Disclaimer: All of the characters and world recognised below belong to the author. I do not own any of it, this is pure entertainment.

And the Fire Bright

Chapter 12: Bein' Reckless and Young

And darlin', I haven't felt it since then

I don't know how the feelin' ended

But I know bein' reckless and young

Is not how the damage gets done

Damage Gets Done - Hozier (ft. Brandi Carlile)

Hermione paled, Harry was ghostlike and she was sure he was going to faint. She gripped his hand in support and turned back to her dads. They were looking ill as well, as though they too were hearing it for the first time, despite being the bearer of bad news.

'So - I'm, I'm a Horcrux?' Harry asked, his voice squeakier than the time when it broke. Sirius barely concealed a grimace. It had been a few days since Sirius and Remus had gone to have their talk with Professor Dumbledore and they had been morose ever since. Hermione knew that they tried, oh, how they attempted to not show their fear, but both Hermione and Harry knew them well enough to know they were on edge. So when they sat both of them down, cast a privacy charm and armed themselves with Honeydukes chocolate and a Pensieve, they knew they were in for some rough news.

Hermione had never heard of Horcruxes. Not until she spent the majority of the day in the memories of Professor Snape, Professor Dumbledore and some other random muggles.

It was a rare occurrence, finding something the great Hermione Lupin-Black did not know about; she had spent so much of her youth, especially her eleventh year, preparing for Hogwarts as she did not want to be behind. After all, as a muggleborn, she had missed out on eleven years of even knowing about magic, and therefore, she wanted to consume absolutely everything she could to catch up with her peers.

It still was not enough.

She cursed herself, feeling like she should have known, and researched harder after the diary incident, but was too naive as a thirteen-year-old to consider the significance. She thought, like the rest of the wizarding world, that it was just a remnant of Voldemort.

Remus came and sat by Harry's side, clutching him close, Sirius knelt in front of him. Hermione would never forget the heartbroken expression that was on his face. It was of a man defeated.

'Yes,' Sirius choked out. Harry took a deep breath.

'Does that mean - does that mean I'm evil?' It was one of those rare moments when Harry looked younger than his fifteen years. He was younger than that little first-year who had saved her life from a troll in the girl's bathroom; he was a child, neglected and alone, scared. Her heart broke for him. Harry, who was all goodness and bravery, who was her brother in everything but blood, her best friend, the boy who had so much thrust on him, literally the weight of the entire wizarding world, the one who wanted nothing but to grow up in a loving home and be loved; thought he was evil.

'No Harry,' she cried, falling to her knees. 'You are the bravest, most good person I have ever known. You are the best of us all.' She could not stop the tears that fell down her face, and they were joined by Harry's silent ones.

'Harry - no, Voldemort is evil, even if his soul is in you, you could never be evil, because you choose not to be.' Remus said. 'All of us have a choice, me, I could cave into the monster inside me, instead, I do everything in my power to be good in spite of it. Padfoot could have been like every other dark wizard in his family, but he chose Gryffindor, he chose a different path. With everything that has been thrust at you, expected and demanded of you, every time your life has been in danger, you have chosen good. You are good.'

'Harry, you are the best of all of us, you have so much of your mum and dad in you and they were good. But none of us is perfect Harry. Your mum had a mean streak, James and I were bullies as teens, horrible to Snape, although he gave it right back. We grew and had to choose every day to be better. Some of us are still learning that…' Sirius trailed off and shut his eyes, fist clenched. Hermione knew he had demons inside that he still was battling with, regrets of what he did in his past that led to him being believed as a Death Eater, his last name aside.

'You are not evil.' she concluded. Harry closed his eyes and took in another deep breath, seeming almost resolute.

'So I have to die. So Voldemort dies. That's choosing good.'

'No.'

Hermione could not stop the tears running down her face. All these years protecting Harry, helping him survive, having hope that with the right support, he will be victorious and they can have a normal life, it all just…vanished. She placed her head in her hands, thinking about the words Professor Snape said to Professor Dumbledore moments before he gave his memories to her dads: you're raising him like a pig to the slaughter.

There has to be another way.

