It took about 30 minutes for McGonagall to remind the staff of the impending evacuation process. "The Porkey's are becoming available." She looked around the room, "we will start with the First Year students and ensure they're safe departure as we stagger the portkeys."

"There's a number of students who want to stay and fight, m'am." Professor Hooch. "I've got a number of members from from my House all arguing their points to remain at Hogwarts." Harry saw a number of Professor's nod along with her.

McGonagall sighed, "I understand that Rolanda. But we have a duty of care to the families who entrust their children to us. Allowing underage children to engage in war is not an option."

"But we have trained them for this moment." Professor Flitwick's voiced entered the conversation. "Potter has been working at this for years." He shot Harry an appraising look. "We need all the numbers we can get, Minerva!"

McGonagall sighed tiredly. "We were preparing for an attack that may or may not have happened. We need to protect these children, Filius." he paused, her Scottish accent calm and reassuring. "We need to keep them safe and not expose them to the pain and hurt that they will face if they stay and fight. A pain that, if they get through it, will face for the rest of their lives."

"We don't have the numbers, even with all our students." Professor Slughorn expressed, his brows knitting together in worry. "We'll be torn apart."

"No one is forcing you to be here, Horace." McGonagall's voice was terse as she replied. Harry got the sense that their Potions professor had often expressed this to her. She levelled everyone with a hard look. "Once the evacuations of our underage students is completed, I will leave it up to your own individual discretion as to whether or not to stay and fight for our school." She paused, her eyes drifting to Harry and Hermione who lingered to the side. Her eyes softened, making her look younger. "We may not have the numbers, Horace. But we fight on nonetheless."

"What about the house elves?" Harry asked quietly and was met by an awkward silence.

"Go on Mr Potter." McGonagall encouraged him, gesturing for him to continue.

"Well, they can help us. Right?" Harry looked around them room. "They're powerful, they don't need wands, they can do magic in places that we can't?"

"Why would they involve themselves in a wizard battle?" Professor Slughorn argued.

Harry's eyes shined. "Because this is their home, sir. And you fight for your home." He looked towards McGonagall, "how many house-elves are there?"

"Over a hundred." It was Hermione who responded. She looked towards their potions professor. "You say we need the numbers, Sir."

"It won't be enough…" Slughorn muttered.

McGonagall frowned, "Oh, would you be quiet Horace. If you aren't going to help us look for a solution, then keep your mouth closed!"

The bald potions master's face flushed red at the reprimand. McGonagall returned her focus to Harry and Hermione. "I think that's an option worth exploring, Mr Potter." She nodded to them, "do you feel comfortable approaching them?"

Harry nodded. "Yes M'am."

"Wonderful." McGonagall nodded, "Now. We know our alliance with the Acromantulas has deteriorated and is no longer an option to us." Her lips thinned now. Harry couldn't believe it was only last night that it had all unfurled. "Now, Hagrid…" She paused, stumbling slightly over the half-giants name. "Hagrid has worked tirelessly in the past year or so forming connections with other creatures in the Forest. We can only hope they heed our call and fight alongside us when the time comes." She straightened her back. "I will send a call out to past students. I know many voiced a desire to offer their wand should we need it. I ask you to reach out to anyone and everyone who you believe would be of assistance to us. You have the full use of Hogwarts' owls."

By the time McGonagall had finished, Harry felt his head ache as a wave of tiredness washed over him. He stretched his hand, grimacing in pain as a sharp pain shot up through his arm at the movement.

"Oooh!" Tonks clutched at her stomach, her eyes widening as teachers filed out of the room. She reached out and gripped Hermione's hand so tightly she flinched.

"Tonks?" Hermione's eyes widened in concern, "Tonks are you alright?" She shared a look with Harry, unsure of what to do.

The witch screwed up her face, "Oooooh bugger me, that hurts."

"What hurts?" Harry looked at her in alarm.

"They baby is coming." Tonks let out a toothy grin as she released Hermione's hand.

"What, now? How can you be sure?" Harry asked, surprised at her calmness. They were literally just discussing Hogwarts defences and now she was about to have a baby.

Tonks smiled at him, "Oh, because my water broke when McGonagall was talking." She held onto Harry and Hermione as she rose to a standing position. "Think you might've excited the little bugger with the promise of flying lessons."

