Harry Potter and the Future's Past.

Disclaimer: Don't own the HP Characters, though Miranda the Love Goddess is mine.

Chapter 3

Harry awoke two hours later when Neville and Semus started moving about. He was about to mention to Neville about him cutting off the head of Nagini the last of Voldemort's Horcruxes the previous night, but, as he sat up to speak he noticed Neville looked younger and all the memories of the previous day or night came crashing back to him. Hermione asking for the kiss, Miranda, soul mates, and going back in time, married. "Did it really happen?" Harry asked himself.

"Disorienting isn't it?" Hermione's voice sounded in Harry's mind and after a slight delay. "My husband."

"Hermione? So it was all real? Miranda, us being soul mates. Marriage?" Harry thought as his mind started putting all the pieces back together and the panic from a few seconds before turned into a surreal peace. "I love you Hermione Potter."

"And I love you Harry." Hermione replied.

As Harry sat in bed looking around, his mind continued to process everything that had happened yesterday. A loud snore emitted from the bed that he knew belong to Ron Weasley. A wave of disgust and anger rolled over Harry as he looked at his friend. It was all Harry could do to not to grab his wand and curse the red head into oblivion.

"I had the same problem with Ginny this morning love." Hermione said. "It's one thing to be told they did it and know it in the mind, but then when I saw her this morning it all became so real. I already had a tripping jinx on the tip of my tongue as she walked down the steps this morning before I finally calmed myself."

"How did you calm yourself?" Harry asked as he still glared at the snoring red head.

"By imagining what the look on her face is going to be when I kiss you this morning." Hermione replied. "And I don't plan on it being a small peck on the lips either. If she wanted jealousy, well I can give it to her without any bloody potions. But as for actually hurting her, this Ginny hasn't done what she's going to do yet and now never will".

"True, but I still want to curse Ron. He hurt you." Harry responded.

"Not yet he hasn't and that Ron asleep up there never will." Hermione replied. "I can't wait to see the look on his face as well, the stupid git. I've been wondering if I can set him up with Lavender again. Without being jealous, hearing her call him Won-Won again would be hilarious."

Harry snickered mentally, "Sounds like a great idea. Ok, so I'm not allowed to curse him, nor can I just ignore him altogether, since that sudden of an attitude change might be suspicious."

"I thought the same thing this morning. I think just being together might drive them to do something that will give us reason to move away from them."

"True, so love how long have you been awake?"

"An hour or so. Lavender isn't the quietest person in the castle, and once I woke, my brain started thinking about everything we have to do pretty soon."

"What else did you come up with?" Harry asked.

"Trying to figure out other short time stuff. We need to warn Hagrid about Umbridge. He already knows its coming but maybe when it gets closer to that night we try to let him know it is happening then. Hopefully that would keep Professor McGonagall from getting stunned." Hermione replied.

"Why not suggest he get out now?" Harry said.

"Do you want to teach Grawp English?"

"Yeah right, there is that." Harry replied. "We did promise didn't we?"

"Two years ago we did, but yes we did promise."

"Ok, do we spend time with Ron today and tell him about Grawp like the last time?"

"We better, what if Hagrid mentions it to him?" Hermione asked. "Oh Merlin. He's going to talk about that bloody match isn't he? Every single goal he saved."

"Probably." Harry replied and could hear the mental sigh that occurred in his wife's mind.

Ron let out another loud snore causing Harry to look over at Neville as he rolled his eyes.

"Are you already in the common room?"

"Waiting for you, but take your time, I've got a book."

"And your favorite husband to chat with anyway?" Harry asked cheekily.

"Favorite one? Since you're my only one, it also means you're my least favorite also." Hermione reminded him.

"Ouch love."

"Shall we go see Professor McGonagall this morning before breakfast?"

"Yeah sure."

"Bring the mirror with you." Hermione said. "Something tells me you might want to see Sirius this morning."

"Sirius." Harry thought and quickly started getting dressed, and then to his wife. "You know me too well don't you."

"I know you better than anyone else Harry." Hermione answered.

"Where are we going to go so we can talk to Sirius?"

"Where else, Room of Requirements."

The thought of the magical room that answered the needs of the occupants made Harry look back over at Neville who was getting ready to head down himself. It was still less than a day ago to Harry when he had seen his friend stand up to Voldemort himself. He thought of the fight Neville had put up at the school while Harry, Hermione and Ron had been out on the Horcrux hunt. "Not this time Neville my friend. Hermione put Neville on that short list too."

"He's already on it Harry. He's always been loyal to you." The 'unlike some other people' was left unsaid.

