A/N: So… about that climax… all I can say is I hope you like dialogue.

Personally I don't mind the style the ending is in, but that may be because I've known for a long time it was going to be in this form. However, to use for reference in the future, I would love it if you reviewed this one letting me know how satisfying it was. Oh, and if there is an issue that goes unaddressed and it bothers you, please keep in mind that there is one more chapter.

… … …

The brightness took some getting used to. She blinked softly. She'd recognize that ceiling anywhere. She had no choice but to stare at it for days and days her second year. She was in the hospital wing.

She sat up quickly, giving herself a bit of a rush to the head.

McGonagall was sitting in a chair, smiling pleasantly, as if waiting for her.

Hermione hardly would've recognized her if it wasn't for her impeccable posture. She looked about ten years younger. Her forehead wasn't all wrinkled up with worry and sternness.

"Do you feel that?" She asked, "That change in the air? That's freedom."

Hermione felt a strange prickle go through her entire body, she cycled through various different things she could be referring to. McGonagall couldn't possibly be saying … no, definitely not that they had…. That he was… "What?" she finally managed.

"You'll be most interested to know we stopped the vote dear," she said, "and now Voldemort is dead."

Hermione just stared at McGonagall, wondering if she was in the afterlife, her head whirled with disbelief and confusion.

"What?" she repeated.

"I know!" said McGonagall with a joyous grin, "it's too much to believe…. Are you alright my dear? Perhaps I should wait till you're absolutely recovered to tell you the details… the news as I can imagine can be quite over-powering… I just as well assumed you'd want to hear straight away and well, I couldn't very well contain myself waiting to tell you…" she went on grinning

Numerous feelings engulfed her, which to choose to officially feel she could not decide… Her jaw hung open for a long time; no words could come. This was the biggest news of the century; it all meant so much…

Finally, "You finished it without me?" was all she spat, her tone most harsh.

Her professor sat up even taller in her chair, completely abashed, "Hermione Granger!"

But Hermione's stone cold glare did not cease, causing McGonagall to match her expression of superior disdain like only she could.

"Was that anger I detected in your voice?" she torted, "For heavens sake, I'm surprised at you! You must still be ill; you'd have to be! You're not thinking straight. I don't think you're being very logical, and that's very unlike you.

Hermione was raging with vigorous anger now, "Me? Logical!" she repeated, "I gave up the last years of my childhood to hunt down that soul-sucking bastard only to rot nine months in his jail cell! And then, once I'm out I'm told I don't really have freedom at all, but that I must continue WORKING! Marry into Lucius Malfoy's family none-the-less, -and solve the fucking mystery ALONE- only to have the rest of you go out and "coup de gras" the only man I could ever actually condone killing while I'm napping! Does that sound logical to you!"

McGonagall's eyes narrowed into defiant slits. "And what of asking that same girl, who was not only horribly jailed for nine months, but then unfortunately placed into another dyer mission that millions of lives depended on, which she valiantly and selflessly served, narrowly passing on the vital information that needed IMMEDIATE attention just in time, to fight some MORE! Just how logical does that seem?"

Hermione gulped.

"And how logical, I wonder," McGonagall continued in her famous lecturing tone, "is it to have an unconscious person at an over-throwing? Well I guess we could've just woken her up and thrown her into the mix but I don't suppose her fellow fighters would feel very safe knowing someone FIVE MINUTES out of coma was supposed to be covering them. I guess we could've just waited a few days until she was up to par but that seems quite ILLOGICAL to me, seeing how that man she claims to have worked so hard to catch would've just slipped away again."

Hermione bowed her head in shame. Why had she exploded at McGonagall? She hadn't done anything. McGonagall let her wallow in a long uncomfortable silence before Hermione could gather her voice to speak.

"I get the point. I'm sorry…" she whispered.

"Besides," said McGonagall, taking a now softer tone of immediate forgiveness and understanding, "I know I for one missed her greatly, and was so happy to see her alive I couldn't bare to send her off again. If anyone had earned a break it's her. I guess we all just thought she'd be happy knowing that we not only did it for her, but because of her."

Hermione's expression of shame transitioned to startled curiosity, "What do you mean?"

"Well Miss Granger," she said, "If it weren't for your expertly developed accomplices, we never would've gotten anywhere."

"Accomplices?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"Yes… it seems many surprising people came forward to help," McGonagall smiled, "it appears that Sarah Malfoy is quite fond of you. Enough so to risk everything, convincing her father to come forward with her as well. It was he who released Nicholas Greenly from the Imperious curse so we wouldn't have to. Saved us a lot of trouble, difficult it is to undo a curse that isn't yours. It could've risked Mr. Greenly's mind, a mind which we need to testify if we are to track down the remaining stragglers. Since you were unconscious we would have had no idea where to start if it weren't for them!"

Hermione beamed.

"Oh but I'm getting ahead of myself," McGonagall said, "I promised Dumbledore I'd send you right off to him the second you woke!"

