AN: Here's another chapter just because. Well, that and it's Christmas. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Chapter 17

Forgiveness Comes to Some

February 5, 1999

Hogwarts

Hermione headed to her room to shower and change. She fixed a cup of hot chocolate, sat down, and studied for her N.E.W.T.s for a while. She needed to go see McGonagall but really didn't want too. She was trying to keep her mind off of Draco and study for transfiguration when there was a knock on her door. She said the incantation that magically opened the door. Headmaster McGonagall walked in.

"Good morning, Ms. Granger. How are you?" McGonagall said as she walked through the portrait hole.

"Good morning, Professor. I was just getting ready to come and talk to you. I am doing well. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, Ms. Granger. Everything is fine here. I'm going to get right to it. I've given you some freedom and a lot of liberties this year. You've proven trustworthy, honest, hard working, and you're still at the top of your class. Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Longbottom, and Ms. Weasley have said that you've been gone quite a bit lately. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I know you said you were helping Mr. Malfoy with something. Is everything alright? Ms. Weasley mentioned that she thinks Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are helping you out as well. What is going on that Mr. Malfoy came to you, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Weasley for help and made you three agree to help him?" Professor McGonagall asked Hermione in a caring voice.

Hermione got rather defensive about McGonagall's comment about Draco. She didn't know anything about him. She tried to control the tension in her voice when she replied, "Everything is fine. We are working together to help a friend of Draco's who lives in America."

McGonagall stopped her before she could continue, "I didn't mean to offend you, Ms. Granger. I believe that Mr. Malfoy is a good man. I believe he was put in a horrible situation. I didn't mean anything by what I said. I just know that you, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Weasely didn't exactly see eye to eye with Mr. Malfoy in your prior years at Hogwarts."

"Yes, ma'am I understand." Hermione stated, she was reassured by her professors comment. "We are helping Roddy try to catch a murderer in America. This murderer is killing random wizards and witches. This isn't based on blood status, race, or gender. This bastard is even killing children. The reason we've been asked to help is because of the spell he is using. He is using sectumsempra." McGonagall's face went pale when Hermione told her the curse. "He has killed about 20 people. The latest was a family of 5 who were grieving the loss of their youngest child who fell off a broom. Ron, Harry, and I are trying to help Roddy and his boss narrow down the list of suspects. Harry and I both feel like we are missing just one or two pieces of the puzzle. We feel like we are so close to figuring something out."

"How did Roddy know to contact you about this?" the elderly Professor asked.

"He knew that Draco was attacked using that spell in 6th year. Harry used that curse on Draco in the lavatory not to long before Dumbledore was killed. Draco and Roddy have been friends since they were very young children. Draco told Roddy what happened when it happened and sent him pictures. Roddy was the one who identified the curse and no one else in America has ever heard of this curse. Roddy asked Draco for help in figuring out who was using this curse. He knew that the curse originated from Snape. He knows that the curse isn't well known. I overheard Roddy and Draco talking about it one day when Luke and I were in Hogsmeade. Then I ran into Draco in Diagon Alley over Christmas and we went to lunch once and well, the rest is history. We have become friends. I enjoy his company. He makes me laugh, he is smart, he wants to be a better person than his father and he is a better person than everyone thinks he is."

"I agree that he is a good person. He was never Lucius. I never thought he had the heart to be evil. He always looked like he was forced into being mean. He was a slimy young boy, but he wasn't evil. I am glad that you and Mr. Malfoy have become friends. How are Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley taking it? What are you three doing to help Mr. Malfoy and Roddy?"

"Well, Roddy was able to get a list of everyone from outside America or Canada that has been to America and Canada in the past six months. We broke the list into fours and marked out everyone that wasn't from Hogwarts or the United Kingdom. After that we went back through them and marked out all the names that weren't at Hogwarts during our time or Snape's, aren't members of the Order, or weren't known dark wizards of any kind. Last night we broke the list into lists. We decided we'd start with known dark wizards. Roddy, Harry, and Ron are going to work together and go and talk to all of these witches or wizards. We are going to go from there. We really don't have any leads except that this person is using sectumsempra."

