After the war, Hermione finds that she had drifted apart from Harry and Ron, as their lives head in different directions. As new opportunities come to her and she makes new friends, will the Golden Trio ever reconnect? Cedric lives. HG/CD.

.o.O.o.

Disclaimer: Not mine, don't own it – I wish! Unfortunately, Harry Potter belongs to JKR and not to me; I'm just playing in her sandbox.

Author's Notes:

» Thank you to my beta, the wonderful StrongHermione, for all her help and support.

» Thank you for all the reviews, alerts and follows; they're all appreciated.

.o.O.o.

Chapter 6

After a few letters back and forth between Hermione and Bill, terms were finally reached with the goblins regarding reparations for the break-in during the war. Hermione would pay a share of the damages to the bank and, when she came back to Australia after sitting her NEWTs, she would work in service to Gringotts Melbourne for the six months until she started university in the new academic year. She would further work in service during each of the long summer breaks while at university and for one year after she graduated. Cedric would also give six months' service on her behalf once he had completed his training. Hermione was very glad that his service would be no longer than that, as she did not want to impose on his good nature and have him come to resent her. Cedric did not actually mind since, as Jonesy had predicted, the goblins respected him for making the offer and this would stand in his favour in the future. Altogether, the total amount of service being offered by both Cedric and Hermione would be approximately three years' worth, which all agreed was a fair amount of time. The goblins had suggested that until she began her degree and developed more specialised talents they could utilise, she should undertake research for the curse breakers, a duty which would be playing to her strengths and which she knew she would enjoy. While the time spent in service would be without a salary, the goblins would pay for any work-related expenses, so all-in-all, Hermione felt the terms of the agreement were reasonable and she was looking forward to beginning work after her NEWTs.

According to Bill, the possibility of getting Hermione's services free for this period of time had delighted the goblins. While they were certainly not happy she had helped to rob their bank, the skill she had shown in extricating herself and her companions, combined with her known intelligence, definitely made her a person of interest to Gringotts. They also appreciated that as soon as she had returned to the Burrow after the Battle of Hogwarts, she had taken the initiative, rather than hiding her head in the sand or waiting for the goblins to contact her, and had immediately written to Gringotts to acknowledge her obligations. She had explained that she understood that she would not be welcome to enter the bank at this time (a courteous and considerate approach which greatly impressed the goblins, who were normally treated with arrogance and disdain by witches and wizards, most of whom would never for a moment even consider that they may not be welcome to enter Gringotts, no matter how much damage they caused or how badly they behaved) and that she was therefore appointing Bill Weasley as her representative to negotiate an equitable compensation for Gringotts. Apparently they had gone fairly lightly on her because they were impressed with her integrity and they would be very happy to employ her as salaried personnel in the future, if she ever so desired.

When Hermione had first approached Bill to be her intermediary with Gringotts, he had asked Hermione if he should also negotiate on behalf of Harry and Ron. Hermione had shrugged and said, "I assume so, they'll need to make a settlement sooner or later." Truth be told, she was sure that propitiating the goblins had not even crossed the boys' minds.

In his letter outlining the final terms, Bill mentioned that, When I asked the boys if I should also negotiate with the goblins for them, they told me not to bother. At first, I think it was because of the fog of apathy and depression they were lost in immediately after the war. They simply weren't capable of dealing with it then. However, they're coming out of the fog now and the apathy and depression are being replaced with arrogance. They're being hailed as the saviours of the magical world and they're beginning to believe their own publicity. I'm actually surprised at Harry, as he's always hated the publicity before, but I think, in this instance, he's happy because it reminds him that the war is finally over and he no longer has a madman after him, nor does he have the weight of having to save the world upon him. Ron, of course, has always wanted to make his mark and stand out from all his brothers so he's revelling in the fame.

What Harry and Ron don't seem to realise is that the longer it takes them to make restitution, the harsher the terms the goblins will impose on them will be. In fact, I believe the goblins are planning to freeze Harry's vault until he acknowledges his debt. Ron doesn't yet have his own vault but my parents, Charlie, Percy, George and I all do, and, well, the goblins haven't actually said anything to me about their plans for Ron but it wouldn't surprise me if they also freeze our vaults until Ron faces up to his responsibilities to the goblins and to the family. If that happens, Merlin help those boys because they're going to receive a very rude awakening! At least I'm aware that this might happen but can you imagine my parents and brothers' reactions if their vaults are suddenly frozen because Ron can't be bothered to understand that actions have consequences?

Having heard some of Molly's howlers and knowing George's creativity when it comes to payback, Hermione had shuddered at the thought. She happily accepted the comparatively light terms she had been offered and Helen and John immediately transferred to the goblins the agreed monetary reparation, which Hermione intended to repay her parents once she was eventually earning.

Once everything had been settled with the goblins, Hermione threw herself into her studies, with Cedric's guidance and her parents strictly monitoring her to ensure that she did not overwork herself. They did not want to see her revert back to the worn-out condition she had been in when she first arrived in Australia. Hermione was dreading returning to the UK and Hogwarts and was trying to use her studies and her planning to distract herself from thinking about it. She knew that she had been very depressed in Britain after the war had ended and she was scared of that depression returning. However, she also knew that she needed to confront her fears, so that she would be able to move forward without any regrets.

