The next few weeks were sheer joy for Hermione. The depression that she had been plummeting into was evaporating. James, Remus, and Sirius went out of their way to make sure she was always smiling or laughing. After the day she spent in the Shrieking Shack she didn't have a moment to herself. She couldn't even go to the bathroom alone. Lily stuck with her like glue, Hermione suspected James.
Anytime she looked wistful it wasn't long before someone gave her a hug, Lily, or told her a joke, James, or even tugged at her hair, Sirius. And Remus was never too busy to talk to her or study with her or just listen to her.
Hermione wasn't sure how James and Remus explained things to Lily and Peter, but whatever it was must have satisfied them because neither asked her any questions. The day after her revelation, Hermione went to Peter and apologized to him. He accepted her apology, but remained distant and wary of her.
Sirius thought the whole thing a great joke. The very next morning he came up behind her as she was walking to class and put his arm around her shoulder.
"So, the future, huh," he whispered in her ear. "You wouldn't happen to know who wins the next Quidditch World Cup, would you?"
Hermione could only laugh, relieved not only that he believed her, but that she had not ruined their friendship.
In the weeks that followed, James, Remus, and Sirius had many conversations about their new friend. A few weeks before Christmas the three friends were walking around the grounds discussing what they always discussed when they were alone, Hermione.
"So, where is Hermione?" Remus asked in a would-be casual voice. James and Sirius grinned at each other.
"She's with Peter," said Sirius. "Poor guy got himself extra potions and charms homework. She's trying to quiz him for tomorrow's practice N.E.W.T.'s. That girl is dead clever."
James nodded. "Do you think she's ever going to tell us any of the stuff she knows?"
"Who knows," said Sirius. "Whenever I ask her, she says she's still thinking about it."
"I wish she'd finish thinking. I want to know how she knows so much about us."
"We're obviously very important people on the future, probably famous. How else would she know about all our exploits?"
"She knows my son. They're friends," said James.
"I know," said Remus. "But I think there's more to it than that. She gets this real far away look in her eyes sometimes. And she watches you a lot, James, when we're all studying in the library or sitting in the common room. I don't think she realizes she does it half the time."
James shrugged, "I say if she hasn't brought the subject up by Christmas then we ask her."
"That reminds me," said Sirius. "Do you think some of us should stay at Hogwarts over Christmas? Hermione will be all alone otherwise."
"Nah," said James. "I've written to mum and dad to see if you all can come to our place for the break. I thought the girls could stay in Sirius's room and we guys could bunk in mine. What do you say, Moony? Think your parents would go for it?"
"Actually," said Remus turning red. "I already told them I was staying at Hogwarts for break."
Sirius laughed. "I should have known."
"Known what? I just thought it would be good to stay and study for the N.E.W.T.'s."
"Right and I'm sure a certain pretty 7th year all alone for the holidays had nothing to do with it."
Remus turned even redder. "No."
"Aw, come off it, Moony. We all know you like her."
"Of course I like her. She's my friend."
"So am I," teased Sirius. "But I don't catch you staring at me 24-7."
"Yeah, well it doesn't matter either way. I doubt she even thinks about me."
"I wouldn't say that."
"Look, let's just drop it. I think going to James's for the holidays will be fun." Remus put on a burst of speed and walked several feet in front of them.
"What's the matter with him," whispered Sirius.
"Maybe he thinks Hermione won't… you know… because…" James stuttered.
"What," he whispered.
"She won't like him because he's a werewolf. Jeez, Sirius, do I have to spell it out for you?"
Sirius rolled his eyes and grinned. "Maybe you didn't do him any favors by inviting everyone home for the holidays. He was probably hoping to have her all to himself for a couple of weeks."
James grinned back and punched Sirius on the shoulder.
As it turned out, only Remus and Hermione went to Godric's Hollow with James and Sirius. Lily's parents didn't think it was appropriate for her to spend the holidays with her boyfriend and Peter's mother wouldn't let him go.
James pouted most of the trip on the Hogwarts Express. When they arrived at King's Cross Station, they exited platform 9 ¾ two at a time. When Hermione and Sirius re-entered the muggle world, Hermione caught a glimpse of Lily's family.
Her parents hugged her enthusiastically and greeted James with warmth, but Hermione could see a thin tall dark haired girl with a sour face standing a few feet away. Hermione knew immediately that it was Petunia Dursley or to be more accurate the future Petunia Dursley. She was only Evans now. Hermione was amazed at how recognizable she was.
