The trees were scarce. Hermione could see through them several feet in front of her in nearly all directions. Even before Molly Weasley told her the location of the Order of the Phoenix headquarters, she could tell that the trees surrounding her weren't the ones she knew.

There were so many things Hermione had looked forward to when she was reunited with her friends. Unexpectedly, the first thing she noticed was their clothes. The variety of colors and styles. A mixture of bright colored jumpers and muggles trousers instead of the Death Eater uniform robes of black. Of all the emotions she prepared herself for, she didn't expect to feel so exposed.

A flash of black appeared in her peripheral, and she noticed Anthony went to stand beside her.

"Alright?" whispered Anthony.

Hermione felt herself shuffle slightly behind him before shaking her head and standing tall.

"Yeah," she said with a quick nod and turned once again towards the large house. Potter Manor, Mrs. Weasley had said.

What the fuck happened in the last fifteen minutes.

The group had made it about halfway and stopped, struck still.

"It's Hermione!" Ginny yelled, and Hermione laughed in shock.

Ginny started sprinting again, her brothers taking a moment to put their wands away and trail after her.

Hermione was running to meet her before she knew what she was doing and suddenly Ginny was jumping into her arms, knocking them both over and they fell ungracefully onto the grass.

"You made it! We were so worried!" Ginny exclaimed, voice cracking from her sprint and emotions.

Hermione was a mixture of laughing and sobbing as the rest of the group approached.

"Get lost!" George yelled as he grabbed Ginny by the waist and hurled her somewhere behind him. Hermione had just pushed her way up on her knees before he grabbed her next and spun her around. "Granger! My savior! Our beauty!"

"Put her down!" Ron yelled at George.

Hermione's feet hit the ground for only a moment before arms were around her again. Ron was tall, but he bent down enough so that her toes only just grazed the ground.

Ron's arms felt safe. A different kind of safe than the ones she grew used to in the past year. It felt like sneaking around the castle, and losing house points, and helping the boys cheat since they never did their revising on their own. It felt like a memory. And so many memories of her had died with the people she had lost.

"You're okay," Ron whispered to her.

It was then she realized she had started crying. She stopped suddenly and pulled back to look at him clearly.

A huge smile came across her face. "Ronald… Your hair looks ridiculous."

"Told you," Ginny snarked from his side.

Ron's hair was nearly to his shoulders, with the top half pulled back into a bun on the top of his head. Hermione teased the bun a bit before laughing and pulling him into another hug.

"Hiya, Cat," Ron said.

"Hello, Crabbe," Hermione laughed.

Ron's face suddenly got sad. "No Goyle."

Hermione gasped, taking a few steps back. It took her too long to realize he was referring to Harry. If he noticed he didn't say anything. The other members of the household started coming towards them. Even though she recognized them immediately, something still felt off. Like they were strangers.

No, she decided when she saw Seamus, Dean Thomas and Pavarti Patil walking towards her. There was nothing about them she had forgotten. Even with Dean's hair shorter on the sides and long and curly on the top, and Pavarti who looked like she had a large burn to the left side of her body. It wasn't them she had forgotten at all. It was herself.

Forgotten wasn't the right word. Right as Hermione pulled Parvati into a hug, her old dorm mate she had never embraced in her entire life, it came to her.

Hermione hadn't forgotten. She had changed.

The last time she saw her friends she was a child compared to who she was now. During her time in the manor, she always tried to remember that one day, she would go back to her old life. But life never moved backwards.

"I told you it was her!" Seamus said, pushing Dean.

"I can't believe you're alive. We all thought they were lying and you really died," Parvati exclaimed.

"Still alive so far," Hermione replied gently before stepping back and releasing her. "It's so good to see you."

"Not me- I knew it. Weasley'd be a mess if something were to happen to you," Dean said confidently.

The group surrounding her finally took a step back, and Mrs. Weasley had caught up to them and insisted they all go inside. Ginny hooked their arms and started rattling on about everything she missed, and how George and Ron together were somehow even more insufferable with Fred and George. And how it was probably because Ron was always trying to impress him.

