Remember What I Forgot

by AlwaysThatGuy

Ten years after the defeat of Voldemort and fall of Harry Potter, footage emerges of a friend long thought dead. Finding him alive and unaware of his past, Hermione does what she does best. But with other factions in play and with nothing as it seems, how far will she go to find out the truth of what happened? H/HR.

8. Chapter Seven

A/N:

Hello,

And welcome to Chapter Seven of RWIF.

Another shout out and thanks to those of you who are reading, following, favouriting and particularly those who are reviewing. It's always sensational to see people taking the time out to let you know what they think.

I also want to shout out to reader W0lfgang for picking out that I had been misspelling 'Lily' this whole time. I have corrected that for this chapter.

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Just as an FYI: The next two chapters aren't far off completion, and anyone who enjoyed the more intrigue stuff will be in for a treat. I hope.

Anyway, on with the Chapter Seven.

Cheers,

ATG

PS: Standard editing disclaimer. I'm not the best.

PPS: This is so far the longest chapter of RWIF.

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Chapter Seven

Sunday August 26th, 2012

Crookshanks was definitely judging her, but she didn't care.

She didn't care that he was watching her dance around the kitchen with her music blaring. She didn't care that he watched her as she opened her pantry and bent over to pick up his food, with a swaying of her hips that was only slightly off the beat.

She didn't at all care that he was staring at her while she sang along to the music at the top of her lungs.

She most certainly didn't care as she looked her cat dead in the eyes, serenading him, while she scooped his food into his bowl, her hips, shoulders and feet swaying along in time with the music.

She absolutely, most certainly didn't care as she put his bowl on the ground and nudged it over to her with her foot.

And there was absolutely, most definitely, no care at all from her when Crookshanks walked out of the room, his head held arrogantly high, without even bothering to give his food a second look.

Hermione continued to dance, audience or no.

It had been a good week.

It had been a good weekend.

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The wards bounced him into the backyard. He appeared out of nowhere. Slightly confused and a little disorientated. The crack and the disturbance of air was masked by the music that was blaring from inside the house.

He hissed as he felt the sting of one of the wards as it scanned him. But they did not stop him.

He checked his surroundings. Nothing moved saved the birds that had been singing merrily in a nearby tree. They had stopped their happy tunes at his appearance, disturbed by his movement amongst the otherwise still morning.

There was no threat. No danger. Nothing to stop him.

He drew his want and approached the back door.

"Alohomora." He whispered, his wand pointed at the lock, which dutifully clicked. He carefully opened the door, so as not to make a sound.

To his immense annoyance, the old door gave a hearty creek as it opened. He froze and cursed under his breath, annoyed that he hadn't case a muffling charm before he cracked open the door.

He took a breath. A second. He could hear the music still blaring in the kitchen. It seemed like it had masked his movement.

He slowly entered the living room, his wand held steadily in his master hand. He scanned for threats. Nothing moved, save him.

He took a breath.

He took another.

He pushed to the kitchen door with an almost unnatural silence. His well-trained feet on the carpet taking slow, deliberate, steps. He made no sound, offered no disturbance to any creaking floorboard. He kept his breathing shallow so as to make him as silent as a person could be.

He pushed into the kitchen, his wand raised and ready to go on the offensive.

It was empty.

Just a muggle music player sitting on a bench, blasting a song that he couldn't help but admit that he enjoyed.

He slowly lowered his wand. Where was she?

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"You're better than that."

He felt the point of a wand against his neck. It caused all the hairs there to stand up. He slowly raised his hands towards the sky, allowing his wand to fall loosely in his grip.

"Blimey Hermione, Peace."

The wand lowered as Ron turned around to find Hermione standing before him, arms folded, and a single eyebrow raised. It was a look he had endured many times before. It was a look he knew he would endure many times yet.

"Is the Corps of Aurors so short on training opportunities that you have to practice clearing my house?" Her voice didn't betray anger. More, pointed curiosity. Hermione had always valued her privacy.

"I was worried about you." He said simply.

"Worried about me? Ron, I am fine." She said simply.

"Didn't get my mail then?" He replied, slightly defensively. Had she been getting around for the last 24 hours without any awareness of the situation that was taking over the Wizarding World? Sometimes that woman lived too much with Muggles.

Hermione looked something that Ron had not seen very often – guilty.

She holstered her wand and gave him a hug. He returned it, gently patting her on the back as he did so. It was something that had come out of their constant bickering and fighting. Something that had come out of all the hell they had put each other through. They always made sure to greet and part on as good terms as they could.

The hug always meant the same thing. No hard feelings. It was their tradition.

She let him go and Ron saw that the letter still sat, unopened on her kitchen table.

"I'm sorry Ron, I've been busy with work. What is it? Can I get you a tea or a coffee? I've got to go soon, I have plans today." She moved over and started organising her coffee machine.

"Coffee, please. White with one." Ron gave her a look. It almost felt like he was intruding. He had never felt like he was intruding. Hermione had never made him feel like he was intruding.

It was time to intrude.

"Well, you need to make time. You may not have seen my mail, but it's important." His Weasley temper was starting to build up. The thought of what could have happened over the last 24 hours burned into his mind.

Hermione retrieved two mugs from her cupboard. "I'm all ears, Ron."

She seemed distracted. That wasn't like Hermione. A mind like hers was razor focused. It did not move from its goal. It orientated, focused and achieved.

This Hermione had her mind on other things. On something else. Something Ron could not put his finger on. It was something that he had noticed at the Burrow those two weeks before. There was something she was not telling him.

Ron sat down heavily at her kitchen island.

"Dolohov escaped."

Hermione froze. She nearly dropped the mugs she held in her hands as she continued towards the coffee machine. She clearly acted like the little freeze, or start, or whatever you wanted to call it had never happened. But she couldn't hide the subtle shake of her hands as she placed the mugs down next to the machine. The same shaking hands that took a pod from a jar near the machine. The shaking hands that became still and confident as they put the pod into the machine and placed a mug in the right spot.

Classic Hermione. When the task needed to be completed, her focus always returned.

