Chapter 2

May 16th 1998

The sound of the boys stomping down the stairs could be heard before they came into Hermione's line of vision from her seat at the table. Nervous about the conversation she had to have with her friends Hermione anxiously started biting her lower lip. Hermione looked up from the letter for the first time as the boys walked into the kitchen.

"Good morning Hermione," Harry greeted her lovingly. The boy who lived, though faced with his own demons, was handling the aftershock the war far better than people expected him to. He still woke at odd hours of the night drenched in sweat from nightmares from his snake eyed demon but in terms of other order members he was handling the war well. Hermione heavily suspected that though Harry was upset about some of the outcomes having the weight of the world off his shoulders was exactly what the boy finally needed. He would finally be able to grieve for all he had lost started with his parents and what would have been his childhood, to the friends he lost on the battle field, now that he wasn't always worried about hit next move and how he was supposed to save the wizarding world.

"G' morning," mumbled Ron less enthusiastically as he sat down waving his wand to start the process of making tea. Harry smiled at her and looked down at her tea cup. They loved sharing their inside muggle moments when everyone took magic for granted, for he knew Hermione had made her cup of tea the muggle way.

"Good morning boys. I hope you slept well," Hermione responded hoping they had gotten better nights of sleep than she had. It was when Ron finally had his cup of tea in front of him that he really looked up and noticed both the bags under her eyes and the red puffiness indicated she had both not slept well and cried. He did, however, manage to miss Hermione placing her hands under the table with the note from the Ministry still clutched in her fingertips.

"What's wrong 'Mione? Did you have another rough night? Do you want to talk about it?" Ron asked awkwardly for he never had liked talking much about feelings.

"No, I'm okay. I mean I didn't get a perfect night of sleep but who does now a day. I woke up early and decided to come down and make myself a cup of tea – yes Ron the muggle way!"

Harry who had been staring guiltily at the clock the Weasley's had finally tore his eyes away from the missing hand, which had belonged to Fred, and made his way over to the girl he considered a sister and sat down. Giving her a one armed side hug he looked down and noticed the letter that was held to tightly in his friend's hand.

"Hermione, what do you have there?" Harry questioned as Hermione paled. She was not ready to have this conversation yet for she hadn't thought about what she was going to say.

"Oh… um… well it's just… it's nothing too serious." She paused but had to continue at the questioning glances she was receiving from both of her friends. "It's just a letter I received from the… the Ministry today."

"What for," a new voice belonging to Hermione's female best friend questioned from the stairs leading into the kitchen.

"Well," she started hesitantly, "you all know what I did to my parents to keep them safe during the war." She waited to see all three of her best friends nodding their heads willing her to continue on. "I owled the ministry about a week and a half ago explaining the situation I was in with my parents. I told them about how I obliviated them and sent them to Australia to keep them safe. Kinglsey, I believe, pulled some strings with the Australian government and they are going to allow me access into their country in order to reverse what I did to my parents." Hermione finished her explanation in one fast breath and nervously waited for her friends to reply.

"Oh, Hermione! That's brilliant!" exclaimed Harry first.

"Congratulations Mi," Ginny shouted using the personal nickname she gave her friend as she ran over to give Hermione a hug. "That's wonderful; I was going to ask you about your parents earlier but I didn't know how to bring it up without upsetting you!"

"Thank you guys! I was worried about telling you because I know that there may still be death eaters on the loose but I know I can handle myself and I will only be gone for a week tops. I am so excited, but also nervous, to see my parents again. What if they don't understand why I used my magic against them?"

Before anyone could truly acknowledge her fears more footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs. Ms. Weasley was the first to come into the kitchen. Quickly followed by her husband and George we had been spending the nights in Charlie's old room. No one in the burrow was handling the after effects of the war well but Ms. Weasley and George were having the hardest times due to loosing Fred. Ms. Weasley was often found crying over anything, especially mistaking George for Fred. George on the other hand had not cried since the battle itself but seemed to hide into himself. He didn't know how to handle being a whole person and not part of a team.

