She hadn't returned to the Burrow after she'd spoken to Malfoy, instead she spent the day in the Gryffindor common room, reading. She'd found herself completely unable to go back to see the Weasley's. Ron had been unbearable, constantly scowling at her, or looking between herself and George with suspicion. Only the heavy blanket of loss they had all felt was beginning to feel smothering, and the brief moment she'd spent with Malfoy had been a breath of fresh air. It had made her feel guilty, and the idea of facing Molly and her kindness despite her overwhelming grief suddenly felt like betrayal.

The morning had come, and Hermione was fidgeting by the fireplace, tugging at the black dress she had chosen for the memorial service, smoothing her skirt down with an anxious sigh. Ginny had spoken to her briefly via the fire, sending her love and the message that she and Harry would collect her from the common room in the morning.

So she was waiting, a sickness filling up in her stomach.

It was another funeral today.

Another goodbye.

She bit her lip as the portrait swung open, and Ron clambered in first, his red hair even brighter against his black robes. Seeing him Hermione's sickness increased and she sighed, watching as Harry followed Ron in, a peculiar expression on his face yet again. He turned to help Ginny who was looking at Harry with a thoughtful, mildly agitated glimmer in her eyes, and the conversation they'd shared when they'd gone shopping floated to the fore front of her mind. She reluctantly thought there might have been something to it.

"'Mione," Ron said, an overly cheerful grin on his face considering the day, and flung his arms about her. She cringed inwardly at the nickname, whilst wrapping her arms about in him in a hug she hoped he'd translate as friendly. He squeezed, and she winced as he cut off her air supply, trapping her against him, possessively.

"Hermione," Harry said behind Ron, "we best get going; everyone else will be arriving soon." Hermione nodded, relieved, releasing Ron who didn't do the same.

"Ron," Ginny scolded, prying her brother off her, and pushing him away as he looked at her angrily, he dropped his arms however, and turned away like a wounded animal. Ginny rolled her eyes as Harry made to leave, gesturing to the girls to follow him.

Ginny slipped her arm in to Hermione's the moment they had passed the portrait, Harry had immediately taken up Ginny's other hand, and Ron attempted to sling his arm over Hermione's shoulders, but Ginny slapped him off, raising her brow threateningly.

The walk down went slowly, Harry's face becoming grim as they descended the floors of Hogwarts, stepping over the broken walls as had become habit.

"It's strange how much has happened and changed since the battle," Ginny began conversationally, watching birds fly over the forbidden forest in the distance, through a large hole in the outer castle walls.

"Yeah," Ron agreed, looking smug, "the Weasley's are officially better than the Malfoys, and we're rich. I've got a well-paying job, and so has Harry."

"Is that honestly all you can think about Ron, the downfall of the Malfoy's?" Ginny sighed, clearly disappointed, and Harry gave Hermione a side-long look as the two siblings began to snipe at one another.

"I don't think they've particularly suffered enough if I'm honest with you," Ron replied in a blasé manner as he stepped over yet another pile of rubble. "I mean, they've not really been punished. They're just under a trace and have to live apart. Only Daddy gets a trial. Why didn't Narcissa?"

"I hardly call being under a trace for two years lightly Ron," Ginny replied, her brows furrowed.

"She should've gone to Azkaban. She's a Malfoy; she's as bad as her husband and her ferret of a son." Ron retorted, his blue eyes beginning to glitter dangerously. "We can only hope his trial sentences him to the kiss, and we'll be one Malfoy free."

"Oh Merlin," Ginny said exasperated, as Harry's expression hardened.

"I've told you Ron. I asked Shacklebolt for leniency towards the Malfoy's. If it wasn't for Narcissa we'd all most likely be dead." Harry spoke darkly, his red scar bright red on his forehead. Ron scoffed, waving his hand in the air dismissively.

"Yeah, and I've told you you'll come to your senses." He replied nonchalantly, ignoring Harry's anger.