She did not realise she had said the thought out loud. Three heads shot up towards her. Harry grimaced.

''Mione, I know you want there to be, but you heard the prophecy, neither can live while the other survives.'

She stood up, hands in her hair that was as wild as her racing mind. She was Hermione Lupin-Black, she came up with answers, and figured out the most complex of problems, she was the brains behind the golden trio. She would not fail now, not when Harry's life was literally, and unavoidably, on the line.

'It also said: He will mark him as his equal. So there's a part of Voldemort in you, yes, from when he killed your parents, literally a part of his soul in you, causing this connection you had to Voldemort, the parseltongue, the dreams. The reason your wand did priori incantatem at the graveyard in June.' Hermione was thinking aloud as she paced the floor of the sitting room in Grimmauld Place. It was undeniable that Harry and Voldemort would face again; but it was imperative that Harry was prepared and Voldemort was mortal once more - which meant finding and destroying all Horcruxes, which means Harry would have to die.

Or would he?

'What if…' Hermione started, knowing it was crazy, what if Harry did not need to die? 'What if, when Voldemort kills Harry, or Harry dies, it's not him that actually dies but -'

'The Horcrux.' Remus and Sirius both echoed Hermione's words. The room stopped in dead silence, Hermione could hear her heartbeat in her ears. It was a risk, the biggest risk, to take that gamble that if Harry died, he could technically come back to life. Her eyes met the green of Harry's, the gold of a stressed Remus and the stormy grey of Sirius. The consensus was overwhelming, no words were needed.

They couldn't gamble with Harry's life like that.

'That's what Dumbledore was counting on.' Sirius said, 'his greater good. Harry's sacrifice to kill Voldemort, and the slight chance that Harry would survive the encounter.' His mouth screwed up in anger, hair crackling with magic. 'He was going to leave three teenagers to find and kill parts of Voldemort's soul. Leaving this entire war for children to end.' It was the first time she had seen her father lose control when angry in the similar way she did, hair crackling with magic, eyes stormy - it showed what a powerful wizard he was - the dark family magic dwelling and brewing inside him. Remus got up and put a calming hand on his shoulder; she could see Sirius calm down, he turned to Remus with an unreadable expression in his eyes before coming to kneel before Harry.

'We won't let you die, Harry, we won't let you sacrifice yourself. You are not alone in this, not like Dumbledore wanted. We will find and kill the Horcruxes, and we will find a way to get Voldemort's soul out of you. We will keep you safe.' The last sentence rang out like a vow and Hermione knew that her dads' meant it, the magic in the words was unable to be missed. Hermione's magic agreed, as did Remus' and it seemed to become a covenant, stronger than a promise or vow. They would help Harry. Or die trying.

They had decided that their training had to be ramped up, and include the Weasley children and Neville. It was obvious that wherever Harry and Hermione went, the twins, Ron, Ginny and Neville would follow. The first challenge was to convince Molly Weasley, Arthur was more easily convinced. It was a tense hospital visit, but Remus and Sirius managed to convince Mrs Weasley that although no one wanted children to fight in the war, it was better they were prepared. Sirius had also contacted Augusta Longbottom to organise Neville to stay with them over Christmas break.

After a good night's sleep (for all of them considering the interruptions), Sirius and Remus, accompanied by Bill, Fleur (an official Order member at this point) and Tonks would run around Hyde Park in the early frosted mornings, continuing what Harry and Hermione had started the previous summer. They would visit Mr Weasley in St Mungo's and then in the afternoon, would do some practical work with Sirius and Remus.

They had started with the protego spell as well as basic stunners. The only one who had a little trouble was Neville, but Sirius assured him it was because he was using his father - Frank Longbottom's - wand, he promised he would ask Augusta to take him to Diagon Alley before term resumed.

Hermione convinced Harry to help Sirius and Remus teach. The best thing you can do to master all this is to teach others. It was muggle theory of course, but it did not mean it did not work. It also meant that there was a longer timeline than just on holidays. Harry could set up a club at school to teach all students whilst Remus and Sirius taught the seven of them.

