A/N - Thanks so much for all the reviews last chapter! Next chapter, Hermione returns to school and I will then start making bigger time jumps in each chapter (which means, yes, the Remione is coming. Eventually). Thanks for reading!

Chapter 26

Return

15 August 1998

They landed in an alley and Annie immediately moaned and wrapped her arms around her stomach. Hermione grimaced and rubbed the girl's back.

"I know, it's not a fun way to travel." Annie looked up at her and then glanced at Harry and Dawlish. Ron and Williamson had headed back to the Ministry from Hermione's house and Hermione suspected that Harry only came along as a buffer between her and Dawlish.

"How come no one else is sick?" Annie asked.

"We've been doing this for quite some time," Dawlish said as he conjured a glass and filled it with water from his wand. He handed it to Annie who was wide-eyed. Hermione remembered how she had felt when she had first gone to Hogwarts and seen magic performed so casually. Annie took the glass with a slightly trembling hand but straightened once she had taken a few sips.

"All right now?" Hermione asked.

"I think so," Annie said.

"Let's go then." Dawlish spun on his heel and began to stride towards the end of the alley. Harry and Hermione followed, walking on either side of Annie.

"Hermione," she said quietly just before they reached her building.

"Yes, Annie?"

"Can you tell David and Claire that I really miss them?" Hermione bit her lip to keep from bursting into tears.

"Of course, I will," Hermione assured her. "But maybe you'll get a chance to tell them yourself."

"I don't think so," Annie said in a small voice. Hermione looked at Harry over Annie's head. He looked just as helpless as she felt.

They walked into Annie's building and climbed the stairs to the third floor. Annie drew further into herself the closer they got to her flat. Hermione was trying to feel sympathy for Amy and her entire situation, but the more the girl next to her deflated, the angrier she got.

They reached the door and Dawlish rapped on it. Hermione felt Annie's hand slip into hers. She gave it a squeeze and smiled down at the girl. They waited a few seconds, then heard the slide of a lock and the door was pulled open.

Amy looked as if she hadn't slept in weeks. There were dark circles under her eyes and her skin was pale. Her hair was in disarray and her clothes rumpled. Her face hardened when she saw the Auror in front of her.

"I told you to leave us alone! Why can't you just-" she trailed off as her gaze wandered to the side. "Annie?"

"Hi," Annie said quietly.

"Oh, Annie!" Amy stepped forward and grabbed her little sister, pulling her into her arms. She began to sob. "I was so worried." Annie hesitated for a moment before she hugged her sister back.

"I'm sorry," Annie whispered. Hermione felt her eyes fill.

"Where were you?" Amy asked. Annie didn't respond, just continued to hug her sister.

"Perhaps we can go inside," Dawlish suggested. Amy nodded and stepped back from the doorway, still keeping a tight hold on Annie.

"Where did you find her?" Amy asked once she had shut the door. Before Dawlish could answer, Hermione spoke up.

"She came to my house. I don't know if you remember me, but I was here a couple of months ago. Hermione Granger."

"I know who you are," Amy said flatly. She looked down at Annie. "Why did you run away?"

"Because you wouldn't listen to me," Annie said.

"You're not going back," Amy said. Annie hung her head.

"Amy, if I could just speak with you for a moment," Hermione began, but Amy interrupted.

"This isn't any of your business. Thank you for bringing Annie home, but I would like you leave now."

"Please, this is important," Hermione said.

"Leave. Now," Amy snapped.

"Miss Harrison, I am glad you are all right," Dawlish said to Annie, then nodded to Amy. "Miss Granger, Auror Potter, let's go." Harry reluctantly began to follow Dawlish to the door, but Hermione remained. "Miss Granger!"

"No!" Hermione said. "Not until she hears what I have to say."

"Miss Granger, don't make me arrest you." Hermione glared at him. Harry looked between Hermione and Dawlish and Hermione knew that he was torn between obeying his superior and siding with Hermione. He gave her a pleading look, but Hermione shook her head.

"I have to, Harry." She turned back to Amy. "You're hurting your sister."

"Miss Granger!" Dawlish said. Hermione ignored him.

"I'm hurting her?" Amy said incredulously. "What about your lot? You threw her in prison!"

"No, we didn't," Hermione said. "The people that took her have been arrested. They're in prison and they're not getting out."

"So you say." Amy snorted in derision.

