Bones of Death

by foxylittlelady

James was visited by a Druid who gave him a gift, a promise and a prophecy. He, and three others, would see Peace. After the Final Battle, she fulfills that promise. Now, four twenty-year-olds out of Time need to figure out where they fit in this new time, while coming to grips with the fact that the Peace they are now enjoying was won by a baby they had sworn and failed to protect

2. New Friends

A/n I recognize that after the books finished Rowling kept adding to her canon. Which, as the author, is her right. This story, however, will ignore a great deal of 'after the fact' canon (such as Harry's grandparents being Fleamont and Euphemia, rather than the fan theory of Dorea [nee Black] and Charlus.)

:&:&:&:&:&:&:&:&

Harry had planned on attending Hogwarts to repeat his final year. He had hoped to rebuild relationships with his classmates, his teachers, and himself. The new Minister of Magic Kingsley had offered a place in the Aurors for the whole of the Golden Trio without needing them to finish school. Hermione knew immediately that she would finish her schooling. Ron had wanted to take him up on the offer, assuming Harry would as well, but both ended up agreeing that finishing their education was the right path for the war worn duo. Hermione may have had a hand in their decision, regardless of her venomously denying it. All of this was decided before Harry found himself sitting in a guest suite at Hogwarts the day before the students returned with his parents, Sirius, and Remus. This fact changed things.

The morning of the first of September found one third of the golden trio sitting quietly at the Hogwarts breakfast table. Ron had wanted to travel with his sister on the Hogwarts Express, and Harry had taken the four resurrected adults, home to Grimmauld. Hermione had opted to stay behind, despite Harry's reassurance that she would be more than welcome. She had declined, knowing that he would want this time alone with his family. It was not the first time, nor she imagined would it be the last where she felt isolated. From the moment she had entered the Wizarding world Hermione had felt herself drifting farther and farther from her parents. The final nail in the coffin was the loss of her parents' memories.

Harry would be the first to tell you that when Hermione put her mind to something, she did not do it in halves. This was both a point of bragging and a distress to her friends. It often led her to hours of library time, without food or sleep. However, it also allowed her to brew polyjuice potion in her second year. This curse or blessing was the main reason she would never be able to have her parents returned to her. Her work was too good, too perfect. The memories she changed and erased could not be recovered. She was alone. This was something she had braced herself for from the moment she broke her promise and turned her wand on her family. She had accepted it then and lived with it now.

The snag, she had not told anyone of this fact. Everyone thought she was waiting until she was done with school before seeking them out. She had not seen the point in correcting them.

After her failed attempt to return the memories, she had spent the rest of the summer helping rebuild the school and plan out her future. Harry was right beside her most of the time, feeling as out of place at the Burrow as she did. He had spent some days with the Weasleys and others locked away in Grimmauld mourning.

Those days she would force her way to his side and hold him as he finally allowed himself to cry for everything he had lost, including his childhood. Ron was tangled up with his family, mourning their own loss and neither Hermione or Harry could begrudge him staying away.

Hermione told herself, that she had already done her mourning. She had cried every tear inside herself from the moment she truly lost to family, to the day Ron left them while on the run. She would be there for Harry, just like she always was. She had kept telling herself that she did not want to add to his burden. He would only have blamed himself, if he knew what she had done to accompany him to fulfill his destiny.

She glanced up at the few teachers with her at the table, wanting to let the thoughts of her loss go. Slughorn agreed to teach Potions until a new teacher was available to take over. Flitwick for Charms, Sprout for Herbology, Trelawney returning for Divination, Hagrid teaching Magical Creatures. That was everyone at the table. Hooch was still around she was certain, as were a number of other professors who without a doubt would be returning. The only one she really worried about was DADA. Almost all of the other teachers survived the war. She took a slow thoughtful bite of her toast at the depressing thought. If she had been a teacher, she would not want to survive while her students did not.

The rest of breakfast passed without incident. Everyone hoped for a peaceful year, without Tom Riddle constantly trying to kill Harry Potter. Not that anyone other than the few present on grounds knew that Harry Potter would not be returning for his final year.

Hermione had understood why Harry abandoned his half-hearted attempt to actually have a seventh year for his family. However, she could not completely help the feelings of loneliness and abandonment that appeared with his departure. Harry had been her first real friend. Sure, both Harry and Ron had saved her from the troll, but Harry was the one who called out his friend on his mistreatment of the stubborn knowledgeable muggleborn.

She had spent the parts of summer not in Grimmauld with Harry at Hogwarts, helping with the repairs. She had made sure her parents' house was sold as quickly as possible after the war and the money returned to them. Her childhood home now belonging to someone else. Hogwarts was her home, and Grimmauld a place to lay her head if not home, Harry had reminded her regularly. The rest of her friends went back to their families, returning briefly throughout the summer, to help return Hogwarts to its former glory.

Ron was another beast all together. She had seen little of him this summer as he stayed with his family, mourning. The loss of Fred hit them all hard, but none harder than George. Ron sat with his broken brother for hours at a time, proving that he had grown up from the easily angered boy filled with jealousy. Hermione hoped that with his return to the school they would be able to begin working on their romance.

