AN: Trigger warnings to many things are present in this story. Don't like, don't read.

I don't own Harry Potter.

All spelling mistakes are my own. There are my own Original Characters in this at times.

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Hermione jerked awake as the shouted curse echoed through her mind. She knew it was a dream, but she couldn't pull herself out of it. Suffering through the torture she had at the hands of Tonks and Umbridge was something she never wanted to experience again. She blinked against the darkness around her and frowned at the familiar surroundings of the Hospital wing. She was sick of this room, tired of being put there through no fault of her own. In fact, she was beginning to think she had spent more time in the Hospital wing than the rest of Hogwarts throughout her entire schooling years so far. She pushed herself up, sliding her legs over the side of the bed before rubbing the sleep from her face. Her body was stiff but at least the pain was manageable.

"Where do you think you're going?" Andromeda's harsh words hurt, though Hermione wasn't sure if Andromeda meant it that way or not. She quickly glanced around, checking for anyone that would be watching them, but Andromeda shook her head as she moved closer, "We're alone."

Hermione frowned as she watched the hesitance with which Andromeda moved, not coming any closer than the foot of the bed. It was as if the woman was afraid to come closer, as if Hermione would flinch away from her if she did. She shook her head, wondering if she had missed something between the time she passed out and now. Or was it because Andromeda now knew how weak Hermione was? How close she had been to giving into the screams of pain? Had Andromeda seen the tears on her face, the same tears she hadn't wanted to fall?

Cool fingers brushed across her cheek, wiping away tears that Hermione hadn't even noticed were falling. Andromeda pulled Tonks's vacated chair to the bed, sitting between Hermione's dangling legs, "Are you alright?"

Hermione felt anger that she had let herself become weak, had let herself show a piece of the vulnerability that she desperately tried to hide. Andromeda's hands came to rest on her thighs, and she felt a grip wrap around her chest, her heart throbbing painfully. Her eyes darted up to Andromeda's, "Why haven't I met you before now?"

Andromeda frowned at her, "The war, mostly. I was undercover on Dumbledore's side, along with Tonks. When Bellatrix and Alecto were sent to Azkaban…" she shook her head, "I admit I wanted revenge. Everything about my older sister was untrue and Dumbledore knew that. He knew the real reasons, reasons that Bella will tell you herself. And yet he still let it happen. I wanted to dismantle his Order from the inside out, as did my Nymphadora. She took her father's last name in order to blend in better and not be classified as a Black, until the war is over of course."

Hermione frowned, "But Narcissa said your constant working and something else."

Andromeda nodded, a sadness entering her voice, "I threw myself into work. It was a way to gain Dumbledore's trust, which made me deeper undercover in his Order. It made it harder for me to visit my sister. I only saw Draco out in Diagon Alley occasionally and it wasn't like I could approach him with others around."

Hermione could understand that, though she did hate that she missed out on yet another family member while she had been growing up. It felt as if her entire life had been taken from her before it had even begun. It wasn't fair and everything that was happening now was only an extension of that. She couldn't help but wonder what else was being kept from her, what secrets that were hidden in the past that would come back to haunt her.

Andromeda squeezed her thighs, "I know I'm not Narcissa or Bellatrix, but you can talk to me."

Hermione grimaced, the sudden wave of emotions rolling through her body faster than she could keep up, "I miss Cissa. I miss my friends." She couldn't stop the tears from spilling as she shook her head, "I don't understand…"

Andromeda frowned, pulling her wand from her robes, "Understand what Sweetie?"

Hermione shook her head, "My emotions are all over the place and I don't know why. I always miss my family and friends, but it just seems so much worse now."

Andromeda nodded, "You were just tortured Hermione. Its natural. I know Nymphadora is struggling with this right now. She had to return to the Ministry as if nothing happened, as if she didn't just use an unforgivable curse on her own family member." She began the diagnostic as she stood in front of the girl.

Hermione shook her head, "This feels different. You never told me how my last tests went." She frowned as Andromeda shook her head at her. She wasn't going to get the answer now either. She frowned, "Can you at least tell me how my mate and Narcissa are?"