"Come on, Hermione, the Potter's are over there," Sirius said. He took her arm and led her to a smiling man and woman.
"What about James," asked Hermione, glancing back?
"He'll take forever saying goodbye to Lily. God, I hope he doesn't mope around all break," Sirius said rolling his eyes.
"Sirius!" James's mother met them halfway and put her arms around him. For a second, Hermione was transported back into a memory. The way Mrs. Potter hugged Sirius reminded Hermione of how Molly Weasley always greeted Harry when they returned from school. Mrs. Potter would never know how her kindness to a boy who found his home life intolerable would be repaid to her through her grandson.
"My goodness, I can't believe you boys have only been gone four months. The house has been so quiet without you."
"Welcome home, son," said Mr. Potter coming up behind his wife and addressing Sirius.
"Thank you, sir. It's good to be home."
"I see that my son is somewhat occupied at the moment, so why don't you introduce us to your new friend."
"You remember Remus," said Sirius pointing back to Remus. He stepped forward and extended his hand to Mr. Potter, who took it in his own and shook it firmly.
"Good to see you again, Remus."
"And this is Hermione," he said pushing her a little forward. "Hermione, these are James's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Potter."
"Nice to meet you," smiled Hermione shyly.
"It's nice to meet you, dear," said Mr. and Mrs. Potter in turn. "Well," said Mr. Potter. "Why don't you boys get a trolley for your luggage and we'll get going."
When they arrived at Godric's Hollow, the boys and Hermione piled out of the car. Mrs. Potter got out of the car and called Hermione over. "Why don't we let the boys bring the trunks in and you and I can go inside and get better acquainted."
"Ok," agreed Hermione readily. She followed Mrs. Potter inside and into the kitchen.
"Sit down dear," said Mrs. Potter.
Hermione sat and looked around the kitchen. This was only the second wizarding home she had ever been in, not counting the Order Headquarters. The Potter's home was nothing like the Weasley's. In fact, the house was more like her own than Ron's. The kitchen was white and spotless, almost sterile, but with a noticeable lack of appliances. Muggle appliances tended to go a little haywire in wizarding households.
Mrs. Potter waved her wand around and two steaming cups of tea appeared in front of Hermione. She sat down in front of Hermione and smiled.
Hermione smiled back. "Thank you for having me over."
"We're glad you decided to stay here. James told us you were staying at school for the break otherwise."
"Yeah, I was. My parent's were going on holiday to America," she lied. "I didn't really want to go."
"Your parent's live in France?"
"Umm, yes, France."
Mrs. Potter smiled. "And you used to attend Beaubaxton?"
"Yes," said Hermione uncomfortably.
"Your accent isn't very noticeable," commented Mrs. Potter.
"Well I…"
"Mom," interrupted James striding across the kitchen. "We're done."
"Did you put Hermione's things in Sirius's room," she asked?
"Yup. I thought we'd show Hermione around Godric's Hollow."
"All right, but don't be too long. Dinner's in an hour."
"We won't," assured James. "Come on, Hermione."
"Thanks," said Hermione once they were out of the kitchen. "I have to start thinking of better answers to those questions."
James just smiled. He joined Remus and Sirius outside. "Let's show Hermione around," he commanded.
"James," called his father.
"What is it, dad," asked James turning to his father.
"I don't want you kids going far. Stay on the property."
James gave his father a perplexed look, but simply nodded.
The boys gave Hermione a tour of the Potter's extensive land. The house, which was not overly large, sat on the edge of a field that bordered a wooded area. Within the wooded area was a small clearing. "My great-great-grandfather cleared this area for a Quidditch field," explained James. "It has anti-muggle wards all around it."
They trudged further into the woods and came across a small cabin. "This was my father and uncle's club house when they were boys," said James
"Club house," repeated Hermione incredulously. "You could live in that cabin," she said under her breath. Hermione had always known that Harry came from money, but she never guessed the extent of it. It wasn't something that usually came up.
They continued touring the grounds until it was nearly dark. Hermione looked up and saw the rising moon over the tree line. As if reading her thoughts, Remus approached her from behind. "Not for another 13 days," he said.
"I know," she said softly. "I checked before we left."
"Were you worried," asked Remus lightly?
"No," returned Hermione. "I just wanted to check whether I was going to be able to give you your present on Christmas, or if I was going to have to give it to you early."
Remus turned away to hide his smile.
"I think we better get back," said James. "Mom will have dinner waiting."