"I promise you," Hermione said. "I'm a Muggle-born too, just like Annie. I spent the last year on the run from the very people that took your sister. There was a war, but we fought them and we won. Harry over there destroyed their leader." Amy still had an arm around Annie's shoulder, partially shielding her with her body. She looked between Hermione and Harry warily.

"Please," Hermione said. "I know you're scared and you have every right to be. What the two of you went through last year was horrific. But Annie should learn how to control her magic and she needs to see her friends. They're the only ones that can really understand what she's been through."

"I want to go, Amy," Annie said.

"Why, Annie, why? They took you to prison! They killed Mum and Dad!"

"The bad people did that, not Hermione, not Harry, not Mr. Dawlish," Annie said. "They've only been nice to me. Them and lots of other people." Amy shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest, turning towards the window. Annie followed her sister and stood beside her.

"Why did you leave?" Annie asked.

"Leave? Annie, I didn't leave, I got married."

"But Mum said you were too young, I heard her. Daddy didn't want you to either." Annie paused. "It was because of me, wasn't it?"

"What? No, why would you think that?" Amy asked.

"The way you looked at me when I'd do…things. You always looked kind of scared." Amy sighed.

"I was sometimes," she admitted. "Remember that day you got so mad all the glasses on the table exploded?" Annie blushed and nodded. "Well, flying glass can injure a person you know. I just didn't want anyone to get hurt."

"And you're right, Mum and Dad did think I was too young to get married, but I love Thomas. I've loved him since I was fourteen. Us getting married didn't have anything to do with you." The sisters stood in silence for a few moments.

"I miss Mum and Daddy, so, so much," Annie said. Tears began to slide down her cheeks. "It's my fault they're dead."

"No, Annie," her sister said immediately, kneeling down and putting her hands on Annie's shoulders.

"If I wasn't a witch, they wouldn't be dead," Annie said with a shrug of her shoulder.

"It isn't your fault," Amy insisted. "I don't blame you." Hermione looked at the other woman in surprise. If she'd had to guess, she would have assumed that Amy did blame Annie for their parents' deaths.

"Then it isn't Hermione's fault that they're dead either," Annie said. "Or Harry's or Mr. Dawlish's or Hogwarts'." Amy stared at her sister for a moment, then shook her head fondly.

"I always said you were too smart for your own good." Annie smiled.

"So, I can go?" Annie asked.

"I don't know," Amy said with a sigh. "I still don't know if it's the best idea and I have a lot of questions."

"I'll be happy to answer them," Hermione interjected quickly. "And if I don't know the answer, I'll find someone who does." Amy stared at Hermione for nearly a full minute before she finally nodded.

"Can I please see Claire and David?" Annie asked. Amy smiled.

"We'll see." Annie grinned back and threw her arms around Amy's neck. Hermione sniffled, the tears that had been gathering in her eyes beginning to fall. Harry stepped up next to and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. When the two sisters parted, Amy stood up and approached Hermione.

"I owe you an apology," she said. But Hermione shook her head, quickly wiping at the tears on her face.

"You don't," she said. "I can't say I wouldn't have done the same thing if I were in your situation."

"Thank you, for keeping her safe and bringing her home." Hermione nodded, unable to speak. Amy looked at Harry and Dawlish. "Thank you both as well."

"It was my pleasure, Mrs. Green," Dawlish replied. "We'll leave the two of you alone now."

"Let me give you my number," Hermione said. Annie handed her a piece of paper and a pen and Hermione wrote it down. "Call me anytime. I'd be happy to come and talk to you whenever you like." Amy took the proffered number and nodded. Annie threw her arms around Hermione and hugged her.

"Thank you, Hermione." Hermione leaned down and kissed her on top of her head.

"You're welcome, Annie. I'll see you soon." She turned to Harry, who put a hand at the small of her back and led her from the flat. Once they had reached the alley again, Dawlish turned towards Hermione, his face hard.

"If you ever disobey a direct order from an Auror again, I will arrest you, war heroine or no. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," Hermione said, a bit taken aback. Dawlish nodded curtly and then began to turn, only to look back at her a moment later.

"Oh, and Miss Granger?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Well done." With a small smile, he turned and disappeared. Hermione's mouth dropped open in shock. Harry chuckled.

"Dawlish can be a bit rigid where the rules are concerned, but he's not a bad sort, really. I'll see you later, yeah?" Hermione nodded and Harry kissed her quickly on the cheek. With a wave, he disappeared as well. Hermione grinned before she Disapparated herself.

