"WE HAVE TO SAVE GINNY!!" I bellowed to Draco. "I can't believe you just left her!"

Draco sighed. "Quiet! We haven't time." Draco stuffed a few items into a bag. He didn't take much, just money, a silver ring, and a photo album.

When he was done collecting his things, he placed the strap of the bag on his shoulder, and stood in front of me.

"We have to go," he said, "Now."

"But what about Ginny?" I asked in a soft voice.

"Granger, your friend is dead. I've told you. There is no way she could have survived when she was quite clearly hit with the Killing Curse."

"No," I glared at him. "You're lying."

Draco sighed. "You're in denial right now. You'll learn to accept it soon enough."

He grabbed me by the wrist and we apparated into Hogsmeade.

"I've got enough galleons here for the two of us tonight. I'm giving you enough to pay for tonight's stay and any meal you want. Stay out of public as much as you can and try not to use too much magic. Do you see that building in the middle there?" Draco pointed at the spot. "That's where we'll be staying."

Draco gave me some money. "Here. You'll be able to rent your own room for the night. And please don't disturb me. While you sit around coping with your friend's death, I'll be planning of how we're going to evade Voldemort's lot."

I ignored his snotty jab, took his money, and got a room for the night.

As soon as I was in the room, I rushed over to the bed, collapsed on it, and spent the rest of the night constantly crying.

Ginny was dead.

And nothing was going to change that.

I didn't just sob because she was gone, I sobbed for everybody I once knew who passed away. I sobbed for the Order members and the ministry officials who weren't still corrupt and fighting each day for integrity. I sobbed for all the families ripped apart and all the children who would never grow up. The world was just all wrong to me that night. And it still is come to think of it, but still…

You know how they some optimists say tomorrow is another day so cheer up? What they failed to mention was what you were supposed to do when the next day wasn't great either.

I spent the next day mostly in angst on my bed. Well, I did come downstairs during brunch and I used the restroom when I needed to, but that was about it. I wasn't in the mood for much except for appreciating how the small cracks on the ceiling were so detailed.

But, before it was time for dinner, Draco came and visited me again.

"Have you come to face the truth?" He asked.

"Go away," I sniffed.

"Granger, please. You're not the only one going through a loss. But if you just fall apart, you're not going to get anywhere. Do you want to die?"

"We all die eventually." I mumbled.

Draco sighed. "I'm not going to argue with you. If you just want to wallow in woe, do nothing, and wait for the Death Eaters to come after you, that's your problem. But do not expect me to die with you. Either you will help the two of us survive, or I abandon you. Your call."

"You are such a gentleman." I grunted sarcastically.

"Yes I am," Draco replied, ignoring the sarcasm, "but mannerisms are not going to help the current situation. Have you decided what we're going to do yet?"

"Fine, I'll help you." I said. "Have you started on any ideas yet?"

Draco shook his head. "I've been too bloody paranoid to do anything."

"I see," I said. "Well, first thing, we will need to disguise ourselves. We'll probably have to create new identities for ourselves, just to be safe. Oh yeah, and try not to use too much magic. Not that I'm saying to never use it again, but it might do some good to cut back on it a little. Magic can be traceable you know."

Draco nodded. "All right then, we'll do that."

"Eye color and hair color is easy to work with. The skin complexion would have to require a potion. I know a few temporary charms for the lips and nose…"

"And we also have to pick names." Draco said.

Hermione bit her lip in concentration. "Err…I'll be Linda Smith."

"Linda Smith?"

"It's just a random name. Don't mock me."

Draco started chuckling. "It's just an odd name for you. It doesn't suit you all for some reason."

I rolled my eyes. "What will be your new name then?" I asked.

"I'm thinking…." His eyes wandered off in concentration.

I cracked a grin. "How about David Beckham?"

"Aha! I'll pick that. Good name."

Ah. I had not expected him to say that.

"That's not a very good name, trust me. The half bloods and muggleborns will be suspicious. I was joking, Malfoy."

Draco frowned. "What kind of controversy can a name cause?"

"David Beckham is not just a name," I said, "It's the name of a football legend. Football is a muggle sport, you wouldn't understand."

"I'll never understand you weird muggles," he mumbled loudly under his breath.

I scowled. "Watch your mouth, Malfoy," I hissed.

Draco smirked. "Don't even bother trying to be intimidating, Granger."

"What do you mean 'don't even bother?' If I recall a certain incident in third ye-"

"GOODNIGHT GRANGER!" Draco cut me off.

Draco turned around and walked out of the room.

"Git." I mumbled.