"Ron, Narcissa was willing to lie to Voldemort." Ginny said plainly, squeezing Harry's hand tightly in a comforting way.

"I-" Ron began attempting to defend himself.

"I don't want to hear a single insult about the Malfoy's come out of your mouth today Ronald. Both Narcissa and Malfoy are going to be at the memorial service today as Andromeda has asked for them to be there." Hermione interrupted her voice hard and exhausted.

"You're kidding." Ron answered, dumbstruck.

"I am not."

"That's actually quite nice of Andromeda," Ginny mused as Harry looked at her in surprise.

"You've got to be kidding me." Ron repeated, staring at his sister and Hermione as though their brains had been donated to the department of mysteries.

"They're not actually burying Tonks and Lupin here are they?" Ginny asked, attempting to change the topic of the conversation poorly.

"No, they're just scattering some ashes here, so that people could get to say their goodbyes. Dumbledore was a special case I believe," Hermione replied, her insides churning once more as they reached the last staircase before the entrance hall.

:: :: ::

They'd gathered by the hourglasses, the great timers filled with precious gems were broken; the floor had become a glittering sea of stones. In the middle of the entrance hall stood the Weasley family, Andromeda, with Teddy bundled into her arms, and McGonagall. They stood, sombre and silent as the sunlight from the outside warmed them slowly. For funerals chilled Hermione to the core.

"I really ought to do something about this," Minerva said, gesturing to the expensive mess about them.

"It's still your two week break if I remember," Molly answered with a pointed tone, an overly motherly expression upon her face.

"You're right, but I've been working non-stop through it anyway, there is far too much to do. I'll be needing help from everyone the moment the clean-up starts officially, we've been lucky to have Mr Malfoy help restore the hospital wing already, save the damage that can't be changed as of yet." She replied, but the second half of her answer sounded more like she was talking to herself, a ponderous note to her voice.

Hermione found herself listening in surprise. She hadn't thought to visit the hospital wing again for a while, she had her vitamix stock that she had been taking religiously, and hadn't a need to return. That it had been restored by Draco made her wonder about him.

"Oh I've time! We're still waiting for people anyway." McGonagall blurted, clearly stressed. She turned, and began an elaborate incantation with a graceful arc of her wand that Hermione watched fascinated, Ron began to inch closer to her as Teddy let out a gurgle. Streams of rubies began to gather about the Gryffindor timer, the glass sealed together with a slight lavender glow as the rubies began to tumble in. Flitwick arrived down the stairs, his own attire as dark as the night sky, and upon seeing Minerva in the midst of her ritual, hurried down the stairs faster; his wand appearing in his hand.

"Good job Minerva," he praised, standing beside her and falling into the same ritual as his colleague. Soon enough, the sapphires of Ravenclaw began to trickle into the hourglass as it repaired itself, the glow simmering over its surface. A moment later Minerva seemed to jerk out of her reverie, her wand slipping back into her pocket as she admired her houses point keeper with pride, she turned to see Flitwick in her pose moments before. She smiled warmly joined the group once more as Shacklebolt entered; apologies all over his face.

"Didn't mean to keep you waiting, but the Ministry…" he trailed off, an apologetic shrug given as Arthur waved it off.

"Don't be ridiculous Kingsley, I know how it must be," Arthur said sympathetically, as Kingsley gave him a brotherly slap on the back.

"It would be harder if I didn't have you there to make things go easier." Arthur flushed, a proud expression coming over him as Flitwick finished. McGonagall clapped her hands together, surveying the group as she opened her mouth to speak Andromeda stepped forward suddenly.

"Narcissa," She said, as Malfoy's mother was walked through the main doors of Hogwarts, two aurors in black robes either side of her. The Weasley's nodded at her looking clearly discomforted by her presence but it didn't seem to be a surprise to any of them. Harry was looking at her pointedly, awkwardly even, but Narcissa returned his gaze with a small, pained smile. It was enough for Harry who looked away, instead he kicked at a few of the yellow topaz on the floor, his shoes revealed under his jet black robes.