Andromeda sighed, "Hermione I will tell you but now is not the best time. As for your mate she's terrified that you are trying to kill yourself after that Fiendfyre you did. The mate bond activates in times of extreme distress, or emotional turmoil. She saw what you did, through your eyes. She was amazed by your power, but you nearly killed yourself doing it."

Hermione frowned, "I don't know what happened. I just lost it. I was so angry after what Ron said and I exploded. I didn't mean to…"

Andromeda held her hands up, "Sweetie, you don't have to explain. We've all been there. But you have to understand that Bella has loved you since the day you were born. She has missed all the important parts of her mate's life and is afraid of losing you before she even gets a chance to be with you. Doing reckless things without thinking about how it affects your mate, isn't going to work anymore."

Hermione nodded, feeling as if she was a child being scolded. She knew Andromeda was right. She had her mate to think about now, but in all fairness, she technically was thinking about her mate in the heat of the moment.

Andromeda cupped her cheek gently, "I'm not mad and I'm not trying to scold you. I just want you to think before you do anything rash. As for Narcissa," she dropped her hands with a roll of her eyes. "You know Narcissa. She's beside herself and will continue to be that way until she has you safe in her arms and house again."

Hermione smiled, "I miss her."

"She'll be happy to hear it." Andromeda felt the anger roll into her magic as she read the diagnostic, finding the unknown potion in Hermione's system again.

Hermione watched Andromeda's eyes as she glared at the parchment in her hands, "Can you tell me now?"

Andromeda frowned, "Someone is slipping you some kind of potion but I'm not quite sure exactly what it is. I think it's being put in your food."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Honestly not the worst thing I've heard this month."

Andromeda's eyes snapped to Hermione, "What the hell does that mean?"

Hermione smirked, needing to tell someone what she and Harry had been put through all month. Now seemed as good a time as any. It also seemed like the only chance she was going to get. "Umbridge has been a very busy woman this month."

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The burst of green flames illuminated the dimly lit study in Malfoy Manor. Andromeda's anger surged around the manor, causing everyone in the room to feel her wrath. She turned her dark look to Voldemort, who sat at the head of the large table slightly shocked that someone interrupted their briefing. His anger softened as he took in Andromeda's rage, "News?"

Andromeda's glare hardened, "I know what is on the back of Hermione's hand."

Voldemort sat up straight, his attention fully on the angry middle Black sister. Bellatrix couldn't contain her anger, "Care to tell the rest of the class Andy?"

Andromeda looked at both her sisters, taking a deep breath that did nothing to calm her, "Nothing but the Black sisters' whore." Her lip curled as her chest tightened with pain, unable to stop herself from feeling a wave of guilt wash over her.

Glass shattered nearby as Bellatrix stood so fast her chair flew backwards. Her voice was barley more than a growl, "I want in that school! Now!" A fire like never before burned deep in her chest, the rage threatening to overflow like lave from an erupting volcano. Uncontrollable and unyielding.

Narcissa sat staring at the table in front of her, anger welling up inside, building to an inferno. She had never wanted to become a part of the war, willing to sit in the background and help where she could without getting her hands dirty. But things changed. Now she wanted to charge into that school and teach everyone that no one touches a Black and gets away with it. That no one touches Hermione and lives. She had never felt a hatred so deep in her life, but there was always a first for everything. A point where there was a line that was crossed.

And Umbridge had just crossed it.

Alecto turned to Voldemort, pain etched across her face just as much as the anger was forcing her body to shake uncontrollably, "My Lord, please. We cannot leave her in there." She refused to leave her daughter in that situation when she could finally do something about it. Her heart ached knowing that her daughter would suffer for her family, but they were finally in a position to do something about it. She was finally able to stop her daughter's suffering and she needed to.

