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

'Harry?', Hermione whispered, almost afraid she was being tricked by whatever gods were out looking over the world.

'Mione? It's you.. it's really.. you.. Merlin, Mione.. where have you been? Mione!

Hermione whipped around and cast a silent Lumos. Her mouth opened in shock as she took in the boy.. no, the man in front of her.

His face creeped out from the shadows. His jet black hair stuck out in all directions. His green eyes shining with unshed tears. The scar on his forehead as glaringly visible as always.

This was Harry. Not James. Harry. Her Harry. Harry Potter.

Her best friend. Her brother.

Her lips curved in a smile so big her mouth actually hurt. She took a hesitant step towards him, outstretching her arm hoping he would catch her when she fell for her feet failed her, buckling over and giving away.

Harry shook his head, laughing lightly, his head giddy. He got up from his spot against the wall and wasted no time in running up to her and catching her mid fall and hugging her close to him. So close their heartbeats became a synchronous chorus of misplaced prayers finally being answered. Their breaths erratic and their hands roaming the vestiges of each other, making up for all the lost time, they fell to the ground, an overwhelming mix of bliss and a despondence for all the years spent apart overcoming them.

He pressed his lips fervently against her forehead and breathed in her scent.

Safety.

Camaraderie.

Loyalty.

Love.

Home.

Hermione felt her entire being shut down, all her energy spent on drinking in each detail of Harry's face. All the memories she had of him weighed in on her, transporting her back to a time when everything was good.. when everything was novel and untouched by the darkness that had only grown every day. She could almost feel the way she had when she had hugged him for the first time, so fresh and new to the magic of their friendship.

She revelled in the moment as he held her as if she was his only link to the living world as he was to her and sighed in contentment, tears spilling out her eyes, cascading down her cheeks as she almost broke into uncontrollable sobs.

Every little breath in this new life had been a burden. Every little moment a stolen entity. But as she stood face to face with her best friend she couldn't help but thank her fate for having brought them here so they could be with each other for just a while longer.

She knew the war would ultimately consume them but every moment she would come to spend with him would be cherished by her forever.

It was something very much like coming home after a long and hopeless day at work when nothing had seemed to go your way and the world had come crashing down but this little treasure of a glance at your closest friend, at your one link to a life passed long ago, was more than enough to placate whatever doubts and insecurities there had been. One single second that blinded all the lonely tears and all the solitude.

Harry nudged her shoulder lightly, both of them disregarding the presence of those around them, forgetting for a moment where they were and how wrong everything around them was.

It almost seemed like a thread had connected them even after all this time for the two had always known in their hearts that they would meet again. The Universe couldn't keep them apart even if it had wanted because the thread, no matter how tangled and stretched, would never break.

'Where have you been, Harry? I.. I looked everywhere I could and.. you.. I..'

Harry placed a gentle finger against her lips, 'This is neither the place nor the time. First, I need to get out of here.'

She nodded, suddenly terrified of their surroundings. She stole a furtive glance at the two men who were still passed out but Bones was very carefully regarding the two despite the pain the torturous day had brought him.

She made his eyes drop wandlessly and sent him to a deep sleep. She added a silent muffliato as an added precaution and immediately put in place a detector charm at the entrance to the dungeons.

'What are you doing here?', Harry whispered into the dark.

'I..well, long story short .. I'm undercover.'

Harry nodded, understanding, overcome with his war persona in a fleeting look as his jaw hardened and his lips pressed in a thin line.

Hermione launched into a tirade of questions, 'What are you doing here? Getting captured? How do you plan to get out? And how could you have been so reckless?'

'It was all orchestrated. Don't worry. I'm here to get Edgar Bones,' he motioned towards the said man.

'But how are you getting out?'

Harry grinned, 'The way we did it the first time round.'

'Dobby! Of course, house elf magic. They don't know about it yet in this timeline so they can't have warded the Manor against them yet. How could I have forgotten?'

'Happens to the best of us,' he reassured her, silently pressing his palms against her back, massaging away the knots of tension threatening her nerves.

Hermione nodded resolutely, 'Give it a few hours. We can't have you escaping on my watch. Next time Scabior comes in I'll help you retrieve your wand and then you can leave.'

Harry muttered, 'That's what I thought too, yeah. What will you do?'

'Leave it up to me. Meet you at The Three Broomsticks tomorrow at noon?'