… … …

Hermione slowly entered Dumbledore's office once she heard him say come in. She had to instantly bite her lip, not wanting to make an ass of herself with assumptions to Dumbledore like she had with McGonagall but her mind was bursting with unanswered questions.

To her dismay Ron and Ginny were sitting on the couch and Harry was in an armchair set back towards the fire place. Hermione's cheeks burned and she felt extremely nervous, like this could easily turn into her death sentencing.

She could see the old sweat and dirt on Ron's robes and face. He looked devastatingly tired and sore, but also so supremely happy and relieved that anything else, no matter the ailment, couldn't have possibly mattered. Harry was shrouded in some shadow by the tall armchair, but she got the impression he was in a very similar condition, however much less relaxed. The final battle must have been not even 24 hours ago. She could not bare look at him. There was just too much in their way now, first with his betrayal, and now him knowing her shameful secret. Had he told the others? She was dying to know but absolutely dreaded finding out…

Aw," said Dumbledore, "our Heroine!"

Surprised, Hermione forced a meek smile.

"Harry did it," he said.

"Excuse me?" asked Hermione

"He gave him Aveda Kedarva. It was a stand off between the two of them. Harry was just plain faster than Voldemort. After all the years of turmoil, it was as simple as that, a prophecy fulfilled. I make it sound much more plain than it actually was of course… however, I doubt anyone could ever retell such an account as to make it feel like one had actually experienced it…. But in any case, that's how Voldemort died. I figured that would be your first question." Dumbledore smiled warmly.

Hermione had been too shocked to fully appreciate it when McGonagall told her just moments ago in the hospital wing. The utter joy of the news was finally beginning to set in.

Voldemort was dead.

Merlin, she'd never have to fear her blood again. Excitement and pure exhilaration was beginning to surge through her body.

"And what about Lucius! Or Brusto! And the Death Eaters?" she wanted to know.

"Lucius knew Voldemort was dead and there was only one door we had to get through before we got to him," said Dumbledore matter-of-factly, "He took his own life…"

He gave Hermione a moment for this, as it would surely have an astounding impact on her, before going on to tell her the rest of the life changing, soon to be in history books, facts.

"Ron petrified Brusto, but he was most unfortunately at the top of some rather ghastly stairs. He fell down, cracked his head open. The rest are either dead or imprisoned," he answered.

Hermione was very still and quiet. Dumbledore understood he was giving her a lot to digest. He felt it was best to just keep going, give it to her all at once so that she would have the whole perspective to decipher.

"We caught them by surprise," he explained, "we fought gloriously. They under-estimated the skills of the younger ones. I heard one call out before surrendering that they were like my own personal…army." He smiled with that twinkle in his eyes.

Hermione tried with all her might to imagine it… to put herself there, to see those bastards fall with her own eyes… but how did she get there? She could not picture it until she knew all the facts… "But… how did you find their lair? How was it that you were able to catch so many Death Eaters by surprise?" she begged of Dumbledore to tell her, desperate to have a piece of the experience to call her own.

"We have young Mr. Malfoy to thank for that," spoke Dumbledore.

Hermione's eyes widened. She glanced over to Harry, hoping for him to give away what the others might know, but she could not make out his expression through the dimness cast over him.

"He- He came to you?" she stammered, trying to hide her surprise, and, what she considered to be unfortunate and incriminating, her undeniable excitement,

"Yes," said Dumbledore.

"And told you he wanted to help?"

"Yes," he said again.

"Told you he'd take you to Voldemort's lair! Personally? That he'd help you!"

"Yes," said Dumbledore once more matter-of-factly, "and help he did. He wasn't necessarily an excellent fighter, he tends to hesitate and take a lot of cover, but the boy can plan attack. He's the most cunning warrior I've ever seen. The Death Eater's hardly heard us coming under his direction. He was ruthless when it came to getting us all in with an upper hand, so that little of us would die as possible."

"Draco?" Hermione asked once again, in pure exasperation, just to be sure.

Dumbledore chuckled, "Yes."

"Malfoy? Draco Malfoy?" she stammered.

"Yes," Dumbledore said again, firmly laying his hands on the table, "Draco Malfoy revealed to us the location of Voldemort's lair and helped lead the siege."

Hermione sat quiet and still for a moment, her head buzzing… she was trying to imagine this final battle in her mind, a final battle that involved the Slytherin prince going in against his own father, leading other's into sudden danger no less… Draco was not here in the room with them. Suddenly she looked back up at Dumbledore.

"The casualties?" she asked, her tone showing she feared the answer.

"None," said Dumbledore, smiling and sighing. "Not to say it wasn't close though," looking at Ron.

Hermione turned to Ron. It was all sinking in. Just hours ago he and many others were literally risking their lives to stop an evil force, and they all miraculously made it back alive. It was just now dawning on her that she was being told things that she would be eternally grateful for for the rest of her life. She wrapped her hands around him in a giant hug.

"Oh my Merlin," she gasped, Ron could feel her begin to tremble as he squeezed her tightly, "I've wanted this so much for so long. And now it's finally here and it seems too good to be true. I can't believe it. I just can't believe it. It's finally over!"