"Twenty-five Death Eaters escaped yesterday. We've been out hunting them all night." He said with a long yawn, as if he was trying to further prove his point. "We've recaptured three, Hermione. Three. The rest have gone to ground, gone into hiding. We are trying to figure out what they are planning, but so far, the captured haven't been cooperative. We are still trying to get a Warrant for Veritaserum."

Hermione nodded absently. Her hand came up to her heart where Ron knew a small scar sat from her last meeting with Dolohov.

"I tried to get you a security detail Hermione. But they don't have enough resources. So, I figured you could come and live with Luna and me. We've plenty of room at our place. You can just apparate to work, it's not really far enough to cause you any trouble."

Hermione was silent. So, Ron continued, he was tired, and sleep deprived, so he rambled a little.

"Luna would love your company. She will be able to work from home, doing her editing. I tried hard to get Robalds to put a security detail on you, but we are short. Everyone is out hunting down the Death Eaters. There isn't enough manpower."

The Quibbler, which Luna had taken over the editing duties of from her father had surprised everyone by becoming the respectable newspaper of the day. The Daily Prophet was still recovering from its wartime propaganda reputation and possibly never would, even with good people like Ginny Weasley working hard to make it respectable.

It was just too biased for her liking.

The Quibbler had developed a reputation for being fair with its reporting and for giving the facts. Hermione was herself a subscriber, though she skipped over the occasional pieces about magical creatures with no documented sightings. But those little stories only seemed to draw in its original reader base.

Luna had been instrumental in the establishment of the Quibbler in its current form, and not for the first time, Hermione was glad that Luna had forced herself into their lives. Forced herself past her initial judgements of her to become someone she considered a close friend.

"No." Hermione finally spoke.

"What?"

"No, Ron. I'm not going to move in with you and Luna." She waited as the machine poured coffee into a mug.

"Don't be silly, Hermione. If this is about the muggles, there is a work around. We can make it work. I'm sure we can find somewhere for you to apparate to. People do it all the time. There's got to be a bus or train station around."

"No." She placed the second mug into the machine with a second pod. She placed the now full mug in front of Ron.

"Hermione, be reasonable." Ron was incredulous. "These aren't your run of the mill escaped convicts. There are Death Eaters. I'm talking Dolohov and Lestrange. Remember them? The one who tried to kill you when you were fifteen. The other one who you managed to capture when you were eighteen? Just come and live with us. Let us protect you."

"I'm perfectly aware of my own personal history with those two individuals thank you very much Ron." She said, more angrily than she would have liked. She took a breath to calm herself.

"But the answer is no." She said, trying to soften her tone. He was trying to do what was best for her. But he had no idea what she was doing here, the importance of her work. "Look, Ron. I'm touched. I genuinely am. The fact that you care so much about my safety and wellbeing continues to say wonders about you. But I can't. I won't. I won't hide because these bastards are loose."

"Hermione, please…"

"Ron." Hermione took a sip of her own freshly finished coffee. "Who knows better than us what they are capable of? I know what they can do. I've seen it. I've fought it. I've felt it. I sent my own parents to Australia because of them." Her hand again came up unbidden, to her heart. "But I won't go into hiding. I won't run. I won't live a half life of hiding because of them. I've already done that once before, and I am not keen to repeat the experience."

Ron felt that familiar feeling of frustration when it came to arguing with Hermione. There were two ways to do it, and neither of them worked. Well, there was a third, but the only person who could do that one was dead.

Ron gave her an appraising look. He wished that just once she would do what she was told and not fight every decision he ever made to try and protect her.

"Look, Ron." Hermione began gently. "What I'm doing here is important. Much more important than you think. I know you think I'm just helping a bunch of muggles, but there is more to it. I can't tell you yet. I really wish I could. But I will soon. I hope you will understand when I do tell you. But for now, I just need you to trust me. I can't run and hide. There's too much at stake."

Ron looked up and saw her brown orbs that blazed with that determination that he knew all too well. That look that said the decision had been made and there was absolutely nothing he could do about that. It was annoying, but he knew that to fight with her was useless at this point. She had always been the most stubborn of the three of them, and that said a lot.

Besides. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen that level of determination in her eyes. Probably not since the war. As much as he was worried about her, he knew that to stifle that flair would be a mistake. It would be costly. But most likely it would be her that had to pay.

He sighed.

"Okay." He grumbled. "Merlin, I wish Harry was around to try and talk some sense into you."

Hermione visibly winced at the mention of the departed. Ron felt immediate regret. He didn't bring Harry up to cause her pain, that was the last thing he intended.

She recovered quickly. And she reached out and patted his hand gently.

"I appreciate you're understanding." Hermione said with a smile. "It means a lot."

Ron just gave her a nod. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the necklace that Robalds had given him. He placed it on the benchtop.

"Will you at least wear this?"

Hermione looked down at the necklace.

"Is that what I think it is?"

"If you think it's a panic button, then yes, yes it is."

Hermione stared at the necklace. She chewed her lip as she slowly picked it up and studied it.

"Will it make you feel better if I do?"

Ron nodded. "I didn't know how keen you would be to come and live with Luna and me, but Robalds offered this. You hold that down and it will send a distress call. The on-call team of Hitwizards will be notified of your call. So will I. We'll come running."

Hermione continued to stare at the necklace thoughtfully.

Finally, she nodded.

"Ok."

"Yeah?"

"Yes Ron. I'll wear it."

Ron smiled. "I'm glad Hermione. It will give me at least some peace of mind. Maybe now I'll be able to sleep, if they ever let me." He grumbled.

"And you will update your wards?"

"My wards are always updated, Ron."

Ron smiled and took another sip of coffee. "I know. That stinging one is particularly rude."

Hermione smiled. "It's just a scan Ron. Nothing to worry about. Maybe it will teach you not to try and apparate into my living room."

He watched as Hermione focussed her attention back at the necklace. She pulled out her wand and aimed it at the necklace. She chewed again on her bottom lip as she thought for a moment. Finally, she swished her wand and muttered an incantation.

The necklaces morphed before their eyes, finally settling in the form of a pendant. It had the form of a stag, standing in the middle of a triangle. It was looking straight out, its antlers at full length, as if it was challenging the watcher.

