Usual Disclaimer
Smiles28: I'd love for you to add me to your msn list! I'm glad you liked the Harry/Ron hug and the group hug at the end. I think it was a bit out of character but I thought it added a cute ribbon to the chapter!
SOBs 4 Sirius 223: Here is the epilogue for you! Unfortunately, there will be no sequel! I'm sorry!
SlytherinRoyalty: Your review was such a pleasant one to get! I was so happy when you said that my updates brighten up your day! In all fairness, your reviews brighten up mine so I suppose we're even! Lol I'm sorry if you were confused but for clarification, this chapter is the end.
dracoisahottie13 I'm sorry it was short for your liking but if it's any reassurance, this one was 16 pages on word! Hee hee...I've practically killed myself getting this chapter out. It's the best I got right now, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's to your liking even if I am going out on a limb here! Thanks for everything!
Taela: Thank you so much for your compliment on making you feel like you were in the story! That one definitely brightened my day! I agree entirely with you about the ending. Last chapter made a nice one, but there was something missing there...hence my dilemia of what to do for this chapter. I'm repeating myself but it's a different idea so hopefully it feels more complete to you all!
Courtney Anne: I apologize for the almost three week update lag!!! There is no excuse for that expect for writers block, which isn't a very good excuse. So you have every right to do whatever you want with me! Lol
Boycrazie24-7: I was sooo happy to get your review! I love hearing from new readers! Don't worry about being late reading it, that's why it stays posted! Lol...your compliments kept me smiling for a week so thank you! And yes, God is very important in my life, it's nice to hear from a fellow Christian! God bless!
fluffy-sama's worshiper: Whether or not you intended for your review to be funny, your review made me smiled! So thank you! There have been some questions about the end and since I'm updating, last chapter did not end the story, but this chapter does! Sorry about the confusion!
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CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: WITHOUT YOU
They'd all gotten the letter.
Their four separate owls had delivered them with promptness; each cream colored envelope, completed with the Hogwarts seal, and their names written in green lazy font arrived minutes after the owls had urgently been thrown out of the window and into the crisp autumn air. No one wasted a moment in apparating to Platform 9 ¾.
It had been five years since they'd seen the contraption but it gleamed it's usual scarlet glow, and rumbled the same sound as it carried them to a place they'd avoided for so long.
The four groups, each arriving separately, chose their own empty compartments and shut the doors; the calls and laughter of children still audible.
The woman smiled as the lady, her trolley piled high with sweets, rolled by; her large silhouette casting a temporary shadow in the room; memories occupying her brain.
It was a rather long train ride, and without the childish games she'd finally agreed to play as a student, she had nothing to occupy herself. Drifting in and out of sleep in a dreamlike phaze, she jumped as the train lurched to a stop.
The man she was with, smiled at her and took her trunk. Following him out off the train and into the horseless carriages, neither spoke a word. The waning light of day was slipping and as they stepped out of the carriages and surveyed the grounds, both smiled sadly.
The stone castle stood as always, outwardly only a few things had changed. Certain parts of the stone were a lighter color, but only areas of about five feet. It was hard to see these parts, for over the six years, the rain had washed much away. But to the eyes of these two...they remained, the blood that had caused this, still there. The grounds were only slightly different. Tuffs of brown mud showed where lush green grass should have been...the bits of ground that they themselves had kicked up in the sprints for their lives that night.
Sighing, the woman led the way inside the massive oak doors, remembering many years ago the feeling she had felt walking up these very stairs. She took a left down a familiar corridor, dimly lit and damp as always, and stood beside a large statue of a bird, waiting for the man to catch up with her.
Hands clasped together, they uttered the password and let the staircase levitate themselves to an office. An office they'd been in many times, none for happy occasions. Such was the same today.
An elderly woman with tiny glasses resting daintily on her nose peered at them. She smiled a small smile that seemed to be an effort for her and nodded her head to acknowledge their presence.
"Mr. Malfoy. Mrs. Malfoy"
"Professor" They responded
"The others are inside." She said simply, turning around and entering a rather dim room.
The woman froze. 'The others'...how would they respond to seeing her? It had been years...
Panic arising in her stomach; she looked to her husband in an attempt to seek his permission to leave. He gave nothing of the sort, and gently pressing his hand into her back, urged her forwards.