Voldemort agreed with each and every voice that spoke, the need to get Hermione to safety was his first priority. But he didn't have the power right now, and it sounded as if Dumbledore didn't either. He frowned at Alecto, knowing the woman's pain was only increasing as time went on, being separated from her daughter. He looked over at Bellatrix, seeing the woman's rage burning deeply in dark onyx eyes, hating the pain that shimmered through. He knew she would storm that castle without a second thought, burning everything in her path to get to her mate. He looked up at Andromeda where she stood at the far end of the table. Her calm demeanor couldn't hide her anger this time, the slight twitch to her eye showing the impact that Hermione clearly had on this woman.

Finally, he turned to Narcissa, the blonde hadn't spoken, hadn't looked up from the table she was so intent on. It worried him to no end. Narcissa was always the first to speak on Hermione's behalf. He could see the shock on her face but there was something else, something darker than he had ever seen on her before. He suddenly wasn't sure if he should be more worried about Bellatrix or Narcissa. Her silence was a statement in itself, and it was terrifying, even for him.

He glanced back to Andromeda, "Tonks?"

Andromeda grimaced, her eyes watering suddenly, "She had no choice. Umbridge was there. She didn't want to but…"

Bellatrix's eyes narrowed on her sister, "But what Andy?" Her voice was suddenly shrill, grating on everyone's already frayed nerves.

Andromeda frowned at Bellatrix, "Cruciatus."

Bellatrix spun from the table, willing herself to calm down. She knew her niece had a cover to keep, least her life be in danger also. She knew her niece would never do that to another person unless her hand was forced, but it didn't mean she had to like it. She could see the pain on Andy's face, knowing that it had been unavoidable, but it didn't help. Her mate was being tortured and Bellatrix of all people knew what it was like. How it tore your soul worse than killing someone. How it ate at you until you could think of nothing else. It hurt that her mate was going through this, and she was powerless to help. All their letters had been returned unopened, knowing that Umbridge or the Ministry had intercepted them and had been unable to get passed the mate seal.

Andromeda's sob broke Bellatrix from her thoughts, "I'm so sorry Bella."

Bellatrix didn't think before she rushed to her younger sister, wrapping her arms around the sobbing woman, as she had always done when they were younger, "Its not your fault Andy. It's not Tonks's either. Umbridge will pay for this," she glanced over at a silent Narcissa, worry creasing her brow, "We will make her pay for this."

Narcissa could feel her blood boiling, struggling to regain control. She wanted the entire school burned to the ground. She wanted to get her hands on Umbridge, the hell with magic. She wanted the woman to suffer in more ways than one, at the same time. She needed to see Hermione, to hold her, to know that the girl remembered that they love her. That she loves her.

Finally pulling herself together she looked up at Voldemort, catching his eyes watching her worriedly, "I need to see her."

Voldemort nodded, leaning forward slightly, "I will take Narcissa and Fenrir with me to the meeting. McGonagall will be bringing Hermione and Potter. Dumbledore will have Lupin and Moody with him. It will be evenly matched if anything happens."

Fenrir snorted, "Which it won't because McGonagall will be there."

Voldemort nodded, "That is what I hope for. We have a month to prepare for this. Narcissa and I will assess Hermione and decide what shall be done. Whether we bring her here or allow her to return to school. Until then, Lucius?"

Lucius frowned, his tiredness showing in the dark circles under his eyes, "There's whispers within the Ministry that lay offs are going to begin. I'm already on the top of that list as is Yaxley."

Yaxley nodded, "Crabbe and Goyle are being removed as well. Fudge has been acting rather strange lately, keeping to himself but whenever I pass by his office, I can hear him talking to someone."

Voldemort frowned, "Have you seen who it is?"

Yaxley shook his head, but Lucius answered, "Whoever it is, is never seen entering or leaving his office. We kept an eye on the floo in his office, but it was shut down months ago."

Narcissa took a deep breath and forced herself to focus, "Hermione's right, Fudge is too much of an idiot to run all of this."

Bellatrix guided Andromeda to the empty seat beside Narcissa, "Then whoever is pulling the strings behind all of this wants both Dumbledore and Voldemort out of the picture."

Fenrir growled, "Someone with a vendetta against Hermione and you three."

