A/n This chapter was the most frustrating to write. There is so much build up that it felt like nothing really happened. Thank you everyone who read/commented/reviewed all the things! It means a lot to talk to each of you and hear your viewpoints and sharing the joy of something I'm working so hard on! A reminder that I am not kind to RON OR MOLLY Weasley. This is how I see their characters. Ron will grow as the story goes on, but Molly will likely stay the same. Not for you, don't read it. Thanx!

I write this all on my own, so please be kind with the comments on grammar and types. If they really bother you, let me know and I will fix them. However I won't tolerate meanness.

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24 December; Potter Palace

Harry returned home an hour or so after Kingsley speech wanting to speak more with Neville. He had walked the hall several times, but was unable to locate the Pureblood. Eventually Harry gave up and escaped the endless stares of the other attendees.

Potter Palace was quiet, Lily and James had retired earlier, and Sirius waved goodbye at them as he ran for the door, face tight in anger. Harry had looked at James for an answer but he was as ignorant as Harry. Harry enjoyed the quiet, strangely enough. There were only five of them currently staying here, but the place was always alive with activity. James singing to Lily, or begging her to let him massage her feet or back. Harry had been awkward about it at first, but he quickly learned the behavior wasn't going anywhere. Sirius helped a bit with that, almost having a sixth sense when the mushy actions were about to happen.

He'd grab his Godson and rush him outside to fly. Harry was loving being with people he loved so much and who loved him just as much if not more. He'd never get tired of Lily asking if he had enough to eat, nor James giving him advice for flying, as if he was new to the sport. He was happy to get a glimpse of what his life could have been like, if they had survived the war.

Harry entered his room, intending to change out his attire, when the Wards danced in the back of his mind, letting him know someone was there. James had told him that while he was awake he'd likely always be able to tell if someone crossed them, even though they weren't fully tied to him yet. Harry knew that one day he'd have his own wards tied to him and would always let him know when someone arrived. He pulled off his jacket, happy to be wearing just the button up and trousers.

"Ginny?" The youngest Weasley was looking around uncertain and a bit afraid.

"Good evening Harry, is... is Hermione here?" Harry felt his stomach drop, his breath caught.

"No."

"Oh." Ginny paled farther, clearly struggling with something. "Any idea where she'd likely go?" Harry shook his head. Hermione had the Burrow, Hogwarts, and now Potter Palace.

"Maybe Grimmauld? Sirius is there; Dad thinks he's likely locked himself in through." Harry shook the thought away. "I can't access the Wards anymore..." Ginny nodded at the information. "What happened? She left with Ron right after the speech."

"I know. I came home, and he said she took a walk and hadn't come back yet." Ginny sighed. "I'm sure she's fine. I mean, it's Hermione. I just... I'd like to know where she ran off to." Silence, Harry was shaking inside, he was afraid. Ginny wasn't doing much better.

"She's not in the Burrow's Wards?" Harry was grasping at straws. Ginny shook her head.

"Neither Mom or Dad could feel her." Ginny's voice was unsure. "Mom and her had a row the other day... I figured she'd come here." Harry squared his shoulders at the information.

"About?" His voice was as stone cold as he felt. There was so much in Hermione's life that she had neglected to tell him. He wanted to tear across the whole of the Wizarding World until he found his wayward friend and demand answers. Ginny sighed, shoulders sagging in defeat.

"Mom... she isn't taking Fred's death well."

"That doesn't give her the right to take it out on Hermione! She's suffered enough!"

"I KNOW!" Ginny growled. "Don't you think I know that?" She cursed as Harry began to pace. "Mom just wanted us in her sights... or at least know where we are... Hermione took over kitchen duty for me and I didn't tell Mum."

"So, she was helping you out, and Mrs. Weasley treated her like she kidnapped you?" His voice was beginning to break with worry. Hermione was hiding so much from him and he wanted to know why. He was always ready to listen to her, no matter what. "Why... why didn't she tell me?" Ginny huffed.

"Harry, you haven't always been the best at listening." Her voice was soft, despite the anger underneath. "Everyone is dealing with, well everything. And you've been through so much, no one wants to lean on you. Especially Hermione." He looked dejected.

"What about Hermione?" James was standing at the top of the stairs, face heavy from having been awoken. His appearance surprised them both out of their anger.

"She went on a walk over an hour ago and hasn't come back yet." Ginny elaborated, not sure what to do now.

"Does she have any other friends?" James was down the stairs in seconds, problem solving. "Maybe she went to one of their houses?"

"Not really, she had Ron and Harry in school. Me and Luna, but she's not in the country." Ginny watched James's face flicker with the information.

"Your brothers?"

"George is the only one nearby that isn't at the Burrow. I doubt she went to Percy. Bill maybe, but she'd not want to bother them this time of year." James nodded.

"Let's make some Floo calls." He walked away, Ginny waited for Harry to follow and when he didn't, she waited with him.

"What do you mean, especially Hermione?" Harry looked like a kid just informed that Father Christmas wasn't real.