"I hate to say it Hermione." Ron said as softly as he could. "But one day you are going to have to move on without him."

Hermione just shot him a look. A look that caused him to shut up.

"If you say so, Ron."

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Sunday August 26th, 2012

Hermione fell in love with Lily from the second she met her.

She was all blonde hair and warrior spirit. She couldn't and wouldn't be told. It was all Peyton. She was small, she was free, running out in front of them as they walked and talked. You could say what you liked about her, but she was not shy. She investigated everything with a curiosity that had not been tempered by age.

Everything.

It didn't matter if it was another child, a fully grown adult, or an unfriendly and skittish dog. Lily approached them all without fear.

And Peyton was content to let her go. To let her explore.

"Why would I try and stifle a spirit like that?" Was the only explanation Peyton that had provided. It was more than enough for Hermione. As much as a part of her gasped at every dog encounter, or every bush she ran into, it was not on her to tell Peyton how to parent.

Despite her freedom to roam, Peyton naturally kept a close eye on Lily. But she was content to let her go and explore, finding her own barriers in a more natural way.

Lily, for her part, had unfortunately nicknamed Hermione 'Myne'. She said it like 'My-Knee.' Hermione took to it about as well as James took to his own mentioned nicknames, but nothing could be done. She was only a child and Hermione was a difficult name for many adults to pronounce, let alone a child. Hermione was just determined to not let it stick from anyone else.

Even if she did find it just a little bit cute. But you had to be Lily level cute to use that nickname.

Hermione and Peyton watched as Lily ran up to a golden retriever with a pink bow around its neck. She gave the gorgeous dog a great big hug, much to the delight of the dog, who's tail wagged excitedly as she licked Lily's giggling face.

But Hermione didn't see a little girl with blonde curls giving a beautiful dog a big hug.

She saw a little girl with bushy brown hair and bright green eyes wrapping her little arms around the obliging dog. She saw a little boy with black hair that stuck everywhere exploring the bushes around the path.

She saw her own children running free and wild. She almost felt James's hand in hers as she watched it. She almost felt him beside her, smiling at his free and happy children.

She took a breath as the realisations of her thoughts washed over her.

This is going to be the death of me.

From trying to restore her best friend's memory to – well to what was happening between them. To her fancifully imaging their children, their wedding day. To imagining a life for her and for Harry. For her and for James.

"Hermione?"

Peyton broke her reveries, and she blinked several times. She gave a soft shake of her head.

"Sorry. I'm off with the pixies today. What were you saying?"

Peyton had a smirk plastered across her pretty features. The way she looked at Hermione gave Hermione no doubt that Peyton knew exactly what he was thinking.

"I was just asking if you found time to try that café I suggested?"

Hermione looked over to see that she could see the 'Winged Coffee' across the path from where they were walking. The memories of what had taken place over the past 24 hours kicked in with a flush of colour to her cheeks.

"Oh. Yes, Yes I tried it."

"Did you? I thought you might have…" Peyton trailed off in manner that begged Hermione to ask. I mean, how could she not? How could she not dive deeper and learn more? Hermione was often far too curious for her own good.

And Peyton was playing her like a fiddle.

"You thought that, did you?" Hermione gave Peyton a look. The look. The raised eyebrow. That look.

The look only encouraged Peyton.

"And what did you think of the place? I don't think enough can be said about the patrons…"

Again. Hermione felt like she was being reeled in.

"That was a set up." Hermione grumbled.

Peyton only smiled at her. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

Hermione shook her head.

"I mean I had heard that you just so happened to stumble upon a certain green eyed Regiment man in that café. That's all."

"Oh, you heard that did you?"

Peyton just laughed lightly.

"Yes, Yes I did. I got quite the text message about it actually."

Hermione felt the colour rushing to her cheeks again. She didn't want to know. She didn't want to ask.

Yes, she did. Of course, she did. How could she not? But it felt dishonest. It felt rude. It felt like cheating on a test if she was to ask for more. If there was one thing that Hermione would not abide, it was cheating on a test.

Peyton could see straight through her, she was reading Hermione like a book.

"It's very long. Very detailed. Why don't I just read it to you?" Peyton was literally just twirling her around her little finger at this point. She was having entirely too much fun. Hermione didn't like it. She wasn't used to being on the back foot like this. It was not her style. She was the one who was always in control. She was the one who pulled the strings.

"Oh, I wouldn't think – "

"No, no! I insist."

Peyton was enjoying this entirely too much.

She pulled her phone out from the stroller she pushed and opened it with dramatic flair. A few taps of the screen later and she gave Hermione the look.

Was she really going to do this? Was she really going to invade his privacy like this? Was this fair? Was any of this fair to him? To learn what he was saying to Peyton?

Peyton cleared her throat and sucked in a long breath.

"Thanks."

Peyton looked up at her expectantly.

Hermione bit her lip to stop herself from laughing. But she couldn't. the laughter spilt out of her, and it was infectious.

Peyton's eyes glimmered as she joined in the laughter. They walked and laughed for a few moments, just enjoying the situation. Hermione's mind, full of mirth, was not locked in on all the stressors she had creeping in.

"You've enjoying this too much. Way too much. Wasn't it you that told me to stay away from Regiment men?"

"I am. I absolutely am enjoying this entirely too much. And to answer your question. I did say to stay away from Regiment men. Not to stay away from James."

Hermione raised her eyebrow at Peyton, who just smiled back.

"There is a difference." Said Peyton with a wink.

Hermione didn't ask.

Instead, her mind opened a little and the stressors of her life started to creep back in.

Her newfound feelings for James. Feelings she hadn't had in a long, long time. So, were they really newfound? Or had they always been there. It was something she was still trying to figure out.

The escaped Death Eaters who would make her a target.

The escaped Death Eaters could find James while he was magically defenceless.

The Lying. The lying to everyone.

Lying to her family. To her friends both new and old. To Peyton. To James.

"I take it the day went well then?"

Hermione couldn't help herself but smile. "Yes, the day went well…"

"But." Peyton interred. Hermione would have hated how perceptive Peyton was if it wasn't a reflection of how perceptive she herself was.

