Ginny and Dean Thomas had returned the evening prior and joined them in the kitchen for breakfast. Hermione ate only a few bites. The scones were crumbling too easily, and the tea wasn't charmed to stay hot. She sat next to Ron, shoveling down his food before they were to meet outside for their morning training.

"Honestly, there'll be nothing for the rest of us if you weasels keep chucking it all down," Pansy snarked from the doorway, crossing her arms.

"Some of us do more than lay about all day," quipped Ginny.

"Exactly. Ginny here finds time to snog muggles, and lay about all day," George countered.

Dean glared at George. "Who are you to judge?"

"I'm her big brother," protested George.

"Just because you're her big brother , doesn't mean you have to be a giant knob ," Dean said.

"Giant, eh? Don't project your shortcomings at me. The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Thomas," George added with a wink.

A giggle echoed from behind him, and George turned around to see the last fragment of Pansy's smile before she covered her mouth, eyes wide. She scowled once more before turning and exiting the kitchen.

"Told you I'm making way," George said, elbowing Ron.

"You're delusional," Ron responded. "Best get to training. Sun is going to be out any moment,"

They quickly made their way outside and saw other members already running into the trees.

"We should try and sneak in with the others. There's an eight-kilometer path but it's probably best we start off with the five."

" Murder me ," Hermione grunted, and Ron grabbed her hand to start their running.

Both her mind and her body felt exhausted. Every step she took reminded her of the sleep and peace that escaped her each night. Ron kept by her side, walking, and jogging as she caught her breath and the others passed them. It didn't help that her body was still sore and recovering from the attack in London. By the time they made their way back, the others were already waiting.

"Everyone, gather round!" A man near the center yelled. "Who are you?"

Hermione felt a nudge into her side from Ron and looked over to see the man looking at her. She was still catching her breath and far beyond slightly irritated.

"This is Hermione Granger," Ron finally spoke up when it was clear she wasn't going to herself. "Hermione, this is Thomas Miller. He's the physical trainer for the Order."

"Never met a Tom I liked," Hermione said in greeting and Ron snorted a laugh.

"We'll be combat training today. Head to the ring."

Hermione followed the others to the left of the house where a large circle was painted on the ground. Everyone gathered around, leaving the middle empty until Miller stepped in.

"The famous Hermione Granger. I was beginning to think you were a myth," Miller said, gesturing to her. He had daggers made of wood and plastic that he twirled in his hands. "You can go first. No wands."

Hermione had already half-pulled her wand and handed it to Ron. People started backing away from her to give her space.

"Well?" questioned Hermione.

Miller threw a wooden dagger towards her, which Hermione transfigured into a ball of leaves with a wave of her hand. She smiled back smugly at the look of surprise on his face.

"Impressive, step into the ring," Miller gestured.

Hermione took a few steps forward until she was clearly past the markings. The air got quieter, nearly empty. Hermione couldn't stop herself from looking around to check if the others were still around.

"You can either catch it or dodge it. Even though it's fake, try to avoid the blade." Miller held up another dagger and Hermione crossed her arms.

Mid-air, she lazily waved her arm again, but the wooden dagger held its shape, and the handle hit her right in the nose.

"Mother fucker!" Hermione wailed, grabbing her face. Gasps and chuckles surrounded her, along with Ron and Ginny asking if she was alright through their laughter.

"Magic doesn't work in the ring. You won't have your magic to rely on in secular areas," Miller said. "Ready?"

Hermione backed up until she was free of the ring. She could feel the tingle of her magic escaping from its suppression as soon as she crossed the threshold. Her wand flew out of Ron's hand back into her own.

"I'll go first," Parvati said, stepping up.

Miller gave a quick nod. "The rest of you pair up and practice. Equipment is in the trunk."

Ron walked to the trunk and Hermione was quickly behind him.

"I don't like this," Hermione hissed under her breath, feeling even more on edge.

"Cast a quick charm," Ron whispered back. Hermione casted a quick cooling charm over herself, and the expression of magic calmed some of the sharpness. "Better?"

Hermione nodded, but her exhaustion was also catching up with her. "I think I am going to head inside."

"First time without magic is the hardest," Ron said with a sympathetic pat on her shoulder.

As Hermione walked away, she gripped her wand by her hip, hoping it would be the last time she felt her magic was stolen from her. Safe or not, someone would have to drag her kicking and screaming to step foot in one of their "secular" sanctuaries.