:&:&:&:&:&

Hermione stood at the large open wooden door that let the returning students into Hogwarts. The first years were taking the boats with Hagrid and would appear as they always should. Hermione was thankful for the return to normalcy. She still jumped at sudden noises and found crowds upsetting. The nightmares were still there, but everything seemed more manageable with the return to routine. She'd get up, go to class, help her friends with their homework, and spend way too much time in the library.

The first carriages arrived, and Hermione had to bite back a sob when she saw the Thesrals. She remembered the trip to London on the back of the invisible flying horses. Her heart rate picked up; eyes locked on the skeletal creatures. The night had marked the end of her childhood, or at least the childhood she had come to expect and know. Harry was much the same way. That night the war became more real and daunting than anything else.

"Hello Hermione." Luna's voice was an airy lightness that pulled Hermione from her memories. Her clear knowing eyes seemed to chill the older witch's beating heart. Luna was an Other of some kind that Hermione did not even try to understand. Not from lack of trying, but from a new found respect for the young woman. Ginny was just behind her friend smiling in a way that lit up her eyes. Hermione felt a ping of jealously at the way Ginny could still express such genuine happiness despite all they had been through. Another emotion quickly over took it, pride. She was proud of the strength her friends carried, as well as proud that she was a part of the side that created a place where happiness was possible. It gave her hope.

"Hello. How was the Express?" She glanced around for Ron, not waiting for the women to reply. Ginny laughed lightly, wrapping her fingers around Luna's. "Sorry."

"Don't worry 'Mione. We understand." Luna smiled knowingly. "He'll be here soon." Ginny waved as she dragged Luna behind her, promising to save their curly haired friend a seat. Hermione waited for a while longer until most of the carriages had unloaded their passengers. Hermione had waved at some and spoke to others. She had made it a point to at least nod at the Slytherins that returned. She promised Harry to make sure everyone was welcomed back to the school, and knew they held no hard feelings toward them. Harry wanted to let everything go. His level of compassion stunned her, but she would do as he asked.

He saw them as children, lost in the turbulence of war much like them, whether they actively participated or not. If she was being honest, she was filled with dread each time a child of a Death Eater who was either dead or imprisoned exited a carriage and locked eyes with her. Each time they'd return her welcome with as much surprise as Slytherins showed.

Draco Malfoy jumped out of the second to last carriage, completely alone and looking at the ground with such intensity she wondered how he did not fall on his face while entering the school. She reached out a soft hand for his arm, wanting to relay a welcome much like she had for everyone. The future was more important than any grudge she had toward him or anyone. He stopped and looked up at her when her fingers caught him. His head jerked up and his eyes grew to saucers in surprise.

"Welcome back Malfoy." Hermione's voice shook only slightly, and she was proud of the fact. His mouth hung open with a half-formed dismissal for who had attempted to stop him, but the words died when he saw her. He closed his lips and opened them again and again at a loss for words. She fought a smile, feeling confidant with his clear unease. Maybe she wasn't the only one returning who felt unsure where everything would land. Keeping Harry's words and hopes for a better world in mind, she squeezed his arm reassuringly.

"Perhaps you should speak to your Weasley, if you're going to speak to me." He pulled free of her hold, and only then did she notice the split lip and damp eyes. She frowned; had he been crying? Before she could investigate further, he walked with heavy steps into the newly built school.

Trials had been held off and on all summer with the same frequency as funerals. Many were lost on both sides, and Harry had been a voice of reason against the onslaught of hate families burying the dead from the losing side received. Everyone should be allowed to mourn. Hermione would likely never hold the ability to forgive like her best friend did. That compassion had gotten them in trouble more than once, but she'd trade it for nothing else.

Draco was required to have his magic monitored over the summer and to attend Hogwarts to repeat his seventh year. Narcissa would remain on house arrest with a trace on her wand for the next five years. Lucius had his wand snapped and was locked away in the newly designed Azkaban. If it were not for Harry testifying, Draco and Narcissa would likely have gotten much worse. The last carriage carried a red-faced Neville, Seamus and Dean laughing lightly, and Ron who had a smug look Hermione knew to associate with Harry and Ron doing something she likely would not approve of; like sneaking out to duel Malfoy first year. She crossed her arms at her chest, face set in a questioning glare.

"Mione!" Ron's face lite up at the sight of her waiting for him, missing her unwelcoming stance. "Missed you!" He wrapped the young witch in a tight hug, silencing her questions. She sighed and returned his hug, happy to have her friend back.

"Welcome back Ron." Her voice came out muffled in his chest. Sh pulled back with a warm smile, "Neville, Seamus, Dean. Doing alright?" Seamus and Dean nodded as a reply and head in, teasing the two briefly. Neville stopped and seemed to really think about his reply.

"I'm doing alright." He looked from Ron to her and back again, thinking about adding something, but shook his head and waved before following the other two Gryffindors. Ron let his hold on her loosen with a warm smile.

"Missed you." She laughed and shook her head, trying to beat down the fleeting thoughts telling her he knew where she was and could have visited. Then again, she could have gone to him as well. He pressed a light kiss onto her lips. She sighed, letting the easy smile cross her face.

"Miss Granger, Mister Weasley, please head to the Great Hall." The Headmistress eyed them with a flash of warmth in her eyes. Ron nodded and Hermione giggled softly as he took her hand, leading her to the feast.

