Guess who's back again! Hi everyone. Please enjoy this chapter. I have been in a particularly inspired mood lately. I would love to hear what you think. Review, favourite, follow and whatever else if you enjoy the chapter.

Without further rambles Allons-y

Hermione's heart dropped. Moony looked over his intruders with a keen intense glare. He respected one as pack but the other was fair game. A trespasser, his prey. A long sickening growl came from his muzzle and Hermione felt it vibrate in her ribs. She'd only been truly afraid of Moony once in her life before tonight. And with all respect it had been her first encounter with a werewolf. Since then she'd only cared for him, both in the future and in the past. She was his pack.

It didn't matter to him now. As far as he could see, she'd led a stranger into his den. Moony's elongated features snarled and sniffed in their direction. As slowly as she could Hermione reached for her wand only to find it wasn't there. A cold shiver of anxiety and fear ran up her spine. Her vine wood wand wasn't there. It must have fallen from its place up her sleeve on her frantic run here. She curse herself for being so stupid, more than that she was furious with Sirius. Had he thought about this she wouldn't need to be here in the first place.

But now Hermione needed to think. She was wandless against Moony, and she needed get Snape out of here. Her mind raced with possibilities. However all ended in her or Snape being injured. She could handle herself being hurt but not Snape. Any sort of movement would initiate Moony's attack. She knew what needed to be done, but with his heightened senses and speed she didn't have much time. The snarl flickered on Moony's lips. He was getting ready to strike.

It was now or never. Hermione yanked the young potions master by his robes behind her exposing herself to Moony. His claws were sharp and swift, as they made contact with Hermione's shoulder. A deafening scream came from her lips as the white hot pain radiated from her shoulder down and across her back.

"RUN!" Hermione shouted as she began to run, shoving the even paler then normal Severus towards the entrance of the willow. She could only help him so much as Snape stood mouth a gape. Taking in the beastly form before him. He'd pestered them all for months to know the secret, but it was another thing to see Moony in the flesh. He didn't need to be told twice as Snape ran for his literal life. As the snake ran, Moony surveyed the crimson blood dripping from him claws. He seemed pleased by his efforts, but it would do little to satisfy his thrust. By the look at the feral amber eyes, Hermione knew she was in far more trouble than first perceived. If she hadn't known any better she could have sworn that she saw Moony smile. He was in the mood to hunt and Snape was the prey on the run. As Hermione took off after Snape she was surprised not to hear moony close behind. Was he really playing with the like this? Hermione's body thrummed begging to transform. Her foxily instincts begging to take over. She needed to wait for the right moment, and not a second before. In his panic Snape's limbs were even more useless than normal.

"FOR FUCKS SAKE GET OUT OF HERE!" Hermione barked in a moment of rage. Snape was being unusually useless. His limbs refused to work together to get up the steep earthy slope. Hermione was surprised by the frightened boy in front of her. And for the briefest moments she could see just how much he would change. The man he would become was one of bravery and intelligence. She could only hope the astuteness would come quickly. Moony had given them a head start. If only to prove that he enjoyed playing with his food. Another howl filled the narrowing chamber and Hermione knew he was starting his chase. They were so close. She needed to get Snape out at all costs. He was not allowed to die here. Not just for the future but because Remus would never forgive himself. The scarping of a single claw along wood, dirt and stones was quickly approaching. Moony was feeding off of their fear. After all that was half of the fun. Her heart threatened to jump from her chest. The steep earthly slope was proving difficult for Snape to scale. Hermione's world began to spin. She didn't have much time, before the blood loss set in. Through her pain Hermione shoved Snape with all the she had. And that was all he needed. Grasping at the willows opening Snape hoisted himself free.

"Hermione please take my hand" Snape reached for her. His black eyes swam with fear and anxiety. But she would leave with him.

"I'll give you as much time as I can. You need to run Severus. Get anyone and for goodness sakes don't stop no matter what you hear. Now RUN!" Hermione turned her back on him. She hoped she could fend moony off just long enough as heard the soft thudding foot falls on the grass outside. Snape was gone.

