Hello, my darlings! My muse has geared itself up having made some decisions about events, so maybe the words will flow a little faster. This does require real life to slow down, but great news- we are hiring someone for my OLD full time job, so I'll only have the one. The usual messages: I own nothing related to the Potterverse. Thank you all for reading, you beautiful people. And a shout out to Kari, CJRed, and gingerpotter79 for being wonderful alphas/betas/and friends. Love you all.

Chapter 52

Other than some residual soreness from exercising unused muscles, Hermione didn't feel any different physically. Mentally, she felt like every person she passed knew what she had just done. Like 'Just Had Sex' was written across her face. She regretted nothing, she also did not want anyone else knowing her business. Quietly, she gave the Fat Lady the password and grabbed the portrait before it could swing open. She eased it open, peeking inside. Lavender and Pavarti comparing notes on their dates by the fire. Harry and Neville played Exploding Snap with two fourth years. As invisibly as possible, she slipped through the portrait hole and across the room. She crept up the stairs. Moving as silently as possible, she opened the door and backed into the dorm, scanning the hallway for people. She inched the door shut, turning the knob to keep the latch from clicking.

"You don't think you're going to escape an interrogation do you?"

"Ah!" Hermione whirled, raising her wand defensively. Fay stood with her hands on her hip in the middle of the room. "Merlin, you scared me."

"Stop avoiding the question."

"Of course, I'm going to tell my friends about my date. I will not be telling those Skeeter-want-to-bes." All three girls laughed. "That's not fair, they both have more integrity than that cockroach."

"They are downstairs, and we're dying to know." Sally-Anne patted the bed next to her. "So, go get on your pajamas and came regal us with your day."

"Look at you, using such big words." Fay teased.

"Mum gave me a word of the day calendar. I may have paid a little attention." She shrugged.

Hermione changed quickly her clothes and joined the others on Sally-Anne's bed. "Is there any chance of one of you going first?"

"Not on your life. We appreciate your attempt to be a good friend, not start talking."

"You all ready know the first part from the clues." They nodded.

"We ate lunch at his cottage in the forest at the edge of Hogesmeade. It was nice to not feel like everyone was watching us constantly."

"That's all you did? All by yourselves in his house? Just ate?" Fay questioned.

"No, we had lunch." Hermione corrected primly. She sighed, "And then we snogged and stuff."

Sally-Anne held up her hand, "And stuff? What's and stuff?"
Hermione looked away, shrugging, "You know, stuff." She felt her cheeks warm. "I do you, now you go."

Fay folded her arms. "Not a chance. You're blushing. Just doing stuff hasn't fazed you in months." She narrowed her eyes, contemplating her friend. Her eyes widened coming to a conclusion, "You had sex!" Hermione hid her face with a pillow as Sally-Anne leapt to her knees on the bed.

"You did, didn't you?" She yanked the pillow away. "Tell us everything."

"Why?" Hermione whined petulantly.

"So we boyfriendless wretches can live vicariously through you." Fay laughed.

"I'd rather hear about Theo's sweet attentions than Ron's clumsy fumbling." Sally-Anne added.

"I'm not going into all the details." Hermione placed the pillow back over her lap, again smoothing out the wrinkles. "After lunch, Theo gave me a tour. We ended in his room. Then we started snogging on his bed. When things heated up, we discarded each other's clothes. It reached a certain point and we decided to keep going. Afterwards we took a shower together and discovered shower sex is harder that you would think." She drew designed on the pillowcase with her thumbnail.

"Look at you being all adventurous." laughed Fay.

Hermione flipped her hair over her shoulder. "As a card carrying Gryffindor I can't imagine what you are talking about. Living in this house, we have seven brushes with danger on the way to breakfast. Nine if you encounter the Weasley twins on the way." She sniffed disdainfully. The others laughed, drawing a smile from Hermione.

"I meant the Slytherin pureblood as being adventurous."

"I think most of them are more adventurous than we give them credit for. They just add a level of caution we seem to lack."

"Maybe that's because they aren't constantly telling themselves to just do it.

"That could explain it."

"Enough introspective." Fay demanded. "How was it?" She wagged her eyebrows.

"Did it hurt?"

"Pretty amazing, and yeah, some. It faded fairly quickly. We just let things unfold. I think that helped avoid things being awkward. We took our time getting comfortable with each step, building trust in one another."

"You didn't rush anything."

"Exactly."

Sally-Anne sighed, "That's rather romantic."

Fay grumbled, "Yeah, now I just have to get a bloke's attention."

"Have you considered doing it the Gryffindor way? Sometimes brash and bod is the way to go."

"I just might do that."

"So, do you have someone in mind?" inquired Sally-Anne.

"No." She replied quickly.

