Chapter 32

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

AN1: So thank you for the opinions on couples, out of curiosity, I'm not saying that this is what I am going with for sure, but it is what I am leaning towards, would people prefer Hermione/Harry and Neville/Luna or Hermione/Neville and Harry/Luna? Keep in mind that any romance won't really start to fourth year or even fifth.

AN2: MORE SIRIUS IS COMING VERY SOON, I PROMISE AND SO IS DEVIATING FROM CANON IN MAJOR WAYS.

AN3: Thank you for the support. PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW.


October 15th 1993

It has been a month since Hermione's birthday and ever since then Snape has continued to be horrible though Hermione, Harry and Neville have all decided not to inform Remus about that as they don't want to cause a major fight between Remus and Snape, something which the three of them and Ron can tell is close to happening.

It is a Thursday night and everyone in third year and above are very happy about the fact that the first Hogsmeade weekend being announced, or more specially, everyone but Hermione is happy and she is sure that once Harry finds out he won't be either.

"What happened?" Harry asks as he returns from Quidditch practice and walks over to Hermione, Ron and Neville, all of whom are sitting in the best chairs by the fire.

"First Hogsmeade weekend." Hermione says with a frown.

"End of October, Halloween." Ron adds.

"Excellent." Fred, who has followed Harry through the portrait hole, "I need to visit Zonko's. I'm nearly out of stink pellets." He reveals

Hearing that Harry basically throws himself into the chair next to Hermione.

"I'm sure you two will be able to go next time." Neville tells them, "They're bound to catch him soon. He's already been sighted once."

"Maybe." Hermione mutters, not overly sure whether she wants that.

"Black's not fool enough to try anything in Hogsmeade." Ron says, then he lowers his voice, "Go to your Papa, ask him to let you go this time. The next one might not be for ages."

"He won't say yes." Harry says, knowing that.

"Once Remus makes up his mind it's impossible to change it." Neville reveals, knowing that from experience.

"Papa thinks he's desperate enough to try something." Hermione reveals, "Even in Hogsmeade." She says, causing Ron to frown.

"But…." Ron starts to say but before he can Crookshanks leaps onto Hermione's lap with a large, dead spider dangling from his mouth.

"Does he have to eat that in front of us?" Ron asks with a scow.

"Cleaver Crookshanks, did you catch that all by yourself?" Hermione asks her cat and Crookshanks slowly chews up the spider, his yellow eyes fixed on Ron.

"Just keep him over in there that's all." Ron says, sounding irritable as he turns back to his homework, "I've got Scabbers asleep in my bag." He reveals.

For a couple of minutes the group is silent until Crookshanks, without warning, ponces at Ron's bag.

"OY!" Ron yells, seizing his back as Crookshanks sinks four sets of claws deep inside and begins to tear ferociously, "GET OFF, YOU STUPID ANIMAL!" Ron yells as he tries to pull the bag away from Crookshanks, but Crookshanks just clings on, splitting and slashing.

"Ron, don't hurt him!" Hermione squeals, causing the entire common room to watch and Ron whirls his bag around, Crookshanks still clinging to it, and Scabbers comes flying out of the top "CATCH THAT CAT!" Ron yells as Crookshanks frees himself from the remnants of the bag, springs over the table, and chases after the terrified Scabbers.

As Crookshanks does George makes a lunge for the cat but misses; Scabbers streaks through twenty pairs of legs and shoots beneath an old chest of draws causing Crookshanks to skid to a halt and he crouches low on his bendy legs and starts to make furious swipes beneath it with his front paw.

Quickly Ron and Hermione hurry over, Hermione grabs Crookshanks around the middle and pulls him away as Ron throws himself onto his stomach and, with great difficulty, pulls Scabbers out by the tail.

"Look at him!" Ron says, sounding furious, to Hermione, dangling Scabbers in front of her, "He's skin and bone! You keep that cat away from him!"

"Crookshanks doesn't understand it's wrong!" Hermione says as her voice starts to shake, "All cats chase rats, Ron!"

