Aftermath

As they apparated back to Grimmauld Place, Ginny immediately started ranting about Ron and all the horrible things she would like to do to him. Hermione could see the anger in her friend's eyes and knew that Ginny was ready to release all her fury on her brother.

"Let me at him," Ginny said, cracking her knuckles. "I'll teach him to mess with my best friend. I swear, we should've had Bill let go of Fleur, and unleash the enraged Veela at the bastard!"

Hermione appreciated Ginny's support, but she didn't want anyone to get hurt. She was already in enough pain, both physically and emotionally. As Ginny continued to rant and rave, Harry sat Hermione down on the couch and put a comforting arm around her.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Hermione took a deep breath and nodded. "I will be," she said. "Thanks for being there Harry. I don't know what I would do without you."

Harry smiled at her. "There was never any doubt," he said. "You're my best friend and my family. You're like the know-it-all big sister I always wanted."

Hermione couldn't help but smile at that. Harry had always been there for her, no matter what. She was grateful for his friendship and support, especially in times like these.

"I just can't believe he did that," she said, her voice breaking. "I thought he loved me."

"He doesn't deserve you," Ginny said, her voice still angry. "You deserve someone who treats you with respect and kindness. Someone who would never dream of hurting you like that."

Harry nodded his agreement, "Ginny's right, Hermione, you deserve someone who will treat you right."

Hermione nodded, appreciating the support from her best friends. "But who?" she asked. "I haven't exactly had the best luck with relationships so far."

"That's because you haven't found your otter yet," Harry replied.

Ginny and Hermione exchanged confused looks. "Her otter?" Ginny asked.

"Did you watch too much Friends after a hard day at the Ministry? Was this your answer to Phoebe's lobster theory?" Hermione asked, a small smile forming on her face.

Harry chuckled. "No. It is about a theory I have been researching," Harry explained. "Since finding out about Snape's love for my mother and his patronus being a doe, I have been looking into soulmates."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "And what have you found?"

"Well, one of the things was that when two patronuses match 100% , it indicates that the pair either have a familial connection or they are soulmates," Harry said.

"In general, in cases where there isn't a familial connection, the romantic compatibility of a pair could be expressed in terms of how similar their patronuses are," Harry continued to explain. "My parents were a perfect example. James' patronus was a stag, and Lily's was a doe. They were highly compatible."

Hermione then asked the question that had been on her mind. "But what about Snape? Wasn't he Lily's soulmate, by that logic?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, I believe he was. Sadly, just because someone is your soulmate doesn't mean you are meant to be together. Sometimes, the real world interferes and instead it is just about a deeper connection."

Hermione decided to tease Harry a little. "So does that mean you and Snape would've been highly compatible?"

Harry glared at her before responding. "I'll admit that was one stumbling block when I had first figured this all out. I think our patronus connection had more to do with my parents and him, than himself and I. Though you can't deny there was an important connection between us. And there were other cases that caused me to question the theory, for example, McGonagall and Umbridge both have house cats as patronuses."

Ginny gasped in surprise. "They are soulmates? How? That makes no sense. They hate each other."

Harry laughed before responding. "Yes, I had similar thoughts and thought maybe this whole idea was wrong, until I found out that they are actually first cousins twice removed or something like that, so it's a familial connection, not soulmates."

"That's reassuring. I think if they were soulmates, it would've broken my mind," Hermione chimed in.

Harry nodded, "Anyway, I'm convinced that your otter, whoever they are, is out there waiting for you."

Hermione smiled at Harry's words. "Thank you, Harry. I appreciate it."

Ginny nudged Hermione. "Looks like we need to find you an otter, then."

The sound of flapping wings caught everyone's attention as Errol crashed into the window, causing Ginny to jump up and run towards the owl. She untied the letter from Errol's leg and quickly read through it.

"It's from my Dad," Ginny said, her eyes scanning the page. "He's apologizing again and says that he and my mum are horrified by what Ron did. They're willing to go with you to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and report him."

Hermione's heart swelled with gratitude towards the Weasleys. She had always felt like part of their family, and their support in that moment was overwhelming. "That's good. I was going to go there anyway, but it's nice to have them with me."

Mr. Weasley's message went on to warn Hermione that Ron had escaped and to be on the lookout. At the mention of Ron's escape, Harry's face grew grim.. "I'll shut down the floo access," he said, heading towards the fireplace. "And I'll reinforce the wards. We'll make sure he can't get in."