"This is the happiest day since the Boy who lived," said Dumbledore, "and I'm so happy all of my kids are alright…"

Hermione smiled, tears filling her eyes.

"But I still sense unrest."

Hermione looked sharply up at him.

"Today should be a day of peace, and we will not leave this room until it is so. Hermione, dearest, I want you to tell us what is bothering you."

Hermione lowered her head. Her falling curls hid her face from the others. She did not want to be called out in such a way, but her heart was already racing at the mere thought of the memories… She was very still for a long time. When she finally looked back up she could look only at Dumbledore.

"He was my best friend," she managed to say steadily… but the rest got choked in her emotions, "And he left me there…." She inhaled sharply, wishing for nothing more in the world than to get this sentence out in one piece… "He left me there and Sturgis died and I might as well have! He left us there for his own personal revenge…. He left us to go after HER!" she screamed.

"NO!" shrieked Harry, finally showing a sign of life from his shrouded chair. "I did not!" he screamed, jumping up to a stand, "I did NOT! She came after me! She ran me off Hermione! I had no choice but to stray from you," he rushed over to her on the couch and fell to his knees, his face looked tortured and his eyes desperate, "Hermione I'm sorry! I'm so sorry. I could barely live with myself after that, I wasn't going to go after her on my own, but she knew I was there! Some how she expected us!"

Hermione finally looked over at him and saw the earnestness in his eyes. The shame of failing, his fear of facing her, of admitting he let her down, all these things he was finally able to tell her in person as his face burned red with emotion, it was extremely apparent he dreaded having to own up to how badly he didn't come through. He so obviously felt like a failure for letting Bellatrix catch him.

Tides of emotions rushed through her. Like a flood gate being opened, all her hate and pain dropped out of her, and was replaced with disbelief and overwhelming grief. Was she relieved her best friend hadn't intentionally betrayed her after all? Or angry that she WASTED so much time thinking that he did to the point of breakdown? All of it seemed so pointless now, everything she thought and felt… for nothing. Harry, all this time, hating himself while she wanted to destroy him!

"I was gravely worried about him," said Dumbledore quietly, "How much he blamed himself…"

Hermione ached all over. It was all so much. How could she be mad at him when it was Bellatrix who found Harry! A lump formed in her throat that she could not swallow, her eyes burned with forming tears, "But how did she know where to find you?" asked Hermione in confusion.

This time is was Ginny, most randomly and unexpectedly, who broke down into loud, violent sobs.

"Shhhh," said Dumbledore softly, "Now Ginerva, remember what we talked about. We agreed you'd feel a lot better once you finally told them yourself…"

Ginny gulped. Dumbledore's awkward words had caught Hermione, Harry and Ron's ears. She now had the attention of the entire room.

"One night…" she started slowly, "Just after… things happened between us… I went out walking. I ended up at this strange bar… I betrayed my oath…" she had started crying again, "… I gave secret Order information away. I was such an idiot, saying Harry's name left and right. Like it takes people long to figure out when the famous Harry Potter is being talked about!"

She was sobbing now, terribly distressed, "I think it was Rabastan Lestrange. I have no doubt it was him who warned Bellatrix and the others that we were in the Order. That we were working on stopping them…" she could talk no longer, but only rest her face in her hands and hide as she cried.

"It's my fault," she muttered against her palms, "Harry not being there… Bellatrix going after him… I'm so sorry, both of you, it's entirely my fault."

Harry just looked at Ginny. She had been witness to his torment all this time…. His lips were quivering and he was softly shaking his head. Then Hermione and Harry had exchanged glances.

They didn't want to be mad at her, they loved her! It's just… what she did… it had caused them so much pain… so much trouble… so much anguish. It turned their whole lives upside down.

"Ginny, don't cry," said Ron unexpectedly.

Harry and Hermione turned to look at him now.

"Herm and Harry forgive you, don't you, you guys?"

Ginny looked up hopefully, her face red and streaked with tears. But Hermione and Harry just looked at Ron reproachfully. He was being a bit presumptuous in their opinions. They had just barely wrapped their minds around this new news, how did he know they were ready for such a prominent move?

Ron scowled at them. "Can't you see you're all even now?" he shouted, "You've all broken each other's hearts. Harry would have never left you Hermione if Bellatrix had never shown up, and Bellatrix would've never had shown up if Ginny had never gone to that bar. But can you two fucking blame her for going? You're the ones that drove her there."

Hermione looked over at Ginny. The sadness in her eyes caused Hermione to instantly cry. Harry himself was shaking a bit, trying to stop his eyes from filling, but he couldn't stop a tear from sliding down his cheek. He then hid his face in his hands as well.

Ron cleared his throat, giving his friends time to get over their emotional moments. He went up to wipe his eye…

"Bloody hell," he quipped, "Why am I crying?"

Harry couldn't help but chuckle. The two boys looked at each other, there was no need for "I won't tell anyone you were crying if you don't tell anyone I was crying," because their eyes said it all

Next the four just seemed to naturally come into the couch and collapse on one another in a tight hug. Because Voldemort was dead damn it, and they were all still alive, despite all that they had done to each other. They were guaranteed the rest of their lives to figure all of the side rubbish out, now that he-who-must-not-be-named could no longer threaten their existence ever again.

