The war was raging, everyone knew it would soon come to an end and everyone was putting the last of their strength into their attacks, hoping to swing the war in their direction, and to stop the loss of even more lives.

Though they all knew the real battle was left to see who would win between Harry Potter and Voldemort. Hermione spotted Nagini, the final horcrux, slithering into the mass of bodies, she called out, hoping someone would hear her over the roar of spells and other fighter own screams.

She couldn't be sure if anyone heard for a few moments, she was busy fighting some death eater she had never seen in her life, she didn't want to kill, even though she knew this individual had, she just wasn't that type of person.

From a distance she heard Neville scream, luckily she had the sense to perform a powerful shield before she looked his way, a smile graced her face as she saw her friend raise the sword of Gryffindor over his head, and bring it slashing through the air towards the snake, chopping it clean in two. She couldn't have been prouder of him.

Voldemort could be heard giving an almighty cry of anguish, feeling the loss of his final link to immortality. All fighting ceased, and with bated breath all eyes turned towards two of the most influential wizards still alive, Harry Potter and The Dark Lord, as their two spells collided.

Green met blue, the magic filled the air in waves of powerful energy, nearly strong enough to knock you from your feet, the light blinding your eyes, forcing you to squint. Mere moments passed, though it felt much longer. Hermione could not tear her eyes away, scanning carefully for any signs of weakness between the two, hoping for the best, looking for any chance to help her best friend. What no one expected was for Voldemorts wand to shoot out of his grasp, and for both his and Harry's spells to be propelled towards him, hitting Voldemort square in the chest, and fall to the ground in a lifeless heap.

Moments passed, slowly the fighter from both sides, light and dark, began to realise the significance of this moment, the light side were mostly celebrating, and others had fallen to their knees, with tears in their eyes, from exhaustion, relief and worst of all, the mourning of lost loved ones.

Few from the dark side did so too. They had lost, all their efforts for nothing, and now they would have to deal with the consequences. Many death eaters vanished that night, disapparating through the now broken wards around the school, and others even went as far as to take their lives there and then. Knowing that they would be forever shunned from society.

Many were simply never heard from again, seeming to have disappeared from the world completely, many suspected they took their lives inn private to spare the humiliation, some thought they changed names and moved countries, some thought they defected and went to live in the muggle world, but no one knew for sure.

Hermione turned slowly, her own eyes full of tears threatening to fall. Slowly walking towards the remaining Weaslys, her only family after removing her parent's memories. Percy and Charlie had both been killed during the war efforts, like many other parents, and children.

Hermione was lucky in a way, very few people she had been close to lost their lives, but all the death and sorrow was taking its toll on her. She could still hear the cries of pain and terror ringing in her ears, as people fell from both sides. Bodies littered the battle field, waiting to be moved into the great hall to be identified and given a proper send off. Including the Death Eaters. Only Voldemort would remain at the end, Hermione could hear brief murmurs, no one was sure what to do with his body.

As everyone was re-grouping, catching up with friends and family who had been separated from one another parties and celebrations were already being planned, it seemed the wizarding world was unwilling to deal with the deaths at this point in time.

Everyone wanted a break. That's how Hermione, Harry, Ron and Ginny ended up at the Three Broomsticks, being treated as heroes, being showered in praise, food and drinks. Everything was becoming a blur around Hermione, she could still hear the screams chorusing through her head, unable to focus on the current conversation between her few friends, and barely registering Ron wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Without a second thought Hermione leaned into Ron.

Closing her eyes she felt Ron turn and place a kiss against her forehead, as she drifted off into a much needed sleep. Hermione did not remember falling asleep, nor waking up and returning to the Burrow, apparently no one thought Grimmauld place was overly safe at the moment, or if it ever would be.

Hermione woke bright and early the next morning in Ginny's bedroom, lying on a bunk across from the younger girl, and carefully as to not wake her up, Hermione crept from the room and down to the kitchen. She was surprised to see Harry up and talking to Mr and Mrs Weasly, the three sporting brilliant smiles and talking together. Hermione smiled lightly and entered the room, everyone was like family here, and no one would mind if she intruded.

"Oh Hermione dear! I have the most wonderful news!" Mrs Weasly gushed as soon as Hermione sat down at the table, however Molly was quickly silenced by her husband clearing his throat.

"She hasn't said yes yet Molly" Arthur said quietly under his breath. Hermione was becoming curious, since she turned seventeen Hermione was always included in conversations, she was never left out. She glanced out the side of her eye at Harry who gave her a reassuring smile and mouthed "Soon".

Within a half hour both Ginny and Ron trudged their way down the stairs, Ron slipping his hand through Hermiones, and kissing her lightly on her cheek, and that's when it happened. Harry got onto one knee, in front of Ginny, and pulled from his pocket an exquisite ring of gold.

"Ginny, you have stuck with me, after everything I've been through, and I love you more than the sun and the stars, will you marry me?" Harry said softly, you could hear in his voice how in love he was with Ginny, and how earnestly he wanted Ginny to be his wife. Hermione smiled at the scene before her, Ginny was absolutely beside herself, crying and smiling, kissing and hugging Harry.

"Yes! Yes! A million times yes!" She cried out loud, potentially rupturing Harry's ear drum which she was yelling into, but he only laughed, lifted her into the air and gave her a passionate, loving kiss.

