Author Note: Thank you for reading.I've brainstormed some ideas for this chapter, I hope you enjoy reading it. I apologise if I make any spelling or grammar errors. Please review, whether it's good or bad, I want to know. It will help me alot.
Thank You.
Chapter One - Battle of Hogwarts Observance Day
It has been a year since the battle at Hogwarts. Hermione sat quietly in the Great Hall where staff and students gathered to remember those who sacrified themselves against Lord Voldemort. Out of The Golden Trio, Hermione returned to Hogwarts to complete her 7th year, where as Harry and Ron worked for the Ministry of Magic, to train as Aurors.
Silence filled the hall as Professor McGonagall rose from her chair, addressing everyone during this somber occasion, "Today we remember those who we've lost, our family, our friends, our people. The ones who sacrifice gave us our freedom and right in this world. Today we give thanks to them for helping us become united, a family. This has affected us greatly, but with support of family, friends and everyone here, we shall become stronger and build a brighter future," she said in a calm demeanor.
After her heart-felt speech, her eyes focused on Hermione, giving her a kind smile. Professor McGonagall cared for Hermione ever since she started at Hogwarts. She saw great potential in her as a truly gifted student. Hermione's eyes build up with tears as she gazed at the large stained glass window of the Great Hall, the war still embedded in her mind.
When the somber event finished, Hermione got changed into her casual pink shirt and jeans and made her way out of the Castle. There were no classes this day. She made her way to Hogsmeade, entering The Three Broomsticks to meet up with Harry and Ron. They were sitting at the bar chatting. Harry looked at Hermione's direction, "Hermione!" Harry exclaimed, they rushed to Hermione and embraced her.
"Harry, Ron! I've missed you," she cried, wrapping her arms around her two favourite guys.
"We've missed you too" Ron said and kissed her forehead.
The Golden Trio went to the bar and got themselves butter-beers, "How's working as an auror. Must be intensive work" she asked.
"We've had many cases, we are still trying to hunt the remaining Death-eaters, who escaped after the war. Lucky for us, we've received intel. We still working on it" Harry sighed.
Hermione looked at both Harry and Ron, they looked so stressed and guessed that visiting her would be a great reliever for them.
She looked over to Ron who started to become nervous upon Hermione's gaze, "How have you been Ron?" she asked, tilting her headed with a smile.
"I'm well. Locking up the bad guys has become my favourite hobby," he said, gazing Hermione's chocolate eyes.
He and Hermione were a couple since the war. A month after, Ron became depressed, he started drinking alcohol excessively to numb his mind from the horrific nightmare the battle of Hogwarts has done to him. When he became an Auror for the Ministry, it worsen. He became verbally abusive and deceitful. Hermione couldn't tolerate his behaviour and separated before she returned to Hogwarts. Now Ron has stopped drinking and has realised what he had lost as a result. He felt remorseful for mistreating her and wanted to reconcile and be the bright couple once again however he did not wish to pressure her so.
"I've been sober for over three months now," Ron said out of the blue.
She smiled at Ron and wrapped her arms around his waist, "I'm so proud of you," she said.
The reunited Golden Trio chat, joked and laughed. Hermione missed Harry and Ron not being at Hogwarts, she felt more alive and energetic around them. When she returned for her last year at Hogwarts, Hermione became depressed, she would avoid contact with other people and study in the library, day and night. She hardly sleeps due to the reoccurring nightmares of the battle. Her change of behaviour concerned her teachers and House-mates, they tried to help her, even with Ginny Weasley but with no success.
"Does anyone want a refill my dears?" Madam Rosmerta asked, cleaning her bar.
Hermione realised that her curfew was coming close, "No thank you. Harry, Ron, I have to get back. Thank you for visiting," her eyes beginning to tear.
"You're welcome Mione, we have to go as well, we have work in an hour. Best be prepared" Harry said as he hugged Hermione, "You take care, sis. Stay in touch ok."
"Ok Harry. Take care," wiping the tears of her face.
"Harry, can I speak with Hermione alone for a moments," Ron asked. Harry nodded in response and waved at Hermione before walking out.
Hermione had anticipated an awkward situation between her and Ron. He entwined his hands on hers and smiled. He couldn't help but stare into her chocolate-brown eyes that he always adored.
She is so beautiful, he thought to himself.
"Mione, I want to prove to you that I can change and be the man you want me to be. I love you with all my heart. I would do anything and be anything for you. I have made mistakes in the past that I have put behind me but never forgotten. I will understand your decision about our relationship, no pressure," he said, his hands squeezing gentle on hers.
