I'm still rocking your hoodie

And chewing on the strings

It makes me think about you

So I wear it when I sleep

I kept the broken zipper

And cigarette burns

Still rocking your hoodie

Baby, even though it hurts

Hoodie by Hey Violet

This song plagued me while writing this chapter! Anyway, I hope you all aren't too mad at me for being so horrible to our Marauders and Hermione. Enjoy.

0o0o

Hermione glanced at the time on her clock and sighed, it was almost time for the dinner at the Burrow. She had fixed her layered hair and straightened her shirt before grabbing the jacket on her bed. She slipped it on and headed to her fireplace. Unceremoniously she threw the floo dust in and called out for the Burrow.

George was sitting with Ron and Arthur when Hermione appeared and started dusting off her jacket. "Mione!" George shouted with a smile and stood up.

He took in her appearance and gave her a look of pity, "I like your outfit," he tried a smile and she nodded.

"Me too," she murmured and glanced around. "Ginny here yet or is she going to meet up with Harry before his party?"

George shifted his head toward the kitchen and patted her shoulder, "she has been waiting for you."

She could feel the Weasley's watching her and she couldn't blame them. She knew what they said when she wasn't around. 'that girl fancied them even though they were going to leave'. 'It's a shame that she can't just get over it.' All of the sort as the weeks were turning into months. It was a true shame and she was the first to agree.

Hermione caught Ginny's eye and nodded for her to head outside without letting her mother knew Hermione had arrived. Molly was busy putting the final touches on a cake and consumed with the task. The brown-haired witch snuck behind her and they left through the back door.

"You look good, Mione," Ginny said as they stood outside.

Hermione smiled and pulled out Sirius' old pack of cigarettes. She lit it with his lighter and held the cigarette before speaking. "Thanks, Gin. Harry still at work?"

Ginny noted the cigarette and frowned, "don't you think it's time, Mione? You cannot mourn that week for too much longer before it is an obsession."

She never smoked the cigarettes she lit, she just missed the disgusting smell of them. "I have no clue what you are talking about."

"You are wearing their clothes. You are lighting cigs and you hate the smell. I have it on good authority that you tuck Remus' sweater around you when you sleep. I know you miss them, but I miss you too." Ginny grimaced and Hermione sighed.

"I know, but tonight isn't a night for me. Harry has been doing overtime and we finally have had time to throw him a late birthday dinner. Your wedding is in a few short weeks and Merlin knows that we have been busy with that. I am fine, this is just me coping, Gin."

Ginny tried a smile and shook her head, "I am sorry, Mione. I just worry about you." She paused and shrugged, "how did your job interview go?" She changed the subject.

Hermione ashed the cigarette and smiled, "I got the job. Don't ruin Harry's night with my announcement. I will tell everyone after my first week. I start Monday."

Ginny took Hermione in a big hug and giggled, "I am so proud of you, Mione!"

"Obviously I will have to work my way up, but at least I can maybe propose a change for magical creatures that deserve better treatment..." She trailed off and Ginny pulled away.

"Oh, Hermione, that is a beautiful testament," Ginny murmured and Hermione smiled.

Hermione gazed up at the moon and saw that it was waning which made her feel deep sorrow. "Come on, let's head inside, it is time for your mother to hassle me about my silly outfit." She said and turned her vision back to the other witch.

They wandered inside and Molly chided Hermione for nearly ten minutes for her lack of care in her appearance. The young witch just smiled and nodded as the mother grew irritated at her passive attitude. "I am sorry that you haven't found your parents yet, but, Hermione, I would like to think I am like your second mother. I care about you." Molly finished and Hermione hugged her.

"I love you too, Molly." She sighed and the older witch crushed her in a hug.

The young woman managed to leave the kitchen after that and saw Harry walk into the Burrow. She waved at him and he grinned at her. He shuffled over to her and took her in his arms. "There's that crazy witch!" He shouted and she giggled. "Finally done with the crap, can you talk proper again?"