Harry nodded his approval and made his way to Edgar Bones. Seeing the reluctance in Hermione's eyes he once again enveloped her in a warm embrace, 'I won't disappear on you, I promise.'

Hermione smiled at him sadly, 'You've been gone a long time.' She braced herself and sparing him a last glance she climbed up the stairs, once again locking the cell.

She turned to make her way to the hall hoping to corner Rodolphus and engage him in a clipped conversation to create a pretence.

'Took you long enough,' Scabior smirked, standing against the door with his arms folded against his chest, looking like a smug bastard.

Hermione stared him down, 'It takes a while to deal with a prisoner when he's being .. uncooperative. I'm sure you wouldn't want me to show you just how skilled I can be when annoyed. So if you'd please.. out of my way.'

Scabior glared at her but held his tongue, very much aware of the girl's social standing.

Hermione found Rodolphus sulking against the window as Bellatrix exchanged words with Narcissa in the opposite corner. It seemed Voldemort had left for the remainder of the night.

'You have to be more careful, Hermione.' He reproached her. 'That wasn't the first of his punishments for you.'

Hermione released a non committal grunt, 'I figured.'

'The Dark Lord is unrelenting. Believe it or not, you have his favour and so he held back.'

She raised a brow, 'Did he, now?'

Bellatrix yelled, 'You'd do well to control your emotions, you foolish girl.'

Hermione looked at her sharply, 'It doesn't concern you. I'd shut my mouth if I were you.' She wouldn't let her get the best of her. She wouldn't back down from a fight.

Bellatrix walked towards her, her steps calculated and menacing. She placed a cold finger against her chin, 'You have a foul mouth on you, don't you? How feisty! He may favour you for now, little one but the stars won't always shine over you and when he's finally done with you make sure I will..'

'Bella!,' Rodolphus warned sternly. 'You will not speak to my sister like so.'

Hermione spat, 'Come after me all you want. I'll be waiting. I do enjoy skinning rats like you alive.'

Bellatrix cackled, her head dipping down, 'Tell me, where does your spite go when it comes to a real fight? I have my eyes on you. Tread carefully, sister.'

Bellatrix strutted along her way outside. Narcissa followed, not before looking apologetically at Hermione.

Rodolphus mumbled, 'You give me a headache, the both of you.'

'When will Rab return?', Hermione asked.

'It could take some time. We can't be certain. We probably won't even have any way of communicating as long as he's gone. I do suspect he'll be gone for at least a month. You shan't have to worry. I will escort you whenever you require it.'

Hermione shook her head, 'I am more than capable of looking after myself, thank you. I merely wondered.'

Rodolphus looked at her with concern in his eyes. It always baffled Hermione. The love he had for her seemed true and genuine and yet his convulated views would never allow him to step away from his path down the evil ways.

He smiled, 'Will I see you for Christmas?'

Hermione lied, 'I don't think so.. I'm visiting a couple of friends.'

'It's a time for the family to be together.'

'I am sorry but Bellatrix is nothing less than a viper I'd very much like to eradicate.'

Rodolphus shrugged, 'Astounding.'

Hermione whispered, 'I will take my leave then.' She stepped out the hall, ensuring Rodolphus left the premises before hiding behind a tapestry. She waved her wand and muttered, 'Imperio!'

Scabior looked befuddled and quietly made his way down the steps leading to the dungeons, the stolen wands in his pockets, resting there since Bellatrix had given them away for safekeeping.

She followed after him, once again warding the area and hoping she wouldn't have to resort to lying her way out if caught.

She called out, 'Harry?'

Harry shuffled onto his feet from beside Edgar and met her halfway, taking away the three wands from Scabior. He traced his wand with tender hands and stuffed the other two in his robes. He went around to gather the two men and called out, 'Dari!'

With the sound of a faint pop Hermione saw a relatively tall house elf appear out of thin air and bow down to Harry.

'Master Henry?'

'As we discussed, take these men back to the Headquarters. Come back again when you've returned them safely. Make sure Nina knows of their presence.'

Hermione saw the elf walk upto the men and grasp onto them tightly before disappearing. She wondered briefly about the orders he'd been given.

All in due time, she told herself.

Harry then stooped down and took Edgar's face in his, once again examining the extent of his injuries.

Hermione whispered, 'I would treat him but we're running short on time. I don't trust how long we can stay here.'