"She's always taken care of you and Ron, that's a hard habit to break. Just like rushing into a fight without thinking." Ginny patted his shoulder. "Just be there and listen. Don't rush to conclusions. She'll meet you halfway. Hermione loves you."

"Yeah."

"Maybe talk to her? Tell her that you don't understand why she's hiding stuff from you? At least it'll get her thinking." The two teens stood in silence, lost in thought.

"George hasn't seen her, and Remus is still at the party." James wagged his eyebrows, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "Bill and Percy haven't seen her. Sent a Patronus to Sirius. Think of anyone else?" The two teens looked at each other then back at James. Ginny spoke first.

"Neville or Draco maybe?"

"She'd go to Azkaban before stepping foot in Malfoy Manor." Harry's voice was tense, causing James to look at him concerned. No one had flat out said anything about Hermione being tortured. Lily knew Hermione had scars, and that there were many of them, but not what was the cause of each.

"Neville's also unlikely. She's his friend but she doesn't have a way to get into touch with him."

"A Patronus?" James was surprised when they both shook their heads.

"She hasn't been able to cast one since... the war." Ginny's voice was soft, filled with emotion. They had all been able to cast the charm at the Battle for Hogwarts, but afterwards many of the fighters lost the ability. Hermione had said it was likely that all their happy memories were tainted with the war. They would need to make new ones to cast it again.

"Oh," James looked up the stairs, wondering if he should wake Lily. She was more likely to storm around the country looking for Hermione then staying and figuring something else out. They were standing still, each lost in their own thoughts, when Remus walking in, Lavender hanging off his every word. His eyes were brightly staring at her, with a fondness, while she was blushing and tugging on her hair.

Lavender had found him at the party and immediately began asking about werewolves. Remus was unsure of what to make of the woman, but they quickly found a beat. She kept up with him, moving around the hall avoiding everyone as much as possible. Which was a feat since Lavender drew many eyes of appreciation for her form. She was very beautiful and animated, but there was a deep sorrow there as well. Eventually she convinced him to dance while he spoke. They lost track of time.

"We can speak more on Werewolves another time Lavender… maybe over cof...fee..." His happy voice cut off at the tension in the room. "What's happened?" Lavender was just as still, her enamored face suddenly tight with worry.

"Hermione's missing." James was the first to speak, surprisingly the most level headed at the moment. Lavender gasped, eyes drifting from Harry to Ginny.

"Have you checked Hogwarts? I know it's Break, but the Headmistress loves her, and I know Neville was returning mid break as well; just after the holiday." James nodded, heading to the floo again, Remus right behind him.

"I'm sure she's fine." Lavender was biting her nails, her face giving away none of the reassurance she was trying to convey. Ginny sagged into her stance, and Harry started pacing again. "She likely just wanted some time alone. There's been a lot of pressure at school."

"Pressure?" Harry piped in. He was tense at the question, more secrets.

"Yeah… I mean she's Hermione Bloody Granger. Protector of the Savior of the wizarding world. Brightest Witch of her Age, that's a lot to live up to." Lavender nodded along with everything Ginny said.

"Plus the whole unity thing." Lavender added after Ginny had finished. "A lot of people support her and are doing whatever they can to make changes."

"But not everyone." Harry stopped pacing and looked defeated. "I should be there…"

"Harry, no, she knows that you have more important things to see to." Ginny wanted to say more, but Remus and James returned pulling them away from the conversation.

"Minnie hasn't heard from her, and Hogwarts' wards don't see her." James took in a deep breath, "I'm going to go get Lily, they have been getting closer."

"Shouldn't we be talking to Ron? Where is he? If Hermione is missing, shouldn't he be here." Remus had his arms crossed as he spoke. He did not know the whole story, just that Ron and Hermione were dating, and that meant he should be the one most worried by her disappearance.

"He just said she went for a walk. Hermione… does that… sometimes."

"Yeah, usually to go off and cry alone." Lavender was turning red with rage. It was one of the things she noticed since returning to Hogwarts. She felt like Hermione was hers in a way. She would protect her to the death if need be. A glance at Remus showed that he felt the same way, but was better and hiding it. "They likely had a row." Everyone there frowned, each thinking that was likely, but didn't take any comfort in it.

"Will… do you have any idea when she'll return? If… that's the case this time?" James's voice was empty, whatever he was feeling was buried deep.

"In the morning, at the latest." Ginny was the first to speak, as Lavender's foot started bouncing showing her stress. Remus eyed her, having spent the whole night having a conversation with Lavender he knew the struggle she was experiencing. A new werewolf was overrun with emotions and instincts. As a partial one, she would experience those same things, but on a smaller scale. She'd likely not be able to rest until Hermione was back in her sights. The two girls were definitely Pack.

Remus had not gotten to that point in all her questions. He had hoped that she was not infected enough to begin building a Pack. He knew that she would not be strong enough to be an Alpha, and that left her open to being controlled by another who was, likely a werewolf. Remus sighed. He could feel his own unrest without Teddy nearby. It had died down a little with his spending time with the baby and letting the intense instinct dull slightly with time. There was a pull toward others, but none as strong as Teddy.