Hermione opened her mouth and showed him the lack of anything in there, "a week ago," she confirmed and he nodded.

"That's good! I heard about your job, don't worry I won't rat you out yet." He whispered in her ear and she patted his shoulder. "What was your..." He trailed off knowing she knew.

"It is a complete surprise and I will show you later." She told him and he chuckled.

"You did end up taking some of them with you aside from their attire." He told her with a nod and she sighed.

"You know me, can't help myself," she rolled her eyes and he pointed to the kitchen.

His voice was cheery when he spoke, "I am going to say hello to my future wife and mother in law." She watched him go and he turned before he left her. "I have a surprise for you. I will give it to you later."

Hands went on her shoulder and she turned to see Ron, "Hello, Mione. How are you doing?" He asked and she smiled.

"I am alright," she murmured and he nodded.

His voice was unsure, "well, I was thinking, maybe we could go out sometime?" When he finished he rubbed the back of his neck.

The witch's smile evolved as she talked, "well, as long as it is somewhere expensive. You are paying by the way. The works, Ronald Weasley," she declared and pointed at him.

He blushed deeply and nodded, "alright, Mione. How about next week some time?"

She made a dismissive gesture and rolled her eyes, "Pick a day and I will see if I am free." Hermione left him standing there and went to get a drink.

If there was anything Sirius Black taught her it was that confidence and a bit of drinking were good staples in moderation. She had just finished pouring herself a glass when the front door opened and she saw a group of people she could only say she recognized as working at the Ministry of Magic.

Harry came in and greeted them and Arthur was giving them a healthy introduction to the Burrow. The witch sighed and glanced at the fireplace; she had no interest in schmoozing tonight. She missed curling up on the couch in his sweater and reading a book.

"That's a nice jacket, where can I get one?" A man's voice declared and she turned to the stranger.

Hermione smiled and raised an eyebrow, "Well, you have to kill someone."

The man laughed and held out his hand, "Caleb Slate, nice to meet you," he declared as she shook his hand.

"American? I haven't heard of Slate out here," she noted and he flashed a great smile.

He had deep brown hair and bright amber eyes, "yes, I went to school in America."

Another gentleman approached and patted Caleb on the shoulder, "who's your friend, Caleb?"

This man had dirty blond hair and blue eyes, "My name is Hermione Granger, you both must work with Harry?" She asked and shook the stranger's hand.

"Pleasure to meet you, Hermione. Chander, Rollin Chander." He introduced himself and she nodded.

"You have known Harry Potter for a long while? I think I read you were school buddies?" Caleb asked and she nodded.

"Very close in school," she declared and Caleb went to get a drink.

She rubbed her arm over her jacket, "if you will excuse me, fellas. I am in need of some air." She murmured and walked off with her drink.

Hermione left the Burrow through the front door and shook her head as she wandered to the side of the house. She watched the going on through the window and exhaled heavily. Pulling out Sirius' pack, she noted she only had two more left. That was the realization that she was going to run out of him soon.

The witch pulled out one of them and lit it before pulling the pack away. "Can I bump one from you?" Caleb's voice entered her silence and she turned to him.

Her face contorted and she bit back a small whimper, "I only have one left, if you want to share, I just light it from habit." She offered her lit one to him and he frowned.

"You don't smoke it, you just burn it?" He inquired and she nodded.

He took the cigarette and puffed on it deeply, "Oh, Merlin, I haven't had a good fag in so long."

She sighed and smiled, "they are probably stale."

He shook his head and took one more puff before handing it back to her. "It doesn't matter after a long day." He watched her watching the people inside, "so how did you really get that jacket? Ex-boyfriend?"

Hermione giggled and nodded, "something like that. I liked it so much I kept it when he left."

"He is a bloody wanker," the wizard grumbled and she handed him the cigarette back.

"Long story, him and his best mate had to leave." She said bluntly and he snorted.

"Two of them? You sound quite busy." He retorted and she grinned.

"You wouldn't expect anything else from me, I promise you."

Rollin popped outside and smiled, "I was wondering if I might join?"