"There's something funny about that animal!" Ron says as he attempts to persuade a frantically wriggling Scabbers back into his pocket, "It heard me say that Scabbers was in my bag!"

"Oh, what rubbish." Hermione says, impatiently, "Crookshanks could smell him, Ron, how else d'you think….."

"That cat's got it in for Scabbers!" Ron Says, ignoring the people around him who are starting to giggle, "And Scabbers was here first, and he's ill!" Ron says before marching through the common room and out of sight.

"Oh, he's just ridiculous." Hermione says annoyed before heading upstairs too.

"Great, just great." Harry says annoyed, "Looks like they're fighting again." He says to Neville.

"Yep, let's see how long it lasts this time." He comments and both of them exchange looks, both hoping that they don't have to deal with Hermione and Ron fighting for long.


October 17th 1993

It has been two days since Crookshanks tried to kill Scabbers. It is now Saturday and Hermione and Ron still aren't talking. As she needed a break from everything, after telling her Papa where she was going so he doesn't panic, Hermione has headed to out to her tree.

Once she is sitting down Hermione pulls out several books, one is a legitimate homework book while the other is a book that she knows for a fact her Papa would be too happy to know she has as he would know exactly what she is planning.

"Okay, Animagus transformation, how do I start?" Hermione asks herself as she begins to read, and takes notes, putting the book inside the legitimate one so that she can quickly hide it if she hears anyone approach.

Unknown to Hermione in the forest close enough to see her, but far enough not to get caught Sirius is sitting, in his dog form, watching his daughter. As he watches her Sirius smiles to himself as he notices that Hermione looks so much like how Remus used to look when he was studying.

As he is watching her Sirius is seriously tempted to go over to his daughter, and talk to her, but he knows that it is too dangerous, not just for him but her as well, so instead he just watches, tries to memorise the way his daughter looks because he doesn't know how many chances he is going to get to see her.


For hours Hermione has been sitting reading, studying and she knows what she has to do to start and she also knows that she can do the first two steps without getting caught, even if they'll take some time and require some planning as well, the third one on the other hand is going to be slightly more difficult as she knows that it would be hard to explain and it's very likely that both her Papa and Minerva would realise exactly what she is doing.

Needing a break from her reading and note taking Hermione looks up and it turns out she has perfect timing as she spots Remus, so quickly moving Hermione puts her notes on Animagus transformation and the book back in her bag and pulls out her Defence Homework.

In his hiding place Sirius notices his daughter's actions and he notices Remus approach he can't help but wonder what his daughter could be doing that she doesn't want her other father to know.

As Remus approaches Sirius spends a few seconds staring at him, memorizing the new lines and scars on his face, both of which makes him frown, and yet, to him, Remus is still the most beautiful person he's ever seen. Even though Sirius knows he is far enough that Hermione won't notice he is sure that Remus will and so with one last look at the two people in the world he loves the most Sirius turns and heads deeper into the forest.

"You missed lunch." Remus says as he hands his daughter some food and sits down next to her.

"Guess, I did, I was focusing." Hermione admits, "I've been doing transfiguration this morning and I'm just about to get started on your essay." Hermione reveals, technically not even lying.

"Well, you should eat before working on it." Remus tells his daughter.

"I will." Hermione tells him.

"How are things between you and Ron going?" Remus asks his daughter as she starts to eat.

"He's still mad, which I don't see how he could be, and it's annoying." Hermione comments.

"I'm sorry, I'm sure you will make up soon." Remus tells his daughter who just gives a half smile, not overly sure that he believes that, "How's Professor Snape treating you?" Remus asks.

"No worse than last year." Hermione lies, "It's okay, Papa. I can handle it."

"Okay, well if his behaviour gets out of line, tell me." Remus requests.

"I will." Hermione promises and the two of them drift into silence while Hermione eats.

Once Hermione finishes eating Remus heads back to the castle and Hermione works on her Defence essay for a little while before going back to studying how to become an Animagus.


