Chapter Seven

On Saturday, Hermione was in the Gryffindor Common Room. She was humming a favourite song of hers as she read a book.

Hermione was sick of being 'Pertida Hart'. She wanted to be called Hermione again, but she couldn't. And what was that dream about? Hermione stared down at the book she was reading, questions in her eyes.

A decision. It was about a decision she had to make. About what? Hermione frowned, and closed the book with a snap.

Already the past was changing her. She was becoming more emotional, more…impatient.

Why does everything have to happen to me? she wondered, closing her eyes, so that the tears threatening to spill didn't.

And as much as she disliked it, Hermione remembered when the Death Eater's struck…

Hermione exited Dumbledore's office, her mind questioning Dumbledore's request. She fingered her Time-Turner, her footsteps loud and clear. It was obvious Hermione Granger was frightened.

How Malfoy would goad me if he saw me now, Hermione thought. She was shaking underneath her cloak, the letter and her wand held firmly in her hand. That's when she felt it.

She ran to the nearest window, and she literally felt her heart stop pounding. All the stars in the sky had disappeared; an icy chill around her heart. Hermione felt absolutely miserable. Dementors.

The one name sent Hermione in a complete panic, and her fingers that held the two objects tightened. That's when she saw them. Death Eaters.

Oh God…

Hermione ran to the gargoyle, and not knowing the password, she screamed at the top of her voice: "THEY'RE HERE! THE DEATH EATERS ARE HERE!"

&

He was weak. Hermione stood in frozen horror as Harry glared at Voldemort. Hermione did not know how Harry could stare at him that long; she couldn't (and wouldn't) be able to even stare at his clothes!

Ginny and Ron were just behind Harry, staring at him with their mouths wide open.

"Ah, the famous Harry Potter," hissed Voldemort, his words sounding like as if Draco Malfoy just gave him his 'I Hate Harry Potter ' dictionary.

Harry didn't even waver. Hermione admired his brave courage.

"I am him," Harry chose his words carefully. "You should know that, Voldemort."

"You shall pay, Potter. I shall curse you how many times I was in pain. Then I will kill you."

&

Hermione ran out of the room, Voldemort's cackle ringing in her ears. She was distressed when Harry, Ron, and Ginny's bodies fell on the floor. Why didn't she die, too?

She soon found herself in the Astronomy Tower, the only part of Hogwarts that had not yet been disturbed.

Why did she have to think back to that now? Hermione bowed her head. She was no use. She was a pain to everyone.

"Hey, Hermione!"

Hermione? No, of course he had said 'Pertida'. Hermione was only wishing hopefully. Sirius bounded her way, and sat down next to her. His sleek black hair was combed back.

"You okay?" Sirius asked her.

Hermione forced a smile.

"Fine, thank you. And yourself?"

"Perfect."

He grinned widely, and Hermione knew at once he was up to something. "What is it, Sirius?"

"Oh, James and me were just wondering why you don't speak Bulgarian."

Hermione blanched. Whatever she was expecting, it wasn't that.

000

Pertida looked annoyed at the question. Sirius was somewhat amused by her reaction. He never knew someone like her could get so easily mad by one simple question.

"I lived in England until I was nine," started Pertida, her eyes filled with concentration.

What is she hiding from me? thought Sirius, perplexed.

"Then we –my Mum, Dad and I- moved to Bulgaria, because Dad got a job there. But as soon as I turned eighteen, Dad got fired and we moved back to England."

Sirius nodded, though a nagging suspicion in the back of his head told him that was not the reason.

000

Hermione was relieved that Sirius accepted her story. But she was slightly shaken that he would probe like that. Were James, Sirius, Remus and Peter already suspicious of her?

She had been here less than a week!

Hermione looked over Sirius, but then relaxed. She only hoped that was the last question he would ask. For Hermione couldn't always think of ideas on the spot. Especially when she was emotional.

A/n: to explain the last chapter: to show you that Sirius and James were getting suspicious of Hermione. Next chapter- Lily's plan comes to play!

Thanks to:

Padfoot's Sidekick: yeah…they are… profet: lol…I guess ;) firelegs: well, you're right. But then again, we ALL don't really KNOW the Marauders personality, though we did have snippets in book 5. little mimi: thanks! childoftheorient: even though this chapter is short…I hope it's enventful! CrystalShard: thanks ForgottenIceTea: yeah, I know…. Swirlywhirlynutcase: o.k krazygrl05: yeah…hope this isn't as long update! Alis Black: lol….yeah, the reviews I get from this story makes me want to continue…thanks… amwaro: thanks! StringBean458: thanks! Holla-BOO: lol…yeah, I get it :) OnerousOrangutang: maybe…maybe not… Rane2920072: thanks….have you ever considered getting an account? Just wondering…. The Gryffindor Drummer: thanks! enchantedlight: here it is! Amaherst: uhhh….thanks, I guess.