A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing! The end is nearing, folks. Four chapters left!

Chapter 44: The Potters

July 21st 1979 (Saturday)

It had been almost two years ago, on the first of September, when Hermione had met Lily and James for the first time. So much had happened since that day – the first day of their friendship. Lily and James hadn't been together then, and even though James had dated a different girl in the start of the term, everyone around them had known the pair was destined for each other. Or so many of their friends now said, on their wedding day.

Hermione glanced at the people around her, feeling a bit nervous. "Erm, hello everyone," Hermione started, trying not to narrow her eyes at Sirius, who was smirking at her discomfort.

They were gathered in James's family cottage lands in Yorkshire Wolds. The cottage itself wasn't a glamorous place, but the landscape – with its gentle rolling hills, lush grass paths and charming little villages nearby made it a rather perfect wedding venue. There were a little over thirty of them, and nearly everyone was part of the Order. Molly, Augusta Longbottom and Marilyn Bones had made miracles in the gardens while the girls had helped Lily to get ready. Lily and James were to be married in a large pavilion, under a beautiful and magnificent floral ceiling that was accented with hanging crystals and shimmering lights which stood out as the sun started to set.

"I'd like to thank Lily and James for inviting me and every one of us to be a part of their special day. As most of you know, we don't go back a long way. I actually met both Lily and James less than two years ago, when I started my seventh year at Hogwarts, after being sorted into the same house," She said, and saw many friendly faces beaming at her.

Hermione, Mary, Remus, Alice, Frank, Peter and Sirius sat at a table next to Lily's and James's smaller one. Edgar Bones and his wife, Marilyn, and their children sat at the next table with Sturgis Podmore, Augusta Longbottom and her husband. Dorcas Meadowes, Caradoc Dearborn, Gideon, Fabian and Emmeline Vance – Fabian's fiancée – sat on the other side, with the Weasleys beside them at their own table. Dumbledore, Aberforth, Moody, Dedalus Diggle and Elphias Doge were situated at the furthest and smallest table opposite to the bride and groom, making it a full circle.

"After my arrival, I was a bit concerned whether or not I'd make any friends in a foreign school, where the girls in my dorm had known each other for several years. I soon realised that all my worries were for nothing, because right from the first night, Lils and the rest of the girls took me in to be a part of their group, like I had always belonged there," She said and smiled when she saw Mary arch an amused brow, presumably thinking back the time when Hermione had told the girls that she had actually gone to Hogwarts in the future, and knew everything there was to know about the school. Foreign indeed.

"During these past two years us girls have shared many things together. We've laughed together, cried together, and more than often laughed until we've cried. We've faced many hardships together as well, like everyone else in these times," Hermione said and gave Lily and the girls a sad smile when she saw their slightly sorrowful looks.

They were probably all having the same thoughts – thinking about the friends and loved ones they had lost. "But there's been so much good, so much love, and so much happiness during the little time we have known each other. Like the time when Lily and James finally realised that they were meant to be," Hermione said with a wry smile at Lily and James, when some of their friends chuckled quietly. "Or the time they told me about their new family member," Hermione said and gave her friends a fond smile. Lily sniffled slightly, a tear escaping from the corner of her eye while she still glowed with happiness.

Lily truly was a beautiful bride. She wore a Grecian style wedding gown, and her long, curly auburn hair was adorned with a gorgeous ivory flower crown. James too was looking rather handsome in his dress robes, eyeing his wife lovingly and stroking her round belly through the fabric of her dress.

"Lily and James, you both know that love isn't always easy, and it isn't perfect. You have already faced challenges and sorrows together, but you still know how to hold on and never let go. That is something I'm honoured to be able to witness. I admire your strength and your love, and I only hope that one day I will find something as pure as you have found." Hermione said and swallowed a lump from her throat while smiling at the bride and groom. James grinned at her while Lily pressed her lips together, blinking rapidly to stop herself from tearing up.

"So…if everyone could raise a glass with me to congratulate the stunning couple. We wish you a lifetime of happiness." Hermione said, her voice cracking slightly, but it didn't matter, because everyone stood up and lifted their glasses, congratulating the couple.

Hermione wiped a few stray tears away from her cheeks. Before she sat down with the others, Lily stood up and walked to her, and pulled her friend into a crushing hug. "Thank you, Mione," Lily murmured.