"But.." Hermione started, uncertain. A part of her felt loathe to discuss anything that James had discussed with her. Not because she didn't think Peyton would know or have some insight into it, but because old habits die hard. She had spent years keeping her thoughts, fears and feelings about Harry to herself. Other people had come to her with concerns. She had gone to Harry.

Another part of her thought that if there was anyone who could help her, it was Peyton.

"It took a bit of a dive when I offered to help him with his memory. He didn't take it well. He nearly left then and there, but he came around and we had a lovely evening…" She trailed off, not knowing what else to say.

"Ah." Was all Peyton said. Frustratingly, that was all she said. Aggravatingly, that was all she said.

Peyton looked thoughtful. She looked like she was wrestling with the same thing that Hermione had just been wrestling with. Finally, she relented.

"Normally, I wouldn't say a word. Normally, I would keep my mouth shut. But this isn't normal times. I've seen your record Hermione, if there is anyone in the UK that can actually get him some of his memory back, my money would be on you."

Hermione blushed and looked down at her feet as they walked along the path. Praise was still hard to take sometimes.

"Well, he said he didn't want his memory back."

Peyton nodded thoughtfully.

"I'm only going to tell you this because I'll be damned if trying to help that frustrating, stubborn, idiot of a boy hasn't been a large part of my adult life. And I actually see a chance here. I can't blame him for not wanting to. But you need to understand a little bit about what happened…"

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August 20th, 2002

James basically collapsed face first onto his bed in his long stay room at St Thomas'. Peyton had been waiting for him. Just as she had yesterday. And the day before.

Ever since he had started the program that had been set up by MI5. The program that was designed to get his memory back.

James hadn't said much about what they were having him do. And she thought that today would be no different. She would ask him about his day, and he would mumble platitudes under his breath. He would mumble that it was fine and that there wasn't much to talk about.

"Fine you say?"

"Yeah. Fine. Nothing to talk about."

"Suppose you got that gigantic shiner on your cheek doing this 'Fine, nothing to talk about' kind of daily activities."

James looked up at her. He had obviously been trying to hide it from her. But he wasn't very good. He was about as subtle as a brick through the window. He didn't speak. He just sighed.

"What is actually going on with these sessions, James."

He just shrugged. He always just shrugged. He never voiced anything that had happened at the sessions. But she was suspicious. If it was just MRI's and further medical testing, then he would just tell her. Something else was going on, and she was frustrated by his silence.

"They are just testing me is all. Evaluating me." He was being evasive, but he sucked at it.

"What kind of tests?"

"You know - tests." He said non-commitally.

Peyton was ready to give him another shiner.

"I don't know any medical testing that involve getting punched in the face." Peyton said. She wasn't going to let him get away with this. She wanted to know what was going on, and she'd be damned if she didn't find out.

He just shrugged again.

Stupid. Frustrating. Boy.

"What aren't you telling me?" She said softly. Trying to switch track. The words from the letter were fresh in her mind.

They do not want what is best for him. Only what is best for them.

He looked at her again. His eyes said it all. His eyes said what his voice would not. He looked exactly like what he was. A scared boy, in over his head. A scared boy at the mercy of a ruthless branch of the government. A scared boy who had lost hope.

It sent a shiver through her spine.

He opened his mouth as if to speak. Then suddenly his eyes seemed to flash with meaning.

Realisation crawled into her mind like a spider from its hole. Surely not. Surely, surely not.

Realisation dawned upon her and the words from the Detective Sergeant reverbed in her head. There's a risk he will disappear and never be heard of again.

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Sunday August 26th, 2012

"I still don't know what he went through. Not exactly. He's never told me, still refuses to. We don't bring it up much. I have my suspicions, but I hope like hell that I'm wrong."

Hermione just nodded thoughtfully. Anger built up inside of her. How dare they. How dare they! As if he hadn't been through enough.

He was surprised that Peyton had opened up about such a thing. James, or Harry for that matter, had a way of inspiring loyalty from people that was almost impossible to break. She still didn't know how he did it, just that he did.

"So, he was a Ward of the Government?" Hermione said. There was an edge in her voice. She wasn't happy to hear it. She still remembered the last time a government tried to dictate how that boy should live his life.

"Yes. It went on for a few months. These mysterious tests. Finally, he managed to convince them to let him enlist." She didn't voice anything about the involvement of the Police in that. How the Detective Sergeant had sent his brother around to help the cause.

His brother was a high up in the Household Cavalry. He had helped sway James to try and enlist.

She didn't voice that she suspected that he had been allowed to enlist because they hadn't found what they were looking for. That they had gotten bored and that the military was a handy way to keep tabs on him. To track him long term. She didn't tell Hermione anything about that. She didn't need to know.

"He didn't complain I take it?" Hermione said softly.

Peyton just gave her another look. That inscrutable look. "There was no one to complain to. I tried to convince him to. But he wouldn't or he couldn't."

Typical.

Some things don't change.

However what Peyton had told cause a dull rumble in her stomach. A small part of it was anger, righteous, indignant anger about the way he had been treated. She could address that. The other part was what troubled her.

Why?

Why him? Why do that? Did they conduct such rigorous 'testing' on every patient with retrograde amnesia?

Did they know what he was?

Could they have known?

"Anyway," Peyton said suddenly. "I'm glad it went well. You seemed like you hit it off really well in the hospital, so I figured I would just give you both a little nudge in the right direction." Peyton said, completely unapologetic about her involvement and obviously not comfortable telling her anymore about the testing program.

Hermione just shook her head with a small smile.

She scanned around the park as she did so. She hated that she was back on war footing. That she had to check her surroundings all the time. But she did. Constant Vigilance.

She could almost hear the late Mad-Eye Moody screaming in her ear as she scanned.

"What is Luke up to today?" She asked conversationally, hoping it would hide her scanning of the surroundings.

"Oh, James and Luke are finishing rebuilding our back fence."

"Oh really?" Hermione asked, trying not to look as interested as she felt now that James had been mentioned. "Is Luke particularly handy?"

Peyton snorted.

"Please." She said with a smile. "It's a good thing he blows things up for a living, because building isn't exactly in his wheelhouse. He struggles with flatpacks and clear instructions!"

Hermione laughed.

