Author's Note : This fic is a rework/rewrite of Home Again by Pynki (AO3) / PinkyPinkums ( ). I loved the concept of their story but had some ideas of how I would finish it that required changes throughout. While the first few chapters stay decently true to the original fic, as it progresses less and less of the initial text will be used. I highly encourage you to also read the original work for their unique perspective on the concept/plot! However, a good bit about characterizations and the plot is changed so this is not a continuation of their story.

I do not own the rights to Harry Potter or anything related to the Wizarding World franchise.

TW for later chapters. This story will contain mentions and descriptions of sexual assault, attempted suicide, abortion, talk of mental health issues including intrusive thoughts, suicidal ideation, night terrors, anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and mentions of 9/11.

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Thank you to be bets reader/editor, Jacob Mathis.


Chapter 1

Hermione Granger stood, staring at a plaque that read, 'Department of Magical Law Enforcement'; took a deep breath, reached out a shaky hand and jerked it back for the third time. It had been six years, six long years, since she had left everything magical behind. The longer she stayed away the more she realized leaving, while prompted by what she foolishly thought as lost love, was actually steeped in a profound fear and growing dislike of magic.

At just seventeen she had told her parents that there were things that needed to be done and that they would have to go into hiding because of it. There were nights of calm discussion that lead to yelling with both her and her mother retreating to their bedrooms in tears. She had wanted to share everything with them but it was safer if they just didn't know. When the day came to leave she told her parents that she loved them, that she was sorry, and that she would meet up with them later. If she survived. With a tearful goodbye and one last look at her childhood home she disapparated to the Burrow with Kingsley's promise to keep her parents safe ringing in her ears. What Hermione hadn't expected was to survive the war and be reunited with her parents only to have them killed by revenge starved Death Eaters and losing everything she loved.

It was magic that took her out of her parents' loving care at eleven. It was magic that had captivated her to the point she turned her back on the world she was born in. It was magic that had stripped her of her childhood, and had begun fighting a grown man's war at the tender age of twelve. It was because of this war she left the safety of her home for a year to embark on a mission that could have very well taken her life and the lives of all whom she cared for. Magic killed her parents and Hermione found she wanted nothing to do with it; but now, she was back.

The department was filled with the hustle and bustle of witches and wizards making their way easily through the maze of cubicles.

"Excuse me," she said, trying but failing to get the attention of a witch who just walked by never taking her eyes off her papers. "Excuse me," she said a bit louder to the next person but again got no response. She stepped in front of a middle aged man next "Excuse me could you…" but he just gave her a dirty look and stepped around her. Getting annoyed and a bit impatient she grabbed the arm of a young man, an auror by the look of his robes whose nose was buried in a folder.

"Excuse me, could you tell me where I could find Mr. Loomis's office please?"

The auror looked completely stunned for a long moment, then narrowed his eyes before speaking in a clipped tone. "Go straight ahead and make a left at the end of the cubicles, walk to the end of that row then make another left, the third door down, big sign, can't miss it."

"A left, another left, third door," she said more to herself.

"Big sign can't miss it," repeated the auror

"Right." Hermione nodded "Thank you."

A left, another left, and a big sign later Hermione was seated across from a rather round man in his late fifties. He was on his third read through of her résumé, at one point muttering Granger under his breath.

"So, Hermione, may I call you Hermione?" he asked without waiting for a reply. "It seems to me that you forgot to include your NEWT scores."

Inwardly she winced; she was hoping this wouldn't come up. "I didn't take my NEWTS, sir."

Loomis nodded. "Why not?"

"Well you see, during what would have been my 7th year Voldemort had gained power and being muggle-born I thought it was wise not to attend."

"Yes, I see that. But what I'm asking is why didn't you return after his fall?"

"I continued my education in the muggle world, Sir." was all she could come up with.

Loomis surveyed her for a moment before surging on "Tell me Miss Granger how did hiding in the muggle world suit you? Not many Death Eaters in America I gather?"

Hermione didn't like his condescending tone. "Excuse me?"

"And a Gryffindor. Not very brave are you?"

"What!" She replied hotly but he ignored her.

"I as a muggle born myself lived through two wars and during neither did I run."

Did this man just imply she was a coward? Where was he during the last battle? Completely out of line and uncalled for. With her voice just as condescending as his had been she replied. "You may have lived through two wars sir, but how many did you fight in?"

Loomis spluttered and Hermione smiled to herself knowing she was spot on about his un-involvement. Living through a war and doing nothing to help the cause was just as bad as running and he knew it. "I-I-I did my part."

"Really? Were you part of the Order? Such a noble man as yourself would have surely joined."

"That is classified information and …"

"Not that classified now that Voldemort" she deliberately spoke and emphasized the name- noting his refusal to, "Has fallen; the Minister himself has stated he was indeed a member, as the head of this very department."

