Chapter 1
Two months had passed since the war ended. To Hermione, it felt like the world had ended and she was living in a fake version of reality where she was following the motions of going through life as was everyone around her. Although they had won the war, it was clear that the last year had depleted everyone. Given the wonderful people they had lost, the scars they all bore, the shock of the final battle, it was as if there was a constant dementor presence around them all. She had gone back to the Burrow along with Harry and Ron, immediately after the battle where they grieved Fred and Lupin and Tonk's death. It seemed as if they were going to funerals every other day.
Eventually, Hermione had left for Australia to look for her parents. Sure enough, Harry, and Ron had chosen to accompany her. With the help of the Australian Magical Ministry they had easily located her parents. However, much to her despair, the damage her Obliviate spell had left on their brains required extensive healing by expert healers. So she had had them committed to St Mungo's Psychiatry Healing, Australia where the world's best mind healers worked on restoring her parent's memories. Fortunately, using the trio's extensive influence, they had managed to keep this from the journalists. Although Hermione was distraught at the damage she had caused her parents, was finally looking forward to moving on. After all Healer Exavier had assured her, that the spell was reversible and that her parents should be fine in a few months.
The only real good thing during this time were the new relationships that had either started during the war or because of the war. Harry and Ginny were joined to the hip and were snogging as if they were practicing for the world championship. Neville and Hannah had started dating. Percy had regained companionship with Penelope Clearwater, who Hermione had felt very uncomfortable around when they first met on account of stealing her name during the war. It was a real pity then that the one relationship she truly cared about - her own, didn't appear to be surviving. When Ron had kissed her in the Chamber of Secrets, she had been relieved that it had finally happened and that they were finally together. However if the last 2 months had been any indication of their relationship, that first kiss was the only high point. It wasn't that they didn't love each other. She knew she loved Ron and it was clear that he felt the same way. However either the timing was completely wrong or they only loved each other like siblings. While she and Ron hadn't talked about their relationship yet, Hermione was positive that Ginny knew that their handholding and cheek kisses were for Harry's benefit. Afterall, Harry had been beyond thrilled that they had got together and they certainly did not want to give him any reason to feel sad. Not after the war and everything he had been through.
It was clear on their return from Australia, that there wasn't sufficient room in the Burrow, what with Charlie and Percy being back. So the three of them along with Ginny had moved back into Grimmauld's place. Molly who was understandably uncomfortable with young adults living alone had muttered something that sounded suspiciously like post war population booms and so had managed to persuade Harry to invite Andromeda and Teddy to move in with them. Andromeda, who had recently lost her husband, daughter and son-in-law had been extremely touched by the offer to return to her maternal family house. The first she had remarked on moving in was how much fun she was going to have fighting with this terribly outdated prejudiced house. She was also grateful for the free babysitting that was available. Ginny often called it practice when Harry and her were babysitting to incite Harry into a response. Surprisingly, he never overreacted, unlike Ron who would exclaim that he was too young to be an uncle, nevermind that Bill and Fleur were actively trying for a baby.
Days after they had settled into their new routine, they had a visit from the new minister of magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, with ministry internship offers. Harry and Ron had been quick to take up the Ministry's offer to join Auror training. Hermione on the other hand, was still considering her options. Before she had left for Australia, Professor Mcgonagall had suggested that she return to Hogwarts to complete her NEWT exams with which which she could then apply for any internship or job she wanted. Ginny was very much in favour of her taking up on the Hogwarts offer and her constant encouragement seemed to making her decision for her. The only reason she was considering her ministry offer was because she knew that if she went back to school, there would be no future for Ron and her. They were not like Harry and Ginny and that in itself confused her.
Soon it was Harry's birthday and they were celebrating in Grimmauld Place. Molly had baked a beautiful cake and Hermione, Andromeda and the Weasleys had put up streamers and other decorations. Hermione had bought Harry a book on basic Auror training hoping it would help him in the coming year. As more and more of their friends dropped by for the party, Hermione was struck by how much this felt like another Order of the Phoenix meeting. The only differences was that a number of the most important members were missing but also, for the first time in forever, they were all moderately happy. She found herself grinning at Luna trying to convince Ron that he had Harsgundy Bears in his ears and he needed to stand upside down for 10 mins a day to get rid of them. She caught Harry's eye across the room and saw him desperately trying to hold in a chuckle. It was almost like old times. It was only when they looked closer that the gaps were obvious- the way George stared into space when no one was talking to him or the way Andromeda's eyes would water randomly or the way Molly would stop every few minutes to count all her kids (harry and Hermione included).
Hermione was most conscious of Ron's habit of tapping his feet in nervousness as he was of the way she would check if she had her beady bag with the undetectable extension charm. He was avoiding her and she him. She knew, they needed to talk and soon. She was knew Harry was beginning to suspect and more than anything in the world she knew that she wanted her relationships with Harry and Ron to stay they wait it had always been. Tonight, she determined, after the party, she would talk to Ron and then things could go back to normal.
