DISCLAIMER. None of the characters used are a creation of mine. They belong solely to JK Rowling.

The next morning found the Marauders waiting outside the Headmaster's office.

James looked peachy as did Peter, who was the only one who would spare Sirius a glance sitting with his face in his hands, slumped against the wall. They knew he was beating himself over it, blaming himself more severely than they ever would but it didn't negate the fact that he had made a terrible mistake.

True, his emotions had been all over the place lately what with everything going on at home and with how worried he always was for Hermione and how his brother was almost on the brink of insanity but it was not a good excuse to have almost cost someone their life. Nothing could ever be a good enough excuse.

Hermione sat away from all the others. Her solitude wouldn't let her be even in times of duress.

She had been relieved to know that Remus was up and functioning as normally as he usually did. At least her spell hadn't misfired.

Her nerves threatening to send her over the edge, she waved her wand and conjured a chess piece. Her eyes harboured the same hollow look she was always seen with these days but lit up with the tiniest amount of warmth somewhere deep inside.

James frowned as he saw her thumb twiddle around the knight, looking at it as if it held all the answers to the mysteries of the universe. She looked at it with.. reverance, as if it was the only thing grounding her to reality. Sighing, he placed his hand on hers, calming down her fidgeting.

She found herself craving his touch but she couldn't go around toying with his emotions, not when she would go back to ignoring his presence the minute she got to leave. Retracting her hand with pain screaming in her heart, she rubbed her temples, placing the knight gingerly inside her robes. She stood up on her feet and began pacing.

James looked hurt but kept his mouth shut. Now was not the time to corner her. There were more important things to consider. His guts threatened to explode with worry over Snape mouthing off Remus'secret to the entire school. He knew Dumbledore would somehow settle it but he couldn't stop gnawing at his lip and rubbing a hand over his head every few minutes.

Peter's gaze was now focused on Sirius and Sirius alone. His continued silence was sign enough for him to know how terribly he was feeling. There weren't a lot many things that could send Sirius Black into such a state of nothingness. Try as he might Peter could not bring himself to console him. Perhaps later that night or perhaps the next day but not now when he was so overcome with anxiety and rage.

As for Sirius, there was truly no question of how immensely remorseful he felt. He had let the infamous Black temper get to him. He had let his emotions take control of his actions. He had acted as a Black would and he was ashamed of himself to have conformed to the ideals of his family. To have betrayed one of his closest friends was the biggest sin in his eyes and he had done it so carelessly.. without any thought.

Sure he hadn't actually thought Snape would be so stupid to actually follow through but he accepted his fault because he had also known that Snape wouldn't be able to resist and yet Arius had still done it. He'd still irked him and persuaded him to fall trap to his words.

Merlin, he was a wreck. What was wrong with him? What had he been thinking? How would he ever look Remus in the eye? How would he ever seek forgiveness? Did he even deserve it?

The gargoyle shifted and Snape passed by them, his face livid as his dark robes flapped around him.

Hermione knew it was her turn. Breathing in deeply she stepped up on the stairs that rose to take her to Dumbledore's office. She rapped onto the doors and entered when asked to.

Everything was the same. Just exactly how it had been in her time. Except for maybe the lack of a few books. But all the little trinkets were there and so was the feeling of safety.

Fawkes sat perched atop his destinated place, peering down at her as did his master.

'Please sit, Ms Lestrange,' Dumbledore requested, his blue eyes lacking its usual twinkle.

She gracefully settled into a chair and looked at him serenely.

The two sat in silence until Dumbledore realised she wasn't going to speak up. His usual ways of questioning a student wouldn't work on this one. How peculiar, he thought.

'Mr Snape has already recounted the events of last night but seeing as he was passed out for most of the time I'd really appreciate if you could take me through everything that happened.'

She nodded shortly and recounted to him everything in detail without revealing to him the boys' secret of being Animagi. She didn't hide the curses she had used. She didn't see any need to. The boys wouldn't know what to filter and what not to. They weren't trained for this kind of interrogation.

'You performed some spells that you shouldn't even have the knowledge of, child. Controlling the will of a werewolf is unheard of. Only dark wizards have ever attempted to do so. You do realise the authorities would like to know how you came across them, don't you?'

She smiled at him sweetly, 'I think so, yes, but what I did wasn't illegal. Besides there are no records of these curses in the Ministry. They're a family secret.'

'And yet the spells you used were dangeorus and not entirely advisable.' He pointed out.

'I did save lives. You mustn't always jump to conclusions based on the kind of magic one uses. Dark magic doesn't necessarily mean you were aiming to hurt. One's intent and purpose are essential to spellcasting and you know it.' With an afterthought, she added, 'You know it better than most.'