As the girls broke off and went back to their seats, eyes glistening with tears, Sirius was already standing up and beginning his best man's speech.

"Well, thanks for that, kitten…I think I haven't cried since…well, never," He said and wiped his eyes with an exaggerating manner, while some of the guest laughed slightly. Sirius sent a wry looking Hermione a teasing wink before he continued, "As most of you know, James and I are distantly related," Sirius said with a slight amusement in his eyes. "But since, you know, my family's a bit…deranged, I only met James for the first time in the Hogwarts Express, and slightly after that, Lily at the start of term feast in the beginning of our first year at Hogwarts," Sirius said, smiling to himself, supposedly reminiscing the first time he'd met the couple. "James and I…We quickly became brothers. Inseparable, of course. Co-dependent on each other, some might say," He said and smirked at James. James was chuckling, probably to some inside joke of theirs.

"I spent my holidays with James's family, and his parents took me in a couple of years after, when I decided that I'd had enough of my dear mother's upbringing…" Sirius said with a small smirk, and a few of the guests gave him entertained looks.

"There are not enough words to describe our friendship. I mean, we're like sin and damnation. Like stoners and snacks. Or like two foxes in a hen house," he said and shared an identical grin with James. "But I never pictured myself getting married like you did, mate. I was too busy being a rebel to keep my own scrapbook," Sirius said and winked at his friend, who shook his head with amusement. Many guests laughed lightly.

"And even though I know I'm funnier than you, and well, let's face it, more adorable, I reckon there's much that I can learn from you. And much that I can look up to in you. I love you, mate. And I couldn't be happier for you, my brother." He said and lifted his glass for a toast. Everyone followed his example while the boys shared a long hug.

Later on, after the speeches, after the cake, Hermione was sitting at an empty table, smiling wistfully as she watched her friends dance in the middle of the large charmed pavilion. It felt good to be out again. Amongst other people. She didn't really mind that much being at home all the time, but she had been hiding there for three months while everyone around her was moving forward with their lives, with their jobs and studies. Even she had her limits.

"Sulking here already?" Gideon asked as he sat down next to her. Fabian and Emmeline followed him and sat on his other side.

Hermione rolled her eyes at Gideon before turning her eyes at the couple. "I believe we haven't been formally introduced," She said and gave Emmeline a pleasant smile. Of course, she had seen the other woman in the Order meetings, but they hadn't really spent any time together before. "I'm Hermione."

Emmeline cracked a smile, sweeping her long black hair behind her back. "Oh, I know. I've heard a lot about you," She said, glancing at Gideon and Fabian mischievously before she shook Hermione's outstretched hand. "Emmie. Good to finally meet you."

"Likewise. I trust you won't believe anything they say?" Hermione asked with a hint of worry, while Fabian sniggered.

Emmeline gave her a conspiratorial wink. "Naturally."

Hermione grinned, warming up to the witch immediately. She was tall and slender and very beautiful, a woman around her mid-twenties. Even though she seemed kind and easy to be around with, Hermione saw a certain amount of fierceness in her dark blue eyes and posture.

Gideon chuckled. "We're not that bad, you know…" He muttered and took a sip from his Butterbeer.

"Speak for yourself, brother," Fabian quipped and stood up. "Now, I reckon the most stunning witch owes me a dance," he announced, and walked next to Hermione's chair.

Hermione spluttered, her eyes darting between Fabian and Emmeline, who both sniggered. Gideon shook his head in exasperation.

"Um…" Hermione stammered, not really knowing how to react.

"Come on, little Dumbledore. I dare you," Fabian said with a teasing smirk, holding his hand to her.

Hermione glanced at Emmeline, who burst in laughter. "He can't help himself. It'll only get worse if you stall," Emmeline said and jerked her head at the dance floor, smiling at the younger witch.

Hermione arched a brow at Fabian as she stood up and took his hand.

"You could've just asked me to dance with you…" Hermione muttered as they walked towards the centre of the floor.

Fabian chuckled. "I could've. But then I would've missed all the fun," He said with a wink, took her hand and twirled her around. Hermione tried to narrow her eyes at him but eventually his exaggerating moves and his huge grin made her laugh.