Loomis puffed out his chest, "It's my prerogative whether or not to boast about allegiances."

"I lived at the Headquarters for two summers and I don't recall ever seeing you at a meeting, or at Hogwarts during the final battle."

Loomis spluttered once again but Hermione continued deciding she didn't care much for this man or the job. Hermione stood and straightened out her skirt. "My decision to leave, or 'run', as you put it, is my prerogative. And even though I did run, I did so after the war was over, after Voldemort fell, which is more than you can claim, Mr. Loomis. I'm not the coward in this room."


Ron Weasley was having a great morning. While grabbing a quick breakfast on his way to work he struck up a conversation with a very pretty muggle girl who promised him a very good time if he took her out. She was a bit forward for his taste but he wasn't complaining. For the first time in his life the Chudley Cannons were actually on a winning streak and he had had the privilege to attend a remarkable game the night before that was sure to go down in Cannons history; and won 100 galleons. He and Harry had started on a side a project for the Ministry they had been toying with and today was the beginning of the final phase. If it was a success, and he knew it would be, the Ministry would release it to the public and make Ron a rich man.

"Weasley!"

Ron groaned before plastering a fake smile on his face and turning. "Patricia! What can I do for you?"

"I need your body." Patricia, a witch from the Experimental Charms Department, said walking up to him.

This time the smile on his face turned genuine. "I think your husband would mind."

"He wants your body too."

Ron grimaced, "That's just wrong."

The woman rolled her eyes "Come on," grabbed his upper arm and dragged him in the opposite direction.

Ron shoulders sagged "Do we have to do this now? I just got in." Her only response was shoving him into a conference room.

"Ronniekins!"

"What's he doing here?"

"I'm here for the show." George stated brightly, walking over and giving his wife an affectionate slap on the bum.

"He needs to be here if something goes wrong."

Ron's good morning was dampened. Not only was he going to be a guinea pig for a new charm the twins had developed for the Auror Department, but now if something went horribly wrong George would have a new story to tell at Sunday dinner.

"How's David and Michael?" Ron asked after his nephews.

"David," Patricia stated throwing a glare at her husband, "Thought it would be funny to write on Michael's face and his father didn't think to stop him."

"What did he write?"

"'Prat' across his forehead," Ron and George laughed. "It's not funny! It took forever to get it off!"

A knock on the door got their attention and Travis, Patty's assistant, walked in. "Good we're all here."

Ron and George greeted the new arrival and Patricia got down to business. "Now as you know your brothers have been working on a concealment charm." she said while motioning everyone to take a seat. "They worked out the kinks now we just need to see how long the enchantment lasts."

"Why can't you just test the duration on the blokes you worked the kinks out on?" Ron mumbled.

"'Cause Angelina told Fred if he came home one more time half looking like Lee she'd divorce him."

"And," Patricia cut in, "It's now time for the Ministry to test, they're eager to get it in …"

"Yeah, yeah" Ron cut her off, he knew how this all went. Before every new charm was approved for the department they needed an auror to see if it had any side effect that could hamper performance blah, blah, yadda, yadda. "I know the drill, what's the charm?"

"Think Polyjuice" George stated proudly

"Polyjuice is a potion not a charm."

"It is now." The grin that crossed Patricia's face could only mean. But it couldn't…Could it?

"You didn't!"

"They did."

"That's just… BRILLIANT! And it works?"

"Yes, we just need to see how long the enchantment holds. Which is why Travis is here."

Patricia explained that all one had to do was simply touch another person with the tip of their wand and say the incantation 'imagiceive' which records said persons image, then tap yourself with the wand and say 'geminios'.

"That's it?" asked Ron

"That's it?!" said George indignantly "If you had any idea how hard it was to develop…" George crossed his arms in a huff "That's it he says."

Ron rolled his eyes at his brother and jabbed Travis in the ribs with his wand.

"OW!" "

"Imagiceive"

"Sorry," Ron shrugged. "Geminios." He turned to the full length mirror Patty had brought along and watched in amazement as, within a blink of an eye, he was the spitting image of Travis voice and all. "Wow, no transformation or nothing just…" Ron snapped his fingers.

George beamed. "That's it!"

"It'll be useful in the field giving chase or fleeing a suspect. Now you transformed at 9:43," she pulled a gold band from her pocket, "Put that on, when your molecular structure changes the ring will record the time it does."

Instead of going back to his own office Ron charged in to Harry's "Where the fuck is Weasley!?" Harry's head snapped up at the sound of the door hitting the bookcase.

"I ran into George, and Travis isn't an auror," Harry said pointing at his robes.

"Damn."

Harry leaned back in his chair throwing his legs on the desk and crossing them at the ankles "Ready?"

"Yeah."

"Excited?"

