NOTE: Thanks for your interest in this story so far. I'm enjoying writing this one a lot. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Chapter Two: Unbound

Hermione had been interrogated, for lack of a better word, for the best of six hours. She had anticipated this, believing they would have liked to have kept her considerably longer. She knew they would want the full story, but without having had the chance to speak with her boys about this first, she did not know how much they, and the rest of the order, should be sharing right now. Percy Weasley had come with her, her representative and witness, and advised her against answering too many questions until they had a chance to discuss in more detail. Frustrated as they were, the aurors had been compliant and understanding, perhaps due to the near immediate appointment of Kingsley as Minister, as Hermione had soon found out.

When she was eventually allowed to return to the Great Hall, the space had emptied somewhat. Many of the students who had remained and survived the fight had now been collected by parents and guardians, happily reunited with those who loved them most and were relieved to bring them safely home. Very few had chosen to stay at the castle for the remainder of the term. Without classes, they were agreeing to the rebuilding of the school, a feat that currently felt impossible, but it was still early days. The main concern of castle structures being unstable and crumbling further had been resolved by the remaining teaching staff.

Hermione found that Ron and Harry were missing, and assumed they were off in their own interrogations, so she headed towards where the Weasley family were huddled with Professor Slughorn, and a tiny woman Hermione did not recognise.

"Hermione, dear," Molly welcomed her, grabbing a blanket from a near by cot and wrapping it around a grateful Hermione. "Ron and Harry are being spoken to by aurors. They went in just after you so hopefully wont be needed much longer." Molly fussed around her, pulled her hair out from where it had been trapped by the blanket and running motherly hands over cuts and grazes on the young woman's face and arms. "We'll need to get you healed up, some of these cuts could do with a wash out." Molly took Hermione's arm, and dropped it immediately, seeing her wince and bite into her lip. "What is it?"

"Nothing, just a healing injury."

"Let me see." Molly pried her arm from the blanket, reaching for her sleeve.

"No, thank you Mrs Weasley."

"Hermione-"

"Honestly, please. Stop." she stated firmly.

Sensing the warning in her voice, Molly pulled back, face slightly shocked. "Of course. Just, make sure you keep it clean."

"I will." Hermione couldn't meet her eyes, but gave her a small smile. She noticed McGonagall watching her, and Hermione went to move away from the group.

"Hermione, love, please stay." Mrs Weasley said. Eventually looking at her, she could see the worry in Molly's face. She gave a small nod, and was pulled in for a tight hug. "You are bloody brilliant, do you know that?" Molly whispered into her bushy hair. "Bloody brilliant. I can safely say we would not be standing her, end of the war, without you."

"That's not true."

"You kept my Ronald alive. You've given me the world."

Hermione didn't know what to say, and was sure her face showed how uncomfortable.

"Give in, Mione." smiled Ginny from behind her mother's shoulder. "You know the boys would be long dead without you there." The mischievous smile on her friends face only stayed for a second, before her words sunk in, and Hermione was now the one gripping the older witch tightly.

"I'm so sorry about Fred." Hermione said, grief settling over her, settling heavy behind her breast bone. "So sorry."

"I can't believe it." Molly whispered back, holding onto Hermione as she felt her own grief wash through her. Ginny joined them as they hugged one another. Eventually Molly released her, red patchy face and glistening eyes taking in Hermione's face and patting her cheek lightly with her hand. "We'll be okay." Hermione, still lost for words, only nodded.

"When the boys are back we will head home." Stated Arthur. He looked done in, his own eyes red and bloodshot. Behind him, George was sat on the floor, head resting on Bill's shoulder. "Where's Percy?"

"He went to find Ron when they were done with me." Hermione spoke up.

"Very well. I think we could all do with a good sleep and some food. Hermione, do you want to gather you things, if you have any-"

"I'm staying here." she spoke softly. Ginny's face snapped to hers.

"Why?" her friend asked. Hermione could sense the hurt in her tone.

"I think I need to right now. I can't just stop, not yet."

"Hermione, dear, just come for the night. We can get some sleep and make a plan-"

"No, thank you, Mr Weasley, Mrs Weasley, but I need to be here right now." Both looked at her deeply. Molly worried her lip and Arthur scowled. The only parents she had left, Hermione thought, and drew both in for a hug. "I love you both, and appreciate you both. Right now, I need this. But-" she pulled away slightly, only to be pulled in by Mrs Weasley again.

"We understand. And you have your home with us when you are ready." Mrs Weasley spoke, unable to hide the wobble of emotion in her voice, predicting Hermione's question. "Always. You are as good as our own child." Mr Weasley nodded in agreement.

"Thank you." she said.

"Well then I am staying too" said Ginny, breaking the moment.