Professor McGonagall sat and thought for a while. "Ms. Granger that is awful. I'm terribly sorry that this is happening. I am glad that you, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Weasely are helping out Roddy. I will do some research and see if I can come up with anyone else that may know that curse or know about this. Please inform me if you need more leave from school. I know you are up to date on all of your assignments and soon your assignments will stop and be using your time studying for N.E.W.T.s, which I'm sure you are more than prepared for."

"Thank you, Professor. Thank you for understanding. I am sorry that I was out last night. It was very late and I fell asleep. I will try to avoid it happening again."

"Ms. Granger, where are you and your friends meeting? I trust is someplace private."

"Yes, ma'am. We are using my parents house. They are not there and it isn't being used. It is very safe. I have extensive wards up. No one can get in unless I put their magic into the wards. Ron, Harry, Draco, Roddy, and I are the only ones that can get into my parents house. They are all allowed to apparate into the house. Ginny and George have been there but they have to apparate outside and wait for me to recognize their magic."

"Sounds like you have everything covered. I trust you will let me know if anything changes. I will be in contact with you if I have any information. Thank you for your time, Ms. Granger. Oh yes, you might should fill in Mr. McLaughlin and even Mr. Longbottom. Let them know what is going on. They're worried."

McGonagall let herself out of Hermione's room. She felt much better after talking to McGonagall. She should tell Luke and Neville. She should tell Neville as a dear friend and Luke because he was head boy and deserved to know why she kept disapprearing. She'd go find them after she studied for a while longer. She warmed her hot chocolate and went back to studying.

Luke was in his room studying for his N.E.W.T.s when his floo came to life.

"Hey, mate. How's life treating you?" came Michael's voice from the floo.

"It's good mate. How are you? You sound like you're in a good mood."

"It's going well. I've met a girl. Her name is Wina. We've been talking for a few days. We are going out tonight on an official date. I haven't been on an official date since Cho. I'm nervous."

"You'll be fine, mate." Luke said. They continued to talk about life for a while. Luke told Michael about how Hermione had been real busy lately and had been gone for entire afternoon and evenings. They had an enjoyable conversation. They hadn't spoken in a while and they needed to catch up.

Luke was glad that Michael was doing better. He said that he still sometimes would get very upset for no reason, but it had been happening less and less. He also said he wasn't blacking out as often. These things weren't really lies. He felt bad for not telling his friend what was really happening but he knew as soon as he said anything that he'd be send to a hospital.

Not too long after Michael and Luke ended their conversation there was a knock on his portrait. Luke said the incantation that opened the door and Hermione walked in.

"Hey, Hermione. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, Luke. I just want to fill you in on why I've been busy and disappearing for a while."

"Oh, alright. I mean you don't have too."

"No, I really should." Hermione starts at the beginning, from the time they went to dinner in Hogsmeade and ran into Draco and his American friend to last night. She didn't tell him everything and didn't tell him about falling asleep in Draco's lap but she told him about what they were doing and why.

"Thanks for telling me, Hermione. I was getting worried. I'm glad you're alright. Let me know if I can help you out at all. I'll be happy to cover rounds for you if you're needed to help Roddy and Harry."

"Thank you, Luke. Thanks for being so understanding. I really am sorry I haven't been around more to help out with stuff here."

"There hasn't been any major problems at all, just the normal stuff."

"Thanks Luke. I've got to go talk to Neville now. I'll see you this evening for rounds."

Hermione left Luke's private room and headed to the Gryffindor common room hoping to find Neville. Neville was in the common room studying herbology. She went and sat by him.

"Hey, Neville. How are you doing."

Neville looked up and smiled. "I'm doing well. How are you? Want to walk and talk?"

Hermione nodded and they began to walk around the castle. Neville was heartbroken when she told him about the use of that curse. He was very understanding and compassionate. Hermione was able to tell Neville everything, down to falling asleep in his lap the night before. She knew he'd keep quiet. She probably should tell Ginny about it too but she really didn't want to have to answer a thousand questions and there was still the chance that Ginny would tell Harry and she wasn't ready for that yet. She finished telling Neville about Draco and everything else. They continued to talk and walk outside. It was a fairly mild day for February and they decided to make the best of it.