They returned to the house and spent the rest of the evening eating and talking. When it was finally time for bed, Hermione barely made it to the room, she was so tired. She was asleep seconds after her head hit the pillow.
The week leading up to Christmas was a lot of fun. Hermione tried, unsuccessfully to get the boys to do some studying, but their response was usually that there was plenty of time for that after Christmas. She tried not to feel frustrated with them all for not taking the upcoming N.E.W.T.s seriously, but rarely succeeded.
"You're all going to fail if you don't buckle down," she lectured them one morning when they were eating breakfast.
"No we're not," dismissed Sirius, then he looked up sharply. "We're not, right?"
Hermione couldn't hold back the smirk. "Wouldn't you like to know," she said trying to keep a straight face.
Sirius's face clouded over with worry. Remus, who was watching the exchange couldn't help but laugh.
Sirius stared into Hermione's eyes and she tried to maintain his gaze. "You're lying," he smirked back at her.
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," teased Hermione.
"Now I know you're lying," said Sirius.
"Hermione, the N.E.W.T.s are going to be a piece of cake," said James. "They got us all worked up over the O.W.L.'s and they were nothing."
"Hermione," interrupted Remus. "We promise we'll study right after Christmas, but don't you think you ought to take a little break too?"
"I suppose," she admitted grudgingly.
Sirius leaned over to James. "He promised. We didn't."
"I heard that," said Hermione shooting a look at James and Sirius.
"I didn't whisper," returned Sirius, teasingly.
Hermione rolled her eyes, but didn't comment. Remus was right. She might as well enjoy a little break.
Mrs. Potter walked into the kitchen. "What are you four going to be doing today," she asked.
"Quidditch," replied James through a mouthful of cereal.
"Do you play, Hermione," asked Mrs. Potter?
"No," she said quickly. "Actually, I thought I'd go for a walk today, explore a bit."
"Alone," asked Mrs. Potter in concern. "I don't know," she said slowly.
"I'll go with her," said Remus quickly.
James and Sirius smirked into their cereal bowls.
"You don't have to," said Hermione smiling.
"No, I want to," assured Remus.
"Ok, if you're sure."
"It'll be fun," he assured her.
They all got up from the table five minutes later. Sirius and James grabbed their brooms and headed for the Quidditch field and Remus and Hermione took off in the opposite direction.
"Thanks for coming with me," said Hermione.
"Sure, no problem."
As they walked she watched him out of the corner of her eye. She loved being with Remus. He was so familiar to her. She was amazed at how little he had changed in twenty years. Sirius was nothing like his future self; of course twelve years in Azkaban prison would do that to you. She even looked for familiarity in James, but the similarities between him and his son didn't pass beyond their striking resemblance. Harry was not quite as free spirited as his father. She pushed the thought of Harry from her mind. It was still too painful to think about him.
"A knut for your thoughts," said Remus, interrupting her musings.
"What?"
He blushed. "You looked sort of far away for a second. I was just wondering what you were thinking."
"I was thinking about Harry, actually," she said honestly.
"James's son," said Remus more as a statement than a question.
Hermione nodded.
"You miss him a lot."
She nodded again feeling her throat tighten.
"Do you think you'll ever be able to go back?"
Hermione shrugged. "Dumbledore doesn't seem to think so," she said. "And if he can't send me back, I don't know who could."
Remus could see that the subject was painful for her so he tried to tactfully change the subject. "I was wondering," he began. "Are James, Sirius, Peter, and I still friends in the future? Or did we drift apart?"
"Umm…"
Suddenly he laughed. "You must already be pretty familiar with Godric's Hollow if you're best friends with James's son. You must come visit him during the summer. You should have reminded us the other day when James was showing you around. I bet you guys hang out in that cabin all the time."
Hermione turned away uncomfortably. "I don't think we should be talking about this."
Remus stared at her. "Why," he asked slowly?
She shook her head. "It's just not a good idea."
"Are you ever going to tell us anything about the future?"
"I don't know," she said honestly. "It could be dangerous. Wizarding laws on altering time are pretty strict."
"It's ok," he assured her. "You seem like the kind of person who always does the right thing."
"Yeah," she said distractedly. She was remembering the end of third year when she and Harry had gone back in time to save Sirius. "Harry, we've got to stay put. We mustn't be seen. There's nothing we can do…." "So we're just going to let Pettigrew escape all over again…." said Harry quietly.
"Hermione," said Remus, shaking her shoulder lightly? "What are you thinking?"
