A/N: Hey, sorry for the long wait. Uploading took me ages for some reason it didnt let me use document manager grrr... also the slowness is partially due to that I had nothing but exams, meaning no holidays and my weekends are spend either catching up or talking to my lovely soldier girl who I can only talk to during that time but that's ok that way I won't drive her insane.

Ok in the Last chapter there seemed to be some confusion about Greyback and Bellatrix. So here it is, Bellatrix helped Hermione to escape after narrowly saving her from Greyback. Hence the 'thank you Bella' part. Though this doesn't mean Bellatrix is a saint she might have more sinister plans. What her evil plans are… well I'm not sure yet.

Anyway thanks for all the amazing reviews and story alerts/favourites so to all of you some promised cookies! =)

Now let's get this show on the road or whatever…. =P

Previously:

"OH MY? Harry! I didn't see you there, I was too focused on the Nargles. You know, it's the perfect night for them to come out and play." Merlin, I hope he buys it, though it is the truth… Nargles do love this time of night. Mmh I wonder where they are.

"Mmh, I don't know Luna…" He was interrupted by the loud slightly slurring voice of Ron

"Hey L-Luna come in we got plenty of Firewissh-ky! You too Harry"

For once, Luna didn't mind Ron's impeccable timing and quickly followed him inside, leaving her husband behind slightly suspicious but in the end just filed it under 'Luna's oddities' if it was more she would eventually tell him so he left it at that.

Short after Poppy had left Minerva received an owl. Her first thought was that it must have been from Luna or some sort of Hogwarts business. Now however she would have preferred another opening of the chamber of secrets or even an invitation of Molly! Merlin that woman was persistent to set her up with as many single men she could get a hold off. Mmh maybe it is time to tell them I am married, I'm sure now that Voldemort is gone its much safer… besides if I have to put up with one more set-up I might just demonstrate why I am called the mistress of transfiguration! Though I shouldn't make this decision alone… The thought was pressed back to her mind as she had more urgent matter to deal with.

Hermione, who was currently ill and utterly helpless. The report from Madam Pomfrey was even more grave than she had expected. Obviously she would have been tortured. McGonagall was no fool and she certainly didn't have high hopes but this? This was just frighteningly horrible! Even she couldn't understand how Hermione had survived. She pictured her lying dead still in the hospital bed, it was as if she wasn't even there. Her prone form made her think of Hermione's second year, being petrified along with numerous other muggle born students.

Gosh they were so young and innocent back then.

How she wished they could have stayed that way but it wasn't meant to be. The losses of the war still weigh heavily on McGonagall's mind, after Dumbledore's death she felt even more guilty for all her cubs and all the lives that were lost. She had failed them and more importantly she had failed the one that she cared for the most, Hermione. From the very first time she saw her McGonagall knew exactly who she was. A single remorseful tear made it down her cheek, she would nor could ever tell Hermione that she was her… it didn't matter if she would admit it even to herself she would be taking risks and even now the dangers were far too great.

Minerva continued to pace around her office nervously. "Damn, I wish the old coot was here he would know what to do." She gripped the letter tighter in her hand then opened it and read it again.

Dear Minnie,

Tell me how was it to see her again after all these years? She is such a beauty, as far as a mudblood can be, but wait she is no mudblood now is she? You know I would love to see you again after all these years. Meet me at midnight tonight if you want to cure Hermione. You know where to find me.

Lots of cuddly Love

Bella.

The dark blood coloured red ink standing out on the white paper, even just looking at it seemed to scream danger and telling the reader to beware. She could hardly believe it then again it was typical for the madness that was Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black. She sighed once more, the day seemed to get longer and longer.

She never noticed someone else reading along with her until she heard the all too familiar voice of her wife screaming "There is no way that you're going to meet that crazy lunatic!"

Unlike her wife McGonagall's voice was calm and soft yet determined "You know how much Hermione means to me and there is not a change in hell that I will let an opportunity to cure her pass, nothing will stop me not even you Ro" her Scottish accent getting more pronounced with each word in her sentence. Another tear slipped down her cheek her eyes were shot red from the unshed tears and all Rolanda could do was take Minerva in her arms and offer support.

" I'm sorry, it's just that I'm only worried about you and I would never dream off standing in your way. I love you dear" Rolanda said.

The only reply she got from Minerva was a slight nod before she buried her head deeper in her shoulder and continued to cry.

Rolanda's heart went out to her wife she always knew that Minerva had a secret concerning the smart one of the golden trio, one that she couldn't even tell her. She never asked her about it, but now somehow it felt like the right thing to do "Min, dear… " Rolanda began uncertainly. Another brief nod indicated that Minerva had heard her but otherwise remained silent. "Min" Rolanda began again "I know that you have to keep certain secrets but maybe, maybe it's better to talk about it" I just hope that she won't shut me out, I have a feeling that there is far more going on than I could ever imagine I am willing to bet my broomstick on it!