"Hell yeah. Just think how easy our job's gonna get. I wish we had some sort of Wizarding internet when we were at Hogwarts. Just think all we would have had to do was google Nicolas Flamel or Horcruxes instead of wasting countless hours in the library."

"Hmm" was Harry's only response. "Oh before I forget," Harry dropped his feet off his desk.

"Kingsley wants you to go over the new recruits' applications."

"Can't you do it?"

"I did it last time."

Ron sighed "See you at lunch."

He made his way to his office going over the applications. Hufflepuff, Prefect, Head boy ten OWLS and NEWTS, It'll be like working with Percy. He came to a stop when someone grabbed his arm.

"Excuse me,"

Hermione?

"Could you tell me where I could find Mr. Loomis's office please?"

Hermione Granger?

Ron couldn't wrap his mind around the fact that Hermione was standing right in front of him.

"Sure," He said in a daze "go straight ahead and make a left at the end of the cubicles, walk to the end of that row then make another left, his office is the third door down, big sign, can't miss it."

"A left, another left, third door."

"Big sign, can't miss it."

"Right," Hermione nodded "Thank you."

Ron made it two steps into his office before it really hit him.

HERMIONE'S BACK ?!


The night before

When Kingsley Shacklebolt had informed everyone that only after a little over a year in office he was stepping down as Minister of Magic it had come as a surprise. Kingsley had done wonders in rebuilding the Wizarding world after a war that nearly destroyed it. In times like that they needed a leader who was strong and reassuring and with Kingsleys' calming yet strong presence he was a perfect fit. But with the rebuilding nearly over his time and skills were desperately needed elsewhere.

Many were outraged and despised the idea of Arthur Weasley as Minister but Kinsley knew it was the only way to get what needed to be done. It would be tricky and they could have failed but their hand was being forced. Arthur Weasley was first and foremost a family man. A man who would look out for and do anything to protect those he loved.

Kingsley was one of the last to leave the Ministry. His meetings had run a little late and he wanted nothing more than to get home. He had just made it out of the building when he was tapped on the shoulder by the last person he was expecting to see.

"Hermione?"

Kingsley gave the young woman a crushing hug. He had always liked Hermione. She was smart, strong, loyal, and kept Harry and Ron in line during their time at Hogwarts. Well mostly, but after working with those two he knew even that was no easy feat.

"It's good to see you. What are you doing here?"

"Let's go up to your office." Was all she said looking over her shoulder.

In the bright light of his office Kinsley took a good look at the young woman. She had bruises on her face and arms, the reminisce of what looked like a nose bleed. A gash on her right cheek, and blood on her blouse.

"What happened?"

Hermione slightly shook her head trying to articulate what had happened, "One minute I was walking home and the next I had an arm around my throat and a wand at my temple."

Kingsley knelt down in front of the chair she was now sitting in and took one of her trembling hands.

"A wizard."

She nodded.

"I thought you were living as a muggle?"

"I was for the most part, but I have been with the American Ministry for the last few years."

"Did you recognize the man?"

"No."

Giving her a reassuring pat she went on.

"I was able to get free. I took a self defense class and… well, I got away…lost him on the subw-tube. I ran home and searched for my wand. I had left it at home that day but I knew where it was, I couldn't get to it fast enough. I was going to put up wards…but someone apparated in." Hermione said fast and in one breath.

"The man who grabbed you?"

She shook her head.

"Go on."

"I disarmed him, but he lunged at me and knocked my wand out of my hand. We fought. I was able to get a hold on a wand and stun him. The American Aurors told me I needed to talk to the British Minister." Hermione was talking as if she wanted to get the story over with as quickly as possible. She took a deep breath before meeting his gaze head on.

"They had the Dark Mark."

Kingsley nodded his face grim. "You need to speak to the Minister."

"You're not…"

"No, Arthur Weasley's Minister, has been for years."

"Mr. Weasley?" her shocked expression gave way to a small smile as she processed the news.

"I'll floo him"

"NO!" Hermione jumped out of her seat. "You can't."

"Hermione, he needs to know if there is a resurgence of Death Eater activity."

Hermione sank back into her chair "The Weasleys probably hate me." She whispered.

"Nonsense, they'll be glad to see you." Kingsley hoped Hermione didn't catch the uncertainty in his voice. He hadn't lied but he did know how hurt the Weasleys felt over her decision to not return. And Ron, he would need to have a talk with Ron. He wanted his best aurors on this, and they just so happened to be the two people affected most by Hermione's absence, one of which had his heart shattered and his world turned upside down.


Harry Potter was going through a list of things to do, more last minute research, reports that needed to be gathered, permissions that needed to be granted, and positions that needed to be filled. Who would have thought that when he gave Ron a laptop as a gag gift he would come up with the brilliant idea of bringing the internet to the Magical world, and why hasn't anyone thought of it before.

