Lines Blurred -6 Months Later

"Hermione?"

She turned to see Ginny standing at the top of the staircase, her face pale and drawn. Her red hair, usually so vibrant and full of life, seemed muted in the dim lighting of Grimmauld Place.

"Ginny," Hermione whispered, stepping forward instinctively. "Are you—did you—?"

"I'm okay," Ginny murmured, but her eyes were dark and shadowed. "After Lavender got hit, Parvati grabbed me and we ran to the castle. We gathered as many young students as we could and put them through the floo in Mcgonagall's office. They were terrified, the kids were in so much pain, they didn't know what was going on.." her voice softly trailed off.

"Ginny, how did you get here? Did Sirius or Remus find you?"

"No actually, I didn't know where to go. I was thinking of staying, but I couldn't help but think of mum and dad, were they safe?. I went back to the burrow, and as soon as I told them what was going on, they decided that we couldn't go back. I've been back at the burrow for the past few months passing information from Order member to order member. I think that they knew something like this was going to happen, my parents and the other members didn't seem surprised.." Her voice wavered slightly, and she bit her lip. Hermione's heart ached as she nodded. "Ginny. I'm so sorry."

Ginny's face crumpled, but she took a deep, shuddering breath and forced herself to stay upright. "I—Fred and George—they're downstairs. Everyone's catching up about what happened. People are trying to get out of Hogwarts parents are rapidly pulling students out. It's a mess, Hermione. Awar zone."

Hermione closed her eyes, willing herself not to cry. "It's only going to get worse," she whispered, her voice hollow. "Voldemort's back, Ginny. He'sreallyback. And now…now he's making his move."

Ginny swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to the floor. "What are we going to do?" she asked softly, almost to herself. "How are we supposed to fightthat?"

For a moment, none of them spoke. The silence pressed down on them like a heavy weight, suffocating and endless. Hermione felt as if she were standing on the edge of a cliff, staring down into a dark, unknown abyss. And somewhere out there, Voldemort was waiting—watching—ready to strike.

But then a flicker of determination sparked in her chest.

"We'll fight," Hermione said quietly, lifting her chin. "We'll train, we'll get stronger, and we'll stand up to him. We won't let him take everything from us."

Ginny looked up, her eyes widening slightly. "But, Hermione—how? How can we possibly—?"

"By sticking together," Remus interjected gently. His gaze was steady and calm, the look of a man who had seen war and still found the strength to keep going. "By trusting each other. And by not letting fear control us."

Hermione nodded, drawing strength from his words. "We have to be smart about this. We'll regroup, we'll plan, and we'll make sure that when the time comes, we're ready."

Ginny's eyes searched Hermione's face, doubt and fear warring with something else—something like hope. After a long moment, she gave a slow, resolute nod.

"Okay," she whispered. "Okay, Hermione. I'm with you."

Hermione's chest tightened, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She reached out, pulling Ginny into a tight hug. The younger girl clung to her, trembling slightly, but she didn't let go.

"Thank you," Hermione murmured against Ginny's hair. "We need to—"

A suddencrackinterrupted her, echoing loudly through the hallway.

Hermione and Ginny spun around, wands at the ready. Remus stepped forward protectively, his own wand drawn, eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness.

"Who's there?" he demanded, his voice sharp.

For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, slowly, a figure stepped out of the shadows.

"Put your wands down," the newcomer said softly, his voice calm and unthreatening.

Hermione's eyes widened in shock. "Professor Snape?"

Severus Snape stood before them, his black robes billowing slightly as if caught by an unseen breeze. His expression was as inscrutable as ever, but there was a strange, almost haunted look in his eyes. He glanced briefly at Remus, then at Hermione, before focusing on Ginny.

"We don't have much time," he murmured, lowering his wand. "The Dark Lord is mobilizing his forces. He'll attack this safe house soon. You need to move."

"Move?" Remus repeated warily, not lowering his wand. "Move where?"

"Somewhere safer than this," Snape snapped, his gaze flicking to the windows. "He knows you're here. He's sending Death Eaters to flush you out. You need to get Potter and go—now."

Hermione's heart leapt into her throat. "But—but why are you telling us this?" she demanded, her voice trembling. "Why are youhelpingus?"

Snape's expression tightened, not answering just making sharp eye contact with Remus

Remus stepped forward, his eyes widening" we need to get everyone out"

"And we're just supposed to believe him? After everything how awful you've been to us?"

Snape's gaze flickered, something dark and unreadable passing across his face. "Believe what you will, Miss Granger. But if you want to keep your friends and family alive, you'll listen to me." He turned sharply to Hermione. "Get Potter. Gather your things. You have ten minutes, no more. Weasley you go help her,"

Hermione hesitated glancing over at Ron who had suddenly appeared next to her, torn between suspicion and the desperate need to keep Harry safe. But one look at Snape's face—at the grim, unyielding determination in his eyes—made the decision for her.

"All right," she whispered, nodding slowly. "But if you try anything—"

"I'm well aware of the consequences," Snape interrupted coldly. "Now go, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley."

She didn't need to be told twice. Turning on her heel, she ran back into Harry's room, her heart racing wildly.

"Harry," she gasped, skidding to a stop beside his bed. "We have to go."

Harry blinked up at her, confusion clouding his eyes. "Hermione? Ron! What—what's going on?"

"No time to explain," she said quickly, grabbing his hand. "Can you stand?"

Harry winced but nodded. "I'll try."

With Hermione and Ron's help, he pushed himself upright, his face pale with pain. he slipped his arms over their shoulders, supporting himself as best he could. Behind them, Madam Pomfrey was already gathering her supplies, muttering fiercely under her breath.

"What's happening?" Harry whispered, his voice strained.

"Snape's here," Hermione murmured, glancing anxiously at the door. "He's—he's helping us escape."

Harry's eyes widened. "Snape? But—why would he—?"

"I don't know," Hermione admitted softly. "But I think…he might be on our side."

Harry stared at her, stunned. Then, slowly, he nodded.

"Okay," he said quietly. "Let's go."

With one last look around the room, Hermione tightened her grip on Harry and led him toward the door.

Because whatever awaited them outside Grimmauld Place, one thing was certain: they couldn't stay here any longer.

And the war was only just beginning.