"Or the impending evacuation and grand battle of Hogwarts…" Harry muttered, stunned as Hermione called over Madam Pomfrey who had fortunately lingered after the meeting. The matron taking Tonks' hand.

"Can you let Remus know? He was finalising some business for the Order." Tonks sent them a smile.

"Of course we can." Hermione nodded, beckoning McGonagall over. "Professor, Tonks is in labour."

The older witch's eyes widened, a smile appearing suddenly. "Well, then." She looked towards Snape who had followed close behind. "Severus, can you contact Remus for us and let him know to come to the infirmary?"

Snape gave a curt nod and without uttering a word, left the room with this cloak billowing behind him.

"There's something innately dramatic about wearing cloaks isn't there?" Harry muttered as Pomfrey lead Tonks by the arm. "is it safe to do it here?"

"I do have training in this area, Mr Potter." Pomfrey glanced at him as they continued their way tot he Hospital Wing.

Harry felt himself flush, "no I didn't mean that. Just… what if there's an attack?" He looked at Tonks, "shouldn't you go back to the Order? You'd be safer there."

Pomfrey shared a look with McGonagall but it was Tonks who responded. "My water has broken, Harry. It isn't safe to travel magically at the moment." She stopped in her walking, gripped Pomfrey's hand and let out the biggest scream Harry had ever heard her make. His face paled as he looked at Hermione, who was staring at Tonks in shock herself. Their friend started sweating.

"Come along dear," Pomfrey prompted as they started walking again. This time a bit quicker than before. Harry and Hermione lingered behind as McGonagall flanked Tonks' other side.

It felt like an eternity before they reached the hospital wing and Harry imagined it felt even longer for Tonks, who by the time they reached a bed was now sweating profusely.

"Where the bloody hell is Remus?" She looked towards Harry and Hermione. She didn't look so calm anymore.

"Snape is getting him…" Harry replied. "He'll be here soon." Gosh he hoped he was right and the Marauder wasn't far away.

"He bloody better be." Tonks replied, her eyes closing as another wave of pain cursed through her. McGonagall held her hand tightly.

Madam Pomfrey looked towards the two teenagers, "Miss Granger can you please get a vial of the Wiggenweld potion in my inventory? Quickly now."

Hermione nodded quickly, a look of gratefulness befalling her at having a job to do. "Yes, M'am." She swivelled on the spot and dashed off.

Pomfrey turned her gaze to Harry. "Mr Potter. Towels and a bowl of water. Warm."

"On it!" Harry's eyes widened as Tonks let out another shriek. Some obscenities following. He rushed around the room. After being admitted so many times, he was quite familiar with where things were. He returned shortly after, towels and water in tow. He didn't know how many towels were needed so took as many as he could carry, and levitate. He pulled his wand and tapped the water, ensuring it remained the right temperature. Tonks has been changed into a hospital gown by now, her face red and flushed.

"You're doing great, Tonks!" Hermione was by her other side.

"I'm going to hex that Marauder into hell for doing this to me." Tonks muttered as another contraction hit her. This one seemed to go on forever.

"He'll be here.."

"If you say soon one more time Harry, you'll have more to worry about than Voldemort."

"Got it." Harry replied quickly as he watched Pomfrey set up. She matron looked at Harry and turned to Hermione. "This is where you go on the other side of the curtain you two."

Harry gladly heeded the advice. "You've got this, Tonks!"

"Sod off!"

"Ok!"

Very quickly, both him and Hermione were on the other side of the curtain. For a moment they just looked at each other.

"Well that bloody escalated quickly." Harry muttered, watching as Hermione's face paled as another shriek pierced the air and Pomfrey or McGonaggal produced a privacy spell. The room suddenly became very quiet without the colourful language.

"No kidding." Hermione lead them over to another bed and he sat down. He felt his heart stumble as he looked to the corner bed. Dumbledore. It lay vacant now. Clean crips sheets. He felt his eyes sting and resolutely looked out of the tall windows, watching as the sun slowly set. He couldn't believe almost a whole day had past. He couldn't fathom that it was only yesterday that he was on the grounds, playing football with his friends. That he had made that thermos for Hermione or had taught Leni. And that he was here now, not even 24 hours later and Tonks was having her baby, Hogwarts was readying to battle and Dumbledore was dead.

