It Begins

AN: so... you guys still like it I hope. Here's chapter 3.. damn this is a REALLY long chapter. Over 6000 words where as 1 and 2 were around 2000... oops.

Thank you to all who reviewed the last chapter. DoodleDooo, JStanesco, TempestParamour, sweet-tang-honey, PaigeeLee13,

Disclaimer: nothing is owned by me... sod off.

Draco POV

It was my birthday... and I was doing homework. Well not really homework. I was researching what I was, what I was going to be. I still needed to find something that said if I got to choose my mate or if she was already chosen for me. I grumble and slam another book closed, rubbing my eyes. Nothing was giving me the answers I needed. I look up at my mother as she sets a cup of tea on the edge of my desk, sitting beside me in a chair she had summoned.

"Not finding the answers you need dearest? Perhaps I can help, come then. What's gotten you into such a huff so early on your birthday?" she asked softly, stroking my hair before going back to her tea.

"It's this damn mate thing. I mean I don't mind it really, be nice to have someone to stay with but... damn it I wanna know if I get to choose or if some blasted magic already has her picked out for me. None of the books say! I'm... I'm worried mum. I know fathers changed and all but what if I don't get mated to someone he would have picked." I say with a sigh, picking up my teacup by the cup, ignoring the saucer and the handle, rolling my eyes at my mothers annoyed glare.

"That's totally understandable precious, it really is. But you shouldn't worry about your father. Not about this. He will respect your choice, or fates. He has no other option. As much as he might not like it, there are just some things that he cannot force, bribe or bully into submission. I am proud to say you are becoming one of those things my dear." My mother says sadly, patting my hand.

"Now... your friends will be arriving shortly for your personal party then the others will start arriving shortly before dinner for the formal. I do expect you to be in a suit AND tie for the formal. Besides that I couldn't care less what you wore. I will see if I can find any other books in the library that might hold other opinions on your questions. I have no doubt that you will pick the best mate you can. For all your fathers faults he is the best I could have hoped for, now anyway. He has refound his way. I pray you remember that poppet. He did mean well. He truly did." I nod as my mother leaves, getting up and stretching, changing out of my ratty sleep pants and into a nicer shirt and jeans before heading down to the back gardens for my party, sinking into a lounger beside Blaise.

"My mother... is odd." I say as I lean back closing my eyes, praying to whatever all-knowing power that it would all be ok in the end.

"Most mothers are I would imagine. What brought this on then? She try and make you where dress robes tonight or something?" he asks, nudging me a few times before handing me a drink.

"No... The opposite actually, said as long as it was a suit and tie she didn't care. And she's being helpful. It's just weird. I mean after all theses years there actually trying to be parents and it's just..."

"Odd... yes my mothers that way as well. The dark lord scared our parents very badly Drake. I think it changed us in ways we can only imagine." He said with a nod, laying back.

"So who all got invited anyway? I'm guessing Pansy and the Greengrasses, Crabbe and Goyal. Anyone I should be worried about?" I snort at the question. Who would I invite that Blaise would have issues with? Well I suppose there were a few distant cousins he might not get along with but I hadn't invited them.

"Mostly just people from our year and house. Don't really have any other friends. Theo said he might come if he could. You know how he is, probably has all his summer work already done and ready to hand in... Or he's obsessing over it so it's perfect. If I didn't know better I would think he and Granger were related." I sigh and sit up, taking a sip of my drink, glaring down at the very nonalcoholic beverage. Blaise wouldn't freak out if I asked about Granger would he... she was female so I guess she had come up before but... I might as well just ask.

"Blaise... do you think Granger is attractive?" I say softly, glancing up at him threw my hair.

"Suppose so, she cleans up well enough anyway. She looked amazing at the Yule ball. Why do you ask anyway?" he asks, looking over at me with one eyebrow raised. I simply shake my head and roll my glass between my hands a few times.