16 August 1998

Hermione levitated a stack of plates to the tables Bill and George were setting up in the garden outside. Although Ginny's birthday had been a few days ago, given Harry and Ron's schedule, Mrs. Weasley had decided to wait until today to have the party, when everyone would be able to attend. Hermione had come over this morning to help get things ready.

She had spoken to her parents the night before and given them the news about Annie. They had both been relieved things had ended as well as they had and Hermione's mother said they planned to come for a visit a few days before Hermione returned to Hogwarts. Hermione tried not to be disappointed that it was just a visit and not plans to return to England permanently.

She was being a bit unrealistic, she knew. Even if her parents decided to return, it would take time, especially given her father's practice. And once Hermione was off to school, she wouldn't have come home until at least Christmas anyway. Still, it was hard, now that she'd found them, to not want them here with her.

"Oi, there, Granger," George said. Hermione startled when she realized she had nearly walked into him.

"Sorry, George," she said. "Wasn't paying attention."

"That much is obvious," he replied with a grin.

"How's the shop?"

"Getting busier now that school's nearly upon us," he said. "Lee and Verity are running things today."

"Anything new in the works?"

"Not yet," George said, smiling sadly. Hermione squeezed his arm in sympathy and berated herself for asking. "Here, let me take those." He grabbed the stack of plates from the air and set them on the table.

"I guess I'll go see what else your mum needs me to do." She turned to walk back towards the house and ran straight into someone.

"Whoops," she said, as she felt familiar hands grasp her arms. She looked up and met Ron's gaze. He immediately dropped his arms from her hands. He took a step back from her.

"Sorry," he said.

"You don't have to apologize," Hermione said. "I'm the one that ran into you."

"Right." Ron stood nervously in front of her and Hermione nearly sighed out loud. Would it ever not be awkward between them?

"I'll just go find your mum," she said and moved to step around him. Ron stepped the same way, then shook his head and stepped to the other side, just as she did. They did an awkward little side-stepping dance until Hermione finally laughed and stopped moving. Ron grinned at her and turned his entire body to the side, sweeping with his hand for her to go ahead.

"Thanks," Hermione said quietly with a small smile before she began to walk towards the house. She glanced back at Ron, who gave her a lopsided smile and then turned to say something to George. Maybe it might get easier after all.

Remus stepped through the Floo, holding a sleeping Teddy to his chest. They had tried to get him to go down earlier for his nap, so he would wake before the party began, but Teddy had stubbornly refused. Of course, once Remus had finally given up and just decided to keep him awake until the party, Teddy had immediately fallen asleep on his father's shoulder. Miraculously, traveling by Floo hadn't woken him.

Teddy stirred as they stepped out of the fireplace. The Burrow, while always noisy, was louder than usual with all the party preparations going on. Remus immediately began to rub Teddy's back.

"Hello, Remus," Arthur said, then, catching sight of a sleeping Teddy, immediately grimaced and lowered his voice. "Sorry about that. Here, why don't you come up to Ginny's room. It will be quieter there and I'll set up the cot for you."

"Thank you," Remus said, Andromeda arriving just as Remus began to follow Arthur up the stairs. He gave her a wave and she nodded, correctly assuming he was going to put Teddy down.

It was indeed quieter as they reached the next floor. Arthur led him to Ginny's room and opened the door.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Arthur said, beginning to pull it closed again.

"It's all right, Arthur, I'm decent," a laughing voice said and Hermione opened the door again.

"I didn't realize you were up here," Arthur said, his face red. "I thought everyone was outside."

"No harm done," Hermione said quietly, catching sight of Teddy. "I was just finishing wrapping my gift for Ginny." She held up the box. "Hello, Remus." Remus just nodded, not wanting to disturb Teddy who had finally settled back into sleep.

"Let me just get the cot for you," Arthur said and hurried up the stairs, obviously still embarrassed.

Hermione smiled again and then picked up a cardigan off the bed. As she slipped her arms into it, Remus caught a glimpse of a shimmer on her left arm. He wondered why she had cast a glamour charm on her arm as she walked to his side, looking at Teddy asleep on his chest.

"Still adorable," she whispered. Remus smiled as Hermione ran a finger over Teddy's brow, pushing back some of his hair, which was the same sandy brown as Remus' today, from his forehead. "I'll see you downstairs?" Remus nodded and Hermione gave him a wave and left the room.