February 6, 1999

Mione,

Is there anyway you can get McGonagall to let you come to the shop. I want some help with that shield charm and I want to try and put it in one of my products. Let me know. Miss you!

George

George,

I can be there tomorrow around 4. Is that okay? Miss you too!

Mione

Mione,

That sounds lovely. See you then.

George

February 7, 1999

Diagon Alley

"George!" Hermione's voice rang through the shop. It wasn't near as busy as Hermione had seen it in the past. Then again, it wasn't a holiday and most children were in school.

"I'm in the back Hermione. Come on back." Came George's reply.

Hermione made her way to the back room to see George and Lee knee deep in a bucket of paste looking stuff. "What are you two doing?" Hermione laughed seeing the expressions on the boys faces.

"We are trying to make socks that you wear for a few days then they make your feet turn green, so it looks like you have a terrible untreatable fungus. We want the socks to stick to your feet. We are just have problems with the paste. We'll figure it out though. You mind helping me out of here?" George asked.

"Boys... boys... boys..." Hermione sighed as she stuck out her arm to help George out of the bucket. George then helped Lee out. They cleaned their feet off and Lee headed to the store front. Hermione just shook her head and laughed at the boys.

"Can we work on that charm some more, please Hermione?" George asked.

"Of course, show me what you've got so far."

George demonstrated and Hermione corrected him. Before too long he had the charm down. He went and tried it out on Lee and a few unexpecting costumers. They all laughed. They then moved into applying the charm to one of George's products. Hermione sat down and had to refigure the charm some, but she was able to make it work after about an hour of trying different things. She then attached it to the object in question. She decided to have a little bit of fun and tested the item on George. They both busted out laughing when everything George said into the microphone came swirling around his head and repeating itself.

"Works like a charm." George laughed. He then attached it to another object just changing a few properties and tested it on Hermione. "Oh, this is going to be fun. You are a genius Hermione. A genius."

They worked for a while longer then they both realized they were starved.

"Want to grab take away and go back to my flat since you don't have to be back at school for a while?" George asked.

"Well of course. Let's grab Chinese?" Hermione replied.

They walked to George's favorite Chinese place.

"I take it you eat here often?" Hermione asked when they knew him by name.

"Yeah, I sure do. I use to come in here and order enough for me and Fred then I would get home and realize I had no one to share it with. They slowly realized what I was doing and they slowly cut back the portions and the cost till it was just enough for me. I miss him, 'Mione."

Hermione looked up at him. She could feel his pain and see it written all over his face. "I'm sorry George. We all miss him." She said gently, rubbing her hand up and down his arm and placing her head on his arm, she wasn't tall enough to reach his shoulder. "We know no one misses him like you do, I can't even imagine. Let's get food and head back to your place."

They ordered their food and headed back to George's flat. He had a nice flat. It was a small one bedroom. Fred and George had shared a much larger two bedroom before the war, but George couldn't live there alone. He wasn't able to handle that. His flat had pictures and brooms and joke objects everywhere. It was very George. Hermione laughed at some of the objects flying around the kitchen. They sat down and ate their sweet and sour chicken and their beef and broccoli. Hermione could see that George was itching to talk about something so after they finished eating they went into the living room and Hermione asked.

"George, what's wrong? What do you need to talk about? I know you do, it's written all over your face."

George's face reddened and she could tell he was holding back the tears.

"I know it's been nine months but I miss him. I miss my best friend. The person who finished my thoughts and knew what I was thinking before I even spoke. I keep thinking this pain is going to go away. I keep thinking that Fred's going to walk through the door and laugh at me and tell me that was the greatest joke he's ever played on someone and if he did that I don't think I'd even be mad." Tears started to stream down George's face. "I'm so bitter." He proclaimed. "I know I haven't experienced near the loss that Harry has, but I lost my other half. I... I... I'm so bitter."

Hermione wrapped her arms around George. She wiped his tears on her sleeve. "George, none of us blame you for being bitter. Hell, George, we're all bitter. None of us lost our twin, our other half. Yes, Ron, Ginny, Bill, Charlie, and Percy lost a brother, but you, you lost so much more than just a brother."