"By all means," Hermione held her drink up and he grinned.

Caleb handed the cigarette back to her and she saw it was almost gone, "Did you want a puff, Rollin?"

He made a face and shook his head, "nasty habit. Caleb is a nasty dog."

Hermione frowned, "a dog?"

"His name..." Rollin trailed off and Caleb snorted.

"You only say that because you want to fuck me, Rollin."

"I swear, you both seem so familiar. I must be obsessing." Hermione grumbled and shook her head. "Here, kill it, I am going in." She handed the rest of the cigarette to Caleb and went inside.

The Burrow was still buzzing with people and Harry grabbed Hermione as she was slowly making her way to the fireplace. "No, you don't. You are staying."

"Harry," she started and he shook his head.

"You need to go circulate. Be Hermione Granger. Do the courageous thing." Harry insisted and she nodded.

"Alright, but I will for you. I have no interest in being social."

Harry smiled and nodded, "good. Did you get a chance to meet the guys from the office? They are characters from America."

Hermione sighed and nodded, "they are very nice, Harry. They just are too familiar for me."

Harry dragged her over to the spirits and got her another drink. "Drink. Be merry. Have fun."

She groaned and downed her drink and he got her another one. "Alright," she nodded and swigged her drink.

He nodded and kissed her forehead, "Ginny is going to watch that fireplace like a hawk so don't make her angry."

Harry shook her gently and walked back over to the group he was talking with. Hermione cantered around the edge of the group and caught Ron waving at her. She smiled at him and gave him a nod before she decided to run to the restroom. Finishing her glass, she set it down at the stairs and climbed up.

Hermione could admit when she was feeling a bit tipsy from her drinks and today was no exception. The stairs were not her favorite thing to climb in this house as she made her way to the third floor. The witch got there and Rollin was walking down as she was going up.

"Are you feeling alright?" He asked her and she shrugged.

"A bit tipsy, I will be fine." She declared and he took her hand.

"Let a gentleman help you?" He offered and she smiled.

He assisted her up to the third floor and she turned to him, "thank you."

"It is always a pleasure, Hermione." The inflections in his voice seemed so unique.

Hermione sighed and smiled, "sometimes I feel like I am chasing ghosts, thank you." She left it at that and went into the bathroom.

Fixing her hair, placing a bit more lip gloss on and touching up her dark eye shadow made her feel a bit better. The jacket looked giant on her but it made her smile. "Sirius would be annoyed that I have created creases on the sleeves." She giggled to herself and finished her business.

0o0o

Luna had arrived later in the evening and Hermione spent a good portion of her time after dinner with the girl. She spoke of her latest travels and Hermione was sincerely intrigued to hear about her journey and findings. It was the first time in a measure of time that she had felt interested in anything but sulking.

"It was inspiring to see the rainforests in South America. If you want to come with me next time, Hermione, just let me know." Luna said with a soft smile and Hermione grinned.

"I am overdue for a trip I think. I miss adventures," Hermione admitted and Luna nodded.

"Is Sirius Black here? I could have sworn I smelt his aftershave." Luna glanced around and Hermione frowned.

"You know what his aftershave smells like?" Hermione asked and she nodded.

"It is an expensive herbal extract. I remember the bottle from Grimmauld Place when Harry needed help digging through things." The dreamy girl replied and Hermione leaned closer.

"Does my jacket smell like it?" The older witch asked and Luna shook her head.

Luna spoke but seemed focused on finding the man, "did Harry bring him out of the veil?"

Hermione shook her head, "no, Luna. He is gone."

Luna shrugged and beamed, "well, I must be smelling the gnomes pollinating the stinkweedles. It is easily mistaken."

Hermione sunk and gave her a weak nod, "must be," she murmured.

"Miss Luna Lovegood, it is a pleasure," Rollin's voice rang from behind Hermione.

Luna gazed at the man and tilted her head, "are you a very good friend of Harry Potter's?"

Rollin walked over and shook her hand, "Rollin Chander, a transfer from America."

