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Chapter 28

Unexpected

7 October 1998

Remus groaned as he woke to Teddy's cries once again. This was the third time tonight. Blearily hauling himself to his feet, Remus made his way down the corridor to Teddy's room. Teddy was sitting in his cot, looking miserable, which, of course, he was.

"All right," Remus said as he reached for his son. "It's all right." Teddy immediately buried his face in Remus' neck while Remus rubbed his back. "Teething isn't any fun, is it?" Teddy whimpered in response, his hair cycling quickly through colors as it was wont to do when he was upset. Remus reached for the teething ring lying on the changing table and cast the freezing charm on it before handing it to his son. Teddy gummed it, his whimpers tapering off. Remus picked up the small vial of pain relieving potion Andromeda had brewed a few days ago. He had just rubbed a bit on Teddy's gums a couple of hours ago and unfortunately for the baby, he shouldn't get anymore until morning.

Remus sank down into the rocking chair, still rubbing Teddy's back as he chewed on the teething ring.

"I'm sorry you're having such a rough time," Remus said quietly, hating to see his boy in so much pain. Even Andromeda was a bit surprised at how much Teddy had been suffering.

The last few weeks had been a complete blur. Teddy had been waking up as much as four or five times a night and only seemed to quiet if he was held upright. Remus had spent many a night sleeping in this chair, which, even with cushioning charms, wasn't the most comfortable thing to do. Normally, he and Andromeda took turns getting up with Teddy, but the full moon had been two nights ago and Andromeda had been taking care of Teddy on her own. Remus had insisted she use a silencing charm tonight, seeing how exhausted the woman was. And so, Remus was up for the third time.

He rocked as Teddy quieted further, the teething ring finally falling from his hand into Remus' lap, as Teddy succumbed to sleep once more. Remus set it on the small side table and relaxed back into the rocking chair as much as he could, still rubbing small circles on Teddy's back. He closed his eyes and rested his head against the back of the chair.

He couldn't quite believe how quickly time was passing. It seemed like yesterday Teddy was a tiny newborn and now he was nearly six months old. He had mastered sitting up on his own just last week and now he was getting teeth. Remus tipped his head down and kissed the top of Teddy's head, wishing again as he always did that Dora was here to see him. Although, he thought with a smile, given how much she loved her sleep, Remus would have likely been the one up in the night anyway. Somehow, he didn't think he would have minded.

He closed his eyes and let the image of the three of them form, Teddy asleep on his chest, while Dora snuggled up to his side, Remus' arm around her. He'd had that, for a few short weeks. He waited for the pain to come as it always did when he allowed himself to think of his wife and what he had lost. And while the pain came, Remus was surprised that it wasn't quite as sharp as it normally was. Still there, yes, but not quite the white-hot poker to the chest that he normally experienced. Kissing the top of Teddy's head again, Remus chose not to think about it, instead, settling back into the chair and letting himself drift off to dream of things that would never be.

24 October 1998

Hermione walked with Ginny to the Entrance Hall to meet with Luna before they went down to Hogsmeade. Ginny was practically vibrating with excitement.

"What if he got called into work?" Hermione asked. Ginny rounded on her, fire in her eyes.

"Do not even joke about that, Hermione Granger!" Hermione couldn't help but laugh. "If he did, I will have to hurt someone." Hermione was about to say something else, when she saw Ginny's expression shift to worry.

"Gin, I'm sorry, I was just kidding. I'm sure Harry will be there."

"It's just, gods, I miss him so much," Ginny said.

"I know," Hermione said. "I miss him too." Ginny narrowed her eyes at Hermione. "Not like you miss him, eww." Hermione wrinkled her nose and Ginny smirked.

They reached the Entrance Hall and spotted Luna standing against the wall near the front doors. She had her butterbeer cork necklace on and what looked like weeds woven into her hair.

"Hey, Luna," Ginny said as they reached her.

"Hello," Luna said.

"Your hair looks, erm, nice," Hermione said.

"Thank you," Luna replied, but didn't elaborate.

"Did you hear from Neville?" Hermione asked. The last they'd heard, Neville wasn't sure if he would be able to make it to the village.

