Hey!

I finally finished my summer courses, so I PROMISE, every Tuesday there will be a new update. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. I hope I didn't lose too many of you!

I'm curious: What is your favorite part of this story, and what is your least favorite part? I have mine, I was just wondering what everyone elses is!

Well, enjoy!

The next morning, Hermione was up early, ready to go. Just as the sun was rising, the two were checking out of their room. Hermione felt good; something was going to happen today. They pointedly made their way down the sidewalk, their eyes trained on the ground. A few more minutes and they reached the train station. Hermione quickly paid for the tickets, ignoring Remus' mumblings.

Hermione had no idea where they were going, mostly relying on Remus to lead the way. They were in the middle of a large city, Hermione stared at the large buildings and tried to avoid the rushing people.

"Which way?" she asked, standing off to the side.

"Um," Remus had a map pulled to his face, tracing the lines with his eyes. "This way," he finally said, pointing right.

The two traveled together, navigating their way through the streets. Hermione lifted her eyes, looking to the left side of the street for a moment, and something caught her eye. A flash of black robes, whipping around the corner. Her heart jumped for a moment, thinking that Severus was there, until she realized that something was wrong with the way the robe moved. That and no one else seemed to notice the man. They weren't his robes. Hermione had her wand out before Remus even noticed she had fallen behind. Keeping her guard up, she grabbed the sleeve of his sweater, pulling him to a stop.

"I think we're being followed,"

Remus had his wand out a moment later, glancing quickly around. Hermione turned around, and saw the flash again.

"They're behind us,"

Quickly the two darted down an alley, breaking into a run. They didn't get far before something exploded behind them. Hermione ducked behind a dumpster while Remus hid in a doorway. Their eyes met for a moment before another hail of spell fire caused them to shield themselves. Silently, the two began firing back, making sure to stay out of the way as much as possible. Hermione could feel them getting closer; hear their footsteps scuffle as they searched for cover. The bricks above her head suddenly exploded, covering the two in debris. As Hermione lifted her head, she saw Remus jump out, firing a powerful spell down the alley way. Everything fell silent after that. Remus quickly helped Hermione to her feet and the two slowly crept down the alley towards the pile of black robes. Hermione paused, allowing Remus to approach the figure.

"He's stunned," he murmured over his shoulder.

She stepped forward just as he turned the figure onto its back.

"He's a Death Eater,"

"How do you know?" she asked.

"I remember seeing him at the school, fighting Kingsley, I think,"

"What is he doing here?" Hermione whispered, afraid that she already knew the answer to her question.

"My first thought? They all probably know where Severus' loyalties lie now, and Death Eaters aren't known for letting their grudges go so easily,"

"They're getting to him through me,"

"Maybe we're jumping to conclusions,"

Hermione was on the verge of agreeing with him, until a figure appeared at the end of the alley.

"Remus!"

The figure lifted their arm as they took a step forward. Hermione felt fingers wrap around her wrist and then felt the uncomfortable feeling of being pulled through space. The two landed on the ground with a thud. Hermione sat up and looked around. They were in a different alley.

"Where are we?" Hermione asked, standing.

"A few grids over, I would guess. Far enough away that he can't find us,"

After a few minutes the two rejoined the people on the sidewalk, keeping their hands locked on their wands and their guards up. The rest of the day they followed up on leads, though both had their minds elsewhere. Just as they were getting closer, businesses began shutting down, forcing Hermione and Remus to find lodgings for the night. Even as the lights went out, neither slept – Hermione thinking about her parents, and Remus waiting for another attack.

When Hermione awoke the next morning, Remus was already dressed and ready to go. As she dressed, she felt a surge of guilt. He shouldn't be here with her; he should be with his family. He was so eager to help her, always pushing for answers that she was willing to let go. Hermione had accepted the fact that she may never see her parents again. She didn't like the idea, but she accepted it. When she was ready, the two packed their few belongings and set out. Remus had an unusual pep in his step.

The day was hot, and Hermione was tired as well as on edge, awaiting another attack. She watched the sun hover high in the sky and begin to lower. Remus was darting across the street, heading into a shop, but Hermione couldn't bring herself to follow. She paused at a store selling fruit. Picking up a peach, she inhaled deeply, feeling her mouth water at the aroma. A bell jingled from the door. Hermione placed the fruit down, seeing beautiful red apples one row over.

"Hello dear, how can I help you?" a soft voice asked.

Hermione turned her head, her hand half extended towards the apples. Her mouth immediately went dry as her eyes fell on the woman – the woman who was unmistakably her own mother. The woman had a smile on her face, awaiting a reply that was stuck in Hermione's chest.

"Dear?"

Hermione stared for a moment longer, feeling her eyes starting to water.