"Has my son arrived yet?" Narcissa asked Andromeda quietly, desperation in her voice, her hands outstretched towards her sister as if she were begging.

"No, not yet," Andromeda answered, as Molly took Teddy from her, a defensive stance over her ever diminishing stature. Teddy snuffled, rubbing his small face into Molly's shoulder as he slumbered, Fleur looking at him adoringly. Narcissa's shoulders slumped, obviously disappointed, and with a jolt Hermione realised that this was obviously the first time Narcissa would see her son since she'd witnessed the pair of them separated with no goodbye.

"The Malfoy's." Arthur deadpanned, clapping his hands together and giving them a quick rub. "Right-o" he finished, striding out the doors and towards Hagrid's before Molly could stop him. Bill, Fleur, gesturing for Charlie, George and Percy to do the same. Shacklebolt chuckled to himself, shaking his head, but the laughter didn't reach his eyes as Filius and Minerva left too, quietly exchanging glances between themselves and the aurors that guarded Narcissa. Shacklebolt cleared his throat pointedly, and the two aurors placed their hands upon Narcissa's elbows, guiding her out of the doors. She sighed clearly disappointed, but went without a fuss as Molly took her chance.

"Why?" Molly asked, stepping forwards, her eyes wide and confused, the faintest glimmer of the famous temper simmering on the surface of her skin.

"You should understand this best Molly," Andromeda pleaded, watching as Molly gently rocked Teddy; "they're the only blood relatives he has left besides me. He needs to meet them at least once. I need my sister… my family." She sighed, looking as though she was restraining herself, "Teddy will need more family than just an adopted one. He only has me. Goodness knows I won't be fun to be around when I really start to get old. He just needs a memory or two of people he is related to by blood. I would like to see if Narcissa and I can put our differences behind us and actually… possibly, be sisters again." She pondered aloud as Molly melted her lower lip wobbling.

"I can't promise I'll be civil, but… I'll try. I best tell the others to be on their best behaviour today." She sighed in defeat, scurrying out the doors and into the sun. Teddy still sleeping upon her shoulder. Hermione followed; her thoughts on the arching body of Bellatrix Lestrange, killed by Molly Weasley. Nothing had been said about her death, as though it was unspoken agreement that the best had happened.

:: :: ::

The path was bathed in sunlight, the steps needing some attention as the grass fought to reclaim them to natures grasp. She slipped, her arms shooting out to each side of her to steady herself, but a firm; unfamiliar grasp had already shot out to grab her.

"Steady there Granger," Malfoy purred, his hand tight about her wrist. He smirked at her, his winter eyes sparkling with mischief. His skin was softer than Hermione had expected, with callouses where one would normally hold a wand; she assumed they were also where someone would grip a broom. She realised that he was holding her up with one arm, his other hand tucked into the pocket of his suit as though she were an unruly toddler. She blushed, unaware of his apparent strength, he smiled slightly as he noted the pale rose flush she began to sport. He pulled her to her feet, gently, almost gentlemanly as Ron let out a furious snarl from behind them. Hermione sighed, throwing Malfoy an appreciative glance, and opening her mouth to speak as Ron's arm came hammering onto her wrist.

"Let go of her you filth." Ron spat, his face puce and contorted with rage. His grip on her broke immediately, and Hermione gasped with pain as Ron's fist collided with her wrist. Malfoy's eyes glittered with mirth and the faintest hint of irritation as he regarded Ron, Hermione's furious hissing amusing him further as she cradled her wrist.

"That hurt Ronald." She interjected, not bothering to disguise the pain that had seeped into her tone. Malfoy had begun regarding his own wrist with a disinterested expression, but at the sound of Hermione's pained voice, his eyes checked her over; as if searching for a visible wound.