There were four people already seated in the room. All rose as they entered and a stiff, uncomfortable, silence hung in the air.
Professor McGonagalllooked at them strangely, taking a pile of papers into her hands and setting them neatly on a corner of her desk.
"Hello Hermione" A quiet voice said shyly
"Hello Ginny" the woman responded kindly
Ginny approached Hermione and cautiously wrapped her arms around her friend.
"Hey 'Mione" A voice Hermione immediately recognized as Harry's said
"Harry" She smiled, and embraced him gladly.
"How are you doing Hermione?" Neville Longbottom asked, hugging her also
"I'm doing fine thanks. And you?"
"I'm doing well" He responded.
There were a few moments where no one said anything...each looking at each other as though strangers.
"Where's Ron?" Hermione asked softly, afraid of the answer she would receive.
"He's right here," A deep, somewhat rough voice sounded.
"Ron" Hermione whispered, as her best friend approached her, still towering over her.
"H-hey" He said awkwardly
"Ron--" She began to explain
"Hush. It's alright," He said, wrapping his arms around her small waist. Tears sprung to her eyes at his words and she hugged him tight.
"Well now that we are all settled, let's get down to business," McGonagall said sternly
Her former students nodded, all taking their seats, knowing what was to come.
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"Professor Dumbledore as you all know, passed away last week" Minerva began,
"How Professor?" Harry interrupted
"The Headmaster died in his sleep Mr. Potter. Simply of old age we believe. But do not worry, he died happy and Madam Pomfrey informed me that he had a smile on his face even hours after his soul left his body."
Harry simply nodded and accepted the answer. Ginny smiled at the thought of Dumbledore's grin...an expression she and the others had known well.
"The real reason I called the six of you here today is to ask you all to make eulogies at his funeral which will be the day after tomorrow. A private ceremony of course, if we made it public, the entire wizarding world would come if allowed"
"Of course we will Professor" Neville spoke for the group
McGonagall sighed, "Good. I'm sure Albus would have had it no other way. He always was so fond of you all..."
"And we, him" Hermione assured
"It's quite frightening when you think about how much time has passed. It feels like only yesterday you lot were first years...and now here you sit: full grown adults, 22 years old am I right?"
"Yes" they chorused
"My my...yes indeed, time does fly. I never thought I'd live to see the day poor Albus died."
"Neither did we, Professor. Dumbledore also seemed immortal" Hermione stated softly
"And so he was...so he was." McGonagall said wistfully, tears formatting in her eyes. But she suddenly switched gears, quickly brushing her index finer underneath her eyes in order to prevent the water from escaping them. "But there is something else I'm afraid I must ask you all"
"What is it?" Draco asked
"Well since Albus was the Headmaster and he gone, the school needs a new--"
"Ooh you're going to be the new Headmistress aren't you?" Ginny squealed excitedly
"Yes Miss Weasley—I mean Mrs. Potter—I am"
"That's bloody fantastic Professor. You'll be great at it" Ron said enthusiastically
The five turned to Hermione, all waiting patiently for her to scold Ron for swearing. She smiled and bit her lip, but remained silent.
Confused, they turned away; Pain flashing across Ron's eyes as he stared at Hermione who looked at her manicured hands, pretending to be enthralled with them.
Draco's eyes sought out his wife's but she refused to meet them. Unsure of what else to do, he took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze.
"Yes well I'm afraid we're short on staff this term after the war and with my absence especially."
"The war?" Draco asked, voice regaining a bit of the coldness of his past self.
"Yes Mr. Malfoy. The teachers we were able to employ for these years after the battle pledged only four or so years to the school. We need Professors for Muggle Studies, Potions, Ancient Runes, Defense against the Dark Arts, and of course Transfiguration. Do understand I am not pressuring you to leave your jobs, I know you all have jobs with the ministry or with the Order. But just so you know, the positions are more than available for your taking. You all made fairly good grades, though the only ones qualified to teach Ancient Runes and Muggle Studies would be Mr. And Mrs. Malfoy"
There were many moments of silence, each silently weighing the choice.
Hermione and Draco looked at each other for the first time since entering the room.