A set of brown eyes stopped in front of his and he felt his heart skip. "Hey." Her voice was soft as she came to stand between his legs. "You ok?"

"I don't even know anymore." Harry's voice was quiet as she rested her forehead on his. He gazed into her eyes, golden flecks reflected in the setting sunlight. He raised his hands and cupped her face in hers as his legs pulled her towards him. "You?"

She just offered a tired smile in response, leaning forwards and wrapping her arms around his waist, falling into him. He held onto her tightly. She nuzzled into him, seeking more contact. He felt his skin tingle as she dropped a kiss to his neck.

"I'm right here." She whispered softly.

He felt his heart ache as he lent his head into her. He breathed in slowly as he hugged her to him. They were in that position for what seemed like forever when they heard rushed footsteps. Hermione lifted her head and they both turned their gaze to the entry in time to see Remus rush in, his eyes wide. Snape trailed behind.

"Where?" His voice was hoarse.

Hermione pointed to the closed curtain and faster than Harry had ever seen him move, was gone from view. McGonagall exited soon after and Harry saw her eyes flicker to the corner where Dumbledore had lain just hours before. She looked towards two of them, her eyes softening. They had remained in their positions, arms loosely looping around the other comfortably.

"She's doing ok?" Hermione asked as she approached.

McGonagall nodded. "All going as expected." She reassured them, "it'll still be some time I'm afraid." She looked at Harry, "you're doing ok Harry?" Again, the use of his first name didn't go unnoticed.

He nodded, his throat constricting slightly. "I'm sorry about hexing you." He apologised, "I didn't realise it was you."

McGonagall raised her hand, waving off his apology. "No need to apologise" She offered the faintest of smiles. "Quite a strong stinging hex." She looked towards Snape. "I trust Remus was able to complete the task?"

Snape nodded, eyes flittering to Hermione and back. "Yes."

"What task M'am?" Hermione asked, noting the look they shared. She look a half step back from Harry, her arms dropping.

"We enacted the protocol for your parents, Hermione. They're at the Order."

Hermione nodded. They had been a part of the group who put forward options for when and if they were going to be in danger. "They're ok?" Harry felt his heart sink. This all felt very real, very quickly.

Snape nodded. "They're fine."

"I'm sure Mrs Weasley is serving them a roast as we speak." McGonagall added, trying her best to reassure everyone. Harry admired the effort.

A tired smile, "thanks." She looked at Harry as though trying to sense his mood. Her eyes were weary and tired. He could tell she was waiting for him to pull back. He didn't blame her. He had a history of it. He tried to send her a smile as he squeezed her hand, hoping to reassure her.

McGonagall looked towards Harry, "Your suggestion in the meeting was good." She glanced between the two of them. "Tonks will still be a while. Shall we go down now and talk?" She hardly waited for a response before leaving.

"All of us?" Harry stood up and started following, Hermione beside him.

McGonagall nodded, sending him a sidelong glance, "alas I do believe I may be of some assistance Mr Potter." She looked to Snape, "you know what you're doing, Severus?"

"Yes, M'am." Snape nodded and without any more context, went in the opposite direction.

"Tonks is having the baby!" Ginny's voice was higher than he'd ever heard it. He and Hermione had just returned from a rather successful trip to the kitchens and had just entered the heads common area where Ginny, Draco and Luna awaited. Harry noted the absence of Ron.

"You recruited the house elves?" Luna asked.

"Well, naturally. Dobby is Harry's #1 fan." Ginny commented lightly. "Sorry, Hermione."

Hermione let out a snort. "I think you might be right." She winked at Harry, "I'm a close second though."

Harry rolled his eyes, "any luck with Fang?" Harry asked Ginny, thoughts drifting to Hagrid's ever loyal companion as he and Hermione fell onto the couch in a tired heap. Hermione pulled him down so his head was resting in her lap, he felt his eyes drift close as she carted her fingers through his hair.

Ginny nodded her head, "Yes, he was waiting by the door. Bless him. We found a bird inside too?"

"The snidget!" Harry's eyes opened as he remembered. He was relieved that Fang had found his way back.