Ron walked along her other side, close enough that they slightly bumped into each other with each step. Hermione realized something was missing and stopped suddenly to turn around.

"Anthony?" Hermione said, noticing he had hardly moved.

"I'll meet you in there," Anthony said forcefully.

Hermione furrowed her brows and looked around. The Weasley's appeared at ease, but Dean and Pavarti had their wands at the ready, watching Anthony's every move.

"What are you doing?" asked Hermione with a frown.

"He's a Death Eater," Dean said plainly. He turned to the Weasley's taking in their calm demeanor. "I assume this is one we work with. Considering you let him in."

"Anthony has been one of our main contacts. He was never to come here unless it was a last resort," Mrs. Weasley explained.

The Weasley's started to provide details of his involvement from the first day after the Battle to the others while Hermione turned back to Anthony.

Hermione reached into her bag and grabbed a detox potion and handed it to him. "Are you wearing anything other than your robes?"

He shook his head and Hermione pulled out her wand to transfigure his death eater uniform into plain jumper and muggle trousers.

"Cheers," Anthony said after taking the potion.

"Alright, Alright you two, let's go!" Mrs. Weasley said ushering behind them. "We'll need to do a quick interview, you understand Hermione dear? Can't be too careful."

"Interview?! Mum, it's Hermione!" Ron protested.

"Oh, stop it, Ronald. I know that. But we'll never hear the end of it from McGonagall if we let people enter without following the procedure, will we?" Mrs. Weasley said, putting her hand and her hips and scolding him.

Once they approached the house, the others walked in without hesitation, but both Hermione and Anthony stopped at the door.

"Everything's going to change now," she said with sad déjà vu.

"Yep," Anthony said with a pop.

Potter Manor was bright, airy, and welcoming. The greeting room to the left reminded her slightly of Gryffindor tower; cozy and homey without crossing the line into clutter. In a different world, Harry would have grown up here. If only the Battle had ended differently, Harry would have inherited the property once he came of age. Instead, it was an operation point for a war that seemed to never end.

"Ginny, can you go ready Hermione's room?" said Mrs. Weasley.

"George can do it. Can't you Georgie? He was heading to the East Wing anyhow," Ginny suggested.

"Anything for The-Girl-Who-Lived," George said mischievously before turning to head towards the main staircase.

"Damnit, Anthony!" Hermione hissed under her break and he chuckled.

A group of people, appearing slightly older than she was, rushed down the hall past them towards the front door. Hermione leaned towards Anthony, turning to watch them leave. They had looked right at her and just kept walking.

"We'll catch up later, Granger!" Pavarti said as she, Seamus, and Dean joined the Order members who were leaving. While her voice was cheerful, she could sense the urgency. "Welcome home!"

The corridors were large and open, and Hermione looked around, trying to survey as much as she could on their quick walk. The path back to the front door, the hallways that likely lead to different areas of the house and others that looked like they lead to an escape.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Ron said with a smile, pulling Hermione from her mental mapping. "Can you believe Harry left it to us?"

Hermione had to look away. Hopefully playing it off as curiosity as she resumed looking over the estate.

At the end of the hall, they turned into a large dining room. On the right was a wall of large windows, and on the left against the walls were portraits and a large buffet table covered in food.

Mr. Weasley stood at the head of the table, most of the seats surrounding him were occupied. The surprise was visible on his face when he processed her and Anthony's presence, but unlike the other, his expression was one of worry.

"What's happened?" Mr. Weasley said to Mrs. Weasley. "I thought he said Hermione was going to be delayed a few weeks?"

"Arthur," Mrs. Weasley scolded.

"Did they make you?" Arthur asked Anthony.

"Sort of… I don't know…" Anthony said.

Hermione looked around the table, lowering her hand to surround her wand. There was hardly a time that outsiders were brought into a meeting that didn't end in bloodshed. Or at least torture. That must have been the interview Mrs. Weasley mentioned.

"Hermione," Ron whispered from her side, putting a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. No one is going to hurt you."

