Note to Disclaimer: I do not and never will own Harry Potter so PLEASE DON'T SUE ME! But please DO enjoy the fic!

Word Coding:

'Thoughts'

"Speaking"

Everything else

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Master, what will you have me do, then? I have longed to kill him for you, but you do not allow me to. What can I do?"

"Alarcon, do not disobey my order or you shall suffer!" A shadow hissed. "Be off with you man! And do NOT disappoint me again!"

"Yes master!" The frightened man replied and scurried off.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione Granger sighed. She stretched her arms to their full length before throwing the covers off her bed. Rich midnight blue met pearly white. Hermione's covers were balled on the carpeted floor, the colors reflecting off the pale moonbeams that protruded through the window. She yawned loudly, most unladylike in most terms, but she didn't care. Her eyebrows knitted together when she noticed the window slightly ajar. With an annoyed sigh, she stomped over to the window and slammed it shut. She was absolutely sure that she'd closed it earlier that night, but somehow, she knew there was something off about the way it had been opened. She took a few moments to inspect the precise way it had been lifted. After a mere two minutes of observation, Hermione gave up and returned to her bed. She pulled the covers from the floor to cover herself once more. She let out another yawn, small and quiet, and fell into a dreamless slumber. She needed to get sleep before she went to the burrow for the remainder of summer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sunlight flowed through the bedroom windows of her room. Ginny Weasley smiled brightly at her reflection in the mirror parallel to her bed. She fell back on her pillow, hoping to receive some more sleep, but a loud boom echoed through the halls of the burrow. Ginny cursed silently under her breath. She could always count of Fred and George to create havoc all over their house. 'There goes my hope for sleep.' Ginny threw the covers off and fled her room to the kitchen. Once entered, Ginny spotted her mother, Molly Weasley, sitting at the table with a cup of steaming liquid. She smiled at her mother before taking a seat. "Good morning, mum."

"Good morning Ginny. Have you seen your brother?" Molly asked.

"Which one? Fred, George, Bill, Percy, Charlie or Ron?" Ginny placed her toast on the table.

"Ron." Molly answered. "Bill, Percy and Charlie have been gone a while now, you know that."

"My apologies, but no. I haven't seen Ron since Harry came in yesterday. I suppose they are out by the garden." Ginny pointed numbly to the backyard. "Should I go fetch them?"

"Yes. Tell them that Hermione will be arriving today." Mrs. Weasley announced to her daughter.

Ginny nodded and walked out. She had gone no father then the back porch when she heard shouting and yelling. She looked up in time to see Ron shoot by on his broomstick followed by Harry, Fred, and George. She decided to watch, briefly, the affair that was taking place at the present moment, with enjoyment. She was laughing merrily as George knocked Ron off his broom and Harry ALMOST caught him. Once they were finished, Ginny applauded wildly. She strolled over to Ron, who was lying flat on his back, to help him up. "You ok there, Ron?" Ginny giggled.

"Yeah, thanks Gin." Ron reached for Ginny's outstretched hand.

"Oiy, where are Fred and George? I saw them just a moment ago!" Ginny scanned the area for a glimpse of her other brothers. "Well, where did they go?"

"Over here, Gin!" Fred and George called out from where they were helping Harry out from a tree. "Good' ole Harry here got stuck in a tree 'cause he was laughing at Ron!"

"Smooth move, Harry!" Ginny laughed merrily.

"Thanks Gin!" Harry smiled abashedly.

"Well, I'll get right to it. The reason I came to find you guys is simple. Hermione is coming over today and mum wants the house as clean as possible." Ginny stated. She flicked her auburn tinted hair. "Now, I'm going to go arrange the bedroom for her to sleep in. You four can do everything else! Love you guys!"

Harry watched as Ron's sister ran into the house. "How does she do that?"