"You know it?" Ginny was surprised.

Hermione smiled, "yeah Hagrid showed us earlier. She's beautiful."

"We gave her some of the feed nearby and more water and fed Fang." Draco added, "we weren't sure what to do." He paused, "he produces a lot of saliva doesn't he?"

Harry smiled slightly at the comment as he frowned. The thought of Hagrid being with them made his heart ache.

"Hagrid was the first person I met from this world." He started quietly, surprising those around him. "I don't know if you're aware, but my family kinda hate anything magical…"

"You don't say…" Ginny quipped lightly.

"I know. Anyway, they kept hiding the letters from me in the hope I'd never receive my acceptance letter and never learn about Hogwarts."

"I didn't know that…" Ginny's voice turned serious.

"Yeah…" Harry thought back to the memory, "Uncle Vernon was absolutely furious. Drove us all out to this remote island that we had to reach by boat." He paused, thinking. "Didn't think we'd be found there."

"But you were…" Hermione smiled at him slightly. He'd told her this before. He felt like he'd told her everything.

"Yep. Knocked the door right off its hinges." He smiled at the memory, "hardly fit in the doorframe."

"Hagrid gave you your letter?" Draco couldn't believe it.

"Yeah. He thought I was Dudley at first, then realised and told me I was a wizard." He shared a look with Hermione, knowing she could relate. "It's a pretty weird feeling isn't it?"

"Pretty weird, yeah." Hermione agreed with a slight smile. Her fingers continued to glide through his hair, soothing. She paused, "Hagrid is strong, Harry. He's been through a lot…"

"I know that." Harry whispered. He'd been abandoned by his mother, got wrongly expelled from Hogwarts, been sent to Azkaban… "I want to help him."

She pressed a light kiss to his hair, "and we will."

Harry blinked his eyes open slowly, dawn-light shining through the tall windows in the Heads Common Room where they had slept. He looked around, they had transfigured their couches into large mattresses, not wanting to go back to their respective dorms. They had spent the night penning letters to every person they could think that might want to return to Hogwarts and defend their school. He wondered if Tonks' had the baby yet. He turned his gaze to Hermione, only partly surprised to see her eyes open and on him already.

"Can't sleep either?" His voice was quiet, not wanting to disturb the peace of the morning.

Hermione shook her head, her brown eyes bloodshot. She looked like she hadn't slept at all.

Harry shifted closer, bringing his hand to her cheek. Her eyes fluttered shut at his touch. He watched her quietly for a moment. Committing, again, everything to memory. "I'm right here." He whispered, echoing what she had told him yesterday. She opened her eyes at that, brown eyes watering slightly at his words. She caught his hand in hers and very gently pressed a kiss to his palm before interlacing their fingers.

"We should get ready." She whispered reluctantly, "we need to organise the evacuation."

"We should." Harry agreed.

"And we'll swing by the Hospital Wing, ok?"

"So Tonks can hex me?"

A slight smile. "C'mon, let's wake up the others."

"Already awake, Granger." Draco announced, sitting up. His blonde hair sticking up in all directions. It made him look younger. Exactly as he was supposed too.

Ginny followed suit, rubbing tiredly at her eyes as she released a wide yawn. "Did anyone manage to get any sleep at all?" Luna was bleary eyed beside her.

Before anyone could formulate a response, Crookshanks stretched out leisurely beside Hermione.

"well, at least someone did." Hermione commented lightly as she scratched him under the chin. She turned to the others forcing a smile onto her face that did not reach her eyes, "c'mon then. Let's go."

A quick shower and he felt half-human again as they wandered slowly through the halls. It was quiet within the castle, even the ghosts and portraits not wanting to say a word. Hermione reached for his hand quietly, gripping it tightly. Draco and Ginny behind them, in a world of their own too. Luna had gone back to the Ravenclaw common room to see if she could be of any help.

Harry felt his heart lift as they walked through the infirmary doors. Tonks sat upright in her bed, red-eyed with messy hair but sporting the largest and most pure smile on her face as she watched Remus hold a bundle beside her.

"A boy." The grin of Remus' face was unwavering as he looked up at their arrival, "he's absolutely perfect." He looked at Tonks, "they both are."