Bellatrix narrowed angry eyes on the wolf, sarcasm dripping from her words, "What gave it away?"

Fenrir glared at her, "Hermione has been targeted this whole time, but it seems to have gotten worse this year, and more so recently. Why? What's changed?"

Bellatrix raised an eyebrow at him, "You think she's the specific target and they're using the three of us as an excuse?"

Fenrir shrugged but Narcissa sat up straighter, "He's right. No one knows that you and Hermione are mates. Andy and I are the only ones that have been around Hermione. I've always been protective, but Andy started right off the bat, right when they met. It's only increased the suffering that she's had to endure. Even Potter admitted that Hermione was more of a target than him. He seemed concerned when we met in Hogsmeade, but Hermione gave him a look that shut him up quickly."

Andromeda wiped her eyes gently before nodding in agreement, "When Hermione was out Tonks said that Hermione refused the potions for pain. Said that Umbridge would know if she wasn't in pain. Tonks was confused but then they were interrupted by Umbridge. Tonks said it was as if Umbridge knew that they were in between pain."

Bellatrix frowned down at her sister, "Was she listening?"

Andromeda shook her head, "Tonks said the room was warded and silenced, so no one would hear if Hermione screamed." Bellatrix clenched her jaw shut tightly and Narcissa winced, but Andromeda pushed forward, "Tonks said she didn't scream, not even once. She was amazed because the Cruciatus that Umbridge used was…. Intense is how she put it and it went on for a while."

Lucius frowned, "What's happening with Weasley? He provoked Hermione to nearly drain herself."

Andromeda shook her head, "Nothing. He hasn't been seen since it happened. Snape mentioned something about Arthur Weasley arriving and then neither were seen again. I'll be returning in the morning to continue looking through the medical files." She glanced at Voldemort, "What exactly am I looking for?"

He smirked, "Anything. If any other student is being given that unknown potion we need to know. Dumbledore sent me an owl this morning, he's expecting everything to turn out normal, but I don't trust him. McGonagall seems shocked but is the one that pushed for this. She's the reason you have access to the hospital wing, and she'll be looking for a way to get you deeper into the castle. Use it wisely."

Andromeda nodded, "If I do find another student?"

Bellatrix raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk pulling at her lips, "Doubtful. If you see Hermione…" she frowned suddenly, unsure what she wanted.

Andromeda nodded, "Tonks and I have filled her in on what we could. She's adamant that she'll be ready for anything at the meeting, however there is something else."

Bellatrix narrowed her eyes at her sister, "Of course there is."

Andromeda grimaced, "Umbridge isn't letting Hermione or Harry go for the holidays."

Voldemort sighed as another outburst erupted around the room. His eyes locked with Bellatrix's, and he knew what she was thinking. He shook his head at her, "We cannot allow our anger to cloud our judgement. If we storm in there now, we lose the upper hand and Hermione knows that. That is why she is suffering in silence. I loath to admit this but meeting with Dumbledore is our best bet to keep our family safe. Until then we have to keep calm and keep our heads level."

Bellatrix glared at him, the only one other than Hermione to ever attempt that with him, "One more thing happens, and I cannot be held responsible for my actions."

He knew that was the best he was going to get in the way of an acquiescence from her and he felt some of the tension leave his body, "I'll take it."

Bellatrix crossed her arms over her chest, not happy with the situation but knowing deep down that Voldemort was right. If she did something rash, it could cost Hermione more than just some pain and torture. She refused to be the reason she lost her mate. However, she had never been a patient woman and this wait could quite possibly kill her. Then again it would make it all the sweeter when she did finally get her hands on her mate. The thought made her smirk devilishly and Voldemort snorted when he caught her eye.

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The atmosphere around Hogwarts was dark and gloomy, the ceiling in the Great Hall reflecting the storm of emotions that hung thick in the air. The usual festive decorations and lights were missing from banisters, tapestries were more reminiscent of the ones that hung at the Ministry. Holiday cheer was long gone from the castle even though Christmas was only a week away. Umbridge was a stickler for Ministry Educational Decrees, and they covered the wall around the doors leading to the Great Hall. Filch was even beginning to start on the walls beside them.