October 31st 1993

It has been two weeks since Hermione started to really put an effort into becoming an Animagus and with everything else she is doing she hasn't been able to do the first step as even with her Time Turner it's something she couldn't find the time for, though her and Ron are talking once more.

It's Halloween morning and even though neither Harry and Hermione are going to Hogsmeade and they are both feeling very depressed they both join Ron and Neville in the Great Hall on Halloween morning.

"We'll bring you lots of sweets back from Honeydukes." Ron informs Harry and Hermione as they eat breakfast.

"Yeah, loads." Neville says "And plenty of chocolate too." He adds, knowing that that is what Hermione will want the most.

"Don't worry about us." Hermione tells him, trying to make it sound offhanded.

"We'll see you at the feast. You two should have a good time." Neville says and Hermione nods in agreement.

Once they all finish eating Harry and Hermione accompany Neville and Ron to the entrance hall, where Filch is standing inside the front doors, checking off names against a long list, peering suspiciously into every single face, making sure that no one was sneaking out who shouldn't be going.

"Staying here, Potter? Granger?" Malfoy, who is standing in line with Crabbe and Goyle yells, "Scared of passing the Dementors?" he yells and Harry and Hermione just exchange looks, ignores him and they head up the marble staircase.

"Papa invited us for tea, said that there is something he wants to show us." Hermione tells Harry in a whisper as they walk upstairs.

"Show us?" Harry asks curious, "What?"

"I'm not sure, he just said that we may find it interesting." Hermione explains and Harry looks interested so they both head up to Remus's office.

"Come in." Remus says when they knock and they both walk in, "Harry, Hermione you're going to find this fascinating." Remus says as they walk in, "I just got a Grindylow for our next lesson."

"Cool." Hermione says, sounding interested.

"Grindylow?" Harry asks, sounding confused.

"Water Demon." Hermione and Remus say together.

"Right." Harry says with a smile knowing that there are always going to be things that Remus and Hermione say that he doesn't completely understand.

"I'll get the tea started." Remus comments, "Sit down, both of you." Remus says and the two of them sit down, "I'm sorry again that you can't go into Hogsmeade." He tells them.

"We know." Harry and Hermione say together as Remus starts to make the tea.

"How are you both going with everything?" Remus asks, curious, "Is Professor Snape still treating you badly?" Remus asks concerned.

"No worse than usual." Hermione answers.

"Remus, you know that you're now everyone's favourite teacher, right?" Harry asks, smiling at that.

"I am?" Remus asks, sounding surprised as he turns back around with the tea which he puts in front of both Hermione and Harry.

"Yep." Harry says, grinning proudly.

"And it's completely deserved." Hermione adds.

"Thank you." Remus tells them, looking amazed.

"What do you think of teaching?" Harry asks curious.

"It's strange being the one dealing with trouble makers instead of causing trouble, but I like it." Remus answers, "I like it a lot." He admits, causing Harry and Hermione to exchange smiles as they are both glad that Remus is so happy.

"So, how are you going with Fred and George?" Hermione asks curious as she images that that is an interesting match up

"We've come to an understanding." Remus admits, smirking a little.

"Do I want to know what that means?" Harry asks curious.

"Probably."

"But you're not going to explain." Hermione realises.

"It may be best that I don't." Remus reveals, not wanting to give either of them any ideas, "So what have your other classes been?" Remus asks and together Harry and Hermione them start to explain, both of them wondering what kind of understanding Fred and George would have come to with Remus.


For the rest of the afternoon Hermione and Harry spend time with Remus, only leaving once Snape brings Remus his Wolfsbane potion.

A little while later Harry and Hermione are sitting in the common room when Ron and Neville join them.

"There you go." Ron says as he showers brilliantly coloured sweets into Harry's lap.

"And here." Neville says handing Hermione a pile of chocolate blocks, "I got all your favourite flavours." He tells her.

"Thank you." Harry and Hermione say together.

"What's Hogsmeade like?" Harry asks curious.

"Where did you go?" Hermione asks curios.

