A/N: Quite a lot of reviews on that last chapter. Guess I need to make them juicier, huh? Well, I hope I don't disappoint you all.

First, I am going to be honest. I am not really happy with how this story has come out. But, luckily, most of you have enjoyed it. I guess I am just partial to my first story Back at Hogwarts. Maybe cause it was my first fic, who knows. I am thinking of making a sequel to the sequel of that story. If you haven't read Back at Hogwarts and Honeymoon in Paris, try to if you have time. BaH is pretty long. If you have read them, let me know if you want me to add on to that storyline.

So, enough blabbing. Here is chapter 17!!

Chapter 17: Lost and Found

Hermione looked at her reflection, wondering how dinner with Ron was going to go. If she knew better, Ron would be all over her. She had been trying to tell herself to be open-minded about the whole thing. But, it was hard when Draco's face kept coming into her mind.

"You look beautiful."

Hermione turned to see Ginny standing at the door, "Thanks," she turned back to her reflection, "you don't think it's too much, do you?" she asked as she began adjusting her skirt.

Ginny moved over to her, "Not at all. A girl needs to dress up every now and again. It keeps us sane."

Hermione turned back to Ginny, "Gin, I hope I didn't give Ron any false hopes. I mean, I want to give this a try, but, it will be hard considering," she hesitated, "considering..."

"Considering you are in love with someone else?" asked Ginny who tilted her head with a small smile on her lips.

Hermione laughed, "You and Harry know me too well."

Ginny took her into her arms, "It's our job as your best friends to know every little thing about you sweetheart."

Hermione rested her head on Ginny's shoulders, "Ginny, I miss him so much. I just, if I could only see him. Just one more time."

Ginny brushed Hermione's hair with her hand, "I know, and I believe you will some day," she pulled away and took Hermione's face in her hands, "But I learned along time ago, not to make assumptions, it just leads to disappointment most of the time. Just enjoy yourself tonight, and try to keep him out of your mind," Hermione rolled her eyes, "at least most of the night," finished Ginny.

Ginny kissed Hermione on her forehead. They heard a loud pop from the other room, "That would be your brother," sighed Hermione.

"I will go keep him occupied for a few more minutes," at that Ginny winked at Hermione and turned out of the room.

She turned back to her reflection in the mirror, "It's now or never," she took in a deep breath and made her way out to the living room.

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"I'm sorry about your loss Draco. My deepest condolences."

"Thank you Moody," Draco was sitting in a chair facing Moody whose head was floating around in the fireplace in front of him, "I would like to inform you that I will be returning to England tomorrow. I plan on having the funeral two days from today. If you can inform Potter for me."

"Consider it done. I am glad you will be returning. You haven't been gone long, but I feel your department would have gone to hell without you."

Draco knew this wasn't true but appreciated the compliment Moody was giving him, "Thank you sir. Well, I need to finish up with the final arrangements. I will see you tomorrow Mad-eye."

"Until tomorrow," and at that Moody's head disappeared from the fireplace.

Draco sat back in the chair. He closed his eyes and smiled. He was going back. Sooner of course then he planned. Then a frown returned to his face. Hermione was still coming back in a month and he would have to see her with Weasley. He shuddered at thought, "Damn him."

"Pardon, sir?"

Draco turned to see the head medi standing at the door.

"Oh, nothing, just thinking out loud. Are all the arrangements made?" asked Draco.

"Yes sir, we are ready to send her."

Draco stood and followed the medi-wizard down the hall continuing to play with his thoughts.

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"This roast duck looks pretty good," said Ron as he pointed to the menu, "Comes with roasted potatoes and your choice of veggie."

Hermione nodded her head, "Sounds good."

Ron frowned at Hermione's distant behavior, "You alright 'Mione? You seem distracted."

"Sorry, I am fine."

Ron knew she was lying. He looked back down at his menu, but wasn't reading. He knew what, or who she was thinking about, and it wasn't him, "Hermione, I-"

"You two about ready to order?"

The waitress had appeared at the table with a quill and pad ready for writing.

"Um, yeah, I will have the garlic chicken with a side of asparagus and potato soup."

"And for you sir?"

"Um, I will have the roasted duck with roasted potato and carrots."

Hermione and Ron handed the waitress their menus, "Were you going to say something Ron?"

"Huh, um, what?"

Hermione smiled, "Before the waitress came over."

Ron fidgeted with his napkin, "Oh, yeah..." he looked her in the eyes, "You seem like you are upset Hermione. Like your mind isn't really here. Are you sure nothing is the matter."

She took in a deep breath, "Ron, I think you know what is wrong," he lowered his head, "Look, Ron, I love you so much, you are one of my dearest friends. And I really want to give this a chance. It's just that, I can't seem to..." she paused, "Malfoy and I really had something, or I thought. I found myself falling in love with him Ron," she noticed the frown form on his face. She placed a hand on his, "Ron, I got one letter from him the whole time I was gone. You wrote to me everyday. It's obvious to see who cares more," she smiled sweetly at him.

He took in a deep breath, "You are going to hate me, 'Mione."

"What? I would never, could never hate you Ron."

"Even if I did something worthy of it?"

"What are you getting at Ron?"

Ron reached into his jacket pocket and pulled a pile of parchment, "These belong to you. But before you look at them, just know I regret it from the bottom of my heart. I was being a stupid, jealous git."

"What is it Ron?"

He handed her the pile. She took it cautiously, giving Ron a puzzled look. She took one of the folded parchments and opened it. As she read the first line she let out a gasp.

Dear Hermione,

I truly miss you as well. I hope the next six months go by much faster. I miss your smile, your laugh, your nagging, everything.

She stopped reading, "Ron, are these what I think they are?" she asked with tears in her eyes.

He nodded. Hermione opened another parchment.

Dearest Hermione,

I haven't heard from you, but I wanted to write to make sure all is well. I still miss you terribly. I hope soon you will let me come see you.

Hermione felt the tears falling down her face, "Ron, did you have his letters intercepted," she choked.

"I did, but Hermione-" she raised her hand up.

"Don't Ron, don't try to apologize. How could you? There is no good explanation for this. All this time, I thought he didn't give a shit about me. You made me believe that...that..." she couldn't speak anymore. She quickly reached into her purse and through money on the table, "I am leaving."

She grabbed the pile of parchments and without another word she disapparated.

Ron put his face in his hands, "What have I done?"

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A/N: YES, I know how short that was, but, sorry, life sucks. I am feeling pretty icky and am leaving work early. I might be able to get another chapter out before the weekend. But I can't make any promises. R&R please.