Harry's train of thought was once again interrupted by Ron entering his office only this time he looked utterly confused.

"What?"

"I just gave Hermione directions to Loomis's office."

Harry hadn't heard him right. "You just gave Hermione directions to Loomis's office?" He repeated slowly.

Ron plopped down in the chair he had earlier and nodded.

"Hermione Granger?" Harry needed clarification, he only knew one Hermione but she was gone and wasn't coming back.

Ron just nodded again. They sat there in quiet contemplation. Truthfully Harry didn't know how to react; maybe it was the conflicting emotions going through him. He had long ago accepted the fact that he would never see his best friend and sister again. When Hermione said she needed to get away from the Wizarding world everyone sympathized. They didn't make a big fuss about her departure because they were sure she would be returning, they had no idea it would be the last time they would ever see her. Ginny gushed about them being in the same year and Hermione never said anything. He and Ron agonized over how to break it to Hermione that they were accepting Kinsley's offer to enter the Auror Academy sans NEWTS and wouldn't be going back to Hogwarts. Mrs. Weasley debated on whether or not to pick up her school books so she would have them when she returned. Mr. Weasley kept reminding them to tell Hermione that she was more than welcomed to Percy's old bedroom.

McGonagall informed them a week before term started that Hermione planned to enroll in Muggle University and wanted to leave the Wizarding world. She had pleaded with the young woman and hoped after a long mourning period she would reconsider, but knowing her the way McGonagall did if she wasn't back in time for the start of term odds were she truly wasn't returning. It wasn't until Christmas when their gifts were returned did Harry finally believe their old Professor.

He was angry at her for abandoning him, relieved to know she was ok, confused as to why after all these years she was back, happy that she was back and unsure of where this left them. When she left, Hermione was the closest thing to a sister he had, now they barely knew each other. She left him an orphaned boy and now he was a man with a family of his own. They had too much history to start over, but too much time had passed to pick up where they left off.

Harry looked over to where Ron was staring off into space. What he was feeling was nothing compared to what Ron must be going through. He and Hermione always had a different sort of relationship, always on the verge of something amazing. How many times had he watched them interact when they thought no one was looking. They adored each other and Harry often felt a pang of jealousy over the happy ending that was in store for them. One he once thought he could never have. It's funny how things work out, Harry mused, he got the happy ending, while Hermione put a stop to theirs.

Their reverie was interrupted by a loud knock on the door and Kingsley Shacklebolt walking in.

"Hey, Kings."

"I need you to find Ron and meet me in Arthur's office."

"Right here" Ron said standing but Kingsley eyed the young man who was obviously not Ron.

"Guinea pig," Ron said and Kingsley needed no other explanation.

"Follow me."

When the three men arrived in the Minister's office, they were greeted by the sight of Authur Weasley sporting a look of apprehension.

"Hey, Dad, what's going on?" Ron asked.

"Sit down, boys."

Ron and Harry exchanged looks then took a seat while Kingsley remained standing.

"There was a Death Eater attack in America yesterday." Arthur said without preamble. "No one was seriously hurt but…"

"That's why Hermione's back… right?" Ron asked, coming to that conclusion. "She was the one who was attacked."

Arthur gave his son a questioning look and Ron added, "She was in the department a while ago looking for Loomis." His father nodded in understanding and looking a bit relieved they already knew of her return and he didn't have to be the one to break that piece of news to them.

Kingsley spoke up then. "We haven't heard of any Death Eater attacks in years so I want my best aurors on this case, that means you two." It was hard to read the expressions on Harry and Ron's face. When neither of them responded Arthur continued. "She came here last night a little worse for wear and a bit shook up- she's fine. She's staying at a safe house for now."

"How long is she here for?" Harry asked as he took the file the Minister handed him. "Kingsley and I managed to convince her to stay until this ordeal is over…"

Ron let out a noise somewhere between a snort and a humorless chuckle, Harry didn't need Legilmancy to know what Ron was thinking, Hermione -stay- yeah right.

"… I informed her that it could be months before anything is resolved so she expressed interest in finding a flat in London and looking for work." Harry and his father-in-law shared a smile. "We are trying to convince her to stay under the protection of the Ministry. I'm sure she'll be around for a while."

"Yeah, well, we've been sure about her before." Ron said bitterly.

"Look Ron, I know you and Hermione have history," Kingsley said and Harry inwardly winced at his poor choice of words. Kingsley must have realized his blunder because he hastened to add "you both do. But you're the department's best aurors."

"We have Interlace." Ron said

"Death Eater activity trumps Interlace." Kingsley stated.

"Conflict of interest" Harry jumped in. He didn't want to work this case either.

"Extenuating circumstances" Kingsley said simply.

"Out of our jurisdiction" Ron shot back.

