- - - Ginny - - -

"Ginny."

"Dorthea."

There's a pause and I have to fight back a smile when I can feel my friend's eyes boring into my skull. Eventually she huffs and tries again, "Ginnnnnny."

"Dooooortheeeeea," I respond, my eyes still resolutely closed as I lie on my bed. Not even five seconds later, I feel Dorthea fling herself on my bed next to me. Before I can say anything, a gust of air is punched out of me as she flops on top of my stomach. I open my eyes and grin at her. "Yes?"

She laughs and situates herself so she's in a more comfortable position that does not hurt me. "So, we haven't talked about boys lately."

I blink at the top of her head. "Sure we have. You went out with Lance last Hogsmeade for a little bit. You said he's cute, but a terrible snogger." I nudge her shoulder with a finger. "And even though he's a bad snogger, you mentioned you wouldn't mind teaching him because -"

"Yes, yes." She flaps a hand before sighing. "We've talked about boys I've been with and snogging. We haven't talked about you, though." She pauses and turns so she looks at me.

I blink down at her, tilting my head. I open my mouth to say something, but I stop and stare at the far wall. I thought for sure I've snogged someone, but I haven't. Not this school year. "Huh," I say. "I haven't snogged anyone this year."

"What?" She flips around so her chin is resting on my stomach. "This year, since the Hols? Or this year, since September?"

"The last bloke I kissed happens to be Cormac after our last game last year, and I told you all about that." I waggle my eyebrows at Dorthea who giggles. I sigh and lay back down to stare at the canopy of my bed. Cormac hadn't been a bad kisser. He made my toes curl and a heat simmer in my stomach, but... I frown. It hadn't been as fun as it used to be. Something had been... missing.

"You said you enjoyed it, but you haven't snogged him since?"

"No," I shake my head, "I turned down his advances earlier this year. He hasn't tried again since."

"And no one else? But you enjoy snogging. The fun of it, the no strings attached part..." she trails off and I glance down at her and she has a smirk growing on her face. "Do you like someone?"

"No?"

"Oh come on, Ginny, no one you want to hear whispering in your ear? No one you want to hold hands with?" I scrunch up my nose. I don't need someone to hold hands with. "Ok, maybe not that," Dorthea amends easily. "But what about holding you? Talking about your day? Spending time with? Snogging you breathless? Any one person who comes to mind?"

Just one person? I never really ever liked anyone. Sure I had a crush on Harry, but that was mostly because he was a celebrity and he saved me my first year. That died pretty quickly after my second year. After that, I found the joy in snogging whoever I felt like and not having to worry about any... relationship.

But... Do I like someone? How would I know if I like anyone?

I glance back down at Dorthea, but she just grins and rolls over onto her side, pushing me to the wall so she'll fit in the bed with me. She grabs a magazine and begins flicking through it and says, "Once you figure it out, I'm here."

Well. Fine then. I huff and nudge her ankle gently with my foot. Is there someone's voice I want to hear? To hold hands with? Ugh, yeah, still no on that front. But what about liking a certain voice? Someone's hands on me? Running through my hair or down my side? Someone to curl up with after school and nap on? To talk about whatever we want to?

That... sounds pretty nice.

I close my eyes.

A certain voice? Low. Methodical. A cutting bite to it. A voice that makes me shiver.

Hands with long fingers that never hesitate and always in complete control. Hands that are warm, calloused with use. Warm. Maybe I won't mind holding hands all that much with hands like those.

Dark eyes that seem to suck in all color into them, but there's always warmth in them. A dark, dark brown that is nearly black.

Oh.

Oh shite.

"Buggering hell."

Dorthea's head pops up and her magazine gets tossed to the floor. "Oh? So there is someone?"

I laugh. "Yes, but I don't think he likes me." I tilt my head. "Well, I know he likes me as a friend, at least."

"But what about in a 'snog me senseless' kind of way?"

"What happened to the shy girl I met last year?"

"We're friends now, I don't need to be shy anymore. So? Snog me senseless?"

Snorting, I shake my head. "Probably not."

"So what are you going to do?"

"I'm not sure." I frown and sit up, curling my feet under me as Dorthea copies me at the foot of the bed. "When I want to snog someone, it's never a friend." And, well, is it weird that I like Severus? Eh, not any weirder than Mia liking Sirius Black and snogging him. Severus isn't anything like I remember and Sirius definitely isn't, either. "But," Dorthea grins when I continue, "I'm also not a coward. I'll flirt and see what happens."

"Do I get to know who?"

I laugh and shake my head. "You'll figure it out, I'm sure. I'm not exactly subtle."

- - - Ginny - - -

I'm staring at the evening Daily Prophet in shock, my hands almost crumpling the paper.

"Ginevra?" Regulus asks. "Are you alright?"

"I..." I'm not sure what to say so I hand him the paper. Mia nudges me, concern in her eyes. My brain to mouth function finally begins working and I explain, "Bellatrix, Rabastan, and Rodolphus Lestrange along with the Carrow twins have been arrested." The Great Hall is filled with sound, but it's all white noise. I can't hear anything but murmurings. I'm locking eyes with Mia. The Lestranges had been arrested in 1981 for their attack on the Longbottom family. It's just 1978.

