Hermione woke up early to see Remus off. She held him tightly, kissing his mouth longingly, knowing it would be at least a week before she would be able to again. He pulled away reluctantly and their hands lingered together for a moment more.

"I've got to go," he said softly.

"I know," she returned with a sigh. "I'll miss you."

"Yeah, me too. I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too."

Hermione stepped back and with one last smile Remus disapparated. Hermione sat alone for a while longer knowing she was being silly and sentimental, but not caring. With a sigh, she went back to the bedroom she was sharing with Lily.

"Did Remus go?" Lily asked when she returned to the room.

Hermione was surprised to find Lily up so early. "Yeah, just now," she replied.

"You okay?"

"I guess," said Hermione quietly. "I just wish he didn't have to go. It's so dangerous out there, now. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to him."

"He'll be fine," reassured Lily. "Don't worry." She paused. "What is it he's going to be doing, exactly?"

"He's working with potions, helping this wizard near his home make them and fill orders and stuff."

"That's a perfect job for him," commented Lily. "Remus was always so smart."

Hermione smiled proudly.

"You know," began Lily. "You can always go visit him at home. I'm sure his parents wouldn't mind."

"I thought of that," admitted Hermione. "But Remus never mentioned it. Though I guess I can understand that. Remus's mom didn't exactly take to me."

"No," said Lily in surprise. "Why not?"

Hermione shrugged, not wanting to get into the details. "She's really protective of him. I don't think it's personal. I have a feeling she wouldn't take to any girl he brought home. Trust me, you're lucky. The Potter's adore you." Lily smiled happily, but felt bad for her friend.

They sat in companionable silence for a while before Lily spoke again. "Hermione, there's something I've been wanting to ask you."

"Yeah?"

Lily took a deep breath. "You're not really from France, are you?"

Hermione froze, not sure how to respond.

"Please be honest with me," said Lily quietly. "We've been through so much and I've trusted you, even when I knew you weren't being completely honest with me. I still trust you. I don't know why, but I do. Maybe it's because the boys do. But I have to know the truth."

Hermione took a deep breath. "You're right," she said finally. "After what you did for me when Voldemort attacked the school I owe you. I should have told you before. It's just that the truth is kind of incredible."

"It can't be anymore incredible than the fiction I'm creating in my head," said Lily.

Hermione laughed. "Well, I'm not from France. You're right about that."

"Why did you lie?" asked Lily.

"Because I had to," said Hermione. "I wish I could have been completely honest with you, but it was dangerous." She took another breath. "I'll tell you what I can and I hope you'll understand why I can't tell you more."

Lily waited in anticipation.

"I'm from the future."

Lily and Hermione stared at each other, letting the words hang in the air. "Okay," said Lily. "I don't think I was expecting that."

"No one ever is," returned Hermione.

"How far into the future?" asked Lily.

"A little less than twenty years," she answered.

"Twenty years! Wow," said Lily, breathlessly. "I mean... Wow!"

Hermione laughed lightly. "Is that all you have to say?"

"No, I just... I guess I don't know what to say." Lily paused, looking thoughtful. "Why did you come back?"

"I didn't mean to, actually," said Hermione honestly.

"Can't you get back?" asked Lily.

Hermione shook her head. "Not just yet."

"But aren't you afraid you're going to change time by being here?"

"That's kind of the point."

Lily looked surprised. "There are very strict laws about changing time, Hermione," she said in an almost scolding tone.

"I know, but it appears that's why Dumbledore sent me back."

"Dumbledore sent you?"

Hermione nodded. "I'm supposed to complete a task, only I don't know what it is exactly."

"Wow," repeated Lily. They were silent again for a long time.

"Is that all?" asked Hermione, slightly surprised. "The boys had loads more questions."

"I don't think I really want to know anything else. I can piece together a few things on my own. I'd guess you know us in the future, which explains a lot. I kind of thought you were a Seer or something. I couldn't figure out how you seemed to know us all so well."

"Now you know," said Hermione.

"Now I know," returned Lily with a relieved smile.

"You're taking this awfully well, Lily," said Hermione, clearly impressed.

