A/N: Italics in the present tense are dreams, italics in the past tense are flashbacks. Generally the flashbacks are dated.

In Dreams

Chapter Four

Hermione continued to stare at her feet. She knew Harry had moved away from her, she could feel the nippy breeze inhabiting the once warm area where Harry's arm had been. She noticed the grass had grown longer around the monument and the occasional wild flower had braved the autumn wind one final time. Glancing again at the limestone monument, she saw that visitors hadn't become strangers to it. Although the edges had become worn from the bitter winters and frosty mornings the remains of tributes still dotted the surrounding glassy grass. As the young girl looked intently at the fading yellows and reds of the dying flowers, she felt a pang of guilt in her stomach, ever since Ron's untimely death she had avoided this spot like the plague. They had spent many days in seventh year here with Harry but when the chapter in her life with Ron ended so did this part.

Hermione knelt down to retrieve a card that seemed to have withstood the elements, it was signed Leonard Coaker. People who didn't know Sirius had sent more flowers than her. Hermione pondered what she had done. She realized, she had barely rested let alone thought since returning to London and absorbing her surroundings she become conscious of the fact it wasn't exactly the most appropriate location to tell someone their godfather wasn't dead. She took one final glance at the monument and smirked, 'chance took us apart' that should be etched away and replaced with 'chance reunited us.'

The young woman, standing uncomfortably aware of the looks she was receiving, braved a glance in Harry's direction; the tall, thin man of twenty-four still in ownership of the most unruly hair she'd ever seen stood there, his emerald green eyes burning into her. They were in possession of a shine only available from the retention of tears.

"Harry!?" she chanced.

"It can't be true," he mumbled to himself.

"Harry," she tried again.

"No, he would have found me… can it be true? … No…" he continued to mutter in argument with himself. He was in two minds about it. Part of him wanted to believe it, wanted to run to the girl he used to be so close to and bring her into a hug, forget about everything that had happened; but his logical side, the side he used in battle, the colder side of Harry refused to believe her words. The words that stung him, they couldn't possible be true. Who was this… this person… this creature standing before him, the Hermione he knew would never play such a cruel, unsympathetic hoax.

"It's true Harry," she spoke clearly, tears reappearing in her large coffee shade eyes."Harry you have to believe me."

He turned away taking two steps; his hand went involuntarily through his hair as he stood there with his back to Hermione. She approached him cautiously, gently placing her tiny-gloved hand on his right shoulder. "Harry I can show you."

He spun around to meet her face; he looked deep inside her shimmering eyes. His eyes were darting across her face; searching within her for the answer he was seeking. He knew she wasn't lying. A solitary tear trickled down the lonely hero's, wind raw cheek.

"I've missed you so much Hermione," he whispered.

"Oh Harry I've missed you too."

The two old friends stood under the shade of the leafless tree embracing one another, the only movement from the shaking shoulders of a man who thought he'd lost everything. The wind blew his hair about their joined faces.

Pulling away Hermione wiped away the tears streaming down her icy cheeks. "I promised myself I wouldn't cry," she said laughing.

She inhaled deeply the cold air, that hurt her lungs, before speaking again, "come on Harry let's go to The Three Broomsticks. We've a lot to talk about."

"Madam Rosmerta does make the best butterbeer."

"Last one there is as greasy as Snape," they both yelled in unison smirking at the memory of the absent member of their trio.

"Come on then, if I stand here any longer I fear I'll become a permanent feature… it's freezing," Hermione said, her teeth chattering. Taking Harry's arm, they walked the short distance to Hogsmeade.

"You take a seat, I'll get the drinks," Harry offered as Hermione removed her scarf to reveal her rosy cheeks and red raw nose. Sitting at their old table she spied a few dark robes hidden in the corner. The four Hogwart's students, three boys and a girl, who evidently should not have been there were whispering frantically oblivious to their surroundings. Hermione smiled and not for the first time wished she could return to those days at Hogwarts.

"Hello Mr. Potter," greeted the bar man.

"Is Rosmerta not here today," inquired Harry.

"No, she's off shopping in Diagon Alley; it's grand for some eh? Now what can I get you Harry?"

"Two butterbeers, warm, thanks Bilius," replied Harry glancing around the lounge of 'The Three Broomsticks'. "Fun crowd you have here tonight." There was an old woman clad in deep terracotta coloured robes smoking in the corner and then there was the man in tattered robes, his hair flecked with silver slouched against the counter with his head over his drink.