"Oh," Mia murmurs before looking at the head table.

"I knew my cousin had a screw loose, and her husband is worse," Regulus mutters as he tosses the paper into the middle of the table. Avery and Stebbins snort, Severus is calmly eating apparently nonplussed, and Dorthea cranes her neck to look at the picture. "Gringotts seized all of their assets."

Dorthea wrinkles her nose. "Her hair looks like a bird's nest."

- - - Hermione - - -

"New and improved."

"That makes no sense."

I bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing aloud and continue to pretend to read my book.

"Maybe not, but that's what it says."

"Ridiculous. If anything, it should be improved and new."

Ginny and I are known for our pranks, for our stubbornness, and - by now you'd think they'd know better - for being instigators. Today's topic: New and Improved versus Improved and New. It's not as if purebloods have never been exposed to advertising before, just not necessarily this particular phrasing apparently.

And so began the debate.

"Semantics."

"Why are you arguing?"

"We aren't arguing. We're debating."

"Again, semantics."

I think my favorite part of today's debate is the speakers. Usually when Ginny and I open debates in the common room it's the older year students that argue, bicker, get heated, and sometimes become downright hostile. This debate has various ages involved from across the common room, every age group is represented, each blood status is as well, and it's enjoyable to listen to. No one is hostile… yet and hopefully this time they won't be.

They've been going back and forth for quite some time. One side arguing for and the other against, naturally, and then when they get too quiet Ginny plays devil's advocate and it begins anew.

"If you have a product and you improve it, then it becomes a new product. Improve and new!"

"You can still improve things that are new."

"Then wouldn't it just be new new?"

"That doesn't make sense."

"What is new new? That's not a real thing."

"Someone already tried that argument."

"Right, it would be new. Not new and improved. Why would you improve on something new?" I smile at Wilkes. This is his first venture into the debates, he's usually a silent spectator lurking in the shadows, and he's holding up rather well. "Isn't that just like admitting: So we made this new thing, but decided to improve it before actually selling it because it is absolute rubbish and we figure no one will buy it as is." Though his flailing arms are getting a bit worrisome. He almost smacks a third year in the head and thankfully apologizes immediately to the young Muggleborn boy.

"New and Improved works." The room has gone silent and all heads turn to Avery, including mine. I'm no longer pretending to read. The Head Boy is standing by the fireplace, looking out over the common room as he continues, "Think about it. New Slytherins join our house every year. Last year was no different," Avery grins when Snape steps forward, looking for all the world as if he wants to argue, but the Head Boy continues speaking before he does, "or so we thought."

Snape chuckles and nods. "Yes, last year wasn't normal by any means."

Regulus joins the other two at some point during our side-bar to state. "Aye, last year we got ourselves a couple of Weasleys."

Ginny leans towards me, grinning, and faux whispers, "I feel as if we should be offended."

Regulus continues, "That was most definitely something new."

I can't help the giggle that escapes me. "I believe you're right, sister mine."

Avery picks up the conversation as if we hadn't spoken, "These two sisters, devious as they are…"

Laughter breaks out and Ginny beams with pride all the while claiming, "Oh yes, we are definitely offended," and we both break down into peals of laughter with the others.

As the laughter dies down Avery continues, "… they began speaking their minds their first night in the common room, then went on to challenge us, to encourage us to think for ourselves, to react to what we've learned, and to decide for ourselves: be what's expected of us or become who we want to be…"

Snape frowns as he adds, "Or end up in Azkaban… or worse…die." I wince at that. Die? Yikes, Snape isn't wrong. While I know Snape survives in our original timeline, Regulus does not, and I'm not entirely sure where Avery ends up. "Slytherins have always been deemed evil by mere association of our house. We allowed that prejudice because it was easier than fighting the entire school. That all ended last year."

Regulus is looking out at the common room, there is pride in his eyes when he starts speaking again, "Thankfully, our House, Slytherins as a whole, took the chance and used our brains, we questioned the status quo, refusing to blindly follow…" Regulus hesitates as he says, "anyone."

Avery nods at him as he concludes, "We decide our own destiny. We… every single one of us here… are the new and improved Slytherins."

"New and improved," Wilkes repeats with a huge grin.

"Oi! You're on team Improved and new!"

Wilkes shakes his head and states, "Not any more. It's like Avery says: We are the new and improved Slytherins."

- - - Ginny - - -

Right. Flirting. I can do this. Flirting is easy. Flirting is fun... but how do I flirt with someone I like? The same way? Little touches, eye contact, and leaning in towards him while talking to him... I run my hands through my hair. How is that any different than I usually am?

I'm walking towards the common room with Dorthea and Regulus beside me, having just left Herbology. I wave to a few people I recognize and listen to Dorthea and Regulus bickering about the uses of Whomping Willows, which then goes to wondering and guessing about the placement of the Whomping Willow on Hogwarts grounds.

