Hermione ran through the halls of Hogwarts at break neck speed. She slipped as she rounded the corner, but caught herself before she went down. Taking a deep breath, she righted herself and slowly proceeded down the hall as quietly, but as quickly as she could. She scanned the corridor, but couldn't see anyone. She had nearly reached the end of the hall when something grabbed her from behind.

"Caught you!"

Hermione shrieked and tried to struggle, but she was held too firmly. "All right," she laughed. "You win."

"That's right," said Remus. "Now, don't you have something to say?"

"No," said Hermione defiantly.

Remus tickled her ribcage causing Hermione to shriek with laughter. "Say it," he demanded.

"Okay," she gasped. "Okay, I'll say it." Remus paused in his tickling and allowed Hermione to catch her breath. She took a deep breath. "You know more about the castle than I do," she admitted grudgingly.

"And don't forget it," added Remus.

"Miss Granger," came a sharp voice. "Mr. Lupin, what are you doing?"

Remus and Hermione whirled around to see Professor McGonagall standing a few feet away from them with her hands on her hips and a stern expression on her voice.

Remus immediately released Hermione and they both stood straight in front of their former professor.

"Sorry professor," mumbled Hermione.

"You sound like a pair of rampaging Hippogriffs," she said sternly.

"We didn't realize anyone was in this part of the castle," Remus tried to explain.

"I am on my way to see the Headmaster concerning some Order business," returned Professor McGonagall.

"The Headmaster was called away from Hogwarts, Professor," said Hermione. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Professor McGonagall looked disturbed. "No dear, that's quite all right. I will leave the Headmaster a note." She turned away from the pair and proceeded down the hall.

"That was odd," commented Hermione once Professor McGonagall was out of earshot.

Remus raised an eyebrow at Hermione as if to indicate that he found nothing odd in the Professor's behavior.

"What could she have wanted to say to Dumbledore that she couldn't say to us?" wondered Hermione.

Remus laughed. "Plenty," he replied. "I'm sure a lot goes on that we don't know about."

"I hate not knowing," said Hermione. She looked longingly down the hall Professor McGonagall had just disappeared down.

"What are you thinking?" asked Remus carefully.

Hermione turned back to Remus, a blush staining her cheeks. "Nothing," she mumbled.

Remus crossed his arms. "Out with it," he demanded.

Hermione sighed. "I was only thinking that it wouldn't be too much trouble to check and see what was in that note Professor McGonagall left for Dumbledore. I do have the password to his office."

"Hermione," exclaimed Remus in a shocked voice.

"Never mind," said Hermione waving a hand at him. "It was only a stray thought. Come on. Let's go outside for a walk." She took Remus's hand and led him away, pretending to drop the subject. Though in truth, she couldn't stop thinking about it. She couldn't help but compare Remus to Harry and Ron. They wouldn't have hesitated to go on an expedition to discover the contents of the note. Their curiosity had always exceeded her own avid curiosity. It was some time before Hermione forgot Professor McGonagall's mysterious manner.

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"James and I have just decided to do it," announced Lily.

Hermione smirked up at her from where she was sitting. Lily was on her nearly nightly visit to Hermione at Hogwarts. Lily had just bustled into Hermione and Remus's room.

"I'm sorry, what?" returned Hermione.

"He doesn't want to wait anymore," said Lily. "It's just making him crazy. And he's just been so wound up lately between Auror Training and Order business. We just have to do it and get it over with."

Hermione started laughing. "How romantic."

"What?" asked Lily with her hands on her hips.

"Nothing," returned Hermione. She tried wiping the smirk off her face. "I assume you're talking about the wedding," she ventured.

"Of course," returned Lily. "What else would I be talking about?"

Hermione raised her eyebrows at Lily as if the answer was obvious.

Lily blushed. "Hermione," she exclaimed. "Get your mind out of the gutter."

"Anyway," said Hermione, trying to bring the subject back around to the wedding. "You and James have decided to just get married."

"Yes," sighed Lily happily. "Our parents wanted to throw us a big wedding and things have kind of gotten out of control. We originally wanted to be married in a month and then it got pushed back to two months and now if our parents have their way we won't be married until next summer."

"So what are you going to do?"

"James wants to get married next week," she said cautiously, as if she were afraid Hermione might chastise her.

"That might be doable," returned Hermione.

"Do you think so?" asked Lily hopefully.

"Of course," returned Hermione. "It will just take a little work. I assume you don't care if many people are there?"

"No," confirmed Lily. "As long as you, Remus, and Sirius are there we'll be happy. And our parents, of course," she added hastily.

"I've never been to a wizarding wedding," said Hermione. "But I assume there somewhat similar to muggle weddings. It shouldn't take too much to pull one off."

"You'll help me then?" asked Lily.

"Of course," returned Hermione.

"And will you stand up with me as my Maid of Honor?"

Tears sprung to Hermione's eyes. "I'd be honored," she returned happily.

Lily smiled widely. "Good. Sirius is going to be James's Best Man."

Hermione nodded. She knew this already.

"You don't think Remus will be terribly angry, do you? James is very worried. He wants them both to be there desperately."