Harry nodded and picked the man's frail body in his arms.

Dari once again popped in, 'We may leave if Master is ready.'

Harry looked at Hermione one last time, 'Noon.'

'Noon,' she whispered, her voice breaking with the effort of seeing him leave. She knew she'd meet him only in a few hours but her heart cried out at another separation.

Harry kept looking at her, never once taking his eyes off of her frame, a similar battle raging his mind. His instincts screamed at him to take her away with him, his gut protesting at the idea of leaving her behind unprotected in Voldemort's lair.

His lips parted as he made to speak but before he could he was whisked away, once again separated from his best friend.

Hermione suppressed the shudder she felt rising and obliviated Scabior's memory. She checked and rechecked his memory thoroughly, safeguarding him against any intrusion of the mind.

Leaving him in his position of guard she practically ran away from the Manor, Apparating away to the Hogwarts grounds.

Now that she was truly away from danger she finally let herself feel the edging happiness inside her. The warm fuzzy feeling filled her, enveloping her and making her feel invincible.

Harry was here.

Harry was here and she'd be meeting him soon. They could be together now. They could fight Voldemort together. She didn't have to be alone anymore. She had her best friend. She had her brother in arms.

She walked around the grounds aimlessly, watching the sun rise over the clouds, turning the beautiful Scottish landscape into a shimmering fairytale like castle.

Hermione laughed as the wind picked up. She let her hair loose, her curls flying about her wildly as she skipped across the grounds to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. She let nature play with her as she soared upwards, turning into her mist like form and flying over the vast expanse of the woods below, a feeling of safety settled deep in her heart. She saw the snow laden trees become smaller and smaller and felt the winter morning sun beating down against her back.

All those nights she had spent crying seemed so long ago already. She had a purpose now.

Keep Harry safe.

True, Rab had been there for her since the very first day and she loved him for it but he was no Harry. He didn't understand why she was the way she was. He didn't understand the reasoning behind her decisions.

This brought to her mind another tantalising possiblity. What if Harry disapproved of her actions? What if he was disappointed? Her smile dropped as she considered the betrayal he would feel.

But.. no. No, Harry would understand. If anybody would it'd be him. There was nobody in the world who would understand what an impossible choice meant. Nobody in this world had lived through the war they'd fought. Nobody knew.

But now she had Harry and she knew she finally had a chance at truly defeating Voldemort.

She rid herself of second doubts and heard the distant bell ringing and signalling breakfast.

She let out a sigh of contentment, flying back to the Black Lake and slowly stepping down to the earthly lands. She transfigured her robes into those of Slytherin green and went skipping across over to the Great Hall.

She could see Sirius running down the stairs, hurrying for breakfast, his necktie askew and his robes in a disarray.

Hermione smiled sweetly at him and forgetting all about her circumstances with the boys she leapt into his arms, shocking him into silence.

Sirius was almost knocked off balance if not for James who patted him at the last minute.

James smiled, grateful their friend was feeling so well again. He looked at the two, Sirius with a stupid grin on his face, his eyes pouring over every detail of Hermione's face.

She nuzzled into his shoulder, 'Good morning.'

Sirius barked out a laugh, 'Indeed it is!'

Hermione chuckled and left the two boys staring after her dumbfounded. She walked in with a huge smile adorning her face which was wiped off immediately after seeing the morose faces in the Great Hall.

She understood only a moment later as her eyes met those of Dumbledore's over the copy of the Daily Prophet held in hand.

Shame pooled in at the base of her gut as she realised how the events of the previous night had been pushed back into the back of her mind by the arrival of Harry. Dread clouded her mind as she dragged herself to the Slytherin table who seated the only students who looked cheerful. She spared a glance at Rookwood who sat smug faced, preening under the attention he was receiving.

Bile rose up her throat.

She risked a glance at the other three tables who were sending glares across at them, blaming them for the deaths that had occurred. They weren't entirely wrong, however, were they?

Hermione and Rookwood had been there. And they had hurt plenty of people.

She took the newspaper hesitantly in her hands, seeking out only the one statistic she knew mattered.

47

Only five of the Death Eaters had been lost for the forty seven lives that had ended. One of whom was the little boy's mother.

Another pang of guilt hit her as she remembered his fear stricken face. All the happiness she had felt not very long ago had been wiped out as misery creeped in on her like an icy chill, numbing her brain.

