"Hermione, look! Hogsmeade dates!"

Excitement surged through Hermione as Ginny grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the already filled up notice board in the Gryffindor common room. Looking eagerly at the first date, she squealed as she realised it was this coming Saturday.

"I must send an owl to Ron!" She exclaimed happily.

She rushed back up to the girl's dormitory, and to her delight she found Pigwidgeon banging excitedly on her window. She caught him mid zoom as she opened the window, eagerly opening Ron's latest letter.

Hermione,

Shop is booming, George is even talking about putting an extension on as we have too many products! Mum and Dad seem a bit better, both of them are keeping busy and Mum has found a new way of releasing her grief; on the garden gnomes!

I hope you, Harry and Ginny are okay and the Professors aren't loading too much homework on you. Not that you would mind of course! I also hope that Malfoy is behaving himself, if I hear otherwise I will be straight there with some of the botched up sweets that George hasn't managed to throw out yet.

Miss you,

Ron

Hermione smiled as she read Ron's last sentence, not putting it past him to send some faulty Nosebleed Nougats in Malfoy's direction. She hurriedly wrote her reply, detailing the first Hogsmeade visit in a few days, and assuring him everything was okay with her, Harry and Ginny. After bribing and catching Pig with Owl Treats, Hermione tied her letter to him and sent him off on his way back to Ron. She smiled happily to herself at the thought of seeing Ron again, and made her way back downstairs to meet Ginny and walk to dinner.

The past two weeks had flown by for Hermione, who had buried herself in work and Head Girl duties. She found herself almost beside herself with excitement as Ginny chatted away to her, realising that in just two days she would be reunited with Ron again.

"Harry! Have you heard?" Harry almost choked on his pumpkin juice as Hermione threw herself down on the bench next to him, grinning.

"Has McGonagall arranged extra homework for you?" He rolled his eyes.

"No!" She nudged him playfully. "There's a Hogsmeade visit this weekend. It means we can see Ron!"

Harry's face brightened. "That's brilliant!"

"I know!" Hermione helped herself to the food in front of her happily, feeling considerably more cheerful than she had been the past two weeks.

As she looked up from her plate of food she caught a glimpse of Draco Malfoy at the Slytherin table. He was sat in silence, his face resting on his palm and he looked as if he was miles away whilst Zabini and Nott chatted animatedly next to him. He caught her eyes and held her gaze for a couple of seconds before looking back down at his empty plate.

Malfoy had barely spoken two words to Hermione since their encounter in the Owlery. She had been left to do the Potions homework by herself, and in lessons he had joined in with Nott and Zabini's conversations, leaving her to work on her own in silence. He had looked almost embarrassed the first time she had come face to face with him since seeing him in the Owlery, and Hermione had known not to dare bring it up. She was however, growing sick of working by herself, with Professor Slughorn too preoccupied with Harry and too fond of Malfoy to notice her working solo. She knew Malfoy had issues, just like herself. But she was growing angrier and angrier with every lesson, her Head Girl pride starting to wear off.

She finished her dinner and left the hall on her own, deciding on spending an evening doing homework by herself in the dormitory. As she entered the cosy common room, she noted how, just as she'd predicted, the students weren't taking too much notice of her now. A feeling of relief washed over her as she walked up to the dormitory, realising that she hadn't enjoyed her new found fame much at all.

Pigwidgeon was whizzing round the dormitory as she entered the room, and Hermione found she wasn't alone. Parvati Patil was sat miserably on her bed, looking through an old, fat book.

Hermione cleared her throat. "Are you okay?"

Parvati looked up at her and Hermione could see the tears glistening in her eyes as she spoke. "Just looking through an old photo album Lavender gave me."

"Oh..." She said softly. "I'm sorry Parvati."

"She didn't deserve it what happened to her."

"Of course she didn't. She was a beautiful person. Inside and out."

Parvati nodded, sniffing. "She was."

"She wouldn't want you miserable. She'd want you giggling and gossiping away, just like she did," Hermione smiled at her gently.

"She did do a lot of that," she nodded, smiling slightly through her tears.

"You both did," Hermione laughed.

"We had some good times. Thank you, Hermione."

"Hey, there's no need to thank me. Just try and remember Lavender with happy memories. I think she would have liked that."

"She would," Parvati agreed, and smiled down at the photo album on her lap, before putting it in the drawer next to her bed. "I'm going to go and meet Neville and Seamus. You're welcome to join us?"

