"Late Apology"
Prologue
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Hermione Granger held Harry Potter's and Ron Weasley's hands as they watched Remus Lupin be lowered into the ground next to his beloved wife, Nymphadora Tonks. Silent tears rolled down Hermione's face as she dwelt on the loss of all of those who had died in the war against Voldemort. Her heart felt empty and broken. She had seen more death and destruction then most people see in a life time and frankly, she was sick of it. Not once since she joined the magical world has she been able to relax. Slowly she placed a comforting arm around Harry as she felt him begin to shake in pain.
"Its going to be Ok," she whispered in to his ear, not believing the words herself. The war might be over but the wizarding world was on the ground and it would take some time before it got back on its feet. More tears fall as she remembers her parents and thinks that, perhaps, she would not find them or if she does that they would hate her for what she did.
"Come on," Ron says, guiding her and Harry away from the burial site.
"Are you going to be alright?" The question was directed to Harry but he appeared to not have heard.
Hermione and Ron shared a look. They understood. Lupin had been the last connection Harry had to his parents and he was gone. Both hugged Harry and slowly made their way to the Burrow.
All of the Weasley's were home but the house felt empty. Fred's death hit everyone hard, especially Mrs. Weasley. She had done nothing but cry and fuss over her remaining children. The Golden trio had barely set foot on the kitchen before they were attacked by a very upset Molly.
"Poor things," she said, hauling them into a hug. "You must feel awful. Here have something to eat. Fighting He Who Must Not Be Named has left you too thin."
"We're fine Mrs. Weasley," Hermione's words fell into deaf ears.
The Trio looked at one another before making a quick escape to the garden. They didn't stop until they stood by the pond, where Ron fell to the ground and began to cry.
"I can't stand seeing her like that," he whispered, "All broken."
Hermione lowered herself next to him and said, "It's all right Ron, you'll see everything will be back to normal in no time."
Ron gave her a disgusted look but didn't say anything.
"She's right," helped Harry.
"You both know that's not bloody true! Fred is gone, things will never be normal again! Stop saying it is!"
He's right, Hermione thought as she watched Ron run away.
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That night while everyone was a sleep, Hermione was up packing her belongings and writing a long letter explaining to the Weasley's and Harry that she was going to Australia to find her parents. After placing the letter in the kitchen table, she walked out with a shower of tears falling from her eyes.
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