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Chapter Text

The war has been won, and yet everything in her feels like they lost.

There are too many dead, too many bodies litter the floor of their school, their home. And that is not all, she thinks of Sirius, Dumbledore, Mad Eye, all the people who didn't even make it to this battle.

The war had claimed many, too many, and she feels empty. As people sit sombrely, not even celebrating, as they mourn loved ones. As Ron sobs over the body of his brother, as the Malfoy's shiver in the corner without wands, as Pavarti wails over Lavender's body, as Dennis and Colin's parents sit comatose next to the bodies of their children. It is too much, too many dead, too much lost.

She slips out of the Great Hall, for the only thing worse than seeing the dead is hearing the sobbing of the mourners. She feels too numb to cry, and she knows tears will come, later, soon even, but for the moment she is too empty to produce tears.

So many lost … Fred, Remus, Tonks, Lavender, Colin, Dennis, so many gone. Tears trickle down her cheeks as she slips out but nothing more, the tears fall but no sound leaves her lips. The tears have started now, she wonders when she will start wailing. Soon? She's not sure.

She doesn't glance back as she walks outside, into the courtyard, to the bridge, where she sees him.

Of course, he slipped out, he couldn't stand to see those who'd died, probably blamed himself for their deaths. She knows he doesn't want to have to recount his story, be at the centre of attention when so many mourn. That's just Harry, always thinking of others, even when he was affected more than most.

He is the person who gave them victory, stepped into death as selflessly as he did everything else, and yet he sits alone, blaming himself, as empty as she is.

"Hey" Her voice is gentle, and he turns to smile at her, though it is a smile filled with pain. He sits on a small pile of rubble and she joins him.

Whereas she can't stand to be around anyone else with Harry it had always been different, it had always been easy and comfortable, it had always felt so right. She sits next to him, rests her head on his shoulder without a worry and she feels him rest his, as comfortable with her as she is him.

"I was about to ask if you're okay" She snorts then, and she can feel him smile into her hair. They sit for several minutes, just tucked together, Harry twirling the Elder Wand in his fingers, sat, quiet, comfortable, as comfortable as they can be with so much pain around them. Though being next to him makes it a little easier.

She loves Harry like no one else, they have a bond, a deep bond that she knows she'll never have with anyone else. Not Ron, with whom the kiss felt odd and she could see he felt the same, not anyone else. She has a deep connection with Harry, and she knows he feels the same with her. She wonders idly if they are soulmates, if such a thing exists, she's sure Harry is hers.

Before their horcrux hunt they, had been close, but after? After months in a tent just the two of them, dancing the pain away, holding one another at night for warmth and comfort, spending every minute together in determination and concert? Now they are as close as two people can be.

"We could leave" She offers, even though she knows he'll refuse. Harry is too good, too selfless to ever pick up and run when people need him. She feels him shake his head against her hair and it makes her smile, she knows her best friend well.

"We have to stay" Such innocuous words, not meaning anything more than the base meaning, and yet as Hermione considers it …

'We have to stay'

Did they?

It's a stupid idea really, one she had considered once, when her and Harry had shivered in a single camp bed, clinging together for warmth when Ron was gone. She had considered it once or twice when all hope seemed lost, when even Harry seemed to wane in his belief everything would be okay.

She knows others have considered it, it had just simply never been done, never could be done, and yet as she looks at Harry, her best friend, her soulmate if such a things exists, as she looks at him twirl the Elder Wand in hand she thinks … if anyone can do it…

She stands up and Harry looks at her, doesn't ask where she's going but to just looks. She holds out her hand for him and it warms her when he takes it without hesitation.

"Do you trust me?" She asks, even though she knows the answer, for if she had to put her life in anyone's hands, she knew Harry would see it safe, and she knows Harry would put his in hers, and she would defend it with everything she had.

"Of course," He responds, as though baffled she'd even ask, and she smiles.

"If there was a way, to go back, to stop all of this, to stop the battles, the war, Dumbledore, Sirius, Remus, Fred, everything, would you take it?"

For just a second Harry's brow furrows and he looks doubtful, not at if he would do it, she knows, but if it could be done but then he nods all the same.

"Absolutely" She nods and holds out her other hand for him, he hesitates to give her that look that she needs to explain because he feels he's missed something.

"Even if it meant we'd never see anyone we know again?" She asks, her voice has dropped to a whisper now, and she can feel the tears trickling down her cheeks, she can see them on his too as he understands, as it clicks.

"Yes" His voice is a whisper, and she gives a watery smile, of course he'd say yes, for the death of so many could be reversed … who wouldn't? She would, she'd join him, even if she doesn't have as much to gain, but then with Harry happy, she's happy, so maybe she does.

"Then take my hand" He does, without a second of hesitation now. "Repeat these words"

"Ad initium revertar" Her voice is a whisper again, but he catches it. He holds up his wand but pauses.

"Is it dangerous?" He asks then, the concern in his eyes is for her, not himself, selfless Harry who deserves so much more than life gave, and perhaps this would give it, perhaps this could give it.

"I don't know" She is honest, and she even laughs a little as she says it, "It's probably mad" At that Harry laughs a little too, and she thinks Ron would call them 'barmy'. At that she looks guiltily back at the Castle, and she can see Harry do the same when she turns back.

"He would" She says, "He shouldn't"

"No" Harry agrees, "He has stuff left to lose" Hermione nods, they are agreed, the third member of the trio, whom they love so much, who would drop it all to come with them on this mad quest, they can't ask him that, for he has a family here, he has loved ones. Harry's are dead, hers are as good as.

"Where did you find this?" He asks and she shrugs.

"In some book" She laughs again and so does he, "I don't even know if it works. The book said it needs an immense amount of power, it's never been tried"

"Ahh" He fingers the Elder Wand then and holds it aloft, "Well if this doesn't do it…"

"Exactly" She nods, so does Harry and then just a second passes between them, of understanding, of acceptance, that they'll do this, that they can do this, should do this, that this could fix all that had gone wrong.

"Okay" He clasps her hand hard, and she does the same, before a thought occurs to her.

"Wait" She steps forward, and Harry understands her immediately, they do that, they get each other like no one else does, he understands and wraps one arm around her waist, and she wrap hers around his neck, she does not want him going without her. "Okay, ready"

"Ready"

And then he's chanting, the words once, it doesn't work, so again, and again, he chants, ten or twelve times, and just as Hermione is about to step back, as his voice grows frustrated, as the tears slip down her cheeks again, on the 13th cast and swish of the wand they begin to glow.

"Oh god" She says, and she smiles in utter fear, and Harry does too, terrified and elated all at once, as they glow, gold, a brilliant gold, and Harry lowers his wand, wraps both arms around her waist, and curls into her, as she does him, as they hold onto one another, tightly, so tightly they almost become one, as the glow around them intensifies, brightens.

And then they are gone.

At least to the present students of Hogwarts, to the current they are very much present. Too present even as they appear with a thud, and a whip of air to land smack dab in the middle of the Great Hall of Hogwarts.

It is empty, dark, it must be night-time, and as she peers out the window, she can see it is, and yet this hall isn't broken and smashed like it should be. This hall doesn't have the pile of bodies, of those mourning, of the blood splashed on the walls.

She realises if it were daytime the hall would be full of students, the table fall. She glances to her left and see's the Gryffindor table, hell she can even make out a notch at the seat Ginny would usually sit at. All the same.

This hall is pristine, empty, the candles floating overhead not lit. The moon offers some light through the window, and Hermione lifts her wand, "Lumos" She hears Harry do the same, "Lumos".

"Did it work?" He asks and she shakes her head, she doesn't know, as they both come to stand, glance around, this room tells them nothing, except it must have worked in some way, this is the same hall but repaired, they must have gone back some, she's just not sure to when.

"When was it supposed to take us back to?" Harry asks, evidently on the same wavelength as her, which she appreciates, it can be tiring to constantly coming to the conclusions before everyone else, Harry is many things but slow is not one of them.

"To your start, your birth" She says with a nod, "I figured we could intervene somehow, stop him early, go from there" He nods then, and they take a step together as they hear the wind outside, it is eerie which hurts, Hogwarts has always felt like home, even in the middle of the war, she hopes that doesn't change now.

"Then why are we at Hogwarts" He asks, and she shrugs, before taking a step forward, Harry follows and he takes her hand, she smiles as she knots her fingers with his, they are in this together. For a second, she misses Ron, but it wouldn't have been fair to tell him what they intended to do, he would have come in a second, even though he had much more to lose, much more to sacrifice for this.

"I don't know" Harry shrugs then and they walk to the main doors, open which is odd, usually they shut at night, she had been involved in enough mischief with the man beside her to know that.

"I think we need to be careful, really careful" Harry says, and she nods, clutches his hand tighter and waves her wand. "Don't move from each other's sides"

"Agreed" They walk through the open door, and they are met with the same dark corridors and nothing seems to have changed, except that the Castle is intact, not smashed and half destroyed from the battle.

"It's weird" Harry says and she nods, it is weird, she felt they'd land in Hogwarts, but they'd be able to tell when it is, not in the middle of the night with the Castle the exact same as it had been pre-battle. It does not help, and she feels nerves curl in her stomach, Harry is right, they have to be extremely careful here.

"I know" She says, "I'm not sure what we do here" That was a rarity, Hermione coming up stump, but thankfully when Hermione couldn't find a plan guided by logic, Harry could certainly find one guided by bravery.

"Let's walk some more" He says, "Perhaps the portraits or ghosts can tell us something" That seems as good a plan as any and yet she pauses, holds her wand aloft for a moment.

"Tempus" The clock tells her it's 3am, and so the prefects have finished their rounds. There may be a teacher or two she knows, but they know enough secret passages and hidden alcoves to avoid them she's sure. Then she has an idea.

"Do you have your cloak?" Harry pats his pockets and grins as he pulls out the silvery material that has saved their asses more than once. Hermione grins then and he throws it over them. They have to crouch a little, but it's better than being out in the open.

She remembers a time when she, Harry and Ron fit under the cloak without needing to squat, she smiles a little then, ahh how they were as children, so unaware of what was to come, and yet also aware in a way children shouldn't be.

That was why she had suggested this, if Harry could be unburdened, if he could live without years more of expectation and pain … they had to try.

"It's weird to think I've got two of the hallows now" Harry whispered, and Hermione turned to look at him, she hadn't even realised that.

"It is weird" She said, because it is, and then they began to creep through the corridors, silent, holding the cloak over their heads, pressed to one another's sides, not speaking, barely breathing as they tried to figure out when they were.

Because the spell had clearly worked, this was a Hogwarts untouched by war.

But there was nothing that could tell them what year it was, what decade even. If the spell had gone right, they should be in 1980, she'd be almost a year old at this point, and Harry would be a new-born. And yet, nothing in the castle told them when it was, nothing at all. She'd always loved Hogwarts, the timelessness of it, but now the fact that the Castle never changed was downright inconvenient.

They walked through the corridors for a good ten minutes, keeping an eye out for ghosts, a delinquent student or a portrait awake and willing to talk. It was difficult, Hermione could see a few portraits missing here and there, the one of Sir Rigby being roasted by a hungry dragon, the three ladies dancing ballet whilst a centaur watched, the one of a barn owl looking ahead, all missing. Hermione noted them but their absence didn't offer answers.

"Harry we can't walk all night" Hermione hissed, she should probably feel more tired after the battle, but she is running on adrenaline now and feels wide awake, "What do we do?"

"Here" Harry whispered back before throwing off the cloak, and Hermione near shrieked at him if silence hadn't been important to keeping them safe. Instead she glared at him to which he grinned at her apologetically before turning to the painting of a one-eyed wizard, wide awake and glaring at them from one beady eye.

She loves Harry, she does, but he has always been far too reckless for his own good.

"Hello" Harry said, and Hermione offered a wave, the wizard seemed slightly mollified by that, though she still glared at Harry for being so foolish.

"Can you tell us what year it is?" The wizard rolled that one eye then and muttered something about stupid children and standards being stricter in his day.

"What was that?" Harry asked, for as often as Harry pushed his luck, he also got results, she resisted the urge to glare at him again and instead waited for a reply.

"It's 1975" He said with a dirty glare, and then went back to muttering about moronic children and no doubt they were Hufflepuffs.

Not that she or Harry heard a word of his grumblings as they turned back to one another, wide eyed and in horror. Her anger evaporated as the date the wizard had spoke sunk in, to both of them.

"Fuck" Harry said, and she nodded, for what else could be said beyond that? Fuck indeed.

They were six years early! They had meant to land at the moment of Harry's birth, giving them a short window to halt Voldemort, but also meant they wouldn't meddle with anything else. They were early, way too early, they weren't even born yet! Hermione couldn't even get her head around how every many paradoxes they were causing.

'Terrible things happen to wizards who mess with time Harry, terrible things'

Hadn't she said that? Just four years earlier! How had she been wiser in her younger years than now! But then she remembered the hollow feeling in her stomach of the time they had left, so many dead, so many fallen and as she glanced at Harry, she could see he felt the same.

Sure, they had fucked up, monumentally, they had gone too far back and now goodness knows what they'd do … but in this time all those they loved were alive and well, there was no death, no destruction without hope in sight, no pain, no fear.

Sure, they would need to figure out what to do, and it wasn't perfect, but it was better than the loss, the pain, the crying they had left behind, the mourners and the dead. It was better.

"It's still worth it" Harry spoke her thought out loud and she nodded and took his hand again, gave him a smile, as tears clung to her lashes again, he was right, it was still worth it. He clenched her hand tightly and she smiled at him, yes, worth it.

"RUN!" She heard that scream, and her eyes wildly flew to the side, months of being on high alert, having her draw her wand, but she kept a hold of her best friends hand, in case they needed to run. Harry she could see went to do the same but being stood in front of her he saw something he didn't and quickly pulled her into the shadow of a nearby alcove, cloak over them as someone streaked past.

Her heart pounded as Harry threw the cloak over them, as they shoved their backs to the alcove, as she resisted the urge to throw a hex. They were strangers here, they could not be seen until they figured out what to do next, they had to be so careful.

And yet, Hermione would have gasped out loud in shock if Harry hadn't anticipated it and placed a hand over her mouth, as laughter filled the air, as four boys came into sight, clearly out of bed, causing mischief, laughing giddily as a teacher cursed them in the distance.

Her gasp was smothered by Harry as they both watched as James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew stopped just inches in front of them, laughing and wheezing, until a bang sounded down the corridor and they called out again.

"Keep running boys!" Harry's father yelled in mirth, as the rest laughed, Sirius in delight, Peter to be part of things and Remus in resignation, as they took off sprinting down the corridor, followed by a furious teacher she didn't recognise.

As they were gone she turned to Harry and she could see him looking on in awe, she smiled at him, and as confusing as it was, as now she had no idea what to do she was glad, and she pulled Harry close, and as soon as she did he tugged her into a hug, and she repeated his words back to him, warmth spreading through her in his embrace.

"Worth it"

Chapter Text

For a moment they stood just frozen, in awe, his hand still clapped over Hermione's mouth, his own open in shock. They stood silent as the Marauders fled from the scene of whatever prank they had pulled off, wheezing with laughter, as they were unaware two teenagers watched on, eyes wide, and in utter shock.

It was only when they were gone, followed by a furious teacher who looked like a relative of Sprout who soon disappeared from view did Harry drop his hand and manage to shut his jaw.

This was the first time out of some trick, or a mirror or in an apparition form he had seen his Father.

People were right when they said they looked just like one another. The same ruffle to their hair, the same smile, but he had only caught that from a snatched glance. He could see his father held himself with much more assurance, with a crooked smile Harry wasn't even sure how he'd go about achieving, and then of course the eyes, Harry had his mother's eyes.

That thought occurred to him then and he felt his heart stutter a little more … if his father was here, that meant his mother was too.

It was amazing, to see his father, and have the chance to see his mother, to know the parents that had been so cruelly snatched away from him. Harry was almost certain if he hadn't been so shocked by seeing his father, surrounded by his godfather and uncle in all but blood, he would have been in tears.

He was here, with them, he could interact with him, maybe have some sort of relationship … his parents, Remus, Sirius, all the people he'd loved and lost.

Life had been so unfair to him, and maybe by hurling them back further in the past than they'd planned it had thrown him a bone, a bit of good karma, that he now got to see his loved ones, happy and well, just as he had always dreamed they'd be.

Despite his shock he did feel tears bite at his eyes, and he scrubbed them away quickly as he released Hermione. Of course, he wanted nothing more than to march to Gryffindor tower, find his dad and mum and simply stare at them, but he knew he couldn't, no matter how tempting it was.

Instead he turned to Hermione and he could see she was smiling at him, as he did back to her once he caught her grin.

"It's really them" He said, as though needing to state it and his smile grew as Hermione nodded and slipped her hand into his.

"I know" And she did know, that was the thing about Hermione, she often knew what he was feeling when he didn't know himself. Just like when she was blinded by logic, he'd know her feelings deep down. They just knew one another, deeply, and he squeezed her hand as they stepped out of the alcove.

"I…" He pauses, what can he say? Already tears threaten again, this is everything he had ever wanted, to be with them, and yet how can he be? He doesn't know what to say or do.

"I know" She just repeats herself, and yet the words soothe him. That he can trust, Hermione always does know, that he can be sure about.

Hermione is one of the few things now he can be sure about, he knows her, she knows him, that is something to always be sure about.

"What do we do?" She asks then, and he pauses. Sure, Hermione is the one with the knowledge, but he is often the one with the plans. They fit in that way, and then Ron was always the one with the humour, the tension breaker.

Hermione stands to his right, hand clutching his, he glances to his left. He feels Ron's absence, but he knows they did the right thing. Ron has something left in the future they abandoned, he doesn't really have anything, Hermione too.

Here they can have more…he's just not sure how.

"Dumbledore?" He suggests. He still trusts the old wizard, completely. Yes, he made mistakes, yes, a lot of his decisions were questionable, but Harry still felt love for the man, the man who'd guided and lead him. Meeting him at Platform 9 ¾, in some version of the after life feels like a lifetime ago now, though he supposes it is years away now technically.

Ugh, he hates thinking about time travel, he can already feel a headache coming on from it.

"Is it wise to tell anyone?" Hermione asks and he see's her chew down on her lip, a common habit of hers when she is contemplative. He knows when he is in thought he paces, when she is, she bites her lip, it is just there quirks, there way.

They had each learning more about one another's 'ways' during a year on the run than some people learnt about one another in a lifetime. Harry is sure out of all of the people in his life he knows Hermione best, with Ron in a close 2nd.

"You think we should keep it secret?" He asks in confusion, for he hadn't contemplated that. They'd come back for a reason, to save people, how can they do that without warning them?

"Well" Hermione bites her lip again, "Maybe we can tell Dumbledore" She nods then and Harry does too, Dumbledore has his faults, but if he were to trust anyone with this information it is him, "But other than that I think we should be careful, in case it gets to the wrong people"

He understands her meaning immediately, it is another way they are in synch, and something that developed between them during the horcrux hunt; the ability to pick up on what the other means. It had developed naturally, and now sometimes they can speak with few words.

It had annoyed the hell out of Ron and Harry smiles fondly then, he already misses his friend, and he knows Hermione does too, but again, Ron would have volunteered to come along in a second, and he had stuff to leave behind, Harry and Hermione had much, much less to lose.

"Agreed" He says, and she smiles then, he offers her one too.

"Shall we?" He nods, and they make their way.

It was time to see the headmaster again.

"Are you sure this is a good idea actually?" She asked.

They stood in front of Dumbledore's office, the same gnarled, twisted gargoyle in place. Of course, this time they did not know the password, though Harry had suggesting guessing Hermione had stopped him before they could move on.

"I mean… what if he doesn't believe us?" She bit down on her lip. In truth they hadn't really thought this through, they'd realised a chance to go to the past, to maybe, just maybe have an opportunity to fix things, but they hadn't considered … well, they hadn't considered what they'd do if it worked.

She scolded herself internally for that, she always thought of everything! And yet in the haze of the post-war Hogwarts, she had only thought of not living in a world with so much death and destruction, she hadn't thought what to do if they made it to that world.

And it had been a big if! She was surprised the spell had worked in truth, it was complex magic, requiring quite a lot of power, but she knew, Harry had power in spades, fuelled by the Elder Wand and with hers mixed in, as well as their extremely focused intent, she should have realised it would work, and perhaps held off to plan.

And yet, she remembered Harry's smile as he had seen his smile, and her own happiness at seeing Remus and Sirius so happy … it had been worth it, regardless of the jam they were stuck in now.

"He will" Harry said with such certainty, and she admired him for that, she had always admired his ability to be sure in himself, even when others weren't, and so at his determined expression she nodded.

She trusted Harry, with her life, always.

And so, she placed her hand in his, gave it a squeeze, and took a deep breath. She would follow him, always.

"Lemon drops" Harry tried, and she was hardly surprised when the gargoyle immediately sprung to one side. Huh, well at least they knew Dumbledore hadn't been so different in the past. She glanced at Harry then and he grinned at her as she rolled her eyes, smiling at the same time. Well, that should help convince him.

"Ready?" He asked, giving her hand a squeeze this time, and she nodded, as they both turned straight, and made their way up to see Dumbledore.

He was a little nervous in truth, he knew Dumbledore of the present, not the man of the past. He knew the headmaster would believe them, he was sure of it, but that did not quell his nerves.

He was also excited, alongside nervous. Dumbledore's death had been one of the worst for him, for Dumbledore had truly been like a substitute parent, perhaps a grandparent figure. Harry loved him, looked up to him, respected him, his death had been awful, especially as Harry had only been able to watch, crippled, unable to stop it.

He paused just outside the door, took a moment, he needed to act normal, not fall to the urge to hug the man who'd supported him, not now said man had no idea who he was.

"It will be okay Harry" Hermione said with a smile, and Harry nodded. He trusted Hermione, if she said it was going to be okay, it would be.

Thank god she was here with him; he knew he couldn't do it alone.

He had always been close with Hermione, but during their time horcrux hunting together they had grown closer, much closer. Particularly with Ron gone, Hermione had found a special place in his heart that no others kept. She was his best friend, soulmate in almost every sense of the word.

If she said it would be okay, it would be, and so with a nod, he stepped forward and pushed the door open.

The office looked the same, with fewer trinkets, and was a little better organised but it was so familiar that Harry almost believed they'd been transported back into the future. It was nice to see it like this again, but what was better was the man sat behind the desk, sipping a cup of tea, bag of lemon drops in front of him, Fawkes trilling on his perch to the side.

Dumbledore.

It was him, a little younger (though still very bearded), and a little different, but it was Dumbledore all the same. Harry smiled, and went to open his mouth to speak, but of course the old wizard beat them too it.

"Now, I am intrigued as to how you got in when I do not remember giving either of you the password" Dumbledore placed down his tea then, and turned to them, looking over at them over his half moon specs. The sight of those blue eyes near had Harry shaking… this was the man he considered to be a guardian to him, someone he loved, and he had no idea who he was. It was bittersweet, but more the latter, that here Dumbledore was alive.

Harry knew he'd need to accept no one here would know him or Hermione, but also to appreciate that it was worth it, to see them alive and well, it was worth it.

"I must assume then that you found some ingenious way to get past my guard, or perhaps something more interesting? Perhaps you just know of my love of lemon drops?" Dumbledore said with a little smile, as he interlocked his fingers and continued to look over at them, "Please do tell me, I am truly curious, which is rare for me nowadays"

"I…" Harry began, but he couldn't find the words, not easily, not when looking across at the man who had been everything to him before his death, who had been a parent, grandparent, mentor, advisor, general … everything. He was tongue tied.

"We're from the future" He blurted out, and he could practically feel Hermione roll her eyes. Not particularly nuanced nor subtle, but it got the job done he supposed, and they had agreed to tell Dumbledore, still he knew Hermione was rolling her eyes at him.

Of course, Dumbledore just raised an eyebrow, didn't gasp in shock or disbelief, but then that was the man Harry knew, hell he could see the twinkle in the man's eye, and that made him feel a little better, Dumbledore couldn't be shaken, he was a mountain, stone, unshaken.

The past may be different, but some things remained the same.

"How intriguing" The headmaster said, standing from his desk then, his robes a particularly eye watering shade of fuchsia, again some things didn't change. "What year?" He asked, in the tone of a man enquiring about the weather, not what year two time travellers who now stood in his office had come from.

"1998" Hermione spoke up then, "It was May … I think" She nodded then, "Maybe late April" He couldn't remember the month either, the horcrux hunt had blended from days, to weeks, to months, it had been hard to keep track.

"Hmm" Dumbledore said, and walked around the desk to stand in front of them, hands folded, that twinkle still in place, no hint of confusion or disbelief on his features, the man could be impossible to read.

"Did you come back accidently?" Harry felt that better that clearly the headmaster believed them, he didn't question that they had come back, just the details … perhaps this would be simpler than he had worried.

"No"

"Yes"

They speak at the same time and Dumbledore has that amused twinkle in his eye again, Harry hadn't quite realised how much he had missed it until he sees it now.

"Well then" Dumbledore says with a small smile, "It is late, why don't we leave this story until tomorrow?"

Harry nodded, thankful for the reprieve, as does Hermione at his side, squeezes his hand to make sure he agrees. He wants to roll his eyes at her, but he knows she is often his impulse control and so understands the motion.

"I presume you attended this school?" Dumbledore questions, and this time he lets Hermione take over.

"Yes sir" She says with a nod, "We were 6th years" Not true, but also technically their last year at Hogwarts was their 6th he supposes, "Gryffindor"

"Indeed" Dumbledore says, and he seems cheerful to hear it, "I presume only the boldest and bravest would take part in time travel" He can see Hermione blush, as she often does under praise, and he grins, as Dumbledore nods again.

"Now since you know the way to the tower I implore you to go to there" Dumbledore nods, "We have a spare dormitory in every house, just in case, just climb to the 8th floor of the dormitories and you'll find a spare space with several beds, take the boys staircase"

"Meet me here tomorrow at 10 sharp, you both look like you could use the sleep, and then we shall discuss your …situation" He notes, and Harry nods, they could use the rest, and as soon as Dumbledore speaks of sleep he feels as exhausted as he possibly could, all at once.

"Now off you go, the password for the tower is 'Frogs Legs' now get some rest" He shoos them, and Harry nods, as does Hermione, and soon they are leaving the office, and making for Gryffindor tower, as he had many times before.

They continue to hold onto one another.

As pleased Harry is to have this opportunity, he feels a little nervous, though he knows without Hermione by his side he'd be worse. Still, it is an odd opportunity few had, had.

Though, he notes, this is the 2nd time he's travelled through time, both with Hermione, he wonders how many people across history have travelled through time twice, it can't be many.

"Okay, so let's sleep" Hermione speaks, unaware of his nerves, though when she glances at him she smiles and offers him a squeeze, "Then come morning we'll talk through what to tell Dumbledore" She nods, "Because yes we can tell the truth, but lets get the most important facts together" He nods then, she's right, they don't need to blurt out 20 years of the future, just the important stuff.

They reach Gryffindor Tower and repeat the password. Harry is relieved to see once they step inside it is nearly exactly the same.

Same squishy chairs and sofa, red and gold print, same table in the corner, same lion banner on the wall. He can see the chip on the fireplace they'd always speculated about, can see the bookcases that hold older editions of the same textbooks they'd studied, the large window still offers a view to the grounds. He grins then, and when he turns to Hermione she's smiling too.

"Feels like home" He can hear the reverence in his tone, and Hermione nods, her eyes filled with that same emotion.

"Because it is" He squeezes her hand then, and pulls her into a hug, to him it had always been home, but now? Now it is both their homes.

They hold onto one another for a moment, and then they climb the steps to the dormitory. It takes a little while to get to the 8th floor, but once there the dormitory is the same as all the others.

He glances in the trunks at the end of the bed to find basic but thankfully clean clothes, robes, towels, and shoes. He appreciates the forethought, for they are dressed like muggles, dirty ones at that, it is nice to have something to change into.

As always Dumbledore thinks of everything.

"Right" Hermione nods, "I'm going to shower" An ensuite shower set peels off the dormitory, "Then bed" Harry nods, he plans to do the same.

Hermione is quick, and then he goes in and takes even less time. Once he comes back, she's dressed in Gryffindor pyjamas, and has laid a set out for him. Quickly he changes whilst Hermione turns her back, and then they are ready for bed.

"Sleep next to me?" Often during their time in the tent, they had cuddled for warmth, or slept in the same bed just to be close in case something happened. Harry is glad Hermione asked, for if she hadn't, he would have.

They are in a new time, he doesn't want to let her out of his sight, not for a little while, not until this feels normal.

But it is more than that … the idea of sleeping alone, after so long with Hermione curled by his side, it fills him with worry. For himself, for her. He knows its some kind of paranoia perhaps, but sometimes it is healthy to worry, even in Gryffindor Tower bad things can happen, he doesn't want Hermione out of his sight.

And, by asking, he knows Hermione feels the same.

"Of course," She offers him a smile, and then she climbs into bed, and he gets in next to her. The quilt is warm, chasing away some cold in the room, the pillows are thick, and Harry immediately feels as though he could sleep forever.

"Night Harry" She says with a smile, and he nods, a little smile on his face too.

"Night Hermione"

They are asleep before they can say another word, curled into one another, in Gryffindor Tower. It could be 1998, not 20 years earlier.

But it is 20 years earlier, as the two curl around one another, fast asleep, as the night turns to morning, dawn breaks, and a new day in the past begins.

Chapter Text

Morning comes and the alarm charm she'd placed on her wand rings insistently as 8:30am dawns. Normally she wouldn't sleep in so late, out of bed and ready to go at 7, but they've been on the run for months, and time travelled 15 years last night, she figures they deserve a little extra sleep.

Even at 8:30am, an hour after her usual wakeup time she feels as though she could sleep for another week, maybe two.

Running for months, fighting for their lives, tortured and tormented, drained, never eating enough, never getting enough sleep. Always anxious, looking over their shoulders, constantly on the edge … all combined makes a person certainly tired, but take all of that away abruptly? It makes a person exhausted.

So even as she waved her fingers on the alarm to wandlessley turn it off, she should allow herself a few more minutes as she sleepily begins to wake.

She feels warm, so warm, and that alone is odd. Even with endless warming charms cast in their tent the nights had always been freezing. Even when she had worn two jumpers to bed, huddled up with Harry and spelled her pretty blue flames to burn all night there had still been a chill that nothing could penetrate. But now? She feels warm.

She's not sure if it is because she feels safer for the first time in months (safe, not safer, after all this world, way back in 1975 is not Voldemort free either, well not yet), or because she is at Hogwarts but she feels truly warm, and it feels amazing.

It could also be that she is pressed into her best friends' chest as though they are trying to fuse themselves to one another, but then that isn't something new.

The first night after Ron had left, Harry had practically rocked her to sleep, and they'd fallen asleep side by side. They'd woken up with Harry's arm slung across her waist, and her nose touching his collarbone. They'd blushed, and been embarrassed, but it was also the best night's sleep either of them had, had in months, even with the sadness of Ron leaving hanging over them like an awful dark cloud, and so it had been hard to be embarrassed by it when it had felt so good.

Each night after they'd snuggled up together, and always woke up intimately close. Harry spooning her, she holding onto him. Hands on skin, legs tucked between legs, even once or twice there had been awkward morning wood. And yet they had grown used to it.

If there is one thing, she can no longer feel with Harry it is shame. They are too close for that, that had developed after Ron had left, when she had sobbed in his arms and he in hers, when he had confided his worries to her and she had stroked his hair as he slept, when he had stroked down her back to help her sleep and had held her hand as they walked. It was platonic still, but it had driven a closeness between them that was still present now.

A closeness that would likely never be broken.

And so she allows herself a few more minutes, and notes as she looks up at her best friend he hasn't so much as stirred, which surprises her, usually Harry is a light sleeper, but she guesses he feels safe here at Hogwarts, his first home.

And their only home now.

She thinks back to the present (that is a brain twister), and all they left behind, truthfully other than Ron (which hurts, but not as much as it should, she loves Ron, but he had left them once, it made it easier for them to leave him), they don't have much left. So many dead, she will miss people, the Weasley's, Luna, all the Order that made it, but not enough to stay.

Not if leaving means getting everyone back, even if not quite in the way they want. It is still worth it.

She does think of her parents.

They haven't had her yet in this time, but in the future? They were happy in Australia, set up a little dental practice, and had even started to look into adopting a child. She had looked in on them just once before the battle had began to rage, and they had seemed happy. It made it easier to leave them, but it still hurts.

She is like Harry now, an orphan. In this time, they only have each other, but for her that is enough. Once it hadn't been but now? Now if it is just her and Harry against the world, taking Voldemort down early, settling into this life she'll accept it, because at least they have each other.

Minutes pass and as tired as she is she knows she is awake now and so she forces herself out of the comfort of bed and Harry awakes as she nudges her way out of his arms and to get up. She knows they need to get their story straight, eat their first proper meal in months and get ready for the day. She can't sleep anymore, exhausted but alert now, but she has to resist the urge to curl into bed with a book.

That is the first thing she is doing when everything with Dumbledore is sorted, that she decides. She wants to sit in a comfy chair, with Harry by her side, she'll read a book on charms or wandlore, Harry will read a book on quidditch, they'll stuff themselves full of food and sit in the warmth. It's simple, but it feels like a luxury, and it will be.

She smiles as she imagines that and rouses herself to go to the bathroom. She nudges Harry again as she pulls herself to stand, and he gives her a sleepy smile as his eyes flutter open.

"Time?" He asks, and she allows herself a little grim, that is always the first word he says as he wakes, as he slips on his glasses.

"8:35" She replies before grabbing a towel, "Shall we order breakfast from the kitchens, figure out what we'll tell Dumbledore and then head out?" He nods, she does too before heading to the shower, the image of that comfy scene with Harry in her mind as she steps into the warm water.

It is good to feel warm.

An hour and a bit later they've eaten breakfast, dressed in clothes that for the first time in over a year aren't splashed with blood, grime and potions, and are making their way through the corridors. The uniforms are the exact same as they had been in the future, not one thing changed, the only difference being that her conservative skirt length is a actually bit short for this era, and she quickly hikes it down a little more.

They are clean, comfortable, and marching their way over to Dumbledore's office. It is time to tell the Headmaster the truth.

Well … a version of the truth.

Hermione knew Harry still trusted Dumbledore completely, and Hermione did too, just not so completely. She still admires him, and will put her faith in him, but she also knows he lined them all up like chess pieces, readied them for war, sharpened them to a point and threw them at the enemy.

'For the greater good'

Harry may still have complete faith in their Headmaster, but hers has failed a little.

And so, she'd convinced Harry; tell him about the future, but no specifics. Tell the story but nothing that could potentially mess things up. He'd agreed, and then basically suggested she do most of the talking, she has no problem with that, she will explain their story. She knows they'll need to tell Dumbledore a general outline, but she can't get into anything specific, not only does it break every rule of time travel, but again she doesn't quite trust the Headmaster as completely as she did before, she can't.

So, they make it to the Headmaster's office, and honestly, she just thinks of going back to their shared room, opening a book, and doing nothing else. She thinks of being warm, full, comfortable, and that allows her to steel herself as they reach Dumbledore's office. Allows her to nod her head at her best friend, recite the password and make their way up.

Just a few hours, and then they could have that moment of comfort. That is what she holds onto as they ascend to his office, the old Headmaster waves them in and she prepares to reveal how they'd come to be here.

Harry knew he'd been correct in letting Hermione do the talking. He can admit he is too blunt, too direct, and in this instance, they need to be vague.

He trusts Dumbledore, the man will always be a parental figure to him. Can he acknowledge the old wizard had failed him? Yes. Does it make him love him any less? No. He can see that Dumbledore failed him in many areas, but he will always love him, and honour him as the Headmaster. And so, when Hermione had suggested not telling him anything, he'd frowned but gone along with it.

He'd learned particularly over the past few months that going along with Hermione was often the easiest and best way of doing things.

Yes, he is usually the one to come up with the plans, the one to think of the way forward, but where he comes up with the initial plan, that first idea, Hermione is the one to strengthen it, to look at it from a logical perspective and make it work. He'll say they need to wipe the Death Eater's memories, she'll use Obliviate. He'll scream for them to jump on a dragons back to escape Gringotts, she'll sever the chain holding it down. He suggests confiding in Dumbledore, she'll navigate the hazy waters of doing so whilst not breaking too many laws of time travel.

In that sense they make a good team. They are just missing Ron, Ron to offer knowledge on the wizarding world they might miss, Ron to nod his head and crack a joke to lighten the mood. Ron. Harry doesn't want to think about him too much, he misses him, but he knows leaving him behind was the right decision.

