James was sick of the divide between Hermione and Sirius. Moony had told him at dinner that he could pick up Hermione's scent in the dorm room. However, it had been difficult over the smell of the cheap and nasty cigarettes that Sirius had been smoking. Looking down the table Hermione looked positively miserable. James could see the pain that was etched behind the fake smile she had on her face. Her happiness was normally so infectious that you couldn't help being drawn into it like a moth to a flame. He could not remember the last time he'd seen a genuine smile from her. The guilt swelled in his chest the more he looked at her. While he was pleased that she'd done as he asked it wasn't enough. He wanted his family to be reunited and enough was enough. Standing from his place at the Gryffindor table and with a newfound purpose, James made his way to their shared dorm. He could hear Moony calling his name but he paid him no mind, he needed some answers from Sirius and seeing as how he was absent from yet another meal, James would have to go to him. A part of him felt like he was missing without Hermione and even if Sirius did not fully forgive her James needed her in his life.

If everything went according to plan, and Hermione approved, over the summer she would become a Potter. His parents were getting everything in order for it to happen and James would not have his best friend and sister fighting. As his mind swam with a mix of pain, anger, and frustration James hadn't realized how quickly he'd made his way to the dorm until he was bursting through the door. The smell of his cheap cigarettes burnt his nostrils as Sirius jumped, startled by the noise of the door slamming shut. The smoking was one habit James hoped Padfoot would drop after all the drama died down but that was for another time. James had to know the truth.

"Merlin, Prongs! You gave me scare! Dinner finished already?"

Sirius sat in the alcove of the window. He had lost so much weight he looked genuinely unhealthy. With the dark circles more prominent around his eyes his normally effortless appearance now looked disheveled. It was definitely unbecoming of the noble house Black. If Walburga could see Sirius now James was sure she would have a fit. Perhaps that was the point.

"So, how did everything go? I mean, we know Vix came by and given that the room is still intact I assume it went well?" James asked acidly as he sat on his bed. The faintest look of surprise crossed Sirius' face, but as quick as it was there it was gone. It was clear Hermione still had an effect on Sirius, even if he did not want her to. James wondered if Sirius really hated Hermione or if he just felt wounded. His intuition told him it was the latter of the two.

"How did you know she came past?" Sirius did not meet his gaze as he spoke. Instead, he took another long draw of his cigarette.

"Moony…" James shrugged as Sirius exhaled, filling the air once more with the unpleasant aroma.

"Freaking wolf. Of course he knew," Sirius sighed. "It was all right I guess… she apologized, but I don't know. It doesn't feel like enough. It's just confusing…why would they keep it from me? Why didn't you tell me, Prongs? Would it have really been that hard to say something to me on the sly? Better yet, why didn't she just say something to me? Am I really that hard to talk to?"

James chuckled under his breath at Sirius' questions. He loved the boy like a brother, but fuck if he could be petty when he wanted to be. It was the least attractive of all his attributes. James wanted so badly to slap him and tell him that he was being petty and small-minded, but he couldn't do that to him. Standing James moved closer to his friend and took the cigarette from the small tray squashing the bud. Sirius didn't say anything about this action. Instead, he just stared out of the window. Several moments passed before James spoke again.

"It wasn't my business to say anything, Padfoot. For fucks sake, how many times do we have to go over this? They had their reasons for keeping it to themselves. As far as I know only Lily knew what happened and it was because we figured it out. I still honestly don't know how you were so oblivious to it. I mean shit, how many different signs do you need?"

They chuckled even though there was no humor between them as James walked over to Sirius and placed a hand on his shoulder. He may have been a dick and a stubborn mule, but Prongs couldn't live without Padfoot. He wanted to be mad. In fact he wanted to scream at him, but there was just as much pain on his face as there was on Hermione's. If they could just figure this shit out then life would be so much easier.

"Apparently I needed more. I'm not going to forgive her for this. At least not fully…yet. I just, I don't know how to get back to the way things used to be, Prongs. Everything is changing." The somber tone in his voice scared James. Sirius was saying so much, yet nothing at all.

"Is that because you don't want her around during the summer or because the one girl you actually feel something for kept something from you?"

Finally turning to face James, Sirius' grey eyes swam with fear and confusion. Shrugging off ames' hand Padfoot began to pace the room. James had just revealed that he knew what was coming, and Sirius was not taking it well.

"Fucking Christ! How much stuff do you actually know?" Sirius asked as the panic rose in his voice. Clearly he was not planning on anyone finding out about the letter and it's foreboding message. Sirius paced in the middle of the room like a caged animal longing for its freedom but knowing the next whipping will be along any minute.