When the song was over, Hermione excused herself to the ladies' room and Fabian returned back to their table. She stepped inside the empty cottage just as her purse started to heat up between her fingers.

"W-What…?" Hermione mumbled and stopped in her tracks, staring at the purse in confusion.

"Oh!" She whispered loudly as she realised what it was, and quickly searched through her purse, pulling out a golden coin.

I need to see you –RB

Hermione gasped. "Reg…" She whispered, and pressed her wand to the coin.

Is everything okay? –HD

She worried her lip as she waited his answer. Had something happened to him? She knew Regulus had graduated, but he hadn't contacted her in over a half a year. She hadn't seen him in a long time. Hermione had thought that Regulus had lost his coin, since he hadn't answered her when she had sent messages to him earlier that year. Knowing that he had had the coin all this time was both upsetting and relieving.

Yes. 30min? –RB

Hermione huffed. Why did he want to meet her? What if it was trap? Was it even Regulus who had sent the message? What if someone had taken the galleon from him, figuring out what it was and to whom it was connected to? What if it was Voldemort himself who was trying to set up a meeting with her? Hermione chewed the inside of her cheek, frustrated by her paranoid thoughts. But it wasn't all for nothing, since Hermione knew Voldemort was searching for her. The coin heated against her palm again.

Trust me, love. –RB

Hermione read the message over and over again, swallowing hard. She had to see him. What if it was important? Even if it wasn't, she needed to see him, to make sure he was all right.

Okay. –HD

Hermione knew he wouldn't come to her home, in case he was followed by someone. Regulus surely knew that Voldemort was searching for the time traveller, and he wouldn't place her in any danger. She knew that he could find her wherever she was, but she also knew that she couldn't see him in the midst of Lily's and James's wedding celebration. She had to walk outside the wards and apparate to somewhere else before Regulus would arrive. But how in the name of Merlin could she slip away without anyone noticing?

"Kitten…?" Sirius called as he stepped inside the dimly lit cottage. Relief settled into his face when his eyes located her. "There you are." He said cheerfully and walked towards her. "Everything okay?" He asked with a wary tone as he assessed her.

Hermione swallowed and quickly pushed the coin back into her purse. "Um…"

"That my brother?" Sirius asked with a hard look.

Should she lie to him? Hermione frowned as she contemplated her answer, deciding to stick with the truth. "He, um…He asked if I could meet him…" she said with a slight cringe.

"Now?" Sirius asked and eyed her suspiciously. "Why?"

Hermione shrugged helplessly.

Sirius scoffed. "Didn't it occur to you that it might not be him?" He asked tightly.

Hermione pressed her lips together.

"Bloody hell, Hermione…We haven't heard of him for over seven months! What if it's someone else sending the messages, huh? What if someone's making him? Or…What if he's, you know…gone back to their side?" Sirius asked heatedly, his voice rising with his frustration. Hermione could feel the energy crackling around them.

She let out a heavy sigh. "I know, okay?" She said sharply. "But what if it is him? What if he's not okay? What if he has valuable information?"

Sirius rubbed the bridge of his nose and was silent for a while. "Where are you meeting him?" He asked wearily.

Hermione shrugged. "Away from here. Some forest or a muggle village, perhaps…"

"My place. And I'm coming with you," Sirius said determinedly, giving her a hard look.

"No."

He gave her a tight smile. "Trust me, kitten. I'm not going to let you leave here by yourself. So it's either us meeting my dear brother, or me dragging you back to the party, attached to me for the rest of the night," He said easily. "Personally, I'd take the latter, you know," He added and gave her a knowing smirk.

Hermione whacked him in the arm, making him wince.

"Shit, you have a mean hook," Sirius muttered. When Hermione's eyes narrowed, his expression sobered. "I meant what I said. I'm coming with you," he said blankly, the humour gone from his expression.

Hermione pursed her lips. "Fine. But we are leaving now." She said stiffly, while Sirius seemed satisfied.

"Brilliant. I'll let Moony know," He said brightly. "Meet me at the back in a bit," He said and turned away from her, leaving the cottage.

Hermione let out a frustrated huff and crossed her arms over her chest. "Bloody dog," She muttered.

"Well? Where is he?" Sirius asked with a hint of agitation as he poured Firewhiskey into two tumblers. They were at his house, in the sitting room, waiting for Regulus to show up. Hermione was pacing in front of the fireplace.