"No," she rasped out, licking her lips quickly. "No, thank you,"

"Alright," the woman replied, beaming at her.

Hermione turned her eyes to the window where she immediately found her father behind the counter of the store, smiling and chatting with the customer who was waiting for their items to be bagged. He placed the various fruits into a brown paper bag, folding it over neatly before handing the bag to the old man and waving goodbye.

Remus was just returning from the shop across the street after a few minutes just as Hermione and the woman ended their conversation. He was telling her of what he found out, but she was watching the man and woman inside the store.

"Mary and Jack," Hermione whispered.

"What?"

"They changed their names to Mary and Jack Patterson,"

Remus turned his eyes to the store and saw a man and woman, looking just like the photo Hermione gave him to reference.

"They moved here a year ago. She said they can't remember much of their lives before the move," Hermione could feel the tears spilling over. "Of course they can't remember. She said she always wanted to visit England,"

"Hermione-"

"It's fine. I think we should try and find a place to sleep,"

Hermione began walking away, slightly dazed. She wanted to sleep. She wanted to go home. She wanted to be with Severus, the one thing that was completely solid in her life. Remus fell into step behind her, keeping his eyes forward.

"Excuse me!"

Hermione froze instantly, hearing the footsteps behind her. The woman reached her, just as Hermione turned to look at her. The woman was so kind looking; it broke Hermione's heart knowing that she had taken her memories away.

"I'm sorry to be so nagging, but have we met before? Your face seems so…familiar,"

Hermione's lips stretched into a sad smile as she shook her head.

"No, we've never met,"

"Okay," the woman said smiling. "Have a nice day,"

"You too,"

Hermione watched as the woman turned back around and returned to her store. Remus didn't push her, and Hermione didn't speak a word about it. The two managed to find a run-down hotel, booking a room for a week. Hermione didn't sleep that night; her mind was replaying the various options she had and weighing the severity of her decision. Once she made her choice, there would be no going back. The next morning, Remus was walking on eggshells around her, further adding to her distress.

"Did you hear anything last night?" Remus asked her.

"I wasn't paying any attention, why?"

"Someone kept walking past the door,"

"Maybe it was just people coming back late," she offered, not really bothered by the idea.

"No, it was the same person. They were standing in front of the door for quite a while until I made a noise. They left quickly and didn't return,"

"You don't think…another Death Eater?"

"I wouldn't discount it,"

Hermione let that theory wash over her. They were certainly being followed. After their encounter in the alley way, Hermione was sure the man had returned to his friends and told them everything. She was shocked that someone hadn't come into the room last night. What were they waiting for? Racking her brain, she couldn't remember hearing anything that night, but her mind was otherwise occupied. A sinking feeling in her stomach made her realize that their time was running short; eventually, those men would find them and she knew they couldn't be so lucky two times in a row.

"Do you think we should find another place to stay tonight? We should keep moving," she offered.

"I think that would be best," Remus agreed quietly.

So, when they finally had breakfast, they backed up and headed out, keeping their heads down and eyes peeled. The two stumbled across a shabby hotel, and quickly got a room. Hermione knew Remus was going to talk to her before he could open his mouth.

"So…what are you going to do?"

She had thought about it all day, and still she was unsure. She was sure of her choice, just unsure about how she would handle her choice in the long run.

"I'm…I'm going to leave them,"

The room was completely silent, and Hermione wouldn't raise her eyes to his face. This was going to be difficult, she knew, but she was willing to sacrifice her happiness for theirs. Hermione knew that she had caused them enough pain already, though they didn't know it anymore.

"You sure?"

"Yes, it's for the best,"

After a few minutes, Hermione raised her eyes to his face.

"I'd like to see them today so we can start home tomorrow. I can't keep you from your family any longer,"

"Sure," Remus replied, giving her a gentle smile.

Hermione didn't remember much of the journey back to her parent's store, but what felt like moments later, they were there. She didn't go inside, but looked through the window, watching her parents smile and talk to one another. Hermione caught the woman's eye, and instantly picked out two peaches. By the time she walked inside, the woman was at the door.

"Hello again," she said smiling.

"Hi," Hermione offered lamely.

"Are you ready to check out?"

"Oh, yes," Hermione offered handing over the peaches.

The woman headed back towards the register where her husband was rearranging some magazines. Hermione watched her father's slender hands make quick work of his task, reminding her of when he used to fix things at home. He caught her eye, and she smiled weakly at him as she paid for the peaches. Taking the bag, Hermione smiled, looking into her mother's eyes.

"Goodbye," Hermione said quietly, before turning to her father and offering the same sentiments.

"Have a nice day," the man replied smiling.

"You too,"

Hermione left the shop, knowing full well that she would never see her parents again.