Harry, we're not the only ones that are going to be caught up in this war. Colin Creevey and Zacharias Smith were petrified in their second year, and Cedric was almost killed last year. Voldemort did not discriminate between muggleborn and pureblood, child or adult. He saw those with him and those against. He would kill anyone who got in his way or helped Harry Potter. It was their responsibility to teach everyone, naive to think that they would not get involved. Having competent teachers was only half of the battle, they needed more time to practise, and learn things not necessarily on the school curriculum.

'Only if you're all up there with me.' Harry had replied. 'You all have skills to teach younger students.'

They had a plan for the student-led club, calling it the Defence Army, or DA for short.

'We'll have to run it by Professor McGonagall but considering the Duelling Club was allowed, I do not think she'll have an issue with it.' Hermione had a parchment with Defence Army as the title. 'We need to allow all students to participate.'

'Even Slytherins?' Ron asked. Hermione nodded. 'But they could use all this against us!'

It was a risk, Hermione and Harry knew this, but they also wanted the other students to have another option. She saw how Draco Malfoy had changed away from the influence of his father, if other Slytherins did not feel so isolated, they might realise that there is another path, another choice, than the one presented by Voldemort.

We need as many people on our side as possible.

'If anyone reveals secrets from the club to our enemies, they will be cursed.' Hermione said simply. She did not elaborate, and her friends knew better than to ask for details; Hermione had a dark streak, and the less they knew, the less likely they would be considered an accessory.

She was a Black after all.

'You have a letter from Fleur,' Ginny said as she entered the room. Hermione was attempting to read, to distract herself from her dreams - well memories - of her night with Fred. It seemed like a chasm had been opened as Hermione had never wanted Fred more than she currently did. Her cheeks were in a permanent flush and she brought her book up to cover her face so Ginny would not see. She was unsure if the younger girl would want to know her sexual exploits with her elder brother, but Hermione would not have hesitated if it were with someone else. So she had sent a letter to Fleur, unable to say it in person when they visited St Mungo's to see Mr Weasley. A part of her wanted to snatch the letter from Ginny's hand, eager to read, but she forced herself to be patient.

'Oh?' she feigned aloofness.

'I wonder if this has something to do with the fact that I was paid heavily by the twins to set off dungbombs at certain hours of the night and morning.' Ginny said smugly and Hermione brought her book closer to her face as she blushed harder. 'It's fine 'Mione, I want to know but also I do not want to know.'

'Thanks, Gin - you know I'll tell you what you're comfortable knowing, it's just easier telling Fleur who is removed slightly from the situation.'

'Not for much longer if your plan worked.' Ginny grinned. 'It's nice having sisters.' She sat down next to Hermione, who put her hand around the redhead. Ginny lent into her, almost dwarfing her as she was taller than Hermione. For someone who was an only child for the majority of her life, having the Weasley's - especially Ginny - as well as Fleur and Harry had given her the siblings she had always wanted, people who depended on her but also who she could depend on.

And she was so entirely grateful for it.

'I agree.' She said as Ginny handed over the letter. She did not open it, just glad to have time with Ginny that was few and far in between.

Fred Weasley was living on a high. Despite the fact that his father was in St Mungo's and he had the scariest twelve hours of his life, he was now feeling as though he was on top of the world. Because of Hermione Lupin-Black.

He had not intended to seduce her in his new apartment. But watching her fall apart was worth it. It was better than anything else he had experienced, which, to be honest, was not much. He and Alicia Spinnet had a small triste in their fifth year; a few hand jobs and fingering in abandoned broom closets, but he actually had not had penetrative sex with women before. It was already different with Hermione because while Alicia was fun to be around and a good looking bird, he was not in love with her.

The feelings made all the difference. He wanted to worship Hermione for the rest of his life. His dank, dusty apartment was not really the place he was picturing for their first time, no he imagined something more romantic. However, places, where they could be private and undisturbed, were few and far between. He wanted it to be special, but he also wanted them to not be interrupted by an ex-Auror who had a long stint in Azkaban or his werewolf husband… or even worse… his mother. But it did not make it less perfect, in a place that was his, theirs, together. He could still taste Hermione on his tongue and feel the length of her curves against his skin. He wanted her again, properly. He wanted his first time to be with her. He just had to make sure she was ready as well.

