The next morning dawned bright and cold. Hermione's eyes were swollen from crying and her head felt as if she'd drunk a bottle of firewhiskey. She could only suppose that grief hangovers were quite as bad as alcohol-induced ones. After her breakdown in the passageway the night before, a concerned Remus helped Hermione back to the common room and asked Lily to put her to bed. He offered her a sleeping draught but she declined; after her crying jag she was emotionally and physically drained and knew she would need little help to get to sleep. Remus had not pressed her, for which she was grateful, but she knew sooner or later she would have to answer for her strange behavior. She hoped he would at least grant her the pretty day they had planned at Hogsmeade, and leave the subject alone for the time being. She needed something nice and simple for a change.

She wished that she had accepted the Dreamless Sleep Potion Remus offered her, for her dreams had not been pleasant. In them, she stood before the Wizangamot.

Harry was presiding over the trial, his eyes blazing with hate and betrayal. Ron sat in the jury, looking at her with bewilderment and sorrow. Neville sat beside Ron, quietly crying and holding a candy wrapper. Sirius, Remus and Peter completed the jury; they were half-transformed, monstrous and grotesque. James and Lily were propped up in spectator chairs, dead, their sightless eyes still accusing. Snape sat in the back row, twirling his wand and snickering at her. Dumbledore sat behind the jury looking concerned. Occasionally, Snape would point at Dumbledore with his wand and mouth Avada Kadavra so only Hermione could see, smirking all the while.

"Hermione Jane Granger, you stand accused of betraying the wizarding world and abetting the Dark Lord Voldemort and his followers. You are charged with the murders of Lily and James Potter, Cedric Diggory, Sirius Black and Albus Dumbledore. How do you plead?"

"Harry, no please, you know I couldn't help -" she broke off in horror and agony. The Dark Mark was being seared into her arm before her eyes; she could smell her flesh burning and feared she would faint from the pain.

"We find the defendant guilty!" Remus, Peter and Sirius yelled in a cacophony of growls, howls and squeaks. "The evidence is there on her arm, for all to see."

"It wasn't my fault, it was Granger," Peter added, completing the transformation to rat. He scurried away from the jury box and out the door. He paused to wink at her and wiggle his whiskers before he disappeared from the hall.

"Guilty," Harry screamed, his eyes wild. "You are hereby sentenced to life at Malfoy Manor, until such time as the Malfoys present you with clothes, or you die. Mr. Malfoy, come and collect your prisoner."

Hermione turned with wide, panicked eyes as Lucius Malfoy approached her, his eyes trailing over her body. He held a towel emblazoned with the Malfoy Crest.

"Come, mudblood,," he ordered. "This is your new uniform; put it on here, so everyone can see. Draco is very anxious to share my new toy. We must get you reacquainted quickly."

"No! Remus, Ron, help me! Harry, please, it wasn't me, Harry, I'm sorry!"

Hermione had awoken with a start, covered in sweat, her already swollen eyes leaking fresh tears. Unlike most nightmares, this one did not fade, but remained burned in her brain. Apparently, her subconscious planned to blame her for a few things she had not even considered. Hermione was beginning to believe that every terrible thing that would happen in the next twenty years was her fault and her's alone. This was not a happy thought, and one she knew she should banish as soon as possible - if she wasn't already mad, that certainly would lead the way. She resolved to enjoy her day and visit Dumbledore that night. Something had to give, and soon.

Lily was still sleeping peacefully, so Hermione showered and dressed quietly, treading carefully so as not to wake her dorm mates. She decided to wait in the common room until her friends were ready to go; she thought the fire would be comforting on this cold morning. When she descended the stairs, however, she saw Sirius and Peter already up and playing chess, a sight that reminded her forcibly of Ron and Harry.

"Good morning, Hermione," Peter greeted her cheerfully. "You're up early. You can watch me bear Padfoot at chess."

"He's delirious, Granger," said Sirius. "The only time Wormtail's beaten me at chess was when I was a dog, and that's just because his paws are more nimble."

Hermione smiled. "I thought I was the only psychopath that would be up at this time. Why are you two awake already?"

"We pulled an all-nighter," said Peter.

"Studying?" Hermione asked jealously. "That would have been good; I'm way behind on my Transfiguration work."

"Ahh, simple little Granger. What has been keeping you so busy?" Sirius asked. He grinned at Hermione's blush. "Not studying, my dear. Mischief-managing. Peter and I have had to go it alone the last few times. We didn't go to sleep at all. We can't let our reputations wan just cause Moony and Prongs have a case of girl-itis."