'There they go again.... having one of those conversations with their eyes' Neville thought
'What do you think?' Draco's gray orbs asked
'I don't know' Her brown ones replied
'I think you'd be brilliant at it...you were the top witch in our class after all'
'That's not the point and you know it'
'Well what is, then, Miss Malfoy?'
'Never mind' Hermione looked away
'Come on' his eyes said gently 'Look at me'
Obliging she turned around 'You need something to keep your mind off...things' He persisted. 'You love Hogwarts...and I know you'd like to help out Professor McGonagall'
She sighed, 'The offer is appealing. But it's not something I can decide right now. Not after seeing them again...have you noticed how they've been looking at me? I just want to lie down'
'McGonagall is waiting for an answer though. Which subject are you thinking about teaching?' He tried to change the subject
'Muggle Studies.'
'Muggle Studies?? I would have thought it'd be Transfiguration for sure!'
'I think it'd be better to fill in a spot where they're less likely to find someone else. Plus I can focus on implementing the 112th Magical law into their thick skulls so we never have a repeat of...events'
'What?'
'Dear, do you really have to be so slow sometimes?'
'You just need to explain yourself better. Not all of us are blessed with the mind of a genius, Love'
To this, Hermione had to smile 'I don't want people ever to discriminate against muggles again. If that is the theme of my teaching, then maybe if they hear it enough, we can help prevent radicals like Tom Riddle.'
'Sounds like you've already started making lesson plans'
'I suppose I have'
'So...?'
'I don't know' She looked around hesitantly
''Mione!'
'It's Hogwarts Draco. I'd be away all term long from you. From the Manor...from everything.'
'Hermione, I once met a witch who taught me that the best things in life are the ones you have to make sacrifices for. Money doesn't matter in life, and neither does an elaborate Manor. What matters is that you're happy. And I definitely haven't seen you happy in a long time.' To this he placed a loving hand on her cheek. She smiled at the gesture.
'I have no friends Draco. You're my companion. It would hurt too much to be away from you.'
'That's why I'd be coming with you' He said, his classic smirk spreading over his face.
'Really?! Oh Draco...'
'I've always had the feeling that Snape would have liked me to take his place.' Hermione laughed and he took her hand. 'Is that a yes then?'
'Yes'
"Professor McGonagall" Draco announced, resulting in the others to stare at the couple "Hermione and I accept your proposal. If it's alright, we'd like to teach Potions and Muggle Studies"
The old woman smiled such a great smile it almost broke Hermione's heart. Clapping her hands eagerly together she bustled about getting the proper paperwork; muttering approvals under her breath.
Once the appropriate papers were signed, she excused the group and they exited the great office. The six were standing in somewhat of a circle, simply staring at each other, not saying a word.
"It's been a while since I've been back...you all want to walk about the grounds?" Draco broke the silence
Everyone nodded and Draco led the way.
It was fall. The trees were dotted with deep reds, flaming oranges, and distinctive golds and yellows. The old green was slowly fading away and something new was replacing it. The sun was beginning to set and the sky was faintly outlined into different color sections and it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that one of those spectacular, breathtaking sunsets was on the way.
Examining the grounds, the group grew bored with simply looking, so Draco led them over to the edge of the forbidden forest by the lake, underneath a large pine tree...their favorite spot to do homework outside during the school year. It had a good view of the sunset and for several minutes, each member of the party was content as each mind focused on memories.
"So Hermione..." Harry finally said, "How are you? What have you been doing?"
"I've been fine." She replied, not giving any more information. Neville, Ron, Ginny, and Harry looked at one another uncomfortably, each daring the other to hound her for answers.
Harry sighed, "So that's it? We haven't seen you for five years...and that's all you tell us?" He tried to say it as gentle as he could, but there was no hiding his anger underneath. Hermione heard it and stiffened.
"But I am fine" She said stupidly, looking desperately to her husband for help. He shook his head no and stood up.
"I'm going to talk to McGonagall about the curriculum...I'll catch up with you lot a bit later. It was good to see you all again." He said, exiting. But not before whispering, "It's your battle 'Mione. Not mine" to his wife.
Helpless, Hermione shifted, uncomfortable on the grass, and feeling the eyes upon her, turned around.