"How should I take it?" asked Lily.

Hermione shrugged. "I don't know. It's just that I had to tell the guys so much just to get them to believe me."

"They're pure bloods," said Lily simply.

"What does that have to do with it?" asked Hermione.

"They're not use to shocks. They grew up in this world. Nothing surprises them. I think we muggle borns are a little more open to the unusual. What could be more shocking than finding out at the age of eleven that magic is real and what's more, you're a witch. I told myself that day that nothing would ever shock me again."

Hermione nodded, completely understanding. "You're right. I think Harry and I were always so much more impressed by stuff than Ron was. It was just second na..." she trailed off, realizing who she had just been talking about.

"Harry and Ron, who are they?" asked Lily curiously.

"Umm, friends," said Hermione carefully. "Just some friends I left behind."

Lily nodded sympathetically. "So that's why Voldemort came after you," said Lily with a sudden realization. "Peter must have told him."

"Peter doesn't know," said Hermione quickly. "He thinks I'm a spy. We think that's what he told Voldemort."

"Either way, you're in danger."

Hermione nodded. "I think that's why Dumbledore wants me at Hogwarts. I think he wants to keep me close, just in case."

"It makes sense," agreed Lily.

"I'm glad you know, Lily," said Hermione sincerely. "It was hard keeping it from you. I was just trying to do the right thing."

"I understand," returned Lily. "I just wish I had been more supportive of you and not so suspicious."

"You had every right to be," said Hermione quickly. "I imagine I acted quite oddly at times."

"You did," conceded Lily and they both laughed. Lily glanced at the clock on the nightstand between their two beds. "It's time to be up," she said. They both got out of bed and Lily came around and hugged Hermione tightly. "You're the best girl friend I have," she said. "Nothing's going to change that, even this whole future business."

Hermione was surprised to feel tears prick at the corner of her eyes. "I never had a best girl friend," she admitted. "Just my boys. It's nice."

"Come on," urged Lily. "Let's go see if Mrs. Potter needs help with breakfast."

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After their talk, the friendship between Lily and Hermione grew closer very quickly. Lily's sometimes cautious manner toward Hermione disappeared now that she knew the truth.

In many ways Lily became a better friend to talk to for Hermione than the boys because she never pushed her for information about the future. She listened when Hermione was feeling melancholy and only offered advice when asked.

About a week after Remus left Godric's Hollow, James, Lily, and Hermione helped Sirius move into his new flat. Despite the fact that they were surrounded by muggles, they still managed to make the moving in easier with magic. They weren't the best witches and wizards at Hogwarts for nothing.

About midday James and Lily decided to go on a food run. They had worked hard through the morning and were all starving.

Sirius and Hermione stayed in the flat, unpacking his things. They worked diligently, talking and laughing all the while. "So how have things at Hogwarts been?" inquired Sirius.

"Okay," returned Hermione. "It feels odd being there without the rest of you. It's so quiet without all the students running around."

"I bet," laughed Sirius. "It must seem big."

She nodded. "Dumbledore keeps me pretty busy. He has me working on a comprehensive list of all the known Death Eaters. He hopes I can add a bit of insight on them."

"How's that going?"

"Pretty good," admitted Hermione. "I just wish I could do more. There's a lot about I don't really know. And I always have the feeling I'm forgetting things."

"I'm sure you're doing fine," said Sirius with a smile. "Have you heard from Remus?" he asked, changing the subject.

She shook her head. "Not for a couple of days. He sent me an owl the third day he left telling me it might be a while before I heard from him again. He says the job is very demanding and he's very busy."

"So he's not going to be able to come back for the weekend?" asked Sirius.

"No," said Hermione with a sigh.

Sirius smiled sympathetically. "Did you want to hang out Friday then? James is taking Lily out somewhere special so it'll just be the two of us."

"Sure," returned Hermione easily. "Where do you want all this stuff?" asked Hermione about a particularly large box of stuff.

"Bedroom," answered Sirius. He moved to help Hermione lift it into his room when the doorbell rang.

"That must be James and Lily with the food," commented Hermione. "You get the door. I'll get this stuff tucked away."

