"I can't believe we're N.E.W.T. students," Hermione said, glancing around their compartment on the Hogwarts Express, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

James grinned, slumping back into his seat with a casual air. "Feels like just yesterday we were sneaking around the castle as clueless little third-years. Now look at us—practically experts in everything important."

"'Everything important' meaning Quidditch, I presume?" Remus interjected with a smirk.

"Oi, I'll have you know, I'm in all the most challenging subjects," James shot back, laughing. "Sirius and I have got Transfiguration, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Potions lined up. We're aiming for top scores in all of them."

"Speak for yourself," Sirius added with a grin. "I'm just hoping for high marks in enough subjects to keep McGonagall from ever suggesting a 'more responsible attitude' again."

Remus chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I didn't make it into N.E.W.T. Potions, but honestly, I'm relieved. Those fumes always gave me a headache. I've got Ancient Runes instead."

"Excellent choice, Moony," Sirius said, nodding approvingly. "Those Runes are practically ancient magic. None of that boring stirring and chopping. Who knows, maybe you'll unlock some ancient prophecy by the end of the year."

Peter, who had been listening with a somewhat resigned expression, cleared his throat. "I'm in Transfiguration, Charms, and DADA, too. But, well… I didn't exactly make the cut for Herbology or Potions."

Sirius gave him a sly smile. "So, what's on your schedule, Wormtail? Advanced Sleeping-in-Until-Noon?"

Peter rolled his eyes but grinned. "Not quite. I'll be doing Care of Magical Creatures and Divination. More my style."

Sirius let out a bark of laughter. "Oh, brilliant. That means you'll be trying to 'divine' the future while trying not to be mauled by whatever creature Kettleburn digs up."

Peter shrugged, a good-natured grin on his face. "At least it's something different," he said defensively, but the smile betrayed his amusement.

They all turned to Hermione, who seemed to be trying not to smirk as she waited for their reactions. When she didn't say anything right away, James raised an eyebrow. "Well, go on then. What's your lineup, Hermione?"

Hermione cleared her throat, slightly embarrassed, before rattling off her list. "I'll be taking Transfiguration, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy. And… I'll probably do self-study and sit the N.E.W.T. exams for Muggle Studies and History of Magic too."

The compartment fell silent as the boys stared at her, jaws dropping one by one. Sirius was the first to break the silence.

"Seven classes?" he repeated, looking at her like she was mad. "And you're self-studying two more? Hermione, have you officially gone round the twist?"

Hermione just shrugged, determined not to let their reactions faze her. "I don't see the point in not going for it. I can handle it."

Sirius shook his head in disbelief. "Seven N.E.W.T.s and two more for good measure. Why not throw in the whole lot and go for Astrology and Care of Magical Creatures while you're at it?"

She smiled patiently. "Because I don't see the point in taking subjects that don't interest me."

Sirius leaned back, crossing his arms with a grin. "But you see the point in a History of Magic N.E.W.T.?"

Hermione sighed. "Not if I have to sit through Binns' lectures, no. Hence the self-study."

"Fair enough," James chimed in, an amused look on his face. "But what about Muggle Studies? You're as Muggleborn as they come. Why bother?"

She glanced down at her hands for a moment before answering thoughtfully. "Because I think the whole subject needs an overhaul. It's full of outdated stereotypes, and most students—most wizards, really—don't actually understand Muggle culture. But no one's going to take me seriously if I don't have the N.E.W.T. to back it up, so… there you go."

James leaned forward, clearly impressed. "So you're planning to change the curriculum?"

Hermione shrugged again, though a small, determined smile tugged at her lips. "Someone has to. Besides, I'd like to make sure that future students don't grow up with the same misconceptions about Muggles."

Sirius tilted his head, giving her an appraising look. "Well, I suppose if anyone's going to turn Hogwarts on its head, it'll be you, Kitten."

She rolled her eyes, though a hint of pride shone through. "I'm just doing what I think is right."

Remus smiled, clearly impressed. "And I'm sure you'll do brilliantly in all of them."

James grinned, leaning forward with an exaggerated pout. "Gonna have any time for me in that schedule of yours, love?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, but a smile crept onto her face as she reached out to squeeze his hand. "Oh, don't worry. I think I can carve out a minute or two for my overgrown Quidditch-obsessed boyfriend."