Bilius smiled in reply, "I'll drop them over to you."

"Thanks."

"So," Harry said awkwardly as he sat down at the table, across from Hermione.

"So…" replied Hermione, "where do we begin?"

"We can start by you telling me how you've been," Harry said with a hint of humour in his voice.

Hermione grinned, "ah you know me, fine really. I opened a bookshop but you knew that. It's nice, small, and annoyingly quiet at times but its mine. I think that's what I like the most it's somewhere I can be myself, no matter how I feel. That of course is unfortunate for Remus who has been the brunt of my mood swings on a number of occasions."

Harry chuckled in response, "god do I remember."

"Hey… now Mr. Potter you should be careful, I might just walk out that door again," she joked, "and anyway I wasn't that bad."

Harry snorted.

"I wasn't," replied Hermione feigning offence, she tossed the beer mat on the table at Harry's head in a playful manner. Bilius, the barman, chose that precise moment to arrive with the drinks, his effort being awarded by cardboard in the face. Hermione's eyes widened, "I'm so sorry."

"Bilius, you'll have to excuse my friend here, she's always had an atrocious aim."

"Humph!" Hermione crossed her arms.

Bilius shook his head returning to the counter where he proceeded to dry glasses with a cloth. He could have used magic, but he had nothing else to do. He'd already wiped the wooden counter ten times in the last five minutes.

"My aim isn't that bad, I didn't hear you complain when I taught you curses and charms in school, need I remind you it helped in your N.E.W.T.S. and another thing I didn't have that many mood swings at Hogwarts."

"Come on, you have that memory of yours altered."

"Ha!"

"Remember third year?"

"Need you remind me," she said coolly. "But if I remember correctly you weren't exactly Mr. Happy all the time either and anyway I was right."

"Of course."

"Shut up… and stop laughing at me." She smirked.

"Like old times."

"Sure is."

"So how's Remus? I haven't seen him in a while; I've been real busy lately."

"He's fine. He's a great help at the shop and a great friend too, very grounded. I hear you and Ginny are getting married – congratulations."

A large grin crept across Harry's face and his eyes twinkled joyously, "oh, she's just great. I don't remember ever feeling like this with someone. I know I liked Cho Chang a lot but nothing compared to how it is with Ginny. With her there are no doubts – it feels like for once everything is going to be ok. I'm sorry… I know I'm going on but it's so hard to explain."

"Harry you never have to explain that… I'm very happy for you both," replied Hermione ignoring the jealous feeling she had. "So do you ever see anyone from Hogwarts at the Ministry?"

"Yeah," answered Harry, "Neville is a herbologist, I think he secretly wants to teach it at Hogwarts," Harry winked, "Seamas and Dean are there too. Dean's an Auror, although I'm not sure what Seamas does."

The young girl glanced around the small dimly lit lounge reminiscently, "I really miss being here… I know we weren't exactly carefree teenagers but didn't Hogwarts always feel safe. Have you been in the castle recently?"

Harry nodded.

"Has it changed at all?"

"No, same old Hogwarts with mostly the same professors too. Flitwick and Daniels, he thought Muggle Studies retired, other than that the same. Are you saying that you never went back?"

"Never… Haven't been there since graduation."

"Really!? … Always imagined you there, like the furniture in the library."

"Thanks," she replied wryly.

"Ok that came out wrong."

"I should hope so," she chuckled, her face dimmed slightly before continuing, "so… Snape's still there then."

"Yup and as slimy as ever."

Hermione rolled her eyes and lifted her rapidly cooling butterbeer to her lips.

"That's not your reasoning for avoiding the place is it?"

Hermione shook her head from side to side, "Well I suppose it's partly it. I'm still embarrassed about exploding at him like that, but in my defence Snape should not have said anything." She began absentmindedly playing with a beer mat. "Other things too though, time just went by, things happened and before I knew it I'm here seven years after we graduated."

"Exactly Hermione it's been seven years – I'm sure he has forgotten."

The girl snorted, "Ha! … Harry this is Snape we're taking about. You do remember how much that man despised Sirius right… he can't let the past go." She caught her companions' eye, "and yes I am aware this is completely different. I'd just rather not see him."