"Congratulations you two." Ginny as was grinning that Weasley grin. Infectious. "Looking smashing, Tonks."

"Sod off you." Tonks gently chided her as she accepted the hug from the red head, Hermione following suit.

"Yeah, careful, Gin. She threatened to hex me last night." Harry added as he clapped Remus on the back. He peered into the blankets and he felt his heart twist. He was sleeping soundly, a tuft of brown hair poking underneath a little beanie.

"Well, hello there." Hermione came beside Harry, peering into the blanket. "Do we have a name yet?"

"Teddy Sirius Lupin." Remus whispered the name.

Harry felt his heart twist. Again. He looked at Tonks and she gave him a gentle smile.

"Hi Teddy." Hermione whispered

"Do you want to hold him, Harry?" Remus asked.

"He's so little." Harry shook his head, "I don't want to drop him."

Tonks smiled, "Harry. I'm the clumsiest Auror who ever graduated the Academy. If I can hold him, the youngest seeker in a century should be ok."

"A snitch and a wiggling baby are really quite different." Harry argued, "what if he cries?"

Tonks shrugged, "he's a baby. I would say crying is pretty normal at this age."

Hermione let out a light laugh, "go on, Harry. Be that brave Gryffindor we know you are."

Harry rolled his eyes but held out his arms and very carefully Remus transitioned care. "Just hold his head," He instructed, "there. Exactly." He sent him a grin, "see, it's ok. You've got him."

"I've got him." Harry nodded, eying the little human in his arms. He was so small. His little face calm and settled. He started to rock him gently, "Hi there little bud." His voiced dropped an octave as looked at him. "It's nice to finally meet you." A little arm reached out of its blanket and Harry went to hold his hand. He couldn't get over how tiny he was. Teddy gripped onto his finger and he felt his heart ache. "Whoa, careful there, Teddy. Too strong." He smiled at him as the baby cooed. "You've got the coolest parents ever, Teddy." He looked up at Remus and Tonks, sharing a grin. "But like I promised earlier, I'll be the one to teach you how to fly, ok?"

"He is not even looking at a broom until he's at least 15." Tonks replied.

Harry let out a laugh, "yeah, cos that's realistic." He turned to Hermione, surprised to see tears welling in her eyes. She brushed at her eyes hastily, an embarrassed laugh escaping her.

"Sorry. I'm just tired." She tried and failed to convince their audience. "I've been a wreck all morning."

Harry gave her one of his crooked smiles. "Come and see Hermione, Teddy. She's the cleverest one of us all."

"I feel like you're overselling it." Hermione mumbled as she gently took Teddy into her arms.

"We should go." Hermione looked at Harry reluctantly. The sun had fully risen now and the castle would soon be a very busy place.

Ginny nodded, "what's your plan, then?" She asked what they'd all been wondering. She rocked Teddy in her arms.

"It's safe for us to floo powder back to Grimmauld." Remus looked at Tonks and Teddy. "Tonks' Mum is there," he looked to Hermione. "As are the Grangers."

"Then I'll be back." Tonks answered their unasked question. Remus' lips pursed. You could tell this had been a sticky point. Tonks levelled them all with a determined gaze. "I'm going to fight. I'll be back."

Harry could only nod as he swallowed a large lumped that had formed in his throat. He knew he couldn't persuade Tonks otherwise, but he felt almost sick at the thought of something happening to either of them. Hermione tugged his hand gently as though thinking the same thing.

They continued to hold hands after they exited, both lost in their own thoughts but sharing the same sentiment.

"Right." Hermione came to a stop, "We'll have to divide into our groups. We know what we're doing right?"

Harry nodded. They'd been over it last night. And again this morning. "I go to collect the Hufflepuff and Slytherin first years."

"And I've got the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors." Hermione nodded her head.

"I've got my map." Harry patted his pocket, "just incase someone tries to stay behind."

"I'll go with you to the Dungeons, Harry." Draco offered.

"And I'll go with you, Hermione." Ginny added. "Moral support and all that."

"We'll meet in the Great Hall after?" Hermione looked to Harry.

Harry nodded, "I'll see you soon."

"Can we talk, Harry?"

