Sharp words

'Come on… just some bread and butter. A little bit of fat and carbohydrate goes a long way' Molly Weasley was insufferably mothering her.

'No. I don't think I will thanks… can't I just have some water..?'

'You can have wine if you like'

That promising offer came from Lupin, whilst he ignored the scolding look Molly sent his way -

'No Remus… it is too rich, it'll overwhelm her…'

'No it won't. Severus insisted on wine -'

'- Oh very well!' obviously avoiding the mentioning of Hermione's former Potions professor, whose fate now rested within the Ministry of Magic's power, Molly poured just enough tepid red liquid to fill the bottom of a glass and handed it grudgingly to Hermione.

'Hermione dear. Perhaps we could discuss your position -'

'My parents are dead. I am of age and when they release Severus I will be with him'

'Yes well… I wouldn't bet on that one dear' Molly retorted with a strained half-smile, sugary voiced as always.

'He's a powerful resource. Once they realise how much he knows they can't just cart him off to Azkaban. They need him.' Hermione stated pleasantly, as though commenting on the weather.

Remus and Molly exchanged a look, before the latter bustled out of the kitchen, muttering harsh words under her breath.

Remus leant forward, intent on consoling her 'Hermione, once he has served his use, I don't think Azkaban is where he is heading'

'What do you mean?'

'I… I mean. Hermione, he's… they will consider execution…'

'WHAT!' She stood so quickly the glass shuddered haphazardly and rolled with a CLANK! Straight over the wooden surface, smashing in tiny sharpened fragments at her feet.

'We've got to save him. He's… he's one of us, Lupin! I… he…'

'It's too late. Unless you want to stand trial…'

'YES I WILL! Why didn't anybody ask me before -'

'You've been through so much… we… your in danger -'

'I DON'T CARE! I need him!'

'Ok, ok…' Remus was shocked, not only by her sudden outburst, but by the fact that she had spat his last name with such vindictiveness…

'What's going on…' Molly was back, skidding slightly as shards of glass crunched beneath her feet, ushering a fuming Hermione out of the room with slight alarm -

'Harry..?' The shadowed figure leaning almost casually against the wall nodded slowly.

'I didn't know you were awake? Until you started shouting at least. It used to be me that did all the shouting…' fond memories.

Forgotten.

'I remember. But a lot has changed since then…'

'You've changed Hermione' Harry seemed to take her calmness as a sign to perch himself precariously on the edge of her bed, patting the soft quilt next to him, looking at her expectantly to join him.

She didn't. Instead, she slid the door shut behind her, hand still grasped loosely on the handle.

'But we're still the same… aren't we?' he persisted, those gleaming green eyes questioning.

'No' there was no harshness in her voice. It was a matter of fact, that was all.

'Oh… look Hermione. I know you feel for him -'

'Don't even start Harry. Where were you? All this time…' she let her breath in a silent laugh as he shifted uncomfortably 'All this time… when I thought I was alone. He was there - for me. For ONLY me'

When Harry did not react, Hermione did something she never thought she would do. Pushing her sleeve up, she showed him the ugly mark branded on her arm, not even surprised when he flinched and touched his forehead gingerly.

'Hurts does it? You have no idea…' her voice was low… scornful.

'I did this for you' she hissed quietly 'Now, I'm doing what's right for me'

'You… you and him…'

'Yeah! I did… and it felt right Harry. And I would do it again'

'This ISN'T you'

'oh really. The old me died when I realised no one was coming for me. It was too late. Now I'm the one the Dark Lord wants'

'Dark Lord?' Harry repeated, eyes widening apprehensively. He strode over to where she had leant against the wall, before she could react grasping her shoulders and shaking her slightly 'Only his followers call him the Dark Lord'.

Her eyes brimmed, lifted to meet his 'I AM one of his… followers… As far as he is concerned.'

'You're a spy then?' Hope burned in his green eyes.

'I suppose. I intend to get to Severus. Then we shall see Harry. Then we shall see who is on whose side'

Bear with me… All shall be revealed in good time…

XxPeridoxX