He had been nervous after their night together, scared to be caught. George let off dungbombs which overwhelmed the scents in the hallway and wafted through Grimmauld Place which caused everyone to need to have a shower, and hopefully, Hermione and himself washed thoroughly to avoid any lingering smells, especially of each other. He was unsure if he was successful. Even though he was of age in the wizarding world and Hermione was sixteen, he did not think that Sirius and Professor Lupin would appreciate any wizard being intimate with their teenage daughter, not to mention he also respected Hermione's fathers. Or was scared of them. It was a fine line.

Sirius and Professor Lupin had not said anything, but Fred was unsure whether it was his paranoia or whether they had sent dark looks his way. He was nervous to bring it up with Hermione, after all, he did not regret his actions with her and did not want her to think that, but he was on his guard just in case.

So therefore when, on Christmas Eve, Sirius and Professor Lupin approached him, saying they wanted a chat, he took in a big breath and hoped it wasn't his last. He had followed them to the study upstairs in Grimmauld Place that Fred had assumed belonged to Sirius' father. It was almost completely empty now except for a large mahogany desk with a decadent chair, and a small bookcase with old books.

'Have a seat Fred.' Sirius said with a flick of his wand. A chair appeared and Sirius sat in the ornate one behind the desk, Professor Lupin flanked to his left with a firm hand on his shoulder. Fred sat down and could feel his palms sweat. They know. 'We have obviously known about you and Hermione's relationship for the past year and have approved… we like you. Mostly. Not to mention that Hermione is a formidable witch who is more than capable of hurting you more severely than Remus and I could ever dream of.' If Fred wasn't so scared, he would have chuckled; he knew how capable Hermione was, and if he did not find it so attractive, he would definitely be scared. But it was different, he knew where he stood with Hermione - mostly - he had no clue what went through Sirius and Professor Lupin's heads. He nodded. 'We have had the talk with Hermione, as we understand that you both are teens and have needs, as long as everything is safe and consensual at all times, however, taking Hermione out of a safe, guarded, warded environment crosses a line. Grimmauld Place is set up with old family wards, anchored to the Black blood that now runs through Hermione's veins. Every move and action Remus and I have done since I was pardoned from Azkaban has been to protect Harry and Hermione. We spend all our time, all our energy, trying to keep them alive. We can barely do it at Hogwarts even though we've permanently situated ourselves there. We're not about to let a randy teenage boy put our daughter in danger.'

Fred felt his temper rise, a Prewett trait he had inherited from his mother. 'But Bill put wards on our shop! I made sure, you know that I would never purposefully put Hermione in danger… I love her.' Fred felt him go bright red as he spluttered, both at his anger but also embarrassed at being so vulnerable in front of Hermione's parents. He was angry at the thought of being perceived as reckless; Merlin knew he was reckless in nature, but never with Hermione. He knew it was a bad idea to get Hermione to leave Grimmauld Place, but would not have done so if he did not believe the shop was protected and that he and George would keep her safe. 'I probably should have mentioned it to someone, but the issue is Sir -' he added respectfully, as he was still Lord Black, 'Hermione and I are struggling for alone time. Not like that -' he added hastily, not wanting to seem like the randy teen he had been accused of. '- but alone time to develop our relationship. We manage at Hogwarts, but over the break, we barely can talk to each other without interruption or eyes on us. I didn't show Hermione the shop or the flat to seduce her, I just wanted to show her a place that will become hers. A place where we can be us.' Despite the intense stare, he could see the softening of Sirius' slate grey eyes. He looked at them earnestly, despite feeling awkward and observed. He didn't care if Sirius was in his mind, despite all the depraved thoughts he had about Hermione because he wanted to be as sincere and honest as possible. 'I intend to move into the flat with George once we graduate from Hogwarts, and hopefully, that means that Hermione can spend time there - I want Hermione to be safe.' The words rang out clear and serious. He saw Sirius nod and Professor Lupin give a small smile. It was encouraging to Fred, perhaps he wasn't going to be killed on the spot or tortured within an inch of his existence by an ex-Auror and his Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. 'Help me keep her safe.'