The banners signally the location of the different house tables were gone, replaced with several tapestries telling the story of Hogwarts's founding. Hermione frowned, noticing all the houses still sitting together rather than mixing. Hermione huffed and pulled her hand free from Ron's intending to continue Harry's suggestion to mix with the other houses. She spotted Draco sitting practically alone on the furthest corner of the mostly empty Slytherin table. Squaring her shoulders, she told Ron she would see him in the common room, and without waiting, walked with purpose over to the Ex-Death Eater's place. Without a word or warning, she plopped down next to him, jaw locked in a challenge to anyone who wanted to comment on her choice of seat.

The hush that followed her placement lasted until the first years entered the Great Hall. Hermione's hands were locked together trying to hide the shaking as everyone continued to stare at her, even after the Sorting Hat had sang its song, and the Sorting began. Draco kept his eyes locked on the tabletop, glancing at her from the corner of his eye frequently. She wondered what this looked like to everyone else present.

She was pulled from her thoughts, when the Hat yelled Slytherin for the first time. The hall gazed at the young boy who had paled with the declaration. Several seconds passed with no one moving, until Draco stood up. He was hunched slightly, but there was an air of pride as well. Hermione could feel the smile of joy split her face before she even realized it. Draco led the boy to sit with them and introduced Hermione. Her presence seemed to ease the tension the boy felt at being Sorted into the supposed 'Bad House'. She glanced up as the next name was read and saw approval directed at her on Headmistress McGonagall's face. Harry was right, change started with them.

Surrounded by first years and Draco, Hermione enjoyed the Opening Feast. She loved when unity was brought to the forefront of the speeches and more than a few heads nodded along in agreement. Draco did not speak to her, but made a point to direct pertinent questions to her. The new Slytherins were unsure of how they would be received so soon after a war was fought by their fellows. She swore to herself and them that she would do everything in her power to make sure that everyone would have a fair shot at picking their own future.

"We aren't defined by what our parents, peers, or siblings do. Only by what we do ourselves. My best friend, Harry Potter, believes everyone deserves a chance. Everyone. And so do I." Hermione left dinner with a stronger resolve to change the world, starting at Hogwarts. She received more than a few glares while returning to Gryffindor tower. Whispers of how could she sit with traitors? She'd stand through it all, after all she had before. The common room was full of her fellows, and Hermione immediately knew that her own house was raging beneath the surface. Doing her best to channel Harry, she let the portrait close behind her, readying for battle.

"'Mione, what the Bloody Hell were you thinkin'? He's Draco Malfoy. He stood by and... and let..." Ron's face had taken on a shade of red, in anger or something else she didn't care.

"He is paying his price Ronald." She took a breath, knowing the whole room was listening. "We are not moving forward if we continue to exist in the past. I for one think the world could use more tolerance, acceptance, and yes, Forgiveness." The room was suddenly filled with hushed whispers. "I don't see why I should add to the bias and shortsighted way of being that led us to this point." She swallowed, knowing her next words would ring true with everyone but Ron. "Besides, Harry wanted us to help establish and support unity at Hogwarts. That's not possible if we treat an entire house as evil."

"But they are evil." Ron sounded exasperated.

"They're eleven." Hermione was feeling drained and challenged. She would never back down.

"They are evil."

"Stating the same words, over and over, does not change whether or not they are correct. Which, by the way, they are not."

"'Mione, you can't think that just because they lost, they'd changed."

"They deserve a chance to prove it for themselves."

"You sound like Harry."

"You say that like it is a bad thing."

"Why am I not surprised? Always comes back to him doesn't it?"

"Ron..." Ginny came toward them, sensing a blowout that no one wanted.

"NO!" He stepped into Hermione's space. "Would you have sat by that git if Harry hadn't told you to?!" Hermione turned red at Ron's accusation, not even giving her a change to reply, before huffing into her face. "That's what I thought." He turned and headed up to the boy dorms. They had been told a new floor appeared for the eighth years. Hermione thought that was unnecessary for her, since she was the only Gryffindor girl who had decided to return. Hermione watched him go; Ginny glaring after him, as she came to stand beside her friend.

"I stand by my actions. Standing together is more important than any grudge I have." She shrugged off Ginny's concern, barely fighting the tears before added. "Make your own choices. I have." She pushed her way through the crowd finding her dorm. Ginny held her and said nothing as she collapsed on the floor and cried.

:&:&:&:&:&

Harry opened his eyes and immediately closed them against the sunlight. He recognized his room at Grimmauld and hoped that everything that had happened the day before had been real. He had more than a few times awoke in the house and dreamt that it was the summer before fifth year. Sirius was alive and everyone was happy as they could be, given the situation. Hermione would walk in, a sad smile on her face, and ask if he'd like tea. She was rubbish at cooking anything but toast. He did not know how he would cope if everything wasn't real.

He left his room slowly, finding comfort as he heard a conversation carrying on from the lower floors. He passed empty rooms; doors open for the first time since he had returned after the Battle of Hogwarts. He had not wanted to touch anything of importance just yet. He wanted to live in the happy times, even if the house was ill kept and seemed to have returned to before Mrs. Weasley had them clean. The house had seemed to mourn the loss of Sirius as strongly as Harry had.

"All I'm wondering is why the fuck does he live here? This place was shit even before I left." Harry took in a sharp breath at Sirius voice. He couldn't move if he wanted to. He had believed he was wrong, his parents, Sirius, Remus, none of them were back.