Cedric had applied to Gringotts and had been accepted as a trainee curse breaker. He would begin his internship after he returned from accompanying Hermione to sit her NEWTs. Both youngsters were much happier now that they had plans for the next few years – plans that would suit each of them – and they were beginning to settle in and find their feet in Melbourne. As promised, Marco and Jonesy had shown them magical Melbourne's nightlife and had introduced the young couple to their friends, some of whom Cedric would be working with at Gringotts. They were easily accepted into the social circle and, with new friends, were truly beginning to feel at home in Australia.

In the first week of August, just before they were due to go back to Britain, a slew of letters arrived from Bill, Fleur, Kingsley, Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom, telling them all about Harry's birthday party.

.o.O.o.

Molly hummed to herself as she listened to the laughter outside, as her children helped set up for the birthday party that would be taking place in the garden that afternoon. She was still mourning the loss of Fred, and always would, but she was glad to hear the sound of laughter returning to her home. She gave Ron and Harry a fond look as they raced through the house, refraining from chiding them for their childish behaviour because she was so happy to see them finally being cheerful and enjoying themselves.

"This party for Harry's birthday will be good for us all," she said to her daughter-in-law, who was helping her in the kitchen. "Fred would want to see us all celebrating together. It's just a shame that Charlie had to go back to Romania."

'All together? Has Molly ever wondered what happened to Hermione since she threw her out? Does she even care?' Fleur wondered to herself in her native language. Fearing that she would not be able to continue biting her tongue if she stayed in the older woman's presence any longer, Fleur abruptly hurried outside to help in the garden. It was not her place to say anything to Molly; that would be for her husband to do. Fleur knew that her husband and Kingsley had reached the end of their patience and were planning to confront the family that day with the fact of Hermione's absence. It was not long before everything was ready for the party and soon afterwards, the invited guests started arriving.

The garden of the Burrow was teeming with people. Most of the Gryffindors who had been at school at the same time as Harry and Ron, all the DA, members of the Order and most of Hogwarts' staff had been invited. An impromptu Quidditch game had started, music was playing and everyone was mingling happily.

A number of people had been looking around puzzled that they could not see Hermione anywhere. When Molly called everyone to come and eat Neville approached Harry and Ron. "Hi, guys," he said. "Happy Birthday, Harry."

"You too for yesterday," the green eyed wizard replied smiling at his friend. "How have you been since the battle?"

"Very well. It's amazing how good it feels to know that Bellatrix Lestrange can never harm anyone again. That completely makes up for everything I went through at school last year."

"I hear you," replied Ron. "I think we're all sleeping easier knowing that she can't torture anyone else."

"Hey, guys? I was wondering where Hermione is? I haven't seen her yet."

"Oh, she's around somewhere," replied Ron easily.

As the afternoon wore on, more and more people asked where Hermione was. Each time she was asked, Molly pursed her lips and kept silent, while Arthur, Percy, George and Ginny all shrugged and replied that she had moved out some weeks earlier but they did not know where to, as she had not been in contact since. Bill could hear the offended tone in their voices increase each time they explained that Hermione had upped and left without a word; clearly none of his family knew that his mother had asked their friend to leave. Each time Bill saw Molly's sour expression or heard Ron and Harry's careless refrain of "She's around somewhere," his blood boiled, until finally he exploded.

"Enough!" he yelled.

Immediately, all the chatter stopped and everyone turned to look at him in shock.

"William Weasley!" Molly exclaimed. "You're making a scene and you're spoiling Harry's party. I raised you better than that. Whatever your problem is, this isn't the time."

"No, Mum. This is exactly the time," he said decisively, as Fleur and Kingsley moved over to flank him, giving their support.

"I agree," rumbled Kingsley. "This is long overdue. Go ahead, Bill."

"Kingsley, whatever it is, I'm sure it can wait."

Arthur interrupted his wife before she could work up a full head of steam. "Molly, if there is something the Minister feels that Bill should convey now, then I think we should listen. It's obviously important or they wouldn't be addressing it in the middle of the party." He nodded to his eldest son to continue.

"Mum, I love you. I really do, but I don't much like you right now." He ignored the gasps of shock and continued on doggedly. "I've always been proud of your warm heart and I never, ever imagined that I could be ashamed of you."

He raised his voice and looked around at all the people gathered as he continued. "I've heard people asking where Hermione is today. Well, for your information, she's in Australia. She has been for several weeks now."

He looked back towards his mother, shaking his head in disappointment. "You know, Mum, when Hermione told me that you don't like her, I thought she was exaggerating but she was right, wasn't she? You really don't like her. You've only been tolerating her all these years. And this despite the fact that she's the reason Harry and Ron are alive today. It was her brains keeping them alive all these years and everyone knows it."

"Well, Mum was right, wasn't she?" Percy scoffed disdainfully. "Hermione just disappeared without telling anyone she was leaving or where she was going. What kind of behaviour is that, when we took her in and gave her somewhere to live?"