For a moment Dumbledore lost his footing. He wondered what the girl could be foreshadowing but dismissed the thought instantly.

'Should I be worried about Severus spilling?' She inquired.

Dumbledore sighed and shook his head, 'No, you shouldn't. I have forbidden the boy. He will not speak of what happened under any circumstances.'

She raised a brow, 'And will he follow?'

'I don't see why not. You mustn't worry yourself over this. Your friend will be kept safe,' he said reassuringly, 'Nobody's going to question his presence at Hogwarts.'

She nodded.

'Ms Lestrange, might I make a suggestion?' Dumbledore asked with a tad bit of hesitation.

Hermione could almost smell the hints of manipulation in the air. She motioned for him to go on.

'I have seen you withdraw unto yourself ever since what happened over the winter.'

Hermione bristled, 'And?'

'I merely hope to see you maintain your friendship with the young boys you so care about. You've been cold to them. They will help you under any circumstances should you require it.'

'You've taken a personal interest in me. Why?'

He chuckled, 'I take personal interest in every student I have.'

Mustering up all her politeness, she replied, 'With all due repsect, Headmaster, my choice of friends should he nobody's concern but my own.'

'Forced submission is never enough to contend oneself with,' Dumbledore said gravely, 'Only true bondd of friendship can ever help you tide over difficult times. Never a situation of bondage.'

Hermione knew he was no fool. She understood the underlying warning.

Dumbledore muttered, 'Just something to think about.'

And Hermione did. She thought about it for a considerable amount of time. Dumbledore really did know everything that happened under his nose. She truly wondered the extent of his powers. He was a remarkable wizard.

On one of her late night strolls to the kitchens, Hermione was once again toying with her knight. It had become a habit for whenever she was upset or feeling lonely. It made her feel closer to Ron.

Draco's sacrifice hung heavy on her head these days. It made her feel constantly on an edge. Guilt ridden, she spent her sleepless nights walking around the castle, looking for ways to take her mind off everything around her.

She failed to understand what was happening to her. Was she finally losing it? Was this a side effect of being displaced in time and space? Was Time finally catching up with her trickery? Why was she suddenly faced with an onslaught of painful memories that she didn't wish to revisit?

Tickling he pear on the tapestry, Hermione's feet took her to her favourite spot on the farthest corner of one of the tables.

Without question the house eleves would ladle her plate with some fruit and fill her goblet with warm milk. She didn't have the appetite to stomach anything else.

Sat staring at the fire, she sipped her drink. So busy was she she in her swirling thoughts she almost didn't hear Peter sidle up beside her.

'I see your late night adventures are still happening then,' he commented. 'Might as well invite one of the blokes. We are awfully good at exploring.'

Hermione nodded absently, 'Maybe if the fates granted someday I'll have someone to share my journeys.'

Peter stopped smiling, sensing the underlying sadness within the girl. He gently bumped his shoulder with hers.

'Mi, we're worried about you. All of us are.'

'You needn't bother, Pete.' She wondered if she would have to stage a public fallout with the boys and Lily. It would crush her soul to do so.

'I understand you're still in mourning but.. let us help you.. please.'

She looked at him sharply, 'I miss Papa. I miss everyday. But no.. you don't understand.' She whispered, 'You can never help me.'

Peter backtracked. 'Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Okay, we won't discuss this, alright?'

She chose to stay silent and tried to enjoy her friend's companionship. It had been months since she had felt this warm.

'I appreciate the efforts you've been putting in talking to me, Pete,' she said, 'But I really need you to stop now.'

Peter frowned, 'You're our friend. We're going to keep at it for as long as it takes for you to be okay once again.'

Hermione rubbed her eyes and looked at him. 'What if I don't want to be friends?'

Peter snickered, 'Come now, you don't mean that.'

'I do.'

'What?' Peter implored, 'We're not kids, Mi. You want to stop being friends? Nobody just stops being friends with someone. And why'd you want to do something so ludicrous anyway? Is this about the incident with Snape?'

Hermione shook her head, 'No! Peter, you have to understand.'

'Look, I know you haven't forgiven Sirius. Remus hasn't either. At least not fully. But he really is paying for it. Trust me, nobody blames him as much as he does himself.'

'It's not that.' She struggled, 'You know my family and you know where its allegiance lies.. it'd be prudent for you to stay away from me. I can't change what the fates have planned for me.'

Peter looked as if he'd been slapped. He clambered up on his feet and whispered furiously, 'You can't do that! You can't join that bastard! Are you out of your mind? What's wrong with you? You don't even believe in that bullshit.'

'My beliefs are irrelevant. My loyalty lies with my family,' she said, her voice devoid of any emotions.