"The American Ministry referred her." Kingsley said smugly.

"Look," Harry said, sighing loudly "Ron and I just aren't comfortable working this case." Truth was, he did feel ill at ease, but his unwillingness had more to do with Ron. Hermione's absence had affected him more than anyone. It had nearly cost him his life and freedom. It shattered his heart and fell on Harry and Ginny's shoulders to comfort him. To Harry, agreeing to help the girl that broke his best mate turned brother-in-law seemed like a betrayal. Even if that girl was Hermione.

Kingsley, knowing them the way he did, seemed to understand this because he took the file that lay unopened from Harry's lap and gave it to Ron. "I get that you two have personal issues with Hermione, but she was the victim of a Death Eater attack that needs investigating."

Harry saw Ron open the file taking in its contents. He looked furious when he slipped low into his seat and crossed his arms like an annoyed child. After a long moment he said "Fine," and handed Harry the file without taking his eyes off the ceiling.

Harry looked at it and knew at once why Ron had agreed. Inside were victim photos of Hermione taken at St. Mungo's. Her face was badly bruised. She was sporting a gash on one of her cheeks. There were bruises and scratches scattered along her arms, waist and legs and marks around her neck that showed someone tried to strangle her. He skimmed the healers' report and saw that to top it off she also had two broken ribs. The brotherly feelings rose up to greet him like a long lost friend. He wanted to kill whoever was responsible for this.


Ron against his better judgement he knew exactly where he was headed when he left the Aurors' Office late that evening. Not actually talk to her just check with the aurors guarding the cottage that everything is alright. He was there talking with the lead guard when he heard it. Hermione's screams pierced something inside of him, suddenly he wasn't a highly skilled auror but a scared eighteen year old held captive in Malfoy Manor. She was screaming for him and he reacted without a second thought.

He bolted inside the auror he had been speaking with hot on his heels, up the stairs and then when he reached the bedroom started to undo the complicated wards she set up. Jordan, the other auror, went to question the wards, but Ron didn't stop. Undoing the final spell he swung the door wide open. Wand at the ready he looked around frantically searching for any advisories, but no one was there. Only Hermione was in the room, tangles in the sheets screaming in a cold sweat. Terror pulsing out of her, it was difficult for Ron to even be in the room, the emotions are so strong.

Ron allowed himself to momentarily drop his anger towards her, to leave his resentment for her at the door. With two quick strides he gathered her quickly in his arms, washing her with a sense of calm and sleep, to keep her from truly waking as he held her to him. She relaxed into his embrace. Auror Jordan Ridel stood at the door enraptured by the scene in front of him. He felt like he was intruding on an intimate moment, but his shock at the whole situation seemed to hold him there, watching them. Ron knew if he looked at her face when he released her his resolve would be gone, no longer able to hold onto the anger that had been fueling him for all these years. So he made a point not to look at her face as he laid her back down on the pillow, making the effort not to wake her. Quickly he stood, turned away from her and walked out the door, gesturing for Jordan to follow him. Once outside he reinstated the wards so that Hermione is none the wiser that he was there.

Once they were a safe distance from the door the guard blurted out, "What was that all about?!"

"Drop it, Jordan." Ron said coldly.

"Drop it? You just broke through one of the most complicated series of wards I've ever seen! We didn't put those in place, so I know they weren't covered in training. Not to mention that the girl in there just screamed your name like her life was ending, but was somehow fast asleep! I know you used to know her but what the actual fuck, man?"

"It's the same wards she used while we were on the run during the war, same order too, makes it easy for those who know the pattern to get through. As for the rest, it's a long story that is none of your bloody business." Ron snapped back.

"I… just… I just don't get you, Weasley. You're a bloody war hero, top of our class at the Academy, you're like a machine, but I've just never seen you that rattled," then Jordan does as requested, dropping the subject, not knowing how far he can push it before Ron clocks him.

Ron let out an exhausted sigh, "It's just been a long day. I'm exhausted…" Before Jordan could respond Ron walked the few steps past the appartision barrier and disapperated to his flat.


It was already the early hours of the morning, but Ron grabbed a glass and the handle of firewhiskey from the small bar pouring himself a drink. He took a couple sips before sitting down on the couch, setting the glass down and putting his head in his hands.

It had taken him years to stop hearing her scream in his nightmare, and now he couldn't get the sound out of his head. Her screaming, screaming his name to come and save her… Had she called his name while she was being attacked in New York? What about on other nights like this, where she screamed herself hoarse in her sleep unable to wake up from a night terror. Before he knew what he was doing he walked into his study, past the desk full of maps and reports to a small box on the shelf behind, no bigger than a cigar box. He picked it up returning to the couch, setting it on the coffee table before just staring at it, sipping on his glass.