Bill and Charlie Weasley were among the occupants. The others looked familiar; two she could remember from the photos of the original Order of the Phoenix. They were Order members, not Death Eaters.

"Take a seat, Hermione," Charlie offered.

"Where did Harry Potter get the mirror he used to communicate with Albus Dumbledore?" Arthur interjected.

"It was given to him by Sirius Black. But it wasn't Professor Dumbledore that he'd been communicating with, it was Aberforth," Hermione answered immediately, tilting her chin towards the bearded wizard.

"Ms. Granger, we meet again at last," Aberforth said with a smile.

"Mr. Dumbledore," Hermione responded in greeting. She had to force out her voice, not used to speaking in front of anyone. "I… how are you?"

"Better, now that we see you are safe," Aberforth said, kindly.

Mr. Weasley's expression softened. "If you all would excuse us, we have family matters to tend to."

The Order members, other than the Weasleys, rose from their chairs and exited the room. They moved slowly, wrapping up their prior conversations before taking their leave. They nodded their heads towards Hermione, looking at her with appreciation and admiration. As if they knew her.

"Molly," Mr. Weasley said, gesturing to a galleon on the table.

"I'll be right back," Mrs. Weasley said with a tight smile. The double doors shut behind her and Hermione grabbed onto Anthony's sleeve as she heard the lock click, breath trapped in her lungs.

"Come on," Ginny said, urging them towards the table.

Hermione took the seat closest to the door. Ginny shoved Ron out of the way to take the seat on her other side. The normalcy in it gave her comfort.

The other members of the Weasley family finally took their opportunity to greet her. Going on about how satisfying it had been to watch the Death Eater's fumbling when they couldn't figure out how all their missions were being sabotaged. Bill dropped a cup of tea and a plate of pastries in front of her. Hermione couldn't find the will to take a sip, so she used the teacup to occupy her hands as the others dug in.

"I am happy to see you, Goldstein. After you missed our meeting last week I assumed the worst," Arthur said. "Though, I can't imagine you would be here unless something bad happened."

"Malfoy and Nott know I am in the Order now. Nott thinks I am the one supplying Order secrets to Cyrus. He attacked me before I had time to explain," Anthony said.

"Blast," Mr. Weasley muttered under his breath. "You hear Cyrus suggest to anyone who it could be, Hermione?"

"No," Hermione answered shortly. Not revealing the lengths her boys had gone to try and get the answer themselves.

Mr. Weasley shook his head at the table before hitting it with his fist.

"Dad," Ron said sharply.

"I'm sorry," Mr. Weasley apologized, looking at Hermione. "It's not that we're not happy to see you. We've been trying to get you back every day for the last year. It's just… losing both of you from the other side… If he doesn't…" He shook his head again, trying to figure out the equation ahead of him.

Hermione knew her intel was useful, but looking around the room, it appeared she grossly underestimated how much they relied on the information she provided.

"I could go back…" Hermione offered, trying to keep the eagerness out of her voice.

"No!" Ron and Ginny both shouted.

"Your place is here, Granger. With your family. In the Order," Charlie said calmly, a rare, kind smile on his face. "We would never send you back there."

"You don't understand," Hermione said right as the doors opened again. Molly re-entered the room, visibly more flustered than before.

"Well?" Mr. Weasley said, impatiently.

Mrs. Weasley stuttered, and she looked at Hermione sympathetically. "Perhaps, this would be more appropriate in private…"

"What did Malfoy say?" Mr. Weasley pressed. "It is no coincidence he signaled for a meeting moments after they arrived."

"You spoke with Malfoy?" Hermione said loudly. "You- you spoke with Draco? Draco Malfoy?!"

"Calling it speaking is generous. On more unpleasant days, he will mostly just hiss," Ginny snorted but Hermione could hardly hear her outside of the drumming in her ears.

"What is this?" Anthony said next, just as lost.

"We've been working with Malfoy for months," Mr. Weasley said. "We couldn't tell you. You could have unintentionally given something away."

"Did he already know about me?!" Anthony raged.

"Of course not. We would never risk your paths crossing in a way that could do harm," Mr. Weasley said. "Molly, what did Malfoy say? The galleon signaled an emergency."

