose then to be chasing the affections of boys around this castle' if only she could believe that in her heart it would have sounded honest, but she was doing her best but at that moment it was not enough to deter her highly observant friend.

'Whatever you need to tell yourself Hermione. Are you sure you want to do this today I am just worried about you. By the sounds of it, Sirius is the one that we should be worried about not Peter; please don't look at me like that with the side eye. I know that you have to but I wish I could go with you that way you could have some back up or something. Just promise that if at any moment it goes south you will just get the hell out of there' Hermione appreciated that she had managed to procure such an amazing friend like Lily Evans. She was the first one she truly had here in the past and if she had her way Hermione would have this friend for a long time to come yet and hopefully that means that Harry will also have the mother that he deserves rather than the family he was given.

'At the very least I need to give Remus his answers Lily' a sense of guilt washed over Hermione. She had sense of responsibility towards Remus. She needed him to know so many things, like how she really did have feelings for him, she never meant to hurt him the way she did and lastly that even though he is a werewolf she would never do anything to jeopardize his time here at Hogwarts. That was the thing she needed him to know the most, the way he is should not be the way he is defined, rather the way he is celebrated.

'You mean about the fact that he is a werewolf and the others are animagi, and how you found out. Sorry to burst your bubble kid but you are not the only one who knows about that one. They really need to be careful about talking in the common room. It is called a COMMON room after all.' Hermione was not all that surprised that Lily knew the boys secret after all she was blindingly clever, and just like Hermione, she was never going to tell anyone about Remus' affliction. She just wished that the boys had some more trust in her about that particular topic. Hermione cared for Remus even now after everything but she felt like after tonight they would no longer be together the way that they were now. She just hoped that they remained friends at the very least.

'Why am I not surprised that you know about the boys, well I that case yes I need to put them at ease and in the same breathe I need to get Peter away from all of you. Not just for your sake but well you know why' without another word, Lily pulled Hermione into a tight hug and said something that reaffirmed what she was in the past for.

'Thank you Hermione, for everything you gave up to save people that you never even knew. I literally owe you my life' her words filled Hermione with a humility and determination. In that moment, Hermione felt as though her purpose was clear. She needed to do this tonight. She needed to be rid of the rat finally and forever, before he has the chance to ruin the lives of her friends past and future.

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When did everything become so messy? Remus laid on his bed in the empty dormitory. The boys had left some time ago for dinner but he was in no mood for food instead he clutched the small piece of parchment that she'd left behind for him. The words were so simple, instructions of where to go and the time to meet. Remus wished he could be mad at her or at least feel something more than lost. Being with her was as easy as breathing and right now, it was as if he was starved of oxygen. She'd made such an impact on him in so many ways. Hermione was someone unlike anyone he had ever known. Her loyalty rivaled that of the marauders. She was so very smart but not in a way that she needed to show off. Above all, of this she saw something in him that not many ever took the time to see after they discover his "furry little problem". She looked past the monster to the man. She was still his for now. Remus hated that he kept adding the "for now" onto those sentences. How could he ignore everything that had occurred to have him in this situation? Could he just go into this with some blind faith and hope for the best? A small voice interrupted Remus' train of thought

'Moony, are you alright mate, I mean are you really going to meet her tonight?' Peter looked worried. He was even more sheepish then normal, though it could be the fact that he too was shocked by the events of today

'Peter I honestly don't know anymore, I think I have to go but a big part of me thinks it is reckless and well irresponsible but when has that ever stopped us right' his laughter was forced and left an awkward atmosphere in the room. the silence lasted too long for comfort. Before Peter spoke

'I think that she is doing this to cause trouble like some sick game why else would she need to string us all along for so long. She is obviously up to something. I personally think she is being a bit…' before Peter could finish his sentence Remus had Peter by the collar pinned to the boy's dormitory door. It is one thing to express concern but another to be hateful. Remus could feel the wolf thrumming inside of him. Peter was threatening his girl and moony would never stand for that. A low guttural growl echoed through the room as Peter coward under Remus' amber eyes

'listen to me you rat, if you ever go to call my girlfriend a bitch ever again then I can promise you it will be the last words you ever speak because you will have no voice box, do you understand' Peter nodded with such ferocity that Remus was surprised his head didn't detach from his shoulders. When Remus finally let go of his friend Peter sunk to the ground and looked to be on the verge of tears. As he made his way, back to his bed Peter said something that surprised Remus for the second time in such a short time.