'You know,' Kingsley mumbled, 'loyalty to your family, when blind, is not the most honourable thing. There's always a choice, Hermione.'

Hermione looked up at him, her eyes hollow and empty, all the warmth having seeped out, 'No. Not always.'

Once back in her dormitory, Hermione only listlessly cast a Shrinking spell on her trunk, walking upto the courtyard as ignorant of her surroundings as ever. She got in an empty carriage and settled in, her eyes closed.

Reggie entered not so soon after, having seen the guilt pooling around inside his friend during breakfast.

He sat beside her and squeezed her hand lightly, keeping his hand clasped in hers.

Hermione nodded at him gratefully. '47,' she mumbled. Just as she was about to mutter her thanks she saw a haggard looking Remus and Lily climb in, not knowing of the inhabitants of the carriage.

She saw Reggie glare at them, his nose wrinkling.

Lily looked up to find the strange party inside the carriage as they felt a familiar tug as the carriages pulled out of the school grounds and towards Hogsmeade train station.

'Oh, I.. well it's good to see you, Mi. How are you?'

Hermione shrugged, 'I'm well, thank you.'

They made small talk but Remus and Lily knew better than to push.

Lily muttered, 'Come on, Moony, don't sulk. It was only a joke.'

Hermione raised her brow. So Lily knew, now. What surprised her more was her attempts at justifying the Marauders' actions. Maybe she needn't have worried about Lily amd James getting toether after all.

Remus whispered, 'No, but they always do that. They should know better to rile me up so close.'

'You know Peter meant no harm. And whenever there's a ridiculous idea to be followed James and Sirius never stay behind, do they?'

Remus looked pained, 'Yes, yes, I know you're right. It's just difficult with everything that's been going on.'

Lily frowned, 'I know you haven't entirely forgiven Sirius but you have to someday.'

Remus looked away, his breathing shallow and labourous. He seemed more irritable than he usually felt. He put his head between his legs as Lily rubbed soothing circles on his back.

Hermione heard Reggie sigh and pull out something from the depths of his robes.

Reggie offered a piece of chocolate to Remus who looked at him like he was the strangest creature on Earth.

Reggie mumbled, 'Eat. It'll make you feel better.'

Hermione had known Remus' love for chocolates was unriddled but to find out his little comforting trick came from Regulus Black was something entirely different.

Remus hesitated but grabbed the small bar nonetheless after a sharp nudge from Lily.

'Uh.. thank you, Black.'

Reggie shrugged. 'It's the full moon, I know. I understand how horrible it must feel while your body's acclimatising once again. I can only imagine the pain which comes along with all your bones cracking at once.'

Remus looked thunderstruck as did Lily. All the blood drained away their faces as Hermione looked at her friend curiously.

Reggie whispered, 'Please.. don't worry. It's not my secret to reveal. You don't have to fear me.'

Remus backtracked, 'But how can you possibly know?'

'I am not blind. I see you every month. You disappear around the full moon. It wasn't difficult to connect the dots.'

Hermione felt the corners of her lips twitch. So much for hating muggleborns and half breeds. So much for wanting to be called Regulus.

But another part of her also felt dismayed and sad for the boy beside her. She knew why he looked so hard. He wasn't looking out for what was wrong with Remus.

No, he was looking out for Sirius, wondering how long it would take him to notice the brother he'd left behind in all the flurry of having found three new ones.

She hugged him briefly before sneaking off knce they'd gotten off at the station. She hid from the sight of the teachers onlooking the safe transit of children from the carriages onto the train.

She disillusioned herself, thanking the stars for having gotten rid of the Trace. She Apparated away to Three Broomsticks and found a spot she could easily keep a lookout for Harry from.

She once again felt an excitement bubble through, pushing away the gloom. Even her lack of sleep couldn't keep her from bouncing on the balls of her feet. She could almost chase her happiness, fluttering around like a butterfly.

She had to wait no longer than ten minutes for him to arrive. He was exactly on time.

She saw him walk towards the doors, dressed in a regal black cloak and holding onto a beautifully crafted cane bearing a silver lion at the top. His hair was surprisingly neat, his eyes as shiny as ever, a grin fighting its way onto his mouth.

Hermione removed the charm on herself wandlessly and ran into his open arms. She laughed lightly as he spun her around, dropping a kiss on the top of her head.