She sat there and let him cry. Her heart was broken all over again for George. She felt her own pain at the loss of Fred again. She loved Fred, too. She lost a brother when Fred died.

George began to speak again, "Hermione, I need to forgive Augustus Rockwood. I don't think I'll ever be able to get past this bitterness if I don't forgive him. I will always ache and yearn for Fred. I will never be complete again, but I don't want to be bitter. Fred wouldn't want me to be bitter. We were full of laughter and my laughter has been clouded by my bitterness. Mione, will you go with me to Azkaban? I need to see his face. I need to tell him I forgive him."

She looked at him. His tear streaked face broke her heart again. Her own face was stained with tears, "George, is this really what you wan to do? You want to see Rockwood?" He nodded. "Then, I'll be more than happy to accompany you there. When would you like to go?"

"I'll need a little more time to work on forgiving him, but soon enough. Can I owl you?"

"Yes. George, Why'd you ask me?"

"You're kind and compassionate. You're caring and you're warm. You aren't go to judge me or bring this back up to haunt me. Harry has more than his own fair share of internal battles. Ron, as you've so kindly pointed out, has the emotional range of a teaspoon. I needed someone that would understand me, and go with me. I know you have your own healing to do, but I need to do this and I don't think I can do it alone. You really don't mind 'Mione?"

"No, I don't George. Not at all. I think it takes a very strong person to forgive like you want too. I think we all need to forgive alot of people. You're doing the right thing. Thanks for asking me. I love you, George."

"I love you too, 'Mione. You better head back to Hogwarts. I'll owl you soon. Oh, how are things with Draco going? Ron told me about the work you are doing with him. I think it's great you are able to help. If I can help let me know. No one deserves the kind of pain we are experiencing."

"Things with Draco are going well. I'll fill you in later. Thanks George!" Hermione said as she apparated to the gate outside Hogwarts.

Roddy, Harry, and Ron were leaving the Zabini house. They hadn't had any luck. Mrs. Zabini was in America to do some shopping and possibly find herself a new husband or two. They had been to the Avery's, Carrow's, and the Howard's. They had not had any luck at all.

"This is very disheartening." Roddy said as they left the Zabini house.

"Yes, it is. We still have over 40 names of dark wizards or witches and then the rest of the list. It's got to be someone on this list." Harry said.

"It's going to take a long while, isn't it?" Ron asked.

"Probably. I just hope the bastard doesn't kill between now and then." Roddy said.

They headed to The Burrow for dinner that night. Ron and Harry decided it was best to tell Mr. and Mrs. Weasley what was going on. Mrs. Weasley invited Roddy over for dinner.

Harry and Ron really liked Roddy, and he was able to shed light on a side of Draco they themselves had never seen before. Roddy reassured both of the boys that Draco really did have real feelings for Hermione, even if he hadn't admitted them to himself yet. He also reassured them that Draco wasn't a bad guy and he was very much like what Hermione had said. Misdirected and misguided. He really did have a good heart. This made Harry feel better but Ron wouldn't hear it. They had a lovely dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Everyone really liked Roddy and they invited him back anytime. Mrs. Weasely told him that if needed anything to just stop on by. Roddy was very grateful. They boys planned to meet up again the next evening.

February 15, 1999

Hermione,

Are you free to go to with me on Thursday at 4?

-George

George,

I will be at your flat by 3:30.

-Hermione

Hermione,

Thanks a million. I am ready for this.

-George

February 17, 1999

Hermione walked out of the Hogwarts gates and apparated to George's flat. She knocked on the door. George opened the door and scooped her into a hug. He was nervous. She was nervous. She guess that she needed to forgive Rockwood too. He took laughter from her life too. He took a friend and a brother.

She had spent a lot of time this past week thinking on this stuff. She spent hours in her bath with the rose scented bath salts.

She did need to forgive Rockwood as well. She had forgiven him in her heart, but like George, she needed to tell him.