Sirius snorted, feigning outrage. "A minute or two? Honestly, James, the sacrifices you make for love. Though, to be fair, I don't know how you'll compete with Charms and Arithmancy, her two true loves."

James threw him a mock glare. "Oh, shut it, Padfoot. Unlike some people, I don't need every waking moment dedicated to grand acts of romance and drama. I can be subtle."

"Subtle? You?" Remus quipped, eyebrows raised.

James smirked, leaning back. "Hey, I can be subtle when I want to be."

"Right," Hermione said, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "This from the boy who hovered outside my window on Valentine's Day with a floating banner for all of Gryffindor Tower to see."

"Ah, but you loved it," James replied with a wink.

She laughed, shaking her head. "I did. And somehow, I don't think you'd be quite the same if you were subtle."

Sirius looked between the two of them, grinning. "Honestly, Kitten, I don't know how you're going to keep up with both James and your ten million subjects. You're in for a wild year."

Hermione shrugged, though her cheeks pinkened. "It wouldn't be Hogwarts if it weren't a little wild, would it?"

"Well, just don't forget to let us in on your adventures," Remus said with a smile. "Between James's 'grand acts of romance' and your study schedule, we'll be lucky to see you both."

"Oh, don't worry," Hermione said, leaning her head against James's shoulder. "I think we'll all be in for enough Marauder-style chaos to go around."

The boys exchanged gleeful looks, and James wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer with a grin. "That's the spirit, Kitten. Here's to our last two years at Hogwarts—books, Quidditch, and all."

As the train sped toward Hogwarts, their laughter filled the compartment, the camaraderie and excitement for the year ahead solidifying the bond they all shared.

The Great Hall buzzed with excitement as students settled in for the Welcoming Feast. Hermione took her seat at the Gryffindor table, flanked by James on one side and, to her delight, Lily on the other. The two girls exchanged warm smiles, quickly diving into conversation about O.W.L. results, comparing summer highlights, and catching up after the break.

"Honestly, I was so nervous about Potions," Lily admitted, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "But somehow, I scraped an Outstanding even without... you know. Mum nearly fainted when she read the letter. Nine in total."

Hermione beamed. "That's amazing, Lily! And well-deserved. Potions is no joke."

Lily grinned back. "Thanks, Hermione. I've been dying to tell you about my summer too—though, to be honest, some of it was... not so wonderful."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh?"

Lily let out a small sigh. "My sister's new boyfriend, Vernon Dursley. He's… awful, really. Petunia insists he's perfect, but he's rude, loud, and completely intolerant of anything remotely unusual. I think he's only encouraging her to despise magic more."

Hermione felt James stiffen beside her, his hand tightening around hers under the table. She could sense the silent tension building in him, though he kept his expression neutral.

"He sounds dreadful," Hermione murmured sympathetically, giving James's hand a gentle squeeze in return. She could feel his barely contained anger, his muscles tense against her as he listened to Lily's description of Vernon—the future abuser of his son in an alternate timeline. It took every ounce of her own control to stay calm, but she knew James must be feeling it far worse.

Lily, ever observant, glanced over at James, who seemed slightly too quiet, his gaze fixed on the table. "Potter? Everything okay?" she asked, concerned.

James snapped his gaze up, forcing a smile that was only half-convincing. "Oh, yeah—just starving, that's all." He let out a small, nervous chuckle before turning toward Remus, clearly seeking a way to refocus his attention. "Moony, got any bets on what dessert they'll serve tonight?" he asked, grasping for a lighter topic.

Remus raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing James's deflection but willing to play along. "I'm thinking treacle tart. Though, if it's that custard, I'll pass. Tastes like it's been sitting in Filch's cupboard for a month."

James laughed, but his hand remained tense around Hermione's, his thumb absently tracing circles on her knuckles as he made an effort to keep himself calm. Hermione's heart ached for him, knowing how difficult it must have been to hear even the smallest mention of Vernon Dursley without wanting to lash out. She gave his hand another gentle squeeze, silently letting him know she was there, sharing in his pain and anger.