'You really care for her don't you?' Remus looked at the cowardly lump on the floor that was his friend.

'You have no idea'

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'I'm just saying Pads that you are mental if you think you can get away with this, Hermione will have you fed to giant squid and I love you like a brother but I will leave in its belly.' James had been mocking Sirius for the better part of the evening over his plans for what Sirius was calling the great granger get back of 1975 it would only involve a modified Altero charm and a hell of a lot of laughter.

'I will only inflict this upon the fox if she does not give us the information tonight she owes us that much and besides since when have you been team Hermione anyway' raising an inquisitive eyebrow to his best friend and brother. James squirmed slightly under Sirius's gaze 'this has nothing to do with a certain red head whom you wish to marry now does it?' the blush rose in his friends cheeks and Sirius had his answer.

'Listen mate you know me better than most, I love a good prank but I do not know if you have noticed that Hermione is kinda scary. The other day in potions, she cast a non-verbal that is some pretty advance shit and I don't wanna bee in the way when this blows up in your face. So I will help you but you have to take all the blame deal?' James extended his hand and Sirius took it without hesitation. This is why he favored James above the others they were kindred mischievous spirits, always looking for the best and funniest pranks. 'Pads there is something else I wanna ask about and it's been buggin' me since this morning, was Remus right when he asked that you fancied Hermione. I may be blind without my glasses but the way you two are around each other, it's kinda eerie you move she moves, you flirt she flirts harder'

'prongs you must be completely blind she is just a shiny play thing that I enjoy trying to get a rise out of nothing more, besides as long as she and moony are a thing I can't touch her' and that was the painful truth for Sirius he wanted nothing more than to touch her. It had only gotten worse since her birthday. He did not know why it bothered him so much it was not like he was good enough for her anyway.

'Come on we better get going we are already 10 minutes late, if you are ready for this that is' James spoke as if it was no big deal but Sirius couldn't help and think that after the meeting tonight something was going to change. The only question was if the change was going to be for the better.

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The longer Hermione waited in the seventh floor corridor the more the nerves in the pit of her stomach refused to subside, instead with every minute that ticked by they rose. The boys were at least twenty minutes late by this point. Hermione was sure that at the very least Remus would show up as for the others well they were wild cards especially one Sirius Black. Mr. Black had an uncanny knack to annoy the hell out of Hermione; she was sure that she had the same affect but he always had to take it to the next level. In the distance, she heard a clock chiming. It was eight o'clock and now the Marauders were half an hour late. Although Hermione felt as though she was the one to blame in this particular circumstance. She was the one who had the secrets; she was the one who outed the boys and their secrets, on top of all that she was also going to hurt them even further. All of this left her feeling frazzled and fried. She wondered if her exterior was showing how she was actually feeling, she could only hope that he answer was no. Instead, her mind wondered to the weight of her situation. She was here to save the lives of the people she care for most in this world. The boys from her time from having to grow up so quickly and her friends from the past from their premature deaths. Her mind often wondered back to Harry often and Ron but more often than not, her thoughts drifted to her raven-haired friend. It was so hard for it not to given she saw his parents on a daily basis. Everyone was right Harry really was the spitting image of his father except for the eyes they were Lily's. She wondered if their lives would already be different. Would she have done enough to change the future? At the very least a collection of the horcruxes were together waiting to be destroyed. She knew she was breaking so many wizarding laws meddling with time. She wondered if her secret were to ever fall into the wrong hands would she be locked in Azkaban. Hermione remember the way Sirius looked after his escape, how he was driven into a madness because of the prolonged exposure to the dementors and his plot for revenge. She wondered if she would be able to withstand something a horrendous as the dementors kiss. Hermione once thought that the worst thing that would happen to her was expulsion. If only things could be that simple again. Hermione longed for a less complicated life, without all this planning and scheming. Maybe once all of this is done, she would be able to have that but she doubted her life would ever be the simple cottage and a couple of kid's type of life.