"Ready to go, 'Mione. Again, I can't thank you enough. I don't think I could do this alone." Hermione just smiled at him and nodded her head. They grabbed some floo power and floo'd to the ministry where they would have to floo to Azkaban.

Once at Azkaban they checked in and told the wardens who they needed to see. On their way to Rockwood's cell George was taking deep breaths.

"You ready for this,nGeorge?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, I'm ready to feel better. I need this." George replied.

They arrived at the floor that Rockwood was kept on. They turned over their wands to the warden on that floor and walked down the long hall. They stopped in front of cell 5104. Hermione and George looked at one another took deep breaths and asked the warden to unlock the cell. The warden cast the spell and the door slid open. Rockwood was laying on a concrete slab.

"Rockwood. You have people here to see you. Though, I'm not sure why, you slimy piece of rubbish." The guard hollered at him.

Hermione and George thanked the guard and said they'd let him know when they were finished.

Rockwood rolled over and the little color that was left in him faded very quickly.

"What do you want?" He asked in a gruff tone trying to hide his obvious fear. "Here to kill me? To avenge your poor blood traitor brothers death?"

George looked at Hermione, "He isn't going to make this easy is he?" Hermione just shook her head.

"Rockwood, I'm not here to kill you or even harm you at all. I'm here to tell you that even though you stole the most precious things from my life, I forgive you." George's voice was full of raw emotion. "I will never be whole again, I will never fully laugh again, or be completely happy. But I will not continue my life in bitterness. I don't deserve that. I am better than that. I will not be consumed by this pain and this bitterness. Fred didn't die for that. He didn't fight so that I would be miserable. He fought so that we could live in peace. If I was to remain bitter then I am no better than you or even Voldemort. That isn't who I am and that isn't who Fred was. You stole good people's lives that day, but in order for other good people to continue to live a good life we must forgive. I forgive you Augustus Rockwell. I forgive you." George had tears streaming down his face. They were tears of relief. George hadn't felt this good since Fred died. A huge weight was lifted off his shoulder. Hermione wrapped her arm around George's waist. She looked up at him and smiled. This time she spoke.

"Rockwood. You robbed our lives of joy and happiness. What you stood for was wrong. You deserve to rot in here, but like George said, in order for us to move on and get better and be happy we must forgive. I forgive you as well, Rockwood. We are all carrying around this bitterness and well I don't want it either. Augustus Rockwood, I forgive you." Hermione felt the same relief as George did when she finally let go of the hatred and forgave him in her heart. It felt good. She needed to do this to more people. She hadn't realized how bitter and how much hatred she was carrying around with her until she forgave Rockwood. She needed to talk to Draco and to Harry and Ron.

Rockwood stared at them. He was unable to speak. George and Hermione just looked at one another unsure of what to do next. They turned to knock on the door but before they could Rockwood spoke.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I took something so dear to you away. I wish I had ever been loved or loved someone enough to know that kind of pain." With that Rockwood turned to face the wall. George knocked on the door and the guard opened it up. George and Hermione walked down the hall and back to the floo with arms around each others waist feeling much better than they had felt in a long time. They were able to floo directly to George's flat from Azkaban. They didn't have to go through the ministry connections to get home. Once back at George's they sat down and cried some more together.

"You going to tell your family about this?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, I think I'll swing by for dinner tomorrow night and tell Mum and Dad. I know Ron will be at your place doing work. I'll also head to Shell Cottage and fill Bill in. I'll owl Percy and Charlie. Percy needs to forgive himself too. He really does. It wasn't his fault. Will you tell Ron and Ginny? I'll owl both of them too, but I think you should tell them as well."

"I'll tell Ginny tonight when I get back and I'll tell everyone tomorrow at my parents house. George, thanks for asking me to do this. I would have never thought to forgive Rockwood if it wasn't for you. I needed this. Do you feel better?"

"Yes, 'Mione. I do. I feel more whole than I have since I lost Fred. I feel happier and not near as angry. Thank you." George hugged Hermione tight. They bade goodbye and Hermione apparated to the gate.

Hermione walked to the Gryffindor common room and up to Ginny's room. She knocked on the door to see Ginny in there with other girls in her year.

