Thank you to all the people who have followed, favourited or reviewed the story so far.

There is only one more flashback and it doesn't appear until later in the story. But this is the chapter where the story finally starts progressing. I hope you enjoy it!

Usual disclaimer: I'm obviously not JK Rowling (I'm just a Harry Potter fan) and I'm not making any money from this story.

Also, I've mentioned this before but if you're into social networking, follow me on Twitter, Gryffindork11. It's the place where I do a lot of Harry Potter fangirlin' and I often tweet about this story and any others I'm currently planning (and believe me, there are many).

Monday morning dawned with all the insistency of the pure song of early birds and the bright Spring sunlight. Hermione awoke, reluctant to give up her slumber, which was the only time that she had brief respite from her grief. She got out of bed and began her perfunctory morning routine: making her bed, washing in the bathroom, slipping into her work clothes and finally going into the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea.

She knew she should eat. She hadn't had dinner and the last time she'd eaten had been yesterday lunchtime, nothing but a small sandwich. She felt empty but she wasn't hungry, and when she thought of food, she became queasy. She sat at the little table in her kitchen, slowly sipping her tea.

When she had almost finished her cup, there came a little tap on the window. She looked up and saw an owl outside, a letter secured to its leg. She got up and opened the window. The owl flew in and hovered long enough for her to untie the letter, and then it swept out again. She recognised Ron's untidy scrawl on the envelope.

Dear 'Mione,

It's the anniversary party at Hogwarts tonight, isn't it? I know I promised I'd be there but I can't make it, sorry, babe. Something's come up. The captain wants us there for an extra training session this evening. Annoying, I know. But what can you do?

I spoke to Harry and he mentioned that he was bogged down with paperwork, so I'm not sure if he'll be there either, you'll have to ask him.

Sorry again, 'Mione. We'll have to go out together soon, my treat.

Love you, babe

X

Hermione huffed in exasperation. Ron knew how reluctant Hermione had been to attend the party at Hogwarts to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the end of the war but he had persuaded her to go by promising to accompany her. How typically unreliable of him to put his Quidditch career above everything else, Hermione thought.

Hermione remembered that Ginny had told her weeks ago that she wouldn't be attending. She was pregnant and not having a very nice time of it. She didn't want the bother of having to dress up and socialise with people when she would just be irritable and uncomfortable.

It was the first year that Hermione had actually accepted the invitation sent to her by Professor McGonagall, the Headmistress of Hogwarts. And it was also the first year that Harry, Ron and Ginny weren't going. Hermione would be going alone. Great.

Hermione immediately considered not going. She didn't think she could face Hogwarts alone. She hadn't set foot in the place since the battle and she didn't think she could cope with being back where she had lost everything. And the thought of spending an evening with boring, old Ministry officials and their simpering, fake wives didn't thrill Hermione either.

She sighed, realising that she couldn't cancel. She had sent her invitation back to Professor McGonagall and her old teacher had been delighted that her star pupil was going to be attending the party. She looked down at Ron's letter, annoyed.

Knowing that she had been delaying unnecessarily, Hermione finished getting ready for work. She remembered to put her outfit for the party in her bag, so she could change into it at the end of the workday. Then she slipped on her coat and shoes and left her apartment.

For the majority of the day Hermione sat in her office and quietly got on with her work, trying to avoid looking at the clock ticking ever closer to the moment when she would have to make an appearance at the party.

Lunchtime served to break the monotony. For a change, Hermione decided to go the cafeteria in the Ministry rather than venturing out into Muggle London, which she usually did. She was sitting alone, picking half-heartedly at her salad when Harry spotted her. He ordered his food, a large plate of sausages and mashed potatoes and sidled over to her.

'Hermione,' he said in greeting, grinning at her.

'Hi, Harry,' she replied.

'How are you?' he asked.

'Oh, just fine,' she said with a sigh. 'And you?'

'Brilliant, thanks,' he said, not seeming to notice her morose tone. 'I felt the baby kicking last night, it was amazing.'

Hermione nodded, unable to match his enthusiasm. 'Is Ginny feeling better?'

'A little bit,' he said, eating his lunch with vigour. 'She's been a bit frustrated lately. She's already bored with maternity leave. But she can't work if the pregnancy is making her so ill.'

