Neville and Ginny were distant for the remainder of the spring term, the former being incredibly focused on his future career, and the latter being consumed by her lovelife. Ginny carried her valentine's letter in her bag at all times, and Hermione found herself quite unable to cope with seeing her friend so happy over someone who was definitely not as he seemed. In fact, she was becoming increasingly grateful that Harry was on the run - she felt like seeing him, particularly if he was loved-up with Ginny, would be the straw that broke the camel's back. The fact he was gone, as well as Mrs Weasley's insistence, were why she had agreed to spend the Easter break with them, despite her misgivings.

Hogwarts, while hostile, was the safest place in the country - it was a mantra that had been continually repeated since her entry into the wizarding world at 11 years old. While the headmaster was no longer the kind, grandfatherly man that she had grown up to trust, as she matured, so had her relationships with her Professors. To her surprise, as she had slowly moved closer to her old self, her Professors were very interesting and personable witches and wizards. She was sure she would have become amicable with all of them at this point in her education, however in this scenario she had to attribute it to her friendship with Professor Snape. He was the one person that she truly felt comfortable around, and the time spent together was something that she had come to cherish.

He had begun invading her personal space more and more in the two months following Valentine's Day, coinciding with her increasing the amount of time that she spent in her chambers, away from the animosity of peers and certain teachers. Severus would send word via parchment if Dumbledore was to be away, knowing that this would be an ideal time for Carrow's or blood supremacists to strike. Often, when she would make loud noises, or he would complain to himself about certain students' essays, they would find themselves working side by side as they ground through their frustrations with a hot drink, and some friendly company.

Together, everything seemed possible. She bounced ideas of him. He regaled her with the horrors of teaching imbeciles. The occlumency lessons continued, and Hermione stopped having nightmares almost entirely, being able to consistently clear her mind at a moment's notice.

This was why she felt no trepidation about napping on the Hogwarts Express while her fellow Gryffindors played exploding snap and gossiped about their classmates. She slept well, her mind easing her with thoughts of comfort, warmth and paper aeroplanes.

The burrow was exactly as she remembered it, and Hermione was grateful for the feeling of a true family home, and the motherly fashion with which Molly Weasley folded her into her arms. She had apparated herself and Ginny, saving Mr or Mrs Weasley the trip, and the pair of them had been waiting outside the house when they arrived. When she entered, she was surprised at how quiet the usually noisy house was without the majority of the Weasleys.

Once seated, with a cup of tea and frankly enormous plate of sandwiches in hand, she asked about the others.

"How're the boys?"

Mrs Weasley sighed, and began fluffing pillows intently while Arthur answered.

"They're all away, I'm afraid. Bill and Fleur have retreated to a safe house in Cornwall, while Fred, George and Ron are on the run - separately, mind. The twins are together with their friend Lee, and Ron is with Harry. Charlie is still in Romania, and Percy, well…"

Molly Weasley burst into tears.

"I'm so sorry Mrs Weasley," Hermione said sympathetically. "I'm sure he'll come back soon, it's probably just pride at this point…"

Ginny clutched her mum tightly in a hug, as she continued to weap in ernest.

Hermione couldn't help realising that she'd only been in the house around ten minutes, and she'd already caused Molly to cry. She sat awkwardly, knowing that there was nothing she could say that would make the situation any better. Thankfully, Mr Weasley took mercy on her, and distracted from the stale and unpleasant topic.

"So, how's Hogwarts, Hermione? Managing to catch up on your studies?"

Ginny snorted over her mother's shoulder. "She's doing fine. Learned most of the course content already."

"Actually, I'm doing well in Potions and Arithmancy," Hermione told him modestly. "Not so good in Herbology though - Neville really is the star of the show."

Molly blew her nose on a tissue. "Oh that's wonderful! Augusta must be so proud!"

Ginny smiled and released her. "Even bought him a posh pair of dragonhide gloves."

"I remember she was so worried about what he'd do when he left Hogwarts."