"FILTHY HALF-BREEDS! MUDBLOODS! BLOOD TRAITERS! CHILDREN OF FILTH! DESECRATING THE NOBLE HOUSE BLACK!" He heard more cursing followed by the sound of spells slamming into a wall. "SHAME OF MY FLESH!"

"SHUT UP!" Sirius's voice was filled with righteous fury. Harry hurried into the hall and found Sirius and James trying to pull the curtains around Walburga's portrait closed. Harry bit back a laugh and used the spell Hermione heard the older Sirius use to silence the dead witch. "Bloody Hell! Pup, why is she still here?" Sirius seemed to calm instantly at the curtain's closure and the appearance of Harry.

"Hermione figured out how... but... the portrait... she was left... of... everything." Harry fought against the tears rubbing his face hard. He wasn't ready for arms to wrap around him, squeezing him within an inch of his life. Mrs. Weasley and Hermione were the only ones to hug him with regularity. It was a comforting, if an unusual sensation.

"I'm so sorry Harry, we should've protected you better." The strangely familiar smell of his father had Harry returning the hug and sobbing. Everything was real. They were here. They stood like that for several minutes until the tears subsided, and the two men just held on to each other. It was unreal that Harry was being held by his father; a man who was now only a few years older than himself. Harry looked at Sirius who with a smirk broke the silence.

"Hermione? The hothead minx with you before?" He burst out laughing when Harry made a gagging face at the thought of Hermione as anything other than a sister. She was a constant, a support, a friend, and so much more. He couldn't put into words how important she was to him; his family. He smiled watching his father tackled the other Marauder, waking up the portrait again. Laughing, Harry closed it and followed them into the kitchen. Remus was standing at the stove, a pan cooking bacon. Lily was leaning against the counter sipping a cup of tea. The sight had him feeling the burn behind his eyes returning.

His mother had her hair twisted up in a messy bun, much of it getting loose. She eyes were closed, clearly appreciating the beverage in her hands. Her long fingers were wrapped around the cup with such reverence, he forgot about the tears threatening to fall. She was wearing a beat-up band shirt he did not recognize, along with a pair of too-long men pajama bottoms.

Remus was wearing the same clothes Hermione had given him the day before. His hair was still plaited tightly down the back of his head, longer than he wore it while teaching. Harry guessed that he had not slept since they entered Grimmauld the night before.

Minerva, as she informed Harry to call her, had kept them at Hogwarts for several hours, trying to piece together everything that had happened. She had sat down, still and quiet as can be, only pausing their tale long enough to summon the house elves for food and drink. Harry would never forget the sight of the headmistress drinking Sirius under the table. Hermione falling asleep on Harry shoulder prompted the group to retire to bed at Grimmauld with the promise not to be strangers. Harry had watched Minerva eye Remus with a look so resolute that he guessed she intended to offer him the DADA job as soon as possible. Even in the beginning of his twenties Harry could still see the teacher present.

"Good morning Love, sleep well?" Lily's voice was scratchy from sleep, but filled with nothing but warmth. "We have quite a day ahead of us. If you'd like to have a lie in." Harry shook his head and asked for a cuppa. She smiled, and he could not help returning it.

The group set themselves up at the table eating the small breakfast Remus had managed to create from whatever was left in the kitchen. Kreacher had been staying at Hogwarts since before the battle ended. Harry not knowing if he'd stay long term at Grimmauld or the Burrow, wanted the elf to be cared for. Mrs. Weasley made it clear once, when Kreacher had tried to cook for Harry at the Burrow that she did not like to share her kitchen. Harry frowned and stole a glance at Sirius. He took a breath and tried calling the elf. Nothing. Harry felt an unexpected loss. Kreacher had proven himself loyal to him and he did not like the idea of Sirius mistreating him again.

"Kreacher?" Sirius repeated him in a questioning tone. Harry looked around for the elf and was not surprised when he didn't appear.

"You gave him to me... when you..." Harry tried to find the words to describe the relationship he had with the elf. "I like him." Sirius eyed the confession and leaned back, thoughtfully.

"Kreacher." There was a confidence to the name this time and sure enough he appeared.

"SHAME TO HIS MOTHER'S FLESH! Summons Kreacher. How OH HOW..." He trailed off into a long rant of insults and cries of distress.

"Kreacher, I'm giving you to Harry Potter." A bright light flashed and seemed to rip off Sirius and attach to Harry. "Happy?" The elf stared at him; eyes large in disbelief.

"Thank you." Harry have him a wide happy grin. "Kreacher would you return to Hogwarts? I'll summon you when we're settled somewhere." The elf still shocked, merely nodded and vanished in a flash. "You don't know what he means to me..." Harry dug back into his food with gusto. Sirius exchanged looks with everyone at the table but remained silent.

James finished first and started the dishes with Lily. There was an awkwardness to Sirius and Remus, sitting close but not quite acknowledging each other. Harry did his best to keep the conversation going, but one would say something and the other would grow silent. This went on until Lily and James returned from the kitchen.

"Oh for heaven's sake, it's been almost twenty years. You're both sorry. What's done is done!" Lily huffed and ruffled Harry's hair before sitting down next to Harry on the floor. Her declaration was followed by a few grumbles and then silence. James sat on the other side of Harry and the three Potters stared at them, waiting.