"Thanks Parvati, but I was going to do some homework and have an early night."

"Typical Hermione Granger," she smiled, before exiting the dormitory.

Hermione grabbed Pigwidgeon who was swinging cheerfully from the chandelier that hung in the middle of the room, and took the letter he was holding.

Hermione,

That's brilliant news about Hogsmeade! I'll be sure to come along, how does half past two in the Three Broomsticks sound?

Ron.

Hermione smiled happily as she replied a definite yes to Ron, and tied the letter back on Pig. She managed to get her homework done quickly, perhaps it was something to do with the excitement once again surging through her about Saturday, and she found herself in bed before anyone else that night.

The next day passed quickly and before she knew it, Hermione was walking alongside Harry and Ginny, chatting happily as they made their way to the Three Broomsticks. She felt slightly nervous as they opened the old door to the building, spying Ron's untidy red hair straight away. She pointed him out to Harry and Ginny, and they joined him at his table.

"Hello Ronald," Hermione said shyly.

"'Mione!" He jumped up out of his seat and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Yeah never mind us, I'm only your sister and he's only your best friend," Ginny said sarcastically, laughing as Ron pulled her into a hug too.

"I ordered you guys Butterbeers," Ron pointed to the pints on the table as they all sat down.

"How have you been?" Hermione asked anxiously.

"Well, really well actually! The shop is a blast," He replied enthusiastically.

"Have you bought any samples?" Harry asked eagerly.

"Of course I have, what do you take me for?" Ron grinned as he placed a pile of sweets and all sorts of colourful objects on the table in front of them.

"'Grow your own warts kit'? Excellent," Ginny smirked mischievously before quickly adding. "Just for fun, obviously," as she caught Hermione's glare.

"Figured Hermione could slip some of that in Malfoy's pumpkin juice, seeing as they're partners now," Ron said darkly.

"Honestly Ronald he doesn't even talk to me!" She rolled her eyes.

"That's not what Ginny told me,"

"What?" Hermione turned on Ginny, who sipped her Butterbeer innocently. "What have you said?!"

She sighed. "I told him about what happened in the Owlery. Someone had to!"

"A bloody good job you did too!" Ron's eyes flashed angrily. "When were you going to tell me?"

"To be honest I wasn't as you would have only gone in all guns blazing and done something stupid. There's nothing to tell, he's not said a word to me since!"

"He better not!" He said aggressively.

"It's true mate, he's left her alone, he's left all of us alone. I don't think he's the same git as he has been all these years," Harry said reasonably.

"Thank you Harry!" Hermione nodded appreciatively at him.

"But I'm not saying I won't be keeping an eye on him though," he added quickly as Ginny threw him a glare.

"Maybe he has changed. But I'd never trust a Malfoy," Ron said bitterly.

"Wouldn't you rather he was civil to me than a bully?" Hermione snapped.

Ron opened his mouth to retort but Ginny quickly interrupted. "I think me and Harry should give you two some time alone maybe," she nudged Harry.

"Yeah good idea," he said hastily. "Meet you two in an hour at Honeydukes?"

"Fine," Ron muttered, his cheeks a deep red.

Hermione watched them leave hurriedly, all of a sudden feeling very sad. She had been looking forward to this moment with Ron for weeks, yet within in the space of fifteen minutes they were bickering?

Ron cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well that's a way to drive your friends away."

She sighed. "I'm sorry Ron. I shouldn't have snapped."

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have got so angry. It's just since Fred…" His voice trailed off.

"It's okay. I will be careful around Malfoy. I don't trust him either, but I'm Head Girl now, I have to be civil."

"Okay," he nodded, still looking a bit apprehensive.

"How are you doing anyway? With Fred…"

"I'm fine," he said, not meeting her eyes.

"Really?"

"Yeah really. How's Ernie McMillan been as a Head Boy then?"

Hermione frowned as he changed the subject. "He's been okay. A bit bossy as you can imagine."

"Sounds like Ernie," he grinned. "It has been weird not going back."

"It's not too late," Hermione prompted.

Ron's eyes widened. "Are you mad? I love working in the shop!"

"It was just a suggestion," Hermione muttered, looking down at her Butterbeer.

"I know. I know you're worried," Ron took her hand. "And I know you've been missing me. But this is what I want to do."

"Okay," Hermione nodded, squeezing his hand.