Sirius nodded and went to the door, while Hermione levitated the box and followed it into his room. She quickly emptied the box of its content. She raised her wand directed each piece to its proper place.

Satisfied with the way everything was arranged, Hermione tucked her wand into the back of her jeans pocket and went back into the living room. "I'm starved," she announced as she entered the room. She stopped short when she realized the person at the door was neither Lily nor James.

The woman framing Sirius's front door wasn't anyone she had ever seen before. She was tall and thin and had beautiful black hair that fell to her shoulders. Hermione paused, waiting for Sirius to introduce her, but he hadn't seemed to notice Hermione had entered the room. When the woman's gaze fell on Hermione, Sirius remembered her.

"Oh Laura, this is Hermione. Hermione, this is Laura. She lives in the building."

Hermione stepped forward and extended her hand. "Hello."

"Hi," Laura returned, shaking her hand.

They stood awkwardly for a few seconds. "Laura was just telling me about the neighborhood," Sirius informed Hermione.

"Oh," said Hermione, not knowing what else to say.

"Anyway," said Laura, smiling widely. "I just wanted to welcome you to the building and let you know that if you ever need anything, I'm right down the hall."

"Thanks," Sirius grinned widely. Hermione had to turn away or she was in danger of rolling her eyes. All men were the same. They turned into idiots at the sight of a pretty face.

"You want to come in?" Hermione heard Sirius ask.

"Sure," said Laura brightly.

Hermione had to stifle a groan as she heard Sirius close the door. It was going to be impossible to finish unpacking with Laura in the flat. She quickly remembered that her wand was sticking out of her back pocket and untucked her shirt to cover it.

"Wow, your place is much bigger than mine," commented Laura. "I didn't know they came this big in this building."

Hermione shot a look at Sirius. He smiled back at her sheepishly. She looked at the room more carefully and could see that he had clearly used magic to increase the space in the room.

"Can I give you a tour?" offered Sirius.

"Sure," she replied. Sirius led Laura into the back rooms, leaving Hermione alone in the front of the apartment.

"That's okay," she said under her breath. "I'll just keep myself busy unpacking all your crap," she said sarcastically to herself. She went to the tiny kitchen that Hermione knew would probably never see a day of cooking and began unpacking the dishes and silverware, all brand new.

She was nearly done when she heard the front door again. She knew it had to be James and Lily so she continued working until she heard their raised voices.

"I don't care what he said James," said Lily loudly. "You can't just whip out your wand any time you feel like it."

"That guy was hitting on you, Lily," returned James angrily. "And right in front of me. What did he think? That I was your brother?"

"He was a muggle," said Lily in exasperation. "We had to obliviate him."

"He deserved it. I couldn't let him say those things to you."

Hermione quickly set down the dishes in her hand and came flying out of the kitchen to hush them.

"I was ignoring him. Why couldn't you?" When she got no answer she continued. "You'll be lucky if we don't get a warning from the Improper Use of Magic's office." Just as Hermione reached Lily and James, Sirius reentered the room with Laura. Both Lily and James went pale and stared open mouthed at the stranger.

Hermione glanced at Sirius, who looked embarrassed, and Laura, who looked uncertain.

"Umm, wha... Oh...," gibbered James.

"This is Laura," said Sirius quickly. "She's one of my new neighbors. Laura, these are my friends James and Lily."

"Uh...," James continued to babble.

Lily recovered quickly. She rolled her eyes at her boyfriend. "Nice to meet you, Laura. Sorry about that. I was just explaining to my boyfriend why he doesn't need to act like a Neanderthal when we go out in public.

Laura laughed. "Don't mention it."

"We were just getting lunch," continued Lily. "Did you want to join us?"

"Oh no," said Laura quickly. "I hadn't meant to stay so long. I just wanted to introduce myself."

"Are you sure?" asked Sirius.

"Yes, thank you," returned Laura.

"Let me show you out," said Sirius somewhat deflated. They watched Sirius lead Laura to the door and she was gone. Once the door was closed, Sirius whirled on them. "Have you two lost your minds?" he exclaimed.