Harry has been an orphan for as long as he can remember, Hermione is one now too, but Ron has a family and Harry could never let him leave them behind. Ron would have he knows, would have looked torn but nodded his head and gone with them, Harry couldn't let that happen, and so he feels a pang for his best friend but knows he's made the right choice.

He feels a pain in his leg then and almost complains until he realises Hermione has kicked him to move forwards as Dumbledore waves them in. It is odd seeing their old Headmaster looking a little younger and not knowing them, it hurts a little, but he follows Hermione inside, takes a seat and then turns to her, now they must focus on the task at hand, and that is this meeting with Hermione. She'll do the talking.

"So" Dumbledore starts though, which makes sense, he has always been the main in charge, "Do tell me your story"

"Well" Hermione begins, "We're from the future as we said yesterday" She nods, and he can see she might start babbling, always a sign she is nervous, Harry on instinct leans over, takes her hand and she smiles, he'll support her.

Over the past few months, after Ron left, they supported one another. Held one another, warmed one another, comforted one another. He had always considered Ron his closest friend before, but he knows now it has shifted. He still sees Ron as a brother, a best friend, but not his best friend, no that spot belongs to Hermione now.

She stood with him through thick and thin, she earned that spot, and he knows he earned his as hers.

"And…" Hermione starts up again, her fingers twinning with his now, for comfort, but she doesn't make it very far.

"I'll stop you right there" Dumbledore says, and Harry realises how much he's missed the twinkle in the old Headmasters eye, and the smile of kindness he has now. Missed it dearly. "I don't want to know another thing"

"Wait what?" Harry speaks then, snapped out of his misty-eyed look that he'd had when looking at his mentor, what? "Why?" Now he's focused on said old Headmaster denying wanting to know their story.

"Because young man, time travel!" He exclaims raising his hands in the air, ahh, Harry had forgotten the eccentric side of the Headmaster that still made him feel a little watery eyed, but god was annoying as hell at the same time, the Headmaster could be more often than not wise and safe, but along with those came his tendency to be cryptic, which was beyond irritating, "We do not meddle with time" He nodded his head then at the timeturner concealed under Hermione's shirt collar, as though he knew it was there, "As you should know"

"I do know" Harry raises his eyebrows then, anyone challenging Hermione on her knowledge surely wants an early death, though he watches his best friend blush then, "Sir, I mean I do know Sir" Of course, few can challenge her intelligence, but with the Headmaster? She has to accept it, "But this is a unique situation" She is also unfailing polite to authority figures, a trait they do not share in common.

"It is a situation of time travel" He exclaims again, shaking his head, "Unique? Yes. Exempt to the rules? Absolutely not!" He said almost in declaration. Harry can see where this is going and as Hermione opens her mouth, he squeezes her hand. He has more experience with Dumbledore to know he is not one to be swayed when certain of something, or rather you can try but spend several hours attempting only for no results. If the Headmaster has decided something well then, it has been decided.

"So…" Harry speaks then, for Hermione surely would continue to argue the point, he feels she often can't help herself, SPEW being one example, "What do we do?"

"Whatever you came here to do!" Dumbledore says with a nod, "You may stay in Gryffindor Tower, in the extra room, we will give you a backstory of homeschooled students, you may integrate and do what you came to do!" He nods, "But you will not inform me, no, no"

"Don't you want to know?" Harry feels a little baffled, Dumbledore had always had a thirst for knowledge, what has changed? This is odd.

"Of course I do" The Headmaster said with a nod, and a little smile as though himself annoyed he wouldn't know what two time travellers were up to, "But, we must not meddle with time! If you need my help on general matters I am more than happy to assist, but I cannot help with particulars for that is for you two alone to work out"

"Now" Dumbledore nodded again, "Head back to the Tower, lessons start on Monday for you both, come up with your backstory, I will have time tables and uniforms sent up, ask the House Elves for anything else you might need, and tomorrow you may go Diagon Alley for supplies. What year would you both like to enter?"

"Errr 5th" Hermione blurts out, far quicker at the math than him. He nods then too and Dumbledore does as well, though he smiles a little, clearly suspicious.

"Good?" Harry opened his mouth then at the Headmasters word, this was going too fast, they had more to talk about! They needed to discuss all sorts of things! He looks at Hermione who looks slightly panicked as well, they have more they need to talk about, but it seems not, "Good" Dumbledore spoke again and nodded, standing to usher them out now, conversation evidently over.

Not 10 minutes with the Headmaster and they were back outside, in the corridor on a Hogwarts Saturday morning, feeling thoroughly as though they'd been hit by a whirlwind.

"Well that didn't go as planned" Harry nodded, and he could practically feel Hermione roll her eyes. That almost made him smile, if he didn't feel so dumbstruck that their one hopeful ally in this time had apparently given their blessing for them to meddle and would set them up here, but also didn't want to know their plans or help them with them.

"Obviously" Hermione said sarcastically, "Come on lets go back to the Tower and figure out this mess" Harry nodded then, realising to himself perhaps they had one or two more other allies, perhaps more than that. It would be too early to see anyone now as they made their way back to Gryffindor tower, but he hoped perhaps they could have other allies in this time, allies he'd never had a chance to know before now.

That was after all why they'd come back.

"Let's order some more food, get warm and then think on a plan" He nodded again, as they reached the Tower, gave the password, and stepped inside. He found himself yawning as he did so, time travel apparently was exhausting, or perhaps it was the months of war, either way, he wanted some time to sleep, or just sit and do nothing before the inevitable planning started.

"Sounds good to me, lets head upstairs" Harry said, and smiled at his best friend who looked a little frazzled. He took her hand again and was relieved to see her smile. This was a bump in the road, perhaps more like a mountain, but they'd get through it, that he was confident in, they would, after all they had one another. With Hermione, his best friend, by his side he was endlessly confident in what they could do.

She was the only one who made him feel like that, perhaps because she'd believed in him long before others had, perhaps because she'd always stood by his side, he wasn't sure, but she inspired a confidence in him no others had.

"Head where?" Another voice interrupted them then and Harry turned. He heard Hermione gasp quietly next to him as he turned to see the source of the voice and would have gasped himself had he not instead frozen in shock.

Fight or flight right? That was the usual reaction to a shock. Clearly in this instance he was instead freeze.

"You shouldn't be sharing a dorm, and I don't think I've seen either of you before, who are you?" Standing in front of them with a shiny Prefect badge attached to her uniform, her large green eyes that matched his staring at him, her long red hair falling past her shoulder, there stood Lily Potter, his mother, alive in front of him, not a spirit, spectre, ghost or memory for the first time.

His mother.

Perhaps it wasn't fight, flight or freeze, but faint, because he felt like he might. It was only Hermione's iron grip on his hand that kept him standing as he looked across at his mother.

Chapter Text

"Lily!"

He couldn't hear properly, it was like his head was submerged under water, like someone had cast a muffliato charm near him and he'd been caught in the effect. It was as though people were talking slower, that the air around him had changed.

He would have fainted, hit the floor and lolled over if not for Hermione gripping his hand hard, even stepping closer to loop her arm through his and grip him, her fingernails digging into him. It hurt a little but wasn't enough to bring him back to himself.

Not with his Mother stood in front of him.

Someone he'd only seen as a spirit, standing by his side, someone he'd only seen swirling in a mist of gold, or in the memories the Dementors had forced upon him. His Mother, who'd thrown herself in front of the killing curse to protect him, his Mother who had walked with him to death, his Mother who more than any else he had hoped to see at the other side.

"Lily!" The voice yelled again, but to Harry it was a distant cry.

"Alright" His Mother yelled back, her fiery red hair quivering a little as she turned back to them, the eyes that matched his – people hadn't been lying, they were a perfect match. In fact, perhaps she could see it too as she narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion.

"I'll talk to you two later" She said, though he noticed her glare had changed a little as she looked at him now, near ignoring Hermione, and instead she looked a little curious, confused even, but her friend yelled a third time and she rolled her eyes, and turned away from them and stomped off.

"Yes Marlene!" He heard her yell, "I'm coming!" But again it was as though he was under water, he couldn't hear properly, see properly, feel properly, not as Lily Potter nee Evans was walking away from him, though glanced back, still looking a little confused as she looked at him, her green eyes meeting his.

A perfect match.

He didn't really take notice or wrench his eyes from her, even as she made for the common room door, he didn't look away even as he felt himself being pulled, tugged up the stairs, an iron grip on his arm, yanking him away from the corridor. He still felt that odd sensation of not really taking anything in, how could he?

Seeing his Father had been one thing, seeing James Potter alive and well had been a delight, as well as Sirius and Remus, seeing them together, laughing, carefree, had been something to make him feel as though he might split his cheeks from smiling, he had wanted to run over, hug them, join them, bask in the joy of them being here and alive.

He wanted to run the corridors with them, laugh and swap stories, hug them until his arms hurt, of course.

But with his Mother it was different.

He could feel it in his bones as he looked at her, she was his Mother. The woman who had given him everything but been torn away from him too soon, the woman who had given him life, who had given him her life. Could she could feel something about him? Could she sense that connection? Yhat even though he was technically older than her now (boy that was strange), could she sense her son stood in front of her, her flesh and blood. He wonders if she can sense it, instinct and all.

"Harry!" He becomes aware then of Hermione talking, though again her voice is muffled. She shakes him, once, twice, "Harry!" Still muffled, his mind is not here, on his best friend trying to talk to him, it is filled with the image of Lily Evans, and the green eyes that so matched his.

That is until he feels himself shocked back to the present by a torrent of freezing water.

He splutters and coughs, "Jeez Hermione" He says as he is dried as quickly as he was soaked, and he can see now, back in the moment with Hermione stood in front of him rolling her eyes.

He realises sat where he is she has dragged him upstairs, into their little room, at the top of the tower. He glances past her, at the window, and what looks out, they are so high up… high above the clouds almost.

For some reason he is reminded of when he rode the dragon and Buckbeak, flying high…

"Sorry Harry" Though frankly she didn't look very sorry, "But you were completely out of it"

"I know" He does know, and as Hermione takes a seat next to him and tucks her arm in his he shuffles a little closer to her, "It was her"

"I know" She repeats his words, nods her head as she settles it on his shoulder, and he places his on hers. Comfort, companionship, something they had offered one another in the darkest of times, and now here, in the strangest of times.

They had been through so much together, trials and hardships, and yet had managed to come out the other side … somehow.

"It was her" He can't quite get over it, his Mother, here, alive. Of course when he had seen his Father alive and well he had thought of his Mother too, but now? Seeing it in reality? It is hard to take in, and he was sure he would be on the floor if Hermione were not gripping him, holding him tightly and steadfast, like an anchor.

"I know" She says again, and they just grip one another a little tighter, a little closer.

It feels like they sit that way for hours, when really it is only minutes. But he clings to her, and she to him, neither of them comment the wet drops that cling to his lashes, or how the look of awe never quite leaves his face.

This reminds him of Christmas … last Christmas now he thinks of it, when they had stood, just the two of them, at his parents grave, James Potter and Lily Evans, how he'd stood with Hermione, her head tucked into the crook of his shoulder as it was now, as he'd stood at his parents resting place for the first time, as she'd conjured that wreath to honour them, as he had cried, as she had held him, as they had held one another.

Held one another up, like they always did, like they always would.

"What do we do?" It is Hermione who asks then, and Harry turned to her, with a small smile, Hermione so smart, so bright, but he was the planner of the two, somehow.

"Going forward? Integrate ourselves I guess, try to become part of the Order, prevent stuff before it can happen?" She nods, so does he, what else can they do? He was sure neither of them had thought the time-travel spell would work.

It had been in the wake of the battle, grieving, hurting, neither of them had been thinking ahead, just thinking of a way to stop such destruction, such pain, from ever happening.

Well … they had succeeded, and now they had to think what came ahead.

"Okay" She nods, and he smiled at her, before she was standing, "And now?" She didn't pause but instead answered her own question, so very Hermione, and he loved it, "Now we should relax, catch up on some relaxation, read, and then tomorrow to Diagon for supplies, and then planning, but for now, relax"

He nodded at that, and smiled to himself as she began to reach into her beaded bag, pulling out clothes, books, supplies, things that didn't need to be on her at all times, and began to unpack, and Harry, found himself smiling, somehow smiling as they began to tuck away clothes, books and such into the trunk at the end of one of the beds. It was a boring task, but it was peaceful after so much chaos.

"Here" Hermione said passing him his backpack, "Keep your important things in there, I'll do the same with my bag, but this…" She glanced around then, and he found himself doing the same, "This is home now I guess"

He took a second to look around the room, it had two double beds, though he knew they'd just share one. Two trunks, but again they kept their stuff together. A room off to a bathroom, two desks, a cabinet. It was round, being at the top of the tower, with two big windows.

It was perfect, and he found himself almost like a child marvelling at the Castle again, at Hogwarts, giving them just what they needed.

'Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it

He had found that now so often to be true.

"Here" A quidditch book was thrust into his hands, and with a smile he climbed onto the bed, made no protest as Hermione climbed in next to him, and for the first time in a very, very long time he felt himself relax, not to sleep, not to catch some hours in between madness, but to actually relax, to read a book on quidditch that he'd read before, as he noticed Hermione reading a book on Charms he knew she'd read before, it didn't matter, it was just calm.

It was just a moment to relax, for both of them.

And it was absolutely perfect.

She felt so at ease, reading over complex happiness charms that she hadn't quite perfected before but no doubt would, she felt relaxed, comfortable, as she'd ended up leaning back against the pillows, her head resting slightly on Harry's shoulder, as he too seemed absorbed in his quidditch book, his head slightly resting atop of hers, their preferred position, relaxing on one another.

It wasn't that either of them found the material that stimulating, it was just being able to relax, not looking over their shoulder, not scared or exhausted.

God, such a small pleasure and yet it was so rare to them now, it felt amazing.

It was bliss … a short-lived bliss though.

A yell from the common room below them made her jump, and Harry was on his feet, as was she, wands out, eyes on the door, what had happened?

"Start of the year paaaarty!" She heard yelled, followed by some shrieking and loud cheers, and with a small sigh she lowered her wand, as she noticed Harry do the same, she turned to glance at him and let out a small laugh.

Paranoia was perhaps not strong enough a word in this instance, but she supposed running from a mad-man for the better part of a year had them both on edge, and would have them.

"Well" Hermione said, and Harry laughed too then, and she rolled her eyes – she imagined it would be a little while before they were so jumpy, after all, the battle they had endured was tens of years in the future now, but to them it had only been the night before. She knew even after a good nights sleep they both still had dark circles under their eyes, were both still a little too thin, both jumpy and a little nervous.

"Should we go?" At that Hermione shot him a look, because surely he had to be joking?

"What?" He laughed again then, and she did find herself smiling at that, she loved hearing Harry laugh, for he had, had few occasions to do it over the last year, it warmed her inside to hear it.

"We can't just go! No one knows us!" She said with a fond look but another roll of her eyes.

"Perfect opportunity then" He said, and she laughed again, for she could now see he was serious, of course he was! God this was her best friend through and through, reckless. It often made her want to throttle him, this time included.

"Look, Dumbledore told us to suggest we are new, perhaps transfers?" Harry said and Hermione shook her head, her mind already whirring, because as well as reckless she knows Harry is damn stubborn, and if he had decided it, then she knew they would somehow end up at that party.

Which meant they needed a story.

"No" She shook her head and began to pace, back and forth, and Harry took that as a cue to sit down, and also take her hand and yank her down next to him to which she crossed her legs and turned to face him, to plan.

"We can't be transfers, we don't know enough about other schools, instead we'll say we were home-schooled" She nodded, as did Harry – it made sense, much more sense, less likely to get caught out in a lie if they claimed to be home-schooled.

"Okay, so that means we're purebloods" Harry said, and Hermione winced, he was right, only purebloods were home-schooled and sniffed at schooling away from home. Hell, she had been surprised some of the more lofty purebloods such as Malfoy had ever made it to Hogwarts, surely that was beneath them?

A little snort left her lips - prats

"Yes, you're right" She said with a sigh, refocusing, "Which means we need a family name"

With that she went to her beaded bag, for she hadn't yet unpacked every book, and dug through to find the tomb 'The Pure-Blood Directory' – she had deemed it useful for investigating and identifying Death Eaters, but now it had an even more important use.

And so, with a groan (for it was useful but hardly stimulating reading), she flipped it open, "You take one side, I'll take the other" At that Harry nodded (knowing better than to argue with her methods of research), and they get to work.

And the work felt long.

"What about the Burkes?"

"Borgin and Burkes Harry, so no"

"We could say Gaunt?"

"No, Tom's cronies would know"

"Kama? Have you heard of them Hermione?"

"No, but it says here they are related to the Lestranges, better not risk it"

"Hmm…"

Half an hour later, and then …

"Got it!" Hermione said with a grin, like the cat that had got the cream, she did love it when her research came together, her finger stabbing the page where it read the name,

'Jimbo Blishwick, married Misapinoa Black'

"Are you sure?" Harry asked, and she glared at him, to which she noticed he rolled his eyes, "Related to the Blacks Hermione, that might be difficult'

"Yes, but they were born in the 1940's, married in ugh, 1957 at 17 and 16" Hermione said with a grimace, "And look!" Again, she stabbed the page with her finger.

'Left England to immigrate to Austria'

"And that is it, no more information, it will be easy for us to claim to be a descendent, wizards live long enough we could say they had us at an advanced age, and died recently, hence us returning to England!" Hermione said, "Easy"

"Okay" Harry nodded, "So we'll be siblings? Siblings home-schooled?"

"Twins" Hermione said with a nod, "So we can be in the same year, and yes home-schooled"

Harry nodded then, "We'll have to sell it. You saw how people like Malfoy acted, as long as we act the part, snobbish, we won't be suspected, we'll have to act like purebloods" He grimaced at that, as did she.

But she nodded too, he was right, "Right but we are Gryffindors, we'll say the Headmaster did a private sorting, and so we'll be snobs, but nice snobs"

"Perfect" Harry said then and he laughed, as did she, both out of relief they'd found a solution and in the craziness of it all.

If someone had told her at the start of the Horcrux hunt that in less than a years' time she'd be living in the 90's, parading as Harry's twin under the Blishwick name, claiming to be pureblood, she'd have thought them insane.

And yet here they were. With that she placed her hand on top of Harrys and remembered his smile at his Father, his wide eyes at his Mother.

Worth it.

"This is crazy" Harry said, echoing her thoughts and Hermione nodded, but smiles, it felt good to have a solution.

"Okay so, Harry and Hermione Blishwick, born in Austria, parents died recently, returned to England to settle their estates, and attend Hogwarts" Hermione nodded, "We'll need to fake some documents, to get past Gringotts, we'll have to ask Dumbledore"

"Tomorrow" Harry agreed, "We'll ask Dumbledore as we'll need to use his fire to go to the Alley, he'll be able to do it, he will"

Hermione nodded, "Twins, snobs, pureblood, well educated, perhaps a little bit baffled by the culture shift"

"What about our accents?" Harry asked, looking a smidge worried, "Not Austrian"

"No, but we'll say our tutor made us have English accents" Hermione said and they both nodded and smirked, that would be the exact kind of thing purebloods would do after all.

"So, that's our story?" Harry asked, and she nodded, it worked, somehow it worked. She glanced at the wand sticking out of Harry's pocket then, it seemed that magic and luck was on there side… for once.

"Well now that is sorted" He said and she groaned as he stood to his feet and took her hands to pull her up with him, "To the party" Harry said, and she rolled her eyes but again knew better to argue with him when he'd set her mind to something, plus he was smiling, and she'd often do anything to keep him smiling.

"Fine but get changed" She said, and went to the bathroom, she had no issue in changing in front of Harry but as she grabbed a jumper and jeans to change into she wanted to freshen up too.

"Alright" She shut the door behind her, splashed water on her face and tugged on her jeans, a vest top and a Weasley jumper with a big H on it. She realised it was hardly pureblood wear, but they were Gryffindors, they could be quirky but snobbish purebloods.

That made her think a little of Luna then, and she smiled sadly, certainly quirky but never a snob, oh how she misses her, and Ginny, and everyone.

With a sigh she tried to shake the past … future, from her head, and looks across at herself in the mirror. She looked more rested than she had in over a year, but tired, too tired, she supposed they could use their supposed parents deaths as an excuse, for she knew both Harry and her looked tired, grieving, for even though technically none of their loved ones were dead (some not even born yet), the version they had loved and known basically were.

"Come on Hermione" She mumbled to herself, she felt oddly nervous, she was after all no social butterfly, but she'd never deprive Harry of the opportunity to see his family again, she could handle her social worries.

And so, she stepped back into their room, and immediately felt better and let out a laugh, with Harry's soon joining hers.

Of course he stood in front of her in another Weasley jumper, green to her red, with a big H on it.

Two peas in a pod as her mother would say - another person she misses, so much. She does find some comfort that Harry can know his though, that will be enough for her.

"Quirky but snobbish?" She asked, and he laughed again and took her hand.

"Sounds good to me, lets go party" Another roll of her eyes but she nodded, pulled on her trainers, as did Harry, and then hand in hand they made their way to the Common Room.

She glanced over her shoulder as they descended the stairs, leaving their little sanctuary at the top of the tower, but they needed to, they needed to introduce themselves, make friends, allies, and Harry needed to see his family, and so wand in her pocket she took a deep breath and followed her best friend.

Into the Lions den.

Chapter Text

The descent into said den seems to take forever.

She hears yelling, cheering, laughter and she has to fight not to cringe away from it. It is such a foreign sound, so many people together, happy, and joyful. Even after the battle had been won they'd all been sombre, surveying the dead, mourning and a little broken inside. There had been no celebrations, no joy, not as there is now.

She remembers once when she'd grinned and laughed at something as simple as a back-to-school party (though she'd often slipped away early to read in the corner), but now it seems almost impossible.

How can they have lived through what they have and still manage a cheer?

"It's alright" Harry's voice is gentle, and she offers him a smile, he knows her so well, more than anyone, he knows when she is worrying.

"I just…" She hesitates, even pauses on the landing at the 3rd floor, for soon they'll be in the common room. "It seems weird, to be back to such normal things"

He nods then, "I know, but wouldn't that have been what would have happened in the future? Even after all the pain and death? Back to normal?"

She nods, for she knows he is right, but it is still hard to process. "I guess normal felt faraway"

Harry nodded then, "Yeah" She knows more for him, she thinks of the prophecy … normalcy was always beyond that fate for him, and for her too.

"I was thinking" Harry says then, pulling her towards the boys' stairs, out of the way, so not to be misheard. "It just came to me actually; won't people wonder why I look like James?"

"Crap" All concerns over normality fly from her as she realises that should be the actual concern. Green eyes can be swept away, but Harry being so Potter-like can't. Why didn't she think of that? Trust it to be her to come up with the plan, Harry to see the issues with it.

She supposes that is what makes them such a good team, as they are.

"Here" She says with a nod, lifting her wand. It is a testament to how much Harry trusts her that he doesn't even flinch as she raises it. Still, he doesn't need to, for she does nothing and drops her wand whilst letting out a sigh.

She can't, not only on the logistical side that glamours wear off and can be seen through, but because as she looks at Harry, her best friend, she doesn't want to change anything about him, she needs him, and needs to know it is him, she doesn't want to change him.

"What if we aren't twins?" She says then, a new idea dawning on her. The twin idea had been good, easy even, but this one might be better. She pulls Harry further up the stairs then, and quickly casts, 'Homenum Revelio' It comes back empty, they are alone in the stairwell, she had gathered as much but found it worth checking.

"I can still be Hermione Blishwick" But what if we make you another branch of the family? She chews her bottom lip then, "Do you remember Fleamont and Euphemia Potter? Your parents Aunt and Uncle?"

Harry nods then, trust him to analyse the Potter family tree, well she is thankful he did. "They could be my parents then? I'd be a Potter cousin?"

"Yes" Hermione nodded, feeling a little rush they might have figured it out. With a flick of her wand she summoned the copy of The Pure-Blood directory, to find the part on the Potters.

"Yes look!" She grins as she finds the family line,

'Fleamont and Euphemia Potter, creators of Sleakeazy, moved to and settled in France'

"Perfect" She nods, her mind whirling, "Why don't we have that I was raised in France too? Jimbo and Misapinoa moved to France after a few years in Austria?"

"Neighbours to the Potters?" Harry continued and she nodded, wizarding areas were always small, it wasn't impossible.

"You and I have been friends since we were children, and when my parents died of …" She bites her lip.

"Dragonpox!" Harry exclaims and she nods, for it is the best plausible reason.

"The Potters took me in!"

"But why didn't Euphemia and Fleamont tell the Potters in England?" Harry asked then and Hermione let out a huff, he was right.

God coming up with a convincing wizarding backstory was difficult. It would be easy to be muggle-born but then how would they explain their home education?

"Well, why did they leave England?" Hermione asked, flipping back through the pureblood directory.

'Euphemia and Fleamont moved due to political differences with the British Ministry'

"Yes!" Hermione grinned then, "Easy, we simply say they didn't like England, wouldn't associate with it, it would be easy for you to pretend that's all you know" They both nodded then, it was a stretch, but it would work.

She is grinning, Harry is grinning, it makes sense, it explains why Harry looks like a Potter (and with hindsight explains them better as friends, for they look nothing like one another to be twins), and is an easier backstory than Austria, especially since she knows some French, she thinks they can certainly get by.

"Do I get to call it my plan now?" Harry says cheekily and she rolls her eyes before they move back onto the landing. She feels more confident in this now, and she is thankful for Harry, most people take her plans and ideas and just accept them thanks to her brightness, which she likes, but she knows she often needs to be challenged, needs to be questioned, and Harry does just that, for the benefit of them both.

"Okay" She nods, and then Harry takes her hand again, and she squeezes, she feels a little better with their new plan, but it doesn't dissipate her earlier worries.

"Hey" Harry says with a smile and turns to her again, "If it is too much we'll leave, but think about it, isn't this what we're fighting for?" Another round of laughter echoes up the stairs and a rowdy cheer that can only belong to Sirius. She sees the excitement in his eyes and even though she feels a little nervous she'd die before she took him away from this.

And perhaps he is right, perhaps she needs this too. This is what they fought for.

And so, she nods, Harry squeezes her hand this time and they make it the rest of the way down. Not into the Lions Den, but into the common room, their home, to have fun, something they haven't in a while.

As soon as they step out everyone seems to turn to look at them all at once.

It isn't actually like that of course. First one person looks over, nudges his friend, and then another, and then it goes around, and then within seconds the entire House of Gryffindor is looking across at them.

She gulps, hates being the centre of attention. Once at the Yule Ball (and that moment had felt good), had been enough, now she does not like people looking at her. She knows, as Harry squirms next to her, he is the same.

Her best friend despises the fame even more than she, but then he has good reason, one better than most. She feels cheered he won't be dogged by that here, she'll have to remind him of that, she promises herself to remember to do so.

"Who are you?" She's not shocked it is Sirius who speaks, who comes to the forefront of the group of gaping Gryffindors, in fact she'd be shocked if it wasn't him.

And as he comes to stand facing them, she is shocked by how different he looks.

Many had said Sirius was handsome in his prime, but if anything, they'd undersold it. He is stunning. Long silky locks, those arrogant pureblood features, high cheekbones, and no doubt a devilish grin (though there's no grin now, just a glare – he looks dangerous and dashing). He is a pureblood pretty boy and she near laughs at such a thought. She glances at Harry then and he just looks in awe, starstruck, like he can't quite believe it.

She nudges him with an elbow to the ribs and he glares at her, before realising he had just been gawping. Though it gets worse, and she should have expected it, as three more people fight to the front of the group.

She looks first at Wormtail. He looks better, healthier, not evil, but then she supposes right now he isn't. He isn't handsome but oddly enough he looks kind, he stands with his friends, but he offers a small, nervous smile, the friendly one, how different than she'd expected.

She supposes he isn't evil … yet.

She still feels a rush of hatred, but he is not what she expected. Harry squeezes her hand as he sees him, but manages to keep his temper in check, that she is thankful for. She has been on the end of the famous Harry Potter temper; it doesn't need to rear its head now.

She turns her gaze to Remus, who is even more starkly different than Sirius. Handsome yes, but healthy. It is astonishing how changed he looks. Scars yes, but far less, no grey hairs and a youth and exuberance she'd never seen in him. It makes her near smile, to see him so well, not plagued by his condition to the point of ageing him just yet.

And then James, the only one she hasn't met. He looks just as she'd expected, like Harry, and again she is thankful for her best friends' wisdom, there's no way they'd be able to explain Harry's distinct Potter looks. He's near a mirror image.

Except the eyes of course.

She notices Lily as well, stood to one side, but again the witch ignores her, eyes on Harry. She frowns at that, not that she'd ever want to keep Harry from his Mother, but … she has some concerns.

"We're transfer students" Hermione says, hoping to inject a little disdain in her voice, they are supposed to be purebloods after all, nice, quirky purebloods sure, but if Harry is meant to be the son of the Potters who left England in a huff, and she the daughter of the no doubt snobby Blishwicks they needed to perhaps be a tad standoffish – nice but with an air of aloofness, that's how she can sell it. And besides that suits her, she is hardly a social butterfly.

Also, she feels that a slightly snobby air (she tries to think of how Pansy Parkinson would upturn her nose), will sell their story some more, and more importantly stop too many unwelcome questions.

"Yeah" Harry follows and she near rolls her eyes. She adores her best friend, but he can't act, and she knows he wouldn't be able to act like a snob if his life depended on it. She supposes that's a good thing, if mildly inconvenient here. "We transferred from France"

"Beauxbatons?" A female student asks, head cocked, eyes wide and curious. She can see now, (and feels relief), that the hostile, worried looks are turning to curious, though the Marauders remain wands out.

She feels no offense in that, rather pleased their so cautious, though her gaze flickers to Pettrigrew again.

Not cautious enough.

"Homeschooled" Hermione shoots back, "Preferable"

Everyone looks slightly ruffled then, and Hermione cocks her head, snobby yes, but quirky. Now she tries to emanate Luna and feels a pang – how she already misses her eccentric friend, no doubt she knows where they've gone, she would, she imagines the blonde is wishing them luck and feels that pang again.

"Then why have you come here?" James asks, stepping forward, always a leader, though Sirius and Remus have his back, Pettigrew too she notices, Gryffindor for a reason then.

"Not that it is your business" Hermione says, and glances at Harry again, at least he's got his expression under control, but remains silent, she knows he's likely screaming on the inside, she'll talk for both of them, "But our parents died"

"You're siblings then?" Remus asks, and she's shocked at how arrogant he sounds, that she doesn't remember, it is strange.

"No" Harry speaks then, rallying a little she realises, lie he can't but he'd never leave her out on a ledge alone, "Friends, best friends"

"And I don't think we owe you anything more than that" Hermione said with a shrug, hoping some politeness would stop them probing, but she can see James looking at Harry now … ahh, again she's thankful for Harry's thinking.

"Come on Hermione" Harry offered then, and she resisted the urge to glare at him. He was always friendlier, and though she was going for the 'slightly hostile pureblood, i.e. leave us alone' vibe, he was clearly keen to make friends.

He was probably in the right, not that she'd admit that.

"Hermione's parents died of dragonpox 2 years ago, I was neighbours with Hermione, my parents died over summer" Harry said, and she glanced at him. He was good at weaving a story, a terrible liar he was, but he always came through in a pinch.

"I'm sorry" The girl who'd ask about Beauxbatons said, and Hermione nodded, and realised Harry had been right, nothing better than a bit of sympathy to cure suspicion. She can see everyone around them looking on in sympathy.

"You look like James" Sirius said with a bit of a glare, but even he was backing down, though she noted James had relaxed more so, though he was staring at Harry, just as Lily still was.

Fuck, they needed to be careful.

"James?" Hermione asked, and looked at Harry then, squeezing his hand hard, "Harry, didn't your Father mention a James once? In passing?"

"I think so" Harry said, his nails digging a little in her palm now, she could tell it was harder for him, of course the situation would be, "But then Mother and Father never liked to talk about the family back in England"

"Family back in England?" James asked then, and Harry clutched her harder, he had admirable restraint, something her best friend wasn't known for, she was glad he was employing it now.

"Yeah" Harry said, and she noted him poking at his scar then, as he always did when nervous, his tell. He didn't elaborate, how could he?

"We haven't introduced ourselves" Hermione jumped in then, better to get that out of the way. She hoped all questions about them could be answered here, they didn't need suspicion following them. "I'm Hermione Blishwick" She noticed a light of recognition in Sirius's eyes then, and she was pleased to see him nod, as though he knew the name, though he didn't relax, too many bad pureblood experiences probably.

"And I'm Harry Potter" Harry said then, eyes fixed to James, it was odd of him, but she couldn't begrudge him, she wouldn't.

She suddenly felt a pang of sadness, for her own parents … never to see them again. At least Harry was here with his, no matter how strange, how difficult not to just be able to come out and say the truth. At least they're here.

She felt that pang, but a lift of joy as James Potter's eyebrows raised. Yes, at least Harry had his parents here, and she knew regardless of the lies, at least he's able to see them, alive and well, and that is enough.

It would have to be.

"Potter?" James spoke and Hermione nodded. Again, she saw Harry fighting back his instinctual reactions, to run at his Father, to grin, to look up in awe. She clutched his hand tightly, support, she'll support him through anything.

They hadn't planned this, hadn't thought about how hard it would be, hell they'd come up with a story off the cuff. There had been no plan, no forethought, no idea of what to do. It was all reckless, and she smiled at that – now that was what Harry was known for her. Her now too it seemed.

They had grabbed the Elder Wand, and not thought about how hard it would be to assimilate, how Harry looks so much like James, how they have no money, no backstory, no plan. They're stumbling.

She feels her resolve harden then, not for much longer. Now they can stumble through, but tomorrow they'll make a plan.

Harry just nodded, and so Hermione knew she'd need to jump in.

"Yes, why?" She asked, hoping to cure suspicion, she knew who to mention, "Harry's parents Euphemia and Fleamont never liked England nor did mine, but before Harry's parents died they encouraged us to go to Hogwarts" She sniffed then, again it seemed this air was working. Harry garnered sympathy, and she was 'pureblood' enough to not seem too trite, "My parents disparaged the idea but when they passed, and then the Potters, they felt it was better than us being alone, and Dumbledore welcomed us as soon as he heard"

She saw the crowd visibly ease at that, Gryffindors would always trust Dumbledore, and though their story seemed outlandish, it had just enough truth, enough facts, enough to sell it, and the mention of Dumbledore was the cherry on the cake.

"My Father has mentioned Fleamont, said he left England in a huff, they were the more traditional side of the family" James nodded, and then she saw Remus and Pettigrew ease at that, James's endorsement means a lot, and he was nodding, apparently convinced, she was suddenly pleased Harry had thought to change their story, "Though why did they never mention you?"

"They always said they were done with England" Harry spoke then, evidently he'd picked enough skills in lying to teachers over the years, and she near laughed she was pleased about that now, "Never mentioned much family, but a name or two in passing"

"And what about you?" She noticed Sirius still seemed tense, annoyed, and she knew why, the Blishwicks were related to the Blacks, and blood fanatics too. The more 'traditional' Potters may have been snobs against too much integration, but they'd still been Potter's, still Gryffindor enough, but the Blishwicks? No doubt Sirius is surprised she's not in Slytherin.

"My parents despised England even more than Harry's, said it had gone to the dogs" She paused then and wrinkled her nose, "Said and I quote, the British Ministry would have our bloodlines sullied by all types of people, and we won't be part of that" She shrugged then but made sure to show the distaste on her face, she wanted to come off aloof not as a blood purist.

If only people knew, it made her laugh to be stood pretending to be a snobby pureblood, considering what was carved into her arm, considering her real blood, considering the slurs she'd experienced herself, considering she'd fought against her own eradication.

"And do you agree with them?" Sirius sneered, and she rolled her eyes, she knew Sirius wouldn't be pandered too, better to call him out on it.

"No" She said with her own sneer and she saw Sirius blink in surprise, "I dated a muggle over summer once, received a cane to the thighs three times" She shrugged again and saw Sirius's eyes alight – a kindred spirit of a pureblood rebel, "Didn't change my mind"

Something hung in the air for a moment, just a moment as everyone seemed to process, whether to accept or not. Could they accept? She tensed, felt Harry tense and then …

Sirius let out a bark like laugh, and suddenly had an arm around her shoulder and was steering her to the drinks table, as he turned her she saw James doing the same to Harry, and then he let out the shout.