His glass ran empty long before he opened the box, finally in the light of the fireplace he hesitantly opened it. Inside was everything he had kept locked in the deep recesses of his mind. Photos of him and Hermione, during school, at the Burrow, over Christmas at Grimmauld place, most were with Harry, or any number of the other Weasleys, but one in the very bottom was of just the two of them. A muggle photograph her father had taken in the back garden of the Granger house after the war, their rose bushes in full bloom behind the pair. They were looking at each other completely unaware of the camera, they looked like they were in love… and it broke his heart. It broke his heart that he didn't feel that when he thought of her anymore, he just felt… distant, numb, hollow, like the emotions were coming through water. They were distorted and just wrong. He felt tears prick the corner of his eyes, the sensation feeling foriegn after all this time. Underneath all the layers of photographs he found what he had been looking for… a small device wrapped in a scrap of fabric. The deluminator rolled out into the palm of his hand. As he unfurled the cloth, he felt the familiar weight in his hand as he flicked it once, and then again. Off, on.

'What am I doing?' He thought as he laid it on the table beside the now closed box of memories and went to bed.

The next morning he knew he would have to stop by the Burrow and inform his family that she was back. It was only fair they knew, she had left them too after all. But as he was going to the Floo he saw the deluminator on the table again. Without even thinking about it he slides it into the pocket of his denims.

"The Burrow" and then he is gone in a flash of green flame.


Hermione woke to the harsh morning sun coming through the thin curtains of the safehouse. Just as she thought the dreamless sleep draught still wouldn't take effect. Even after all these years she had kept her tolerance, she was surprised though that her throat was not as raw as she had initially anticipated, perhaps she hadn't made too much of a racket at least. Slipping on a worn Auror Academy standard jumper provided by the Ministry she took down the wards she had placed and slipped downstairs. Taking a peak at the clock she saw it was just half past ten in the morning. No wonder the sun had been so merciless the day was well and truly underway.

Hermione's stomach rumbled mercilessly as she set herself on mission for something to eat. To her luck there was a brown paper sack that looked to be from a bakery on the kitchen table along with a folded note.

She let her curiosity get the better of her and opened the note, suddenly her appetite was the least of her worries, because there plain as day on the Minister's official stationery was an order that she would be moved to the Burrow for the duration of her case.

She sighed bringing her knees up to her chest as she curled her arms around her legs at the empty kitchen table head buried behind the shield of her knees. It seemed that her past was inescapable, that the universe was intent on punishing her in every conceivable way, so she allowed herself to wallow, to shed tears for her situation, for herself. After who knows how long she began to steel herself against the unavoidable. She couldn't change the past, she couldn't change her situation or how anyone felt about her here. Hermione had to focus on what she could control, getting a job so she could get her own place and continue her research. She couldn't let her publication timeline be pushed back because of this ordeal and a trip down memory lane.

With that knowledge she went about her day waiting for nightfall when she would go back to a place she could no longer call her home.


It was a little past five when Harry and Ron arrived in the Portkey Office at the Ministry. After they searched Hermione's flat, even checked out her former university, they investigated her initial report to the American Aurors, then went to try and speak to her supervisor. They were informed that there was no supervisor available but they could Floo call later in the week, if her work was deemed important to the case by the American Aurors. A bit perturbed by the roadblock, they then trooped back to Hermione's to retrieve some clothes and personal belongings she might need and Crookshanks, whom they found hiding under her bed protecting her wand. Evidently, Crookshanks wasn't too pleased to see Ron after all this time because he now sported several scratches on his hands and arms gained from trying to retrieve Hermione's wand.

"Ahh good, you got everything then?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"Yeah, even this mange beast." Ron said, lifting Crookshanks' carrying case. "I swear I'm gonna feed him to Kitty."

"I'm sure Hermione would appreciate that." Kingsley chuckled.

"Bugger what Hermione appreciates, that thing is a menace to society."

"He was lying on Hermione's wand, we're gonna need the one she has," Harry said, placing his bundle on Kingsley's desk.

"There really wasn't much at her flat" He went on. "But some of her neighbors said a few days ago two men had come around asking for her, figuring they must have been friends from back home by the 'accent', so they gave them her general schedule."

"So it wasn't random." Nodded Kingsley, "not that we thought it was. Anything else?"

"Same two men were asking about her at the university she used to go to. At least we think it's them. Same description never left names." Ron added.

"There's just one more thing." Mr. Weasley said, looking apprehensive. "We had hoped that Hermione would be able to fill the position in Loomis's team but it seems he was a bit rude to Hermione-"

"I always liked Loomis." Ron said with a smile.

" - I spoke to him but I was wondering if there was an opening in Interlace?" He asked, knowing full well the new department was severely understaffed.

"Dad…" Ron said pleadingly but his father raised both his hands holding off his son's protest. "I know, I know. But she's adamant about getting her own place and she'll need the funds."

