Author's Note: This is the sequel to another fiction I have written, 'Tomorrows Yesterday'. If you haven't read it then I suggest you do before going any further! I am told its very good. So here it is folks, what you all asked for. All I can hope for now is that you enjoy it, and don't hate me too much. Remember that not everything is as it seems!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Inclination

Chapter One

Time flitters through the cosmos like grains of sand through an hour glass. Swift and silent as a bird's flight through the starry skies it goes. While most things change there is always a core that is unaffected by the swirls of alternation. It becomes almost forgotten in time but will reappear when you least expect it…

Another day was dawning on the planet earth and magic sparked in the air. Christmas was fast approaching, creating an intense atmosphere that screamed excitement and expectance. Even the weather seemed to sense the change in mood as dark clouds began to hover over Britain, with the promise of its hidden treasures. Snow flakes would soon begin to tumble down from the sky in their thousands, each one carrying its own unique mark. The sharp north wind nipped at people walking in the streets, making their noses red and raw with cold. Soon the world would be plunged into the snowy torrents that only the young truly appreciate. This wasn't the only thing affected by the month though. Shops seemed to become crammed with the most tempting of presents, urging children to press their noses up against the glass windows and beg for Santa Clause to bring them what they desired. Adults seemed to become more active as the inevitability of a holiday loomed. All in all, the world was in an excited state of bliss.

Hermione noticed all of this as she weaved her way along Diagon Alley and it was hardly surprising with the number of Christmas trees and moving Santa's about. Yet in her mind it all seemed trivial to the one thing she had her mind on. All through her life Hermione had dedicated herself to her own education and making sure she was better then the best. She had strived hard to get where she was going but finally all of it had been paid off. An offer had been made after 3 months of waiting. Hopefully, she thought, they would give her the job on the grounds she was on first name speaking terms with the boss already. A blush crept about her cheeks at her own self indulgence. A lot of people would be trying to get their hands on this one, but she was damned if she was going to give it away without a fight. And this is where that fight would begin, in a small clothes shop on Diagon Alley.

Something her father had always said was that first impressions meant a lot in the modern world and Hermione agreed. New robes were in order. What she had in mind was something plain and simple, yet classy, all at the same time. The object of her present desire was hung neatly on the wall and was the deepest purple. The folds seemed like liquid and had the tiniest silver stitching along the edges. A sigh escaped her lips as she ran her fingers over the velveteen material. Like a wand chose its owner so did robes, and this one was the one for her. Her fingers almost instantaneously went to her bag where she fished out a tiny pouch. Within it was the allowance she had set herself, also just enough to buy her the new robes. Quickly purchasing it before guilt settled in she dashed out of the shop.

Now she stood alone amongst the hustle and bustle of happy people, each one in their own bubble of reality. A soft sigh escaped her lips and she closed her eyes to savour the moment. It would be the only moment she would ever have in that place at that time, and only recently had she realised how important it really was to be alive. Only months ago had she nearly lost her dearest friend to the darkness of death.

Even though Christmas was here, and the Witching world tried to forget their problems, there was that underlying fear that Voldemort would kill them. If not them then someone close to them. There was a fear that when someone casually said, 'see you tomorrow', they wouldn't. The Muggle world may have their terrorists, but what was rising in power was so much worse. A shadow would soon be cast over the earth and the sun would scorch the skies. Hermione shivered at the thought. It had been those brave Auror's fighting the Death Eaters that had held off the battle this long. Again she shivered; it was like someone walking over her grave. Ron had almost died in a duel with Voldemort himself, and the memory of his battered body was still too raw in her mind.

As someone crashed into her and mumbled about 'people these days', she was pulled away from the horrific thoughts infecting her mind. Taking a deep breath she stepped forward, straight into a puddle. The water splashed up her legs, releasing a growl from Hermione.

This was going to be one of those days.

***

'Hmm…'

The familiar, yet ominous, rustle of paper sounded like a fog horn in the silence. Then there were the critical noises made by a man in deep thought. It had always confused her as to why anyone would have to make noises like a cow when reading. Through all of this though, she kept a perfect smile on her face. It said, 'Hire me, I'm the best person you could get'. At least that's what Hermione hoped it said. In reality it was more likely to look like the pathetic smile of a woman anticipating rejection. Self confidence had never been one of her strong points. Even when she succeeded the best, she felt she could have done better. Some people would say she set her aims too high, but she said that that was the only way to get through in a world full of obstacles.

'Well Miss Granger, in light of this…glowing reference, I consider you to be one of our highest candidates.'

Hermione felt her pulse quicken, and she held her breath in anticipation. This was the job of her dreams and she would kill for it. Well, she reconsidered, maybe not kill but definitely seriously maim. Inwardly she tutted herself, but her inner devil only giggled in delight. She allowed herself a broader smile.

'We'll be in contact with you within the week Miss Granger. Hopefully then we should have come to the final decision…It's so difficult having to choose a successor for poor Professor Johansson,' the man said with a resigning sigh.

'Yes,' Hermione said softly, 'I heard about that. It was terrible.'

'Very much so, Miss Granger. Then again the teachers of Defence against the Dark Arts never do last that long…' he trailed off at the strained look on Hermione's face. 'Not that I'm saying such things will happen to you if you get the position.'

'Of course not Professor Flitwick, I understand what you mean,' Hermione said with a smile.