Hermione rolled out of bed, her body protesting every single intake of breath. She was sore and tired. The lack of sleep was beginning to catch up with her, but she couldn't allow it to show. Pansy was quick to help her dress, unable to lift her arms above her head after the grueling night she and Harry had. Their newest detention was to scour and polish the entire trophy room within an inch of its life, four times. Umbridge had kept finding something they 'missed' and required them to do all of it over again.

Pansy steadied her when she swayed on her feet, "Hermione you're fading fast. You can't keep going like this and I hate to say this, but neither can Potter. You both need rest."

Hermione nodded, in complete agreement. She draped her arm over Pansy's shoulders, "I know but what can we do. Umbridge is watching us and even the Professor's can't get near us. I haven't said a single word to Snape in the last month. Seeing him in the Room of Requirement was the first time I've seen him away from class."

Pansy helped guide her up the stairs towards the common room, "Do you think Andromeda told the others about everything?"

Hermione snorted, "Of course. I would be more shocked if she didn't."

Which was true. She knew once one of the sisters found out the other two would be told as soon as possible. Though her heart swelled at the thought of being cared so deeply for. She had never felt more alone than she did this past month. Her dreams were filled with nightmares, never seeing Narcissa or her friends again being the prominent theme in most. Other times it was seeing herself killing Cedric, though she didn't feel remorse about that.

She found Harry leaning against the wall near the Great Hall, trying desperately to keep his eyes open, "Alright there Harry?"

Harry startled, his eyes opening wide as he looked up at her, "Good. And you?"

She smirked at him, raising an eyebrow, "I hear we're serving detention with McGonagall over the holiday break."

Harry nodded as they moved out of the way of other students making their way towards breakfast, "Same. Who else is remaining at Hogwarts?"

Ginny appeared with Draco, "I am but Umbridge just handed Draco a note."

Draco grimaced his eyes frowning at the paper, "She's making me leave 'Mione." He held the paper out to her.

She frowned at the words, her heart leaping into her throat, "What family emergency?"

Draco shook his head, worry written across his face, "Do you think Mum's been hurt? Or Father has lost his job?"

Hermione frowned, her heart lodging in her throat with heavy emotions. She couldn't bare the thought of Narcissa being hurt. It was too much, and her breathing hitched, her chest growing tight. Pansy's and Harry's hand on her back grounded her and she was finally able to look up, "Go. Please let me know that everyone is alright."

Draco nodded, a worry crease appearing between his eyes, "What about you?"

She shook her head, "I don't matter right now. Go check on our family Draco. Please, I need to know that Narcissa is alright."

Draco nodded, "I'll send an owl as soon as I know." He turned and sprinted back towards the dungeon, disappearing down the stairs quickly.

Hermione couldn't stop the thoughts that began to spiral through her mind. Had Umbridge gotten to Narcissa? Was the woman alright? The images from her nightmares surfaced suddenly, seeing Narcissa's corpse, eyes open the fire that usually burned in her eyes gone, staring blankly back at Hermione. She couldn't help but think if anything happened to Narcissa that it was her fault. She had been pushing Umbridge, hadn't been hiding the fact that she hates the toad. Had she pushed the woman too far and gotten Narcissa hurt?

She didn't even realize that she was sitting at the Slytherin table with Potter, Ginny, and Pansy, each one trying to calm her down. She was so lost in thought, so focused on Narcissa that she couldn't hear anything else. Finally, Pansy knelt in front of her and cupped her face, catching her blank eyes.

"Hermione, breath with me." Pansy took a breath in before letting it out slowly.

Unconsciously Hermione began to copy her breathing, her head feeling light as she slowly regains her hearing again. She frowned as she glanced around the Great Hall, the room mostly empty since students were already on their way home for the holidays. Umbridge had kept all the students for extra time, claiming they needed to make up for the slacked work from the year before during the Triwizard Tournament.

She glanced down at Pansy in front of her, "Thanks."