"Luna?" Harry asked and could feel the sigh in Hermione's response. "Yes, but I am not going looking for any horned whatever they are. She is a good friend though. She was battling Bellatrix with Ginny and I last night."

"I saw. You never got to see her bedroom did you? When we were at their home, before the Death Eaters attacked."

"No." In her mind Hermione found herself looking at a ceiling where Luna had painted pictures. Hermione saw pictures of herself and Harry, and ones of Ron, Ginny and Neville. She could see the pictures were all linked together by a golden chain. The image moved closer and she could see the chain was actually the word 'friends' repeating itself over and over. Hermione felt a bit of sadness at how she had treated Luna on occasions in the last two years.

"Extremely touching isn't it?" Harry asked. "I think what we did at the Ministry gave her confidence like it did Neville. I'm not sure how to give them that this time."

"Hopefully we'll think of something. I feel we can trust her."

"With everything?" Harry asked.

"I really don't know." Hermione thought. "I'm not sure how to get anyone to believe us even if we did tell them. You're already being called crazy by the Prophet in this time, what happens if you tell someone that you're from the future and know everything? It very well might be Luna is the only one who would believe us."

"Sirius will believe us."

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked. "Or will he think we're trying to prank him? Or be concerned about you and tell Dumbledore? He might think your connection to Voldemort has caused you to lose touch with reality."

"But I have you." Harry said. "Hopefully he believes the both of us. We have to try."

"I know Harry. Just be careful with what you say and how you say it."

"Ok, let's talk about this later. I'm dressed and headed down."

"Don't forget to brush your teeth?"

"Channeling your parents now Hermione? We haven't even been to breakfast yet."

"No, but Ginny is sitting here and I thought you would like a nice morning kiss."

With that thought Harry made quick work of brushing his teeth and was in the common room in no time. As he took the last step, he saw his wife glance up from her book and looked at him, her almond brown eyes mesmerizing and the smile that broke out when she saw him was breathtaking. "You really are beautiful Hermione."

"I'm glad you think so."

Harry looked around and saw there were at least a dozen people currently about. Several people were getting an early start on revising, while others were either playing games or reading or just chatting. Harry noticed Ginny sitting in a chair near Hermione. She also had a book open but Harry could see her eyes kept darting from the pages to look over at him. Harry covered the distance to his soul mate's chair. He pulled Hermione up from her seat and out loud said "Good Morning gorgeous, how's my girlfriend this morning?" And pulling her into his arms, his lips once again found hers. Between Harry's words and the kiss every sound in the common ceased immediately. Not a single foot shuffled or parchment moved, it even sounded like the other people in the room had even stopped breathing for the length of the kiss. Harry finally heard a book close sharply and steps moving away. He knew that if he looked over at the chair Ginny Weasley had been sitting in, it would be empty.

"Harry?" Neville's voice said from behind him. "You and Hemione?"

Harry turned to look at his friend. "Yes Neville, Hermione and I are now a couple."

"When did that happen?"

"Uh..last night, after the celebration. Hermione and I..uh found ourselves down here alone, and well." Harry looked into Hermione's eyes, "We realized how much we love each other."

"That we did." Hermione replied.

"I'm glad for you mate." Neville said. "I know it's been a tough time for you."

"Thanks Neville." Harry replied, and then to Hermione, "Want to invite him to study with us today?"

"The whole week starting tomorrow would be better, I think we will need some more time today to sort things out."

"Ok love." Then out loud to Neville. "Hey Neville, want to join us to study for the OWLS during the week?"

"Are you sure?" Neville looked hopeful. "I mean I don't want to be a problem. I mean I'm probably not going to do well."

"We'd be glad to have you Neville." Hermione said.

"Thanks." Neville said looking like Christmas had come early.

A short time later Harry and Hermione were closing in on Professor McGonagall's office, holding hands. "Should we be concerned about Umbridge or the Inquisitorial squad finding out about us?" Harry asked.

Hermione pulled up short. "I forgot about the Slytherin idiots." Hermione replied. She considered it for a few moments. "I think it's fine if you can control your temper. Don't antagonize Umbridge, not yet anyway, and just ignore Malfoy."

"I'll try." Harry replied and they continued on their trek. Eventually they were in front of the Transfiguration Professor's office. They rapped a couple of time on the door.

"Enter." Came the Scottish burr of Hermione's favorite Professor and they quickly followed her invitation. Looking up from paperwork, "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, what brings you out before breakfast on a Sunday morning, especially after the party last night? Do you need help with your homework?"

"No Professor," Hermione started. "We have an issue we think."

McGonagall's eyes flickered between the two of them, "What kind of issue, may I ask?"

