Chapter 1- The Battle and The Aftermath

It was over, the battle was finally over. Many died on both sides. As a young petite witch stood in the battlefield with her wand at her side ready to attack or throw up a shield if needed, her body and mind still in the wake of adrenaline that was rushing through her veins. Hermione Granger stood in middle of battlefield and looked around herself. She saw what she always knew was coming but always wished that it wouldn't.

She knew that one day there will be the one battle that would decide the fate of the whole world both muggle and wizarding. And she also knew that being bestfriend of Harry Potter she would always be at the centre of the battle.

Seven years ago when no one wanted to be her friend it was Harry and Ron who became her best friends. Though they both bullied her as well especially Ron in the beginning but despite that they came to rescue her from the troll, risking their own life. That day she had vowed to herself that she would always be there for them whenever the would need her, and would always be supportive of them no matter what.

Speaking of Harry and Ron she looked around frantically, searching for them. She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw them both crouched near a body with the rest of the Weasleys surrounding them. When she neared the site and saw the pained expression of Harry she knew it that the body was Ginny's even before looking at the body.

She stood behind Percy and saw the now lifeless body of her best friend's little sister. There on the ground was Ginny Weasley laying peacefully that if it weren't for her lifeless brown eyes one would think that she was sleeping with her eyes open. Next to Ginny's body holding her hand in his own was her best friend. He was sobbing when he looked at Hermione with those green almond shaped eyes.

"" Hermione look at her, she promised me that she would be there for me and that we'll have our happily ever after, she told me about all the places we'll go and even decided the name of the babies we would have had "". He was crying uncontrollably now. ""She lied to me Hermione, why does it always has to be me? why should I always sacrifice for the fucking greater good ? why 'mione?""

He was a complete mess now. Hermione's never seen him so much broken not after Sirius's death atleast. Her heart went out to him. She crouched down and hugged him tight. Seeing him like this was a very heart wrenching scene for her. She knew that Harry loved Ginny but she never realised the depth of his feelings for the red haired girl whom she herself considered as a younger sister of sorts.

""It'll be alright Harry. Everything would be okay!. You're stronger than this Harry"". He was still crying and was clinging to her. She steeled herself knowing that she might sound harsh now but knew that she needed to say what she was about to say to Harry or he'll never recover. She nudged him slightly with her shoulders making him look at her through his blood shot eyes.

"" Hey Harry! look around yourself, they've all lost someone dear to them, someone whom they love endlessly , this is what happens when there are battles, no one remains unscathed. I know how much grief you are feeling right now and I know that you're tired of playing the role of the the unsaid leader. But right now they all, "" she gestured to the people around them, few crouching around the ones who had fallen, others either capturing the death eaters or tending to the injured, "" they need you Harry, they need the confirmation that Voldemort is gone forever, that they would not have to live there life in fear anymore and you are the only one whom they'll believe Harry"".

Harry looked around himself and saw that almost everyone was grieving for their lost ones. He knew what he had to do. So he summoned up his Gryffindor bravery and stood up.

"" Survivors"" because that's what they all were , survivors of this war, he said it in his most authoritative voice, the voice he only reserved for when he was about to discuss something very very important and wanted everyone's complete attention. Though he needn't to use it much since his presence alone caused people around him to hang on to his each and every action and word. So it wasn't much of a surprise when all the survivors of both the sides focussed on him.

Harry cleared his throat and Hermione and Ron sensing his need for support put a comforting hand on each of you his shoulder. He glanced at them gratefully to which they both smiled a little. This gave him the required energy to face the people.

""It's over now guys! Voldemort is gone for good this time."" At this their were sighs of relief as well as some outburst from the death eaters who were captured by the aurors and the Order members. ""It's time that we all forgo our pasts and step towards a new future. I assure you that this time Voldemort is gone and won't be able to return , we made sure of that."" He said pointing towards himself, Hermione and Ron."" You all may continue whatever you were doing, "". He turned towards Ginny again. Sensing that he was done and relieved that the Dark Lord won't be returning the mob went back to whatever they were doing before.

Harry stared at Ginny's body which was now surrounded by all the Weasleys, Ron was standing by his side though along with Hermione. He suddenly thought what he would've done without the two of them. He sent them a grateful smile which seemed more of a grimace though it seemed as if they understood because Hermione in turn gave his hand a squeeze whilst Ron have him a little nod.

Hermione saw around herself again, everywhere she saw there was blood and debris. Blood of friends and foes alike. Debris of the once great castle, the castle which was like a second home to almost everyone who fought in the battle, be it the light side or the dark side. The castle that saw meeky preteens turning into fine young men and women in the seven years that every student spends there.

As the three of them stood there shoulder to shoulder gazing over the iluminous castle and the bodies and debris lying everywhere, Hermione suddenly felt claustrophobic . It seemed preposterous as she was standing in the open, yet, being surrounded by so many bodies made her stomach churn. She decided that she needed some time and fresh air, air which wasn't polluted by the scent of blood and burnt objects.

She turned towards her two best friends and said, "" I need some fresh air I'll... I'll just ..."" she trailed off and gestured towards the clearing , unable to speak much, though they both understood and nodded along.

""Yeah, I could use some fresh air as well"" said Harry , fixing his glasses and running a hand through his messy hair make it even more messier.

""Umm, I'll just... I'll be here with Ginny."" said Ron looking at his sister's lifeless form with raw pain in his eyes, tears threatening to fall. Hermione hugged him tightly for a few moments then drew back slightly.

She cupped his cheeks with her hands and looked him in the eye and said "" Everything will be fine Ron, we'll be okay. Right now your family needs you. Be with them."" She knew that he was reluctant to leave her and Harry in fear of losing them to some death eater who wanted revenge. Though at the same time he looked as if he wanted to be there with his family grieving for his baby sister as he used to call Ginny. But it seemed as if her words gave him the assurance he needed.

He didn't say anything, but he need not to, as his eyes showed his gratefulness. So he tilted his head slightly and kissed the inside of her left wrist. It wasn't an intimate gesture rather it was the way he showed his thankfulness to her. She just smiled at him and

patted his right cheek lovingly and whispered ""Now go.""

She watched him go near his family and turned to her other friend. He was looking at her with a strange expression. She was about to ask him but he beat her to it.""I'll be around 'mione! I.. I really need some air, I need to be out of this place even if for only few moments ... I need some time for myself I guess. Send me a patronus if needed.""

She nodded, understanding his need for privacy and watched him go as well. She sighed then turned and started walking towards the Shrieking Shack. It was the place where she went whenever she wasn't feeling good. So that's where she headed for the comfort she knew the place would provide. Suddenly she stopped short when she spotted a head of platinum blonde hair. She was just a few feets away from him. Though his back was towards her she knew of only two wizards who had that shade of hair in the whole wizarding world. As the one sitting in front of her was looking considerably young and had short hair she instantly knew that the wizard with his head cradled between his palms was none other than Draco Malfoy.

A/N - Hey guys!!!! so how was it !???? liked it? hated it???

Well... Can you see the blue button which has Review written over it ??? yeah ? please click on it and review about the story.

By the way we'll be having a bit of dramione stuff in the next chapter .. Anddddd one more thing this will be a story in which Hermione is paired with Harry, Ron and Draco... So yeah I kinda love all three of the guys so I decided why not just write a story revolving around them..