"Me thinks that response was quite fast. Wouldn't you agree, Sally-Anne?"

"No, it wasn't. I do not have a crush."

"Oh, I think the lady doth protest too much." Sally-Anne said.

Despite much cajoling and teasing, Fay refused to name her crush. Pavarti and Lavender's arrival ended the conversation. Each girl returned to her own bed. The newcomers continued to giggle and gossip, speculating on the dates of others and bragging how well theirs went.

Weeks of practice enabled Hermione and Harry to create, control, and steal fiendfyre. Hermione excelled at the creation and control aspects, but Harry had an easier time stealing control from her and Snape. The Potions Master theorized that Harry's more intuitive style of learning, and magic use, helped him follow the flow of energy and find weak points.

March 10th, Dumbledore summoned Harry for another private lesson. This time instead of waiting for Harry in the library, she agreed to meet him in the common room. She used the time to tempt Theo into more bathroom fun time, this time with more success. She returned to the common room just as curfew began. Harry waited for her watching the flames dance in the fireplace. She dropped next to him. "Knut for your thoughts?"

"Is that even a saying?"

She shrugged, "No clue, but you know me, always trying to merge my muggle upbringing with my wizarding heritage. Now, stop stalling. What's wrong?"

Harry sighed heavily, dropping his head against the back of the couch. "We finally got to horcruxes, and some of the items he may have used." Harry scrubbed his face with his hands. "Old fool got himself cursed destroying one by himself."

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Not his wisest decision."

"After school Riddle worked at Borgin and Burkes. He found out about his ancestor's locket. The same woman also had a cup belonging to Helga Hufflepuff. Soon after she showed it to him, her aging house elf accidentally poisoned her. Neither the locket or the cup were listed in her estate."

"He used the house elf to cover his crime, or rather, commit them for him and stole the cup and locket." It wasn't a question.

"I'm sure he saw it as reclaiming the locket."

"At least to his twisted mind." Hermione agreed.

"Dumbledore thinks he split his soul into seven pieces. The ring, the diary, the locket, and the cup to begin with."

"He seemed rather obsessed with his snake."

"He did, didn't he?"

"So, maybe, three down?" Hermione gave him a tentative smile.

"We can hope. So after the cup, what's left?"

"Something belonging to a Founder, I suppose."

She sighed, "I'll start researching."

"Thanks, Hermione."

"What are friends for?"

"I mean it. At some point over the years almost everyone has mistreated, or turned on me."

"And Neville, he's been pretty loyal, too."

"That's true. I hope I've been a better friend to him since Fourth year."

"I doubt he's worried about it."

"Most likely not. Come on, we should get some sleep."

Term ended just before Easter break. Exams finished, a jovial mood prevailed over the Hogwarts Express. The few exceptions stood out. A half blood whose mother had been cursed by a dark object. A muggleborn whose family had a mysterious accident. And two seventh year purebloods brooding out the train windows.

To the amusement of everyone else, every time Draco complained about his sister and best friend the two became even more lovey dovey. Currently, Hermione perched on his lap, running her fingers through his hair. Pansy excused herself to find Millicent. Harry abandoned them soon after to find Neville, Tracey tagging along. "Wait! No, don't go. They'll be worse without an audience." Draco exclaimed.

"Nothing keeping you here, mate." Harry called over his shoulder.

Draco's eyes lit up. He jumped to his feet. "I wonder where Greg and Vince are?" He rushed out the door.

Hermione slid from Theo's lap, laughing. Cassius Warrington glanced over, glaring before returning his gaze to the passing countryside. She nudged Theo and nodded towards Warrington and Montage. "Is something wrong?"

"Same problem you're about to have, mate." Warrington replied without looking.

"I can't think of any impending problems." Theo said slowly.

Montague sadly shook his head. "You poor sod, your old man is enough of a bastard to not warn you."

"Over the break the ones of us that are of age or close are going to be presented with the idea that we will be joining the ranks, whether we want to or not. Father basically gave me the list, make sure I knew there would be no reprieve, no escape. And you, my friend, were on that list."

Theo froze, momentarily panicked. He had no desire to join that psychopath. And Thoros knew that. He intended to trap his son. "What do you want to bet he is going to have some kind of betrothal contract waiting? What then?"

Hermione shrugged, "We consider signing it."

Warrington's mouth fell open, "Come again? Your parents have managed to sit on the fence without pressure to start rejoining. Why risk it?"

"In a minute Theo's brain will engage and he'll remember he will always have a choice. No matter how serious things seem."

He blinked twice, "Sirius! And I'm not the only one with choices." He grinned at her, before turning to the others. "Look, play the obedient son for the rest of the school year. After graduation I'll tell you the plan."