"Before we say, what kind of confidentiality exists between a student and their Head of House?" Hermione asked.

"Unless our High Inquisitor has posted further educational decrees." The Scottish Professor snorted, "You have full confidentiality unless it is conflict of school policy."

"So if we tell you something, you won't tell Professor Umbridge or Professor Dumbledore when he returns. Nor anyone else as long as it isn't against school policies?"

"That's correct."

"Ok, then what's the school's policy on marriage between students."

That statement caused a sharp focus of Minerva McGonagall's eyes upon the pair of student in front of her. "It is discouraged of course. It can be highly disruptive to the house systems. But it is allowed. If requested the students may request married quarters, but aren't you two a little young to be considering such a thing…unless?" The stern gaze of the professor looked saddened at the thought of her prized pupil might have acted careless.

Hermione blushed when she realized what the professor was asking. "No professor, it's not that. But before we do say what it is, I want to clarify, the actual policies of the school concerning marriage itself is acceptable?"

"Yes Miss Granger, but you have me curious now to what you are asking."

"Ma'am, I think we are married." Hermione replied looking at her husband.

"You think you are?" Professor McGonagall asked. "How can you be uncertain? Did something happen at the party last night? Did someone sneak in Fire Whiskey?"

"No, not at the party." Hermione started and then chose her words carefully so she would be telling McGonagall the truth she continued, "When Harry and I were alone yesterday, we shared a kiss, and we later found out the kiss caused some kind of golden glow around us. I've heard about bonds…Well Miranda told us about this one, so I did hear about it…and how they can be considered Marriage Bonds. I think the glow might have been a bond forming between us."

"Well first I should say I'm glad you too are finally together. I always thought you two would be a good couple." McGonagall said. "As for the bond, I find it very unlikely it really happened. Maybe one or both of you had a bought of accidental magic when you kissed. Spontaneous bondings are extremely rare."

"Think I just create them for anybody? Of course they're rare." Miranda chimed in causing Minerva to wonder why the two students suddenly smiled. "Glad they aren't married probably."

"Thank you professor." Hermione said. "Can you think of any way to know for certain?"

"Of course all marriages are recorded at the Ministry." Professor McGonagall said. "But from your earlier question about confidentiality, if the case were to be proven true, then you do not want anyone to find out about this." Her eyes focused on Harry. "Considering the persecution you are currently undergoing Mr. Potter I can understand why. Even so, all our communications are being monitored so even just a query would be known by our honorable Umbridge."

Harry and Hermione paled at the thought.

Professor McGonagall looked at her two Gryffindors. "What exactly were you wanting or hoping I could do if you were married?" She asked. "I would need the Headmaster's approval to assign married quarters, and since the school itself does not consider Umbridge to be Headmistress, that permission who have to come from Dumbledore himself."

"No, actually just the opposite, Professor." Hermione said. "We don't want anyone to know we are married, if in fact we are. We were hoping that if my name came up as Hermione Potter in anything you could at least let us know, or change it if you can."

"Well in that case, that's not a problem." The Deputy Headmistress said. "I'm sure there was another explanation for the glow anyway, but if I do see anything that suggests otherwise, I'll do my best to help you and let you know."

"Thank you Professor." Hermione said.

"Now, is there anything else?"

"Uh..Professor." Harry started. "Do I have to take the Divination's OWL? I have no chance of passing that test, and I really want to be able to concentrate my studying on the subjects I can and will pass."

Professor McGonagall studied the young man in front of him. "That is an extremely unusual request Mr. Potter. Is there something else involved here?"

"Not really Ma'am. But you know that my girlfriend would take it very personal if I failed an OWL exam." Harry smiled at Hermione before looking back at Professor McGonagall. "Could you imagine her shame if her boyfriend or potential husband were to fail one? For her sake, please tell me I don't have to take it." This caused his wife to smack him on the arm. "Prat."

McGonagall almost cracked a smile at the two of them. "You can drop one of your OWLs Mr. Potter. I will put through the request."

"And one other thing for next year."

"Yes Mr. Potter."

"Is there a way for me to take Ancient Runes next year?" Harry asked looking more at Hermione who now had a large smile on her face.

McGonagall looked up at her student. "Only a day and she's already had this much influence. I can't wait to see what a year brings." She thought, and then out loud. "You would be in a third year class Mr. Potter, and I couldn't guarantee it would Gryffindors, but if you're serious about it, we can get you in a class."

"Thank you Professor."