At least he could follow basic instructions when his life depended on it, Hermione thought to herself. Taking a stabilising breath she looked into the darkness of the tunnel. It was only her and her wolf now. Moony would have heard it all of course. As he quietly made his way into the moon lit opening, Hermione could see the disappointment on his muzzle. She was blocking his only way out to the fresh meat. Hermione held her bloodied hand up to stop the wolf. The extended inhale told Hermione she had Moony's attention. But for how long. She needed to delay him if only for a few moments. Just enough time for Snape to make it as close to the castle as possible. Her vison began to blur. She'd lost too much blood.

"Moony, stop now. I don't want to hurt you" Hermione tried to reason with him. She could hear the mocking snarled laugh. He knew that he could hurt her. Throw her to the side without much effort at all. But they were pack. And she knew he would hesitate for this reason. At least she'd hope he would. She had to try, even if just for a moment. Hermione needed the wolf to falter. She knew that Remus would never forgive himself if he injured Snape. Hell she was certain he would be beside himself when he learns he attacked her. "Moony look at me, your need to stop this now. For Remus stop." Every sane nerve in her body was begging her to run, to transform and to literally do anything else. Lycanthropes were not known for their kindness. They would kill their best friends without a second thought. But she had to try for Remus, and she supposed Snape too but mainly Remus. As Moony glared down at her there was a moment. Just for the briefest of seconds where his eyes flickered with a green tone. Remus was there. He was trying to control the wolf. It was the moment she'd been waiting for. Hermione shifted. As quickly as the green tinge had arrived it was gone and Hermione knew Moony would settle for nothing less than Snape on a plate. The wolf lunged at her, Hermione was more nimble in her fox form. Avoiding his furious swipes, Hermione made an attack of her own. Using his stature against him she ran between his legs. At a full speed she launched off of a rock to climb onto his back. Moony didn't seem to enjoy this as he frantically scratched and clawed at his back.

Hermione tried to stay out of his grasp, but even she was not that luck. Moony managed to grab her tail and yank her off his back. Hermione heard herself screaming in her shrill foxily tone. This did little but annoy the enraged wolf, as he flung her with an impressive force against the tunnels dirt and stoned walls. Hermione felt several of her bones snap and crack. Her vision became blurred, as she shifted back into her human form. Her scream filled the hollow, unable to move she watched Moony clamber his way up the slopped entrance of the shack. She tried to call for him, to call for Remus to no avail. She could only feel pain as the hot slick blood dripped from her ears and nose. She pleaded her body to move to do anything. She could faintly hear the distant shouting above the pulsating in her head. The last thing Hermione saw was the flashes of red lights, before she let the darkness take over.

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Sirius had been beside himself. Why? Why did he have to be so hot headed and foolish? Hermione had been in St Mungo's for a week now and it was all Sirius' fault. And everyone involved knew it. He'd caused this, he'd done this to her. Moony wasn't talking to him, in fact his black eye and swollen lip were just the beginning of his punishment. Remus beat him bloody, and it still wasn't enough. Sirius just let it happen, he'd dissevered every strike, every bruise and so much more. Remus could have killed them both and Sirius would have been responsible. Dumbledore would have been within his right to expel him but something held him back. Instead he was banned from all extra-curricular activities for the remainder of the year. Not that he would be having much time outside of the detentions he would have to serve. This was minimal price and Sirius would pay it in full.

Understandably Dorea and Charlus had been fuming at his negligence, and after his howler James had stopped speaking to him all together. As angry as they were, they truly couldn't hate him as much as he hated himself. But what hurt the most was that Hermione. She nearly died trying to fix his arrogance. Sirius had never wanted her to yell at him so badly. Because that meant she would be awake and alive. He wanted to hear her scream at him so very badly.

Her injures had been quite extensive at the hands of Moony. Bones in her chest, shoulders and back had shattered, which punctured her lung. And then there was the three long lacerations across her shoulder and back. When McGonagall and Dumbledore found her they thought she'd succumb to the injuries. Not many people could have survived what she had. But Vix, she was not the average person. She had to be ok, if she wasn't he would truly never forgive himself. Upon hearing the news of his debauchery, his mother was elated. The news of him finally stepping to the darkness delighted her immensely. All the summers lessons finally coming to effect. Especially if it meant injuring a blood traitor like the Potters. She of course didn't understand the whole story, Dumbledore wouldn't disclose Moony's condition to that vile woman. Sirius hadn't left his room since that letter arrived. He couldn't stand that she was proud. It made him feel dirty and sick. He'd spent most of his time in complete silence sitting in his widow nook. He wanted to waste away in this spot, not moving until the world righted itself. Pulling out another cigarette Sirius windlessly lit it, and enjoyed the feeling.