Minerva's eyes filled with tears of guilt as she looked up into the eyes of her lover.

Rolanda saw that she remained silent unable to form the right words so she pulled her in a comforting, loving hug. Her strong arms encircling Minerva while she placed soft kisses on the top of her head, feeling the tears that flowed freely down onto her shoulder. It seemed like they sat like that for hours providing silent comfort to each other while the portraits were watching them, remaining respectfully quiet knowing that Minerva needed her wife more than ever now.

Finally McGonagall whispered "She's, Hermione, she is my daughter" was the quiet confession.

If Rolanda didn't have years of practise hearing the tiniest sounds she would never have heard it. She didn't know how to reply, of all the things she would have never guessed this, before she could stop herself she asked "How?" Merlin's beard she just had to ask!

The room became deadly quiet the air heavy with tension nevertheless Minerva answered this question too. After all she had kept this too long to herself. She couldn't keep it locked up any longer, the day and years of silence finally taking a toll on her. "Ro, remember the first war… when I was captured…" she stumbled on the sentence unable to continue but she knew her wife would understand the unspoken meaning.

Rolanda had never heard her wife sounding so vulnerable and weak, she immediately understood the meaning of the unspoken words. Merlin she knew Minerva was formidable and known to be a strong woman and even now she just proofed that although they were married for years her wife had carried a burden that was heavier than she could ever imagine. Seeing your own flesh and blood being attacked by a troll in the first year, petrified in the second, escaped convict in the third year, the toad, hunted down and tortured in Malfoy Manor and then during the final battle disappearing for five long agonizing years only to return in the wake of the morning severely wounded and it was still a question whether she would survive or not. Her own tears now mixed with McGonagall's as they both cried softly for the terrible fate and the unsure future.

Eventually Minerva stopped shaking, her breathing becoming regular and she stood up trying to calmly recollect herself in order to become once again the composed Headmistress persona. Rolanda kissed her wife softly on the lips "be safe."

A tender voice answered "I will be, please look after her, I love you" and with that she grabbed some Floo powder and went to Daigon Alley and finally apperated to a hellish place she had promised herself to never return to.

Rolanda saw her wife disappearing in the flames, she was worried but had promised to stay behind and look after Hermione. With a touch of her wand she looked representable again as if she had never cried and walked out of the office.

As soon as she closed the door behind her the portraits began to gossip with Severus being the loudest "Well now we know why I always disliked the little know it all" The others looked at him as if he just pronounced his love for hair products. They all thought the same "He only disliked her?"

Dumbledore chuckled good-naturedly and spoke with that twinkle in his eyes "Severus, if that is how you treated your students if you only disliked them I am afraid to ask what you did when you hated them." This was answered by the typical smirk of Snape.

Luna stepped inside of the Burrow and was immediately pulled into a hug by the matriarch of the house. "You look hungry dear, busy day?" Molly didn't even wait for an answer before continuing to speak "Just sit down and I will have something to eat for you in no time" with that she pushed Luna down on a chair and went to the kitchen.

Harry who had shortly come in after Luna witnessed the event and was smiling, knowing that Molly wouldn't take no for an answer and thus Luna would be stuck until Molly thought she was fed and full enough. "Dinner will be ready soon!" Came Molly's loud voice out of the kitchen carrying throughout the house.

In the meantime Fred and George (A/N: yes I couldn't let him die) came down and said hello, each having a mischievous grin while looking at Ron, their favourite victim, eurhm 'willing' test subject... Meanwhile Molly ordered the boys to set the table having decided that everyone should eat and take their seats missing the tell-tale sign that the terrible twins were up to something. However, the rest of the family, including the Potters, did notice and all took seats that were the furthest away from the twins. Poor gullible Ron unfortunately was just as his mother completely oblivious and as a result sat in between the terrible two-some.

Finally they all sat down at the table, just as they were about to start Luna asked where Ginny was.

Suddenly it was extremely silent, they all looked to Luna as if she had grown a second head. A soft cough interrupted the silence. "Eurhm, yes Ginny should be here too… Ron go get your sister" Molly ordered her son. Ron his face completely drained of all colour and he had a very sour look, he looked comical and the table erupted with laughter.

" Is ickle Ronniekins afraid?" said one of the twins.

"I think he is" snickered the other twin. "you know what I think Fred?"

"I'm sure I do George" and with that both of the twins started laughing preparing to tell the tale of what happened to Ron the last time he had to get Ginny on this day.

"Aah I remember as if I just happened… " said George.

"a year ago" finished Fred.

"That's because it did happen a year ago" quipped Harry.

Luna just sat back and observed everyone, noticing the effect of the earlier consumed Firewhiskey and the festive mood. Though Wrackspurts might have influenced them as well.

"So tell me what did happen last year?" Luna asked.

The twins immediately looked up with identical grins. "Well that our beautiful Ravenclaw is something that Ron will never forget" Said by the both of them.

