Author's Note: Warning in advance: I haven't had this beta-ed. So please excuse any grammatical mistakes. Please, continue on. J
Chapter 2 – The Decision
Five Years Later
Hermione Granger opened the small window of her childhood bedroom to lessen the stuffiness and to rid it of darkness. For the past twelve years, this had been a retreat from school woes and life-altering heartaches. It was her retreat once again. Now, a fortress from unemployment. Hermione's degree in chemistry had not saved her from scrambling to buy food and paying the rent. She had no choice but to move in with Mom and Dad once more.
The former witche opened the top box of her belongings, pulled out a satin box, and sat down on her bed. Their picture. His ring. It was the only the picture she had of the two of them. They were at Bill and Fleur's wedding, simply just smiling at each other and then at the camera. It was one of the few good times they had that year, and she had never been so happy. She lifted the ring and placed it on her left hand's ring finger. It was not an engagement ring, it was a ring of promise – the promise that he would always love her. A small garnet adorned the thin gold bang. She had missed him so much the past few days. It was so hard right now and he would make her laugh, or perhaps make her angry. Both would be a welcomed distraction.
An amber-shaded owl landed on the window seal, waiting to be invited inside. "Who are you, little one?" The only owl she had seen in the last five years was Hedwig. Walking over towards him, she removed the parchment from his thin leg.
Ms. Granger,
Harry has informed me that you have unfortunately been unable to find work living as a muggle. A position has opened at the Ministry that I feel would be of interest to you. I cannot discuss details, as it is a matter of secrecy, but your experience with potions is highly needed.
Please come back, Hermione. The Weasley family, nor the Wizarding world, has been the same without you. Send your reply with Neelwid.
Forever at Your Service,
Artthur Weasley
Neelwid flew to her desk to await her reply. Her amber eyes looked at him and he looked back, his eyes telling her to hurry. He was owl to the Minister of Magic – he didn't have time for indecisiveness.
Sighing, she stood up and retrieved her old quill and stack of parchment from the bottom drawer. She knew her answer. She was a failure as a muggle. As a witch, she was the brightest student since Tom Riddle himself. She had fought beside the Boy Who Lived against Voldemort's army of Death Eaters, Demeantors, and other followers of darkness. As a witch, nothing could stop her.
I accept.
As Neelwid flew toward the Ministry of Magic, Hermione slowly opened her dresser drawer and grabbed her wand for the first time in half a decade. Swish and flick. "Lumos."
-------
Harry sat in the Leaky Cauldron impatiently awaiting Hermione's arrival. Five years, he thought. What would she be like? He looked at his watch – his best friend should be here any minute.
"Harry?" Hermione's chocolate wild curls bounced up and down as she ran to her friend.
"'Mione," he whispered into her hair as they embraced. He held he hands at arms' length. "You haven't changed a bit."
"You most certainly have, Harry! I must say that Ginny is very lucky."
Harry's blush spread all the way to his scar. It was still there, even after Voldemort's end.
"Do you mind if I stay with you until I find a place of my own?" she asked while sipping a butter beer.
"Of course not. You'll have to sleep on the couch, but it's all yours. I'm just so glad you're back."
"Thank you, and I am too. I don't know what I was thinking, Harry. This is where I belong; I was just too stubborn to come back.
"Do you know anything about this project I'll be working on?"
"The only thing the aurors know is that the Potions Department is teaming up with the Dark Arts Council."
"Dark Arts Council? Isn't that led by—"
"That's right. Hermione Granger will once again be working side by side with Draco Malfoy. Just like old times."
A/N: Hermione and Draco will finally meet again next chapter. Please review, loves. It drives me to write more.
