Disclaimer: Hello everyone! I'm just here to let you know I don't own anything. The only thing I'll claim is the plot and any of my own characters! I hope you enjoy the story!

How can a world be so cruel? It seemed as though the war was still affecting the world, even almost 5 years after its end. While some of the people involved had been permitted to move on and enjoy quiet lives, others still lived on under the scrutiny of the public eye. Many galas were thrown in honor of the fallen as the Ministry tried to piece the world back together. Families struggled to move on after losing a loved one. Others kept to themselves afraid of going outside again.

Many who fought for the side of light had been permitted to move on without constant reminder of the battle. Others fought tooth and nail to get people to leave them alone. The need to be left alone was one thing that people from both sides had in common.

4 Years 51 Weeks Post Battle

Things haven't been the easiest for Draco these last years. First there was all of the constant Prophet articles labeling him a criminal. With articles such as "Death Eater Family Found After Battle" to "Malfoy Heir and Death Eater to face Trial" there was no question as to why everyone leered at him and whispered. Hell, it took months and a statement from Minister Shacklebolt to halt the death threats he had received. With Lucius behind bars, and his mother to take care of, privacy was of utmost importance. Despite being cleared of all charges, there were still comments made in his general direction anytime he was spotted out.

Hermione's life, while not as horrid, was no less dramatic. Between sitting for her Newts, accepting a position at the ministry, all of the accolades thrust upon her, and losing her parents, it was not wonder why she pulled away from the people close to her. First she broke it off with Ron. It was only logical that the Weasley clan as a whole was next. It was when she pushed Harry away and immersed herself in her work that it was decided something had to be done. Harry and Ginny decided that she would move into Grimmauld Place with them. The young couple had just been married, but the worry for their friend took place over the need to be alone.

Hermione

Monday evening:

Hermione had arrived at her flat one day after work to fine that everything was gone. Only a note on the counter had been left behind.

Hermione

Yes we took your things. Yes you may yell at us when you get here.

No you don't have the option or a choice.

See you at 8 for dinner.

HG*

Her temper boiled inside her. How dare they do this? And without discussing it with her. Without a thought, she stepped into the fireplace keen on letting them know where they could shove their wands.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" She yelled stepping dusting ash off of her shoulder.

"He's not home yet." A voice answered from a corner.

"Ginevera. I'm only asking you this once, and I will ask nicely. Where are my things." Hermione bit out.

"In our vault." The red head shrugged.

"Why are you doing this? I have enough going on without worrying about you stealing my stuff as some sort of joke."

"It's not a joke 'Mione. We are worried about you and you're going to be living with us until the three of us decide otherwise." Harry said from the door way.

The young man looked as though he was 10 years older than he was. He had let his hair grow out enough that his scar could remain hidden from prying eyes. He looked as though he was gaining some weight, but not quite enough to make his lean physique look muscled. Loosening his tie and running a hand through his hair, he sat down on the loveseat. When me motioned for her to sit, she did.

"Harry, you can't do this."

"Like hell I can't. Hermione, you're like a sister to me. Watching you go down the path you have, alone, it's not right. You're turning into a robot. You wake up, get coffee, go to work, skip lunch, get home late, maybe eat something, go to bed, and start the process all over again hours later! You're withering away into nothing. I can't watch you do this anymore. I love you damnit. I worry about you. Since I can't trust you to be alone and be happy and healthy, Ginny and I are going to help you through whatever the hell it is your going through."

"I know I'm not alone. I just went to lunch with Ginny the other week. Work has been hell. I've had to set everything up for the 5th Anniversary and I've been swamped. You can't get mad just because I'm not telling you my every minute!" She said heatedly.

"We went to lunch two and a half months ago. Right after the wedding. We haven't seen you since." Ginny whispered.

"It has not been that long. And I've seen you since the wedding! I'll prove it" Hermione defended, pulling a small planner out of her bag.

Flipping through the pages, Hermione realized they were right. She hadn't seen them in nearly 3 months. Sure, Harry worked at the Ministry as well, but it's not like they were right down the hall from each other and spoke daily. Time really had gotten away from her. No wonder her friends were worried.

"I- I hadn't realized that I had gotten so bad." Hermione whispered, tears forming in her eyes.

Ginny walked over to her friend. Pulling her into a hug, she nodded toward Harry as Hermione broke down. Letting her go she paused before leaving the room.

"I'm going to check on dinner. I'll let you two talk."

"Oh Harry." Hermione sobbed.