"I don't know!" She said with frustration. "I told him we're here. Are you sure he's able to come through the wards?" Hermione asked, worrying her lip.

Sirius rolled his eyes and slouched on the couch, sipping his drink. "As I already told you – twice might I add – " He said pointedly, ignoring her scowl and continued, "There aren't any wards he wouldn't be able to pass."

Hermione nodded and continued pacing, glancing at the time piece on the wall every now and then. Then a faint pop came from the other end of the room.

Regulus was there.

Hermione took in a sharp breath. He looked so white, so thin, so…broken. "Regulus," Hermione breathed, taking a step towards him. Sirius sprung into his feet and grabbed her hand, his wand trained at his brother.

"Sirius, what are you –"

Sirius ignored Hermione and spoke to Regulus. "Long time no see, brother." He was staring at Regulus with a hard look in his eyes, his body rigid and ready to defend himself. "Or if you are my brother," Sirius continued with a wry smile.

Regulus's lips twitched. "By all means, brother, make sure of it then." He said quietly and gave Sirius a meaningful look.

Hermione didn't have time to act or say anything, before Sirius moved his wand and said, "Legilimens".

She knew they taught Legilimency and Occlumency in the Auror Training, but she hadn't realised that Sirius had mastered the skills. There was a long silence, during which both men shook a little, their eyes locked onto each other, sweat beading on their upper lips. Finally, the spell was broken, and both Sirius and Regulus were panting slightly.

Sirius gave Hermione a piercing look before he muttered, "He's good," and walked back to the couch and poured himself another drink before sitting down.

With a slight hesitation, Regulus walked towards the seating area where Sirius was lounging and Hermione was standing. "Hermione," Regulus said softly, his features softening as he stopped in front of her and looked at her.

Hermione swallowed. "Reg." There was so much she wanted to say to him, so much she wanted to ask from him, but she could only stare at the intense look in his grey eyes. It seemed to reach all the way into her soul and it made her wonder if he felt the same still.

"Fancy a drink, brother?" Sirius interrupted, eyeing the pair carefully.

Regulus blinked and turned to look at his brother. "Laced with Veritaserum, I assume?"

"Naturally," Sirius said with a small smirk.

Regulus huffed with amusement and took the drink his brother was offering him. He sat down in an armchair next to the couch where Sirius sat, where he proceeded to sip his drink.

"Are you betraying us?" Sirius asked immediately after Regulus had swallowed.

"No," Regulus said quickly, his eyes glassy, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "I'd never betray either one of you."

Hermione cleared her throat and gave Sirius an incredulous look. "Was that necessary? How much did you put into it?" She asked from Sirius, glancing at Regulus with a small worry.

Sirius shrugged. "Enough. Thought we ought to be certain he's not double-crossing us…" He muttered.

"Regulus?" Hermione asked softly, sitting on the armrest of the couch, between the brothers. Grey, unfocused eyes turned to her direction, and he looked even more ill now, up close. "How are you?" She asked, and heard Sirius groan and mutter "Hermione…".

Regulus's face twisted with discomfort, revealing some of his emotions. "Dreadful, I'm afraid. Lately…lately I've been studying new ways to torture people under my cousin's watch," Regulus spoke with an uneven voice, evidently trying to fight the potion and prevent himself from spilling every thought and feeling that was filling his mind.

"Shit…" Sirius said quietly and cleared his throat while Hermione stared at Regulus with a deep worry edged on her face. "Does someone feed him Order information?" Sirius asked, eyeing his brother closely.

Regulus shook his head. "N-Not that I'm aware of."

"Does anyone know you are here?" Hermione asked anxiously.

"No."

There was a short silence. "You wanted to see Hermione? Why?" Sirius asked blankly.

Regulus blinked, struggling to speak. "S-Something has reached to my knowledge. One of the…o-objects," Regulus said, clenching his jaw. Hermione instantly knew what he was talking about.

"What?" Sirius muttered, frowning at Regulus in confusion.

"Sirius?" Hermione said quickly. "I'd like to speak with Regulus alone," She said, grimacing inwardly. She knew that Sirius resented her for keeping information from him, and now she was asking him to leave even though they both knew Regulus had something important to say.

