Sunshine seeped through the thin curtains, basking the room in warmth. The objects around the room no longer casted shadows, but stood proudly in the mid morning glow. A large grandfather clock in the corner chimed as the hands hit 10 AM, and Hermione finally let her eyes open. Her pupils adjusted to the light, and taking a quick sweep of her surroundings she realized that it was all real. Yesterday had come and gone, and the deep sinking feeling in her heart returned. It radiated through her veins with every heart beat, and soon her entire body felt broken.

She had dreamt of him, of their wedding. She came down the stairs and Harry walked her down the aisle, just as they had planned. He was there, waiting for her. A lily pinned to his jacket. His crimson hair glimmering in the setting sun. The enchanted fireflies swaying all around him. He was smiling at her, the same goofy smile he always had. The smile she'd never wanted to see again, but already sorely missed.

She dreamt of their wedding night. The moon masking everything in a dull blue light. He kissed her and held her close. She could almost smell him. She loved him.

It all felt so real, but it was just a dream.

She remained in bed for the rest of the morning, only finally leaving to use the restroom. Leaning over the sink she splashed her face with cool water and raised herself up to look at herself.

Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. Her hair was still somewhat in its formal form, a few hairs straying from the bun. She ripped out the hair tie and shook it out, as if to erase it from ever happening. She felt soiled. She reeked from the cold sweats. Removing the fancy bra and panty set she bought, she made her way to the shower.

Turning the faucets on full heat, she gingerly stepped in. Her body began to finally relax, each muscle gradually releasing its bind to her bones. She stayed there until the water came cold, then she muttered a wandless heating charm and stayed longer. She wanted to cleanse her soul, to baptize her fate. Everything was going to be different now. It was time to start over.

But where would she go?

Since the end of the war they had all lived at the burrow. Harry had been given rights to the property at grimmauld place, but he refused to move until the place had been removed of curses and enchantments, which proved difficult. She and Ron had been saving, well more her, for a cottage. It was supposed to be perfect, with a green lawn and a white picket fence. They would have coffee and tea every morning in their breakfast nook. She'd make supper with vegetables from their garden. She'd learn to knit and make mittens for him when it became cold. They'd gather firewood together and roast marshmallows for their hot 'd fall asleep together, in their quaint little home and their quaint little life. It was perfect. Her plan was perfect.

"So much for plans." She sighed to herself.

Her skin had began to prune and swell with water, so she reluctantly left the shower and wrapped a towel around herself. She came to the unmade bed and set herself on the edge, propping her elbows on her knees.

She had read about the stages of grief in a psychology book after Sirius had died. The first stage was denial and isolation. That felt about right. She longed to camp deep in a cave, or bury herself deep in the sand like a crab. She wanted so badly to simply obliviate her mind. But it just kept questioning her.

Why? Why does it hurt so badly?

Because she loved him.

The room felt like it was engulfing her. The walls were closing in. She began to take deep breaths, just praying something would get to her lungs. She fell to the floor and grabbed her bag. She needed to get out of this room.

Grabbing a simple pair of jeans and a grey jumper, she hurriedly dressed. Anywhere but this room. She just needed to move, to breathe fresh air, to feel alive.

She left the room and headed to the bar area, giving Tom a polite nod and small smile, and headed for diagon alley.

The late afternoon air was sweet and comforting. Much of the alley had been rebuilt and small crowds rummaged through the shops. She couldn't help but smile at the small children playing with tiny brooms and toys. She wondered around aimlessly, silently resenting the happy people.

Eventually she made her way to Bourish and Botts. Just the sight of books gave her comfort. Their endless pages giving hope and facts, wild stories and dreams. She ran her fingertips along the spines, hearing the whispers of the words within. She found herself in the non fiction section deep in the back of the store. There was a comfy looking chair set up as a reading nook. She grabbed a few novels that looked interesting and settled in, allowing herself to finally break free from the harshness of the past 24 hours. She fell deep into her mind, letting the sentences play pictures across her thoughts.

She had to have stayed for hours, as the sun had already set and the shop was lit dimly with floating candles. Approaching steps broke her out of her trance as a middle aged witch came around the corner with a pile of books.

"Oh! I'm sorry dear I had no idea anyone was back here!" She smiled warmly at Hermione. She couldn't help but smile back meekly. The witch dropped off the books on a nearby table.

"We're actually closing up now, love. Can I help you with anything beforehand?"

Hermione gathered her things and kept a few books with her.

"I'm sorry, I guess I just got lost in everything. May I purchase these?"

The witch nodded and smiled.

After she purchased five more books to add to her collection, Hermione had finally felt good. She held them close like an infant, and walked slowly back to the Inn. Maybe everything would be okay. She did have enough money saved to get her own place. Then maybe she'd look into the job the ministry had offered her. Kingsley said she could have any position she wanted. She could start over. Fresh. Without him...

"Hmm. I thought you were changing with all those shots you had last night. But here you are again, books as usual. Tell me, Granger, do you ever get bored of yourself?"

It was that voice again. Oh, please. Not know. Today was ending so well.

Draco Malfoy came up beside her just as she made it to the Leaky Cauldron. She gripped the books tighter to her chest, refusing to acknowledge him.

"So you're staying here another night, huh? Things must not be going well at home."

She couldn't stop herself as she turned to him. Her face was set in a deep glare.

"Don't you have a manor that you could be creeping about?"

He smiled at her, taking one of her books and inspected it disinterestedly.