"Just enough I think," James said. "So tell me the truth. Which is it?"

Sirius refused to look at James and James suspected it was out of fear. Padfoot had once said he could lie to everyone else in the world, but never too James. The room was wordless for what felt like an eternity and a minute. It wasn't until Sirius dropped to his knees that James saw how much he'd been suffering alone in silence.

"I don't know anymore," Sirius whispered. The unspoken truth had now been said and the words hung in the air with a weight that even Atlas himself could not have held.

-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-

Sitting in the room of requirement with Lily had become a daily occurrence since Hermione had promised her that she would finally come through on her promise to help Lily become an animagus. Lily had swallowed two mandrake leaves which meant they had to start the entire process over again not once but twice. They were now only one day away from the potion phase of the transformation. Hermione and Lily mediated an hour a day every weekday and three on the weekends.

"Uh, Hermione, I know it is important but I have a sensitive gag reflex," Lily complained again as she tried not to wretch from the slimy leaf in her mouth. Laughing Hermione remembered her training for her animagus transformation. More than once she too had to hold it down.

"It's important, Lily, that you don't vomit or swallow or you'll have to start all over. Again. You really don't want that do you? Besides, it comes out tomorrow. Have you done the incantation today?" Hermione could see Lily gritting with sheer determination. She was one day away from a leafless life and she was not going to give that up for the world.

"Yes I have and I think I have narrowed down what my form will be. I do not have wings so no a bird or bat. Definitely furry and four legged. When I meditate I feel calm but agile. Is that odd to say?" Lily beamed as Hermione laughed. She of course had known what Lily's form was going to be since they had begun the process. Lily would be a do. Her animagus would perfectly reflect James' and boy was she going to be pissed off when she found out.

"No, it sounds normal. For me I knew I was small, fast, and furry but more than that, my hearing sharpened and so did my smell. It was odd for sure but I could swear I could smell the forbidden forest." Hermione could perfectly remember the feeling when she first transformed. She could feel the vibrations running through her body as her it effortlessly transformed. She waited for the pain but it never came. The intensity of varying sounds and smells were almost too much for her to handle the first time. She only stayed a fox for a moment before returning to her human form. Now Hermione could not wait for the familiar feeling of running through the forests brush, taking in the sounds of the beasts running around her. More than that she missed running during the full moon.

"So once I am done with the damn leaf we start the potion portion, then what?" Lily asked as the thoughts of running left Hermione's mind. Smiling at the redhead, she gave Lily her fullest attention. She had promised her that she would answer any question she had. One muggle born to another, the whole transforming at will into an animal thing could be overwhelming.

"You focus and hopefully transform but you have to have something anchor you. It is easy to get carried away in your form but you need something to remind you that you are a human in another form that is not your true skin."

Lily's brow furrowed and Hermione knew she wanted to ask something but was afraid of how Hermione would react. Taking a deep breath and placing a hand on Lily's Hermione tried to reassure her friend and hopefully coax the question from her. In a voice that could be mistaken for that of a child, Lily asked her question.

"What's your anchor?"

"The night sky. But more in depth the stars" Hermione said plainly hoping Lily didn't take it any further. Then again, if she didn't then she wouldn't be the Lily Hermione loved so much.

"It wouldn't be a dog star would it?" Lily asked and Hermione didn't know how to respond. It had always been the Dog Star for her. From the very beginning he was her anchor.

-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-

Hermione woke groggily the next morning. Lily had kept her awake for much longer then curfew with an endless stream of questions about her animagus form and how much more she could expect. Although it kept her awake and she was paying for it now Hermione couldn't help but smile. Lily was an extraordinary witch with an amazing magical ability. But more than that she had a curious heart that had been passed down to Harry. Today they would meet at the same time and the same place to begin the next phase. As she rustled in her bed Hermione couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had followed her for days. It sat deep in the pit of her stomach, it felt like she'd swallowed a boulder. The feeling was really starting to get to her. It also didn't help that Marlene had been particularly difficult over the past few days. Each morning she had a new drama which usually boiled down to getting a rejection from a new guy she was interested in. So much drama for such a fickle reason Hermione thought not daring to say the words aloud. Alice tried in hushed tones to calm her friend to no avail. Instead the efforts looked as though as they were backfiring as the tones became sharp, short and angry.

'Look who finally decided to wake up. The saint herself, the number one most important person. The stupid Quidditch match starts in an hour so you may want to start your ridged morning routine. Even though I have no idea why you still attend the games when the boys have been dicks but hey each to their own.' Marley's tone left much to be desired so soon after Hermione had woken up. But before she could say a word Lily was ready at her defense. Thank goodness for Lily.