After Dumbledore let the hug go on for what seemed like forever before he finally reminded them they should be flooing to London, there was a gigantic, historical, recording breaking parade in the street they were missing.

"No," said Harry, "This is where we learned to fight, this is where we're going to celebrate."

Dumbledore smiled and his eyes twinkled again. "Well I suppose Alumni are always welcome at the feasts, there is plenty after all."

"Good," said Ron, "Because Harry and I have already pal-parchmented practically everyone we could think of."

"And surely they'll be inviting others," said Harry grinning.

"You two are more trouble than your father and his friends ever were! Now, get out of my office before I actually have to do something authority-figure like!"

They were laughing as they got up to leave, but Hermione wasn't quite satisfied yet.

"Of course I don't mean you Miss Granger, if you need a moment," he added.

How did he know these things!

"I'll be down soon," she told them, and she was telling the truth, a feast with old classmates sounded like a dream come true right then, but she had one more question.

They left her as she closed the door and turned to face Dumbledore, he looked as if he had been expecting it all along.

"Headmaster, sir," she began, "How is Nicholas Greenly?"

"Oh, well as you can imagine feeling quite violated about how he was to commit a terrible indecency to the object he had sworn his life to protect, but I imagine he is dealing with it as healthily as possible."
"Oh," she said, "Well… thank you for letting us stay for the feast," and she turned to leave.

"You don't really think I'm going to let you walk out of here before I hear what you really wanted to ask me do you Miss Granger?"

Hermione turned back and looked at Dumbledore, sitting at his desk with an expression of patience.

Hermione sighed. "It's just… I would've never paid him a second thought if it wasn't for these dreams I've been having. And even now, with Voldemort gone, it's like I know I'll still have these horrible nightmares, I keep reliving the party in my dreams, even last night while I was out…Voldemort could've been dead for hours by then, and Lucius and Brusto had been long stopped, but I was still haunted by them! It's like peace is impossible! I'm not a seer sir, how did I keep seeing such helpful things? And will these night plagues go away?"

"When exactly do you fill the most unrest Miss Granger?"

Hermione thought for a long while… "Right when he dies," she finally answered. "Right when I relive that exact moment."

Dumbledore need not ask if she was talking about Sturgis Podmore. "Witnessing a death can be a traumatic thing for anyone…especially a murder… I don't suppose you knew that the night he died, I was considering excommunicating him from the Order for treason?"

"What?" asked Hermione, deeply shocked.

"Yes…" said Dumbledore gravely, "Slowly it dawned on me that all our best leads pertaining to who was in on the counterfeiting and the locations as to where to apprehend them, such as Brusto's party, were all coming from Sturgis.'

Hermione listened intently, not wanting to miss a word of what Dumbledore was trying to tell her.

"He claimed he got them from spying but it soon became obvious that it was from an inside source. He believed his brother-in-law Clyde Baggins to be fully in on the whole scheme, not knowing it was the Imperious curse. I know now that he felt he could not tell me who it was who was going to hoodwink the Trove of Smoke, that he would be betraying his family. I told him, even though he was giving us great information, if he did not tell us the source he would be denounced from the Order of the Phoenix. I had no choice; it's just the way it goes."

Hermione nodded gravely.

"But…" he went on, "As you can guess the guilt got to him. I believe he showed up that night to confess. To warn us. We never would have had to go to that party if we had only known it was Clyde Baggins the fake votes would be passed on to. You do understand we needed all those fake votes because they were comprised of all the Death Eaters and members of the Magical Mafia names? They were a group so large Lucius would've swung the majority had they ever been submitted…"

"Yes," said Hermione, she guessed that's why Dumbledore wanted the papers so much. It exposed everyone in on it. Everyone.

"Anyways… I digress… Sturgis must have admired you Hermione."

"Excuse me?" she said.

"He couldn't risk your death. You were the first person he went to," Dumbledore's expression grew a bit more somber, "But alas, things did not end well for him. He knew he would not live to tell us the truth, to ask us for redemption. He entrusted you with one of the most powerful bonds two wizards can make to help him with his unfinished business."

Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"Tell me, did he write something in your hand before he died?"

"Yes."

"And he shook it?"

"Yes," she said again.

"Did he tell you In noctum tuas commendo spiritum meum?"
"Yes," said Hermione, sitting up most rigidly.

Dumbledore nodded to himself. "That means "In the night I entrust you with my spirit," said Dumbledore, "A very ancient spell…"

He sat quietly as he watched Hermione think about what he had told her.

"He could tell me things in my dreams?" she finally asked.

"You really are the brightest witch of your age," said Dumbledore, "Indeed that is so. He knew he could not leave our plane of existence without first ensuring he fixed the damage he had caused."

"But I had no I idea such a spell existed!"

"True as that may be, you were still open to it, that's all that matters."