"I have many properties that I can grace with the honor of my presence."

Hermione scoffed and rolled her eyes. Grace with his presence. How can this boy- well, man now- be so completely self involved even after everything he's been through?

"That's lovely." She responded simply, and pushed past him to make her way up the stairs.

"Miss Granger!" Tom the innkeeper came towards her. He limped only slightly, but Hermione met him halfway as he handed her a few envelopes. "These arrived for you by owl earlier on. "

Hermione nodded and tucked them into her books, not wanting to give Draco any further insight to her life.

She made her way back towards the stairs when she heard him again.

"So when are you going to tell me what happened?"

She stopped midway up the staircase and looked back at him.

"And why would I ever do that, Malfoy?"

He looked up from the bottom and began to slowly step towards her. Tingles began to melt down her body as he stared at her, his hard gaze freezing her in place. He pulled out a paper from his back pocket, brandishing it in front of her. "I suppose you wouldn't really need to. It was all over the prophet this morning."

All the blood had left Hermione's face. She began to feel queazy. It only took a few minutes for her whole world to fall apart, and apparently only a few hours for the rest of it to be exposed. Draco flipped the paper to the front headline:

WAR HEROINE HERMIONE GRANGER BETRAYED ON THE ALTER

It was the pictures that sent her over the edge.

The first had been Hermione running in her dress. It was taken from behind her, so presumably a Prophet journalist had been present among the guests. The second was of Ron. He was holding his hands above his face to hide himself from the spotlight.

Hermione scoffed. That would be the first time.

But looking closer at it made her stomach drop. Ron's other hand was extended behind him, and hidden slightly from view was unmistakably Lavender Brown.

She was with him. Maybe even now. Maybe this was all apart of their plan.

Hermione began to shake. Images of Ron and lavender flooded her mind once more. She was hyperventilating. Draco dropped the paper and was looking at her intently, any kind of maliciousness fading away. His expression snapped her back into the moment, and she closed her eyes to calm herself down. Using all her strength she inhaled, keeping her voice as steady as she could.

"Well, obviously Malfoy, you already know. So if you feel the need to bother yourself with my problems, you're welcome to read your paper."

She turned on her heel and left without another word. Once out of view she completely lost it, running to her room door and closed the door quickly behind her. Her books dropped to the floor with a thud as she slid down the door. She covered her eyes with her hands, her warm tears pooling out. She had never, in her whole life, felt so humiliated. It was all over for everyone to see. They all knew. Everyone knew now. She'd never escape this nightmare. It would go down in archives , future generations would be able to easily stumble upon it while researching for a school paper.

She let her cries subside on their own, not wanting to waste energy suppressing it anymore. Her face felt raw from the salty distress. In the near distance she saw a pile on the floor of the dress, forgotten and discarded. Just like her. They were one in the same.

The envelopes Tom had given her slid out of the books from when they fell. Hermione leaned forward and grabbed them. She immediately recognized Harry's handwriting and tore the letter open.

Hermione,

I can't even begin to think of what to say to you. I'm trying to wrap my mind around it myself. I hope you're okay.

I know you're not, but please, just be safe for me. I don't know where you went after but please just send me something so I know you're alright. I can't imagine you'd want to talk to anyone right now. But if you need me I'll be there in a second, where ever you are.

I love you,

Harry

She gave a small smile and hugged the parchment as if it was Harry himself. She wiped her cheeks and reached for the other letter. This one was from Ginny no doubt. Her hand writing looked carved into the note angrily.

Hermione,

I cannot believe what an utter IMBECILE my brother is. The second mum found out she kicked him and that slag out. Nearly everyone wanted to kick his ass. We haven't heard from him at all and I'm GLAD. Hermione, you are one of my best friends and you deserve so much better than that. Write to me if you need ANYTHING.

Love,

Ginny

Hermione couldn't help but feel pleased at the anger towards Ron. She imagined his fearful expression as the Weasley clan surrounded him. She placed the parchment aside and reached for the final inquiry, which to her surprise had a Hogworts seal.

She broke it and pulled out a single piece of parchment, accio-ing a candle and hunched forward to read.

Miss Granger,

I am deeply sorry for the events that happened to you yesterday. I have to admit it came as quite a shock and I am thoroughly disappointed in the other party involved. You have been one of my absolute favorite students and I can't imagine the kind of fool who would so carelessly give up such a wonderful person. However, I have seen you triumph over great obstacles, and I have no doubt in my mind that you will continue to persevere.

I would like to formally extend an invitation to join our staff at Hogworts school of witchcraft and Wizardry as a Transfiguration professor. Upon acceptance we will give you a salary, as well as room and board in Hogworts if you chose. The academic year begins as usual on September 1rst, but you're welcome to come sooner if you so desire. Please give your response at your earliest convenience.

I look forward to seeing you advance and achieve many great things regardless of your decision.

Signed,

Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress

She sat there in awe, re-reading the letter several times.

This was it. This was what she needed to do. She had always dreamed of teaching at Hogworts and now she had the opportunity. She missed the castle, the endless halls and history. She'd start over there. New. Fresh.

She quickly grabbed a new sheet of parchment and her quill, giving her response to McGonagall before answering Harry and Ginny's letters. This was it. This was her chance.

Thank you guys so much for reading and your reviews! I feel a little more in tune with this story than my other current in progress. I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'm thinking next chapter of giving a little more insight on Draco's end. :) much love! Xx