"No, no. I suspect James is doing all the work and Luke is talking his ear off about this or that."

"So, James is quite the handy man?" she asked. Curious.

Peyton stared at her. "He didn't mention his house, did he?"

Hermione just shook her head. "Should he have?"

She swore she heard Peyton mumble "That boy." Under her breath.

"Well, I'm sure you will see it soon enough." She said cryptically with a wink.

Hermione felt that damned blush creep up her face once again.

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Saturday 1st September 2012

Hermione slipped her shoes onto her feet. They were sensible. But they were nice. She liked them. She only wore heels sometimes, and she didn't think a barbeque was a high heels occasion, thankfully.

She stood before the mirror and flattened down her cream summer dress. Or it still felt like that anyway. Like summer. The heat wave had given no sign that it was running out, and the Autumn weather had not yet come.

Sure, the leaves were starting to turn brown, but the hadn't fallen yet. There was still time for that. For now, she would enjoy the beautiful weather.

With her beautiful friends.

With her beautiful – Well. She didn't know what to call him anymore. She didn't know if best friend covered the looks that he gave her, or for that matter, the looks that she gave him.

Best friend didn't quite cover the lurch she felt in her stomach when she saw him. It didn't cover the way her heart fluttered when their eyes met. When he laughed. When he made her laugh.

Best friend didn't cover the way they held hands. It didn't cover the way she kissed his forehead.

Best friend just didn't cut it anymore.

Best friend didn't cover James Black.

They hadn't seen each other this week nearly as much as she would have liked. Aside from the fact that she had to be careful with her movements now, they had both just been busy. Her work at the hospital had her putting in longer hours.

And he had just been signed off as medically fit to return to operational duty. They had had a lot of training time scheduled, and it had kept him busy.

They had managed to grab a quick coffee on Tuesday and have some take out Thai on the Thursday. But they had only been an hour or so each. She found that she was craving his company in a way that she wasn't used to.

Sure, back in Hogwarts she had always wanted to be around Harry, but she couldn't recall having the absolute craving for his company that she was experiencing now.

It's why she was so self-conscious as she looked into the mirror. Was her hair good enough? Was her dress pretty enough? Was she pretty enough?

She tightened the brown belt around her waist, making sure that it was neatly tied. She checked and rechecked her sleeves, making sure they were rolled up just the way she wanted them to. Her hand darted to the necklace that now sat around her neck. She liked it for its decoration. She hated it for its purpose. Well, more she hated it because it was necessary.

She had put on makeup. Not much. She didn't like to completely doll herself up. Sure, she would for weddings or being dressy occasions, but this was not one of those. She could still see her freckles lightly smattered across her face. Hermione liked her freckles.

Hermione sighed. She couldn't remember the last time she was this self-conscious about her appearance.

What is he doing to me?

She felt him through the wards, and all of it went away. All the self-doubts, self-consciousness and fears just faded away as she grabbed her white hat and practically ran to the door.

When she pulled the door open, it groaned heavily on its hinges. She found him standing there with a surprised look on his face.

His hand was raised as if he was about to knock, startled by the door opening of its own volition.

He smiled as soon as he saw her. That smile. That same lopsided grin that banished her doubts and replaced them with butterflies.

"Hi." She said softly.

He still had that smile on his face. He looked like he was frozen. He had done an attempt at doing his hair, and she liked it. It had been smoothed over somewhat, but still maintained the messy blend she knew and loved.

Loved?

He was wearing an unbuttoned loose-fitting blue over shirt, with a white T shirt underneath. Hermione appreciated that the white shirt. It clung to him in a way that she liked very much.

He had tan shorts on, with a brown belt and comfortable, yet matching shoes on his feet.

"Hello." He finally said brightly. "Shit, Hermione you look – "

His mouth opened and closed several times. She blushed.

"Beautiful." He finally managed. "You look absolutely beautiful."

"Thanks!" She smiled a winning smile at him as she stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. "I suppose you'll do." She finished cheekily, brushing past him, carrying a bag.

He paused for a moment, before shutting her door and following along after her.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Are we close enough that I'm allowed to ask?" Hermione said, shooting James a look.

He laughed lightly and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Look. I get it."

"Do you?"

He just shrugged. "It comes in handy." He shot her a grin. "And I happen to quite like my car thank you very much."

"You call that a car? That isn't a car. That's a lorry." Her eyebrow was raised at him.

It was as black as the night, with four doors and a gigantic tray. James would go on to call it a 'Ute', but she suspected that terminology had come from Lucky.

It looked like it got some use. There were some scratches down the side that she suspected had come from it being put to use off-road. The tray looked like it also got plenty of use but was regularly cleaned. It had 'RANGER' stencilled across the back door of the tray.

Hermione climbed into the passenger seat as James got behind the wheel. He started the ute and it burst into life with a dull rumble.

He backed put it in gear and they drove off.

As they drove, Hermione reached out and took a hold of his hand. She had missed his touch. She was delighted when he gave it a squeeze.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Uncle Jim!" Lily came bursting out the front door of the beautiful Terrace house her arms outstretched as she all but sprinted towards James.

'Lilymonster!' James cried, quickly putting all the items he was unloading from the truck back down before he scooped her up.

"I swear you are getting bigger every time I see you, child!" He said to her affectionately as he held her up above his head and gave her an appraising look.

Hermione was again visited by the images. A little girl with brown hair and green eyes. Scooped up by her adoring father.

The colour moved to her cheeks.

"Daddy says I've grown."

"Daddy is right!"

James quickly threw her up in the air and caught again. He had a smile on his face that she swore could have stopped traffic. She got lost in their moment, watching him laugh and play with his adoring god daughter.

"Daddy is always right." Came an accented voice as it made its way down the front path towards the car.

Hermione's reverie of the moment was broken as she turned to finally be face to face with the now famous/infamous 'Lucky.'

He was shorter than James. Probably just south of 6 foot. He was broader though. He had a strong build, broad shoulders with muscular arms and a wide chest. He had neat, well kept dirty blonde hair and a dirty blonde beard that matched James in length and tidiness.

James brought Lily down and put her on his hip with a practiced ease.

"Hello mate," said James, offering a hand that Lucky shook with easy familiarity.

