Hermione and Bill, both in their twenties now, were alike in many ways. Each focusing on promising careers, they allowed their work to consume their lives.
She had been wary of rushing into a relationship before the Hogwarts' doors could even close behind her. With so many of her peers, namely Ron, looking to settle down and begin their own families, Hermione joined the ever shrinking pool of young graduates pouring themselves into their careers.
He was disheartened by Fleur's abrupt departure only weeks before their intended wedding. After the war, he threw himself into the work he loved, even traveling routinely back to Egypt for special Gringotts assignments.
Somehow, these two paths crossed, leading them to one another.
The Last One There
Summer, five years after the war . . .
The exuberant crowd that gathered to celebrate the mid-summer homecoming at Hogwarts had all but died down as the musicians played their instruments for the final time this evening. Many left, returning to their respective homes; others were milling around the castle in fond remembrance of their time spent within the castle's walls.
For Bill and Hermione, though, the weekend was drawing to a close much too quickly. The magic of Hogwarts had served as the backdrop to the culmination of months of dancing around their feelings for one another.
The two could be easily seen as they were among the last to dance, if only anyone were paying attention. Neither seemed to notice, though, as they kept their eyes locked onto the other.
Her full gown skimmed the marble as Bill led them across the floor. The floating candles that created a pavilion above them illuminated the white, iridescent material that swirled around her legs.
To him, she resembled the beautiful fairies adorning the garland strung around the Great Hall. He felt like that plain, somewhat tattered bough that was made immeasurably better by their appearance; his scars were less noticeable when she was in his arms. And, her eyes . . he could get lost in their depths, revel in the warmth they exuded, and hope to one day figure out what she saw in him.
Stepping in time with the music, he guided her closer to his body until the front of her dress brushed against his chest.
"We can't go back to the way things were before tonight," he whispered to her in a rumbling voice.
"No, this weekend has been wonderful and tonight . . ." she trailed off at a loss for words.
She smiled as she remembered their first encounter . . . .
Author's Note: all characters and setting references to Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.