The hour they had together passed quickly, and Hermione felt a lump in her throat as they went to find Harry and Ginny in Honeydukes. She was aware of the witches and wizards staring as they walked through the pretty little village, muttering amongst themselves in hushed tones. She also noted the cheery atmosphere of the villagers, of which Hermione hadn't seen since her fourth year. As they reached Honeydukes, Hermione spotted a notice on the door advertising a Christmas fair they would be doing, promoting their new stock for the season.

Wanting to try some exciting, new flavours? Wanting to treat your families and friends this Christmas? Then look no further as our Christmas fair will be taking place on December 18th 10am-5pm! Come along for our most adventurous, exciting products yet!

"Advertising early, aren't they?" Ron commented.

Hermione smiled, wondering what Ambrosius Flume and his wife could have possibly come up with next. As they entered the shop they were met with crowds of students (particularly third years) queuing to pay for their sweets, Flume and his wife looking flustered but jolly behind the counters. They looked around the cramped, busy shop for a while before spotting Ginny's red hair by the Fizzing Whizzbees.

"Hey guys!" She grinned at them, holding up a bag bulging full of sweets. "I hope you've stopped bickering?"

"Of course we have," Ron smiled and put his arm around Hermione.

"Good! Have you seen Harry? I think I lost him by the Acid Pops."

"No we haven't. Let's go have a look." Hermione answered.

It took them ten minutes to find Harry, who was wedged in the corner of the shop looking very disgruntled.

"I've been trying to get out of here for a good fifteen minutes," he said irritably as he pushed past some fourth years to get to Hermione, Ron and Ginny.

"Come on, let's go," Hermione laughed as she made her way through another crowd and towards the door.

The peaceful atmosphere of the village hit Hermione as she left the chaos that was Honeydukes.

"Well that was quite something," Ginny commented, running a hand through her hair. "I've never seen it so busy!"

"It's because the war has ended. Everyone feels safe enough to go outside and enjoy themselves again," said Hermione.

"I don't know, I didn't feel safe in there," Harry said darkly.

"Well it'll be worth it when I share these out later," Ginny held up her bag of sweets before squeezing it into her hand bag.

"Definitely," Hermione beamed.

"For you lot maybe," Ron said enviously.

"Aw is poor ickle Ron jealous because he wants some sweeties?" Ginny reached inside her bag and threw him a sweet. "Here!"

"Cockroach Clusters? No thanks," Ron threw it back at her disgusted, whilst she giggled. "I hate to say it guys, but I'm going to have to make a move."

Hermione looked at him sadly. "Can you not stay a little longer?"

"I said I'd help George out with some shop stuff and he'd kill me if I didn't turn up. I'm sorry 'Mione," Ron said, looking at her wistfully.

She sighed. "It's okay. It's been good to just spent a couple of hours with you."

Ron pulled her into a hug, kissing her softly. "I'll see you again soon. I promise," he whispered.

"Say hello to the family from us. Give mum a hug from me," Ginny said as Ron turned to her.

"Of course I will."

"Take it easy, mate. Remember if you ever want to send any free samples in the post you know where I am," Harry grinned.

"Of course," Ron snickered.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Hermione rolled her eyes, smiling.

"Bye Hermione," She felt herself pulled into Ron's arms again as he gave her another quick hug.

"Please send me an owl later and let me know you're okay," she said anxiously.

"Of course. I'll see you soon. Bye guys," and he apparated with one quick pop.

Hermione blinked back her tears as she made her way back to the castle with Harry and Ginny, listening in half heartedly as they chatted away.

"You okay 'Mione? You've barely said a word since Ron left," Harry said.

"I'm fine. Just don't like saying goodbye," she said quietly.

"It'll be okay. The next visit is only in a few weeks," Ginny replied gently.

"I know. I'm just being silly," Hermione sighed.

They reached the castle and joined in with the other students; many of which were clutching bags full of sweets and products from Zonko's Joke Shop, as they made their way back through the entrance hall.

"Are you coming to the common room with us? There will be sweets involved," Ginny promised, gesturing to her bag.

"I was actually thinking of going to the library," Hermione said, feeling as if she wanted some peace and quiet, and doing nothing more than curling up with a good book.

"Should we be surprised?" Harry rolled his eyes whilst Ginny grinned.

Hermione smiled at them. "I might see you at dinner then? If you aren't full from all those sweets."

"We'll be there," Ginny promised.