"G'day mate." He replied. James rolled his eyes as the level Lucky's accent had ridden to. It was clearly a show.

"Lucky, this is Hermione Granger, Hermione, this is Lucky."

Lucky finally turned his grey eyes upon Hermione and felt like she was being appraised.

"Nice to finally meet you Hermione. I've heard a lot about you. Nice to finally put a face to a name." He offered her a hand which she took. She gave him a smile.

"All good things I expect?" She said lightly.

"Well, all good things from the Missus. Nothing really from this dickhead. Which I suppose, knowing him is about the highest praise you can get."

Hermione laughed. Lucky, like Peyton, was an easy person to like.

James for his part just rolled his eyes.

"Myne!" Lily cried as if she had just seen Hermione for the first time. She reached her hands out towards.

"Hello Lily," said brightly, turning her attention to the blonde explorer. "How are you?"

Hermione reached out and gave Lily's hands a shake.

James gave them both a smile, and handed Lily to Hermione, who hugged the little girl to her chest.

James's eyes surveyed the scene with a look that Hermione couldn't quite understand, but it sent a shiver through her.

"How about you give me a hand with all this Lucky? Hermione's got her hands full."

Lucky and James started unloading the car, pulling out an esky, Hermione's bag and several trays.

"Is this what I think it is?" Lucky said, lifting a tray that was covered in tin foil.

"Yep."

"Ripper." Lucky said. Hermione suspected he was throwing out those lines just for show, but she found it amusing, nonetheless.

"James Black's famous Potato Bake." Lucky said, holding it possibly even more carefully than he would carry s own daughter. "No barbie is complete without it."

James just shook his head at him. "I'd teach you to make it, you muggle, but I still don't trust your cooking."

Hermione, who was watching while she rocked Lily started.

Did he just say Muggle?

"Myne! Why aren't you listening to me!" Lily called from right next to her head.

"Sorry Lily, what did I miss?"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

To Hermione's surprise, Peyton had shown just as much reverence for the potato bake as Lucky had.

"It's that good." Peyton had told her, recognising the look.

James had also unveiled a cheese platter, and a mixed salad that was to be served with dinner.

"I didn't know you could cook!" Hermione swatted his arm lightly as she unveiled the cheese platter. She did though. She knew very well.

"There's a lot you don't know about me, Granger." He had replied with a twinkle in his eye. Then he said "Hell, there's a lot I don't know about myself."

"Like how not to be a dickhead?" Called Lucky from the back door. "You coming or what? Gotta get the meat on If you wanna eat tonight."

James just gave her a gentle nudge with his shoulder, grabbed a couple of beers from the esky and followed him out the back door.

Lily went running after them.

Hermione looked over to see Peyton with a knowing smile.

"I'm glad you're here Hermione." She said with a smile. "At least I don't have to put up with their stupidity alone anymore. It's nice to have another woman around."

Hermione smiled as she opened a bottle of pinot noir and poured them both a glass.

"Here's to stupid boys." Hermione said with a smile.

Peyton laughed. "Stupid boys."

They took the cheese platter and several other items of food and made their way out onto the back deck, setting up on an outdoor setting that overlooked the grass backyard. The boys were down at the other end of the back deck, hovering over the barbeque.

Peyton could see James was laughing at something Lucky had said. He clasped him on the shoulder as he took another long swig of his beer.

Lily went running down the stairs and into the back yard.

Peyton and Hermione, for their part laughed and talked away much of the early afternoon. They discussed the happenings the hospital, and just life things.

Hermione relished in forgetting that there was a group of murderers out there in the world who would wish nothing more than her demise. That her best friend did not remember her. She relished in forgetting that things were getting more and more complicated, yet natural, by the day.

Hermione lost herself in that she was enjoying a wine on the back deck of a friend's house on a beautiful day. Meanwhile there was a boy nearby who she adored.

Hermione relished the normality of it all. Normality had not been something she had experienced much of since she had found out she was a witch. It was nice to just be normal for a while.

From time to time she would catch James staring at her. A small smile on his face. She would look over and catch his eye. She would give him a smile back, which would only serve to make him smile that little bit wilder.

Sometimes it cleared her mind. Sometimes it prevented her from following the track of conversation.

But, more often than not, it just served to make the colours of the day stand out a little brighter. The breeze to be a little bit more refreshing. The wine to taste just that little bit more wonderful.

Hermione found herself looking at James. The way he would laugh easily and readily with Lucky. The way they could both laugh. Hermione was reminded of Harry and Ron, back in the earlier days of Hogwarts, before they knew that Voldemort was a real and corporeal threat. It reminded her of easier days. Of happier times.

She watched as he scooped up Lily and put her on his shoulders. Continuing to talk easily with Lucky while he bobbed up and down, causing screams of delight from Lily.

"He is so good with her." Peyton said, catching Hermione's stare.

Hermione nodded absently. Her heart was beating just that little bit harder.

"I don't think I've ever seen him as happy as I have this last week or so." Peyton was also looking at James.

Hermione turned and looked at her. "Surely?"

Peyton shook her head. "It's strange you know. It's almost like he doesn't belong here. I get this kind of feeling that he was meant for something else, but just ended up here through circumstances outside of his control."

Hermione chewed her lip, allowing Peyton to continue.

"Luke and I love him. He's our best friend. He introduced us after all, and we've been so happy together ever since. I have just always wanted that for him. It just never seemed to happen. But then along you came."

Peyton was giving her another look of scrutiny. The ones she couldn't read.

She didn't know what to say, so she said nothing.

It made her uneasy. She remembered for just a moment the lies she had been forced to tell. The secrets she had not revealed.

"Luke and you look so happy together." Hermione said softly, trying to change the subject away from the current topic. "Not to mention how amazing Lily is."

Peyton offered her another winning smile. "We've done alright for ourselves."

Hermione nodded. "And you have such a lovely home. This deck is incredible."

"You have him to thank." Peyton pointed over at James, who saw and shot them a questioning look.

"Hermione was just saying that she really liked the deck." Peyton called out to him.

"Yeah, the boys did a really good job on it." He called back, taking another sip of his beer.

Peyton just rolled her eyes.

