Hermione just being a young woman!

I do not own Harry Potter and make no money from this.

The days leading up to Hallowe'en verged on peacefulness.

Healer Shelley had been deeply impressed with the progress Hermione made as their daily appointments came to an end. And Hermione had to admit, she missed them somewhat. The two agreed to continue weekly sessions as Hermione's memories continued to trickle in gradually.

Hermione attended a dinner with Harry and Ron one evening, and the red-head had been much more tolerable. Virtually an entirely different person. He had begun the night by apologizing for his behavior after her accident, and for the things they argued over before it.

Harry left them after a somewhat awkward dinner to speak privately. While they had been silent for quite some time, they eventually settled their estrangements. She admitted she couldn't remember their entire relationship, but Ron had been very forthright, agreeing that what they had in the past was toxic. That his jealousy was virulent, and her heart had been elsewhere. And that they were both selfish in trying to keep something alive that never truly lived.

After they both apologized, crying soft sobs, Ron informed her that he had met someone. Or rather re-met Susan Bones, who they had all apparently attended school with. He said they had hit it off rather famously when she visited Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes and had a wonderful time on their first date. He looked so sparkling as he spoke of her that Hermione couldn't deny the happiness she felt on his behalf.

And while his face had grown somewhat red with a slight sneer, he did attempt to seem as happy as possible when she announced she'd been communicating with Draco.

George and Angelina had come to Pansy's home one night for dinner, arms full of Molly Weasley's cooking. And an entire cake his mother had baked. George had apologized extensively, but Hermione told him he needed not. Harry had explained that he was the most prominent voice trying to spout reason. But he had apologized numerous times that night regardless.

When Pansy joined them for drinks after dinner, they all had a rather pleasant time. Eating so much cake that she had laid awake in her bed from a pure sugar rush, a small smile on her lips.

When Hallowe'en morning finally came, Ogma greeted her at the kitchen window with a customary loud hoot.

Granger,

It mystifies me why Mother chooses to hold these silly banquets on business days. I have a rather late schedule tonight.

But I will be there. And I cannot wait to see you.

I hope your Healer appointment goes well today.

I will see you tonight.

Draco

The flutter of happiness as she reread his final line had filled her throughout the day. She couldn't help the grin that lingered over her features as she floo'd into St. Mungos that afternoon.

The walls of the ward felt brighter as she paced solo toward the seating area. Healer Smith called her back with a brilliant smile, and she sensed it wick across her skin. Felt her own smile stretch as they sat down with one another.

"You look happy, Ms. Granger."

"It comes and goes, depending on the day. But I feel better."

"And you're still attending appointments with Healer Shelley? Your mood potions?"

"Yes, every Wednesday. And I take them every day."

"Wonderful. And memories?"

"New ones return every night," Hermione smiled slightly.

"Excellent. Let's run your scans, shall we?"

His magic prickled across her skin, and she giggled somewhat at the tickled sensation. Healer Smith smiled brilliantly as he dropped his wand moments after.

"Everything looks excellent, Ms. Granger. You have made substantial progress. I think we can shift our appointments every two weeks moving forward."

"Tired of seeing my face, Healer Smith?" Hermione joked, and the Healer let out a peal of laughter.

"I should think you'd be tired of seeing mine," he laughed and let a beautiful grin fall over his lips. "So long as you stay on your mood potions, I don't see a need for any further restrictions at this point."

"Meaning?"

"You may return to work as you please. Unless it becomes too cumbersome. Apparition is approved, so long as you pass the test. And feel free to have a firewhiskey or wine with dinner tonight," he smiled.

"Thank you, Healer Smith. For everything."

"Jennings, if you'd like. We've spent enough time together, first names should be acceptable."

"Jennings, then. Thank you for everything, Jennings," Hermione smiled.

He stood and held out his hand to the door, opening it slowly as she approached, a soft smile on his face.

"Hermione, please don't think me too forward," he began as she paused in the door frame. "But would you like to get dinner one night?"

"As in, a date?" Hermione asked, somewhat shyly.

"If you'd like to label it, yes."

"Well… I."

"Say no more. I knew it was a long shot."