Hermione saw how sincere he was but she remembered how deceitful he was. She softly brushed her hand on his face, "Ron, I know you have worked hard the last few months. Please give me time to think about this ok," she asked.
He nodded before she kissed his cheeks, making his cheeks red. Hermione noticed and giggled.
"Take care Hermione, I will see you soon," he said, hugging her tightly before walking out to meet Harry.
The night sky was sublime, stars sparkling like crystals and the wind blissfully whispering through the forest. Hermione took her time walking back to the castle, admiring the stunning landscape. She stopped and stared at the nearby lake. The moon and stars shined brightly through the lake's reflection. She sighed and sat down on a boulder. She inhaled the fresh breeze then exhaled, it was time to mediate.
When Lord Voldemort returned, Hermione had foreseen a gruesome battle and many deaths. After telling her parents of his return, they considered not letting her return to school, however Albus came to visit and convince them that Hermione, along with Harry and Ron were the key to destroy Lord Voldemort and restore peace to the magical and muggle society. Her parents reluctantly agreed for her to return and negotiated that their daughter, along with Harry and Ron have protection, which Albus accepted.
Fearing for Hermione's safety, her father sent her to Kung Fu classes, learning a fighting technique called Snake Fist. With her fast learning ability, she had mastered those techniques in a matter of months and has secretly practiced in the Room of Requirement when she returned to Hogwarts.
Hermione inhaled and exhaled, her inner voice spoke, reflecting the past.
Deaths, many deaths, 365 days from today, 8674 hours ago, 525,948 minutes and counting. I'm still haunted by Lavender's eyes, black like the void, nothing was there just a lifeless body. Why am I thinking about her? Others have died too. But I witnessed her being slaughtered by a monster, an evil beast that I would have kill time and time again. If I had the chance, I would bring Voldemort back to life and kill him again. I hate him and his Death-eaters pets. I hope that he and his lapdogs forever burn in hell.
Hermione stood firmly still, surrounded by flames and destruction. There was flashes of red and green orbs cast everywhere. She took a step forward and saw Lavender's body being savaged by a werewolf, Fenrir Greyback. She grasp her wand and fired towards the werewolf, sending him flying out of sight. Hermione ran towards Lavender, to help, but black smoke darkened Hermione's vision.
"Well well, hello Hermione" Ron appeared, his voice sounded sinister.
He gave an evil smirk and waved his wand, "If I can't have you, no one will. Avada Kedavra!" a green light flashed towards Hermione.
She screamed in terror sitting up from the sofa in the Common Room. She woke up from her nightmare crying. She looked upstairs checking if anyone woken up but there was no response. She curled up into a ball crying and afraid to fall asleep.
Hermione is returning home after completing her last year at Hogwarts. She grew excited and soon will be reuniting with her parents. After the Battle at Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic restored Hermione's parents memories and had arranged for them to return to England.
Hermione arrived in front of her parent's house, "Home sweet home," she muttered to herself. She knocked on her parent's door.
"Coming!" her mother, Marie exclaimed.
She opened the door and gazed upon her daughter, "Hermione," she said softly.
"Mummy," they both looked at each other, their eyes filled with tears.
Marie embraced her daughter and kissed her head, it was an emotional time for them both.
"My dove," her father, Warren appeared.
"Daddy!" Hermione exclaimed, he came forward and joined the embrace.
"Oh dear, this is very emotional," her mother cried, "Come my dear, we'll settle you in."
Marie served dinner in the dining room, the table was elegantly decorated, perfect for a home-coming occasion. They all talked endlessly about their lives.
"Mum, Dad, I got something else to say," Hermione said, her parents look at with anticipation "I've achieved my O.W.L and N.E.W.T exams."
Marie bounced in excitement and approached Hermione, giving her a big hug followed by Warren.
"Me and your mother are proud of you, my dove. You're a remarkable Witch ever," he said before kissing her head.
"Oh, I have something for you my dear" Marie said, she went into the kitchen and returned with a present wrapped in gold with a blue bow on top "a home-coming gift from me and your father"
"Oh Mum, Dad," Hermione said, "you shouldn't have. Thank you so much," Hermione smiled and kissed her parents. She unwrapped the present, it was a jewelry box, inside was an emerald necklace carried by white gold chain.
Hermione awed, "My gosh, Mum, Dad. This is amazing. Thank you so so much," she embraced her parents once more.
I missed them so much, we'll be a happy family, again, Hermione smiled at the happily ever after thought.
Hermione laid down on her bed staring at the roof. I guess I should start job searching since there is nothing to do here, Hermione thought, may be I could ask Harry if I can work as an Auror for the Ministry, I've got the experience and surely he can get me in.