"How were we suppose to know you'd bring a muggle in here?" returned Lily hotly. "Did she hear us?"

"No," returned Sirius. "When I heard you two, I got really loud and tried to drown you out. She must think I'm an idiot."

James began laughing hysterically.

"What's so funny?" asked Sirius, clearly not amused.

James continued laughing. "It's just that, well, leave it to you to get a girl into your apartment before you've even finished unpacking."

Sirius tried to fight it, but found himself laughing as well.

"I guess you're getting back to your normal self," said James innocently. Sirius continued smiling, but also felt himself turning a little red.

"I'll just get some plates," announced Hermione stiffly, before returning to the kitchen.

Lily shot a look at her retreating back. "I'll help you," she said, joining her.

Hermione went about the kitchen gathering the plates and cups she had just put away and banging them on the counter.

"What's the matter with you?" asked Lily softly.

"Nothing," said Hermione defensively. She paused. She found she couldn't explain her sudden surge of irritation. "Sorry," she said quickly. "I must be tired."

"Are you missing Remus?" questioned Lily sympathetically.

Hermione gave her a small smile. "That must be it," she conceded. "Come on," she said changing the subject. "Let's get this stuff back before the boys start without us." She grabbed the small stack of plates and headed back to the boys.

They all ate and talked, though Hermione stayed pretty quiet for the rest of the evening. At the end of the night, Lily apparated home and James and Hermione apparated back to Godric's Hollow. Hermione was new to apparition, having only gotten her license a couple of days before and ended up outside of the house rather than in it.

She knocked on the front door and James opened it with a grin. "You'll get the hang of it," he promised cheekily.

Hermione narrowed her eyes and entered the house. She hated doing things wrong and liked it even less when she did it in front of others.

"Hey you two," called Mr. Potter from his study. James and Hermione made a detour to the room to visit with Mr. Potter. "How does Sirius's flat look?" he inquired when they entered.

"Good," said James. Hermione nodded in agreement.

"You got an owl this afternoon, son," said Mr. Potter motioning to a letter on the edge of his desk.

James took it and quickly opened it. He grimaced slightly before crumbling it up in his hand.

"Anything the matter?" asked Mr. Potter with a raised eyebrow.

"No sir," said James.

Mr. Potter shook his head, but Hermione could see his mouth was slightly upturned. "Try not to let it happen again, James."

James glanced down at his feet, wondering how his father always knew his every move. "Yes sir." He backed out of the office and Hermione followed him.

"What was that about?" she asked immediately.

James handed her the crumbled parchment. She smoothed it out and read. "It's only a warning," she said, trying not to laugh. "Lily warned you."

James shrugged as if he didn't care. "I don't get how my father always knows what I'm up to."

Hermione laughed. "I think it's a sixth sense they get when they become parents."

"Well I'm never going to butt into my kid's life constantly." They reached their respective rooms. "Night Hermione."

"Night James," said Hermione. "Oh and James."

"Yeah?"

"I know your son. Trust me, you won't be able to take your eyes off him for a second," she said smiling as she entered her room and closed the door.

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Hermione was sitting behind the desk Dumbledore had provided her at Hogwarts, scratching away. Her mind was so consumed with what she was working on that she didn't notice the owl tapping on her window for a few minutes.

She finally saw him and quickly went to open the window. She took the offered letter and the owl flew off in the direction of the Owlery.

She recognized the handwriting on the outside of the letter and tore it open. It was from Remus! She read quickly.

Dear Hermione,

I hope all is well. I'm doing fine. I am very busy with work. We have more orders than we have time to fill and I often have to work late into the night to get everything done. I know I mentioned I would be coming home for the weekend in my last letter, but it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to get away. I know you'll understand. I love you and miss you more than you could now. Say hi to the gang for me.

Remus

P.S. Please let Dumbledore know I won't be able to attend the next Order meeting. If he needs anything from me, he knows where to reach me.

P.P.S. I love you.

Hermione folded the short note over with an angry sigh. She pulled out a fresh piece of parchment and began to write.