Remus was still contemplating the glamour when Arthur returned a few moments later with the cot floating behind him. He put it together with a few flicks of his wand. Another flick and it was made up with a soft sheet and a blanket.

"I'll leave you to it," Arthur said quietly.

"Thank you, Arthur." Remus settled Teddy into the cot after Arthur had left, rubbing his son's back gently as the baby began to stir a bit. Teddy sighed in his sleep and Remus draped a light blanket over him before setting the monitoring charm over the room. His wand would sound when Teddy awoke.

Making his way back down the stairs, he stepped into the kitchen to ask if he could help with anything and was immediately shooed away by Molly and Andromeda. Chuckling, he went outside into the garden, where it seemed as if all the guests had already arrived.

The mood was much different than it had been last year around this time when it was Harry's coming of age they were celebrating. Even with the wedding the next day, thoughts had been on the war and Dumbledore's death only a month previous. He and Dora had not even been able to stay for the whole party, as Minister Scrimgeour had shown up. The last day of Scrimgeour's life, as it turned out.

Today was much different, of course. Everyone was laughing and smiling and chatting with one another. Harry stood, relaxed, with his arm around Ginny as they talked to Neville and Luna who appeared to be holding hands. The rest of the Weasleys were scattered around the garden, talking with each other or other guests. Hermione leaned against a tree and was speaking with Charlie. Remus watched everyone for a few moments before he shook off his melancholy and made his way to the drinks table.

Ron was standing there, holding a bottle of Butterbeer and looking off across the garden. Remus followed his line of sight and saw that he was staring at Hermione as she laughed at something his brother said. Ron scowled slightly.

"All right there, Ron?" Remus asked pouring himself a glass of lemonade. Ron jumped.

"Remus, didn't see you there," he said. Ron glanced at Hermione again and then turned back to Remus. "Everything's fine." Remus nodded, although he really didn't think it was.

"It's nice Charlie could make it for the party."

"Yeah, great," Ron said unenthusiastically. Hermione was laughing again, and this time, put her hand on Charlie's arm. Remus glanced at Ron again, who was now glaring outright.

"Ron, pass us a Butterbeer, yeah?" George said as he walked up. Ron grabbed a bottle and shoved it into George's hand.

"What's wrong with you?" George asked.

"Nothing," Ron said sullenly. George glanced over his shoulder and saw Hermione and Charlie. He looked at Ron incredulously.

"Really, mate? Charlie?"

"What?" Ron said defensively. George shook his head with a snort.

"You're jealous of Charlie."

"No, I'm not," Ron insisted. "That's ridiculous."

"Tell that to the daggers flying out of your eyes," George said dryly. Remus bit back a laugh and took that as his cue to leave. He would let the brothers hash this one out.

Crossing the garden, he stopped to wish Ginny a happy birthday and spoke with Harry, Neville and Luna for a bit. Andromeda came past to ask about Teddy, and Remus assured her he had set the monitoring charm on his wand. He spent the next hour chatting with various Weasleys and other guests. Just as was about to get some food, the charm on his wand went off.

Remus made his way into the house and began to climb the stairs. He could hear Teddy crying and then a soft voice speaking to him. Brow furrowed, Remus hurried more quickly up the stairs as Teddy's cries diminished. Remus drew his wand, knowing that both Andromeda and Molly were still outside. He had no idea who was in the room with his son.

Coming around the corner, heart pounding, Remus burst through the half-open doorway. Hermione stood in the room with her back to him, holding a still sniffling Teddy in her arms, speaking softly to him. Remus leaned against the doorjamb and tried to get his heartrate under control. Hermione turned around seconds later.

"Remus?" she questioned. Remus straightened. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm sorry, I," he shook his head and pulled in a breath. "I didn't know who was up here with him."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said seeming to understand immediately. "I came in to use the loo and after I was finished, I heard Teddy crying. I didn't mean to worry you."

"It's quite all right, Hermione," Remus said. "I got anxious for nothing. I know there's no one here that would hurt Teddy."

"I understand," she said and when Remus met her gaze, he realized that she truly did. Wordlessly, she passed Teddy to him and Remus gathered the boy close, breathing in his scent and calming completely. He looked up at her, apology in his eyes, but she merely smiled and put a hand on his arm, squeezing it lightly.

"I'll just go back to the party," she said.