"That is the behaviour of someone who was asked to leave, Percy! Mum knew Hermione's parents were in Australia and their house had been sold. She knew Hermione had nowhere to stay but she didn't care. She told Hermione she didn't want her to stay at the Burrow any longer and asked her to leave immediately. What was Hermione supposed to do, Perce? She didn't want to cause problems in the family so when she was asked to leave, she left. Mum threw her out into the street and Harry and Ron are so wrapped up in their own self-importance that they haven't even noticed that their supposed best friend hasn't been here for nearly three months! As for you, Dad, George and Ginny, I know you're all aware that she hasn't been around but I noticed that none of you have actually bothered asking about her. You've been acting offended all afternoon but none of you cared enough to ask if anyone knew where she is. You obviously didn't even try to find her because if you had written, an owl would have reached her, even in Australia. The war is over so she's not useful anymore and you no longer need to put up with her, is that it? I'm ashamed of the lot of you."

At that, Arthur, Percy, George and Ginny all reddened, shame-facedly. Molly, however, looked like she was chewing a wasp. It was apparent that she did not regret telling Hermione to leave but she had enough sense not to say anything, since the whispers and mutterings in the crowd showed that her guests were all shocked by what Bill had said.

As Bill finished his diatribe, Kingsley stepped forward. "Hermione has always put others ahead of herself. Harry, hasn't she always been there for you, supported you? Even when she knew you were wrong or she was going into danger? Like with the Battle at the Ministry? She never hesitated to go with you. She has been there for everyone and no one has bothered to care for her in return," he thundered.

Seeing that some people were about to refute that statement, he continued, "Minerva, you visited the Burrow several times after the Final Battle. You took the time to ask how Harry was, to talk to Ron, to George, to Ginny, but you never once asked after a girl that you claim is your favourite pupil. I saw you here on a number of occasions and you never said a word to her, not even a simple hello. A few weeks ago, when I told you she had gone to find her parents, you were actually annoyed that she wasn't available to do whatever tasks you had in mind for her. Never mind that she hadn't seen her parents in a year, that she didn't even know if they were dead or alive and that she was desperate to find them. She has been suffering just as much as everyone else since the end of the war only no one bothered to notice. She was at breaking point AND NONE OF YOU CARED!"

Kingsley was shouting vehemently in his anger, so Fleur took over as she was still relatively calm. "Ron, Harry, she was tortured for you and then she got up and carried on with her mission. She was badly hurt but she didn't tell you everything that happened to her because you needed her too much. Tell me, did you ever care enough to ask, to try and talk to her about it? She kept going when anyone else would have been unable to continue but did you ever think to show her concern? Did it ever occur to you to check that she was all right, either physically or emotionally? Or did you decide to forget all about what had happened and ignore the fact that she was hurting?" ¹

Minerva, Arthur, Percy, Harry and several others were looking down at the ground in shame. Harry was red-faced and shuffling his feet in mortification. He looked almost as though he was about to cry. Ron, on the other hand, was gazing at them bemused. It seemed that everything Bill, Fleur and Kingsley had said simply did not register with him and he evidently did not understand what the problem was. Bill sighed in disappointment at the attitudes of both his mother and his youngest brother. He looked around at the assembled guests.

"I'm sorry to have spoiled the mood. Please feel free to carry on celebrating Harry's birthday; he deserves to have a party for once. I don't think Hermione will be coming back from Australia any time soon, so if there's anyone here who actually cares about her, please either just send her an owl or ask myself, my wife or the Minister how else you may contact her; she prefers muggle means as she's living in a muggle neighbourhood with her parents."

With that Fleur tucked her hand in Bill's arm, and the pair of them and Kingsley turned to go, leaving a stunned silence in their wake. A moment later, Neville came out of his shock and he ran after the departing trio. After a brief but intense discussion, Bill, Fleur and Kingsley all left and Neville came back. Stalking indignantly past Harry and Ron, he headed towards some of his other friends from school. The party continued but it was a very subdued group of people who were left celebrating Harry's birthday and with the mood shattered, the party soon broke up. The next day, Neville and Luna each sat down to write to Hermione.

.o.O.o.

Hermione, Cedric, Helen and John all enjoyed the rather scathing accounts of the party from Bill, Fleur, Kingsley and Neville. Luna did not mention the party at all but instead wrote a friendly and caring letter, full of chatter and her own unique perspective on life. Knowing that there were people who cared enough to want to write and stay in touch with her boosted Hermione's spirits enormously. From dreading her return to Hogwarts, she now began to look forward to it.

.o.O.o.

¹ Fleur has been in the UK for about three years by this point – four, if we include the year of the Triwizard Tournament – so in order to keep the dialogue comprehensible and because I can't write the accented English JKR used for Fleur and Viktor Krum, I'm basing Fleur on a number of French people I know who have lived in the UK for long enough that they don't have any problems vocalising the sounds which exist in English but not in French (such as the English "th" and hard "h" sounds, for example), all the while retaining their natural French accents.