"Let's give our new housemates a Gryffindor welcome!" He yelled, and she saw Harry grinning, now letting the awe on his face show a little more, she was too. A cheer rang up through Gryffindor, music was switched back on and the atmosphere immediately lightened.

She wanted to sag immediately but didn't keeping her shoulders a little tense under Sirius's, she couldn't give away how relieved she was their story had worked, though she was.

As Sirius thrust a butterbeer into her hand, and James began to waffle to Harry about the Potter family she gave her slightly starstruck best friend a grin though, one of relief and something else…

It felt good to be home.

Home.

Hogwarts had been his 1st home, his only home, and he felt that again now, stood in the Gryffindor common room, music playing, fire crackling, the same plush chairs. It felt natural, right.

And then more now, so much more…

James Potter, his Dad, stood opposite him, talking about his own Father … his Grandfather, Charlus Potter, and Dorea, his Grandmother, talking about their differences, how they'd never mentioned him.

"But you're a Potter none the less" He said with a grin, and Harry had to stop himself flinging his arms around his Dad, and just nodded, looking slightly struck, he just hoped his Dad took it as awkward, though he felt anything but.

He felt happy, blissfully happy. Here was his family, his flesh and blood family alive and well, happy, smiling. He had Hermione here too, it was like a dream come true. He felt a pang for the people they'd left behind, but he wouldn't be bogged down with sadness, this was too good to be marred.

There was a downside, he hated having to lie, to conceal the truth, he wanted to just blurt it out, but a glance at Hermione (who was now deep in conversation with Remus, who looked delighted to be in debate with her about some kind of Arithmancy theory), he knew they couldn't, knew it would be too dangerous.

But he could still bask in this, and he did, a little in awe.

His Dad was here, and he was friendly, a little arrogant yes, but friendly, enthusiastic, charming even. Harry wondered if he'd have been the same having been raised by him, but that thought slid away from him soon, as he just listened, nodded, sipped his drink, and basked in it, trying not to seem too gleeful.

This made it worth it, it all worth it, even if he couldn't tell the truth, it did. He'd accept having to lie to be here, with family.

"How's it going new Potter?" Sirius said, at ease now it seemed he'd accepted them, and he smiled as Harry grinned at the new nickname.

He was trying not to smile like a total looney, but he knew he was partially failing. How could he not? Seeing his family, his Father, Godfather, Remus, his Mother (though he hadn't seen her at the party yet). He couldn't help himself, and as Hermione and Remus wondered over, she smiled at him too.

Tonight, he wouldn't worry too much about his behaviour, not tonight, tomorrow they'd need to figure things out (and he knew Hermione would be thinking the same, and likely had an hour ago), but for tonight? Tonight, he wouldn't worry.

It had been a long time since he'd had no worry.

"Good" He nodded, "Just a lot to take in" He said, and they all nodded, Hermione slipped her hand into his then, and he saw James glance at them and he grinned, devilish as it was.

"Well, you'll be welcome here" Remus nodded, and Harry grinned.

"Yeah, already feeling that" More than that, but he was pleased to see everyone smiling.

"So, you two friends?" His Dad asked then, nodding at his and Hermione's entwined hands, and he saw Sirius grinning then, catching on, as did Remus, though his smile was kinder, and Pettigrew who had wondered over, though Harry was trying to ignore him without giving it away.

"Best friends" Hermione said with a glare, and he near laughed, he was no socialite himself, but he knew Hermione felt uncomfortable with all the people around. He hated the fame more, but she would much rather be curled up with a book he knew.

"You sure about that?" Sirius said with a cheeky grin, "Are you friends in the way James wants Lily to be his friend?"

"Oi" His Dad said, and Harry had to cough to conceal a laugh.

"Who's Lily?" Hermione asked, she was a far better liar than him, which he was thankful for. He squeezed her hand then, trust Hermione to always help him, and he did trust her, with his life.

"Oh, just James's big crush" Sirius said with a laugh and Harry laughed too as he saw James blush pink.

"Oh Lily!" Sirius yelled in a sing-songy voice, and James shoved him then, as Remus and Pettigrew laughed, as Hermione rolled her eyes but cracked a grin herself. He was just smiling, he knew his parents weren't together, not yet, but just seeing them, it warmed him.

"Shut it Black" He heard his Mother fire back and he felt that rush of air to his lungs again. He couldn't see her, but it was his Mother … Lily Potter, his Mum.

His Father was here, good naturedly wrestling with Sirius now, Sirius was laughing, Remus was here rolling his eyes, and that was great, but with his Mother … it was different. He could barely keep the awe off his face with his Father, he knew with his Mother he wouldn't be able to.

She had given her life for him; in his eyes she was the closest thing to a Saint he knew.

"You okay?" Hermione nudged him and he nodded, though he felt his eyes welling up then. As amazing as this was (and it was), it could become too much, especially as he caught a glance at his Mother, who looked back at him with that odd puzzled expression.

Possibly too much.

"Let's go to bed" Hermione said with a nod, hand in his squeezing, and he shook his head, they'd only been here for an hour or so, he didn't want to leave.

"No, I want to stay" And Hermione shook her head then.

"This is a lot Harry, for me too, I can't imagine how much for you" He felt some relief to hear her say that, it wasn't him freaking out alone, and she understood, as Hermione always did. "We should rest, reset, and then tomorrow make our plan and go to Diagon, and then have breakfast with them or something, something easy"

"Don't worry" She said with a smile, a kind smile that helped calm him, "It is a lot, and we're still battle worn, a lot to take in" She said, and he laughed a little then before nodding.

Hermione always knew what was best for him, and knew often what was best for him when he didn't want to agree.

"We're going to turn in" Hermione said, and Sirius booed at that to which she laughed, as did he, and felt something ease in him, but he still knew Hermione was right. He had suddenly felt bone tired, and knew sleep called.

"It's only 11!" James said with a scoff.

"And we are on little sleep and had to do continental appiration earlier" That seemed to sell it as they all winced and nodded, and Harry felt relief.

It was a lot, to have his dead parents, young and in front of him again, well and treating him like a friend … well it was a lot with his Dad, Sirius and Remus, as he glanced over at his Mother (who was looking away now, but seemed to sense his gaze and look back at him), it was a lot, like the air stolen from his lungs, and he knew he needed a pause.

And Hermione sensing that, well it just showed their bond.

"Night all" Hermione said, and he nodded, people called out goodnight to them as they made it to the stairs, and he felt warm again. He glanced back at his Mother who was looking away again, but he felt that sensation again, that she was here, close, and then he felt a tear slip down.

"Come on" Hermione said, voice gentle as she led him upstairs. Once again, they ignored the separate beds, she quickly excused herself to change in the bathroom and he stumbled through changing himself.

Once she returned, he felt a deep ease as she settled in next to him, and reached for his hand, waving her wand, 'Nox'. He clutched her hand tightly, and felt his body relax, felt the night drain through him, felt the ease that only Hermione could bring next to him.

They'd slept like this many times whilst on the run, and he had gotten so used to it, he didn't think he could be without it.

"You okay?" She asked, and he nodded, squeezing her hand, for he was. A lot to take in … a lot, she was right, but then when wasn't she?

"Tomorrow we'll plan" Her voice was soft as she rolled to her side, still clutching his hand, "Tonight we bask in what happened, we sleep, rest and we process" He nodded, and felt another tear fall, to which Hermione leaned over, resting her head on his shoulder, in comfort, which was the thing that gave him enough ease to slip into sleep.

Chapter Text

When they wake, they were more tangled than when they'd fallen asleep.

It was nice though, he could feel the stained tears on his cheek, felt a deep relief that Hermione's hand still clutched his tightly, and that she remained close (maybe too close, as she struggled not to sneeze as her hair crowded his face).

It had been an odd night, he had fallen asleep with tears in his eyes, purely overwhelmed at what had happened, but he had slipped into darkness as Hermione had reassured him, and had slept relatively well, though two nights good sleep wasn't quite enough to wash away a years exhaustion.

It was a start, and he felt better than he had in a long time, more well rested, less achy, more at ease.

And now the feeling of being overwhelmed was fading, and he just smiled, remembering the night before, his Dad, Mum, Sirius, Remus … his family. He'd talked to them, seen them, it felt too good to be true.

And yet as he looked down at Hermione, who'd really made all of this happen, who was still out cold, head on his chest, clutching him, it hadn't been too good to be true, it had been real.

He felt that warmth in his chest, and wanted to rush down to breakfast then, to talk to his Dad, to Sirius, to Remus, maybe see if he wasn't feeling so dazed, he could talk to his Mother. He wanted to jump up and just be at Hogwarts, his home.

Hogwarts had always been his first home.

But he looked down at Hermione, fast asleep, still with dark smudges under her eyes, and silently picked up his wand. 'Tempus' He whispered – only 8:05am.

He was awake but a year of no sleep and knowing Hermione needed more sleep, had him placing down his wand, smoothing Hermione's hair away from his nose, and settling back down, asleep again in minutes.

It was a Sunday, and damn right, they'd earned a lie in.

And besides, it was much easier to sleep with Hermione by his side. They'd gotten so used to it whilst on the run together, and he wasn't sure how either would ever be comfortable sleeping alone again.

Thankfully for now they didn't have to, and so in minutes he was asleep again, the two curled around one another.

It was Hermione who woke next.

She felt rested, well better rested than she had in months. Each night of sleep seemed to help cure the exhaustion she'd simply learned to live with for over a year, it was odd, feeling her body getting used to sleep again, but welcome.

She glanced over at the clock – 9:10am. Early, but thankfully not too early, the sleep has felt well earned, and well deserved.

With a small sigh she forced herself to sit up, Harry is still asleep next to her, his hair ruffled around his face, his smile more alight than she remembers, an ease to him that puts her at ease as well.

She smiles, but decides not to wake him up, they both need as much sleep as they can get, and so she plans to slip away, get ready for the day, maybe read, relax for a bit before shaking Harry awake in an hour or two – they do have stuff to do after all.

Still, as she moves Harry's eyes are fluttering open, and she smiles to herself; they are in tune with one another it seems. She doesn't mirror her best friend, but she knows they bounce off one another's emotions. It comes with their closeness. When Harry is happy, she feels more cheerful, when she is sad, Harry is more morose, and when she wakes, Harry does too.

"It was them Hermione" Is the first thing he says now awake, as he sits up, blinking away sleep.

She smiles at her best friend as he rambles. About his Mother - the green eyes that match his; about his Father - how fun he'd been to talk to, how mischievous; about Sirius - a bad boy through and through but a good laugh; about Remus - kind and yet more reckless than Harry had known.

He talks on and on, and she'd never be able to cut him off. She just smiles, props her head on her hand, watches as he talks about Potter's, Quidditch and family, as he seems to be smiling - properly smiling for the first time in months, and she just grins.

It makes it all worth it. Ron, Ginny, Luna, her parents, all gone now, she feels a pang of hurt, at missing them, but then just refocuses on Harry's smile.

Worth it.

It is a nice start to the morning, Harry smiling ear to ear, his hair slightly mused. She knows her hair is like a haystack, but she can't bring herself to care. Not when Harry looks so happy. She knows she's smiling too.

Worth it.

"And he mentioned quidditch! Tryouts are end of the week, I've got to go for it" Hermione laughs then, she loves he has found some normality in this situation - quidditch of all things! She's glad and rolls her eyes. Though she's the same, she found some normal discussion with Remus last night that had felt normal (and infuriating as she won't admit he might be smarter than her). Normal was good.

She hasn't thought too much about the normality. Quidditch (she near grimaces that means another year of sat shivering in the stands, she will of course, always to support Harry). She realises they'll be going to classes, Hogsmeade, normal stuff. It seems so impossible, and yet sorely needed.

Normality, she'd never craved it so much before. Being Harry Potter's best friend meant kissing normality goodbye, adventure after adventure replacing any boring 'normal' year of school. And yet, now she realises for a little while things can be normal, even if just for a little while.

"I'm happy for you Harry" She says, snapping out of her thoughts. "Really" And she is, truly - worth it.

"Are you okay?" She nods then, Harry can be sensitive when he needs to, and as he threads his fingers through hers, she lets out a little sigh of content. Yes, her best friend knows when she needs him.
"Seeing you happy" She pauses then, thinks of her parents, feels that pang, but it's easily diminished when she thinks of Harry's smile. "Makes it all worth it"

"Are you sure?" She resists the urge to roll her eyes - Harry will always be selfless, the saviour, always one to place his own happiness second. He is a hero, it's his best quality and the one that makes her want to strangle him sometimes.

They had both been placed in Gryffindor for a reason. She knows she's brave, reckless even sometimes (though nowhere near on the scale of the Potter sat next to her), but she had always had a chance to go to Ravenclaw, hell, part of her thinks if she hadn't been a muggleborn she might have ended up in Slytherin! But Harry? He's a Gryffindor.

She remembers when he confided in her, one-night shivering in the tent about the hat, about what it had said…

'It said I could have been Slytherin Hermione' They were both cold, tired, hungry. Huddled together in the bunk bed, backs against the wall, holding onto one another as rain lashed against the sides of their tent, as they chewed on some old bread, ignoring the pangs of hunger.

At least they were together, that was the only silver lining, as she cast another warming charm, as she moved a little closer to her best friend, and he rubbed a hand up and down her arm.

'It said Slytherin could lead me to greatness' His voice had dropped to a whisper, and she searched about for his hand, threading her fingers through his, clutching him tightly.

'Maybe it could have' She offers, Harry won't be reassured by dismissal here, 'But you went to Gryffindor' She shakes her head as Harry looks down at her, desperately searching for her reaction, 'Where you belong, if it even matters, does it?'

'Doesn't it?' He whispers, and she shakes her head again, 'I had to ask not to go to Slytherin'

'And that proves why, if it does matter, you are a Gryffindor' She says, and she knows that's what he needed to hear, and offers more, 'You were brave enough at 11, to ask a sentient magical being, on your first day of Hogwarts, to ask it to listen to you' She grins then, and can see Harry smile a little too, 'Doesn't get more Gryffindor than that'

'I guess that's true' He says, and she nods, with a smile, resting her head on Harry's shoulder, casting another warming charm.

'It is' She nods, and can feel the tension in her best friends shoulders relax. 'You're a Gryffindor Harry, through and through, and even if you were in Slytherin, you'd still be my best friend'

'You think so?' He asks, and she nods, no doubt, no hesitation.

'You and I would have always found one another' It's those words from her that relax them both, and allows them, for the first time in months, a somewhat decent night of sleep.

"Very sure" She leans forward then, snapping out of her own thoughts, pulls him into a hug, "And besides, I have you"

"Always" He doesn't even hesitate to reply and that chases the last pang away. And they sit for several minutes, still mused from sleep, still in pyjamas as Gryffindor Tower wakes around them.

Content, happy, together.

Worth it.

"Come on then" Hermione says, not wanting to break the moment but knows alas - they have stuff to do today, their little bubble of trying to sleep, relax and adjust needs to come with them.

To Diagon Alley.

They had come here with their wands, the clothes on their backs, what was left in her bag and little else. Thankfully the castle provided the basics of warm robes, and clothes, but they needed more than that, they needed books, equipment, clothes, Harry needed a broom! They had much to pick up, and so she forced herself out of bed, and Harry with a reluctant sigh followed.

She opened the trunk at the end of the bed and looked through. The night before they'd packed away the rest of their clothes, mostly jumpers, tops, and jeans, they'd each need a full school wardrobe.

They had some books, particularly Hermione was glad to see textbooks on every major subject, and a few gems that she knew would be too advanced for this era and would need to remain locked away for the moment.

They had a few bits of equipment, a pewter cauldron she'd thought they might need on the road, but they'd need potions agreements, stuff for Astronomy and Herbology, they'd need to buy for every subject. Harry would need a broom; she'd need to make sure she had all the correct textbooks.

Thankfully money wasn't an issue.

Before obliviating her parents she'd taken out her college fund and turned it to galleons, and Harry in a burst of wisdom had stored several bags of galleons at the Dursley's the year before they'd left. They had healthy amount between them, all stored in her bag, plus relics they'd need to store in their vault.

That would be their first stop: Gringotts, and then the shops to purchase everything they needed.

"What are you keeping on you?" She asked as she picked up some clothes from the trunk, jumper, jeans, trainers, and Harry did the same though offered her a glare as she claimed his quidditch jumper to wear, leaving him with his green Weasley jumper, snitch and all.

"I've got the map, the snitch, the shard of mirror" Harry said, patting the pouch around his neck, "The fake locket" He paused then and glanced inside, "I think that's everything"

"You'll keep ahold of the Elder Wand?" She asked, as she looked at it by the bedside and he nodded.

"I don't want it to fall into the wrong hands, but I don't think we should destroy it, I might put it in the vault, since I've repaired mine " She nodded at that, and began to pull on her clothes, as Harry turned from her to do the same, offering her some privacy but allowing their conversation to continue.

"I'll keep my bag on me, with the essentials if we need to make a run for it, but otherwise I think we need to make an effort to settle here, open a Gringotts account, settle into classes" Harry nodded at her words, and smiled, as did she, she knew they had been on the run for over a year, settling down would feel strange, but what better place to do it?

"Won't classes be different?" Harry asked and she nodded.

"Probably easier" She said with a dip of her head, "Maybe hard to adjust as some stuff won't have been discovered"

Harry nodded then, "We'll sit our OWLS this year"

"Yeah, I think we need to do our best, the Order won't take underperformers"

"Agreed" Harry said then and she almost laughed, here was the day her best friend agreed about performing well in exams – she had lived to see it.

"Haha" He mocked then, practically reading her mind, "I'll still beat you in Defence"

She couldn't help the huff of outrage that left her then, and Harry laughed too, "Sorry" He offered before laughing again, to which she joined.

God it felt good to laugh.

"So, to Diagon then?" Harry asked and she nodded, slipping on her shoes, waving her wand to make the bed (though not perfectly, she'd never bothered too much with domestic charms), and grabbing her bag as Harry did the same.

"I think we can use Dumbledore's floo" She said, and so they set off.

The Common Room was mostly empty as they arrived, and they actually got a few waves which they returned as they made their way to the door, they had much to cram into one day.

"Hey" They were stopped though, and Hermione immediately knew by who, especially as Harry smiled at the recognition of the person's voice.

Lily.

"Where are you two going?" She asked, and Hermione remarked that Harry's Mother was quite nosy, not that she begrudged it, it was a trait of hers too.

"For supplies" Hermione offered, for again Harry was a little awe struck, Lily too in a sense, which unnerved Hermione a little. Lily looked at her with a smidge of suspicion but with Harry she just looked a little starstruck.

She knew there was no way Lily could know, but could she tell? Feel something? Were her instincts as a Mother telling her something? Hermione didn't know but she hoped not, they couldn't afford to have someone poking around.

Though at Harry's smile she softened towards the slightly nosy Lily Evans, anyone who made her best friend smile like that was on the right side of her.

"To Diagon?" Lily asked raising an eyebrow and Harry nodded.

"Yeah, for school stuff" And Lily nodded then, suspicion gone, hmmm … it was strange, she'd need to talk to Harry about that later … if she could get him to stop mooning over his Mother in the flesh and blood for long enough.

"Well see ya" Hermione said, yanking on Harry's arm. She can see her friend doesn't want to leave and Lily lingers for a second even as they step through the portrait hole, but then the door shuts and she can link her arm through Harry's and practically steer him to Dumbledore's office.

She doesn't voice anything about his Mother now, not when he smiles so, but she will, she'll have to.

"Lemon Drops" She says and the Gargoyle hops aside, the password the same as yesterday. They are soon ascending the steps, and are knocking on the Headmasters door, she's not surprised he answers immediately, always awake and alert.

She muses then whether Dumbledore sleeps, it seems odd but he must.

"Mr Potter, Ms Granger, how can I help you this fine Sunday?" He offers ushering them inside. She feels that twinge of suspicion at Dumbledore, he is the greatest wizard of all time, and she knows Harry still trusts his mentor completely, and Dumbledore's refusal to meddle in time is certainly a point in his favour but she can't totally trust the Headmaster, not anymore.

He had kept too much from them, for a good reason, that she understands, but still.

"We need identity documents Sir" She says, and he nods immediately before heading to his desk, "And to use your floo to go to Diagon please"

"Of course, of course" He says with a nod, and again she feels that hint of curiosity that he is so content not to ask them questions, not to meddle. It is against her nature for one, she is far too curious to not ask, but Dumbledore seems to have some self-control she doesn't. Perhaps it comes with time, perhaps he had meant what he'd said yesterday, 'I am truly curious, which is rare for me nowadays'.

He smiles at her as he lifts his head, and that twinkle in his eye makes her think he knows exactly what she's thinking, and it amuses him.

He then hands her a set of papers, she can see they are ornate, on thick parchment, detailing their births, their magical signatures, all forged of course, but she knows if anyone can trick the Goblins, it's Dumbledore.

Harry doesn't even question them, he trusts Dumbledore to do them right, so does she in a sense, but she supposes she wasn't as exposed to him, only heard about his motives second hand. Harry sat in this office for hours upon hours learning from him, perhaps he has more reason to trust. Or more reason to not be as suspicious as she is.

"And these will get us past the Goblins Sir?" She asks, and Dumbledore just smiles, not offended in the slightest. In fact, she gets the sense he approves of her due diligence and inquisitiveness.

"Yes" He says with a nod, before walking to his floo. With a simple flick of his hand the flames jump, and he grabs a flowerpot full of floo powder, she note's the sides of the pot are covered in yellow flowers, and they match those on his robes.

"They'll give you everything you need here" He says, and then nothing more. Harry nods, and takes a handful of powder. He is still a little starstruck by Dumbledore too, as Harry is with everyone around him at the moment. Not that she can blame him.

She's not the type to get starstruck, or she probably would be too. Seeing Dumbledore alive again does bring her some comfort, but she had come back with Harry expecting it to be the two of them, against the world in a sense … and with Dumbledore's dismissal of wanting to know their story, perhaps it still is.

"Come on then Hermione" Harry says, and she realises she's been musing in her own thoughts, and so she nods, thanks Dumbledore who just smiles and gives them a wave as first Harry steps in to the floo and calls out for the Alley. She goes second, and nods at Dumbledore as she steps in, he nods back before turning to his desk.

"Diagon Alley" She calls, and then with a crackle of green flames she is gone.

The Leaky Cauldron looked exactly the same.

It struck her that it hadn't changed at all. Tom looked the same, the bar, the chairs, all of it. There were warm fires lit in the places around the room, more than one rowdy conversation happening, and the air smelt like butterbeer.

She turned to Harry, smiling at him as he gave her a grin back and inhaled the air - so he was thinking the same. The little pub they'd spent plenty of times in over their summers had not changed a bit, it was oddly comforting.

She wondered if the rest of the Alley would be the same.

"Where to first?" Harry asked her and she shrugged checking for her bag and wand.

"Gringotts?" She asked, papers for their identities forged by Dumbledore around Harry's neck in his moleskin pouch. He nodded then patting it, and they fell into step with one another before heading out into the Alley.

They made their way quietly down to Gringotts both of them not needing to make conversation. That was one of the very things she liked about Harry and their friendship - there wasn't always the need to fill the air with chatter, sometimes they could just walk side by side in silence, comfortably without feeling the need to talk.

She knew he was doing the same as her, observing the Alley as they walked through it. It was quiet compared to the summer but fairly bustling as it was a weekend. She preferred that, though crowds were disconcerting to her after so long spent alone with just Harry and Ron, it was easier to get lost in them.

In fact, as she glanced over at Harry she could see him smiling at the anonymity and she grinned to herself. His lack of fame in this time was a blessing she knew Harry enjoyed and was grateful for. Her best friend had never been a glory hunter.

As the crowd grew once they made their way towards Gringotts, Harry took her hand and she slipped hers into his. It was natural, without thought, their fingers interlocking with no shame, no blushing, no worries.

She and Harry had reached a level of comfortable around one another when they had been on the run, and that wasn't going to way. Not after what they'd experienced, just the two of them - together.

They arrived at Gringotts quickly, no one could miss the huge bank towering over the Alley. It had seemed intimidating to her before but now as she looked at it, a wry smile on her face, she knew it wasn't as impenetrable as the Goblins claimed.

It seemed Harry had the same thought, letting out a laugh at her expression, and she found herself grinning too, a giggle leaving her.

"Not too scary now" He teased, and she laughed again - she remembered Harry's mad plan; leap onto the back of a dragon! He certainly did have his reckless streak, as he had proven time and time again, and she had gone along with. Was she as reckless as he? Not quite, but she had come far from refusing to break the rules.

"No" She agreed, laughing again, as did Harry. "But let's try and leave by the front door this time"

They let out their last laughs as Harry nodded, "Deal" Before they released one another to step through the security protocols and into the bank.

She tried not to shiver as she was scanned, as they stepped through the ornate golden doors, though she did find herself reaching for Harry's hand as they made their way to the front desk. She thought of the dragon guarding the vaults down below and felt a pang for the poor thing. At least in another life it had been rescued.

"State names and purpose" The reedy voice of the Goblin spoke as they approached the desk, Hermione glanced at Harry who nodded at her. Yeap, she was the one to do the talking.

It was usually the way, in situations of explaining and reasoning Harry left to her but in moments of bold braveness and standing up Harry took charge.

It worked, as did all their dynamics. She felt a little twist of her stomach then as she thought of Ron, the 3rd in their trio, she missed him and didn't want to admit to herself that their dynamic would be fine without him. It would have to be, she knew they had made the right choice in leaving him behind.

Ron had much to lose, they only had one another.

Harry nudged her then and she realised she needed to speak up, and so she cleared her throat before handing over the papers.

She felt a little nervous, the last time they'd been here they'd been breaking the law too. But though her trust in Dumbledore wasn't completely where it had been, she fully trusted him to be able to deceive the Goblins.

"My name is Hermione Blishwick" She said, putting a little bit of what she called 'snobbery' into her tone, "This is Harry Potter. We were living in France before moving here recently, we are here to open new vaults"

"New?" The Goblin sneered as his partner analysed the papers, magnifying glass flicking and flashing as he looked over their new identities.

She felt a little pang that the name Granger was gone, but it made sense, even if she didn't like it.

"Yes" She said, reminded of the last time she'd been here, masquerading as Bellatrix Lestrange of all people and looked down her nose at the goblin, whilst shaking in fear on the inside. She feels much that way now, though comforted by the papers they've handed over.

"You don't need to open new vaults" The goblin sneers, "Or do you not both want the inheritance clearly bequeathed to you as the last living relatives of your lines?"

She means to school her expression, but her eyebrows raise involuntarily, she's thankful it's not just her though, as she looks over at a very surprised Harry. Neither of them are good at being stoic, though she is slightly better she supposes.

"Of course" She manages to recover, "Please take us both to them" The goblin sneers at her but nods to his companion who scoops up two keys and jerks his head for them to follow as he moves into the depths of the bank.

She glances at Harry as they follow to one of the carts that will take them deeper in. He offers her a slightly cheeky smile and she rolls her eyes - of course they are both thinking of the last time they were here again.

Breaking and entering, fighting goblins and wizards alike, fleeing on the back of a dragon. Pretty typical for them.

She had thought this time might be slightly less eventful: open their vaults, deposit everything and then go into the alley, but as they both climb into the cart and she finds herself taking Harry's hand again for some comfort, and the Goblin glares at them both of them as he says, "To the Blishwick vault first" Perhaps it will be more eventful than they'd both planned.

Isn't that just them? As the cart jumps forward and her other hand grabs the side, and the vaults around them become clear, she near smiles at the thought. Yes, things going not to plan and slightly off the rails? She glances at Harry who smiles at her; definitely them.

Chapter Text

"Woah"

She is glad the snarky Goblin had waited outside for them, for she wants to echo her best friends sentiment. Woah indeed.

She remembers coming to Gringotts with her parents, setting up a vault, exchanging pounds to Galleons, putting in a few bits of hers; a bracelet Viktor gave her, an old Sneakescope she got as a gift to herself, some of her own savings transferred to wizarding currency. The vault had been on one of the higher floors, not needing such security. It had been humble, modest, simple.

The Blishwick vault, deep in the bowls of Gringotts is none of those three things.

It is frankly garish.

Piles of galleons, jewellery, paintings, chests, silks. It is almost obscene. She remembers Harry telling her about seeing his vault for the first time, the shimmering towers of Galleons, this is much the same.

They won't need to worry about what will happen post-Hogwarts, not at all, they could never work and live comfortably for the rest of their lives here, just off this.

"Damn" She says with a shake of her head but tries to come back to herself, after all they have a lot to do and little time before classes start tomorrow.

She fills a bag of Galleons, that should more than cover her expenses. She also deposits plenty out of her beaded bag, textbooks with knowledge not yet discovered in this time, a wand or two stolen from snatchers, the portrait of Philleas Nigeles, a few bits she'd taken from home - her mother's jewellery box, her father's watch and a few other things they accumulated on the run. Her piles are nothing compared to everything else, but she is glad to store them somewhere safe, somewhere she can come back them.

"You okay?" Harry asks, the silent but comforting person at her shoulder as she strokes her fingers over the wood of her mother's prized jewellery box, as she gentle runs her fingers over her father's old watch, inherited from his father – her grandfather. All gone now.

"Yeah" She says and manages a smile, Harry's hand slipping into hers helps, helps a lot and she nods again, means it this time before turning around.

"We should go" She smiles a little then, "One vault and then we can get some food and shop"

Harry nods and they make their way to the doors still hand in hand, "Food sounds good"

At least that makes her laugh and Harry's grin widens her smile, as he always knows how to make her do so.

"The Potter vault" The Goblin sneers as they sit aboard the cart and get whisked away again, not deeper or higher, but across, further into the twisting stone of Gringotts.

"Oh my god"

Last time he'd been the one with an open mouth and dropped jaw. Okay, this time he is too but Hermione is wide eyed next to him as well, and for good reason.

The Blishwick vault had been opulent, garish even, the Potter vault he had expected to be smaller, less wealth but more than enough to see them through (after all, this was the 2nd Potter vault, the one Harry inherited would likely never go to him now).

Oh how he'd been wrong.

It is similar in most ways to Hermione's new vault. Trophies, gold, jewels (he can even see a crown), adorn many a surface, and piles of Galleons stand high. It is a lot, less artefacts than the Blishwick vault, but definitely more money.

He had expected wealth but not on this level. Are Potter an old pure blood family? He thinks he and Hermione need to do some more digging, something he grimaces at - he never thought he would be voluntarily signing up for research! But they do, those need to understands more about the families they are claiming to come from (though for him of course he actually does want to understand for they are his family).

Because yes, he'd expected wealth, but this pales even to his old vault, how is this line of Potter even wealthier than the old that had already been richer than Crousseus?

"Damn Harry" Hermione says and he nods before following her lead. He doesn't remove the moleskin pouch from his neck though, he does unpack some bits, some textbooks, some simple stuff like his old sneakescope and such, but he keeps most of his most valued possessions around his neck. He does also fill up a bag of galleons (two even knowing how much they'll need), before something catches his eye.

It's a bookcase against one of the walls, but that wasn't what caught his gaze. No, it's the framed scroll, glittering with golden ink that has him wondering over, Hermione following.

"It says here this is a patent?" He says and Hermione nods and then gasps before he can read anymore. He does roll his eyes at that and turns to her smiling, she'll always out read him.

"Go on" He nods to explain and she mocks punching him before he laughs and holds his hands up in surrender. Turning back to the scroll as Hermione speaks.

"It is a patent" She says then, placing a hand on his shoulder, leaning over him. "For Sleakezy's hair products" She shakes her head then "Harry, do you know what this means?"

His eyebrows raise, and he nods. Forget never working, if he had children they'd never have to work, or their children after, or after again. Sleakezys? He knows enough about them to know every girl in the castle owns at least a few bottles, a few of the guys too. No wonder his vault is even bigger than the old pureblood families.

"No wonder I'm richer than you" He teases Hermione then, a little shell shocked but taking it in. Money to him doesn't hold too much importance but damn, of course he's a little surprised, and comforted that they have enough for whatever they need and then some.

"New money" Hermione sniffs, joking and he laughs. Tucking his money bag away they make their way out again, back onto the carts.

"At least that's something we don't have to worry about" Hermione says and he nods, they really don't, "Lunch is on you though" She grins and he rolls his eyes but nods. He supposed he had that coming.

When they emerged from Gringotts the weather had taken a turn for the worst. It was cold and wet and they both let out a little groan. Nasty weather was nice when tucked in Gryffindor common room with a nice fire and a cosy chair, but not when trudging through Diagon Alley.

"We'll be quick" Hermione said and Harry nodded, before waving his wand, an impervious charm, she remembered teaching it to him, to help in quidditch, she noted he'd mastered it now, probably from casting it so often on the pitch.

"Guess we're not going to Flourish and Blotts then" Harry said cheekily and she rolled her eyes at him before looping her arm through his and dragging him to the first shop on the street opposite Gringotts – the Apothecary.

As always it had an interesting smell to the air of it as they stepped inside. Jars upon jars of ingredients lined the shelves (many of which still looked alive), and several cauldrons bubbled away on the front desk and on a long wooden desk at the back. The smell was one of potions ingredients, smoke and peculiarly something akin to marshmallows.

"Hello" The Wizard behind the desk said with a nod, as he stirred something thick and gloopy looking. "School supplies?" He didn't bother to ask why they were coming late in the year, or why they hadn't sent off for them and instead just nodded, and pointed them in the direction of the 'Hogwarts' section as he called it, that lined one wall.

They both picked out their Apothecary sets Hermione had packed and began to pick out the stuff that was missing. First, they picked out the basic stuff they'd need for class; armadillo bile, frogs legs, ginger, eye of newt, the basics. Once they'd grabbed a bag each of supplies they'd need for classes, they then began to gather the slightly more … sinister things.

Because both of them had to remember; they weren't just here to attend school.

First, they grabbed a handful of beazors; always useful in a pinch. Some Mandrake essence (two jars, and they shot one another significant looks, they'd have to deal with what mandrake essence helped with at some point). Then fluxweed, knotgrass, lacewing flies, leeches, horn of bicorn, skin of boomslang … i.e. all the ingredients for Polijuice potion, Hermione signed as she contemplated, she'd likely need to brew up another batch soon, it hadn't been easy, and was time consuming. Finally, in went some murtlap essence, the ingredients for Burn-Healing Paste and Antidotes for Common Poisons, and a few extra bits like aconite and unicorn horn she felt were just good to have on hand.

They got an odd look from the Wizard as he rang them up, but he seemed not to ask questions when he realised just how hefty the purchase was. Harry waved her off as he handed over the Galleons for it, and she rolled her eyes.

"Fine, we'll take it in turns" Harry shrugged then and she grinned at him before giving him a little shove, Harry had always been generous, but she knew even now, richer than he had been before, she could near match him.

And so, as they enter the next shop (Potage's Cauldron's), she resolves to make sure he doesn't buy everything for them today.

The Cauldron Shop thankfully didn't have the smell of the Apothecary, of dried ingredients that made his nose itch, but the fumes were enough to make him cough.

Evidently to display the value of their cauldrons they were mixing the most corrosive potions they could, as though to display how despite the acrid grey fumes coming off one, and green sparks another (honestly they reminded him of some of Neville's concoction's), such potions wouldn't leave a dent in their cauldrons.

Thankfully they didn't have to linger for long. Hermione shoved in front of him, giving him a face full of bushy hair, handed over Galleons for three Pewter Cauldrons (one each for class he presumed, and another for any illicit brews in their room – he remembered for some reason then Felix Felicis and remembered just how complex the potion was to make but resolved to study it further) before they exited just as quickly as they'd entered.

"Phew" He said shaking his head, and he notices as he turns to Hermione her eyes are watering.

"Yeap" Is all she manages, and silently they both agreed never to enter that shop again if they have to, mail order will do.

"Where to next?" He asked, glancing up and down the street, before his eyes pinged on the next shop over, and when he heard Hermione's long-suffering sigh, he knew she'd seen, and he knew that she was well aware he wouldn't be deterred.

"Fine!" She said, and he grinned, turning to her with a smile like a kid in a candy store, "But!" She pauses, and he does too, though he knows there's no trouble, with her giving him a somewhat indulgent smile that makes him feel about five, "You can't complain about Flourish and Blotts!"

"Deal" The words are out of his mouth before he even registers what Hermione has said, and then he takes her hand and drags her forward, into and through the doors of Quality Qudditch Supplies.

As soon as he steps in he feels content, to see the brooms against the wall, sure there's no Firebolts in this time, but he can see the most up to date model; the Nimbus 1900, a bit behind his first broom, but it would be the best of the time. He knew as soon as he saw it, he had to have it.