"Everywhere, almost." Neville says, "We went to Darvish and Banges, Zonko's, the Three Broomsticks for foaming mugs of hot butterbeer, the Post office, Honeydukes. They had a new piece of fudge, that's it there." Neville says, pointing to the piece.

"We think we saw an ogre, honestly, they get all sorts in the three Broomsticks." Ron explains.

"How was spending the day with Remus?" Neville asks curious.

"Good, really good." Hermione answers.

"Yep." Harry confirms.

"We better get downstairs; the feast will be starting in five minutes." Hermione says and the four of them get up and head downstairs.


As they haven't spent all day eating sweets Harry and Hermione enjoy the feast more than Ron and Neville, but even with everything they still manage to eat second servings.

All through the feast Hermione looks up at her father as she knows that he doesn't like Halloween, but as far as she can tell he is putting on a brave face as he talks to Flitwick.

As the feast finishes the Hogwarts Ghosts provide them with entertainment in the form of formation gliding and Nearly Headless Nick re-enacting his own blotched beheading.

Harry and Hermione both enjoy their evening so much that even Malfoy making comments at Harry and Hermione can make them feel bad.

Together Harry, Hermione, Ron and Neville follow the rest of the Gryffindors along the usual path to the Gryffindor Tower, but when they reach the corridor that ends with the portrait of the Fat Lady they find it jammed with students.

"What's going on?" Hermione asks, "Why isn't anyone going in?" She as Ron, who is the tallest out of the four tries to peer over everyone's heads to try and see what is going on.

"Let me through, please." Percy's voice says as he comes bustling importantly through the crowd, "What's the hold up here? You can't all have forgotten the password, excuse me, I'm Head Boy…" Percy says and a silence falls over the crowd, from the front first, so that a chill seems to spread down the corridor.

"Someone get Professor Dumbledore. Quick." Percy say sand as they can all hear the panic Harry and Hermione exchange worried looks and Neville reaches out and takes Hermione's hand.

"What's going on?" Ginny, who has just arrived, asks.

"We're not sure." Harry answers and a moment later Albus arrives. He sweeps towards the portrait and the Gryffindors squeeze together to let him through, as Harry, Hermione, Neville and Ron move closer so that they can see what is going on.

"Oh god." Hermione says, sounding horrified and Neville squeezes Hermione's hand, as the Fat lady has vanished from portrait, which has been slashed so viciously that strips of the canvas now litter the floor and great chunks of it have been torn away completely.

After looking quickly Albus takes one quick look then turns, his eyes somber, to see Remus, Minerva and Snape hurrying towards them, Remus stopping right next to Hermione, Harry, Neville and Ron.

"We need to find her." Albus says, "Professor McGonagall, please go to Mr. Filch a once and tell him to search every painting in the castle for the Fat Lady."

"You'll be lucky." Says a cackling voice belonging to Peeves the Poltergeist who is bobbling over the crowd looking delighted as he always did, at the sight of wreckage or worry.

"What do you mean, Peeves?" Albus asks, his voice calm, and Peeve's grin fades a little, he doesn't dare taunt Albus, instead he adopted an oily voice that was no better his cackle.

"Ashamed, your Headship, sir. Doesn't want to be seen. She's a horrible mess. Saw her running through the landscape up on the fourth floor, Sir, dodging between the trees. Crying something dreadful." He says, happily, "Poor thing." He adds, sounding unconvinced.

"Did she say who did it?" Albus asks, his voice quiet.

"Oh, yes, Professorhead." Peeves says, with the air of one cradling a large bombshell in his arms, "He got very angry when she wouldn't let him in you see." Peeves says as he flips over and grins at Albus from between his own legs, "Nasty temper he's got, that Sirius Black." He says and as soon as he says conversation starts to break out and Remus reaches out and puts his arm Hermione's shoulder, as she stands in shock, having no idea what to think or how to feel.

"To the Great Hall, all of you." Albus says, "Professors, over here." He requests.

