CHAPTER VII: Back to life

A/N: HAPPY EASTER!! Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews and comments I got about this story. You guys are so awesome. (special note about flames at the bottom)

No I don't own Harry Potter.

CHAPTER VII: Back to life

Hermione looked around her overstuffed bedroom. Boxes were everywhere. Apparently, Draco had arranged to have her stuff sent. She hadn't realized how much she had accumulated in such a short period of time. Three weeks was a short period of time.

"Where HAVE you been?"

Hermione jumped, startled by the voice that could have been a recording of Molly Weasley. "Ginny. You scared me half to death." Hermione walked over to her night table. On which sat some of her best magic to date. With a lot of work and a few original spells, Hermione had combined the dead-portrait and the announcer-portrait charms on a photo of her, Ginny, Luna, Harry, Ron and Neville. They each had a copy of the magical intercom system. Currently, only Ginny was visible. The others presumably spread out over the other five owners.

"I scared you? How do you think we have all felt? Not knowing where you were or if you were alright."

"I sent an owl. There was supposed to be an owl"

"We got your owl." Ginny mimicked, "I'm in America on Ministry business. What the hell was that about?" Suddenly, her focus shifted. "What is all of that?" She pointed.

"Oh, umm, just some clothes and stuff."

"Did you go on a shopping spree? Wait, don't tell me yet, I've got to let everybody know you're back."

"Ginny, wait. I'm tired" It was too late; Ginny had already walked out of the frame. "Great. With a flick of her wand, Hermione put her new clothes away. She had enough to explain without them seeing price tags and name brands.

Five minutes later, her bedroom was full again. Not with clothes this time, but with people.

"You alright?" Harry hugged her fiercely.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry I worried you."

"Where have you been?" Ron asked none too gently. "I've been worried sick about you."

"We all have." The real life Ginny stepped in front of him. "But, given the circumstances, it's understandable why you had to get away."

"You didn't seem sick, Ron." Luna said thoughtfully. "In fact, Hannah said you were quite randy. I heard Cho tell Marietta that your wand had more magic than Harry's. Although , I didn't understand the spell she said you did. And Lavender Brown said "

"THANKS Luna." Ron over talked her.

"No need to snap at me, Ron Weasley. Perhaps you're sick from the multitude of females you keep company with.

The silence was awkward for everyone but Luna.

Grouping for something to fill the space, Neville said, "I'm glad you're here, Hermione. I'm getting an award tomorrow. You have to come."

Ron's subtle nudge wasn't subtle.

"Maybe that's not a good idea." Harry shook his head.

"Yeah," Ginny was quick to agree. "Hermione just got home. She probably needs to catch up on her rest. I'm not totally sure I'll even be there"

"I don't care," Neville said stubbornly. "It wouldn't be the same without you, Hermione."

"What don't I know?" She looked from Ron to Ginny to Harry. Guilt. Knowledge. And, Guilty knowledge.

Ron stepped forward, nervous but determined. "Y-you see, Hermione. We didn't know where you were"

"You knew I was in America."

"Yeah, but, that wasn't a lot of information. And, and we didn't know when you were coming home…"

Suddenly, Hermione knew. "You're taking some one to the ceremony."

"Well," Ron defended, "I didn't want to go alone. How would that look?"

Hermione hunched her shoulders, overwhelmed. "I get it, Ron."

"I didn't do it to hurt you."

"Ron, it's alright."

"I'll tell her"

"No. Don't be silly. I just won't go."

"Hermione."

"Hermione."

"I'm sorry Neville. But, under the circumstances" Hermione stopped short as a large Eagle Owl swooped into her window. The magnificently beautiful bird dropped a bundle into her hands and flew off in a flurry of feathers. Two boxes had been tied together and a note attached. She couldn't stop the erratic beating of her heart. One quick glimpse into the smaller package made her gasp. She shut the box quickly. There were too many people around for a closer inspection. The second was a box of her new favorite; salt water taffy. A bubble of laughter escaped as she noted they were all green.

"What is it?" Harry was eager to dispel the tension.

"Who was it from?" Ron's suspicion was immediately piqued.

"Mind your business, Ron." Ginny moved to stand beside Hermione. "What'd you get?" She reached for the larger box.

Hermione released it. "It's just some taffy. Help yourself." She pocketed the small package and the note.

Ginny, Luna and Harry did help themselves. Ron, however, still wanted answers. "What the hell is taffy and who sent it to you?"

Hermione wasn't in the mood. "Who are you taking to the ceremony, Ronald?"

"Come on Hermione," Neville tried one last time. "You've helped me so much with my research. I wouldn't feel right if you weren't there."

The combination of Ron's attitude, Neville's pleading and the package in her pocket prompted Hermione to say, "I'll be there. Now, if you all would excuse me. I want to grab a shower and get some sleep."

The dismissal was obvious. As the group made their various exits, Ginny said, "I talked to my picture. I'll be by in the morning to go through your closet."

Only after she was sure she was alone, did Hermione reach into her pocket. The small box contained large jewels. The sapphire seated in the center of the necklace was larger than her knuckle. The matching teardrop sapphire earrings caught the light and sparkled. I can't except this. "Shut up, Hermione," she told herself. "You know you are going to keep them. Besides being gorgeous, they didn't cost as much as his knickers." She made herself put the box aside. She read the note:

Hermione:

Before you complain, they didn't cost as much as my knickers.

I'm hoping you will wear them tomorrow. I've been imagining you in blue. Actually, I've been imagining you bare-arsed, but that's another conversation.

Enjoy the taffy.

Draco

Hermione was glad she agreed to go Neville's ceremony; to hell with Ron and his date.

A/N: First let me say I don't mind getting them, in fact I like them in so much as they make me think. However, I don't like people using me as their whipping post because they have a crappy day. That being said, if you have something to say fine, but leave an email address or something, so I can respond. I've had a few flames from FTA and they were all helpful and I even wound up having a nice conversation with one lady. We may disagree but I generally like the varying points of view.

I also want to make it clear that this story is complete and was complete since I started posting it.

Thanks so much for reading, and please don't hesitate to send me any valid comments, questions or criticism.

Isiss