It was polished to a high standard, the twigs of the broom slick and clean to give maximum air resistance. The handle was beautiful, the Nimbus Logo and '1900' shining in gold. The stats next to it promised good speed, strong braking and had a varnished coat, anti-theft charms imbedded and years warranty.

First though he went to the back of the room, picked up a new Broom Kit (for he'd worn the one Hermione gave him down to everything being empty), and then some new seekers gloves, before heading to the desk.

He glanced over at Hermione, who looked positively bored, and was just waiting for him to pay, but he couldn't resist having a little look around first.

He could see the newest Comet – the 220, again a decent build, but not on par with the Nimbus. He saw others; the Cleansweep Six (he remembered Ron flying his Cleansweep Eleven), an old school Silver Arrow (that whilst beautiful looking he knew couldn't match the speeds of modern brooms), a Shooting Star (that looked sad and saggy), and a Bluebottle Make 1 (which he knew was a family broom, hence the child harness swinging from the back), to finally round back to the desk, his eyes flickering back to the Nimbus.

"You sure you don't want one Hermione?" He asked, though he already knew the answer, and the look she shot him confirmed it.

"What?" He asked holding his hands up, his grin a tad cheeky – he knew Hermione was terrified of heights "What if we need it for another Ministry trip? We could get you a Cleansweep? Something simple?" He asked, and he hoped to at least get Hermione to look at it from that logical perspective, but she just shook her head.

"Why would I need that?" She said with another roll of her eyes, "I'd just go on the back of yours"

It was his turn to roll his eyes then, but he let it go as he turned back to the store owner who'd wandered into view, handing over his purchases.

"Anything else?" He asked, looking slightly bored.

"Yes" He said with a nod, pointing to the Nimbus on display, he missed his Firebolt already, but the Nimbus did give him an odd feeling of nostalgia and he knew it would do the job.

The proprietor immediately went from bored to grinning, grabbing the broom, waxing lyrically about the speeds, the style, how it was the perfect broom for making the Quidditch team. He could feel Hermione's eyes rolling into the back of her head as he nodded, paid, and left without saying anything else, he already knew the stats the owner was reeling off, and he already knew if he wanted a broom, he wanted the best.

"So, do you think you'll be on the Qudditch team again?" Hermione asked as they exited, the owner grinning and waving as they did, Harry's pocket considerably lighter as they made their way down the street, broom shrunk and in Hermione's bag.

"I'll try out" He said with a nod, he'd missed Quidditch, and he knew his Dad was on the Team, which only made it more appealing to him. Still, even if he hadn't been he'd be trying out. He missed the wind on his face, the thrill of chasing the Snitch, the games, the competitive spirit, the feeling of freedom that came with flying.

"So, that's a yes" She teased, and he laughed then, her faith in him always welcome.

"Someone might beat me" He said, he knew he was a decent flyer, and he had missed it fiercely, but he didn't know the talent at Hogwarts, or the competition.

"Bah" Hermione said without a doubt, with a shake of her head as she stopped in front of Madam Malkins and stepped inside, where they were promptly ushered to the stands to be measured for school and dress robes, Madam Malkin not asking either of them why they were late, just getting them in place, and with a wave of her wand tape measures began to flash and flick around them, "If you try out you'll get on"

He could only grin, even as he felt a pin poke his arm and the mirror snarkily told him to keep still. He knew he was feeling warm at the prospect of playing Qudditch again, but also, as always, he felt so for Hermione's faith in him, that she had always shown him was unwavering, and he smiled at her as they got measured for their robes, for another year at Hogwarts.

With their robes being worked on and ready to pick up in an hour, Hermione finally got her wish and dragged Harry (as he had done for her to the Quidditch Shop), to Flourish and Blotts, promising she'd only browse before they got lunch, went to Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment and then headed back to Hogwarts.

Of course her 'only browsing' was not comparable to other peoples.

First, they grabbed their booklist for the year: The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5 (and Hermione winced when she flicked through and saw how out of date it was compared to her version), A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot (she noticed Harry shudder and gave him a pat on the shoulder as they both remembered Godric's Hollow), Magical Theory by Aldalbert Waffling (and she realised they'd need to talk to Dumbledore about their OWL subjects before timetables tomorrow), One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi (she did note it was slightly slimmer, and wondered how many had been discovered between now and the 90's), Magical Drafts and Potions, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Intermediate Transfiguration were standard, and she noted Harry slipping a copy of Qudditch Through the Ages in their joint basket, and she obviously had to grab a copy of Hogwarts: A History.

"We should grab our OWL books" She said with a nod, and Harry nodded too, before grabbing his off the shelf (consulting the list Dumbledore had given them both before leaving). His consisted of Unfogging the Future (she rolled her eyes), The Encyclopaedic Guide to Magical Creatures (to which she grabbed a copy too), and she raised an eyebrow as he reached for Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles, but he shrugged and explained.

"I think my Mum will take that class, for the same reason you did" She nodded then, and knew not to discourage him, she remembered the class, growing up in the muggle world made it reasonably easy, and she grabbed a copy for herself too, perhaps they would run into Lily Evans during it.

She then grabbed Numeroloy and Grammatica, and Spellman's Syllabary for Arithmancy and Runes, and was pleased to see little had changed about the texts.

Finally, they had to reach high to grab 'Defending Against the Dark Art's a book they didn't recognise but was on their list, and then Hermione grabbed two more she had spotted; 'A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration' and finally, 'Becoming an Animagus' to which Harry raised an eyebrow and then grinned.

"I grabbed some mandrake leaves as well, and the ingredients for the animagus potion" She whispered as they approached the till and placed down the mountain of books, but the clerk seemed unphased as he began scanning them and they wandered back to the shelves, "I thought considering the company we'll be keeping it would be useful"

He nodded then, grinning and Hermione knew she'd been right to plan for this. "That's brilliant" Her grin matches his then, as they turned to the bookshelf Hermione had approached.

She tried to keep her browsing relatively short, and to Harry's credit he didn't complain as she leafed through and then decided on two more volumes for recreational reading, he even grabbed one himself on jinxes and counter curses, and she grinned as they split this purchase, it being their most expensive yet, minus the Nimbus.

"We need to be prepared" Was all he said, and she nods, as she shrunk their books and placed them back in her bag. He was right, and she knew it would be good to see what spells didn't exist in the books, so they could either not use them, or use them at the right time.

"So, last stop for equipment?" She asked as they stepped out, the rain going to a drizzle now, but still miserable, she couldn't wait to be back in front of the fire.

"Not just yet" Harry said then as they turned, and he nodded at the next store over, to which she wasn't sure whether to sigh or smile, she went with the latter as they made their way over, several of the occupants in the window suddenly looking for attention, as they stepped into Eyelops.

As he steps inside, (and wrinkled his nose at the smell – he couldn't help but think that most shop owners had never heard of air freshener), he knew he wanted to get an owl. He felt a horrible cold pang as he thought of Hedwig, but felt his spirits lifted that she hadn't been born yet and so in this timeline could live (he also resolved in however many years to come back to Diagon Alley for her).

But in the meantime, he needs an owl, having his own had proved great time and time again, and as he steps further inside, his eyes began to flit around, looking for the one for him.

Hagrid had picked out Hedwig for him, and again he felt that pang – though once again was cheered, surely, they could make friends with Hagrid again? Harry smiled at that, all of the losses they'd suffered, horrible as they were, they could rebuild those relationships here, they weren't lost here.

It was what they'd come back for, family, friends, and Harry planned to include Hagrid firmly in that circle.

"You want to get an owl?" He asked then, to Hermione who shakes her head.

"One will be enough for us both" She said, almost with the same air as to his broomstick, Harry just nodded as he made his way around the shop, coming to a halt in front of a large display of tawny owls – he was tempted by the same breed as Hedwig, but she had been notorious, and the Tawny's were a bit easier to blend in.

And so the owl he chose wasn't quite as showy as Hedwig, but handsome all the same and a little more non-descript. The owl he picked was young, just barely a juvenile, and a deep but handsome chocolate brown that bordered on black. It had large amber coloured eyes, and seemed to fix them on Harry as soon as he approached.

So, without wanting to overthink it he grabbed the cage containing the bird and made his way to the counter, scooping up a large pack of owl nuts as he passed.

"Oh, he's pretty" Hermione said with a smile, and Harry knew the deal was sealed, when Hermione went to stroke the owl with her finger, and he simply nudged into her and allowed it without fuss.

They paid in the same kind, without fuss and then asked the owner to hold the bird and they'd pick it up on their way out. "We'll be back" He whispered, and felt quite reassured that the handsome owl did the same as Hedwig often had; a large slow blink that seemed to mean it had understood him.

"What are you going to call him?" Hermione asked and he couldn't help but shrug, he remembered getting Hedwig's name from a book, and who better to get the next name from if not the same source?

"Any ideas?" He asked and couldn't suppress a grin as Hermione's mind began to whirl, and she fired off a few names in succession, her nose wrinkling as she did so (though why Harry noticed that he didn't know).

"Balfour? For Balfour Blane, he established the Committee on Experimental Charms, a few accidents here and there but great work…" She was chewing her lip now as she often did when focusing, "Mungo Bonham? Founder of St Mungos?" She asks then, her eyes lighting up, but at his raised eyebrow she shakes her head and continues, "Quong Po?" She asks then, "He found the use for Chinese fireball eggs, though has been burnt so many times he…"

"Wait" He felt bad for interrupting her, but the name had come to him so quickly he felt foolish to not have thought of it before, "Ron" He said simply, and at the huge smile that broke on Hermione's face he knew she agreed, and they both stepped a little closer to one another, sad that he was gone, but smiling at the honour to their friend.

"Perfect" She said, and he nodded, taking a second just to look at her, her smile, it made him feel a little better about leaving Ron behind, and they could honour their friend, in his new familiar.

"So, no owl for you?" He asked, after a few seconds, and then they began to make their way further down the Alley, they had equipment to buy, lunch to eat, robes and Ron to pick up and then back to Hogwarts where he resolved to spend some time in the common room, even after being overwhelmed the night before.

"No" She said, sounding a little sad, but he noticed her grin and tug him into another store, one he didn't catch the name of as she pulled him in so quickly, "But I've got a better idea"

He near let out a groan as yet another smell assaulted him, this one mildly worse, though the sound and chaos was worse even than that, but he managed to hold it back, as he followed his best friend forward as she tugged him towards the following wall, where the kittens were sleeping in their cages, in the Magical Menagerie.

Hermione had known she wasn't interested in an owl, she'd never been that drawn to them, and one between them was more than enough, especially with school owls at their disposal.

No, she didn't want an owl, but she did miss Crookshanks fiercely, and intended very much so to come and buy him as soon as she worked out when she could do so, but for now, she saw no harm in adopting another familiar, she was a witch after all, it felt right to have one by her side.

The problem was that Crooks had been so unique, part Kneazel! So intelligent and handsome, she didn't want any old cat, she wanted another one like Crooks, but then Crooks had been unique.

As soon as she approached the wall of cats she knew none of them would do. Sure, they were cute and several began to paw towards her, but they just weren't the same as Crooks. She let out a sigh then, looking at the wall of adorable cats that held simply no appeal to her, and felt a horrible pang as she thought of Crooks, and how no other familiar would compare to him.

"Harry I'm not sure…" She began, because she wasn't.

"Hermione" He said her name then and she shook her head, not wanting to be persuaded, not when she was suddenly feeling quite sad at the loss of her beloved pet.

"No Harry" She said, and managed a sad smile as one of the cats began to meow quite adorably, but she still didn't want one, "I don't think…"

"Hermione" He said again, and she let out a small sigh, "Turn around"

"Why?" She asked, but did so anyway, turning on the spot, turning to her best friend, who said not another word and just pointed forward, to a cage behind the counter, where one solitary familiar remained, and then as soon as she saw it she knew.

The squeal she released set the cats meowing, birds chirping and owl's glaring at her, it had the owner hurrying out of the back, holding a pygmy puff, with an owl on each shoulder looking so thoroughly harassed he didn't identify either of them as the source of the squeal, and instead just said, "Can I help you?"

And oh he could! She ran forward then, a beaming smile on her face as she ran to the counter, Harry behind her. The hollow sad feeling was chased away as she looked past the owner to the cage Harry had spotted.

The cage that held a part cat, part kneazel, probably only a few weeks old, with ginger fur, and a thoroughly squashed face and the grumpiest expression she had ever seen!

It was Crooks! She was surprised but chided herself as she gave her familiar a wave, Kneazel's lived for up to 70 years in the wild, 20 in captivity, of course Crooks was here! And just born by the looks of it, and ready to come home with her immediately.

She turned then and threw her arms around Harry, for spotting her, and a tear leaked down her cheek, as he squeezed her back and she quickly turned back to the owner, and pointed straight at her precious pet.

"That one please"

"Really?"

"Yes!" She said, aware she shouldn't be so enthusiastic as he may rip her off, but no! She didn't care if Crook's cost everything in her Gringotts account, she'd pay it.

"Okay" He said with a shake of his head, as he reached for the cage, "He's the last one of the litter, squashed face couldn't get rid of him, but he's yours" He said with a nod, "10 Galleons" And she nodded, handing over the money without a second thought.

As soon as the cage was handed over she immediately unlocked it and pulled her familiar into her arms. He was much smaller now, but still her Crooks as she snuggled his ginger fur close, and looked back at Harry, who was beaming ear to ear.

Chapter Text

It took a couple of minutes (okay 10) for Harry to coax her to give Crookshanks to the shopkeeper to hold whilst they finished their shopping, but thankfully after much cooing, nuzzling and even a kiss to the cats nose (and from his grumpy expression Harry got the sense Crookshanks would accept that from no one but Hermione), he finally managed to tear her out of the shop (after she reassured her familiar no less than 15 times she'd be back).

Harry understood it and was maybe being a little harsh upon practically lifting Hermione and walking her out of the Menagerie, if Hedwig had still been here (and again he thoroughly intends to come back as soon as he figured out when he'd need to come back), he would probably not be as a cooing mess, but he knew he'd be emotional.

"He'll be fine Hermione" He said for the third time cutting his best friend off before she could ask again.

"Can you believe it Harry?" She was so giddy, her hand slipping into his that he found himself smiling, her happiness was infectious.

"It's great" He said. He felt a twinge of jealousy but did not voice it, for he wouldn't ruin Hermione's happiness with his own sadness about Hedwig, she was beaming and that lifted his spirits too.

"I'm sorry about Hedwig" He felt his heart lift a fraction then. Of course, Hermione would know what he was thinking.

"It's okay" He said, and he found it was, "We'll come back for her" Especially when he knew that. He'd get Hedwig back; it may just take a little while.

"Of course we will" Hermione said fiercely and he managed a grin then. Sure, he still felt a little low, knowing his new familiar Ron was lovely and would suit their purposes well but was no Hedwig, but he was warmed to remember that Hedwig would be with them, just not yet.

"So where to next?" He asked, feeling a little better and ready to move on. He didn't want to dwell on what he'd lost, if he did he felt he could get lost forever, he was even reminded of Dumbledore then…

'It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live'

Perhaps he needed to apply that advice to the past.

"I think we just need to tick off Wiseacre's for equipment" She paused then, "Then around to pick up robes, your broom, Ron and Crooks" She said with a smile before she let out a giggle, "That sounds like we left Ron somewhere"

Harry laughed to them before feeling that pang that they had left Ron somewhere, he could see Hermione's expression darken to – they had left him somewhere, they had left him behind.

"We did the right thing" Hermione said, exactly able to tell what he was thinking her again. He did sometimes wonder, particularly over the last year whether they had some shared telepathy, they always knew what the other was thinking. When he'd returned Ron had even commented on how strange it was.

"I know" He did, as awful as it felt not to have Ron with them he knew it was the right call, breaking up the trio in many ways had felt wrong, but in the one way it had felt right, that Ron shouldn't be damned to leave his family, it was enough to make it the right decision "He would have wanted to come and he had much more to lose"

"Not like us" Hermione muttered, her features a little downcast then, that had Harry reach for her hand and lock his fingers through hers.

"We have each other" He said firmly. Once he would have blushed to hold a girl, any girls hand! But this was Hermione, she was different, she was the closest person to him, and always would be.

"We do" She said brightening a little, squeezing his hand and they both nodded before making their way down the Alley again, off to pick up their last bits before returning home to Hogwarts, the only home they had.

The visit to Wiseacre's was quick and unexciting.

They both picked out simple but high quality Scales, Telescopes, Moon and Star Charts, Phials (double the amount needed) and even sprung for a set of Silver Scales for their own private potion making.

After that they realised they needed quills but their dip into Scibbulus's didn't take long and they left with plenty of quills and stacks of parchment and ink.

"Lunch before we go?" Harry asked but she shrugged, the only place available was the Leaky which she didn't fancy, and she was feeling a bit morose now, and though the rain had slowed she felt a sudden desire to go back to Hogwarts, curl up in front of the fire with her nose in a book to distract herself from the sadness that had cast over her.

They had both experienced too much loss, too much sadness over the years and they both had ways to cope. Harry played Qudditch, she read, and they comforted each other.

"Or a cone?" Harry asked then, steering her towards Florence's. She rolled her eyes but managed a smile, Harry's attempts to cheer her up were always welcome and she felt better as soon as she smelt the sugar in the air of the shop.

"What flavour are you grabbing?" She asked, slipping her hand into her bag to grab her purse before Harry shook his head a few galleons already in his hand. She'd managed to force him to be fairly equal on purchases today and so she didn't protest, Harry was nothing if not generous.

"Chocolate" She needn't have asked she said with a roll of her eyes to which Harry offered a grin. Just like he'd basically only eat treacle tart for dessert, good luck getting Harry to eat any ice cream that wasn't chocolate covered in cream and sickly sweet with syrup.

As the child of dentists (and Hermione felt a pang and tried to distract herself with the menu as she thought of her parents), Hermione had rarely been allowed sweet stuff, chocolate included and so hadn't developed that much of a taste for it. She much preferred things that had a bit of tartness to them, and so as Harry went for chocolate, she opted for a lemon sorbet covered in fancy sugar crystals.

It had been a good idea, they were both grinning as they excited the shop, cones in hand, cheered up some, as they made their way to the Leaky to use the floo to head back to Hogwarts.

They did pause before heading off, a much younger Tom still working the bar and giving them a wave as they finished their cones. It didn't take them long and both felt better with some sugar in them, as they headed for the floo.

They stepped in together, their hands still joined as she tossed the floo powder and called out firmly "Hogwarts"

Hogwarts, their home. She couldn't wait to get back, perhaps spend some time in the common room, likely watch on as Harry sat with his Father and friends. She was much more introverted and would probably curl up with a book or chat quietly with Lupin. Regardless it would be good, it would be a distraction, it would be comforting.

Home. Hogwarts was home, and there was nowhere else she wanted to be, or as they were sucked through the fireplace, still clutching one another, no one else she'd rather be with.

When they returned to Hogwarts and the Gryffindor Common Room it was much livelier than when they'd left.

It reminded him of before, before the war, before the pain, it just reminded him of Hogwarts being his home, his first and only home really. He remembered Sirius's offer, how excited he'd been, and how disappointed when he had to stay with the Dursley's. Still, he'd always had Hogwarts.

Voldemort, Snape, him; the three lost boys whose home was here at the Castle. It had been back then, and it was now.

It was Hermione's too, and they had a home with each other now too.

And now they had their familiars as well. They'd let Ron go as soon as they'd come back to the Castle, and Crookshanks was in Hermione's arms, and a second later padding about the common room.

He looked then at Hermione, who he could see was searching for a free space for them to sit, stood next to him her lips scrunched in a scowl as she saw her favourite chair at the furthest table (yes it was the exact same chair), was taken, and taken by Lupin actually.

He glanced over to see the four of them. Lupin hunched over and studying just as Hermione would usually be. Sirius was leaning back on the legs of his chair, laughing at something, a Transfiguration book in his lap ignored. His Dad - James (he had to remember to call him that!), was laughing too, a Quidditch magazine in front of him and Harry felt that warm glow when he looked over at him again, a warm glow that had him smiling. Pettigrew also sat on the end, hanging on as always. Harry knew the man had yet to do anything, but he still felt a surge of anger he had to shove down when looking at him.

"Where should we sit?" Hermione asked him then before following his gaze to the Marauders, to which she smiled and squeezed his hand. "Shall we go over?"

Before he could say anything his Dad - James caught their eye and waved them over. He reminded himself not to be so starstruck and managed to tamp down his grin to a smile, trying to ignore the urge to throw his arms around first his Dad, then Sirius, then Lupin.

Instead he walked over, Hermione by his side. She still wore the beaded bag and kept their purchases from the day tucked inside. He knew later they'd sort through everything (and maybe get a potion bubbling), but for now he wanted to spend some time with his family … even if they didn't know he was family.

Still, he could make friends of them, have a relationship with them. They may not treat him as family but they could be friends, that would be enough, it would have to be.

And he did have family still, he had Hermione, and offered her a smile as they walked over, one she easily returned. Yes, they had family, they had each other.

"Hey" His Father spoke with a confidence he'd never had and nodded to the two spare seats across from them, he took the one next to Peter, Hermione next to Lupin who looked up with a grin, though his Father spoke again before Lupin could no doubt pounce on Hermione about some magical subject.

He was almost flashed back to Grimmauld Place, the two of them debating wand lore, how times hadn't changed.

"You two out today?" His Father, James asked with a smile.

"Getting school stuff" Hermione shot back, and he realised the ruse they'd put up the day before, Harry friendly, Hermione slightly standoffish, would work, not that he thought of Hermione as cold, but she was a little more introverted than he, it worked, the 'quirky' pureblood dynamic they were giving off.

"Yeah" He said with a grin, trying to tamp down his happiness to be just having a conversation with his Dad, it was difficult to say the least, "Took forever to get our books, OWL year and all"

"We're OWL year too" Sirius said, with a nod, and an easy grin, Azkaban hadn't stolen his looks yet, "What you two doing?"

"I'm doing Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Astronomy, Divination, History of Magic and Muggle Studies" He rattled off, finding it a bit odd he already had OWLS in almost all of them, bar his failing in Divination and History of Magic, in truth he wasn't sure he'd pass them this time, maybe the latter, but not the former.

"The same, plus Arithmancy and Runes" Hermione said with a nod and a smile.

"Eleven?" Sirius asked with a whistle, "You're taking eleven OWLS?"

"I like to be challenged" Hermione said with a shrug to which he couldn't help but grin, she did indeed.

"What about you lot?" She fired back, and Sirius grinned again, Harry near rolled his eyes, of course a young Sirius would get on with Hermione, she was feisty, something he knew his Godfather approved of.

"Same as you Harry" James said, and Harry felt a little thrill at hearing his name straight from his Dad, though he managed to smother his grin, "Plus Runes"

"Same here" Sirius said, "Though I've ditched Muggle Studies and taken Arithmancy"

"Same as you Hermione" Lupin said with a nod, "Though no Muggle Studies for me"

"I'm taking the same as you Harry" Peter said and Harry managed to keep his smile in place, hard as it was. He knew he couldn't openly dislike Pettigrew, not when he didn't know him, not yet.

"Guess we'll all be in class together" James said with a grin, "We're top of the year"

"Not for much longer" Harry said with a shrug, he wasn't sure where his natural instinct to brag about Hermione had come from, but it hadn't gone away, "Hermione will be the best, trust me"

"Harry's best at defence" Hermione shot back, for as much as she liked praise, she loved making sure he got some too. He rolled his eyes at her and matched her smile.

This felt so natural, so real, he was sure any second he'd wake up and be dreaming. To see Lupin quiz Hermione then about Arithmancy, to see his Dad and Sirius laugh at his assertion, to see out the corner of his eye his Mother sat by the fire charming a pencil into a quill and back. It was simply put perfect.

Worth it.

"Oh yeah?" Sirius said, and Harry wasn't surprised to see him stand, his Godfather had always been cocky, "Bet I could take you"

Harry laughed then, knowing it was all still in good fun. He didn't really know the Marauders magical abilities, but he knew they had been powerful, Animagi all of them (bar Lupin), and gifted. He knew he was good at Defence, but he doubted he could best them in much else.

"Can you do a Patronus? A corporeal one? Harry can" Hermione shot back, though the look he shot her had her eyes widening, of course, his Patronus was a stag, his Father's Animagus form. Could they be anymore obvious? Though he knew Hermione came from a good place. They stuck up for one each other, always had.

He knew he shouldn't be worried. No one would suspect them of anything, for what would they suspect them of? But he didn't want to act suspicious. They'd already bargained (and thankfully it had paid off), on selling him as a Potter, he really didn't want to create more misgivings by revealing his Patronus.

"That's NEWT level" James said with a shake of his head, "Though Lupin can make a shield, a corporeal one? That's 7th year and higher"

"Show us then" Sirius said with a cocky grin, clearly doubting them. Harry didn't want to rise to the bait, and for that alone he wouldn't have, but he also felt it would be best to get this out of the way now. No doubt he'd need to use it in the future, there was no point hiding it, it was one of his best weapons after all.

He did shoot Hermione a glare and she rolled her eyes to him then. He knew he was being a bit paranoid, after all no one could possibly guess the truth they were both keeping, but he did want to be a bit more lowkey.

He supposed that was impossible.

"Fine" He said rolling his shoulders back. He knew Hermione could produce one too, not as strong as his, but he'd go first. He suddenly felt a prickle at the back of his neck, of being watched, he glanced to the side. His Mother was looking at him now, that odd look, which he focused on, his Mother's face, Lily Evans nee Potter, his Mum.

And his Patronus sprung forth.

It was strong as it always had been, a silver glow and then a stag burst forth, cantering on the ground, a solid silver form. He heard gasps around the common room, even a cheer or two which had him grinning. He was no show-off, but he couldn't help but smile.

He nodded at Hermione then, she was smiling at him too, and with a nod her otter joined his stag, swimming through the air, not as strong or clear, but there, with his.

Together.

The silver in the room was dazzling.

"Damn" Sirius said, and Lupin was grinning, clearly ready to quiz them both. Pettigrew looked in awe.

It was his Dad he focused on though. He'd adopted the same look his Mum had given him. That odd, searching look, as though he knew him, as though he could sense something. It wasn't quite as insistent a look as his Mums, but it was there.

He waved his wand then and the stag disappeared. He could have done without ensuing applause, and waved a hand with a sheepish grin, embarrassed, fame would never be for him.

"That was amazing" Pettigrew said, and Lupin soon did as expect, peppering Hermione with a million questions.

His Dad and Sirius seemed to whisper to one another for a minute, and then his Dad caught his gaze again, and was smiling. Harry would have missed what he said had he not been focusing, as James turned back to Sirius.

"I guess us Potter's like stags"

And yet he sounded doubtful, and Harry didn't know what to make of that.

By the time they went to bed Hermione had been quizzed at length about her Patronus, and Harry had spoken mainly to his Dad and Sirius, first about their day trip and then Quidditch. His Dad gave him a few more of those intense, searching looks but said nothing more about the stag.

"Goodnight" They called to one another as he and Hermione continued up to the top floor (after lying that they had a split dorm) and went about preparing for bed.

As soon as they stepped inside Hermione flicked her wand and her beaded bag opened, everything flying out and packing itself away, books on the bookcase, clothes in the trunk, his broom propped in the corner, their nicest cauldron set up on the nearby shelf. Crookshanks had settled on their trunk and he'd set up a perch for Ron, though it remained empty.

"Harry" Hermione turned to him then, "Sorry about the Patronus" She offered, "I didn't think"

"Never thought I'd hear you say that" He teased, and she rolled her eyes, mock punching him, "They'd have seen it eventually"

"True" She said with a nod, "And we will need to prove ourselves magically to join the Order, to keep up with them"

He nodded too, he doubted the Marauders hung around slackers and fools.

"We need to get a copy of the map" It was something he'd thought of when he'd been chatting to his Dad. He'd revealed two secret passages to him as friendly advice. Harry knew they needed better than that.

"I was thinking the same" Hermione said with a sigh, "And we need Snape's book"

He shot her a look then and she bristled, "Obviously we know now it's safe"

He let it go, for now, he'd never quite told Hermione 'I told you so' about his copy of Advanced Potion Making, he was sure it was overdue.

"We'll have to steal and duplicate them" Hermione said heading for their trunk, pulling out some pyjama's, passing him a pair too, "Though I don't know if that will work with the map"

"We'll have to try" He said, and she nodded.

"But for now, sleep" Hermione said, heading for the bathroom to change, "First day of classes tomorrow" He laughed at the excitement lingering in her voice, and once the door shut quickly changed himself.

Once Hermione returned there was no hesitation from either of them. They both crawled into bed, no awkwardness, side by side, as always.

"I liked seeing your Patronus again" Hermione whispered, waving her wand, turning off the lights and plunging them into darkness, "It always makes me feel safe"

He smiled at that, a warm feeling spreading through him. He found Hermione's hand under the covers and intertwined his fingers with hers, and in minutes he was asleep.

Chapter Text

The shriek of the alarm she'd set felt far too real and was far too loud.

Normally she'd be awake before the alarm, up and ready at 7am, not rolling out of bed past 8am, her best friend rubbing his eyes and looking half dead himself as she shuffled to the bathroom, neither talkative when so tired.

She knew it was their year on the run catching up with them, they had both been deprived of sleep for too long and their bodies and minds were trying to force them to make up for it. What her body didn't understand was that they had the first day of classes to get to.

Now that sent a fizz in her belly as she brushed her teeth, showered and dressed in lightning time, not even attempting to tame her unruly curls as she walked back into the dorm room, Harry into the bathroom next as she packed her bag. She did feel excited to be back at Hogwarts, to be taking classes and to see the difference in the curriculum, would it be difficult? Challenging? She hoped so.

She did feel things would be different course material wise. Not tons of stuff had changed in 17 years (that she knew of, History of Magic was not her best subject), but she knew there's be differences in course content, teaching method and theory. She was looking forward to it but felt nervous too.

Of course there were other things to be nervous about, and as Harry emerged, hair sticking up as always, grabbing his bag, not bulging with books like hers but fuller than usual did she offer him a smile that she knew betrayed her nerves.

"We'll be okay" He said with a nod, "You'll be top of the class in minutes and I'll get to spend more time with my parents, what could be better?"

"What if someone's smarter than me?" She blurred out, her worst insecurity rearing it's head. Ridiculous considering everything they had going on but she couldn't control her mind (she was even worse at Occulmency than Harry and that was saying something, though he was a near master of it now of course), she couldn't control her fear.

But Harry offered reassurance with a scoff and laughter which had her smiling albeit nervously, "As if" Was all he needed to say and she felt most of her nerves chased away, not all, but most, and she felt a little better as they headed for the staircase.

"Are you okay?" She asked, coming to a stop before they descended. Somehow this felt more … official. Now they were starting school, back in time, being part for the 198 class, really integrating. It was a strange feeling.

"I am" Harry said, and she knew he was sincere. They didn't lie to one another, they couldn't, knowing one another far too well to be deceived. She knew Harry better than perhaps she knew herself, and she knew he felt the same way about her.

There was no secrets between them, none.

"You're sure?" She asked, her tone gentle, inviting (well in a sense, she was not a sensitive person, but with Harry she tried). "Really?"

"Really" His smile convinced her, "It's weird don't get me wrong, and will be weird, but this is what we hoped for, right?"

She nodded then, she remembered them in the courtyard, just days earlier, but years in the future, she remembered each moment…

Slipping out of the Great Hall, unable to stand the sobbing of the mourners.

Harry following her, exhausted, defeated, but alive.

Her head on his shoulder, his hand in hers, exhausted, ready to drop, but then her words;

'We have to stay'

Did they?

Well, they hadn't. Neither had truly known where they'd end up, she knew they'd both been thinking of the same thing; undo it all, save the Potter's, reset everything.

They had ended up further back than she had hoped, way back in OWL year, but it gave them time, allowed them to get ready, to start the fight back. They had years now, years to prevent Voldemort's rise, to prevent the prophecy.

She glanced at Harry's forehead then, where the lightning scar rested, peeking out under his black locks, hopefully any version of Harry they saved wouldn't have that he wouldn't if he could help it, they'd save him, they'd save them all.

They had both accepted what this was, coming back, rewriting history, it was what they wanted, what was best, worth it, but it was a one-way trip.

Of course, they'd need to figure out a life here, something beyond saving the world, but for now she couldn't see beyond that, Halloween 1981, 5 years in the future, that was what they were working towards, that was what they had to prevent, and then, and then they'd figure everything else out.

"We need to get the prophecy" She blurted out, even though they were about to head down, to lessons, to what was normal for them, it had sprung to mind. "You can take it, since it will have your signature"

"It hasn't been made yet" Harry said, with a shake of his head, "When it does, then, then we'll get it"

She nodded, for she didn't think they could stop the prophecy being made. Sure, she turned her nose up at Divination, but she had to admit they knew now, there were real prophecies and in being real they couldn't be prevented.

"Okay, lessons then" She said with a smile and that gave Harry a laugh.

"You perked up just at the word" He teased, and she rolled her eyes before trudging down the stairs, Harry behind her, the sound of his laughter the best sound she could hear.

He was alarmed by how little things had changed.

Once in the Great Hall it all looked the same. The house tables had the same set up, the ghosts remained unchanged, the teachers looked younger and there were some unfamiliar faces but that was it. And of course, the other students, it wasn't Neville, Dean and Seamus waving them over but his Dad, Sirius and Lupin, Pettigrew too, his Mother five seats down.

It was still a little surreal to him, hard to process, welcome, but strange.

"We'll be okay" Hermione offered, and he nodded, making his way to sit down opposite Sirius, Hermione sliding into the seat next to him, opposite Pettigrew who she narrowed her eyes at but focused on getting breakfast.

Even the food hadn't changed, though he noticed it was somehow less healthy than the future, and Hogwarts had never focused on the healthiest of meals. Still, he didn't complain, making up a bacon sandwich with some toast on the side, though at Hermione's glare he grabbed an apple with a sheepish smile.

Breakfast was soon over, faster than he remembered it being, but then he realised why, timetables were going out today, and he saw Professor McGonagall making her way too them, looking a touch younger, but he easily recognised her, his old and new Head of House much the same.

She approached Hermione first, glanced at him and then moved to stand in front of both of them, all business as always, his smile was fond as he looked at her.

"Dumbledore told me of your circumstances, and I welcome you both to my house" She said, her voice as always firm but fair, "What OWL's will you both be taking?"

"Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Astronomy, Divination, History of Magic and Muggle Studies" Harry rattled off, as he had the night before, and was relieved as she just nodded before turning to Hermione.

"All the same, but no Divination, plus Arithmancy and Ancient Runes" She said, and he noticed as did she at Professor McGonagall's eyebrows raising.

"11 OWL's?" Their Head of House asked, "Miss Blishwick that is unprecedented"

"I can handle it" She reassured her, smiling, and Harry nodded.

"Alright, Professor Dumbledore did explain you had a rigorous home-schooling but we'll need to review in two weeks, myself nor the other Professors tolerate slacking, and if you are to do 11 OWL's, and you 9 Mr Potter, also no small feat" She said crisply and they both nodded, Harry swore he could see a hint of pride on her face, to have such an intelligent student in her house.

With a tap of her wand their timetables were complete, and she handed them over, "We'll review you both in 2 weeks, see how you're settling in with lessons, you've come at the most difficult year"

Again, they both nodded and she seemed somewhat reassured by their lack of panic and Harry knew they'd endeared themselves to her, their old Professor liked no fuss.

She went to move on, but Harry stopped her quickly, remembering the more burning thing on his mind than exams, though he'd hardly tell Hermione that.

"Professor, when are Quidditch tryouts?" He asked, and he watched as she looked interested then, just as she had when Hermione had reassured her of her commitment to the OWL's.

"Tonight Mr Potter, we like to get an early start" She said, "Are you any good?"

"He's amazing" Hermione interjected, as she always did when she had a chance to brag about him, it always made him feel warm inside albeit a little embarrassed, "Really, an amazing Seeker"

McGonagall barely masked her excitement, "Well, our team is good, but we haven't won the Cup in three years, primarily because we have struggled with Seekers and Keepers" She actually smiled then and Harry near laughed, her devotion to Quidditch hadn't changed, "Lets hope you're as good as your friend claims"

He could only nod and roll his eyes as Hermione giggled. He wasn't surprised to see his Head of House interested in his Quidditch ability, though it did make him a little nervous. He knew he was a fair flyer, but he didn't want a weight of expectations on him, not already.

