Chapter 59: The return of trouble

Hermione was doing everything in her power to keep her calm. The days went by but each time the anger she felt seemed to increase. The fact that she was having trouble getting it all out was almost driving her crazy. It was certain that if she gave in slightly to temptation, her moral compass would give in completely and there would be at least one death. Well, more like a dead woman. To calm herself, she took her pen and wrote a letter to Henry.

My dear Henry,

I can't tell you how much I miss you. I'm almost ready to ask Dumbledore for a waiver to let a Muggle study at Hogwarts. I wish you were here with me. It seems like forever since I left Storybrooke.

I hope Melinda doesn't grow up too much while I'm gone. I don't want to miss anything. Or take notes so I have a full report when I get back.

On your side, send me good vibes, otherwise I might gut Umbridge before the semester is over. She gets on my nerves and I think I'm even the quietest one here. Even some of the Ravenclaws students are fumbling to set traps for this old owl. Please think of me once in a while, maybe it will eventually get to me.

I miss you ...

Mione.

-0-

Henry received the young Gryffindor's letter within hours of sending it. He hurried to answer her with all his heart. He tried to explain to her in detail how life was going here. He knew the witch would be curious to know how Remus and Sirius were adjusting to life in the city.

Remus and Ruby stuck together all day. No one had to be a wolf to notice that the two were symbiotic.

- I had a hard time keeping up with you last night. You're almost too fast for me, Ruby giggled.

- Believe me, it's been a long time since I've had this much fun on a full moon night.

A furtive kiss was exchanged before the couple headed back to Granny's. The wolf's grandmother was overjoyed to know that her little girl was finally so happy. Letting her gaze wander outside, she could see another couple blossoming, strolling hand in hand. Indeed, Belle and Sirius were almost devouring each other with their eyes. If Sirius had Remus' ability to turn into a wolf, there's a good chance Belle would be his meal.

- Come on, you promised me I'd get an ice cream! Sirius exclaimed, with his puppy dog look.

- I know it's been years since you've had one, but can't you be patient? The ice cream shop doesn't open for another hour.

- Um, in that case, I'll have to pass on my cravings to a certain brunette.

He then bit the bottom of her lip and the couple looked at each other intensely. It was obvious that Sirius's stomach would have to wait.

The whole city was happy and everything seemed to be going well for everyone. The happiest couple right now seemed to be Regina and Robin. Sure, the former Queen would have liked to have Hermione around to make things perfect, but she was truly happy. It had been a long time since she had felt such peace. Robin was a perfect father to their four children. Regina was still struggling with the idea that she could almost be considered the head of a large family.

Everything was going well, perhaps too well to last. It was during this carefree period that a certain Doctor Jekyll and his alter ego Mister Hyde appeared in all their lives. Although he didn't arrive in town alone, it was he who created discord in the streets of Storybrooke.

- Don't you think it would be a good idea? What Jekyll is proposing, I mean. Regina said to Robin.

- What do you mean? What idea is that? asked the archer, still struggling to understand how so many people had ended up in their town again.

- To be able to split my soul in two. Take away my dark side. At least there wouldn't be any shadows left, our family would be perfect.

Robin sighed heavily. He knew he'd have to find the right words to convince the woman he loved that their family was already perfect. In some ways, anyway.

- It's because you're you, just the way you are, that we're here today. Regina, look at our daughter. Do you really think this little piece of us would exist if the Evil Queen didn't also exist?

- I...

- If you weren't you, totally you, you wouldn't be the woman I love.

- You have a point there.

Regina bit her lip. Part of her continued to doubt and wonder if she really should take a chance on Jekyll. However, she had to admit that Robin was convincing when it came to reminding her companion how much she was loved.

-0-

Away from the hustle and bustle of Storybrooke, Hermione too was beginning to wonder what the future held for her. But not a distant future. There was a certain fear within the castle walls as the weeks passed. More and more students were coming to believe in what Harry was saying. One thing was for sure, they needed to regroup and practice.

After discovering the Room of Requirement, they began training. Finally, the witch could use her magic in a useful way and not just as a stupid aimless romp through the forbidden forest.

She still had that little voice in her head that tried to make her flinch. The witch's confidence was shot. Indeed, this dark and gloomy voice kept reminding her that when everyone would know what she was harboring inside, her classmates would be afraid.

There was only one thing left: hope.

Note: Sorry for this short chapter. It needs a little transition time before everything goes to hell!