"Okay 'Mione. We got the hint and so did Draco. We're your friends, you can tell us anything, and there are no family members around now to hear you." Ginny said, "So spill"
"W-What exactly do you want to know?" She said nervously
"Anything! Tell us anything! Merlin knows we haven't heard a damn thing from you in five bloody years!" Ron shouted, his tone a lot nastier than he had intended. "We don't know anything about you anymore. Last we saw you was at Harry and Ginny's wedding. Everything was fine. Then suddenly we hear that you dropped out of Auror training with Harry and me and we never hear from you again? What the Hell happened?" When he received silence as answers to his questions he swore under his breath. Switching tactics, he tried prompting her to talk. "Do you even have a job anymore?"
"No. I didn't have a job before I accepted teaching today."
"Look Hermione, we're not trying to press you for graphic details here. But you have to admit that it's kind of weird that one day you just disappear from our lives forever." Neville said
"Please understand Hermione, we were so worried. We sent owls frantically. We asked around. No one had heard from or seen you. Draco wouldn't say anything except that you were alive and fine. That's all we've known for five years." Ginny pleaded
"If you thought we were frantic...you should have seen our Mum" Ron said, shuddering at the memory
"Hermione, you should understand more than the rest of us; you can't walk away from this group..."
"Five years Hermione...I don't understand how you did it"
"We care about you...we want to help you"
"We're supposed to be friends, talk to us"
Ever since Ron had vented, tears had slowly and silently slipped down her face. Her time spent as a Malfoy had taught her this. When everyone had had their share of talking they looked towards Hermione and found her sitting there, not changed at all, except for the red lines running down her face. They got quiet very suddenly.
"Oh Hermione, it's okay" Ginny soothed, embracing her friend in a hug
"We didn't mean to harp on you" Neville reassured
"No not at all. But you do see our side of it don't you?" Harry asked, crossing his fingers for a certain answer
She nodded, another turquoise bead dropping from her eyes, "Y-yes I do. I've always suspected it would do this to you all. But it was easier for me to do it this way."
"Do what this way?" Ron asked
Transitioning into another set of sobs she whispered, "Push you all away when I needed you most"
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A fresh wave of pain washed over her. This one was so intense Hermione thought she would die. Invisible to the naked eye, but there to the touch, little droplets of sweat graced her forehead. She cried out...so much pain! But a pair of gray eyes sought hers out and suddenly; the pain vanished.
The owner of those eyes held her hand tightly in his own, whispering sweet nothings to her...comforting her. But for some reason, he had to leave and was hastily ushered out of the room.
She flung her arms out to him. 'Stay with me please' she begged. With a small smile, he ignored the request he knew she had made and disappeared. By the time she turned her attention back on the pain she was in...it was all over.
A dim haze was beginning to cloud her vision. Starting to slip away into the slumber she had craved for so long...she fought it. She cried out and waved her arms about, incapable of speech and finally she received the object of her desire.
A bundle was placed into her arms and she beamed. Sticking up from the blanket there was the blond hair she had known it would have! She turned the baby around and finally stared into the face of her daughter, searching for her eye color; pondering if she had received any trait of herself. The baby didn't move. In fact, as she examined her angel, her skin had several colored bumps on it and her skin glowed an unusual blue. Busy searching every detail of the child, she almost missed it.
The baby had opened its eyes; it looked about the room curiously and as it took in the sight of Hermione, its brown eyes (Secretly, Hermione rejoiced in this fact) glowed a bit. Love like Hermione had never known before rushed out of her to this tiny creature. She kissed the baby's face and right as she was about to call for Draco...her child was ripped out of her hands by some healer.
She screamed. And Draco heard.
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Rushing into the room his face was that of utmost joy but when he saw the scene before him, his expression melted off his face.
Many healers now had accompanied the one who had restrained Hermione. She flailed her arms and legs, but they held her down. Tears flew down her face so frantically Draco wondered if possibly she were having a sort of spasm. Unable to do anything else, a fourth Healer injected a shot into his wife's arm.
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Her baby...she had to get her baby.
No other thoughts than these ran through Hermione's head as she quickly lapsed into a dreamless, heavy slumber.