"Sorry, I suspected you were the spy."

"I'm sorry I suspected you as well... and uh... leaving you in Azkaban..." Lily nodded sagely, causing her hair to spring completely loose. The straight red hair fell around her head like a tidal wave of crimson. Everyone laughed waking up the portrait again.

"We either need to remove her, or get out of this place." James was surprisingly calm as Remus shot up to deal with the last Lady Black.

:&:&:&:&:&:&

Harry was standing just outside of Gringotts happy to not have to face the consequences of their daring escape from the vaults below. With the return of Lily and James, he did not need to maintain or manage the Potter Vaults, property, or anything else in the Potter name. Harry had been surprised when James had asked him about the Potter estate. Harry knew next to nothing about what exactly he had beyond the trust vault Hagrid had showed him before starting Hogwarts.

This fact led Lily on a rant that would rival Hermione, when rules were not adhered to. Apparently, once Harry was thirteen, he was to be given assess to several other vaults holding heirlooms and portraits; including the portraits of his grandparents. He was also to have claimed his heir ring, which had a whole host of protections that would have helped him a great deal during his time fighting Voldemort. He did not want to ask his mother about the protection she placed on him that required him to live with his muggle relatives. He and Hermione had been vague in the conversations about their lives. He did not want to cause the wrath of anyone to befall the Dursley's. He was certain The Marauders would cause them some harm, but he was very frightened of Lily's reaction.

Sirius and Remus had gone to the Ministry to meet with Kingsley while the Potters checked on the Vaults. James and Lily already had access to Sirius's old vault, but they figured the Black family vaults could wait. James reassured Harry that Gringotts files were updated magically and would recognize him as the Head of House, rather than Harry. Harry let out a sigh of relief at that. He did not want to be in charge of an estate as vast as James was telling him. James reassured him that the estate was being managed by a goblin manager and would not be bothered, if it continued to go unmanaged by the Potter family.

"YOU BROKE INTO GRINGOTTS!" Lily's voice split the silence of the day, beelining for Harry. Who, fought the urge to run away from her. "HARRY JAMES POTTER! WHAT IN MERLIN'S NAME WERE YOU THINKING!?" James was walking slowly behind his wife a huge smile almost breaking his face in half.

"I had to!" Harry put his hands up. "To defeat Voldemort!" He jumped in surprise when instead of yelling or hitting him, she wrapped him in a tight hug, crying softly.

"My baby..." She refused to let him loose even after James started rubbing her back.

"I'm fine... Mum..." Harry let the name slip out, trying the word for the first time. He had called Petunia mommy once, because he had heard Dudley doing it and he thought that was what he was supposed to do. He could still hear the ringing in his ears weeks later from her violently telling him, she was not, nor would she ever be his mother. The name just caused Lily to cry harder. Harry smiled weakly, unsure what to do. The only other crying woman he had reference to holding was Hermione. He didn't think he should treat his mother like his best friend.

"Lily, Love, let's head home." James wrangled his crying wife free and held out his hand for Harry to take. "I think it's about time someone showed you Potter Palace." Harry took his father's hand without a thought, letting his mind catch on the word palace. The manor was not a palace. "Potter are cheeky little shits, as mum and dad used to lovingly say and wanted the double PP."

The manor was not as big as Malfoy Manor, despite sitting on more land. The Potters were from Godric's Hollow and maintained a residence there, however several generations back they wanted something different. Something to rival other Pureblood families like the Malfoys and Blacks. Thus, Potter Palace was born. It included a large wood, a lake that was filled by an underground river, stables, a vast network of trails, and much, much more. Harry was in awe of the building. It clearly was magical, looking as good as new for having sat empty since Harry's grandparents had died.

Lily, Harry found out, like Hermione, did not like the idea of House elves, but knew freeing them would be a great insult to their loyalty to the Potter family. She wanted to have a home she kept herself, especially after she achieved her masters in potions. She could work from home and maintain her family. James was happy as long as Lily was. The War put a hold on her goals, but she intended to earn it. Lily, Harry realized, was a bit similar to Hermione, but not quite.

"Welcome Home son." James cut through Harry's obviously awestruck face. "Bit late. But there you have it." Harry nodded, not trusting his voice. He knew even without Sirius, without his parents, he would have found a home eventually, a family, but he was so thankful that he would not have to.

The Potter Palace, which technically had three floors, the top floor was more of attic. While it had enough room to stand up and walk around easily, it had no washrooms, and thus no one stayed up there. The first floor was made up of an entry way that could fit the whole of the Dursley's house, double stairways, three separate sitting rooms, a formal and informal dining room, a sunroom filled with plants, the House Elf quarters, two kitchens, three smaller guest bedrooms one with its own en suite washroom, two washrooms, a ballroom, and a variety of storage spaces, such as coat closets.

The second floor had four bedrooms each with their own en suite washrooms, a washroom, another sitting room, an office space, and a library. The Library, Lily said with a wicked smile, took up around half of the second floor. It was larger than the Black family library, especially now, since the war saw much of the Black heritage lost. Hermione had taken a few things from the house, with broad permission from a drunk Sirius that "she could take whatever the fuck she wanted." However not even her veracious desire to read books, could save the rarer, darker texts.

James was in the middle of explaining the set up around the house, such as the green houses, when three House Elves popped as close to as they could get without standing on top of him.