"Now we've got the formalities out of the way." Harry saw Hermione's frown. "I think you have some explaining to do."

"Well we might need more drinks and I think something stronger this time." Hermione stood up and went to the bar, when she returned she was holding two glasses containing an amber coloured substance. She took her seat again and began to recite to Harry everything she knew, "… and now Remus is there with him, I had to tell you. You understand right, he isn't exactly the same."

Harry responded gravely, "yes I do… and thanks for telling me, probably not the easiest thing."

Hermione smiled weakly. "Do you want to meet him," she asked with care.

"I don't know if I'm ready yet." He ran his hand through his hair, messing it up. "I'd finally accepted he was gone… it's all a bit much."

"If you're not ready then you don't have to." Hermione reached across and placed a hand on his. "Well we could apparate to my apartment, Remus should still be there. This is entirely up to you, when you're ready."

Harry toasted his glass. "Dutch courage."

The two bodies appeared in a shadowy alleyway near to where Hermione lived, "There's an anti-apparating spell on the apartment. It's also Muggle."

Harry moved his head in comprehension. They stopped at her door.

"Are you sure you're ready?"

Harry answered quietly, blinking back tears, "no, but I have to do this," he stammered.

"Ok let's go in," taking Harry's hand and squeezing it tightly for encouragement, they crossed the doorsill.

Stopping outside the entrance to the living room, she turned to face her best friend, "Harry you must understand he doesn't quite comprehend what he's been told, for the last year he has been called Heathcliff. I think it would be best if we also continue to call him that until he feels more comfortable… ok?"

Harry just looked at her; his silence answered the question.

"Just one more thing Harry, if… if he does not remember your name don't take it personal. We have no idea what he's been through."

Gripping his hand tighter she led Harry into the small room where Remus was seated, explaining to Sirius from first to last, every photograph in the album. Remus' face was masking what ever emotion he was currently feeling; he was suddenly looking old though.

"Heathcliff," Hermione managed to say as happily as possible. Sirius looked up. "I'm back, are you hungry?"

He shook his head 'no.'

"Alright, but if you want something don't be afraid to ask me… Heathcliff this is…" she indicated towards Harry but was cut off.

"Harry," said Sirius softly. Hermione smiled briefly before realizing that he was holding a photograph of Harry. Remus had placed charms on all the single headshots of people, in order to help Sirius remember their names. Her stomach plummeted; she could only imagine how Harry must be feeling right now. She swallowed, "that's right," she tried to say brightly, turning to Harry she whispered, "are you ok?"

His face was pale and his eyes were red but replied stiffly, "yes."

"Remus," said Hermione, Remus' head shot up, "I was hoping you could help me in the kitchen, you and Harry must be starving… I know I am."

Remus took the hint and followed Hermione out of the room shutting the door silently behind them. Once safely in the kitchen Hermione could halt the pleasant act.

"Well?" she asked.

"I don't know… doesn't remember much, mind you he isn't saying much either," replied Remus.

"This is so frustrating," groaned Hermione, "I didn't expect it to be easy, but we have very little to work with."

"I think he may know more than he's letting on."

"You think," she asked brightly.

"I hope."

"Merlin, I hope your right Remus. This is going to be tough on everyone, especially you and Harry."

"What do you think we should do next?" asked a very bothered Remus.

"I think we should talk to Dumbledore and soon," said an exasperated Hermione.

"She's right," came a dejected voice behind Hermione, it was Harry.

"Where's Heat… Sirius?" she asked worried.

"Bathroom," his voice crocked.

"So," added Remus, "we're agreed, we go talk to Dumbledore.

"Yes," Harry and Hermione together.

"When?"

"Tomorrow," Harry said eyeing the bottle of vodka on top of the fridge.

"I'll go owl Dumbledore then," said Remus.

Harry couldn't sleep that night; Remus and he had spent the night at Hermione's small London flat. They had come to the conclusion that it would be best if they all stayed together. Remus had promptly received an answer from Dumbledore, he would meet them at twelve o'clock the following day, and they were invited to stay for lunch. Remus had neglected to mention however the exact reasoning behind their visit.