Potter house was similar to the Manor in that there were always residents and guests meandering about. The difference here was that everyone saw her and knew who she used to be. The second floor appeared to her, like always. Hermione took the chance to be alone and walk around, quickly making it past the shadow wall until the walls and floors beneath her feet changed.

Small feet pattered against the flooring, and Hermione spun to see an elf walking through the shadow wall from the staircase. She was levitating a tray of breakfast and was wearing a yellow t-shirt.

"Ahh!" the elf screeched.

"I'm sorry I-"

It took Hermione a moment to tame her surprise, but even though she had never spoken to the elf before, she recognized her immediately from the Manor. Seconds later, she recognized her clothing.

"That's my shirt," Hermione said, mostly to process the scene in front of her.

"This is Pippi's shirt," the elf replied firmly. "Pippi is a free elf."

"Draco freed you?" Hermione continued. She noted the elf's absence from the Manor but assumed the worst. "Why wouldn't he tell me? When?"

The memory of when Draco took the shirt popped in her head, and Hermione headed down the hall in understanding, the elf chasing after her.

"Stop! Pippi mustn't let anyone near. Pippi set up a ward to hide the floor – Pippi did!"

Hermione opened the only closed door on the floor, and then quickly transfigured to scurry in before the occupant could spot her.

The idea seemed insane until she saw her sitting in a chair by the window. It was both mad and made perfect sense. How there were only two Manor elves remaining by the time she left, and how much Draco had grown to trust them to take care of the people he loved the most.

Pippi quickly followed into the room, searching for Hermione but eyes falling on only her former mistress.

"Everything alright, Pippi?" Narcissa asked, looking worried.

"Erm… I," Pippi started, but then continued to set the food in front of her. "Mistress will eat breakfast today?"

Narcissa's gaze drifted before turning back to the window. As absent as she looked, she was still better than last time. By a stroke of insanity, Hermione exited the room, only to transform and re-enter as herself.

"Good morning, Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione said and Pippi squealed. "It's alright Pippi. Draco granted me invitation."

Narcissa looked confused, but only for a moment before she collected herself with practiced poise. "You're late."

"Huh?" Hermione said and Narcissa pursed her lips at her. "I mean- my apologies, Mrs. Malfoy."

"Take a seat," Narcissa said sternly and Hermione obeyed. "That is enough, Pippi. The young lady can set the rest of the table."

Pippi looked worried for a moment before exiting the room, closing the door behind her. Hermione sat across from Narcissa, struggling to keep her composure as the heiress looked her over with the intimidation Pansy always tried to emulate.

"You're filthy," Narcissa said finally. "Who attends a meal in such conditions?"

Hermione exhaled and looked down, dressed in athletic clothes and runners. Embarrassed as she was, at least Draco's mother wasn't alluding to her filth as a slur.

"Your name?" Narcissa asked, impatiently.

"Hermione," she answered immediately. "Hermione Granger."

Narcissa's face softened. " Hermione … I've seen that name…"

Hermione's heart started to pound; not sure what Draco would have told his mother about her during school but assuming it wasn't anything particularly flattering.

"It's from a book?" offered Hermione.

Narcissa's brows furrowed as she struggled to complete her though. Her eyes went to the window again before turning back to Hermione, remembering herself. "It's no wonder your mother sent you to see me, sit up straight. The table is for eating, not lounging."

Hermione sat up and pulled her arms back so that only her wrists lay on the table. Draco had told her pureblood girls went to his mother for etiquette training. She quickly tried to think back to all the corrections Draco gave her and silently cursed herself for always ignoring them.

"You are very pretty," said Narcissa flatly, and Hermione could tell she was already being tested.

"You flatter me, Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione recited.

Narcissa gave an approving nod. "You said Draco let you in. How do you know my son? I'd have to say you are eighteen."

"Nineteen," Hermione corrected with a nod. "Draco and I attended Hogwarts together."

"Draco is only in his third year," Narcissa continued, skeptically.

Hermione tried to hide her expression. Both the anxiety and sadness would be difficult to explain. She was not sure if it would be better or worse if Narcissa regained the years she appeared to have lost.

"He is the sole heir to the Malfoy family, along with the Noble House of Black. Everyone knows him." Narcissa didn't smile, but a small beam of pride escaped from behind her eyes. "Has he been around lately?"

"No... He said he wouldn't be able to come here anymore. Not now that he must…" Narcissa trailed off, eyes growing in confusion before she shook her head and looked back up at her. "Let's begin. I assume you were taught how to properly set a table?"

Hermione nodded and took the cutlery in her hands. Struggling to remember how Draco or Neddy would set it up for them each evening.