"He did most of it. The boys helped, but he was the one here day in and day out making sure it got done."

Hermione looked over at James, who gave her a smile, then shrugged.

There was still so much she didn't know about that man. A man who she knew everything about.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Hermione marvelled at the amount of food that had been piled up in front of them. There was enough food on the table to feed all of the Weasleys, plus their extended family.

Chicken, ribs, steak, sausage. Ron Weasley could have eaten his fill and he would have barely scratched the surface.

James sat down next to her and offered a smile.

"Lucky may be useless in the kitchen, but there's no finer man behind the tongs of a barbie."

Lucky, who had just reached down and given his wife a kiss, gave James a look.

"I heard that, Jimmy Boy."

James rolled his eyes.

"Jimmy Boy, hey?" Hermione said, reaching her hand out and resting it upon his thigh as he started loading up her plate.

"Don't you start, Myne."

Hermione slapped his thigh.

"You know I can do that right?" she said, indicating towards her plate.

"Call it me making it up to you for having to cut my breakfast last week." He replied.

Before long he had loaded up her plate with a bit of everything. She didn't know how he expected her to eat it all, especially after all the cheese she'd had. Not to mention the slight buzz she had from the wine.

Hermione looked over and saw that Lucky was whispering in Peyton's ear, causing her to giggle and slap him lightly across the stomach. He only laughed and gave her a smile. Then he kissed her on the cheek.

Hermione turned and looked at James, who was busy cutting up pieces of meat and putting them in front of Lily.

Peyton and Lucky were enjoying James's distraction of their daughter to whisper and giggle to each other on the seating. It was a nice moment to witness.

Only when Lily was happily eating did James start serving himself.

She absently ran her hand across his back, enjoying the feel of him. He turned and grinned at her, that lopsided grin that set off the butterflies in her stomach.

His plate was loaded, and Hermione picked up her cutlery. She took a forkful of the famous Potato Bake first. Judging from everyone's reaction, this had to be good.

Fuck.

"Good?" James asked, seeing the look on her face, and knowing the answer.

She nodded enthusiastically. Her eyes closed as she enjoyed the creamy goodness that she chewed.

"Where did you learn to cook?

James just shrugged. "No idea." He winked at her. "My cooking ability came from before."

Hermione had a good idea of where it had come from. Harry had never directly voiced what he had endured at the hands of the Dursleys, but she knew that it had come within the realms of abuse. She knew that he had done a lot of cooking, cleaning and house and yard work. That he had almost been a slave for the Dursleys.

He still had the abilities that came from that life, the cooking, the physical labour. But Hermione despised how he had come to learn them. They were skills he had learnt in a survival setting. She hated that she was now enjoying the fruits of that treatment.

As if he could sense the darkening of her mood. His hand reached out and took a hold of her knee. He gave it a reassuring squeeze. He grinned at her, and she couldn't help but grin back.

Then she tucked back into her food.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Hermione felt James's arm come around her waist as she leaned against the banister of the deck. She had been gazing thoughtfully out at the setting sun. Thinking about how things had ended up the way they had. How things had gotten to where they were.

She watched as he leaned against the banister and turn towards her.

"A P?" He asked.

"Hmm?"

"For your thoughts. Could hear the whirring of gears from inside."

Hermione had helped James clear the table and wash the dishes. She had then retreated outside while Peyton and Lucky got Lily ready for her bath.

They had laughed and joked with each other as James washed and Hermione dried.

"Oh. Nothing really. I was just thinking about how lovely this is." She said, glancing at him. He was so close. She could feel the warmth coming off him.

"I particularly like the back fence..." She said, leaning in and nudging him with her shoulder.

James looked at her thoughtfully. She saw his eyes dart to her lips and back to her eyes.

"This is nice, isn't it. Really lovely." He said, completely distracted.

She was lost in those green pools. Completely and utterly lost. And she didn't mind. Not one bit. Not even slightly. Not at all.

He stepped closer to her. Her hands reached out and took a hold of his shirt, scrunching it up in her hands. His hands took a hold of her waist.

She glanced at his lips.

Then back to those orbs. She was lost. She was so lost she didn't want to be found.

They edged closer. They were so close that Hermione could feel his breath. Her eyes closed. Her mouth slowly opened.

"Uncle Jim! Uncle Jim!"

Her eyes flew open, and she blinked hurriedly.

She caught a look of utter consternation on James's face. It was brief. Just a flash.

"Hello there Lilymonster!" He said, reverting back to Godfather mode. Hermione was amazed about how he was able to turn it on as he scooped up his Goddaughter into his arms. It took her a second to realise that it just came from a place of genuine love.

Hermione let out a long slow breath. She glanced over and saw Peyton standing in the door. She had an apologetic smile on her face. But there was mirth in her eyes. She clearly found the entire situation entirely too funny.

James meanwhile was bouncing Lily on his hip.

"Look at your Jimjams Lily!" he said happily to her. He glanced at Hermione, apologetic. "Are they dragons on your Jimjams?"

Lily nodded enthusiastically. "I love dragons."

James laughed. "I know you do, Lilymonster."

"Lily! Time for bed." Peyton called from the door, her eyes still twinkling with mirth as she looked the scene over.

"I have to go to bed Uncle Jim!" Said Lily with unbridled enthusiasm. "But Mummy said that you would tell me a bedtime story!"

"Did she now?" James said, turning to a smiling Peyton, who nodded.

"Well. If Mummy said its okay. But what about Myne. Do you think we should ask Myne if she would be willing to help us?"

Lily's eyes lit up as she spun around in James's grip to look at Hermione.

"Will you Myne. Please? Please!"

It was Hermione's turn to laugh at the unbridled enthusiasm of Lily.

"Of course, Lily. I wouldn't dream of missing it."

"Yesssss!" cried out Lily, as James put her down on the ground, she reached out her hands and took James and Hermione by the hand, leading them into the house.

Peyton simple chuckled to herself as the determined toddler led the two inside towards her bedroom.

"Are you getting a bedtime story from both Uncle Jim and Aunty Myne? Gosh you're lucky! You be good for them, or Mummy and Daddy will know about it."

There was no mistaking Luke's voice as they walked away.