"It's nothing... I was just thinking about my options and there honestly aren't that many girls I would... you know. Wouldn't mind being stuck with as a mate. They all just... suck as people. So worried about fashion or jewelry or the latest gossip. I don't think I could be stuck with someone like that Blaise. I'd either go nuts or kill them."

"Do you like her? It's just a question. I mean if you don't what's the worry? I highly doubt fate would stick you with a person you had absolutely no feelings for." I sigh and sit up, turning to face Blaise, my legs over the side of the lounger. Did I like Granger... Hermione? She was nice I suppose, smart, brave... damn it I was not going to start that again.

"Like is a strong word. I guess... I respect her for who she is, what she's put up with... I admire her for not breaking when my aunt... Merlin it was horrible Blaise. I couldn't make it stop but I couldn't leave either. I HAD to watch as she... carved into Grangers arm. As many times as I used that word, as much as I said it to Hermione's face... I don't think I could ever hate anyone so much as to actually carve it into a persons arm. With a poisoned blade no less, that scar is always going to be there unless someone find a potion or counter spell to whatever was on that blade." I said as I downed the rest of my drink, setting it to be refilled. Blaise simply nodded and turned in his seat, patting my shoulder.

"IF, you are mated with her, I think you will do fine. I'm sure you will have to apologies for many horrible things before she lets you near her but. I don't think she's one to hold a grudge. If she was I think Weasley would be dead or hexed to bits by now. Merlin knows he's fucked up with her as much as you have... and he's her friend. You've been her enemy... it was expected for you. And you could have been much worse to her. You didn't go looking for her to aggravate her. Pick on her." I nod at his words, he was right. I didn't go looking for fights with her. She was just so aggravating, always getting higher marks, raiseing her hand, knowing all the answers.

"So... we're calling her Hermione now... not Granger or Gryffindor's Princess?" I frown and look up at a giggling Blaise. I couldn't have... hell I did just call her by her first name... shit. I groan and hang my head.

"Damn it Blaise it's not funny. How the fuck am I supposed to get close enough to her to find out if she is my mate... let alone get her to understand it and agree to it?" I growl at him, rubbing my eyes. He chuckles and pats my shoulder.

"All in good time my friend, come... your favorite sluts are here. And looking as needy as ever. You think you have time enough for another free fuck before your body refuses all but your mate?" I shook my head as I got up, I couldn't bed them, I didn't want to bed them. Mated or not I didn't want to ever touch them. They were vile things, so engrossed by the old ways I couldn't go back. I simply couldn't. I sigh and stretch, heading over to be a gracious host to my guest, hugging each of the girls in turn. Wincing slightly as Pansy attaches herself to me.

"Oh Drakey Poo, I have missed you terribly. I can't BELIEVE my parents won't let me stay over the whole summer. It's not as if were children anymore. Sweetie what's wrong? Are you ill?" I shake my head and pry her off me, taking a step back.

"We need to talk Pans, later. Please... don't look at me like that. It's difficult to explain. Oh for loves sake." I say as she grabs my hand and drags me off. Blaise nods and takes each of the Greengrass sisters under an arm and leads them to the drink table as I stumble after Pansy, yanking her to a stop once we reach the lower ballroom.

"This is NOT how you act at someone else's party Pansy Parkinson. And I am quite aware that you have been taught how to act properly. Is this what you want? Me angry? Cause it's what you've got now. Don't you start to cry you snot, I know you only are my Girlfriend because of my last name. Today is MY birthday you silly bint and I'm getting a inheritance thrust upon me that I would rather not even have but NO you have to make it about you." I sigh and shake my head, pacing away from her. I was threw with her... all I had to do was say it. If only it was that simple... maybe I could use this as a respectable excuse thou. I take a breath and close my eyes, letting the anger leave my body before I turn to face her

"Were threw Pansy, you may still be my friend. I don't care if you come around for parties and what not but if I hear tell of you still claiming me as your boyfriend... so help me I will make sure you never find a respectable husband or position in whatever life you find. Do not cross me, you know it's a very bad thing to do to cross anyone in my family. Do I make myself clear?" I watch as she sniffles and nods her understanding before turning on my heel and heading to my fathers study to tell him of this wonderful development before that stupid chit blows it all out of proportion.