"Who is ready for breakfast? You lot are all far too skinny," asked Ms. Weasley with a slight smile on her face. Hermione noticed during the first week at the burrow that Ms. Weasley seemed most at ease while tending to her remaining family, including her adopted children Hermione and Harry. She had still not gotten over the fact that they were so skinny from their time on the run and had made it her own personal mission to fatten them up with exceptional meals at every opportunity she got.

As everyone tucked into the enormous breakfast laid out on the table Hermione looked over all the members of her extended family. Harry was still sitting next to her and Hermione was so grateful for his always there presence. As close as she was to everyone sitting around the table no one would compare to the brother that she found in Harry. After going through everything that they had went through together it was understandable that they shared a bond like no other. Next to Harry was her one female best friend, Ginny. Though she hadn't always been close to Ginny they had grown to love each other like the sister's they both had desperately wanted as children. She felt lucky to know that she could talk to Ginny about anything and the girl wouldn't judge her but try to understand her side. She was also grateful that Ginny understood the relationship Hermione had with Harry, Ginny's boyfriend.

Sitting at the head of the table was Mr. Weasley. Hermione had come to think of him as her second father figure. He was always willing to lend an ear to her and her troubles, even when he himself had some of his own. She also loved talking to him about all things muggles because she felt like it allowed her to stay in contact with her childhood while in the magical world. Next to him, sitting across from Ginny, was Ms. Weasley, Hermione's second mother. Always putting her children first and tackling problems head on will always be two characteristics Hermione admired about the maternal Weasley. Turning slightly to look at George, Hermione felt nothing but love for the remaining twin. George felt her gaze on him and picked his head up from his breakfast to look her in the eyes. His mouth tilted upwards to give her a small smile. It was well known that Hermione had gotten much closer to the twins after helping them with a few of their products and once they stopped testing their products on first years.

Lastly Hermione looked across from her to Ron. Ron was one of Hermione's best friends, one third of the golden trio. During the battle they had kissed in the heat of the moment and Hermione had been so excited to see what would become of their relationship. She was sad to notice that Ron hadn't ever wanted to talk about anything that had happened during the battle but seemed to become more possessive over her. Hermione had become extremely confused about how she felt about Ron. She had fancied herself in love with her childhood crush during the Horocrux hunt but after he left she just wanted to talk about how they felt. Ron, however seemed to want to forget everything that happened since Dumbledore's death but continue being in a relationship with her. Hermione knew she often over thought about situations so had been trying to go with the flow of their relationship more but it never seemed to click for her.

Looking more closely at Ron now she could see he was glaring at his food and not making eye contact with anyone sitting at the table. Hermione could tell that something was bothering him and thinking back to the conversation before the other Weasley's had entered the room she realized he never responded to her about the letter she received from the Ministry. Watching at how violently he stabbed his eggs with his fork she could tell he wasn't happy about the situation. Guiltily, Hermione returned to her eggs and knew she would have to talk to him alone later. Though she did decide to inform the rest of the Weasley's of her plans since they had a right to know where she would be disappearing to.

"Um… guys I have an announcement to make. As you all know I obliviated my parents and sent them to Australia before the w-war really started." Hermione started, nervously looking around. Harry was giving her a look of encouragement, Ron was still glaring at his food, and Ms. Weasley was giving her the sad look she always gave Hermione when her parents were brought up. Ms. Weasley knew it was very hard and brave that Hermione did what she did to protect her parents. "Well, anyway, I had sent a request to the Ministry for an international portkey so that I would be able to travel to Australia and try to undo the damage that I did to my parents. I received notice this morning that my request has been accepted and that I alone have been granted access to Australia."

After her speech the kitchen became very quiet. Ms. Weasley was looking at her with tears in her eyes.