'Marley leave her alone, she just woke up for heavens sakes. She is still wanting to support James and Sirius. Even though they are not speaking to her she is a better person then they are and is not taking away her support so just drop it ok.' The red head snapped slightly as Marlene looked disjointed by the sudden defense. There was one thing scarier that a mad Marlene and that was an angry Lily. After all hell hath no fury.

'Geez Lily no need to be so snappy I'm just saying that it's weird. They dumped her over something a stupid as her breaking up with Remus and now you and her are in some secret club and are not including Alice and I and all I can say is that this is totally fucking bogus that you defend her at every turn' Marlene puffed out her chest saying her peace. Clearly there was something bigger to all of this and Hermione was not going to let Lily take the brunt of the fight given the anger was directed toward her.

'You're right Marley Lily and I have been doing stuff secretly and before you ask no I am not going to tell you what it is. And as for her defending me, you have Alice, Lily and your entire family to speak to. For me it is different I had the boys at one time but now I have only Lily she is all I have because I have no other family outside of her and I am sorry if you have felt put out by this. Now as for you insults to my character I would warn you not to do it again. I am not a saint I assure you of that. And if you see it fit to insult me again I promise I will not be so tolerant the next time. Even though the boys are not speaking to me right now they're my family. Fighting or not you support your family.' A proud smile crossed Lily's face as Marlene's brow furrowed. She could see Marlene was trying and failing to keep her anger and frustrations under wraps.

'Ok saintly Hermione we get it you're a good person.' Marlene stormed from the out of the room slamming the door behind her. As the door crashed against its frame Hermione couldn't help but recoil at its sound. What was eating at Marlene so badly that she would lash out in such a way? She would have to try and find out because she really didn't have any energy to fight with another friend.

'What's wrong with her?' Hermione asked as Alice and Lily looked to each other. The unspoken debate that waged between the two of them was incredible to watch.

'Marlene tried to ask Sirius out yesterday and it didn't go well.'

'And she blames me why?' Lily and Alice both wore the same look on their faces as though they questioned why Hermione had to ask in the first place. As her messy curls fell around her face Hermione shook her head in frustration and sadness. He rejected Marlene because of her. That was why Marlene was pissed and if she were honest with herself Hermione deserved the anger that was directed towards her in that moment.

'You know that it's not really your fault though right Hermione. It's Sirius who is the deluded one, you kept a secret so what everybody has them and he is acting no better than a troll. In fact saying that is an insult to the troll community. Marley will get over it soon I promise and by the way you are way scary sometimes that whole "I won't be so tolerant next time" thing was just downright scary and I have seen Lily at a full rage.' The nervous babble kept flowing from Alice's lips even though she tried to stop herself multiple times. It took Lily clamping her hand over her mouth to finally defuse the conversation.

'Ali why don't you go see if Marley is ok, we'll meet you at the pitch ok…' Alice just nodded choosing to forgo the possibility of restarting her babbling. As the door clicked closed Lily sat on the bed beside Hermione and took her hand in her own.

'What happened was not your fault, I can see it in your mind that you are taking blame that doesn't belong to you. She will move on to the next shiny thing in a few days and Sirius will get another poor girl in his bed instead of our friend. Now get dressed I will meet you down in the hall, do you want porridge or a muffin this morning.'

'A muffin please' Lily smiled a radiant smile that made Hermione feel a flood of warmth in her chest. If the way she woke up was any intention of how today was going to play out then it would probably be safer to sleep the day through. However that is not an option no matter how appealing it sounded. All Hermione could hope for now was that the trouble that lurked just around the corner wasn't going to cause any serious harm.

-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-

It was a pleasant afternoon for a Quidditch match Hermione thought to herself as she and Lily made their way down to the pitch. As beautiful as the blue sky and warmer weather the dreadful feeling in Hermione's stomach left her with an ominous feeling that she couldn't shake. It was hard to narrow down why she was feeling this way but her intuition was refusing to let forget that something was wrong. Trying her best to be in the moment Hermione and Lily climbed the long winding stairs to the Gryffindor stands. To her surprise when they reached the top Remus waved them over shouting for them to sit by him. This was odd given that they'd not spoken in some time. Skeptical Lily and Hermione approached the boy. As the tension hung heavily in the air Remus seemed clueless to their discomfort instead her beamed from ear to ear.

'Imagine seeing you here.' Remus continued to smile as they joined him. Hermione could feel her brow permanently furrowed as he spoke. What had changed in a few days that now deemed her worthy of their time? Hermione could feel the same energy radiating from Lily as she prepared herself to defend her friend at the smallest sign of any misconduct.

