While I may own all ideas and plot, I do not own the characters, will never own the characters and have never owned the characters
Prologue
Draco Malfoy lay in his bed, immobile as he looked into nothing but darkness and memories. The king sized, Cherry-wood, four post bed would've comforted anybody with its black satin sheets, goose feather comforter and pillows you could lose yourself in. But today it did not comfort Draco. Much like the last night and the night before. Just like always, it brought haunted memories and past wishes. Movement on Draco's left side brought him back to the present, if only for a moment. He looked at the petite brunette next to him. Her long, luscious hair covered the pillow like butter spread over toast. Her fair skin shimmered with the mornings first light. He had enjoyed his night with – Karen? No, that wasn't her name. Karen had been two months earlier. This was – Lauren. That was it, Lauren. He rolled on his side and lightly caressed her velvet skin. Even though it was delightful, it was not the skin he wanted to caress.
Hermione Granger stood in the bedroom door-frame of her small two bedroom flat. She knew who occupied her bed again. The red hair was unmistakable. Even as children, she was always able to pick the red head out of a crowd. But lately Ron had started to grow distant. He had always been open with her. Or at least tried to be. But ever since... a stray tear escaped her eye as she brushed it away, trying not to think about it. Walking to the kitchen, her hallway was covered with photos of the past that made her smile. Those had been the best times it seemed. Walking past a hanging mirror, Hermione took a quick double glance at herself. Her golden brown locks hung a little more loosely around her face. Not the massive frizz ball she once was. She pulled her bangs to the side and examined the deep gash on her forehead. It was healing up nicely but she knew she would forever have a scar. 'The Girl who Lived' she thought to herself. The joke had once amused her but now... now it just daunted her. Sighing, she fixed her hair. A certain picture caught her eye. One she knew she had but hadn't remembered displaying.
"So son, how are things?"
"Fine father. Yourself?" Draco asked drilling into his meat. Most everyone at the dinner table could feel the tension. Ever since Draco and his father had had their 'falling out', the relationship between them had suffered. Not like it had been a stable relationship in the first place.
"Draco?" whispered the delicate tenor next to him. He looked into Lauren's eyes, full of concern. But she wasn't looking back at him. Instead they were focused on his dinner plate. Not only had he mauled his meat, he had scratched up his mothers china. He looked around the table. Everyone had their eyes focused on him. He cleared his throat.
"Sorry mother, I'll... I'll replace it. Excuse me." Without a glance at anyone else he left.
He walked out into the garden. While it still held its luscious red roses and blankets of daisies, this place no longer held any beauty for him. This garden had been her favorite place. But when she left, it died with her. Now, when he looked around, all he saw was grey.
"Darling, are you alright?" His mother placed a caring hand on his shoulder. She reached over with her other and forced him to look at her. When she saw his eyes she knew what was wrong.
"She is never coming back Draco"