"He wanted to ensure that Hermione was here. He is still in agreement, but there are now other… conditions," Mrs. Weasley said, her eyes locking in on Hermione.

It was bad. Hermione was logical enough to know that the webs were likely now tangled beyond repair. But all of that paled in comparison to the fact that Draco was speaking to Molly. More importantly, Draco was speaking to Molly about her. Molly had just returned not ten minutes ago. Now she knew he was only ten minutes away.

"What new conditions?" Bill probed, trying to keep on topic.

"The same as before still apply," Molly nodded to Hermione as if she knew, but her face must have given away her ignorance. "Oh, dear…"

"Go on, Ron," Ginny said, instructing him to explain.

Ron took a deep breath and smiled sadly. "We weren't sure how much he'd be able to tell you before you arrived, given the vow."

"The vow?" Hermione breathed.

"It's not that we don't trust you, Hermione. Completely. It was just safer to make it so he couldn't speak about it at all. To anyone," Ron said. "We decided on an Unbreakable Vow. He still needed the ability to talk about the Order to play his role with the Death Eaters, but we could risk him saying anything about the agreement with mum."

"What agreement?" Anthony snapped.

"At first, it was just for us to take the defected Death Eater recruits. Draco would drop them off somewhere and we would fetch them. Then it was taking out the tagged Death Eaters," Ron's voice faded out, and he looked at Hermione with a gentle smile. "Eventually, he offered to trade Death Eater secrets in exchange for protecting you."

"He's still going to disclose Death Eater movements with us?" Mr. Weasley asked Mrs. Weasley. When she nodded, he sighed heavily and fell back into his chair. "Thank Godric."

The room felt like it was spinning, and Hermione reached up to fiddle with the diamond on the necklace that still hung around her neck.

"We expected you a few days ago- but Malfoy said something came up and it would be a few more weeks," Ginny said softly. "We were starting to fear the worst…"

Hermione had to look away. If only she had just left the day in the clearing, how different this reunion day would have been.

"The conditions?" Hermione asked, looking at Ron.

"Malfoy says we are not to put you in danger. That the moment you are put in a battle, or mission, or otherwise, that he's severing the agreement and we'll never see either of you again." The contempt was clear in Ron's voice as he spoke, but to Hermione his voice was getting further away. Malfoy wasn't going to allow her to fight.

Ginny tried to lighten up the mood by speaking next. "Not a problem though. Potter Manor is the safest bloody place in the world-"

Glass shattered around the room, the shards levitating, and hanging threateningly in the air. The lights above flickered, and the darkness filling the room started to choke the sunlight coming in from the window.

"You will not lock me in this fucking house," Hermione hissed.

The glass around her clinked against itself as it started to take the shape of tiny, sharp daggers. All pointing outwards, circling Hermione in protection.

"No one is suggesting that," Ron said, cautiously. "You just can't… fight. Malfoy had it in his head that we would throw you on the front line the moment you returned."

The anger started to dissipate. When she noticed what her magic had done to the glass, she waved her hand, and it molded back into its old form of wine glasses and plates. She didn't realize that she had been standing until Anthony tugged her arm for her to retake her seat.

"You'll be involved in everything. Malfoy said that you're to be the authority on any operations we coordinate together," Ron explained. "Including being his primary contact."

"Not anymore," Molly interrupted, correcting Ron. "I'm sorry Hermione dear, I don't know what happened. He demands I remain his contact, and… Hermione's not to be involved."

Objections from various Weasley's were shouted from across the room, and Hermione turned towards Anthony who was playing catch up as much as she was.

"That ferret has had too much say as it is! He can't tell us who we put on The Order Advisory. I won't have it!" Ginny objected.

"He said if we try to include her in any meeting with him, we'll never hear from him again," Molly said quickly, her nerves clear in her voice.

"Fine. But she is still on Advisory. She's earned it," Charlie insisted. "Piss on Malfoy. I never trusted his intentions with her. The further away from Hermione, the better."