Waving Harry and Ginny goodbye, Hermione eagerly made her way to the library, hoping her favourite chair tucked away in the corner by the fire hadn't been taken. As she entered, Madam Pince waved and smiled at her warmly, knowing full well Hermione wasn't about to bring her any trouble. She was pleased to find her seat unoccupied, and was surprised to find herself alone with the strict librarian. She sat down and searched her bag for her book, realising with a pang of disappointment that she'd left it in her dormitory. Hermione rolled her eyes, muttering. "Typical," as she stood up and went to see if the library had a copy.

She was searching along a bookcase for the surname 'Hoggard', when she all of a sudden felt as if she wasn't alone. She tore her eyes away from the books in front of her and turned to face her new found company, finding herself staring into a pair of cool, silver eyes.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," Malfoy muttered.

"It's okay," Hermione said shakily. She studied him, noting the dark circles under his eyes and how his cheekbones seemed even more pronounced than ever. "You look terrible."

"Thanks," he grunted.

"I'm sorry… I didn't mean-"

"I know."

There was a small silence, in which Hermione remembered her fury at him for not taking any responsibility for their homework, and Ron's fury at him talking to her.

"I'm starting to think you're stalking me," she smiled nervously.

"Not today," Hermione was taken aback when he gave her a small smile in return, realising that it wasn't only the first time he'd smiled at her, but probably the first time she'd seen him smile properly since the start of the year.

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

"Well it's a library, Granger. So probably looking for a book," he said sarcastically, and Hermione saw a glimpse of the old Malfoy she despised.

"So you've finally decided to help out with our Potions work then?" She retorted.

The sarcasm in his face faded. "I thought so," Hermione said coldly.

"What's the point? No teacher is going to want to pass me this year," he said bitterly.

"Are you joking?" Hermione gaped at him. "Slughorn loves you! So much so that he's not even noticed me struggling on my own this year! And McGonagall wouldn't have given you the chance to come back this year if they were just going to fail you! So stop being so pathetic and maybe you'll be able to get the grades you deserve!"

"You seem to be the only person who thinks that."

"The only person who is stopping you is yourself. No one else gives a damn what grades you're going to get. This isn't the Draco Malfoy I grew up with and despised, and to be perfectly honest it is getting quite unnerving,"

Malfoy stared at her. "I'm not that person anymore. I've seen too much, been part of too much to even think about being that person again."

"You need to try and move on from all of that. That is the past now, only you can make yourself a better and brighter future."

"Like you are?" His eyes narrowed.

"Excuse me?"

"I've seen you in class, touching that scar on your neck. And I've seen you when you're with Potter and the Weasley girl. You look lost."

Hermione found herself touching her neck self consciously. "That's for me to sort out by myself," she whispered.

"Maybe that's our problems. We're both trying to sort things out on our own."

"I have Ron," Hermione said hotly.

Malfoy's face darkened. "And where is the weasel now then?"

"Ron is helping out his brother in his shop. The one that lost his twin," She snapped furiously. "Not that I have to answer that to you. And I'm fact, maybe I was wrong. Maybe you still are the same foul git I've known all these years."

"I'm not that person anymore," Malfoy raised his voice angrily.

"Will you please keep it down! Or carry on your conversation somewhere else!" Madam Pince was eye them both irritably.

"Sorry Madam, we'll keep it down from now on," Hermione replied anxiously whilst Malfoy rolled his eyes. She turned on him. "See now look what you've done!"

"Oh shut it Granger, just because you got told off by your library friend."

"And you aren't the same person anymore?" Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"I don't know who I am anymore. All I know is everyone thinks I'm this evil Death Eater who they mustn't get on the wrong side of. I'm sick of people avoiding me, staring at me. I'm sick of the memories of what I've seen going round and round my head."

"Then prove them wrong! Stop moping about and prove everyone wrong. You need to pick yourself up, you look awful. And as for the memories… I get them too," she said softly.

"How do you cope with them?"

"I just try and shut my mind off from them. Not healthy I know."

Malfoy didn't answer, instead he stared into space, deep in thought. Hermione studied him, realising how unwell he looked. He had lost a lot of weight, and the dark shadows under his eyes contrasted with his extremely pale face.

"Maybe there is a way you could prove to me how much you've changed." She said gently.

"And how is that?" He frowned.

"You can help me with our Potions work."

"What?"

"You heard. You can meet me in Slughorn's room at 7pm tomorrow."

"But-"

"No buts."