Dear Remus,

It's been over two weeks. You've promised to come home twice and both times cancelled. Can't you take a couple of hours to apart to Godric's Hollow or Hogsmeade so we can spend a little...

Hermione paused mid-sentence and crumbled the paper and tossed it into the trash. She knew she wasn't being fair. Remus had been lucky to get the job and she knew he loved it. She knew they wouldn't be apart forever, but she missed him and he hadn't mentioned when he might be able to get away. She felt silly, but she hadn't realized how lonely she would be without him.

She didn't want to go back to her work and it was nearly time to quit for the day, so she decided to pack her things up. She didn't feel like returning to the Potter's right away because she knew James probably wouldn't be there, so she decided to check on Sirius.

She walked to Hogsmeade before apparating to Sirius's flat. She had to apparate directly inside his apartment since he lived in a muggle neighborhood, but he had told them all that it was okay to do it.

"Sirius?" she called out. "Are you here?"

She shrugged her robes off and laid them on a chair.

"Sirius is that you," called a female voice.

"Lily?" called Hermione back. 'What was Lily doing here?' she thought to herself.

A girl emerged from the kitchen, but it wasn't Lily. "Oh," she said in surprise. "I thought you were Sirius."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at the girl who had introduced herself on moving day. "Laura right?" asked Hermione, though she knew full well what her name was.

Laura nodded.

"What are you doing here?" she asked suspiciously. "Where's Sirius?"

"He went out for a bottle of wine," answered Laura, smiling. "I'm cooking dinner for him."

Hermione stared at her. "And he left you in his flat by yourself?"

The smile disappeared from Laura's face. "He said he'd only be a second. I didn't hear the doorbell," she said pointedly.

"I have a key," lied Hermione, not interested in explaining the finer points of apparition to this girl, even if she could.

"You and Sirius must be close," commented Laura.

"We go back a long ways," returned Hermione. They stared at each other in silence before Laura spoke again.

"I have to check on the food," she said, excusing herself.

Hermione sat heavily on the couch. She decided to wait for Sirius. She didn't have to wait long. He arrived about five minutes later. Laura hadn't left the kitchen.

Sirius was mildly surprised to see Hermione sitting on his couch, when he expected a much different person.

"Hey," he said smiling. "What are you doing here?"

Hermione shrugged. "Just came by for a visit," she said softly. Sirius set down the bottle of wine he was carrying and approached her.

"Where's Laura?" he asked as an afterthought.

"Kitchen," said Hermione.

"What's the matter, Hermione," he asked sincerely, sitting next to her. "You look upset."

She looked down at her hands. "I'm okay. I had a long day. There was some stuff I wanted to talk with you about concerning the Order, but it doesn't look like now is a good time."

Sirius glanced toward the kitchen again. "Yeah," he said distractedly. "She's cooking dinner for me. I mentioned how the only time I get a home cooked meal was on Sunday when I go over to the Potter's and she sort of volunteered."

"How nice of her," said Hermione, with a touch of sarcasm in her voice. Sirius either let it go or didn't notice.

"Did you want to stay for dinner?" he offered.

"Umm, no," returned Hermione. "Three's a crowd."

"It's okay, really. I'm sure she made enough."

Hermione stood. "No, that's okay. I'm going to go. I didn't mean to interrupt anything."

"You're not," insisted Sirius. He didn't want her to go. He missed not seeing her everyday.

Hermione leaned in and kissed Sirius on the cheek. "Enjoy your dinner."

Sirius followed her to the door. "Hermione stay," he tried one last time.

"I'll come by tomorrow," she promised opening the door.

"Okay," he conceded. He hovered in the open door. "Are you sure you're all right?"

She nodded energetically. "I'll see you tomorrow." She hurried down the hall and Sirius waited for her to disappear before closing the door.

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A/N: Hope you liked that chapter. This part of the story seems to be writing itself. It's flowing very easily for me. I guess that's what happens when you plan ahead. I'll have to remember that in the future.

It seems that almost everyone had the same thoughts I did about Peter's silver hand. It kind of bummed me out. I will be very disappointed if Remus dies. I guess we'll all just have to keep our fingers crossed.