"Ginerva, no you will not. You have already given us enough heart attacks for a life time, and for one night, the first time in a long time, I would like to know that nearly all of my children are under one roof!" Molly had gotten more hysterical as her speech went on. Mr Weasley rubbed small circles into her back, eyes tearing again, and Ginny took her mother's hands in her own.

"Of course, mum."

Hermione walked away, back to her cot in the corner. The day was fogging her brain, and her body felt slow and tired. She needed sleep, but right now she was not sure if that would come. Too much emotion, pain, and light danced around the room. They had been awake for well over 24 hours at this point, and felt she was carrying the weight of the world still. The anxiety that she had grown accustomed to in the past years was drilling in her chest. Time was needed now. Time would make things better. She was still distinctly aware of the witch and her family in the corner, and her arm tingled. She wondered if it was like Harry's scar, letting her know when her enemy was near. She pushed this thought away quickly. She didn't need to overthink, not right now. Hermione decided she would lay down, close her eyes for just a minute, then decide what she really wanted to do. For a moment, the world went dark.

When she woke, hours later she presumed, the blanket that she had draped around her shoulders was now wrapped around her body. The Great Hall was illuminated by the gentle glow of the floating candles. The room was almost quiet, only the sounds of shuffling feet, whispered conversations, and quiet moans of those too sick or injured to be moved just yet. She turned slowly, uncomfortable on the low cot, allowing her eyes to adjust to the low light, and noticed a piece of folded parchment near her head. Fumbling for it, she held it out in the light to read, adjusting her eyes to Harry's messy scrawl.

'Mione,

I've gone with the Wealsey's for the evening. Ginny and I wanted to speak and I need to get away from here for a couple of days. Arthur said you plan to stay for the time being. Apologies for not saying good bye, but I haven't seen you sleep in a long while and felt it was important to let you be. Ginny a and Mrs Weasley would like to remind you that you have a home with them.

I've spoken with McGonagall. When you are ready, she will show you to the pensieve. Don't be afraid Mione, I think it will answer a lot of questions I know you have. If you would like me to be there, or Ron, or Ginny, you know where to find us. We will come as soon as we hear from you. It has been decided that the safest place to hold Miss Black is at Hogwarts. Wards have been put back in place, and she has been magically bound here. The same for Narcissa and Malfoy, although as we know, home probably isn't much more welcoming right now. Kingsley can tell you more about that, my brain can't take anything more in at the moment.

Hermione assumed 'Miss Black' was Bellatrix. She wondered why the name change, head whirling from Harry's apparent casualness around the woman who murdered his Godfather.

I plan to return in two or three days. Kingsley has gone to the Ministry to get things sorted there, and the rebuilding efforts will start then. All hands on deck I'm sure, so we will see you then. Ginny gives you all her love, and will send a package as soon as we return with clean clothes and bathroom stuff. She said something about bobbles but lost me in seconds.

Take care. See you in a couple of days.

Harry

P.S. Speak to Ron, he's still there (if you wake up today). I think you may both be on the same page.

P.P.S. Speak to Ron about what? You need to stop leaving me out of all the gossip again now. I've missed you. Your true bestie, Ginny.

Hermione smiled at the end of the note, laughing quietly. She folded it carefully and placed it under her pillow. She turned back towards the wall, struggling in the hammock like bed, closing her eyes again. Her head still felt heavy, and her mind was slow. Anxiety spiked again, but she was safe, she reminded herself. As safe as you can be with a murderous ex-death eater sat 200 yards behind you. She heard the familiar snort from over in the corner, and wondered for a moment if she had spoken out loud. Ignoring her, she urged her brain to suck her back into sleep.

After 30 minutes of sleepless turning and fidgeting, she sighed loudly and pushed the blanket off herself, the cold air of the hall rushing to her warmed body. Swinging her legs off the bed, the ran her hands through her slightly messy curls, reaching around her to try and find a hair band.

"Here" came Ron's voice from her left, and she found him holding out a mug and a hair band. "Ginny said you would want this."

"She's a mind reader." smiled Hermione, gratefully taking the warm tea and the band. Balancing the mug haphazardly on her thigh, she made quick work of getting her hair away from her face. She managed to take the mug back into her hands just in time for Ron to slump ungracefully onto the cot beside her, making her bob as if she were on a small boat. "How are you?" she asked, resting her head on his shoulder as they watched the gentle scene of the hall around them.

"I've been better." he said sourly, then chuckling, "those aurors are something else huh! Was hoping would we have a bit of breathing room before they moved in."

"About time the Ministry stepped up." she said quietly. She fell silent. Her eyes had fallen on a sleeping Draco across the room. She presumed his mother was in the cot behind him. Two Aurors stood against the wall next to them.

"They are staying here for now. Kingsley argued it out but has given them sanctuary here. McGonagall agreed to it." there was a moment of silence, Ron waiting to see if Hermione would speak. "I think it's disgusting by the way. Letting that monster stay here." he spat, and she could feel the way his shoulders tensed.