"Fine," Malfoy sighed. "But can you not say anything to anyone about this? Blaise and Theo are the only two people who have actually stuck by me this year, and I don't want to risk losing them."

Hermione frowned. "They still dislike muggle borns, do they? After all that's happened?"

"They're stuck in their ways."

"Well their 'ways' is what caused the war in the first place."

"I know, I know. Please?"

She sighed. "Fine. But I don't like it, and I'm not lying to Ron, Harry or Ginny."

"Okay."

"I'll see you tomorrow at 7pm then."

"Fine," Malfoy said, reluctantly.

"And you better not be late!"

"'Course not," he threw her the smallest hint of a smile, before turning on his heel and walking out of the library.

Hermione shook her head to herself before grabbing her bag and making her way slowly to dinner, completely lost in her thoughts.

"So much for staying away from him…" a small voice piped up in the back of her mind.

"It's for both our own goods," she answered the voice crossly. "We can both get our potions work done."

"Hermione!"

Ernie McMillan was stood outside the entrance hall with Justin Finch Fletchley, waving enthusiastically at her.

"Hello Ernie," she smiled at him.

"Are you okay? You look lost."

"Just a bit tired."

"Well I was just checking to see if there was anything you needed to discuss?"

"No, nothing at the moment!"

"Okay, well I've been a bit concerned about the Slytherins."

"What? Why?" Hermione frowned.

"Well Malfoy, Nott and Zabini always look like they're up to no good. And I caught Nott jinxing a first year Hufflepuff earlier."

"You did?"

"I did," Ernie puffed his chest up importantly. "I'm afraid that we're going to have to keep a close eye on those three. I will be going to McGonagall if I see anything else of the sort."

"O,okay," Hermione stammered.

"Are you sure you're okay? You really don't seem yourself," Ernie was studying her looking slightly curious.

"I'm fine," she nodded trying to look convincing. "I must go, I said I'd see Harry and Ginny at dinner and I don't want to miss them."

"Okay. See you around," Ernie was still studying her as she waved goodbye to him and Justin.

Hermione walked slowly into the hall, Ernie's words still ringing in her ears. Was Malfoy joining in with their behaviour? Had he not changed after all? She felt her face burning slightly, feeling both foolish and anxious that he was the same person after all.

"'Mione!" Ginny grinned at her as she took a seat next to Harry at the Gryffindor table.

"You've got room for dinner then," she smiled.

"We didn't eat the sweets after all. Thought we'd wait until you were with us."

"Thanks guys,"

"How was the library? Did you catch up on your reading?" Harry asked her.

"It was okay. Interesting," Hermione answered, staring down at her food.

"Well you missed out on Seamus almost knocking Dean with an exploding school book," Ginny grinned.

"How on earth did he manage that?!" Hermione gasped.

"They'd been to Zonko's. Turns out they're trying to compete with Weasley's Wizard Wheezes," Harry snickered.

"Fat chance of that," Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Well how many of these books are around?! I'm going to have to confiscate them," Hermione said anxiously.

"Chill out 'Mione, it'll all blow over in 5 minutes when people have grown bored of them!" Harry grinned.

"And what if they don't? I'm going to have to inform Professor McGonagall of this, it's my job as Head Girl."

"Someone sounds like Percy," Ginny smirked.

"Don't be so silly," Hermione said crossly. "Anyway I have far more important things to discuss with you both."

"Like what?" Harry looked curious.

"Like the fact that I bumped into Malfoy in the library. And I've managed to persuade him to help me out with our Potions work."

"You what?" Ginny gasped.

"I know," Hermione nodded. "I couldn't quite believe it myself." And she went on to tell them all about their discussion in the library, finally ending on what Ernie had told her before dinner.

"I'm not sure I like this," Harry looked uncertain. "What if he is up to something? I mean he's still hanging around idiots like Zabini and Nott, and if they're cursing first years then I'm sure Malfoy's not going to refuse given the chance."

"That's exactly what I was thinking." Hermione sighed.

"So are you still going to go tomorrow?"

"I'll have to. But if I catch any hint of anything suspicious I will be going straight to McGonagall."

"Good idea," Harry agreed.

"And Ginny, could you kindly not say a word to Ron about this please? I would rather explain things myself."

"Fine," Ginny rolled her eyes. "But please be careful."

"Of course I will."