"Oh, yes," Luna said. "He was able to trade a shift with someone."

"That's great," Ginny said.

"Yes, I would like to kiss him again," Luna said and Hermione snorted out a laugh.

"After what we saw at the train station, I don't blame you," Ginny joked.

"I suppose I'll get to be the fifth wheel today," Hermione said with a sigh.

"Don't worry, Hermione," Ginny said, looping her arm through Hermione's. "I promise not to ditch you until after lunch."

"Gee, thanks," Hermione said dryly. The three of them approached Professor Flitwick, who waved them on without a word, given they were all of age.

Ginny squealed as they came down the path and into view of the village. Harry grinned widely and began to walk quickly towards her as Ginny ran to meet him. Hermione smiled as Harry picked Ginny up and swung her around, before setting her back on her feet and kissing her soundly. Neville was hurrying towards Luna to do the same and it was only then that Hermione saw a familiar figure standing behind Neville.

She immediately tensed. Hermione had sent Ron a short note, thanking him for her birthday gift. But she hadn't acknowledged it beyond that. She had gone back and forth about it for weeks afterward but had ultimately decided she would wait and speak to him about it at Christmas. It just didn't seem like a conversation they should have through letters. She hadn't worn it yet either. It just didn't feel right. However, it seemed as if she might have to have that discussion much earlier than she planned.

As Ginny and Luna were both quite busy with their respective boyfriends, Hermione had no choice but to walk towards Ron. He had a wide smile on his face as she reached him.

"Hi," she said.

"Hey," he replied.

"I didn't know you were going to be here."

"Neither did I," he said. "I ended up with the day off, so I thought I'd tag along with Harry."

"Oh," Hermione said. They stood in silence for a few moments.

"It's good to see you," Ron said.

"You too," Hermione replied. She saw him glance at her wrist. Thankfully, they'd had a bit of a cold snap and she was bundled up against the cold, a thick jumper on under her cloak. Even if she'd been wearing the bracelet, Ron wouldn't have been able to see it.

"Ron?" Ginny said, having finally come up for air. "What are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too," Ron said with a roll of his eyes. Ginny laughed and hugged her brother.

"What are you doing here, though?" He shrugged.

"Had the day off, thought I'd come with Harry, see how things are going."

"Oh, well, that's fortunate," Luna said. "Now Hermione won't have to be the fifth wheel." Hermione instantly colored when Ron chuckled.

"Good to see you, Luna," Ron said.

"Well, let's not stand around here," Ginny said. "Come on." She tugged Harry's hand and headed for the Quidditch shop. Hermione fell into step next to Ron as Luna dragged Neville off somewhere, promising to meet them for lunch at the Three Broomsticks.

"Never thought those two would end up together," Ron said. Hermione smiled fondly. They were a bit of an unlikely pair, but she thought they were rather adorable together.

"I think they're sweet," Hermione replied. They followed Harry and Ginny into the Quidditch shop, Hermione not really paying attention to the discussion the three of them were having about some new broom that was coming out in a few months. She wandered around the shop until Ron finally noticed she was no longer with them and convinced Harry and Ginny to go to Honeydukes instead.

The longer the four of them walked around together, the more relaxed Hermione became. Things got less awkward with Ron the more they joked and laughed with Harry and Ginny. He didn't mention the bracelet and Hermione decided not to bring it up either. Maybe he had just sent it because they were friends.

"I see Zonko's hasn't reopened yet," Harry said.

"Is George still thinking about buying it?" Hermione asked.

"He hasn't mentioned it," Ron said. "I think he's still trying to get used to, well, you know." They all fell silent thinking of Fred, Ginny leaning into Harry's side with a sniffle.

"We said we'd meet Luna and Neville in a few minutes," Hermione finally said. "Should we head over there?" They all nodded and began walking towards the Three Broomsticks.

It was crowded inside, as usual, and Hermione didn't see Luna and Neville anywhere. She made her way to the back of the pub, finally finding a table when a group of Ravenclaws got up to leave. Neville and Luna came in just as the rest of them were sitting down, Neville looking very disheveled and a bit out of breath.