"Why then?" Warrington asked in a guarded tone.

"Two reasons, one, the plan doesn't exist yet. And, two, no one can see the plan in your mind it it isn't in your mind."

Montage grimaced, "Makes sense, I suppose."

"Trust me, by the time you graduate you'll be safe from your parents' bad decisions."

"Not like we have a bloody choice." grumbled Warrington, returning to his contemplation of the scenery. Montage allowed himself to be drawn into a game of Exploding Snap. Brooding changed nothing, and Nott and Malfoy offered hope.

Had Warrington said nothing, the sight of Thoros Nott waiting, would have surprised them. Hermione quietly kissed her boyfriend farewell. She noticed a tightness around Lucius's eyes and mouth as they left the Notts behind. She looked questioningly at her mother. Narcissa gave a small negative shake of the head. Hermione nodded her understanding. Collecting Draco, the family apparated home.

Winky and Mxy barely had time to collect the school trunks before Lucius exploded. "How dare that pompous arse present me with a betrothal contract that basically enslaves my daughter?" He paced with rage.

Hermione sat down in a wing chair watching the show. Unlike Sirius, Lucius did not mutter and curse under his breath, he rage sulked. He alternated between pouting and snarling. Silently, Myx served tea. Narcissa and Hermione calmly sipped their tea, while Draco stared, confused about the current chain of events. Eventually, he wound down, collapsing into a chair.

"Finished, darling?" Narcissa inquired coolly.

Draco looked between his parents, "What did I miss?"

"Thoros Nott suggested a contract between Theodore and Hermione. Your father finds parts of it rather insulting. Thank Salazar he bypassed Sirius." She took a drink.

"How bad?"

"Hermione would not be allowed to have a career of any kind, or even outside interests until the requisite heirs turned five and could be handed over to a governess or nanny elf. She would elect Thoros, then Theo, as her proxy vote once she took over for Sirius. Also, Theodore would be in charge of her inheritance. He would allocate her an allowance." Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Really, this is designed to create a backdoor into regaining you father, then you."

"Because we wouldn't abandon her with them." Draco reasoned.

"Exactly. And refusing could be seen as choosing a side. Something we're trying to prevent as long as possible." Lucius agreed.

Hermione nibbled on her bottom lip, trying to follow all the angles. "I think you're forgetting an important thing, Sirius."

"This is a very serious matter, my treasure." Lucius reassured her.

"No, Sirius Orion Black, who, as my Head of House, must approve of this contract, or suggest amendments. And while he may seem incapable of behaving, it is possible. Furthermore, helping you foil the Death Eaters in this manner would appeal to his prankster side."

Narcissa nodded sagely. "Sirius could tie this up for months."

Draco bit back a bark of laughter, "You underestimate him, I say years."

"At the very least until the end of the war." Hermione agreed. "And Daddy can pretend to be frustrated with him in private."

An hour and two floo calls later, the bones of a plan formed. Hermione used her journal to explain the plan to Theo, ensuring he would be ready to play his part.

During dinner, Hermione explained her plans to fund summer adventures for muggle kids, and her hopes to create an escape for magical ones. Lucius approved and offered help from Malfoy Industries. "I will have people start looking into the logistics tomorrow. I assume Lupin can help you with the muggle world."

"There are existing programs I can donate to in Orville Granger's memory. Remus is finalizing everything for me." The family discussed the different excursions available.

"Have you considered what kinds of activities you want to offer at the Towers?" her father asked.

"Quidditch, for starters. So many kids love the game, but never get to play. Maybe horse back riding? I would love to be able to invite muggleborns to mingle with wizarding kids, especially first years."

"That is a wonderful idea, my treasure."

Just after midnight the sitting room fireplace flared green and a young man stepped through. One of the three non Malfoys capable of accessing the private floo, he made his way towards the bedrooms. Slowly, he inched the door open. Inside, the occupant lay curled up on her side. He smiled at how innocent she looked while asleep, and young. She looked so young. The evening's horrors had aged him. He felt older and corrupted. He ran here seeking comfort, now changing his mind. He regretted the idea of burdening her. He took a step backwards.

Some noise, or perhaps the sensation of being watched, woke Hermione, She shot upright, looking about her wildly, reaching for her wand. "Theo? What's wrong?"

"I shouldn't have come." He started panicking.

"Too late, what happened?"

"Nothing. It's really late. Go back to sleep."

"Liar. Now get over here and tell me what's wrong."

"Hermione, I shouldn't involve you. The less you know the better."

"I'm all ready involved, with you and so much more. If anyone should be sorry for involving the other, it should be me. I am way more involved, and have been for far longer than you."

"You haven't seen what these people are capable of?"

"Haven't I? I've been dealing with Riddle or his henchmen since first year. I am aware of their capacity of evil."