"But…"

"As helpful as the spell is, the dead can only do so much," said Dumbledore, knowing she was going to ask why he took so long to reveal to her all she needed to know, "He could only remind you of what you already knew, he couldn't tell you anything new. The dead just can not. Instead he showed you the truth over and over again until you just knew."

Hermione sat silently for a moment. "Well is he gone now?"

"Obviously not," said Dumbledore, "You said so yourself you had nightmares last night, even with Voldemort defeated."

"Well what do I do?"

"Why don't you ask him?" said Dumbledore, as if it were obvious.

Hermione looked skeptical at first but then trusted her headmaster's strange ways. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. It took her awhile to relax and start to day dream. Suddenly a smile grew across her face.

"He wants me to tell him who to dance with, you or Lucius."

Dumbledore smiled, "I can't say much for Lucius, but I know I enjoy a good leg shake."

Hermione giggled.

"I think if we've learned anything it's that we all make poor choices for what we believe to be the best reasons. I never would ask him to pay for his mistakes with his life, but he did anyway. And he saved you for us. Does he know he is forgiven then?" asked Dumbledore.

Hermione closed her eyes again and was still for a long time. "He must," she finally said, "because he's gone." She opened her eyes; it felt very strange indeed to be completely alone again. She had forgotten what it felt like to be normal the spell had been on her so long.

Dumbledore smiled warmly.

They were silent. Hermione felt it was her cue to leave. But she didn't want to get up. She still felt perplexed. However, she felt she was consumed enough of Dumbledore's wisdom and guidance for the day, he was old after all, how mush of her pestering could he handle?

"Well, I guess I'll be goi-"

"Sit down Miss Granger," said Dumbledore firmly.

Hermione looked surprised.

"You think after all you've been through that a five minute conversation will put your whole heart and soul at ease?"

She couldn't reject Dumbledore's invitation. Hermione was unexplainably emotional. She wanted to cry again. Why though? She was free, Voldemort was gone and Harry was by her side again…

But if they were fine, then why did she dread going down to the feast to see him? He would no doubt ask her about Draco.

….Draco…

Surely she couldn't talk to Dumbledore about him… No, she would have to tell him she was fine, that she was perfectly happy and content with how things had turned out.

But as she tried to convince herself, happiness and contentment were the opposite of the feelings that suddenly brewed within her. Hostility and anger were there. She was surprised, but it was directed to the very man who was trying to ensure she was okay at that very moment.

"Why?" she suddenly snarled, "Why did you leave me in that prison?"

Dumbledore looked at her and softly shook his head, "I admire you Hermione, and you know that. I love your sharp mind," he said, "But I believe in honesty, and I will not go without telling you that in this particular instance your perspective is clouded by pain and suffering."

Hermione cocked her head to the side, still quite upset and dissatisfied with the answer she didn't seem to fully understand.

"To put it quite bluntly you were just being stupid," said Dumbledore, surprising Hermione quite greatly, "That prison was miserable and it made your thoughts miserable too. It's what being near Voldemort does to people. It completely clouded your mind, all you could focus on was you and your situation and your pain. It's not that you're selfish, it would have happened to anyone. Otherwise you would've known that even if we knew where they had taken you, which we didn't, we could not try and get you. They would've killed you before we even got there. It was not easy for us to sit here knowing what you must be going through and not being able to do anything about it, but we had to. If we ever wanted to see you alive again we had to."

Hermione felt like the biggest fool. She could not believe herself. The logic she failed so miserably to see was currently slicing through her abdomen with its blatant sharpness. They must have known they would probably never see her again. Her being released, although it happened, was so incredibly unlikely, and yet they never gave up hope of seeing her alive again one day anyway.

Wait.

She WAS released. Why hadn't they gone after her then?

"So then why did all your concern for me suddenly disappear once I was at Malfoy Manor then? Don't tell me you couldn't have gotten me from there."

"Didn't Ms. Tonks explain to you the great opportunity that presented itself for us? I mean, I think it's quite evident that you staying there was the right decision. We'd have Lucius Malfoy as Minister right now if you hadn't."

"I think that's extremely debatable!" snapped Hermione, "Lucius may have never even gotten nominated if you hadn't let him have me, if you hadn't let him use me to gain public approval."

Dumbledore thought for a moment, "Well, yes," he said, "I suppose that is true, but if we hadn't then we'd be exactly where we were years ago. Oppressed and terrified of his threat. Granted we did take a risk letting you be apart of his plan, but can you honestly say it wasn't worth it? Because Lucius used you of all people to advance himself we were finally able to draw him out and defeat him!"

Hermione sighed and shook her head. He just didn't get it. They all made her feel so worthless, like her well-being and life didn't matter, that they could subject her to any danger or torture to get what they wanted.

"Miss Granger," he interrupted her thoughts, "I don't think you quite understand how much we value you. You were the only one among us strong enough to handle such a burden."

