A bonus chapter what is this, oh my goodness… I know but I was really excited to share this next chapter. Just wanted to give a big thank you to lrmorena, BratGirl1983, Black Banshee, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx and Blue Luver5000for the reviews on my previous chapter and to TheLionessOfBritany, ShatteredHeartandSoul, CloeM, and Cleo T for the follows/favourites. It really does make me want to keep this up. Any ways that's all, enjoy and Allons-y

Hermione was over this bloody meeting. Any semblance of civility had left the discussion about forty minutes ago. Now it had dissolved into name calling and outrage. The moment the condensed details of Sirius's attack had been brought to the table, the room had erupted. Many took a similar disapproving stance. Though none more Dorea and Charlus. They were being two of the pinnacle players within this argument given the closeness to the subject in question.

"That madman is recruiting underage witches and wizards Dumbledore. He tried to mark my son and has been for months. Perhaps even years now and we are doing nothing about it." Dorea was letting her Black "madness" to the forefront in her passionate protection of Sirius. Hermione thought it best not to interject in her mother's argument at this time. She knew better and Dorea was a scary woman when she wanted to be.

"I wouldn't say that Dorea. You know very well what we are doing." Dumbledore dismissed her concerns so easily that it made Hermione's stomach turn. It reminded her very much of the man from her future. He too was not too forthcoming when it came to the concerns of others, unless it fit into the "greater good". The more time Hermione spent with him the more she began to question the man she once followed blindly.

"We are at war. A child was almost marked at the behest of his parents. This surely cannot be allowed to continue" Her father spoke clearly and without any jarring emotion in hopes that the room would quieten and really listen to the words being said. Hermione knew this was not going to happen. Charlus was trying his best to be the leader in a room of frightened people. "You were offered the answers on a silver platter why is more not being done."

"If I may headmaster." Hermione's voice cut through the crowd. "We have been successful in…" a gruff voice interrupted her from the back corner of the long dining room.

"That's another thing. How do we know she hasn't been compromised?" Moody grunted his dark eyes full of distrust. The room fell silent at his accusation. Something snapped inside of Hermione in that moment. Was that joker for real? Was he really implying that the person whom was here to save his miserable arse had been converted to darkness? What a fucking joke.

"I beg your pardon?"

"He has an interest in the girl." Hermione's blood ran cold. She had suggested to Dumbledore to covertly gather information on Voldemort's interests and any possible recruitments. Hell she'd even given him a list of potential Death Eaters, both marked and unmarked in this timeline. She didn't think that her name would cross his path at least not this early anyway. Having Peter rejected by the Marauders may have sped up the process slightly. That could be bothersome. Another thought for another time. Right now she had to defend herself. "She has apparently garnered some attention for her unfaultable loyalty. He wants her." The room broke out into a fit of fear and suspicion. And Hermione couldn't hold in her distain any further. If she was one of them, she'd been doing everything in her power to deviate from the plans not improve them.

"You must be out of your fucking mind."

"Hermione!" Dorea scolded her daughter for her colourful outburst, but Hermione was in no mood for pleasantries. She was hungry and over the slander being thrown her way.

"No. I will not have my character called into question in such a way. You can go to hell Moody." She caught his hand twitching over his holster. He the man whom had taught her constant vigilance after all. "I am here to keep an extremely messed up future from coming to fruition. He might have an interest in me. But I would rather die than even entertain the idea of being one of his lackeys. I'm done." Hermione thrusted her seat back with such force that it scarped against the floor before tipping over completely. She would not have this not now not ever. She needed to leave this forsaken room before she did something she would regret.

"Hermione wait…" Charlus reached for his daughter, but she pulled back not wanting any form of contact. Hermione could feel herself snapping and breaking. Everything she'd done. Everything she would do was for their lives. Their futures and this was the thanks she got. No…NO MORE!

"Do any of you have a bloody clue what I lost to be here? To help a bunch of ungrateful frightened and ignorant people. You're right I handed you a way to win this war on a silver fucking platter so why do I need to be involved any further. That's right because I know where the fragments of his soul are, the objects they are hidden in and how to destroy them." The room was completely silent as not a single set of eyes could dare to meet her own. That guilt that was sitting in their chests, that embarrassment was exactly what they deserved. "What nothing more to say."

"Be careful girl, you might say something you don't mean" Moody warned her. The man whom had been damning her but moments ago had the gall now to criticise her reaction. She wanted so badly to curse him, to prove that she was not someone to be doubted.

"Me? I need to be careful…really? I am here to save as many of you as possible. So I think it is you whom needs to be careful." His dark eyes narrowed in on her. He was used to being threatened. He was an Auror after all. Threats were practically part of his job description. The two were in an intense stand off each waiting for the other to make the first move. Hermione may not have been a slouch when it came to duelling but she didn't think she was truly up to the standards of a high ranking Auror. However if he was going to make another move towards his wand Hermione was not afraid to find out.

"That's it everyone out of my house. This meeting is over." Dorea cut through the tension immediately. "You have insulted my family and taken up too much time with this nonsense as is. Please leave." Hermione had never been so glad for Dorea. Other then you know every other time she was a complete bad arse. When people failed to move out of shock or uncertainty, Dorea's next words left very little room for interpretation "That was not a suggestion. Get. Out."

"Meeting adjourned" Dumbledore followed her mother's words. What more could he do, the hosts had told them to get the hell out. As each witch and wizard unceremoniously made their way out of the formal dining room, Hermione took the unappreciative looks and underhanded comments and wore them like armour. She stood by her most of words; she would rather die than join his ranks.

It wasn't until Charlus, Dorea and Hermione were alone that a word was spoken. In hind sight Hermione knew she'd maybe, just fractionally, probably might have over reacted. It was only when her parent's grey and hazel eyes were on her that Hermione finally felt the full impact of what she'd done. Though she was finding it hard to regret what she said especially to Alastor Moody. Yes he was a member of the order and an Auror, but he was being a grade a pain in her arse tonight.

"That wasn't your finest moment my dear." Dorea cocked an eyebrow, had there not been a slight smirk on her lips Hermione would have though she was in real trouble.

"I know."

"Who else is bloody starving?" the two women laughed whole heartedly at Charlus's sudden declaration. As if on cue Hermione's stomach rumbled rather aggressively.

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Remus was bored out of his mind how long was he expected to sit of this bloody step. What had James and Sirius hoped to achieve out of this pointlessly irritating endeavour. They cloaked the room in wards, silencing spells and protective charms. It might as well have been Azkaban, nothing was going to come out of that room. Not to mention James and Sirius were never going to hear anything through the charms. Even for Remus's heightened senses he was finding it difficult. It was like listening to voices while your head is under water. He could pick bits and pieces up but it was incoherent. The best he could make out was that they had been arguing for the last forty minutes while he couldn't hear exactly who was saying what but he knew it was getting ugly.