Pansy smirked at her, "What are girlfriends for?"

Ginny snorted, "I could name a few."

Harry grimaced, "I don't want to think about it."

Hermione shook her head, "How long have we been here?"

Pansy easily slid onto the bench beside her as they all turned to the table, "A while. Draco already left. He promised to send word as soon as he had information."

She nodded, focusing on the table, watching the food appear in a blink. She couldn't stomach anything but knowing she needed to. She just couldn't force herself when Narcissa's face swan into her mind once again. Guilt weighed heavy in her chest for the entire breakfast, though she didn't eat anything her stomach still rolled with an uncomfortable tremble. When breakfast was done, they stood, Pansy helping Hermione stand since she was even more unsteady after her panic attack.

"Black. Potter." Umbridge's voice rang across the hall sending shivers down every unfortunate student's spine that was in hearing distance.

Hermione grimaced at Harry before they turned to face the woman, "Yes Professor?" They said in unison.

Umbridge smirked, stalking closer to their group, "Your detention will be with Hagrid in ten minutes."

Harry glared at the woman, "It's the holiday break."

Umbridge looked down her nose at the boy, her lip curling up in disgust, "You will be at Hagrid's in five minutes or will be expelled."

Hermione grit her teeth before speaking through them, "You don't have that power. That still belongs to Dumbledore." She couldn't believe she was being forced to side with Dumbledore.

Umbridge's eyes snapped to her, "Watch your mouth Black. Wouldn't want a repeat visit from the Ministry would you, hmm?"

Hermione smirked uncontrollably, swallowing the flash of fear at the pain she had suffered, not wanting to give the woman any satisfaction of fear, "At least they know what they're doing."

The chill in the air seemed to grow colder, silence descended on the few conversations that were taking place. All eyes were now on her and Umbridge. The woman's face began to turn a shade of red that offset her ungodly pink wool dress that was a usual with her. Hermione knew she may have just stepped in it, but it was completely satisfying to disrespect her in that moment, in front of the students that were around. She had never been one to back down and she refused to do that now. She refused to be a weak link while this woman tried to parade around acting as if she were a goddess sent from the heavens to rule all.

Umbridge stepped into her personal space, her face less than an inch from Hermione's, voice lowering to a whisper that was bordering on a hiss, "That will cost you. No one is here to save you now as Andromeda has been called to a family emergency. You Black's," she spit the name as if it was the worst thing she ever tasted, "think you are above everyone else? Well, I'm going to show you, you're not. Get to Hagrid's. I will deal with you later."

Hermione raised an eyebrow at the woman but didn't move, forcing her to step around her. Their group turned to watch the woman storm from the Great Hall, the silence seeming even heavier than before. Once the woman was out of sight Hermione let out the breath she had been holding, glancing at Harry with a smirk, "Too much?"

Laughter burst around the hall as every student launched to their feet and gave a round of applause to Hermione. Whistles and cheers echoed around the room and Hermione couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up from her chest, turning into a high pitch cackle when Harry, Ginny and Pansy doubled over in laughter beside her.

Five minutes later, in much better moods, Harry and Hermione approached Hagrid's hut near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The half giant turned with a smile, "Harry, Hermione! Been waitin' for ya."

Hermione couldn't help but smile at the large man, "Hey Hagrid. What are we doing today?"

He frowned at her, "I told Umbridge this would be a dangerous thing, but she insisted that I take you both with me."

Harry grimaced, "Of course she did. What's up?"

Hagrid looked around, double checking that they were alone before motioning them to follow. He picked up his crossbow, "We're heading into the forest but stick close." They entered the forest, Fang trotting ahead of the a few paces, "It's nothing as dangerous as what I told her."

Hermione and Harry glanced at each other, curiosity flaring brightly. Harry decided to ask, "Exactly what are we doing Hagrid?"

The man grinned down at them, "I have a brother, well half-brother. See he's alone and has no one to take care of him."

Hermione frowned, "Half? Giant half?" At Hagrid's nod she glanced at Harry wide eyed, finding his own wide-eyed look staring at her. She shook her head and forced herself to memorize the path they were taking as they wound their way deeper into the dark forest.