Harry rolled over on the sofa he was sleeping on. His tossing and turning mixed with the constant mumbling and shuffling had prevented Remus, on the inflatable bed, from sleeping as well. Hermione's apartment was small; it had two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and a sitting room. She wasn't the world's neatest person either. For a person whose work was presented perfectly and person was always neat, it came as a surprise to view her flat. She was obviously busy at times and although her home was clean it was messy. Piles of books dotted the apartment, trailed along the hallway; parchment half torn, half scribbled on covered the kitchen table. She had quills in the cutlery drawer beside the forks and for some odd reason a saucepan had made its way to the bulging bookshelf in the sitting room. Remus figured she was probably about to cook when a book caught her eye, then the pan lay forgotten under piles of notes. He was thinking that it wouldn't surprise him; sometimes she was a bit scatty. In the hallway as you entered the apartment was a mahogany whatnot which was used to carry the house keys and hold various other trinkets; there was also a fading, yellowing photograph of her great-grand parents, and her mother sitting between them when she was just six years old. Her bathroom was painted white and had Muggle black and white photographs placed in a sequence along the walls. Hermione didn't want the wizard ones in there as she didn't like the moving pictures in a room that you showered in; she instead had the moving pictures in the hallway to greet the visitors to the house. To look at the dwelling you wouldn't believe another person lived there with her, her items had marked the area as her territory, the only evidence of her boyfriend could be seen in the bedroom and the odd folder of documents he needed for work.

"Harry," whispered Remus.

"Yeah," he whispered back.

"I'm going to the kitchen to make breakfast, do you want some?"

"I'll come help, I can't sleep anyway."

"I know," mumbled Remus bitterly walking to the kitchen.

"Bugger," muttered Remus, holding the lid of a coffee maker in one hand and spilling coffee grinds on to the vinyl counter top.

"What's the matter?" asked Harry innocently, trying and failing to hide his smirk.

"She has one of these weird Muggle coffee makers… I thought they all used those pushy down ones… you know they have a piece you press down… like this," Remus continued to mime out the actions involved in pushing down the plunger attachment.

"Here," laughed Harry, "it's a proper one, the Dursley's used to make me do this. It's pretty simple. Look you fill this part with water up to the marker," he said holding up the metal base, "this sieve type piece slips into the base, like this, you put the grinds in here… twist on the lid… place on cooker and hey presto in five whole minutes you have coffee."

"It not that funny you know," Remus said grinning.

"Ah it is… now do you know how to work the toaster?"

Remus raised his eyebrows, "a what?"

"Didn't do Muggle studies then?"

"No… there were much more important subjects than ones where you learnt about the Muggle Owling System."

"God you sounded just like Hermione there, and it's the postal system."

"Huh!"

Harry shook his head, "Never mind, you just sit down I'll make the breakfast.

Hermione appeared in the kitchen around an hour later and plopped down in the seat next to Harry, grabbing his toast she took a bite, "mmmm! Rashers," she said groggily, "I didn't even realize I had any."

Harry and Remus looked at each other and pushed their plates of rashers away from them.

"Coffee?" Hermione asked.

Harry pointed to the counter, "you didn't have to use that there's a plunger one under the sink." Remus smirked triumphantly in Harry's direction.

Hermione stretched then poured herself a cup of black coffee; cupping it in her hands she smelt its strong aroma before taking a sip of the warm black substance. She took a moment to enjoy the taste before speaking again, "Sirius not up yet? I'll go wake him… you two are welcome to use the shower, the bathroom is the first door on the right as you come into the flat. There are clean towels in the cupboard under the sink. Oh and Harry show Remus how to work the Muggle shower, unless he already knows." With that she promptly left the kitchen.

The two men were momentarily silent.

"So how is she… really?" Harry questioned.

"A good actor," Remus commented.

"Thought so… what's she been like lately?"

"Up and down… but I must say that since Sirius arrived she is looking the best I've seen her in years."

"I was afraid of that."

"Why?" Remus stopped buttering his toast.

"She was trying to prepare me to meet him, and I really appreciate but I think she might… I'm afraid she might get hurt."

"You may be right; she was talking about him a week ago. She said she couldn't stop thinking about him… I'm afraid he's going to become her new Ron…" said Remus.

"Ron?"

"She was acting funny in the shop the other week, I'm sure she still thinks it's her fault."

Harry out down his mug. "But it isn't."

"I know, she thinks it is though, she also thinks… you do too," Remus continued delicately.

"That's stupid… of course I don't…" Harry almost yelled, his voice softened as he continued, "but it would help to explain why we haven't spoken in ages… it was seven years ago, don't get me wrong I really do miss him, he was my best friend but I had to move on."