Hermione stared at Remus remembering vividly the decision she had forced on Harry not to go after Peter. Exactly two years later Sirius would be dead. She wondered often now whether she had made the right decision all those years ago. "You know it's not always clear what the right decision is. Sometimes doing the right thing has unintended consequences."
"I don't understand," said Remus.
Hermione shook her head. "Never mind, it's not important."
They walked for a little while longer, but Hermione's heart wasn't into it anymore. After a half an hour, she begged off and went back to the house. Remus tried to keep her company, but she insisted he join the boys. Reluctantly, he left her.
Hermione roamed around the house alone. Mrs. Potter was doing some last minute shopping in Diagon Alley and Mr. Potter was at the office. She wandered into a small room with several massive bookcases hoping to find something to read. She crossed the room and ran her finger, almost lovingly, along the row of brown cracked spines, pulling a random book from the shelf.
"Hermione?"
Hermione whipped around. Standing in the doorway was Mr. Potter. She clutched the book to her chest. "I'm sorry. I was just looking for something to read."
Mr. Potter smiled warmly. "That's ok. Go ahead and take anything you want."
"I didn't know anyone was home."
"I just got here. I thought I'd do a bit of work from home."
Hermione looked down at the ground nervously.
"You're welcome to read in here until the boys get back," offered Mr. Potter.
"I don't want to disturb you."
"You won't be. I wouldn't mind the company."
"Ok," agreed Hermione taking a seat in a large leather chair near the fireplace. Mr. Potter went to his desk and pulled out a large folder and began thumbing through it. They stayed that way, working and reading, until the boys returned.
Hermione could hear the boys coming before they entered the house. Mr. Potter looked up with a smile. "I think that's the end of our peace and quiet," he remarked quietly, stuffing his papers back into the folder and putting the whole thing in his top drawer.
Hermione laughed and closed her book. She got up to place it back on the bookshelf.
"You can hang on to that if you want," offered Mr. Potter getting up.
"That's ok. I've read this one already."
Mr. Potter took the book from Hermione and examined the cover. He raised one eyebrow. "Alchemia, you've read this?"
Hermione shrugged. "I was interested in alchemy during my second year." 'It was necessary,' she thought to herself. "I'm a bit of a bookworm," she said apologetically.
"I can see that," he said replacing the book on the shelf. He tried to reign in the wide smile threatening to take over his face. "Why don't you go ahead and tell the boys to get cleaned up. I'm sure dinner will be ready soon."
Hermione nodded and left the room, leaving Mr. Potter chuckling in his study.
Dinner was wonderful and nobody objected to turning in early. Even at seventeen they were all excited for it to be Christmas morning already.
Hermione woke bright and early on Christmas morning and gathered the bundle of presents she had wrapped the night before. She trotted downstairs and wasn't the least bit surprised to see the three boys sitting together in the living room.
"Happy Christmas," they each said when she appeared.
"Happy Christmas," she replied smiling.
"Ok, Hermione's up, let's open our presents," said James.
"Wait," said Hermione. "Shouldn't we wait for your parents?"
"They'll sleep forever," whined James.
Hermione laughed. "You sound like an eleven year old, James."
"Well at least let us open yours," he bargained.
"Ok," she agreed reluctantly handing over the bundles. Sirius, James, and Remus tore into the wrapping. "If you don't like them, lie to me."
They each held their own sweater up admiring them.
"They're great, Hermione," said Sirius examining his sweater.
"Really?"
"Yeah," said James smiling at her.
"It took forever to make them," she confessed.
"You made these," questioned Sirius.
She nodded.
"Wow, I didn't know you could knit."
"Yeah, I use to be terrible, but I got much better during my fifth year making hats and scarves for the house elves at Hogwarts."
"Hats and scarves for house elves," questioned James?
"Yeah, it was for my organization S.P.E.W."
"S.P.E.W? Spew, what's that," questioned Sirius.
"It's not spew. It stands for the Society for the Protection of Elfish Welfare."
James and Sirius gave each other a side long glance.
"Never mind," said Hermione glancing over at Remus. He was staring at his sweater. "Did you not like it? Is it the wrong color, because I know a spell to change the color? I just thought the blue would bring out the color of your eyes."
Remus looked up. "No I love it, really. It's great," he said softly.
She beamed. Remus turned away and pulled something from behind him. "Here," he said handing it over to her. "This is from me."
Hermione could tell from its shape that it was a book. She pulled the paper away and gasped happily. "Hogwarts: A History," she said.
