The next month and a half for the Marauders was filled with the chaos of end of term preparations. Though not particularly worried about her OWL's, Hermione still wanted to come out with all ten of her Outstanding's. So between Order meetings, Dumbledore's study sessions and Animagus training, Hermione spent a majority of her end of the year hauled up in the library or common room, spilling over various texts. She fit in time with Remus whenever possible, and was almost constantly helping Sirius understand his potions. So by the end of the year, Hermione felt burned out and was looking forward to the break,
"It's finally over," Lily huffed, crashing down onto her bed in the girls dormitory, "fifth year. I don't understand why they have us take those bloody OWL's anyway,"
"It's just a checkpoint for your education," Hermione stated, folding her clothing the muggle way and setting them in her trunk, "NEWT's are much worse then OWL's,"
"But those aren't till seventh year. I didn't know half the stuff on the Transfiguration OWL, and I did horrible on the practical testing in DADA,"
"Really? Even with all the Order Meetings?" Hermione lifted a brow. They had flown through the disarming and stunning spells in the first few weeks, and were now on shield charms and useful hexes, "were you skipping out on the meetings to be with James?"
Lily immediately flushed tomato red, almost matching the shade of her hair as she rapidly shook her head,
"No, no. I was just nervous and couldn't focus I think,"
"We'll have to work on that," Hermione mumbled, closing her trunk and flipping the latches, "it'll be much worse in real combat,"
"So you think we really are going to face him someday?"
The tone of the conversation took a rapid turn as Hermione clenched her fists and stared at the lid of her school trunk. War was beyond 'much worse',
"It's an indescribable feeling," Hermione croaked, unconsciously feeling her 'traitor' scar and clenching her jaw tightly, "I'm almost certain that it will happen. It could be tomorrow, or maybe 10 years, but we have to be ready either way,"
"Do you miss them?" Lily squeaked, now laying stomach down on her bed, "your friends from before?"
"Every day," Hermione admitted, sinking to sit on the edge of her own bedspread and sighing heavily, "it's hard, living this life now when I still don't know if my old world crumbled while I was gone. I don't know if any of them made it through, or if Voldemort was killed. They should be living this life, not me,"
"Do you ever think about going back?"
"Sometimes. But...I couldn't do much good there. Here, at least, I can make a difference, and maybe even change the outcome of the future,"
The two girls smiled at each other as Lily rolled from her bed to hug her best friend tightly,
"You're so brave," she croaked, "and when the time comes, we'll all be ready thanks to you,"
"I hope so," Hermione said, though a flicker of doubt crossed her features,
'I can't let the events of my timeline repeat themselves,'
Shaking out of the thought, Hermione turned to Lily as they both fell back onto the mattress and stared at each other,
"What are your parents like?" Hermione asked, playing with her nails mindlessly as she reset the conversation, "do they like James?"
"My parents are Muggles, but they haven't met James yet. My sister Petunia doesn't like me very much. She doesn't like wizards in general I suppose, we're all 'freaks' to her. But I understand, she's just scared of what she doesn't know,"
"That's wise," Hermione said, ignoring the fire in the pit of her stomach at the mention of Petunia, "I didn't like her much either in my time. She wasn't a very good aunt, and spoiled her whale of a son rotten,"
"Hopefully she'll come round before that happens," Lily stated, "I'll be going home for the Holidays, and will be introducing James to mum and dad. Then the Weasley's invited all of the Order to their wedding. Did you get the invite?"
"I did," Hermione stared, "I think Molly is already with child,"
"No kidding. Are you sure?"
"No, but I have my suspicions. Is Sirius staying with you guys?"
Lily nodded her head,
"He's staying with James. Mrs. Potter absolutely adores Sirius, and since he can't go home anymore, well, he'll just stay with them. Oh!"
Lily flipped over onto her side, face alarmed as her brilliant eyes flickered dangerously. Hermione smiled,
'Harry really does have her eyes'
"You don't have anywhere to stay over the summer!" Lily finally spat out, "you were kicked out after you got resorted. Oh, I'm sure the Potter's wouldn't mind another guest. Or my parents could-"
"Lily calm down, I'm not homeless this summer," Hermione said, chuckling deeply. She was actually very touched that Lily would offer up her own home for a place to stay, but it would just be too dangerous if Voldemort decided to attack,
"Aberforth has an extra room at the Hog's Head, so I'll be staying close to Hogwarts in order to look for more Horcrux's,"
"But that little place is so dingy. Really, my house would be much more comfortable,"
"Comfort isn't really my main priority," Hermione said with a chuckle, "I spent an entire year traveling in a tent I shared with two boys, I think I'll be ok,"
"Oh Hermione," Lily huffed, folding her arms across her chest, "you're so stubborn,"
"So I've been told. Come on, it's almost noon. You should probably get out to the train,"
Nodding, both Lily and Hermione sat up and collected their things. Taking one more look at the dormitory, they left quietly and exited Gryffindor tower. Hogwarts was abuzz with the end of school jitters, as all the other students made their way towards where the Hogwarts Express would be waiting. The two girls walked arm in arm, Lily waving happily to James who's black head of hair barely poked above the crowd. The Marauders were near the stand alone gate near the train platform, sitting up around the walls as they all smiled as the girls approached,
"Open," Sirius ordered Hermione, causing the girl to roll her eyes and open her mouth. Sirius nodded and hummed happily, "good. Only two more months and you'll be able to complete the spell,
"One and a half months," Hermione stated, leaning into Remus who would also be staying with the Potters over the summer.