"All right there, Nev?" Ron asked with a smirk. Neville turned bright red.

"We're both quite fine," Luna said with a satisfied smile. Hermione barely held back a snort as they all squeezed around the small table. It was a tight fit; the table was more suited to four people than six. Hermione found herself sandwiched between Ginny and Ron, her arm pressed against Ron's. No matter how she tried to maneuver her chair, Hermione couldn't really do much about the contact. Sighing, she decided to ignore it and enjoy their lunch.

When they finished, Neville and Luna got up to leave again, they rest of them watching with amusement, but Ron didn't move over straight away. Hermione waited until he finished telling Harry something, assuming he would move then, but he didn't.

"Ron," she finally said. "Why don't you scoot over a bit? There's no reason why we need to be on each other's laps anymore."

"Oh, right, sorry," Ron said, moving, but not nearly as far as he could have.

"Well, this has been fun, but it's time for Harry and me to have a little alone time," Ginny said, waggling her eyebrows at them.

"Bloody hell, Gin, we don't need to know that," Ron said in disgust. Ginny just laughed as she got up from the table and grabbed Harry's hand, dragging him from the pub.

"I suppose I'll head back up to school," Hermione said as she rose.

"Don't you want to go to Tomes and Scrolls?" Hermione looked at Ron in surprise. Never once, in all their years of school, had he asked her if she wanted to go to the bookshop.

"Are you volunteering to go to the bookshop with me?" Ron laughed.

"Yeah," he said. "I guess I am."

"I'd better write this down on my calendar," Hermione teased. "Ron Weasley voluntarily offers to go to a bookshop." He pretended to be offended, then grinned and got up from his chair, ushering her from the pub. They chatted amicably as they walked towards Tomes and Scrolls and Hermione started to think that maybe they were on their way to being friends again.

When they reached the shop, Ron followed her inside, but turned to the Quidditch section as she browsed through the Transfiguration section. There was still another book she'd been looking for the day she'd run into Narcissa Malfoy in Flourish and Blotts. She walked down the row, running her finger over spines of books, looking for the title she was searching for.

Ron left her alone for a good half an hour before he finally got bored and came to find her. He hovered without saying anything for at least ten minutes before Hermione decided he was likely at the end of his patience for her browsing. She made her purchases and the two of them left the shop.

"I really should be heading back," Hermione said.

"What's it like, being here again?" Ron asked.

"Hard sometimes," Hermione admitted. "And it's strange without you and Harry here. But it's been good."

"So, you're glad you came back?"

"Yes." Hermione glanced at him. "What about you? Do you ever regret not returning?"

"You know studying was never my thing," Ron said with a laugh. Then he sobered. "I do miss it, a bit, but no, I don't think I could have come back. Not with…Fred and everything." Hermione nodded. She knew that Ginny avoided the corridor where Fred was killed, going out of her way to get places sometimes.

"You're happy with the Aurors then?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"You think so?"

"It's not exactly what I thought it would be. There's a lot more paperwork than you'd ever imagine." Hermione chuckled. "And we're not completely out of training yet. Once we are, it will probably be different. But yeah, it's been good."

They had reached the road back up to the school and Hermione turned to Ron.

"I'm glad you decided to come, Ron." Ron's entire face lit up.

"Me too." Impulsively, Hermione hugged him. She was a bit surprised, however, when Ron held on to her just a bit too tightly and for a bit too long. When he released her, she stepped back quickly. He faltered for a moment, then smiled at her again.

"I guess I'll see you at Christmas."

"Yes, sure," Hermione replied. "I'll let your mum know what my plans are once I talk to my parents."

"Sounds great," Ron said with another smile.

"Bye, Ron."

"Good-bye, Hermione." Hermione turned and hurried up the road to the school, feeling Ron watching her until she was out of sight. Once she reached the gates of the school, she blew out a breath. After today, she was pretty sure that Ron had more than friendship on his mind.

9 November 1998

Remus settled himself into the chair in front of Minerva's desk while she prepared tea for the two of them. After she had handed him his cup, she sat down behind her desk.

"I have to admit, it's still a bit strange to see you sitting there," Remus said.