"Come on" Hermione said, and he nodded, slinging his bag over his shoulder and taking a bite of his apple, "Lessons time"

"Don't die of excitement" He quipped, not even remotely sarcastic when it came to Hermione and learning, and he only laughed as she smacked his shoulder before they hurried off to the stairs, straight to Double Transfiguration, which he felt would be a good marker of the difficulty as McGonagall was always tough. After that they had Double History of Magic (well at least he could nap if he needed too), lunch, and then Double Herbology followed by a single Muggle Studies session. He felt oddly excited for the last one, mainly because he knew his Mother would be present.

"Let's go" Hermione said, and he followed her up the stairs, it was almost normal, just different people around, he felt a pang for his old friends, but it was soothed as Hermione turned back to him with a smile.

They were back at Hogwarts, home, it would take a bit of adjusting but at least they were here.

Home.

She shouldn't be this excited to be back in the classroom.

And yet, she had truly missed Hogwarts during their year on the run, and she knew Harry had too (perhaps for different reasons, more Quidditch than lessons). This was their home, and to be back, to have such normality was almost overwhelming.

Here they sat, in Transfiguration class, as though back for their 7th year with everything simple and back to normal. Yes the atmosphere was a little different, their Head of House a little younger and their fellow students different but it almost felt like they were back to school in their time, before they'd left.

Hence her smile, not just because she was excited to be learning again (and she was curious to see the difference in curriculums), but because they were back at Hogwarts, back home and things were a touch more normal.

Sure, it was a little strange to be sat next to Harry, whilst one row down they could see Sirius and James sharing a desk, Lupin and Pettigrew behind them. They shared Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws, and she could see two people who had to be Terry Boot's Dad and Antony Goldstein's Mother. There was also Lily, sat next to a girl she'd called Marlene, right at the front of the class, and behind them sat Alice - Neville's mum. So yes; it was more normal, but still extremely strange.

It was like everything had shifted an inch to the left, they were back, and Hogwarts had little changed, nor had the teachers, but they were surrounded by different people, going under different names, as though everything was just slightly tilted.

"You cannot pass your OWL's" Professor McGonagall began and Hermione quickly sat up straight, "Without serious application, practice and study. I see no reason why everybody in this class should not achieve an OWL in Transfiguration as long as they put in the work" She looked around at all of them then, eyes hard, "But you must put in the work"

As McGonagall finished her speech, it almost having been word for word as the one they'd heard in their 5th year and they both had a snail in front of them ready for vanishing did she give Harry a smile to which he did her, really not much had changed.

It had occurred to her they should hold back a little, not show off all their talents lest they draw attention, but on the same note they needed to prove themselves good enough to join the Order, and the idea of doing intentionally poorly made her want to cringe.

And so, having weighed the pros and cons, (and her own personality, knowing holding back would be impossible), did she dial it back a touch, but still vanished her snail on the third go, Harry on his fifth.

"Good work" Professor McGonagall offered, her eyes sparking with delight she could see, clearly pleased they were living up to what they had promised, "Five points each to Gryffindor"

The other Gryffindors were smiling at them now as their Professor set them to unvanishing them, clearly winning house points would make them popular.

"James" She could hear Harry talk across the tables, and she found herself proud that Harry managed to look only mildly starstruck, "When did Gryffindor last win the house cup thing Dumbledore talked about?" He asked, better at feigning ignorance than her.

Out of the two of them Harry was a better liar when put on the spot, she had to admit lying was not one of her talents, she was too brash, too honest, and Harry was honest too but could lie when necessary which she knew he didn't like doing but it was a useful skill.

"Four years" It was Lily who spoke, and she noted Harry looked a touch more in awe, Lily too had that odd expression that made Hermione nervous, "These idiots always get points taken"

Before James could respond Lily had whipped around and Professor McGonagall was drawing their attention. Hermione grimaced as Harry turned back looking a touch crestfallen.

"You know they need to warm up to one another" She whispered to him and he seemed cheered by that, "No playing matchmaker"

She had to muffle a laugh at Harry's disgusted expression, "I'm not setting up my parents"

Again, she had to hold a hand over her mouth to stop her laughter and then so did Harry as they tried to focus back on class. With each minute it felt easier, more normal, perhaps they could settle in here.

The next lesson was even easier.

She was tempted to scold Harry for not listening to Binns, but she could see just as so much else had stayed the same, so had this class, everyone slumped down on their desks, half asleep. It was only her and Lily who stayed upright taking notes, apparently Lily too had the talent of not feeling tired to Binns voice.

Or perhaps like her, she was a muggleborn intent on proving herself.

Still the double lesson did crawl by and she only didn't' tell Harry off as she noted him scribbling down what looked like spells from Snape's Advanced Potions. She knew they'd need to duplicate it, as she'd mentioned the night before. She'd though they'd need to duplicate the map too until Harry remembered it tucked in his pouch, one less job, but no small one still.

And so, she left him too it, forcing herself to take down notes as Harry scribbled out what he could remember from the book. They hadn't encountered Snape yet and she knew stealing it would be a challenge, but his potions are so superior, she knew they'd need to try, they needed to be making everything to that high standard, they needed every edge they could get, but she knew it wouldn't be easy.

As the double lesson wound down and Binns as per usual floated through the classroom, did she note Harry placing the parchment discreetly in his moleskin pouch. She tucked her books away and they made their way to lunch.

Half a day done already, and things felt more normal each second.

Lunch went even faster, it felt like they'd barely even gobbled down a sandwich before they were making their way to Herbology.

The Scottish autumn was already crisp, and as they hurried down to the greenhouses Hermione cast a quick warming charm over them. She smiled looking over the grounds, she could spy Hagrid's hut in the distance and could see Harry looking at it too. She wondered how they'd get in touch with their friend, but as they hurried into Greenhouse 3 that was a worry for another day.

Herbology as always was loud, busy, and smelled entirely of dung. Professor Sprout was a touch younger, her hair more brown than grey now, but again seemed entirely unchanged. As Hermione and Harry paired up next to Sirius and James, she couldn't help but again feel a little off balance.

She could tell Harry was simply happy, chatting away to his Father and Godfather as they began to trim and prune a Venemous Tentacula (though said plant was very averse to being pruned), but she was just feeling a little off kilter. It was like being at school but not, everything was a bit different, but much remained the same. It was giving her a headache, and she knew it was her own fault, always overthinking things, but she could hardly help it, anymore than Harry could help his reckless streek, or Ron his grumpiness without food.

She felt a pang then as she thought of Ron. She missed the 3rd to their trio, and that was the way things seemed a little strange again. It felt like Ron should be next to them, batting the Tentacula away from her hair before it could reach it (thankfully Harry noticed and both he and Sirius yanked it back before it could go for her curls), making a joke or two and easing her mind. She missed him, even though she knew leaving him behind had been the right call.

She remembered the last conversation they'd had, before seeing Harry again. When they'd kissed in front of a bashful, before promptly bursting into giggles. It had felt wrong, like kissing her brother, and he had (in all his tact) had said it felt like probably what it felt like kissing Ginny, before he'd made a disgusted face and they'd giggled some more before Harry had joined in, one moment of respite in the battle.

So no, though her long crush on Ron had firmly been put to bed (and if she analysed it had been for a while), but she still missed him dearly as a friend, dearly indeed.

"Alright Hermione?" Lupin asked her, stood next to her trimming his own Tentacula (which was cringing back, probably due to his scent), she managed a nod and a smile but couldn't help the feeling of melancholy that had settled over her.

Thankfully the rest of the lesson was taken up with a rather funny event in which one of Slytherin's provoked said Tentacula and was quickly tackled to the floor. That managed a smile to her, and soon the lesson was over, onto their last period of the day, Muggle Studies.

She felt ready for dinner already though, and a hot bath and bed, which she knew would have to wait later, for she'd be watching Harry at trials. It was strange, she'd gone into the day looking forward to it all but was having a harder time adjusting. Yes, the lessons had been fine, relatively easy, but everything just felt a bit off centre, and that was making her feel headachy and strange.

She was sure it would pass though, and as Harry looped his arm through hers to make their way back up to the castle her smile became genuine, for having Harry around always cheered her up.

"Muggle Studies next" Harry said with a smile, but she knew it wasn't due to the subject. She held her worries back on how familiar Lily seemed to find Harry and instead just nodded as they stepped inside to the old classroom.

Having Harry near always eased her and as they sat down, and he smiled she found herself feeling a touch better. Yes, it was strange, and she was having a touch of trouble adjusting but as long as she had Harry that was all that really mattered.

And tonight, he'd fly in trials, no doubt make the team and then tonight she could turn in early, perhaps read a book in bed and then fall asleep warm, comfortable and safe next to her best friend. What more did she need?

Chapter Text

As soon as they stepped into the classroom, he had a smile on his face.

He had enjoyed the first day back at school more than he had enjoyed any other first day of anything. He had enjoyed it more than he would have ever normally enjoyed school, grinning the whole way through, for many reasons, and none involving schoolwork (as it did Hermione, he could tell she was overjoyed to be back in the classroom).

He had spoken plenty to his Dad, to Sirius, to Lupin, had even managed civil conversation with Pettigrew. He had discovered lessons were different here and a touch easier, so he was keeping up even better. He was glad to be back at Hogwarts, home, and he had Hermione by his side, safe, well and with him. It was perfect.

Or almost perfect, and now as he wandered into Muggle Studies, the first ones present and slid into a seat next to Hermione, he knew it was going to be perfect as in walked his Mum, red hair tossed over her shoulder, sliding into the seat one across from him.

She shot him a smile before turning to her friend and he felt a flutter in his stomach. Seeing his Dad and talking to him had been amazing but with his Mum he was still a little awe struck. She was his Mum, brave and kind, Lily Evans alive and well. It would require a little more adjustment to be around her.

And he knew she could sense something with him. Hermione was naturally worried, which he understood but he wouldn't avoid his Mum, even when she gave him those searching looks as though she knew him, as though she could tell something about him. He couldn't and he was glad Hermione would never ask him too, even though she was a touch concerned.

"Alright class" The teacher called, someone he didn't recognise and when he looked at Hermione with a raised eyebrow, she shook her head. Huh, this teacher must be different, the first major change at Hogwarts.

He had no idea if Muggle Studies was more or less popular in this time, but attendance was sparse, only 10-12 students. Still, it did mean he was closer to his Mum, her bench next to his, though she was focusing on the teacher, which he too tried to do.

… And failed, ten minutes in he was feeling somewhat bored. The idea of the class held a lot of merit, looking at muggles from a wizarding perspective, but the reality was a muggle history lesson, which he already knew and had to stifle a yawn at.

In fact, most of the class seemed that way, except for (of course) Hermione diligently taking notes and his Mother – Lily, doing the same.

He almost laughed, but instead spent most of the lesson trying not to have a glazed over look in his eyes, stifling yawns and snatching glances at his Mother when she wasn't looking.

It was just so strange to see her, she looked younger than him now, her face clear of lines but with a smattering of freckles. Her long hair was an amazing shade of red, not strawberry blonde or ginger but red, her eyes were the mirror of his, almost to the exact shade, an emerald green, looking into her eyes had been like looking into the mirror.

She was beautiful, smart, perfect, his Mother – he felt lucky he could know her now, and as Hermione furiously took notes, his Mother doing the same, he rested his chin on the heel of his hand and basked in that luckiness.

Worth it – a million times over, a hundred million.

Dinner was better than lunch.

She still felt a little off kilter, tired and kind of like she had time travel jet lag. Her head aches and she felt ready to sleep, but she followed a grinning Harry to dinner, managing a smile herself to see him so happy.

Harry always had that effect on her. Seeing him happy always lifted her spirits and put a smile on her face. There were few people in the world whose happiness she valued over her own - Harry was one of them.

And so, she followed to dinner with a smile (strained as it might be), and when they arrived, she followed Harry's lead in giving herself a big portion of pie and mash, perhaps food would help her with some energy. She also poured a large glass of pumpkin juice out, drained it and then poured another.

Dinner was nicer too, everyone chatting about the first day of classes and then of course (because times clearly didn't change that much) Quidditch Trials.

She knew Harry was nervous, as Sirius and James were reassured, confident and cocky they'd be put back on the team. She felt the same, but for Harry, she had no doubt he'd make the team, the only person she felt sorry for was the current Gryffindor Seeker who she had no question would find themselves benched after tonight.

"How long you been playing?" James asked, smirking as he always did, Sirius too. She'd find it infuriating were the two of them not so charming.

And they were, both of them. She could practically see the girls around them undressing him with their eyes, James too (though slightly less, considering everyone knew he had a bee in his bonnet for Lily). She'd seen a fair few girls eyeing Harry too, which gave her an odd squirmy feeling.

She knew it was because she didn't want another girl coming into Harry's life. They needed each other, and she knew no potential girlfriend would be happy with the two of them sleeping in the same bed nightly. No, she didn't need that drama right now.

She felt it was reasonable, to want her and Harry to avoid any romantic entanglements whilst they worked everything out, though the number of girls eyeing him certainly would be working against her.

"A while" Harry said, not revealing much more which had the Marauders laughing. She shot him a grin, perking up some with dinner and the confidence that tonight Harry would be grinning from ear to ear as he made the team.

"Yeah?" Sirius asked, "Position?"

"Seeker" He shot back, Hermione knew it was part nerves for the trials and part nerves for talking to two of the people who he loved most, and they didn't know it. It was almost bittersweet, but being back here, safe, comfortable, warm, knowing they could change things, ensure their loved ones had a good life? That tipped it firmly into the sweet category.

"You're in luck" James said with a grin and it jolted Hermione a touch just how much he looked like Harry when he did that. She was very thankful Harry had come up with the idea of admitting his Potter heritage (in a fashion) because the similarities were too much to explain away. "The Seeker graduated last year, though I heard it's going to be contested, lots of talent"

"None of them will be as good as Harry" She said confidently, taking a large bite of pie, each morsel of food slowly but surely revitalising her. She couldn't eat that much, same as Harry, stomachs having shrunk after so long on the run, but eating simple, warm, tasty food? It was heaven, and she savoured every mouthful she could manage.

"Oh really?" Sirius had that twinkle in his eyes and when she rolled hers, he just laughed, she could tell he actually liked her immunity to his charms, "How good are you?" He said turning back to her best friend then.

She however scoffed, knowing Harry was about as modest as it got in a person, and before he could downplay himself, she spoke up, "Harry is about as humble as it gets, so I'll just say, you're already looking across at your new seeker" She grinned at him as he rolled his eyes at her, though Harry's smile at her confidence in him perked her up even more.

"I guess we'll see" Sirius said with a smirk, and then all three of them suddenly dove into a very long-winded conversation about feinting techniques. With Pettigrew and Lupin immersed in a chat about Potions, and her headache slowly receding Hermione just focused on eating her food, basking in the warmth of the hall, and through one eye watched her best friend chatting and laughing with two of the people he loved most, his own smile only amplifying hers.

The second they approached the Quidditch pitch he felt his nerves settle and a smile broke out on his face.

The last time he'd seen the pitch it had been on fire, he'd been mourning a place of such joy for him being lost, but now it was returned to its glory. It hadn't changed at all, the same shape, the same stands, and house flags decorating each bit, and he found great comfort in that, the similarity.

Again, he felt his nerves spike a touch, as always with Quidditch, but he still felt comforted, calmed, and as Hermione squeezed his hand, he felt even better again.

He could do this. Hadn't Hermione proclaimed as such? And he trusted no one more in the world than he did Hermione.

"You'll do great Harry" Her words sounded like a promise and Harry knew Hermione didn't promise without just cause. He did still feel a touch of his worries in his stomach, but they weren't as bad as normal, and so he gave Hermione a nod, reassuring her - he was okay.

"I'll see you after" He said and she offered him a nod, one last squeeze and then she was hurrying towards the stands. He however, headed in the opposite direction, to the changing rooms.

It felt strange, changing into some plain robes, not emblazoned with the Gryffindor Crest or his Quidditch number – 7. Still, he pulled them on, his gloves, boots, grabbed his broomstick from where he'd brought it down earlier, and took a deep breath as others filed in, changing, and getting themselves ready.

Now came the nerves.

"Alright Harry?" James said then, as he too emerged dressed, but wearing the Gryffindor robes this time, the number 3 emblazoned across his back, "Don't be worried"

He managed a nod, the undeniable comfort of his Dad (whether he knew it or not) reassuring him bleeding into his veins, settling him a touch, well before he felt his broomstick snatched out of his hand. He whirled to the side before rolling his eyes as he noticed Sirius holding it, a low whistle leaving his lips.

"Damn Potter this is top of the line" Sirius said with a shake of his head, he noticed Sirius held a Comet 220, and James the same, both top brooms but second to the Nimbus. "How'd you manage this?"

"Rich parents" He said with a shrug, but the lack of bragging in his voice dispelled any envy, though he could see a fair few people looking over now, "Left me everything" Now that had people looking away uncomfortable, no one could feel jealous of a boy with a rich broom but no parents … well, at least whilst he wasn't on the team.

"Lucky" Sirius said with a cheeky grin and Harry had to stifle a smile at the double meaning, "Let's go then" Sirius said, handing the broom back over, slinging his over his shoulder. Harry managed a grin then, he'd never have that confidence, instead holding his in hand, but following his Father and Godfather out onto the pitch.

The acceptance at which the Marauders had shown him, and Hermione was a touch overwhelming at times. He knew they weren't quite part of the inner circle, but friends, and that was good enough for him. He also knew they could break into said inner circle and had a few ideas he needed to run by Hermione to do so.

For now, though he focused his mind, forced himself to focus as he followed them out onto the pitch, the tension in him now making itself known, as he walked out onto the grass, ready to earn his place.

There were … a lot more people than he'd anticipated.

When he'd been Captain there had been a good showing but ravaged by the first war there had been less students all together and so less potential Quidditch players. Here the school was thriving, and so were the potential competition.

Seventh years a foot taller than him, fifth years who glared and sneered, his Dad and Godfather both confident, brazen and then the Captain, Jonathan Ogden as he'd introduced himself with a smirk, ordering them into the different positions they all wanted to try for.

He glanced up at the stands (which were heaving), as he made his way over to the Seekers, Sirius clapping him on the shoulder and his Dad offering a 'Good luck' before they made their way over to the Beaters and Chasers respectively, leaving him alone.

He looked up, and smiled as Hermione was as always, carrying a book, though she wasn't reading it, chatting in a flurry to Remus, Pettigrew joining in too, all of them ignoring the pitch until the people they'd come to cheer for were up. Seeing her calmed him a touch, but his nerves wouldn't be eased fully, not a chance until this was over.

And those nerves only grew as he walked across the pitch, and he could see every position had a lot of competition.

The Captain played Chaser, so only two spots were going there, his Dad already wore his robes, confident he'd be repicked, and so the other 10 students were all eyeing each other up nervously.

For the Beaters Sirius was chatting to a short girl with platinum blonde hair and huge blue eyes, a bat held menacingly in her hand. There were only five others who'd showed up for that tryout (and many were shooting the short blonde girl fearful looks), evidently Sirius and his friend would likely not lose their spots.

And then the Keepers. From the gossip he'd heard, both the Keeper and Seeker had graduated last year and so both spots were highly contested. For the Keepers there were about 12 try-outs, from giant 7th years, to skinny 3rd years who were looking nervous.

The Seeker position though was the worst.

About half the Gryffindor year group had shown out for it he was sure, including himself. The Seeker role was a highly coveted position and so evidently the most popular. Despite Hermione's complete confidence in him (and Hermione's confidence in something he rarely questioned), he was not so sure.

Nerves curled in his belly - he couldn't imagine not playing for his house team. He loved the practice, the matches even with the worry. He loved being part of the team, lifting the Quidditch cup. With a bitter twist of the stomach be remembered his ban in 5th year, how awful that had been, and he knew here not being able to play would be unbearable.

That did give him a bit of grit, a fire in his heart, and yet as he felt a surge of confidence (though still sick with nerves - it actually felt very much like the morning of a match), he was being ushered off the pitch, Keepers would go first.

He remembered then with a fond smile Ron's tryout, Hermione's little trick (though he knew she'd do no such thing now, she was too sure of him to bother, and for that he was glad), and when he'd been Captain, but things were different now, he needed to earn his place again, and he intended to do so.

The Keepers went first.

It was just as he had held tryouts, the best saving Keeper got the slot. Most people saved 2 or 3, both his Dad and the Captain clearly leagues above everyone else when it came to scoring (though he spotted a few who would fight over the third spot). It was only the last two who saved four a piece, going back to another round of head-to-head.

It was after the next round, one saving four, the other managing five (and by the tips of his gloves), was Michael Prestick, a Muggleborn 6th year with arms the size of trucks and a kind smile, surprisingly agile but not having to move far to thump away the quaffle.

Next came the Chaser's and that was quick, James and the Captain put five away easily, and then it was a 4th year, Isha Tandel, pretty, with long black hair and a right arm that put some of the chasers on his team to shame who took the last spot with a triumphant grin.

The Beater's took even less time. The five who'd shown up knew they didn't stand a chance and seemed to barely try. It was then Sirius, and who he learned to be Marlene Mckinnon (one of his Mother's best friends if he remembered correctly), up, and whereas Sirius was good, great aim and a strong arm, Marlene was terrifying, fast, agile and without mercy. It was with a grin Sirius high fived her as James limped off his broom after she'd got him in the stomach, and they both made the team.

Finally, he was up.

His nerves doubled, and he found himself searching the stands again. This time Hermione was looking his way, and her smile, quiet nod and then very loud cheer had him grinning, mounting his broom, and getting ready.

He knew he just needed to do what he always did; focus, fly true and pull off something daring. He knew a lot of his Quidditch talent was innate, but his competitive nature and disregard for danger certainly helped.

He expected there to be a time trial or perhaps rounds, but instead the Jonathan just grinned, released the snitch, blew the whistle and with wide eyes and the whoosh of brooms around him Harry realised this was it – catch the snitch, get the spot.

He was the last off the ground, getting his bearings, and then he was off, into the air, and he felt calm the second the breeze hit his cheeks. He smiled to himself, the Nimbus 1900 wasn't as fast but being back in the air was a dream, just what he had missed and needed, and so with a sigh he allowed himself just a few seconds to enjoy it, eyes shut, wind in his hair, just a few seconds, a few precious seconds of what he loved most.

And then his eyes snapped open, he steeled his shoulders, felt that fire in his veins, and he was ready.

He whirled through the air, fast and without fear, darting in between players, eyes flickering side to side for the snitch. A bludger whistled past his ear and he realised it wasn't as simple as 'catch the snitch'. Another came his way quickly and he used the Slothgrip roll, executing it perfectly, a grin lighting up his features as he ducked under a player, and kicked higher into the air, surveying the pitch.

Those around him were doing the same, but the key difference was that few of them moved. They sat stationary, waiting for the snitch to come to them, Harry was mobile, agile, weaving and ducking, he would go to the snitch.

And so, he did.

He spotted it about five minutes in, circling the foot of a nervous 2nd year barely holding onto his broom. He leaned forwards but didn't go too fast, not to tip anyone off, but as he approached closer, a rushing overhead made him realise, he wasn't the only who'd spotted it, two others had.

In a second he was flat against his broom racing forward, to the snitch that now flickered and then raced forward, him and now four others following, he was faster, flat against his broom, diving low to the ground as it dropped and back up as it soared. He was just a touch more responsive, his reflexes better, and as it weaved through the pitch and then made for the stands, many dropped away, only he and three others followed it.

It skirted close to the seats, and one of his competitors backed off, getting too close, the other two were cautious, but not Harry, never Harry.

As it flew into the stands and then dived into the wooden slats holding said stands up, he followed without hesitation, straight into the underbelly of the stadium, only one other followed.

They were quick, but he was quicker, weaving in and out of the beams, it reminding him of facing Malfoy in 2nd year, but Malfoy had been harder to beat, fast like him, and so, as he wove through, and heard a crunch he didn't look to his left to know the other person had faltered.

He was quick, too quick as he heard two others who'd braved following him now, but they were too late and with a sweep forwards, the crash of wood against his side ignored (and the stinging pain ignored too), he flattened himself to his broom, leaned forward, dangerously close to crashing, and his fingers closed around the snitch.

Just as the end of the stand frames loomed ahead.

But he was quick, pulling straight up, straight into a loop-de-loop to pull up, snitch in hand, silence, Hermione's screams of joy first, a pause and then the roar of the team filling his ears.

It was as sweet as any win, as James and Sirius ran for him, boosted him onto their shoulders, the Captain was grinning from ear to ear and Hermione was soon on the pitch, pulling him down, throwing herself into his arms, it had been a long time since he'd felt this happy.

It was perfect, James, Sirius, Remus, hell even Pettigrew cheering, proclaiming the Cup was already won, Jonathan the Captain clapping him on the shoulder, overjoyed, his Mother smiling stood with Marlene, and then Hermione grinning from ear to ear.

Completely and utterly perfect.

Chapter Text

The next morning everyone around her still has a stupid grin plastered onto their faces that would make her grin were she not to sleep deprived (and caffeine deprived) to do so.

Harry is smiling from ear to ear as they bound down to the common room, a bounce in his step she was happy to see. As the Marauders met them in the common room, they were all smiling, and the Quidditch talk started immediately, far too soon. She was thankful she could ignore it, and just follow behind, it being far, far too early to hear about Wonky Feints and some kind of roll.

Quidditch talk was something she ignored when awake and alert, never mind half asleep and yawning.

It's was only two cups of tea and some toast later did she feel revived, though no matter what she had eaten she was never ready to delve into talk about broom models and practice sessions and instead found herself reaching for a book – 'Charmed! Common Charms Misconceptions' that she had found in the Charms classroom and borrowed; it was an interesting read.

In fact, it got her all through breakfast, and then she was on to Defence, the Quidditch talk somehow still going as she followed them all to the classroom. She was smiling now though, even more so as Harry turned to check she was still there.

She offered him a grin but didn't intervene, happy to be with her own thought as James and Sirius pulled Harry back to talk more about his 'Awesome, dare devil tryout' as they were calling it, whilst Pettigrew and Lupin seemed to be chatting about Hogsmeade.

She smiled, knowing Harry was overjoyed with his tryout and placement on the Quidditch team, and she was overjoyed for him.

This was why they had come back; this was what made it worth it. That was the mantra in her head, as she tried not to dwell on how difficult things would be, that they were facing down impossible tasks after all, but she had to remember Harry's smile, his joy, and hers by extension.

Once they arrived at Defence, Hermione slid into a seat next to Harry, shot him a grin as he was practically beaming, before turning to the front of the class. The teacher was an Auror for the Ministry, someone called Thorn, he was gruff, but explained the theory clearly, and today was just a theory lesson, which allowed Hermione to settle in, take her notes and focus.

It had been a whirlwind in coming back to the past, not just emotionally, but she was sure she had some kind of time travel jet lag, she was still getting used to things, and today was the first day she felt more back to herself.

And so, she went through the day, more of a spring in her step, especially as Harry was practically bouncing.

It would be hard, she knew that, but they were settling in, and that was all they could do.

For now.

Lessons that week went on as normal, well as normal as Hogwarts could be.

The curriculum was no less strict nor the lessons any easier than their time, if anything she found herself challenged more, thanks to not being so far ahead of everyone. Yes, she'd already say her OWL's, but her classmates, particularly Remus, Sirius, James, Lily and Snape were giving her a run for her money.

In Transfiguration, James was very, very good, almost as good as her. A wave of his wand and a teacup on the table was turned into a teapot and back again with a swish. Another swish and the teacup was a teapot again, dancing on the table. Hermione offered him a smile, even though his arrogance had her adding a billow of steam coming from hers.

Well, it was 20 points to Gryffindor thanks to both of them, even if she had been showing off, just a touch.

In Charms, Lily was fantastic. She seemed to put almost no effort in at all, as she waved her wand, charming bubbles into the air that sang and then popped. Hermione could see past it though, could see the determination, the concentration behind her seeming lack of effort. It was something Hermione sometimes did herself. Being a Muggleborn, Mudblood, had that effect, to not only prove you were the best, but that you were doing it without trying.

Hermione managed that same composure herself, as she made her bubbles flash lights. She would have been ashamed, if not for another 20 points for both of them, and the thrill as Professor Flitwick (who looked alarmingly the same), complimented her at length.

Well, she'd always been a teacher's pet, at this point she couldn't help herself.

In Potions, Snape wasn't even worth competing against, he blew everyone out of the water. As she stirred her Dreamless Sleep Potion, and the purple sheen shimmering overhead was not quite the deep purple, she couldn't help but shoot Snape a jealous glance, as his gave off the purple tell-tale mist. She even scowled as Harry's was as good as hers, perhaps something had carried over from his 6th year.

When she stomped to her next class, she was grumpy. She never liked being beaten.

In Runes, she and Sirius were evenly matched. They both were fluent, both picking apart the combinations, and Hermione found herself easing off competing just a touch as they paired up to take on an extremely difficult problem. Sirius flirted with her outrageously, and she coped more than one dirty look from the other girls in class, but she just rolled her eyes.

She had no interest in any of that, not at the moment.

In Arithmancy she was thankful to be the best, Lupin nipping at her heels yes, but not quite catching her. It was almost like breathing a sigh of relief, three days into the week. Yes, she liked competing, and she'd felt an urge to prove herself more this week than anytime she could remember (perhaps bar her first year at Hogwarts and her OWLS), but she was feeling tired, passing out in the dorm room before Harry even joined her.

In Herbology she was good, one of the best, but had never been a passion subject for her, that had been Neville's territory. She smiled then, to think of Neville, so shy, so brave, only to see him now. Harry shot her a look as they pruned their Venomous Tentacula together, both thinking the same thing.

And in Defence Harry was of course the prodigy. Hermione knew she was good, but Harry's natural talent was unbeatable, she just didn't have the duelling skills he did … she supposed facing one of the most powerful wizards of all time, only second to Dumbledore, helped that.

He beat Sirius with a grin, especially as his Godfather looked near gobsmacked. Hermione found herself actually losing to Lupin but managed a smile and to let it somewhat go, vowing to do better next time (as she told Lupin who laughed), Harry, James's and Pettigrew's teasing of Sirius taking the edge off a touch, though she still hated losing.

On the Friday as they settled down for dinner Hermione was smiling, it had been a hard week, but good, though she was ready for the weekend, very ready.

It had been challenging, but that was good, she was pushing herself well into NEWT material and beyond to stay ahead, even more than her 6th year, and that was what she thrived on, the challenge.

Hermione had always thrived on a challenge, left to be bored and not rested she would rot, like a flower ignored on a stand with no water or sunlight. She needed it, the stress, the challenge, the tests, needed it to improve.

In a way Harry was the same. No, he didn't like exams nor lessons (though she noted he was making far more of an effort than she could ever recall him doing, something she couldn't help but tease him about with a grin), but in stressful situations Harry always came out on top, his mind working quickly when pressured.

Hell, in timely situations she could sometimes fall apart, she'd need Ron to remind her or Harry to take charge. Academic stress was her ballgame, whilst situational stress was Harry's.

A good compliment to one another, as they did on so many ways

A good compliment as they sat together, Harry chatting happily to James, he'd always been more social than her, introverted as she was. Still, she found herself pulled into a chat with Lupin and Sirius about some Rune combinations that saw them through pudding.

"Early night again Blishwick?" Sirius mocked as they made their way to the common room, to which she rolled her eyes. Sirius was a terrible flirt, but she knew he wasn't serious, just fond of riling people up. She'd have called him on it, would It not feel slightly weird to do so to her best friends Godfather.

Yes, she still had some adjusting to do.

Harry though? He was thriving, so happy to be with family, smiling from ear to ear as he chatted away to James about his first Quidditch practice tomorrow.

"Hmm tonight I might go a little wild, stay up past 10" She said scornfully, to which Sirius and James laughed.

"Don't go too crazy Hermione" Harry mocked then, her friend always one to tease, "You'll wind up in detention with such wild ways" He grinned, and she gave him a friendly shove, missing the look Sirius, James and Lupin shot one another, Pettigrew too as he followed along.

They'd shared a few of those looks that Harry and Hermione missed as they were looking at each other. Looks that saw something even she and Harry didn't, even though they were the subject.

They made it the Common Room quickly, and it looked as cosy as ever. Hermione didn't plan an early night tonight but could see herself curling up in front of the fire, book in hand, wiling the night away among the pages of a book. It sounded perfect.

Though that clearly wasn't quite what the Marauders had in mind, shocker.

"Wild is the word" James said with a grin, "It's party time this weekend, back-to-school party"

"Didn't we crash the back-to-school party?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow, "Last weekend?"

"No" Sirius said with an eye roll, "That was the first weekend back party, this was the first week of school"

Hermione hated the certain logic to that and offered only an eye roll herself.

"They're usually pretty wild" Pettigrew said with a grin, and Hermione managed a smile back. She was having to make an effort to not be outwardly hostile to Peter, it was easier, with him looking so different and innocent now, but it was still an effort, she knew it was for Harry to, though easier, he was always quicker to forgive.

Yes, she was the one of the two to hold grudges, Rita Skeeter came to mind.

"Hermione's favourite thing" Harry mocked, and Hermione again was tempted by a shove.

Instead, an hour later she was somehow not curled up by the fire with a book, wrapped in a cosy scarf, but instead being handed a butterbeer by a laughing James, as Harry chatted away with Sirius about something, Pettigrew interjecting now and then, Lupin chatting happily to a girl with dark hair and darker eyeshadow, who stood next to Lily, who was watching Harry again.

Thankfully the butterbeer had gone to her head, and she found herself chatting, laughing, and smiling, not dwelling on things for once, just this once.

It was difficult, striking the balance between experiencing this time along with Harry, and planning for the future, whilst concealing their true selves. She wanted to let loose, as she so rarely did, but something niggled at her, stopping her.

Which would become apparent, as she watched Lily forty minutes later chug the rest of her drink in one go, as though determine to do something, said something becoming apparent minutes later, as she stormed straight over to Harry, ignoring James's attempt at conversation in the process, focused solely on the son she didn't know she had … or would have.

Time travel could be extremely confusing at times.

As she reached him, Hermione heard the fiery redheads, "We need to talk" Before Harry was being dragged away, awe struck as he always was around his Mother, happy to follow her.

Hermione immediately stepped forward. Part of her knew it would be suspicious to intervene, she and Harry were supposedly best friends, jointed at the hip but not completely inseparable, she hadn't stopped him chatting to anyone else, as why would she?, and yet.

Of course, she followed.

She had to, she had seen the looks Lily had shot Harry, had seen the way she acted around him, a touch confused and as though she knew him. Hermione had seen James's get that look a handful of times, but for Lily it was every time she saw Harry. Was it Mother's instinct? Hermione didn't know, and for the moment she didn't care.

They had identities to conceal, it was vital they did so, and so yes, Hermione followed.

Chapter Text

As much as she wanted to step in, charge forward and interrupt, Hermione instead followed, quiet, her tread silent. She knew that Lily would likely walk away if she charged in, as she had asked for Harry and Harry alone, and so she stayed back, within earshot as Lily pulled Harry into the nearest corner, secluded by the study tables, she leaned up against the wall, casual, butterbeer in hand but ears pricked and listening.

"Everything ... okay?" Harry stammered as his Mother came to a stop in front of him. Hermione couldn't imagine how surreal it was, seeing her here, alive, and well, but young, technically younger than him.

Hermione knew Harry had a reverence for his Mother, had only ever seen her in pictures, memories and as a spirit from a wand, she was a mythical figure to him, almost deity like in how little he knew about her but how much he loved her. She wanted to jump in, offer reassurance and comfort, but again she forced herself to stay put, no matter how much she itched to interject herself.

For, this wasn't just about making sure Harry was okay, she'd followed to see what Lily wanted. The odd, searching looks were one thing but this? She needed to know what Lily wanted, or worse suspected.

She had to keep Harry safe, at any and all costs. If that meant obliviating his Mother, so be it.

'You can be ruthless sometimes' Ron had once said to her, eyes wide when she'd explained the curse she'd put on the parchment of the DA. She had felt no shame about it then and felt none about it now. She had been and was now protecting her friends, as she always would.

"No" Lily said, and Hermione had to quash a smile. Harry's Mother was not the delicate flower a few of Harry's memories had painted her, no, she was feisty, as fiery as her red hair, beautiful yes, extremely so, but also quite bossy, a spitfire as James had grinned, hmm spitfire indeed, she couldn't decide if that was more of an amusement or a problem. "I need to talk to you"

Definitely a problem.

"What's up?" Again, Harry sounded painfully awkward, his eyes wide with awe, and again Hermione forced herself to remain against the wall. "I mean… what's going on?"