It's not until we're nearly to the common room when I make up my mind. I'm pulling a Mia and overthinking things. I'm naturally flirty - which, in this case, isn't great because Severus is used to me - so I'm just going to be myself and enjoy this and hope that he catches on.

If he doesn't, well, I'll just be blunt. Like I told Dorthea, I'm not subtle.

We only have three and a half months of school left - we played, and won, against Hufflepuff last week - and I don't want to miss my chance or for some chit to figure out Severus is available and snatch him up before I can.

I yawn and rub my eyes as Regulus gives the password to the wall hiding the Slytherin common room. Gods, I'm tired and I'll have so much homework this weekend. And practice. And studying for a Charms exam. "Ugh."

Dorthea giggles as she enters the room. "Did you finally realize how much work you left for this weekend?"

"And that you have to do that in between practices which won't leave you much time to relax?" Regulus adds, following the two of us in and the wall sliding shut behind him. "You always seem to procrastinate until the weekend is upon you."

"It's part of her charm."

"I am right here," I mutter before chuckling. "You got that from a single sound?"

"It's one of your more common sounds."

"And one that usually precedes complaining about your work for the weekend."

Rude. "Rude." I stick my tongue out at the two of them and look for a place to sit. Unsurprising, the rest of the Slytherin Seven have already taken up their spots. Stebbins and Mia are sitting on the couch where Dorthea and I normally sit with them. The boys take the three armchairs and we all either study, talk about anything that comes up, or play games depending on the day. Sometimes I nap on Mia because I'm just tired.

I have a feeling today is one of those days.

Wait... hmm... flirting... I cover my mouth as I yawn... or I can just... skip that part? Straight to being blunt.

Dorthea takes the seat at the open end of the couch, leaving space for me between her and Mia with a quiet, "Hi." Regulus sits in the free armchair with a nod to the group.

"Hullo." I smile at our friends as the others give their own greetings in turn. Mia tilts her head as I walk past the couch and Dorthea's attention is firmly on me as I make my way to Severus' armchair where he's reading a book. "Hello, Severus."

Severus looks up and arches an eyebrow. "Hello, Ginevra."

I don't see his reaction when I sit on the floor so my back is resting against the leg of his armchair and I'm leaning against his leg. I do see Mia wink at me before going back talking to Avery, Dorthea trying to fight a grin, and Stebbins blinking at me.

"You do realize that you walked past your usual seat?" But Severus doesn't move away, so I'll take that as a win. And the confusion in his voice is worth it. Means he's wondering what I'm doing which also means that he doesn't consider this normal.

"Did I? How odd."

Mia snorts. "Not odd at all, sister mine."

Dorthea giggles as Stebbins huffs, "Finally."

"Comfortable?" Regulus asks with amusement tinging his words.

"Very," I sniff and close my eyes, shifting until I actually am comfortable.

"Ginevra."

"Severus," I respond. He jostles his leg, but I huff and poke his leg. "Stay still. I can't nap if you move."

"Really?"

"Truly."

"We have dinner in thirty minutes."

"Then shush and let me sleep."

I sigh and relax, leaning heavily against Severus. His leg moves before he shifts it so I'm not falling over. I yawn and let myself float off and listen as the rest of the seven talk quietly amongst themselves. I think they might be teasing Severus, but I'm not really paying attention. I'm almost asleep when I feel fingers running through my hair at the base of my neck, out of sight of the others. Or maybe that's my imagination.

- - - Hermione - - -

"Yoga?"

I breathe slowly and smile at the surprise in her voice. I find it even more relaxing to do yoga outdoors. I had to get new yoga gear that is loose and not even remotely form-fitting or revealing, but it is so very worth it. I exhale slowly as I respond, "Yes."

"How is it we've lived in the same dorm for nearly two years and I never knew?"

The laugh that escapes me causes me to fall from my pose and I look at Heidi to admit, "I used to do this indoors... in hiding."

"And now you're no longer hiding?" Heidi is frowning at Snuffles.

"Nope, no longer hiding." I shrug. "I like being out here."

"That is one huge dog. Is he yours?"

"In a manner of speaking…"

"Really?"

I laugh again as Snuffles looks at me with his silly doggie grin. I take his large head in my hands, rubbing at his soft furry neck. "No, not really. He is his own master."

Heidi gives me an odd look before shaking her head and inviting herself to have a seat on my blanket. I'm surprised - pleasantly so - to see her take a lotus position. After a while, we move in a silent dance. Either Heidi or I move into an asana and the other follows. It's a pleasant hour of quiet yoga.

It could have gone longer, but Heidi falls over laughing. "I'm out of shape." Heidi flops backwards on the blanket and sighs at the sky above. She looks at me with a grin. "But now that I know what you're doing in your quasi-hiding place," I don't correct her, "you're stuck with me at least a few times a week. I need stress relief."

"That bad?"

Heidi closes her eyes and admits, "It's N.E.W.T.s. They're killing me."

"You're the smartest of us, Heidi. You'll do fine."

She laughs and then sighs, "You're being modest." Am I? I don't think so and before I can argue, Snuffles puts his head on my knee. I distractedly scratch behind his ears. "Did you notice?"