'Crazy old coot... always knowing just what to say…' she thought glumly… "I just…" she started, "I just wish you would've found some way to tell me all this before. I wanted to end my life Headmaster. Do you realize that! I would've rather killed myself than allow Voldemort to use me! And that's a horrible, horrible way to feel. No one should have to feel that way. I'm just so mad at you, if you cared about me at all, why would you leave me there to feel so alone? So unsafe?"

"Unsafe?" said Dumbledore, sounding surprised.

"Yes," said Hermione insistently.

"I did no such thing," said Dumbledore.

"Excuse me?" said Hermione, baffled he would try to deny it.

"And frankly, Miss Granger, I'm offended," he went on, "You've insulted one of the most accountable people I know, the one person who put my mind at ease during this whole terrible ordeal. I could sleep at night knowing you were there with young Mr. Malfoy."

Hermione couldn't look more surprised if Dumbledore told her she was his mother.

"Draco?" she asked.

"Indeed," said Dumbledore.

"Draco was in on it the whole time?" she asked.

"Oh, no, no, no," he said, "I couldn't risk that."

"Then how do you know he wouldn't let anything bad happen to me?"

"You think you and your friends are the only ones who come to see me?" he said, "Not the case at all I dare say. I even go as far to say that I know Mr. Malfoy quite well, and that I am honored by the acquaintance. He was one of my top students after all. Draco and I have had many long and interesting conversations over the years, about the sorting hat, his father… the usual teenaged trials. He is very unique, but he is a good person. There are so many things I admire about him. You think I'd let any one I knew to be harmful roam my halls?"

Hermione could only laugh at the audacity. "Werewolves, giants, sons of Death Eaters… You really will give anyone a chance."

"And what's so wrong with that? Sometimes that's all people need."

Hermione sat silently, thinking that was the greatest thing she had heard in a very long time. Dumbledore however was looking at a strange gadget over on his shelf.

"Ah," he said, "Your parents are just now arriving here from China."

"China?" questioned Hermione.

"Yes," said Dumbledore, "That's where they said they wanted to hide. We figured Lucius would try to use them to scare you, but we knew you were much too clever to believe that. Of course we relocated them right away after they told me Lucius invaded your home; no one would ever find them in China."

Hermione laughed nervously, "Yeah, of course I figured that…"

Hermione could jinx herself, how could she ever doubt that Dumbledore had been doing all that he possibly could for her?

… … …

Hermione slept from after the feast till noon the next day. And no one could blame her. Finding out about Voldemort, his followers, Harry, Ginny, Draco and reuniting with her parents all in one hour would wreck anyone, least of all someone just out of unconsciousness and still determined to participate in the entire feast, including seeing all of the Order members, who would not stop hugging her and tussling her hair.

Uncontainable relief and joy rushed through her body so severely she could barely form straight sentences. Her Mother demanded she go up and rest there at the castle while they returned back to their muggle home, hoping to dust out the cobwebs and maybe go to the market to restock the fridge. They also insisted Hermione stay another day at Hogwarts to be with her friends and relax. They would meet up with her the next evening, when Fudge was to present her with a medal of honor at an official banquet to commemorate the community's historical victory over Voldemort.

At first Hermione did not want to get up, and was even a little bitter she was robbed of her opportunity to be Head Girl, as Ginny's bed was remarkably comfortable. She wondered why she was still so… tired. Her dreams weren't bad, they just weren't pleasant either. In fact, they were just total blackness, which she only seemed to fall through, creating a very uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. A feeling of total insecurity. She was beginning to think uneasy resting would be apart of the rest of her life.

'Merlin,' she thought, 'This is the 1st time I've slept in a bed that felt remotely like home in almost a year… and I still can't have good dreams!'

Finally, thinking of her friends and wanting to see them, she climbed out of the Head Girl's bed.

"Harry?" she asked as she descended down the stairs to the Head commons. He was at the window, looking to the quidditch pitch. He turned to look at her.

"Good morning," he said.

"Don't try to make me feel less lazy," she told him, "I'm aware it's well into the afternoon."

The two smiled at each other and then were quiet for sometime.

Harry turned back to the window.

"The stupid git saved Ron's life."

"What?" asked Hermione.

"Malfoy," he said.

"Oh…" replied Hermione, not sure what to say next. She couldn't tell if he suddenly seemed troubled by the thought of the battle and how close they all were to death, or if it was Draco.

"It should've been me who had his back," he said hesitantly, "Ron was going to look around a corner and I was the one who told him I'd cover him…. But I got crucioed."

Hermione's eyebrows rose in automatic concern, but Harry just continued with his story, slightly shaking his head.

"Malfoy had warned us they'd run out to the middle but we didn't believe him. We didn't believe anyone would ever really kamikaze for Voldemort…but he knew what he was talking about. It was Bellatrix Lestrange…" he trailed off momentarily, as if the thought of Bellatrix was so putrid to him he needed time to recollect himself, "That bitch, she's come between me and my loved ones far to many times… Anyways," he sort of smirked, "I really did go after her that time. Killed her too," the triumph in his voice soon dropped though, and he appeared to muster up his next words, as if they were difficult for him to say, "But I got hit, got knocked ass backwards and it was Malfoy who blocked for Ron." Harry almost seemed mad that Ron had been saved. But surely that wasn't it; it was who had saved him that made him so mad.