"Don't worry, Lily," said Hermione. "Remus understands the bond between James and Sirius. They're like brothers. He doesn't resent it. Now I know that his relationship with Sirius hasn't been as friendly as it should be, but that's really my fault. I'm sure there won't be any problems."

Lily smiled, feeling reassured, then her face looked worried again.

"What is it?" asked Hermione. "There's something more."

"It's nothing," returned Lily.

"There is," said Hermione standing up and approaching her friend. "You know you can confide in me if anything's bothering you."

Lily turned away. "It's just so much to take in. I don't think I realized until this moment that I'll be a wife by next week."

Hermione laughed. "You didn't realize."

"Well of course I realized, I guess I just... It's just that it seemed so far off when we got engaged. Don't get me wrong I want to marry James. I love him so much. I just..." she trailed off.

"What?" asked Hermione gently, placing one comforting hand on Lily's shoulder.

Lily turned to Hermione. "I'm going to be a wife," she stated.

"Yes," prompted Hermione.

Lily bit her lip nervously. "You and Remus are living together."

Hermione was confused by the abrupt change in topic. "Yes," she said.

Lily blushed fiercely. "The two of you are close," she said carefully.

Hermione's brow creased. "What are you getting at?"

"It's just that James and I haven't... That is to say we were... Oh forget it," she said moving towards the door. "This is too embarrassing."

Sudden comprehension filled Hermione. "Oh," she exhaled. "Lily wait," she said grabbing her friends arm and pulling her back into the center of the room. "I think I understand. You and James have never," she paused. "You know," she finished lamely.

"No, we haven't," confirmed Lily. "We've done stuff, but I wanted to wait until I was married and James was very understanding. And now he's been waiting and what if I mess everything up. I have no idea what I'm doing."

Hermione laughed. "You won't. Besides, you don't really think James has any experience, do you?"

Lily shrugged.

"Lily," said Hermione in exasperation. "James has been in love with you since he was eleven years old. Trust me. He's just as nervous as you are."

"When you and Remus, well you know, were you nervous? You don't have to answer if you don't want to," she added hastily.

"It's okay," said Hermione. "I wish I had had someone to talk to about this. I was nervous, but so was he. He was my first, my only, and I was his. And when it happened it was scary and exciting and wonderful all at the same time. I can't describe it. The important thing is that you and James are in love and you'll be committed to each other."

Lily sighed happily. "You're right. I shouldn't be scared, not with James. I just know he would do absolutely anything for me."

"He would you know," confirmed Hermione. "I don't think I've ever known two people who were more in love than the two of you."

Lily reached out and hugged Hermione tightly. "I don't know what I ever did without you. You're old friends must miss you terribly."

Hermione throat tightened as she struggled not to cry.

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James and Lily's wedding was a quiet, but beautiful affair. James spent the entire morning nervous, with only Sirius and Remus to calm him and they seemed to take more delight in teasing him than actually calming him.

Lily fared better the morning of her wedding. Hermione had never seen anyone so calm and composed. And when James saw her walking toward him a feeling of complete happiness flooded over him.

The ceremony was simple, but heartfelt. Hermione caught Remus's eye when James and Lily said their vows and didn't avert her eyes until they were done, as if silently vowing the same to him.

Despite only having one weeks notice Hermione, Lily and the two mothers managed to pull together a very lively reception after the wedding. All the members of the Order attended as well as several current and former students of Hogwarts. Long before the fun was over, James and Lily snuck away, courtesy of Sirius, Hermione, and Remus.

The five friends spent a few minutes together before James and Lily went off on their honeymoon. They were all happy to be together, but also a little sad. They all felt that James and Lily's wedding signified an end to something, though they didn't know exactly what. Hermione began to feel for the first time that they really were becoming adults, not just teenagers desperately trying to act like adults. And she was wistful, feeling again as if she was approaching something momentous without the two people she thought she would share her life with. As happy as she was, Harry and Ron always seemed to hover over her consciousness as a reminder of all she must do.

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Hermione was hunched over her desk working feverishly on a report that was due to Dumbledore by the end of the day. In the two weeks since James and Lily's wedding, the Death Eaters had upped the frequency of their attacks. The Dark Mark had appeared over three different wizard homes and the wizarding community was in a near frenzied panic.

The Order had never been busier. Dumbledore had all of them patrolling communities that had a high concentration of wizarding families, but there were just not enough of them. They were easily outnumbered two to one.

Hermione nearly screamed in frustration as she crumbled the piece of parchment in her hand and tossed it onto the floor. Dumbledore had asked her to analyze the locations where the Death Eaters had struck to see if there was a pattern and a way to predict where they were going to strike next.

Hermione began writing again and was quickly engrossed in her work. She was so focused that she didn't notice Remus had entered the room.

"Hermione," he said softly.

"Just a second, sweetheart, I have to finish this thought," returned Hermione without looking up.

"Hermione," he said again and something in his voice made her look up. Remus was pale and his eyes were red as if he had been crying.

"What?" asked Hermione, feeling a sudden terror fill her heart.

"You have to come with me now," he said, his voice hoarse.