"Sirius? I didn't see you at any meals today, put that disgusting thing out" her soft voice grated on him. Why was she being kind? He didn't deserve it, especially now. He couldn't look her in those beautiful eyes, he was afraid of what he would see. He couldn't take anymore disappointment.

"I don't know if you got the memo, Lily but you're supposed to be mad at me." He tried to sound flippant, he wouldn't let her see past the surface. She would surely run if she knew what was beneath his surface. She didn't belong on the island of misfit toys.

"Oh it is hard not to know, especially with Remus sleeping in the common room. After all you sent my best friends into known danger because you're a petulant immature child. But that doesn't mean you are allow to skip meals especially more than two in a row." Her kind smile was off putting. This was not the Lily he was used to. She should have been flying off the handle. Getting progressively redder until her face matched her hair. Lily crossed the room and sat on Prongs' perfectly made bed. Only then did he face her. Lily smiled at him. Patting the space beside her and the tray. Sirius knew he wasn't getting out of this without bending to her will.

"Why are you being kind after everything? Shouldn't you be screaming at me or something?" Sirius pushed off the nook, and sat where she'd set up his meal. Lily really was an angel. The smells of the roasted dinner with all the trimmings, was enough to make him salivate. Taking the knife and fork, Sirius feverishly shovelled the food into his mouth. Lily's smile was one of contentment.

"Would that make you feel any better if I called you a petulant child?" Her tone was unnervingly calm. This version of lily was far more frightening than her normal self. His mind swam with contemplations. Ranging from the perceivable to the outrageous. His favourite thus far was that the normal Lily had been abducted and replaced, like in the muggle science fiction books he'd read.

"It's what I deserve" he said flatly. Her furrowed brow, told him she was not impressed with this answer. Not that she could convince him of anything else.

"No it's not Sirius" Lily said adamantly. She was frustrated with him, as the redness started to develop on her neck and ears "don't get me wrong I am absolutely furious at you. But it won't help Hermione any or Sev. If anything it will only make you feel worse and I don't want that."

"Do you know how she is?" he asked in a solemn tone. He'd wanted to ask Moony, but he could barely stand to be in the same room at the moment. And dear Prongs wasn't speaking to him either. Not that he could blame them.

"She's responded well to the potions and can now breathe unassisted. It will be another week or two before we will know if she was infected." Those words cut him deep. Infected. If she was, her life would forever be changed. Watching one person Sirius loved suffer was enough. He might go around the bend if Hermione was… He could even think it. "…But she's alive Sirius and it will take a long time for her to forgive you. But be patient, give her time." He'd missed the middle of what Lily had been telling him. He could only hope he would earn her forgiveness.

"How can you be sure she will?" Lily cupped his cheek in her hand. Lily was so warm and gentle. Her kind smile ignited something in him that Sirius had been missing. Hope.

"You know Hermione has been helping me become an animagi like you. Don't look so shocked, it was obvious to those with functioning eyes. Anyway…she told me I had to pick an anchor to remind me that I am human in animal form. You would have one too, but have you ever asked her what hers was?" Sirius was shocked and confused. How many people knew about their forms, was it just the worst kept secret ever? He wanted to ask what her form was going to be one. That would have to be another time. Because now he was curious about Lily's sudden divergence.

"Can't say I have. Enlighten me Lil what is Hermione's anchor?"

"You might be familiar with it. The brightest star in the sky" Lily faintly smiled. Sirius had never asked her. Why had he never asked? What did this mean? The questions reeled in his mind as it raced. He needed more answers. So little was registering in his mind. He felt her lips kiss his check but couldn't find a quip as he normally would. Lily just left him there speechless.

Hermione's anchor was the Sirius star. His star.

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It felt like Erumpents had been stampeding in her head. Every inch of her body ached but it especially hurt to breathe. Which was very unfortunate, given that it was an essential function. She'd been unconscious for twelve days. Until two days ago that is. The faces she saw first was her adoptive brother and Mother. Hermione in her time with Dorea knew she cared for her children, but she was even surprised to see her crying happy tears. From the moment she'd woken up Hermione had become a pin cushion and walking test subject. Her healers seemed hopeful that she hadn't been infected by Remus. Hermione knew this already she'd been careful enough, or at least as much as she could have going up against a werewolf.

