Hermione lay in bed thinking about everything she'd learned today. She knew she could tell Draco everything, and he'd leave Ginny for her with no remorse on his part since Ginny had cheated (come on, she was pregnant with the other man's baby), but she had promised Ginny she wouldn't tell anyone. Besides, it wasn't her place to say anything. Still, it was tempting.

At the same time, however, she wanted to believe Draco's words that Ginny was second best. If Draco broke up with Ginny just because she'd cheated, Hermione would only be the replacement. That was the last thing Hermione wanted.

And Harry. How could he have done that to Draco, who Hermione knew he considered one of his closest friends? He was supposed to be a groomsman in the wedding! Of course, Hermione has slept with Draco, and she was supposed to be the maid of honor.

Ahh! Why did life have to get so complicated?

Hermione woke up the next morning feeling as uneasy as she had the night before. As she got ready for work, she made a decision. She needed to get away for a while. The weight of Ginny's secret, her own secret, and Draco's feelings for her were too much. She couldn't be around Ginny without wanting to confess, and she couldn't be around Draco without wanting him. The only thing left for her to do was to take a leave of absence from work for a few days, maybe even a few weeks and to leave the country. The time away would be good for not only herself but also for Draco and Ginny both separately and as a couple.

After her morning coffee, Hermione apparated to St. Mungo's and got to work seeing patients. She saw Draco a few times, but luckily, both were too busy to even talk to the other.

During her lunch break, she went to see her supervisor, Healer Jason Marx.

She knocked on his door, hoping he had time to see her.

"Come in," he called out. Hermione entered, and he looked up from his desk. "Ah, Hermione. What can I do for you today?" he asked, setting aside whatever he had been working on.

Jason was an older man in his mid-fifties who treated Hermione like any other employee even though she had helped save the Wizarding World. Well, he had until she proved herself as an invaluable Healer who not only was kind and compassionate but also smart and dedicated. After realizing this, he took her under his wing and began to treat her more like he would a daughter instead of an employee. They even went to lunch a couple times a month.

"Hey, Jason. I actually came to file a leave of absence for two weeks," she informed him, taking the seat across from him.

He looked at her surprised. "Is everything all right? You're not sick, are you?"

"No, everything's fine. I just need some time to myself to think over some personal issues. Is this going to be a problem?"

Jason shook his head, pulling out the correct paper work. "You've never missed a day of work except for holidays since you started working here two years ago. It's about time you used up some of you're vacation time. When did you want off?" he wanted to know, handing her the papers to fill out.

"Umm, Friday if that's ok."

Again, he was surprised. "So soon? Hermione, are you sure you're ok?"

Hermione nodded. "Yeah, I just have pressing things on my mind. I'll be ok."

"I understand. Just get me the paperwork by the end of the day, and you're good to go," he told her. "I hope you figure out whatever it is that's bugging you."

"Thanks, Jason. Me too."

After work Hermione went home, hoping Ginny wasn't there. Once there she turned on her favorite Wizarding radio station and poured herself a glass of wine. She sat down on the couch and began to write a letter to Viktor Krum. The two had dated during her first year of Healer training but had quickly realized they were better off as friends. They remained close, and Hermione considered him one of her closest guy friends besides Harry and Ron.

Dear Viktor,

Sorry, it's been so long since I last wrote. So much has been happened. I really need to talk to you. I was hoping you might want to play hooky with me for a couple weeks starting on Friday. We could go to your beach house in Nice. I really need to just relax. If you can't come, would you mind lending it to me for two weeks? I really hope you can come, though. I need to tell you everything that's happened. Please owl me back ASAP! Love you!

Hermione

Hermione tied to the note to her owl, Hermia's foot and watched her fly away, hoping Viktor would quickly send back a reply.

Hermione must have fallen asleep while waiting for his reply because the next thing she knew Ginny was waking her up.

"Hey, sleepy head," Ginny said as she sat up. "Hermia's got a letter for you," she said, gesturing toward the black owl sitting on the coffee table.

"Thanks. Did you just get home from work?" I ask her groggily, checking my watch to find out it's almost eleven.

"No, I went out for drinks with a few of my friends from work first," she called from her bedroom.

"Ginny! You're pregnant! You can't drink!" Hermione shrieked.

"Relax, Hermione. I had club soda."

"Good."

"Who's the letter from?" Ginny asked reemerging from her room.

"Um, Viktor. I'd written him earlier."

"Oh. What's he got to say?"

"I don't let know. Let me read and find out." Hermione quickly unfolded the letter to see what his answer was.

Dear Hermione,

It's good to finally hear from you. I was getting worried. I'd love to play hooky with you! I've been working much to hard. I'm sorry you're having a hard time. I look forward to hearing all about it in Nice. I'll meet you at your flat on Friday at about ten? Let me know. I look forward to seeing you. Say hello to your friends for me.

Love, Viktor

"So what does he have to say?" Ginny asked again looking over her shoulder.

Hermione jumped at her nearness and moved the letter out of sight. "We're going to spend a couple weeks together in France for a little vacation. We've both been working too hard."

"Oh, that's nice. Any chance of the two of you getting back together on this romantic getaway?"

Hermione shook her head. "No way. We're just friends. Anyway, I'll be leaving on Friday so you'll have the flat to yourself for the two weeks after that."

"You're going so soon?" Ginny asked shocked.

"Yeah, I told you, we've both been working too hard. Why?"

"Well, it's just I have to make a decision about my pregnancy in the next couple weeks, and I was hoping you'd be here to help me."

"Sorry, Ginny. This is one decision you're going to have to make on your own."