"Seriously this is the secret meeting you two were harping on about."

"Yeah and Hermione's a part of it." Sirius had been on edge since the meeting began, and with every passing moment more madness came oozing out of him. "And she won't ever tell us what's going on in there." Remus was disappointed to call them his mates at that moment. Had they really had all this time and not figured out even a basic piece of information…like what the blood group is called?

"You two are really thick. I have been here a week and I already have an understanding what is going on in there."

"WHAT?!"They exclaimed in perfect unison. It had been far too long since it had happened that Remus was actually proud of himself.

"It is something called the Order. It's a group to fight against You-Know-Who" He didn't even bother to look up from him book. He could see the shock on their faces perfectly in his peripheral vision.

"How the fuck do you know that?" Sirius demanded. God they were so thick sometimes. Had they not tried waiting for the meet to be adjourned and hiding under the cloak to catch any information? Or asking Hermione for non-invasive details? Or better yet asking the wolf who can hear through most silencing charms?

"Wolfish hearing and I pay attention"

"How do we get in this Order?" James's eye went wide with the sudden realisation. He wanted in clearly. But Remus had the distinct feeling that it would happen over Hermione's and his parents dead bodies.

"My guess is you have to be of age…unless you're a time travelling witch." He smiled at the thought of Hermione holding her own in a room with witches and wizards twice her age. Honestly it was kind of sexy. That look of intense anger in her eyes really did float his boat. "By the way please let me know when you plan on telling Hermione you want to join. Because that will be very entertaining to watch her kick your arses" Sirius looked at the double oak doors with an intense rage. It had only been two weeks since his "incident". That's what it was known as now. It turned his stomach to think of how a family could allow and condone what had happened to Sirius.

"You know she will forgive us eventually. Besides I want to be in the room where it happens." Padfoot said coldly. There was so much anger that was festering in him and rightly so.

"You deserve your chance more than anyone Pads but…" James put his hand on Sirius's shoulder as a sign of comfort. Sirius shot up from his seat on the step. His grey eyes shone with a white hot rage.

"But nothing he tried to give me his fucking mark." His words dripped with venom and frenzy "If they are fighting I'm going to join." Neither James nor Remus said anything. What words would make him change his mind? There wasn't any. They just had to hope that this mission he was on wasn't going to cause him too much additional harm in the few weeks he'd been through enough. His need for personal justice was dangerous; Sirius would stop at nothing to earn his seat in that room.

As the double doors opened a line of witches and wizards exited the room. As they sat in silence they heard the rumblings of displeasure from "that girl" and "how dare she speak that way?" Had his assumptions been correct "that girl" would be Hermione. Gathering by their unpleasant tones she had left a lasting impression this evening. Whether good or bad that was yet to be determined.

"Boys…dinners ready"

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Dear Lily,

I hope you are having a good summer and that Petunia isn't giving you too much trouble. She certainly is a character your sister. Anyway, I write because I am desperate for your help. I have been overrun by Marauders. Sirius is now living with us here at Potter Manor and Remus joined us just a few days ago.

I need you here please my life has become a dull never ending stream of boys and their less pleasurable habits. I don't know how long I can remain sane if I have to listen to another Quidditch debate or hear tactics for the team next year. Remus has been a breath of fresh air but he can only do so much before he reverts to his Marauder-ish ways. So that's why I am requesting the pleasure of your company, please join me at Potter Manor for a week. I figured it would be fair as I spent a week with your family. To paint you a picture of what you can expect, we have a picturesque lake with a beautiful will to read under, you would have your own bedroom, but the best and last thing you will love is a rather impressive private library that would be at your full disposal. There are some volumes we have that Hogwarts doesn't.

I know things didn't end well last year with the boys. So I understand your hesitation, but if you would please do me the honour of being my guest I will do everything in my power to make it an enjoyable experience. I have told my mother so much about you she would love to officially meet you. She has assured me that if at any time you feel uncomfortable she will deal with the boys personally. If you knew my mother, that is a truly frightening prospect to even the bravest of men.

I await you reply

Hermione

P.S Did I mention our rather impressive library?

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Dearest Hermione,

How impressive are we talking?

Lily

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Hermione had crawled into Remus's bed sometime around sunrise. The beautiful morning sun streamed into the room, lighting it with a warm orange glow. As all good things do it started innocently. They just laid there in each other's arms for hours. They didn't have to talk, this wasn't about that, in this moment it was about something more. It was about just being together, forgiving each other for the past. At some point Remus fell asleep again and Hermione had found comfort in his rhythmic breathing. It really was everything she could have hoped for. When he was awake however, he lazily as ran his fingers up and down the length of her spine as Hermione laid her head on his chest. She thoroughly enjoyed the steady beating of his heart, especially when it quickened as she played with the drawstrings of his pyjama bottoms.

"Cheeky witch" Remus laughed as he tilted her head to claim her lips. It really was heavenly the way he was kissing her. Under his diligent touch every nerve in her body was electrified. The anticipation and promise of being together in way that meant more than words was completely intoxicating.

"I can't believe Lily agreed to come. She knows we're all here too right? Should we be taking cover when she arrives?" Remus had been teasing Hermione for the better part of thirty minutes. "You didn't Confundo her did you?" She was growing tired of his teasing. If he continued she could think of many other more mutually beneficial ways to tease.

"I resent that implication. But no she wanted to see where I was living after I visited her." Remus looked down at her with a cocked eyebrow as he brushed a stray curl from her face. She knew he didn't believe that was the whole story and he might have been technically correct. "I may have also told her about the Potter family's impressive private library." His husky laugh filled the room. Clearly he understood bribery in its purist forms. The same thing would have worked on Remus. The only difference being he would have wanted something additional.

"That'd do it." He grinned cockily. Hermione was enjoying seeing the confidence in him. It wasn't something that he usually had, but it was undeniably sexy. "So does that mean I should make the most of our alone time." His eyes flickered with the beautiful amber she'd hue she'd come to love. The heat pooled in her stomach as she thought of the possibility he was offering her. Hermione would be lying if she hadn't thought of taking advantage of the privacy they currently had. Dorea and Charlus had business at the Ministry and wouldn't be back until mid-afternoon at the earliest. And she really didn't care what James and Sirius were up to as long as they were far away from this room.

"I think I would be amiss if we didn't. I can think of someone I would love to be doing" Hermione bit the inside of her bottom lip. He cupped her cheek in his hand bringing his lips just inches from hers.

"Say the words Hermione. I need to hear them" his voice was low and sultry, as he placed chase kisses at the corners of her mouth and along her jaw. Hermione was unsure if she could even form words with how badly she desired him. The anticipation was going to be the death of her and he knew it. Hermione however was going to have some fun of her own with Remus. In a swift movement, she pushed him back onto and she with a graceful motion straddled his waist.