"I'm a bit busy, Ron." Harry replied tersely and was about to sidestep him when Ron moved and blocked his path. He'd just successfully chaperoned the first year cohort to their designated Portkey spots and had the map in front of him, eying it for any hidden places that students may seek refuge in. He'd been so focused on those sneaky spots that he hadn't noted Ron's name right next to his. It had been a long morning. He couldn't believe it was hardly past breakfast time. Harry paused, his eyes raising to meet his. He was not in the mood for this. "I'm not kidding, Ron. Move."

"We need to talk." Ron didn't back down.

Harry felt his eyes narrow, "I have nothing to say to you."

Ron's face heated but his blue eyes remained determined. "Fine then. Then I have something I need to say to you."

"I think you've said all you needed to," He went to move around him and again found himself blocked. He felt his temper flare.

"Please…"Ron's eyes were pleading. "I can't let this battle happen without apologising to you."

Harry took a step back, he looked at Ron, his oldest friend. "Ron…"

"Please. I need to do this."

He teetered slightly before slowly sitting down, his back against the stone wall. Ron released a sigh as he joined him. They sat quietly, just resting besides each other. Harry watched the stairs as they moved and shifted. He thought how strange it was how you become so accustomed to certain things.

"I'm sorry, Harry." Ron's voice was quiet. "I think about what I said to you every god damn day. I won't ever forgive myself for it. Ever." His voice shocked slightly. "I'm angry. All the time. About everything." Ron continued."And I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry for how I've acted and what I've said." He heard him take a deep breath, "I don't expect you to forgive me for it, Harry. But I just… going into this fight. I need you to know that I'm so fucking glad I walked into that compartment in our first year. You're the best friend I will ever have. And I don't…. I don't think I tell you that enough. I love you, Harry." His voice dropped again, "I already lost one brother to this. I don't want to lose another."

Harry felt his heart ache at his friends words and couldn't deny the sincerity in them. "Do you remember our first Transfiguration class?"

"What?" You could hear the surprise in his voice.

"Our first transfiguration lesson." Harry repeated, "The stairs. They'd moved and we got lost."

"Didn't McGonagall threaten to turn us into a clock?" Ron let out a laugh as he recalled the memory. He sighed quietly, "Jeez that feels like a lifetime ago." He reflected thoughtfully.

"I was so out of my depth back then." Harry whispered, "felt like they'd realise I didn't know anything. That my letter was a mistake." He tiled his head back slightly, raising his eyes as the watched the stairs. "You really helped me, you know that right? You and Hermione helped make me feel like I was ok, that I was meant to be here just like everyone else." He paused thoughtfully and turned to Ron, "I don't think I ever really thanked you for that."

Ron blushed brightly at his words, his ears turning red. "I can't believe you're thanking me right now."

Harry let out a light laugh, "guess the threat of dying kinda puts things into perspective, Ron."

"You're…n.."

"I might." Harry interrupted gently. "You know I might."

Ron nodded and Harry thought he could see his eyes mist over slightly. Harry heard her, the sound of her shoes walking on the stone and he turned his gaze to hers. She was wearing her school uniform, the sleeves of her white blouse rolled up to her elbows, the red and gold tie hanging loosely around her neck. Her grey skirt stopping an inch short from her knees. He blinked and a memory of Hermione, aged 12 appeared before him. Young. Hair everywhere. Skirt below her knees because her parents wanted her to grow into the uniform. Her two bucked teeth. A handful of books in her arms. Ink-stained finger tips. And her eyes. Full of curiosity and determination.

Her voice brought him away from his reverie. She was standing before him. Her hair had tamed over time, soft-gentle curls from her face, her hair pulled up today. He liked her hair up. It meant he could admire her neck.

"Hi." Her voice echoed in the empty corridor. She looked at them, eying them with interest before they landed on Harry. A silent question in her eyes.

"Come sit?" Harry patted the spot next to him and she obliged. She sat down beside him, her hand automatically finding his. She stretched out her legs in front of her, her legs falling short from Harry and Ron's. She leaned her head on Harry's shoulder.

He squeezed her hand gently, running his thumb across her palm and answering her unasked question. He was ok. "Do you remember your first day here?" He asked quietly.

"Of course." He could feel her smile even though he couldn't see it. "I woke up like 3 hours early because I couldn't sleep. I think I got to the classroom before Professor McGonagall." She paused, her fingers playing with Harry's. "Weren't you two late?"