"It's not new or anything. It actually used to belong to me, but I remember you said it was your favorite book."
She ran her hands over the book, then set it down and leaned over, pulling Remus into a massive hug. "I love it," she said. "Thank you.
Remus returned the hug holding her longer than was probably necessary. When they finally broke apart, James and Sirius were grinning at them.
"We got you a present too," said James, "but it's something we have to take you too, not something you can open."
"We thought we'd go after breakfast," said Sirius.
Hermione looked at them skeptically. "What have you two done?"
They laughed mischievously. "You'll see," said James. "You'll love it. We swear."
Hours later the four friends were bundled in their warmest muggle clothes and were heading into the Potter's back yard. Sirius grabbed an old tennis shoe that was hidden behind the house.
"Is that my present," smirked Hermione.
"Yes, actually," said Sirius handing it over to her.
She took it and held it out in front of her. "You guys have a very weird sense of humor."
"Just hang on," said Sirius, grabbing hold of the other end of the shoe. Remus and James moved closer and also took hold of the shoe. Hermione realized a second before it happened what the shoe really was. She felt the familiar tug at her navel as the port key whisked them away. When they arrived at their destination, she nearly fell back, but Remus caught her quickly.
"How did you get a port key," asked Hermione when she had caught her breath?
"We have our ways," said Sirius pompously.
"Oh please tell me it wasn't illegal," begged Hermione.
"You worry too much," said James. "Let's just say an old friend of ours, who happens to work in the Department of Transportation, owed us a favor."
"Who," questioned Remus?
"Dung," replied Sirius, glancing around the side street they had landed to make sure no one had seen them arrive.
"Mundungus Fletcher," said Hermione in horror. "Now I know it was illegal."
"You know Dung," grinned James.
"Umm, barely," said Hermione sheepishly.
"It's good to know old Dung will be around for a while," said Sirius. "He's a very useful contact to have."
"Aren't you curious where we are," asked James.
"Yes," admitted Hermione.
James and Sirius could barely contain their glee as they pulled Hermione onto the main street. They were in a small muggle street, lined with nearly identical houses on the right and left. James pointed at the fourth house on the left. "Do you see that house," he asked? "The one with the peach door."
"Yes," said Hermione.
"Your parents live there."
Hermione's mouth dropped. "My mum and dad?"
"Mm Hmm," said James. "We found them."
Tears sprang to Hermione's eyes. "How did you find them," she whispered?
"We found their dental practice, actually. After that, finding where they lived was easy."
"Do you want to go over," asked Sirius?
"We can't," said Hermione. "What would we say?"
"James and I already worked that out. We'll just ask them to borrow their telephone. Then at least you could see them."
"I don't know," said Hermione.
"Go on, Hermione," spoke up Remus. "What could it hurt? Besides, I know you really miss them."
"Ok," she agreed slowly.
"James, you and Remus stay here. I'll go with her," said Sirius, taking Hermione's hand and leading her across the street.
Hermione took a deep breath as Sirius rang the doorbell. A tall pretty blond women with unforgivable frizzy hair answered the door. Hermione lost all ability to speak. Her mother looked so young. She realized that her mother was only a few years older than she was during this time. Her parents were newly married.
"Sorry to bother you, ma'am," said Sirius. "We broke down a few streets down and wondered if we could use your phone."
"Of course," she said opening the door wider and admitting Hermione and Sirius. "The phone's that way," she said pointing Sirius to the kitchen.
"Thanks," he said, leaving Hermione with her mother.
"Can I offer you something to drink," she asked Hermione?
"No, thank you," said Hermione trying not to stare. "We're sorry for barging in on you on Christmas."
"Think nothing of it," she replied. "My name's Elizabeth, by the way, Elizabeth Granger." She extended her hand.
Hermione took it softly. "Hermione," she replied. "Hermione Gr… umm…," she searched her mind and said the first name that popped in her head. "Lupin." She cringed, thankful that Sirius hadn't heard the name she gave her mother.
"That's a beautiful name," smiled Elizabeth.
"Lizzy," a man called, striding into her room. Hermione gasped seeing a younger version of her father. "Oh, I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't realize we had company."
"David, this is Hermione Lupin. She and her husband broke down a few blocks away. He's using our phone."
"That's a shame on Christmas," said David sympathetically. "Would you like me to take a look at the car?"
Hermione smiled and shook her head. "No, thank you. I'm sure, my husband," she said with a smile, "will be able to get a tow truck."