"Where's all the money she got from her parents?" Harry asked.

"She wouldn't say."

"If she needs money so badly she can work for Loomis!" Ron retorted.

"Son, can't you do an old-"

Ron crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, daring his father to say 'girlfriend'

"- uh...friend a favor?"

"She's not my friend."

"She was."

"She left."

The Minister sighed deeply knowing what it took for Ron to agree to take on her case. It would be unfair to force him into working with her as well. "OK. We'll find something."

"Is that all?" Ron asked.

"Yes." said Kingsley. Ron nodded without a word and walked out of the office. Harry turned to his father-in-law "I'll talk to him."

"We could use her."

"Like a hole in the head." Ron said not looking up, gathering his things.

"You're gonna run into her at some point."

"Hopefully with a car."

"You don't mean that."

He really didn't, mostly. The truth was that he was greatly annoyed with the way everyone was treating Hermione's return. It was like they forgot what her leaving had caused. Sure he felt sorry she was attacked, and hated that it happened but they were treating her like some lost puppy. She was a big girl who could take care of herself, she's been doing fine the past six years without them. She didn't need the coddling she was receiving.

"She doesn't deserve special treatment." Ron said.

"No she doesn't," said Harry truthfully.

"Then why are you willing to give her it?"

"Because it's Hermione. She was the closest thing to a sister I ever had."

"That only makes what she did worse, you do realize that."

"Yeah," Harry said tiredly. "But it doesn't change the fact that she was."

"It should."

"I'm willing to help her for old times sake, but you're right, she's not our friend. Just a co-worker."

"Technically, she would be an employee." Just the fact that he would be Hermione's boss was almost enough for Ron to agree. Almost.

"Yes she would," Harry said with a small smile "But we would still have to work with her."

"We would just have to deal with her at meetings. Aden's been bitching that he's overworked. If we put her with him she wouldn't even need to come to any. We could make it so we never have to see her."

"Sounds good. I'll tell your dad." And with that Harry raced out of his office.

Ron sat there wondering what the hell just happened.


After settling into the Burrow the night before Hermione pushed through the door in the kitchen as Mrs. Weasley was absentminded working, cleaning from the work she had put into the breakfast pastries that were on the table.

"Mrs. Weasley…" No longer did she call her Molly, Hermione didn't feel she had the right to anymore. "I just wanted to come and thank you for letting me stay here while the case gets sorted. I know I'm likely not your favorite person… but just thank you."

"I wasn't about to let anyone who has been through your ordeal be alone right now. But while we're here, why don't you take a seat and we can have a quick chat." Molly gestured to the seat across from her at the table as she sat down. Hermione's eyes widened a bit, panicked at the spark of confrontation in Molly's tone, but sat down as requested. "You caused a great deal of hurt in this family when you left, and I just want to make sure I am prepared to pick up the pieces when you ultimately leave again once this case is closed."

"It was never my intention to hurt any of you," Hermione replied, not able to meet Molly's eyes just yet.

"But you did. You just up and left with no explanation, not even an owl to let us know you were okay. We were all so worried about what could have happened to you."

"I… I wasn't in my right mind when I left. I was spiraling and felt like an undue burden on… your family. They had wanted me to transition back into a less magical life with them, my parents I mean. Don't get me wrong they loved all of you, especially… But it was just so hard for them to understand this world, to trust me, just because I was a part of it. After they were gone I felt an obligation to abide by their wishes. By the time I realized my mistake it was too late, and I didn't know how to come ho… to come back," she corrected herself at the last second, she had to choose her words carefully now. Mrs. Weasley softened slightly at her confession.

"Hermione, dear, it's understandable to want to abide by your parents' wishes even if they were… misguided. I hope you understand that I am just looking out for my family" that no longer includes you, her stern tone implied. "If you ever loved my son…", Mrs. Weasley went to continue, Hermione interrupting in a soft small voice, barely audible.

"There's no need for past tense, Mrs. Weasley."

"Oh…" Molly exclaims in a small gasp, stopping her train of thought in its tracks. She hadn't been expecting that. It had been six years after all, of nothing, not a word from Hermione.

Hermione hung her head low, focusing too hard on her hands in her lap, but continued, "But it's not fair for him to have to deal with that after all these years. After this is all sorted you won't have to worry about me interfering with your lives anymore. I promise…" With that Hermione got up from the table leaving Molly a bit stunned at the information. She could tell this had caused as much destruction in Hermione as it had in Ron. Because the confident, self-assured girl she had known wasn't the person who had sat in front of her just now. It was as if a light were out behind her eyes, just like his. Her anger mixed with heartbreak, for Hermione, for Ron, for the life they had all envisioned together. She still wasn't quite ready to forgive Hermione for leaving, for breaking her son's heart… for breaking her heart, but with any luck she would be gone again before any permanent damage was done to Ron… again.