Seeing Hermione in her full glory, her cheeks blushed pink in the cold, unlocked something inside Harry he hadn't felt in years. He felt all the wonderful flavours of happiness flood him as he fell upon his best friend.

If only Ron could be here too.

It almost seemed like they had had the same thought at the very same instant since their smiles fell away as if on cue, both of them seeking acceptance into each other's eyes.

Harry smiled at her and led her away, 'I think we should go back to my flat.'

Hermione nodded and felt the tug of Apparition at her navel. She found herself in the middle of a well furnished apartment, the walls of which were lined by newspaper clippings and other sheets carrying official data.

She peered at them curiously.

Harry, reading the question in her eyes, motioned for her to sit. 'All in due time, Mione.'

He took off his cloak and put his cane away revealing worn down jeans and a red sweater underneath. He placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of her and settled into the sofa beside her.

He grabbed her hand in his, unwilling to let go lest it all turn out to be a dream.

The two sipped their beverage silently for the first few moments, revelling in the presence of the familiar net of safety that had clouded them since they had first met.

Harry sighed and placed his arm round her shoulders.

'I have waited for you for a very long time,' Hermione whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder, breathing in deeply.

He asked, 'How long has it been for you?'

'A little over eight years.'

Hardy smiled at her ruefully, 'It's been four for me. I woke up in the body of Henry Obsidius Oakswood in 1973.'

Hermione looked at him with surprise marring the features of her face. 'You're the Oakswood heir!'

Harry chortled, 'The one and only.'

Hermione laughed, 'We were to be married.'

Hardy frowned, 'We were?'

'Yes! Papa told me he was looking into a betrothal with you.'

Harry seemed puzzled, 'You're the Lestrange girl?'

Hermione backtracked, dread filling her once again, scared about how he'd react. 'Yes, I am.. Hermione Lestrange.' She spat, 'A Death Eater.'

Harry nudged her shoulder lightly, squeezing her hand. 'Don't look so frightened, Mione. You're my best friend. I don't judge you. I accept all of you. I know you had a pretty good reason to go undercover. Hell, I can come up with loads of reasons myself.'

Hermione nodded at him gratefully. 'Tell me everything.'

'I don't think there was one in our.. time. A Henry Oakswood, I mean. I never came across his name but when I woke up here it seemed like he had a brilliant reputation. Fresh out of Durmstrang he expanded business into Europe in the year 1971. When I got here I had access to all his memories and all his contacts, which, let me tell you, are extremely resourceful. He had been quite the wizard back at school and had a huge following. Before I could delve deeper into my knowledge I looked for you. I figured since I was an adult, you would be too. So I checked in at various universities and programs looking for a sign of you but I never found even found a trace. You can imagine the loneliness I lived through. For the first few months that was all I did. I searched for you everywhere I could. I even visited King's Cross a couple of times but you were never there.'

Hermione explained, 'I've been flooing in since the last few years ever since Rodolphus started threatening my safety.'

'I couldn't check the records. The security was very tight. But I never gave up hope. I knew I had to begin with my plans soon so I just gave in. I remembered the ritual word by word. It said we would wake up where we were required. Where we'd best be able to help. So I thought it was just a matter of time before we found each other. Besides, I also remembered that Elladora had written something about being linked in soul and life. The person you do the ritual with will forever be a part of you. So I knew that if something was to happen I would .. feel it. It was a vague guess at best but I took all that I had.'

Hermione's brows scrunched up, 'I.. I never felt this.. bond.'

He shook his head, 'I didn't either.. I suppose.. you'd feel it when it was severed. You know what I mean?'

'I suppose I do, yeah.'

'I did get a little more solid confirmation. You won't believe it but turns out Trelawney made a new prophecy. She'd been looking for me.The prophecy mentioned you. I was to be the Chosen One. But it mentioned that a woman wrought in a war the world will never see shall be born in the snakepit to gather what He holds the closest. I gathered your role was to work at the horcruxes. And the fates had decided for me to kill him and his supporters. Every last one of them.'

Hermione bristled at the possibility of a new prophecy. 'Harry, who else knows?'

'Nobody else.' He shook his head, 'I arranged for a safehouse for Trelawney. nobody can ever get to her.'

I got to scheming soon after. And I came to the conclusion that I would do what I did best.' He smiled, 'I created an army.'