"Is there anything else I can do for you? No? Then once again I will extend my congratulations on you two getting together. I think you two will complement each other perfectly, especially if Miss Granger can help you with that temper of yours Mr. Potter when it comes to certain High Inquisitors. But I must request you adhere to the school behavioral rules concerning such matters, especially with you being a prefect Miss Granger."

"Yes Ma'am."

"Then have a good day."

When they were out of McGonagall's office, they started for the seventh floor.

"This isn't going to be easy is it?" Hermione asked.

"Well not off to a great start, but at least she will keep an eye out for us."

"True. Runes?" Hermione asked, but Harry could feel the pride and love in the question.

"It just popped into my head you know. But you're right. I should do more and I've already taken the sixth year courses anyway." Harry said. "Besides I'm hoping for help from my wife."

"I think I might manage it."

There were soon in the hallway across from Barnabas. "Think we should get the Tiara already?" Harry asked.

"I think we need to get Dumbledore to tell you about the Horcruxes first." Hermione replied. "Also see if it's possible to remove the Horcrux without destroying the Tiara."

"This is frustrating. We have so much we can do, but we can't do anything yet." Harry responded. "We have to get to that locket. But if we save Sirius then Mundungus won't be robbing the place blind, so doubtful it would end up in Umbridge's hands. But we never know what Kreacher might end up doing with it."

"I agree."

"Ok, let's just get a place to secure to talk to Sirius." Harry said. He walked three times past the wall asking just for such a room and a door appeared. When they entered the room they found themselves in what looked like a small common room. Harry pulled the mirror out and unwrapped it. Looking into it, he called "Sirius Black." And almost instant the face of his Godfather who died two years ago was looking at him.

"Harry? Is that you?" Sirius said and seeing the tears that were developing in Harry's eyes he asked "Is there anything wrong."

"No Sirius," Harry replied in a voice almost choked in tears. "Things are a lot better now. You don't know how wonderful it is to see you."

"Is it Snape again? Or Umbridge?"

"Not this time Sirius." Harry replied. "Is there anyone there with you?"

"Only Kreacher, the useless elf." Sirius spat.

Harry grimaced that the tone Sirius had about the Elf as Hermione spoke up. "Sirius, you need to treat Kreacher better."

"So Hermione is there with you Harry?" Sirius asked.

"Yes, and she's part of the reason I need to speak with you. But we really do need to talk to you in person."

"You can't leave Hogwarts for another two weeks. Is next weekend a Hogsmeade weekend?"

"No and you can't leave Sirius." Harry said. "We need to go to him."

"How?" Then, "Of course." She thought when she understood Harry's plan. "Shrieking shack? But can we still apparate?"

"That's just mental discipline. We know how and we know the ministry can't track it. We've apparated to Grimmauld enough times to be able to do it easy enough. Just need to get out of the grounds, and Neville showed us the way."

As Harry continued to talk to Sirius. Hermione concentrated on the room around them and wished there was a passageway to the Shrieking Shack. She concentrated on having the door appear in the bedroom where they had found Sirius and Ron. A door appeared in the room.

Harry noticed it appear and nodded to Hermione, looking back at the Mirror, he said "Sirius, I'll contact you soon. If anyone shows up there, contact me on the mirror."

"Why?"

"Sirius, please just do it."

"Ok pup."

The mirror went blank and Harry and Hermione opened the new door and tracked down the long corridor. When they got to the other end the opened the door there and they found themselves in the Shrieking shack. When they stepped out and closed the door behind them the door disappeared.

"I wonder how Neville got it to stay?" Harry asked.

"They said someone had to stay in the room didn't they?" Hermione replied.

"Yes, but the first time when Neville needed food, no one else was with him."

"True." Hermione thought about it. "Maybe he called to Aberforth and never left the passageway."

"Possible. Ok we should get a move on. We have a lot to do today."

"Wait Harry. It's a long way to apparate. We have to make sure we don't splinch ourselves. The worst thing in the world would be having Ministry people having to fix us after a splinch."

"Ok, let's do it one at a time then. I'll go first and if something goes wrong." Harry handed Hermione the mirror, "Call Sirius for help. If I've splinched I should at least be on his doorstep, once I'm safely there, you can come and if you have problems, you can let me know." He finished in thought. After Hermione nodded her understanding, Harry moved into the center of the floor, thinking about top doorstep of Grimmauld place he had apparated to so many times last year, and with Destination, Determination and Deliberation he disappeared.

"I'm here, safe and sound. I'll wait for you before I do anything." Hermione heard and smiled, she repeated the process and found herself beside her husband. "Heck of a lot better than a Thestral." She said.