"Young Master Harry!"

"Final we be meetsing you!"

"Mister Dumbles be saying he bring the Young Master when he thirteen."

"Lies he does!" The three elves went on a long colorful rant about the dishonesty of wizards not with the Potter name. They completely ignored Lily and James, who was fighting a laugh at Harry frightened expression.

"Harry, meet Mintleaf, Basil, and Oregano. Or as they like to be called Minty, Basil, and Oreo!" He made a wide gesture with his arms. "Basil doesn't wish to shorten her name." He whispered into the air.

"MASTER JAMES!" Their attention shifted off Harry and over to the Potters. "MISTRESS LILY!" The loud unhappy voices of the three elves echoed through the large empty entry way. Harry gathered that Dumbledore had told the elves that their master and his wife were dead when they went looking for the young master. He convinced the elves to let him continue to hide the baby rather than bringing him home to await the arrival of his Godfather. They had not believed him about the Potters, they could still feel their Bonds with their Master and Mistress, but they were told to trust the Headmaster. They all popped away, readying rooms for the Potter's return.

James called back Minty, who was the Head Elf. He wanted everything gathered from their home in Godric's hollow brought here, as well as room set up for Remus and Sirius. Harry added a room near the library for Hermione. James gave him a funny look, but it was done.

"So, Hermione?" Harry felt the gaze of his parents undivided attention. James had a knowing look on his face, while Lily skeptical.

"She's my family." He squared his shoulders, "And she has nowhere to go." James nodded gesturing him to follow him into a sitting room. The elves were already preparing lunch for their returned family and guests; the more the merrier.

The Potters sat quietly in one of the sitting rooms, chatting more about Harry's school life and what he wanted to do now. It was an unusual experience for all three of them. The older Potters were still trying to figure out what they wanted to do with their future, suddenly gifted back to them. Oreo made sure they were not short on tea and biscuits throughout the whole conversation.

Around hour two, they whipped out the photo books Minty had retrieved from Godric's Hollow. Spread out like school children with photos and papers everywhere, was how Remus and Sirius found them after returning from the Ministry.

"Welcome back!" There was a bit of laughing and joyful hugging. They were all still waiting for this to be a joke and death to claim them all over again.

"How was the Ministry?" James asked quietly, noticing Lily take a kip on the lounger at the side of the room. Sirius let out an inaudible sigh. "That bad huh?"

"Yeah, apparently..." He glared at Harry with fake annoyance. "I am the sole male Black left standing." He grumbled that he should have guessed that when they were taken to Grimmauld, but he was probably in denial. "That means the entirety of the Black estate falls to me."

"Pads, you knew that. We were planning on going to check the Black Vaults at some point." Sirius sat dramatically on the nearest surface, which happened to be a small table.

"Yes, but I was in Denial." He looked Harry. "Did you know I have to actually sit in the bloody seat on the Wizengamot?" Harry shook his head. "Of course not, lucky shit doesn't have to worry about taking either seat anytime soon..." He snorted. "James and I, sitting members. Ugh." Remus chuckled and shook his head. "Remus! You can sit for me. Grandfather had a proxy for YEARS." Lily let a small smile slip, letting those paying attention that she was wake.

"I can't, Werewolf." He pointed at himself.

"Bollocks to that. I can pick my own proxy!"

"He can't Sirius. Half-breeds," James did air quotes over the label in disgust. "can't hold seats in the Wizengamot."

"What about Hermione? She's in school, but she wanted to get into Politics." The three men paused and looked at him, listening. "I mean she's always championing things. She'd probably get them to let a werewolf hold a Seat, Proxy or whatever."

"Won't work either..." James eyed Sirius thoughtfully. "Muggleborns can't be proxies either." He smiled mischievously. "So, unless she wants to marry Padfoot; he's gonna have to find someone else."

"MARRY PADFOOT!?" Harry paled several shades, eyes wide in disbelief at his Godfather.

"Well, that's rude, I'm a catch." Remus snorted at Sirius's reply. "She available?"

"NO!" Harry was standing up, face turning red. "She's dating Ron." There was a collective sigh from everyone but Sirius who shrugged.

"Her loss." He sat up face on his hand in thought. "Still need a proxy."

"What about Mrs. Tonks?" Harry spoke after several moments of getting his emotions under control.

"Andy?" Sirius hummed thoughtfully. "Should do. She's a Black, Pureblood. That fills the requirements yeah?" He looked to James who paid most of the attention to his father when he told them about the Potter estate as well as its seat. James nodded.

"She's got Teddy though..." The men watch Harry's eyes go wide, locking on Remus who had done his best to stay out of the conversation. He doubted he would ever have a place in politics, when he couldn't even guarantee himself food every day. "Teddy... Lupin..." James's eyes quickly joined Harry's, head snapping back and forth between Remus and Harry. Lily was next to figure out what was happening and let out an excited laugh.

"Lupin?" Sirius was slow on the uptake and wanted a hint.

"Remus's son." Harry explained, watching with morbid fascination as the werewolf in question paled to a white that rival Sirius. Which was a feat, since he had a dark tan.

"Son?" His voice squeaked out, "I don't... Son?"

"I'm sorry Remus, I should have told you sooner." Harry tried to speak softly not wanting to upset him more. He remembered a distraught Remus begging them to take him on Harry's mission, afraid of the prospect of fatherhood.