"I hated the idea of owing him anything," Harry spat quickly and angrily before Hermione could even say anything, "So I asked him, I said "what do you want?" And he said, "Tell Hermione to come see me." So I am," he said briskly.

He turned and looked at her again, "Go see him Hermione. There, I did it. Now he and I are square. I don't owe him a thing."

Hermione just nodded, she understood his attitude now.

"Harry…?" she asked softly after another silence had passed.

"Yes?" he asked, gazing out the window again.

"Could you have done it without his help?"

Harry sighed deeply. "No," he admitted.

Hermione stepped closer to him. She put her a hand his back and lightly rubbed his shoulders. He let his head rest against the glass.

"Why couldn't you love me?" he whispered.

Hermione gave a little laugh. "You idiot," she said, "I do love you."

Harry rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Why couldn't you love me in that way?"

Hermione put her face real close to his, her expression serious. Harry knew she wanted him to look at her. He turned his head a bit on the glass.

"Because you couldn't love me in that way either," she said. "Voldemort is gone now Harry and you don't need me anymore."

Silence came between the two yet again. Hermione began to wonder if he really was even looking at anything out that window. But she didn't mind if they didn't feel the need to talk. Eventually he turned to her and kissed her long and soft on the forehead.

"Let's get Ron and go see Hagrid," he spoke finally.

… … …

Hermione always felt awkward sitting up front at a table on a stage. This time was no different really, except she had Ron and Harry right next to her, which was nice. But most splendid of all was that she could see Sarah and Landon beaming at her from one of the front tables just beyond the stafe. She could see Oliver, and Ernie, Cho, Hannah, even Luna, everyone! All her friends who never believed she wanted to be at Malfoy Manor, the ones who dared risk everything by trying to see her. She couldn't wait to see them all after the ceremony.

But soon the lights went down over the fancy ballroom. Next was a series of the most amazing spectacles she had ever seen. She watched each nation perform an act of celebration, she saw again the leprechauns and the veelas, but she also saw the only tame Dragon species in the world dance, glittering its beautiful colors all over the room as its 90 foot body laced itself through the round dining tables, compliments of China to mark this glorious event.

The Giants brought rare and precious stones, ripped by hand out of the mountainside, the warlocks performed a demonstration of their ancient fencing, the rooms ears were graced with the incredibly intoxicating voice of Australians most prized witch diva, the endangered and spectacular magic hibiscus flower of Tahiti was presented to everyone in attendance as a gift, and the Americans promised the largest and most fantastic wizarding fireworks display in history after the dinner and award ceremony, just to name a few….

Her favorite though, was when she saw the Fairies from Whales light the candles on the tables. Only few could see fairies, as they are invisible to some. All the rest saw were the candles miraculously coming to life with flame, wondering what one out of thirty people of the other guests were gasping and pointing at.

Ron leaned forward in his chair, squinting, "What?" he whispered brashly.

"Shhhh…" said Hermione, very softly. She could see them.

She didn't even mind that Ron huffed back into his chair in confused annoyance. The very sight of them was so calming and peaceful. They were tiny and delicate, their wings paper thin and their skin had a glow like a full silver moon, shimmery dust sprinkled the room as they gracefully moved. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

They were the last of the displays, since they caused the room to grow quiet and thoughtful. A cue Fudge took to rise and give a speech. He talked about…. something, to be honest Hermione wasn't even paying attention.

What justice could words do? No one would ever be able to express the pure unbridled joy of having Voldemort gone. The cry of relief from every aching muscle in the human body knowing it would never have to fear another potential Death Eater lurking behind any given corner. The swell of hope and peace in ones chest knowing no one will ever again try and annihilate people for simply being who they were, impressionable minds would never be polluted with such discriminating and racist filth again, no one's greed for power would ever go so far. Families would never be broken by all the harm he was capable of causing, never again would a child know the loss of their parents because of him.

'Fudge shouldn't try and say it,' Hermione thought, 'We should all just stand up and hug the person next to us.'

Quite bluntly, she wanted to hug Draco about it. For this she felt ashamed and didn't know why.

There was a prickling in the back of her head that caused her to furrow her brow. With a bit of concentration she realized there was a very, very faint knocking in her head.

She opened the door, it was Ron. He, unlike his counterpart, at least had the decency to knock.

"Are you okay," she could barely make out his voice it was so soft. Harry had been teaching them how to occlument, but they weren't very good at it yet.

"Sure I am," she answered, trying to get him to feel her smile.

"You still look a little off,' said Ron's quiet voice, always straight to the point.

"I'm happy Ron I swear it!" she insisted.

She could feel his glower.

"Well…" she thought, accepting that he'd only be satisfied with a real answer, "I suppose I was just so used to feeling hopeless and depressed all the time that I'm not quite used to not having a reason to feel that way anymore… It will just take me some time Ron, don't worry."

He looked over to her and gave her a half smile. He patted her hand under the table.

"…lease stand!" said Fudge.