Sirius, who was in fact listening from the kitchen, reappeared. "Tow trucks on its way," he said cheerfully. He came up beside Hermione and put his arm around her shoulder. "I guess the wife and I will be going."
Hermione forced a smile and discreetly elbowed Sirius in the side.
"Are you sure you won't wait here for it to come," offered Elizabeth. "It's really cold outside."
Sirius glanced at Hermione, giving her the option. "No, thank you," she said reluctantly. "You've been kind enough. We should be going." She pushed Sirius toward the door. "It was very nice meeting you."
She pulled Sirius away hastily. "I can't believe we just did that," she said. "Oh God, if Dumbledore knew."
"You worry too much, Hermione," said Sirius smiling. They rejoined Remus and James.
"So, how'd it go," asked James?
"Wonderful," said Hermione honestly. "It was really nice to see their faces again. Thank you both so much."
"The port key will be going off in another fifteen minutes," said James. "Let's try to find some place out of sight." They moved to an abandoned alley way and waited, shivering in the cold air.
Hermione was on a happy cloud the rest of the day. Mrs. Potter cooked an elaborate dinner and they stayed up most of the night talking and playing games. It was the last peaceful evening any of them would have for a while.
The day after Christmas Hermione awoke late. She felt a little embarrassed at being the last one down to breakfast. Mrs. Potter was walking distractedly between the kitchen and dining room muttering to herself. Hermione followed her into the dining room.
The boys were all clustered around one corner of the table leaning over the morning edition of the Daily Prophet.
"What's going on," asked Hermione?
All three boys started and James made to put the paper away.
"What's going on," she repeated more adamantly. Reluctantly, James handed over the paper. The headline read:
Mass Muggle Attack; 23 Killed
Ministry Officials are calling it the worst muggle attack in over fifty years. Twenty-three muggles are confirmed dead and over forty-seven were injured at the hands of a group of wizards who refer to themselves as Death Eaters. This group of rogue wizards is being led by a wizard the Ministry is referring to as He who must not be named. He who must not be named has been rumored to be linked to other attacks on both wizards and muggles.
Hermione stopped reading and stared in horror at the boys. She dropped the paper back on the table, turned and ran out of the house. Remus jumped up and ran after her. "Hermione! Hermione wait."
She stopped about twenty feet in front of the house, but didn't turn.
"I know what you're thinking," he began. "But you're wrong. There's no way you could have stopped that from happening. No one expected anything like that to happen."
Angry tears welled up in her eyes. "No one, except me," she said bitterly.
"Hermione, I know how you must feel…"
"You have no idea what I'm thinking, or how I feel," Hermione said angrily.
"It's ok, we're all upset."
"I'm not upset," she denied stubbornly.
"Then what," he said, advancing and turning her to face him. "Talk to me," he begged. "Or if you don't want to talk to me then talk to James or Sirius."
"I'm tired of talking," said Hermione wrenching free of his grasp. "You don't know," she shouted. "You can't possibly understand. I've been fighting against the dark arts since I was eleven. I've watched as people have died for no reason whatsoever, except they strayed across him. I've seen families get split in two, while they fight to do what's right. You get upset over one attack. Try living in a world where every year something more terrible happens and no matter how hard you fight, they just keep coming and now it's starting and none of you have a clue."
"Hermione, you're right. I don't know anything about your world, your past, or our future. But I refuse to believe that while decent people live on this earth that you know who or his followers will ever win."
Hermione shook her head sadly. "It's the decent people who will be the first to go." Hermione paused, taking a deep breath. "Every time I look at you, I get a knot in my stomach. Do you know why?"
Remus shook his head apprehensively. He was desperate for her to continue, but he was also afraid. He knew she was finally going to tell him what he had wanted to know ever since he first found out where she was from.
"It's because I know what you're going to go through in the next twenty years."
"I'm not afraid of the future," said Remus. "As long as I have the people I love around me, it doesn't matter. I can handle whatever's coming. Besides, you're forgetting one thing. We have Dumbledore. As long as we have him, I know things will be ok, no matter how bad they get."
Hermione laughed bitterly. "I used to say that too. Well let me tell you something. Dumbledore can't stop the future from coming. He can't stop death from coming. He couldn't save any of them, not James or Lily, not Sirius, not any of them."
Remus stared at her in horror. "What are you saying?"
Hermione's voice had gotten somewhat hysterical. "I'm saying they're dead, all of them." Hermione stopped abruptly and stared at something a few feet behind Remus. Remus turned to see James and Sirius staring back.