"I want you." She whispered as she rolled her hips against him. His sharp breath told Hermione everything she wanted, his hands drifted under her nightgown finding place on her hips.

"Don't tease me too badly now" What poor Remus didn't know was she was going to enjoy this powerful position. Bucking her hips again he growled at the frustrating pieces of fabric between them. Her plan was to drive him to the point of almost insanity. She wanted to do everything she could until his mind and body was going to explode with a desperate want for her.

"Isn't that half the fun" She leaned in painstakingly slow against his chest. Hermione placed chase kisses everywhere except his lips. It was taking all of his will power not to take control; she knew this in the way his body was reacting. Remus's trembled at her every nip, lick and kiss. Hermione was especially enjoying the sound of his thundering heart every time she faked him out for a kiss in favour for attention to another part of his body. Hermione leaned in to whisper into his ear, echoing the same words he spoke to her moment "Say the words Remus…I need to hear them" As several rather spectacular curses fell from his mouth. His resolve snapped as he pulled her face to meet his before seizing her lips. This was not the innocent loving kiss from the day by the lake. This was fiery, passionate, demanding and Hermione was enjoying every second of it as she bit his bottom lip. It was the kind of kiss that you could easily lose yourself in if you weren't careful.

"Hey Moony do you wan…OH DEAR MERLIN!" James's horrified voice wrung out in the room, as Remus audibly groaned. The poor wolf couldn't catch a break. Hermione didn't bother to move of off Remus's lap as she looked over her shoulder to address James. The sooner he asked his bloody question, the sooner he would leave and they could resume the pleasure of each other's company.

"It's called knocking brother dear."

"It called gross, disturbing, revolting, icky and inappropriate actually." He looked and sounded so perturbed by what he'd walked in on. James would learn eventually that you need to knock to avoid walking in on any unpleasant displays.

"Is there anything I can do for you Prongs, if not I am a little busy here" James refused to look at the scene in front of him. In fact he had deliberately chose to look absolutely anywhere except for at his sister straddling his best friend.

"We…were…um…Pads and I…on going down to the lake. Wanted to know if …you...wanna join" It really was charming that he was so bashful. They weren't even naked yet. He surely would have walked in on worse things rooming with Sirius.

"Maybe later, Lily will be here in an hour or so. We'll go down after she settles in a little" Hermione told him a matter-of-factly in hopes he would finally bloody leave. She had a far better more enjoyable something or someone to do this morning.

"Seriously you'll be at this an hour?" his cheeks burned scarlet and Hermione laughed at her brothers innocence. Clearly he'd learnt nothing living with Sirius. A hungry look crossed Remus's face as he gave her a playful wink. He was planning on taking up a majority of that hour and Hermione couldn't wait.

"Maybe…especially if she does this thing with her mouth and it's just so goo…" Remus put on his best sultry voice and whilst Hermione was thoroughly enjoying the look and sound of his words, James was understandably having an adverse reaction interrupting before he could finish his sentence.

"Shut UP! That's my sister and that's way more than I need to know….You always take it too far." James was making heaving sounds at the thought of whatever this "thing" was. Hermione made a mental note to ask Remus later about what it was.

"We would have gotten further if you hadn't interrupted" Hermione said playfully as she leant down and took Remus's bottom lip between her teeth. The wolf growled in his enjoyment. James didn't wait around much longer than that. She heard some protests about waiting for him to leave first, but honestly she would be lucky to keep the wolf at bay much longer.

"Where were we?" he as his fingers disappeared beneath her nightdress.

"Cheeky wolf."

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Sirius needed to get out of the house. The warm summer days had been passing him by as he'd been cooped up working on his "recovery". He longed to be out in the fresh air, on a broom or in the lake just anywhere that didn't have four walls constraining him. The healers had seemed impressed by his psychical healing. That was to be expected with the number of bloody potions they'd shoved down his gullet every day. Though there would be little they could do regarding the other aspects of his recovery. He should have known he would have made it out of that house with only physical scars. The first nightmare had been the worst, mainly because he hadn't been expecting it. The visions Bella craving into his skin was one thing, but as the dream warped and changed Bella's face into Hermione. That was when he'd finally woken in a cold sweat. Ma P had been by his bed side after he awoke. She didn't demand an explanation she offered him a potion, kind words and a silencing charm. Sirius would never be able to express the gratitude for his true mother. But that point was not now, now he wanted to be outside to be free. Only he was waiting for James who was taking his sweet fucking time seeing if Remus and Hermione wanted to join them. So he waited on the couch with his old copy of Seeker weekly, waiting for Prongs. It was another fifteen minutes before he heard the sounds of hurried footfalls on the stairs. Looking over the top of the magazine Sirius took in the appearance of his pale and horrified looking friend.

"Are they coming?" he enquired. Something in his words made James shudder. What in his words could have been so bad that it would elicit such a reaction? Could it be something salacious? Was Remus getting some morning delight? It would make sense given Ma and Pa were going to be gone until later this afternoon. If Sirius had the opportunity to have a witch like Hermione withering under his touch he would certainly take it without thinking twice.

"Please don't ask that." Sirius cocked an eyebrow at his best mate's discomfort. Poor James he had clearly been traumatised by the promiscuity of his friend and sister. This would be an amazing thing that Sirius would never let him forget.

"What's got your antlers all antsy?"

"Can we please change the subject?" Lucky Moony. At least someone was getting enjoyment from being inside. "Besides Evans will be here in an hour so we should hold off on the swim." Sirius forgot that Lily would be joining them today. A whole week staying with the Potters. Charlus had given Sirius and James a rather extensive lecture about what it is to be gentlemanly.

"Oh yeah…is that so you can see her in a bikini?" James blushed at the thought of her in one of those scandalous muggle swimsuits. Sirius was a big fan of muggle fashion they just had a way of making everything better. His particular favourites were miniskirts, bell bottom jeans, leather jackets and the bikini. "You naughty boy Prongs." Sirius winked at him.

"Please Merlin strike me down, make whatever this hellish conversation end." He really was too easy to embarrass, it almost wasn't worth it at times.

"Fine, want to go for a fly while we wait for the others?" if they weren't swimming Sirius was still desperate to be outside in any way shape of form.

"Now that is a spectacular idea. Get me out of the house…Now...Please…as soon as possible."

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Hermione had anxiously been waiting by the fireplace for Lily's arrival. She could barely contain herself with excitement. There had been several letters exchanged between the two of them, about her arrival and specific conditions to her arrival. Lily had opted out of her own room in preference to sharing with Hermione. The other condition was she wanted formal written apologise from each boy approved first by Dorea before sending it by a registered owl post. What Lily didn't know was how it took four attempts for James's letter to be approved by their mother. He kept trying to slot in how her eyes reminded him of the Quidditch pitch on a summer day. Her favourite attempt (which earned two slaps from both their parents) was when he suggest instead of riding a broom they could ride each other. Remus ever the show off had his letter approved on the first attempt. Once the letters were received Hermione and Lily made further plans for her arrival. Which should have been any minute now. As the green flames erupted from the hearth Hermione's heart leapt with excitement. Regardless of the soot and ash that covered Lily the girls ran to each other positively giddy with excitement they hugged each other tightly. The first words they exchanged was a tangled mess of speaking one another, asking questions to each other than answering those questions. When they finally took a breath Hermione formally welcomed her best friend to her home.

