AN: Hey all, thank you so much for the kind reviews and the many follows! I appreciate it! This story is not abandoned, I just got wrapped up in Nursing School but I (hopefully) will be more available and I want to be able to continue and finish this story! I am open to any suggestions for where you guys would like the story to go, or if anyone has scenes or ships they would like to see, I am all ears! On that note, on with the story!

Summary: War-broken and tired, Hermione Granger decides it's time to take a break from England, and the Magical world by extension. She moves in with her cousin Isabella Swan to finish high school alongside her. The only problem, the magical world doesn't seem to want to let her go.

Last time: Alice confirms Hermione's suspicions about Edward and their relationship. Future troubles are foreshadowed. Hermione and Edward have been drawn to each other more than before.

Chapter 5

The school day went by, as usual, the only eventful moments occurred at the lunch table. I was sitting with Isabella and our new friends as I had the previous days, the only addition to the group was none other than the vampire of the hour, Edward Cullen. He sat beside me and entertained Jessica's constant questions and Isabella's subtle innuendos about our transpiring relationship. I ate my meal and joined in where I could get a word in the conversation. Having Edward here, being in Forks with my family, I felt like I belonged. The only things missing from making me feel complete were my Godson, Teddy, and my best friends, Harry and Ron. I missed them all dearly. I almost forgot about my scars and the reason I was here. I wonder if I should show Edward and his family my past, I can sense a strong connection to each and every one of the golden-eyed vampires forming, they will soon become a third family to me. After the Swans and Weasleys of course.

While pondering my connection to the resident vampire family, Jessica asked Edward a question that had us both fumbling awkwardly for a response, "So are you and Hermione like, a thing now?"

Edward looked at me worriedly. I stared right back, a hot flush took over my visible skin. His eyes burned with the question and I shrugged. We both turned to Jessica at the same time and replied, "Yes?" in unison. I was beet red and Edward looked just as bashful. Our eyes found each other's right away. We hadn't discussed officially becoming a couple despite knowing that we were meant to be. It felt forced if we did not let things happen in their own time. I did not want to just let fate decide for me, I wanted a say in my future. Regardless of how charming and handsome my bronze-haired mate was.

Isabella began to distract Jessica, realizing that we were still staring at each other and not speaking. Edward gestured to the doors leading outside to the adjacent forest. I nodded and we both stood from the table and made our way outside. While walking side-by-side, our fingers brushed against the other- never intertwining. We walked until we reached a secluded table near the tree line. I still felt warm from the blush, Edward's cool skin relaxing me with each gentle caress of his fingers. We sat beside each other at the table, it was quiet for a moment until I spoke up.

"So er... we are 'a thing' now?" I tucked a curl behind my ear and peered at the handsome vampire beside me.

He scratched the back of his neck "I would have liked to go about it differently, where I'm from I would have asked your father to court you before calling anything official."

"Well, how about you go for asking me instead?" I internally winced about his mention of my Father. He and my mother were still in Australia. The damage I did to their minds was irreparable. I hated myself for it, I know that it was for their safety but it still stung every day knowing that my parents would never know or remember their daughter. There was nothing to be done.

"I could do that" Edward smiled and I refocused my thoughts on the conversation at hand. I nodded. He continued to speak, "Would you, Hermione Granger do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"

I smiled. "I would, Edward Cullen." The grin on Edward's face illuminated my soul and I leaned forward to plant a kiss on his cheek. Right before I was able to, however, the bell rang. We sat up, alert. I blushed bright red and Edward looked just as bashful. "So er, should we head to class together?"

"It would be my honor." He smiled and grabbed both of our backpacks before I had the chance to collect mine. I tried to take it but he swiped my backpack away from my reach. I grinned and glanced around for onlookers before wandlessly summoning it. It zoomed to my hand and I cheered in victory.

Edward laughed and wrapped his arm around my shoulders before we set to walk to Chemistry. I was surprised at how comfortable I was with the contact, usually, I flinch away or hex anyone who tried to touch me without myself initiating it. Even with Harry. I wonder if this is one of those soulmate things. I feel like I can fully trust Edward, which is odd because my trust is not something I can just give away.

We strolled to class together, Edward getting all of the doors for us easily. Students whispered down the halls as we passed, everyone was giving us surprised looks. I was uncomfortable with the stares and formulating gossip. The only thing grounding me was the ice-cold arm stretched around my shoulders. Edward's touch brought me comfort, and I was still trying to wrap my head around it.

The rest of the day flew by. Edward walked me to each of my classes, further spurring on rumors and looks from the student body, but with him there, I felt like I could do anything. The fears and anxieties washed away, like a clean slate. I was even less tense in my classes, which was a considerable feat given that this is still a relatively new environment. Things felt like they were finally going a good way.

After school, I noticed an owl waiting on Isabella's truck. A letter was clutched in it's beak. I instantly felt dread wash over me, Edward was on my left and Isabella on my right and both looked at me when they noticed the owl. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. The owl wouldn't be here unless it was urgent. Usually they wait at home or drop the letter and go. Ignoring Edward and Isabella's concerning comments and looks, I slowly stepped forward, cautiously approaching the owl. It hooted when it saw me and shuffled in its place on the rim of the trucks bed. I carefully took the letter from its beak and it flew off immediately. I stared at the letter in my hands, my fingers trembling from uncertainty.

Edward and Isabella stood by my sides again, Isabella spoke first, "Who is that from?"

"I- I don't know. I didn't recognize the owl. I need to go, I need to get home." My voice trembled. I could not open this letter here, I needed to do it behind wards.

"I'll drive you" Edward offered immediately.

I shook my head. I already decided on apparating. I just needed a private space to do it. "Just meet me there in a bit. I'm apparating." I briskly turned and walked behind the truck, out of sight from everyone else. I turned on my heel, disapparating before anyone could respond.

I appeared in my bedroom, I immediately set to opening the mysterious letter. The wax seal had the mark of the Ministry of Magic. I tore it open and poured through the contents.

Dear Ms. Granger,

The Ministry of Magic requests your presence immediately in the Auror Office of one Gawain Robards, Head Auror. This letter is a portkey and will transport you upon the annunciation of the word "Portus"

Do please bring your wand.

Secretary of Head Auror Robards

Susan Bones

I summoned my wand to my hand and transfigured my clothing to robes, simple black and red robes. My hair twisted itself into a tight bun at the base of my skull unpon my direction. Two cars peeled into the driveway and I instantly remembered that I left Edward and Isabella behind at the school. I needed to explain myself before portkeying away. I grasped the letter and my wand in my hands and rushed down the stairs. I got to the last step just as the door flew open revealing a worried Edward and a stressed Isabella.

"I am being summoned to the Ministry, the Head Auror wants to see me. I have to go. I will send a patronus with updates."

"Hermione-" Edward started but Isabella spoke up.

"Go. We will wait here." She nodded at me. She knew some of the circumstances in which I would be summoned. I had talked to her when I first moved here. I nodded gratefully at her and sent an apologetic look to Edward.

"Can you explain to him?" I asked Isabella, who nodded and wished me luck.

I looked to my letter and whispered "Portus" and was gone in a flash.

I know this is short, but I have a basic plot line set and am starting the next chapter tomorrow. I am hoping to have more out soon.

Vote for Isabella's partner in the comments! I am between Jacob and Harry or literally anyone. Let me know what you all want to see!