Harry opened the door and they entered the house, he half expected the challenge by Mad-Eye Moody's tongue tying curse, but realized that was from a time yet to be. They quickly made it past the painting of Sirius' mother without waking it. Harry looked at Hermione, "Hand me the mirror?" and when she did so, he called "Sirius Black."

"Pup, I was just calling you. I just felt the wards trip so someone is here."

Harry and Hermione heard footsteps coming down the steps and they looked up, when Harry saw his Godfather, he said "Wouldn't want company for breakfast would you?"

Sirius looked at the two of them complete shock as he looked back down at the mirror in his hand. Though words like 'How' and 'where' seem to materialize on his lips, the sounds to vocalize them never made it out, finally he gathered himself and asked "What's going on Harry? What are you doing here?"

"Let's go to the kitchen Sirius, we haven't had breakfast yet, but let us know if anyone else shows up.” Harry said. "No one else can know we are here."

"I presume this is important then? Not just wanting to know more about that memory of Snape's concerning your father."

Harry had almost forgotten about that. It was too long ago and it was to minor considering what he had seen since, but he remember how important it had been two years ago. "No, it's not that." When they were all seated around the table, Harry asked, "Where's Kreacher?"

"Upstairs somewhere." Sirius muttered.

"Can you call him down. " Harry looked at Hermione, "I think that might be the best place to start. We can give provable knowledge first."

"What do you need with the elf?" Sirius asked. "All he does is wander around muttering to himself all day."

"I think you will find it very important, please call him."

"Kreacher." Sirius yelled out and with a pop the elf materialized next to his master.

"You called Kreacher." The elf asked and then continued "Useless spawn of my mistress, talking to a mudblood. I thought she was gone, and now she back befouling my mistress's house."

"Sirius, ask Kreacher if he has been visiting any other of your relatives recently." Harry said quietly. "But do not threaten him when he answers."

Sirius looked at his godson, wondering where this was going, but curiosity got the best of him and he turned to the house-elf, "Kreacher, I am ordering you to tell me if you have visited any other relatives of mine recently."

The elf hesitated, his eyes widen as if trying to fight an answer, but finally, "Yes, Kreacher has."

Sirius looked startled, "Who Kreacher you miserable elf."

"Sirius, no, don't be mean please trust us." Hermione said.

"Mi..Miss Cissy and M..Miss Bella." The words struggled out of the elf's mouth.

"Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix LeStrange?" asked Sirius in a raised voice raising his hand to strike the elf and when the elf nodded.

"Sirius NO?" Harry yelled. "Don't hurt him."

Sirius turned to Harry and Hermione, "I've got to tell Dumbledore. We need to find out exactly what Kreacher has told them."

Harry raised his hands. "Not yet Sirius. There is a lot more we need to deal with, and I need you to promise me not to tell Dumbledore any of it."

"But I have to Harry. The order has to know. We have plans." Sirius said.

"I know." Harry responded. "Look, just hear us out and then we'll talk ok?"

Sirius studied his godson, and noticed something had changed in him; the boy in front of him wasn't the moody person that he had seen before. There was also a tired look in his eyes that he had seen a lot in the last war. A look usually found in people who had seen too much. Looking at the young lady beside him, he noticed the same look there. He shrugged at them and motioned for them to continue.

"We can ask Kreacher later about what he's told the Malfoys but there are more important things we need to cover." Harry explained. "Tell Kreacher to tell me when was the last time he saw your brother and exactly what he was doing at the time. He is under orders not to tell anyone in your family, but hopefully this will work."

When Sirius ordered the little elf to tell the tale to Harry the little elf seemed to fight an internal battle before the tale that they had heard a little more than a year in the future, emerged. Sirius listened and his understanding of his younger brother was completely undone. Sirius heard how Kreacher had been used by Voldemort to hide something, and how Regulus later went to recover it, costing him his own life. Harry and Hermione gave Sirius the questions to ask to fill in the story until the whole thing was out. The elf was on the floor crying. Sirius, at Hermione's insistence had ordered the elf to not hurt himself when he started to when he told them he couldn't destroy the locket."

Sirius turned to Harry and Hermione with tears in his own eyes, "Regulus had turned against Voldemort?"

"Yes Sirius."

"How..how do you know all of this?" Sirius asked.

"We are going to tell you, but first let me do something." Hermione said, and then kneeling beside the elf who cringed at her, she spoke softly. "Kreacher, I know I'm not your master, and I know you think you don't like me, but if we could help you destroy the locket, would you want us to?"

"Mudblood comes close to Kreacher, oh what would my mistress say, but she offers to help do what Kreacher cannot. If I refuse then it might not get done and I was ordered to do it. I have to let the Mudblood help."