"Welcome to Potter Manor." Hermione couldn't stop smiling. Much like when she first arrived at the Manor she gave Lily a guided tour of the estate. She could see Lily's eyes go wide as they walked into the promised library.

"Oh my god…you actually live here." The red head walked around the room taking in the various volumes of rare books that she had only heard of but never seen. Hermione knew this would be her favourite room on the tour (and the primary reason she'd concluded with it).

"I am still me."

"I'm going to start calling you Annie." Lily quipped, quickly enough that Hermione was actually proud. It was just a pity that, that was quite an amazing joke that would be completely lost on any of the other members of her family.

"Stop that." Hermione playfully swatted her friend. As she came to sit by her on the large red plush lounge in the middle of the room. It really was lovely to have her here even if she was taking every opportunity to embarrass her family's opulent life.

"I knew your family was wealthy but holy shit Hermione this is like damn."

"I am still me, nothing has changed. If you want really want your mind blown I should show you the ball room." Hermione said flippantly as she smiled. The look on Lily's face was priceless as her jaw hit the floor so quickly that it reminded her of the cartoons from when she was younger.

"YOU HAVE A BALL ROOM!" Lily shrieked and Hermione felt the heat rise in her cheeks. "Fine I'll stop. But just saying things about James are making more sense the longer I am here." That was something that she was trying very hard to come to grips with. Hermione was a Potter and with the name she hadn't just gained a family. When the papers were signed and everything was had been finalised Hermione was informed of her trust she would receive once she completed her education. It was more gold then she would have been able to spend in a life time. But that wasn't the thing that Hermione had tried to rebel against. It was when Dorea and Charlus compiled a dowry for their daughter. It was a tidy sum of gold plus a small estate they owned in Oxfordshire. She knew this would all be overwhelming to Lily. It was still overwhelming to her sometimes that she lived here, in a manor. James had never known another life to this. So it really did explain at least a few things about his personality. But her brother was more then what Lily had implied, Hermione only hoped that she would get to see it during her visit.

"Don't be so sure. He might surprise you." She playfully nudged her best friend. She was truly grateful that Lily had agreed to come and stay. Not just for Hermione's sanity but for the opportunity to get to know the real Prongs. Now all that needed to happen was for James not to put his foot in his mouth for seven days.

The sound of laughter broke the girl's attention as James and the others walked past the library doors, stopping only once they caught a glimpse of them inside.

"Heelllloooo ladies. You ready for the lake? Did you remember your bikini by any chance Evans?" James winked cockily at Lily and Hermione screamed at her brother's petulance internally. She would have to tell their mother when she got home that James was already being a twat. They moved on quickly thanks to Remus herding them away before Lily could explode. Her green eyes narrowed in on Hermione with anger and frustration.

"I did say might"

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This was almost everything that Sirius had hopes for. A warm summer day, with his friends by the lake and a delightful spread of food it really was close to perfection. The only thing missing was Lily and Hermione in bikinis not that he wasn't enjoying the way the one piece bathing suits were clinging to their skin. Watching his friends having a water fight in front of him Sirius wondered what could possibly be better than this. Other than joining in perhaps nothing, he was too tired for that unfortunately.

"For someone who invited us down here it is odd that you have decided not swim?" Hermione said still laughing and smiling from the epic battle (which the girls absolutely won hands down).

Hermione really was beautiful, but there was something more there too. She was sexy as hell as the water glistened across her skin as it clung to her hair. Sirius had to remind himself not to stare as a droplet ran along her skin and into the valley between her breasts.

"Not weird just glad to be outside" he said lying back basking in the delightful afternoon sun. It was just enough to be outside, that and he hated to say it but the broom race he had with James had exhausted him. "I am so sorry for depriving you of the sight of my incredibly ripped body though"

"How will I go on?" She said sarcastically, but there was something else there. Even with his eyes closed he could hear the hesitation and unease. Hermione was a fixer and a healer. "It will never be the same." He words fell flat again. For someone who is a normally good liar, she was pants at it right now.

"You won't and believe me the picture in your mind is not doing me justice."

"You are such a Prat." She swatted him playfully. As he propped himself up onto his elbows Sirius looked her for the first time since she sat down. The worried look on her face broke him slightly. What was running through this girls mind right now? "How are you really feeling though?"

Sirius knew what she was implying. She wanted to know what was happening below the surface. He normally prided himself with the fact that they were able to speak completely and honestly with each other. Even if it resulted in a screaming match but something inside him didn't want her to know the truth. He didn't want to tell her that he felt fundamentally broken. That he wondered still why they'd picked him, or that he wondered about what would have happened if he'd stayed there longer. But what was really getting to him was that he'd wished for death. Sirius felt guilty for being weak when he promised to be strong.

"I'm fine."

"You know that when someone says fine, it's universally known that you indeed not fine. So would you like to try again?" Even he had to admit that it wasn't his best attempt to hide something. Why did she have to look at him with those caring brown eyes like that?

"I have started having nightmares." He said quietly. Her eyes went wide. He could tell that she was trying not to give a bigger reaction or bombard him with questions.

"I haven't heard anything from your room."

"Mum puts up a silencing spell each night as per my request."

"Sirius…" he voice was shaky and full of pity, it made anger boil in his stomach. Sirius could take pity from most other people except the ones who actually mattered. Ma, Pa James and Remus had all made conscious efforts to treat him normally why could she?

"Please don't look at me like that. I am not a piece of glass that will shatter at any moment Hermione." He snapped as she winced. He didn't mean it to be so angry; Her eyes just minutes ago had been filled with joy and laughter, and now he couldn't stand the sadness looking back at him.

"I would never treat you that way…but don't hate me."

"Why would I…" Hermione wrapped him in a tight hug that made his heart melt. He hadn't been able to have someone touch him without flinching since the incident. Except for now, he didn't feel sick or uneasy. How the hell did she do this?

"You aren't broken, I never thought you were. You are resilient, powerful and one of the greatest men I know." She whispered into his shoulder, as he returned the tightness of her embrace. In this moment he almost felt normal. Like it was just another summer day and he wasn't damaged by the events that had happened to him. The heavy feeling in his chest threatened to break him down as the negative feelings he'd been trying so hard to ignore started to surface. It was too much too fast. So he did what Sirius did best. He resorted to anger or humour to hide what threatened to boil to the surface. It was not one of his finer qualities but today was not the day to unpack his fucked up life either.