'what are you doing loitering in the corridor Granger, you're not up to no good I would however revel the opportunity to have a hand in your expulsion' Severus' cold voice rang out in Hermione's overly cluttered mind. In all honesty, she was truly not in the mood to deal with his inferiority complex.

'good even to you to Severus, it is a pleasure to speak to you as always however if you please excuse my language would you mind leaving me the fuck alone, unless you wish to wait for my friend to arrive and we can have some fun, you do know what fun is don't you. Oh wait of course you don't you are a Slytherin after all, they only teach you hatred and torture right' she could tell she had struck a nerve with the younger potions master.

'I know what you Gryffindor's are like Granger, you are arrogant, reckless and self-righteous. Not to mention of course that your house harbors half-breed monsters' Hermione had her wand drawn faster than you could blink.

'You listen to me very closely you greasy snake, it is one thing to insult me but it is another to insult my friends. If you even as much as breathe in their directions I will make you sorry'

'You are being heard crystal clear Granger however I would watch out for yourself because you will only ever threaten me once. You will never get a second chance.' Turning on his heel Severus left an angered Hermione in his wake. Not unlike his older counterpart, Severus Snape had a way of getting under Hermione's skin. It made her feel dirty.

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Remus watched as Hermione defend her house and friends against the slippery snake that was Severus Snape. If he was completely honest with himself, it was actually kind of sexy. Snape was good but Hermione was better, in many ways. As Remus was staring at Hermione he did not hear, Pads, Prongs and Wormtail sneaking up behind him.

'I thought we were late you have not even approached her yet, you're not a scaredy wolf are you Moony' Sirius might have been joking but if he had seen what Hermione had just done the Remus would have money on it that he would be hesitant to approach her too.

'If I remember correctly Sirius you are the one who should be afraid of this particular witch'

'What me afraid of Hermione, I am Sirius Orion Black of the noble house of Black and I am afraid of no witch.' They had all seen her approaching the cocky member of their group and as far as Remus was, concerned Sirius was about to get what was coming to him.

'Boo' Hermione exclaimed scaring one Sirius black. His face was this bizarre mix of surprised and fear. However, Remus' favorite part would have to be the girlish scream that came from Sirius' lips.

'Mother of merlin, what the hell Hermione' his anger was evident but there was very little weight behind it as he began to laugh along with his friends

'I thought you were afraid of no witch Sirius' Hermione had that devilish gleam in her eyes that made Remus want to kiss the witch senseless. Even Moony wanted to pin her to the wall and ravage her. It took all his control to refrain.

'That was not me scared, that was surprised' Sirius' defense was incredibly flawed as he tried to explain away the fact that Hermione had gained another point in the continually running game one upper.

'Like fuck it was Padfoot, do you need a new pair underpants there' James enjoyed the times when someone could play a trick on Sirius, especially if it was Hermione. Because she just had a way of out smarting their cocky friend. This was one of the times it was as easy as breathing to be with Hermione. It however was not going to last.

'Who said I was wearing any.' The sad thing is that it was a regular occurrence for Sirius to go commando, but what was sadder is that Remus knew that such a thing happened. As the laughter stopped, Remus wished it would keep going. That they could just stay in that moment but that would be far too easy. Instead, Hermione sobered them all as she asked the fatal question.

'Are you all ready for some answers?'