"Notice what?" I look at my friend and frown when she winces. "Apparently I missed something. What happened?"

Heidi sits up and moves closer to me while shaking her head. "I don't know, but it's the Headmaster."

"What about him?"

"You know he's gone missing a few times these last two years, the longest I think was nearly a week."

"Right," I agree.

"This last time, he came back with a blackened hand."

"I didn't notice," I shudder. Snuffles whines as I let go of his fur. "Sorry, Snuffles."

"Snuffles? Who names a dog Snuffles?" Heidi laughs.

"I did. It's not his real name. He's a scary looking dog, but really he's just a huge fluffy puppy. So I gave him a non-threatening name to remind him what a big softie he is." Snuffles gives me an offended look and I laugh at his expense, kissing his head.

"You are so strange sometimes, Hermione."

"Yet again, I think I should be offended."

Heidi giggles. "Yet again, you should be."

- - - Ginny - - -

Practice is grueling. Talkalot wants to smash Gryffindor in the dust when we take the Quidditch House Cup. But it's Friday and we have Hogsmeade tomorrow. I've not-so-subtly been flirting with Severus - I'm positive he knows what I'm doing, but is waiting to see how far I'll go - and I'm planning on just straight up asking him to go with me tomorrow.

Or maybe I'll wait until we're in Hogsmeade to -

"Weasley!"

I sigh and wait, turning back to see Cormac hurrying after me. His hair is still wet from showering and I wonder if he's ever used a drying charm before. "Cormac," I greet when he catches up with me. I don't stay still, though, I continue to head back to the castle.

"What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Hogsmeade," I answer promptly, eyeing him. "As are most of the students. Why?"

"Are you going with anyone?"

He isn't. But... he is. Why is he doing this now? Honestly, his best bet would have been last year at our last visit, not waiting almost a year. And, again, I have been not-so-subtly flirting with Severus who is a-lot-more-subtly flirting back. Honestly, does Cormac think I'm really going to go with him? It's at times like this that I really wish I can raise a single eyebrow. But alas, I think it's never to be at this point.

"Yes."

Cormac turns his head so he is staring at me. "You asked Snape?"

See! He even knows I want to go with Severus. "Not yet." I shrug.

"You do realize he likes Evans, right? Has since first year. You really don't want to get in the middle of that mess."

"That mess," I snap, "is none of your business. And who I do or do not go to Hogsmeade with is none of your business."

Cormac raises his hands with an easy smile. "Whoa, calm down. I was hoping to ask before Snape got involved."

I laugh and shake my head. "Why didn't you ask earlier?"

He stares at me. "I did. For the first Hogsmeade weekend."

"No, you asked if I wanted to meet you in a secret passageway to snog." I grin at him as we cross into the front courtyard of the castle. "That is not the same thing as asking me to Hogsmeade."

"So if I ask you to go to Hogsmeade with me now?"

"I'll tell you no."

"Oh well." Cormac shrugs before waving. "I'll see you later. Maybe in Hogsmeade. Hey Snape."

Hey Snape? What does he mean -

"Cormac."

Severus? I look over my shoulder and smile as I see that Severus is walking towards me from the direction of the Forbidden Forest. He's holding onto a satchel for potion ingredients and I wave Cormac away without saying anything, but Severus isn't looking at me. His dark eyes are narrowed on the other boy and I huff and hook my arm around Severus', forcing the older boy to move his bag to his other hand. "Hello, Severus."

He glances down at me and his face softens. "Hello, Ginevra. Interesting conversation?"

"Hardly." I flap my hand. "He was asking if I was interested in going to Hogsmeade with him. Did you find all your ingredients?"

"Most of them. I can go for the rest at a later time." He leads us inside and I ignore everyone we pass. "And did you let him know you are unavailable?"

"Unavailable?" I can't help but to tease as I peek up at him from under my eyelashes. He peers down at me. "Whatever do you mean? We always go with our friends, but no one has asked me to Hogsmeade." I trail my fingers up his arm and lean into his side for a brief moment. "Though, there is someone I'd rather spend my time with. At Hogsmeade, in Hogwarts, maybe even outside of Hogwarts, too."

"And is this person interested in accompanying you to Hogsmeade, in Hogwarts, perhaps outside of Hogwarts?"

"I believe he is," I say confidently - and probably with a touch of sass.

Severus smiles at me and agrees, "I believe you are correct in your assumption. Let's hope he finds the courage to actually act upon his feelings before it's too late."

"I'm not worried." I giggle as his eyebrow rises and I tug him down the hall, past the common room entrance, and into an unused classroom.

Chuckling, Severus sets his bag on a dusty desk and turns to look at me. He takes a breath. He'll ask. I'm sure of it. I lean against the door and wait, smiling as Severus steps forward, taking my hands in his. His hands are as warm as I remember. He asks, "Ginevra, will you accompany me to Hogsmeade tomorrow?"

"Yes," I say and tug him closer. When he's close enough I go up on my toes and give him a small peck on his lips. "I'd love to."

- - - Hermione - - -

"Hermione?"