She and Harry were struggling to breath when Hagrid finally stopped moving, turning to them with a pleading look, "He's young mind you, but he's family and he's all I got." He turned and disappeared through a mass of overgrown bushes.

Harry glanced at Hermione, "Not what I was expecting."

Hermione shrugged, "Family is family. We both know that."

She moved forward and led the way through the wall of thorny bushes, snorting when Harry cursed under his breath before she laughed when he tripped. At least until she was wacked in the face with a thorny branch which sent Harry into hysterics. She grimaced at him as wiped the blood from the fresh scratches on her face before she helped him up and they proceeded, finally tumbling out of the shrubbery in an undignified pile on the dirt floor.

She leaned up on her elbows as Harry laid on top of her, smirking down at her, "Graceful as always Black."

She snorted, "Uncoordinated as usual Potter."

Hagrid's laugh had them both looking over at him, "Hermione, Harry, meet Grawp." He turned to the giant behind him.

Hermione and Harry scrambled to their feet, their eyes trailing up the large pale legs, over the brown loincloth like fabric that stopped midthigh. His broad pale chest was wider than a house and soon their heads were bent back as they made it to his face. Large, rounded ears stuck out from the sides of his head, poking through mossy green shaggy hair that dipped into his bright green eyes. A wide smile pulled at his lips as he looked down at Hagrid, his chubby cheeks puffing out slightly as he leaned towards his brother.

Harry's eyes were wide, "He's…"

Hermione glanced at Harry, seeing his hesitation. She grimaced before looking back up at the giant, "Nice."

Hagrid grinned as he turned back to them, "He's still a child. The other giants were picking on him and I couldn't leave him there."

Hermione opened her mouth to ask a question, but Grawp suddenly noticed them. A booming bark, that sounded somewhat of a giggle burst from the giant as he quickly took a large steep towards them. Hermione gasped and Harry dodged to the right as a large hand reached down to them. Hermione didn't have a chance to move before the large fingers closed around her waist, lifting her up into the air.

Hermione didn't really have a problem with heights, having flown on broomsticks with Draco since they were children. She helped him train for Quidditch over the summers usually, but this was too high without a broom underneath her. Hagrid's voice was soft below her, though she knew he was yelling. Grawp grinned widely at her, his slightly crooked teeth a pearly white against his pale skin. Being this close Hermione could see the damage that had been done to Grawp's left ear, a small chunk of it missing and healed over with scar tissue.

She raised an eyebrow at the young giant, a firm strong tone entering her voice, "Grawp, put me down. Now."

The smile faded from his lips, curving down into a frown. His eyes watered slightly as he leaned over, placing Hermione safely back on her feet. He backed away slowly, dropping to sit on the dirt with a loud bang that shook the ground slightly. Her heart pulsed at the look of sadness on his face, and she couldn't help but move forward, "Thank you Grawp. That was very good of you."

Grawp's head snapped up, a wide toothy grin splitting his face once again. He clapped his hands together before smiling down at Hagrid. Hagrid chuckled, "Looks like you've got yourself a fan Hermione."

She brushed her robes off, smiling softly at the young giant, "How have you kept this from Umbridge for so long Hagrid?"

Hagrid frowned, "She don't come out here. That's why I keep him far enough back, but he does have tantrums every now and then. This clearing we're in was his last."

Harry's eyebrows shot into his hair, "Where are the trees?"

Hagrid nodded, "Exactly. I just need help until I can find something to do with him. He get's lonely out here all the time."

Hermione and Harry shared a quick glance before Hermione stepped towards Hagrid, "Have you spoken to Dumbledore lately?"

Hagrid nodded, "He knows about Grawp also he mentioned something about not being here on Christmas eve. Some sort of meeting he has to attend to."

Hermione looked over at Hagrid, seeing the same question in Harry's eyes. Was this meeting between Dumbledore and Voldemort? Harry smiled at Hagrid, "I don't know how we can help Hagrid, but we will."