Sirius narrowed his eyes at her. "And why would you want that?" He asked suspiciously.

Hermione let out a weary sigh. "Sirius…please?" Hermione said softly, giving him a pleading look. "You know it's something I can't talk about, not with you, or the others. It's safer that way…"

It wasn't the first time her friends had tried to inquire about her secret missions, even more so when they all knew the missions were about Voldemort, but they all had understood that she would talk to them eventually. Even Dumbledore had asked everyone in the Order not to ask questions, for their own safety. The raven-haired Marauder pursed his lips and was silent for a moment. "Fine. You have five minutes. Then I'll come back." He said grudgingly.

Hermione gave him a small smile. "Thank you."

"Yeah, whatever." Sirius muttered, downing his drink and standing up. He placed the glass on the table in front of them and gave Hermione and Regulus a glance. "Try to behave," He said wryly and turned on the spot.

Hermione rolled her eyes at the place from where Sirius had disapparated before she turned to look at Regulus. "So…You have the location of the, um, object?" Hermione asked carefully, sliding down to sit on the couch.

Regulus nodded. "Yes. I believe it is in the Lestrange vault, in Gringotts. Bella – my cousin spoke about the treasures inside her vault and mentioned that I too would perhaps soon be able to keep safe our master's personal possessions." Regulus said with a monotonic voice.

Hermione's insides jumped. The last Horcrux! And it made sense, that it was kept safe by the Lestranges since Bellatrix and her late husband were Voldemort's most loyal servants. Hermione still remembered the frightful look in Bellatrix's face when she had thought that Hermione, Harry and Ron had been inside her vault, and Hermione had suspected it since then…But why would Bellatrix confide in Regulus? Didn't she despise him for letting Hermione and Sirius go at the raid last winter?

Hermione chewed the inside of her cheek. "Did she say what it was?"

Regulus nodded. "The cup."

"Merlin…" Hermione said quietly. "I had only guessed she had it in her possession, but now that it is confirmed…" Hermione muttered. She had to have a talk with Dumbledore, and he would probably still be at the wedding. But she still had a small amount of time with Regulus before she had to leave.

Hermione studied his features. "Why did she tell you that?" Hermione asked, feeling still a bit suspicious.

"My cousin thinks I have learned from my mistakes," He said, a frown forming between his brows, evidently thinking about the raid in December and what had happened to his parents after he had let Hermione and Sirius go. "And yet, here I am," he continued with a strained look in his eyes.

Hermione gave him a tentative smile.

Regulus suddenly stood up. "I should go…" he mumbled, still in a slight haze from the potion.

"Wait!" Hermione said, stood up as well and took his hand.

His eyes darted to their joined hands, and he took a shaky breath.

"Look at me," Hermione whispered, searching his face.

His eyes travelled slowly up, until they were fixed into her brown ones. She could see a mix of sadness and loneliness in his gaze, which made her heart ache for him. He had endured so much already.

"I'm sorry about your parents…I'm sorry that you had to join him," Hermione said quietly and pulled him closer when she saw his eyes fill with tears. She knew it wasn't enough, what she had said, as it didn't really fix anything. Regulus said nothing, but he let her wrap her arms around him and bury her face against his neck.

She could feel him shuddering slightly. "It's horrible. Being a Death Eater. Being near him. You know…I keep dreaming about another life where...A life where I wasn't ordered to kill and torture others," Regulus said heavily.

"Don't go back," Hermione whispered, pulling back a bit to look into his eyes pleadingly.

He blinked rapidly, clearing his throat. "I have to."

Hermione shook her head. "No, you don't. We have what we need. We know the location of the last Horcrux now. We can protect you," Hermione said quickly, a desperate look in her eyes.

"We?" Regulus asked with a scrutinising look.

Hermione shrugged. "Sirius and I. The Order. My friends."

"You and Sirius?" Regulus asked with an unreadable expression. There was a short silence during which Hermione was getting a bit uncomfortable. "Are you with him?" He asked eventually, his posture stiffening.

Hermione spluttered. "No."

Regulus studied her features and gave her an uncertain look. The comforting arms that had been holding her were withdrawn.

Hermione blushed and hung her head. "I-I…was…with him…But it's over now. It was a long time ago…" Hermione said quietly, not able to look at Regulus in the eyes.