"I'm here," I respond and smile when I see Sirius' grin. At least one of them is happy to see me. I sigh when I see how guarded James is. Not that I blame him. We're meeting in a dimly lit abandoned classroom. I have strategically placed a few bluebell flames to brighten the room a bit more or at least that is my intent. James probably thinks they're walking into an ambush. Which is why I'm sitting on a dusty desk and I don't have my wand out. I don't want to look threatening.

Sirius crosses the room towards me and I hop off the desk to greet him. James' question causes Sirius to pause before he can reach me though. "What is she doing here, Padfoot?"

James' tone is so angry and accusatory that I look at him with pursed lips. "I asked to meet with you."

"Why?" James crosses his arms and I sigh.

"I don't know," Sirius admits as he grabs my hand. Which I find amazing, really.

"You don't?" James asks, "You didn't think to ask questions before walking us into a trap?"

"No trap," I correct James, "just me."

"Why?" James asks again.

I give Sirius' hand a squeeze when I admit, "It's complicated."

"Explain," James demands as his look hardens and I hesitate because… Well, how do I explain this?

"I have something of yours."

"What could you possibly have of mine?" James sounds exasperated.

While I can't say I blame James for being frustrated, his attitude needs to change soon because he's really getting on my nerves… I huff in annoyance and Sirius' head tilts in curiosity, so much like his dog form that it's adorable, and I relax just a bit. I tell Sirius, "He makes it very hard to be nice to him when he's being snotty like that."

Sirius grins at me. "Hear that, Prongs? You're being snotty."

"I don't have to stand around here listening to this shite."

James moves towards the door and I tell him, "It's back there on the professor's desk. Follow the bluebells."

Sirius is distracting me again, pulling me closer, and putting his hands on my hips. My eyes close involuntarily when he kisses my forehead. I'd like nothing more than to wrap my arms around Sirius and snog him, but I can hear James' steps moving away before he exclaims, "My cloak?" James sounds excited then angry. "You stole my cloak!"

Of course he'd say that. His misunderstanding of the situation is predictable and I sigh. I grip Sirius' forearms to keep control of my temper. "I didn't steal it," I correct James again, "I'm returning it."

"You stole it." James stomps closer.

Sirius' grip on my hips tightens. I raise my eyebrow at him in question and Sirius is frowning at me. "How did you get the cloak?"

"You left it in the classroom one afternoon after snogging me senseless," I explain and Sirius grins, because of course he does.

"And you didn't bother to give it back, that's stealing!" James snarls.

"You have it back now," I correct James yet again, "that's returning."

"It's been gone for months!"

I shrug because he isn't wrong. "Sure, but it's returned in pristine condition. Hence not stolen. Besides, I didn't have to give it back at all. Neither of you knew I had it. McGonagall specifically told you not to bring it back to Hogwarts. Yet here it is."

"So why are you giving it back to me?" James still sounds like he's trying to accuse me of something. Silly sod.

"Returning what's yours is the right thing to do."

"Why?" James now sounds confused.

"Because unlike popular opinion, Slytherins are not evil gits."

"Some are," James counters.

"Maybe," I hedge, "but it's hard to be good when you have an entire school against you for the color of your tie."

"Maybe," James concedes to my surprise and delight. I smile at James, Sirius kisses my temple, and James groans. "No, no. I don't need to be here while you two snog." James shudders visibly and I giggle at him. "You're not what I expected."

I look at Sirius and ask, "Should I be offended?"

Sirius shrugs. "Considering he still thought you were evil and leading me astray…"

"I should be offended," I agree.

James snorts. "Or you can just take the compliment."

"That was a backhanded compliment at best," I tell James and then confirm, "Yup, I'm offended."

"You argue about everything, don't you?" Sirius asks with a grin.

"I'm just practicing," I counter, "if you poke holes in your opponent's remonstration, you sow seeds of doubt."

"Is that how you won over the Slytherins?" James asks.

"It is actually," I agree.

"What?" James asks, wrinkling his nose. "I was kidding."

"I'm not. It started our first night in the common room. Weasleys in Slytherin. The audacity! Then we refused to conform to the status quo. We will never kneel before a fraud. We gave them information, made them think for themselves, and many realize that they don't want to follow Riddle and his merry band of misfits." I poke Sirius' chest. "You should try speaking to your brother."

"Wait, who is Riddle?"

"You haven't heard?" When they both shake their heads I'm stunned. "Huh," I frown at them before I huff. "You want to be aurors to fight the big bad, yet you know nothing about him. Well, let's get comfy, this story may take a while since you'll probably have questions."

- - - Ginny - - -

We have a month left and I have, quite nicely even, allowed Mia, Severus, Avery, and Stebbins more time than usual to study for their N.E.W.T.s. Well, at least a little bit. Besides, I mainly only drag Mia away from her studies so we can plan our last big prank of the year and Severusso I can spend time with him.

Thinking of N.E.W.T.s reminds me, yet again, that this is my last year at Hogwarts with Mia, Severus, Stebbins, and Avery. I'll have to be sneakier next year with any pranks I pull. I'll need to have alibis in place. Be cautious enough that no one catches me. The Time-Turner is Mia's - she took it and hadn't been caught, of course it's hers - so she'll have it with her. Though I will have to make sure she isn't using it for studies or anything boring like that.