'Bless you my child,' Flitwick said with a smug look. 'Hogwarts would be more the better for a young face like yours around. Especially one so familiar with the school! How many years has it been now?'

'About five I think. A lot's changed though.'

'Ah yes. Dark times are upon us. Yes, yes. Changed indeed,' Flitwick muttered, a look of deep thought upon his old face. 'Well Miss Granger, I think I'm finished here.'

Hermione nodded. It had been hard on the school since the war had begun. Many teachers had fallen at the will of Voldemort in an attempt to corrupt Hogwarts. Still Dumbledore reigned though, and it seemed to be the only safe haven in a world full of tragedies. Hogwarts was as pure as the day Hermione had joined, all those years ago. Looking around the interview room now, she was reminded of a time that seemed almost lost in itself. A time when she had been so happy and content with the childish ways of her own world.

'Professor?' she called to a receding Flitwick.

'Yes Miss Granger?' Flitwick said, turning towards her. Even with age his eyes twinkled with untold treasures and Hermione couldn't help but feel more at peace in his presence.

'I was just wondering if I could possibly…'

'Why Miss Granger! I thought you would never ask! Of course you may explore your old haunts. Have fun and Merry Christmas!' Flitwick said before shooting off.

She smiled happily to herself and considered all the places she could visit with all this power she now had. In an instant she knew the exact place she wanted to be, and sadness seemed to sweep over her. Memories were all she had of that lost time, and now was an opportunity to relive them. The problem was she feared opening old wounds.

***

Maybe it was the way the wind blew her hair so it was blurring her vision, or maybe it was her over active imagination. Whatever it was, Hermione felt for a split second like she had been transported back to that time and place. A time when she had thought herself to be madly in love, when hormones raged and what you wanted wasn't always what you got. She remembered in vivid Technicolor exactly what that thing she had wanted, or at least what she had wanted it to be. Maybe she had been in love, but it was more likely that she was only in love with the idea. There was no possible way a girl of that age could understand love. Hermione was almost sure of this, but at the time it had all been so real.

The place was all too raw a memory for Hermione. She couldn't quite understand why now, but in her adolescence she had often come here just to remember. It was a sweeping willow with a small bench placed strategically under its branches. In her mind it had been a lot more romantic, but seeing it through her adult eyes, she wasn't too sure. It had been here where she had first learnt what it was like to hear the words 'I love you'. It was here where she had learnt that you could hate and love at the same time, with the same passion. Hermione let herself drop onto the small bench and closed her eyes.

'If your friends ever found out about us, then it would hurt you. I don't know the exact reaction but I'm willing to bet that they wouldn't be too happy. I don't want to jeopardise your relationship with them. Hurting you would kill me.'

At the time it had seemed far from serious, but it was. Eventually he had hurt her though, and now she barely thought of him. Draco Malfoy had been as evil as a snake and as stubborn as a mule. When he saw things he wanted, he took them. He had stolen her heart among other things, and she had done nothing to stop him. In fact she had begged him too. It had been so wonderful a feeling, like flying. Draco Malfoy was nothing but a memory now though. Hermione hadn't seen him since that night they had spent together even though she had tried.

Once she had snuck out late at night just to wander round the corridors aimlessly. She had hoped upon hope that he would find her. Then he would hold her, tell her he loved her and kiss her until she believed it. A wan smile played about her face. Even now she had to admit it had been an exciting fling. Maybe if it hadn't of happened she wouldn't be in the place she was now. Now was a good place in all respects. She had a lovely little maisonette in London, nearly the perfect job, great friends and…Oliver.

Oliver Wood had come into her life when she was most innocent. After having left school, she was vulnerable to the world and especially to men. Little experience of men outside of Hogwarts and her own group of friends, had led her into a relationship with a man called Norman. He wasn't the most exciting guy in the world, but he had been secure and a huge change from her previous lover. In all honesty Hermione was kidding herself; Norman practically collected brown paper bags. So when she met Oliver she instantly jumped at the chance of someone new. He seemed to feel the same way and soon they were great friends. When Norman had split up with her because he wanted someone else called Fredericka, it had been Oliver who comforted her. Soon this comforting had led to other places.

In Hermione's eyes he was the perfect man. He was good looking in a modest way, played as Keeper for one of the Wizarding Worlds greatest Quidditch teams, and loved her truly. Even when he was surrounded by other women, he would always keep his eyes on her, and she couldn't help but smile whenever they were together. They had only ever had one hiccup and that had been remedied with Oliver serenading her. Now they were planning on moving in to a bigger house together. Secretly she was hoping that he would bend on one knee and propose.

Coming back to the now she sighed. It was pointless thinking about the past when the present held so much more for her. Draco Malfoy might be part of her past, but she needed to let that memory rest in peace. Smiling sadly she stood up and looked around. Letting her eyes drop close she surrendered to the memory of his arms around her. Wrapping her arms round herself, she rocked slightly. All the denial in the world couldn't cover up her regret for loosing that moment.

…and it won't seem the same. Left over time your mind begins to harden to the fantasies of the world. Your childish whims seem inferior to what you think now. You believe that you were wrong then and are right now. That core will still be there though, undiscovered and lying in wait. It waits for the morning sun to rise over the horizon and for that little inclination to resurface.

Author's Note 2: I know what your all thinking! What happened to Draco? Why is Hermione being so bitchy about the past? Oliver?! Well my friends all will hopefully be revealed later. I hope you enjoyed it, and review!