CHAPTER 1

The Burrow had changed a lot.

It was no longer, the cheery, slightly dilapidated house it had once been. The gate was latched, the door locked, and all the windows shut and barred. Inside the house, the once happy air was laced with sadness. Everybody walked around with grave expressions, as if something terrible had, or was about to, happen.

Fred, George and Percy no longer stayed there. Ever since Ron and Harry had left, the only occupants of the house were Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ginny and Hermione. All of them walked around, their faces tight and drawn. Bags under their eyes, and worried twists to their mouths.

As Ginny walked up the garden path to the gate, it struck her odd that all the boys in the house had left.

'We're all alone,' she said, musingly. The rain was falling all around her. she bundled her scarf tighter around her slim neck, and quickly drew up her umbrella. She checked her watch, and knew she had half an hour to find Hermione and get back home in time for lunch.

'Where are you, Mione,' she muttered, stopping outside the gate and glancing around. she decided to try the Park first. She knew Hermione sometimes sat and watched the flowers, and the shadows grow longer as the sun set. As she walked, stepping in puddles which were dancing with more drops, she realized how shattered everyone was.

She reached the park, but there was no sign of Hermione. The bench she normally sat on was filled with water and empty. She frowned. Then, it struck her.

The Square! Of course!

She knew Hermione went there to feed the pigeons. She wasn't sure what attatchment Hermione had with these birds, but it seemed to soothe her. she turned around, and frowned at the long walk ahead of her till she reached the Square.

Her thought wandered, as her legs kept perfect pace. To Ron, the brother she had always cared for. To Harry, the only man she had ever loved. Where they were, what they were doing….she winced, thinking of Harry fighting, hurt, injured…as in her dreams, she pictured his startling green eyes closing for the last time.

It hurt, and the tears began to flow.

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As Ginny neared the square, she caught sight of Hermione. Her heart stopped.

The sight before her wrenched her, filled her with inexplicable sadness. Hermione was sitting on a bench, a bag of soggy grain on her lap. Her hands were moving mechanically, throwing grain for the birds which would never eat it. Her eyes were glassy and hollow.

She was thinking about Draco, Ginny knew. She knew just how Hermione was feeling. After all, wasn't that how she felt with Harry?

She began to walk towards her best friend.

'Hermione!' she called.

Two startled brown eyes glanced up.

'G-Ginny? You scared me. What are you doing here?'

Ginny gently sat down beside her, and held the umbrella over her head.

'Mione, we have to go back for lunch. Mum will be expecting us.'

Hermione nodded absently. 'Of course. I'll be along.'

Ginny held her hand, and pulled her up.

'The birds are gone.' She urged her. 'Come home.'

Hermione cast an unhappy look around the empty square. 'Coming.' She said, stuffing the bag into her pocket.

Ginny slipped an arm around her shoulders as the two began shuffling back towards the burrow.

'You were thinking about Draco weren't you?' she asked, gently.

Hermione's eyes teared up a little.

'No news,' she said, softly, 'He hasn't written. It's like…he'd forgotten me.'

Ginny pulled her a little closer.

'Hermione, Draco's in love with you. Of course he hasn't forgotten you. But he's been through a lot. He needs some time alone, don't you think?"

Hermione nodded her eyes still tearful. 'I suppose. But it hurts. I wish he'd come home soon. We never got a chance to be a happy, normal couple. I don't even know if we're formally together. I mean, sure we're married, but before this whole thing happened, we hated each other. It's just so confusing…'

'Mione, of course you're together. Believe me, he'll come back. Then, you can sort out everything with him. I know you two have never had your happily-ever-after. Just wait…wait till Voldemort is defeated, and the Death eaters perish. Then, you can live a happily married life.'

Hermione smiled through her tears. 'And you'll be with Harry.'

Ginny didn't reply.

They were walking up the drive way of the Burrow. Hermione flicked her eyes through the trees for a moment.

Her breath caught in her throat.

No…surely, it hadn't been?

She looked again. And for a fleeting second, she was certain once again that through the rain she had seen a shadow glancing at her. A pair of silvery eyes…

She shook her head. Of course not. She was dreaming, again. She turned back, and walked into the house with Ginny.

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Draco watched as she walked into the house. She had tears running down her face. He felt his heart beat painfully. Would she be disappointed in him? Or would she accept him again?

Shaking his head, he crept away. He would meet her tomorrow.

Hey guys! Chapter 1's up! Hope you guys enjoy reading this.

SHOUT OUTS

Jesska-14: Thanks for reviewing! Yes, it's an unexpected beginning…but that's because the last story didn't end on a happily-ever-after.

Lilly- I'm glad you enjoyed POTC. I'll update as soon as possible from now on.

Chrissy- Yes, Hermione is staying at the Burrow. That's how Pawn on the Chessboard ended, remember. However, all Mrs. Weasley's sons have left, either for Order work, or on their own business, so Hermione, Ginny and the Weasleys are alone.

Alex- Yep, here you are! Will update as soon as possible, keep reviewing!

Sly Slytherin Princess- Yeah, it's pretty sad. But don't worry; this story will end on a happy note.

harrietpotter- Thanks for the praise, though I'm not sure I deserve it. Keep reviewing, and I'll update faster!

Duckeegal20- Innovative name…and of course, I'd write a sequel…you can't leave a story on a sad note like that.

Lilly (My one and only) - hey, glad to see you back! Yeah, I said I'd write a sequel, in one of the ANs. And of course Draco's coming back! You don't think he's gonna leave poor Hermione alone, do you?

twinklerbell23- Yes, you're my first reviewer. Cheers to you! And here's the thing- I will try and keep all your points in mind while writing the story, but I can't be so sure on the emotion thing. After all, this is a very emotional story. But if you feel it's getting too emotional, tell me and I'll try and cut it down a little.

MissDitzy- The reason Draco left was because he needed some time alone, after all he had been through. Anyway, he'll come back soon enough, so that's okay. Thanks for reviewing.