(End Flashback)
Pulling her thoughts from the memory she cringed as more tears flew from her eyes and fell upon the grass.
"I-I had a baby," she whispered
"WHAT?" The cry rang out in unison
"Really?" Ron clarified, making sure he wasn't dreaming
"Hermione!" Ginny squealed excitedly
"Wow...you a mum!" Harry exclaimed
"More amazing is Draco being a daddy!" Ron laughed
"A boy or a girl?" Neville asked
"A girl" she said weakly
"Well that's brilliant! Congratulations Hermione!" Harry said joyfully
"What's her name?" Ginny asked eagerly
To this, Hermione simply burst into more tears. "I-I don't know" She cried
"What do you mean you don't know?" Neville asked, his smile slowly fading away into a look of confusion.
"I don't know!!" She cried out hysterically
"Hermione, sh...it's okay. A baby is a good thing." Ron said, not knowing what else to say. "Right?"
"Of course a baby is a good thing you git" Ginny teased her brother
"Well how am I supposed to know! Those things happen as mistakes too!"
"Well for a married couple, a baby is always going to be good thing"
"Wait, Hermione, you and Draco were married when you got pregnant right?" Ron asked suddenly worried
"Of course, you insensitive prat" She mumbled, wiping some tears away from her face
Ron beamed. The others laughed
"Well, Mione where is the bundle of joy? She needs to be introduced to Uncle Ron!"
Hermione bit her trembling lip, on the verge of tears again. "She's not here," she whispered
"What do you mean she's not here? Is she at home?"
"No"
"Well then where is she?"
Hermione took a deep breath and said quietly, "S-She's Dead"
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Hermione Granger would have welcomed tears. She would have accepted gaps of horror or angry outbursts. And she even would have welcomed sympathy...something she'd always despised. But those eyes filled with shock and guilt...that she couldn't accept.
Brown, Blue and Green eyes filled with unshed tears, each mouth open slightly into a little o shape. Horrified, they simply sat there staring at her.
It had been several excruciating long moments until Ginny finally made a noise that sounded like a strangled sob and a whimper in the back of her throat.
"Mione...Mione I--" She began before she burst into tears
"I—we had no idea" Harry explained
"I know," she said quietly, determined not to lift her head up and see their faces
"W-We just congratulated you...Oh Hermione I feel so terrible!!" Neville moaned.
Ron said nothing, only stared at her face and whispered, "So that's why you left us"
"Yes" she said, her own eyes glistening with her own tears that had yet to fall "I-I couldn't do it anymore"
"We would have supported you Hermione" Harry said gently, embracing her
"I know that now. But then...I didn't want to see another human again. I hated the world. It's not fair. What had she ever done to the world? Why did she have to die?"
"Life's cruel 'Mione. We all know that from our years here" Ron said softly
"I knew that. But I'd done my part. I'd suffered what was expected of me during the war...I had already made my sacrifices. It was time for me to be happy."
"The numbers never balance out" Neville explained
"If she had simply been born dead...it wouldn't have been as bad. But I held her in my arms, I stared into her eyes...she was breathing, she was alive and she was mine. Then the healers ripped her out of my hands, knocked me out and the next thing I knew, they'd already taken care of her body. Draco and I never got to name her..."
"I can't imagine..." Ginny sympathized
"She deserved better...she deserved a name at least! I would have come up with a name I know...just a few more minutes and she could have been buried with a tombstone. But instead the damned healers decomposed of her tiny frame; they said she was still contagious in death. But I know better..."
Moments of silence accompanied this explosion. The friends simply sat in silence, none knowing what to say to comfort their no longer bushy haired friend.
"I'm sorry" Hermione said softly
"For what?" Harry asked, forgetting entirely
"For leaving you. I-I can't believe I did that."
"We understand why you did." Ron said gently
"That's no excuse to leave without so much as a goodbye for five years"
"We just wished you would have let us help you" Neville assured her
"It was terrible without you though" Harry said pain evident in his soothing voice. "You simply disappeared. We thought we'd done something wrong—all we knew was that you were alive but wanting nothing to do with us"
"Nothing was the same after you left. It just felt so empty" Ginny agreed
"I suppose that without one person, the whole group suffers" Neville said "Because it was the same feelings we had when Harry was gone for that year"
Harry smiled. "But I came back."