"How very noble of you both," said Hermione. "Are you coming to Hogsmeade?"

"But of course. Wormtail and I have a table reserved for two at Madam Puddifoot's so we won't be left out. Very romantic."

"Yeah, and he has to buy me tea before I snog him," Peter said. "I'm no cheap date."

Hermione laughed. She assumed by their easy manner that Remus had not told them of her post-snog meltdown. For this she was grateful. His and Lily's concerned looks were quite enough; she could not bear for the rest of them to see her so weak and broken. Remus had not pressed her last night; he had no idea why Hermione had wept and she was in no position to enlighten him. She was still shaken by the previous night's emotions and troubled by the implications of her dreams. Her conscious felt no lighter this morning, especially when faced with Sirius and Peter, two best friends who would become bitter enemies. She tried to push these thoughts to the back of her mind. She really was determined to enjoy herself this day. She felt it might be her last peaceful day for a long time to come.

Hermione spent the next hour joking with Sirius and Peter and watching their games of chess. For all their kidding, Peter was every bit as good as Sirius, if not better. He was a sly player, Hermione could not help noticing, quick to sacrifice key players for the sake of his king. He lured Sirius into a false confidence more than oncebefore pouncing and claiming the game. She tried to ignore the implications and just enjoy their company, but it did remind her, once again, who she was dealing with. She could not help feeling relieved when they moved to Exploding Snap, and by the time Remus, Lily and James made their way downstairs, Hermione's mood had improved.

"Hey, gorgeous," he said, kissing her hello. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," she answered truthfully.

"Still up for Hogsmeade?"

"Yes," Hermione said. "You still owe me a date, after all."

"Well, that's aces," he said, grinning.

"Last time," Lily interjected, "I promised Hermione no Quidditch and I had to break my word thanks to Captain Antlers over here. She ended up with a booth for one at the Hog's Head. Not this time, gents. We're steering well clear of both pork and snitches."

Hermione paled at the thought of her Hog's Head experience. Malfoy's cruel drawl made last night's dream erupt in her mind again; she pushed it forcibly down and smiled at Lily.

"Good. You were right about that place. I'm lucky I didn't catch something. I don't fancy going back."

"As if Moony would take you to such a low-class joint," James said. "Don't worry, Hermione, it's moonlight and roses from here on out. Not full-moonlight, of course, but you get my point."

"Lovely," said Hermione. "You know now, Remus, I'm going to expect roses."

"Naturally. Thank you, Prongs, for the reminder." Remus tapped his wand and a lush, fragrant bouquet of pink and yellow roses appeared. "Madam," he said, handing them to her.

Hermione, charmed, responded with a kiss and a squeal. She transfigured a glass into a vase, augmenti-ed it full of water and placed the roses in. "Thank you. They're beautiful."

Remus smiled at her, plucked a pink rose from its stem and tucked it behind her ear. "Perfect. I know it's a bit much for winter, but I'll charm it to stay impervious to the cold."

"Charmed is right," said Hermione. "You're pretty smooth, Remus." He blushed, looking pleased.

"I taught him everything he knows, Hermione," Peter interjected.

"Then it's a wonder Moony even knows what a girl is," said Sirius. "Come, children. Let us away to Hogsmeade on this brisk and blustery day."

"Sirius has been reading muggle literature again," Remus whispered, taking Hermione's hand and leading her out of the common room. "Only he always sounds like he puked up a self-correcting quill. In other words, like an idiot."

Hermione laughed, grateful that Remus wasn't questioning her about last night. He seemed to be following her lead - let's enjoy today and worry about the issues later. In fact, Hermione was indeed delighted to be going to Hogsmeade with Remus and her friends. It just seemed like such a normal thing to do, and exactly what she needed.

As much fun as she and Lily had on their own in Hogsmeade (minus the Malfoy incident, of course), it was that much better in the company of the Marauders. They were just so fun; always joking, running about and generally amusing the Hogsmeade population at large. They even managed to charm Madam Rosemerta in a way Ron never could. Every word and gesture spoke volumes of their easy, open affection for one another, and Hermione was once again amazed she had been accepted into this circle.

Hermione and Remus parted ways with their friends for a spell, with plans to meet at Zonko's in an hour. Hand in hand, the pair strolled leisurely along. Hermione sighed in content.

"Sickle for your thoughts," Remus said.

"Nothing too deep. I'm just enjoying myself."

"You sure look pretty with that flower in your hair," Remus said. "If I wasn't so cold, I'd swear I was on a tropical island, staring at paradise. Care to warm me up and convince me its true?"

