Prologue
Hermione opened her eyes in an unfamiliar room. Through the bleak light she could just make out off- white walls, a small tv, two twin beds, and a suitcase. A hotel. How did she wind up in a hotel? Whose sweater lay at the foot of the bed? Maroon, wool and itchy, it reminded her of the boy who proclaimed his love to her. But that was in the better times. Dark times, sure. But better. Sighing, she realized how tired she was. Closing her eyes once again, she reflected on how different her life was. She wasn't always this girl. Waking up in a sketchy hotel would of seemed repulsive six months back. She'd had friends, a plan, and she belonged. But that had all changed..
1
Right after the war ended, life had been a dream. It's all a blur of parties, weddings, and happy days. Harry's face graced the covers of every wizarding newspaper or magazine available. Families were reunited, prisoners freed, and our world was rebuilding. 'The Golden Trio' as we were proclaimed rarely got a moment alone. That's when I first noticed it.
After Ron's proclamation of love during the battle, everyone had expected us to blossom into a couple. I guess I had too. We had all settled back in the Burrow to relax into a summer of peace. Ginny, Harry, Ron, and I played quidditch until evening, then Ginny and Harry would quietly walk down to the gardens, their just-audible whispers floating back to us. That first night, I reached for Ron's hand leading us to the silent field, but he just smiled and led me into the house to spend time with our visitors. I understood this, as we almost always had someone from the Order stopping by to celebrate those first weeks. But I slowly started noticing how he averted his eyes from my questioning glances. As Ginny and Harry grew closer, we grew farther apart. Conversation seemed forced- small talk about weather, the new government. What had changed after the battle? I couldn't be sure.
Throughout our entire relationship, the Golden Trio had a common goal- defeat Voldemort. We were pushed together in efforts to complete this goal. I honestly couldn't tell you if we'd even still be friends without the war. What other interests do we share? Harry's need to discover his past brings out a brave leader. Ron was always pushing, harder and harder to measure up to his brothers. And me? I always needed a goal. A challenge.
But we completed our challenge. When we were fighting, I guess we never realized how life would be after the war. Leading the way in the new Ministry? Finish school? Teach? The future seemed endless.
But the Ministry thinks of us as war heros, not politicians to be taken seriously. Harry is fine with this, as he has become an even larger celebrity with the title of Savior of the Wizarding World. Ron seems content with his job of helping oversee the Hogwarts quidditch teams. But I'm lost. It seems there is nowhere open for me. With Ron always gone, Harry and Ginny altogether, and former classmates off in the workplace, I don't know where I belong.
So begins my story.