Hermione let out a small laugh, 'What? Come on.. really?'

He beamed, 'Yes, there haven't been many reports of my team but that's because I want it that way. It took me two years to assemble everyone so we've only been functional for the last year, so to speak. We're called The Resistance.'

'How original,' Hermione smirked.

Harry's head fell back laughing, 'God, Mione, you're a Slytherin this time round, aren't you? I can tell by the way you smirk.'

Hermione shrugged.

Harey mumbled, 'Draco would have been proud.'

She remembered his handsome face, 'Yeah, he would have.'

Harry shook his head and went on, 'Anyway, I have around a hundred men and women. These are all the people I've met during school or by virtue of my pureblood status coupled with how Oakswoods are basically royalty up in Bulgaria. It was a right shock to Henry's friends when he took on a British accent all of a sudden. I gathered everyone I knew would remain loyal. Voldemort's propaganda hasn't reached so far outside the country yet. And despite the prejudice, Durmstrang isn't all evil. Yes, pureblood supremacy exists but they aren't lost on their humanity. So everyone who wanted to rebel.. we got together and worked out ways of destroying him.

'Now I know the Order is strong. What concerned me was that the horcruxes aren't the only thing to be worried about. We've been given a second chance. And I haven't forgotten about them. I have already been working on the protections around the Gaunt cottage. The magic is so layered it's taken me months to complete my notes. But coming back to the Resistance my focus shifted to not jsut Voldemort but all those Death Eaters who remained free to roam the streets after the first war ended. There wasn't enough prrof to prosecute them. We have to eliminate this.. pest from its roots. So I worked on different schemes and came up with an intricate network that I have already set in motion. My spies will be everywhere in the next year or so. I already have seventeen Death Eaters being tailed. That's how I knew of yesterday's attack. It was Rosier. I combined Muggle technology with magic to come up with an elegant tracking spell. My friend Gustav was the one who managed it in the end. You would love him, Mione. He's brilliant.'

Hermione nodded, awestruck at all that he'd achieved already. 'Why not.. why not kill them just yet? All the Death Eaters you have under radar.'

'All the Death Eaters we have under radar. We have to keep Voldemort distracted. If he gets wind of my project he will become overly cautious and then hunting horcruxes would become much more difficult than it already is. But I will keep it discreet. Rosier should be eliminated by the end of the month. So should the Carrows. This network we've built is very, very detailed. As soon as Voldemort is finished, my men will take it up to kill his Death Eaters in a way nobody would suspect. They have gotten into a routine.. into roles that help them be a part of their society. They will kill them and remove themselves from the picture very discreetly.'

'So we kill as many as we can without aorusing undue suspicion all under the pretence of a natural death?'

'Precisely.' Harry muttered, 'Now I know there are still many loopholes here but now that I have found you we can get to them. You are, after all, the brightest witch of your age.'

'How cheeky,' Hermione chuckled. 'But it really is brilliant, Harry. Compared to all that you've been upto I almost feel inadequate.'

Harry's face turned serious, 'Hermione, why are you a Death Eater, then? Are you acting as a spy for Dumbledore?'

She nodded, 'Yes, I am but that's not entirely the reason. I always planned on getting in his inner circle. By the way.. why not unite with the Order?'

'I have been negotiating with Dumbledore. But he's distrustful of foreigners. He was the one who tipped me to get Edgar out. He lacks the manforce for missions as acute as this and I volunteered because I was meaning to go on a reconnaissance mission to the Manor anyway. I had to check for the diary but upon seeing you I figured I wouldn't need to.'

'The diary isn't there yet.' Hermione said, 'One of the reasons I joined was because it'd make easier to get to the diary and the cup. Besides, I wanted to be close to him so I could help assist the Order with every raid Voldemort sets out on. Each life matters. We can't just save the big names and ignore the others.'

Hermione launched into her own tale, telling Harry about spending the last eight year all alone. She told him about Rab and Papa and how things started going all wrong ever since his death.

'You care for Rabastan Lestrange. It sounds so wrong,' he mumbled.

Hermione chuckled, 'It took me a long time to overcome my repulsion of the family name too. I was itching to let them know how I'm a dirty muggleborn. Filth. It'd be a right sight to see how Rodolphus would take the information.'