Lily, though slightly puzzled, turned back to Hermione, her attention shifting back to lighter things as they speculated about classes, teachers, and Gryffindor's Quidditch chances for the year. Meanwhile, James continued his conversation with Remus, who met his gaze with a look of understanding, though he tactfully didn't bring up whatever had clearly unsettled James.

The first-year students entered the Hall for the Sorting, and as the evening progressed, James managed to relax, his hand loosening around Hermione's. But every so often, he cast a glance at her, his expression a mixture of gratitude and determination. Hermione met his gaze each time with a steady look, a silent promise that they'd face whatever challenges came together.

And as the food magically appeared on the tables, filling the Hall with a warmth and comfort only Hogwarts could offer, Hermione felt a surge of hope that, despite everything, they had the strength and support to forge a better future.

The next morning, Hermione was halfway through her breakfast when a regal-looking owl swooped down, landing right in front of her with an envelope bearing the Hogwarts seal. She took it, curious, and unfolded the parchment to see Professor Slughorn's flowing handwriting.

"It's an invitation," she murmured, eyebrows raised as she read the details. "'To a small, intimate soirée' tonight." She looked up, bemused, her eyes meeting James's across the table.

James blinked at her, clearly confused. "Wait, a Professor is inviting students to some kind of party? Since when does that happen?"

Sirius, who had been slathering marmalade onto a slice of toast, looked up and shuddered. "Ugh. Slughorn's at it again. He's been trying to collect me for years, you know. I refused, of course, but he snagged Regulus the minute he got the chance."

Hermione's curiosity grew. "Collect?"

"Oh, he's got this club," Sirius explained, disdain lacing his voice. "The Slug Club. It's like a little circle of students he deems worthy, usually based on bloodlines, academic success, or connections he finds… useful."

James raised an eyebrow, looking torn between amusement and shock. "A whole secret society at Hogwarts, and I didn't know about it? I feel oddly offended."

Lily, who had been listening in from across the table, piped up. "It's not that secret, James. And it's not all bad. I'm part of it too."

"You are?" James asked, astonished, his gaze shifting to her. "Lily, I had no idea you'd joined Slughorn's little circle."

Lily shrugged, giving him a small smile. "Well, it's a chance to meet other students and professors, and he does throw nice events. It's not as sinister as Sirius is making it out to be." She cast Sirius a playful look. "Just because he's fond of collecting connections doesn't mean he's always doing it for selfish reasons. He likes bringing people together, that's all."

"Sounds very Slytherin to me," Sirius muttered darkly, stirring his pumpkin juice. "All slimy and full of ulterior motives."

Hermione glanced between them, intrigued by the differing opinions. "Well, I think I'll go," she said decisively, tucking the invitation into her bag. "Might be interesting to see what it's all about."

James looked at her, a grin tugging at his lips. "Really, Kitten? Going to join the 'Slug Club' and rub elbows with all the connected students?"

Hermione laughed. "Oh, don't worry. I'll be sure to bring back detailed accounts of all the high-society gossip for you lot. Besides, if Lily's going, it can't be all bad."

Lily gave her a grateful smile. "I'll be there. And trust me, there's no secret initiation or anything. It's just Slughorn's way of socialising."

Sirius rolled his eyes dramatically, looking between James and Hermione. "Well, have fun at your little gathering of snobs, Kitten. If you start coming back with some Slytherin drawl, I'll know Slughorn's indoctrinated you."

Hermione chuckled, ignoring his teasing. "I think I'll survive, Sirius."

As breakfast ended, she tucked the invitation away, feeling a strange sense of excitement mixed with trepidation. She wasn't sure what to expect from this exclusive group, but it was another piece of Hogwarts she hadn't yet explored. And even if it was as "Slytherin and slimy" as Sirius claimed, it was worth a look.

The Slug Club dinner was arranged around a single, grand round table, adorned with elegant candelabras and enchanted flowers that shimmered softly in the candlelight. Hermione found herself seated beside Professor Slughorn, who had made a point of placing her at his right side for her first appearance at one of his soirées. She quickly realised that this prime seat wasn't just a gesture of hospitality—Slughorn wanted to show her off to the others as his newest "discovery."