"That's Ginny for you." Fred said.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hermione ran a hand through her bushy brown hair. 'I have to learn how to tame this wild mane.' She selected a ponytail and tied it up into a high bun for comfort. A couple of strands fell from the bun, landing straight in her line of vision, but she gently blew them away every time. It was a source of entertainment for her during the ride to the Burrow. She had become overly accustomed to it. She sighed warily as she watched the scenery disappear before her eyes. Everything seemed to be moving in a haze for her. Lately. Another sigh attempted to escape her throat, but she stifled it when her father looked at her. He was always concerned about her. If one thing went awry in her normal behavior, her father was on top of it. She was now 24, but had decided to stay at her parents that summer.

"Is something the matter, dear?" He asked in a worried voice.

"No." Hermione replied simply, but deep inside, her insides were churning. "Nothing eventful anyway. It's usually the same, really, dad. All we do is teach all year."

"All right. If you insist, Ms. Granger." Her father winked at her.

"Thank you dad." She chuckled lightly, but deep inside, her stomach was twisting in forceful knots.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Hermione, you've finally arrived!" Ginny gushed as Hermione stepped out of the car. "I've missed you so much! We have to talk! There's been so much going on!"

"Has there?" Hermione wore an amused smile, the smirk playing in her face a contrast to her routine, pearly white smile. She covered her eyes with her hand, protecting her forehead from the suns rays. She glanced around. She couldn't believe she was still coming to the Burrow, now at the age of 24, and well done with being a Hogwarts Student "Where are Harry and Ron?"

"Hermione!"

"There you are!"

Hermione offered a weak smile, her cinnamon brown eyes wavering slightly at the sight of her friends. She noticed, barely now, that they had both changed over the years, their physical appearances in particular. Ron was no longer the insecure redhead he used to be, but now replaced with a confident, cunning young man of 24 years. His hair was darker than before; the bright orange strands now a rich red. His brown eyes were still as mischievous as ever, the usual twinkle burning brightly in them. Hermione had to admit that if not for their friendship, Hermione would have gladly dated Ron. But she knew that the love she held for him was nothing more than that of a brother and sister. She grinned at that thought. Then her gaze shifted to the boy beside Ron. Harry Potter. He had outgrown the lanky figure he'd held for some years. His body had become lean and athletic due to Quidditch. His hair, raven black in color, was still tousled and extremely unkempt. Hermione believed it added an undeniably perfect touch to his character. His eyes as green as emeralds shone compassion and love for everyone he knew and met. His personality had changed, too. Harry was no longer the naïve little boy he used to be, but a respected, young 24 year old man who had defeated Voldemort once again. Harry's maturity level had taken a change for the best, too.

Hermione chuckled. She knew she was flattering them beyond all recognition but who was she to say otherwise? She had to admit that Harry and Ron were eligible bachelors in the Wizarding world. "Hello Ron, Harry. I assume the summer has faired you well?"

Harry grinned, "Yes. I think so."

"I agree, too." Ron complied with Harry's opinion. "And what about you Hermione? You look dashing!"

"You flatter me too much, Ron." Hermione blushed.

Ron grabbed his head in mock agony. "What will I do? Both my sisters have grown up! What will I do when the suitors start the lines?"

"Ron, you're being dramatic." Ginny sniffed. "Besides, Hermione and I have to go talk. See you two later."

Ginny pulled Hermione with her toward the Burrow. Harry stared after her in admiration. Hermione, oblivious to all the action, continued the journey to Ginny's quaint room. Once inside, Ginny sat Hermione down, fixing her with a serious stare. Hermione gave her a questioning look. "Yes, Ginny?"

"Hermione, there's something I need to tell you. I've been dying to tell you!" Ginny said. Hermione nodded. "Ok. Here goes nothing. Hermione, Ron is in love with Lavender Brown."

"That's it?" Hermione didn't look the least surprised.

Ginny appeared flustered, momentarily. Then it dawned on her that Hermione was no longer interested in her brother, Ron, as she had said during her fifth. "Yes…that is it, actually."

"Wow…things have changed." Hermione stared out the window, a sullen expression taking over her naturally pretty features. "Some things have really changed."

"Is there something wrong?" Ginny asked. "You've been acting strange since you got here."

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Her voice held a hint of annoyance behind it. "I'm perfectly fine."

"You don't look it, you know." Ginny stated.

Hermione snorted. "Everything is just fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some catching up to do."