"Bring Ron here, or someone needs to go speak with him at least." Remus had moved closer to Lavender, and his presence seemed to calm her a little. He struggled with the thought that his wolf had already claimed her as part of his Pack. He wouldn't know until his next transformation, January 2nd. It was still a week away and that was a relief from now. If it had been closer, he'd likely have been as unreasonable as a pregnant Lily, unsure where her friend was. That was something he and the other Marauders always counted now. Lily would storm Azkaban itself to save them, or possibly smack them for getting caught in the first place.

"I'll go talk to him." Harry walked out of the house, leaving the others to watch him go.

"This is not going to end well." Ginny spoke up.

"Tea?" James smiled at her weakly.

"How about something stronger Mister Potter." Ginny refused to call him James, knowing that he hated it. The annoyance brought her nothing but joy. Ginny followed James, leaving Lavender and Remus alone.

"Think she's alright?"

"If she were dead, I would know." Lavender looked at him with question in her eyes. "She's a part of my Pack... From the moment I met her in the Forbidden Forest." Remus rubbed his face with his hands. "As an Alpha, I have links, of sorts, to my Pack members."

"Will… do I have them?" Lavender was looking at him with emotion. Remus had to take a step back, afraid his wolf would grab her with how wound up his emotions were.

"No, you are more werewolf than most in your situation, but I've never heard of one with the abilities of an Alpha." They stood silent together for a moment, before Lavender straightened out and headed after Ginny and James without another word. Remus took a second longer, getting his instincts under control before following.

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24 December 1998, Burrow.

Harry entered the living room of the Burrow, pulling dust off him with his wand before looking for Ron. The youngest son of his surrogate family was nowhere to be seen. The house was dark, and Harry hoped that if Hermione really had just left, Ron hadn't just gone to bed. She was so important to both of them.

"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley was walking down the stairs, in her dressing gown. "What brings you here so late?" Harry was not sure of the time, but he suddenly felt guilty for waking up the elder Weasley.

"I'm sorry for waking you, mam."

"Oh, no. Call me Molly. You are as much a part of my family as my own brood." She finished coming down the stairs and began pushing him into the kitchen. "Let me fix you up a bit of dinner and we can get to the bottom of what brings you by." She continued to bemoan his diet, saying he was still too small, not eating enough, and the like. Harry wanted to be offended on Minty, Oreo, and Basil's behalf. They had taken great care in getting himself and the rest of their house up to a healthy state. The first and second war reflected in each of their bodies. It was proving especially difficult with Sirius, who hid during most meals, often not eating at all. His promise to James, forcing him to eat at least one meal with them.

"I wanted to see Ron." Harry tried to keep his voice even, not wanting to give away his annoyance with his first friend. Mrs. Weasley ignored him at first focusing on the dinner she was reheating for him. "I'm not hungry… Oreo made sure we ate before the event at the ministry."

"It's no trouble, Harry dear." She set a plate in front of him a few minutes later and sat down with some tea. "Now isn't this nice. I don't see why you couldn't come stay with us. We always have a place for you here." Harry took a slow bite, not hungry but not wanting to offend her. She had gone out of her way to bring him food. He knew the Weasley's did not have much, but they were always willing to share what they had with him.

"I wanted to get to know my parents, and Sirius is there too!" Harry smiled, loving the knowledge that he got his Godfather back.

"Oh, Sirius Black is hardly a good man to look up to." Mrs. Weasley got up and refilled her tea. Harry was stone still, unsure what to do. Sirius was the first person to ever make Harry feel like having a true family was possible. One that was all his, and not a hand-me-down from someone else. He loved the Weasleys, but they were Ron's family.

"I… umm…" He stumbled. He wanted to defend his Godfather, but he didn't want to turn his nose up at those that had offered him a place in their home. "Is… is Ron here?"

"Of course dear. He's in bed. So it'll have to wait until morning." She finished cleaning up her cup, and Harry's barely touched food. "Your bed is still made up. I'd love for you to spend the night." She smiled at him, and Harry felt weirdly out of place.

"It's important. Hermione's missing." The change in Mrs. Weasley was immediate. Her shoulders tensed and her face tightened in distaste.

"She's likely off with Black. She danced with him half the night; when she wasn't courting that Malfoy boy." She huffed, gazing at Harry with eyes clouded with dislike. "She's not good enough for you boys. I've said it from the beginning. First that Bulgarian, and now Sirius Black of all people!" Harry was so shocked that he couldn't speak, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Now, you should spend more time with Ginny, she's told me how much she misses you." Harry stood up his back tight in anger.

"Ginny is with Luna."

"Oh that won't be forever. I'm sure Ginny will see that a real family would be better."

"Wha? They are real! and… and...Hermione is the reason I am still standing here. She saved us both more times than anyone knows! She didn't abandon me! Not when Ron did and NOT NOW!" Harry was shaking with emotion. He didn't know what to do with it. Hermione had been staying in this place for almost a week, and this was what they thought of her. His rage boiled into his face turning it red and twisted. "When everyone stood against me, SHE BELIEVED ME!" Growling he headed to leave, not trusting himself to be civil to Mrs. Weasley at the moment.