"You left something off your list" Hermione pulled back from him with a confused look on her face. It really was one of his favourite looks; it meant no matter what he said she would smile at his joke. "I'm the best kisser, sexiest man alive and well endowed."

"Why do you always have to ruin a sincere moment?" the smirk that crossed her face quickly turned into the smile he adored.

"Aww come on you know it's all true." He said winking at her. Hermione rolled her eyes; she always did when he winked at her. She hated it but how could he get rid of something that was synonymous with his flirting ways.

"What am I going to do with you?" Hermione asked innocently. Though Sirius's mind immediately went to places he knew it shouldn't have given her current relationship status…but a man could dream.

"Love me, adore me, and worship the ground I walk on. But if none of those tickle your fancy we can always…" he put on his thick sultry voice that normally had witches blushing, but Hermione was not most witches.

"You're incorrigible."

"Just the way you like it."

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As Remus carried her over the threshold of their new home he couldn't have been happier. Her laughter filled his heart with happiness. She really was an incredible woman, not to mention her white sundress was semi see through when she stood in direct sunlight. And their new abode had large windows so there was plenty of light streaming in. Their cottage was a modest two bedroom house had a small study and open living spaces. Their stone cottage was old and full of character on the edge of a rural village, much to Charlus and Dorea's dismay. They had offered one of their more opulent properties to the young couple but Hermione had been insistent on a smaller more cosy home. The main appeal for the pair had been the expansive forest just behind the house. It was going to be perfect for the full moon. Not to mention the beautiful fireplace in the middle of the living room and the window seat in the small study. It was the perfect home for them. He couldn't have imagined anything better and he pinched himself every day for Hermione. Placing her down, she practically skipped through their somewhat empty home. He loved seeing her, this excited. It was all too rare these days with the war coming so quickly. It's why he'd planned to ask the lovely witch to marry him later that same night. He'd had the ring hidden with a notice me not charm for the better part of a month. It wasn't an extravagant ring but when he'd asked for her parents' permission they were more than happy to give it. The duel with Charlus had been a bitch though, he maybe old but he was a hell of a wizard and as sharp as a tack with a wand in his hand. After he asked her to marry him he looked forward to having her against every available surface in the place, it was going to be amazing and better yet she had no idea.

"Remus can you get that last box of books please." Hermione blissfully called from their small study. It was unsurprising to him that she would unpack that room first. He smiled to himself and thought about how much he loved her. He knew her so well, that Sirius had made a wager against his cockiness. The poor idiot was foolish and Remus was going to enjoy taking the ten galleons richer from him. Without another word Remus turned on his heel to collect the final box from the front step of their cottage.

That's when he smelt something more heavenly than anything else he'd ever smelt before. An immediate desperate desire took over his mind, it was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. That's when he saw her standing at the edge of the trees, a beautiful petite woman with bright blue hair. Who was she to him? He through the box of books to the side as a snarling growl formed on his lips. Moony was pleased by his sudden reaction, he wanted her too possibly even more than Remus could have ever imagined. The smile that crossed her full lips drove him insane as she began to run further into the words. He didn't wait; he couldn't. What if she disappeared? Moony growled angrily at his thought. The inner wolf was right; they needed to know who this woman was. Taking off running at a full paced sprint Remus followed her heavenly smell as he heard her laugh at the chase. He'd never needed someone so badly in his entire life. It didn't take much for him to catch her.

"Remus…what took you so long?" she asked seductively as Remus completely lost his mind. He didn't even know he name. Nor did he care as he pushed her against the closest tree. Her soft body pressed against his as he took her lips for his own. She was overwhelming to him in every way as she moaned and twitched beneath his touch. Another growl formed in his chest a Moony howled with delight in his mind. She was his and he was hers, for now and until the end of their days.

Remus shot up in his bed drenched in sweat with the biggest hard on he'd ever had in his life. It took him a moment to realise where he was. The almost full moon hung high in the sky illuminating his room in its silvery light, as the guilt and anger in his chest threatened to swallow him whole. Remus surely would never actually do that to Hermione. He loved her more than he could possibly say, no matter whom that woman was she was not his Hermione she was perfect for him. Almost Moony echoed in his mind Mate will be perfect. Remus hated the fucking wolf. Part of him hoped he never found out who she was, but a larger more annoying part of him was curious about this woman and what she represented to him.

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"Good Morning girls" Dorea waltzed into the room, ever the elegant woman she was. Her marabou feathered robe made it look like she was floating across the room. Hermione still didn't understand how she could look so effortlessly gorgeous first thing in the morning. Hermione was lucky not to be strangled by her untameable locks. "I hope you don't mind, but I couldn't bear being with the boys another moment when I knew that the real party was happening up here."

"Or you just want the juiciest unfiltered gossip." Hermione said under her breathe. She wasn't fooled by her mother's presence here this morning. She wanted the dirt on her children and where else would you go then to the two teenage girls.

"So tell me what the latest."

"Our friend Mary has a rather large crush on Sirius." Lily said brightly. This was no surprise to Hermione. She'd caught them flirting in between some of their classes, that and Marlene on more than one occasion had expressed her keen interest in Sirius. Though she went through relationships, like Hermione went through socks.

"Oh my…does he know about it?" Dorea feigned surprise and Hermione rolled her eyes. She would need to do better than this. But Lily seemed to be enjoying the company and really how didn't like a good piece of gossip every now and again.

"Probably, but with the way Sirius is well he has no lack of female companions in his bed"

"Hermione…that is positively wicked." Her mother smiled coyly at her. All three women laughed. Sirius had gained a reputation for a being a liberal partner in the most scandalous of ways. Though if she ever got the opportunity Hermione wanted to ask about some of the more ludicrous stories she'd over heard.

"Remus has an affinity for muggle poetry. He is constantly quoting the most beautiful things to Hermione. It is so romantic" Lily said dreamily and she blushed. She knew why he did it and it was something that one day she hoped he wouldn't need. He only quoted poetry when he couldn't put his thoughts into words. So he turned to the greats for help.

"Tell me more about his romantics."

"MUM!" Hermione objected. She didn't want her mother getting too much ammunition against Remus or herself. Dorea may be playing the role of the interested mother now, but Hermione could see she was gathering intel for later. She was a Slytherin in a house of lions and she would use this to her advantage.

"It's only fair."

"I wish I had someone like that." Lily said longingly. Hermione counted no less than three romance novels in her bag, each with a more provocative cover then the last. Her particular favourite by the cover alone seemed to be based on a werewolf.

"From what I heard you have some suitors." Dorea's words made the red head blush so violently that it was hard to see where her hair finished and her face started.

"Like James" Hermione added, as Lily's face dropped. It was still too early in the timeline for that but she really did love teasing her friend. It would get boring after a while if it was someone else but Hermione loved how Lily reacted every single time.