"She hasn't well hadn't, now I'm scared she'll put all her time and energy into Sirius and if the worst happens…"

"She'll be worse than before," Harry finished.

Remus nodded.

"I think, I might go have that shower," Harry went to leave but turned at the door, "Remus, at least I'm here now, better late than never eh? I can hopefully help her."

Hermione rapped gently on the door to the guest bedroom. There was no reply so she knocked again. She heard the shifting of weight on the bed and the carpet muffled the sound of two feet hitting the ground. Sirius opened the door, he was standing only in trousers that were hastily pulled on and unzipped.

"Eh… em," Hermione coughed to clear her throat, "can I come in?"

The topless man nodded and stood away from the door, he pulled on a jumper. That reminded her, she best make Harry and Remus take Sirius to get some clothes and she had better get more food. Hermione sat down on the cushiony bed and motioned for him to sit next to her. He obediently responded.

"Heathcliff, we're going on a trip today. Harry, Remus and I are going to meet an old friend. We were wondering if perhaps you would like to come, our friend would love to see you."

"Will you be there," he asked quietly.

"Yes… so will you come?"

Sirius nodded.

Hermione smiled, "do you want some breakfast? I can bring it in here… maybe we could just talk for awhile. You could tell me all about Catherine and Charles and that daughter of theirs," she mocked, Sirius grinned at the mention of their daughter, Hermione's stomach flipped. 'Those rashers must have been off.'

The clock was slowly edging towards twelve. At eleven Harry, Remus and Hermione could be found seated in the kitchen, with more coffee, discussing the best way to get to Hogwarts.

"Well we can't apparate anyway," said Hermione playing with a teaspoon.

"Why not?"

Hermione gave Harry a look that would have made McGonagall proud, "Harry don't you remember anything – Hogwarts a History – you can't apparate into Hogwarts grounds, also Sirius doesn't remember any magic, just yet, so apparating is out of the question. Sometimes I wonder."

"I meant apparating to Hogsmeade, anyway we could side-a-long."

Remus smiled, "How about the Knights Bus."

"I don't know," added Hermione, "I'm not so sure it would be wise to let people see him… just yet anyway."

"She has a point Remus," contributed Harry, "unless we disguise him or use the invisibility cloak."

"Harry you're the auror, what do you think is best?" said Hermione.

"Me…eh… we could chance the invisibility cloak or we give him one that ensures to cover his face completely.

"are you sure you're not just being over cautious? It has been years since he was cleared and even if it wasn't, he doesn't look 45," argued Remus.

Hermione looked up. "Yes, but he is also suppose to be dead."

Four bodies descended the steps of a purple triple-decker bus, in the small Wizarding town of Hogsmeade. The tallest of the company, a young man with almost black hair and thick-rimmed glasses waved goodbye to the driver. As soon as the bus was gone the fourth member, whose outline appeared to shimmer and was hard to focus on, lowered his hood. This new man had been placed under a weak disillusionment charm for extra precaution. The small group began to slowly walk away from the main village and head towards the towering castle in the distance.

Harry and Remus walked ahead and were followed by the very silent Sirius and Hermione. The nearer she got to the castle the more her stomach jumped around. She seriously doubted her ability to walk into the castle. As much as she missed going to school at Hogwarts she was incredibly nervous about returning. When the company stopped outside the huge entrance to the ancient soaring building she found her self rooted to the spot.

"You go on ahead," she called to the others.

"Hermione what's wrong," Harry questioned.

"I don't think I'm ready to go in yet… I'll follow you… go on."

"Ok… if you're sure you are all right."

"I'm fine," she breathed deeply.

Sirius turned to face her; he slowly extended his hand out and caressed her cheek with his thumb. For a moment Hermione could have sworn she saw a gleam of the old Sirius in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.

"Heathcliff, I'm ok… you go with them."

Sirius shook his head and followed her down the granite steps. She turned and pleaded with him to go with Harry and Remus, "please… for me." She wasn't sure it would work, but she had to try. The most important thing was for Dumbledore to see Sirius.

"I promise I'm fine," she said again. Sirius looked at her for a moment, turned and briskly ran up to the other two. Hermione sat down under an oak tree and rested her head against its wide trunk ignoring the moist grass beneath her. She hardly noticed that her heart was racing.