Harry had been getting so much mail all day, that no one had bothered closing the windows. The Owls kept flying in, dropping mail on Harry and flying out. Pig was getting extremely nervous and excitable. When Pig fluttered irritably for the hundredth time, Ron in annoyance, opened his cage to let him out for a bit. It was at this point, that a generic brown owl flew in to the window frightening Pig even more who nipped Ron's finger in confusion. "Ow, you dumn owl" yelped Ron. "Letter for you" he shouted to Harry across the room. Harry who had been stuck discussing portkey regulations with Percy was more than happy to run to the window. However, the brown owl with the nametag 'Baser' refused to hand him the owl, nipping at his fingers when he tried to reach for the letter. On closer inspection while avoiding the owl's beak, Harry realised that the letter was addressed to Hermione. Wondering if it was news about her parents and hoping for good news, Harry bellowed to Hermione who was upstairs introducing Hannah to Teddy Lupin. By the time Hermione came downstairs, Baser and Pig were playing a not so friendly game of 'this-is-my-water-bowl'. Baser held out his leg for Hermione who promptly took the letter. As Harry was coaxing Pig to let Baser leave, he heard Hermione gasp loudly and when he turned around she looked confused and a little shocked. "What happened" enquired Harry gently. Looking around to ensure no one was listening, Hermione exclaimed "It's the Malfoys! Look it's their seal" as she pointed to the insignia on the sealed envelope.
Just then, Andromeda and Molly entered carrying a giant Harry cake and everyone started singing happy birthday. Quickly dropping the letter into her beaded bag, Hermione whispered to Harry "Later" as they walked to the table where Harry cut a slice off his face-cake. The party was great fun and Hermione knew she would remember it forever. It was close to 1am when everyone had returned home and Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione were sitting in Harry and Ron's room talking about the highlights of the party which included Kreacher handing out tiny pink party favours, Teddy falling into the non-alcoholic punch, Neville drunkenly proposing to Hannah after she had fallen asleep. Ginny had just finished imitating Fleur and Luna's conversation about how Veela's were related to Nargles and they were laughing really hard when Harry suddenly remembered the letter. "Hermione, the letter" shouted Harry. "What letter?" asked Ginny, drunkenly placing her head on Harry's shoulder as Harry wrapped his arm around her. Hermione felt a pang of guilt on seeing that because after all wasn't that how Ron and she were supposed to be. Pulling the letter out she announced "This is really weird, why on earth would any of the Malfoys writing to me?". "Aren't they in prison except for Narcissa" asked Ron. "Yes, In detention" murmured Hermione breaking the seal and opening the letter. She started reading the letter aloud:
Dear Ms Granger,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I would like to start the letter by apologising for everything that you had to go through at the Manor and for my behaviour in the past. As you know, my son Draco is currenly in detention and will be standing for trial on August 3. I am aware that Mr Potter and you have agreed to be witnesses for him during the trial and I just wanted to thank you for agreeing to do so.
Draco is my life and I was very much indebted to you for all the help you are providing in his release and reintegration.
Thank you once again.
Sincerely,
Narcissa
When she finished reading, Hermione looked up to find stunned faces. Eventually, drunk Ginny began giggling which resulted in all of them cracking up. In between chortles, Ron gasped "What about thanking Harry? It's even his birthday!". "Actually", Ginny started, swayed and fell back into Harry's arms, "I did see another letter in Harry's presents piles that had the same seal thing". "Let's get it" exclaimed Ron, who excitedly sat up ready to go downstairs to look for the letter. To Hermione's relief, Harry grabbed his wand and said "Accio Narcissa's letter". Sure enough, a letter came whizzing through the air and fell into Harry's hands. Ginny grabbed the letter out of his hands and quickly opened it. Sitting up, she began dramatically narrating the contents:
Dear Mr Potter,
Hope the letter finds you in good health. Happy birthday!
Thank you for agreeing to be Draco's witness. I am very grateful.
Sincerely,
Narcissa
Ginny looked around confused. "Where's the bit about being indebted and Draco being her life?". "Maybe she feels that I owe her for saving my life in the forest and thats why I am appearing as a witness whereas Hermione doesn't owe any of them anything" suggested Harry. "Plus all that horror in their stupid house" muttered Ron. Another reason why she and Ron would never work, Hermione thought. He couldn't understand her ordeal. He feared it as he feared her nightmares about it. She wanted to talk about it but it only ever made him feel guilty that he couldn't save her from that. Hermione slowly said, "I don't trust the Malfoys. The extreme gratitude in my letter feels out of place". "I'm sure its nothing" Ron tried reassuring her. However Harry softly said, "It may be best that we are wary either way". Hermione nodded. Ron added "If you need me to be witness instead, I can do it". "It's alright Ron, like the ministry official said, I am sure they will call you if necessary." smiled Hermione softly. A soft snore alerted them to a sleeping Ginny. With a grin, Hermione said "I guess you boys better go to sleep then". Harry kissed Ginny's forehead softly as he lowered her to the bed and tucked her in. Ron and Hermione turned their heads instantly feeling like they were intruding. Catching each others eyes instead, they both blushed and Ron looked at his feet. Hermione realising that the time had come softly whispered, "Ron, we should talk". As Harry slipped out of the room, Ron asked Harry to give them a few minuted and with a resigned look, sat down for the talk he knew had been coming for weeks.
This is my first attempt writing. Please do leave reviews with constructive comments.