"Not a hope…" Lily gagged and shuddered at the thought. It was a full minute of miming her displeasure at the thought before she realised that she wasn't only with Hermione. "I'm sorry…he is nice enough…not too repulsive…Oh bollocks I mean no offense." The look on her face was priceless as she began to back pedal so incredibly fast. Dorea and Hermione were in full fits of laughter at her attempts to rectify her actions.

"None taken dear, my son is a special boy. That often comes with interesting consequences" she gave Hermione a knowing glance. There were more times than she could count where James had managed to get himself into a predicament. Some involved advances with Lily that were unrequited and others were pranks gone wrong. But no matter what James was always so authentically himself it was hard to be mad at him too long. "As lovely as this is ladies I have had a marvellous idea. Let's completely ditch the boys today. I would love for the three of us to be pampered to high heaven at an exclusive spa. Then perhaps we could take in some of the most magnificent boutiques and food that Paris has to offer. What do you say?" Lily's eyes went wide and Hermione felt her jaw hit the floor. Was she serious?

"YES PLEASE!"

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"This is so boring. I wish I had my broom." James grumbled for the fifth time this morning. There was now one to blame but himself and maybe Hermione slightly for being a snitch. It really was spectacular how Ma P had waltzed into his room the night before; she was a raging storm of grace and anger. Her grey eyes narrowed in on her son and Sirius swore he saw James literally shit himself in that moment. The worse part was she didn't even need to yell at him, her cool exterior and disappointed tone was enough to have James on his knees. It reminded Sirius of Hermione. She had clearly learnt a thing or two from her adoptive mother.

"Well you were kind of a twat mate so you can only blame yourself." Sirius was over his bloody whinging. Did he really think that, that was the biggest issue right now? Hermione was keeping more secrets then just this bloody order business.

"What do you think the girls are doing?" James asked off handily and the anger was sparked in Sirius.

"Why do you care? It's not like we would be invited to participate or that they would even tell the truth about that they were planning. It's probably some secret frilly girly shit."

"Ok what's up your arse now? You're being more of a dick then normal" James asked with slightly more venom then Sirius was accustomed to. Perhaps he was being dick-ish, if Prongs hadn't gotten any sleep he would be too. In fact Sirius had a hex scare that told him James could be worse. The nightmares were slowly and painfully killing him. Every time he closed his eyes he was back in the tapestry room. Bella cackling in glee as everyone watched him being carved up.

"Nothing ok I'm fine." Sirius tried and failed to shake the last image from his head. It was the same every night. It always ended with Hermione picking up the blade and stabbing him in the heart. But that wasn't what was really causing him pain. Hermione was keeping secrets, dangerous and possibly deadly secrets.

"Mate come on I know you better than that. What's wrong?" He could tell he wanted to help, that he had frightened him. Sirius was getting used to everyone looking at him like he would break at any moment. He still hated it but he was also still a Black and they don't do that shit. They bottle it up inside and explode later or they use the family "madness" as an excuse to exonerate any sort of emotion. But that was not the reason he was being dick, at least today there was a reason.

"This." Sirius flung the small piece of parchment towards James. His stomach turned with equal amounts of unease and anger. He knew who's writing it was. It's a dangerous time for dogs, wolves and stags. Keep the pets close to the house. – R. He just couldn't figure out why the fuck his brother was contacting Hermione and why was he warning her about them.

"Who is R?"

"Regulus. I know his writing. It gets worse." Sirius handed James the second small slip of parchment. She was keeping interesting company these days. There was too many things she was keeping from them. They were supposed to be family, her, Remus, James, Lily and him. They were family so why was she still kipping so many secrets? Rats are play things for snakes. They have been known to attack at any moment. Are the flowers alright? –S. What made these two fuckers more trustworthy then them? They were in leagues with this Dark Douche Lord.

"You don't think that S is…no…It can't be they hate each other after the lake. Right?" James was just as confused as Sirius had been when he "found" the notes. It was not one of his finer moments. He really was trying to set up a prank for the girls when they got home. It was initially innocent then he came across these fucking things in a box, under her bed, that may or may not have been locked. To Sirius that was as good as putting a sign saying open me on it. He expected to find embarrassing letters from Remus that he could possibly use as a weapon instead he found these.

"You're focusing on the wrong things Prongs. She's being warned about us. And the rat is Peter. She is being warned that something is going to go down." The anger flowed freely through his veins. She was in something over her head. If these warnings were anything to do with that mad prick Sirius wanted Hermione as far away from it as possible. When she first told them about her future she'd come from, Sirius failed to imagine anything remotely close to the darkness that she'd described. But since then his eyes had been opened to the horrors that were possible.

"But what? What is happening?" James asked concerned not for them he knew that. He was afraid for Hermione. Just like Sirius and he imagined Remus would be beside himself if he knew who his bird was pen pals with.

"I don't know but I don't like it."

"Wait where did you find these?" The Knut finally dropped. Sirius decided then to not answer, his silence would suffice. It took the poor boy long enough. "You idiot. You went through her room? When she finds out you're a dead man" That may have been true but it was too late now. Sirius was done being left in the darkness. He needed answers, he needed to know…everything.

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She knew that the carefree summer days couldn't last forever, but was it wrong that Hermione wanted them to last just a little longer? When Dorea called her into her private study she knew that her light-hearted summer was coming to an end. Nothing ever good happened when her mother needed to be secluded in her study. It was one of the only rooms in the house that truly showed who Dorea Potter used to be. The darker coloured room was beautiful with its ornate carved fireplace and accents of deep emerald greens and silvers. Dorea sat on the deep green velvet camelback sofa in the middle of the room. As Hermione she saw on the silver circular coffee table in front of her there was two tea cups and two letters. Dorea smiled at her daughter, there was sadness there too. Something told Hermione that she was not going to really enjoy this meeting.

"Have you been enjoying your summer?" Dorea enquired brightly. When she led with pleasantries Hermione knew that she should be aware that whatever was coming would either make her either delighted or infuriated.

"Started a little rough but it is shaping up to be rather enjoyable."

"Glad to hear it." She said weakly. Whatever this was it had her mother conflicted and Hermione worried. It was not like Dorea to hesitate so visibly. "But I'm afraid I am to disrupt your fun. There are a few things that we need to discuss." Leaning forward she took the first letter off of the table. Looking at the sealed envelope Hermione didn't immediately recognise the handwriting. "Firstly the letter you hold is from Lyall Lupin. There is one for you, Remus and your father and me. If yours is anything like the one we received I need you to remain calm. He is a scarred and ill-informed man so you will need to remain composed" Hermione wasted no time opening the letter and was horrified by the words she found on the page.