"Can I speak with him, Mrs. Weasley?" Hermione nearly begged, finally speaking for herself. "I only need to explain."

"I explained to him the nature of Anthony's involvement. He is aware, and he seems to understand. But his conditions remained," Molly stated.

"Maybe… some distance wouldn't be a bad thing," Ron offered gently to Hermione, and the words felt like another hit.

The doors opened and George walked in, a cheerful grin on his face. "Your suite is ready, Miss."

"I think that is enough for one day. George, can you show Hermione the way?" Mr. Weasley said. "Goldstein, there are a few more loose ends we need to discuss since our last meeting."

Hermione exited the room as quickly as she could, ignoring the several sets of footprints directly behind her. Of course, it was the Weasley's he was working with. It was the safest people to reach out to, they would never betray him for as long as she was still in the Manor.

More importantly, Draco knew. Mrs. Weasley must have told him Anthony was working with them and not Cyrus. He was likely still angry, but he just needed time to calm, and he would ask for her. She knew it.

"I never got to thank you properly," George said, catching up to her. "Thanks. For saving me at Malfoy Manor."

"Thanks for trying to save me," Hermione responded, her smile feeling more genuine.

They got back to the main staircase. When they reached the landing on the second floor, George gestured to a dark hallway.

"Used to be extra rooms down that way. It's blocked now though. No matter, still plenty of room to go around," George chimed as they started up the stairs to the third level.

"So much, yet not enough," A bratty voice said from the top of the staircase, and it made Hermione lose her footing and George had to catch her.

"Parkinson?!" Hermione nearly yelled.

Pansy was at the top of the stairs, leaning against the railing with her arms crossed, looking more like herself than she had in months.

"Imposter Parkinson," Pansy addressed her in return. "I still can't believe you wore my skin."

"Pansy here is really particular about who she lets under her skin, you see," George mock whispered to Hermione, though his eyes were on Pansy. "I think I'm nearly there, though."

They reached the top and George led her to walk to the left, crossing right in front of Pansy.

"I can't believe they allow you to be here at all," Hermione responded.

"Traded one prison for another," Pansy snarled.

"Guards are rather fit though, yeah?" George said with a wink. Pansy rolled her eyes and walked the other direction down the hall.

"She's trapped here?" asked Hermione.

"Death Eater recruits can't exit the grounds until they have established trust. Or obliviated. Parkinson's a lucky one. Most have to stay in barracks in bunks, at least she gets a private room," George explained.

"Do my ears deceive me, or were you just flirting with- what did you call her again? Oh yes, pug-face Parkinson?" Hermione said in disbelief.

George stopped them in front of a door, turning the handle and letting it swing open completely with a huge smile. "Pugs are cute."

Hermione walked into the bedroom, and we greeted with a wall of windows. To the left was a fair-sized bed, and on the right were two doors, one leading to a closet and the other to the private bathroom.

"Come down when you're ready," George said in parting, and closed the door behind him.

Hermione stood in the middle of the room feeling lost, and for the first time in a long time, alone.

There was a knock on the door as Hermione was surveying the grounds from her windows, and her hand instinctively went to her lower stomach. There was no ache, no warning of the arrival of the person on the other side of the door. More horrifically, whoever it was didn't wait for her to reply before opening the door.

"Hermione?" Ron said, peeking his head in.

Hermione removed her hand from her wand, and the tension in her shoulders released. "Sorry, I'm still getting used to all this."

"Me too. And I've been here for months," Ron said kindly. "May I come in?"

"Course," said Hermione as casually as she could.

Ron closed the door behind him and took a seat on the bench at the foot of her bed. With a moment of hesitation, Hermione walked over to sit next to him.

"Hermione-"

"Ron-"

They spoke at the same time and shared a nervous laugh.

"Are you alright, Hermione?" Ron asked her, after a few moments.

"I think so," she answered honestly.

"We thought maybe Draco found a way to give you hints. Or that maybe you'd just figure it out on your own. I'm sorry you had to find out like that," Ron said, looking at his hands. "The last thing I want to do is blindside you after all you've been through."