"We have to stop meeting like this." James said grabbing her hand and squeezing it tightly. His face was full of concern for his sister…for her. She felt awful for it. But then again she couldn't help but feel better just for having him here. Dorea and Charlus had been frantic for days following her waking.

"I have to agree" her voice sounded so weak.

"Mum and Dad will be glad to know you're awake. But really I just…" his voice wavered. James was one of the kindest people she'd ever met. "What I mean is, I'm really glad that you're… blimey why is it so hard to say…'

"James. Don't, I'm ok…Look at me. I'm here. It'll take more than a wolfs attack to get rid of me James. I'm not going anywhere yet." James took her hand to his lips and kisses it. Hermione was really going to have to get better at this whole being reckless thing. She didn't know how much more her family could take. Letting go of her hand James wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Oh before I forget I have some letters for you. Lily and Remus wrote you of course but you have some others too."

"Thank you." Hermione's voice croaked and creaked as James smiled and kissed her cheek. His hazel eyes held so much pain. He was still so young it wasn't right.

"When you're ready the healers put the sleeping draught on your bedside. Mum will have your hide if you don't do as the healers say by the way. I am talking from recent experience. Good night sister" Taking his leave Hermione propped herself up to read some of the obscene number of letters she'd received.

Hermione,

If you are reading this then it means you're awake! And thank goodness for that, because if you died I would kill you.

Not much has changed here really, with the girls anyway. Alice and Marlene are much the same. But I miss you terribly. There is only so many times I can hear about a date with Frank Longbottom. He finally had the nerve to ask her out and she is of course obsessed and happy. Marlene was being all snippy after Leon Cedar broke up with her. Don't get too sad for her though she already has a new beau some Ravenclaw. I am not bothering to learn any of their names until they are walking down the aisle. So really I need you to know, we need you back as soon as the healers say is appropriate. Not a moment before or a second after.

But onto the real reason for my letter. I know what you did for Sev and I can't even tell you what that means to me. I am furious with Sirius of course. To be completely honest it has been a rough for him of late. Not that it isn't of his own making. Remus beat the living daylights out him in the middle of the common room. Your mum and dad were furious with him too. James even sent him a howler. I don't know if you have ever seen one go off before but it was honestly terrifying. I worry about him Hermione…Sirius has isolated himself. I know what he did was wrong and it will not be easily forgiven (honestly I don't know if it will ever be really) but maybe when you feel up to it send him a letter. It really would do him a lot of good.

One last thing I hope you got the flowers I sent across (mine are the ones that have a white lily and yes I know it's corny and I hate myself a little for doing it), they aren't much but hospitals are always so dreary.

Get well soon Hermione, I can't wait for you to come back.

Always,

Lily

Sure enough on her bedside table there was a small but beautiful bouquet of purple hydrangeas with a single white lily in its centre. Hermione missed Lily. She always knew the right things to say. Not just that but she was her best friend. Carefully she placed the letter back in its lavender scented envelope. Hermione knew before even opening the next letter who it was from. His heavy handed rounded penmanship was unmistakeable.

Vix,

I heard you woke up today. I have never been so relieved. Dorea and Charlus have been giving Lily and I regular updates. They seem hopeful you will make a full recovery (without a furry problem). There is just so much I want to say but am struggling to find the words. Firstly and most importantly I am so sorry. It will never be enough, if I'd…I would never have forgiven myself.

I need you to know, that there was a moment. When I was him that I remember. It is hazy, but I remember you there in the tunnel. I forgot my last potion for the evening. You can be mad at me later but I need you to know I tried to fight him. For you. You have to get better, there is no grey area there. We can't be without you. What would we do without you Hermione? Crash and burn probably.

I sent across a small gift of sugar quills. I know they are your favourites (if Prongs hasn't eaten them all before you woke up). If he did let me know and I will gladly send you more. In fact I think a lifetime supply will be coming your way. With no arguments.

I will never stop being sorry for what I did to you Vix. I hope you can forgive me.

Love Remus.

Her heart contacted in her chest. As far as Hermione was concerned there was nothing to forgive. Remus was absolved of any wrong doing. The guilt was written there as plain as the nose on her face. She hated that he felt this way. She wanted to scream at him that none of this was his fault. Though a lifetime supply of sugar quills definitely did sound appealing. Hermione smiled to herself. Looking at her third letter Hermione was unsure of the handwriting. The neat angular script was written in green ink. Hermione wondered if it was…

Potter,

Thanks for saving my life. I won't say anything.