"We'll come with you," Remus said. "Andromeda has Teddy's bag." Hermione smiled and they walked down the stairs together.

"How did everything go yesterday after I left?" Remus asked.

"Very well," Hermione said with a smile and proceeded to tell him about what had happened after they had taken Annie home.

"I'm glad to hear it," Remus said with a smile. It was a relief to know that Annie wasn't in a similar situation to the one Harry had been in as a child. Remus wasn't sure if he would ever forgive himself for not trying to do something more those years that Harry was stuck with the Dursleys.

"I'm just glad that everything worked out. I'm still not sure if Annie is going to get to go to Hogwarts or not, but at least her sister is willing to listen now."

"Somehow, given Annie's determination and you there to answer questions, I don't think her sister stands a chance," he chuckled. Hermione blushed. They reached the back garden and Teddy began to fuss.

"Someone's hungry," Hermione said.

"That he is," Remus agreed, scanning the crowd for Andromeda. He finally spotted her near the food table. "Do you mind holding him while I fetch his bag?"

"Not at all," Hermione said with a smile as he passed Teddy to her. The boy immediately became fascinated with a lock of her hair, grabbing it and yanking. Remus grimaced.

"Sorry about that," he said. "Andromeda's taken to keeping her hair pulled back during the day."

"It's all right," Hermione said with a laugh. "Just get his bag, I'll untangle myself." Remus nodded and hurried toward Andromeda, retrieving the shrunken nappy bag from her pocket. He enlarged it as he made his way back to Hermione.

She was smiling widely at Teddy and saying something to him. Seconds later, he heard Teddy's gurgling laugh. Hermione laughed as well, her eyes lighting up in delight at the baby's giggle. Remus couldn't help the smile that broke out on his own face. There was just something about a baby's laughter.

"Look, here's your Daddy," Hermione said to Teddy as Remus approached. "Do you think he's got some lunch in there for you?" Teddy continued to grin, finding Hermione extremely entertaining.

"I think I just might," Remus said, pulling a bottle from the bag and warming it with his wand. Seeing the bottle, Teddy began to fuss again, reaching his hand out for it. Hermione shifted him in her arms and took the bottle from Remus, giving it to Teddy. She smiled up at Remus.

"You don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all," he said. He watched the two of them for a few minutes, Hermione swaying slightly as she talked to Teddy while he ate. Remus felt a lump form in his throat. He forced a smile and turned slightly so Hermione couldn't see the expression on his face. For a moment, he had seen Dora standing there holding their son, smiling at him like she used to. Remus cleared his throat.

"I, I'll just be inside for a minute."

"Remus?" Hermione questioned in concern, but he hurried past her into the house, Teddy's bag still on his shoulder, barely reaching the kitchen before he broke down.

"Remus?" Hermione said quietly as she came into the house, Teddy still in her arms. He had finished his bottle and now definitely needed a nappy change. Hermione had wanted to give Remus his privacy as something had obviously upset him, but when he hadn't returned to the garden, Hermione had been forced to go in search of him. There was no answer to her call and Hermione moved through the kitchen and into the living room. Remus was sitting in one of the armchairs in front of the fireplace, staring into the cold grate.

"Remus?" she said again. He looked up at her, seeming surprised by her presence. Teddy grinned at his father, but Remus didn't react. Hermione saw the bag sitting on the floor near his feet and summoned it to her.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but Teddy needed a change," Hermione said. Remus finally seemed to focus in onto the two of them.

"I'm sorry for running out like that," he said, scrubbing a hand down his face. "I don't know what came over me."

"It's all right," Hermione said, putting a hand on his shoulder. She moved to the couch and conjured a blanket before she laid Teddy down and began to change his nappy. Teddy kicked his feet and flailed his arms around, making Hermione laugh as she tried to get the new nappy on him properly. She glanced at Remus from the corner of her eye and saw him give his son a faint smile.

"There we are," Hermione said with a smile as she picked Teddy up and vanished the blanket. "That's better, isn't it?" Teddy's response was to smile and grab another chunk of her hair. Hermione laughed. "I'll take that as a yes."

"Thank you for taking care of him," Remus said.

"No thanks necessary," Hermione said. "I like watching him." Teddy reached out for his father and Hermione passed the baby over, his hair shifting as Remus took hold of him. Remus smiled sadly and ran his hands over Teddy's now black locks. Hermione bit her lip, knowing that Teddy's changing hair color had to remind Remus of Tonks. She knew it was likely difficult and a gift all at the same time. Perhaps she should leave them alone.