"Not like this. Father dragged me to some kind of gathering. It was horrible. Riddle sat shrouded in the shadows on some kind of throne. From a distance you can't tell he's not flesh and blood. But his movements are stiff, noticeably stiff. The things they bragged about." Theo shuddered. Hermione held open her arms welcomingly. Despite his earlier protests, Theo rushed into her embrace. "Murder, rape, torture, just horrible. All in the name of blood superiority, like being a pureblood gives them the right to do whatever they want. Some of them are so blood thirsty. They keep asking when they can be allowed out." She hugged him tightly. "Then the worse part, that they expect us to eagerly join them. And some of them are. They want to terrorize other people, prove themselves to their fathers."

"Would any of the names surprise me?"

"You don't know most of them, but Vince and Greg." He looked down at his hands. "How much of that is them, and how much is having been groomed since birth to follow orders without question."

"I'm sorry." She rubbed circles on his back. "Come here." She tugged him down onto the bed.

"Sweet, I shouldn't."

"Nonsense, my parents trust you. Your father wants us married yesterday. Anyone objects, we're fully clothed. Tomorrow we'll visit Sirius and start plotting."

If Theo's presence at breakfast surprised any of the family, they kept it to themselves. Nor, did anyone bat an eyelash when Hermione announced they were off to see the Marauders.

Hand in hand, the two flooed to Black Cottage, arriving in time to have second breakfast there. Dudley quickly then hurried off to meet Pansy. She insisted on meeting his friends, "Like, and I quote here, a proper girlfriend."

"What brings you two by this morning?" Remus asked.

"A need for devious plotting, requiring only the best. Since, Moriarty is fictional, we'll settle for you two."

Remus laughed. He picked up his plate only to have Kreacher pop in and smack his hands. "Kreacher clears the tables. Master's wolfy leaves his dishes." Theo coughed to cover his laughter. Both werewolf and house elf glared at him.

Remus returned his attention to Hermione. "What can we help you with? Beyond trying to drive Thoros to an early grave."

Theo ran his hair through his hair. "Remember that promise you made at Christmas?" Sirius nodded, "Some mates need that escape options."

"Not you?"

"I don't know what yet. If I can help them without drawing attention to myself, great. I don't want to leave Hermione behind."

"Because I couldn't visit." She rolled her eyes.

"You know what I mean. And I still have a year of school to go. These two graduate this year. There may be one more who all ready graduated. Plays quidditch professionally. That may save him, then again, it may not."

"Who does he play for?" inquired Remus.

"Appleby."

"Hmmmm." Sirius thought. "Flint, right?"

"Uh, yeah, how did you know?"

"He seems the type, big, burly, doesn't mind throwing his weight around on the pitch, but his heart isn't in bar brawls and such. He's a decent player."

"More than decent." Remus injected.

"I'd hate to lose him for more than a season, not even a season, really. He's meshing really well."

"Wait, you lost me." Hermione frowned.

Remus chuckled, "Sirius is the mysterious silent owner of the Arrows."

"Malfoy is always pushing me to invest my money." He shrugged, "A quidditch club sounded fun."

Hermione nibbled her bottom lip, "Muggle teams sometimes add morality clauses to their players' contracts."

"Really?"

"It details how they can dress, what kind of activities they can be seen engaging in. Since tattoos aren't common in the wizarding world, just forbid players to get them. Problem solved. His quitting to be able to get a tattoo would draw negative speculation."

"The more I learn about the muggle world, the more I love it. That is brilliant!" Theo exclaimed.

Remus looked pensive. "I'll look into these clauses. It'll have to be include more than no tattoos to avoid suspicion."

"That sorts Flint. But what about my other mates."

"Pretty simple that, they'll have to disappear." Sirius grinned manically. "They leave home and never return." Remus rolled his eyes. "Starting next Hogesmeade weekend, have them start taking items to your cottage. Kreacher will move them to the safe house. After the school year, they need to visit home and collect anything too valuable to leave behind. From there they will meet their contact and be taken to an undisclosed location. This way none of you know enough to compromise the others. And if you have to you you can also disappear."

"I'm not leaving Harry." declared Hermione.

"And I'm not leaving Hermione."

"No one is leaving anyone." Remus assured them. "The two of you will have airtight alibis when they are being moved. Leave it to us."

"Thanks, Padfoot, Moony." Hermione hugged both men.

"You're welcome, kitten." Sirius kissed the top of her head. "Tell them to be ready."

Theo nodded, "I'll find a way to let them know they should bring some of those things back to school."

"Or they should buy replacements in the village." Hermione offered.

"Both are good ideas." Sirius told them. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have an aneurysm causing response to author." He winked at the teens.