After a particularly lively toast to "promising young minds," Slughorn turned to her with a proud, almost fatherly smile. "Miss Prewett, I must say, I am thrilled to have another scholar of your calibre joining us. Eleven Outstandings—why, in all my years here, I've only seen one other student perform at that level."

Hermione, though uncomfortable with the attention, managed a modest smile. "Thank you, Professor. That's kind of you to say."

Slughorn leaned in, as if to share a treasured secret with her. "A remarkable young man, he was. Tom Riddle. Brilliant, just like you. Eleven Outstandings, though he took Divination instead of Muggle Studies. Extraordinary talent."

Feigning interest, Hermione tilted her head thoughtfully. "Really? Tom Riddle… I don't think I've heard of him before. Was he in Ravenclaw?"

"Oh no, no," Slughorn chuckled, his eyes twinkling with pride. "He was a Slytherin, one of my own. An extraordinary talent with a bright future."

Hermione tilted her head thoughtfully, as if she were mulling over this information. "I wonder if I could get in touch with him. It would be fascinating to discuss such academic pursuits with someone like that."

Slughorn's expression flickered, a shadow crossing his features. "Ah… well, that won't be possible, I'm afraid. Young Tom has… vanished from public life, shall we say, shortly after graduation." His voice lowered slightly, and Hermione could sense he was aware of far more than he was letting on. "Such a loss."

Hermione nodded, sensing the subject with Slughorn was closed. After a polite round of introductions, she caught Lily's eye down the table. Lily waved her over with a knowing grin, and Hermione slipped into the seat beside her friend, grateful to have a familiar face nearby.

Lily leaned in with a mischievous look. "So, Hermione… how was your summer with James?"

Hermione felt her cheeks warm slightly but managed a grin. "Oh, it was wonderful, actually. We spent a lot of time at his place—his mum is just lovely, and they've taken in Sirius too. So it was… eventful."

Lily snickered, giving Hermione a knowing nudge. "Eventful, huh? And was he a proper gentleman, or…?"

Hermione laughed, trying to play it off casually. "He was… himself, mostly. Sweet, a bit dramatic sometimes, but… he's grown up a lot."

Lily raised an eyebrow, clearly relishing every bit of this. "Right, but just you two, all that alone time… so, where are we at with this whole thing? Just kissing, or did things get a bit more… intense?"

Hermione's blush deepened, though she couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes with a smile. "Lily! You sound exactly like Sirius! Since when did you become such a gossip? And about James, of all people? I thought you hated him."

"Hate's a strong word," Lily said with a shrug. "And besides, he's actually stopped most of his obnoxious antics last year. I guess I'm just… curious about the James you keep talking about."

The comment threw Hermione off-guard. She hesitated, uncertain if there was a hint of something else in Lily's tone. Was Lily starting to take an interest in James?

"Well… he's very attentive," Hermione said carefully, choosing her words. "Honestly, he's a wonderful boyfriend, if that's what you're curious about."

Lily's smile softened, and she gave Hermione's hand a quick squeeze. "I'm glad he makes you happy. You deserve it, Hermione. And… it's good to see that nothing's changed, even after what Severus revealed to the whole school."

Hermione felt a pang of discomfort at the mention of the incident but managed a small smile. "Well, James already knew. It was our conversation that Snape had overheard in the Three Broomsticks."

Lily's eyebrows shot up. "Oh… okay." She fell silent for a moment, processing the revelation that James had already known about Hermione's background. After a moment, her expression softened, and she gave Hermione an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry Severus did that. He… he's not the same person I once knew."

Hermione reached for her goblet, mulling over Lily's words. "Did he… try to apologise to you, at least?"

Lily's lips pressed into a thin line, her expression darkening slightly. "He tried. Right after the incident. But I didn't want to hear a word of it." She let out a quiet sigh, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the tablecloth. "I'm not sure if he even realised just how… deep the damage went. But no, I didn't listen. He made his choice a long time ago."

Hermione studied Lily's expression, feeling a pang of sympathy. She'd known the rift between Lily and Snape ran deep, but this was the first time she'd heard Lily speak about it so openly. "What choice are you talking about?"