Snape.

Snape had never been a man to mince words. Her last letter was again a familiar font. His elegant cursive was unmistaken able. Hermione hesitated, unsure if she was ready for what Sirius had written. Her fingers followed her name on the envelope. Was there anything that he could say to fix this? Would the words inside be enough? She was still furious with him. He'd been so stupid. He could have killed an innocent boy. This was inexcusable. But Lily's letter stuck out in her mind. He was isolating himself again. Taking a deep breathe Hermione opened his letter.

Hermione,

Surprise not only do I know how to read but I can write too. I hope you feel ok.

Everything is…well its ok I guess.

I'm sorry and I miss you.

SB

A tear fell down Hermione's cheek. She wouldn't forgive him, for a long time but she could feel his pain. She wanted to be mad at him. In fact she wanted to be irate for everything he'd put them through. But his six words brought her completely undone. Sirius was a proud person. He was arrogant and pigheaded. It would be easy to be mad at him, forever. But she just couldn't muster then energy. As her head pounded and her body shacked Hermione had reached her limit. Putting her letters away she drank the sleepless drought potion. As she settled into her uncomfortable cot and before the heaviness could carry her into unconsciousness, Hermione let the tears run down her cheeks. Her last thought being of Sirius sitting in his nook, as she imagined the look of his heart breaking.

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It had been eighteen days, since Hermione had been admitted to St Mungo's and today was the day she was returning to Hogwarts. What made it better still was James would be returning with her. Her mother had informed the headmaster of their returns, but also to keep their return as a surprise. Hermione was particularly excited to see Lily's reaction when they entered together. She could barely contain her excitement.

"Are you ready for this Vix?" James asked looking into her brown eyes. She could tell he was worried that she wasn't ready. But little could happen to dampen her happiness.

"As I'll ever be, how about you? It's been even longer." James took her hand in his. He didn't need to say anything more. Hand in hand Hermione and James walked through the great halls doors.

They were home.

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Sirius was sitting away from Remus, Lily and the other girls. He knew right now that he wasn't welcome there. He didn't know if he would ever be again. It wouldn't surprise him any if it never happened.

"HERMIONE!" Lily screamed loud enough that the entire room went silent and took off sprinting to her. Sirius looked over to see Hermione standing there, hand in hand with…James. They were back. While he was glad to see his best friend Sirius couldn't look away from Vix.

Her smile reached her warm chocolate brown eyes in a way that he hadn't seen in a long time. She looked pale still, considering everything that wasn't a surprise. But Godric she was beautiful. She had the uncanny ability to take his breathe away.

Remus and the girls made their way to the two Potter children. Each taking their turns in hugging them. Thanks to his canine hearing Sirius was able to hear snippets of them speaking. Lily was being extra affectionate and hovering like the mother hen she was. James made a joke that earnt him a clip on the ear from Lily. At least some thing don't change. Recovering or not Lily would set James straight. Remus offered his assistance to Hermione, but she politely declined. He was going to stop listening soon especially now he knew she was safe and happy with the others. That was until he heard her say his name. She asked where he was. His heart was motionless in his chest. As soon as she asked the question five sets of eyes looked to his direction.

Leaving the group behind Hermione made her way over to him. Sirius didn't know what to do other than stand and wait for her. He had thought about when she returned to school. What would it be like? Never had he considered that she would address him in the middle of the great hall.

"Welcome ba…" before he could finish the sentence, Sirius felt the searing pain radiating in his jaw. For a small still recovering woman Hermione had some force behind her fists. Enough to make him see stars.

"Don't every do anything that stupid again. Do you understand me?" Her rage boiled in her face. He waiting for the next hit as she lunged at him. Sirius readied for it, he was going to take whatever she could dish without retribution. Instead she flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "This is not me forgiving you, but I missed you too". He melted into her embrace, he'd missed the smell of vanilla and jasmine. Finally pulling away Hermione took his hand and led him to his friends. All of which stood mouths agape at what had just happened. Though no one fought her when they sat down for their meals.

For the first time in weeks, Sirius felt whole.

That's all for now. Hope you liked it. See you on the flip side BYYYEE.