"I can't wait for you to go to Azkaban and die there. I hope you get the kiss." Ron was continuing, ignoring Hermione's chastising. "You're a complete piss taker. Calling her a mudblood, taking the Dark Mark then just coming here like nothing is wrong." Ron had moved closer to Malfoy, who had tucked both his hands into his pockets. He was looking Ron in the eye, his snow gaze set on Ron's blustering ocean blue. His face was still holding the disinterested expression, the unconcerned features seeming to fuel the fires of Ron's rage. Ron continued to close the gap between them both, hissing and spitting insults like an enraged cat, his fists clenched. Hermione studied Draco curiously; usually he would have started laughing, thrown a hex, or a punch; and insult at the very least. Then she saw it. The lone glimmer of weariness that sparkled in his eyes. He was tired of this.

Hermione thought back to the last time she'd really experienced Malfoy's viciousness. The obvious was when he'd ambushed her, but that was nothing unlike before. She couldn't remember a clear time in sixth year, and the seventh hadn't really counted. Had he matured during the war? It had most definitely taken its toll on everybody she had seen, but the effects it had had on her childhood bully began to fascinate her. Stray thoughts of if he had just changed techniques mingled with anger at Ron's behaviour.

He was just gearing up for a punch as Harry's voice interrupted.

"Ron, come on mate, not today." He said, clapping his hands down hard on his friend's shoulders. Ginny's conflicted expression hovering at his shoulder. Ron's fist froze, and he growled at Malfoy again. Malfoy took his cue, and nodded briefly to Hermione as she nodded back in thanks, before sauntering off down the path towards Hagrid's hut like absolutely nothing had happened, his platinum locks becoming gold in the sun.

"What was that about Hermione?" Ginny asked her, slipping her arm though her friends kindly, as Harry's hand encircled her other.

"I slipped, was probably going to take a tumble down to Hagrid's but Malfoy… Malfoy caught me… then Ron decided it would be a good time to smack us both as Malfoy was putting me on my feet again." She finished a thoughtful, irritated tone lacing together as her eyes became glued to the tall blond Slytherin further on down the path.

"At least he's not trying to start a fight," Harry said gruffly as Ron fumed beside him, "But I guess, considering his future hangs with McGonagall and Shacklebolt he wants to make the best impression." Harry continued, considering as he looked towards the boy he'd rebuffed so many years ago.

"This could be interesting," Hermione suddenly mused aloud, watching as Hagrid's hut came into view.

"What?" Ginny asked looking to Hermione curiously.

"Narcissa and her son are going to be re-united." Hermione answered as Ginny's eyebrows rose so high they vanished completely.

"Time to see if the Malfoy's are as completely emotionless as they like to portray," Ginny said, watching the gathered group curiously. The Weasley family had gathered around one area, George with his hand upon Fleur's stomach as the baby kicked her. They were both smiling broadly, as Bill watched her proudly. Percy, Ron and Molly were talking, as Percy spoke about Teddy in his normal, pompous tones.

McGonagall and Flitwick were speaking to one another about something that seemed important, as stress crackled between them. Shacklebolt was chatting to the aurors, as Narcissa watched the steps down to the grassy knoll like a hawk.

Eventually, Draco walked into Narcissa's view, his hands in his pockets as he sloped down the steps, his posture apparently uncaring. Quietly, Harry, Ginny and Hermione watched as Narcissa's face transformed like the sunrise changes the world. Her eyes brightened, her smile shining, as her pale blonde hair streaming out behind her as she rushed towards him, her arms out stretched eagerly.

Dutifully, Draco stepped into his mother's arms, allowing her to embrace him carefully. With an amused sniff, Hermione noted that Narcissa took care to not to ruffle any part of her son's appearance, her hands, flat pressing against his back. She turned her head, giving him a swift kiss upon his cheek and releasing him. Her sensible airs settling upon her once more.

Draco had returned all the affection his mother had laid upon him, then stood beside her, their lips moving, voices far too low to be heard by anyone other than the guardians beside them.

"Was it just me, or was that oddly restrained?" Ginny asked quietly as they came ever closer to finally joining the group.

"Reminded me of how my aunt and uncle would greet me," Harry muttered lowly, as Hermione twisted her lips.