However, I'm not pulling Mia away from her studies for pranks. This time, I nab her before she can get to the library for something quite different and quietly take her into a classroom.

Mia waits until I set up wards around us before she asks, "What's wrong?"

I shrug, but hold out the newspaper I received thirty minutes ago to Mia. "I'm just... confused," I admit quietly.

More and more Death Eaters are being caught - the latest has been Abraxas Malfoy and his son and heir, Lucius Malfoy. Narcissa Malfoy isn't in jail or being prosecuted as she does not bare the mark nor has she done anything for Voldemort. That anyone can prove, anyway. Abraxas and Lucius have been caught red-handed in the act of attacking a muggle-born family and have been sentenced to twenty years in Azkaban. They even tried the 'I've been imperiused route', but surprisingly, no one believes them. The entire Malfoy fortune will be given to Narcissa except for reparations to the family's attacked by the Malfoys.

A Narcissa who is not pregnant.

"No Draco Malfoy," Mia whispers as she looks up from the article.

I nod and run my hand through my hair. "And with the Lestranges in prison, Neville's parents will probably be ok. But... how is this all happening?"

"I don't know." Mia shrugs and hands me the article back, reaching for my hand and squeezing it tightly in hers. "Maybe it's the ripples that Professor Dumbledore spoke of. Anything and everything we do or say has some effect."

"Yes, but... it seems like the war is turning." I shudder. "I don't... I don't want to think that everything is going to be different only for the war to get worse again."

Mia wraps me in a hug. "We can't be too worried to hope, Gin."

"I know," I murmur.

"Have you heard from the twins?" Mia asks after a few moments.

I pull away from her hug. "Yeah. They'll meet us a few weeks after school lets out. There should be a huge Weasley gathering and we are asked to go." I chuckle weakly. "Which basically means ordered, really."

"Naturally."

- - - Ginny - - -

I'm lying on the couch with my head resting on Severus' leg. He has a book on his other leg that he's reading through, the sound of pages turning a consistent ruffle in the background. People moving and talking in the common room make a soft white noise. Severus has his other hand in my hair, massaging my scalp. He has magic fingers. I'm pretty sure I'd be purring if I were a cat. Still, I'm pretty sure I'm melting just a little bit. My eyes are closed and I'm curled up, quite content for a lazy afternoon while Severus studies.

"Really?" Regulus asks from... somewhere to my right. At least he sounds amused.

I don't open my eyes. "Hello to you, too, Regulus." Severus says nothing, but thankfully doesn't stop what he's doing. "Did I miss something?" It's Saturday so we don't have classes. This is the first Saturday in a long while that we don't have practice. I don't have a study group until later - maybe I'm late? But no, Severus knows about it and refuses to be the reason I miss it. Slave driver. And it's not yet time for dinner. There's nothing I'm aware of that I've missed. I mean, I even finished all my homework!

Most of it.

Ok, only my Charms homework is completely ready to turn in.

"No," Regulus admits. I open my eyes and look at him. He has his hands stuffed into his pockets and glaring at the ground.

I pat Severus' leg and sit up, shivering as his fingers trail from my head, across my neck, and done my spine until they rest on my lower back. He removes his hand and stands. "I need to procure a book from the library. I'll return."

Before he walks off, I snag his robe and tug him down to kiss him. He obliges me and traces my cheek with his thumb before straightening and leaving the common room.

Regulus slumps into the armchair in front of me as I set up a privacy ward. I tilt my head at him and smile. "What's going on?"

"Sirius."

I hold back my sigh. What did the boy do this time? "Ah."

He grimaces and clasps his hands between his legs, still staring at the floor. Regulus' leg bounces in thought. "He tried talking to me."

Oh. Well...I grimace at the sudden thought that flashes through my mind. The last time I heard Sirius wanting to 'talk' with someone it ended with Mia being snogged in front of everyone. "I'm guessing from the sounds of it it didn't go well?"

Regulus sighs and straightens, running a hand through his hair. "Not in particular. I mean, he apologized for leaving. He said he was just a kid then, that he wanted to set right everything that happened, but..."

"You were a kid, too, and he left you."

I remember Bill leaving when I was six. Charlie when I was eight. I didn't understand, then. And then... Percy. He just left. Started treating us all like we were less than dirt. Pretended we didn't exist. Made Mum cry.

I wasn't mad at Bill or Charlie. Upset? Sure. But they talked me through their leaving so I didn't stay upset for long. Percy... Percy just changed and seemed to hate us when he left so I had been so, so angry at him. I still feel that anger at him. It's not the same thing Regulus went through, but I imagine it's similar enough to what Regulus feels about Sirius.

"Yeah. I'm just... so angry at him," he growls. Regulus hands fist and his words come out in breathless hisses. "He's not mad that I'm upset. He just... he says he understands, but hopes to talk with me again." His hands turn white and his eyes narrow.