It was not lost on Fred Weasley that her dads had come to him as the wizard of age in their relationship. Hermione was usually one to abide by rules unless they prevented her from meeting her goals, it was Fred who was seen as the bad influence. It was a bit disheartening that two wizards who were master pranksters in their own time would think that, but he figured everything changes when the two people you're most responsible for faced life-threatening danger. But when Sirius sighed in front of him, he had a glimmer of hope. Sirius had turned to Professor Lupin and Fred witnessed a silent conversation between them. He imagined it was a phenomenon that everyone else saw when they looked at Fred and George, a form of communication that was unrecognisable for anyone else but clear and poignant between them.

'We will review the wards at the flat above your shop and make some improvements. We do trust the work of Bill and understand that you did have the best intentions. We would appreciate it if you would notify us of any future… excursions you may have. We can organise for a discrete Order patrol in the area.' Fred shook his head, hoping that by discrete it would be someone like Tonks and not Mundungus Fletcher. 'We understand that the situation here at Grimmauld Place can be stifling -' at this Sirius grimaced, 'so over the break we will endeavour to make sure we're not too cooped up here.' Fred nodded again, relief flooding his system. This talk had not gone as he had feared, which was ultimately a good thing.

'Thank you.' Fred said sincerely. He stood up, feeling as though he was being dismissed. He paused at the door, 'How did you know?' The question had burned him since he realised that they knew about his and Hermione's escapade. As a prankster, there was a desire to know what he had overlooked, how his seemingly genius plan was flawed and he wanted to work it out. He was unsure that he would get the answers from the two men in front of him.

The smirk on Professor Lupin's face told him more than his words.

'You're not the only one up to no good.'

Hermione cornered her boyfriend as he exited her dad's study. She bit her lip nervously, it was not lost on her that they were protective of her, however, she felt responsible, after all, she agreed to go with Fred and George, she wasn't forced to, and therefore felt that it was not fair to place the blame purely on him.

'What did they want?' She asked, attempting to keep her tone casual and unassuming. Fred let out a deep breath.

'To be honest, I'm still processing, but obviously, I'm here unharmed.' She wanted to chuckle but instead was doing a mental catalogue of him, checking each freckle on his face for signs of distress but could see no visible physical damage on Fred. She wrapped her arms around him, inhaling his scent.

'I'll go in there and tell them it was all my fault, you shouldn't get into trouble because of me…' He pulled away,

'No, they… they were more supportive than anything. We're not in trouble or anything.' She breathed out a sigh of relief she did not realise she was holding. Whilst she did not feel the need to get approval from Sirius and Remus regarding the relationship decisions she made with Fred, she respected her parents and did not want them upset at her or him for trying to find their place. She felt lighter, as though she could appreciate what they did more than she already did. She wanted it again. Badly.

Fleur's letter came back into her mind.

It sounds like Fred is testing the waters. If he's anything like his brother, and from what you've described in the past, he will take it slowly with you, afraid of pushing you. If you want something Hermione, you have to make the first move. Show him what you want.

It was easier said than done.

Are you a Gryffindor or what? She took a deep breath before twisting into a smile.

'Well, if you're not in trouble maybe you deserve a reward.' She said, cheeks blazing. She was not one to make innuendos, let alone sexual ones. Fred's eyes glazed with confusion before they gleaned in anticipation.

'What kind of reward?' He whispered, leaning forward as though to kiss her. Hermione bit her lip again at his closeness. Flashbacks to the shop, how he made her feel so good with his mouth, wanting to feel his fingers inside her again, wanting to make him feel as good as he did her.

With a sly smile, she grabbed his hand, motioning to pull him towards his bedroom. Their journey was cut short by Remus poking his head out of the study.

'Actually, Hermione, your father and I would like to talk to you.' Hermione felt herself go red and dropped Fred's hand in embarrassment. This is why she did not make the first move. Almost as though he could notice her embarrassment, Fred cupped her face.