When they were full and yawning sleepily, Hermione, Harry and Ginny made their way back to the common room. As they walked wearily up the third floor staircase, Malfoy, Zabini and Nott appeared at the top of the stairs, all three of them talking in hushed tones, stopping once they spotted their company.

"Please don't stop on our account," Ginny said loudly, ignoring Hermione's sharp nudge to the ribs.

"So you can listen in on our business? No thanks, Weasley," Malfoy sneered.

"Come on, let's go," Hermione grabbed Harry's arm before he could retort, scowling at Malfoy in disbelief.

"See what I mean Hermione? He hasn't changed, not one bit!" Ginny said angrily as they carried on their walk to the common room.

"I just don't understand. If you'd seen him earlier or even the other week in the Owlery, he was a completely different person! Even you noticed how quiet he was, Harry!"

"I know. And that was the first time he's made any sort of comment to us this year. But I don't like the thought of you alone with him in the dungeons," Harry said seriously.

"I will be fine," Hermione promised, as they walked through the portrait hole and sat themselves down in the common room in front of the fire. She noticed a couple of the students hurriedly disappearing with suspicious looking products hidden in their arms and how the room had quietened significantly since they'd entered. She sighed, feeling too tired to deal with students and their new Zonko's toys.

"Maybe we should go with you tomorrow," Harry broke the silence, frowning into the flames of the cosy fire.

"Don't be so foolish, Harry." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I don't trust him!" Ginny said.

"What is it we told you just weeks ago, Gin? That our friends and family died fighting for equality. We need to be civil to them! Otherwise this stupid conflict will never end! Besides, I think it's all show on Malfoy's part. He didn't want Zabini or Nott knowing about us working together tomorrow. He said they're the only friends he has left."

Ginny paused and looked at Harry who shrugged. "I'm staying out of this one. But I trust Hermione's judgement, and I think you need to too."

"Thank you, Harry," Hermione smiled at him gratefully.

"Fine," Ginny sighed. "What you said does make sense. But if you don't come back by 9 tomorrow evening, I will be coming to find you myself."

"That's fine by me. Now I must go and see if Ron has written to me," she stood up. "See you two in the morning?"

"Night 'Mione."

She made her way to the dormitory, and opened the door gently, worried about Pigwidgeon possibly zooming into it. She could hear his excited little hoots and followed them to her four poster bed, where he had wrapped himself round the curtains.

"Foolish little creature," Hermione smiled as she freed him, taking the letter he was clutching.

Hermione,

Just writing to say that I'm home safe. Thank you for today, was great seeing you, Harry and Ginny. I'm sorry for leaving so early, I didn't want to. Make sure you Owl me the next Hogsmeade date and I'll be sure to see you then.

Ron.

Hermione quickly wrote her reply detailing the next date, then fought to catch Pig who was zooming round and round the room happily. She threw an owl treat on the ground and grabbed him just as he swallowed his last mouthful, watching as he sped out of the window clutching her letter. She undressed and climbed into her bed which looked particularly inviting tonight, and pulled out the book that she had intended to read in the library. Malfoy's face flashed before her eyes and she remembered the almost haunted look it had to it, and the tiredness in his eyes. She wondered what his intentions towards her were, hoping that there was nothing sinister involved. Sighing, she realised that things were a lot easier when he did nothing more than insult her.

She thought of Ron and how they'd ended up bickering within minutes of reuniting. Arguing was something they'd always done, right from their first year at Hogwarts. However, she hadn't expected it today, after being away from each other for weeks. She had worried when he'd announced that he wouldn't be returning to Hogwarts. She had given up pleading with him to return and get his grades, but had always thought that maybe he'd end up changing his mind at the last minute. This was something they had argued about a few times, with Hermione always relenting after realising how important it was to him. The distance was something Hermione hadn't really thought about until she had left for Hogwarts, always thinking that herself and Ron would get through anything together. But she was worried that cracks were starting to show… She thought about how he wouldn't talk about Fred, realising she was equally as guilty by not discussing her parents with him. Weren't couples meant to discuss everything with each other? Harry and Ginny did…

Hermione shook her head, ridding the thoughts from her mind. She loved Ron, she had loved Ron since first year, and they had been through everything together. She yawned, blaming her worries on the tiredness that was now overcoming her. She shut her book and put it away, closing her eyes and falling into a deep sleep.

Thank you so much to those who favourited/followed this and thank you to my reviewers, you know who you are! :) means a lot to know you are reading this :) I will try and update as soon as possible!