Lily sighed, glancing away as if gathering her thoughts. "I… gave him an ultimatum at the end of fourth year. Told him he'd have to choose: either he could stick with those Slytherins, always sneering about Muggleborns, or… he could be my friend. I thought… I thought he'd understand."

There was a brief silence, then Lily shook her head, a hint of bitterness creeping into her voice. "But he didn't. Or he couldn't. Either way, that was his answer. And I'm done making excuses for him."

Hermione placed a gentle hand on Lily's, squeezing it in quiet support. "I'm sorry, Lily. I know it's complicated. He wasn't just any friend to you."

Lily gave her a sad smile, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "No, he wasn't. But I don't know that person anymore, Hermione. I see him in the corridors, see that… that obsession with the Dark Arts and his new friends. It's like he's transformed into someone I can't recognise." She let out a shaky breath, her voice quieter. "It's hard to realise someone you thought would always be there… isn't."

Hermione's heart went out to her. She could hear the regret and hurt in Lily's voice, even if she was determined to stay strong. "You did what you had to. Standing up for yourself isn't easy, especially when it's someone you care about."

Lily gave her a grateful look. "Thanks, Hermione. Really." She paused, then added, with a wistful smile, "It's funny—when I first met Severus, I thought he was the one person who'd always understand me. But now… well, maybe I was wrong all along."

They sat in quiet companionship for a moment, the din of the Slug Club dinner fading into the background. Hermione knew the pain of letting go of someone you thought would always be there. It was hard to say goodbye, to recognise the shift that sometimes felt inevitable.

"Just remember," Hermione said, offering a gentle smile, "you don't have to explain yourself to anyone. Least of all him."

Lily smiled back, her eyes misting slightly. "Thanks, Hermione. I think… I think I really needed to hear that."

Hermione looked around, noting the different faces and families Slughorn had "collected"—mostly children of influence, or promising talent he wanted to keep in his sphere.

Her gaze drifted to the far side of the table, where she noticed Regulus Black sitting alone, nursing a glass of wine and glancing around as if he would rather be anywhere else. His posture was poised, almost aristocratic, but there was a flicker of discomfort in his expression. No one seemed to be engaging with him, and he made no effort to initiate conversation himself.

After excusing herself from Lily, Hermione made her way over to him, deciding to give him an opening. She approached with a polite nod. "Mr Black," she greeted, adopting the formal tone she thought he'd be most comfortable with.

Regulus looked up, his gaze sharpening as he registered her presence. For a moment, his practised mask of pureblood indifference wavered, and he offered a small nod in return. "Miss Prewett," he replied smoothly, though there was a faint note of curiosity in his tone as he stood up to properly greet her.

They stood in an awkward silence, and Hermione watched him as he took a sip of wine, his gaze dropping to the tablecloth as if lost in thought. She could see that, despite his outward poise, he was uneasy here.

She hesitated before speaking, carefully choosing her words. "I don't suppose Professor Slughorn gave you much of a choice in being here tonight?"

Regulus's lips quirked slightly, a hint of a genuine smile breaking through. "It's difficult to say no to a man as persistent as Professor Slughorn, especially when he's your Head of House," he admitted, his voice low. He glanced around the room, his eyes lingering on a few of the more animated guests before turning back to Hermione. "He seems… fond of collecting people."

Hermione nodded, recognizing the calculated warmth in Slughorn's interactions. "Yes, that's one way of putting it. He does love his circles of 'promising' students."

Regulus gave a short, humourless chuckle. "A well-curated collection of useful people," he murmured. The bitterness in his voice was almost masked by the practised neutrality of his expression. Yet beneath the surface, Hermione sensed a deep discomfort, like someone trying to fit into a role that didn't quite suit them.

A pause settled between them, and then, in a tone barely above a whisper, Regulus asked, "Is… my brother well?"

The question caught Hermione off guard. For a moment, she saw something raw and vulnerable in his expression—a stark contrast to the usual cool reserve he maintained. She quickly masked her surprise and offered him a gentle smile. "Yes, he's doing okay. Much happier now, I think… being away," she added delicately. "You know how he is."

Regulus nodded, though his expression faltered slightly, a brief flicker of relief followed by something else—something almost like envy. His gaze drifted over the bustling room, where Slytherins mingled with Slughorn's other carefully selected "contacts." For a moment, Hermione wondered if he wished he could do the same as Sirius. Just leave. Just run away from it all.

