Hi

here is the latest instalment, hope you enjoy it,

Sirius xoxo

CHAPTER 4

Harry almost ran into Professor Dumbledore but was too furious to apologise or to stay and talk to him. Harry took off running and didn't stop until he was by the rock, near the Great Lake.

The three of them had spent time talking, laughing and thinking in this place; it had become their rock. Harry spent hours there, thinking and deciding what he had to do with his life.

Voldemort was gone and hopefully never coming back and he was finally free, although he didn't feel free and certainly didn't feel much like celebrating that freedom.

He couldn't, knowing he and Hermione weren't speaking.

He had Newts to do this year, as well as decide what career he was going to pursue. Usually Hermione helped him with these decisions, but he had done such a good job at pushing her away to protect her, there was no help now and he knew what he had to do.

Harry stood up and started making his way back to the castle, he saw Elizabeth sitting by the Quidditch stands. Just the person he needed to see.

********

Hermione was still shaking when Harry had left. She was too upset to process what they had both said. She turned to Sirius and he had a smile on his face.

"Oh Sirius I have blown it this time, if he didn't speak to me before then he will never speak to me now and now he probably hates me too."

"No Hermione, he doesn't hate you, I don't think Harry could ever hate you, sweetheart."

Sirius looked at Hermione and couldn't believe how defeated she looked. He was almost tempted to tell her what he really thought about where Harry's affections lie, but Madame Pomfrey and Professor Dumbledore returned and gave Hermione a sleeping draft.

As she dozed off, she could hear Madame Pomfrey chastising Sirius for letting that argument continue as long as it did.

*********

Hermione was released from the hospital wing a few days later. Ron and Luna escorted her back to her dorm and it took all of Hermione's strength to convince Ron she did not want a 'welcome back from the hospital' party.

It felt good to laugh and she looked at Ron and Luna thankful she still had those two.

Hermione settled back into studying quite well, as Newts were fast approaching. All the 7th Years were looking forward to the Christmas break just so they could relax from the pressures of studying.

There were only 3 Gryffindor's, Harry, Neville and Hermione staying behind. 2 Hufflepuff's, 12 Ravenclaw's, obviously taking every chance to study that they could, and 5 Slytherin's were also remaining behind for the Christmas break. When Draco Malfoy saved Ginny's life in the battle. he had become much closer to the family. Mrs Weasley even had him over to the Burrow on quite a few occasions, so Draco was with the Weasley's for this holiday break.

Draco had lost his parents after the battle, as they were both sent to Azkaban. His mother died the same day that his father received the Dementor's Kiss. Somehow Lucius had linked his life source with hers hoping to avoid death, but it backfired and they both perished.

Draco was under the guidance of Professor Dumbledore to get his business affairs in order and above board. He was starting with a clean slate, and with Ginny with him, he was sure to do very well.

Since there were only 22 students and five staff at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore had one table for staff and students.

The Christmas Feast was beautiful as usual and the house elves had out done themselves yet again. Neville escorted Hermione to the Great Hall and she was breathless when she saw the beautifully decorated table in all the four house colours.

The table had chairs around it instead of the benches they usually used. Each chair was draped in the colour of the House for the person sitting in it. The plates were white and in the centre was the Hogwarts crest in gold. There were wine goblets with gold trims and the entire cutlery was laid out in gold.

It looked absolutely amazing and Hermione was breathless.

Everyone had arrived at the table and Harry was already deep in conversation with Professor McGonnagel. Neville held out the chair next to Harry's for Hermione to take a seat, and she reluctantly sat down.

Harry turned and ever so calmly said,

"Merry Christmas Mione."

She was shocked to say the least. He had barely spoken two words to her since the hospital incident and to use her pet name was more than a bit of a shock. Tears welled up in her eyes and threatened to spill over. Harry then handed her a gift, and she looked absolutely shocked. She reached for the gift and proceeded to open it very slowly, savouring every minute. When she unwrapped the red and gold paper, with beautiful ribbon surrounding it, she was holding an exquisite magical photo frame. It was silver with an engraving on the top,

Harry, Hermione and Ron

Best Friends Forever.

Inside the frame there was a magical photo of the Trio going to the 5th Year Christmas Ball. Hermione was in the middle of the two boys and they were all laughing and hugging each other. Hermione gently touched the photo like it was the most prized treasure ever and to her, it was.

The tears were freely flowing down her face now and she looked up to Harry and for once was absolutely speechless.

Harry laughed softly and said to her in a small nervous voice,

"It's not much," Hermione clasped the frame to her chest and interrupted Harry "It's means more to me than you could ever know. Thank you Harry, I love it and will treasure it always."

Hermione composed herself and turned to see Neville with a huge smile and then noticed that the whole table was watching the gift exchange.

Hermione blushed bright red and Professor Dumbledore announced it was time to eat. They all enjoyed their dinner and after they were stuffed to the limit, the table was cleared and different games appeared in front of everyone.

A Ravenclaw was enjoying a game of Wizard Chess with Professor Snape and Harry was pleased to see Snape was losing.

Neville, Harry, Hermione and Julia (a 7th Year Ravenclaw, Neville had his eye on) were laughing over a game of exploding snap. After many hours of laughing, eating, playing and listening to Professor Dumbledore's stories, all the students started to retire for the night.

First the first time in a very long time, Hermione fell asleep that night with a smile on her face, while she clutched her photo close to her heart.