He came outside with two glasses of red wine, handing one to his wife, and kissing her deeply.

"I think we've got about 20 minutes of us time."

"I think we do too." She said smiling, allowing Luke to deepen the kiss.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Lily settled herself into her bed and patted it, inviting Hermione and James to join her. James sat on the one side, while Hermione settled herself onto the other.

"So Lilymonster. What kind of story would you like? I can read you a book? Or, maybe, Myne can? Myne loves to read. But if you are extra, extra, lucky, I might be able to tell you another story about the 'Three best friends.'"

"Best friends! Best friends!" Lily said excitedly as she settled into against James, resting her head against his torso. "Have you heard any of Uncle Jim's best friends' stories, Aunty Myne?"

Hermione found herself blushing again at being called aunty. She thought it was a bit early for that, but there was no stopping a child on a mission.

"No, I haven't Lily. Am I in for a treat?"

Lily nodded enthusiastically. "Yep!"

She then turned her grey, expectant eyes up at James, who was beaming at her. Hermione did the same, attempting to replicate the look but failing miserably. James tried to stifle a laugh, but he was unable to.

"Hmm." James thought for a moment. "Let me think. Ah yes. Have I ever told the story of the Evil Professor Quarrelsome?"

Hermione blinked. Lily shook her head.

"Well, we can't have that, can we."

He began, explaining more for Hermione's sake than Lily's. Clearly this was part of a saga. "The three best friends are of course the headstrong black stag, named Potty. With him is His best friend, Bookworm, the brilliantly intelligent Otter, and their best mate, the wonderfully loyal, red terrier, named Weasel."

Hermione felt her mouth go dry. The effects of the wine seemed to die off, as her blood ran cold. She found she couldn't look at him as began to speak.

"The three best friends were convinced, that Professor Snake wanted to steal the special stone. But no matter how much they tried, they couldn't convince Professor Bumblebee that Snake was truly evil. Professor Bumblebee would defend Professor Snake, much to the dismay of the Three Best Friends.

So, what did the three best friends do, do you think?"

Hermione knew exactly what they did.

"They stopped him." Said Lily hopefully, as she settled into him.

"They stopped him." Said James with a smile at her. "First, they had to get past Cerberus, the big three headed dog. He growled and he barked and he gnashed his teeth. Grrrrrrr!"

Despite herself, Hermione couldn't help but smile at James putting on the show for Lily. It wasn't a terrible impersonation of Fluffy, truth be told.

"But they knew his weakness. Music! All they had to do was play some music and the big three headed dog would be out for the count. So, thinking quickly, Potty played a song on his flute."

James was suddenly moving his body around like a snake charmer, playing a pretend flute and whistling 'The British Grenadiers.' Lily giggled.

So, she would confess, did Hermione.

"And down went Cerberus. All snores, all sleepy times, just like Lilymonsters will be soon!" He winked at her. Lily pouted.

"And the three best friends went down the trap door. Landing nice and softly on a bush down the trap door. It was might comfortable at first, they thought, hardly able to believe their luck. But! Lucky they were not, because. It. Started. To. Squeeze. Them." With each line, James mimicked the breath coming form his lungs. He pulled Lily close and gave her a squeeze and she giggled and slapped at his arms as he pulled her close.

"No! No! Uncle Jim." She started giggling even harder as James started ticking her stomach.

Hermione felt a wave of affection as she watched the scene. She felt one part an intruder, and one part as though she was almost exactly where she belonged. With James. Telling the stories of their lives to the next generations. Telling the stories as if they were just stories, and not the terrifying mortal danger they had been.

"Lucky for the Three Best Friends, Bookworm was smarter than that silly old vine. With some barking from Weasel, she managed to shine a light on the vine. Which terrified it, and it pulled away."

Hermione remembered that moment very well. "Are you a witch or not?"

"Bookworm is my favourite!" Said Lily looking at Hermione.

Hermione felt her heart explode. She didn't think she would be anyone's favourite from those days. She was all bushy hair, bossy attitude and 'know-it-all' mentality.

She quickly looked down at her lap. She had to blink fast and furiously to hide the tears that started to well up.

A hand reached out and grab hers. She looked up to see James. He was smiling at her, but his eyes asked the question.

She gave him a warm smile and squeezed his hand. Nodding to him.

He winked at her. Her damned stomach, doing flips again.

"She's my favourite too." Said James.

Hermione reeled. He had no idea what he had just said. No idea at all. It floored her. You could have knocked her over with a feather. His favourite? Surely not.

"The three best friends went into the next door. The room was full of flying keys. Someone would have to catch the right key to the right lock. So up stepped Potty. He knew this one was for him. He had been trained how to fly by the reindeer of the North Pole." He said and glanced at Hermione, as if he had to explain the continuity of his children's story.

James put his hands next to his head and replicated a Stag's antlers. "Up, up and away! He called, as he got a run up and he started flying. He found the key and hooked it on his horns, before charging to the door."

Hermione didn't remember it being quite so easy as that.

"Into the next room, went the three best friends. And you know what they found?"

Lily was looking sleepy now. She was struggling to keep her eyes open; her blinks were longer and more pointed.

"A giant Chessboard." James said. He had noticed that Lily was going down, so his voice had become softer, and he cuddled her to him. Her tiny arms went around his stomach and she rested her head on him.

Hermione wished she had her camera. As James started murmuring to Lily. Her eyes closed and her breathing evened out.

James's hand found Hermione's again.

"Thanks." He mouthed.

She had no idea why he was thankful. She hadn't done anything. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her mobile phone.

She carefully turned the flash off. She was no Colin Creevey, but she felt it was a moment to be capture.

James didn't even see what was happening, he was too busy murmuring into Lily's hair.

After the photo he looked up at her. He raised an eyebrow.

She shrugged at him with a happy smile.

He gave her hand a squeeze. She squeezed it right back.

As Lily's breath evened out, her minds eye again transplanted Lily with her own children. The realisation hit her, the children she had been imagining was something she wanted.

She wanted to tell the bedtime stories of their Hogwarts adventures to their children.

She wanted to put their children down to bed together.

She wanted everything that came with children.

And she wanted it with him.

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