"Harry?" Ron was standing in the doorway, his eyes cloudy with sleep. "What are you doing here?" Harry couldn't contain his rage and growled at his friend. Harry would later regale the residents of Potter Palace with the tale, and Sirius would be very proud of him. But at the moment he looked like a wild animal ready to rip apart anything that got in his way. "Harry?"

"Where is Hermione?" The question was as sharp as his temper. "You were the last to see her. Ginny says she's not here." Ron looked sheepish, clearly misreading his friend.

"Yeah, you know 'Mione. We were talking, and she just sort of walked out."

"Where?" Harry's voice was losing to his emotions.

"I don't know, Mate. She's independent, you know. Doesn't tell me everything." He was rubbing his neck now, and Harry had to fight down the urge to reach out and pull his hand away.

"Why aren't you worried?" Harry's anger was giving away to disbelief. "She's been gone a few hours and no one knows where she went." Ron blushed.

"She probably told Malfoy; they are peas in a pod, they are." Ron shrugged.

"They… they're friends. Hermione wants to put her hatred behind her. Why won't you support that?" Harry's anger was gone, replaced with a cold confusion that he would need to talk to his father about later. Ron wasn't perfect but in this moment Harry wondered if he knew him at all.

"You don't see them every morning." Ron was shaking his head. "I'm going back to bed. If you want to wait up for her. Go ahead, but she's fine. She's always fine. Doesn't need us to make sure of that." and then he left. Harry watched his friend leave, eyes wide in confusion.

"What the…" He started, but was interrupted by Molly.

"Harry dear, he's right. She's likely with someone else. Not worth worrying." She smiled. "You know where your bed is. Don't stay up too late." She patted his head like their conversation hadn't happened. Harry stood stone still in the doorway between the dining room and living area, unsure if he had imagined the interaction or if it had really happened. He took in a breath and dashed upstairs to Ginny and Hermione's room. He knew his father and the others would keep searching, but he sent a Patronus letting them know he was staying here and sat on Hermione's trunk. She'd return for it eventually.

"Come on Hermione, come back." He sank onto the trunk, ready to spend the rest of the night waiting for his best friend.

Harry was still awake when Ginny returned. His eyes locked on the door of the room Hermione and Ginny shared. She saw him and smiled weakly, joining him on the trunk. They sat in silence for a moment, neither wanted to speak and disturb the peace.

"Remus headed home to Teddy. Lavender and Lily are up pacing, while James stresses about their health." Ginny laughed softly, not a real laugh, but close enough. "Any luck here?"

"Your mother says Hermione is just a hussy and isn't worth my time." Ginny groaned at Harry's words.

"And let me guess, Luna and I aren't real? and I should get back together with you?"

"Does… does she say… is this often?"

"Hermione doesn't get talked about that way, as far as I know."

"She seemed… she didn't sound like it bothered her at all." Harry sighed deeply. "Why can't anything ever be easy?" He wanted to continue to see the Weasley's as infallible, but was being forced to recognize that they were people, just like everyone else.

"I don't know." Ginny got off the trunk and headed to her bed, laying down. "Hermione's fine. Remus said he'd know if she wasn't."

"Yeah, Werewolf… Pack magic."

"It's Wild Magic, Harry. Wild Magic." Harry took in a breath at Ginny's words. He never associated Werewolf Magic with Wild Magic. He wondered how much he didn't know about the Magic that brought his family back to him.

"Think… would the Druid be able to find her…"

"We'd have to find the Druid first." She smiled weakly. "It'd be easier to find Hermione."

"Right." Harry placed his head in his hands, feeling exhausted from the night. "She's alright." Silence returned and the two each kept their thoughts to themselves. "Do… Do you think Remus made it possible for the Druid to bring them back?" He wasn't sure why the question popped into his head at that moment. He had other things to worry about, but Wild Magic was such an unknown for how tied to his family it was. He didn't want to question too much, in case he lost it all again.

"Possibly." Ginny sat up, looking thoughtful. "You'd have to ask the Druid to be certain, but it makes sense. Wild Magic is the natural state of Magic. Creatures use it. Druid were the only humans that were capable of utilizing it. Not even accidental magic works with Wild Magic. It was mainly why the Romans went after them so hard. They would not share their knowledge of how they did it and the few that the Druids would train, wouldn't share either."

"Why?" Harry looked at her. He was used to Hermione answering his questions, but he knew Ginny was intelligent in her own right.

"The most common belief is Pride. The Druids did not want others to command the same power they had." Ginny paused, making a face. "A less common theory is that not everyone can be a Druid."

"So… The Druid was taken, because she had the ability to use it?"