Hermione spent the rest of the previous day in her room at the Burrow after her conversation with Molly. On Saturday, it seemed to be just her luck that when she finally decided to emerge again, only leaving her bed when her stomach could no longer be ignored, she was met with one of the biggest surprises of her life sitting at the kitchen table. She found herself looking at the back of Ginny Weasley, a baby boy no more than a two year old balanced on her hip. He had a mop of unruly black hair and when he turned his tiny head in her direction she could see bright green eyes staring back at her. There was no mistaking it, this boy was the son of Harry Potter. She took in the engagement ring coupled with a wedding band and the weight of everything she had missed crashed down on her. Harry was a father and she had no idea.

Before Ginny noticed her presence she slipped quietly into the sitting room. With all her preoccupation she really hadn't had the time to take a good look around but now that she did, she noticed that there were far more pictures adorning the walls and every flat surface then there had been the last time she was here. Some she remembered but most were recent pictures of the Weasley grandchildren.

She started when she heard Ginny's voice behind her. "So it's true, you're back." Hermione turned and offered a small smile and nod. "Your mum told you?" Hermione asked but Ginny shook her head. "Healer Smethwyck told me Dad came in with you."

"Oh."

Ginny shifted her son higher on her hip. "It must have been horrible." Hermione nodded and turned back to the photos. She ran a finger down one taken on Harry and Ginny's wedding day. They were standing under an archway covered in white lilies- of course Harry would want lilies- Harry leaned down to kiss his new wife and when they broke apart he rested his forehead against her as Ginny wiped a tear off his cheek with her thumb.

"I'm sorry I missed your wedding."

"Don't!" Ginny said harshly. Mrs. Weasley walked in then and surveyed the girls.

"James! Come see what Grandmum is making." She took the small boy from his mother's arms and fled the room, but not before giving her daughter a warning look to remind her her son was in the other room.

Both girls watched the older woman go.

"I really am sorry."

"Sorry doesn't change anything. Did you even care what you were doing to us!?"

Hermione bristled at her tone, but tried to remain composed. "I didn't know what to do, I had just lost my parents I…"

"Don't give me that bullshit." Hermione's head snapped up at Ginny's words and anger filled her.

"Bullshit?" she shrieked. "You didn't lose anyone, your family was still whole!"

"My family lost a daughter and a sister." Ginny pointed at the Weasley clock. She and Harry had been added the summer before they left so, as Mr. Weasley put it, they could keep an eye on all their children. "Dad told Bill and Charlie to clear out Percy's old room for you. We tried to make it so you could feel more at home."

"I didn't ask for any of that."

"No, but we did it anyway 'cause we loved you. You may have not died Hermione but it felt like it. And in case you have forgotten, Harry lost his parents, Sirius, Dumbledore, Lupin, Tonks." Ginny ticked off each person on her fingers. "Teddy lost his parents too; did you know they found the Dursley's dead about a week after you left? They were horrible to him and he didn't like them much but they were still his family and it affected him. I'm not saying it to be mean Hermione but you weren't the only person to lose someone to the war. You have no idea what you caused!"

"I lost my entire family!"

"And what were we?"

"It's different."

"To think all those years I thought of you as a sister and you were just sucking up to the family to have a few shag sessions with my brother."

Hermione gapes at Ginny, "It wasn't like that."

"It was exactly like that."

"I loved Ron."

SLAP

Hermione touched the spot where Ginny's hand made contact with her cheek stunned.

"Don't you ever say that! You never loved him. You strung him along for years, rubbed other guys in his face, used him, then tossed him away like a piece of rubbish."

SLAP

It was Ginny's turn to be on the receiving end of an open palm.

"Bitch!" Ginny yelled and lunged at Hermione. The two girls began wrestling on the floor of the sitting room. Pulling hair, hitting and clawing until strong arms grabbed Hermione around the waist and pulled her up, holding her off the ground.

Still on edge from her attack just days before, Hermione went on the defense and threw her head back with all her force. There was a deafening crunch and a thud as she crumpled to the floor.

"Ron!" Mrs. Weasley called and ran past her. Hermione froze, this could not be happening. But crouched behind her holding his nose was Ron, face covered in blood and off to the side was Harry restraining a still struggling Ginny.

"Nice, Hermione! First his heart, now his nose! Why don't you just hit him with a killing curse and be done with it!" Ginny was saying as Harry tried to get her through the kitchen door. She'd wondered what it would be like when she first saw Ron and Harry again, but this, being in the middle of a fight with Harry's wife and breaking Ron's nose? Never in her wildest dreams. She pulled herself up off the floor.

"I'm sorry," she said to no one in particular and ran up the stairs to her room, her hair swinging behind her coated with some of Ron's blood, swearing to never leave it again.