"I feel like I know you" Lily said, and Hermione near gasped, taking a quick sip of butterbeer to smother any sound, though she did have to choke down a splutter, and force herself to near choke to death so not to draw any attention to herself.

"Um…" Harry began, but Lily barrelled on; just like she would, yes, this was a problem.

"It's the strangest feeling" Lily said, eyes fiery and wide, as she took Harry in, and Hermione could have groaned. "I look at you, and you're just so familiar"

She didn't know anything about mothering herself, and at only 17 the thought of babies made her wrinkle her nose in disgust, mothering instincts or any kind of maternal feeling was not something she was familiar with. No, no, no.

And yet, she'd read and seen in the flesh the truth of mothers and children, the fierce need to protect, to love, to care for. Was Lily feeling that now? For a son who was older than her in this situation? Was she feeling some strange instinctual tug that she couldn't quite place?

Of course, they couldn't just ask her, and Hermione would have sighed if she didn't need to remain silent. It looked like obliviation might be the only option.

But then, as Hermione hovered, would obliviation even work? After all Lily had no idea about their past and still felt this way, would it continue even if Hermione obliviated this conversation? She couldn't obliviate a feeling after all.

Fuck. This was bad, really bad, so bad she would have sworn out loud, a rarity for her. What on earth were they supposed to do? Again she couldn't magic away some mothering instinctual feeling, and yet, they couldn't be uncovered, they couldn't have Lily poking around.

No, they needed to put a stop to this, but how?

"Don't think so" Harry said, clearing his throat, and then he looked his Mother dead in the eye, which didn't seem to help, as Lily's hands fluttered, as though to grab him. "I don't think we've met"

"But then how do I know you?" Lily insisted, and Hermione could see Lily was like her in that way too; a dog with a bone, she had something, she didn't let go.

"You don't" Harry stumbled a touch, "Maybe it's because I look like James, I am a Potter and all" He said, she could see him glance to the side, see her close and she would have smiled at how he seemed to relax just a touch, were she not so tense herself. "Or I could just have one of those faces"

"Yes but…" Now it was time to step in. Hermione could see Lily wasn't going to let this go, and with no current plan, she knew she just needed to stall.

"Harry" She dived in quickly, practically jumping in between of them, so quickly Lily actually flinched. "James has offered to show me a party trick involving marshmallows, want to come see?" A slightly rubbish offering, but hell she'd had to come up with it on the fly.

"Oh god do not let him rope you into that" Lily interjected, though she didn't seem quite relax, her gaze still darting to Harry far too much for Hermione's liking, "But, Harry and I were having a private conversation" She said pointedly, but Hermione didn't move.

They'd cultivated themselves as foreign purebloods after all, and though Harry had fit himself in, Hermione could still keep up the air of slight aloofness, it helped after all, especially in situations like this to seem a little strange.

"Well, if I'm not seeing James mess around with marshmallows, Harry needs to accompany me to the kitchen" Hermione said, boldly, feeling awkward herself at being a touch rude, but all she had in mind was to get Harry out of this conversation, and Lily's prying, "He knows I cannot possibly have a third drink without some food"

"Yeap" Harry said quickly, clearly sensing Hermione's intent, and though he looked reluctant to walk away from his Mother, he followed Hermione's train of thought and aim; leave now before she dug further, "Don't want you asleep inside the hour or Sirius will never stop teasing" He said, though again he looked torn.

"You know you should really make it clear you two are a couple, a few people have already asked me about you Harry and a few guys have eyed you Hermione" Lily said then, crossing her arms, looking annoyed and even a touch malicious.

Yes, Lily Evans was no sunflower, she was a firecracker.

Harry spluttered then and Hermione's eyes widened at her comments, both at the idea that she and Harry were a couple; the connection they shared already ran far deeper than that, but romantic they were not, and at the idea of guys 'eyeing her up', that sounded false if she'd ever heard a lie.

"We're not a couple" Hermione said flatly, but still linked her arm through Harry's, it was time to move on before Lily decided to drop any more bombshells, "Just best friends"

"Sure" Lily fired back, offering a glare, before turning back to Harry, "We're not finished"

"You are for now" Hermione sent straight down, and she noticed Lily's eyes widen, as though to protest, but at that Harry whisked her away, clearly not keen on seeing a fight between his best friend and Mother, and he didn't stop until they were well out of the Common Room.

They didn't stop at all until they reached a concealed alcove near by and quickly dipped inside, where both of them leaned against the wall and let out a sigh.

"Well, that's a problem" Harry offered, and Hermione nodded.

A problem indeed.

Ten minutes later and they were hiding in an empty classroom, door locked, cushions under bums, and a pile of snacks in-between them, courtesy of the House Elves who liked her far more in this time.

Ten minutes later and no closer to a solution for the Lily Evans problem (though Harry had asked her not to call it that with a roll of his eyes), they had resorted to just eating, and she had even cracked and reached for some non-sugar-free cakes, things were that desperate.

"We obviously can't hurt her" She nodded at that, it hadn't even crossed her mind, not Harry's Mother, never. "Does Obliviation hurt?" She heard the doubt in her friends voice, and paused in looking through the cakes and took her hand in his, offering a squeeze.

"No" She said gently, and with a smile before reaching for a cake covered in cream and chocolate, much more Ron's speed than hers, but this was a hard time, "That was the first thing I thought of, it won't work" She said with a shake of her head, settling back against the cushions, "Obliviation is for memories, not feelings"

"Damn" Harry said, taking a cake too, licking a bit of cream off his finger, which was at odds with his contemplative look, to which she managed a grin.

"Yeah, and I can't think of a single other spell" She said then, after a few seconds, her grin fading.

"That's a first" He sounded teasing, and she rolled her eyes, offering him a mock glare, but her smile returned a touch. In this situation they had to laugh.

Though she didn't like it; being without a solution, that wasn't her usual way of doing things, not at all. She usually had an answer for most things, and the ones she didn't Harry did. This time neither of them did, and that worried her.

They needed to be prepared for anything, including this.

"What about a potion?" Harry offered, and she shook her head immediately.

"Wouldn't even know where to start looking, and again, how do you take away a feeling?" She said, for that was what she'd been considering since she considered obliviation; how did you?

"No idea" Harry said and she nodded, neither did she, and that feeling she most certainly didn't like.

"No, that's the problem" She paused, took a bite of the cake; too sweet, but again necessary in a situation like this, "Clearly Lily recognises you because she's your Mother and feels some kind of instinctual pull or something, how do we get rid of that?" Again how? Again she found no answer.

"Should we?" Harry said then, and she raised an eyebrow; what did he mean? "I mean, would that mess up the future?"

Fuck, she hadn't even considered that.

Well now that probably put any intervention of that kind off the table; she could see where Harry was going with this; if they got rid of Lily's maternal feelings now, would they ever return? Now that could mess up the future in a number of ways, too many ways.

"I have no idea, so there is another problem I hadn't thought of" She said out loud, more to herself than Harry. Yeap, any magical solution was now off the table, not that they'd had one anyway she supposed.

"You're off your game today" More teasing, and she was thankful for it, the situation was dire. She shuffled closer to Harry, but rolled her eyes again, could hardly let him get away with it, even as she leaned in closer, bringing their cushions together, resting her head on her best friends shoulder whilst taking a bite of cake.

There, that felt a touch better.

"Shut up" She said, and she practically felt Harry grin.

"We could just act dumb every-time she asks" Harry said and she resisted the urge to fire back then.

"She seemed insistent, reminded me of me" She said, not shaking her head, too comfortable, another bite of cake going down. A little better still.

"Reminded me of you too, weird" Harry said, leaning in closer, settling down, both of them cosier now, which was something at least, though she couldn't really be cosy with anyone else; not anymore.

Her and Harry had forged something in the war, not just a closeness to one another, but the inability to do so with anyone else, she had realised that when others hugs made her flinch and yet Harry's had her leaning in. Their connection was for them, and them alone.

"Why was it weird?" She asked.

"Because you're not my Mother" Harry said as though it were obvious and she snorted.

"No" She said, and then she grinned, "Apparently people think we're a couple though"

"I know" Harry said, and she didn't quite notice he sounded a touch off, before he plowed on, he probably hadn't noticed himself, "But also apparently I'm an object of desire, and here I'm not even the Chosen One" Back to teasing, that slight moment forgotten, by both of them, not even recognised.

"Ha, ha" She said flatly, though she was grinning, this was better, easier, at least she could laugh, rather than dwell in frustration, "Apparently I'm being eyed up too" She teased, and again she didn't quite notice as Harry tensed a touch, and again neither did he.

Neither of them did, not yet anyway.

"I know, if you were my girlfriend I'd be offended" He fired back, and she rolled her eyes, finishing off her cake.

"I'm offended anyway" Hermione said, though didn't elaborate, for she didn't really know how to, and instead decided to go practical, "Well anyway, we do not need romance right now"

"Agreed" Harry said a little too quickly, but then he teased again "First we have to figure out how to stop my Mother, who is now somehow younger than me, from figuring out I'm her time travelling son" He shrugged and she hissed as he displaced her head before he settled back down, and she with him, tucked into his side.

Where she felt she belonged, and he next to her.

"So only something minor then" She said as she snuggled down, her eyes finding the clock; almost Midnight, lateish, though it was the weekend ahead of them, no plans this time.

Though she wouldn't sleep in, couldn't, not anymore. Even after months on the run, of sleep deprivation and exhaustion, her body couldn't really sleep for more than seven hours, and she knew Harry was the same.

Just one of the many, many consequences of war.

Though relatively, some light insomnia was minor.

"I don't ask for much" Harry jolted her back to the present, and back to a smile.

"Hardly anything really" She countered, and again she could see Harry from the corner of her eye smiling too.

"Honestly you shouldn't complain, my problems are the easiest to deal with" He said.

"Uh-hu, I'd say seven years tells me different" She shot back, and then he was grinning, and she too. Harry's happiness always amplified her own.

"No idea what you mean" Harry said with a shake of his head, and she just scoffed before snuggling down a touch more. She smiled as Harry reached for his robes he'd discarded before draping them over her.

Another consequence of war; being able to sleep anyway, if only for a few hours.

And yet, as she near drifted off, she felt Harry move, and she practically growled, before he was pulling her to her feet, wrapping his robe around her, and steering her back to the Common Room, damn him, he was right to do so, but she'd been as comfortable as she could get nowadays, and very ready to drop off to sleep.

"Come on" He offered, as they approached the Fat Lady, whispered the password, and climbed inside, the party roared on but thankfully the Marauders were by the fire distracted as they reached for more marshmallows for whatever trick they had planned, and so they made it to the stairs unimpeded. "Time for bed Sleeping Beauty"

"Don't" Hermione mumbled as Harry hurried them to the top of the Tower, to their room, she couldn't sleep without him, not anymore. "People will think we're a couple" She said with a grin, teasing.

"Wouldn't want that" Harry mocked, but again he tensed, and this time she did notice, but was being tucked into bed, Harry climbing in beside her, and was asleep and forgetting it before she could ask why.

Harry took a little longer to fall asleep, and yet just as with Hermione, neither of them really processed why the idea of them being a couple had been met with teasing by them both, but also, meant something more deep down.

So deep even, neither of them had even realised it.

Chapter Text

The weekend was a lazy one, and his favourite kind.

Lounging around in front of the fire, like cats luxuriating in the heat, the cosy armchairs enveloping them. Even Crookshanks joined them, the little bundle of fluff curled up on Hermione's lap (after she'd given him several kisses, again the ginger feline had accepted them with grace, for he would only do for Hermione), adding to their comfort.

And comfort it was, the kind he'd forgotten.

After the party, people in various stages of hangover were lounging in the common room with them. James was on an armchair next to Hermione's and yet he'd fallen asleep, mouth hanging open a touch. Remus was at one of the tables, head buried in a book, and Harry knew he didn't feel nearly as rough due to his wolf side having a far higher tolerance for alcohol. Pettigrew sat next to him, also nose in a book, though more because he was trying to bury out the sounds of any noise. Sirius hadn't even emerged yet, and his Mother had shot both of them a look, lingering on him a touch before she'd flounced out the portrait hole.

And so, all in all, a quiet Saturday, especially for them, a quiet like they hadn't known for a long time, but a welcome one, as Hermione read through a pile of small books on unusual Charms quickly, and he lingered on 'Becoming an Animagus', though the front cover was glamoured to look like a Defence book.

He'd been serious when he and Hermione had spoken about training to become Anamagi, as not only would it be useful in many different ways, but it would also be crucial if they were to integrate with the Marauders properly.

As they so intended to do. They hadn't spoken much about what to do once they left school, they had more than enough gold to never need to work, but Harry still fancied the Auror path, Hermione had said law was still a possibility for her. They'd figure that out when the time came, but the main thing would be joining the Order and seeing Voldemort gone once and for all.

Then they could maybe think of some future.

Even now, having defeated him once, it was like when he'd found out about the prophecy the first time;

'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches...

born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...

and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not...

and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives...'

He could see no future, nothing beyond, not until Voldemort was gone, his future was full until that moment.

It was almost like they hadn't just gone back in time, but his mindset had gone back too, quickly, had caught up. They had left just as Voldemort had been defeated, only hours later, perhaps he hadn't had time to process it, perhaps he hadn't even accepted it, but it was easy to slip back into that mindset again, vigilant, poised, waiting.

'And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…'

"You okay?" Hermione said, interrupting his thought process, he offered her a nod and Hermione a small smile in return, always able to see through him.

"When does Quidditch practice start?" She asked, and Harry smiled, only Hermione could pretend to care about Quidditch to make him smile, and she grinned as she could see it worked.

"Tomorrow" Harry said, James having given him the schedule earlier in the week, it was the same strict, three times a week, and Harry felt itching to get back to it, back in the air, back with the wind on his face, back to perhaps just a snapshot of a mindset when Quidditch, catching the snitch, had been the only thing that had mattered.

How he wished things could be that simple again, but then had they ever been?

No, this had been his fate since he was 11, Voldemort waiting, perhaps now it was a bit different, the prophecy hadn't been made, and yet that didn't matter to him, he knew, hell, Harry could feel it in his bones; it would come down to them again.

'and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal'

He had, perhaps not in this time, but for him, this Harry, it was as set in stone as it had been once.

There was no changing it, no hiding from it, as there hadn't been last time. Even though Voldemort wasn't aware of him yet, he would be, and Harry would make sure it didn't go beyond him, no one else dying for him, no one else hurting. It would come down to them.

'and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives'

Just the two of them, even Hermione wouldn't factor into that part, just him and Voldemort would duel in the end.

"What are we going to do today then?" He jolted as Hermione prodded him out of his brooding again and offered her a sheepish smile.

"I was thinking about the book" Hermione said, eyebrow raised, closing her own book then to look across at him.

They had the map, first worrying they'd have to duplicate it, and then he'd had found it, whole and real in his moleskin pouch, and even Hermione, brilliant as she was hadn't tried to unpick time paradoxes thoroughly enough to figure out how it hadn't popped into mid-air or exploded or something.

'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth' She'd said, an expression her Father was fond of using, and so they didn't, just happy to have one of the key tools they needed to sneak around, as they'd no doubt need to.

And soon, as they did not have a copy of the book.

Severus Snapes potion book.

It wasn't essential per-say and perhaps they were being fussy in that they hadn't brewed anything yet (and much needed to be brewed), but Harry knew just how much of a difference Snape's additions made, and how much it would improve the timing and potency of anything they needed.

Stuff like Felix Felicis, Polijuice, even basic Healing Potions would be much improved with Snape's spin on things, the man could brew.

Only here they wouldn't find his book crammed in the potion's cupboard, it would be on him, likely at all times, which made getting it tricky, or downright impossible. Harry remembered the Snape from this time, had seen him twice; paranoid, secretive, an outcast, they could hardly ask for it, and stealing it would prove difficult too.

Really, they should drop it, be content with the potions textbook they had upstairs, get to work on the kind of potions they'd need, and yet he could see it was bugging Hermione, and he knew it was bugging him. Why settle for anything less than best?

Besides, he found himself smiling a little, it would be more like a prank, or a heist, nothing so serious as chasing down Death Eaters, but a chance to flex their planning skills, and get a fine reward if they pulled it off.

When they pulled it off, hopefully.

"You can duplicate it?" He asked almost idly, no one seemed to be listening, but better safe than sorry.

"Yes" Hermione said with a nod, "I'll need about ten minutes with it, to duplicate every page to make sure everything is there, but that's it"

"Will that leave a trace?" He asked, flipping to the next page of his book, but he wasn't reading it, focused entirely on seeming like he was, but his head cocked to the side to listen to Hermione.

"Not when I'm done" Hermione said and he grinned at how she almost looked affronted, as though she'd leave a trace, he should know better than that.

"I had to ask" He said cheekily, and at Hermione's eye roll he grinned, "Then how?" He asked, eyebrow raised, it was then Hermione glanced around, and shook her head.

"Upstairs to plan?" Hermione asked, and he offered a nod, upstairs out of the way of prying eyes and ears did seem better.

"To plan what?" He didn't jump, far too used to scares to flinch (though Hermione did, and glared at no one for good measure), but he did whirl around to find Sirius, looking much better for wear than he would have thought, eyebrow raised, some kind of band t-shirt on, a little smirk on his face. He truly looked younger, more full of life, but Harry still saw him as his Godfather, and felt a pang the man didn't know him as that.

It did hurt at times, they'd come back, sacrificed everything to do so, and yet no one knew. No one knew who they were or why they'd given up everything to travel back in time. It was worth it of course, to be here, surrounded by them, alive, his family, but it did still sting.

"Nothing" Hermione said hurriedly, and Harry couldn't help but shoot her a look, good at many things Hermione was, lying had never been one of them.

He liked that about her though, her honesty, like his, they saw to the truth of things, to each other, he'd rather that than she be skilled with a silver tongue.

"Uh hu" Sirius said with his own eye roll before he flopped down onto an armchair, "Sounds like you're planning something at least, need help?"

His immediate sense was to say no, but then he stopped himself. They could use the help, the Marauders were legendary pranksters after all, and knew the current Castle, students, and all far better than they did. The question was how not to seem suspicious in recruiting them for the task (though James, Lupin and Pettigrew now all had their heads up and were waiting to hear them, Harry didn't think it would take much persuasion).

It came to him in a bolt, and he quickly shared a glance with Hermione. She shook her head, but then he nodded, eyes wide, trying to convey he had a plan, maybe not a great one, but he had one (which was more than they often had in scenarios such as these). She shook her head again but at his look it was her turn to roll her eyes, and nod, flop back in her chair but give in.

She probably knew better than to talk him out of something he'd set his mind on, as it would be vice versa.

"We want to steal book" Harry said, and at that Sirius laughed, bark like almost which made Harry smile, like man, like beast.

"Lame" He said with a shake of his head, "That's your first Hogwarts prank, a book? I expected that from Bullstrode, but from a Potter?" Sirius said mockingly, and he laughed as Hermione shot him a glare.

"Careful or I'll know where to put the book" She muttered in annoyance, and Sirius just laughed again. Harry found it amusing how Sirius seemed to love Hermione's fiery attitude, clearly pleased she wasn't some pureblood snob.

"It's a book with some homemade spells in" Harry said with a shrug, "Hermione saw it in Potions the other day, looked cool, it is that Snape kids" He tried to sound as casual as possible, and knew he had them as James raised his eyebrow, "Was that his name?" He feigned to Hermione.

"I think so" She said catching on, but not before offering him a glare, "He was very rude, but I saw some interesting looking stuff in there" She said with a shrug, "We won't steal it, steal it, just copy it"

"Snivellus" Sirius sneered then and Harry this time had to resist the urge to flinch. Sure, he'd never liked Snape, man was a hero in hindsight but had still been a bully, but he'd never liked his Father and Sirius being bullies also. He knew they regretted it when they were older, but he hated they couldn't see it yet, and knew he'd have to say something.

Ugh, the worst kind of standing up; to your friends, but if Neville had learnt the lesson, so could he, as awkward as he felt about it, he'd never stand for bullying, not even here.

"Don't be horrible" Hermione interjected, her tone harsh, and Harry resisted the urge to offer her a smile, Hermione had a low tolerance for bullying like him, and had clearly decided she'd man this crusade to save him the pain, not that he wouldn't stand by her, he was no coward, "We want to prank him and steal his book, not bully him"

"You don't know him" James shot in, the three other Marauders having gathered around, "He's basically married to the dark arts" He said and Sirius sneered again.

"Doesn't mean he should be bullied" Harry said, god he hated this, but he wouldn't back down, that wasn't his way, "Makes you as bad as him"

"You don't know what you're talking about" Sirius shot back, and Harry shrugged, trying to defuse the situation, but without letting it slide.

"No, but I don't like bullies" He shrugged again, "We don't need your help if that's the case"

"Chill" James interjected then as Sirius opened his mouth again, "We'll put it aside, though you'll see Harry, Snivellus is dark"

"I'm sure we can make our own minds up" Hermione said pompously, even sticking her nose in the air a little, somehow, she had the snooty pureblood persona on tap when she wanted it, and was far better at faking it than him, "Are you going to help or not?"

"What's the plan?" Lupin jumped in then, clearly trying to move the subject along, and Harry could see the situation wasn't quite diffused, more like the issue was put on the back burner; for now, better than nothing, but he didn't look forward to it inevitably rearing its head again.

"We don't have one" Harry said honestly, trying to move it along too, "Any ideas?" He looked directly at Sirius then, wanting his opinion, which worked.

That seemed to chase away the last chunk of tension … for the moment at least, and then Harry felt the thrill of pleasure, at the four Marauders and he and Hermione putting their heads together in front of the Gryffindor fire, to plan a good, old-fashioned prank, with an end goal in mind.

It was just like he'd dreamed it, all sat around, in a circle, fire roaring, red and gold surrounding them, the Marauders with two additions, just as he'd always imagined it, but he hadn't dared to hope he'd one day be part of it.

Here he was, and it was better than he imagined.

Chapter Text

Hermione had presumed one of the Marauders would suggest some mad-cap plan, Harry would agree, and she'd be dragged into some kind of improbable scheme that would see them dead, or worse expelled.

But no, to her surprise, as soon as Harry gave her the look and she offered a nod of agreement to work with the four teenagers around them (which was still strange to see them like this, Harry had adapted quicker, simply so glad to have them back, it was taking her a little more time), they didn't make a move to follow Snape or head straight for the dungeons, instead they did move, but closer to home, quickly taking over the big study table in one of the corners of the Common Room, ushering her and Harry over with them.

And then they did something that made Hermione smile.

They planned.

Quickly James unfurled a large piece of parchment (where he'd produced it from, she'd failed to see), spreading it out over the table, all four held wands aloft, and Lupin was the quickest in sketching out a map to the Dungeons; both the Potions Classroom and the Slytherin Common Room from here, complete with hiding spots along the way, and the position of the lights. Pettigrew added the times of the prefect patrols next to the map, and Sirius looked over the whole thing, making adjustments along with James.

It was truly a sight to behold, and one glance at Harry and she saw him positively beaming. This was not some ragtag bunch planning things on the fly, this was clearly how the Marauders had been such legendary pranksters, how they were often regaled as the best in their year, had fought Voldemort for so long. They clearly knew what they were doing.

And Hermione knew they hadn't been just pranksters, they were among the most intelligent in their year, many of them gifted, it was hardly a surprise that carried over to their mischief making, the map alone was evidence of that.

Honestly, Hermione was a bit shocked, though mostly impressed. She also grinned a little to herself, their style of 'mapping' was evident, and she was once again thankful for whatever weird time-travel quirk meant they had their own copy of the map tucked away upstairs, as she doubted they'd have been successful in being able to steal it from them.

Sure, she, Ron and Harry had come up with some plans in their time, had succeeded and failed in equal measure, but this? This was something else.

Still, she knew she had to give her own trio some credit, after all at this point in history the Marauders were just that; pranksters, planning and having fun, but not yet engaged in actual warfare; yet.

If it were up to her and Harry, they never would be.

No, if she and Harry could help it his parents and honorary Uncles would never see any real warfare, not like they had. She had to stop a shiver running up her spine then, they'd had near no time to process the war, the pain, what they had lost (even if turning back the clock meant they could change it all), and for now they would have to delay it further. She tucked her hand into Harry's as she shoved her thoughts of the war to the back of her mind, there was no time for that now.

"So, you want Snivellus's potions book?" Sirius asked but without such a vicious sneer, and Hermione near smiled, Harry would not tolerate bullies and she liked that he made that so clear and was standing up for it, but then she was hardly surprised; Harry didn't back down for anyone, not even his own family.

True Gryffindor bravery. It reminded her of Neville, 'It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to ones enemies, but more to stand up to ones friends'; she felt a pang for Neville then, left behind too … though if they succeeded here they could change his life too, he could grow up with his parents, they wouldn't be tortured into insanity.

So much they could do and change, so much riding on them, Hermione was oddly thankful that the weight of the war and world has rested on their shoulders before, they were used to the sensation, Harry more than anyone.

"Yes" Harry followed up, choosing not to comment on the nickname, he was no fool, Hermione knew, years of hatred and mistrust would not be undone in one afternoon. Especially as he could hardly defend Snape too much when they intended to steal from him.

But they needed that book.

"He usually stays in the Potions lab late on weekdays" Lupin chirped in, and Hermione nodded, that made sense, was likely young Snape's solace place.

Hers being the library, Harry's the Quidditch pitch; she wondered what the Marauders were.

No doubt they'd find out.

"So, we create some kind of potions accident? He runs out we snatch the book?" James asked.

"He'll have the book on him right?" Harry said, and Hermione nodded, she remembered Harry with the book, hiding it in his bag, locked in his trunk, he'd rarely been parted from it, same as the map.

In fact, they'd do the same here, lock everything away when they weren't using it, they couldn't risk them falling into the wrong hands and out of theirs.

Especially with the map, how could they explain their being two if the Marauders found their copy? And would that create some kind of temporal paradox? Ugh, time travel truly gave her a headache, and she decided (to her annoyance) to check some books on the subject out of the library.

It was her go-to, to read up on a subject until it no longer gave her a headache, but she remembered reading up on it during third year, time turner in hand as she'd tried to understand everything about it.

Time travel was a confusing subject, and as one learned more, she swore the headaches and confusion got worse, but she was older now, and they needed to understand as much about what they'd done as they could.

It had been an impulse decision to come back, and a worthwhile one, and though they had plans for ensuring they settled in, stole a legendary book and even some vague thoughts on keeping everyone alive, they needed to understand more about the act of time travel itself.

She'd talk to Harry about it later, for now she tried to focus her mind back on the subject at hand.

"Okay, so potions accident, and then as Snape leaves Hermione bumps into him" Sirius continued, and Hermione smiled at how serious he seemed; it wasn't a common occurrence after all, "James swipes the book"

"I'll use a discreet severing charm if he doesn't drop the bag" Hermione agreed getting back into the flow of the conversation.

"Can you do one non-verbally?" Lupin asked eyebrow raised.

"I'll whisper it" Hermione said with a nod, she could of course cast it non-verbally, but they were meant to be 5th years here, she could hardly reveal that.

God, they had gone back so far, she kind of wished they had come back in the 7th year, but she supposed it was good to have as much time as possible to prepare for war.

Still, even as she wished to be further into this schooling period … three years still seemed awfully short to change the course of the future.

But that was their task.

Starting with a low stakes theft, and as they all nodded and made their way to the Common Room door she smiled at just how low stakes it was relatively.

Surely it would have to off without a hitch.

It didn't.

They hurried over to the potions lab, James and Sirius went first, map in hand, Lupin and Pettigrew next, Harry and Hermione trailed, which allowed Hermione a moment alone with Harry.

"Do we need the book this badly?" Hermione asked, oddly the one who tended to get nerves before any kind of plan, she was a planner and though they had a plan it could never account for all variables, and that made her nervous.

"Yes" Harry said simply, "Not just for class, but you know how much Snape packed into that book, what could be useful"

"I don't want us to get expelled in our first week" She said, knowing she sounded foolish but needing to say it out loud.

"Worse expelled than dead" Harry teased and she shoved him to which he laughed, and somehow that made her feel better; Harry's laughter was often the best remedy for her.

She wasn't sure when she had hitched her happiness so securely to her best friend, perhaps as he'd been one of her first friends, perhaps the years they'd grown together at Hogwarts, or those lonely months just the two of them, huddled in a tent, clutching each other surrounded by despair that would have swallowed them but for each other.

She thought then of Lily accusing them of being a couple, how quickly they'd denied it but how her cheeks had heated…

"Here he comes!" James hissed, and any kind of revelation or even hint of one on her feelings was shoved to one side … for now.

"He's meant to be in the lab!" Sirius hissed back, but no Snape was leaving far too early, there was no time to go in and create an accident to have him leave flustered, instead the first glimpse they caught of Severus Snape, their teacher and once Headmaster, war hero, was as he rounded the corner out of the classroom and came face to face with his worst enemies. "Plan B!"

Hermione panicked then; there was no plan b! And Snape was coming toward them!

She could tell immediately it was him, the same slightly greasy black hair, the same cut of his robes, his eyes wide but betraying far more than he'd allow as an adult. He was younger than her here by a year or two and yet he held himself with some kind of authority, even as he glared around at them and surged forward.

Was this who the man had been before he turned spy? Betrayed his best friend and spent the rest of his life trying to make up for it? In all ways but being able to stand her child, for the man he hated he represented so.

Either way it didn't matter, as he sent a sneer their way and attempted to walk past, Harry next to her tensed, and she knew why.

They'd already been frank with the Marauders they wouldn't tolerate bullying, that it was wrong, and Harry in particular had absolutely no acceptance for picking on people, having been a target far too many times himself, but this? Confronted with a hostile Snape who practically crackled with animosity and lick of power? Stood with the Marauders who already had their backs up?

This couldn't end well.

"Move out of my way" Snape said, and she could hear a flicker of something in his voice, not fear, but something of just wanting to be left alone, she understood that and felt a twang of sympathy for the teenage Snape; had he ever stood a chance?

Perhaps they could make it, so he did.

She tried not to sigh at herself, for picking up another little project in a way, she knew Harry would tease her for it, compare it to SPEW, but if that was what it took? Then that was what she would do, and she knew without asking Harry would stand with her.

He always did.

"Not so fast Snivellus" Sirius sneered, but at Harrys glare he seemed to wilt a touch before he turned defensive again, Hermione understood Harry had forged a quick friendship with the Marauders, quicker than her even, but that didn't mean they would listen to him when confronted with the boy they disliked intensely.

Though she did note James seemed a touch hesitant, Lupin and Pettigrew skulked at the back, as they no doubt always did. She felt a flicker of annoyance then, weren't they supposed to be Gryffindors? She was only soothed by knowing Lupin had regretted this and tried to remind herself the Marauders were idiot teenagers here.

"Watch it Potter" Snape sneered as he tried to skirt past, "I've no tolerance for this tonight"

"We just want to talk" James said, but Snape had no trust for him, rightly so, and instead shook his head and tried to push past.

"We're trying to be nice about it, Snivellus" James sneered back with derision, and there Hermione saw the man who could be an arse to people, head filled with arrogance, she saw Harry flinch, went to take his hand but he was already moving.

Fuck, it was like he couldn't help himself, yes, she admired him for it, his bravery, but sometimes his recklessness drove her mad. Though the admiration outweighed it.

"Back off" Harry said as he stepped in front of his dad, Lord how weird, but he did, and Hermione felt a burst of pride in her chest; definitely admiration, Harry would always do what was right, no matter the consequences for him personally.

Gryffindor through and through.

"Who are you?" Snape sneered and Hermione winced, he wasn't going to make this easier.

"Harry" He said simply, probably knowing the Potter association would just make things worse, "I'm not your enemy"

"You're with them then you are" Snape replied, and Hermione resisted the urge to step-in … too many cooks.

But then, what could she do? She glanced up and saw Lupin had stepped around the altercation, especially as Sirius began telling Harry to move, James seemed almost protective of the son he didn't know he had and Snape was glaring at them all whilst Harry stood in the middle, Pettigrew remained in the shadows, but Lupin came to her side.

"Do it now!" He said quickly, and Hermione raised an eyebrow, especially as her focus was pulled by Sirius shoving Snape back until Harry stepped in, shoving him back, James looking torn, but she didn't massively pay attention to that, not as Snape was knocked back, and dropped his book bag.

Jesus, this was all a set-up.

She had no idea if Harry knew too, and would thoroughly scold him if he did and hadn't told her, god had she been the last to catch on? Still, she couldn't dwell on that now as she had her opening, Lupin was quicker though, levitated Snapes books over, he almost turned but then James started yelling, diverting his attention again.

"Which one?" He whispered, and Hermione picked up the book, the copy of Advanced Potion Making, just as battered as she remembered it, plucked it up and turned her back into a little alcove, and began conjuring, grabbing the standard copy they'd purchased in Diagon Alley, quickly copying each page across, tapping Snapes copy and then Harrys, copying the text, it wasn't fast but was a better guarantee to get all of the information than doing it in one.

Now Harry was yelling, and she fumed he'd caught on quicker than her, as she quickly continued her casting, Lupin looked impressed at her speed, and the fact she was doing it non-verbally, she'd have to pretend she was whispering and started doing so, she couldn't reveal she and Harry could cast non-verbally, not when they were masquerading as fifth years here.

More yelling now, "They've drawn their wands" Lupin whispered, and she sped up, her hand aching as she swished and swished, Lupin picked his wand up but she shook her head, it would just overcomplicate things and she needed him as look-out.

It seemed to take an agonisingly long time, but as the shouting escalated she was done, clapped the book shut, Lupin swept them back towards Snapes bag (silently, she admired), and she slipped their new copy behind her back.

"Step aside now Potter or I'll hex you aside!" Snape yelled and she was brought back into the potentially fake conflict, though she did note everyone seemed riled up and she had no doubt this fake scenario could turn real at any minute.

"Stop it!" Hermione yelled, stepping forward, even going so far to move inbetween Harry who was still stood defending Snape, pushed him aside and then turned to Snape, "Get out of here, don't let these morons hold you up"

"Who are you?" He sneered.

"Like you care, now go" She said back, her logic seeming to cut through, as Snape non-verbally she noted grabbed his books, and walked past, shoving her hard in the shoulder to which he earned a glare from her.

Only when he was gone and had turned the corridor did Harry break the silence.

"So, did you get it?"

"You knew?!" She screeched, and she hated that the sound of the rest of the group laughing, Harry's delighted grin and the Potions book she produced from behind her back to cheers had her laughing too.

"Fooled you" James said with a grin, and clapped Harry on the shoulder who was grinning from ear to ear. Sirius sneered he should have gotten a jinx in but was laughing to, as was Pettigrew, looking as human as she could remember, Lupin was smiling fondly, and Harry looked overjoyed.

They'd pulled it off and she smiled too.

This was why the Marauders were legends.

Chapter Text

The rest of the weekend passed in a lazy haze.

Harry had Quidditch practice, she spent the day in the library with Lupin and Pettigrew, pouring over their textbooks, she'd been surprised Pettigrew had been so eager to join them but had chided herself; he'd been smart enough to make the Order, she wouldn't underestimate him.

It was annoying almost; how nice he was. He asked her to read over his essay but not to copy off her, offered to read hers, gave her one or two good hints, took on her suggested changes, joked with Moody and she ended up cracking a smile too.

Was this the Peter who had been before his terror of Voldemort had taken over?

Could he be saved?

She remembered the look in Harry's eye, he was so utterly incapable of holding a grudge she had no doubt he'd think so, could she? She wasn't sure as Peter talked about how he thought Divination was useless unless you had the sight (and she chimed in to agree), or how he offered both her and Lupin some of his chocolate bar (and gave Lupin the biggest third), he seemed just like a regular, nice, Gryffindor 5th year boy.

Could he be redeemed? No, he hadn't done anything wrong yet, was it wrong of her to hold him to crimes he'd yet to commit? Perhaps never would with the right nudge?

Ugh she knew Harry would joke about her love for saving people ground under the boot, perhaps tease her about S.P.E.W, but he'd agree, she knew he would.

She'd have to discuss it with him, but she knew her best friend better than anyone, and he her, she knew what he'd say, knew what they'd end up doing.

Oddly, something eased in her at the idea; they had so many chances to change things here, keeping the Marauders together was one of the nicer ones, she wasn't sure how she'd go about it, but she'd have Harry, and Peter had his friends.

Their friends now, they could do it together.

And so, she smiled as Lupin offered to trade essays and Peter delved into his Potions homework. It was nice to have people to study with, nice to settle in the library as though she were here with Harry and Ron.

Nice; something so mundane but so needed after the year she'd had.