Noticing this, Hermione hesitated before speaking again. "Do you… do you want me to give him a message from you?"

Regulus's eyes snapped back to her, his guarded expression shifting to one of genuine surprise. "No," he said quickly, as if he'd been caught off guard by the offer. His shoulders stiffened, and the polite mask fell back into place. "That won't be necessary."

Hermione nodded, respecting his decision, but she couldn't quite ignore the longing that had flickered across his face. "If you ever change your mind," she said quietly, "you know where to find me."

Regulus glanced away, jaw tightening as if struggling with some inner conflict. After a moment, he muttered, "It's… complicated. Sirius and I… we don't see things the same way. Not anymore."

Hermione studied him, sensing there was more beneath the surface than he was willing to share. "I understand. Families… they can be complicated." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "But for what it's worth, I think he'd be glad to hear you care."

Regulus's gaze softened, and for a moment, his mask slipped, revealing a glimpse of a younger brother grappling with loyalty and the weight of his family's expectations. "Thank you, Miss Prewett," he murmured, his voice almost too quiet to hear. "But it wouldn't change anything."

She gave him a small, understanding nod, respecting his need to keep certain things unsaid. "All right," she replied gently. "But the offer's always there."

Regulus gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, then raised his glass in a polite farewell gesture before turning away, retreating back into the crowd. As she watched him disappear into the bustling room, Hermione couldn't shake the feeling that behind his carefully constructed walls was a young man struggling with choices he couldn't fully make, with a life and fate that had been dictated long before he'd ever had a say.

When Hermione and Lily finally made it back to the Gryffindor common room, Hermione wasn't expecting to find James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter all still awake, sprawled around the fire as though they'd been waiting just for her.

"Ah, Lilyflower, did you keep our little Kitten out of trouble?" Sirius asked, a playful smirk on his face.

Lily blinked, thrown off by the nickname. In all the years of James's relentless pursuit, she'd only ever been "Evans" to them, except to Remus, who'd started consistently calling her by her first name from the beginning of fifth year, likely because of their shared Prefect duties. But "Lilyflower" from Sirius? It was unexpected, especially after everything that had happened at the lake at the end of last year.

She glanced at him, not entirely sure how to respond but eventually settling on a quip. "There was no trouble to keep her from." She managed a wry smile. "Goodnight to you all." With that, she turned, heading briskly to the girls' dormitories.

Hermione watched her go, then glanced at Sirius with a raised eyebrow. "What are you doing, Sirius?"

He shrugged, looking nonchalant. "Adopting another stray, I suppose."

Hermione's brow furrowed, curiosity piqued. "Is this about Snape and Lily falling out?"

Sirius shrugged again, trying to mask the hint of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Maybe," he said, sounding nonchalant. But Hermione could see the glint in his eyes—a mischievous spark, as if he was secretly pleased with himself for "rescuing" Lily from Snape's influence, even if he'd never admit it.

"Feeling rather chuffed about it, are you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sirius's grin widened a fraction. "What, me? Proud of leading another poor soul out of a Slytherin's grasp?" He gave a mock sigh of relief, his eyes gleaming. "Well, if that's how Lily finally saw the light, who am I to complain?"

Hermione couldn't help but laugh. She watched him, noticing how this playful side emerged whenever he let himself be vulnerable. But his posture changed as she leaned in, her tone softening.

"Your brother was asking about you tonight," she ventured, since he seemed to be in such a good mood.

Sirius's smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of surprise. He looked at her, half-disbelieving, though there was a pleased glint that didn't quite reach his lips. "Reggie, huh? So he's still minding the family honour, checking up on his disgrace of a brother?"

Hermione shook her head. "Not exactly. He… well, he wanted to know if you're okay."

Sirius stilled, and for a brief second, he looked genuinely caught off guard. His grin faded into something softer, a conflicted mix of pride and bitterness. "That so?"

Hermione nodded. "And I think… he wishes he could have left with you. I could see it in his face."

Sirius scoffed, though his expression was pained. "Yeah, right. He's a mama's boy through and through."

"Or maybe," Hermione said gently, "it's a survival mechanism for him."