The group muttered fondly to this, each remembering that day when Harry returned.
Ron turned to Hermione staring at her intently with his ice blue eyes, "Are you back Hermione?"
Hermione took in a sharp breath. Was she back? It was high time that she came back to her friends. But to the wizarding world with its prying eyes and gossipy mouths? She'd been in the Daily Prophet far too many times than she cared for, and her return would surely bring about unwanted attention. She sighed. No, it was safer remaining in her Manor with Draco. There she stayed away from others and if she needed something, it was brought. She had an easy life, since she'd dropped out of Auror training, passing day to day as she pleased while Draco was away at work. She had a library the size of the Gryffindor common room and spent every morning, relaxing in the garden with a book in her hands. No, it was decided. She would not come back.
But then she looked about her. At the horizon that was slowly transitioning from its miraculous sunset into the pale dusk of night, the faintest twinkle of stars just barely evident. She looked to at the castle that stood proudly before her. Every corner in her present view she had memorized, each as precious as the next, for as she sat on the green grass staring at the only building that had been her home (since her house in the muggle world had long been destroyed) memories like she had never known fell upon her.
It was first year and she was opening the compartment door to find a raven haired, bright eyed, somewhat scrawny boy sitting across from a flaming red head that currently had his mouth full of sweets and dirt on his nose. Claiming to be looking for Neville's toad, she was entranced by this pair of boys and instantly felt a feeling of hope that one day they might befriend her. She'd immediately scolded herself at such thinking: after all who would want to be friends with a bushy haired bookworm like her?
And then there she was, standing on McGognal's enchanted chessboard and a wave of fear passed over her. Ron was unconscious and Harry had left to fight Voldemort. Not knowing if either would be alive; her first and only friends; she quietly began to cry. Kneeling over Ron, she took off her jumper and desperately tried to wipe off some of the blood on Ron's face. She shivered...her thin shirt wasn't warm enough for her. But it didn't matter, just so long as Harry and Ron were alright.
Second year, coming out of her petrified state to learn of Harry and Ron's adventures, her heart fit burst with pride. But sitting there she wondered if they had not been successful down in the chamber with Tom Riddle what she would have done if she'd awoken to the news of their and Ginny's deaths.
Third year, her fear as Ron was being dragged under the whomping willow, screaming bloody hell, his face a perfect image of absolute horror. She and Harry's desperate scrambling to rescue him.
Fourth year, the Yule Ball and the famous Viktor Krum row. And who could forget the morbid ending to that year? Cedric Diggory dead and Voldemort fully restored to power.
Fifth year, Sirius' death and their flight to the Department of Mysteries
And then Sixth year changed everything. She fell in love with Draco and fought in the last battle. Both Luna and Harry dying. With her eyes, she clearly saw the battle play out in her mind. Lucius Malfoy had stood there...and over there was where she and Ron witnessed Luna's death. Voldemort and Harry dueled a little way's off from her and around the corner of trees was where Harry had perished. Faces of the deceased purged her mind, and before she realized it she was crying again. Ron and Draco left her, leaving her helpless when she needed the most support.
Seventh year was filled with nothing but pain. How could she forget the night Ron hit her and the aftermath of pain with Draco. But Harry's return made everything alright again. The Wizarding World had their hero back and for weeks Witch Weekly and the Daily Prophet ran stories of Harry's friends and their reactions to his return. Since no one but themselves and Dumbledore knew of the reasons behind it, rumors were everywhere. The six couldn't go outside of Hogwarts without being bombarded with questions. Some speculated the Hermione herself had brought Harry back with her brillance, others believing the one started by a gossip lover in Hufflepuff that Ginny's longing for him, brought him back.
Then suddenly she was at Harry and Ginny's wedding, almost five years ago. Standing from her place at the alter, she watched as Ginny made her way down the aisle, and she stole a glance at Harry; her heart ready to burst when she saw him. She'd never seen him look so happy. His eyes glowed in a strange way and a smile unlike any Hermione had ever seen was plastered on his face. Also noticing Harry's face, Ginny laughed softly, the laugh making her seem all the more beautiful. And it was then that Hermione knew that Harry would be fine. Even with all his horrible memories, he would be okay. And for a moment, just a single brief moment, she was saddened; for now Ginny was the one to mother and nag him, and to knock logic into his brain when he got upset...to be his best friend. But then the moment was gone and she found herself twirling about the dance floor with Draco, laughing as she did so. Ginny, Harry, Ron, Lavender, Neville, and his date, were all dancing too; everyone drunk with happiness.