Ginny worked as a Quiddich correspondent for The Daily Prophet. Hermione knew that Harry considered himself lucky that his wife wasn't actually playing the sport itself. He'd worry himself silly if his pregnant wife even thought about riding a broom.

'I think my wedding is serving as a nice distraction for her,' said Hermione thinking of Ginny's delight at looking at wedding dresses at the weekend.

Harry swallowed a large mouthful of food and grinned again. 'I can't believe you're getting married. I remember when we were at school; you swore you wouldn't ever limit yourself by marriage. You said your career was far more important.'

Hermione shrugged. She wanted to change the subject. 'By the way, are you going to the Anniversary party at Hogwarts tonight?'

He shook his head apologetically. 'I can't, sorry. I have to stay late at work. Tonks will have my guts for garters if I don't complete my paperwork by the end of the week. It was supposed to be finished by the end of April!'

Tonks was now the head of the Auror office. Hermione hadn't seen her in years, even though Harry was very good friends with her.

Hermione sighed. 'Okay, I understand.'

Harry finished his meal and drained the last of his glass of pumpkin juice. He got up and smiled at Hermione. 'Anyway, I've got to go. I've got to go to an important staff meeting in ten minutes.' He eyed Hermione's plate, which was still more than half-full of salad. 'You should finish that. Ron's right, you are too thin.'

Before Hermione could contradict him, he rushed out of the cafeteria. She managed to eat a bit more food but soon found she was too full to continue. It seemed that after all the meals she skipped, her stomach had shrunk and could barely contain enough food to keep her going. On her way out, she tipped her uneaten food into the bin and went back to her office.

All too soon it was five o'clock. The work day was over. Hermione tidied her desk and reluctantly made her way to the ladies' restroom. Never before had she been less eager to leave work.

In the restroom, she changed into a trim yellow dress. She wore a white headband and white shoes. She transfigured her bag, changing it from black to white leather to match her accessories. She applied very minimal make-up and left her hair wild and untamed. She was relieved not to have to make an effort for Ron tonight.

When she was finished, it was half past five. She was proud of her ability to get ready quickly, rather than taking hours, like most women. It did, however, make her far too early for the party. She apparated just outside the castle grounds and walked up the rough, narrow path that led to Hagrid's hut. She thought she would catch up with her old friend before venturing into the castle.

''Ello, Hermione,' Hagrid said, opening his door and beaming when he saw that it was her. 'Come in.'

'Thanks, Hagrid.'

'You look nice,' he said as he shut the door. 'I take it you're actually goin' to the party this year?'

She nodded. She reached down and stroked Fang. He was very old now, but he was still healthy, even though he lacked the energy of previous years. She wondered if Hagrid had somehow magically extended his dog's life.

''E's still a daft old thing,' Hagrid said affectionately. 'Tea?'

'Yes, please,' she said, and clambered onto one of the enormous chairs at Hagrid's table.

They chatted for well over an hour. The sky outside began to darken. Through the window, Hermione could see the castle lit up. People had begun making their way into the Entrance Hall.

'Oh, it looks like the party's startin' Hagrid said. 'Shall we get goin'?'

She nodded and followed him out of his hut and up the grassy slope. They reached the great oak front doors. She took a deep breath and stepped into Hogwarts. She was surprised to learn that very little had changed. In a staggering feat of magical engineering, the castle had been fully restored to its former glory within a few months of the battle. It was still a wonderful place, grand and magnificent, but for Hermione, it was a place that was tinged with sadness.

Hermione and Hagrid went into the Great Hall and found it already full of people. The candles hung in the air below the enchanted ceiling. There was no sign of the long house tables. Tonight, there were little round tables around the edges of the room, but no one was sitting at them. Instead, the part guests were milling about, socialising. Music played- an unobtrusive background to the hum of conversation.

'Evening, Hagrid,' professor Slughorn said and then he noticed Hermione. 'My dear, it is good to see you. I hope you are well?'

Before Hermione could reply properly, Slughorn held her arm and began steering her towards a group of people he wanted to her to meet.

Hermione glanced back apologetically at Hagrid. 'I might see you later,' she called over her shoulder.

'Ah, Horace!' said a middle-aged man Hermione had never met before. He eyed Hermione with interest. 'And who is this delightful young lady?'

'Hermione Granger,' Slughorn replied. 'One of the best students I had the privilege of teaching.'