'Hermione. You're not some cold blooded Death Eater. Stop talking about things you don't understand. Rab would never let you do something so ridiculous so stop it already.'

She signed heavily, 'All I'm saying is.. stay away. Please. It's for your own good.'

Peter opened his mouth to say something but shut it immediately, at a loss of words.

'Please, try and understand. I'm not saying I'm going to join him. What I'm saying is that it's not safe for you. Rodolphus won't stop. To get to me he will hurt those I care about.'

Peter shook his head, 'I can't help it. You're not getting rid of us this easily. Let him come to us. You're one of us. And we look after our pack.'

He stormed away from her, enraged at the idea of her having to do anything with that monster.

Hermione merely shut her eyes. Clutching the knight close to her chest, she rose up and left for the dungeons.

The events at the Shrieking Shack had at least helped her dispel the entire scandal of how Severus had called Lily a mudblood. She had made it a point to keep very close to him everyday they had an exam despite the very cold behaviour he showed towards her.

She only hoped that the lack of a fallout between Lily and Severus would not be detrimental to the girl's relationship with James. She would never forgive herself if James didn't end up with the love of his life. But she also knew it was necessary for Severus to be with Lily or he'd surely wander away. He may not join Voldemort but who was to say what other vile ways he would find to instil his wrath upon those beneath him.

Sitting on her rock on the very last day of the term, Hermione unfurled the scroll of parchment in her hands and went through the letter she had received from Rab telling her to stay put and that he would be coming to fetch her that evening. She was still not allowed travel aboard the Hogwarts Express.

She knew she could handle whatever Rodolphus would come up with but she saw it fit to humour Rab. She understood his need to protect her.

Tracing his neat script, she let the wind ruffle her hair. Closing her eyes, she was once again faced with the sight of a pink line that had formed on her chest overnight one day. Dolohov's curse had marked her in her previous life and now the scar was back on her body, a haunting reminder of her past.

It had broken another dam of memories for her. She often dreamt about her torture at Bellatrix's hands. She often woke up yelling, her screams muffled by all the protective charms she would set up each night before she went to bed. Maybe she should..

'Hermione?', she heard Sirius whisper.

She opened her eyes and nodded at him.

'Can I have a word, please?'

'What do you have to say?'

Sirius took a deep breath and remained standing, 'I wish to apologise. I didn't just hurt Remus that night. I hurt each one of you. I betrayed your trust in me. I know it's irreparable and I don't deserve your forgiveness.'

Hermione stood up, 'Did you apologise to Severus?'

As much as it pinched him to say it, Sirius nodded, 'I did.. yes..'

'Good. I'm glad to see you're at least making an effort.' She brushed off her robes and made to leave.

Sirius reached out and grabbed her wrist, 'Mi, please don't go just yet.'

She turned around slowly, looking at his fingers inwining themselves with hers.

'I just.. I ..'

'You have to grow out of your childishness, Sirius. Your actions would have led to his death. They would have ruined Remus' chance at an education or a career. You practically signed away his life. He's your friend. Your brother.'

He hung his head in shame

'I forgive you.' Hermione said, 'You can have my forgiveness,' she said, 'Only because I know you're never going to forgive yourself. And I know enough of guilt to know how it drives you mad.'

He peeked at her from underneath his lashes, 'Mi, you should know that I..'

She interrupted him, 'Have my forgiveness if it does you any good but speak to me no more. Please.'

She ran away from him but he followed. He fell into a step behind her, 'Cutting yourself from everyone won't help you. You can't push me away. You've always been there for me. Now it's my turn to save you. Let me.'

'I don't need you to save me, whatever that means.'

Sirius ignored her and went on, 'I have heard things. At home. Are you safe?'

Hermione chuckled, 'I am with my brother, you know.'

'Yes, but..,' he faltered, 'Are you feeling better now?'

'I am as good as I ever was.' She answered, 'You don't have to worry about me. I can take care of myself.'

'You don't have to,' he said with conviction.

Hermione turned around to face him again, 'Sirius, leave me alone. Please just leave.'

Sirius shook his head, stepping closer to her. 'I can't not when I ..'

'Sirius!'

The two swivelled into the direction of Marlene, coming up to them running.

She smiled brightly and latched onto Sirius' arm, pecking him softly on the lips, 'Hey, you're late. They're starting.'

Sirius sighed and nodded.

Marlene looked at Hermione and grinned, 'You want to come? It'll be fun. Like last time. We're celebrating the end of our OWLs. You can bring along Kingsley too.'

Hermione shook her head and declined politely, walking away from the couple, her feet laden with lead and her fingers brushing over the shiny knight as her mind drifted to another night filled not with laughter but tears over the death of her best friend's godfather.