Standing up to comfort his friend, Harry shushed her until her sobs turned into hiccups. Pulling away, green eyes met brown.

"I can't make you stay. But Ginny and I want you here. At least until you figure out how to balance everything. Please 'Mione, for your own good. Stay here." He pleaded.

"I'll decide over dinner. I don't agree with your methods, but I'll consider your offer." She nodded.

Realizing that it was the best he was going to get at the moment, Harry ushered her toward the dining room. Hermione smiles when she heard him muttering about hard headed women.

Dinner went by a lot smoother than Harry had thought it would. Hermione and Ginny were happily discussing Ginny's plans for decorating the house. He couldn't believe that he had let things get so bad between his family. Sure he'd seen Ron about two times a month, and molly and Arthur more regularly, but he'd almost let hermione slip through the cracks. Part of him felt guilty for letting his happiness blind him to her situation. Lost deep in his thoughts he wouldn't have heard his wife had she not snapped in his face.

"Really Harry. Didn't you hear what 'Mione said?"

"No, I guess I zoned out for a second." He chuckled.

"I said I would stay here with you both. You're right, I do need someone to keep me in check. But it'll only be temporary, a year at most. And I get to help out with everything. I don't want to be treated like a guest." Hermione repeated.

"Perfect. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to take a shower and go to sleep. It's been a long day." Harry said.

After he left, the girls cleaned up and went to continue talking. Ginny had finally convinced Hermione to owl Kingsley and ask for the day off so they could get her settled in.

"Hopefully this will be for the best." Hermione said to herself.

Draco

Tuesday Morning:

Draco Malfoy was not going to risk this interview for all the galleons in the world. He's finally managed to pull some strings and get a job interview for a position in the ministry. When he out his mind to something, he could guarantee it would be accomplished. He'd finally managed to begin getting past the Death Eater Target his father had forced upon him. He was going to do something with his life.

Making his way into the dining room of the villa, he marveled at the difference between it and the manor. His mother had gotten to decorate the villa to her tastes, while having to leave the Manor the way Lucius' father had it when they inherited it.

"Good morning Mother."

"Oh Draco! I thought you'd be at your interview by now." Narcissa said, placing her tea cup down.

"Unfortunately, it is not until after lunch, so I have to wait a tad bit longer." He said smirking at her.

"I do wish you the best. I know that Lucius would as well if he were here."

Opting to keep his mouth shut on the topic of his late father, Draco shoved a piece of bacon in his mouth and nodded at her. When Lucius has died, Draco had hoped that would be the end of all of his troubles. It wasn't until after the funeral that he realized his mother did love the old bastard. He vowed then to never speak ill in front of her. He would do anything for his mum. Including taking the mark for her.

"I hope that this is just the beginning for you. Perhaps you'll meet a lovely young lady? I wouldn't mind having grand children before I die." She smirked into her cup.

"Not bloody likely." He remarked.

"Really Draco, watch your tongue. I am merely suggesting that you start to build up your list of acquaintances. I get so sad watching you be alone all the time. I love you, but sometimes you are plain aggravating."

"That's not what you were merely suggesting and you know it. However, if all goes well I may take your advice about making friends. I just have to get through Potter first."

Narcissa visibly straightened up at the mention of that name.

"Oh, and why is that?"

"Kingsley told me that one of my first duties would be assisting Hermione Granger with the remaining plans for the 5th Anniversary Gala on Saturday. Knowing how close she with Potter and Weasley, I doubt I'll be going anywhere without them around. If I can get Potter to be agreeable towards me, I am most certain I can do anything." He said laughingly.

"I agree. You should definitely consider adding Ms. Granger to your list of friends. I do believe she'd be a good influence." Narcissa said staring out of the large bay window.

"I know that face. Do not do anything that could mess this up for us Mother." Draco said.

"I don't know what you are talking about, son." She responded with a smirk.

Draco hadn't seen her eyes twinkle like that since before everything went to hell. He knew better than to challenge her. That glint usually meant she was up to something. When she was up to something, that usually meant trouble. He'd have to keep an eye on her.

Narcissa smirked at her only child. Their lives had been rough these last few years, his especially. While she would not compromise his happiness for anything in the world, she could shake the idea that this job was going to be the best thing that ever happened to him. Instead of commenting further the older witch decided to enjoy the rest of her breakfast. The plotting could wait until tomorrow after all.

Author's Note:

Well everyone, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Leave me a comment with your thoughts.

Special thanks to my Beta Cathryn. I wouldn't be here with out her!

Much love,

CasablancanSun