"Kreacher, could you get the locket?" Hermione asked still in a gentle voice and instantly the elf was gone. Hermione turned back to Sirius, "Is there something of Regulus's around that Kreacher might like? Wait, let's ask him."

When Kreacher returned with the heavy gold locket with the 'S' on the front, he laid it on the table. "Kreacher," Hermione said continuing in her soft voice. "You did a brave thing those years ago, Sirius, " She looked over at her husband's godfather. "Has agreed to let you have anything in the house that you would like, or I think you already have some treasures in your room. Would you like to be able to keep them all with Sirius' blessing?"

"All?" Kreacher asked looking at Hermione and then at Sirius who was still trying to figure out what was going on.

"You can keep anything you have Kreacher." Sirius said as he was coming to grips with the new understanding of his family. "And if there is anything else you want of Regulus', let me know and I'll let you have it, if possible."

The house-elf broke down in a new bout of crying.

Sirius looked at the two young people in front of him and at the locket that was before them. "Why was that locket so important to Voldemort?"

Harry smiled and said, "This is what Dumbledore has been hiding from everyone because he thinks no one but himself should know. This and similar objects are the secret to defeating Voldemort."

"And how do you know all of this?"

"Before we tell you, you have to promise us that you won't tell Dumbledore. Even if for some reason you don't believe us, you can't tell Dumbledore what we are about to tell you. If you do tell him, he will probably oblivate us to keep the knowledge to himself."

Sirius considered his godson's request and then slowly nodded.

"You also need to order Kreacher to not tell anyone, not even order members that he saw Hermione and me here today and what we have discussed and will discuss, unless you say otherwise."

Sirius again nodded and gave Kreacher the command.

"A couple of other things we need to tell you before we begin the main story. " Harry said. "The first, is we know what The Order has been trying to protect in the Department of Mysteries. I know all about the prophecy." That brought Sirius' eyes onto Harry's very quickly.

"How?" Was all Sirius asked.

"You'll soon know, the other thing is I know you made me your heir in your will." And at another surprised look from his godfather he explained, "I know this because your will was read after your death in about two weeks." Harry held up his hand and uttered, "Let me finish, please. Sirius, Hermione and I are two years older and have seen too many deaths, yours, Remus's, Tonks, Dumbledore's and many others. We were given the chance to come back in time to our bodies at this time, and fix the mistakes mostly caused by one man, Albus Dumbledore."

"It all started right after I defeated Voldemort." Harry said.

"So the prophecy was right? You defeated him?"

"Yeah, by pure luck Sirius, but let me tell you how we got to this point, from that time. It all started the morning after when this gorgeous lady came to my room to ask a favor. It seemed like a simple thing, but it turned our lives upside down. Hermione and I kissed for the first time what is now just yesterday to us, but is two years in the future. That kissed finalized a soul bond between us."

"What is that?" Sirius asked.

Harry and Hermione launched into exactly what happened, the meeting with the Goddess of Love, the revelations about their friends who had betrayed them, and about Dumbledore. How they were given a choice to come back and try to fix what went wrong.

"So this Miranda is a Goddess? Are you sure you didn't just have a shared dream?"

"Sirius, how you do think we knew about Regulus and Kreacher?" Harry asked his voice rising, "How do I know about the prophecy. By the way did Dumbledore tell you exactly how I have a connection to Voldemort? I am presuming not since no one knew about those things," Harry nodded at the locket, "when he died."

Hermione put her hand on Harry's to calm him down and took over. "Sirius, do you know what a Horcrux is?"

Sirius eyes hardened, "Is that what Voldemort did? And this," He nodded at the locket, "Is it?"

"He created six horcruxes on purpose and one on accident." Hermione explained. "He made seven horcruxes, even though one of them at this time has already been destroyed."

"Seven Horcruxes?"

"The seventh one." Harry said and tapping his scar, "Is here."

At the look of horror on Sirius's face, Harry explained. "When he tried to kill me all those years ago, a piece of his soul broke off and lodged in me. That is the link we share. How did I get rid of it in the future? Voldemort killed me again. Dumbledore's plan had me walk out and take a killing curse voluntarily without knowing there was a chance I would live. I thought I was going out to die Sirius." Tears had come back to Harry's eyes as he remembered the walk into the Forbidden forest. Hermione's arms reached around him and he heard, "Not this time love. You will not leave me and I will not leave you."

