Chapter 6

Back in the headmistress office Minerva was now pacing, the news she had was not good. Not good at all.

Ron had no information. He hadn't spoken to Hermione since she came back as a 37 woman and I won't disclose what else he said about having kissed the bats wife.

The stupid boy!

Molly too hadn't heard or spoken to Hermione since being called initially to at hospital wing. My last hope Harry, said he'd meant to but just had been busy and hadn't had the chance to see his old best friend.

Shame filled Minerva. We had all let her down, none of us had checked in with her. Not one of us.

Severus came through the flue looking the "right" professor Snape. Cloak included. He looked around the room expecting to see the others? Minerva seated behind her desk fingers steeped "Severus, none of them have heard from her "

"what not even potter?"

"No and that's not all" she stalled "none of them have spoken or seen her since her transition back to her time… myself included.

"First time was only last night! she looked down.

"We've let her down so badly Severus, I don't no what to say… I'm so ashamed

"Severus stood in stunned silence, Minerva continued "We basically shunned her in the worst way possible, she must feel like no one in the world cares for her."

"you don't think she'd do something silly do you?"

That snapped Severus to attention "The Hermione I know would never do that. But" he paused.

"I must find her, I have to go Minerva I'm sorry I need to go".

The old witch rises from her seat " what should I do" she cried his urgently filled her with dread. Hermione words from her letter floating around her mind "I hope to see you one day"

Snape moved towards the flue "speak to everyone and anyone, get eyes on the ground for her - I will be in touch with any updates-he popped out of the office.

6months later

I padded beside my bike up the hill towards my apartment, my front basket of my bike was filled with some beautiful roses and some supplies for dinner. I could almost smell the fresh bread still wrapped up in within my little linen bag.

It had been warm today, a little too warm to be biking about. But my daily ride was something that I looked forward to so I really didn't want to waste it sitting indoors.

I'd wintered here the warm weather have been a welcome change from England's wet and windy conditions.

Pepa was out in his porch, sitting on his swing chair enjoying the afternoon shade.

He was still dressed in shirt and trousers even in this heat! he raised his hand and shouted "Hula Minnie" I wave back " Hula Pepa - disfrutando tu dia?" He replied like he always did "por supuesto, amando la vida" I laughed and carried on past him - I always ask him if he's enjoying himself and he also reply's with "of course I'm loving life" -

"Same time tomorrow Pepa" I shout over my shoulder he blows me a kiss, he was my very first friend in my new world.

He was so lovely, he was like having my very own grandpa.

I continue up towards my steps, park my bike and grab my linen bag and flowers and head on up to home.

The little village I found was close to where Severus and I visited once after we were newly married, it was beautiful, white washed homes with pretty pink flowers red terracotta roofs - a small fishing village with a few shops.

I rented my apartment on the 1st floor. I wanted something with height and I didn't want anyone to be able to get entry from the ground floor - silly really but old habits die hard!

I open my front door, I'm immediately greeted by my little white ball of fluff "hey toots" she purrs in reply "you hungry?"

She follows me into the small kitchen area we're she winds herself in and out of my legs. I add a little food to her bowl and start emptying my bag.

I open up my balcony doors and let the warm breeze in. I potter about replacing my dead flowers for the new. I flick on the kettle in the process.

I was going to treat myself to a nice cup of tea. I know, I know but us English love our tea!

Once brewed, I settled down onto one of the chairs outside. I stretch my legs out on top of my balcony ledge and watch the world go by just outside of my little piece of heaven.

Sipping my tea I pounder if I did the right thing earlier owling Minerva, it's been about 6 months since I left and I felt it was right time to do it.

But, I had constantly wavered back and fro to inform her where I was. But, in the end I'd sent it, so no point worrying about it now. It's done.

It had been hard in the beginning, not speaking the language and trying to find a permanent place to live. I'd traveled around a bit in the first month and I tried out the city before deciding on this little place. Each place had its perks but this one just felt like home.

I'd made a couple of nice friends here, I met Pepa on my first ever outing he had broken English and with my terrible Spanish we were quite a pair, but over time my Spanish has improved and his English is fantastic!

Mick and Tracy who own the local store are actually expat, so they are English speaking but both fluent in Spanish so they come in very handy and they are truly lovely people.

Ellie is a single mum and her little boy Dominic are very special to me, she lives in the apartment below. They both have been a great comfort and we see each other a lot and I love being around her little one he's been the tonic I needed.

So here I am in my little piece of heaven " pequeño pedazo de cielo" I think.

My heart still longs for Severus, but I try not to dwell on my failed marriage. As of right now today, I'm doing okay.

Minerva's point of view

Severus has been gone another 2 weeks, as we had a lead on Hermione in Cornwall but still nothing.

I believe he has searched every corner of England - he even questioned Dibsy their little old house Elf I'm not sure what for, she's been here all the time.

He went over to Australia to where her parents lived but nothing no sight no sounds regarding her. Such a sad accident, Hermione removing their memories only to lose hers and then them dying in a road traffic accident. Life has been very cruel to her.

Minerva stands overlooking the lake from her office. I've never seen someone so desperate, his soul purpose is to find her.

6 long months I don't know how much more he can take or how else to help him.

I wouldn't tell him but Harry believes her leaving is for the best. I've had long conversations with him regarding it.

It's got to have been very dark magic that can move her backwards through time from her original age and take away everyone's memories of her but not Severus, it can only have been Riddle. But why, to what purpose?

Ron is about to get married and is not interested in the slightest. I've tried, but he's adamant not to speak of her with me.

I dare not tell Severus he's almost completely solo in his search for her! We've got Auror's working on it but with absolutely no urgency. As they believe "she's not in any danger!" Pfft I say out loud!

My thoughts are disturbed when a owl pecks at the window, I head over to it and take possession of a plain envelope. Thank Merlin, it's Hermione's handwriting!

Dear Minerva,

I hope this letter finds you well?

I'm a little embarrassed that's it's been longer than I anticipated leaving you without a forwarding address. It really wasn't malicious it was self preservation on my behalf.

I've found my own little piece of heaven and I actually feel content.

I'm in a small little town in Spain not too many tourists which suits me fine.

I currently have no plans to head back to the UK but I hope if you don't mind me opening up a line of communication with you, I'd love to hear from you.

My address is overleaf

Kindest regards

Hermione x