The Burrow has always been a comforting place. The homey vibes radiate from within. The smell of old worn wood, the way the stairs creak with every step, and the red hair that flashes around every corner you turn just gets into your soul.

Today was different. It was a day of accepting things for what they are. Mourning the loss of loved ones is hard, but mourning the loss of those who are still alive and will never remember who you is harder than one might think. That is where Hermione Granger was in her life. She was able to find her parents in Australia two weeks after the war, but even the "brightest witch of her age" made a mistake in her obliviation spell cast on her parents. Being a fellow Brit on holiday will just have to do so she can at least see her parents until she is able to figure out how to fix them. The more time that goes by, the harder it gets.

Then there's her relationship with Ron. They've danced around each other for years. They tried giving things a go, but it just became too awkward and decided to remain friends. Staying at the burrow with Ron across the hall was still kind of strange, even if you have been best friends for seven years. Hermione would need some space to get over her feelings. Thank the gods that they would be heading back to Hogwarts soon.

Hermione was sitting on the edge of the homemade quidditch pitch with a book opened up on her lap. Ron, George, Harry, and Ginny were playing a light game of two on two. Mrs. Weasley insisted they go outside for some fresh air before heading to Diagon Alley to pick up school supplies. Molly's motherly instincts were picking up on the depressing atmosphere around the house. Of course she was heart broken to have lost Fred, but when you have a family to take care of the best thing to do is to keep busy. After she was done preparing lunch they would head over to Diagon to prep for the upcoming school year.

...

Walking down the familiar cobblestones path on Diagon Alley brought back some of the happiest memories Hermione had with her parents. Her first wizarding experience was picking up all her first year supplies shortly after learning she was a witch. Her parents had never been more proud of their daughter. For her to finally have a place in life was all that mattered to them. They knew she was brilliant, and different. If being a witch would bring out the best in her, then they were behind her one hundred percent.

Hermione was pulled back into reality from her thoughts with the screeching voice of Lavender Brown.

"Oh, Ron! How lovely to see you. Would you mind stepping over to Flourish and Blotts to help me with my books? I'm afraid they are too heavy to carry and you're just the man for the job!"

"Really?" Hermione thought in her head. "Is she not a witch? She could easily magic them to be lightweight, or even shrink them. Surly Ron won't fall for.. "

"Hello, Lavender," Ron cooed. "Of course. Let me tell Harry and I'll be right over."

It wasn't that Hermione was jealous it was just that her and Rons mutual breakup wasn't that long ago. She had expected him to move on, but it was rather quick. If that makes him happy, then she should be happy, too. Right?

"See ya in a bit, Ron" Harry said. Turning to Hermione he quietly asked, "You alright?"

"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be? Ron and I are far better off as friends and he deserves to be happy. Let's pop on over to the quidditch shop. I saw you eyeing that new broom, Gin." She said sporting a small smile at her friends.

The bell above the door gave way as the three made their way into Quality Quidditch Supplies. Since Hermione was only being nice as to keep the attention off her she casually strolled along the outer rows of the store. It smelled like fine leather. The last smell of her amortentia that she had never told anyone about. Fresh mowed grass, spearmint, and fine leather. Taking in a deep breath the hairs on her neck stood up. She thought it was the smell, but a quick scan around the shop and she was able to find a tall dark headed boy staring and smirking at her.