I've never written anything like this before. I'm just going to go ahead and warn you that it's AD/HG. This is a first for me, and I'm surprised at myself for attempting to even write this. It's a bit AU and has HALF-BLOOD PRINCE SPOILERS. So if you have not read the sixth book I advise you not to read this.

Please review. I love helpful reviews, but I'm not very fond of flames. Constructive criticism helps. Flames hurt. Now with that said, on with the story.

Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me.

The Withered Trees of October
Prologue

The white tomb rested forlornly on the saddened castle grounds reminding each student of the terrible tragedy that had happened not so long ago. No one could forget the fall, the image of his body broken on the dark grass. The memory haunted the castle, followed the inhabitants. Some students claimed to hear his voice in the dark, long hours of the night.

With his death, the castle seemed to be slowly dying. As if they were connected by some ancient magic, the grounds began to loose their lush colors, trees withering away. The gardens were dying, much to Professor Sprout's dismay, and the usually clear waters of the lake were now a murky brown.

It was a grim scene indeed. One the inhabitants of Hogwarts wished they did not have to witness. The slow decay lowered their spirits, saddened them more than they wanted to admit.

Hermione Granger stood beside the tomb, flowers clutched in her hand, remembering the man that lay inside. Heart aching, she prayed hoping for a miracle, wishing for the Great Wizard to suddenly spring back to life. The Wizarding World has depended greatly upon him, and now, they were lost.

Laying the flowers on the tomb, she stepped back hugging her arms to herself suppressing tears. This was the most horrible feeling she had ever experienced. It felt like there was a gaping hole inside of her, a deep and dark void that could never to filled again.

It shouldn't have affected her this much. She wished she could be completely numb to all feeling. This ache was such torture to her. At night, Hermione tried to fight it, even pretend it wasn't there, yet nothing helped.

Taking in a shaky breath, she exhaled slowly. Her eyes stung from the cold October wind. How unfair this was! Why now?

"Hermione?"

Hermione turned slowly, and with a pang of guilt, saw Professor McGonagall standing behind her looking extremely tired and much older than she had before. The strict professor watched Hermione with sharp eyes seeming to guess why she was there. The thought of her mentor knowing made her cheeks flush.

"Hello, Professor," Hermione said slowly trying to smile, but failing.

Professor McGonagall moved toward the tomb, her expression one of deep sadness. "I expected to find you here."

"I know I shouldn't be here, " Hermione began.

"No," McGonagall interrupted. "You have every right to be here. More so than the others I believe…"

Hermione nodded finally allowing a few tears to fall. Brushing them away, she turned her red eyes to the murky lake. She remembered how beautiful the lake had once been, shimmering in the sun on warm summer mornings.

"This is just so…unfair," she said.

"I agree, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall replied. Her tone was grim. "His death came at a terrible time."

"Yes, it did." Hermione sighed letting her eyes rest on the white tomb. "I wish it hadn't ended this way."

"We all wish that," the Professor replied.

Hermione shivered in the cold wind. "I should go back inside."

McGonagall nodded, and smiled slightly at the young witch. "He would not be surprised to find you here, Miss Granger. He had a suspicion all along."

Professor McGonagall turned and strode away leaving Hermione open-mouthed. The clever witch stared after McGonagall's retreating form shocked from her bold comment. After a few moments, Hermione blinked and then walked quickly deciding that it was time to ask a few questions that she had been pondering for a long time.

Well, there's the beginning. I hope it wasn't too confusing. If it was, please let me know so I can do something about it. The beginning isn't supposed to spell every thing out though. I don't like doing that right away.

Please review! I'd love to hear any ideas you guys have as well. It's always great to hear what other people think.