Hagrid grinned, "We can start with gathering his food and some toys. Let's go."

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Hermione and Harry collapsed on the grass near the lake after having spent the entire afternoon manually cleaning the area around the edge of the lake. Their entire week had been nothing but detentions, usually consisting of manual labor, and this was the first night they had a few free minutes until McGonagall showed up to continue their detentions. She hadn't heard anything from Draco, and it was making her worry increase every day. She worried that Narcissa was hurt or worse, it plagued her nightmares every night. She felt hurt that he hadn't sent word yet, but she was too emotionally and physically drained to focus on it too much.

The dark circles under her eyes had only grown darker over the last week. Her face had thinned, her cheekbones more defined than they ever had been before. Her clothes were even fitting looser, and her robes hung from her body as if they were three sizes too big. Harry wasn't in much better shape and his hair was looking even more unkept than usual. She had repaired his glasses hundreds of times over the last week and was grateful he had finally learned the spell himself so she wouldn't have to keep doing it for him.

"You ever think about the future 'Mione?" Harry asked as they stared up at the slowly setting sun.

She didn't want to talk, didn't want to move another muscle for as long as possible, "Sometimes."

Harry frowned, "When we looked into the mirror, back in our first year, I saw my parents. Our deepest desires, but you never said what you saw."

She stared up at the bright orange sky silently. Contemplating if she could trust him enough to tell him, then again they had formed this friendship out of nothing but trust. Not even mutual likeness, just trust. She had kept it bottled up so long, with only Draco, Ginny and now Pansy in the know. Even then she kept most of her emotions to herself. Something about the way Harry trusted her made her ache to be honest with him, knowing he was always honest with her even if she didn't want to hear it.

Harry frowned but didn't push, "They were talking to me. Just talking and that's the memory I use for my Patronus. I don't know what they're saying, never can remember when I wake up."

Hermione felt her heart ache, her mind quickly going to Narcissa. She took a deep breath, too tired to rethink what she was going to say, "I saw my soulmate and my mother." Harry let his head loll to the side, to face her, remaining silent, which she was thankful for as she continued, "Bellatrix Black and Alecto Carrow. Alecto was smiling proudly at me, but Bellatrix was looking at me like I was the only person she could see."

Harry smiled, a gentle sparkle in his green eyes, "Of course you'd be mated to a Black." There was no judgement, no fear, in his voice. "Bellatrix Black," he turned his face back up to the sky, "Two brightest witches of their ages." He chuckled, "How will either one of you survive the other one? I mean you're both mental."

She giggled, turning her head to him, seeing his toothy grin. Her giggles turned to cackling laughter and Harry joined her. Once their laughter died and the sun disappeared below the treetops Hermione sighed, smirking at him playfully, "You're alright Potter."

He smiled widely, "You too Black." He held his hand up between them.

She could see the trust, the honesty in his eyes and that alone made her twine their fingers together as they returned to staring at the sky. A silent peace settled over them, a cool breeze rustling the grass around them. There were no worries, no dangers, no outside influences trying to split them apart. They were just two teens that had too much in common. Hermione could see in another life, in another universe how her and Harry could have been best friends. How they could have come together.

She smiled as the stars began to brighten as if someone flipped a switch. They were relaxed, so much so they didn't hear the soft footfalls of someone approaching until a shadow crept up on them. They both jerked up to their feet, hearts racing as they both said in relief, "Professor McGonagall."

The older woman smirked at them, her thin lips pressed tightly together, "Potter, Black." She eyed them sadly, seeing their loss of weight, the tiredness in their faces. She shook her head, "We don't have much time. Twenty-four hours to be exact. Come." She turned on her heel leaving them no choice but to follow.

Hermione and Harry shared a look, but Hermione was the one to ask, "Where are we going Professor?"

McGonagall moved briskly, "We have a meeting to attend."

Harry and Hermione shared wide eyes and wide smiles, jogging to keep up with their professor. Their bodies were exhausted but their minds were fully back on the task at hand. Getting Dumbledore and Voldemort to work together.

At least for a little while.