And admist the sad memories, Hermione suddenly remembered her old self. Sure at the beginning she was a bossy, know it all, and the teasing she endured had made her life miserable; but afterwards, especially after the defeat of Voldemort and Harry's return, she'd been a carefree, jovial woman. Celebrations occurred often, and it was not rare to see her talking animatedly, with a true smile on her face, or hear her light laugh echo across a room. She'd never been happier.
Looking at her friends sitting there, all waiting breathlessly for her response, she almost cried again. For her heart was filled with love for them all, and she silently pondered why she had left them in the first place. These people were as much family as Draco was, and the only family she had left in fact. And it was then she truly understood their friendship.
Harry had had hard times, growing up with the threat of Voldemort always over his head, but they'd helped him through it. She'd gone through hardships following the murder of her parents, but her friends remained by her side. After Harry's death, Ginny had been a wreck, but they helped her cope as well. When Ron left them, they were waiting with open arms when he returned. Neville's heartache involving Ginny was soon eased after some long talks with the group. Draco's stress with his pressure to inherit his father's estate he easily and voluntarily let out in a rant to the six. And now, it was her turn again. She'd eased their troubles, soothed their fears, provided advise, and was there in moments of need. Now it was her turn to be cared for. And maybe in a few weeks it would be someone else's turn. And so it would continue for as long as they remained friends.
These people were her support, how could she have turned her back on them?
Because you thought you could handle it on your own She told herself You were sick of the routine. You hated hurting and then having life be fine for a few weeks and then hurting again. You hated the whole wizarding world knowing everything about you. You hated being honored as a hero for something that anyone could have done. The true heroes were those who died in that battle. Not you. You wanted to take a break from being yourself.
And those reasons still haven't changed Hermione reassured herself
But you never intended to hurt them She argued with herself. They've done too much for you to deserve that. They've never done anything but good. It wasn't fair to them to leave.
No, she would not make that same mistake again. She could not make the same mistake again. Next time she would apparate to one of their flats and be comforted instead of vanishing. She could remain friends with them, and not return couldn't she?
But that's no way to live Her inner voice spoke. And she knew it.
Hermione smiled and the eyes of her friends grew larger and more hopeful. Laughing softly under her breath she looked up to the sky.
So what if she had suffered before? She would keep on hurting for the rest of her life. Defeating Voldemort did not exempt her from the pain of life. It was all a cycle after all, and the only way to live was to fight it with the courage being in Gryffindor already gave her; no more would she retreat. She deserved this for herself. She deserved this for those who cared about her. Without one member, history had shown, they were not complete. She could not be responsible for that now could she? Their friendship has survived trolls and spiders, it had survived Voldemort and death, their friendship had even survived time. And now, it would survive this.
"Yes" she finally said, her much loved chocolate eyes dancing with happiness. "I'm back"
THE END!!!!
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(A/N: I realize it's not the ending a lot of people were expecting and to tell you the truth, me neither! But I thought it worked and I'm happy with it. But if you were wondering, that's why it's taken me almost three weeks to update!! I'm kind of surprised at the feeling with finally ending this story and technically SORT TORDU too, all I feel is relieved. Of course I'm terribly sad at the propect of loosing some VERY faithful WONDERFUL reviewers, but hopefully you guys will stay on board with me for my next story. I've decided to try my hand at a Ron/Hermione story so if there are any die hard Draco/Hermione fans that couldn't bring themselves to read a Ron/Hermione story, I understand. But for those of you who would be interested, put me on your author alerts and it should send you an e-mail when I post it. Again, thank you so much for your wonderful reviews and advise. Some of you have been with me all the way in the beginning of the series, more than a year ago!!! I can't say thank you enough!! And now, if you could work your magic one more time and let me know what you thought of this chapter, this story, or the series as a whole I'd greatly appreciate it!
Kisses,
Haystack)