Regulus swallowed hard, his throat bobbing. "I see," He said quietly. He was silent for a while, and as Hermione glanced at him, she could see pain flashing across his face before he cleared his throat and closed his feelings behind the walls of his mind.

"You need someone inside to help you defeat him," He said, changing the subject back to Voldemort. "You need someone who knows his every move. Your only chance is to surprise him, Hermione…He's too powerful. Even for Dumbledore." He said carefully, the potion supposedly wearing off.

Hermione knew he had a point but she still opened her mouth to argue him. She forgot what she wanted to say when Regulus brushed his fingertips against her cheek.

"Just…Please, Hermione. Don't argue with this. I'll be okay, I promise. It'll all be over soon," He murmured, the distant and hurt look in his eyes making her heart break a bit.

Hermione shivered, feeling ashamed of herself as well as wanting to hold on to him and never let go. She didn't want him to go back, back to the Death Eaters, back to Voldemort and Bellatrix, who were probably doing everything they could to poison his mind. On the other hand, she didn't want him there, to look at her like that. She knew he was hurt, and it was the last thing she wanted to make him feel.

Then someone cleared a throat behind them, and Hermione and Regulus both jumped apart to find Sirius leaning casually against a bookshelf and watching the pair with a mix of amusement and interest. His mouth curved into a wry smile. "Oh, don't mind me. I'm merely interested to see where all this is going," he said with amusement.

Hermione rolled her eyes at him and turned back to Regulus. "Promise me you'll come to us if…" She said, worrying her lip. She didn't even know how to end her sentence. If he felt he would be in danger? But she knew he was in danger just for being near Voldemort and his followers.

Regulus's mouth curved up slightly as he stroked the line of her jaw and studied her face, as if he was trying to memorise her. "I will." He breathed and swallowed deeply. "I have to go," he muttered, a small frown between his brows.

Hermione pressed her lips together, willing herself not to cry. Regulus turned away from her and stared at Sirius with a calculative look.

Sirius's eyes widened slightly in understanding. "Surely you're not going back there?" He asked darkly. When Regulus merely looked at him, Sirius gritted his teeth. "Bloody fuck, Reggie…You don't have to go there anymore," Sirius said sharply. "I mean, I get that you felt like you had to, before, when, you know, your parents were there, but now…" He said, his voice trailing off.

Regulus arched a brow at him. "They were your parents as well," he said stiffly.

Sirius scoffed. "Spare me the lecture, Reggie."

Regulus nodded slowly.

"So, this is how it's going to be then? You, playing a martyr. For the greater good?" Sirius asked with an unreadable expression.

Regulus gave his brother a long look and it seemed that he wanted to say something more, but instead he said, "It seems so. At least Iwill have a clear conscience."

And then he disapparated.

"Fuck!" Sirius growled and shoved his hands into his hair, yanking it hard. He then stormed to the nearest table and swept every item on it to the floor, cursing simultaneously.

Hermione only stared at him, hoping he would not see the pity she was feeling towards him. She knew Regulus meant a lot to Sirius, and that the raven-haired Marauder had probably hoped that he would finally have his brother back.

Minutes went by, and they both stood in place, feeling frustration, anger and sadness. Eventually Hermione walked to him and cleared her throat. "We should go back," she muttered and eyed him carefully.

"Yeah." Sirius said gloomily and took her outstretched hand.

Neither one of them felt like celebrating, but they also didn't want to miss out their best friends' wedding.

"Where were you?!" James hissed as he spotted his best mate and Hermione walking silently towards the cottage back door. Sirius grunted something in response and barged inside, while Hermine sighed and gave James an apologising look.

"We, um, just had something to discuss about. Never mind. The important thing is that we're here now," Hermione said and tried to give James a reassuring smile.

James arched a brow at her. "And the reason for Pads having a giant lemon up in his arse?"

Hermione cringed. "There were some disagreements," she muttered awkwardly.

James rolled his eyes and grumbled under his breath before he followed Sirius inside the cottage. Hermione circled the building and found everyone else in the midst of the celebrations in the garden pavilion.

"Hermione!" Lily called with a demanding voice, walking quickly towards her and taking a hold of Hermione's arm. Lily eyed her friend carefully. "Remus told me you and Sirius needed some alone time for a bit," She said, her brows rising with incredulity. "Did you two run off for a snog?" She added suspiciously.