Hermione grinned widely. "Professor Sprout has taken him on for a research project."

Molly gasped, and rose to her feet in a flurry. "I really must write to Augusta and send my congratulations!"

"Well handled, ladies," Arthur said happily. "That will keep Molly busy for quite a while!

Now. Have you heard from the boys recently?"

Hermione's mouth went dry, but Ginny brimmed with energy. "Oh, yes! Ron has sent me a couple of messages, just tacked on to the end of Harry's, really. And Harry sent me the most beautiful Valentine. Honestly, I never knew that he could be so poetic…"

She continued for quite a while, her father looking uncomfortable and dumbstruck. "Well then," he managed to interrupt. "I'm very happy that they're doing well. It has been difficult, you know, not knowing where they are or what they're up to."

Ginny nodded quickly. "It is so hard. I can never write back, in case the owl is spotted. It is so very frustrating…"

Luckily, Molly returned joyously to the room, still singing Neville's praises. Hermione looked at the clock. Only four hours or so until she could plead off tired, and retire to bed.

It was strange to be staying at the Burrow in a different room from Ginny. For years, the house had been full to capacity, and the two girls had grown close during the times that they had spent staying there together. It was, Hermione had always thought, like having a weeks' long sleepover, something that she'd never done prior to Hogwarts. In fact, she hadn't truly managed to make any friends before Harry and Ron, and they weren't exactly people that she could take to about crushes, novels, beauty or, well, anything but quidditch.

She lay back in the bed that once belonged to Percy, feeling nostalgic for the times passed. She felt that it was fitting in a way; she wasn't sure she could be that girl, who had let Ginny paint her nails pink with a mixture of excitement and horror. She wasn't the same girl who had excitedly told the only friend that she could about Viktor Krum.

Come to think of that, she wasn't the same girl who had experienced the quiet crush on the far-from-ordinary man. But then, her tastes always had leaned towards the un-ordinary. Or, perhaps, the extraordinary.

And now, now… Who would want her now? They, Hermione thought, would have to be very extraordinary indeed.

Eventually she fell into a deep slumber, tired from the day's journey, and somewhat comforted by the neat, almost bare room. It suited her perfectly.

She woke to the smell of sausages and eggs cooking downstairs, and felt her stomach roil unhappily at the smell. She'd always felt that, even as a child - the smell of food cooking before she'd had a chance to wake up always made her feel queasy.

She quickly pulled on a jumper over her pyjamas, knowing that the Weasleys wouldn't yet be dressed either, and headed down to the kitchen. A chorus of three happy voices met her, and Hermione smiled sleepily.

"Good morning," she greeted in her thick morning voice. "I hope everyone slept well?"

"Better than I've slept in bloody ages!" Ginny grinned wildly, her eyes wide awake despite her hair looking as though it hadn't seen a brush in a very long time. She waved a piece of toast in the air in her enthusiasm. "No dorm mates! No one sneaking in late at night, no early rises to go to the bathroom…"

Hermione laughed softly. "I'll have to agree with you on that one - I slept very soundly last night," she turned to the older Weasleys. "Thank you both again for having me to stay - I always feel very at home here."

"Oh, hush!" Mrs Weasley clucked, placing a bowl of fruit and yogurt in front of the younger woman before pulling her into a tight hug and kissing her cheek. "You're one of my children, here. You and Harry both!"

Hermione blushed externally, and lowered her eyes to her breakfast as she tried to ignore the latter part of Mrs Weasley's lovely proclamation. She had almost finished her food when Ginny spoke up.

"Say Mum? Dad?"

"Yes, Ginny?" Mr Weasley replied. "What is it, love?"

"Did Ron and Harry leave anything here? Or send word about anything?"

"Leave anything here?" Mrs Weasley responded. "Other than some of their less useful possessions, no, I don't think so dear. What is it that you're looking for?"