"That would be one possibility." Ginny sighed. "Harry, I know you aren't well versed in our world, but the Potter lineage is a powerful one. The fact that one of your family has special talents isn't a huge jump." Harry nodded. He knew that his family had been powerful once upon a time. Even now they were a force to be reckoned with, even with two blood members, soon to be three, but even James had been surprised that their family produced a Druid. Harry had so many more questions, but didn't want to ask them as thoughts of Hermione returned to him. He hoped she was alright.

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25 December 1998, Grimmauld. Happy Christmas.

Hermione opened her eyes in the dark room. She was still for a moment confused with where she was. Her room at Potter Palace had two large windows facing east, making sure the sun woke her around six every morning. Ginny's room was facing south, making it one of the cooler rooms in the house. The sun did not wake her up, there, but there was still light. This room was almost pitch black; if it wasn't for the fire barely burning in the hearth, she'd likely see nothing beyond her nose. The darkness was unsettling and caused her heart to speed up in panic.

She attempted to turn over and found herself trapped under the weight of someone else. She tensed up, fear polling in her stomach, as slowly the memories of the night before returned.

She had sat up talking and drinking with Sirius until well into the night. She told him what little she knew about the older Sirius. How the house slowly was driving him mad, and how Dumbledore would not let him leave for any reason. She talked about how he would fight with everyone who would say one crossword to him. Kreacher was a prime example. Strangely, he wasn't as hostile to the mention of him, not like while he stayed at Grimmauld. Hermione knew that his time trapped in his childhood home, where he was abused, played a large part in the hatred of the old House elf.

Sirius had grown quiet at the mention of the Leader of the Light and listened as she talked about Kreacher.

"He failed me." Sirius had spoken so quietly Hermione almost didn't hear him. "We followed him, thinking he knew best." They sat silently after that, neither having more to say. Dumbledore had done what he thought was best, even if it cost everyone heavily. The whole of the Wizarding world was more important than anything else. Hermione would have agreed with him before, but having been one of the pieces sacrificed, as well as having those she loved used, gave her a new perspective. Dumbledore may have been a great wizard, but he was not a great man. The conversation died off after that, the two adults pressed together, lost in their own thoughts.

They were both ready for bed shortly, only to realize that she had nothing to wear besides her dress from the event. Hermione tensed up, at the idea of returning to the Burrow or even Potter Palace. She was not ready to face anyone at the moment. She didn't even want Sirius around, but he was unlikely to leave her to her darkness alone. She told herself, and she promised not to do it all alone.

Sirius smiled at her twisted face of panic. He laughed, while bringing her some spare clothes from his room, and leaving her to dress.

She giggled slightly, remembering how she spent half an hour trying to figure out how to remove the clothing, only to have to ask Sirius for help. He took one look and with eyes closed, freed her from the garment. Hermione wondered how he did it, but couldn't find the courage to ask. They had settled in the room, talking about nothing but just enjoying the comfort of a friend.

The weight against her side, groaned reminding her that she was not sleeping alone in the locked down house, but rather with Sirius Black. She had imagined such a thing when she had first come to stay at Grimmauld. The older Sirius was a wild card that left her more rule abiding mind in tangles. She wanted to be free like he was, but didn't know how. She wanted to bask in his fire, but knew that she'd be burned. Back then it had been frightening enough that she held back, now his warmth was soothing, like a balm on a burn. Hermione felt the panic vanish, and she sank into the makeshift bed, relaxed

"'Mione?" She wanted to snap at him, but his voice was so groggy that she didn't. "What... what time is it?" He sat up rubbing his eyes. Hermione stayed on the ground, admiring the lean muscles of his arms and chest as he stretched. She was thankful that while he would remember the trauma of Azkaban, his body would not carry the signs of it. No prison number branded into his skin; no tattoos carved by his own hand using whatever color he had available; no scratches from his nails on his arms, trying to stay aware enough to not fall completely.

"I don't know." She answered his question, drawing his eyes back to her. He smiled; his eyes warm despite their redness. She imagined her eyes were similar, both having slept on the floor and cried the night before. Her for the uncertainty of her first real relationship, and him feeling betrayed by Dumbledore. Her eyes widened when he cast a spell silently and without a wand, showing the time in glowing numbers between them. 11:42 am. She sighed and laid back down. It was later for her; she never slept this long, but there was a large part of her that knew it was a good thing.

"Breakfast?" Sirius asked, rubbing his hands along his face. She was surprised by the stubble that had already started to grow.

"Can you cook because I burned water once." Hermione took the time she spoke to stand as well, stretching after sleeping on the floor. Neither of them thought to transfigure anything into a more comfortable sleeping place, and both of them wanted to stay together, even if they did not vocalize the fact.

"What? Harry spent at least a few hours raving about your unbeatable Potion making skills." Sirius had stood as well, heading for the exit. If he knew how to cook, she was certain she'd find out the hard way. She snorted.

"I can brew potions, bake reasonably well..." She bit her lip shyly. "I never really had to cook before." She took up steps next to Sirius as they made their way down the stairs to the kitchen, intending to find something to eat. Hermione hoped there was cereal. Sirius wasn't hopeful at all. "My..." She sighed. "My parents would take turns making dinners." She smiled. "They'd always end up helping each other by the end." She tried not thinking about them as much as possible. The memory of what she did was still fresh in her mind, even if it had been over a year since she turned her wand on them. She hoped they were happy in Australia.