"You're coming with us," Arthur said to Hermione and Ron as he walked past.

They followed immediately. "Where to?"

"Post Oxford," Arthur said.

This would be the first Order safe house Hermione would visit other than Potter house. They got to the apparation sight, and Arthur pulled out a portkey that quickly had them spinning away.

Post Oxford was little more than a shack on the outside of the city. Once they walked inside, the rooms still appeared historic, but well intact with quality furnishing. A quick charm revealed that there was no one else inside the house. The sitting room Arthur led them into was small and they all funnel in. McGonagall checked the room and casted a few more privacy charms before giving Arthur a nod. Hermione took a seat on the couch between Anthony and Ron, leaving the chairs open for the others.

"What were you thinking?! Taking Hermione into a raid!" Arthur said to Ron, shaking his head. "After everything we've done to stay compliant. You break his number one condition."

"The raid came to us. You expect me to send her away?" Ron snapped back.

"That is exactly what you should have done!"

"Arthur," McGonagall warned. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves before we've assessed the situation."

"You are already so far ahead of yourself, Professor, that you've circled around the arse end," A familiar voice drawled from the entryway and Hermione turned to see Blaise and Theo walking in.

"Mind your tongue, Mr. Zabini," McGonagall snapped back.

"If this is the welcome the Order is giving to people offering aid, then it is no wonder you are losing," Theo added.

"What are they doing here?" Ron interjected.

"Apparently, you're too thick to follow simple instructions. So, Malfoy has entrusted us to assist you." Zabini snarked before walking in and taking a seat. Theo sitting in the chair next to him.

"Can we trust them?" Arthur asked, looking directly at Hermione. She had the most knowledge of anyone associated with Voldemort.

Theo snorted and hissed under his breath. " Unbelievable ."

"Yes," Hermione answered confidently. She had never revealed their involvement to anyone, but Theo didn't seem to believe that. "Neither of them are loyal followers to the Dark Lord."

"What do you know about loyalty?" Theo snapped again. Blaise subtly cleared his throat, and Theo replaced his arrogant mask. "Or about the Dark Lord, for that matter."

"I think those of us here can skip the pretenses and acknowledge Hermione had been working with Draco Malfoy. That is why you are here after all," Arthur said.

Both boys tensed, and Hermione saw the discomfort on both their faces as the vow was slightly triggered. The boys still not allowed to discuss Hermione's existence in the Manor. "We don't know anything about that."

"Is Draco coming?" Hermione asked, both to deflect and because she couldn't hold back any longer. Pretending like she didn't know and miss them terribly was already too hard to hide.

"Malfoy can hardly leave the Dark Lord's side, but he will have insight on all the most loyal members that he'll pass to us. Nott and I are trying to get in with the followers who were conspiring with Cyrus and Dolohov, now that they have been confirmed deceased," Blaise said.

"Shame. Couldn't have happened nicer guys," Anthony muttered sarcastically to Hermione, who huffed a small laugh in agreement.

"Shut the fuck up, Goldstein," Theo spat. He looked between him and Hermione and then to the other side where Ron sat before turning towards the McGonagall. The disdain undeniable on his face. "Sorry, habit. Goldstein wasn't much with respect to rank on our side. No wonder he and his friends had it out for us. Now that I think of it, there haven't been any attempts on our lives since he left."

"Anything that happened in the past will stay there. From here on out, we must trust each other if we're to start working together," McGonagall insisted. "Malfoy swore you both were worth trusting."

"Of course, we're all friends here," Blaise said with a sardonic smile. "Some advice from one friend to another. You violate our conditions again, and you'll wish your past attempts to harm us were successful."

"I'm not sitting on my arse while there is a war to fight," Hermione argued.

"Why don't you find a bloke to sit on. You seem like you'd be good at that," Theo said, coldly.

"Let's keep one thing clear," Blaise said sharply, and Theo snapped his mouth shut and leaned back into his chair. "Granger is not to be put in danger."

"No," Hermione countered. "If Malfoy has a problem with me participating in the war, then he can come here and tell me himself."

"I'm sure he'll be glad to see you happy with your real friends," Theo said through a cruel smile.

"We haven't time," Blaise said, pulling out a few scrolls. "Mrs. Weasley, you'll know how to read these."

Molly nodded and took the scrolls from Blaise. Both he and Theo rose, already fixing to leave after they had only just gotten there.

"We'll deliver what we can, but don't call upon us unless it is essential. There are eyes everywhere," Blaise said walking towards the door.