Harry laughed, 'It would be. But Hermione.. you're risking yourself every day. Is it wise? We need to be very careful. If we die.. we lose any chance we have at winning this war. We can't be careless with our lives and you know it. I can understand your reasoning upto an extent. It would be beneficial if you can take out some of his men from the inside and all the intel you can pass on is undoubtedly essential to our mission. But I don't feel good about this. Voldemort is the most powerful Legilimens there ever was. How long can you go on fooling him? He will find out.'

Hmshe argued, 'Professor Snape did it, didn't he?'

'But Hermione.. to depend on something as trivial.. I just have a bad feeling about this.'

He got up abruptly and began pacing, his fingers pinching the bridge if his nose. He sighed, 'I can't lose you too.'

Hermione got up to hug him, 'And you won't. We've lost everyone, I know that, Harry. But we owe it to them to save everyone we can. Fabian and Gideon never have to die. Imagine how happy Molly would be. Our Molly. It's a risk, yes. But I'm willing to take it. I'll fight as long as I can and at the slightest chance of being found out I will leave, I promise. Besides, Rab knows I'm a spy. He suspects I know something. He will always have my back. You don't have to worry about it.'

'What if Dumbledore figures out whatever you showed him? If he realises we're from a different time he may try to extort information ans tamper with the timeline.'

'I don't think he will find out. The idea of traveling so far back in time is preposterous.'

Hardy nodded and plopped down the sofa, 'I never thought we'd go so far back in time.'

'I expected to wake up sometime during the war. Never this. A filthy little mudblood becomes one of Voldemort's prized Death Eaters on a murderous rampant who just helped kill forty seven innocent people.'

She shook her head, tears now falling down her cheeks shamelessly. She bit her lip.

'Hey,' he took her in his arms, trailing his fingers along her arm, bunching up the material of her robes and pulling away her sleeve to look at her the Dark Mark on her skin. He caressed it. 'We all make impossible choices in a war and you know it. Putting another piece of our souls on the line. We bear it so others don't have to. You have been so brave. What you did had to be done. We can't risk you blowing your cover. You have the most dangeorus job in the world right now and you can't go drowning in self pity, Mione. You have to accept that saving the world will demand you to sacrifice lives. Hell, we got here because of a sacrifice. Accept it now, Mione, or you will die with the guilt. The Order would never have gotten there at time to get it under control if not for you. There was just a dozen or so of my people there.'

Her sobs were stifled at first as she attempted to subdue her grief but in the arms of the one person who knew it all.. who understood it all, she couldn't hide any longer.

Harry whispered, 'We can't save everyone.'

They remained silent for a moment, regarding each other knowing where their minds had taken them back to.

'I think about them every day,' Harry said, his own tears pooling in. 'Ron.. Ginny.'

Hermione smiled sadly, 'You still love her, don't you?'

He bit back a sob at the memory of the feorcious redhead he had once known, 'Don't you?'

Hermione's eyes lowered in shame. How could she face Harry and tell him she'd moved on from Ron. The boy who had died for her. How could she tell him she'd been so heartless to have so quickly given away her love to another.

He held her hand gently, 'Mione, what's wrong?'

'You'll hate me for it.'

He frowned, 'You can tell me anything. Don't go hiding things from me. Not now when we're finally together.'

Hermione felt conflicted. What if he shunned her away? But she couldn't lie to him. He was her best friend. He was her person.

'I.. I love Sirius.'

She saw the shock register on Harry's face. However, she was surprised to see a small smile play on his lips. 'Eight years is a very long time, Mione. And.. I suppose Ron would want you to move on. He'd want you to be happy. As shocking as it is to find out you've taken to chasing after my godfather I accept it.'

'You do? Just like that? Aren't you mad I'm betraying Ron?'

'You're not betraying him. He's.. he's gone. And you sure as hell can't go around running after a toddler telling him you love him.'

Hermione chuckled at his attempt at making light of the situation. 'If I make it that far.'

He squeezed her hand, 'You will. We both will. We will win this war and we'll live happily ever after. We'll live for everyone who gave up their lives for us. We owe it to them. To Ron and to Ginny and to Fred and George. To the Weslseys and Neville and Luna and Tonks and everyone else. We owe it to them. To our family.'

Hermione sniffed, leaning into his side.

Harry mumbled, 'When I bought this place I fixed a room for you too, you know? You can stay with me. I knew I'd find you one day.'