"You're allowed to be angry with him." His head jerks up and he finally looks at me. I do see anger there, that's no surprise, but I also see hurt and confusion layered, too. "You can be angry," I repeat. I tell him what I wish I could have done with Percy. "Tell him why you're angry, but don't yell at him." I remember yelling at Percy, and then... that's my last memory with my brother. It was me yelling and Percy storming away. "He seems to want to talk with you, so explain why you're angry. Say that things aren't ok because they're not. But you have to decide if you want to talk to him again. If you don't, then don't. It's that simple, Regulus."

"But... I miss my brother, Ginny." The slip into my nickname makes my heart hurt for the boy. I reach forward and grab his hands. "I don't know if I can forgive him. And if I do... What's stopping him from doing that again? From leaving?"

I squeeze his hands firmly. "Well, you have Mia and I. And Dorthea. And Severus. And Clive. And Heidi." He finally smiles - tiny though it is. "If he does, he'll have all of us to contend with." He chuckles and nods. I release his hands. "I can't promise he won't. But even if you have your brother back for a little bit, isn't that better than not at all?"

I wish I had Percy back before we came here. I miss him... probably more than my other brothers.

He nods. "I'm still mad, though."

"And that's ok."

- - - Ginny - - -

It's the last game of the season. Gryffindor vs Slytherin. And we're already starting differently. Our lineup is making the crowd roar and the Gryffindor team look nervous.

Keeper: Chamberlain.

Chasers: Regulus, Cormac, and Faust.

Beaters: Talkalot and myself.

Seeker: Wright.

"What's this, Weasley?" Sirius asks jokingly. "Can't be consistent, can you?"

"Can't keep up, Black?" I taunt back, grinning at the boy. "Come on, I thought you had more game than that."

"We can keep up," Potter joins in and I blink in shock at the boy. He shrugs as he steps away from the other Gryffindors toward Madam Hooch and says "No matter what you throw at us, we'll handle it." He then proceeds to shake Talkalot's hand.

"Those are fighting words," Regulus jokes. "Let's see if you're more than just talk."

There's a round of laughter as the snitch is released and I smile. More teasing taunts are thrown about as we wait as the bludgers go tearing off into the sky. Gryffindors and Slytherins, joking. I never thought it possible. And then the quaffle is released and we're off.

As I slam my bat into a bludger I laugh. It doesn't matter who catches the snitch. I feel as if both sides have already won.

- - - Hermione - - -

I'm not sure why we're called to his office, but Ginny and I make our way to the Headmaster Tower all the same. I'm so glad the exams are over and I can breathe again. Ginny shoots me an odd glance and finally I ask, "What?"

"You're not rehashing the exams as you used to. I'm so proud of you, Mia." Ginny giggles at me when I roll my eyes at her.

"Oh honestly," I say, but I can't argue with her because Ginny is right. I did that after every exam in my younger days. Goodness, I was such a horror. How did I manage to have any friends? "Thank you," I say in earnest.

"You're welcome."

Ginny looks at me strangely and I smile back. I really am lucky to have a friend as true as Ginny, and I loop my arm through hers. "Now come, sister mine, the Headmaster awaits."

Now that we're past the gargoyle and up the winding stairs, Ginny and I are in the Headmaster's office having tea. Our lives are so odd, honestly. Before coming back to the past, I never visited this office and now we have spoken with the headmaster so often that I feel comfortable in the man's presence. "How are you doing, sir?" I ask and gesture towards his hand.

"Ah," Dumbledore sighs and gives us a tired smile, "I have been better. But that's okay, I'm old and have lived a long life." That is a rather terrifyingly honest response. I was not expecting that.

"Sir?" Ginny sits forward, setting her cup down, and we're both startled when Fawkes lets out a warbled sad tune.

"Is there nothing we can do?" I ask, afraid of what his answer will be, but needing to offer regardless.

"I have already managed to lengthen my time considerably with the help of an old friend." Dumbledore hides his hand by lowering it to his lap. I reach over and Ginny grasps my hand as we listen to him. "Alas, this isn't why I asked you two here tonight. I want you to know the war is at its end."

I gasp in surprise, then wince at the strong grip Ginny has on my hand. I whisper "Gin…" as I try to slip my hand free.

"Hmm…" Ginny releases me. "Right, sorry."

"Thanks to you two I have been able to take care of the numerous artifacts prolonging Tom's existence. With them gone, he was finally mortal. I firmly believe in second chances, but Tom had simply gone too far in his search for immortality."

"How can we help?" Ginny asks before I can.

Dumbledore chuckles and shakes his head. "You misunderstand me, girls… no, you're both young ladies now, forgive an old man." I swipe the tear that creeps up on me and he smiles gently at us. "I felt you two deserve to know before it's announced at tonight's dinner."

Ginny shakes her head and clarifies, "But what about you?"

"If I had given you the Time-Turner…"

"Oh no, Hermione, my dear girl," Dumbledore shakes his head, "there is a reason I never asked for it. The temptation would have been far too great to abuse it and having you two pranking the school is a much better use for it."