"It is not that, Jennings. You seem like a lovely man. But… I'm… I think I'm seeing someone."

"Then he is a lucky bloke," Jennings said with a bright smile. "I shall see you in two weeks?"

"On the dot."

When Hermione's feet landed in her and Pansy's hearth she overheard bombastic music blaring down the stairs. She approached Pansy's door, and detected at least three voices on the other side singing, quite terribly.

Hermione giggled as she pushed open the door, only to be greeted with three smiling faces clad in silk dressing gowns. Twink was twirling in circles in the corner, wearing what looked like a new dress.

"Hermione! You're home!" Pansy screeched, a happy smile over her features. She flicked her wand, and the music lowered as the other two women groaned.

"Oh, shut it. Hermione, do you remember Millie and Daphne? They were your Healers at Mungos when you woke up."

Their faces finally pulled forward in her mind. But they looked completely different out of their lime green robes and with time aging their faces from Draco's memories. Both beautiful and full of life. Their smiles presenting Hermione a bit of cheer to adhere further to.

"They're going to the reception tonight, so I thought we can all get ready together!"

"That sounds nice," Hermione smiled. "Millie. Daphne. It's lovely to see you again. I should really thank you both," Hermione said hesitantly as she paced into the room, sitting on a settee near Pansy's window.

"Nonsense! We were doing our jobs. And we are thrilled you're healing well," Daphne smiled.

"Oh, speaking of healing. Your appointment?" Pansy inquired as she pulled her wet hair down from a towel.

"It went well."

"Good. Then go get showered and get your arse back in here," Pansy smiled.

And Hermione had. Even though Pansy knocked on the door at least three times to check on her, she had.

When she reentered Pansy's room a bit later, the music was blaring again, and the three girls and elf were swirling about. They all seemed so festive and carefree, and their laughter tried to invade Hermione's pores.

Pansy seized a bottle of champagne from her vanity then and popped the cork with her wand.

"Anyone?" She laughed, hoisting the bottle a bit.

All girls raised their hands, even Hermione, as she sauntered back into the room, perching on the settee once more.

"Oh, breaking the rules, Granger?" Pansy chuckled, pouring five flutes nearly to their brim and flicking her wand to distribute them.

"Jennings said I was allowed alcohol again."

"Oh, gods. Did he tell you to call him Jennings today?" Millie squealed with a splendid amusement on her face.

"Yes, he was rather nice about it."

"It's not even his name!" Daphne shrieked loudly. "His name is Todrick. And he tells everyone to call him Jennings because he thinks it'sso cool."

"He asked me on a date today," Hermione giggled somewhat inelegantly.

"Oh, Merlin! That man is such a whore!" Daphne snickered.

"Will ask anything out that has legs and a heartbeat," Millie guffawed, and they all joined in with her.

Hermione couldn't help the laughs that tumbled from her lips that afternoon. It felt so genuine to act her age. To be a young adult preparing for a party with her friends. Merely trying to enjoy life. Singing. Dancing. Sipping inordinately expensive champagne.

When Pansy hauled her into the vanity chair, attempting to paint her face with makeup, she had drawn the line. Hermione allowed mascara and a dab of lip color but left the rest of her skin untouched. She loved the small freckles about her nose and the lines starting to form on her face. And she didn't want to cover them.

When they tried to run a slickening potion through her hair, she had ducked. And her friends had chased her about the room. It was slightly juvenile, she knew, but Hermione couldn't deny she was having fun. She had ultimately won out, and her abundant curls were a rowdy mess about her head. And she loved it.

When Daphne asked if she wanted to conceal the scar on her face with a charm, she had thought rather long. About shielding her pain. Hiding her loss. Covering her discomfort. And resolutely decided to keep it unhidden as she gazed at herself in the mirror, seeing her parents' bright smiles.

And when she saw her reflection after donning her dress, she had cried. Which Pansy bemoaned much, fanning her face to stay her mascara with unshed tears in her own eyes. But she couldn't help it.

She felt utterly beautiful. A foreign feeling that seemed to empower her. To calm her. It seemed to make her feel like this wasn't a dream, and that things would get better eventually. That she was slowly learning to be the woman she was now while remembering the girl she had once been.