Ginny watched in despair as her friend exited the room. Ginny knew that something was wrong with Hermione for she never acted in such a sullen way. Hermione frowned; she could care less whether Ginny was worried or not. This struck Hermione as odd in her own mind; Ginny was her best girl friend. She sighed mentally. 'What is wrong with me? I just can't seem to be happy anymore.' Her head throbbed with undetermined pain. She knew that there was a dilemma currently existing in her life, but she didn't wish to acknowledge it. She was very aware of it. She was in a state of thought when she heard a loud yell. Surprised by the noisy intrusion, Hermione spun around to see Ron hurtling toward her. She yelped, attempting to jump out of the way, but managed to trip Ron, causing him to fall flat on his face. She rushed to his side to help him.

"Ron, are you all right? What happened?" She asked.

"Harry pushed me rather hard." Ron stated lamely as Harry jogged up to them as an innocent child. "Wipe that smile off your face, Harry Potter."

"Ron, no need to be so hostile toward your best friend. I was having fun." Harry grinned.

"Really now, you two are STILL immature!" Hermione scolded playfully.

"Hermione, come off it already!" Ron said in an equally playful tone. He ran a hand through his hair. "So, what shall we do first? Oh by the way, I also invited Lavender over this summer. Does anyone here mind that?"

"That was a very bold move, Ron." Harry slapped him on the back. "Even I would never have done that."

"You don't have anyone to do that with, Harry." Hermione snapped. She smiled. "Besides, whom am I supposed to hang out with when Ron and Miss Brown are having their daily songfests?"

"You have a good point, Ms. Granger." Harry joked. He winked at her. "Well, I'm hungry. Let's go inside and eat."

Hermione nodded. Harry turned to look at her. She smiled back. "I'll be there in a minute."

In truth, Hermione wanted nothing more than to run away form both of them. She loved her friends, Harry in particular, but it was that love that confined her to friendship alone. 'What would Harry think if he knew?' She sighed. Her melancholy expression returned and Hermione made her way to the household. She seated herself on the swinging bench that was held by magic bolts on the porch. She allowed her feet to dangle ever so slightly there, her mind tired with stress. She would have remained there for the rest of the afternoon and evening had Harry not come to tell her come inside. She joined him, reluctantly accepting his hand as he pulled her inside. He appeared oblivious to everything she had done in their earlier years at Hogwarts. What was the point of starting things over again? True…he HAD dated Cho Chang during their sixth year, but Hermione eventually found out that Cho was only in it for fame. To Cho, Harry was a diamond to show off to her snobby friends. Harry was somewhat heartbroken when Cho left Hogwarts since she was a year above them, but realized-he had told her so-that he would get over it. It was mere infatuation, she had thought during their discussion of relationships. Hermione sighed again, this time mentally.

She sat down next to Harry, her eyes void of emotion as she ate her food. She poked at it for a bit, deciding that it was delicious; she had no appetite. Once Mrs. Weasley and Ginny had cleared everything away, she followed Ginny to her room. Ginny pointed out that she could sleep next to the window, something Hermione always requested when she slept anywhere other than her house. She plopped onto the cushioned surface, her sierra eyes taking on a dazed look. Ginny noticed this though she mentioned nothing of it. Hermione was still gazing into space when there was a soft knock on the door. She looked around only to find that Ginny had left. She sighed and went to answer the door, her steps slow and heavy. She swung the light pinewood door open to reveal Harry. He had a charming smile on his face, emerald eyes sparkling with mischief. She knew that look all too well, and perhaps other times it had made him appear disarming, but today, Hermione gave him a disgusted look. She placed her hand on her hip, her face set in a firm manner.

"Can I help you, Harry?" She asked quietly.

"Ron and I are going to go play a trick on Ginny…want to join in?" He asked carefully.

"I'm sorry…I don't feel to well right now, Harry. Perhaps another time." Hermione said silently as she began to close the door. The lock had almost clicked but she saw Harry's hand shoot out and get in the way. She gave him a curious stare. "Is there anything else? I'd like to sleep now."

"Is something the matter?" Harry eyed her suspiciously, his green spheres narrowing into tiny slits. Hermione snorted at this; Harry looked baffled. "If there is…you know you can always tell me…right?"