I knock on his door, tugging my shirt down before entering and moving in front of the desk. Waiting for him to finish and look up at me. This likely wasn't going to be a good conversation, but with her acting out and the whole vampire thing... maybe it wouldn't be so bad... I could only hope. I swallow as he looks up at me, no time like the present.

"I regret to inform you that I will no longer be dating Miss Parkinson. Her decorum when I said we needed to talk, stating that now wasn't the time of course, has proven to me that she is in no way ready to be a lady of the manor and I highly doubt any amount of time will change that fact. She drug me away from my recently arrived guests and then continued to sniveled and whimper as I tried to explain to her how stupid she was. Add to the fact that I no longer have even the slightest feelings for the girl I simply will NOT put up with her blubbering and horrible manners." I waited for the ax to fall, raising an eyebrow when it didn't come. My father signed and nodded, sitting back slowly.

"I feared as much. I did have such hopes for the girl. I truly did. I always assumed she was just a late bloomer but now I fear she will never grow up. No amount of classes and lectures can make up for bad blood I'm afraid. I do thank you for coming to tell me. I will inform her father that he can no longer plan on being part of our family. I don't blame you Draco... a part of me wishes I could but... you can only work with what you have my dear boy." He smiled sadly at that, he was trying to change at least. Of course later when people weren't here I might get a talking to but for now I was safe.

"Have you thought of who your mate might be? Any one popping into your head more then anyone else?" I stilled at that... the only person who wouldn't leave my mind was... Merlin's balls it couldn't be Granger could it?

"I've been trying father but I honestly can't really think of any one girl. To be honest none of them really sounds appealing. Is it possible I haven't met her yet then?" I ask hopefully, signing sadly as he shakes his head.

"While it is possible it is highly unlikely. You wouldn't be able to make a proper bond with her if you hadn't met her yet. Perhaps someone from Beauxbatons, you did meet quiet a few of them in your fourth year. If you haven't found your mate by Christmas holidays we'll go to France and see. Now go on and have some fun, you know tonight will be horribly boring." And with that the conversation was over and I was dismissed back to my party. I shake my head and head back to the gardens, keeping my distance from Pansy and her sulking. Silly stupid girl, I'm glad to be rid of her.

The rest of my party was boring for the most part, a few games, plenty of food and drink but... we seemed to be stuck between children and adults. Not sure where we should be, what we should do. We separate after a few hours to head home to change if they were coming back or just simply relax if they weren't. I flop on my couch after Blaise and I deposit my gifts in a corner of my room, nothing to special. A few books, a shirt or two, some candy and what not. I grunt as Blaise drops a wrapped gift on my chest, grinning as he sits by my feet.

"Didn't think you'd want to explain it to the others." He said as I sat up and unwrapped a beautifully bound dark leather journal and golden eagle quill set. I nod and grip his shoulder tightly, hugging him quickly before pulling away.

"Thank you Blaise, you really put a lot of thought into this didn't you." I say, looking over at him, smiling as he nods. He really was a good friend; possible the only one I would have after today.

"I did, not only because of the blood sucker thing, as I bought it before I knew. It's not healthy to keep everything bottled up Drake, with all of these things happening I thought it might be good to give you an outlet. The vampire thing just makes it all that more important. Now you don't have to worry about finding me to vent at if one bushy haired girl gets under that pale skin of yours." He laughs at my look and shakes his head standing and stretching, checking his watch.

"I think I shell take a short nap and then a nice lovely hot shower before I change into my suit. No robes tonight I think. We'll have enough of those when were actual adults. How I wish they would go away. Silly things robes, I do not understand how they got started as formal ware." I shrug and bid him a good rest, sitting at my desk and looking over the journal. Filling out the name page slowly, being sure of my script. It wouldn't do if someone couldn't read my script... if I ever gave it to someone to read.