"Harry thinks she safe?" she didn't mean it to come out as a question.

"Apparently. Maybe Voldy fried his brains a little too much huh."

"Ron." she chastised lightly. In truth, she had found it hard to shake the idea that they had been imperio'd, but she knew better than that. "You know Harry. Bleeding heart, even to his mortal enemies."

"Hmm, not sure if I agree with him this time."

"Me either. But I'll speak to McGonagall tomorrow."

Ron said nothing. She could sense that he was seething, but from his lack of words she deduced this was an argument he had lost out on a number of times today. Eventually she felt his shoulders relax. She must have been drifting off again, because her name being spoken jerked her eyes open in a shock.

"Yes?"

"I wanted to, well I know that, earlier today, yesterday now I suppose, it's been all a lot, Im not, well-"

"Ron, it's okay. I think I know what you are trying to say."

"You do?" he asked, and she could hear the relief in his voice. Taking a deep breath, knowing she would have to be the brave one here, she turned to face him.

"I love you Ron, and I love Harry too. We've been through a hell of a lot and I don't know if I could live a day of my life without either of you with me. You are, in every sense of the word, my family. I know, when we kissed, in the moment it felt right. Now, as we are, I am happy we did, but..." she wasn't sure what to say, aware she was entering a dangerous rambling phase.

"Hermione, I love you too. And whilst I am also glad to have kissed you, bloody lucky actually, it wasn't right for us."

"Agreed." she said, a soft smile on her lips. He smiled back.

"Was a good kiss though."

"Great kiss."

He smiled wider. "No hard feelings?"

"None at all Ronald."

"Well that's a relief." They smiled at each other again, and Hermione leant forward to rest her forehead against his shoulder. She felt Ron move slightly to accommodate her, resting his own head on top of hers. They stayed like this a while longer until Ron pulled her out of her sleeping haze again. "Come on, get some sleep. I'm going to head home. Neville is going to come with me. His Gran had has to go to St Mungo's, nothing serious" he added, seeing the look on Hermione's face. "but he couldn't give up the offer of a normal bed and breakfast in the morning."

"Understandable."

"Are you sure you want to stay here? You could come for the night, come back in the morning?"

"I'm sure."

"Even with her just across the room"

"Weirdly, I feel better knowing exactly where she is."

Ron frowned at her, clearly not understanding, but stood up anyway. Giving her shoulder a light squeeze, he left with a promise of returning in a couple of days with Harry and Ginny. "If they can keep their hands off each other. I think you slept through the worst of it. Surprised dad has let him come home with us at all if I'm honest." and with a laugh, he parted ways.

She watched Ron join Neville and a couple of other students near the heavy oak doors, and with a wave in her direction, they were gone. Hermione sipped her tea and took in the room around her. She could recognise some of her teachers and classmates sleeping forms on beds scattered around the hall. Luna and Madame Pomfrey were attending to some of the injured on one side of the room, and small groups of ministry officials sat talking in low voices. Eyes falling back into the opposite corner, she found herself staring into the now sleeping face of Bellatrix. The older witch did not sleep in a bed like her sister and nephew, instead slept slumped against the wall, knees drawn into her chest, almost as if she were keeping watch over her small family. Now she had a chance to look at her, Hermione was surprised to find that she looked younger than she remembered. The dark curls that framed her rounded face looked calmer, as if they knew their owner was at rest, allowing them breathing room. Slender fingers gripped the wand in her hand, she had pushed one arm against her knee to hold her head up, and if it were not for the corset wrapped tightly around her middle, Hermione was sure the witch would have fallen forward by now. She would not be comfortable like that.

"What do I care." Hermione muttered under her breath. She could rot, as far as Hermione was concerned, and she felt her fingers twitch as anger rose in her chest again. She felt the edges of her vision darken, and memories of that night at Malfoy Manor filled her head. She could see herself, laying in the middle of the room, a silent audience as Bellatrix Lestrange straddled her, holding her head close to the unforgiving stone flooring as she whispered threats into her ear. Hermione, even watching the scene from across the room, could feel the warm, rancid breath against her cheek. She could feel the burn of her hair follicles where sharp fingers pulled her head back, and her hips ached as she was held against her will. She watched herself struggle against the magical bonds that kept her arms flat against the floor, as Bellatrix pulled out the small knife with a cackle that shook her to her core. She heard her name being called, over and over. The boys in the dungeon! She had to help them get out safe! But she couldn't move, could barely speak! Suddenly pain, hot unyielding pain, shoots through her body.

"Hermione!" a sharp pain across her face, and she was aware someone was very close to her. "Hermione! Can you hear me?"

Pushing back suddenly, her hands connecting with something, or someone, hard, slamming her back into the rough wall behind her. A sharp pain shot through her head and shoulders, and she realised her eyes were closed. She didn't know how to open them.