"Yes, Harry. I know I can always tell you." She offered a small smile, a token of her gratitude towards his worry of her. He smiled quickly before pecking her forehead with a light kiss then disappeared through the hallway entrance. Hermione's head burned where he had kissed her. She muttered to herself. "I think I'm getting a fever."

She went to her bed, opened the window and gazed outside at the silver moon. It was high in the sky, seeming ethereal in its glory, yet she knew it was very real. She sighed in boredom. She caught sight of Ginny running through the garden, Harry and Ron on her tail. 'Honestly, you would never think they were 24 or she 23 years old.' She looked farther back to see George and Fred sitting underneath the stars, both drinking tall glasses of some liquid. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were standing outside watching all the chaos ensue. She watched in slight happiness at their fun. She wanted to join in, but something was holding her back. She gripped the window seal until her knuckles turned deathly white, splintering the wood beneath her fingers. She instantly let go. 'What is the matter with me?' She looked at her hands in contempt as if they would strangle her at any given moment. She would have proceeded in cursing herself had the creaking of her door not interrupted her solitude. Cautiously, she turned her head to face the entrance. "Hello?" She called out slowly. "Ginny, is that you?"

"Hermione, aren't you going to join us?"

Hermione stiffened slightly. "Hello Ron. I don't know…I'm feeling rather…fatigued to play right now. Did Harry tell you that I didn't want to?"

"Yes, he did, but Hermione, you've never turned us down before, even when you were barking mad with sickness!" Ron appeared determined. "Is something the matter?"

"No." Hermione repeated the same answer she'd given Harry. "I'm quite all right, Ron. Now, if you don't mind, I'd really appreciate sleep. Goodnight."

As she closed the door, she began to wonder what it would be like returning to Hogwarts, becoming a Professor there with Harry. Ron and Ginny had decided to explore separate job paths. Ron had become Head of The Ministry of Magic while Ginny had replaced Rita Skeeter in journalism. She had booted Rita out and made herself the number one reporter. Fred and George had opened a very successful joke shop; two successful joke shops, she had to admit. As she thought of the joke played on Ginny moments ago, she began to realize that they were adults now, no longer able to do what they wished as children or teenagers did. Hermione sighed. She wished to go back to that. She missed those days where she was able to joke with Ron and Ginny…and Harry. The days where she could cuddle up to Harry, share her problems, without it being awkward since their feelings for each other were completely platonic. And in Harry's eyes, they were. Bit in her eyes, Hermione had felt strongly for Harry. She mentally scolded herself from even thinking such things. She had to make their year at Hogwarts as normal as possible; If not for his sake, then for hers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione rubbed her aching temples. They had only been at Hogwarts for a week and already she wanted to strangle every single student that had entered her Transfiguration class. There had been one particular girl who was rather arrogant when she answered questions. Hermione felt that the girl reminded her an awful lot of herself; she rolled her eyes. 'How could Harry and Ron even stand me at all?' She chuckled. 'I know they just did for their own reasons.' She smiled slightly at the winter snowfall that was beginning to blanket the green grass. She was readying for lunch when there was a soft knock on her office door. "Come in." Hermione replied tiredly.

"Professor Granger?"

"It's Hermione. Yes, Harry?" She asked as she packed away her teacher's guide and notes from the class. "Is there something you need?"

"I was coming to get you for lunch. I thought we could go to Hogsmeade since Ginny and Ron will be there with Lavender." Harry grinned. "Would you like to come?"

"Sure, why not?" Hermione sighed. "I just have to get away from these children! They are so…um…obnoxious!"

Harry chuckled. "Well, there's one in every batch."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Hermione laughed as she grabbed her cloak, her smile never fading as they disappeared through the corridors.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ron tapped his foot impatiently. "Where are they?"

"Ronald Weasley, I think they'll be here soon." Lavender smiled at her boyfriend. "Besides, Hermione and Harry wouldn't just back out of a promise. Remember what Harry said?"