Name: Draco Lucius Malfoy

Age: 18 as of today.

Received From: Blaise Zabini, Friend and Confidant.

I sit back and think about what I should write, what would be a good first entry. I sigh and figure I might as well just put quill to page and let myself write, un-bottle as it were. I dip the quill in the ink and let myself write.

June 5, afternoon

Journal, or should that be greetings... hell whatever I put is fine it's my damn book anyway isn't it. Never mind that; Blaise says it's not healthy to bottle everything up so I shall use this new journal to vent. Today is my birthday, the day I will get my inheritance, my vampire inheritance. Isn't that just bloody wonderful? But that's the least of my worries. Something my father said earlier is bothering me. He asked if there was someone who wouldn't leave my mind. A girl that could be my mate. And may the Bloody Barron slit my throat as I sleep but I can not for the life of me stop thinking about Hermione Granger. That horrible muggleborn witch in my year at Hogwarts. God I just can't make my brain stop thinking of her. That horribly bushy silky brown hair, the way she stands up for her friends, the fire in her eyes when she's really fighting for something she believes in. Oh bollocks see what I just did... I can't make it stop.

What the hell am I supposed to do if we're mated? I've been so horrible to her since I found out she was a muggleborn. How am I supposed too make her like me? I guess I'm jumping and gun a bit aren't I, I don't even know if we are mated. Honestly thou I can't really think of anyone but her.

I sit back and shake my head; I couldn't deal with this now. Maybe Blaise was right, a nap did sound wonderful and I did have a few hours before I needed to get ready. I heel off my shoes and flop face first onto my bed fully clothed, pulling my pillow over my head to block out the sun and let myself sleep.

I groan and glare at Hoppy as she hops on my bed, trying to get me up. She hops off my bed when she see's me awake, bowing low and begging forgiveness, saying the formal party will start soon as I still needed to get ready. I wave her off and drag myself up, taking a quick shower, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I was just so tired, so very tired. I dig in my potions cabinet and slam down a bottle of Pepper Up before taking a quick shower and dressing in a simple black suit and a silver tie that was a shade or two lighter then my eyes. Damn I looked good. I grin at myself and slick my hair back slightly before heading to my room to slid into my dress shoes, checking myself before heading out and down to the ballroom, presenting myself to my mother.

"Do I pass inspection dearest mother? Suit and tie, freshly showered." I grin as she rolls her eyes and looks me over, straightening my tie and putting in a simple platinum and emerald tiepin, nodding her approval.

"Now, you pass inspection. Do try not to get to drunk tonight pet. Tonight's going to be hard enough sober let alone drunk off your face. Do behave please." She said sweetly, kissing my cheek. I roll my eyes and hug her softly, nodding that I would try my best to be good before heading off to mingle with the early arrivers. Finding my Godfather quickly enough. He was the only one in all black and smelling of dust.

"Godfather, it's good to see you out of school. Thou I have a feeling father asked you here for more then just my party. You know don't you?" I asked of him. Relaxing as he nodded, taking my arm firming and taking me to the side, speaking in hushed tones.

"I am quite aware of your inheritance, it hasn't started then? Good. Take this, drink it all... Now Draco. We wouldn't want you to have a blood lust attack during the party and have to be locked up before you can find your mate. Someone in mind then?" he lectures with a raised eyebrow, watching as I down the potion in one go, shutting as it settles in my gut, handing the vile back.

"I may have someone in mind but I highly doubt it will please father. Doesn't particularly please me either but I can't stop thinking of her. I've tried; she's even in my dreams now. The most unnerving dreams at that. I've hardly had anything to do with her and yet..." I shake my head with a shiver, recalling the dreams I had during my nap. Hermione Granger, naked as the day she was born, curled into my side and just... there. No sex, no snogging just... naked and relaxed against me. While it was a pleasant dream it wasn't like my normal dreams.