Hermione scoffed. "No, we didn't!" She hissed and glanced around them. The others seemed to be preoccupied with their discussions and dancing, so no one had heard them speaking. "And can we not speak about those kinds of things out here in the open?"

Lily shrugged. "Just making sure…"

"What's going on?" Alice asked as she and Mary appeared on Hermione's other side, eyeing the two girls curiously.

"What were you doing with Sirius?" Mary asked deviously, slurring slightly. Alice and Mary exchanged a knowing smirk before turning to look at Hermione.

Hermione resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Nothing. We just talked. Trust me, there's nothing going on in there, and there never will be," Hermione said tightly.

"…That's what she said the last time…" Alice whispered loudly, and Mary let out a rather loud snort.

Hermione gave Lily an incredulous look, as if questioning how much had the girls already absorbed, and why hadn't anyone supervised them. Lily merely shrugged and Hermione shook her head at her friends and muttered something about a much-needed drink. She turned away from her sniggering friends, only to walk straight into Gideon.

"Wha –" Gideon mumbled and quickly took a hold of Hermione before she collapsed on the floor.

Hermione gripped his arms for support. "Thanks. And sorry. For not looking ahead," Hermione muttered.

Gideon shrugged. "No problem," He said with a small smile, which soon faltered as he glanced over her shoulder. "Erm…Why are your friends smirking at us?" He asked quietly, confusion taking over his features.

Hermione rolled her eyes and let go of his arms. "They think you fancy me or something like that," She said with a hint of annoyance, while Gideon's eyes widened slightly in panic. "And, well, maybe because you're holding me like that?" She asked and gave his hands, which were wrapped around her waist, a meaningful look.

Gideon cursed under his breath and withdrew his hands. "It's not like I planned this," he muttered and took a step back.

Hermione waved her hand in dismissal. "I actually needed to speak to you," She said gravely.

Gideon lifted his brows slightly in interest. "Oh?"

"It's about our mission," Hermione whispered, glancing around them.

Now he looked intrigued. "Come with me," He said expressionlessly, took her hand and walked towards the dance floor.

"So…You looked like you enjoyed yourself on the dancefloor tonight, Hermione…" Lily said casually as she moved her stick of marshmallows near the fire.

It was getting late, and most of the guests had already left. Only Lily, James and their closest friends had stayed at the venue. The married couple had wanted to spend the night in the cottage with their friends before leaving off to Paris for the next week. Since the place was heavily warded and they had plenty of food and beverages, everyone was happy to agree. They set up a small fire outside and decided to sit by it and chat for the rest of the night.

Hermione arched a brow at her friend. "Well, yes, so did you?" She asked dryly, not really in the mood for her teasing.

The girls, well, mostly Mary and Alice, were certain that Gideon had something other than purely friendly feelings for their friend, and it wasn't the first time Hermione had heard them bring it up.

Alice cleared her throat. "And you dance partner seemed to enjoy it as well…"

"Oh, my god…" Hermione muttered while the girls eyed each other with sly looks.

"Have I missed something?" James asked, frowning at the others. Lily gave him a sweet smile and handed him a roasted marshmallow.

Sirius let out a dry laugh. "I reckon not, mate. It's just Hermione planning her next secret mission to destroy you-know-who with Prewett…" Sirius muttered and gave Hermione a stubborn look from the opposite of her.

"What?" Remus asked, glancing at Hermione in confusion.

Hermione bristled. "I'm sorry, what?" She asked from Sirius, glaring at him. Alice and Frank shifted uncomfortably next to her, while Mary frowned at her from her other side. Lily, James and Peter too seemed to be surprised by what they had heard.

Sirius shrugged. "What is it this time? Attending a Death Eater wedding? Backpacking in an Inferi-cave?" He asked bitingly and took a swig from a bottle of Firewhiskey.

Hermione's eyes widened in dread, while the others gasped and spluttered. "Sirius…" She said warningly. How in the name of Merlin had he known…of course. Sirius had intruded into Regulus's mind, and apparently had managed to pull glimpses from some of his memories.

"Hermione…?" Remus asked and eyed her intently.

