The funeral was 2 weeks later, and shortly after Hermione was back at school teaching as usual. Her classes were sympathetic, like her fellow teachers. Marigold, stood by her friend, and comforted her. She looked after the letters of condolences, from friends and relatives, and took care of the bills and other letters. Hermione, the once happy kind-hearted teacher, had become a cloud of grey mist. She stumbled along the corridors, rather than floating as if on air. Her legs felt like lead, and her bushy hair was knotted and greasy. Her eyes sagged, and were white, apart from speckles of grey. She wore the same robes for weeks on end, and her classroom was a mess, far different from how it had been at the beginning of term.

She was finally permitted sick leave, when Moonchild decided that she could not drag herself to lessons anymore. Hermione had decided to go and stay with her friend Ron, and his family, in a small village near Stoke. Ron and his wife Patti had married soon after Ron left Hogwarts. They had met in a Pub at the Quidditch World cup. Patti was a close follower of the sport. Ron now worked for the ministry of magic, the department of Education, and was trying to start the first school, especially for young Quidditch players!

Ron was busy sifting through some paper work, when his wife came in.

"Darling, I was thinking about getting a new wash'n'sweep broom for the kitchen. Is that okay with you?"

Ron looked angrily at his wife for disturbing the quietness. Since their twins, Magnus and Ellie had started Hogwarts; there hadn't been much peace around the house. He remembered when he made fun of his brother Percy for being a swot, and always working in his Fathers office. The other members of his family had died in an accident, only 2 years ago. They had been at a quidditch match when a stray bludger had attacked the audience. Only Percy, Ron and their younger sister Ginny survived.

Hermione tapped loudly on the door. It swung open on its hinges to reveal a long hallway with several rooms coming of it. A tall woman swaggered towards her. Her hair was a golden brown and it brought out the colour of her eyes. She smiled politely, wiping her hands over her tattered jeans.

"You must be Hermione, welcome to our home. I am Patti. You know, Ronald's wife?"

Hermione nodded sullenly and let herself be shown into Ron's study. As they saw each other they leapt into each other's arms, obviously they had missed each other. Ron sat her down on a comfy red velour stool, and they exchanged gossip, stories, and tales of adventure, old friends and relatives.

....................................

Max Kingston was sitting behind a desk at the top of a skyscraper in London. The view over the whole city was spectacular but on the other hand for the people of London this was a bad thing, as he could also see everyone in the city. Everyone.