"Well, congratulations Moony." Sirius seemed to be taking this as seriously as anything else. "Papa Moony has a nice ring to it." The noise that left Harry's old DADA professor could not have been human. James barely had time to react before Remus just seemed to shut off. His eyes rolled back into his head, his body went slack, and he was falling face first into the ground. James struggled to set the heavier Remus John Lupin on the floor in a way that would not hurt anyone involved. Sirius watched on not standing up to help. Lily had attempted to stand up only for her to stop, fighting laughter while watching the scene and Sirius asking a question.

"So, who's the mother?" Harry looked up at his Godfather and wished he could just faint as well, rather than tell Sirius his cousin thirteen years Remus's junior managed to capture the self-hating wizard.

:&:&:&:&:&:&:&

Remus was being held firmly between James Charlus Potter and Sirius Orion Black. James because he wanted to help his friend accept the fact that he was a father, and Sirius because he wanted to see the face he would make when Remus saw the baby. Harry was walked a few steps behind with Lily, both wands drawn, preparing to stun the werewolf if he tried to make a run for it. Lily had the forethought to send Oreo ahead to warn Mrs. Tonks to expect them. She took the warning surprisingly well and was prepare to have them for dinner.

It had taken Remus about an hour to come too, and even then, he spent a good deal of time switched between pacing a hole in the floor to laying on the ground, mumbling to himself in distress. Sirius took this time to take a kip upstairs in his old room, only to find out Minty had decided Hermione would be staying there, since it was closest to the library. Sirius was down stairs near the kitchen, since he bothered everyone getting up all the time for snacks in the middle of the night. James sat in vigilance over their friend, having been informed while Remus of out cold, how he had reacted before. Lily asked Harry a hundred and one questions, from who it was, to how the courtship came about. The wedding, which Harry had not been invited to, since it was illegal at the time.

Andromeda Tonks was standing in the doorway of her quaint three-bedroom cottage, a fussy baby in her arms. She was a stern, fierce woman to behold. Remus deflated as she approached, Teddy shifting his hair to matched the unique red of Lily, who had come up behind them to see the baby. Every adult present watched him shift his eyes to James's hazel, back to the mossy green of Remus. His hair couldn't seem to settle, red, black, sandy blonde, and back again.

"Remus..." She rushed the short distance as Sirius and James let him go. She wrapped him in a one arm hug, quiet tears on her face. "Welcome back." She pulled away, wiping her face with her free hand. "Say welcome back Daddy." She turned Teddy to face Remus, his little face bloomed into a full-fledged smile, the fussy tears and noises of distress gone. Remus took the baby very gently, pressing his face into the baby's hair.

"He smells like mine." Remus's eyes flashed gold, the wolf inside him claiming the baby. Remus felt an overwhelming desire to never let him go. It was odd, since he had no memory of having a baby. He swallowed and started shaking.

"You alright Rem?" James eyed his friend ready to take Teddy if he fainted again. Remus just nodded, hold Teddy a little tighter. Teddy babbled in delight, hands gripping the loose shirt Remus borrowed from Hermione.

"Hey Andy," Sirius looked sheepish next to his friend, when his cousin's eyes locked on him. "How have you been?" She snorted, shaking her head.

"I've not died yet, so I have one up on you lot." She was smiling, happily. "Come, I've a beef stew that won't eat itself." She held Remus loosely by the arm that held Teddy, guiding him into the house. The other four followed, more than a little bewildered. "You're doing better than the first time Nymphadora told you." Remus let out a noncommittal noise, still breathing in Teddy like he was giving him life.

"And they say I'm the drama queen." Sirius let out a bark of laughter at his own joke. James chuckled while Lily only rolled her eyes. Introduction were handed around, while Teddy slowly nodded off, happy in the arms of his father. Remus would not let him go until Andy brought his Moses Basket into the room where he could see it.

"The overly protective thing, that is about the same." She laughed at Remus's expense; he didn't seem to notice. "Drove poor Nymphadora batty while she was pregnant. Would practically hyperventilate if she did more than shower outside of his sights." The group warmed up, sharing different stories of parenthood.

"I'm sorry." Remus spoke for the first time since Teddy was place in his arms.

"Remus."

"It should be her here... Not me..." He looked at his hands, shaking. "I don't deserve..." Andy slapped him.

"Do not use her to hurt yourself Remus. She loved you and would be so happy that you get to see him grow up." Andy was shaking to in rage or sorrow, no one could tell. "I thought he'd never know either of his parents. We've been blessed Remus. Teddy and I. A part of our family came back to us." She stood slowly, took a breath and left the room. No one moved unsure of what to do. Andy returned with a picture frame. Remus and Tonks on their wedding day. Both had huge grins on their faces. Remus's was a bit hesitant, almost afraid to grab happiness, while Tonks was alive with it. "Never be sorry for being here." Remus started sobbing, holding the picture of his life, but not a part of his memories. He wanted to remember more than anything, but he was afraid of the pain that would accompany it. "I'd like you to stay here, if you want." She ran her fingers through his hair comforting him. "I can't say I'm happy about you taking my grandson from me... I'll require constant visits." He laughed, nodding.

"Wanna proxy for me?" Sirius broke the tense somber feeling with his voice. Remus snorted. Andy frowned, narrowing her eyes.