She shook her head. "What?" she repeated. "What's happened?"

"Dumbledore..." he began but his voice cracked.

Hermione jumped to her feet and rushed over to him. "What?" she demanded. "Tell me."

Remus took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. "Dumbledore asked me to come and get you." He looked deep into her eyes and knew she wouldn't move until she knew everything.

"The Prewitt brothers were supposed to relieve Mr. and Mrs. Potter who were taking the watch in Little Hangleton."

Hermione nodded. Part of her job was knowing the position of all the Order members at any given time. "Go on," she urged.

Remus cleared his throat. "They got there and the Potters were no where to be found."

Hermione gasped and covered her mouth. "No," she moaned.

"We don't know anything yet," said Remus quickly, but his voice lacked conviction.

"Are James and Lily back yet?" she asked hollowly.

Remus shook his head. "They're not due back from their honeymoon until tomorrow." He took her hand and led her from the room. "Dumbledore is sending members of the Order to begin a search."

"What does he want us to do?" asked Hermione.

"I don't know," he returned. "He just asked me to bring you to him." Remus led Hermione all the way to Dumbledore's office. There were three other Order members with him when they arrived, Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, and Benjy Fenwick.

"Ah, good, Hermione," said Dumbledore when they arrived. Hermione was struck by how old he seemed. It was as if the war was aging them all at an alarming rate. "Mr. Fenwick was just about to give us an update."

Hermione immediately turned all her attention to the short thin man called Benjy Fenwick.

"Unfortunately," he began. "I don't have much to report. We questioned some of the muggle residents and quite a few of them remembered seeing a man and woman that matched the Potter's description, but no one saw anything mysterious."

No one spoke. Hermione could feel the uneasiness in the room. After several moments, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Thank you Benjy. I know you're eager to return to the search so we won't keep you."

Benjy nodded and quickly exited the room.

"I ave a bad feeling, Headmaster," said Hagrid gruffly, "a very bad feeling."

"Young Mr. Potter and Miss Evans will need to be told immediately," said Professor McGonagall.

"Mrs. Potter," corrected Dumbledore. "And yes, they will need to be told immediately."

"They're still on their honeymoon," interrupted Remus. "They should be home tomorrow."

"I don't think we can wait," said Dumbledore. "Someone will need to go to them."

"I will," Hermione immediately volunteered.

"Actually," said Dumbledore quietly. "I need you to go see Sirius. He needs to be told as well and I think he would take it best coming from you. He was very close to the Potter's, like a second son."

"I'll go to James and Lily," volunteered Remus. "I'm sure they'll want to return immediately. Shall I bring them here?"

"Yes," answered Dumbledore, "and as quickly as possible. They may both be in a great deal of danger." He turned to Hermione. "You must keep Sirius calm and bring him back to Hogwarts."

Hermione nodded. She knew all too well what would happen if Sirius lost control of his emotions. "I'll go to Sirius right now."

"Good," said Dumbledore. "Both of you be careful." Remus and Hermione strode from his office. They parted ways at Hogsmeade village giving each other a fierce hug, then each of them apparated to their destination.

Hermione arrived at Sirius's apartment to find it dark and silent. She moved to his bedroom and opened the door as quietly as possible. He was already asleep. She smiled at the way he seemed to take over the whole bed in a tangle of limbs and bed sheet.

She moved closer to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking him slightly. "Sirius," she murmured.

He jerked awake violently, pulling away from her touch. When he had recovered and saw who had woken him he gasped. "Hermione, what are you doing here?"

"Sirius," she began, trying to maintain her calm. "Something's happened."

He sat up in bed. "What?" he asked frantically. "Is it Remus?"

"No," she said shaking her head. "He's fine, so are James and Lily," she added hastily.

"Then what?"

"It's Mr. and Mrs. Potter. They're missing," she said quickly to get it over with. "They were patrolling Little Hangleton and when the Prewitt brothers went to relieve them, they couldn't find them anywhere." She paused expecting him to say something, but he didn't so she continued. "Dumbledore wants us to go to Hogwarts to wait."

The last sentence seemed to kick Sirius into action. He jumped out of bed and grabbed his wand from his night stand. Then he went to his closet where he quickly put on a pair of shoes, before heading to his front door.

"Wait," said Hermione frantically. "Where are you going?"

"To get some answers," he answered savagely.

"Answers? What are you talking about?"

"I have to find them. After everything they've done for me, I owe it to them," said Sirius.

"But Sirius," protested Hermione. "Who are you going to question? The entire Order is out looking and no one seems to have a clue."

"Then I'll find someone who does," returned Sirius, yanking open his front door and striding down the hall of his building. Hermione was hot on his heels.

She reached out and grabbed his arm, trying to stop him, but with barely any effort he brushed her off. "Sirius, please be reasonable. You'll get hurt."

"No I won't," he said curtly. "They won't hurt me where I'm going."

"Where are you going?" pleaded Hermione.

"I'm going home."

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A/N: So sorry for the long time between updates. I know this chapter is short, but it ends on a fun cliffie so hopefully you'll all forgive me. 10 points to the person who can tell me the significance of Little Hangleton.