"Restrained because they're in public, remember how Narcissa looked so desperate to see him, I mean, she rushed towards him." Hermione noted, as Ginny nodded assent.

"Fair point," She noted, as they finally came to the end of the steps. Ginny began to wander over to her family, striding over to Bill with a wide smile upon her face. Harry followed, like glue to her side, and Hermione wondered if they were still having issues. She realised that she was stood alone, and noticed that to her left were the Malfoys, and to the right were the Weasley's. The families were completely polarised, watching each other warily, whereas herself, Shacklebolt, McGonagall and Flitwick were still deep in conversation in front of her.

Taking a stand, Hermione remained where she was, feeling a gulf widen beneath her feet as she continued to watch the families stare at one another, tension beginning to bubble up within the cavern, making her purse her lips together. She was not going to pick sides.

The thought made her eyes widen for the briefest of instants. Was she really going to walk over to the Malfoys? Were there even sides? A laugh shattered the tense air between those gathered, and Hermione looked up to see Andromeda passing Harry Teddy, who was wide awake and waving his hands in the air.

Ginny laughed at him, and began to make sure Teddy's head was supported whilst Harry shifted his arms.

"Come," Andromeda said as if she were speaking to a child, and not her adult sister. "Let's talk this out, you look utterly terrified."

"I am not." Narcissa retorted, lifting the skirt of her robes up anyway, and walking away from her son, the two aurors following like dogs after her. Unthinking, she walked towards Teddy, eager to look at the youngster to clear her head.

Draco walked forward as his mother left him, standing next to Hermione and peering at the child in Harry's arms. The Weasley's stiffened as Hermione threw him a side-long glance, looking at him with a masked expression of curiosity. Ginny flat out stared, as Harry looked at Draco with an unreadable expression.

"So that's my cousin," Draco spoke eventually, after a long painfully quiet pause, leaning back so he was stood up straight next to Hermione. His presence reminded her of his touch earlier, and she fought against the rising blush that wanted to appear for a reason she couldn't quite fathom. A smirk developed once more on Draco's face, and she wondered why, not able to think of a reason for him to be smirking besides making the Weasley's uncomfortable, but that wasn't it. There had to be more.

She looked over to the Weasley family, most of them watching Draco with a wary expression save Ron, who was looking between Draco and Hermione with a murderous scowl. The penny dropped, and Hermione bit back a sigh. He was antagonising Ron. Draco seemed to deliberately shift his weight on his feet so he was marginally closer to Hermione, pretending not to realise it, and instead, keeping his eyes upon the child with his ever changing hair.

The breeze wafted an earthy, somehow fresh scent over her, and she breathed in deeply, enjoying the smell of freshly cut grass. She looked up to see Draco doing the same, his chest rising as he inhaled. She blushed again, and a low grumble from Ron made her look up, as Malfoy replaced his smirk.

The Black sisters were talking quickly to one another, Andromeda's expression mildly amused as Narcissa looked over at them all in unease. She shifted her weight deliberately, smoothing her inky black robes and twirling her hair back into place. Her porcelain face tinged with the faintest hint of pinks. The winds were blowing their voices away from the group, but both the aurors were watching the pair with an unimpressed expression.

The wind changed direction, and as Draco leaned forward again, the earthy, fresh cut grass scent washed over her once more. Her senses gave in completely as she realised the smell came from him. A blush developed instantly, giving her still gaunt features a fresh flush of life.

Teddy cooed and Hermione took the chance to hide her face, mirroring Draco, she looked forward, sticking her tongue out at the child; her hair falling over her cheeks. She could hear his low, quiet chuckle beside her, and the blush deepened as a familiar friendly voice joined them all.

"Yer all 'ere arr yeh?" Hagrid asked, Fang dribbling by his side, and his beetle like eyes sparkling with this affection.

"We are, yes," Minerva replied, stepping forward as if to follow Hagrid, taking her cue, the Weasley's imitated, and Hagrid looked mildly surprised.