"Did..." Sirius stopped. "Did they not make it through the war?" He was watching her face, trying to gauge whether she would be upset by the question or not. Hermione felt her face pale, eyes watering as the secret only she and Lavender knew drifted to her tongue. She wanted to talk about it. To relieve some of the pressure she was under. She wanted to be supported. She went to open her mouth, wanting to tell him everything, but no sound came out.

"SHAME OF MY FLESH!" Mrs. Black chose that time to wake up and begin spewing hateful slurs at the only two present in Grimmauld.

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Sirius charged over the curtain throwing so much magic at it, that Hermione was surprised the wall didn't explode. "I FUCKING HATE YOU TOO!" Hermione started laughing at the scene of a twenty-year-old Sirius Orion Black stomping his foot in anger at a portrait of a dead woman.

"How come she's still up? I thought that'd be the first thing you'd do." Hermione was smiling, and Sirius joined her, scoffing in annoyance.

"Harry wanted to wait for you."

"Here I am." Hermione posed with her arms out, as if he couldn't tell where she stood. Sirius's whole body softened, his eyes warm and a fond smile on his face.

"There you are." She blushed, running her fingers through her outrageous hair.

"Let's... let's free Grimmauld of her terror." Hermione ran back up the stairs leaving Sirius standing alone and confused in front of his mother's covered portrait. Hermione returned a few minutes later with a muggle plastic bag, "Ever hear of Paint remover?" Hermione watched in satisfaction as Sirius pulled the can free and dutifully read the instructions.

"This'll work?"

"Yep! We tested it." She pointed to a corner of the portrait where the paint gave way to a tinted canvas. "Shouldn't we wait for everyone else?"

"No, this is for ME!" Sirius cackled evilly and grabbed the smallest paint brush from the bag. He spent the next hour slowly encircling his mother's face, as she screamed at him. He never lost the smile. Hermione found the whole thing weirdly warming. She was not one to shy away from revenge, even if that revenge resulted in someone's life being ruined. She was trying to be better, but if anyone deserved to be removed, it was Walburga Black. The fact that she was finally removed by muggle means was poetic, if you'd ask her.

"Feel better?" She looked up from her seat on the stairs as he dropped the brush into the little tin that housed the remover. He took in a deep breath before answering her.

"I wish... I wish I could have shut her up long ago..." He sagged, "Maybe Regulus wouldn't have..." Hermione stood up, wrapping him in a hug. Harry had told him about the Horcrux hunt, including Regulus's part in it. His reaction had been to shift into Padfoot and run away. He stayed outside on the Potter Palace grounds for a week, before dredging home hungry and ready to talk. Slowly every one brought back by the Druid were beginning to cope, finding their place in the Wizarding world that had failed them.

"Come on. Bet we can at least have some toast." Sirius nodded, and they headed down the stairs.

That was what Hermione and Sirius were doing when the first spell slammed into the wards, like a giant battering ram. Sirius gasped in surprise at the impact. They looked at each other and frowned. The magic hit again. It wasn't hostile, they both came to different realizations at the same time.

"The wards are still locked!" Hermione shrieked in panic, knowing Harry would be very upset if he found her locked up in Grimmauld, possibly alone after her fight with Ron. And she knew Ron likely told Harry. Even if it was just to have his say first.

"It's Christmas!" Sirius felt the panic of knowing that he promised Lily and James he'd be back before ten in the morning to have a big breakfast with everyone and open presents. He knew that they would understand; Hermione needed him. He didn't know how much she wanted to share with the rest of their friends and family. They looked at each other after they spoke, confusion marring their faces; Both on different pages. Before they could say anything further a giant stag erupted into the room, huffing air out his nose, clearly agitated.

"Sirius, Hermione's missing. Drop the Wards!" The voice belonged to James. Hermione frowned as Sirius did just that, running to the front door, she assumed to do damage control. She wasn't surprised that the older Potter male was the one to come get Sirius, but she wondered why he couldn't take the Wards down. Surely James would know how.

"Maybe he didn't have time to show him, since being back?" She dismissed the thought as James barreled down the stairs, letting out a sound of relief as he cleared the room and pulled her into one of his signature tight hugs.

"Please don't ever do that again. We were worried sick!" Hermione couldn't stop the tears as she returned the hug and started sobbing. She felt like she had parents again; people who cared about her above everyone else. Sirius entered the room quietly, trying to keep out of the moment. "What happened?" James locked eyes on Sirius as he asked, not expecting Hermione to say anything between sobs. "Ginny just said you didn't go back to the Burrow..."

"Umm..." Sirius started, but stopped, still unsure what Hermione wanted to share. Hermione had a series of thoughts dance past her eyes so quickly she couldn't grasp a single one. All she could think about was Sirius telling her that James and Lily would always be on her side.