As she rose from the couch, Teddy's hand landed on Remus cheek. Remus reached up and took the little hand in his own, kissing the palm and making Teddy giggle. Remus smiled and hugged the boy to him. Teddy put his head down on Remus' shoulder, tucked into the crook of his neck. Remus began to rub his back. Hermione felt tears gather at the sweetness of the moment but blinked them back quickly.

She took a few steps towards Remus and put a hand on his shoulder again, giving it a squeeze this time. He looked up gratefully at her.

"I'll just let Andromeda know where you are," Hermione said.

"Thank you, Hermione." Hermione nodded and walked across the room, turning back when she reached the doorway. She watched Remus for a moment as he sat quietly with his son. The sadness was still in his eyes, but it was tempered somewhat, by Teddy's presence Hermione was sure. She turned and left the room, heart aching for the man that had lost so much.

23 August 1998

"Potions?" Amy questioned. "Like cauldrons, eyes of newt, toes of frog?" Hermione laughed.

"Exactly like that," she said. Amy's eyes widened and then she shook her head.

"I don't know if I'll ever get used to this."

"Honestly, those fairy tale creatures you read about as a kid?" Amy nodded. "Pretty much all real." Amy's mouth dropped open in shock. She then looked in concern at her sister as if she should rethink this entire decision. Hermione quickly reassured her.

"Don't worry, the dangerous ones, like dragons, are kept on special preserves away from people. Any creatures Annie will have contact with will be tame or friendly." Hermione chose not to mention Fluffy or the troll from her first year or the Acromantulas that she assumed still lived in the Forbidden Forest or Hagrid, for that matter.

They were walking towards the Leaky Cauldron, intending on meeting Sarah there with Claire and David. Hermione had spent the last week talking to Amy and answering all her questions and concerns. Professor McGonagall had also made a visit to the flat, to explain the safety measures that were in place at Hogwarts. After the visit, Amy had finally agreed to allow Annie to attend the school.

Hermione had spoken with the headmistress after her visit to Annie's flat. She agreed to retain her Prefect title but declined the Head Girl position. While it had once been Hermione's dream to be Head Girl, the war and Voldemort had made that seem a little less important. Besides, Hermione wasn't a true seventh year and didn't want to take that accomplishment away from someone else.

Truth be told, she was looking forward to not having all that much responsibility and had considered returning her Prefect badge as well. It was Professor McGonagall that convinced her to keep it. Ginny had been made Quidditch captain, of course, and Harry already intended to request the day off for every match.

Hermione and Ron were talking a bit again, although it was still somewhat awkward. Hermione didn't see much of him, as she had decided to stay in her parents' house and both Ron and Harry were still incredibly busy with Auror training. Hermione had attended Sunday dinner at the Burrow the day before, something that had become a bit of a weekly tradition, and it had been almost like old times with the three of them.

Hermione did still miss Ron, but she was starting to think that it wasn't the romantic aspect of the relationship that she missed, so much as the friendship. That wasn't to say that she still didn't miss having him as her boyfriend, but she wondered if they hadn't been such good friends first, if she would miss him at all.

"I don't see it," Amy said, pulling Hermione from her musings. Hermione looked up and saw that they were standing in front of the Leaky Cauldron. Annie rolled her eyes.

"It's right there," she said pointing to what Hermione knew Amy would see as a broken-down shop between the bookstore and the record store.

"That place?" Amy said incredulously. "It's closed." Hermione smiled, remembering the exact same reaction from her parents the first time they'd come here.

"Take her hand, Annie," Hermione reminded the younger girl. Annie nodded and took her sister's hand.

"Now, look," Annie said. Amy glanced up and gasped.

"Let's go in," Hermione said, ushering them both into the pub. Sarah, David and Claire were sitting at a table just inside the door. While the children and Sarah had all been here before, Amy had not and was staring at everything, wide-eyed. Hermione hurried them through the pub to the back courtyard.

Amy gaped as Hermione tapped the bricks and the doorway to Diagon Alley opened. Hermione smiled and they all stepped through.

"Whoa!" Daniel said. "It looks so different." Hermione frowned, remembering the way the Alley had looked before her sixth year. She could only imagine how much worse it must have been last year when they had come as new first years to do their shopping.