"Proxy? I'll have to be reinstated."

"Done."

"Remus will stay here with Teddy and myself. He may go over to yours when I'm out."

"Agreed."

"I vote how I want."

"As long as you push for Werewolves and other marginalized groups to have equal rights."

"We have an accord cousin." The conversation happened quickly, letting no one react properly to what had occurred. Remus was shocked as his place of residence was decided right in front of him with no input from himself. He looked from Lily to James, then Harry, a question on his face. Did that really just happen? All those present were in agreement, yes that really did just happen.

"Minty!" The elf appeared at James's summons. "Make sure the Elves know to answer when Remus calls." She nodded and popped away again.

"You didn't have to do that." Remus found his voice again. He was doing his best to ignore the two Blacks haggling about his life. They clearly did not need his opinion.

"This way you can visit easier." James shrugged, "I don't want to have the floo opened until everything has settled down a bit more.

:&:&:&:&:&:&

Hermione opened her eyes to a dark empty dorm. None of her roommate had returned to repeat their seventh year. The Ministry offered the test for students that did not want to grace the halls of Hogwarts again. It was a place filled with memories and death. Hermione knew she wanted to finish school, but she knew that not everyone held her level of commitment to formal education. While, she knew far more than the average graduate, it wasn't the same as attending and putting in the work.

She also was not ready to rely heavy on Harry for a place to live, since she was homeless. She hoped to have some kind of plan by the time she left Hogwarts. Staying with Harry was the better bet than the overcrowded Weasley's regardless of how friendly they were. However, with his family back, maybe he wouldn't want her to stay with him. A deep unsettling uncertainty, filled her chest. Harry considered her family, but was that only because he didn't have one. Like she didn't have one. She took a slow breath and did her best to talk herself out of thinking so little of Harry.

He abandoned you over a riding broom. Her brain supplied.

"That's only because he was upset, I didn't ask him first."

He always takes Ron's side. You get a broom temporary taken and he ignored you for almost a year. Ron leaves during the hardest time of the war and he immediately takes him back.

"That was the Horcrux." She sat up, deciding that arguing with her mind was not the best way to start the day. The common room was empty, which didn't surprise her, since the noise until late into the night told her that everyone stayed up. She patted down her hair sighing at the volume. She had the time to use some product, but that time could be spend reading. Smiling to herself, happy her priorities hadn't change.

The Great Hall was almost as empty as the Gryffindor common room. There were about two dozen student sitting about having breakfast. She let her eyes flow over those present and spotted Luna sitting by a red-faced Draco, who kept glancing at his eating companion with a mix of distrust and thankfulness. Nothing would be easy for the once child Death Eater.

"Good morning Malfoy, Luna." She sat across from him and started adding food to her plate. Toast, a bit of jam. She smiled at the fruit, grabbing a peach. Draco returned her greeting, with a glance at the entrance. Luna hummed in pleasure, passing Hermione the honey she was looking for, for her tea.

"Speak to Weasley?" Draco's voice was low, as if there were ears everywhere listening to them. She couldn't blame him. She was in Malfoy manor for an hour maybe more, time was hard to follow at the time, and she hated it. She did not want to imagine what it must have been like to actually live there. Having Greyback around every corner was not her idea of a fun time.

"We exchanged words yes."

"Why are you still hanging around me then?" Draco's voice got even lower, but there was a pitch of worry in it that caused her to look up.

"Why would speaking to Ron, stop me from..." Her memory flashed to the carriages arriving, Draco's split lip. "Did Ron do something to you?"

"Nothing I did not deserve." He bit his lip, eyes darting to the entrance hall, eyes catching on something. "For whatever it's worth Granger... I'm truly sorry." He stood up quickly abandoning his breakfast. Hermione's mind was reeling. Could Ron have really punch Malfoy? Possibly something worse? She took a breath and channeled Harry as best she could.

"Malfoy," She stood up and turned staring at the back of his head. He had paused at her call, but didn't face her. "Call me Hermione. If you want." She took a shaky breath. "I don't want to live my life hateful and angry." She watched Draco turn around, face pale, besides his cheeks, those were pink.

"Draco." He nodded slowly and fled from the space. It was after she took several shaky breaths in through her nose that she noticed what probably drew him away from his breakfast. Ron stood just inside the room and seemed to be glaring at the door. Draco must have rushed pass him.

"What a lovely thing." Hermione ignored the desire to see to the rage on Ron's face and turned to looked down at Luna who was putting peanut butter on a piece of apple. Hermione's eyes asked what she was talking about. Luna, much like Luna did, seemed to read her mind. She giggled. "New friends silly."

:&:&:&:&:&:&:&:&

End notes: Remus's reaction to finding out he is a father, was hands down my favorite part of this chapter. I keep imagining 'Does Not Compute, Error Error Error, Resetting' echoing in his mind.

If you didn't guess, most of this story will follow Hermione and/or Harry. There will be times without them, but they will be VERY rare. Yes this is still a Sirius/Hermione story. Draco/Harry will also be quite prevalent eventually.

Note/warning?: I have not been a fan of Ron since Book 4. That said I am trying very hard to write him as correctly as I can. He is brash, stubborn, and a bit jealous. He is also quick to understand when he is wrong. He will certainly have ups and downs in this story, but he will come around eventually. Which is how I remember him from the books. Thank you.