Luna giggled and shook her head, "is that a real name?" She asked sincerely and the man blushed lightly.

"I would think so," he told her and she gave him a smirk.

"Luna?" Hermione asked and Luna shrugged her shoulders.

"If you insist, Rollin. I am going to ask Harry a question about the garden, I will return."

Hermione bit the inside of her cheek and smiled, "Luna is very unique." She told him and he smirked.

"Very. I bet she was interesting to go to school with."

"If you'll-" he interrupted her.

"Are you avoiding me, Miss Granger?" He asked and she froze.

"Yes," she said truthfully.

Rollin frowned and sighed, "that is quite unfortunate. I was hoping to pick your mind about magical theory. Harry told me you were excellent company when debating such topics."

"That right there is the reason. You seem so familiar it is almost painful. I just want to stew in my own memories and let them last a bit longer before I have to let it go." She hissed and he seemed taken back.

"My apologies, but I am not quite following."

Hermione took his hand and smiled, "it is not you. I suffered a loss a couple of months ago and it was hard. I just wanted to give it a chance to capture it and bottle it for later."

"You are very eloquent about love, Hermione." Rollin declared and she nodded.

His smile was soft and the grip of his hand in hers was warmer than she expected. "I am going to go grab another drink and learn how to smile again." She jested and he gave her a nod.

"Tossers and Cads, we are headed to Grimmauld Place in a few moments for the end of the night festivities!" Ginny hollered and Hermione froze.

Hermione had only been over there once in the last couple of months. Just to grab the few things of theirs she wanted to keep her company. Hermione went toward the fireplace and was close to getting out of there when someone grabbed her.

"No, no, antisocial twit. You are coming with us." George scooped her under his arm and smiled at her.

"George, I really cannot." She whimpered and he laughed.

"You are going to. We have a huge surprise for you."

"A new cat to keep me company?" She asked hopefully and he shook his head.

"A drinking game inspired by you!" He howled and Hermione groaned.

Harry smiled at her and headed over first with Ginny in tow. George offered Hermione to go and she knew he would drag her from her flat if she didn't go. She tossed floo powder in and called out 12 Grimmauld Place. The witch dusted her clothes off and sighed as the usual smells of the house hit her.

Ginny was smiling at her and waved for her to follow. "alright, we do indeed have a drinking game inspired by you so you are going to be our special guest."

"I thought this was Harry's party, Gin?" Hermione growled and the red head laughed.

Ginny pointed at her and smirked, "it is Harry's desire to have this night of getting pissed be about you. So, we are making it about you."

Hermione rolled her eyes as the witch tugged her into the kitchen and sat her down at the head of the table. "What is this game?" Hermione asked Ginny.

"It is simple really, it is a muggle game I have come to enjoy," George declared and smirked as he came in. "But instead of drinking drinks we know what they are, I have brought my own mixtures. One makes you burp bubble animals, another makes you admit a silly secret. I have many more and we all pass them around." He explained it and Hermione rolled her eyes.

George placed about twenty black bottles on the table. There were no labels or anything to tell them apart. A few people from the party shuffled in; Ron, Luna, Rollin, Caleb, Ginny's friend from her Quidditch team, and Harry. When they sat down, Harry kindly offered Caleb and Rollin seats next to Hermione. She wanted to tell him sarcastically that it doesn't look suspicious at all what he was doing.

In fact, Hermione knew exactly what he was doing. He was trying to show her there are other men out there like them. That they could bring her the same feelings and she could get over her loss easier. Maybe even rebound so she could eventually find satisfaction in being with Ron again. He was completely wrong.

"The game is simple," George started passing around the bottles. "Someone says they haven't done something and those who have, drink. The bottles have random alcoholic enchantments so beware. Some might make you fart a song and others might make you admit things you didn't know you knew. After a question, The bottles will be returned to the center of the table and randomly spin again."

Hermione put her face on the table and rocked it. "I have a feeling I am going to get bloody pissed."

The glasses appeared in front of everyone and they poured their drinks. "I can start," Ginny said with a smile. "I have never Polyjuiced myself into a cat."