Hermione looked around as they walked down the street towards Gringotts to exchange their Muggle money for galleons. Nearly all the shops were now reopened, even more than had been a month ago when Hermione had last been here. Fortescue's was a notable exception. Hermione hoped that someone would take it over. The ice cream parlor had been one of her most favorite things about coming here. Second to Flourish and Blotts, of course.

After exchanging money, they made their way through the shops, the younger children and Hermione picking up everything on their lists. Hermione was happy to see that Ollivander's was open once again, the old wand-maker having finally recovered from his ordeal at Malfoy Manor. It wasn't until they were in Flourish and Blotts that Hermione faltered.

Hermione left Sarah and Amy near the front, browsing through the wizarding fiction section, while she took the children to the back. Walking through the Transfiguration section in search of not only her and the first-years' required textbooks, but a few other books that she wanted to read, Hermione stopped short. Directly in front of her was Narcissa Malfoy. Hermione had forgotten that the woman's house arrest had been over two weeks prior.

"Hermione?" Claire questioned when Hermione abruptly stopped. The name caused Mrs. Malfoy to look up. The two women locked eyes for a moment before Mrs. Malfoy's gaze flicked to Hermione's forearm. The older woman flinched and looked away. Hermione pulled in a breath and let it out slowly. She would not have a panic attack in the middle of Flourish and Blotts.

David and Annie came around the corner, laughing about something and stopped short, clearly sensing the tension in front of them.

"Hermione?" David said walking up next to her and looking from Hermione to Mrs. Malfoy in concern.

"Did you find our books?" Annie asked as Claire slipped her hand into Hermione's. The gesture pulled Hermione from her daze. She looked down at the three children around her who were all looking at her in concern.

"Oh, yes, yes I did," Hermione said. She passed the Transfiguration texts out to the three of them. "Let's go and find your Charms books, all right?" David glanced at Mrs. Malfoy again, frown on his face as Hermione spun around and began to walk quickly down the row towards the Charms section. She looked over her shoulder when they reached it and saw Mrs. Malfoy walking briskly to the counter. She had pulled up the hood on her cloak to mostly hide her face which explained how she was able to shop without being accosted by the press or other customers. Hermione sighed in relief when the woman left the shop. Obviously, she had been here for Draco's school things.

"Who was that lady?" Annie asked.

"Just someone I'd rather not talk to," Hermione said trying to keep her voice bright. She pulled three first-year Charms books from the shelves. "Here are the Charms books." David took his with a furrowed brow, clearly still troubled about Hermione's reaction. Hermione tried to busy herself with the books.

"All right, we've got Potions and Herbology left," she said. "Those are over this way." She led the three children to another section but felt David's eyes on her the entire time. After they had finished with their books, Hermione had left them with Sarah and Amy so Hermione could get her Arithmancy and Ancient Runes texts. Turning a corner, Hermione leaned back against a shelf and let out a shaky breath.

Possibly seeing Narcissa Malfoy had not even entered her mind when Hermione had left for Diagon Alley this morning. She hoped it was simply the surprise of the entire thing that had caused such a visceral reaction from her, or she was going to be in serious trouble when Draco showed up in her classes this year. It had almost been as if she was back there, in the Manor, Bellatrix screaming at her to tell the truth. Hermione's hand came up to cover the scar on her arm, the scar that she'd glamoured this morning before she left her house. She knew that Mrs. Malfoy had recognized the spell.

"Hermione?" David said and Hermione jumped.

"David, you startled me." He stared at her for a moment.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Hermione forced a smile.

"Yes, I'm fine." The boy didn't look convinced.

"I'll help you find the rest of your books." Hermione smiled again, this time genuinely.

"Thanks, David." She put a hand on his shoulder and let him carry her remaining two textbooks to the counter for her.

"Wow," Annie said as they stepped into Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Claire nodded in agreement, but David simply gaped, his eyes glazed over. Hermione chuckled at their expressions.

"I've never seen anything like this in my life," Sarah said sounding awestruck.

"It is rather impressive," Hermione agreed.

"Can I put that on my next advert, Granger?" George asked teasingly. "I can see the headline now. 'Brightest Witch of her Age says WWW Impressive'." Hermione rolled her eyes and George grinned. "Who're your friends?"

"This is David, Annie and Claire," Hermione introduced. "They'll be first years. And this is Sarah, Claire's mother and Amy, Annie's sister."