"Miss Granger. You're okay. You're safe. It's Professor McGonagall. Can you hear me?" The gentle words by her side brought her slowly back to the room. She became aware of the feel of the bed below her, the soft blanket across her lap, the smell of earth and candle wax filling her nostrils. She could feel the stickiness of her hair against her face, and the pounding of her heart in her chest. She realised she was shouting, and stopped quickly, her throat feeling raw. "Miss Granger, you are at Hogwarts in the Great Hall. The war is over. We have won. You are safe." she let the words run over her and she was able to gain control once more of her breathing. After a minute or two, she was able to open her eyes.

Minerva sat crouched in front of her, Madame Pomfrey and ministry folk hovering over her Professor's shoulder. Luna sat on the ground, her nose slightly bloodied, but smiling reassuringly at Hermione as she stared around her, trying to catch up with her brain.

"Does she need to be restrained?" came the deep voice of the auror.

"Don't be ridiculous. This is trauma. You would do well to recognise it." McGonagall spoke harshly, not taking her eyes of Hermione. "Welcome back to us, Miss Granger."

"What happened?" asked Hermione, confused as to what was happening. She suddenly became aware of the many eyes on her, and those who had previously been asleep now sat up, looking her way. She could feel eyes from the corner watching her, and she trained her eyes on the head mistress.

"A panic attack, Hermione, and a rather nasty one from the looks of things. Have you experienced that before?" Hermione shook her head. "It's perfectly normal," Minerva said gently, reaching out and taking Hermione's hand tentatively in her own. "A sweet tea is in order, Poppy, if you would be so kind. And Miss Lovegood's nose needs some attention."

Turning her head, Hermione looked to see the blood still flowing steadily from Luna's face, and realised with a flush of shame that she had hit her. "Luna," she said, her voice pleading, "I'm so sorry."

"I've never had a broken bone before. I can't wait to tell my father." she said, happily standing and following Madame Pomfrey away, a skip in her step. McGonagall shook her head, and brought Hermione's attention back to her.

"PTSD is normal in this situation. Do you understand what that is?" Hermione nodded. "Good. You've been through an ordeal Hermione, and seen more than I would ever have wished for you. Allow you brain to process and heal. Here," she said, taking the tea from Madame Pomfrey, "this will be a good start, then some more sleep."

Hermione took the tea gratefully. She sipped it. McGonagall watching her carefully, making Hermione feel slightly self conscious. As if reading her mind, the teacher moved, conjuring a chair from no where, and sat with a sigh. She looked exhausted. "Have you slept professor?"

"Not yet. My school and students need me." said McGonagall, smiling slightly. "But I feel my time is coming soon. What a mess." she said, looking around her. "Plans are already set. The rebuilding will begin in a couple of days. For now, we just start to recover, and talk, and catch up with dear friends." Minerva gave her a warm, genuine smile which Hermione gladly returned.

"We missed you, Professor. I'm so glad, you,"

"Me too. You won't imagine the hope you have kept a light for us all. You gave us strength."

"Me? You are the strongest woman I know Professor."

"I had a purpose. Purpose makes us strong. We have been similar in that way."

Hermione looked away, contemplating her words, and once again found herself making eye contact with Bellatrix. She diverted her gaze quickly. "I promise you, Miss Granger, you are in no danger from Bellatrix or her family. It's not all been as it seems."

"Harry told me you could show me?"

"Certainly, as soon as you are ready. There are questions I have too, and if you would permit me, I would want to view these memories with you."

"I would be very grateful for you if you would. I don't think." she cut herself off, "I can't relive that again by myself".

"Forgive me. I feel there will never be enough time to know all you have been up to over the past year Miss Granger, but what is it that has stuck with you so?"

Hermione could not help the eyes that darted back to the corner. Bellatrix was now watching her sister as she slept. She looked back into McGonagall's eyes. "I don't think I can say it. Not when Im apparently reliving it in my sleep."

"Of course."

"But I will appreciate you being with me, when we, you know."

"Yes. I'm glad we can be here for one another now Hermione." her head mistress stated. "I was rather hopeful my favourite student would return. I rather hope we can continue on as friends now."

"I would like that. And think I need a friend right now, Professor."

"Call me Minnie." Hermione rose her eyebrows, but said nothing, receiving an amused look from Minerva. "Me too Hermione." The older woman took the now empty mug from Hermione's hands, and waving her wand, removed the chair she had been seated on. "Do try to get to sleep. If you struggle, Poppy has some potions that may help."

"Do you think, you could sit here." Hermione asked, her ears burning with embarrassment. "Just until I am asleep?"

Without speaking, Minerva brought the chair back, sat down, and brought a book into her lap with a small pop. Hermione laid her head down on her pillow, closing her eyes, and allowing sleep to take over once more.