"It's sometimes a bit strange to be sitting here," Minerva said with a smile. "How are Andromeda and Teddy?"

"Doing well," Remus said. "Last week was…difficult." Minerva nodded in understanding. The six-month anniversary of the end of the war hadn't been easy on anyone.

"Yes, it was," she agreed. "Poppy ran out of both Calming Draught and Dreamless Sleep." Remus sighed and shook his head.

"Six months," he said. "It doesn't seem that long and yet it seems like an age ago all at the same time." Minerva nodded in agreement. "But I know you didn't ask me here to discuss the war."

"No," Minerva agreed. "I would like to once again retain your services as a tutor."

"Classes not going well?" Remus questioned.

"It isn't that," Minerva said. "As you're aware, we teachers tend to do a bit of review every fall. Students get a little out of practice over the summer holiday. But that normally doesn't take more than two or three weeks. All the staff has been reporting that they are still reviewing much of what was taught last year, especially with the younger students. And in classes like Muggle Studies and Defense, which were basically not taught at all last year, they are having an even harder time catching up. The professors are trying to teach two years' worth of material in one year. I'm sure you can imagine that students and teachers alike are rather frustrated."

"I'm sure," Remus said. "I'm happy to help, as you know, but you mentioned it was mostly the younger students?"

"Yes, the second through fifth years seem to be having the most difficulty. Most of the older students seemed to handle last year's…horrors a bit better than the younger students. I'm sure age and experience helped in that regard."

"Well, then we may have a problem," Remus began, but Minerva cut him off with a wave of her hand.

"I have complete discretion in this matter, Remus," she said.

"I understand that, but I don't want there to be any problems when parents find out that their children are being tutored by a werewolf."

"There won't be," Minerva insisted. Remus looked at her skeptically.

"I know you're aware of the prejudices against werewolves in our world, Minerva. Not to mention the legislation that Umbridge managed to get passed."

"Legislation which Kingsley is actively working to repeal," Minerva said.

"But it is still in place," Remus pointed out.

"Technically, yes, but the exception he passed last week will allow me to hire you."

"As long as I'm registered with the Ministry," Remus said, somewhat bitterly. Minerva looked confused.

"I thought that you were registered?"

"I am," Remus said, more than a bit irritated. "It's just the principle. Many werewolves won't register, they don't trust the Ministry. Which means their chances for employment are still virtually nothing. That only compounds the problem Greyback created."

"I understand your feelings on this Remus, truly I do," Minerva said with a sigh. "And I agree with you. But at this point, it was the best Kingsley could do with the bigotry that still runs rampant on the Wizengamot. Greyback didn't do the werewolf population any favors with his behavior during the war." The undercurrent of anger that Remus always felt for his maker flared through him and he fisted his hands in his lap. He pulled in a breath through his nose and let it out slowly. "I think that you working here could actually help Kingsley's efforts."

"So, I'm the pet werewolf again, am I?" Minerva looked taken aback.

"Remus, you know I don't think of you that way," she said, frown on her face.

"I'm sorry," he said with a sigh. "None of this is your fault. It's just, it's been a rough week." Two days after the anniversary had been the full moon, which, even with the Wolfsbane, had been much more difficult than usual, given his lingering grief. Teddy had finally started sleeping through the night again a week before the anniversary, when he'd gotten four teeth in the space of three days. It explained why the boy had been so miserable. But he then hit another growth spurt a few days ago and had been sleeping so much during the day that he didn't want to go down at night. If they woke him from his naps to prevent that problem, he was cranky and irritable. It was a no-win situation.

"I understand," Minerva said. "And I don't blame you for the way you feel. But Remus, you can help."

"I know," he said. He smiled. "Of course, I would love to take the job."

"Excellent," she said. "Professors have turned in lists to me of the students they feel need the most help and I will begin setting up sessions for them. When can you start?"

"I should probably give Andromeda a little notice, so what about Wednesday?"

"That will be perfect," Minerva said. She stood and Remus did the same. She walked him to the door. "I will send you an owl once I have the schedule ready. Thank you for doing this."