"Yeah Ron, just calm down already." Ginny said while adjusting her cloak clasp. She ran a hand through her hair, somewhat saddened that her significant other could not come along with them. 'Merlin, if Ron knew about Draco, he'd kill me.' She smiled though at her afterthought of seeing him for dinner later that night. She recalled how it had all come to be. She had been editing a paper when he suddenly dropped by her office. Ginny had always been attracted to him in some bizarre way, and when he had stopped by to ask her about a business deal, she had obliged to help him. After that night, they had become friends, eventually turning into something more. She grinned goofily. 'I can't believe it.' And she was sure no one else would, except Hermione, for she was more understanding. 'Speak of the devil.' She thought as she saw Harry and Hermione stroll up to them. They seemed to be in conversation when Ron cleared his throat.

"There you are!" Ron said in exasperation. "We've been waiting forever!"

"It's only been five minutes Ron." Hermione chuckled. She removed the hood of her cloak so that the snowflakes could fall in her hair. She noticed that the snow was lovelier than it had been when she was at Hogwarts; what she didn't notice was Harry staring. Instead she brushed a stray strand of hair away and started to The Three Broomsticks. Ginny cast a suspicious glance Harry's way as they walked. She could see him staring at Hermione, never knowing that she was watching, wondering whether there was something going on between them or not. For a moment, Hermione pulled her attention away from her path to gaze at the beauty of Hogsmeade. Blankets of ivory covered the grounds, and though trees too naked on the walkways, she couldn't understand why this wasn't gorgeous. Everything seemed to scream with life, dance with joy, sing with laughter as they continued on their way.

Ginny smiled nonchalantly as they walked through the doors of the Three Broomsticks. Madame Rosemerta seated them and brought them each a mug of Butterbeer. Hermione didn't touch hers, but instead gazed out the window with a far away look that worried Ginny. She followed Hermione's gaze and gasped. 'Draco? What is he doing here?' She watched as Hermione's look went from far away to somewhat terrified. Ginny didn't understand. Being as inconspicuous as possible, she tapped Hermione's shoulder and beckoned her to the restroom. Once inside, Hermione stared at her friend. "Yes Ginny? Is something the matter?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing." Ginny pointed out as Hermione looks away. "You're acting strange. Something is wrong and I bet it has something to do with Draco Malfoy."

Hermione looked pleasantly startled. "Excuse me?"

"It does." Ginny said with a sigh. She prepared herself to tell Hermione her secret when Hermione shook her head violently. "Hermione?"

"Oh Ginny, who am I kidding?" Hermione wailed. "It's all wrong! It's all gone terribly wrong, just like her predicted!"

"What did he predict?" Ginny asked.

Hermione sniffled incessantly. "Malfoy, he told me all about you and he. And I…I didn't believe him. That was the start. I met up with him again, two weeks before school started, in Diagon Alley while shopping for some supplies. He asked me to follow him, and being the way I am, I did. Things went wrong from there. He told me everything…and…"

"And?" Ginny persisted in wonderment of her soon-to-be fiancée's involvement with her best friend.

"I can't say…I'm so sorry Ginny." Hermione faltered. She huddled up to the bathroom stall, her hair hiding what her expression might convey.

"I won't pry, Hermione, but if you need to tell me anything…" Ginny answered, surprising herself with her own calmness in the situation where she should be killing her best friend for more information.

"I will tell you, Ginny. I promise, when the time is right." Hermione whispered brokenly to her friend.

As they made their way out of the bathroom, both appearing perfectly fine, Ginny noticed that Hermione looked rather downcast. She convinced herself that Hermione had no involvement with her fiancée, though from what Hermione had said, didn't seem that way. The auburn haired girl shook her head, not wanting to believe that Hermione would lie to her about anything, especially Draco. As they began to take their seats and order their food, Ginny cast one more cautious look at Hermione. She was gazing off into the distance, never caring whether Ginny was in turmoil or not: the time kept passing.

^TBC^

(A/N: I hope you like it so far! I'm not sure when I might have the next chapters out, but this is my first Harry Potter fic and I hope it goes well. Yes, constructive criticism is welcome, but please, no flames. Anyway, I hope people liked this so far! Please Read and Review!) ^.~

^AgentBloodRayne^