"Ms. Granger!" McGonagall called but it was too late.

Hermione was trailing after them as they left the room. When she finally caught up, they were finally out of eye and earshot of the others.

"Theo," Hermione pleaded, grabbing onto the sleeve of his robe.

Her hand burned as he ripped it out of her grip and kept walking. Arthur appeared, and Blaise took a step closer behind her, looking over her shoulder.

"Alright, Hermione?" Arthur asked, staring daggers at Blaise.

"Come on, Weasley. We're just getting to know each other," Blaise said with a sly grin. He leaned closer to Hermione until she could feel his breath on her ear. At the same time, she felt something small and soft against her palm, and she closed her fist to conceal it. "I look forward to getting to know you better, Golden Girl."

Blaise chuckled to himself as he walked away, and Hermione could see the annoyance on Arthur's face.

"McGonagall has questions. Ready to head back in?" he asked her gently.

Hermione nodded. "Yeah, just a moment."

Arthur left back into the sitting room, and Hermione waited until he was out of sight before opening her hand. In her palm was a single rose petal, already wilting and warm from her grip. Hermione closed her fist around it again holding it tightly to her chest, and it felt like magic.

The moon was bright through her window, providing enough light that Hermione didn't need to use a candle. The wards had not alerted her of a visitor since she left the Manor and one night, she decided to watch the Manor map to see if anyone passed by their rooms. It started a terrible habit of Hermione watching the map all night, waiting for certain footprints to appear.

Draco hadn't slept in their bed a single night. There were times he briefly walked their rooms in the middle of the night, only to do it again in the early morning. During the darker nights, Hermione was starting to dread that Draco was waiting for his suite to be cleansed of her completely before returning.

The stars taunted her. A constellation that used to keep her company while Draco was away now reminded her that she lost him. There was so much of Draco that was only for her, and now he was out there for anyone other than her to see.

"Alright, come on," Parvati said

Hermione turned from where she sat by the window to see her standing in the doorway.

"What the hell?! It's the middle of the night?" Hermione snapped.

"Yet, you're not sleeping. Again," Parvati said. "You're dead on your feet all day."

"I'm fine," said Hermione weakly.

"Mhm. Come on," Parvati said again, taking a step back. "Quickly, before we wake the whole floor."

Hermione closed the map and levitated it to her bedside table before following her old dorm mate into the hall. She led her down a corridor into another bedroom, nearly identical to the one she was staying in.

The difference was that in addition to the full-sized back in the center, where Hermione had a small sitting area, Parvati had another bed. This one was a replica of what they had in the dorms in Gryffindor, down to the red and gold curtains. Even her full-sized bed had Gryffindor drapes added to it.

Parvati went straight for the full bed and climbed in. "I transfigured it exactly like ours at school. I know you had Lavender to your right, but just close that side."

Hermione felt another wound to her pride. "I'm not a child."

"I had the same problem after Padma died. We'd shared a room our whole lives until we got sorted into separate houses, and even then, we had each other in our dorm," Parvati confessed. "Ginny and I shared a room when we first got here. It helps."

Hermione walked over to the transfigured bed and laid down, even if just to listen to her speak. She closed the curtains on the left but kept the one on Parvati's side open.

"I'm so sorry about Padma," Hermione said, looking at the closed curtains. "And Lavender."

"And Harry," Parvati added. "Katie."

"Fred," croaked Hermione.

"Creevey."

"Tonks."

"Professor Lupin."

"Sirius."

"Dumbledore."

They kept going back and forth, more time between each name as the list got longer.

Neddy, Goyle, Daphne, Hermione mouthed to herself. She wasn't allowed to speak them yet, but one day their names would be remembered along with the others.

"Not you… anymore," Parvati said, and Hermione met her eyes. "I thought you had, and they were lying to us."

Hermione felt the warmth of her tears slide down her face as they seeped into the pillow.

"Not you," Hermione echoed back.

"Not us," Parvati said, full of the Gryffindor bravery and pride Hermione didn't realize she'd been missing.

Parvati fell silent as she drifted off into sleep. Hermione turned to her side, looking in her direction. Parvati's lips always parted when she slept, and her hair was just as long and shiny as it was in school, neatly plaited. Even the rise and fall of her chest beneath the blanket pulled up to her chin felt familiar.

Hermione reached out and fiddled with a golden tassel on her curtains, just like she did growing up at Hogwarts. Between the soft threads in her fingers, and the familiar sight of her dorm mate sleeping, she finally drifted off into sleep.