Lily let out a frustrated noise. "What does he mean by that? Has that…happened?" She asked with a higher voice, staring at her friend anxiously.

Hermione licked her lips, trying to think of how to reply to her friends, who were mostly looking at her with a mix of shock and worry. That sodding Black was making her life difficult, yet again.

James cleared his throat. "I think what Pads here wanted to say, was that he knows you ought to keep it to yourself, and if you decided to tell us about your…missions, then we're here to listen," He said tightly, and gave his best mate a pointed look. Sirius crossed his arms in a narked manner.

James apparently knew exactly what Sirius had seen. Naturally. Hermione thought and gave him a small nod.

Sirius lifted his brows in disbelief. "You're going into one of those missions again, aren't you? After everything that has been done for your safety?"

Hermione glared at him. "I never said I was going on a mission," she said sharply, even though she already knew she was going when there would be a mission to destroy a Horcrux. "And if I was, that is my risk to take," Hermione said pointedly. Most of her friends eyed her with disappointment and worry, making her feel torn. She didn't want them to worry for her, but at the same time, she had to destroy the Horcruxes. She had to destroy Voldemort.

"Yeah, right. Whatever." Sirius muttered and stood up. "Be back in a bit…" He said and turned to walk towards the cottage.

Hermione growled with annoyance and stood up. "I'm…going to talk to him," She said through gritted teeth and followed the raven-haired Marauder inside, leaving their confused looking friends at the fire.

"Sirius!" Hermione hissed as soon as she entered the cottage. She located him from the sitting room couch, staring at the wall in thought while sipping absently from the bottle of amber liquid.

Hermione came to stand in front of him, the ends of her hair crackling with magic. "What the hell was that, Sirius?! Why would you say that in front of everyone?" She nearly screeched. She crossed her arms in order to stop herself from throttling him.

Sirius turned to look at her with an unreadable look in his eyes. "Why would you keep that in secret?"

Hermione let out a frustrated huff, stomping her foot. It was none of his business. "Surely you know why?" She asked incredulously.

Sirius's eyes hardened. "You were in Malfoy Manor. My brother took you into a Malfoy wedding and you were okay with that? You were okay to be at the very place you were tortured?" He asked darkly.

She was taken aback, her anger faltering. "It wasn't like that. It was…" She muttered, her voice trailing off.

"A mission, right?" Sirius asked and eyed her with discontent.

Hermione let out a weary sigh. "Yes. It was," She said quietly.

Sirius was silent for a long time. "You and my brother…Your worlds revolve around secrets and lies. Why does it have to be so fucking complicated?" He asked sharply, glancing at her with a frustrated look.

Hermione frowned at him, not really knowing how to respond to him.

"Why don't you trust me?" Sirius asked, his grey eyes searching hers.

"I trust you." Hermione said with an apologising look. "But –"

"But not enough to tell me about the objects you are hunting down," Sirius interrupted her with a biting tone.

Hermione gasped. "Y-You know?"

Sirius nodded, eyeing Hermione carefully.

"How?" Hermione asked with a hint of incredulity. She sat down next to him, feeling dizzy. Regulus was an accomplished Occlumens. How in the name of Merlin had he managed to slip that to Sirius?

"You're wondering what I know? And how?" Sirius asked and took a swig from his bottle.

Hermione nodded and eyed him expectantly.

Sirius gave her a long look. "He showed me. I saw everything."

Hermione let out a loud huff and stared at him in disbelief. "W-What? Why? Why would he do that?" Hermione asked incredulously as she tried to figure out Regulus's motives.

"Beats me," Sirius said wearily and rubbed his face. "Maybe the sodding bastard thinks he's not going to survive and wanted me to see what he's on about…" Sirius said quietly.

But what exactly had Sirius seen? He hadn't been inside Regulus's head for that long, after all. What else than Horcruxes? A thought came into her head, and she chewed her lip as she contemplated whether to ask him or not. "Did you…Did you see him as a Death Eater?"

Sirius looked away, swallowing hard. "Don't ask. Trust me, Hermione. You do not want to know what he's done. What he's been through," Sirius said heavily, staring at the opposite wall, his eyes focused somewhere further.

Hermione's stomach clenched with dread. Would Regulus endure the war? Would anyone? And even if they somehow managed to destroy Voldemort, how could they continue living their lives after all that was done?