"It's my pleasure," Remus said. They made their good-byes and Remus left the office. As he rode the staircase down, he wondered if he, and the rest of his fellow werewolves, would ever escape the legacy of Greyback.

30 November 1998

Hermione sighed as she thought about the letter from Ron again. Letters, he had started writing her letters. Ron never wrote her letters. And now he was talking about trying to come to the next Hogsmeade weekend. She had been worrying about it for days now. She'd lost a bit of sleep over it, actually.

After the first Hogsmeade visit and the hug that had made Hermione suspect that Ron was interested in more than being just her friend, Hermione had thought seriously about it. There was a part of her that really thought it might be a good idea, the part that argued with her when Hermione remembered their rows. Ron had said he was angry and he was letting it affect their relationship, that was the only reason they had fought so often. She had started three separate letters to him about getting back together, throwing away each one minutes later when the rational part of her disagreed. She and Ron always argued, they had since they were eleven. And it wasn't always because he was angry at the world.

Despite their differences, it had still taken her quite some time to accept that things were over after they'd broken things off during the summer. Her frantic cleaning days at Grimmauld Place were testament to that. In all honesty, it hadn't been until she had really begun thinking about getting back together with him that she finally realized she wasn't really interested in him romantically anymore.

And now there were the letters. Letters that were increasingly making it apparent that Ron was still interested in her. She wasn't sure what to do. She definitely couldn't tell him in a letter. And if he did make it to Hogsmeade, she really didn't want to have it out with him in the village. She was sure that he would be hurt and when he got hurt, he got angry and lashed out. But she didn't want to give him the wrong idea either. She would just have to hope that Ron couldn't make it to Hogsmeade and then talk to him as soon as she could over the Christmas holiday.

"Watch it, Granger," a familiar voice said as Hermione turned the corner to Defense and ran into someone. Hermione looked up to see Draco Malfoy standing in front of her.

"Malfoy," she muttered, still reminded of her torture at the Manor every time she saw him. She didn't visibly flinch anymore, but her stomach would churn and she would have to force herself to breathe evenly whenever she came face to face with him. Thankfully, he ignored her for the most part.

Today though, he stared at her for a long moment before he finally turned away, leaning back against the wall, looking bored. Hermione bit her lip and walked to the other side of the corridor, hoping Ginny and Luna showed up soon.

"Hey, Hermione." Hermione looked up and smiled at Anthony Goldstein, happy to have a friendly face waiting for class with her.

"Hi, Anthony."

"Did you get that Transfiguration essay done?"

"Yes, last night," Hermione replied. They continued to make small talk until Professor Higgins opened the door to allow them into the classroom. He was a retired Auror from Ireland and while he was a bit gruff, he at least seemed to know what he was doing. Hermione, along with the rest of the D.A., had had little trouble in class so far, everything they were being taught were spells they had all mastered and used during the war. Hermione sat with Anthony as Ginny and Luna slipped in at the last minute and took a desk next to them.

"Today, we're going to try something a little different," Professor Higgins said. "So far, it seems as if I haven't really been able to challenge most of you, so we're going to duel instead." Hermione glanced at Ginny from the corner of her eye. Ginny returned the look, neither of them sure this was a good idea.

"You'll be pairing off and using any of the spells we've practiced so far, along with a few others I've written on the board. Anyone that casts anything not on the list will immediately be disqualified, along with serving detention with me and losing a massive amount of House Points, not to mention being reported to the Headmistress. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," the class responded.

"Now, you'll be paired off randomly and the winner of each duel will face the winner of one of the others and so on until we have an overall winner." He waved his wand and a list of pairings appeared on the second blackboard, along with a ladder as to who they would face next if they won.

"Everyone out of their seats please and up here to the front of the room," the professor continued. He waved his wand and the desks all slid to the sides of the room. Drawing off three squares on the floor with his wand, he called the first three pairs and sent them to one of the squares. Hermione moved to the side of the room and stood next to Ginny, who still looked apprehensive.

"I have a feeling this is going to be a disaster," Ginny said. Hermione nodded. Most of her fellow seventh-years still had flashbacks to the war from time to time. A few weeks ago, on the six-month anniversary of the Final Battle, Madame Pomfrey had run out of Calming Draught by supper.