Dear Miss Potter,

There is no time for pleasantries. My son is a danger to you and anyone else he comes into contact with. I cannot go forward in good conscience without you realizing the implications of having a monster in your company. He needs to be treated as the threat he is. I have included some images of mauling victims to stress to you the importance to you safety. I will not have him do this to you. If he is not returned to us, we will not be responsible for your fate.

The fact you haven't been turned or killed yet is a miracle that and for that I'm grateful. But it is best not to test this wonderful gift Miss Potter. You will be unable to have a normal life with him. He will never be able to give you a life to which as a Potter you have grown accustomed. There will be no children, no money and no acceptance within our community once his condition is exposed. Do yourself this justice and end whatever fairy tale you have built up in your adolescent mind. Because this is not what the reality is only pain and suffering.

Had my wife not intervened you would have been safe. This is not a request.

Lyall Lupin.

The fiery rage that was streaming through Hermione's veins rivalled that of a Hungarian Horntail. How dare he say such awful things about Remus? Was he as ignorant as he was stupid? The thought of this man working for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures made her sick. How could someone be so uninformed about the most basic information about werewolves, especially when their son was one?

"What an awful oblivious disgusting man. You said Remus has one too?" Hermione was still shaking slightly with the anger. She promised herself if she ever got the opportunity she would thank his mother for getting him here, she could not say the same for Lyall. She just hoped they never were alone in the same room.

"Yes dear there is one and as you can imagine I am hesitant to do so" Hermione understood the hesitation. Remus already carried enough guilt in regards to his condition. Why would she knowingly add anything addition to his already fragile esteem. Hermione wanted nothing more than to incedio the bloody thing and never talk about it again. But she knew that she couldn't do that, it wasn't her choice she would leave it up to Remus.

"You said there were a few things. What else?" Hermione asked. She was hoping it wouldn't be as bad as the letter she'd just read, but by the look on Dorea's face told her she would be in no such luck today.

"Albus has requesting a private meeting." Hermione had a feeling she knew what this was about. They hadn't been on a horcrux hunt in quite some time now. That and with her actions at the last meeting he would be looking to regain control of the situation but more in depth of her. The more time she spent with her headmaster the more she realised how flawed he was. Dumbledore thought he knew what was best for everyone all the time without considering what that or who that person was. It was his one defining flaw that could get people killed and she knew that first hand. On top of that Hermione had no doubt Moody will have had some choice words in regards to her "insubordination". She still held the man in admiration, his words had kept her alive more than once, but he was not that man yet. He thought she was a potential traitor and that lit something in Hermione that would not be easily extinguished.

"Did he tell you when I am expected?" she said curtly. She was not looking forward to this. In fact Hermione would find going for a ride on a broom to be more enjoyable then her meeting.

"Ten minutes." Fan-fucking-tastic.

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As Hermione stepped out of the fireplace into the familiar office of Albus Dumbledore her stomach sank. He was not alone. A set of blue and dark brown eyes narrowed in on her. Had she known prior to ten minutes ago Hermione would have done more to prepare herself for this meeting, but she had the suspicion that Dumbledore had done things this way on purpose. He wanted to rattle her.

"Headmaster, you wished to meet with me." Hermione said curtly as she stepped closer to the two figures. Moody studied her every move. Had this been any other situation she would take it as a perverted compliment that she was considered that much of threat to such a powerful Auror.

"Hermione, you remember Alastor." Albus informally introduced them again, even though it was unnecessary. They'd been acquainted in both timelines.

"Yes sir, good evening Auror Moody." He grunted at her greeting and Hermione felt that, that was the best he could offer. Perhaps he was raised in a barn, or is simply that paranoid about every person he meets. "Shall we get down to business?"

"We need you to hand over the artefacts." Moody demanded gruffly. Hermione laughed at his brazen demand, she admittedly didn't mean to do it out loud. But it would be cold day in hell before Hermione handed over the horcruxes before everything was ready. There was still three more out there for goodness sakes; she was not going to allow two trigger happy men screw it all up.

"Why would I do something like that?" Hermione took in the scene before her. Moody's face had gone beat red with anger, while Albus seemed unsurprised at her response. His cold expression never changed.

"They are going to be destroyed Miss Potter." Her headmaster said shortly. She knew why they'd asked her now. After the meeting last week some power had been lost as well as some trust. What better way to rally the troops then to tell them they have not only destroyed on piece but two. She understood why, but she would not compromise her objective for the sake of face. Anyone whom wanted to leave the order because of this was more than welcome to do so.

"With respect to both of you the answer is no."

"Listen here Missy, you don't know what we risk the longer they are undestroyed." She could see his hand twitching over his wands holster. It would be foolish of him to attack her; the "artefacts" would truly be lost to them then. They needed her far more than she needed them.

"My name is Hermione not Missy and I know exactly what we risk. But I also am aware of what will happen if we destroy them prematurely." If Hermione thought she'd ruffled the Auror feathers before then this was a whole new level as his dark brown eyes looked positively murderous. Alsator Moody was not accustomed to hearing the word no especially from teenage girls "If he is to find out we have them, it will make him panic he will create more. More that I will not be able to help you with because they will be unique to this timeline." He slammed his fist onto the headmaster desk, she was sure this was to keep from drawing his wand on her.

"Albus are you going to allow this? They need to be taken care of and not by an underage witch whom we don't even know that we can fully trust." Alastor raged at her words but Hermione didn't flinch at any of his accusations. To her the esteemed Auror was no better than a two year old having a tantrum over a toy that she wouldn't share with him. To make it all the worse Hermione could feel her barriers being tested. The anger flared in her as she looked down upon her headmaster. He was trying to take the information he required by force. He was a skilled man but he had a way of underestimating Hermione.

"ENOUGH! I am not on trial here, I have a mission here. That involves not just saving your lives but the entire Wizarding World from an incredible amount of pain and loss, so I would appreciate you not accusing me of being some kind of sinister monster. You both know intimate details of my character and yet you still distrust me. So you can bet the answer is hell no, I will not be handing over the Horcruxes to either of you."

"Can you at least assure us that you have them well kept Miss Potter?"

"They are safe. As safe as two pieces of a madman's soul can be." Albus knew he was not going to win this battle. Since they'd begun hunting the fragments of Voldemort's soul he'd tried and failed. Hermione would stand her ground until the right time, should would not allow any unnecessary and foolish casualties to occur. Dumbledore had proven he could be corrupted by power and she was not going to allow that to happen. Moody was a paranoid old fool whom thought her incapable of dealing with such important items. Both the men before her were fools to think they could be trusted with such valuable objects. "Are we done here?"

"Not even close Missy. It might be good enough for him, but I have eyes and ears everywhere." Moody seized her arm in his large calloused hand. Squeezing it uncomfortably hard, forcing her to turn and look at him in the eyes. The anger that lived there made a small part of her panic. She needed him as an ally, but she refused to compromise her mission here. The older version of this man would commend her for sticking to her mission regardless of the feathers she'd ruffled.