"Ronleftme." She whimpered, tightening her grip on James, afraid he'd pull away. Instead, he curled around her, engulfing her as much as possible.

"Sod him then! Come home to us! Don't run away with this mutt!" Sirius let out a word of protest before James continued ignoring him. "He has fleas you know. FLEAS! You don't need that in your life." He smiled down at her as she started giggling. "Now, let's get you home. Lily and Lavender are about to raise an army to level the Wizarding World. They promised to wait for Sirius, but who really knows with those two." James took her hand and marched up the stairs to the floo, before she pulled back her face unsure. "He's not there." She bit her lip, hands gripping her borrowed shirt.

"I don't want to make things awkward... maybe... I should stay here." She looked up, hoping to see understanding on James's face, but instead there was resolve. It burned in his eyes and physically changed his posture.

"You. Are. Coming. Home. Now." She went to argue, only to have James throw her over his shoulder and march to the door instead. "Pads, see you at home." He took a step passed the Wards and with a twist landed in the Potter Palace entryway. "LILY! I FOUND HER! AND SHE'S TRY TO RUNAWAY!" Hermione struggled, trying to get free from James's tight grip as the sound of feet pounding from upstairs echoed around the open area.

"SHE WHAT!?" Lily was as red as her hair, her eyes on fire. Lavender was behind her, eyes wide in surprise. "RUNAWAY! I don't think so, young lady!" She charged down the stairs as fast as her growing stomach would allow her. Lavender, right beside her, making sure she didn't fall. "You are staying right here if I have to lock you in your room. DO not think I won't." James laughed, Hermione shaking on his shoulder.

"She once locked poor Remus in his room for several days..." James laughed harder. "Because he wouldn't tell her something, which of course, she already knew." He was still laughing as Lily joined them and with a huff, pulled Hermione free. James eased her down, smiling when she didn't immediately try to run. "Perfection." He kissed Lily on the top of her head, which was odd since she was still steaming.

"Hermione, I don't know your middle name, Granger, why are you trying to run away?" Lily had calmed a little, with James leaning into her nothing but love on his face.

"I wasn't trying to run away." Hermione glared at James who was unaffected. "I was going to stay at Grimmauld."

"Because she thinks it'll be awkward, since..." His smile faded and was replaced with a thoughtful frown. "Ron broke up..."

"HE DID NOT BREAK UP WITH ME!" She felt her face turn red and immediately pale, "He just left..." Lavender quietly stood near the stairs, unsure what to do. James let his shoulders softened. Hermione was surprised at the renewed emotion, having thought it was out of her system after spending the night at Grimmauld.

"Sweetheart, that usually means it's over."

"No, I overreacted. He... he was just upset." She wrapped her arms around her chest, face downcast. "I don't want it to be over." Lily sighed, placing her hands on Hermione's shoulders.

"How about this? Minty will go get your trunk, and you'll stay here for the rest of the break." Hermione nodded, and Minty did just that, a curious look and nothing more. "Good! Now it's breakfast, and I've not eaten!" She began dragging Hermione toward the little eating area.

Minty appeared several minutes later, Harry gripping her hand, eyes red from lack of sleep. He took one look around and zeroed in on Hermione, running at her.

"Thank God." He wrapped her in such a tight hug, Hermione could barely breathe. "I was so worried."

"Breakfast." Lily was standing toward the location of the dining room, arms crossed.

"Coming Mum." Harry took Hermione's hand and would not let it go until they were seated with food in front of them. Sirius quietly sat on her other side, eyes drifting from her to the rest of the table.

"You were at Grimmauld?" Lavender asked, taking a bite of the scone likely made by Basil.

"Yeah… I won't just disappear again." She fiddled with her tea cup.

"Eat something. We didn't even get to enjoy that toast you burned." Sirius was smiling at her weakly, shoulders slouched.

"I'm not really hungry." Hermione refused to look around the table knowing they were all likely judging her.

"You promised." She snorted at his attempt to get her to eat.

"To not do it alone. There was nothing about eating."

"The food will be with you." She laughed and took a dramatic bite of her own scone, mouthing the word 'happy'. He nodded and filled his own plate.

"Why… umm, why didn't you come here?" Harry's concern was so interwoven with his voice, Hermione couldn't find it in herself to lie.

"Ron and I had a row… I just wanted to be alone for a while." Sirius snorted as she spoke, but didn't speak. "It's fine."

"You said he left you?" Lavender added her own question getting tired of the witch dancing around the real problem and not asking for help. Hermione glared at her.

"Oh." Harry wrapped his hand in hers, looking at their joined hands filled with shame. "I'm sorry… I haven't been the best friend to you I claim to be." He looked up in her eyes, he could already see the tears. "I'm ready to listen. If… If you want to talk." She nodded and sniffled, returning to her breakfast once Harry released her hand.

"Oh good." Remus entered the room, Teddy on his hip and Andromeda behind him. "We were worried she'd still be missing." They each took a seat, Teddy choosing to slide into Lavender's lap, who was cooing loving sounds at him. James let out a laugh.