Ginny reaches for my hand again and I sniffle before I find a handkerchief offered to me. Fawkes gives another somber tune of sorts and I look over at him and am surprised to find that I'm smiling. Even his sad song warms the heart. "Thank you, my friend," Dumbledore says to the phoenix. Dumbledore turns his attention back to us, still smiling. "I hope you understand what you two have done for us… for our world. You two have brought happiness to many lives that didn't have it before, given hope to the hopeless, friends to the friendless, and the wizarding world has peace years earlier than it would otherwise."

I blink at him and try desperately to stop crying. I don't think we did much, I didn't anyhow, but I'm happy the war is over. Dumbledore isn't done talking, "Unfortunately, the world will never know your part in any of this. It would be too risky, there are still too many sympathizers out there. If the truth were known, you and your family would be in grave danger." Dumbledore is looking at us over his half moon glasses. "I strongly suggest that you destroy the Time-Turner or turn it over to the Department of Mysteries."

"But the Ministry has Death Eaters-" Ginny's words cut off, or that is all she wants to say... either way I nod along because I get it, I do, and she isn't wrong.

"Including the aurors, at least during our time." I shrug and admit, "I don't remember who, just that there were or are... will be?" Ginny shrugs and I sigh. "Can we have time to think about this?"

"Certainly," Dumbledore agrees, yet warns, "just don't take too long, there is not a lot of time. The end of the school year is nearly upon us and it will need to be decided before then."

"Yes, sir."

We leave his office and on our way back to the dungeons we make an unspoken detour in the opposite direction to the seventh floor. I find it amusing that neither of us said a thing, we just went to the Room of Requirement. Ginny picks the room most often, including today and, like usual, it's somewhere we feel safe, somewhere familiar, but I'm surprised to see it is no longer a copy of the Gryffindor common room, and take my usual seat on the sofa in the mock Slytherin common room. I grin when Ginny sits in Snape's favored arm chair.

"We're not giving it to the Department of Mysteries," Ginny starts.

"Agreed."

"But... I don't really think we need to destroy it, do we?" Ginny asks.

"I don't know," I admit. "I never thought about it, or the danger that it represents to us, to this timeline, to... anything, everything."

"Me either."

"I wonder how one would go about destroying a magical artifact. The backlash alone is frightening." I bite my lip while I consider the consequences of possibly destroying the thing incorrectly.

"That could be why the headmaster offered to do it for us."

"I just don't know what to do," I admit. "What do you think?"

"It's your decision. It belongs to you."

"No it doesn't, it's ours," I correct.

"Not really." Ginny shrugs. "You stole it, it belongs to you."

"Weird," I wrinkle my nose as I think about it. "I always considered it ours. Still, I really am worried about it falling into the wrong hands. I don't think I can trust anyone but you and I with this thing."

"So we wait?"

"We wait," I agree because I really don't know what to do.

- - - Ginny - - -

We don't have time.

The entire hall is quiet.

I'm crying and Mia is clinging to me.

Just yesterday we had spoken with the headmaster.

Just yesterday he told us that the war has ended for good.

And now McGonagall is standing in front of us all in Dumbledore's spot.

The hall that had been full of cheers last night now rings with a silence that echoes. One of my arms is wrapped around Mia. My other hand is gripping onto Severus tightly to the point I'm sure is painful, but he says nothing.

Dumbledore's dead.

- - - Hermione - - -

I hate funerals. They're so sad. I think when I die - some time in the very far, far future - that I want people to celebrate having known me, not mourn that I'm gone. Music, food, drinks, laughter. I sigh softly. That would be much more preferable than this somber affair.

There are rows of seats, people filling each of them with us students in the back. Near the forest are the centaurs, in the water are the merfolk. Ginny is holding my hand, Severus is holding Ginny. Dorthea and Heidi are beside Severus, while Regulus and Sirius are on my other side. Poor Avery, being Head Boy, is stuck up front on the dais with the Ministry officials, professors, and the Hufflepuff Head Girl.

Ginny and I finally decided on what to do with the Time-Turner. It is currently in my pocket with a note for anyone that happens upon it.

The minister and officials are FINALLY done speaking. The headmaster's tomb is already erected. Is it weird for Albus Dumbledore to be entombed at Hogwarts? Maybe. Yet it is rather symbolic, really.

The merfolk swim away. The centaurs head back into the forest. The people disperse and I make my move. I slip away as the throngs of people mill about. It isn't difficult. Everyone is worried about the living, no one pays any mind to the dead. Fawkes begins singing overhead flying in slow circles and many look up to listen to his mournful song.

Standing over the headmaster I smile down at him and say a last farewell before slipping the artifact beneath the man's elbow. I whisper softly "Please watch over it, Headmaster" and slip away before anyone pays me any mind.

Life has changed greatly from what it was. Tom Riddle is gone. The war is over and will not come again. Harry, if he's born, will not have to grow up as an orphan. Neville, if he's born, will have both parents.

I make my way back to my friends. Sirius smiles when he catches sight of me. It's a small thing, a sad smile, but it is heartfelt and sincere. "There you are," he says as he wraps me in his arms. Ginny has Severus to love her and I - think - I have Sirius, at least for now.

I have no idea what is to come in this new future, but I look forward to finding out.