"I wonder if he asked Professor McGonagall about this before he decided to do it," Hermione said.

"Doubt it," Ginny said with a snort. They clapped as Luna won her duel against one of the seventh-year Hufflepuffs. Professor Higgins called the next pair and Ginny gave Hermione a smile that looked more like a grimace before she walked off to face Daphne Greengrass.

Ginny won her duel and Hermione did as well, against a Ravenclaw that was in Ginny's year. As the second round started, Hermione watched all her fellow students closely. Corinne, one of Hermione's new dorm mates was visibly shaking and Anthony was muttering to himself under his breath. Anthony had won his initial duel, but Corinne had not. Hermione was about to go to her side when she saw the professor walk up to her and begin speaking softly. Corinne nodded and picked up her bag before leaving the classroom. Well, at least he was being vigilant about it. Hermione moved next to Anthony instead.

"All right, Anthony?" she asked. He started and then looked at her for a few moments.

"Yeah," he said with a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I'm fine." Hermione watched the duels for a few moments. "

"You would think that an Auror would have thought of a better idea than this," Hermione said.

"The last person I dueled was a Death Eater, during the Final Battle," Anthony said quietly. "He was much quicker than me and I thought for sure that I was going to die." Hermione reached out and squeezed his hand. He gave her a grateful smile. "I probably would have too, but a giant smashed through the wall behind the Death Eater, just as he was about to cast an Avada. The spell went wide and I ducked and ran back to the Great Hall after that. Tripped over a pile of rubble and broke my ankle right before I got there. Madame Pomfrey kept me out of the rest of it."

"I dueled Bellatrix Lestrange right before Molly Weasley killed her," Hermione said with a shudder. She could still see the maniacal gleam in the woman's eye as she carved into Hermione's arm in Malfoy Manor. Anthony returned her hand squeeze and Hermione smiled up at him. Ginny had just won her second duel and Hermione was called forward next.

"Good luck," Anthony said.

"Thanks," Hermione replied.

The numbers continued to dwindle and more students left the classroom, all suffering from some kind of panic attack or flashback or something similar. Hermione wondered how long it would take for Madame Pomfrey to notify Professor McGonagall. Hermione suspected the headmistress was not going to be pleased when she found out.

So far, everyone had followed the rules about the types of spells that could be used and Hermione supposed that was something, at least. Hermione had just beaten Luna and Ginny was currently dueling Malfoy. Malfoy was more skilled than Ginny, but Ginny had anger on her side. She was aware that Malfoy had stood by while Hermione was tortured in his house and what had happened in the Room of Requirement during the Final Battle. The Horcruxes were a secret from almost everyone, but Harry had told Ginny everything.

In the end, Malfoy's skill got the better of Ginny. While she was distracted deflecting a water spell he'd cast at her that had broken through her shield, he quickly disarmed her. Hermione clapped politely along with the remainder of the class, as Malfoy bowed to Ginny. She blew a strand of hair out of her face and nodded to him. Joining Hermione, Ginny conjured a glass of water and drank it down quickly.

"You did a great job, Gin," Hermione said.

"Thanks," she said with a smile. "At least I got a few hits in. Wish I could have Bat Bogey'd him though." Hermione chuckled.

"And now, for our final duel of the afternoon, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy." Hermione's mouth went dry, her heart plummeting into her stomach. "Since Mr. Malfoy has just finished a duel, we'll give him a five-minute respite before we begin again."

"Hermione?" Ginny questioned.

"I can't," she said.

"Didn't you know this was coming?" Ginny asked as she indicated the blackboard. Hermione shook her head. She hadn't been paying any attention to the results, she had been more concerned about her fellow students and just went to the front when she was called.

"Ginny, I, I can't duel him," Hermione said, panic starting to take over.

"Hermione," Ginny said, grasping Hermione's upper arms. "It's all right. You can beat him."

"It's not that, I," Hermione shook her head, looking across the room to where Draco sat. He must have sensed her eyes on him as he looked up and met her gaze. They stared at each other for a few moments, before he finally looked away.