"She was hiding out with the Mutt!" He winked when she blushed, and he stage-whispered, "Fleas." Hermione laughed, Sirius took offense, and everyone else rolled their eyes as he transformed into the Grimm and tackled James to the floor sending food everywhere. Soon there was a scuffle between a Stag and a Grimm.

"Umm…" Someone cleared their throat at the doorway, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Ron was standing in the doorway, his shoulders sagging and his eyes pleading for kindness. "I'm glad you're alright 'Mione." He ran his hand through his hair, trying to smile. Hermione stood up, ready to do what she didn't know. She could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on her.

"Let's… let's go talk in the sitting room." She walked over to her boyfriend and pulled him behind her out of the room. James whistled in the silence of the space.

"Am I to guess that their row led to Miss Granger's untimely disappearance?" Andy was buttering her toast, and feeding bits of it to Teddy.

"Something like that." Sirius answered her, no longer a Grimm. He was sitting on the floor, his eyes locked on the last place he could see Hermione.

"Row? Ron said they were just talking." Harry's voice was quiet as he stared at his lap unsure what to do. Lily hissed at his statement and stood up, kicking James in the face in her rush.

"Sit Lily." Andy's voice was calm but there was warning there too. "She'll be fine. She's strong that one." Lily grumbled and slowly returned to her seat, glaring at the older woman. "She'll end it when she's ready." Her eyes stayed on Sirius with purpose. "Likely she's already there, just has to be pushed."

Everyone sat silent, watching the door, hoping to find out the conclusion sooner rather than later.

Hermione led Ron at first to the sitting room she shared with Sirius one night, but turned away toward a different one. She did not want any bad memories in the space. Ron for his part followed quietly behind her, saying nothing.

"Why'd you leave? I wasn't gone long." He started speaking the minute they were in the room. Hermione refused to shut the door. She crossed her arms, uncomfortable with the conversation. Truly, she'd rather forget the whole thing happened.

"I… I panicked Ron." She sighed, as he pulled her into a hug and settled his chin on her head. This was what Hermione loved about Ron. He was gentle and comforting most of the time. She found no better place than wrapped in his arms. The way he settled above her made her feel small and protected. She could let go and be nothing but herself. He was there to lift her burdens.

She tensed as the memory of the older Sirius hugging her as she cried, one of many times. He'd press his cheek into the side of her head and make her feel, there wasn't a word she knew for it. Sirius wasn't saying he'd carry the burden for her, he'd carry it with her. The distinction never entered her mind before. She had never thought that there was one. Between letting someone carry your struggles away, helping you forget, and having them lift them with you.

"I… Ron… You left me… I was back in that tent. Just Harry and I, because you left us." Ron made a sound between anger and disgust.

"I knew you hadn't forgiven me for that." He pulled away from her and she felt the loss. "I came back! and I showed you over and over that I love you. Why can't you let it go?"

"It's… it's not about letting it go. I forgive you." He snorted. "I have!" He started pacing, and she felt nervous. Ron had a temper, he never hurt her, but it would take a switch and he'd walk away again. "There's a difference between forgiving a person and trusting them. Not forgiving someone is like eating poison and waiting for the other person to die." She took a breath when he didn't speak. "Trust has to be earned back. You… you haven't earned it, Ron." He growled and took several steps away from her.

"And when did I have time to do that? While trying to care of my family after my BROTHER died? How about when you decided to parade around Hogwarts with Slytherins!"

"You aren't the only one who's lost someone." She ignored his jab at her efforts for Unity, that would just continue the circle.

"Please Hermione, you haven't lost anyone. You just haven't found the TIME to go get your parents. I know how that feels, being ignored by you." He crossed his arms. Hermione felt the last bit of her patience vanish.

"I already went to find my parents. Not that you, or Harry or anyone notice." She let out a slow breath, looking at his wide eyes of surprise. "They will never remember me. They're alive yes, but I've lost them." She tried to run her hand through her hair, but her fingers caught in a knot. She started to pull, her emotions bubbling up, burning her eyes. Tears, just what she needed, more tears.

"'Mione…" Ron moved toward her, his face soft, regret covering everything else. "Let me."

"NO!" She pulled away from him. "I've loved you for ages… but… but it's too late for us. Too much has changed, and I doubt I'll ever be able to truly trust you won't leave me…"

"I swear..."

"You've sworn before… This… it won't work as we are. We're both unhappy with this." She freed her hand, sniffling. "I'm done… find a witch who will make you feel as valued as you deserve." She turned sharply and made it to the entryway before James had his arms wrapped around her.

"Nope. Not again." James lifted her into his arms easily as she sobbed, carrying her up the stairs. Ron quietly left, looking no one in the eyes, face red with his own tears.

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A/n That's right Lavender and Remus are officially a ship! (White Flag by Dido was on repeat for this chapter) XD This took ages. I wanted to do Molly and Ron justice while staying true to my vision. I'm still not adding a bashing tag (for either). I can see both of them acting this way, if only in moments of weakness. Let me know what you think!