"Basically Dumbledore's plan consisted of three teenagers wandering around a countryside looking for horcruxes with no clue where they were while trying to decipher some obscure clues on something call the Hallows that had absolutely no bearings on the horcruxes whatsoever. If we found the Horcruxes, I was to go get myself killed by Voldemort on purpose. Oh..but I didn't know that. He left that vital piece of information with Snape. Of course Snape didn't give it to me until he was lying in his own blood dying. Now do you understand why Dumbledore cannot know what we have to say? We know where all of the horcruxes are, and we will eventually figure out how to get them destroyed."

"Harry," Hermione said, "I have an idea that might work.We don't have to keep everything away from Dumbledore.” She turned to Sirius and asked, “Will Dumbledore be here anytime soon?"

"He stops by every few days. Why?" Sirius asked.

"You can tell him that you asked Kreacher about Regulus and give him the story he just told you. Then give Dumbledore the locket." Hermione explained. "See if he mentions to you what it is? If nothing else he'll destroy it for us."

"He can't without my help to open it." Harry said. "But will he ask for it?"

"If he does, it is a way to force him to tell you about the Horcruxes now instead of waiting until he's almost dead."

"True."

Sirius nodded, his eyes having gained a glimmer of excitement, but then he thought of something. "Harry, the connection to Voldemort was the reason Snape was giving you Occlumency lessons. Did you ever get back to him or learn it in the future?"

"Miranda gave it as a gift, when I agreed to have the horcrux put back in." Harry sighed, "I don't know if I was just incapable of learning it from Snape or if our mutual hatred was causing a problem with the lessons, but I seemed to be more open to the manipulations the night after a lesson than other times. And that is how you ended up dead Sirius. It was my fault."

"Your fault Harry?" Sirius asked.

"Voldemort tricked me into believing you had been captured and was being tortured in the Department of Mysteries.It was his way of getting me to get the Prophecy for him. I led an assortment of students, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood there in an attempt to rescue you. We were up against twelve death eaters and for a short time we were able to hold our own, but eventually we started taking casualties, none of our friends died, though Hermione came extremely close. You, Shacklebolt, Tonks, Moody and Remus arrived just in time, with Dumbledore coming shortly afterwards. In the battle, you were fighting Bellatrix and you weren't taking it seriously enough. You were even laughing at her. She hit you with a stunner and you fell through the Veil of Death." Again tears had sprung up in Harry's eyes at the remembrance. "And it was my fault. If I had used these mirrors," He held up his, "I would have known you were alright. But we ended up having to break into Umbridge's office and got caught. But I did floo here, and…and..Kreacher lied to me. He told me you weren't here, when you were up with Buckbeak."

Sirius's face had turned very pale, but at the last statement he had turned to Kreacher.

"No, Sirius." Hermione said sharply. "It was your fault as well. The way you've been treating him has been horrible." Her voice softened. "When Kreacher told us his tale before, we had Regulus's locket and were able to give it to him. He changed almost instantly and became a very good elf. He led the House-elves of Hogwarts against Voldemort's supporters."

Kreacher seemed to swell at the statement and Hermione noticed it. "Kreacher, you are a good elf, supporting a very noble house." She turned back to Sirius, "Instead of sitting here being morose about being stuck in a place you didn't like growing up in, start making plan on how to change the Noble House of Black into something you would be proud of."

Sirius looked sheepish, "It's not that simple, Hermione."

"Then make it that simple. We didn't come back in time to save your life, just so you spend the rest of it lost in your own despair. Eventually we will get Peter and get you cleared. We're going to need you to help us save everyone else's life. We need your help to get our knowledge to the right people. You were a great schemer weren't you?" At the nod from Sirius she continued, "Good because that is what we need. For the next two weeks, Harry and I have to study for our OWLs, so we need someone trying to figure out how we can use the Department of Mysteries events in our favor. Last time Voldemort showed up and that's when the Ministry admitted to him being back, so we need to see if we can develop a plan that will do the same thing."

Harry smiled at Hermione who was coming off her tirade, then to Sirius, "We forgot to explain one thing about the soul bond we have Sirius. I would like to introduce you to the person who just berated you, Hermione Potter, my wife."

"WHAT?" Sirius asked. It was too much to quick and he was drowning.

"Yeah that was her reaction as well." Harry said smiling at Hermione, "But she's mostly gotten over it now."

"Ho..How do you know?" Sirius asked.

"We first found out when Miranda had us look at the Marauder's map. It showed Hermione Potter. She also said it could be verified in the Magical Records Office. We of course haven't been able to do that yet."

"The map doesn't lie. It's tied into the Wards at Hogwarts." Sirius said as he out his head on the table. "My godson, married at fifteen. James would kill me."

"You didn't do it Sirius and I'm actually almost eighteen, this time stuff is going to give me a headache, and trust me when I tell you I ended up with the best wife in the world and a relationship blessed by the Goddess of Love, so my father would have no reason to complain."