"Gin, can I talk to you?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, everything alright?" Ginny replied

"Oh yeah. Everything is fine." The other girls headed down to the common room.

"So, last week George asked me to go with him to see Rockwood." Ginny's face got a curious expression on it. "We went to see him today. George has forgiven him. I have forgiven him. It was good. We feel so much better." Hermione continued to talk and explain what they did and why. She told her that George was going to owl her. Ginny hugged her and said she was happy for them. Hermione headed back to her room to owl Draco, Harry, and Ron.

February 25, 1999

Hermione's Parents

Draco, Roddy, Harry, Ron, and Hermione had been meeting weekly and discussing things going on in the case. They were still coming up empty handed. They three boys only had 5 more dark families to look into then they'd have to move on to another group. They decided to go with the group of witches and wizards that were at Hogwarts when Snape was next. They were discourage. They were all getting along better though. Harry and Draco didn't mind one another. Ron and Draco didn't speak to one another directly if they could help it, but they were nice enough.

Everyone was doing a lot of self soul searching since Hermione and George visited Rockwood. Harry needed to forgive so many people and it was really getting to him. He decided that Friday was a good as time as any to start and decided that Draco was a good person to start with.

"Draco, may I please talk to you upstairs?" Harry asked.

Draco looked confused and glanced at Hermione but she just nodded and her body language encouraged him to go. She knew that Harry was going to ask for forgiveness. She hoped Draco would do the same. Draco followed Harry upstairs to Hermione's room.

"Draco, I need to apologize to you. I am sorry for judging you in school. I'm sorry for almost killing you with that curse. I had no idea what that curse would do. I had read it in Snape's potions book and decided to use it. I really didn't know that was what it was going to do to you. I'm sorry for being mean and going out of my way to make you hate me. I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have judged you so harshly and I should have thought what it was like to be in your shoes. I know what it's like to come from a home where you are't loved and you aren't wanted. I should have thought that you were down right miserable. I saw the signs in you, I saw the same things in you that I see in myself. I'm sorry. I am not saying we would have been friends but I could have been nicer to you. I'm glad we are on speaking terms. I don't know if I'd say we are friends yet, but I think we are getting there. I also think you are good for Hermione. You've treated her well and she is happy. She glows when she talks about you or is with you. I trust Hermione more than anyone else I've ever met. If she says you're okay then you are. That's what got us here, Hermione. Draco, I'm asking that you forgive me. I need you to forgive me. I can't keep walking around with this terrible weight on my shoulders. I've come to the place where I don't know if I can move on with my life if I don't ask you to forgive me. I never get to ask Snape, but I do get to ask you. Please, Draco. Also, I forgive you. You were put in a terrible position. From the little Hermione says you didn't want to be mean or hateful or evil or anything else. I forgive you for the way you treated me and my friends. I know you didn't want to kill Dumbledore. I saw it in your face that night, I saw Snape's memories. I know about all of that. I'm sorry you were put in that position." Harry finally stopped talking and took a deep breath. He felt better. Draco sat down on Hermione's bed. Harry could see he was processing everything. Harry sat down too. Waiting.

"Harry, I forgive you. I had no idea you weren't trying to kill me 6th year until Hermione told me. I am sorry I pushed you to the point of using any spell on me. Thank you for forgiving me. Hermione and I have been talking about forgiveness and she's right. We all need to ask for forgiveness and we need to give it. I still need to ask you to forgive me. So, Harry, will you forgive me for being a giant git to you and your friends, for threatening you, for everything. I really am sorry."

"Yes, I will and I have." Harry said. He got ready to walk out of the door but Draco spoke again.

"Harry. Thank you. Thank you for forgiving me but more so thank you for trusting me with Hermione. I know that there is no one else in your life more dear to you than she is, just thanks."

Harry nodded and both boys laughed and walked down the stairs to where Roddy, Hermione, and Ron were sitting chatting.

Draco thought that went pretty well. He felt loads better and he was really glad he and Harry had that conversation. He had a lot of other people he needed to talk to, including Ron, but he could only handle so much of this Hufflepuff stuff at one time.