Ginny fiddled with the pot of jam, avoiding the eyes of the table's other occupants. "It's just that Harry said to expect a surprise while home for Easter. I'm sure it's nothing, and it's not like he can always send letters and such anyway, I was just hoping…"

"You know what, Ginny dear?" Mrs Weasley patted her daughter on the hand. "You only arrived yesterday. I'm sure that if he's able to, he'll be in contact with you before the holiday is over. And if not - then soon after. He's a lovely boy, Ginny."

"I know, Mum," Ginny muttered irritably. "It's not that I'm insecure about it. I was just looking forward to having some contact again."

"Be patient," Arthur added. "There will be plenty of time to spend together when this horrible business is all over and done."

Hermione sighed. ""When' can be a week or an eternity."

The whole table turned towards her, and she realised that perhaps she had said that last thought out loud. The faces were grave, but she was met with respect from Mr and Mrs Weasley.

They smiled at her joyously, an expression of pride. Hermione smiled back.

"Well," said Molly. "Let's hope for something shorter than an eternity, yes?"

They were three days into their relaxed Easter break, playing gobstones when Ginny's surprise arrived in the form of a loud knock on the door, followed by a very familiar voice that made Hermione's heart jump. Her and Ginny both lurched to their feet as Mrs Weasley ran to the door, her husband catching her just in time.

"Open up, Mum!"

Molly reached for the door delightedly, but Arthur kept it closed.

"When you were four years old, what did you say to me when your tooth fell out?"

Ron growled. "Dad!"

"Answer the question, son."

"I asked you if I was going to die."

Ginny burst out laughing, and finally the door was opened to find the tall redhead flushing awkwardly. "Fred and George told me I would, you know."

Another voice behind him snorted, and Hermione froze. "Because Fred and George are the most reliable of sources."

"HARRY!" Ginny shrieked, pushing past her brother and throwing herself into the arms of her partner. "Oh, this is one HELL of a surprise."

They kissed, and Hermione turned away to stare at the fire, before walking back over to the gobstones set.

Don't look at him yet. Close your mind. Compose yourself. Don't let him see how much he hurt you.

By the time everyone had been ushered into the living room (oh, it's so good to see you Harry, dear! You're looking rather thin!) she had a pleasant smile on her face, leaning forward comfortable towards the boys.

"Boys," she started excitedly. "Tell me everything! Where have you been? Did you go back to Grimmauld, I did tell you not to. Did you find anymore? I've been working to find you more information, but I haven't found anything useful yet, please tell me you've made some progress? Did you manage to find anything that would… help?"

She put emphasis on the last word, and Ron burst out laughing. "Blimey! Haven't changed a bit, have you 'Mione?"

His companion however, was looking at her furiously, his eyes burning and his hand clenching tightly around Ginny's. The redhead took it in stride, leaning adoringly against Harry and stroking his hair.

Ron continued, "We'll have to talk to you in private later, of course. Dumbledore wouldn't want us telling anything-"

"That Dumbledore!"

"To someone other than you," he finished, rolling his eyes at his mother's interruption. "We heard that you're back at Hogwarts, doing some research. Knowing you, we'll have the keys to solving this, soon enough! No one is as clever as you, 'Mione."

Oh, Ron…

He blushed and looked away from her sheepishly, and from the glare that Harry shot his way, Hermione was fairly certain that her hunch was not only the last thing she wanted, but also correct.

Not now, please not now.

"It would be good if you could research with us, though. I mean, we miss you, we don't know what to do without you. Harry didn't say much about why you left, or why you didn't come back-"

"It wasn't my place to say," Harry interjected flatly, but his eyes were mocking her. "That's something that needs sorting out between us two."

"Well, if you two would like to talk," Mrs Weasley started, but Harry waved off her offer.

"Thank you, Mrs Weasley, but maybe it would be better if I talked to Hermione later? We've only just got home, and I haven't seen Ginny in so long."

"Oh, no, of course! Let me just get us all some tea, later is better…"

Hermione felt the sinking feeling writhe inside her, and put all of her concentration into the blissful calm that she'd experienced with Severus.

Later, indeed.