"Does this mean she's my mated Uncle Severus? I just... with Pansy and the others it was simple and I'm at a complete loss as to how to even start to converse with... her." I say dejectedly. I look up at him as he chuckles and shakes his head.

"If your thinking of who I believe you are thinking of then yes, you will have a very hard time of convincing her that you truly do wish to be with her. Of course winning of her two annoyingly stupid bodyguards might be a place to start but I fear they might be even less likely to believe you then she is. You're going back to finish your schooling aren't you?" I nod, yes, I was going back. I needed the time to come to terms with what I was, and what the world had become. The extra year in school would give me and the world time to settle.

"Good... I believe she will be asked to be head girl. I suggest if you receive a letter from Headmaster Dumbledore that you open it as quickly as you can and accept head boy if he should offer it to you. It would at least give you time alone with your... mated female." I roll my eyes at that and head over to the bar, getting a glass of firewhiskey, sipping it slowly under my Godfathers careful watch. I sigh and take another sip, moving to a pair of chairs off to the side, looking over at him as he sits in the other.

"It's her then isn't it? Granger? That's why I can't get her off my mind." I asked, rubbing my eyes at his nod. Damn damn damn. Why did I have to be stuck with her? And what if she already had a boyfriend. Weren't she and Weasley a couple? That's what the Prophet had said, of course the Prophet wasn't exactly breaking news. Sometimes I thought the Quibbler was more truthful then the Prophet. I slam the rest of my drink, flinching as Snape puts a hand on my arm.

"I can not say for sure Draco, but you dreaming of her isn't exactly a sign that you have someone else. If you have not changed focus by the time school starts, we will deal with it then. I warn you not to do anything rash. Do not seek her out, it will not end well. And do not inform your father of this, he is still learning to be human again." I nod and set my glass, getting up to go mingle before dinner is served. We all head to the dining room shortly after dark.

I hated parties; I truly and honestly hated them. Even when... no... especially when I was the guest of honor. They made me feel... annoyed. I sat at the table and picked at my food. All my favorites were there, and yet I wasn't hungry. I ate of course, I would need my strength but... I found no pleasure in eating all of my favorite foods. No amount of roast beef or cake was going to make me forget I wouldn't be the same tomorrow.

I gasp and drop my fork as I double over, wrapping my arms around my stomach. Something was wrong... I hurt so much. Everything hurt. I whimper softly as I feel someone try and pull me up, hearing Snape's voice drawl out as he and Blaise help me up and move me towards my rooms.

"Poor boy, he's likely eaten too much, children never know when to stop. I will make sure he is fine. Go back to your dinners." I let them tug me up the stairs, my godfather pushing me into a wall at the top. Giving me a look that tells me to speak, quickly.

"It hurts... so much... like my stomachs being ripped apart. Everything's being ripped apart." I double over again, sinking to my knees in pain. I hear my godfather sigh and they pick me up again, dragging me to my room.

"Mr. Zabini, go to my guest room and bring be back my black bag. Do NOT touch anything else. Now, before young Mr. Malfoy bites threw his own tongue." He sighs and helps me to my bed, helping me undress to my boxers, flicking his wand at the pile of discarded clothing, going to the bathroom to get a bowl of cold water and a cloth, pressing it to my head.

"Easy now Draco, breathe threw it. That's a boy. Focus on something besides the pain. Miss Granger might be of some help, if she is your mate that is." His voice drawls from above me, as he soothed my worried nerves and sweaty forehead with the cold cloth. I hear Blaise come back, the mouth of a vile pressed to my lips, a cool potion being tipped into my mouth and down my throat. I still as the potion works threw me, I know it won't last. The change is coming, but maybe... maybe a few minutes of peace will help. I grip my godfather's sleeve, looking up at him.

"Silencing charm... please... can't... let them hear me." I groan and roll over my sheets, thrashing as my bones... bend and twist, my muscles stretch and grow, my teeth... grow. My fangs extend and slicing into my lower lip. I bend back and scream in pain and fear as my blood boils. My godfather and my best friend share a look as they hold me down onto my mattress as I thrash and kick. My nails turning to sharp claws, catching them both as I struggle.