Hermione couldn't help but feel grateful for Harry's unwavering support. She had always known he had her back, but this was different. It was like he was ready to go to war for her.

As Harry began casting spells and setting up wards, Ginny hugged Hermione tightly. "We won't let him hurt you," she said fiercely. "We're in this together."

Hermione smiled in appreciation as her mind started analyzing the situation. She knew Ron could be impulsive and violent when he was angry, and she was afraid of what he might do if he found her. "I think I should move into my new apartment earlier than I had intended," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "It's not safe for me to be here. Even with the wards reinforced. He'll know that I came here, so he can still find me."

Ginny nodded in agreement. "I'll help you pack," she said, squeezing Hermione's hand in support. "We'll make sure you're out of here before Ron even knows what's happening."

Harry finished reinforcing the wards and turned to face them. "Let's get you out of here," he said, his voice determined. "We'll make sure you're safe, Hermione. I won't let him hurt you again."

Hermione felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She had always been fiercely independent, but in that moment, she realized how much she needed her friends. They were her family, and they would do whatever it took to protect her.

Hermione, Harry and Ginny floo to Hermione's new apartment. Hermione turned to the other two and said "Welcome to GrĂ¡ na Leabhar!"

Harry looked incredulous at her and inquired "Umm what now?"

"It's what I named my apartment. It's Irish for 'Love of Books'" Hermine responded with a faint blush on her cheeks.

Harry laughed "That is so very you. Anyway, we should work on securing this place."

Harry immediately started adding wards from being an Auror while Hermione focused on adding additional wards she discovered through her extensive reading.

Ginny, who had been silent until now, took in the luxurious surroundings with amazement. "Merlin's beard, Hermione, this is amazing!" she said, as she looked around the spacious apartment with large floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the London cityscape.

Hermione chuckled at Ginny's reaction. "Thanks, Gin. It's a little bigger than I need, but I wanted a place where I could set up my lab and still have space to move around."

Harry finished adding the last ward and joined the two women. Hermione noticed a sense of relief on his face.

"All done. No one can get in or out without our permission," Harry said.

Ginny was still in shock over the stylish living space. She turned to Hermione and said, "I can't believe you bought this place, Hermione. I had no idea you were so loaded!"

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, we could have used your millions to fund the DA back in the day."

Hermione rolled her eyes playfully. "I didn't have millions then, Harry. But I do now, thanks to the Goblins at Gringotts."

Ginny looked curious. "What do you mean?"

Hermione explained how she and Harry went to McGonagall and asked for the Sword of Gryffindor. "We went to the goblins at Gringotts to return the sword as a sign of good faith. We explained why we broke in, and how if we hadn't we wouldn't have been able to defeat Voldemort. We explain our intentions were not based on greed and that we regretted what we had to do. After apologizing profusely, the goblins forgave us as long as we promised never to do anything like that again. Since then, Harry and I have been allowed to bank with them again. I even had them start investing my money in Gringotts, along with my muggle inheritance left to me in a trust by my grandfather. They have far exceeded my expectations and made me a very wealthy woman," Hermione explained.

Ginny nodded appreciatively. "That's amazing, Hermione. Though I am curious, if you guys apologized for breaking into Gringotts, why is Ron still barred from the bank?"

Harry's expression darkened. "Because he thought the whole idea was stupid and refused to apologize to the 'greedy and dishonest creatures" at Gringotts. He thought the goblins should be practically kissing our feet because 'we are the Golden Trio who saved the wizarding world.'"

Hermione wondered why she stayed with him for so long, even when it was clear they had different views on important issues, like equality between wizards and magical creatures. It was almost like something was compelling her to stay, despite everything. She shook her head, feeling frustrated with herself for not realizing it sooner and focused back on the conversation.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Typical Ron."

The three friends settled into the living room, surrounded by the glow of the protective wards. They started to discuss the plans for the future and how Hermione could move forward with her magical invention business. As the evening wore on, the three realized they were all exhausted.

Hermione turned to Harry before they retired for the night, "Harry, before we go to bed, I think we should add the Fidelius Charm to this place. Would you be willing to be my secret keeper? I just want to be sure that Ron can never find me here, and that I have some peace of mind."

Harry nodded. "Of course, Hermione. I'd be honored to. You know I'd do anything to make sure you're safe, no matter what," he said, reassuringly. With that, the trio retired for the night, feeling a sense of security in the knowledge that they had done everything they could to protect Hermione from Ron's wrath.