And as Harry, James and Sirius ran in, muddy and grinning (and promptly got them kicked out by a screeching Madam Prince), she could see he felt the same.

And, as his hand slipped into hers and they made their way back to the Common Room, they were both grinning from ear to ear.

For now.

Monday came around quickly, but Hermione was still all smiles as they went for breakfast; lessons never felt like a chore to her, and she had a full day of her favourite subjects.

"Try not to look too pleased" Harry teased as they sat down together, serving themselves up cereal and pumpkin juice, apple for Harry, banana for her that they passed one another, she filled them up their juice as Harry went in search of an orange for them to split; a weird little breakfast routine and they got some looks (surely everyone thought they were the weird pureblood transfers with quirks), but it was nice, content, and though she was tired, she was smiling.

It was simple things like having an orange to split at breakfast, being in a Hogwarts escaped from the war, Harry smiling as she passed him his goblet of pumpkin juice. Just little things, but they had her beaming.

"Pleased about what?" She asked absently as the Marauders shuffled in, gave them a nod, and got to eating themselves.

"Lessons" Harry joked, "I swear you're fizzing"

"Shut up" She shot back, and he laughed, she grinned, it was Harry and Hermione, and it was perfect.

"So, you two going out?" Sirius asked, interrupting said perfection and peace.

She spluttered around her pumpkin juice, Harry coughed around his cereal, James was smiling, Pettigrew and Remus laughed, her cheeks were pink, Harry's eyebrows were in his hairline, and James had to thump him on the back as he near choked on his breakfast.

This was the third time they'd been asked this, but the first point blank.

Lily's words came back to her after they'd denied it, a simple roll of her eyes and a dismissive 'sure'.

"So that's a, yes?" Sirius said cheekily, and Hermione shot him a glare, she felt something, perhaps near her heart flutter, but her mind hadn't quite caught up yet, and instead (as her cheeks steamed pink), she just carried on her look of death towards one Sirius Black.

Gods, he had been a just as charming and without pretence as an adult, but teenage Sirius Black was much, much worse, he had all the good looks and none of the trauma to have him grinning from ear to ear as he enquired to his new friends dating lives.

"Why do you ask?" Hermione asked as Harry gulped down water, his cheeks were red too, but she put that down to his nearly choking on cereal, it had to be, right?

Right.

"Everyone is either convinced you're siblings, or a couple" James said with a nod as he reached for his own cereal, now assured Harry wasn't going to asphyxiate on his, "There's a bet running, but no one can quite work it out" He shook his head, "Apparently Lily knows but no ones braved it to ask her"

"Well, it's not anyone's business" Hermione said, really, she should have just said, 'We're neither'; simple, easy and yet something stopped her.

Something.

"Come on" Sirius said with a roll of his eyes, "I've got 5 galleons on couple" He said cheekily, "Even though Evans wouldn't rat you out"

Strange Lily hadn't said anything, was there some latent loyalty to Harry? God that was getting more complex by the day, but that was a problem for another time.

"Hermione and I are best friends" Harry interjected, but there was a flicker of something in his eye Hermione couldn't quite detect, "The best"

"Exactly" Hermione said, but felt something in her sink, not that her brain had caught up yet, it probably wouldn't for a while.

And then, even with the bet lost (Sirius) and the other gloating on his misfortune, there was a crackle in the air, something there, that no one quite knew the truth.

Not even Harry and Hermione.

Funny that.

Come Thursday Hermione was feeling more herself.

Yes, it was still strange, yes she got odd looks in the corridors as her and Harry walked along together (once when one particular girl group had been whispering she'd grabbed his hand, both to confuse the betters because screw them, but also because of the way they'd been looking at Harry), yes, she was still adjusting to the different curriculum (easier in some aspects, much harder in others), and the Marauders (very friendly, almost weird how quickly they'd all slotted together), but it was getting easier.

It was good to see Harry so happy too, he'd barely needed to adjust, so delighted to be with his family he needn't have the kind of time travel hangover she'd had, instead he was coming back from Quidditch practice grinning, doing better in lessons than she remembered and was oblivious to any of the female attention he was getting.

That was her … that was Harry.

So come Thursday morning as she filed into her first Runes class (the last with Sirius and the glaring girls had been a study session, the Professor had just returned now after some long summer research project apparently), only Pettigrew and Harry were missing from this class, so she took a seat with Remus, Sirius, and James, in the middle of the pack.

It didn't escape her that girls looked at her with envy, just as last time, but she just rolled her eyes.

She hadn't quite appreciated how popular the Marauders were, how they truly were thought of as the best in the year, how girls eyed them as though they were a prize. Even Lily sat at the front of the class glanced their way, though covered it with a huff and a glare.

It was strange to Hermione, she was still adjusting to them as being her age, not adults she needed to respect (not that she didn't show respect to the Marauders here, but it was different), it was even stranger to see other people treat them as teenagers. Perhaps she did still have some adjusting to do.

But she was happy for now settled down with them as she pulled out her textbook and the Runes professor, Professor Greyweir (different to her time) filed in, he had a sharp look of intelligence about him, and Hermione knew this class would be hard, which she both relished, and fretted over.

Last study session her and Sirius had been evenly matched, James and Lupin had paired up, so she didn't know how good they were, she felt her competitive streak straighten her back, she guessed she'd find out.

Even now, in the past she still strove to be the best. It hadn't just been the muggleborn in her desperate to prove herself.

She opened her book, and as the Professor began writing combinations on the board (and she felt just a touch intimidated that he didn't even have an OWL year spiel, just some extremely difficult combinations that reminded her more of NEWTS than OWLS), she found herself distracted.

As the door banged open and Harry stepped inside, Harry in Runes class? She turned eyebrow raised and almost stood, was he here for her? Was there a problem? She felt her adrenaline spike, what had happened?

"Yes?" The Professor said, turning, one eyebrow raised, "Can I help you young man?"

"Erm yeah I think so" Harry fumbled, and Hermione smiled, as it seemed this was not an emergency, to which he shot her a glare, "I think I got booked into the wrong class?" He asked, going to the front, holding out his timetable, and yet as he looked at the board he stumbled, near tripped and caught himself, odd, Harry was always so graceful, she fluttered, near standing to her feet, was he okay?

She was relieved it wasn't an emergency but felt some worry at Harry acting so strange, what was going on?

"Wrong class?" The Professor asked, "Are you supposed to be in the Ancient Runes OWL class, Mr…?"

"Potter Sir" He said, and he paused then, why did he pause?

"Ahh yes the new transfer student alongside Miss Blishwick" The Professor said with a nod, "Will you be joining our class?"

And then Hermione was knocked for six by Harry's answer.

"Yes Sir" He said simply, "I didn't realise, I thought this was the NEWT class, erm yeah" He fumbled, still Harry, but why was he here in Runes? And why had he stuck around? "I should be here I think"

She had rarely been more confused by his behaviour. Harry could be unpredictable at times, and horribly impulsive (to which she scolded him for and he kept doing it anyway), but she couldn't puzzle this.

"It is the OWL class Mr Potter, take a seat and as a new student I'll forgive your lateness, but only this once, understood?" The Professor said plainly.

"Yes Sir" Harry said, cheeks red, and he hurried to slide in next to Hermione as Professor Greyweir began to add more combinations to the board, Harry's eyes as he sat next to her were wide, filled with confusion, and a hint of worry.

"What are you doing here?" She near hissed as the Professor told them to pair up and fix the combinations, she noted Sirius go to Marlene this time, presuming (correctly) she'd be with Harry, she shot him an apologetic smile and he just grinned before she turned quickly back to Harry, "Harry?!"

"Professor McGonagall accidently put me on Runes" He whispered then, and his nerves showed now, "It was down on my calendar, so I came to fix it" His gaze darted around then but everyone was distracted with the difficult problem sequence on the board, Professor Greyweir was writing out the next set on a blackboard next to it, and that looked even more difficult.

"Sure" Hermione said with a nod, Harry's current state was more important than Runes, "But staying in a class you've never taken is hardly fixing it?" She asked, "Have you hit your head? Do you need to go to the hospital wing?"

She could think of no other explanation for her friend's behaviour.

"Are you still Harry?" She asked suspiciously, gaze narrowing, Professor Moodys lessons had really stuck, and Harry was really acting rather strange, "Tell me what we danced to during the rainstorm when we were hiding"

"O Children" Harry said immediately, and she felt something in her ease, "What house was I originally sorted into?"

"Slytherin" She whispered before glaring at him, "I was checking your identity, not mine"

"I always check yours when we do that" He shot back, and she nodded, true, constant vigilance! after all, it was her best friend then, just perhaps with a head injury.

"Then what's wrong?" She asked, resisting the urge to physically check his head, or cast a diagnostic spell, "Why didn't you correct Professor Greyweir? Have you hit your head?" She asked again.

"No I'm fine" Harry insisted, but he didn't look it. "But I didn't correct the Professor because…" Harry said then, eyes wide, shining, confused, "I can read Runes"

Her eyes widened too, stomach dropped, what?

"What?" She asked, "What do you mean?" A creeping sensation began up her spine, a recognising of something, of a worry, she wasn't sure where from, but there it was.

"As in, can you read what's on the board?" He asked, quickly, fervently, nervously, "All of it?"

"Not yet" She admitted, and felt that chill race up the back of her neck, god what was he saying?, "I need to decipher it, it will take a little while but I can" She nodded, she could but it would take awhile to unpick.

"That's the thing" He said, and she noted his hands were shaking then, quickly took them in her own, squeezed them, he squeezed back, "I can read all of it, I can tell you what that says right now"

"No, you can't" Hermione said, not that she doubted him, but it was impossible. Only a NEWT student could do what he was suggesting, and even then, she knew they'd need ten minutes, especially on the second problem, this wasn't just fluent in Runes, what Harry was suggesting, it was native. "Few people can do that"

"I know" Harry said, his cheeks whitening now, Hermione imagined she looked like a ghost, "But I can read them, look"

He pointed at the first problem, "That says, 'Magic cures as much trouble as it causes, and yet magic itself may be both cure and cause in any instance. There can be a malady that magic itself may cause, cure and right all at once'" He stopped then, and Hermione felt her heart stop. This wasn't possible…

"Very good Mr Potter" Professor Greyweir said with a smile, having overheard Harry's explanation, "I presume you did the summer reading and encountered this problem across the final pages of Spellman's Syllabary as an advanced runic translation?" He asked, for even he couldn't conceive of anyone, lest a 5th year directly translating that fast, it just wasn't done, not often, not even rarely, but more than rarely.

I.e., almost never.

"Yes Professor" Harry said with a nod, his hands shook as Hermione clutched them under the desk.e

"Good, 20 points to Gryffindor" Professor Greyweir said with a smile before turning back to the second board.

"Oh, my goodness" Hermione whispered, as she squeezed Harry's hands hard, "I can't…" She stumbled, "This shouldn't be possible" She dropped her voice further, "You can directly read a magical language you've never studied"

"What does this mean Hermione?" Harry asked as she pretended to busy himself with the book between them, but his hands shook as he released hers, immediately reached for them again, drawing on her strength, though she felt as though she had none.

"I have no idea" She said, and for once, she truly didn't.

"First time for everything" Harry joked, and she managed a smile, but it was barely there, a ghost, and Harry continued to tremble, even as they held onto each other, and Harry flipped the page of her Runes book and read every combination back to her, every single one.

She had no idea what this meant, none.

And that terrified her, and she could see reflected in his gaze, it terrified Harry too.

"Astronomy Tower, after classes" She whispered, and he nodded, they'd need privacy, and not to get caught in Gryffindor Tower, "We'll figure this out" She said with more conviction than she possessed.

As she picked through the combination, and Harry pretended to do the same, her hands trembled too.

What did this mean?

Again, she had no idea.

But it was Harry, her Harry, they had to figure this out, had to figure out how this related to what had happened, because surely it had to relate to the time travel?

Or had it always been there in him?

That was scarier even to think, but the thought stuck with her, as she managed the second combination in half an hour, and Harry recited it back fluently to her in less than a minute.

Chapter Text

Night had long fallen when they snuck out, stooping to hide under the invisibility cloak (Harry had made such a habit of stuffing it in his pocket, had even learned to shrink it to fit in his moleskin bag, and for that she was thankful), making their way to the Astronomy Tower.

They needed somewhere private, and they didn't know who knew about the Room of Requirement here. She didn't trust the Marauders not to eavesdrop in their dorm or common room, and so sneaking out it was.

"This makes me feel weirdly nostalgic" Harry whisperer which elicited a grin from Hermione, even as she jabbed an elbow in his side to quiet him, they could not get caught.

They'd settled into life at Hogwarts fairy well. The teachers loved Hermione, especially with her hard-working attitude and cleverness. Harry however was universally beloved, he was popular, the Quidditch team loved him (and he was Professor McGonagall's favourite, sometimes history did repeat itself), Professor Greyweir had been raving about him (and that was the only sting of jealousy, she didn't care about not being as popular, however she did care, just a little, about Harry now completely eclipsing her in one of her favourite subjects, at least she'd been coming out top of the class in Arithmancy).

Hermione was happy to fly under the radar. The impression she got from students was that Harry was the saviour to any Quidditch woes, handsome and popular alongside the Marauders. She was seen as clever, but a bit of a snob (as she'd cultivated), and a bit too self-righteous and sure of herself. Honestly, she didn't mind that.

According to Sirius most of the student body were convinced she and Harry were together. Her cheeks had been pink but Harry had shrugged, "Let people think what they want" Which had made her feel a little … warm and mushy inside, they'd shared a smile (and the Marauders a knowing look), before moving on.

They crept up the stairs of the Astronomy Tower, avoiding the fifth trick step and the fifteenth that squeaked, and when they reached the top Hermione looked around, nodded and they shed the invisibility cloak, both rolling their shoulders, Harry shut the door behind them, and they turned to one another.

It was peaceful.

Hogwarts was lovely, the only home she and Harry had left, but it was rarely peaceful. It was loud, bustling, busy, which both of them liked, but as they turned to look at the stars overhead, not a whisper on the air, sometimes it was nice to capture some peace.

"I've missed this place" Harry whispered and Hermione smiled, nodded, she had too.

"Me too" She said gently, "I've missed us being here"

Harry nodded but then they fell into silence. They stood side by side, shoulder to shoulder, looking up at the stars. Quiet, peaceful, soaking it all in for a moment. They both knew, moments like this would be rare, and they wanted to revel in it, just for a moment.

A moment together.

But soon, they could remain suspended in peace, pretending this was normal, that Ron would soon join them, maybe Ginny, Neville and Luna would meet them for breakfast in the morning. All of that was gone now, all that was left was them.

Then, the Marauders, and whatever changes travelling such a distance through time had wrought.

"I can't believe this morning" Hermione said, because well … she couldn't. It should have been impossible, Harry had never studied Runes, had probably only seen them from glancing at the copy of the Tales of Beedle the Bard Dumbledore had left her, he shouldn't have been able to understand the most basic of Runes, never mind breakdown lengthy combinations at such a speed that very few people alive could do.

It was almost like he could read and understand Runes to a native level, but she wasn't sure there was even anyone alive now, or from the future they'd left that could do that.

"Have you noticed anything else?" Hermione asked as she and Harry sunk to the floor, sitting opposite one another in one of the archways of the tower, the night breeze dancing over them, cold but not bitter, the stars overhead their only witness …

Or so they thought.

"Any other unusual changes?" Harry asked, brow furrowed. Hermione took his hand; this was confusing and scary for her, and though Harry was the bravest man she knew, she also knew he was worried too, of course he was.

"None" Harry said, "I think I've had enough for five lifetimes" He said with a nervous smile and Hermione nodded, she quite agreed.

"But apparently there's more to come" She said with a sigh, she knew coming back presented risks but she had hoped Harry's Boy Who Lived, magneticness towards individual trouble and craziness would be dampened, but no.

Harry Potter, her best friend, who she loved more than anyone else in the world, would always be special.

It was like he walked bathed in stardust and trouble, whoever looked down on them was both rooting for and condemning him, of that she had no doubt.

"But why?" Harry asked, eyebrows knitting together, "Why?"

"Why did this happen?" Hermione asked, her own eyebrow raising, she had no answer for that, and they were unlikely to get any.

"Yes, but no" Harry said agitated, "Why Runes?"

"Why Runes?" Hermione asked, for once she was frustratingly not following.

"Why am I suddenly fluent in Runes? Out of everything else?" Harry said, "Parsletongue makes sense, and my duelling ability. It's because of him, but Runes? He wasn't a specialist or never enough for it to be raised" Hs said with a frown.

"That's true" Hermione said, she hadn't thought on that. Though she hadn't been thinking about Voldemort, it saddened her that Harry was, truly Voldemort was his life.

Something occurred to her then and she felt a bit of panic claw up her throat, she took Harry's hands then, squeezed them, guilt coming to her.

"Harry I'm sorry. I didn't even think coming back would mean Voldemort lives again, and the whole cycle happens again, I'm so sorry" She said, it hadn't even occurred to her.

"Don't apologise" Harry insisted, he squeezed her hands back and offered her a smile, strained but it was there, "I wanted to come back too, it's more than worth it, and …"

"And?" Hermione prompted.

"I think this means we can stop him earlier. The prophecy might not have been spoken yet but it's still going to happen, maybe that means I'm still fated to beat him"

Neither can live whilst the other survives…

The prophecy was memorised by Hermione, she imagined it was burned on Harry's brain.

"You want to put that on yourself again?" Hermione asked, voice dropping to a whisper.

"I have too" Harry replied, and Hermione nodded, she knew it, knew Harry wouldn't rest until Voldemort was gone again. And so, she wouldn't rest either.

"We can stop him" Harry said, "And this time he won't come back"

"We'll make sure of it" Hermione said and then she got a real smile from Harry. This time they'd make sure when he was gone, he was gone.

"And with the Runes I don't know" Again, she hated not knowing, but the truth was she had no idea, not even a theory as to why Harry was suddenly fluent in Runes, fluent and native. "But I don't think it's to do with him"

"Then what?" Harry asked, and for a moment they both just sat, sat and sighed, and held onto one another's hands. There was no Dumbledore to ask now … they couldn't tell him everything, he didn't want them too and had no context for it. They were on their own.

"It has to have a use" Hermione said, "And a reason, maybe we should do some research?"

Harry did grin then and Hermione poked him, daring him to tease her, though he didn't, his grin at the fact she had smiled when suggesting research was enough to make her roll her eyes with a giggle.

"It just doesn't make any sense" Harry said with a furrowed brow, and Hermione agreed, annoyed that she too couldn't see why Harry suddenly had this gift, it didn't make any sense.

"I wonder if us going back has effected stuff?" Hermione asked, speculating out of annoyance with the lack of information, for what else could they do? They were alone, in an extremely unique situation, research would only get them so far.

But before they could speculate further, they heard a bump, and Hermione's eyes flew to the door.

"Crap" She said quickly, pulling Harry to his feet, "Get the cloak-

"STUDENTS OUT OF BED" A voice screeched across the corridors.

"Peeves" They both groaned; somethings, irregardless of time travel, did not change.

"Fuck" Harry jolted up, Hermione did too, remembered,

"Language!" A quick grin from Harry but they quickly jumped to their feet, Hermione grabbed Harry's hand, and he wound his fingers through hers and they dashed for the door.

Dashed for the door, eyes wide, clutching one another, as it swung open and they were greeted by not one, but two Prefects, one Hufflepuff, the other Ravenclaw, wand held aloft, lumos casting a light at the end of the tips.

"Curfew was two hours ago" The one at the front said, she wasn't sure who it was, a girl frowning, the boy at the back was smirking.

"I had two galleons that the new kids were together" He said with a grin, "Totally collecting from Toby"

"We're not-"Hermione began, but his smirk as he raised an eyebrow at their still joined hands had her just glaring at him, "Shut up"

Harry's cheeks were pink, hers too.

"Ooh and telling a Prefect to shut up?" The smug boy said, Ravenclaw, and thinking he was too clever, probably thought he was cleverer than he was, very few things got Hermione's back up like being talked down to, her glare turned cold, "I think that's points and detention little Miss Snobby"

"Don't speak to her like that" Harry stepped in then and Hermione felt comforted but also moderately worried, Harry was worse than her when it came to acting rashly when defending their friends.

They were quite the pair. She felt a pang again for Ron then, standing up to Snape for her knowing it meant detention, Gryffindor bravery in spades the three of them had.

"Careful Potter" The boy said with a smirk, "Marauders aren't here to save you or your stuck-up girlfriend"

"We don't need saving" Hermione said, stepping in, sensing Harry was approaching boiling point and she tried to calm down a bit, she and Harry couldn't attack Prefects after all, she felt annoyed then, she wasn't a Prefect here, and she wondered if maybe they could award it to her for 6th year if she came top of the class? Something to mull on. "You can't take points, you can only report us, which is fine, but you shouldn't abuse your position" She turned to the Hufflepuff girl then who'd been quiet, "And you shouldn't let him"

"She's right Reece" The girl said, indicating for Hermione and Harry to move on, "We'll report this, nothing more, get to bed" She said, Hermione nodded, shot Reece a vicious glare who held his hands up mock wounded, Harry did pause though.

"Speak to her like that again and we'll have a problem" Harry said, before he turned back to her and held out his hand, her friends temper might have calmed since the war, but he still had little tolerance for injustice, and so she slipped her hand into his, not caring about the rumours, not now.

And they walked away, hand in hand.

Come morning it was no surprise they were summoned to Professor McGonagalls office.

"Eeee" Hermione groaned as they made their way out of the Common Room for the Saturday 8am summons, Hermione wrung her hands together nervous, "I hate getting in trouble"

"You set Snape on fire in our first year" Harry reminded her, and she glared at him but managed a small grin to match his.

"I didn't get caught for that remember"

The night before they'd hurried back to the Common Room and fallen asleep side by side, still holding hands, neither of them acknowledged it wasn't quite normal friendship behaviour, that perhaps Reece had been hitting closer to the point than they liked, they didn't, but it didn't stop them falling asleep hand in hand.

"Its fine" Harry said as they made their way to the Transfiguration classroom, "It's a first offense"

"We should have just obliviated them or something" Hermione grumbled, "I can do it properly now, we could have sent them on their way and carried on our conversation"

"Sometimes I forget how ruthless you are" Harry said but with a smile, as after a knock and an affirmative call he pushed open McGonagalls office door, and Hermione stepped inside first, Harry followed, to find their Head of House, stood, glaring at them.

This was not going to be fun.

She did glance at Harry then, she hoped him thinking she was ruthless was a good thing.

"I've had a report from two Prefects last night, that they caught you past curfew at the Astronomy Tower and when confronted you talked back to them" McGonagall said, and Hermione could see Harry wince, it was like a day hadn't passed, Professor McGonagall was one of the few adults that had ever got Harry to toe the line.

"We were out past curfew" Hermione said, no point trying to fight that charge, she could feel her hands sweating, she really did hate getting in trouble, "But-"

"But the Prefects were horrible to Hermione, Reece something" Harry said with a scowl, and she had to supress a smile, "And the other one just let him threaten to take points and give us detention, we were just standing up for ourselves"

"Reece? A Ravenclaw per chance?" McGonagall asked, and Hermione nodded quickly, to which the Professor sighed.

"Yes, we've had problems with him before, but be that as it may, you were out past curfew" She said with a glare, and Hermione had to supress a squeak.

"Yes, we're not used to having one" Harry said, a story they'd come up with together that wasn't far from the truth and fit with their fake background.

"Well, you'll get used to it" McGonagall said in a sharp tone, "And detention Monday for both of you, and 20 points from Gryffindor, next time it will be 50, do we understand each other?"

"Yes Professor" Hermione said, immediately, it was silly, she could feel her mood plummeting, it was nothing, just one detention, but she really did hate getting in trouble.

"Yes Professor" Harry repeated but he sounded more nonchalant than her, he'd never been too bothered about getting into trouble, lucky.

"Go on then, I've heard from all your Professors you've made a fantastic start, particularly in Arithmancy Miss Blishwick you've been commended, and Mr Potter, Professor Greyweir in Runes is very impressed with you, do not squander academic talent by being trouble makers, do you understand?"

Another round of contrite (sincerely from Hermione, forced from Harry), nods and they were released.

"Troublemakers" Hermione said with a sigh and a glum expression, "That's our reputation"

"Cheer up Hermione" Harry said, and his grin promised more trouble, in fact Hermiones brow furrowed as she noticed Harry speed up, just a fraction, "I promise not to call you Little Miss"

A gasp of indignation left her lips, and with a laugh Harry sped off, clearly happy to tease but not to face her, and so she tore after him, laughing along with him eventually (after a well placed tripping jinx), their laughter and joy filling the morning corridors, doing absolutely nothing to dispel the rumour running around the school that the 'new kids' were already taken, with each other, and quite besotted.

For all to see.

Chapter Text

Commiserating with the Marauders wasn't something Harry had looked forward to, but he did leave it with a smile.

Lots of 'Cheer up its just detention', 'We actually have a running bet of who will have the most by the end of the year, looks like you're on the board 'Honestly, we were starting to think you were stiff's'

It didn't stop Hermione fretting and grumbling about being known as troublemakers, but it did make him smile and hers followed in kind, especially so when Remus outlined, he'd had three detentions last year, and he was a Prefect now, Hermione was mollified.

They were like that, when one was happy, so was the other, like sunshine spreading, Harry could rarely be unhappy if Hermione was smiling, and vice versa.

"You know I don't think they can retroactively make you a Prefect" Harry mulled and narrowly dodged a punch to the arm from Hermione as she sniffed there was a precedent thank you very much, he grinned as she told him how she'd looked it up (because of course she had), and he decided for the sake of his left shoulder he wouldn't argue.

And so, even laden down with detention, and Hermione double checking Hogwarts a History, they managed a smile as they curled up in bed, still next to one another, unable to sleep alone (they'd tried one night and barely gotten a wink, both waking up constantly, too nervous alone, worried more for each other even than themselves), with smiles on their faces.

But come Monday they were a little more grumpy, after a day of Double Potions, Double Charms (and a very tricky lesson on air charming), they had detention, together at least, but detention all the same, and that even for Harry was a cause to be grumpy.

Harry was fairly used to it, he'd done his fair share of scrubbing cauldrons and writing lines (once in his own blood, so how bad could it get really?), but as they entered the trophy room and were tasked with scrubbing all of the silver until it gleamed without magic (under the watchful eye of … Filch? Really?! And Miss Norris trailing behind, did anything change?), Hermione looked worried, no she looked horrified.

"Its fine" He said, Filch left them to it with threats of flogging if they slacked off, but he had no magic to hear them chatting at least, "One detention"

"One detention to begin with" She grumbled, and Harry tried not to grin, he'd forgotten how much she liked to abide by the rules, forgotten how out of the three of them she'd somehow managed to avoid detention almost all together.

"How many school rules have we broken before?" He asked cheekily, and Hermione shot him a glare to which he laughed. Some things, regardless of time travel, never changed, and for that he was thankful.

He and Hermione didn't change.

"Most we weren't caught breaking" Hermione said grumpily as she picked up the cloth and began to shine one of the trophies, Harry followed her lead and began to buff out: Grace Grunderwands Award for Herbology Excellence in "Taming" Venomous Tentaculars (As Much as Anyone Can), before he responded.

"Well, we'll have to get sneakier again" He said, they had, had a year out from Hogwarts after all, they clearly needed to relearn how to avoid not only Prefects but Peeves too, the Ghosts as well as they weren't all friendly. It was strange, but he liked to think of it as thought they'd come back for their 8th year, though they had another two after this.

"We were plenty sneaky on the road" Hermione said, and Harry nodded as they both shined hard, Harry the 'Hogwarts Quidditch Cup 1974: Slytherin' and scowled, he'd have a say in changing that this year if he could, whilst Hermione buffed out fingerprints on John Kunningtons Award for the Top Result in Arithmancy in over a century and vowed to have her name on that trophy at the end of the school year.

"And we need to be that sneaky again" Harry said, "Unless you want more detentions"

At that Hermione blanched, Harry laughed, and Filch came hurrying back, the two trying to muffle their laughter as the old Caretaker promised a flogging, and it truly felt like old times.

Another week passed, and then another, and before they knew it October was due to end, and Halloween had rolled around, the sky darkening, the air chilling.

It was truly like no time at all had passed. The decorations, the students running through the halls, the pranks (the Marauders at the forefront), were all the so similar it was like being back in their own time. It was both nostalgic and bittersweet.

Still, she couldn't help but get a little festive. After detention and her vow to once again be teacher's pet she'd been avoiding some of the more elaborate pranks the Marauders had concocted but had been smiling from ear to ear at Harry happily throwing himself into them (and teased him when he, plus the Marauders had found themselves in joint detention twice), he looked like he really belonged, and she was glad for him.

Glad for herself too, her time travel jet-lag had gone, and she was back to her old self with vigour, and very appreciated by the Gryffindors for all the points she was getting them, almost offsetting the Marauders (almost).

Today though Harry was a touch more melancholy and she knew why … Halloween however many years from now, 6? 7? Had seen his parents die and his life become cursed by the shadow of Voldemort, it would always have a curse over it for him, and her by extension.

Neither could truly be happy whilst the other was sad, they were linked like that, and she was sure always would be.

"It won't happen again" She said it like a promise as they walked into Transfiguration, the last lesson before the feast that evening, she squeezed his hand, "Not this time"

He managed a smile at that and squeezed her hand back which Hermione considered a win.

Anything to take that awful look off his face, terrified history would repeat itself, anything she needed to do she would. She knew it would be hard, knew it was more than masquerading in this time, more than becoming friends with Marauders, more than working hard in lessons.

For the last war they had hidden for most of it, so desperately searching for horcruxes that before the final battle they'd never been on war footing technically (barring the Malfoys, but she tried not to remember that experience too keenly). This time she wondered if it would be different; would it? Harry would want to defend his family, but there were still horcruxes to find and destroy, still a madman to stop, if a little less mad and thus scarier by default of being coherent and more deadly this time.

She frowned as she followed Harry into the Great Hall for lunch, decorations floated but it wasn't in the splendour it would be for the evening, though she couldn't enjoy it, Harry was frowning too, but for a different reason.

He was frowning due to his usual mourning on this day, she was frowning because she was realising, they might have to hunt a bunch of horcruxes all over again, this time whilst trying to stop Harry's family from dying all over again, otherwise what would have been the point in coming back?

Coming back to a time, despite their admirable ability to adapt, they had come unprepared to, as she, just now realising the task before them, had been made clear.

Still, she didn't say a word as she sat down next to Harry who picked at his lunch. She did shove some treacle tart his way that he happily took a slice of, whilst she ate her sandwich and contemplated the tasks that lay ahead of them, this time alone.

She'd talk to Harry, about their future plans, things they'd had no time to think on due to the way they'd travelled back in time, but not today, not right now when he had such a heavy look on his face.

For now, she just offered him a smile, reached for an apple and teased him about having one of his own (which he did with a small grin and a roll of his eyes, but she considered it a win), before they made their way to the afternoons lessons.

Yes, later they could talk about the massive tasks that lay ahead, for now, on this day, she would just offer him her hand, and when she did, he took it.

He'd always felt a sense of dread at the Halloween feast.

For years he'd just figured he was reminded of the troll, but he knew really deep down he hated the holiday because of what was associated with it. Whilst other students thought of dressing up and pranking, Harry only thought of his parents.

He'd tried to distract himself. Pranking, studying, reading Rune translated books back to back with ease (which both impressed and annoyed Hermione which he couldn't help but find amusing), and yet there was no real distraction for the pain of knowing what had come, and what this time he had to prevent.

It was strange as well, mourning them, when he made his way into the feast, Hermione at his side, and sat down opposite his Father, his Mother further down the table, giving him that look before turning away. Here he mourned them, remembered the sacrifice they'd made for him, and yet they were here, they just didn't know him.

And that had started to sting.

Of course, he'd rather know and have them than not, but the fact they didn't know him was difficult, he was their son, and they had no idea, his Mother maybe felt something towards him, and he'd become fast friends with his Father, but it wasn't the same.

It never would be.

He'd never have them raise him, not this version of him (though trying to get his head around that paradox hurt), they'd never really be his parents, not in this life. He could hardly tell them could he? No. He would keep them alive, he'd be their friend, but that was all he could do, keep them safe, keep them alive and be happy enough with that.

It was worth it of course, coming back, he still felt that, but he also felt an ache in his chest, keeping them alive wouldn't undo what had happened in his time, and that he could never change.

"It's okay" Hermione said gently squeezing his hand and he smiled, he had Hermione, she was the only true family, who knew him inside and out that he had left.

He wondered what they'd do, if they won the war this time around, saw dust to Voldemort for good, where would they go? Could they stay here? Watch his parents raise a different version of him? Or would they leave? Go abroad, slip into hiding so not to create any paradoxes? So not to be in the way? They'd have each other, that was the most important thing, but how he didn't know.

The future remained murky, but he was still determined, keep everyone safe and alive, he could figure out the rest later, he would figure out the rest later.

"You know Blishwick, you might have a shot at Head Girl" Sirius said with a grin, wearing an old fashion witches hat for the festivities, he pulled it off though, and knew it, "Though careful, Ariana Shafiq might have your head if you try" He pointed with his fork to the Ravenclaw table at a surly but pretty dark haired girl who glared as she caught Hermione's eye, "See?"

"What's her best subject?" Hermione asked quickly, shooting a glare back before turning away, Harry managed a grin, good luck to Ariana was all he thought, he knew who his money was on, regardless of the situation, whether it be a duel or the race for Head Girl.

"Transfiguration" Lupin said as he cut up some potatoes, "But she's a top student, the top in Ravenclaw, and the top girl in school" He paused then, contemplating, "Was at least"

Hermione sniffed, "Well, I like healthy competition"

"She won't" Harry murmured and grinned again as Hermione glared at him to the Marauders laughter, that warmed him inside, and he felt compelled then, to say something, something he'd been thinking for a while.

"Thanks for coming with me" He said, - to anyone else it didn't mean anything, especially as the Marauders had become preoccupied by one of the 3rd year Gryffindor boys suggesting they set off fireworks, but to Hermione it did as she smiled, she knew what he meant, and her smile was dazzling, replacing her glare for Ariana Shafiq and lighting her up, inside out.

"Always" And it was true, without question, she'd have never let Harry do this alone, she belonged next to him as he belonged here trying to save his parents lives, whatever that may look like, they both knew that.

He thought then, as Hermione reached for a toffee apple; a rare sugary indulgence for her as he reached for more treacle tart, if it came down to Hermione or his parents? As so often sacrifices, choices needed to be made in wartime, who would he choose? It was a silly hypothetical that had popped into his head, but one his mind answered for him immediately.

He didn't even have to think about it.

Not for a second.

And then, on that normal Halloween night, no trolls, no basilisks, no danger at all, the Marauders suggesting setting off the fireworks now whilst Hermione hissed they couldn't do that, Harry realised something so equally earth shattering and like he should have realised it a while ago, perhaps back to that moment in their dingy little tent, spinning and laughing to the radio the weight off of their shoulders for a small amount of time, that it near shook him to his core, as he turned to his best friend, scraping some of the excess toffee off her fruit with a grimace and seemingly readying herself to lecture a grinning Sirius, he realised …

He didn't have to think about it, who he'd save, above everyone else, anyone else, who he cared for above everyone and everything, and had for a while.

Who he… who he lov…

The whizz of a firework and what sounded like a squark from Hermione told him who had won the argument, and as a catherine wheel went spinning past and the collective school ducked under the feast ables, Harry was having his own fireworks, in his head, splitting off into a million thoughts about Hermione, about his best friend, about who he …

Loved.

Who he loved.

"What?" Hermione asked, clutching the book she'd bought down to the feast with her over her head, huddled next to him, as he realised he'd been staring at her, "What is it?"

"Nothing" He said hurriedly, and he was thankful as a rocket boomed past distracting Hermione (especially as James roared with laughter, and Hermione braved jumping up to scream at him) for usually she'd know he was lying, for it wasn't nothing, how he felt, how he realised what he felt.

It wasn't nothing, at all.

Chapter Text

Having an earth-shattering revelation about being in love with his best friend, was not something Harry had thought he'd have to tackle when going back in time to the 1970's. In fact, he had been so oblivious to his own now obvious feelings, it was not something he thought he'd need to tackle at all.

In fact, as the night had wound down, and Harry now lay in bed, next to said best friend (who was slumbering happily after thoroughly scolding the Marauders for their antics, though Sirius had cut her off by barreling her over his shoulder, her squawking had temporarily made him laugh and forget said earth-shattering revelation), it was something he didn't know how to tackle.