"It would seem Mr. Zabini, that your new life begins now. I do hope your ready for it." Severus Snape says sadly, looking down at his godson, his usual mask of indifference worried and slipping.

"It begins, yes. I will stay with him professor. Till he no longer has need of me. It begins now."

XxX

Hermione POV

Ginny and I head back in near lunch, rolling out eyes as the boys are always waiting at the table, looking like starving wolves on the hunt. I shake my head and head up to the room I share with Ginny to wash up and cool off for a few minutes, make sure I didn't get burnt in the early summer sun. I sigh and sit on my bed, stretching with a sigh. I loved it here... I really did but I needed to go home. I couldn't want to just abandon Ron after our fight thou. He needed to know we had a fight first of all. I rub my eyes as Ginny comes in, looking me over, glancing at my bags.

"Your going soon aren't you. I understand Mione... I do I just... wish I didn't have to loose my only sister because my brothers an ass." I smile and open my arms for a hug, chuckling as she jumps at me and squeezes.

"You're not loosing anyone Gin... I just... look I'll talk to him after lunch and then we'll see. But yeah... I think I need to go home, for a bit at least. I've got that great house all by myself, I might as well use it... and you are right. Life goes on. I think I need to understand that and what it means to be on my own a bit before I try and work things out with Ron or anyone. I mean I've never really been on my own you know? Even at school, I was always with Harry and Ron, and then when we were on the run I at least had Harry with me if not both of them. I don't really know how to be... well me. Don't worry, I'll make sure your mum will let you come over and spend some time. We both know you'll likely need it."

We both laughed at that, and then we cried at that. I really did need to go home. My parents were off traveling somewhere, after I gave them back there memories they said they needed to get away. They understood what I did and why I did it but I don't think that helped much. They hurt that I had done something so horrible to keep them safe. I sigh and shake my head sadly perking up a little.

"Turn around let me make sure your backs not as red as your hair then you can check me and we'll go down to lunch." I said with a grin, checking Ginny's back for hot spots before turning my back for her to check me. After that, and a quick wash up in the bathroom, we both headed down for lunch.

It was a simple if not filling meal, sandwiches, homemade bread, vegetables from the garden. An actual home made meal. Molly always made the best food. I lick my lips and look at Ron as he stuffs his mouth, waiting for him to pause to refill his plate.

"Ron... can we talk... after lunch? Please?" I say, relaxing a bit at his nod. Of course, it likely meant he had no idea what I wanted to talk about but... that wasn't my fault was it. I smile tightly at Mrs. Weasley as she nods at me. She knew I needed to do this and didn't fault me. I shake my head and eat, smacking at the hands trying to steal my chips. Rolling my eyes at the twins' 'innocent' faces.

I head out to the garden with Ron after we finish eating... well I was finished, he was still eating a sandwich. I think it was his fourth one so far. I sit down on the bench and chew my lip as I try and think how to talk to him. He wasn't the easiest to talk to on a good day but... we needed to have this talk. He HAD to listen to me.

"Ron... do you remember what we... discussed last night?" I ask softly, looking at the grass by my shoes.

"Last night...? Not really no... Sorry. What I miss?" he says, stuffing his mouth full of food. I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh. I just had to do it didn't I. I had to be the bad guy in all this because he refused to grow up and actual use his brain. I get up and pace in front of him, hands behind my back so I don't strangle the idiot.

"Last night we had a fight... about you not wanting me to work if we got married. I'm sorry Ron but I REFUSE to sit at home and keep having children and go mad. You want someone like your mum, I understand that I do but... I am not your mother Ron. I love her, you know I do but I'm not her and I never will be. If you can't understand that then... then I think we're done. For good." I stop and look at him, almost hoping for a row. Praying I could have an excuse to yell at him.