As the group of witches and wizards appraised her, Hermione glanced around at the group. Kingsley was there, wearing elegant robes of deep purple. He gave her a relaxed smile. She also recognised Healer Bonham, the head of St. Mungo's. As well as the middle-aged man, there were also two women she didn't recognise.

'Miss Granger,' Slughorn continued. 'Let me introduce you to Barnabas Cuffe, editor of The Daily Prophet.' He indicated the balding middle-aged man and then pointed at one of the women who was short and chubby with curly blonde hair. 'And this is Julia Lockwood, one of his top journalists- she'll be writing a piece on this celebration.' Julia smiled at her. 'And this is Natalie Miller, a talented Quidditch player and captain of the Wimbourne Wasps.' He pointed out the tall, dark-skinned woman who grinned at her.

'Pleased to meet you,' said Julia, offering her hand to shake, which Hermione accepted.

'And of course, there's no need to introduce Miss Granger,' said Slughorn pompously. 'You all must know her as Harry Potter's brilliant Muggle-born friend who helped him save the wizarding world!'

Hermione blushed. The group stared at her.

'And what do you do, Miss Granger?' asked Barnabas Cuffe.

'She works at the Ministry,' said Kingsley, 'in the department for the Regulation and the Control of Magical Creatures.'

Barnabas raised his eyebrows at her. 'Surely someone of your talents would rather be working for the Minister himself. His personal assistant maybe?'

Before Hermione could say anything, Healer Bonham interjected. 'I've always thought Miss Granger's skills would be better suited to the field of healing. Every month she makes a batch of her own Wolfsbane potion for the werewolves at the hospital. Simply amazing with potions, she is.'

'Ah, yes,' said Slughorn in agreement. He and Healer Bonham began discussing her skills as a potioneer.

'Hermione could excel at anything she tried,' Kingsley said graciously. 'Did you know, when she attended the wizarding university she was one of the only students to combine a magical-Muggle education. She has a joint degree in Transfiguration and Potions and a degree in Muggle biology. Genetics, wasn't it?

Hermione nodded.

'Well, it appears you certainly are multi-talented. Miss Granger,' Barnabas said. 'Damn, I should have worked harder to persuade you to work for the Prophet.

Hermione became overwhelmed as the group began talking loudly about Hermione's career choices and whether they were the right ones. They offered advice as to what they thought was the best use of Hermione's skills and qualifications. They gabbled away and Hermione found herself torn between answering two different questions from Julia and Healer Bonham. Hermione couldn't think over their incessant chatter. She had to get away but didn't want to appear rude.

'Excuse me,' she finally said to Natalie Miller, the only person who hadn't jumped into the discussion. The Quidditch played nodded and shot Hermione a sympathetic look.

Hermione managed to extricate herself from the group before Slughorn reeled her back in. She took a glass of champagne off the tray that a waiter was carrying around. She scanned the room, wondering what she should do now. She saw a group of her old Hogwarts friends, Neville, Dean, Parvati and Padma Patil and a few Hufflepuff students who had been members of Dumbledore's Army. She was reluctant to go and talk to the animated bunch because she didn't feel like mustering any enthusiasm, even if she was meeting people she hadn't seen in years.

Hermione took a gulp of champagne and pulled a face. She hated the taste of it, but the waiters didn't seem to be serving anything else. She realised that Mrs Weasley was standing a few feet away with Mr Weasley, Fred and George, Tonks and Professor McGonagall. Mrs Weasley noticed Hermione and waved her over.

'Hermione, I've just been talking about you,' Mrs Weasley announced. 'I was just telling Minerva and Tonks about your engagement to Ron.'

Hermione groaned inwardly. The subject she least wanted to talk about.

'Let's see the ring,' Tonks said, eagerly grabbing her left hand. 'Ooo, that's huge!'

Fred caught Hermione's eye. He raised his eyebrow at her suggestively and she blushed.

'When is the wedding?' Professor McGonagall asked.

'The end of May,' Hermione said, ignoring Fred and George's huge grins.

'Not long now!' Tonks exclaimed. 'Are you excited?'

Hermione nodded silently.

'How long have you been engaged?' Professor McGonagall asked.

'Since January,' Hermione said. She could cope with the facts rather than her feelings on the matter.

'That's not very long,' said Professor McGonagall frowned.

