Not sure what made her go insane in the past few days since she received the gift from Tom, but there she was waiting for him in a high-end restaurant at Diagon Alley. Hermione remembered the first they came there, it was when he first signed with the team and wanted to celebrate. They never went back since. The food was overpriced and was just an overwhelming experience. All the high ranked Ministry Heads were all mingling in a section of the dining room. She was being bounced around department to department at the time, accumulating her talent and skills. Her hard work eventually paid off, but at the expense of her relationship.

Hermione looked around. The restaurant was still the same as before. She recognized some Ministry workers in the small section that was always reserved for them. They waved her over, and she was surprised to see Nicholas there. It shouldn't have been too surprising, he was constantly praised and was trusted by the Head of many departments. She didn't stay long and had a short talk with Nicholas.

"Were you invited as well?" he asked.

Hermione shook her head. "I'm here to meet someone. Tom, actually."

"Oh," he stuffed his hands in his coat pocket. "Enjoy your date," he said, and walked away without letting her explain.

She had nothing to explain. She wasn't dating either of them, yet she still felt guilty when she saw the hurt look on his face before walking away. Their lunches together were more frequent that it attracted eyes on them. Others were beginning to suspect that something was going on, but her meetings with every department were the same. Daily briefings, then she moved on. She never stayed too long or lingered around.

Sitting alone whilst she waited, her hands began to sweat and heart raced. It was now or never. Hermione needed to tell him how she felt and return his gift. He clearly didn't understand when she was ignoring the roses and previous messages. That was just Tom, always persistent and pushy until he got his way.

From her seat, she spotted him near the lobby looking for her. He was wearing a dark suit. Hermione raised her hand and waved. She had to remind herself that it wasn't a date, and they were never getting back together.

"Sorry, I'm late. Team meeting went on longer than I thought," he said and sat, as she didn't stand to greet him. Maybe hoping for a hug was too much, after what he did to her. Still, he was happy that she came. "Have you ordered anything?"

"I'm not staying long, Tom. I just came here to return this," Hermione replied. She pulled out the velvet box from her purse and slid it in front of him. "I want you to stop sending me flowers and gifts. It's over. You made sure of it when you dumped me and left without a word," her tone was harsher than it sounded in her head a minute ago.

"I want you back, Hermione. Give me one more chance. I never meant to hurt you, I swear it. I made a mistake and I realize that now. Just one more chance," he reached out for her hand, but she moved it away.

"I gave you plenty of chances, Tom. Every time you asked for one more chance," she fought the tears and continued. "Have you any idea how much you hurt me? I had to find out from Malfoy that you were already seeing someone else after just a week. I knew he disliked me, but that smile on his face when he said it. You have no idea how much you hurt me, Tom. I trusted you and loved you, then you just cut off all ties. I didn't hear from you for months, and now you want me back. How dare you?" her voice began to crack. "You're selfish and an arse. I don't ever want to see you again," she wiped her tears with shaky hands. It felt good to finally let it out and tell the person who caused her the most pain in her life.

"I'm sorry, Hermione," he stood up and tried to hug her.

She raised her hand up. "I don't want you anywhere near me."

"I'll do anything you want," he pleaded with his hand still trying to reach for hers. "Give me just one more chance. I'll make it all up to you. I just got my contract extended with the team. I can get us that place we always talked about. In a few months, we can get married."

"Married?" she couldn't believe him. "We're never getting back together. Why don't just go back to her? Clearly she meant more to you than our relationship."

"It was a stupid mistake. It'll never happen again."

"You're right. It won't happen again because I'm not taking you back. We're done. There's nothing else left to say," Hermione pushed passed him and walked pass the dining section.

Tom was at her heels with the velvet box in hand. He wasn't giving up easily and caught up to her before she could open the door. "Hermione," he pulled her back to him, hugging her from behind. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I was foolish and stupid. It'll never happen again," he whispered by her ear. "Just this once. Give me one more chance. I love you, Hermione."

Her hand slid from the door handle, and she leaned back against him. For a second, she missed the way he used to hold her. Hermione had waited so long to hear those words again. For weeks, she cried and hoped it was a horrible nightmare. Tom was her first love, her first everything. He was the only one she ever loved. She was being foolish and she knew it. When she turned to face him, a pair of blue eyes brought her back to reality.

"Nicholas," she whispered.

Tom loosened his arms around her, and she pushed him away. Her eyes remained on someone else. She was no longer looking at him. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"It's over, Tom," she said. This time she meant it. She turned away from both men. Tonight was about her. She walked out of the restaurant and into the chilly night air. For the first time, she felt free. No longer was she held down by her past.

Her footsteps were lighter on the pavement as her heels clicked. She made her way along Diagon Alley, not exactly happy, but not sad. She was glad she had finally done it. This was the best thing for her. Something she should have done long ago and spared herself the heartache.

Hermione stopped by the Leaky Cauldron. She chose a seat at the bar. It had been a long night, and she deserved their finest drink. She ordered an aged Firewhisky on the rocks. She lifted the glass close to her nose. It had an oak scent. The liquid went down smoothly in one gulp. It was cold yet it made her feel warm. She paid her tab with a few Sickles and turned away, but crashed into someone.

"Just wanted to make sure you're okay," he held her arm to steady her.

Hermione looked up to meet his blue eyes. "Nicholas."

"Are you okay?"

"I will be," she answered. "I have to go. I had a long night."

They both left the Leaky Cauldron together, and he helped her get a taxi, afraid that she might splinch herself if she Apparated in her state.

The long drive home gave her a peace of mind as she watched the city go by. Lights flashed and blurred. It was such a simple thing that she had forgotten after finding out that she was a witch. Traveling was made easy by Floo, and Apparition. Everything was easy except the heartache she endured, but she came out a stronger person. Their breakup was a blessing in disguise.

xxxx

Tom wrecked everything he could smash in his flat. He didn't have much, as he was hoping that she would move back in with him after tonight, and they could decorate together like before. Several dozens of roses laid flattened on the floor after stomping on them like she did with his heart. Her favorite wine bottle was smashed against the wall, staining it a deep burgundy color. Pieces of glass were scattered everywhere on the floor. He wore the engagement ring on the tip of his index finger that he planned to ask her with. Their dream of marriage and children were now gone.

He waited too long to go back to her. He didn't have anyone to blame but himself. After seeing his teammates with different women, he thought it was what he wanted. The temptation was too much, and he was too weak. Now he was all alone and miserable with the contract of his dreams.

end. epilogue to follow.