Hermione was startled by Ron and Harry quickly taking to their feet. They looked at her intently, gesturing for her to rise as well.

She rose to the sound of boisterous applause. They filed out from behind their table and up front to the podium where Fudge stood. Soon the line consisted of the majority of Order Members. She couldn't help but notice Draco's absence from the event. She wondered why that was while at the same time trying to place the feeling she had in reaction to it.

Perhaps he couldn't show his face, since his own father had been so heavily involved. But Hermione was of the opinion that made him even more worthy of recognition, since escaping such strong opposing influences when one was so heavily embedded in them was quite more challenging compared to what some others had contributed… and it made her quite angry with Fudge and the other decision makers… but if those were to be the conditions then surely Sarah and Landon Malfoy would have to be up there too. But she knew from owling Sarah that Landon just felt that was in bad taste since he was going along with Lucius's demands until the very end…

Each bowed as their name and contribution was read, and a large heavy medallion was placed around their neck by Fudge. George had just exited the stage as Ron's name was called.

"… Not only for bravely fighting until the very, very end, but fighting since he was a young man. Since he was a little 1st year at Hogwarts… he never gave up" said Fudge.

"To Hermione Granger," said Fudge, "For her endurance and sacrifice to us all!"

Hermione's inside swelled as people cheered for her, the whistles and claps so gratifying.

"To Harry Potter!" he cried, applause and cheers erupted but immediately died down to hear what Fudge had to say, "For being the Boy Who Lived Again, fulfilling a prophecy to benefit the entire world."

The very structure of the building shook the audience made such a noise. They gave him a standing ovation that went on forever, or so it seemed.

So long it was truly lucky the screams of a woman could be heard towards the end, just as the cheers finally started to die.

It was one of the tables on the front row. First the attention of those immediately around her was drawn to her shattering wine glass on the floor. But soon others turned their heads in her direction as well when they heard her shrill cry of "Pa-Pa-PA-POLYJUICE POTION!"

Four figures stood up, but their clothes and faces melted away revealing the long dark cloaks they were truly wearing. They pulled out their wands in way Hermione could help but associate with bank robbers and how they'd whip out machine guns in muggles action films.

Meanwhile, as they stupefied and petrified as many oncoming standard guards and bystanders as they could and many were screaming, rising up and trying to dash for the exits, flipping over tables and tripping all over each other, Hermione barely managed to figure out what was going on.

It struck her as odd that they must have known they would be extremely out numbered yet they still weren't trying to kill as many people as they possible could in their small frame of time before they were inevitably taken out, but instead just trying to open up a window of people in order to have a clear path to…

She had just pushed Ron's head down, aggressively implying he should take cover under the table as their goal to get to the stage became obvious… But just at that moment one of the invaders jumped up on the table and pointed his wand square at Hermione.

He pulled down his hood.

"MUDTHUD BITCH!" the enraged face of Blaise Zabini snarled, as he pointed his long black wand right at her, his lisp a permanent mark thanks to Hermione, "I will avenge my mather!"

But his speech impediment was no laughing matter at the particular moment. Again, Hermione looked down the length of a wand and stared certain death in the face, and again, as improbable as could be imagined, she was saved.

Figures in navy blue cloaks had come swinging down on wires from the tall, tall ceiling. A particularly fierce and agile individual landed expertly onto the table of Blaise, right after kicking him 10 feet off with the full force of two feet of course.

None of the identities of the men in blue could be determined as their hoods were just as concealing as the Death Eater's, but it was clear they were the best in special tactics, dangerous situations and wrangling, a special force that had been kept hidden and reserved just in case of an attempted incident like what had just happened. The rest of them pursued the three remaining Death Eaters till they were captured.

Blaise flew in the air and crashed into the stage and when the lone fighter jumped down to the floor to close in on him. Hermione and those left up on the stage had a perfect view of what would transpire down below them.

Hermione couldn't yell out in time that Blaise, who had been rising up with his back towards the special agent in blue, had his wand at the ready.

The pursuer was quick, but not quick enough, when Blaise's jinx nailed him right in the right shoulder, blowing a whole in his robes, the edges black from searing.

He roared with anger and pain, only to quite quickly and professionally suppress the pain and regain focus and composure.

"STUPIFY!" he demanded.

Blaise was knocked once again into the stage and fell flat, immobilized from the pain, onto the floor.

The man hovered over him with what appeared to be a very special gratification in his accomplishment, "Azkaban it too good for you," he spat, "…but never fear, it won't house you for long. There is a kiss in you near future."

Blaise started to weep hysterically, curling up into the fetal position and rocking gently. The others, who had bounded Zan Zabini, Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange, the remaining fugitive Death Eaters who weren't present at the battle to be killed or surrender, quite efficiently, came to gather their last.

The regular guards were busy trying to restore order to the terrified ballroom of people, but they were quieted and still as Fudge took to the microphone one last time.

"Wizards and witches," he said, "WE'VE GOT THE LAST OF THEM!"

The wild cheers and unstoppable, thunderous applause nearly did bring the house down.