"So late."

"The stairs had moved." Ron reminded her, "we ended up in some weird remote part of the castle."

"Right…"

"I don't even think we could get there on purpose again if we tried." Ron continued.

Harry let out a laugh, "we had a nice chat with a portrait though. I think he was lonely, mustn't get much traffic."

Hermione laughed quietly. They watched in unison as the stairs moved again. Great stone staircases floating. It was pretty cool. Even now. "I remember you stumbling in, thinking McGonagall wasn't there." She raised her head and grinned at the two of them.

Ron eyes widened. "That's right. She was in her bloody cat form."

"Transformed right in front of us." Harry remembered, "what a boss move."

"Total boss." Hermione nodded in agreement.

"I wish I could be an animagus." Ron reflected thoughtfully.

"What animal would you be?" Harry indulged him.

Ron sighed, "I wanna say something cool like a hawk or like a jaguar…"

"But…? Hermione prompted when he faded off.

Ron smiled slightly, "well. Honestly. I'd probably be more like a golden retriever right? Likes company, food…."

"You do yourself a disservice, Ron." Hermione commented, "I'd say a Badger."

Ron quirked an eyebrow. "Really? Why a Badger?"

She smiled thoughtfully. "Because people often underestimate them. But when they're provoked… well. They can take on animals much larger than them."

"Interesting take, Granger." Ron nodded, "what about Harry here?"

"Hmmmm." Hermione shifted her position, crossing her legs as she faced Harry. "What do you think?"

"A lion?" Ron offered.

"Maybe." Hermione had a spark to her eye, she tilted her head slightly as she gazed at him. He liked that look on her. She sent him a slight smirk, "A wolf."

"A wolf?" Harry repeated dubiously.

"Yeah." Hermione nodded, assured of her assessment. "You've already got the mop of hair." She winked at him, ruffling his hair gently.

"An important element." Harry said dryly although his eyes were relaxed.

"A wolf is fearless." Hermione continued quietly.

"I'm not fearless." Harry replied. Not anymore.

"Shall I do a brief Harry Potter Hogwarts recap?" Hermione eyed him critically. "11 years old, you hop on a broom and launch into the air without ever being on one. You go into a room to face a much older wizard to get the Philosopher's stone." She started counting on her fingers, "you entered the Chamber of Secrets by yourself, you've stood up to every teacher here who you didn't agree with. You question things. Constantly."

"Ok, ok, ok." Harry gently held her hand to stop her counting. "We get it."

"They're also protective." She told him after a pause. "Fiercely protective of the people they love." Her eyes softened as she looked at him. He felt it. The love. Her love. It warmed his entire body.

"And what about you? Brightest Witch of your Age." Harry glanced at Ron and they shared a smile. "What do you reckon, Ron? What fits one Hermione Jane Granger?"

Ron smiled back, his eyes clearer than Harry had seem them be in a while. "Well, they've got to be smart."

"With a great memory." Harry added. He enjoyed the slight pink that was gracing her face.

"Resourceful." Ron offered.

"Adaptable." Harry continued, mimicking her earlier movements and counting with his fingers. "Intuitive." His eyes lit up. "I've got it."

"You're not gonna say an elephant or something are you?" Hermione frowned.

Harry laughed, "hey elephants are cool. But no, not an elephant."

"What then, pray tell?" Hermione lent forward on her hand, waiting in anticipation.

"A fox."

Her eyes narrowed in thought for a moment. "A fox?"

"They outsmart their opponents." Harry replied, "very resourceful." He turned to Ron, "thoughts?"

"I can see it." Ron nodded. "Sly as well. You're super sly, Hermione." He grinned, "in a good way though."

"Right, remember the coin for the DA? Sly move." Harry smiled, "catching Skeeter in the jar. Sly."

"Living an actual double life in our 3nd year." Ron reminded her, "sly."

Hermione laughed lightly, "Ok, fine. I get it." She smiled then.

"Speaking of sly." Harry eyed the map that had rested in his lap. "We have a sly 3rd year wandering the halls." He looked at the two of them. "Shall we?"

A/N: Quite a large update. Hope you enjoyed. Nearing the end now!