"Oh sweetie," she said tearfully, "I am so happy you have the chance to go get your parents. No one should have to live without knowing they have a daughter, though I know you did what you had to do and I couldn't be prouder of your bravery. When do you leave?"

"Well, um… that's kinda the thing," Hermione started. "The Australian government wants me in and out of their country as quickly as possible so they arranged the portkey to be tomorrow at 3PM."

"You're leaving tomorrow?" Harry questioned looking more concerned than he did this morning. "Mione, you know there are still death eaters on the loose. They are making you go alone, are you sure someone can't come with you. You know I would go with you?" Before she could respond Ms. Weasley spoke up.

"Hermione, how long will you be there? If you are leaving tomorrow will you be back in two days. You know that is the day of F-Fr-Fred's f-fu-funeral." She said as tears ran down her face.

"Yea, Mione, you can't go this week. Fred's funeral is three days from now and you aren't allowed to miss it." Ron finally spoke up about the idea, looking somewhat pleased with himself that he had a reason for her not go to retrieve her parents.

Hermione looked at the crying Ms. Weasley one more time and realized she was being selfish. How could she think about leaving her second family when they were grieving for their lost song, twin, and brother?

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Hermione whispered through her own tears now. "I wasn't thinking. I was just so excited about the prospect of getting my parents back I didn't think about how you would all feel and I admit in my selfishness I completely forgot that Fred's funeral was being held this week. I will write the Ministry right away to tell them I am not able to make the portkey tomorrow and will make another request later on." Hermione was devastated that she would have to wait longer to go retrieve her parents but she couldn't imagine going if it was going to upset the entire Weasley clan.

Mr. Weasley looked like he was going to reply when he was interrupted by George.

"I think you should go Mione," whispered George. Looking up and seeing her hopeful expression he continued in the most confident voice he had used since the war. "You should go find your parents. I don't know how I would survive without mine; especially knowing they were out there somewhere living a life where they didn't know I existed. If we should learn anything from Fred it should be to live your life to its fullest and that we may not have enough time left. You don't have time to not go retrieve your parents so take the Portkey tomorrow and make our brother Fred proud of you." By the end of his rant he was standing up at the table looking at her expectantly. Not knowing what else to do Hermione got up and ran around the table into his arms crying.

"Thank you George. I love you so much!" As soon as she let go of George Ms. Weasley took her place in his arms giving him a hug so tight it most likely cut off his oxygen.

"He is right of course dear," Ms. Weasley whispered in Hermione's ear hugging her just as she did George the minute earlier. "You must go save the family we have left and when they return of Australia they will come over here for dinner. Oh, I will start designing the menu now; you're much to skinny you know?" And with that and nods of approval from most of the people sitting at the table Hermione sat back down in her seat and finished her breakfast

After the wonderful breakfast prepared by Ms. Weasley the group went their separate ways. Harry had asked Ginny if she wanted to go outside for a walk, which she accepted happily. Ron stormed upstairs and slammed the door to his room shut. Ms. Weasley went into the kitchen and after shooing Hermione away started casting cleaning spells. Mr. Weasley most likely disappeared outside to his shed to investigate what a television was. That left George and Hermione making their way upstairs together.

"George, are you sure you aren't unhappy with me?"

"Of course not," George responded while putting his arm platonically around her shoulders. "I understand why you need to go and I think Fred would understand why you weren't there. Anyway I'm sure you will be thinking of him the whole time." George smiled down at her though a layer of sadness remained in his eyes. He paused outside her door where he knew she was heading and looked like he wanted to say something. Hermione waited patiently for him to gather his thoughts.

"Mione, I don't think Fred would have wanted me to act this way." He started quietly not looking anywhere but at the floor. A drop of water fell to the floor and Hermione strongly suspected it was her friend's tears.