Hermione sighed. "Ron-"

"Just let me say this, alright?" Ron said quickly. "I thought I lost everything. You and Harry. I've missed you- I miss Harry so much." Ron's voice cracked and took a moment to clear his throat before continuing. "I am just so happy you are alive, Hermione. So, if you're worried about anyone here wanting anything from you, don't be. I love you. And you are alive. And everything else we can figure out together. Like we always have."

Ron finally looked up at her, and Hermione nodded, not knowing what to say.

"Well… you'll do the figuring out bit. I'll just be poorly following your directions," Ron said with a smile.

Hermione hugged him, and she could feel his relief as he embraced her. "I missed you, too. I'm sorry if I'm not myself I just…"

"Take your time. We're not going anywhere," Ron said, pulling back and pushing her hair to the side. "My room is down the hall on the other side of the staircase, if you ever need anything. I'll be downstairs in the front greeting room with George. Come meet us whenever you're ready?"

Ron got up and Hermione closed the door softly after he took his leave. She waited a few minutes, her back resting against the door, before letting her hand fall down to grip her beaded handbag.

A part of Hermione wanted to put the cloak back on before heading back downstairs, but it somehow felt sacrilegious. There was someone she needed to talk to, and she could hardly let herself wait another minute.

Hermione exited the room and walked down the hall the way she came. Order members would enter the hall, but she always managed to duck away and stay out of sight. Once she was back on the first floor, she watched from the shadows and waited for the doors to the dining room to open.

Mr. Weasley exited first, Anthony by his side. The two men were smiling and appeared more friendly with one another. Bill and George walked past her on their way to the staircase, but Mrs. Weasley turned the other way.

Keeping her steps silent, she followed Mrs. Weasley to a mudroom that lead out to the back garden.

"Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said once she was right behind her.

"MERLIN'S BEARD!" Mrs. Weasley yelped and jumped up. She turned to look at Hermione and laughed. "Goodness dear, you gave me a terrible fright!"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," Hermione apologized. "I just… I wanted to speak to you privately."

"Is your room alright, deary? Ginny meant to fix it up more, but... Lots going on. As you know, I am sure," she said with a huge smile.

"It's perfectly fine," Hermione reassured her. "Exquisite really."

"Beautiful, isn't it? This place," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile, looking out the large window into the back garden.

"It is. But, Harry didn't leave it to you," Hermione said and Mrs. Weasley's eyes dropped. "It was Draco, wasn't it? I was there when the Gringotts' goblin confirmed he inherited it. Draco was the one that transferred ownership of the Potter Estate to you."

Mrs. Weasley troubled her hands, and the way she looked out at the hall to check if anyone was near was enough proof that she was correct. "You have to understand, Hermione. The Malfoys – Lucius really- have never been kind to our family. Arthur would have never let us accept the estate if he knew where it came from."

"When?" Hermione asked, not certain why tears were forming in her eyes.

"Shortly after he inherited it, I suppose. Draco didn't want to risk anyone knowing it had ever been in his possession," Molly explained, somewhat frantically. "We needed it. The Order had no funds and nowhere large and secure enough to operate from. He said it's what Harry would have wanted, and his family owed us a debt for what Lucius did to Ginny with Tom Riddle's old diary."

"I would have done the same," Hermione said, and she instantly looked relieved. "Mrs. Weasley, I need to speak with Draco."

Mrs. Weasley sighed. "I can't do that-"

"You have to trust him. You must know he wouldn't really stop helping. Not after everything he's already done," Hermione said. "Please."

"I swore to him, Hermione," Mrs. Weasley said, apologetically. "It's been a long day. Give him time to come around on his own, yes?"

"I love him," Hermione begged.

"I know, sweetheart."

"Draco loves me," Hermione said, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Mrs. Weasley walked towards her and Hermione flinched backwards. "I can't live here. I can't leave him. I need him. We need to stay together."

Hermione let Mrs. Weasley wrap her arms around her, and she wept into her shoulder. Completely lost, confused, overwhelmed. Abandoned.

"Please," Hermione begged through her sobs. "I want to go home."