"Like this time Won Won was asked to call Ginny for dinner…." said George

"… and well, Ginny wants to be alone on this day instead of being here with yours truly celebrating the victory of the final battle" Fred finished.

A quick uncomfortable silence passed thinking of the reason why Ginny refused to leave her room. No matter how often someone told her to forget Hermione that she was long gone, assumed dead, she always stubbornly refused to believe them claiming that Hermione would not have given up on her or anyone of them for that matter, then kicking them out of there room.

George was the first who recovered smiled at Luna before speaking again "Well.. it's the tale of the thousand birds and another good hex. Yup our dear Ron being the stubborn pig-headed fool he is ignored her warning and paid for it dearly!" George exclaimed in glee.

"Yeah he couldn't sit for weeks! And not because of Ginny's bat bogey hex" Fred roared before erupting into a fit of laughter and unable to finish the sentence.

"Our little sister used a modified version of a spell Ron knows all too well.. Avis and Locomotor Mortis! She had a great aim ! It took mum hours to get all the birds out"

"Enough!" screamed Ron. Throughout all of this his face had become redder and redder. Until he finally had enough and screamed at them to stop "it wasn't funny!" This only caused the twins to laugh harder. Finally Molly had enough and told them to stop and apologize telling Ron that he didn't have to go upstairs anymore.

"Listen Ron we are sorry, we didn't mean to embarrass you" The twins started to apologize "You know what, you are allowed to have one of our latest Weasley products" They finished together with a charming smile.

Ron immediately grabbed the product out of their hands and before he knew it, it had exploded turning the room completely purple with mist.

Molly was furious. She muttered a spell to clean the air only for it to start changing colours.

Arthur just sat back in his chair knowing that eventually it, whatever it was, would stop he just wished he had eaten more now that dinner was ruined.

Harry knew better than to get involved and followed Arthurs example by sitting back and enjoying the show. Now all I need is some popcorn.

As the mist got thicker and thicker all the while changing from deep purple to bright blue, green and even pink Luna had left making a quick escape upstairs. She could still hear the chaos downstairs.

"MULTI-COLOURED SHEEP ATTACK!" Came the panicked voice of Ron. Followed by a girly squeamish cry that was undoubtedly still Ron's voice "Bloody hell it's like a freaking farm!"

"Catch them! Arthur do something please! And boys you are grounded for the rest of your lives!" Molly screamed.

Momentarily she was a bit disturbed by what was going on downstairs, her mind wondered off for a second before she knocked softly on Ginny's door but received no answer. For a second she contemplated to just leave but knew that she needed to talk to Ginny. Another knock and again no answer… not taking a no for answer she softly opened the door, only to be met by darkness. The room was pitch-black, the only light originated from the moon shining through the window. Near the window she could see the silhouette from Ginny, she was staring out of the window if her chest wasn't rising from the air she breathed in Luna could have sworn that she was a statue.

For a moment Luna thought her entrance went unnoticed. However, Ginny had noticed her arrival as she spoke "Are you here to keep me company or are you like all the others telling me to forget her?" She spat the last part out as if she had a foul taste in her mouth. Luna simply stated that "Ginny is Ginny" Normally this vague statement would not have been understood but Ginny knew that Luna simply meant that she wouldn't impose her views on Ginny and that she should just follow her own ideas.

"DUCK!"

Ginny looked at Luna questioningly … Before Luna could explain what happened downstairs they heard a deafening giant 'Quack' right before the entire house started to shake and Ron screaming he rather fight those giant spiders again. Luna opened her mouth as if to start explaining but was interrupted by Ginny

"Never mind, I rather not know… Just leave me alone Luna, please" why won't they just leave me alone, they wouldn't understand she was more than just a friend. NO! she IS more than just a friend. They all gave up on her after just 5 months! Her so-called friends gave up so easily going on with their lives as if she never existed! I will never give up hope, I will find you eventually Hermione I swear I will.

"Ginny, I have news" Luna started

"Whatever it is I don't care about it unless it has to do with Hermione" Ginny answered bitterly. She couldn't help herself even though Luna was one of the few who had never lost hope and always believed in her.

Luna remained silent but didn't leave, which immediately got Ginny's attention "It is? Is it really Luna?" she asked incredulously.

A slight nod indicated that it was. Now there was no return, she couldn't lie to Ginny and felt that she deserved to know the truth. Luna took a deep breath before opening her mouth to start speaking

"Hermione is…."

The end. Will Luna be able to tell Ginny the truth or will something interrupt her?

Avis and Locomotor Mortis- the spells used by Ginny, the first Avis is the one Hermione used on Ron during the Yule Ball. Locomotor Mortis is a spell that locks someone's legs.

Anyway, I hoped you all liked this. It is longer than normal as I wanted to make up for the lack of updating. It will be another while before I update again as I'm going to visit my girlfriend this weekend! Yay! Hope everyone has a great week I know I will ;)