His first instinct was to ask Hermione, said best friend, but he couldn't do that because not only was she his go-to when he was unsure on something, or needed help, or even a good pros and cons list (which really was often Hermione's idea not his), he realized she was his go-to, not just as a best friend, but because he loved her.

How had he been so oblivious? How did Hermione not know? Did she?! No, he glanced over at her, sleeping away, one arm thrown over hers, unaware of his small breakdown next to her, he'd know if she knew … wouldn't he? Yes, that was one thing he could be sure of alongside these emerged feelings, Hermione was less subtle than he, if she'd have realized what he himself only just had, she wouldn't have kept it from him.

And he hated the idea of keeping it from her, in fact he frowned at the prospect of not telling her something, and that he hated that he couldn't talk to her about something plaguing him, but he couldn't.

He had to work this out on his own.

He had done plenty alone. The basilisk, the Dementors, the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Voldemort, Umbridge, the Cave, Voldemort again, and again. He could do this alone, what were feelings, even love compared to the horrors he'd faced to confront?

He wasn't entirely sure he wouldn't prefer a fourth round with Voldemort.

Hermione shifted then, moving closer to him, and almost automatically he lifted his arm so she could cradle into his arm, her head tucking down on his shoulder. It was something they often did when sleeping, and Harry was just now realizing perhaps that wasn't a normal thing for someone not in love with the other to do.

And yet, he didn't deny her, he never could, especially now, as she cuddled into him, and he pulled her close. He remembered sometimes brushing her lips to his forehead when she came closer to him, in comfort! (He tried to defend to himself, and failed), but he just resisted this time, as the feelings played over and over in his mind.

He thought of his parents, and the truth that if it came down to them or Hermione – one further as more shocks came to him, if it came down to anyone or Hermione, he would pick Hermione. He would keep her safe over all else, and though she didn't need him to protect her, he would, until he could no longer.

He would protect her over any and all else.

But it was more than that, he loved her.

He thought of how he'd felt for Cho, for Ginny, and how both, even in Ginny, who he was sure he'd loved, paled in comparison to what he felt for Hermione. Paled in comparison to the peace and happiness he felt when he looked at her, to how he had easily tugged her into his arms.

How he didn't want to let her go.

This wasn't a crush, or confusing a friendship, this, as he settled down, as his heart settled from the shock, this he realized, was love.

He was in love with Hermione.

He looked down at her, at the freckles dusted across her nose, the gentle slope of said nose, her cheeks, thin from lack of food but filling out back to the smile he remembered. Her eyes closed, he could see the delicate web of veins across her pale eyelids, knew if she opened them he'd see brilliant brown with a fleck or two of gold. Looked at her lips, pink and parted slightly in sleep.

He wondered what it would be like to kiss them.

"Harry?" Hermione asked, voice filled with sleep, "You 'okay?" She'd woken, and looked at him, one eyebrow raised to see him still awake.

He almost jolted, especially as in that moment he'd been thinking about his best friends' lips, but managed to remain still, thankful for his ability to stay calm in a crisis. Instead he just nodded, and managed a smile at Hermione sleep mussed hair and confused expression.

"Fine" He said with a smile, because he was fine, as fine as he could be, and he realized again, he would be fine as long as Hermione was in his arms.

"Kay'" She said, before she leaned up and placed a kiss to his cheek, and he smiled, resisted the urge to lean down … for now.

For now, for he knew as he did settle back, close his eyes, and tried to will sleep to come, especially as Hermione's head grew heavy, her falling back into a slumber with ease, for now it was fine. For now he could wait, for now he needed to think.

For now.

For he knew soon it wouldn't be enough. He remembered how he'd felt with Ginny, as though his chest was burning when he wasn't with her, as though his heart ached when she didn't know the truth, and he knew, even as sleep began to come, as he turned his head to bury his face in Hermiones unruly curls, he knew this would be much worse.

He could already feel it, an ache in his chest, to tell her the truth, to spill out his feelings, to be honest with her, to hope she felt it back. But for now, he waited.

For now, he just brushed that kiss gently against Hermiones hair, and settled down, off to sleep, with Hermione in his arms.

Where he hoped she'd remain, forever.

Come morning things seemed less simple.

For one, Harry though more and more at peace with his feelings as each minute passed, did not want Hermione to know, until he figured out how to tell her whilst preserving their friendship, and whilst hopefully making her realise she was in love with him (not that he thought she was, but he hoped). He felt it was better kept quiet.

But he had his concerns. For one, Hermione was like a bloodhound when she sensed he was in trouble, and while he admired (and yes loved), her loyalty, right now, as she asked him three times over breakfast, 'If he was sure he was okay?!', he could have used with her being a little less perceptive.

And secondly, he was sure the Marauders were on to him, long before he had been, and the sneaky hints Sirius dropped, and James' knowing grin (intermixed with making googly eyes at Lily, oh god, did Harry make the same eyes at Hermione?!), and that did not help.

He was somehow relieved to get to lessons.

Though Hermione's suspicions were raised as he dodged her in Potions and forced his way into the seat next to James. Sirius just grinned, "Blishwick! Maybe you can raise my grade to an O!" He joked as he slid in next to Hermione, and Hermione shot him a half glare, half a look of concern.

"Got it bad huh?" James asked as they settled down, far enough across the classroom that Hermione was in no risk of hearing them, especially as cauldrons for their Elixir to Induce Euphoria began to bubble.

"What?" Harry flinched as he spoke, quite like being in a dual, he felt on hyper-alert.

"For Hermione?" James said knowingly, "I know the feeling?"

And Harry for a moment smiled.

Was he about to get advice from his Dad? Yes, James, his Dad didn't know it, but Harry felt something warm spread inside him, that he was about to get advice, and have a real honest conversation with his Father, something he'd never hoped once to have, and so he smiled even as he nodded.

"I only just realized" He said honestly, as he chopped sprigs of peppermint up, as James plucked porcupine quills apart.

"Bit late mate" James snorted, "You might be the last to find out, besides Hermione herself of course"

"You don't think she knows?" Harry leapt on, equal parts again sad to be keeping something from Hermione, and relieved he'd managed not to let everyone on to feelings he hadn't even realized he'd had.

"No chance" James said with a shake of his head, smiling a little, "She's more oblivious than you"

"Right" Harry said with a frown then, if she was oblivious did that mean she didn't feel anything for him? He had literally no idea. And did he want her too?

Yes, he knew that he knew he wanted her to feel for him what he felt for her, even if it risked their friendship.

He felt like he was working out his feelings as he went, perhaps he was.

"What do you do?" Harry asked with a crinkle of his brow, relying on the fact that though his Dad had fumbled many an interaction with his Mother, he had also ended up with her in the end, and so surely would have some good advice?

"Well don't call her fit across the Great Hall and ask her to Hogsmeade three days in a row" James said with a sigh, and a shake of his head, "I can tell you that much"

Harry's heart sunk a touch, he forgot who he was talking to; his Dad hadn't yet managed to make Lily fall in love with him, they were only in 5th year after all, he was a year and a bit early.

"Right" He said again, glanced at Hermione who was brandishing what looked like a silver knife at a grinning Sirius, Slughorn charging towards them in concern. Lupin and Pettigrew stood one desk behind, clearly trying to intervene.

"Do you think I should tell her?" He asked, because that was the heart of it wasn't it? He couldn't control Hermione's feelings, he couldn't know what she felt, he could just be honest, as he so wanted to, (for keeping things from Hermione genuinely felt wrong), and hope she felt the same way for him, or at least a fraction of it, and if not … well, if not, he knew their friendship was too strong to break, that he was sure of.

And that surety, they were too intertwined, too close, too before anything else best friends, to ever lose that, made him feel better, and bolder.

Was it time to seize on that Gryffindor courage?

"I don't think you should keep it from her" James said, and then he paused and turned to Harry, and even though they were the same age, Harry even a year or two older, his heart squeezed, to look into his Fathers eyes, to get a ghost of him here.

Harry would never be raised by him, not this version of himself, he would never be given the advice he so needed throughout life, he would never know his Fathers love, not throughout his life. But right now, he could soak up just a hint of that, just a bit of that, and that would be enough, it would have to be.

"You love her right?" James said, dropping his voice, and Harry nodded, he saw a flicker of something in James face then', his Dads face, recognition and yet then he seemed to smile, "Then tell her"

"What if she doesn't feel that way?" He asked, it was like confiding in a close friend, not quite the same, but enough, it would have to be.

"I don't think you need to worry about that" James said, patted his shoulder and Harry resisted the urge to lean in. He wondered, if this had been an alternate world, and he was speaking this through with his Dad now, would his Father pull him into a hug, offer more advice, call over his Mother to give her side of things?

Harry knew he had missed out on a lot, but sometimes it hit him hard, like a punch, just how much he had never had, and even now, coming back here, it all being worth it, would still never have, not now, not ever.

As always and ironically, the only person he wanted to talk to now, as his brow furrowed, was Hermione, she would understand.

She understood him.

"But, even if she doesn't" James said, clearly thinking she did, and Harry, trying to push aside this bittersweet feeling, raised an eyebrow, had the Marauders noticed details in Hermione loving him, as they had noticed on Harry? Before he had even noticed it himself? "You'll be okay"

"You think so?" Harry asked, he knew he was drawing out the conversation, greedy for it, greedy for this interaction, to pretend he had his Father back, as his Father, just for a minute more.

"I've seen the love you two have for each other" James said seriously, even as he added the ingredients to the cauldron, he smiled as he turned back to Harry, "Even if it isn't anything more, you have, and will always have that"

Harry nodded then, and couldn't help himself to say, "I know you and Lily will too, one day"

James did scoff at that, but he laughed too, and Harry smiled.

"Somehow I'm less sure on that" James said with a frown, but it was Harry's turn to clap him on the shoulder, and grin.

"Don't worry, I can see it happening" Harry said, he could hardly say the truth, but he offered the reassurance as he tapped the fire under the cauldron and it lit, the potion bubbling.

"Are you a Seer?" James joked.

"No, but trust me" Harry said, and though James couldn't know any deeper meaning, he did smile, both of them in time to hear Hermione shriek at Sirius, for Slughorn to yell, 'Miss Blishwick no!' and some sort of explosion.

And Harry, as he watched Slughorn Accio the silver knife from Hermiones hand, Sirius was laughing on the floor, and the air around them both smoked, Hermiones hair puffier than usual, her clothes covered in ash, Harry knew what he needed to do.

What he wanted to do.

Gryffindor Courage indeed.

Chapter Text

"You asked James?" Sirius said in disbelief, a laugh sounding almost like a bark leaving his lips, even Lupin looked amused behind him, a Peter was smiling too, "That's like the blind leading the blind!"

"Hey!" Harry knew then some clobbering was going on, as he sighed and looked at his copy of Quidditch Through The Ages, he hoped it would comfort him, but nothing, two nights and not one opportunity (or rather a couple he'd chickened out of, Gryffindor courage deserting him for a few days), to talk to Hermione.

Or rather admit his undying love for her that he himself had just discovered.

Fuck.

"Asked James what?" Hermione interjected as James sat back down, tossing a hand through his hair as Sirius continued to laugh.

Though, he was a good friend as Harry stumbled wide eyed, and Sirius interjected, clearly giving Harry a reprieve by swooping a shrieking Hermione over his shoulder, promising to dump her out the window for not letting him copy her Potions homework.

"You've got to ask her mate" James said in a conspiratorial whisper, glancing over at Hermione who was telling Sirius she'd shove his homework somewhere if he dared try to copy off of her.

"I…" Harry stumbled, again face him off against Voldemort, or Acromantula, or really anything else, and he'd muddle through it with a determined expression, but admitting his feelings for Hermione? He didn't even know where to start.

Only it was worse because he did know where to start, he knew Hermione and he knew she'd be happiest if he were just straight with her, upfront and honest, Hermione had always valued honesty, as he did, and he knew that was how she would want to hear it, not any subterfuge or anything sneaky, just honesty and being straight forward.

He knew what to do, he knew really, he could do it, he was just terrified of what would come of doing it.

James had said their friendship would persevere, but Harry was terrified by the idea of it being awkward, uncomfortable; he and Hermione weren't and never had been like that, they'd always been so open with each other, Harry couldn't stand the idea of that going away.

"She'll find out" James said with a glance at Sirius who was dodging Hermione with laughter, "It's a miracle neither of you realised it yet"

"As oblivious as each other" Lupin chimed in with a grin and Harry bit down on his lip. He knew they were all right, he was already acting a little weird around Hermione and she was picking up on it, worried about him, even with excuses she saw through them, he knew he needed to tell her.

"Tonight" He said with a nod, looking deep into the fire, half wishing the old Sirius he knew would pop up into it to give him some advice, it hadn't always been sage advice from his Godfather, but he'd always appreciated it. "I'll do it tonight"

"Good on you" James said with a clap on his shoulder, "I hope you have better luck than me" He mocked but Harry did see him shoot a longing glance at Lily (which remained as weird to Harry as it had the day he'd first seen it, and a little grossed out; they were his parents after all, even if they didn't know it), who glared back, shot another searching glance at Harry before turning away.

"I don't think anyone could have worse luck than you Prongs" Wormtail joked, and they all laughed.

"What's funny?" Hermione asked rounding up on them, and they all burst out laughing again as Sirius grabbed her homework from her hand, starting another round of screeching.

Honestly it was tradition at this point.

His plan (which he promised himself he would not flake on), was slightly inconvenienced as come dinnertime Remus made a pained smile and told them all he'd be visiting his sick Mother tonight and would have to leave within the hour.

For a moment things were normal for Harry as he and Hermione shared a look. They both knew that excuse, they both knew the reason Remus would be making that excuse. Still, they said nothing, and both just nodded, as though it were normal, murmured sympathies even, especially as they knew the rest of the Marauders were watching them.

Harry was pleased how quickly he and Hermione had integrated with the Marauders and quickly become close friends with them. Harry and James in particular were close, and Harry wondered whether they were just alike, spending hours chatting about Quidditch (the other Marauders had even joked they were pleased James had someone to wax lyrically about moves to, even Sirius a Beater on the team wasn't as interested as James and Harry), or part of it was the bond they had as Father and Son, even if James didn't know it.

Hermione and Sirius had fired up an odd friendship as well. Teasing one another, Hermione nagging him, Sirius mocking her. It would have reminded Harry a little bit like Hermione and Rons friendship, only Sirius gave as good as he got and was hilariously good at riling Hermione up.

They were also close with Remus, who though quieter Hermione loved to chat to about every subject, even a little infuriated when he outdid her in some of their discussions. The distance with Pettigrew had melted away at least for Harry and he found a funny boy who always had a smile and a kind word for them, Hermione was a bit frostier with him but not to notice.

And yet, they were still a little on the outside, not only were they not in on Remus's secret (at least the Marauders hadn't brought them in on it and didn't know they knew), but they also were not animagi.

But … Harry remembered a different time, in the Shrieking Shack James, Sirius and Pettigrew hadn't become animagi either … until their fifth year.

The year they had arrived in.

And it all clicked.

The Marauders hadn't become animagi yet, they'd only achieved it in their fifth year, and they hadn't made the Marauders map yet. Okay, maybe they had an idea or it or even a rough version, but Harry remembered something Lupin had said in the Shrieking Shack.

'We explored every inch of Hogwarts, we knew more about it than any student before us, and that was when we created the map'

The map hadn't been created yet, the copy upstairs in Harry's trunk was currently the sole one.

Which explained why Hermione hadn't been ratted out as Hermione Granger, not Blishwick yet, the map after all somehow had been charmed to know peoples true names, not their chosen ones, Pettigrew a good example.

Harry felt a pang in his stomach then, as he looked across at Remus, head bowed, eyes tired; he was still enduring full moons alone, still suffering them without his friends.

And Harry knew what they needed to do.

As dinner came to a close Harry stood, and nodded to Hermione. The Marauders let them be, James nodding and Sirius even shooting him a wink, but Harry wasn't pulling Hermione aside to confess to her, he felt even though he hadn't wanted to flake, right now there were more important priorities.

Especially as he didn't lead Hermione back to the Common Room but to one of the empty classrooms off the Hall, it was quiet and Harry quickly locked and silenced the door before turning to Hermione.

She was looking at him with concern and he felt an ache to alleviate it. For a second, he debated just blurting out his feelings and then trying to briskly move on, but he knew Hermione would never allow that, he fully expected the longest conversation of his life after he confessed how he felt (that or silence, which would be much, much worse), and right now there just wasn't time for that.

"They haven't done it yet" He said quickly before Hermione could ask him what was wrong again, as she had been ever since he'd been a bit awkward around her, he had been staying up later and later each night to avoid a before bed conversation with her.

"What?" Hermione asked, and then she gasped, clocking on as Harry had. He almost teased her that this might have been one of the rare times he reached a conclusion before she did but held off.

"They haven't managed it yet" Hermione said with a nod, and Harry could see her reviewing the conversation they'd both heard when stood in the Shrieking Shack with three of the four Marauders, and Ron, "Maybe not for months"

"No" He said with a shake of his head, "And they haven't made the map yet" He said, and glanced upstairs, as though looking up to Gryffindor Tower at his own copy. "They started mapping it in fifth year"

"Maybe that's why ours is intact" Hermione said, getting that look of concentration on her face, "I took out six time paradox books from the library and have only made my way through four-"

"Slacker" He teased, and she shot him a glare, but he could see a smile on her face, and for a moment it felt natural again, until Harry remembered why it had felt unnatural for the past few days, why he was being awkward, (and as an aside how much he loved Hermione's smile, how sunny it was, how incredibly Gryffindor, full of happiness and joy, and just … oh god he was far, far gone), and his smile dropped.

"Harry" Oh no, Hermione approached him, looking nervous herself, and Harry knew she was going to ask again, and went searching for something to say, something to interrupt, and he knew what.

"We need to become animagi" He said quickly, interrupting her, he felt bad for it, but he was always awful at lying to Hermione and couldn't now, not with her looking slightly wounded (and the confusing notion that he needed to fix that), and so he steered the conversation to something he knew she would jump on.

"Well yes" Hermione said with a nod, "That's why we got the books from Diagon Alley, and I took out four from the library as well" She said, "But it takes time, a long time actually, you read about it with me before, it takes months and months"

He remembered that, when Ron had left, sitting side by side on a camper bed, sharing a cup of meagre soup and a book on something exciting to distract themselves.

He remembered teaching Hermione every Quidditch Team just to quiz her so she could prove she could memorise everything and anything.

Remembered Hermione taking him through the basic principles of Arithmancy to spare the time.

Hours and hours spent bonding just the two of them, hours even when cold, wet and hungry, he remembered fondly.

Especially now.

Harry shook his head, "Not always, it doesn't have to"

And Hermione gasped again, eyes widening and shook her head, looking borderline terrified.

They both knew what he was referring to.

The … traditional method to becoming an animagi, that he was sure the Marauders were following (and thus took such a long time with many, many conditions and required tremendous magical skill in Transfiguration and Charms), was long, took over a month (at minimum) and they simply didn't have time for, but there were other methods.

Specifically, a spell.

An old spell, that was no longer cited as a way to become animagi because it was difficult, dangerous, often didn't work and required tremendous magical power, in particular incredible skill in Transfiguration and focus.

He and Hermione had read about it from some of the old books that had contained information on horcruxes. It wasn't dark magic, it was just incredibly dangerous and so the Ministry had tried to bury information of it and were quite firm on only registering animagi that could show proof of the … official way, but he and Hermione were hardly planning on becoming registered, and so Harry didn't see that as a barrier to them doing it this way.

The … well technically illegal way.

"We could be with Remus tonight" Harry said, his voice going a touch soft, as he thought of the man that would have been his Uncle had Harry been raised by his parents, as he should have been, as they'd come back to ensure, and the thought of him suffering alone, it hurt Harry greatly. He remembered Remus's face when he'd spoken of transforming alone, no Wolfsbane yet, it had been agony.

"And using the other method can take years Hermione, the Marauders have already been at it for two, we don't have the time, they transform this year, we need to as well" He knew he was right, but he also knew the spell method was very dangerous.

Also, rumour had it that when using the traditional method there might be two or three animals a wizard could chose from (not always, in fact it was rare, but not so rare it wasn't worth trying, in other circumstances), but in the … well, the illegal method (for that was what it was), the individual would transform instantly into one animal, and have no choice.

There was also 10x the risk of partial transformation, pain, maiming, and a higher chance of agony and death, but Harry was trying not to think on that.

"I…" Hermione stumbled, evidently torn between her usual desire to follow the rules, and the fact they so rarely did, "It's dangerous Harry so dangerous"

"Less dangerous the more powerful the spell, and technically we're seventh years in Transfiguration and Charms" He said with a nod, "And we have the Elder Wand, and you know, you're you" He said in an attempt to be charming and Hermione rolled her eyes.

"And you're you" She insisted back, "You have the Elder wand?"

He'd never put it in his vault, the thought of not having it nearby had made him nervous for some reason, he'd even placed it in the vault before scooping it back up. He still used his Holly wand day to day, the warmth of it never leaving him, the comfort, and yet…

He had mentioned to Hermione how his Holly wand, though always his boyhood wand, had (ever since the battle) started to feel just like that – a boyhood wand, that felt limiting. Harry didn't claim to be as powerful as Dumbledore wielding it, but he had won its allegiance fair and square. He'd never be able to use it at school for fear of getting caught, and yet the idea of using it at all sparked something inside of him.

"You're comfortable using it?" Hermione asked, with a knowing look in her eye. They had discussed this, and Harry nodded without hesitation.

"It feels like this one" He said holding his aloft but then he crinkled his brow, "Well no, it feels different, but it still feels like mine" And there was the truth of it.

And yet, he knew the Headmaster held the Elder Wand now, were two in existence? He shuddered to think he might need to read a few books on temporal paradoxes, it was a bad sign when Hermione found a book to be a slog.

"Its still risky" Hermione said with a frown, but then he saw that determined glint in her eye, "But I agree we just don't have time to do this properly" She frowned further at that, and Harry smiled, he could tell she didn't like saying that.

"Just me though" Harry said quickly, "I'm the one suggesting the risk…" His old martyr habits coming out again.

"Don't be stupid" Hermione scolded him then, and Harry had half expected it in truth, "If you're doing this so am I, you know we're always in it together"

Harry nodded, because they were, always had been and always will be.

"Okay" He said with a nod, and something like excitement fizzed in his blood, with a healthy dollop of nerves but he'd be lying to say he wasn't excited, being an animagi was something he'd thought about more than once, and he could see, with a grin, there was some excitement from Hermione too, though she looked more contemplative. "How do we do this?"

"Well" She took Harry's wrist then to glance at the time, on the battered old watch the Weasleys had given him that he never took off, "Eight would be best, in numerology the number eight supports success and the moon will be rising which is significant for transformation but we'll have time to get to Remus" She frowned further, "I just wish I had the text on it…"

"At least we know the spell" Harry interjected, they'd both memorised it, never knowing if they'd used it, but wanting to be ready in case they needed to. "And that is really all there is to it"

"I know" Hermione said biting down on her lip looking nervous, "There really is not much more we can do to prepare"

Harry nodded, honestly that was probably not a bad thing, more often that not their plans got thrown out the window. "So, we wait"

Hermione nodded, and again he was reminded of that time in 3rd year, in learning all about the Marauders, about werewolf's and animagi, and how that had changed his entire life in more ways than one.

"Now we wait"

The waiting didn't last long.

The hours seemed to fly by. The Marauders disappeared at 7, and Harry knew they'd gone off to hide in an empty classroom to discuss their own attempts at turning, perhaps trying, but he didn't think they'd be successful yet. Following the official method could take many tries, and so nervous as Harry was, he was glad to skip all the bother.

Though the much higher risk of death, pain and loss of limb did muddy the issue.

Before Harry knew it, it was time.

Harry was glad it was just the two of them, they didn't have to make excuses and instead hurried away without question.

They'd spent the evening in the common room, Hermione pouring over a text on time paradoxes. Harry had tried, got a chapter in, and declared the whole thing headache worthy before tackling his Potions essay, Hermione had just smiled and ploughed on, the minutes ticking by and by, even she had admitted it was 'challenging'.

His essay finished, half of the text, and a "That was interesting" from Hermione, and a "Really?" From Harry (and a shove from Hermione), and they made their way out into the corridor.

They needed to be outside to transform, the effect of the moon only potent there, but knew making it out into the grounds would be tricky, and so decided to risk the Astronomy Tower, silencing, and warding the entrance this time as they set up, curfew wasn't until 9pm but they hardly wanted anyone wandering in on what they were doing, Astronomy classes didn't start until 11pm so they had time.

As Hermione had said, there was little they could do to prepare, the set up was really just lighting candles at the point the moon would begin to rise, eight candles to be exact. Harry held the Elder Wand in hand, each would need to cast the spell on themselves, that was the only way it worked.

It was nice in a way, not to overthink it. Less than half a day had passed since they'd decided to do this, and Harry liked the fact they were diving in, if they stopped to think just how dangerous this was (and probably foolish), they might hesitate.

They couldn't afford to hesitate.

They had to go for it and transform. How they'd transform back was less of a concern, apparently it would be 'instinctual' and in truth Harry hadn't quite thought that far.

He knew Hermione had, but she was trusting him, and he trusted her completely, it was a risk but a calculated one, and how many of those had they made in their time? They had all worked out … in a sense.

Gryffindor recklessness indeed.

"Who to go first?" Hermione asked, and Harry held the wand to himself. His watch showed 7:57pm and he took a breath, the nerves really hitting now, but not enough to override his determination.

"We'll be fine" Hermione said, more to herself he thought, "You'll be fine" And he smiled.

"We will" He said, he'd faced far worse than risking partial transformation and pain and a potentially awkward question from Madam Pomfrey, and they needed to do this, for Remus, for the Marauders. For his Dad and the men that would have been his Uncles. "But Hermione, you don't –" He began, she had far less personal stake in this but the roll of her eyes stopped him.

"You know I won't let you do it alone' She huffed and shook her head, before taking his hand, "Together?"

"What about the Elder wand?" He asked as she reached for her own.

"It's not mine" She said with a shake of her head, "And I think … something in me is saying I need to use my own wand"

"Should I use mine then?" He asked, reaching into his pocket for his Holly wand, but Hermione just kindly shook her head and then nodded to the Elder Wand.

"You are"

It was his turn to nod as he pointed the Elder Wand at his heart, as the spell instructed and Hermione mirrored him. They intertwined their fingers, holding them up, and Harry glanced again at his watch, 7:59pm.

"Together?" He said, and Hermione nodded, smiling, his mirroring hers too, even as the nerves came to him, he knew, with Hermione's hand in his, he could do anything.

He would tell her, he decided there and then, when they transformed back, he would tell her. But for now…

"Together" She said bringing him back to the present, and his wand hand struck 8pm, he nodded, and they spoke in unison.

"Transform me natura!"

The Elder Wand flared, Hermione's vinewood flashed.

And then, two sounds echoed off the tower.

One of a loud purr, but with an inflection that was not quite naturally cat sounding, and then another of a rumbling squark, for a creature far bigger than a normal bird.

Two creatures neither had ever heard of anyone transforming into, and not even creatures.

Beasts.

Chapter Text

Everything looked different.

That was the first thing Harry noticed.

Sharper, more in focus, colours he didn't quite recognize, that confused him, looking at something across between purple and red before he realized it was because his human eye couldn't recognize them; he was seeing colours he'd never before.

Which meant he'd changed, successfully.

His nose twitched, well not his, not his human nose, but whatever he was now, and as well as his eyes, his vision, his nose was sharper too, a gust of something swept past, wood, and smoke, and … Hermione?

Only not Hermione, because as he turned, she too had changed.

He didn't know what he'd become, even before looking at himself in the far mirror or inspecting his … talons? No paws? Both?! But even as he glanced down and balked at no longer having human legs and feet, he first turned to Hermione, he first looked at her.

He always looked at her first.

And squawked in surprise.

For where Hermione had once stood, now stood a cat.

Only not any cat, no Hermione, overachiever as she was (he thought fondly, it was never-ending fondness when it came to her, especially at the moment), was not a simple tabby cat, nor even a kneazle or a tiger, no.

Hermione was something he'd only ever seen in his Care of Magical Creature books, but clearly, he'd absorbed something from five years of the subject, as he reared back, as he recognized Hermione.

As a Nundu.

The great beasts of Africa, her jaw dripping with a green poison so deadly he certainly didn't want to get near it. The rest of her resembled a leopard, but larger, the size of a lion, but Harry was larger, and as he saw Hermione was okay, tilting her head to the side, something far too adorable on her face for a great beast, Harry realized he needed to figure out what he was.

A turn to the mirror told him.

He was no simple bird, not even something like a Hippogriff, no as Harry bounded closer to the mirror on powerful back legs, he knew, looking across at his tall, past 7ft, maybe more body, he was something far more majestic. If he could have smiled through his beak he would have.

He was a Griffin.

Part lion, part eagle, his back legs were that powerful of a lion, his tail swishing between them, back and forth, and then his body was that of a powerful eagles, long sharp talons, a pointed beak, but best of all (and apparently birds couldn't smile, because surely he'd be grinning), massive wings, huge that spanned his back, and as he flexed them reached a wingspan equal to his body.

He'd be able to fly, truly fly.

He remembered third year, the rush of being on the back of Buckbeak, of being on the back of a broom, diving to ground as Hermione shrieked but all adrenaline for him, this time he wouldn't be the rider, he would be the flyer. He could think of no creature better.

And more importantly, as he turned back to Hermione, observing herself too, baring her teeth, she was huge too, not as big as him, but as big as a lion, and certainly intimidating enough, and yet he swore he could see a curl or two by her ear that a Nundu shouldn't have, just as … he would have sighed if he could as he looked in the mirror again, and saw the faint red line on his crown, even in the feathers, a splotch of red across them.

Some things didn't change, not even as his form did.

Some things he was stuck with, and being Harry Potter was always one of them.

Could birds look melancholy? Perhaps, as Hermione nudged under his chin with the base of her head, they couldn't talk like this, but they found ways to communicate, and maybe it was him taking his chance, or feeling more animal than man, that he leaned down and brushed his beak across her head.

He wouldn't be melancholy now, not as it sunk in as he looked in the mirror again, scar or no, he was a Griffin, Hermione a Nundu, they'd done it!

They'd bloody done it!

Harry reared up on his hind legs, and did something like a squawk batting his wings, Hermione caught on, running around him, paws silent as they padded, Nundus couldn't grin but she did something akin, only keeping that poison breath back, as she gamboled and Harry squawked, a moment of relief, a moment of being silly, for they'd done it.

They'd become animagi, and their forms were truly something.

They were however not inconspicuous. There'd be no sneaking through the forest, or down the stairs, there'd be no hiding away like little tabby cats under a bush, or a dog blending into the forest, no, they weren't animals not really, they were beasts.

Harry hadn't even realized animagi could make you turn into a beast, perhaps it had been the spell? He wasn't sure, but he wasn't complaining.

He had wings, how could he?

But it did prove a challenge for getting them to the Forbidden Forest.

Until Hermione of course, had a solution.

She nudged him with her nose, mouth kept shut, and then bowed her head, Harry copied her, and she padded around to his back, and he realized what he wanted, he'd have laughed if he could, the ridiculousness of it all.

For Hermione as a Nundu was big, but no weight for a Griffin, and so Harry bowed his hind legs, and Hermione clambered on top of him, only catching him once with her claws as he growled squawked at her, and she did something akin to a meow (a meow from a Nundu still had an edge of a growl about it, or a hiss, or both he couldn't tell), before sheathing them, and settling on his back, paws around his neck.

He was glad to know as a beast, even though she was a Nundu, Harry felt no threat from Hermione, he never would, and let her settle on him with ease, her grip was firm, but Harry knew that was from her fear of heights and flying.

One of which Harry had none, and with a squawk again, he did one circle of the room on all fours to get used to the hind legs, ones that could jump and pad, to his front that wanted to grip, before he turned to the open Astronomy Tower sides, and with a triumphant cry he launched himself through it, Hermione clinging to his back.

It was ridiculous, but it was instinctual, as Harry, as a Griffin, soared through the free air outside of Hogwarts, with Hermione, a Nundu clinging to his back.

It felt as easy as being on a broom, easier even.

There was no needing to understand his wings, or listing off to one side, or dipping too low, or not knowing what to do. No, as soon as he took off, as soon as it was just him and the air he spread his wings, flapped them and knew what to do instantly.

He quickly banked them away from the Tower, into low cloud cover, away from the Castle (the last thing they needed was for anyone to see them), and straight towards the forest, that was where Remus would be, and where they could hide.

And at least, as Beasts, they need not worry about Acromantula or Centaurs or anything really, Harry could probably beat them off or launch into the sky, Hermione could take out waves of them just by hissing.

It was dawning on Harry was he dove them to the forest, as easy as dipping and diving low on his broom, not only was being an animagi useful, but he and Hermione had turned into truly powerful creatures.

And it was so easy, too easy really, how Harry leaned them closer and closer, batting his wings, but then coasting to avoid a clump of trees, to the side, down near the Whomping Willow, he set them down just next to it, landing without a stumble, even as Hermione tried to strangle him.

Thankfully she kept her claws sheathed.

And slid down from his back the second his talons and paws touched the forest floor (which felt odd, not quite like bare feet but something close), he tucked his wings in close to him, but knew without a doubt he could easily stretch them and be into the air again if he needed to.

It was as natural as breathing.

Hermione too, with something of a glare at him, seemed to be taken to being a Nundu easily (no doubt he'd tease her about being cat like when they could speak again), she stood on four paws assuredly, trotted over to him surelegged, nudged him with her head playfully as easily as if she were smacking him with a book, and then when Harry nudged her back, he could have sworn he saw mischief in her eyes.

Mischief as she launched herself at him, cat and mouse, or cat and bird to pull him to the floor.

But had Hermione forgot he was not a bird, but an eagle? And half lion himself? Internally he grinned, and a glint appeared in his eagle eye.

He used his wing to nudge Hermione over, his lion legs flipping her underneath him, his wings trapping her in, but she easily batted his beak gently with a paw before pushing him off her, and then back on her feet, she gamboled away, Harry let out a laugh like squwark and dove at her, but she was faster, hurrying away, and then on his back again.

They were like children, or cubs and baby bird playing, and it was the most fun they'd had in months.

Harry reared back, batting his wings and Hermione fell from his back with a huff, but before he could pin her with his talons, she rolled away and threw herself at him again.

He let himself be pinned.

The glint in her eye endured as she cuffed him gently with her paw and he nudged it with his beak.

It was easy then, as she jumped off, and in a joke snobbily trotted about, a rumble purr leaving her lips, easy to love her.

It always was.

Especially as he batted her with his wing and she thudded into the ground with an outraged hiss (sans venom thankfully).

And she took up the chase again.

Something closer to an hour later, knowing they had plenty of time before the moon rose, Harry and Hermione, Griffin and Nundu lounged beneath a clump of trees near the Whomping Willow, tired but exhilarated.

They'd raided the pumpkin patch, Hermione had a ferret proudly in her mouth (which she'd grinned and hissed at, and Harry had laughed), and Harry was picking at a pumpkin between his talons. Dinner and a rest? It was practically a night in Gryffindor Tower, and as peaceful.

He hadn't expected that, this peace in this time. He knew coming back would mean things would be difficult, so much to do, so much to change, so many people to save, and Harry could endure that, he could bear the burden of saving people, he could be the martyr, he would stand down Voldemort when the time came, and would do so alone, as was his destiny.

And yet, he hadn't expected this, the ease in which they'd settled in the time, with the Marauders as friends, his Mother with something close to love she didn't understand in her eyes, and the two of them.

Something that had been looking him in the face for so long, and it had taken travelling 20 years into the past to see it.

Hermione.

If he could chose anything to keep when coming to the past, if he had to do it all over again, it would be her, and the feelings he'd realized for her, over and over again.

Even when watching her maul a ferret with a little too much enthusiasm.

It was then, watching her as she cocked her head to him, and he gave her his best a-smile as he could as a bird, he knew, he knew he had to tell her.

He'd regret it forever if he didn't, he needed her to know.

And not from any pressure for her to feel the same, no, if she didn't he would do everything in his power to preserve their friendship, but if there was even a slim chance she felt the same, or even a fraction of this crushing love he felt for her … he had to try.

And so as she finished her food, and approached him, nudging him again and he did the same, he knew when they woke as humans, the first words he wanted to say were those three.

He promised himself that.

And just in time, as that promise he made to himself, the cry of the wolf was heard across the forest.

He and Hermione bounded to their feet and shared a look, Moony had turned, and without a question Harry sped off, and he knew Hermione followed.