Ron would never say anything that nice, Hermione thought, pulling Remus into a kiss. There is something to be said for romance. She allowed him to pull her even closer and deepen the kiss.

"My, my," a silky voice interrupted them. "One would think we were in a tacky secret passageway, and not in the middle of the street. Hardly the place for such clandestine affairs."

Remus and Hermione broke apart, blushing. Remus rounded on Snape, who was looking coolly amused.

"Of course," he continued," I cannot take any points from a fellow prefect, but I fear Miss Granger has just cost her House twenty points for inappropriate behavior. What have the French been teaching you?"

"Why you greasy-"

"Please, Remus," Hermione said, placing a hand on his arm. "Severus (she smiled inwardly as his eyes narrowed at this familiarity) is quite right. We're hardly setting an example for our younger students, now are we? Thank you, Severus, for reminding us."

Snape, clearly itching for a fight, looked disappointed at her reaction, but he could hardly continue without any other provocation. Instead, he nodded stiffly at Hermione and slunk off in full bat-mode.

"Hermione, why did you let him get away with that?"

"Oh, bugger Snivellus," she said, laughing. If only Ron and Harry could hear her say that. "Let him take his measly points; it was probably the highlight of his miserable life. Who wants to fight on a day like this? Besides, he's right. This is hardly the place to snog. Let's find someplace more private."

Remus grinned. "I know just the place. Oh, don't give me that look. I listen closely to Padfoot, that's all. C'mon."

As Remus led her away, Hermione spotted the Hog's Head out of the corner of her eye. She was unable to help glancing over. She immediately regretted her morbid curiosity. There he was, in all his pale malevolent glory: Malfoy. He was leaving the pub, looking disgusted when his eyes swept over and locked on hers. He raised his eyebrows and gave her a filthy leer, gesturing in mock surprise at her hand clamped in Remus's. Remus did not see him, so she tightened her grip on his hand and marched on, risking one worried look behind her. Malfoy was still watching her and blew a kiss when she looked back; his vile amusement was enough to make her vomit, but she kept her stomach in check and did not look back again. She was surprised Remus could not hear how loud her heart was beating, but he seemed oblivious to her distress. Her romantic mood and joy for the day had vanished. When Remus pulled her behind building moments later, she started to protest, but he silenced her with a kiss. As he tightened his arms around her, she tried to relax and enjoy herself, but she could not shake Malfoy from her brain. As Remus grew more insistent, she flashed to her nightmare and the cold lust in Lucius's eyes. Suddenly, the sandy hair in front of her was white and the hazel eyes grey. Panicking, she pushed him away, gasping for breath and straightening her clothes.

"Hermione? What's the matter?"

"Nothing," she panted, trying to regain her composure. It was just Remus. Not Lucius. Remus, who was staring at her with concern in those gold-spattered eyes. "I'm sorry, I just. Nothing. Let's go get something to drink, okay? I'm fine, really."

Remus sighed, but nodded his assent. It would do no good to press her, but after last night's weepfest and her current freakout, it didn't take a genius to know something was seriously wrong. Hogsmeade, however, was not the place to hash out her issues. He mentally cursed himself for getting too happy, too complacent. This was, after all, the girl who arrived out of nowhere with some cock and bull story he still didn't fully believe. Despite his decision to trust Hermione - and he did trust her, even if he still had doubts about her "dreams" - he could not help thinking that he should have known better than to get so involved with her. He glanced at her profile; she seemed to have calmed down, but remained a little pale. She felt his eyes on her and gave him a reassuring smile. At the questioning look still on his face, she shrugged and playfully shoved him.

"Really, I'm fine," she said, and gave him a smile so dazzling he was helpless against it.

They were entering Madam Puddifoot's when Sirius and Peter ran up to them.

"Oi, Moony!"

"Hey guys," Hermione greeted them. "Been enjoying your date?"

"It's been okay, Granger," Sirius said. "But you know Wormtail. I've been fighting his advances off all day."

"You wish."

"Anyway, Moony, you just missed Molly and Arthur," Sirius said. "They asked after you. They had the boys with them; Percy's just a few months old. Cute as bugs, all of them and even the baby has that red hair."

Remus lit up. "Where are they? Maybe I can catch up with them. Hermione, I want to introduce you to some friends of ours, the Weasleys." He turned expectantly toward her and froze at the look on her face. Hermione had gone completely white and was shaking uncontrollably.

Oh, God. She was going to throw up, or pass out; she had no idea which would come first, but either option seemed good to her at that moment. There was no way she could see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. This was the last straw. She needed Dumbledore and she needed to go home. Now.