"My husband isn't so bad either." Hermione chimed in. "But we aren't telling anyone else, at least right now. All Harry needs is more garbage from the Ministry."

"Yeah I can understand that. Ok, but I want to be there when you tell Dumbledore." Sirius said, and then "By the way how did you get here today?"

"Apparated."

"From Hogwarts?" Sirius asked.

"From the Shrieking shack." Harry replied.

"That's a long way and you're not licensed yet."

"When you're on the run from Voldemort and the Ministry for a year and the only way to travel is apparation, you get pretty good at it." Harry explained.

"I can imagine."

"To tell you the truth Sirius, I'm glad you can't, but we still have a lot that we haven't covered yet, so you can see just how lucky we got in defeating Voldemort." It took a good thirty minutes before the most important points were covered, including Dumbledore's death, the ministry takeover and muggle born oppression and the horcruxes and final battle.

"It wasn't just our friends who died Sirius," Harry explained. "Muggle born were being prosecuted, and lot of them were kissed." He turned to Hermione. "We can't let Umbridge do that again."

"You're not suggesting we kill her are you?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know what I'm suggesting Hermione." Harry said softly. "Those muggleborns had husbands and wives and children and some of them didn't go home, and a lot of those that did suffered in Azkaban first. We have to do something about the government if we can, and it might start with making sure Umbridge doesn't make it back into it."

Hermione stared at her husband, wanting to protest but had to admit, he was right. "Maybe you're right Harry, but I'm not sure I can kill someone in cold blood."

"I know what you mean love." Harry said and looked away. They all sat in silence for a few minutes, until Hermione looked at her watch.

"We need to get back to the school. It's time to face Ron." She said.

"So the Weasleys betrayed you?" Sirius asked bringing up a subject they had glossed over earlier.

Harry sighed thinking of young man he considered his best friend until he found out. "Yeah Ron and Ginny did. Still trying to undo seven years of friendship in my mind, but when I saw Ron sleeping this morning knowing what he did to Hermione, I had a hard time not cursing him."

"At least it wasn't as bad as it was with Peter. Nobody died because of their actions."

"We don't know that Sirius." Harry replied. "What would have been different if our next school year hadn't been complicated by jealousy? Besides, if you could have gone back before Peter betrayed my parents, what would you have done?"

Sirius sighed, "I would ripped the rat into multiple pieces and fed him to whatever creature I could have found." He looked at the couple, "Just don't do anything stupid."

Harry smiled as he looked at Hermione, "That's why she's my soul mate. She's supposed to keep me from doing stupid. Even when I thought you had been captured two years ago; she was trying to be a voice of reason and told me it could be a trap. She's been right about most things, and I think I might have finally learned my lesson, but you know," He looked at his wife, "even when she was sure I was wrong, she's never left my side."

Hermione smiled at Harry and took his hand. "And I never shall love."

Sirius looked at the two of them; he remembered the two saving him two years ago. The way they just seemed so natural together back then, and now he saw the same thing but even more pronounced. "OK you two. Get back to school but keep in touch. I'll let you know what Dumbledore says." Sirius looked around the kitchen and at the house-elf. "Hermione if my godson can listen to you, maybe I can as well." He turned to the elf who was standing there. "Kreacher, would you like to help rebuild this Noble house into something Regulus would be proud of. A house that fights against Voldemort, just like Regulus was trying to do at the end?"

"Kreacher would like that Master." The little elf said.

A short time later the two Potters found themselves back in the Shrieking shack. They exited out the passageway under the Whomping willow only having to wait short time for a passing couple to clear the area before dashing out.

"We never did get breakfast." Harry said.

"Are you starting to channel Ron now?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh..no but I am hungry.

Hermione looked at her watch, "We can go see if Breakfast is still available, if not we can go to the kitchens and grab something."

When they entered the Great Hall, there were still a small amount of people at every table eating. At the Gryffindor table was a red head who looked in their direction. He came scurrying over when he saw them.

"Hey, someone started a rumor this morning that you two are a couple and were seen kissing in the common room." Ron said before heading back to the table. "Stupid huh? But I thought you should know."

"Ron," Harry said and when he turned around, "It's true." Harry took Hermione's hand in his. "We are a couple. Hermione is my girlfriend."

"Oh come off of it guys." Ron said. "I'm not falling for it."

"Shall we prove it to him?"

"Most definitely?"

"Is there a rule about kissing in the Great Hall?"

"Nope."

Harry and Hermione demonstrated to Ron that without a doubt the rumors were true.

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