"Good good, expected a wait, right then, follow me!" He said, turning on his heel and walking back the way he came. The group shuffled after him in an awkward silence, it seemed conversation topics were hard to come by with the two Malfoy's with them. Malfoy had fallen back from Hermione, and was bringing up the rear of the group with his mother and Andromeda; their quiet stroll through the grounds was oddly pleasant. The silence awkward to others, but as the grass kicked about their ankles and the sun warmed her through, Hermione began to relax. Ron was flicking looks at her over his shoulder. His curiously tormented, furious and jealous expressions didn't bother Hermione, and she found herself mildly surprised that she found comfort in the fact Malfoy was no doubt dying from laughter at Ron's behaviour beneath his calm and cool exterior.

Her thoughts were on Malfoy again. She couldn't figure out what he'd done to work his way into her mind in the way he had since the wars end. She'd found herself thinking about him more than usual, or than she ever had before, he'd attacked her – but that was comfortingly Malfoy. That was just who he was. The conversation they'd shared that day was what had affected her; her announcing he must clearly have no friends. Her witnessing his family being torn apart. His apology. His help of the hospital wing. The conversations they'd shared. Free of argument.

The wind rustled her curls about her head, and she tucked the loose strands behind her ears, happy to reveal her blush free cheeks again. The air was becoming cooler, and she realised Hagrid had lead them mid-way between the lake and his hut. A square enclosure had been built, just next to the tree line, and young trees had been planted at the back, where the forest yearned to encroach upon the schools grounds. Rose bushes had been planted about the other fences, framing what looked to be a young garden in progress. Another square in the middle was filled with budding flowers, their first blooms of vibrant colour just peeking through the green leaves. A sign was up over the split in the fence, its arch declaring that it was a memorial garden for all who had fallen in the war fought at Hogwarts, and a lump began to form in Hermione's throat.

They walked in, gathering around the square of flowers, the attitude of the group suddenly sombre and mournful.

"Hagrid, in a few years this will be stunning," Minerva praised him gently, looking about at the little markers on the ground, signifying where a statue or a bench would be. There were a few places were a tree was marked, and more for flower beds. Hagrid nodded his head, abashed but pleased as Shacklebolt stepped forward, meaning to preside.

The service began.

Shacklebolt's rich tones spoke of love and sacrifice. Harry spoke of family. Andromeda gave her thanks.

In the rich summer sun, she looked towards the gentle breeze, allowing it to mess her greying hair. She closed her eyes, pulling out a small pouch from the insides of her robes. The group remained quiet, respectfully watching the abandoned matriarch in her grief. Andromeda pulled the strings of the pouch open, and took a pinch of the ashes. She threw it high into the air, watching the wind whip it up, as tears streamed down her face.

"My husband," she said, taking another pinch and throwing it in the breeze.

"My daughter," she continued, throwing the final pinch into the air, she watched the final wave of ashes scatter before speaking again.

"My son-in-law." She finished, hanging her head as her tears splashed down her cheeks, onto her robes, and soaked into the soil below.

Harry had passed Teddy over to Ginny, who had since handed him over to her Mother. Harry's wand was out, and with a feeling of pride, Hermione knew what was coming next.

"Thanks Lupin," Harry spoke quietly, his silver stag walking forwards, standing on the flowers proudly. The Malfoy's were out right staring; attempting to keep their emotions wrapped under the aristocratic stances and failing. Harry left, walking away towards Hogwarts, his arm dragged across his face; Hermione knew he was wiping away tears. Ginny left next, with the rest of the Weasley's, Ron included, as the staff of Hogwart's made to follow. Shacklebolt threw the Malfoy's a warning glance, before taking his own leave. Andromeda, with Teddy back in her arms left with Narcissa, the pair struggling to find words but somehow comfortable; and before she knew it, she was left alone with Draco.

He looked at her, and bowed his blond head, almost respectfully.

"Tomorrow is my father's trial. So I'll see you then Granger," he said, and left, his elegant stride watched by Hermione as the wind tussled her.