"Wanna give them some space Herms?" Ron whispered into her ear, using the nickname she absolutely hated, but put up with for the sake of saving arguments, and with a brief nod Hermione followed Ron into the gardens out front of his parents' house. Taking Hermione by the hand he led her to one of the nicer areas of the homes garden, where his mother had set up a bench beneath a tree, it was simple, just the way Hermione liked it. She had often come to this bench as a place to relax and calm herself whenever she felt overwhelmed. She supposed Ron knew that too, and that was why he would bring her there. Ron looked into Hermione's eyes, and gave a small sigh.

"They seem so happy together in there" Ron began "Do you think we will end up married like them one day?" Ron questioned "It would be like a dream come true" He continued before Hermione could respond to his question. It was not one that Hermione had expected, they hadn't even started dating, just a few gentle kisses and tender hugs throughout their wanderings during the war. "Hermione?" Ron asked patiently. He had obviously been waiting for a response.

Hermione took a deep breath and looked into Ron's eyes, truthfully Hermione didn't know what to say, but before she knew what was happening, she realised her mouth was already talking for her,
"Maybe one day Ron, maybe we could be happy together" and she gave a slight smile full of warmth, being her best friend Hermione was so comfortable with Ron, they were like two peas in a pod, and she loved Ron greatly.

"Marry me Herms" Ron said eagerly, a grin covering his face as he continued to gaze hopefully at Hermione's, carefully reading her expression.

"Oh Ron, I can't marry you now! We're much too young! Besides, we aren't even dating!" Hermione said, with a giggle, hoping to cover the awkwardness that suddenly consumed her, none of this was expected. Though, there was a feeling of quilt that washed through Hermione as she saw Ron look down and bite his lip, as though deeply disappointed, but within a flash he met her gaze again and smiled, "Date me now then". And that's how Hermione got her very first boyfriend. It was not the most romantic of gestures, but, it was enough for Hermione.

Together Hermione and Ron were finally happy, they were settling after the war, they spend many hours together, walking through the gardens, cuddling together on the lounger, and giving small affectionate pecks whenever they thought no one was looking, for the new couple life was absolute bliss, Hermione felt as if she were in heaven.

The days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, following this same pattern, the house seemed almost at peace, Molly was having far less breakdowns now, two of her eldest boys had passed away, and it had affected her badly, though, she was successfully distracting herself by planning Harry and Ginny's wedding, though it weren't to happen for a good while. Strangely enough, very little seemed to have changed in the wizarding world, Voldemort was defeated, everyone had celebrated, and then, everyone went back to their normal lives as if nothing was different.

Before too long it was time for the group of friends to return to Hogwarts and complete their last year of education together, due to the sheer number of students who had been unable to complete their 7th year due to the war.

It was going to be very different this year, with many students losing their lives, no more Professor Dumbledore, and now more worrying about Death Eater attacks. Hermione was conflicted with her emotions, excited and happy to have been invited back to Hogwarts and finish her study and then earn herself a position in society after graduation, as well as see old friends like Luna and Neville, though she was sad and nervous about returning to the castle, with so many memories of the loss, and much of the castle destroyed, and only small portions restored to their former glory.

She had spoken to both Harry and Ron about her dilemma, and they both understood her feelings, neither had any answers or advice though, not that she had really expected it, sometimes it was just nice to get Hermione's thoughts and feelings out.

Before long the group had been herded to the platform and were waiting for the Hogwarts express to depart, sitting together in a compartment, Ginny was practically sitting on Harrys lap, trying to get closer and closer to Harry, whispering sweet nothings to each other, giggling and smiling. Hermione was so happy for them, Harry had been through a lot, and she was glad to see him happy again, and stress free. Turning to Ron her smile grew, she had been getting ready to tell Ron that she loved him, but she had never said it to a boy before.

"I'm so happy to be going back! It'll be great to see all the teachers again! We have so much to learn! And our NEWTS are coming up!" Hermione gushed to Ron, causing him to chuckle and mess up her hair, something he had taken to doing a lot, making Hermione scowl. She had actually tried to look decent this morning, styling her hair into a half up do, and wearing make up for one of the first times since the Yule ball.

"Of course you're excited Herms! You will be top of the class no doubt, unlike me" Ron said sounding a little put out, being the jealous type Ron hated how Hermione was so academic and couple face her NEWTS that very day and not have to worry about failing. He on the other hand, struggled with most every subject, though his defensive skills had rapidly expanded during their travels.

"Oh Ron" Hermione started with a sigh, "You only need to put in a bit more effort and do some study, I can make you a new schedule this year, and before you know it, your grades will improve beyond measure! Why don't we get started on study now? It is never too early to get started" Hermione continued, always trying to help and always being ignored and sometimes even ridiculed for her habits.

But, the way Hermione saw it, she shouldn't be teased for being a book lover, and if you were going to mope about not being smart enough, then it was your own fault and you should pick up some books. Ron, as usual did not heed her advice, he rolled his eyes and set about separating his best friend and little sister from their own little tongue war and began dressing for their arrival at Hogwarts.

The train pulled in at Hogsmede, and the first years were once again rounded up by Hagrid, they were still taking boats up to the castle this year it seemed, the small tradition bought a smile to Hermione's face, but that was before she heard the gasps of the older students around her.

She could understand why, just about every one of the students had seen death now, and they could all see the truth behind the apparent horseless carriages. Students of all ages stared at the beasts in disbelief, and Hermione felt her heart go out to the younger children, some as young as 12, they should not be seeing these creatures.

Walking up to one second year girl, Hermione had never met her before, but she looks absolutely horrified by what she saw "They're call Threstrals, they have always led the carriages to Hogwarts, they aren't exactly pretty, but really, they are nice creatures" she said, giving the girls shoulder a squeeze and walking off to find her friends again.