'What can I say I am a sucker for pain?' Hermione said as Remus began to laugh. As he laughed Hermione felt something change the rigidness of her frame loosened as she found a now foreign laughter left her body. A real smile and laughing was something Hermione hadn't done in a long time. She usually tried to put on a good face, but this was real joy something that she didn't realize she'd missed as much as she had.

'Aren't we both? It's nice to see you smile again.' The faintest shimmer of blush spread across his cheeks as he spoke. Did he really just blush? Hermione wondered as she watched his face more intently then she had maybe ever. She knew for her that the feelings they'd once shared were still there though they were much fainter.

'It's nice to smile. So how are they?' she asked lightly, although she was genuinely curious to the revelations that now allowed her to be spoken to.

'Causing trouble overly excited about the match but both seem lighter if that makes sense. Prongs refuses to tell me but there has definitely been a shift in dear Padfoot. You wouldn't know anything about that would you?' he looked at her intently with an air of humor in his cocked eyebrow. His green eyes staring at her so intently made Hermione remember the last time he'd done so on the night of Sirius' party. A flash of heat coursed through her veins as she remembered the feeling of his closeness. Although she didn't feel the same as she did then Hermione would always remember that nights actions with the same intensity as she did now. Clearing her throat Hermione was certain he will have heard the difference of her heart rate though he would be too gentlemanly to point it out.

'I haven't spoken to him in days in fact I'm wondering why your speaking to me now. Don't you think he will know and then you'll be back as public enemy number two?'

'Why am I number two?' with simple glares from lily and Hermione the lightbulb was quickly lit within his mind. This time Hermione was certain of the blush that raged across his cheeks. 'I can handle him, but I miss you so now I say fuck it I am breaking the silence.' Moony seemed genuine enough though she knew he would do anything to keep the peace between himself and the boys. Not that it was a bad thing per say but now that it seemed like things were getting better, but if that was just a façade and Hermione was to still be alone her heart would break worse than before. Shaking the thought from her mind Hermione tried to stay present ion the moment rather the focusing on the hypotheticals.

'You're living dangerously now Remus' Lily jested as nudged Hermione in the ribs as though she knew what was flowing freely through her mind. However serious Hermione had become what Remus said and did next was as hilarious as it was surprising. It was possibly the worst impression she'd ever heard.

'Dangerous is my middle name.' Remus said as he attempted a dramatized smoldering glare. Hermione and Lily simply couldn't hold in their laughter. In fact they laughed so hard that Hermione could swear she heard Lily snort at least twice. It had been so long since Hermione had laughed so hard that her sides ached.

'Hooch is releasing the balls.' Wiping the tears from her eyes Hermione instantly focused on the game at hand. She could see James and Sirius each with an intense scowl upon their faces. They weren't here to play her boys were here to win.

As the balls were released Hermione held her breath, the sudden rush for the quaffle always made her uneasy. Perhaps it was the fact that she was a muggle born and but flying on a broom at full speed into a swarm of other riders whilst chasing a ball just seemed insane to her. Even when Harry, Ron and Ginny played she still held her breath. Hermione smiled to herself thinking that every half or pureblood friend she'd ever had loved to fly and play Quidditch. It wasn't until she'd met Lily that someone finally had the same mentality. Though she had grown to enjoy watching the game she would never be a player.

She watched as Sirius and James ducked weaved and dodged with speed and grace. James was on fire as he scored time and time again. Hermione Lily and Remus cheered so loudly that she was positive that she was screaming herself hoarse. Sirius protected the seeker so well each time swinging his baton with raw precision and power that he managed to knock a fellow beater the Ravenclaw from his broom. Although for a moment Hermione worried for the girl her attention was quickly brought back to the game. Flying past each other James and Sirius high fived as they continued on with their teams strategy. All Hermione could do was laugh at them, at least they were being their authentic selves.

It all happened so fast it was hard for Hermione to react in real time. James had the quaffle in hand as he sped towards the goal posts his broom lurched and jerked it appeared to be out of his control. The look of panic that crossed his face as he was not in control of the equipment that had him hovering dangerously high off the ground. Before Hooch could whistle the remaining beater for Ravenclaw had managed to line up the bludger perfectly. The enchanted object flew straight to James hitting him in the side of the head breaking his goggles and knocking him from his broom. His body was limp as it was falling. The fear coursed through Hermione's veins. Without proper time to think Hermione pulled out her wand and through panic screamed the only spell that came to her mind

'ARRESTO MOMENTUM'