"What way George. How are you supposed to act? You're best friend passed away and no one thinks badly of you for being upset about that"

"No but he would have wanted me to celebrate his life. He wouldn't want me to not open the joke store after the war. I can sometimes hear him yelling at me that people need something to cheer them up and it is our job to make sure we have the best jokes to do it. He would be mad I'm not thinking of ways to get kids out of class. And the worst part is I know he is right cause I would want him to do the same thing if it was the other way around. But every time I come up with an idea I want to bounce it off him and he isn't here and I feel like I can't breathe without him. But I'm gonna try. I owe him that much. So, anyway, to the point, when you get back do you think you will come to the store with me and help me perfect the last product we were working on?" He finally looked up. Tears were clearly in his eyes and Hermione knew they were running down her face. There was still sadness hidden in George's eyes but this time, for the first time, Hermione also saw hope.

After hugging George and ensuring him she would always be there for him they went their separate ways. Hermione finally turned into her room to start packing her beaded bag for her trip to Australia.

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Later that Day

After double checking once again that Hermione had everything she would need for her upcoming trip she made her way out of her room, beaded bag in hand. Hermione walked up to Ron and Harry's door, knowing Harry was sitting outside with Ginny, and knocked on the door. At first she didn't hear any response and was about to turn away from the door when it was finally yanked open to show her very angry boyfriend.

"Um… hi," she started nervously. "I was hoping you would talk to me."

Stepping back Ron let her into the room. Hermione entered awkwardly until she sat at the end his bed and waited for him to sit at the head of the bed facing her.

"What do you want?" He asked rudely and she sighed knowing this wasn't going to be an easy conversation.

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about my trip. You didn't really say a lot downstairs when I mentioned it," she nervously chewed her bottom lip waiting for his response. She saw his blue eyes flash angrily before he responded.

"What's there to talk about Hermione? You didn't ask me before you sent the request. You don't care that I don't want my girlfriend leaving the country. You don't care how selfish you are being leaving me in my time of grieving. I always knew you were a selfish bitch but I really would have thought watching people die at the battle would show you there are more important things than yourself."

"Me, being selfish," Hermione screeched jumping off the bed. "You're being selfish! I gave up my parents months ago and I need to go find them. I thought I could count on you to be understanding but I can see I was wrong. Why should my boyfriend care about my happiness? How I was even supposed to talk to you about this? You never want to talk about the war!"

"You're supposed to ask for my opinion. I would have told you that you didn't need to go. Hell your parents are probably better off without your bossy know-it-all attitude in their faces all the time. And I'm sorry I don't want to talk about the war that my brother was killed in," he finished sarcastically also jumping off the bed.

"My parents are better off without me," Hermione whispered. Ron's face dropped as he realizes his mistake too late. He opened his mouth to say something but Hermione cut him off. "I can't believe you think that. If that's true then you are probably better off without me and I know now I'm better off without you. You never want to talk about the war fine, but you never asked me if I wanted to be your girlfriend you just assumed. Just like I assumed you would understand my need to go find my parents. You still have yours! You don't know what it feels like. I'm done Ron. We are done. Thanks for your support."

With that Hermione turned and ran out of the room with tears in her eyes. She didn't stop until she was outside, running past Ms. Weasley and George who were looking at her with such pity. She ran outside past the apparition point and was just about to leave when she heard Harry calling out to her.

"Hermione, where are you going?"

"I am going to go stay in my parents' house till I need to leave tomorrow. I can't be here right now, not around him." Hermione stated with tears in her eyes to Harry and Ginny.

"Mi, you don't have to leave," Ginny tried. "We heard your fight through the open window and my brother was just being a prat. You know how he gets."

"I know. And I know you and your family would let me stay but I just need to spend some time alone right now."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Harry asked.

Shaking her head no Hermione squeezed Harry in a tight hug before letting go and doing the same to Ginny. "I love you both" she whispered before spinning and disapparating to her parents house.

Yay second chapter down! Hermione broke up with Ron, will they get back together or did she leave herself open for another in her future? Keep reading to find out. As always please review if you're liking the story so far or if you have any type of comments.