"I would expect nothing but constant vigilance. Potter Manor" Hermione threw down the powder and she'd never been so grateful for the eruption of green heatless flames.

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Bella's blade raked across his skin. The searing pain following every swipe. Her cackling filled his ear. Sirius screamed begging her to stop but no noise left his lips. His body refused to move to let him defend himself. This was the true feeling of powerlessness. The warm smell of his blood filled his senses as he could also taste it down back of his throat.

"Come now Bellatrix, it must be my turn by now" Hermione's voice wasn't hers. It was laced with venom and vindictiveness. The real her could never sound like that, she would never ask what this Hermione was asking. Her brown eye raked over him as the cold smile crossed her lips. This was where it would end. Sirius knew that she would end him.

"All yours" Bellatrix handed her blade to Hermione. She was positively giddy with the idea that the woman who Sirius supposedly loved would be the one to kill him. As she kneeled beside him, he looked away. He didn't want to see those beautiful brown eyes looking at him with malice and hatred. She tusked his pointless action, taking his chin in her hand she force him to face her.

"Sirius I want the last thing you see to be me looking at you the way you deserve. The way we all see you" the tip of the blade was slowly running the length of his sternum, before it finally...

He felt the searing pain radiate from his cheek as he sat bolt upright in his bed.

"Sirius…" her voice was so full of pain. Blinking the sleep from his eyes the room was still in darkness. The only source of light was the bright crescent moon that hung high in the sky.

"What the fuck Hermione?" he said rubbing his jaw. She really had some force behind her for someone so small.

"I just got back and I heard…heard you…screaming. Mum must have forgot the charm tonight."

"I'm sorry. Everything's fine you can go back to your room." Of course she did, he'd been so tired Sirius had skipped dinner. He must have been asleep for hours before they started, though he barely felt it. He really needed Ma P to restock the dreamless sleep already.

"Sirius…"

"I SAID I'M FINE!" he snapped and her words. He hated feeling so broken; the way she looked at him was enough to make him want to Bombarda Maxima the entire bloody room and then some. A look of anger crossed her face in the darkness to almost rival his own. Any sane person would hesitate when looking her face.

"You are not. We're all worried about you and you keep pushing us all away. If you don't want me here fine, but at least be honest."

"Wait don't go not yet...please. I'm sorry."

"Tell me about it." She sat down on the edge of his bed. He knew that she would wait forever for him to tell her. He'd been avoiding telling any of them how broken he felt, how empty he was. His reasons were flimsy at best. He knew there would be no judgment from them, but he thought worse than judgement would be pity. Sirius so badly wished things could be as they were before, he would take the howlers, hatred and bigotry to not feel broken. His family had shaken him to his core, they would have killed him gladly.

"It's always the same. I am in the tapestry room. Bella is…she's enjoying herself. It feels so real. But it always ends the same…" he didn't want to say the words. It always ended with Hermione's beautiful brown eyes looking back at him with hatred and a sinister smile. "It ends with you stabbing me in the heart." She didn't say anything to him and he was grateful. There was nothing that could be said to make this better so the words hung between them in a silence that was only broken after a good number of minutes.

"I need to show you something." With a flick of her wand a light emitted from the end of her wand. Hermione took a deep steadying breath as she held her arm out to him. As his eyes drifted across her porcelain skin he immediately wanted to be sick. Taking her arm in his hands Sirius ran his fingers over the disgusting word. It is why she didn't flinch when she was called a Mudblood. She literally had it carved into her skin.

"Hermione who did this? When did this…the way this healed it has to be a cursed blade." he asked angrily. Sirius badly wanted to ask her more questions. He wanted to know it all, everything that had ever happened. He wanted to know about every scar and personally kick whosever arse that dared to hurt Hermione.

"It was when I was on the run with Harry and Ron, we were caught by snatchers and taken to Malfoy Manor. The three of us were separated and I was interrogated and tortured by Bellatrix. She thought we'd stolen something from her vaults, funnily enough we hadn't...yet. But that is another story for another time. I remember screaming, begging for her to stop. The feeling of the Cruciatus is still so vivid in my mind." His mind swam. She knew what it felt like to have Bella's blade searing in her skin. It wasn't something that he would have ever wanted for another person to experience, but to have Hermione sitting here calmly recalling somethings so dark it made him admire her more. But it also made him fearful.

"How come we didn't know about this?"

"Would you want to openly advertise your experience? I wasn't ready to tell you what happened; at times I still have nightmares too about the war. It feels like a lifetime ago I suppose in a small way it is. Since coming here I found so much that I wasn't expecting, but it still haunts me in the weak moments." He knew that she was at war in her time, but it never occurred to him how close she'd been to the centre of it all. That she could have easily been a casualty of the war, just like Harry and the others she'd come to save. Sirius hated the thought that she could have died, but he considered the alternative. She was the sole living person from her time, all the things that could have been all the hatred, the loss and fear. She would be the only one to remember that time. Could that be worse in a way? Dying is over as quick as falling asleep, but Hermione was living with all the pain and loss. "The external scars will heal Sirius; there will be a time where they will be so faint that you may not even be able to see them. But I see you withdrawing from us all, and I see you walking into the darkness that sits in your chest and I want you to know that we all have both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. You told Harry that in one of his darkest moments and I am telling it to you now in hopes you will choose the lightness. It would be easier to sit in the darkness to let it consume you but please Sirius choose love, happiness, laughter and even forgiveness. Choose us because we will always choose you." He didn't realise he'd started crying before she cupped his cheek and begun wiping the tears from his cheek. He had been sitting with the darkness for so long he didn't know sometimes that there was another option. As her lips brushed across his cheek they lingered. As her cheek brushed against his a jolt of heat ran through him. He didn't realise how cold he become until that moment, she was fire warmth and heat. Hermione was the light in the blackness there to guide him. As she stood to leave him Sirius snatched her arm.

"Don't leave yet…please just wait until I fall asleep." His voice was so soft he was surprised that any of the words were audible. As Hermione looked back at him a smile crossed her face.

"I will always be here if you need me." Crawling into bed next to him Sirius tried to recall the last time he'd felt this hopeful. As Hermione nestled into the crook of his shoulder he genuinely felt something change. He hoped this would be the first step in a long recovery, but with her by his side Sirius felt he could take on the world. She really was something else.

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As Sirius woke then next morning he became painfully aware how cold his bed was. He hated the fact he'd woken up alone, thought he couldn't remember the last time he'd slept so peacefully. Sirius knew it was because of her. Hermione had this uncanny ability to make him feel peace when his world was chaos. He could still smell her on his skin as he remembered the feel of her body nestled against him. Sirius would do his best to choose the light. If not for him then he would do it for her.

Another chapter down and more to come. I hope you enjoyed it. Have a great morning afternoon or night no matter where you are. BYYYEEEEE!