"Stick together, go straight to the hall, nowhere else." Remus whispers to Hermione, Harry, Neville and Ron before he heads over to Albus.

As they walk down to the Great Hall Harry and Hermione stand shoulder to shoulder and Neville never once let's go of Hermione's hand.

Ten minutes later the Gryffindor's, who are all waiting anxiously, are joined by the Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin students, all of whom are extremely confused.

"The teaches and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle." Albus tells the students as McGonagall and Flitwick close all the doors that lead into the hall, "I'm afraid that, for your own safety, you will have to spend the night here." Albus reveals, "I want the prefects to stand guard over the entrances to the hall and I am leaving the Head Boy and Girl in charge. Any disturbance should be reported to me immediately" Albus says, looking at Percy, who is looking immensely proud and important, "Send word with one of the ghosts." He requests and just as he is about to leave the hall he pauses, "Oh, yes, you'll be needing…." He says before casually waving his wand which causes all the tables to fly to the edges of the hall, where they stand themselves against the walls and with another wave the floor is covered with hundreds of squashy purple sleeping bags.

"Sleep well." Albus says, closing the door behind him.

As soon as Albus leaves the hall begins to buzz excitedly as the Gryffindor's tell the rest of the school what just happened.

"Everyone into their sleeping bags!" Percy shouts, "Come on, now, no more talking! Lights out in ten minutes."

"C'mon." Ron says to Harry, Hermione and Neville and while the two boys seize their sleeping bags Hermione doesn't as she is just looking around the hall, looking at all the people who her father has now scared.

"Mione, come on." Neville says, pulling on Hermione's hand and the four of them drag their sleeping bags off to a corner away from everyone.

"Do you think he's still in the castle?" Neville asks, looking worried.

"Dumbledore obviously think so." Ron comments.

"It's very lucky he picked tonight, you know." Neville says as they all climb fully dressed into their sleeping bags, and prop themselves up on their elbows so that they can talk "You know the one night we weren't in the tower."

"I reckon he's lost track of time, being on the run." Ron comments, "Didn't realize it was Halloween. Otherwise he'd have come bursting in here." He comments and hearing that Hermione can't help but frown.

"Mione? What is it?" Harry asks, noticing the action.

"Papa always said how smart Dad is." Hermione says in a whisper "Minnie and Albus have said that too." Hermione reveals, "I don't think he would have tried to get into the common room unless he was sure that what he wanted was in there, especially with how risky it would be to try, he would have been sure about the date." She explains.

"What could he have wanted in an empty common room?" Ron asks, as Neville and Harry exchange confused looks.

"I don't know." Hermione says, looking thoughtful, adding that to the list of questions she has, as all around the hall people start to ask the same question,

"How did he get in?"

"Maybe he knows how to Apparate." Says a Ravenclaw a few feet away, "Just appear out of thin air, you know."

"Disguised himself, probably." A Hufflepuff fifth year says.

"He could've flown in." Dean suggests.

"Honestly, am I the only person who's ever bothered to read Hogwarts, A History?" Hermione asks, sounding cross.

"Probably." Ron comments, "Why?"

"Because the castle's protected by more than walls, you know." Hermione explains "There are all sorts of enchantments on it, to stop people entering by stealth. You can't just Apparate in here. And I'd like to see the disguise hat could fool those Dementors." Hermione comments, though she is ignoring the sinking feeling she has that tells her exactly what disguise he is using, "They're guarding ever single entrance to the grounds. They'd have seen him fly in too. And Filch knows all the secret passages, they'll have them covered." Hermione comments, although she can't help but wonder if that is true.

"The lights are going out now!" Percy shouts, "I want everyone in their sleeping bags and no more talking!" He says and once all the candles go out, causing the only light to be coming from the ghosts who are drifting about, talking seriously to the prefects, and the enchanted ceiling which, like the sky outside is scattered with stars.

As she lies Hermione starts to play over what happened over and over again, but as she does one thought keeps coming back to Hermione's mind, that he would have had a reason to choose breaking into the common room, especially with how much of a risk it would be, but like Ron asked, what could he want in an empty common room?