But he only looks up at me with those damned puppy dog eyes of his, his mouth hanging open still full of food. I sigh and shake my head, going back to pacing, letting him absorb what I said. Maybe his brain was trying to work... maybe he'd understand and we'd be ok... maybe. I jerk as he stands up quickly, his face going red.

"You... what... when did this happen? I never said I wanted you to be my mum." He yelled as he moved closer to me, I wasn't afraid of Ron, I didn't think he would hurt me... but I didn't let him get to close anyway. Sometimes he didn't know how strong he really was.

"No Ron, but you want a house full of kids and a wife who's glad to stay at home and that's not me. It's not what I want." I said softly, circling, staying out of reach.

"So you're leaving me because I want a big family and you want what? A house of books and little Hermione clones with proper manners and perfect grades?" He sneered at me, trying to make me feel bad, trying to make himself the victim. Maybe he was a victim of all of this, but then so was I. I didn't know if I was even ready to get married. Hell I didn't know if I wanted to get married. Maybe if he hadn't brought it up... NO, I will not make excuses for him or me. We weren't a good match, we were friends and that was it. keeping the relationship going would just make us hate each other.

"That's not fair Ronald, I don't know what I want damn it. The war changed everything. Why can't you understand that? Why are you pushing for this?" I stood my ground, screaming at him. I needed to know. We hadn't even finished school and he was talking about marriage and kids. CHILDREN for Merlin's sake. We were still children in a lot of ways.

"Because the war did change everything and I want to start a family. I want to be surrounded by people I love Mione... I love you." He was pleading now, all his anger melting away like ice cream under a hot summer sun, the puppy dog eyes were back in full force. But I couldn't... I couldn't go threw this any more. I put a hand on Ron's face, stroking his cheek sadly.

"And I love you Ron. I really truly do. But I don't think we'd be happy as a couple. I'm going to go home for a bit ok... we both need the time to figure this all out ok...? I'll come back before school and we'll talk. I really want to stay friends Ron, but you know we'd be miserable if we got married. Deep down you know that." I hug him close, sighing as I feel his arms wrap around me and hold me close. We stand like that for a bit, trying not to cry at the loss we both felt. I think a few tears were shed from both of us. We had been together for so long, even if it was just as friends it still hurt that we couldn't be more. that our love wasn't the right kind. That we weren't enough. I think that's what did it for me. I wasn't enough... I wasn't what he needed.

I sniffle and pull back from him, wiping my eyes with a sad smile before taking his hand and walking inside with him and sitting on the couch together, just sitting and being there for each other. It was over... it really was.

The rest of the day went by slowly, I packed everything I needed that I could find, Molly promised to Owl if they found anything that was mine... or that no one knew where it went. I promised to come for Sunday Supper so she could make sure I wasn't wasting away or lost in some project. I hug everyone goodbye as I make my way to the door, squeezing Ron tightly, telling him we'd be ok. He nods and goes up to his room to sulk. I shrug and let Arthur walk me to the apparition point at the end of there wards.

"Wish you weren't going Hermione. You've been so much help sorting my collection. You'll still help me wont you?" he said, looking at his hands, picking the dirt from his nails. I chuckle and hug him.

"Of course I will Arthur, you know I love watching you find some new toy to be amazed at. Now I want you to finish going threw the boxes and drawers in that shed of yours, write down anything you are confused over. Any new bit of muggle you find that you want me to explain to you ok? You promise?" I grin as he hugs me, picking me up.

"Course I will Hermione, I promise to have a whole list for you when you come for Sunday Supper. Now, you know if you don't show yup Molly is gonna send me and the boys to drag you out here and make sure your fed." I grin and nod. I knew what she'd do if I didn't show up like I said. I wave and head to the apparition point, taking a deep breath as I shrink my bags and shove them in my purse, twisting into the darkness and heading home.

Yep, my new life began now.

AN: so... what you guys think of this one? Yes? No? Hope it wasn't to long. Come on tell me what's wrong... I feel weird with no flames or bad reviews.