Chapter 1 – The Owl

If I should die before I wake

It's because you

Took my breath away

Losing you is like

Living in a world with no air

"Hermione, sweetheart?" Ginny Weasley – well, actually, she was Mrs. Potter now – banged on the door.

She and Hermione had been sitting in the Potters' kitchen in New York. Yes, right after the war, the Boy-who-lived had moved to New York. His girlfriend – who was now his wife – and his best friend, Hermione Granger, accompanied him to the States. Everyone needed a fresh start right after Lord Voldemort had finally been defeated. The three were now living in a lavish and spacious apartment in the city. Harry and Hermione worked for the Ministry of Magic while they were in the States.

Well, anyway, Ginny and Hermione were having a good talk and eating dinner, when a great big owl came to the window, with a letter.

Hermione smiled at Ginny, and opened the window. She petted the owl and gave him a treat, and it left.

Ginny watched Hermione's face. The letter was apparently for Hermione. But Hermione's smile turned into a frown. She shook her head.

Hermione's vision was blurry because of the tears she was fighting back. A single tear fell down her cheek. She ran to her room.

Mrs. Potter was alarmed when she saw her best friend run off. She followed Hermione, but the latter had already shut the door and locked it. Ginny knocked gently, but started banging on the door when she heard Hermione's loud sobs.

How dare he? Why would he? Why would he send back the letter?

Did he not love her?

Did he not care for her?

Or…did he find someone else?

Someone else he loved more that he did her?

No. She couldn't bare thinking of it.

Hermione curled up on her bed. No matter how hard she tried, the tears still would not stop falling. She decided that she would just cry herself to sleep, and hoped that she would feel better by the morning.

No. I want to die.

If I can't have you, I will die.

I cannot lose you.

Maybe…I'd lose my breath while I sleep.

Then I could die.

Then I wouldn't have to worry.

I wouldn't have to worry about you anymore.

You certainly don't seem to care for me.

Since…you've obviously found someone else.

Someone else.

NO! I cannot lose you!

Ginny gave up after a while. She sighed, and returned to the kitchen. She picked up the envelope that Hermione had left on the counter. There was a name and address on it, but it wasn't Hermione's, and it was in Hermione's handwriting.

Draco Malfoy
Malfoy Manor,

Wiltshire, England