"Are you sure you don't want to come with us, Mia?" He asked, stealing a quick kiss as James took one from Lily and Sirius gagged, "my life will be pretty boring without you,"
"No, I'll be fine with Aberforth, Remus. Just make sure to owl me when the train gets in,"
Just then, there was a high pitched whistle from the train as the group shifted and exchanged more hugs,
"I'll see you all at the wedding, ok? Now go, before the train leaves without you,"
Waving from her place at the gate, Hermione watched as the group of four disappeared into a car and opened the windows to wave out. Soon enough, the train was full and it pulled from the station, billowing smoke all the way. Standing on the platform, Hermione sighed heavily and took hold of her trunk, beginning the short walk towards Hogsmeade. It was odd to be here when school wasn't in session, but entering the pub, Hermione was happily greeted by Quitz,
"Welcome back, missus, welcome back!"
"Hi Quitz. Is Abe here?"
"I'm 'ere," the old man stated, rising up from where he had been ducked behind the bar, "how was yer year 'ermione?"
"It was alright. A bit dramatic but fine. How much will I be paying for the room?"
"Ah, jus' a night or two tendin' the bar should do as payment,"
Hermione nodded and smiled,
"Sounds fair. I'll go get changed into something more comfortable and we'll talk,"
Aberforth nodded and Hermione went to her room for the summer. It was the one which held Ariana's portrait. Quitz was there making the bed, while Crookshanks lounged by the hearth and meowed at her happily. Smiling, Hermione discarded her school robes and headed back downstairs. Soon enough, the lazy Summer days were passing by one by one. Hermione would often take up position at the bar to keep herself distracted, and would study Parsaltongue on her off times. She read up on sixth year subjects to get ahead, and made a mental note to keep Severus from hiding his Potions book in the cupboard in Slughorn's classroom.
It had only been two weeks since the end of classes that Hermione was laying alone in her room one night. Crookshanks was on the spread beside her as she read over a tome on ancient languages. The fire was burning, and if it wasn't for Hermione's half dozing, she would have sensed something was wrong. She was startled awake where there was a noisy 'swoosh' before her, and the bedroom filled with a burning light and a panicked trill. Looking up through her squint, Fawkes came into view, flapping wildly before the bed. His feathers weren't their glorious shade of red, and we're beginning to molt,
"Fawkes?" Hermione questioned, leaving the book on her bed as she approached the mythical bird perched precariously on the back of her chair, "what are you doing here?"
The bird gave a high pitched squeal and took hold of Hermione's sleeve, pulling on it rapidly,
'He wants me to come with him' Hermione thought, biting her lip as the bird continued to desperately tug at her. Finally, she relented and stroked his soft head,
"Ok, ok I'll come," Hermione said, watching as Fawkes quickly flapped into the air and hovered his tail feathers above her head. Reaching up, Hermione took one in her fingers as she was engulfed in a mass of flames. It was almost like apparition, but there was only blinding light as Hermione stumbled forward onto the ground, watching Fawkes skid across the room as well. He looked sick, his body fading as his eyes closed,
'This is Dumbledore's office,' Hermione thought, looking around the familiar room with a frown, 'why did Fawkes bring me here?'
"Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione called, "Professor!?"
Making her way around the desk, Hermione stopped dead at the sight before her. The headmaster was sprawled on the floor, eyes glassy and staring at the ceiling. His skin was grey, except for his hand and upper neck which had faded a horrible black color. In his outstretched hand was a held note. Summoning a Patronus and sending it off to find McGonagall, Hermione kneeled by Dumbledore's side, shakily removing the note from his hand,
'Miss Granger,
If you are reading this, it means that I have passed on and Fawkes has come for you. While researching in the past days, I remembered something of importance from long ago. I traveled to a place known as the Gaunt House and found a ring. The Horcrux inside it is dead, I killed it, but the curse upon it I'm afraid has effected me too horribly. I didn't want this fate to come upon you, or anyone else who would seek the ring for its power, and so, I let the curse kill me. From here, it's up to you now. Tom will stop at nothing to gain ultimate power. You must finish this before it starts.
I have given my last request to Fawkes, who will help you along the journey. Many believe him to be just a Phoenix, when in fact, my faithful companion is actually a Bird of Paradise. He will help you with what you seek. Be safe, and keep your friends close.
Faithfully,
Professor Albus Perceval Wulfric Brian Dumbledore,
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
P.s: My final will and testament is in the bottom drawer of my desk. Please make good use of it.
Shaking and lowering herself onto the ground completely, Hermione dropped her head into her hands. It wasn't till Fawkes walked over to her that she spoke,
"I guess he was just meant to go, Fawkes," She said, ignoring the entrance of McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey who stopped in shock,
'I guess I really can't save everyone,'