She shook her head sadly, 'I can't leave Rab alone, Harry. But I'd love to.' She chortled, 'You know I'll be spending all my time here, anyway.'

Harry stood up, offering her a hand. 'Come on. I know just the right thing to cheer you up.'

He Apparated them away to a cozy and an all too familiar English suburb. She gasped as she found herself standing in front of her childhood home.

Her home.

Hermione Granger's home.

Harry led her closer. She could see her mother fawning over her father, placing in front of him some gingerbread exactly the way he loved it. A smile lit up her face as she saw her father peck her mother lightly and pull her close to his side.

She felt tears spring up her eyes.

'I never thought I'd be this happy to see them again. It's been so long.'

Hardy nodded and gathered her in his arms. 'They look happy together, don't they?'

'They do.'

They spent another few minutes silently watching the Grangers go about their day, smiling and laughing and just being so, so blissfully happy.

It broke her heart when they set out at a slow pace, circling around colony, their bodies seeking warmth within each other as snowflakes poured down.

'Harry?', she prodded.

'Yeah?'

'Don't you want to see your parents?'

He smiled sadly and shook his head, 'Not yet, Mione. I'm not ready yet.'

'Lily has the warmest smile, you know? She defended me in front of all her housemates once and trust me she sends the boys packing everytime they annoy her.'

She saw as Harry smiled, genuinely pleased. So she went on, watching as he took in every word hungrily, 'James is a wonderful boy. He.. he's everything, Harry and you'll love him. He's such a mother hen, I swear. Looking after everyone. Sirius is the clown. He messes up sometimes but he loves his friends fiercely. I can see how sometimes he can resonate with his family's oreachings. Very barely but he does. But what sets him apart is how he fights it. His beliefs will never let him succumb to the darkness. A true Gryffindor, he is. As for Remus, well you know him. Always so shy and wondering why everyone's so nice to him. He never stops to relaise just how lovely he is.

'And Peter..'

'Peter?', Harry said, his lips thinning into a line as he came to a sudden halt.

Hermione realised her mistake only too late. 'Harry, he's not evil.. not yet. I don't know what's going to happen to him for him to turn his back against Lily and James but trust me.. he's equally brilliant as the other boys. He's the one always sticking up for his friends. Remember how Sirius once let Severus fall across Remus during his transformation? The boys almost broke apart. If it hadn't been for Peter they wouldn't have stuck together.'

He shut his eyes, his voice cold. 'No. That rat.. he's a bastard. How can you? How can you defend him? How do you think my parents felt right before they died? I bet they thought they caused Peter to be tortured to have given up their secret. I bet they blamed themselves. But it doesn't work that way, does it? A secret keeper gives up his knowledge willingly and they knew it. I can only imagine how they'd felt that night.

I bet my dad came up with all sorts of theories as to why.. just why would his brother betray him so heartlessly. How heart wrenching must it have been for my mum when she saw her husband die because of a man she had called a friend. A man she had seen come over every weekend. A man she had fed and loved. Peter killed my parents, Hermione and nothing you say will ever change my mind about him. If he ever crosses my path, I swear to Merlin I will end him.'

'Harry, he's not the person who betrayed your parents .. not yet. We can save him from going down that path.'

He shook his head, 'Never mention him again. Never.'

Hermione nodded, truly sorry for her slip up. She took his hand lightly, taking them back to the safety of Harry's flat.

She peered at the wall with all the clippings. 'This is all your intel?'

'Yeah, nobody can enter this place. Except for you, now. I've warded it better than Hogwarts. Trust me.'

Hermione chuckled, 'I bet you have.'

Hermione walked into the kitchen, making a mental note of where everything was kept. She set a kettle over the burner and removed her cloak.

She fished out some biscuits and returned to the living room to find Harry staring into the fireplace.

She bent down to drop a kiss against his fist curled up in anger. 'I am sorry, Harry.'

He broke out of his reverie and smiled sadly. 'I hope you can do it. Save him, that is.'

She nodded and leant her head against his legs, 'I missed you. So much.'

She felt Harry thread his fingers through her hair, 'I missed you too, Mione. I'm not going anywhere.'

She closed her eyes as she fell into the realm of sleep, dreaming of a Christmas spent at the Burrow as a redhead flicked rolls of paper at her, trying to distract her from her light reading, and a raven haired boy laughed, watching his mates bicker.