The next few months, the 7th Years were all very busy studying and then sitting for their Newts.

Hermione was prepared, but of course, you couldn't tell her that. She had decided to become a healer and with the help of Professor McGonnagel, had secured a position at St Mungo's Training facility.

Ron had been signed up with the Chudley Cannons and couldn't believe his dreams of being a professional Quidditch player were on their way to coming true.

Harry had decided to become an Auror, with a little persuasion from Sirius no doubt. So everyone was busy studying for his or her exams. It took a lot out of everyone, but it was worth it when the exams were over.

It didn't take long for Graduation Day to arrive, and this is where we find Hermione sitting on her windowsill.

Harry was still distant, even after a lovely Christmas together, things still weren't back to normal. Maybe things would never be the same between the two of them again. Hermione knew Harry still had Elizabeth, even though she hadn't seen her much these last few months and Hermione hadn't give it much thought as everyone was busy with studying.

Anyway it didn't matter, today was Graduation and her last day here at Hogwarts.

It was a very sad day for Hermione as she was leaving her home and also knowing that her parents weren't waiting for her down stairs to see her graduate, made it a lot harder.

Sirius made his apologies, as he had to work, so she felt very alone.

Hermione dressed in her school robes for the last time and made her way down to the graduation ceremony. All of the school were there mingling and the 7th Years were chatting with their family, friends and the Professors. Hermione could see the Weasley's calling out to her and even though she didn't feel like being fussed over by Mrs Weasley, she didn't want to be rude. She greeted everyone and of course, it wouldn't be Mrs Weasley if she didn't start crying.

Hermione reassured her she was fine and excused herself to talk to Professor McGonnagel. Harry didn't even make eye contact with her when she walked over to the Weasley's.

After she started talking with everyone, Harry excused himself and found Elizabeth and her parents. Professor Dumbledore brought everyone to attention to begin the formalities of the day. The Headmaster made a wonderful speech and congratulated Harry, Hermione and Ron on the combined efforts of their defeat of Voldemort.

Harry was very embarrassed and hoped he would hurry up and continue onto another subject. Each of the Heads of House made a speech and it came time for the Head Boy and Head Girls' speech. Draco made a short speech, he told of his life and how he had changed for the better and sincerely thanked the Weasley's and Professor Dumbledore for taking him under their wings. His applause was loud thanks to the Weasley twins and even Harry was clapping.

Hermione was up next and you could she was nervous.

"Professor Dumbledore, Head teachers, Professors and fellow students. Welcome to the 7th Year Graduation. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has been our home for 7 years and what an amazing time it has been. When I think back to our first year, I have to laugh because we were so young and the castle was so huge and intimidating. But that didn't stop us from getting into trouble." There were a few laughs from the audience and Hermione thought maybe one from Professor Dumbledore.

"Over the years we have all learned, lived and grown up here. Personally, I have felt privileged to attend this wonderful school under the guidance of Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonnagel. It has been amazing, everything from the Philosophers stone in first year, to the chamber in second year. We can't forget our little escapades with the dementors in third year and the triwizard tournament in fourth year. I have learnt so much here that I will take with me into the next stage of my life. I feel ready to take on the next part of my life and I know I wouldn't be ready if it wasn't for the guidance from this wonderful school. I have learned, lived and loved and for that I will always be grateful. Thank you."

Hermione nodded and stepped away from the podium as the audience erupted into a roar of clapping and cheers. The next part of the ceremony was going to be hard on Hermione. It had been tradition for years that the Head Boy and Head Girls parents come onto the stage and remove the badge to return it to Professor Dumbledore for the next years recipients.

Professor Dumbledore called Draco to the front and Hermione was very surprised to see Mrs Weasley coming onto the stage to join him. He turned to face her and lowered his head out of respect for her. She removed his badge and then embraced him in a typical Weasley hug. Everyone cheered again, while Mrs Weasley was openly crying and telling him how proud she was of him.

A deep sadness settled into the pit of Hermione's stomach as she thought of how bad it will look if she had to remove her own badge and the fact that she had no-one there for her at all amplified her emotions. Hermione was called to the podium and she looked at Professor McGonnagel with a pleading look on her face. The Professor just smiled and nodded at her.

Hermione turned around and saw Sirius standing there in his finest suit. Tears filled her eyes and she ran into his embrace. Sirius laughed and then removed her badge, he told her that her parents would have been so proud and he was honoured to have this role.

"I thought you couldn't make it?" Hermione mumbled through her tears. "Wouldn't miss it for the world Hermione, nothing could keep me away from you, not even work!" Sirius went to sit beside her on the stage and she clutched his hand with all her strength.

After the change over of the badges and a few more speeches, the ceremony was over. There were lots of tears and cheers and there were people planning parties and nights out.

Sirius had to get back to the Ministry so he congratulated Harry telling him he would see them both later. They were having a congratulatory dinner at the Burrow and everyone was going to be there.

Hermione was feeling very sad and decided to take one last walk around the Hogwarts Lake. She took her time savouring all the views and memories. It was today that she realised she was truly alone in the world. She didn't have any family but it was time to move on now. At least she had Sirius and for her that was enough. She knew she could never have Harry, he had made that very clear, so even though she was nervous, she was also excited at the huge range of possibilities that were in front of her.

One more chapter to go, hope you enjoyed this one.

Sirius xoxo