'I'll meet you in my room okay love,' he said, kissing her forehead for good measure and with a squeeze of his hand, made his escape while Hermione was now the one to face her fathers. She followed Remus into a study that must have belonged to her grandfather, Orion Black. Her father was sitting on the edge of a large, mahogany desk, the chair behind it abandoned. She imagined the slight informality was not awarded to her boyfriend. As she sat down at the chair in front of the desk, Remus stood behind her, putting his hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner.

Sirius cleared his throat, 'Before we get started, I want you to know that we love you kitten, and there is nothing you can do that will ever stop us from loving you.' Hermione tried to quell her nerves at the declaration; the logical part of her brain knew that she had to be getting into trouble, of course, she deserved to be held accountable for her decisions the previous night. She was sixteen after all, almost an adult in the wizarding world and she made the decision to leave with Fred and George. It wouldn't be fair if only Fred bore the brunt of her father's ire.

'I know, thank you for saying that. I love you both too.' It was common knowledge that Hermione had abandonment issues and she truly appreciated that her fathers quelled any doubt of their love for her, even though they were going to have a difficult conversation. 'I know that leaving Grimmauld Place was wrong, but I cannot lie and say I regret it.' She tried really hard not to blush at the memory of the way Fred's fingers felt inside her and was grateful that neither of her fathers were proficient in legilimency. Sirius sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

'This is retribution for all the shit I pulled as a teen isn't it Moony?' He looked over Hermione's head at her father who chuckled lightly.

'It seems so Pads, although compared to the shit we used to pull we need to thank Merlin we seem to be getting off lightly.' Hermione was confused, was she in trouble?

'You are not9 in trouble, kitten, so wipe that look off your face. We just wanted to know, what were you thinking?' Hermione bit her lip in embarrassment. She did not like getting into trouble, well, getting caught for it, she could count on one hand how many times she had been seated in front of an authority figure like this, but she knew her parents were worried, not angry. 'Leaving a protected place, leaving us, when we are on the brink of war, is irresponsible and unlike you 'Mione. You could have been taken, hurt or killed and by the time we found you it may have been too late.' Sirius' tone was not angry, it was worse, disappointed. Hermione's face heated in shame now as she tried not to cry at the thought of worrying or upsetting her family. She never was very good at disappointing people, that was why she was such an overachiever.

'I - I know, it was reckless and I should have told someone, but I-'.

'Trusted your boyfriend and his brother who you love? Wanted some alone time you've barely been afforded your entire relationship?' Remus finished for her, patting her shoulder and looking at his husband, 'We get it Hermione, we've all been a little crazy in love, you don't need to explain yourself.'

'I-I wasn't thinking of the danger, I- I know it's out there and I should have-' Tears welled in her eyes and she willed herself to not let them fall, she deserved to get into trouble and didn't want her tears to get her out of it.

'You should have Hermione,' Sirius said softly, 'We were worried sick when we noticed you were missing- we did notice - no matter how sneaky you and those twins thought you were. We've almost lost you so many times…' Guilt hit her stomach, her fathers had so much to worry about, she shouldn't have added to it.

'I'm sorry.' She said, and she meant it. She did not regret what Fred and her did, but she was sorry for putting her fathers, who have done nothing but love her and try to protect her. Sirius softened.

'We know, kitten, and we forgive you, always.' He leant forward to touch her downturned face, nudging her chin so she looked into his grey eyes. 'We understand that you've been struggling this year, and we never want to put more pressure on you. With everything that is happening, we just need to know that you are safe.' He kissed her forehead, Remus doing the same from behind.

'What's my punishment?' she asked timidly. Sirius smirked at Remus.

'Well, as we said, you're not in trouble and we can't exactly stop you from seeing your boyfriend… but perhaps some extra time with Moody will teach you to appreciate, as they say, constant vigilance.'

Um, hi! I know it has been…. A long time! I really hit a wall with this story, but I'm back and think planned out until the end of this story, chapter 20! Thanks to all those who left comments and begged me to come back to this! I will post every 2 weeks due to work commitments!

Dani xx