Her eyelids started to get heavy as her body adjusted comfortably in bed. Suddenly she heard a screeching sound coming from her bedroom window, "Oh who would be messaging me at this hour," Hermione muttered seeing the owl waiting outside. She walked towards the window and opened it, "how are you my friend?"
She stroked the owl's feathers and detached the envelope from the owl before it ascended into the night sky. The envelope had the Ministry of Magic logo on it. It made her heart pound as she opened it:
Dear Miss Hermione Granger ,
I would like to congratulate you for successfully completing and achieving your O.W.L and N.E.W.T examinations.
Looking at your academic record from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you have excelled in all your subjects and Headmistress Professor McGonagall holds you in high esteem. I have witnessed your exceptional talents, which I consider an asset.
I would like to offer you the role as a Representative for the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. The role offered is due to your efforts in introducing a policy of equality status for all Magical Creatures.
Furthermore, I would like to invite you to the 1999 Quidditch World Cup Championship, which will be held at the Quidditch Trillenium Stadium on 5 July 1999. If you graciously attend, you will be escorted to the private chambers with me and my other colleagues.
Shall you have any inquiries or agree to this great opportunity, please respond to this letter or we can discuss this at the Quidditch World Cup.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours Sincerely
Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic.
Hermione read the letter. Her ability within the Ministry to influence policies and eradicate inequality, injustice and slavery to Magical creatures would become a reality. She isn't a fan of Quidditch, however she wanted to meet with Kingsley in person. So she decided to attend at the Quidditch World Cup in the next few days. She placed the letter on her desk and returned to her bed.
As she lay on her bed, she kept thinking about the offer Kingsley has made for her, "Well I don't need to look for a job anymore. Looks like I won't sleep tonight" she muttered to herself.
Hermione apparated to the Quidditch Trillenium Stadium entrance way. She remembered the last time she went to the stadium with Harry and the Weasleys, back when the Death-eaters were terrorising the last Quidditch World Cup. Observing the stadium with swarming crowds squeezing through the entrance, she noticed Aurors securing the perimeters of the stadium.
"Hello Miss Granger," she heard a male voice frightening her. She turned to see Ron in his Auror uniform smiling at her.
"Ron you scared me," she said, playfully hitting Ron's arm.
"Please forgive me," he said in a professional tone "I am here to escort you to the Minister's chambers, if you could follow me," Ron escorted her away from the crowd and through a magical wall leading them to the private boxes of the stadium.
"Here you go milady," Ron said, showing her the Minister's private box, "the Minister is having discussions with the Russian Ambassador, he should be back in 10 minutes tops. please make yourself comfortable and enjoy, just let me or the team know if you need anything".
Hermione smiled at Ron and brushed her hand gently on his face.
"Thank you Ron for bringing me here," she said softly.
Ron brushed her hair to the side "you're welcome, Mione" he softly whispered, gazing her chocolate eyes. He gently pushed away as he needed to get back to work, "I have to go Mione. I'll see you soon."
"Ok Ron," she replied and with that he left.
She sat down on a comfy chair and watched the Quidditch game, while waiting for the Minister. The Match was Bulgaria Vs Ireland.
It was already 40 minutes into the game and Ireland is winning by 60 points. The two Irish chasers, Troy and Moran pass the quaffle side by side each other. They moved towards the goal post, Moran made his attempt shot to the hoop but Bulgarian Keeper, Lev deflected the quaffle with the bristles of his broom. Bulgarian chaser, Alexei manoeuvre his way to catch the quaffle and made haste to their goal post. Irish beater, Connolly batted the bludger towards Alexei, hitting him off his broom and the quaffle falling down. Moran rushed towards the quaffle, but got intercepted by Clara, another Bulgarian chaser, she caught the quaffle and continued to their goal post.
Bulgarian Seeker, Viktor and his counterpart Aidan were in pursuit to capture the golden snitch. Viktor easily sped past Aidan, closing distance to the snitch. He manoeuvred himself off his broom catching the snitch into his hands. Descending from the sky, Viktor sped towards his falling broom. He grasp on to his broom and positioned himself in the air. The spectators roared with applause, the match is over and Bulgaria won. The amazing display of fireworks ascended to the sky, Viktor celebrated, raising the snitch in his hand.
Among the applause and fireworks, a beautiful women met his gaze. Her wavy bronze hair shined elegantly and her skin glowing against the sun. Viktor's eyes marvelled her tantalizing curves and became captivated by her heart-shaped face and sparkling brown eyes. She smiled at him, making his heart melt and turning his world upside down.
"Hermione" he whispered in his Bulgarian accent.