As Hermione is lying in a sleeping bag, trying to make sense of her father's actions Remus is searching the castle while attempting to do the same thing.

Like Hermione Remus has realised that there is something odd about Sirius's actions, but he can't quiet put his finger on what, and so, he just continues to look through the castle, searching the places that he knows Sirius is likely to go, though honestly, Remus isn't too sure whether he even wants to find Sirius, at least not when he won't get a chance to talk to him.


Hours later, at about three am, many of the students have fallen asleep, but Hermione hasn't and neither has Harry, Neville or Ron, Albus comes into the hall.

Seeing him Hermione watches his actions and Hermione sees him searching for Percy, who has been prowling between the sleeping bags, telling people off for talking.

As Percy is only a short way away from Hermione, Neville, Harry and Ron the four of them quickly pretend to be asleep as Albus's footsteps draw nearer.

"Any sign of him, Professor?" Percy asks, his voice a whisper, causing Hermione to tense as she honestly doesn't know what answer she wants to hear.

"No. All well here?"

"Everything under control, Sir."

"Good. There's no point moving them all now. I've found a temporary guardian for the Gryffindor portrait hole. You'll be able to move them back in tomorrow."

"And the Fat Lady, sir?"

"Hiding in a map of Argyllshire on the second floor. Apparently she refused to let Black in without the password, so he attacked." Albus explains and Hermione tenses at that and has to fight a gasp as she doesn't want to be caught, "She's still very distressed, but once she's calmed down, I'll have Mr. Filch restore her." Albus explains and as he does Hermione hears the door to the hall creak open again and once more hears more footsteps.

"Headmaster?" Snape's voice asks, causing Hermione to force herself to remain still while listening hard, "The whole of the third floor has been searched. He's not there. And Filch has done the dungeons; nothing there either."

"What about the Astronomy tower? Professor Trelawney's room? The Owlery?"

"All searched…"

"Very well, Severus. I didn't really expect Black to linger." Albus admits.

"Have you any theory as to how he got in, Professor?" Snape asks and as he does Hermione lifts her head to free her other ear while she opens her eyes slightly, which allows her to see Harry doing the same thing.

"Many Severus, each of them as unlikely as the next." Albus admits.

"You remember the conversation we had, Headmaster, just before... ah… the start of term?" Snape, who is barley opening his lips, seemingly in an effort to block Percy out of the conversation, asks.

"I do, Severus." Albus says, in a tone of voice that Hermione recognizes as a warning tone.

"It seems, almost impossible, that Black could have entered the school without inside help. I did express my concerns when you appointed….." Severus starts to say, causing Hermione to feel a surge of anger as she realises who he is talking about.

"I do not believe a single person inside this castle would have helped Black to enter it." Albus says, making it clear that the subject is closed, "I must go down to the Dementors." Albus says, "I said I would inform them when our search was complete."

"Didn't they want to help, Sir?" Percy asks.

"Oh yes." Albus says, his voice cold, "But I'm afraid no Dementor will cross the Threshold of this castle while I am Headmaster." Albus explains and as Percy looks embarrassed Albus leave the hall, for a few seconds Snape watches the headmaster with an expression of deep resentment on his face then he too leaves.

Looking sideways Hermione looks a Harry and Neville, and is able to make out Ron too, all three of them have their eyes open,

"What was that about?" Ron mouths.

"Don't ask." Hermione mouths back before turning away from her three friends, all of whom exchange looks.

As she faces away from her friends Hermione forces down the anger at Snape she is feeling as she knows that he is trying to blame her Papa for what happened, which isn't fair. While forcing down her anger Hermione also tries to figure out how she is feeling, "What were you doing, Dad?" Hermione thinks to herself as no matter how many times she goes back to it she just keeps thinking that there is something that she doesn't know as from everything she knows her father is too smart to get the date wrong, especially considering what day it is, which means he wanted the common room empty, but why?