Sirius narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms defensively. "Well, then he should grow a pair."

Hermione's gaze softened, feeling a pang of sympathy for both brothers. "Or you know, you could help him. He cares about you, Sirius. Maybe he just doesn't know how to say it."

Sirius's jaw tightened, a mix of anger and hurt in his eyes. "Don't get in the middle of something you don't understand," he bit out, before standing up abruptly and heading for the boys' dormitory stairs.

Remus, who had been sitting quietly, gave Hermione a sympathetic look, then sighed and rose to follow, hoping to calm his boyfriend down. He paused just long enough to murmur, "It'll be all right," before heading up after Sirius.

As the common room settled into silence, James turned to Hermione, his expression both concerned and a little frustrated. "Was that really necessary?" he asked softly. "He's just starting to get past being a complete moody mess about his family."

Hermione sighed, shoulders slumping. "I know. You're right. I'm sorry."

Peter, who'd been quiet until now, piped up, surprising them both. "For what it's worth, I think Padfoot will appreciate that you told him… once he calms down a bit."

Hermione looked over at Peter, caught off guard by his insight. It reminded her that, even though she knew what he would eventually become, he was still just Peter right now, her friend. Forcing herself to set aside her own mixed feelings, she managed a small smile. "Thanks, Pete. Want to go up and check on him?"

Peter made a face. "Ugh, no thanks. Those two will be glued together at the mouth for the next twenty minutes, at least." He turned to James. "Can I borrow the Cloak? I'd rather hit the kitchens than play third wheel to either of you."

"Sure," James said, reaching into his bag beside him and pulling out the Invisibility Cloak. He'd been carrying it everywhere lately, always ready for a late-night adventure. Once Peter had slipped away, he turned back to Hermione, his eyes gleaming with curiosity as he leaned closer.

Hermione took a quick glance around, then cast a Muffliato to keep their conversation private. "I found out something else tonight."

"Oh?" James asked, leaning in, his expression lighting up with interest.

"Slughorn taught Tom Riddle, he had been his head of house," Hermione said quietly. "I'd bet every Galleon I have that he knows Riddle became Voldemort."

James's eyes widened. "How do you know?"

"It's just a hunch," she admitted, "but he compared me to Riddle academically, said I reminded him of a student he once had with eleven Outstandings. And when I tried to get him to put me in contact with him, he got uncomfortable. Said it wouldn't be possible, but it was the way he said it, like he knew exactly what had happened to him—and he wasn't proud of it."

James looked thoughtful, processing this information. "Interesting. So Slughorn might know more about Voldemort's beginnings than he lets on. Do you think there's a way we could… needle some more information out of him?"

Hermione chewed her lip, thinking. "The direct approach won't work, that's for sure. He's careful—probably wouldn't let anything slip too easily."

James's eyes sparkled with excitement as a grin spread across his face. "Sounds like a true Marauder mission. We'll find a way to get him talking. One way or another."

Hermione laughed softly, the thrill of planning something so daring alongside him filling her with anticipation. "You know," she said, shaking her head with a fond smile, "I never thought I'd say this, but this really feels like my time with Harry."

James looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, just like it?" His grin turned playful as he leaned in, pressing a kiss to her lips.

She laughed against his mouth, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze. "No, actually, this is definitely different," she teased, her voice a low murmur.

James let out a chuckle, brushing a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "I would sure hope so. Wouldn't want to be in competition with my own son."

Hermione snickered, tracing her fingers lightly along his jaw. "Don't worry—there's definitely no competition here," she said, her voice softening as she leaned into him, her lips meeting his once more.

James's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer as they shared a lingering kiss, one filled with the kind of warmth and connection she'd never thought she'd find in this time. It wasn't just the thrill of their plans, or even the excitement of Hogwarts—it was them, building something together.

Pulling back just enough to catch her breath, Hermione met his gaze, feeling a warmth settle in her chest. "So," she said, grinning, "I think we're ready for a proper Marauder mission."

James raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming. "You ready to cause a bit of chaos, Miss Prewett?"

"Oh, absolutely, Mr Potter," she replied, and as they laughed, she knew she'd found her place here—right by his side, ready for whatever came next.