"Muggle-borns, yeah?" George said

"What if we are?" David said, a bit defensively. Claire crossed her arms over her chest and Annie scowled. Hermione bit her lip so as not to laugh.

"Whoa, there," George said putting up his hands in surrender. "Nothing against Muggle-borns here, mate. Hermione's like my sister." The girls relaxed, although David still looked skeptical.

"Speaking of sisters," Hermione said. "Is Ginny here?"

"Yeah, in back," George said. "She should be out in a minute. As for the three of you, pick out something you like. First-time customers, it's on the house." David finally smiled and the three children stepped further into the shop.

"Rough crowd," George said as he turned back to Hermione.

"Just sensitive," Hermione said. "They spent last year in Azkaban." George looked horrified.

"Those are the ones that you helped out at Hogwarts?" he said. Hermione nodded. She wasn't surprised George didn't remember. He hadn't been aware of much those first few days after the Battle. "Shite."

"Yeah," Hermione said with a sigh.

"Hey, Hermione," Ginny said as she came out of the back room with an armful of boxes. "The kids are here?" Hermione nodded and pointed them out. Ginny smiled at the excitement on their faces as George walked towards David. "How did shopping go?" Hermione felt herself tense.

"Fine," she said, but Ginny's eyes narrowed.

"What happened?"

"Why do you think something happened?" Hermione asked.

"Because I know you." Hermione sighed.

"I ran into Narcissa Malfoy at Flourish and Blotts," Hermione said.

"What?" Ginny exclaimed.

"Shh, Ginny," Hermione hissed.

"Sorry, but what happened?"

"Nothing, actually. She was in the Transfiguration section when I came around the corner. I'm guessing she was getting Draco's books. It just surprised me is all."

"Are you all right?"

"Yes," Hermione said. "It's probably a good thing the kids were with me. I'm not sure if I would have kept it together otherwise." Ginny wrapped her in a hug.

"I don't blame you," she said. Hermione hugged her back for a moment before she pulled away.

"I'm fine," Hermione said. Ginny looked skeptical. "I'd better make sure the kids don't leave with something too terrible."

"Hermione," Ginny said, but Hermione shook her head.

"Honestly, Gin, I'm fine."

"I'm off at five," Ginny said. "I can stop by your house after." Hermione smiled. Ginny had convinced Arthur to take her to the Ministry just days after her seventeenth birthday to take her Apparition test. Not having had any formal training at Hogwarts, Molly had been beside herself, convinced Ginny would splinch, but the redhead, at no surprise to Hermione, had passed on the first try. Determination was practically Ginny Weasley's middle name.

"All right," Hermione agreed. Even though Hermione knew Ginny was offering simply because she was worried about Hermione, it would be nice to have a little company. "We'll get takeaway from that Chinese place you like." Ginny grinned.

"Excellent," Ginny said. "I'll see you later." Hermione nodded and walked across the shop to where the kids were all crowded around the Skiving Snackboxes. She laughed at the look on Claire's face as George described how the Puking Pastilles worked.

"Maybe you should pick something else," Hermione suggested. "First-years don't need to skive off class."

"Binns, Hermione, Binns," George reminded her. Hermione couldn't help but laugh.

"I don't want to sick up in class anyway," Claire said, nose wrinkled. "That's disgusting."

"What kind of customers have you brought me, Granger?" George said in mock horror. Hermione smiled widely at him. It was good to see George more like his old self although she could still see the hint of sadness in his eyes.

"The kind that had better pick something out," Hermione said. "It's getting late." Sarah and Amy steered the children away from the Snackboxes and towards the more benign items.

A few minutes later, their purchases had been made and they were heading back toward the Leaky Cauldron. As they walked, Hermione tried to analyze her reaction to seeing Mrs. Malfoy in the bookstore. After all, it wasn't the first time Hermione had seen her since the Manor. Mrs. Malfoy and Draco had been at Hogwarts for a few days after the Battle and Hermione had attended the trials. Perhaps it was the proximity. There had been distance between them at the other places, as well as plenty of other people around. Today, it had only been Hermione and three twelve-year-olds that she felt protective over.

Deciding that was likely the reason, Hermione relaxed a bit and let out a breath. Seeing Draco in class would likely not have much of an effect on her, if any. Claire asked her a question and Hermione smiled down at her. She'd enjoyed herself today and she wasn't going to let an appearance by Narcissa Malfoy ruin it.