November 1st 1994

The next morning, which is only a few hours later, Gryffindors are allowed back in the tower, but instead of joining the others back to the tower Harry and Hermione have headed straight to Remus's office.

"Hermione, Harry come in, close the door behind you." Remus, looking like he has had no sleep, "Are you both okay?" Remus asks the pair as they approach him.

"Yeah."

"Yes."

They two of them say and Remus pulls them both in for a hug at the same time.

"What happened last night?" Hermione asks, once they break apart.

"We searched the entire castle, didn't find him, not surprising when you consider the fact that Sirius knows this place better than every trencher." Remus comments, it not being clear to either Harry or Hermione whether he is including himself in that.

"Where do you think he went?" Harry asks curious.

"I'm not sure." Remus admits, "He could have gone anywhere, but chances are he got out of the castle as quickly as possible." He explains to the two, "Now, there are going to be a lot of different rules put into place, security is going to get tighter."

"I kind of figured that." Harry admits.

"And because of that, Hermione, you're not going to be able to study out by your tree anymore, so come to my quarters when you need a break, and Harry, Minerva's likely going to talk to you about Quidditch practice." Remus explains.

"I'll still be able to play, won't I?" Harry asks, looking upset as loves Quidditch.

"I can't say for sure, but likely Madam Hooch is going to supervise."

"You think Dad's still on the grounds don't you?" Hermione asks, looking a little annoyed that she can't study by her tree.

"I think he didn't get what he came for, so it's likely." Remus admits.

"What do you think he came for?" Harry asks, sounding curious.

"I wish I knew." Remus admits, "I don't know what's going on in Sirius's head, I don't know what he's doing, what he's thinking, or what he's up to." Remus admits as he has been trying to make sense of Sirius's actions and they just don't make sense.

"We overheard something last night." Hermione reveals.

"Were you purposely trying to when you did?" Remus asks, looking between them.

"Maybe." Harry and Hermione answer, both looking sheepish.

"What did you hear?" Remus asks curious.

"Snape's trying to blame you for Dad's break in." Hermione reveals.

"I know; he's made no secret of that." Remus reveals, "It's okay." he says, with a reassuring smile.

"You sure?" Harry asks, looking concerned.

"Positive." Remus answers, "Now, you two need to keep your eyes open, keep your wands on you and come to me if you notice anything unusual." Remus says, looking between the pair.

"Yes, Papa."

"Yes, Remus."

"Good, now don't you two have a Sunday to enjoy?" Remus asks.

"Yeah, guess we do." Harry realises.

"See you, Papa." Hermione responds and the two of them walk out of the office.


A couple of minutes later Harry and Hermione are making their way back to the Gryffindor tower, and as they do Harry notices that Hermione is distracted and so he pulls her into an empty classroom.

"What's going on?" Harry asks, once the door is closed and he is sure that they are alone.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out!" Hermione says as she starts to pace, "There is no way Dad would have forgotten the date, not yesterday's, not with what it means. He would have only tried to break into the empty tower if that's what he wanted, but like Ron said 'why would he have wanted to break into an empty tower?'" Hermione says, as she continues to pace, "Why would he have talked to me three months ago considering how risky it is? Why does he blame himself if he didn't betray your parents? Why was he saying 'I need to protect her?' over and over again? Who's the he that he thinks is here?" Hermione asks, not expecting an answer, "It's like it's a puzzle and we're missing a piece."

"Well, I guess we're just going to have to find the missing piece." Harry comments, "Where do we start?" he asks.

"We?" Hermione asks, sounding surprised.

"You're right there is something more going on, and until we figure it out we're not going to know what's really going on, I'm not going to know what really happened to my parents and that's what I want more than anything." Harry admits as Hermione is right, there is something strange going on.

"I don't know where we start." Hermione admits, "That's the problem." She says sadly.

"You'll figure it out." Harry says before hugging her, "You always do."

"I have to." Hermione says as they hug, as she can't explain why, but she is pretty sure that there is something pretty big going on, something that no one is seeing, and something that she is also pretty sure that she has to figure out, before it's too late.


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