Hermione glared at her, "I will get you, Ginny Weasley," she growled and drank her drink.

Of course, no one else had to and she ended up with the drink that made her float out of her chair, "George Weasley!" She shouted and then started to giggle.

She was grasping at the table trying to stay in place while giggling and finally landed with a thump back in her chair.

"I have never kissed Ronald Weasley, that includes on the cheek, Gin." Harry declared and the Weasley's started laughing.

Hermione switched out her bottle and poured a new one. She watched George, Ginny, and Valmai all take their shots and then took hers. Hermione opened her mouth to speak and bubbles came out. Every time she opened her mouth, more were coming out. George had smoke coming from his nose and he was panting like his mouth was on fire. Ginny ended up with the farting song bottle and Valmai was changing colors.

"I have never howled under the full moon," George declared and the two men next to her drank.

Hermione, of course, drank, and Harry did as well. They used to every once and awhile step outside and howl at the full moon after the war. They missed Remus together.

"You have howled under the full moon light?" Hermione asked skeptically, her glare right at Caleb.

Rollin and Caleb both nodded, "it is quite a custom for us. Hungry like the wolf, you know?" Caleb replied and Hermione snorted.

"I have never snogged a woman silly," Luna uttered and grinned as all the men at the table drinking.

"Good show, Luna!" Ginny giggled and Luna nodded.

Hermione was still glaring at Caleb and he grinned at her after the bubbles finished coming from his mouth. "I have never shagged someone and walked away being unsatisfied," he said with a challenging stare.

Hermione stood up, switched the bottles and poured herself a glass, without losing his eye contact. She took her glass and downed the liquid. "I have never had a one night shag."

Both the men next to her drank and she sat down. George also drank and so did Ron. Ginny glanced at Harry who shook his head smugly. "Not I, you are my one and only, Gin."

"I have never sucked on a knob," Rollin declared and the whole room was silent and the men glanced at the girls.

Ginny blushed and groaned as she drank, making the laughter start. Valmai drank, but Luna shook her head with a smile. Everyone looked at Hermione who was scarlet. She rolled her eyes and drank the shot. This one was different and she felt a build up in her chest. When she opened her mouth words came flying out. "I had a school girl crush on a professor!" She gasped and shook her head.

"I knew it! Pay up!" George hollered at Ron who handed him a few galleons.

"Who?" Ginny asked with a giggle.

Hermione shook her head, "one secret a night!"

"It was bloody Snape, wasn't it? You are into those greasy gits." George taunted her and Hermione laughed.

"Never, that is just disgusting," the witch grimaced and stuck her tongue out.

Harry's eyes grew large. "It was Lupin," he said and gasped. "You had a crush on Remus Lupin in school!"

Hermione turned bright red and covered her mouth. "Oh, Merlin! It was!" Ginny exclaimed and danced in her seat.

"Yes, alright, I did, but intelligence is a hard quality to find. Look at who is sitting around the table tonight." Hermione retorted and there was an uproar of laughter.

"Personally, I have never used magic to disguise myself as someone else." Valmai murmured and Hermione groaned.

She was beyond lightheaded from all the drinking. The witch took her shot, George, Harry, and Ron did as well, but what surprised her was the two men next to her. They took their shot and received their effects. They were quiet and were making silent glances at each other, but avoiding her. It suddenly dawned on her and her anger peaked.

Hermione stood up with her wand out, everyone went quiet. "If I cast this and find out you are someone else, I am going to curse you to oblivion."

Caleb and Rollin stood up, "Hermione, you don't want to do that." Harry warned her.

Caleb went to speak, "Hermione-"

"Revelio," she declared and both men started to change drastically; they changed and Hermione left the room.

"Well, that could have gone better," Sirius declared straightening his shirt.

"Much better than that..." Remus trailed off.

Sirius turned to the room and smiled, "Hello, I am Sirius Black, if you didn't know that already."

Remus put a hand on his face, "we are buggered, mate."