"Hermione, listen to me. You can do this." Hermione looked at Ginny, panicked. "This isn't the Manor and Bellatrix isn't here. She's dead." Hermione drew in a breath and let it out slowly, nodding at Ginny.

"Not the Manor, right. I can do this."

"You're sure?" Ginny asked. "I know Higgins will let you leave, if you need to."

"No, you're right. This is just a classroom duel. It's not the war. I can do this." Ginny nodded and hugged her quickly. Hermione squared her shoulders and turned toward the middle of the room. Draco rose from his seat as well and the two of them walked towards one another. They stopped and the professor went over the rules again before he told them to begin.

Hermione focused on casting spells instead of who her opponent was. They both moved quickly, wands slashing through the air as they ran through the list of spells that were on the approved list. Hermione was vaguely aware of the rest of the students watching raptly, some talking amongst themselves. She saw Ginny give her a wide smile from the corner of her eye before she threw up another shield. Malfoy was getting creative, throwing spells low or high to try and get over or under her shield. Hermione grinned as he grew more frustrated.

She noticed that the left side of his shield seemed weaker than the right and decided to capitalize on that weakness when she hit him with a stinging jinx. Malfoy rubbed at his arm in irritation and the edge of his Dark Mark became visible. Hermione could see the head of the snake and she faltered. Draco stepped forward, casting another disarming spell at her and Hermione barely got her shield up in time. But she couldn't pull her eyes away from the Dark Mark. Malfoy, still unaware of why she had hesitated, continued to cast. Hermione looked up and saw the determined grimace on his face. Just like in her dream, the one she'd had just after school started where Draco held Hermione under the Cruciatus Curse while Bellatrix carved into her arm.

"No!" Hermione shouted. "No, please!" Draco fumbled for a moment before he looked at Hermione in confusion.

"Please, don't," she said again, backing away from him, holding her hands up in front of her.

"Granger?" Malfoy said in bewilderment.

"We found it," Hermione insisted. "We found it. I swear!" Draco's eyes widened and his wand arm dropped. He took a step back from her, a look of horror on his face. Hermione stared at him, beginning to shake. "Please."

"Hermione!" Ginny said as she ran to her friend's side. "Hermione, it's all right." Hermione glanced at Ginny, perplexed. What was Ginny doing here?

"Miss Granger," Professor Higgins said quietly. Hermione's head whipped towards him and then she looked frantically around her. The Manor disappeared and the classroom came back into focus. She saw all her classmates looking at her with a mixture of concern and pity on their faces. Hermione locked eyes with Draco, who looked sick.

"Hermione," Ginny said again but Hermione shook her head and spun on her heel. She ran from the classroom, Ginny and her professor calling her name behind her.

She ran blindly down the corridor, tears running down her cheeks. She ducked into a secret passage she, Harry and Ron had found in fifth year and ran until she could no longer see through her tears. Stopping, she sunk down to the floor and buried her face in her knees and sobbed.

Remus hurried down the corridor, lighting his wand as he went. If he didn't hurry, he was going to be late for his next tutoring session, things having run long with the fourth-years he had been working with on Defense. Ducking into a secret passage that he and his friends had found their fourth year, he hurried towards the other end which would bring him out one corridor over from the classroom where he was meeting his second-years. He faltered a moment when he heard crying. Hurrying forward, Remus was shocked to see Hermione huddled on the ground, sobbing.

"Hermione?" he said as he squatted beside her. Hermione looked up at him in surprise, wiping hastily at her tears. "What happened, Hermione? Are you hurt?" She shook her head and turned away from him, trying to hide her face, even as she continued to cry. "Hermione, please tell me what's wrong." He put a hand on her shoulder and she cried harder.

Remus sat down next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. She froze for a moment before she turned towards him, hiding her face in his chest and sobbing as if her heart would break. He wrapped both arms around her and held her tightly as she continued to cry.

"Hermione, it's all right," he said, running his hand down her hair. "It's all right, I've got you." Hermione's arms snaked around his waist and he continued to soothe her, all the while wondering what the hell had happened to make her so upset.