'Oh, well, they didn't see the point in waiting,' Mrs Weasley said quickly. 'They're so in love, you see.'

'You're not pregnant, are you, 'Mione?' Tonks said with a wink.

Hermione went bright red with embarrassment. Fred and George sniggered. Mrs Weasley shot them a stern look.

'No,' Hermione said.

'I'm sure it won't be long after the wedding though,' Mrs Weasley said knowingly. 'I'm sure Hermione is going to give me many grandchildren.'

Hermione wanted the ground to open and for it to swallow her up.

'Now, now, Molly,' Mr Weasley said to his wife. 'You're embarrassing the girl.'

Fred and George were still grinning, thoroughly enjoying the awkward situation Hermione found herself in.

'Well,' said McGonagall briskly. 'I'm sure any children Ron and Hermione have will be sorted into Gryffindor when the time comes.' She sounded proud.

'Maybe Ravenclaw, if they inherit Hermione's brains,' said Tonks.

'Let's hope so,' said George.

'We'd hate for your children to turn out like Ron,' Fred said.

'I'd be proud if they were like Ron!' Mrs Weasley said indignantly.

'I've been reading about his Quidditch career in the newspaper,' McGonagall said. 'I'm glad he's found success.'

Mrs Weasley nodded, eager to talk about her son. 'Yes. He's one of the best Keepers the Chudley Cannons have ever had!'

Fred and George snorted their scepticism. Mrs Weasley ignored them and continued.

'He's always sending us tickets to games, he's a good boy,' Mrs Weasley gushed. 'And the pay is excellent; perfect for when he and Hermione start their family.'

Hermione wished she were anywhere but there, listening to Mrs Weasley. Fred and George finally seemed to take pity on her.

'We make loads of profit in our shop,' Fred said loudly, not to be outdone.

While everyone's attention turned to him, George leaned down and whispered to Hermione.

'Go now, while you've got chance. I'll tell Mum you've gone to the loo or something.'

Hermione thanked him quietly and hurried away.

The atmosphere in the Great Hall had become too stifling. She decided to go outside for some fresh air. She was relieved to feel the cool evening air caressing her face. She looked over at Hagrid's hut. It was dark. He must still be inside the Great Hall.

Hermione began to wander over the grounds. She passed the place where she had punched Malfoy in her third year and remembered the incident fondly. She peeked in the windows of Professor Sprout's greenhouses and noticed that the students were still learning about the same plants that Hermione had when she was at school. She walked by Hagrid's hippogriff paddock, the place where she had first seen Buckbeak.

She eventually came to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. She gazed up at the dark trees and didn't feel as daunted by them as she had done when she was younger. In fact, now, she felt drawn to them. She had the strangest feeling that something was calling out to her. Curiously, she ventured inside the forest and began to explore.

It was odd. The Forbidden Forest had been the setting for many expected events that she and her friends had experienced at Hogwarts. Over the years it had been the place where Harry dared go into Aragog's lair, where she and Harry hid, waiting to save Sirius with Buckbeak, where Hagrid had hidden his brother, Grawp. And it had also been the place, six years ago to the day, where Harry had walked to his death. This forest had so much history, so much had happened within it but tonight it was quiet and almost… peaceful.

Hermione walked, stepping over tree roots, avoiding sharp, low-hanging branches. She felt like she had a purpose in being there, but she didn't know what it was. She continued walking, not caring if she ruined her little white shoes.

Within a few minutes she was deep into the forest and was in a part of it that she didn't recognise. She wasn't scared. But an owl hooted loudly and she jumped, startled only because it had broken the silence. She glanced round, trying to spot the bird and in that moment she tripped over a tree root and fell to the ground.

She wasn't hurt but she was surprised by her fall. She put her hands on the ground, ready to push herself up and that's when she noticed a small, black odd-looking stone lying at the base of the tree she had tripped over. She scooped it up and got to her feet. She studied the little rock by the light of the moon. She had never seen it before but somehow, it seemed important. She turned it over. It was cold to the touch. It was a strange shape and it had no markings whatsoever.

She clutched it in her hand, deciding to take it with her. She looked up, intending to get her bearings but she noticed a man next to her when there hadn't been before. She gasped and reeled back in shock and nearly dropped the stone.

Standing in front of her was Remus Lupin.